Stremme Wins Fourth Career Rookie-of-the-Year Title

David Stremme

SPARTANBURG, SC (November 16, 2003) – Team Yellow driver David Stremme has been racing for nine years and in that time has won four Rookie-of-the-Year titles, along with two track championships. A unique combination of talent, focus and dedication contributed to Stremme’s first three rookie-of-the-year titles and to his fourth title – the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year for the Busch series – which he will receive in an official ceremony on November 18.

Stremme clinched rookie-of-the-year titles at South Bend (IN) Speedway in the Street Stock and Late Model divisions. His earned his third rookie-of-the-year title in the ASA series in 2002 and his two track championships at New Paris (IN) Speedway also in the Street Stock and Late Model divisions.

Clinching the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year title is an even greater honor and no easy feat. In most series and divisions, the rookie-of-the-year title is determined by a points system. The Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year is more complicated, utilizing a points system that incorporates the driver’s 17 best finishes, entry points, top-10 bonus points, and bonus points based on three segments of the season. A panel of NASCAR officials, competitors, and media then vote on each driver’s ability and consistency on-and off-the track.

Stremme ran in only 18 of the 34 races this season, making the achievement even more impressive. Stremme was the top finishing rookie in 16 of those events and the only rookie to score three top-5 finishes (third in the June Nashville event, third at Milwaukee and fifth at Rockingham). Stremme also had more top-10 finishes (seven) than any other rookie.

“I am honored to receive the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year award,” Stremme commented. “Looking back at those that have won this in the past, Scott Riggs, Greg Biffle, Kenny Wallace and Kevin Harvick to name a few, is really humbling and makes the honor even greater. When the season first started, my only focus was on getting seat time and learning as much as I could. As the season progressed, I started to realize that there was a real possibility I could win it. It was definitely not easy to get here, but I’m really proud that I was able to do it.

“I have to thank James Finch for giving me the opportunity to be part of his team and Chip Ganassi for taking a chance on me. I also want to thank my teammates, the guys who have been with me all year. I want to thank Jamie McMurray, who taught me things that only one driver can teach another driver. Finally, I really need to say a special thank you to Yellow Transportation and all of the Yellow employees. The support that I have received has meant a lot to me.”