At the end of the 2005 racing season, a total of $15,000 will be paid to the top rookie drivers in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series, the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and in each of the four series that comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division (which includes the Midwest Series, Northwest Series, Southeast Series and Southwest Series).
In the Whelen Modified Tour, the Busch North Series and the West Series, the 2005 Sunoco Rookie of the Year will receive a $3,000 bonus, while in each of the four series that comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, the top rookie receives $1,500.
In addition to backing these rookie awards, Sunoco has also committed $50,000 to competitors in these series and the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series, through NASCAR’s contingency sponsorship program – those companies whose decals are displayed on the front fenders of the race cars.
The 2005 Sunoco Rookie of the Year awards will be determined by a point system. At each event, the highest-finishing eligible rookie receives 10 points, the second-highest rookie receives nine points, the third highest receives eight points, and so on. At the end of the season, the point totals for each eligible rookie will determine the winner.
