Matt Kenseth pit-crew wins an award

NO. 17 CROWN ROYAL FORD PIT CREW TOASTS SUCCESS ON PIT ROAD IN THIRD QUARTER

Matt Kenseth’s Over-the-Wall Team Voted Third Quarter Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew

Matt Kenseth, Roush Fenway Racing Ford

Photo by: Action Sports Photography

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 18, 2011) – The pit crew of the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford of Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing has earned third-quarter honors in the 2011 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award competition, taking home the $5,000 quarterly prize – a reward certainly worth a toast or two.

The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, which is determined by a vote of each team’s crew chief, is given quarterly to the top-performing pit crew in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award presented during Champion’s Week inLas Vegas – and the $100,000 grand prize.

This year celebrates the 10th annual Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Championship – the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs – as well as the safety innovator’s 20th year in the sport. Mechanix Wear, the #1 glove in racing, is the Official Glove of NASCAR® used by nearly all pit crew members in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"These guys were essential to us making the Chase for the Championship," said Kenseth. "They’ve kept us in the hunt every week so far, and we’re looking forward to more fast, solid pit stops in the next five weeks. The No. 17 Crown Royal team has done a great job week in and week out on pit road and it's great to see them get credit for their hard work."

So far, Kenseth and the No.17 team have two wins, nine top-fives and 17 top-10s. As Kenseth continues to perform well on the track, Jimmy Fennig, crew chief on the No. 17 Ford, continues to maintain that same level of performance by keeping the pit crew at the top of its game.

“When you get into the Chase, the pressure on the pit crew gets intense,” said Fennig. “Every stop can contribute to winning or losing the championship. These guys have worked so hard all year, and continue to perform at an incredible level throughout the Chase.”

Members of the No. 17 pit crew include.
Jack man -- Cameron Cobb, Washington, Ill.
Front tire changer -- Justin Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis.
Front tire carrier -- Joe Crossen, Salisbury, N.C.
Gas man -- Shawn Ward, Hickory, N.C.
Rear tire carrier -- Ryan McCray, Highland, Calif.
Rear tire changer -- Jon Moore, Gainesville, Fla

“A quick grip and a strong hand are crucial to any pit stop in any of the NASCAR racing series,” said Ted Abdon, Director of Racing for Mechanix Wear. “The right kind of glove not only aids with this but works as a tool to keep the pit crews safer and more efficient. We continue to strive to produce the best product available to ensure they can continue to be the best.”