Special Awards and Recognition 1992 - Top three nominee for Car Craft Magazine AFC Driver of the Year 1993 - Received the Don Carlton Award for Sportsmanship in a Professional Category. This award is presented to a racer who exemplifies the true meaning of being a good sport in good times and especially the hard times. This award meant as much to Mark as winning his World Championships because fellow racers and officials vote for it. As Mark said during his acceptance speech, “ The World Championships meant that I was a good racer, this award means that I am a good person.” 1994 - Inducted into the Hall of Achievement at Louisville High School, where he graduated from in 1977. This award recognizes alumni who have made significant accomplishments and brought recognition to their hometown. 1997 - Mark Thomas Racing won Best Appearing Crew for a professional racing category 1998 - Received IHRA’s “Sportsman of the Year” award - IHRA’s most prestigious award of the year. 2001- Received Fan Favorite Award twice, Best Appearing Crew, and Best Engineered Pro Race Car Awards Featured in many farm magazines over the past ten years. Featured in the just completed Kentucky State University “Now Ear This” video for school children, to be distributed to schools across the country. Cover story for Successful Farming, Farm Industry News, and Top Producer… Also featured twice on cable TV’s In the Driver’s Seat, which is a program dedicated to half-hour segments on the lives and careers of top drag racers. Crew Information In 2003, Mark has welcomed 2-Time Funny Car World Champion, Jimmy Rector, to his crew. Jimmy will be in charge of tuning the race car again this year. Mark has always been fortunate to maintain a very competent and loyal crew that travels across the country with him. His crew this year consists of Rod Jackenheimer as the chief mechanic, Michael Scheel, Jr. Gossett, Kyle Michalek. Peg Butler will assist with souvenir sales.