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NHRA: Randy Daniels Earns First 'Like a Rock' Award

6 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

POMONA, Calif.--Randy Daniels was honored by his fellow Chevy S-10 Pro Stock Truck competitors today when he was awarded the inaugural "Like a Rock" award. Daniels was selected to receive this award in a voting process held among Chevy S-10 racers in ballots collected at each of the 14 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series events in 1999.

Bruce Mader, assistant brand managerproduct for the Chevy S-10 Pickup, presented the trophy, along with a $5,000 check, to a surprised and emotional Daniels at a reception held at the NHRA Motorsports Museum.

"Its real special to receive this award because it lets you see how the other racers feel about us," said Daniels, of Grantsboro, N.C. "Its especially rewarding to know that they noticed us and how we were preparing our pits for each race."

The "Like a Rock" award was established at the beginning of the 1999 season by the Chevy S-10 Pickup brand to honor a driver who, in the view of each Chevy S-10 driver in the field, demonstrates the style, image, drive and personality that represents the "Like a Rock" theme.

Criteria for the award included the following attributes:

* Always there for his team and Chevrolet.
* Is spirited, a leader, a decision maker.
* Goes the extra mile to win.
* Is friendly to fans, regardless of whether he wins or loses.
* Provides a clean, tidy environment around the truck and work area.
* Gets most from the least, works efficiently.
* Is passionate, feels the emotion, is not easily dissuaded.
* Promotes Chevy S-10 on and off the race track.
* Plays by the rules, encourages others to play by the rules.

"He's a quiet sort, diligently and expertly preparing his Chevy S-10 with the help and support of his dad, who is the crew chief and engine builder," said Mader. "He's had moments of brilliance on the dragstrip and times when he was ready to give it all up. But he never did give up, he won two titles and finished the year in the top five. He's highly respected by his fellow competitors as is evidenced by the voting. He also brings a certain class to the sport, this self-proclaimed hillbilly from North Carolina."

Daniels and his dad Garley, a two-time NHRA Sportsman champion, run an engine-building shop in Grantsboro, N.C., supplying engines to Sportsman racers. They are sponsored by Bailey Trucking, owned by Monty Bailey, who not only provides the transporter, but assists in cross-country driving chores. The three-man race team is otherwise unsponsored.

Daniels, 31, began his racing career in 1986 in the Sportsman ranks, and switched to Pro Stock Truck in 1998. He has two career wins in frour final rounds. In the inaugural event of the Pro Stock Truck Series in Houston in 1998, he reached the final round, but lost to Bo Nickens when his engine failed.

Text Provided by Judy Stropus

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.