JoJo Helberg took center stage Saturday night at the third annual Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series awards ceremony, collecting top honors as the 2012 series champion.

Helberg was also voted “Driver of the Year” by his fellow competitors, with Helberg MotorSports taking top honors in the “Car Owner of the Year” category.

The popular Californian was surrounded by his crew and family in celebrating his outstanding season. He was also the recipient of the “Fast Timer” award.

The coveted “Crew Chief of the Year” went to Toledo, Ohio’s Jim McCune, reflecting an outstanding year setting the car up for son Jimmy McCune in the BioBased.US number 88.

Drivers and car owners honored included series runner-up Jacob Wilson, who also received the “Spark Plug Award” for his positive contribution to the series, and third-place Jason Cox, who along with car owner Dick Fieler, was honored with the “Best Looking Car Award.”

Nearly all of the top-20 drivers and owners were in attendance, filling the meeting room to capacity.

Veteran driver and recent National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Bloom was presented the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, honoring his 47 years of dedication to short track racing.

As the crowd saluted him with a standing ovation, Bloom talked about his recovery from injuries sustained at the end of the 2012 season, his love for the sport, and looking forward to returning to action at the Southern Shootout in Florida and Alabama in March.

He was also recognized with the “Hard Luck Award.”
  
Ryan Gillenwater earned “Rookie of the Year” honors, while “Multiple Feature Winner” awards went to Helberg, Brian Gerster, Jason Blonde, Troy DeCaire and Brian Olson.
            
Dick and J.R. Kercher of Kercher Engines were presented for the second consecutive year the “Championship Engine Builder” award.
  
Aaron Pierce and Jerry Caryer were popular recipients of the “Sportsmanship Award,” while Sondi Eden captured “Most Improved Driver” honors.
  
A number of series sponsors were also honored for their support, including BioBased.US, Engine Pro, TruFuel, Royal Oak Charcoal, Turtle Wax, Royal Purple, and all the contingent sponors. Don and Suellen Wilshe were applauded for their outstanding support of the series and short track racing.
  
The Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series 2013 campaign kicks off at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday, March 22, moving the next night to Mobile International Speedway in Mobile, Alabama, for the first of 15 major events.

Competition will once again be televised to race fans across the country.

For more information on Must See Racing and “The Fastest Short Track Show in the World,” go to MustSeeRacing.com.