MOOG, the “Official Steering and Suspension Partner of NASCAR” and leading brand from Federal-Mogul Motorparts, announced that the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series “MOOG Go the Extra Mile” award will be presented following each race to the crew chief whose car posts the largest increase in average lap speed from the first half to the second half of the race while finishing on the lead lap. The company congratulates Keith Rodden, crew chief for Kasey Kahne and the No. 5 Chevy SS, for winning the first “MOOG Go the Extra Mile” award for 2017.

At the end of the 2017 season, MOOG will present a $100,000 award to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crew chief with the most weekly wins throughout the 36-race schedule. In 2016, Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 24 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, was the first two-time winner of the award previously known as MOOG “Problem Solver of the Year” Award.

The 2017 racing season marks the 52nd year the MOOG brand has been involved in NASCAR. In recognition of the vital importance of steering and suspension components in overall vehicle safety and performance, NASCAR mandates every Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team uses MOOG ball joints and tie rods. Since 1966, the MOOG brand has carried every Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion to victory.

“As the exclusive provider of ball joints and tie rods to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams, crew chiefs have relied on MOOG to help provide optimal racing performance to their drivers,” said Michael Proud, vice president of marketing, North America, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “MOOG parts have consistently stood the test of the world’s most challenging racing environments.”

During the 2017 racing season, weekly updates on the ‘MOOG Go the Extra Mile’ Award will be available via MOOG’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.