The 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet was held at the Waldorf - Astoria Hotel on  December 8, 2000.

Words from Ward Burton:

Well, thanks Rick and Winston.  We appreciate all that you do to make NASCAR such a great sport.  I'm proud to be representing Bill Davis Racing and Caterpillar here tonight.  Like all teams, it's taken a lot of sacrifice and dedication by all of our team members in order to be a top ten contender.  Our group experienced a few ups and downs throughout the 2000 season.  By third way through we were sitting second in points.  By midway, we were fifth, and now obviously we ended up tenth.  Some of the downs we experienced were self-inflicted, but they were all learning experiences that now, heading to the 2001 season will make us a stronger force.

At the end of every season there are always a lot of people to thank.  First I'd like to mention Bill and Gail Davis.  This was our fifth full-time season together.  They've done a great job making our support group stronger.  And I'm again pleased to be able to give them another top ten finish and am looking forward to improving on that this coming year.  And Tommy Baldwin, I can't thank you enough for being such a good friend and important part of our Caterpillar race team.  We learned a lot this year.  Together we're going to the top.  To Terry  Elledge and the entire motor room crew, you really gave the team amazing horsepower and reliability all year long.  We wouldn't be here tonight without your group working day and night.  Our fab and chassis shop also needs to be recognized.  With the leadership of Todd Holbert, this group has worked extremely hard, not only on our ending season, but our up-coming season also.  All of our team members and their families make huge sacrifices in order to give the 22 team and the 93 team competitive race cars.  You know, we were challenged this year not only with this season, but preparing for our new program for next year.  And with all sincerity I'd very much like to thank them for all they've done.

And now a few words about our sponsors.  Some of the best names in business, including Caterpillar, Polaris, Hobas, MBNA, Pro Cert, Bosch, Mountain Dew, Honeywell, ICT, Lincoln Welders, and Goodyear.  Thank you so much for your support.  I thanking our sponsors I must single out Caterpillar.  Your entire company along with Greg Tolls, the dealers, and the customers take the time to build our partnership both on and off the track.  Thanks for being such a good ally.

And a special mention also needs to go to NASCAR.  Thank you Bill France and your entire NASCAR family for all that you do to make NASCAR Winston Cup racing such a great sport.  And thank you Mike Helton, for your weekly leadership and open-door policy at the race track.

Most of all, I want to thank the great NASCAR fans.  You know, your loyalty means a lot to all of us.  Over the last two years it has been awesome to see more and more people wearing the CAT colors.  And it is your enthusiasm that has made NASCAR what it is today.  And it is that support that allows me to do what I love to do.

Mom, Dad, Brian, without you and your support I know that I wouldn't be here tonight and I wouldn't be as successful in racing or in life.  Thank you for everything that you do for my family and me.

And finally I want to recognize my family, especially Tabitha.  Our anniversary's coming up, and I've always been able to count on her love and support.  And my two kids, Sarah and Jeb, you both are the pride of my life and you sacrifice a lot with Daddy being gone.  I love you both very much.  Thanks again and Happy Holidays.