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Immediate Release
October 30, 2002
Photo provided by:
Barb Saunders
Gafrarar WINS the
2002 NASCAR Goody's
Dash
Rookie of the Year.
[A whirlwind year for
Gafrarar]
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Mooresville NC - October 30, 2002 In February, at the season opener
in Daytona, Chuck Gafrarar, set his goals to winning the 2002 NASCAR
Goody's Dash Rookie of the Year title. On Saturday, October 26th at
the Atlanta Speedway, Atlanta GA, Gafrarar ended the Dash race season
by wrapping up the Rookie title and meeting another goal!
Gafrarar came on the scene late January testing in Daytona. The month
of February was a whirlwind for Gafrarar who made major life changes
in his career and life within a matter of days! Gafrarar purchased
a new home , moved in and headed to more changes. On his return from
Daytona, Gafrarar left his position with Penske Racing South as a fabricator
for Rusty Wallace. A position he held for over 6 1/2 years - Gafrarar
headed out the door to run the Dash series fulltime. On Saturday, February
2, Chuck married Jacqueline Boger Gafrarar. Within three days after
the wedding Chuck flew to Daytona to prepare for the first race of
the season. His bride flew to meet him for raceday and Sunday they
headed to their honeymoon! On his return he went fulltime into his
already established business of Chuck Gafrarar Raceworks INC. It was
a month filled with fast paced changes and all for the good! Determination
is more than a word to this Rookie of the Year!
From the start of the Dash events Gafrarar ran with Moss Motorsports.
Mid-way through the season switched teams to run with the Highlands
Motorsports Team, owned by Wade Lopez and Tom Sweeney, Bristol, TN.
It was a positive move for Gafrarar and Highlands, with their first
run grabbing a 4th place finish in Sparta KY and soon picked off five
high finishing Rookie of the Race awards! The season stats Gafrarar
picked up three top fives, six top tens and 12 top 20's. Gafrarar kept
the point lead for the Rookie of the Year title since the second race
of the season! Over the years, Gafrarar became known for his Winston
Cup fabrication skills and as the GDS progressed the Driver status
took over with NASCAR associates seeing Gafrarar in a whole new light.
Gafrarar, racing since he was nine years old will chalk up 24 years
experience in the racing field this March. He is working his way to
goals he set as a child racing go-karts and moving upwards to the Pro
Kart circuits, Legends cars, late models, Dash and All Pro cars. Gafrarar
represents many sponsors each race and stated
"I really
wanted to win the Rookie title not only for me but all my sponsors...they
are the ones who made this possible. I have a great group of sponsors
and crew who work with me to achieve this common goal. I just can't
thank them enough." Gafrarar was quick to mention
"the
Dash series is awesome and totally family oriented. It reminds me of
my years on the WKA & IKF Pro kart circuits. Everyone knew everyone
and all tried to make the best of good or bad situations that come
along in motorsports." Gafrarar stated
"this
series has an excellent group of NASCAR officals and Touring staff
who help us all make the series the good one it is today."
Gafrarar's race to the title took a slight turn on Thursday, October
24th during the practice sessions. Chuck broke loose the Toyota #52,
which would have been the first time this season he ran the Toyota.
He turned a 4th fastest lap time during the sessions and knew he could
put the car anywhere on the track and work the track to his advantage.
The Crew said "bring it in, and put on the race tires." Gafrarar
hit the track to scuff tires and bring it in when the motor blew! Race
fans saw a quick trip back in the pit as he jumped into the other team
car and taking it out for about 10 laps to grab a 12th fastest time.
During qualifying he pulled out an 8th place run to start the 150 Lap
event. Racing the 1/4 mile oval was nothing new to Gafrarar, who years
ago won five Legends car events at Lowes Motorspeedway and a Grand
National win as well. With a small track, he knew the night would hold
many cautions with the Dash cars on a small track but he was determined
to stay clear of incidents. Gafrarar needed to qualify and take a lap
to have enough points to claim the Rookie of the Year title. His determination
for all 150 laps took him through the pack, gaining positions and avoiding
many cautions and incidents throughout the night. With a green, white
checkered Gafrarar was up to 3rd position with three quarters of the
track to go when he was hit from behind. Gafrarar spun full circle
but regained control and took the checkered in 7th spot and that Rookie
title!
Kudos and thanks to Gafrarar's great sponsors go to: Icehouse, Lopez & Associates
LLC, Refrigeration Services INC, Highlands Motorsports INC, I.H. Caffey
INC, Allan Powell Race Engines, Pro-Image Computer Graphics, Weaver
Race Cars, Lincoln Welders, MeadWestvaco Inc, Food Country, Shields
Electronics Supply INC. Also thanks to my parents for their support,
Steven Lee - Travel Club International, Barb Saunders - GDS Photographer,
JHE Productions INC, Randy "Chubby" Bodnar, Bobby Gill, Tim
Wallace, and my wife Jacqueline for all the support with this hectic
schedule. Gafrarar said
"I am a firm believer in TEAM
work - Together Everyone Accomplishes More...this season we made it
a proven point."
