Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief of the No. 17 Roush/Fenway Ford Fusion driven by Matt Kenseth, has been named the 2009 NASCAR® MOOG® “Problem Solver of the Year” in recognition of his role in helping the No. 17 car consistently post dramatic competitive improvements throughout the 2009 Sprint Cup season.
Jack Roush, owner of the No. 17 Ford team, accepted the MOOG Problem Solver of the Year Award on Blickensderfer’s behalf during the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas.
Sponsored by global automotive solutions provider and MOOG chassis parts manufacturer Federal-Mogul Corporation, the MOOG Problem Solver of the Year Award is presented to the crew chief with the best overall in-race problem-solving performance throughout the Sprint Cup season. Following each Sprint Cup event, Federal-Mogul presents the MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award to the crew chief whose car posts the highest increase in average lap speed from the first to the second half of the event while finishing on the lead lap.
Blickensderfer captured four “Problem Solver of the Race” Awards in 2009, followed by six crew chiefs with three MOOG Awards apiece. A total of 19 crew chiefs received at least one “Problem Solver” Award in 2009, highlighting the tight behind-the-scenes competition at each event.
“This was an exceptionally close battle all year long, which speaks volumes about the level of talent in each of the pit stalls during a Sprint Cup race,” says Michael Proud, marketing director, North America, Federal-Mogul. “We created the MOOG Problem Solver awards to help shine the spotlight on the professionals who make the best decisions about race strategy and chassis setup in each race and throughout the Sprint Cup season. In 2009, Drew beat a formidable group of crew chiefs to win.”
Blickensderfer won MOOG Problem Solver of the Race Awards at Fontana (February), Charlotte (May), Dover (May), and Texas (November). The No. 17 Ford picked up an average of 20.25 positions from the first to the second half of each of those races.
“That type of improvement comes through a combination of communication and teamwork.” Proud says. “The MOOG brand delivers the same level of problem-solving excellence through innovative, durable components that help automotive repair professionals restore the precise steering and handling demanded by today’s drivers. We are proud that MOOG has been on every NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s car since 1966."
For more information, visit www.moogproblemsolver.com.
