July 29 , 2007

C&R Racing / Neo Synthetics True Grit Award

The award, presented each year at the Indianapolis 500 and Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, acknowledges dedicated crew chiefs and mechanics in the motorsport industry.  Established in 1998 by Chris Paulsen, the $20,000 total cash award exemplifies outstanding achievement in racing and honors a fellow colleague. 

NEO Synthetics joins C&R Racing as a co-sponsor of the award for the 2007 Indianapolis 500 and Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.  NEO Synthetics Oils and Lubricants are race proven and used by teams in the IRL Indy Car Series, NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck, and Champ Car.  NEO Synthetics is a trusted oil and lubricant to many other power sport applications including - NHRA, Off-Road Racing, Rally Car, Sport Compact and high performance street cars. 

The Indianapolis 500 True Grit panel is comprised of:  Chris Paulsen, President of C&R Racing, Inc.; Brian Barnhart, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Indy Racing League; Phil Casey, Technical Director for the Indy Racing League; and Bruce Martin, writer for National Speed Sport News and ESPN’s Sports Ticker.  The $10,000 award is presented on Miller Lite Carb Day.

The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard True Grit award panel is comprised of:  Chris Paulsen, President of C&R Racing, Inc.; Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition; Herb Branham, NASCAR Manager of Communications; Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Public Relations; David Poole, writer for The Charlotte Observer; Nate Ryan, writer for USA Today; and Bruce Martin, writer for National Speed Sport News and ESPN’s Sports Ticker.  The $10,000 award is presented at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. 

At each event a deserving recipient is selected based on experience, outstanding achievement, overcoming adversity, excellence in preparation and management, dedication to skilled trade, and overall racing experience.

The 2007 Indianapolis 500 True Grit winner is Dennis LaCava, Hemelgarn Racing Professionals.

Former Indianapolis 500 True Grit winners are:  Rick Rinaman, Marlboro Team Penske; Kyle Moyer, Andretti Green Racing; Mitch Davis, Target Chip Ganassi Racing; Rick Long, Speedway Engines; Clive Howell, Marlboro Team Penske; John O’Gara, A.J. Foyt Enterprises; Craig Baranouski, A.J. Foyt Enterprises; Owen Snyder Jr., Eddie Cheever Racing; John King, A.J. Foyt Enterprises

The 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard True Grit winner is Ryan Pemberton, Crew Chief of the 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet.

Pemberton on winning the award, "It's an honor to be selected as the winner of the C&R/Neosynthetics Brickyard 400 True Grit Award," said Pemberton. "But anytime a person wins an award like this, he or she has to be surrounded by excellent personnel.  And that's exactly what I have with the 01 U.S. Army team. The guys on this team are not only very talented, but they work together with a passion and are always there to help each other out."   

Former Allstate 400 at The Brickyard True Grit winners are:  Greg Zipadelli, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR)Jimmy; Fennig, Roush Racing; Robby Reiser, Roush Racing; Ray Evernham, Evernham Motorsports; Tony Glover, Chip Ganassi Racing; Jimmy Maker, Roush Racing; Barry Dodson, Eel River Racing; Buddy Parrott, Roush Racing; Glen & Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing

The award was presented July 29, 2007.

Media Contact:   Debbie Crowley
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