This weekend at the Lowe's Motor Speedway, one of the sport's best and most successful crew chiefs was presented with the Smokey Yunick Award. While no driver has won more than seven championships, legendary crew chief Dale Inman has eight titles to his name. Saturday evening before the start of the Bank of America 500, Inman was honored for his forty years in motorsports.

"It's an honor to be associated with Smokey Yunick and all of the names that have won this award," Inman explained. "Smokey was a unique individual. I don't think there has been, or will ever be, anyone like him in the garage area. His cars were always fast and he took a lot of pride in that."

Inman made a name for himself with some of the best in the business, winning seven of his championships with Richard Petty. His eighth and final title came in 1984 with Terry Labonte behind the wheel.

"I was able to work with a lot of smart and competitive people during my career, not the least of which was Richard," Inman added. "He made my job very easy at times. In all my years I never came across a more determined person behind the wheel of a racecar. We had some very good years, but our friendship is what means the most."

With this award, Inman joined an elite group of NASCAR wrenchmen including Glen and Leonard Wood, Ralph Moody and Bud Moore.