After all, Sprague just likes to race
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
November 8, 2001
3:00 PM EST (2000 GMT)
MIAMI, Fla. -- Winning a championship in any form of racing, whether it is a top series or a local street stock division, creates an euphoric feeling of accomplishment.
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Jack Sprague
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For Jack Sprague, winning the 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title after a not-so-great season in 2000 was more of a relief than anything else.
That relief will be turned into merriment as the series celebrates on Thursday night in the Grand Ballroom of the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel on the shores of Miami.
Sprague and the No. 24 NetZero Chevrolet started the season with uncertainty. But after that shaky start, Sprague became a dominating presence in the Truck series.
With a record seven Bud Pole Awards in one season, four victories, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10s, the 38-year-old native of Spring Hill, Mich., was the man to beat. All he needed to clinch the title in the season finale at California was to take the green flag.
“I was so relieved when it was finally over,” Sprague said. “Once that race started, I was glad to be through with all that we went through to get here. The beginning of the year was a rough one.
“At Phoenix, I didn’t even realize how close we were to winning the championship, I wasn’t really paying attention. During the race, I was trying to chase down Greg Biffle to pass him. Just then, Rick (Hendrick, team owner) came on the radio and advised me not to do that.
“Then, Dennis (Conner, crew chief) came on and told me if I stayed right where I was, that the championship was ours. So, I just stayed put.”
Speaking of staying put, he is the only Craftsman Truck Series driver to compete in every race since it’s inception in 1995.
This most recent championship comes on the heels of a period of struggle for Sprague and his team. Between ill motors, handling problems and other mechanical woes, the Rick Hendrick Motorsports team wasn’t showing its championship capabilities. Of course, there are those less fortunate in their racing endeavors who may welcome Sprague’s idea of a rough start.
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The NetZero team hoists a championship banner as Jack Sprague takes the green flag at Fontana.
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Yes, there were some great runs with many top-fives, but the team was having trouble finding Victory Lane. Sprague's win at Texas in June was after a 22-race drought.
“I’ll tell you, the toughest part about this year was the beginning,” Sprague said. “The Dodge camp had a good thing going but it took us awhile to figure out our (Chevrolet) deal. Once we did that, we just took off.”
Sprague's rough start became a glorious finish. Along the way, he broke several seasonal and series records.
As great as all that is, Sprague still just wants to race.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like the banquet stuff and all,” Sprague said. “I really do because my team, owner and sponsor all worked very hard to do what we did this year. After all this is over, my wife, daughter and myself are all going on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas.
“All this is great, the interviews and such down here this week,” he said. “But I just really like winning races. I love to compete and do my best to be the best. That’s what it’s all about to me.”
In terms of where Sprague will be competing next year, there has been some speculation. There have been reports he may be moving up to the Busch Series. As tiring as the question has become to Sprague, he does know one thing for sure.
“Look, all I know is that I will be driving for Rick Hendrick next year,” he said. “If there’s something going on, I don’t know anything about it. Anything outside of that is up to Rick, he’s the owner and makes those decisions.”
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