Story courtesy of TruckSeries.com - Bobby Hamilton, 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, received the key to Bristol, Tennessee in a ceremony during Thursday night's Food City Speed Fest. Among the presenters during the ceremony were veteran motorsports broadcaster Eli Gold, NASCAR President Mike Helton, and Bristol mayor Dr. James E. Messimer.

"I think everyone is aware of the challenges Bobby is going through," Helton said in a chat prior to Wednesday's O'Reilly 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. "It sounds like that is starting to head in the right direction. It is very nice of the city of Bristol and the speedway to honor Bobby. I am just glad to be a part of it because I have always admired and respected Bobby. To have someone like him win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship is good not only for Bobby but for NASCAR as well. It's nice to see someone as diligent and hard working reach that ultimate level."

Hamilton's perseverance and hard work, climbing to the top of the motorsports ladder, has earned him the respect of the entire NASCAR community according to Helton.

"If you talk about NASCAR's success today, you cannot go through an explanation without talking about it's character," Helton said. "It is just part and parcel of it. Bobby Hamilton registers as a hardcore NASCAR character. He's worked hard, driven hard, he's played hard, and he's done everything that speaks to the character of NASCAR that helps build the attitude around NASCAR. It is a nice irony that with his successes with Morgan-McClure - a locally based team in the Bristol area - that with him fighting the fight he has fought this year with the same matter-of-fact attitude that he drove with, it is nice moment to be able to celebrate with him."

Helton also reminisces about some of the names that were making waves when he began his career in motorsports right here in the Bristol area. Guys like Darrell Waltrip and Sterling Marlin were winning races at the Nashville Fairgrounds, and Bobby Hamilton not only gave them a run for the money, he stole some of that money and his share of victory trophies as well.
 
I was born and raised here in Bristol," Helton said. "I remember guys like Darrell Waltrip, Sterling Marling, and Bobby Hamilton establishing the modern day atmosphere around NASCAR. It gives you a warm feeling every time you say Bobby Hamilton just because he has meant so much to the foundation of NASCAR. To have won that championship and hopefully to go and win another battle, that just gives us more reason to celebrate with him."

Veteran NASCAR driver Bobby Hamilton was truly humbled by the news of his impending award.

"When they called me from Food City and offered to present this award to me it really blew me away.  It is such an honor for me to even be thought of for the award.  Food City has been such an outstanding sponsor for several years in our sport and their race night is one of the biggest events planned," Hamilton said. "Mike Helton being there and presenting the award to me really means a lot.  I have enjoyed my time in racing and am itching for the day that I get back behind the wheel.  So I am truly honored that people recognize my love for NASCAR as it has truly been a tremendous way of life."