Pilot Travel Centers presented the winners of the 2009 Pilot Truck Challenge Friday at the Lowe's Motor Speedway. Candidates included the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes supporters of the more visible NASCAR drivers. Could Jeff Gordon win without a car at the track? Thanks to Kirk "Legs" George he will never have to find out.

$125,000 in prizes was awarded at this event. Seven years ago Pilot's involvement in the program was conceived to put a larger spotlight on the best truck drivers in NASCAR's world. A small twist was added this year as the Truck Driver's Association showed their appreciation of Pilot's efforts with an autographed, framed photo of all this year's competitors for Mark Hazelwood.

During the 6 years Pilot Travel Centers have sponsored the Challenge, over $500,000 has been awarded. In 2004 the winner was Jim Baldwin, 2005 honored Frankie Nester, Jeff Seaburg has shown proud in his 2006 accomplishment, 2007 saw Peter Jellen take home the top prize, and 2008 winner Bob Decker made an appearance at this year's event.

The top 3 finalists this year included a return visit from Peter Jellen, driver of the hauler for the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing team; Bryan McClure of JTG Daugherty racing; and Tom McCrimmon also of Joe Gibbs Racing, for the #20 team. Bryan scored the highest technical knowledge results of the year, and Tom, who's earned the nickname "Thumper," made the first perfect score in the chicane section to rack up the highest score seen during the competition.

Joey Logano and JD Gibbs were on hand to help Tom carry the trophy and 1st place check of $50,000, until they undertook the task of carrying their own award. For the first time, the team also earned a matching prize fund, in the form of a Pilot Gold Travel Card worth $50,000. Bryan took the 2nd place trophy and $15,000, while this year Peter Jellen settled for 3rd and $10,000.

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