Partial
1999 Awards Banquet Speech
Given by
Dale Jarrett



"I would personally like to thank you for making tonight and the experiences Kelley and I, along with our entire Robert Yates Racing organization, have had this past week possible. It has been a great year and week in New York City that we will never forget. Thanks, in advance, for your continued support.

"Family is extremely important to me and I am honored and fortunate to say that I view mine as the true champions. They have supported me through the best and worst of times.

"Mom and dad, thanks for your many years of guidance and support. Your willingness to help others and the examples you set forth of being leaders is what makes me and our entire family very proud.

"Dad, I didn't know when I got involved in this sport if I could ever achieve any of the great accomplishments you did. But it is truly an honor to be only the second father-son duo to win a NASCAR Winston Cup championship. Thanks for everything.

"That's an incredible amount of money to receive for something I love to do," Jarrett said, after receiving his check for $2,965,767. "That makes my very first purse of $35 seem rather insignificant.

"But I know on that night in 1977, the $35 and ninth-place finish in my first race seemed like the greatest accomplishment in the world to me and my friends, Andy Petree and Jimmy Newsome. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

"Since that fateful night 23 years ago in 1977, when I competed in my first race, there have been many people that have helped me get to this point. Please understand that I don't have time to name everyone, and of course I would love to do so. But I would like to thank a few of those that have been instrumental in making this championship a reality.

"Andy Petree, a proud car owner of two NASCAR Winston Cup teams, and Jimmy Newsome, owner of a successful tire business in Newton, N.C., are the people responsible for giving me my first chance to drive. Thanks, guys, for taking the chance and giving me the opportunity.

"In 1990, the biggest opportunity of my NASCAR Winston Cup career came from the Wood Brothers. Am I ever glad that I answered the phone that day Eddie called. It was this opportunity that brought me my first Winston Cup victory in 1991.

"This team, especially Eddie and Carol Wood, remain some of our closest friends. Thanks to each of you for your friendship and support.

Speaking directly to his fellow team members, Jarrett says, "I would not be standing before you if not for the hard work and dedication of each and every one of you, our 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup championship team members. This is a team sport now more than ever. And this year, you are at the head of the class. Your never-give-up attitude and relentless desire to be the very best are why we are here to salute each of you as champions.

"Enjoy your time in the limelight, but stay focused on trying to win another championship next year. Thanks and congratulations to all of you."