Camping World Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. is presented his trophy and Tissot watch by voting-panel member Lewis Franck, left, and Driver of the Year president Barry Schmoyer. (Photo courtesy of Brian Czobat/Autostock)

By Lewis Franck
Driver of the Year Award

A fierce competitor in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck series, Ron Hornaday, Jr. looked a little stunned when he saw the trophy that went along with his election as Driver of the Year 3rd Qtr. 2009.

Many times the trucks race as a support series to NASCAR’s senior circuit, the Sprint Cup Series. But in winning the quarter he beat out names like Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart in the minds of the leading broadcasters and journalists who vote on the award.

Hornaday also beat IndyCar drivers such as Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon.

On Saturday, before Hornaday’s race at Talladega Super Speedway, Driver of the Year president, Barry Schmoyer, presented the prestigious trophy and a Tissot watch to signify the event.

Hornaday was a humble recipient when he said, “First of all, that is a really big honor, but I should accept that trophy for KHI (Kevin Harvick, Inc.) and the whole team.

“You are only as good as your team and your truck. I have been real fortunate to drive for Kevin and DeLana (Harvick). They have given me great equipment to achieve that accomplishment. That really means a lot.

“To be the only Truck driver so far to win that, that is pretty cool. There are a lot of other Truck drivers that make me look good, to put on the good races we put on in the Camping World Truck Series, to be able to win that. So on behalf of all of NASCAR and everybody as well as all of KHI, thanks for that award that was pretty cool.”