LAS VEGAS, NV — Rusty Wallace had a few newcomers on his team at the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Racing Event, held March 3 in Las Vegas.

Six of Lennox Industries’ own parts and supplies managers had the opportunity to be honorary crewmen for Wallace. The six earned the opportunity by winning the grand prize trip in Lennox’s “Gross Profit Dollars to Plan” incentive program, which began July 1 and ended Dec. 31, 2001.

“I had a great time,” said Kevin Miller, Chicago parts and supplies manager. “Watching the race from the pits puts NASCAR racing into a different perspective. I saw racing as I’ve never seen it before, and enjoyed it so much more.”

Before the race, the honorary pit crew visited Rusty’s garage, toured the race track, were photographed with Wallace, and received personalized autographs. During the race, the honorary pit crew cheered as Wallace moved from the back of the pack when the race started to fourth position, only to lose ground in the final few laps of the race to finish in 11th place.

“For most of the participants, it was their first NASCAR racing event, and they really enjoyed the experience,” said John LaPorta, parts and supplies marketing manager. “Watching as Rusty’s pit crew jumped over the wall and changed four tires in less than 20 seconds was truly a sight for them to behold.”

Before the start of the race, the honorary crew posed for a picture. Pictured are (from left) Gene Brickman, Lennox parts and supplies manager (PSM)-Denver; Tom Wagner, PSM-Detroit; Jim Brown, PSM-Florida; Miller; Steve Mohrhand, PSM-St. Louis; and Robert Cole, territory manager and former PSM-Kansas City.

Publication date: 04/22/2002