2003 NMPA Contest Winners

Writing Division
Spot News
1. Tom Jensen, National Speed Sport News – The Winston
2. Kenny Bruce, NASCAR Scene – On A Roll
3. David Poole, Charlotte Observer – Wild Finish! It’s Craven by a Bumper

Columns
1. Kenny Bruce, NASCAR Scene 
            • No need for refs in NASCAR
            • Realignment good for business, not so good for history
            • Gimme $5 on ‘Ogg’ and pass the ribs
            • Who knew the garage area was so dangerous?
            • I’ll take a top 10 and a jar of salsa

2. Monte Dutton, Gaston Gazette
            • Newest France talks the talk
            • Stock Car heaven
            • Spending a few priceless moments with Bobby Allison 
            • A cut above the rest
            • Finding serenity where once the cannons roared

3. Ken Willis, Daytona Beach Journal
            • Making the Daytona 500 priceless
            • One heckuva deal, that’s what I mean
            • Mild about Matt
            • Danger will always be part of the deal

Feature News Writing
1. Jimmy Creed, Anniston Star – Remembering a champion, Davey Allison 
2. Kenny Bruce, NASCAR Scene – A driver’s worst fear
3. Rea White, NASCAR Scene – Guys gone wild

Magazine
1. Monte Dutton, Racing Milestones – Dale Jr.
2. Ben White, NASCAR Illustrated – Man behind the image: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3. Mike Hembree, TV Guide – Company man

George Cunningham Writer of the Year – Kenny Bruce, NASCAR Scene 

Broadcast Division
Radio
Spot News
1. Ryan Horn, Motor Racing Network – Too tough to tame: 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 finish
2. Mike Bagley, Motor Racing Network – NASCAR Winston Cup Race, Talladega: Elliott Sadler flips
3. Dave Moody, Motor Racing Network – Pocono 500: Ken Schrader flips in Turn 1

Feature News
1. Doug Rice, Performance Racing Network – Jamie McMurray profile
2. Steve Richards, Performance Racing Network – Trading places
3. Dave Moody, Motor Racing Network – NASCAR today

Long Form Feature
1. Marty Hough, Motor Racing Network – NASCAR heroes: Richard Petty spotlight
2. Darrell Smith, Motor Racing Network – The great American race broadcast
3. Ryan Horn – Motor Racing Network – Road to the Winston Cup, 2002: The first half

Barney Hall Award – Ryan Horn, Motor Racing Network

Television
Spot News
1. Joe & Ruth Kelly, RICH TV – Look back: Bill Dennis & others
2. Joe & Ruth Kelly, RICH TV – Diversity
3. Joe & Ruth Kelly, RICH TV – Richmond racing champion

Feature News
1. Cecil Chandler, WBTW TV – Past, present & future
2. Lou Charlip, Jim Keney & Dan Price, the George Michael Sports Machine – Sam Bass
3. Lou Charlip, Jim Keney & Dan Price, the George Michael Sports Machine – Petty feature

Long Form Feature
1. Ryan McGee & Jay Abraham, Speed Channel – Road to Daytona

Photography
Portrait/Personality
1. Walter Arce, Autoweek – Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
2. Jim Fluharty, NASCAR Illustrated – Pre-qualifying anticipation
3. Tim Parks, Speedway Parkersburg News – Dreams

Race Action
1. Mark Sluder, NASCAR Scene – Again
2. Worth Canoy, NASCAR Scene – Sweep
3. Mark Hawkins, NASCAR Scene – Pissed

Feature
1. Mark Sluder, NASCAR Scene – Hot fireman
2. Tim Parks, NASCAR Scene – Race ready
3. Phil Cavali, National Speed Sport News – I don’t have a place to get off … it’s my car

Crash
1. Don Kelly, NASCAR Scene – NASCAR pit road action
2. Tom Copeland, Greensboro News & Record – Wild ride
3. Bambi Mattila, NASCAR Scene – Get outta the way

Open
1. Dozier Mobley – Reflection
2. Tim Parks – High flyin’ tricks
3. Bambi Mattila – Star of the show

Howard O’Reilly Award – Mark Sluder, NASCAR Scene 
Les Lovett NMPA Picture of the Year – Walter Arce, Autoweek