KNOXVILLE, IOWA (AUGUST 16, 2003)  -  The top current achievers in
Australian sprintcar racing for 2002/2003 were honored last night during
the 43rd annual Ford Dealers of Iowa Knoxville Nationals.  For the first
time in the ten-year history of the Australian National Sprintcar Poll,
the voting panel of media members, builder/manufacturers, sanctioning
officials and promoters honored an American as their "Driver of the
Year".  World Series Sprintcars (WSS) champion Daryn Pittman of Oklahoma
was on hand to graciously accept his plaque, as was "Wild Card Award"
recipient Joey Saldana of Indiana.  Saldana was recognized for his
exciting sprintcar performances at the Parramatta City Raceway and the
Premier Speedway.

Also on hand was John Cooley of Cool Chassis in Victoria, who
received his "Builder/Manufacturer of the Year" award from his American
friend and National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Bob Trostle of Iowa.  Fellow
Victorians Jon Evans and Phil Jordison of "Oval Express" magazine
received their "Media Member of the Year" awards in person as well.

Accepting on behalf of other award winners were Mandy Searle for
"Rookie of the Year" Luke Dillon of South Australia, Rob Richardson for
"Team of the Year" Shane Krikke of Western Australia, Ron Lee for
"Promoter of the Year" Graeme Hose of Victoria, and Des Ferris for
"Outstanding Contribution to the Sport Award" recipient Con Migro of
Western Australia.

It was again appropriate to host the Australian National Sprintcar
Poll awards presentation on the night of the Kele World Challenge during
the sport's international championships, which are presented by Visit
Australia!  National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum executive director
Thomas J. Schmeh emceed the brief ceremony in Knoxville Raceway's victory
lane in front of 25,000 sprint car racing fans from around the world, as
the Australian poll is an official awards program of the Knoxville-based
non-profit museum foundation.

-schof-


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