ANN ARBOR, MI — Clevite Engine Parts announced the Clevite Engine Builders of the Year for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The 2005 Clevite Engine Builder of the Year championship races were among the most exciting in history. In some cases, the winner in each series wasn’t determined until the end of the final race of the season.
Mark Cronquist, chief engine builder for Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 20 car of Tony Stewart, received the coveted Engine Builder of the Year Award for the NEXTEL Cup Series. Cronquist’s award was presented at the yearly NEXTEL Cup banquet on December 2 in New York. Cronquist was presented with a cash prize of $77,000 and a stately trophy. This is Cronquist’s third Clevite Engine Builder of the Year honor.
“We had a great year here at Joe Gibbs Racing in the engine department, winning three championships in the last six years,” said Cronquist. “The hard work and countless hours by our employees are reflected in this win, and we’re very proud of this accomplishment. In our 10-year history, Clevite Engine Parts has supplied our race team with quality parts and our Clevite 77 engine bearings have been bullet proof. As far as we are concerned, Clevite is the only engine bearing company for Joe Gibbs Racing.”
Joe London of Chance 2 Motorsports and builder for the No. 8 car of Martin Truex, Jr., claimed his second consecutive Clevite Engine Builder of the Year title for the Busch Series. Ted Hughes, light vehicle brand manager for Clevite, presented London with a cash prize of $10,000 and a trophy during the Busch Series banquet on December 9 in Orlando.
“Being named the Clevite Engine Builder of the Year for the Busch Series for the second year in a row is so unreal,” said London. “I would like to thank everyone at Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated (DEI), the DEI Engine Shop and the Chance 2 Busch team. Receiving this award would not be possible without their help, determination and drive. I’d also like to thank Clevite for doing a great job in supporting us both on and off the track and for giving recognition to those of us working behind the scenes.”
Jon Dysinger of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and engine builder for the No. 5 truck of Mike Skinner received his first Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award for the Craftsman Truck Series. Dysinger claimed his title, along with a cash prize of $10,000 and a trophy, during the Craftsman Truck Series banquet on December 11 in Orlando.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized by Clevite for our success, especially given this is only our sophomore year of participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series,” said Dysinger. “There are a tremendous number of TRD employees that contribute to this engine program, on both the East and West coasts. At Toyota Racing Development, we view racing very much as a team sport and everyone contributes. Clevite also contributes to our success with quality products and the technical assistance they provide. We greatly appreciate the support Clevite provides as well as their involvement and support of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Thanks also goes to Mike Skinner and BDR for making our stuff look pretty good on the racetrack!”
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