Think of this section as a bit of a horse race -- full of its own dead heats, maiden wins and upsets. Think of it as the Mountain Xpress Classics, with the metaphorical "Best of" Cup as its prize (though placing is certainly nothing to whinny at). A few highlights:

This time around, Asheville City Council member Brownie Newman beat out Christmas Jam benefit founder and last year's winner Warren Haynes -- but only by a nose. Newman was also the front-runner in the Community Activist/Hellraiser and Politician categories.

U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor retains his lead in the Local Villain category, as does quarterback Brad Johnson in the Athlete/Adventurer category.

It was a photo finish when evangelist Billy Graham came from behind to beat out five-time winner Howard Hanger, minister of ritual at the Jubilee! Community.

The Landlord category was the first race of its kind, so all the contestants were new to the field.

If you don't agree with this year's results, you can always lay your own bets for the 2005 Classics.

Unsung Hero

1. Brownie Newman
Asheville City Council member

2. Warren Haynes
Asheville native and Gov't Mule front man

3. Heath Burton
Manager at Carmike Cinema

Local Villain

1. Charles Taylor
11th District U.S. Representative

2. Carl Mumpower
Asheville Vice Mayor

3. Bobby Medford
Buncombe County Sheriff

Athlete/Adventurer

1. Brad Johnson
Black Mountain native who plays football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Ann Riddle
Professional ultra-running champion

3. Taryn Allen
Former T.C. Roberson student and women's basketball player

Community Activist/Hellraiser

1. Brownie Newman
Asheville City Council member

2. Leni Sitnick
Former Asheville Mayor

3. Cecil Bothwell
Senior Staff Reporter at Mountain Xpress

Spiritual Leader

1. Billy Graham
Montreat resident and nationally known evangelist

2. Howard Hanger
Founder and minister of Jubilee! Community

3. Robert Ratner
Rabbi of the Beth Ha Tephila Congregation

Politician

1. Brownie Newman
Asheville City Council member

2. Leni Sitnick
Former Asheville Mayor

3. Holly Jones
Asheville City Council member

Teacher/Mentor/Prof

1. Laura Bell
No information available

2. Maureen Dillon
Second-grade teacher at Haw Creek Elementary

3. Glenn Bass
Teacher at Estes Elementary

Landlord

1. Ben Mansell

2. West Asheville Development

3. Nick Frost

Winners with this symbol have been voted best in their category for the previous four or more years.