BNS: Championship awards ceremony notes

Mike Olsen Adds Most Popular Dri Ver To Champion'S Awards At Busch North Series Banquet; Kobyluck, Heath Take Most Improved, Sportsmanship Awards

CONCORD, N.H. - Mike Olsen made the only possible addition to his Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring trophy collection during Saturday night's 2001 Championship Awards Ceremony at the Chubb Theatre of the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. Olsen, the 2001 Busch North Series champion, was presented the Most Popular Driver Award by vote of the NASCAR members participating in the series. During the evening, Olsen also received his championship trophy and ring as well as the Bud Pole Award and Gatorade Front Runner Award checks. His point fund money and special awards will add nearly $100,000 to the North Haverhill N.H. driver's race winnings from the 2001 season.

Also singled out for special honors from the championship-winning Little Trees Racing Team were car owner Stanley "Stub" Fadden and crew chiefs Harry Norcross and Dave Allbee. Robbie Paterson of PCCW Inc., the team's engine builder, received the Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award.

Two prestigious awards voted by the Busch North Series officials were announced during the ceremony. Matt Kobyluck, who won his first Busch North Series race at Nazareth Speedway in August, was named the Most Improved Driver. Carey Heath, who ranked fifth in the rookie standings in her first full season on the circuit, received the Sportsmanship Award.

Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year Brian Hoar and runner-up Joey McCarthy were presented with their checks, as was Flowmaster Star of the Race winner Bryan Wall. The Busch North Series Auxiliary made is annual scholarship award to Speedway Scene Busch North Series editor Penny Degre and its inaugural recognition award to chief scorer Lisa Brice-Erm.

Kevin Young, Busch Brand Manager for Anheuser-Busch Inc., announced an increase to $325,000 in the sponsor's contribution to the point fund for 2002, which will mark the Busch North Series' 16th season.

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