Andy
Ponstein Crowned 2002 Rookie Champion
Salem,
Ind. (November 5, 2002) - Becoming the first driver from the
state of Michigan, Andy Ponstein is crowned 2002 Hubler Group /
Blake Carburetion Rookie of the Year Champion in the Sunoco Super
Series. Ponstein finished 111 points ahead of Tim Phillips, in the
closest rookie battle in the series history. Ponstein received
primary sponsorship from U.S. Pipe and associate backing from
Performance Racing Components, Hancor, glasstree.com and Great
Deals Coupon Magazine sponsored Ponstein on two occasions.
“We didn't have the
year we were anticipating, but it was one of our big goals to
capture the rookie title. It means a lot to win that award. I had
a great time racing with Tim (Phillips) in 2002. Tim had a great
season and I wish him all the success in the future,” said
Ponstein.
Producing his best career finish in the Sunoco Super Series,
Ponstein drove to a fourth-place finish in the Winchester 100
Presented By Rev Up Sports Energy Drink at Winchester Speedway on
Saturday, June 22. The 26-year-old driver of Hudsonville, Mich.,
finished seventh in the final driver standings, amassing six
top-ten finishes and leading 40 laps in his first season on the
circuit.
“The
learning curve for me this year was adjusting to new tracks. I
felt we raced competitive at early track except Baer Field, and if
we go back I think we'll improve a lot. I have a great crew and I
want thank them for their support this season. It was unfortunate
we experienced seven dnf's. We broke a lot of 10-cent parts. Of
the seven dnf's, I didn't tear the car up at all this year. That
should be a huge help in the future. I had a fun year racing in
the Sunoco Super Series and learned a bunch. I would have been
great to win a race, but this series is very tough. ”
Hubler
Group / Blake Carburetion Rookie of the race award gave the
highest finishing registered rookie at every event a $100 bonus
and the second highest finishing rookie received a $50 bonus from
the Hubler Group and Blake Carburetion.
At the
2002 awards banquet, Ponstein will receive the Hubler Group /
Blake Carburetion Rookie of the Year Award, and receives a $1,000
bonus and trophy from the Hubler Group and a complete race ready
Blake Carburetion Carburetor.
Ponstein will also receive awards from AFCO Racing Equipment,
which will award a $100 Product Certificate. Five Star Racecar
Bodies, will award a product certificate for a Package "A" Five
Star Stock Car Body. RJS Racing Equipment, will award a $200
product certificate. Bassett Racing Wheels, will award a $100
product certificate. Dynatech Headers, will award a $200 product
certificate. U.S. Brake, will award a $100 product certificate.
Hi-Performance Racing Cards, awards a product certificate for
1,000 5x7 Hi-Performance Racing Cards. Motorsports Image1, will a
product certificate for a website design.
