NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS BANQUET, CONCLUDES A VERY BUSY 50TH SEASON OF RACING.
Tom Beales Public Relations
Fran Bushardt Humberstone Speedway
Humberstone Speedway held its annual awards banquet this past Saturday evening at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Welland. Five Champions were honoured in their respective classes, along with several other achievement awards given out throughout the night.
The 50th season of racing at the Port Colborne track will go down a memorable year. While Mother nature continued to prove that she is not a race fan, track owners, management and staff managed to work around her inconvenience. While the season only suffered three rain outs, most nights had the chance of rain in the forecast.
This season saw the first time The Molson All Canadian Championships were run on a two day format.
Humberstone speedway also gained much needed exposure when it hosted the inaugural Stars of NASCAR Night, featuring drivers Rusty Wallace, Kenny Wallace, Jimmy Spencer and Dave Blaney. The race was one to watch as NASCAR Star Dave Blaney edged out local Talent Mike Bowman for the win.
Another event that will go into the record books is the EVE OF DESTRUCTION. This event has been named “Canada’s Wildest motor sports Event” by the media. This year a record 171 competitors competed in 12 events. Another record set was the Grandstand attendance, the biggest in the five years of current ownership, and biggest in over 12 years at the speedway. “ I think the attendance that day was a shock to everyone” explains event coordinator and Public relations Director Tom Beales “ there was people in the stands that had never been to a dirt track race before, and its those people we need to attract to the sport and start filling the grandstands on a weekly race night”
The night started off by Honouring all the feature winners of the season. In Total 39 Drivers visited victory lane they were:
Weekend Warrior Pure Stocks
Wins
1 16B Brad Booker
1 99 Mike Thompson
2 86 Terry Ronning
7 6V Aaron Vasas
Open Wheel Lites
1 1 Paul Klager
1 53 Jamie Gilbert
1 80 Chris Steele
Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Trucks
13 5 Kevin Aube
Ron’s Automotive Mini Stocks
1 28 Abel Castelein
1 34 Rocco Conte
1 48 Rob Overholt
1 71 Garnet Wilson
2 16 Rob Goulding
2 17 Chris Laskey
3 67 Dave Small
4 43 Matt Deschamps
Brian’s Tire Repair Street Stocks
1 48H Billy Hogue
2 1J Jason Fontaine
2 10 Jaren Israel
3 56B Brad Sheehan
4 88 Shayne Pierce
5 m1 Rob Murray
Cosco Haulage dirt-car Sportsman
1 01 Chris Rabbe
1 1P Darren Peters
1 3 Jeff Leggett
1 9 Paul Gaboury
1 777 Tyler McPherson
2 77jr Bj Willard
2 99c Nick Cupolo
4 18R Brad Rouse
5 99P Greg Panunte
358 Modifieds
1 22 Larry Lampman JR
1 42 Pete Bicknell
1 44 Brian Stevens
1 72 Tommy Flanigan
1 76F Stewart Friesen
1 96 Fred Carleton
1 38B Dave Blaney
2 52 James Micheal Friesen.
The top three drives were honoured in the Weekend Warrior Pure stock Division. This is a beginner class and an inexpensive way to get involved with racing. Finishing in 3rd spot from Fenwick was the 38s of Sam Iftody. Runner up from Pt. Colborne was the 51J driven by Jon Vineski. The Points champion Aaron Vasas from Fenwick was part of a learning curve season in which the car builders were given an education. Vasas drove the Niagara Catholic District School Board, Humberstone Speedway, Luke’s Auto Machine, Young Auto Professionals car 6V. The car was built and maintained by the students of the Niagara Catholic Motor sports club. Aaron would like to thank both the school board, and Humberstone Speedway for supporting an out of box project like this. All money won during the season from this team will be donated to a local charity of the school boards choice. Next season will see some of the students taking over the driving duties of this car, and plans are under way to start a sportsman team as well.
The next class honoured was the Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Trucks. This class saw good mixture of new drivers and returning veterans. Looking to have fun in an inexpensive way.
The top ten in points were
10 79 Rick Book
9 14j Jacob Davies
8 2V Mike Toovey
7 7 Hilary Haegens
6 7G Greg Haegens
5 117 Billy Beales
4 43 Scott Sherk
3 9 Kevin Conley
2 32a Andy Imbeult
The points champion would have a season most drivers dream about. Driving the number 5 Brian’s Tire Repair, JC Auto, S&B Haulage truck, was Kevin Aube from St. Catharines. Aube went undefeated through out the entire season. “ Never Did homework in school, but doing it know” states Kevin. Kevin says it took 4 years of doing his homework in the class, to have a season like he had. He would like to also thank his dad and everyone who helped. Next year we will see Kevin competing in the Brian’s Tire Repair street stocks.
The next class honoured was the Ron’s Automotive Mini Stocks. This year the mini stocks proved they might be small, but can put on just as good of a show as the big boys. The top ten were honoured.
10 34 Rocco Conte
9 79 Brandon Iudiciani
8 17 Chris Laskey
7 43 Matt Deschamps
6 47 Kyle Pelrine
5 2EZ Evan Curtis
4 48 Rob Overholt
3 67 Dave Small
2 16 Rob Goulding
Garnet Wilson picked up his first championship last year, he battled long and hard throughout the season, and proved that last year was not a fluke. Driving his Wilson Farms, Riverside Marina, Rounce racing number 71 to the championship. Wilson commented on the tougher competition this year. Garnet also noted its great to compete against so many good competitors every week, as that is what makes racing fun. His key to success is brining the car home in one piece each night. Look for Garnet Wilson to try to capture a third championship in 2010.
The Brian’s Tire Repair street stocks had the spotlight next. This class put on some of the most exciting racing all season. The top ten were:
10 47s Pat Thompson
9 48H Billy Hogue
8 56B Brad Sheehan
7 01jr Barry Beck JR
6 88 Shayne Pierce
5 9 Tyler Anderson
4 108 Billy Bleich Jr
3 10 Jaren Israel
2 1J Jason Fontaine
Our Street Stock Champion competed in his first full season at Humberstone Speedway. The last few years he has watched his Step Son Brad Sheehan claim 2 championships. This year he decided to give it a try at Humberstone Speedway to add to his 3 Merrittville Speedway Championships. The Champion Rob Murray, would like to thank everyone who as helped prepare the Brian’s Tire Repair, Tricon Windows, Turn 4 Collision M1 Camaro each week. When asked about the competition of racing with family Rob says “ I’m the smarts of the operatio and Brad is the Brains”. Rob would also like to Thank Pete and Linda Cosco, along with the track staff for making Humberstone a great place to race.
The Cosco Haulage Dirt Car Sportsman had a fantastic season with some of the cleanest racing on the DirtCar circuit. Our Trevor Wilkens Sportsman Tour and sportsman 100 lap Events were standout events and something that everyone at Humberstone Speedway should be proud of. The top ten were Honoured:
10 140 Mark Dixon
9 99c Nick Cupolo
7th(Tie) 62 Rick Bellante
7th (Tie) 9 Paul Gaboury
6 3 Jeff Leggett
5 18R Brad Rouse
4 7 Cody McPherson
3 B J Willard
2 99P Greg Panunte
And our Champ, 2 years ago falling 1 point shy of the championship proved motivation to take that extra step and yes he did. He had a very Consistent season, and took the championship by 1 point. Driver of the Brian Staff, C. McPherson JR Trucking, CAA number 777 Tyler McPherson.
Tyler would like to thank his Dad, Grandpa, mom and everyone who helped. When asked about winning the championship by 1 point the says he knows the feeling from 2 years ago. “Greg’s one of the best guys to race against, hate to take it away from, I know the feeling”. Tyler also noted a key factor to the success was the multilane track surface. “I like when the outside grove is right at the top edge of the track, most guys wont run up there”. Track Officials also noted Tyler’s high side charges, as he was awarded the “Hard Charger” award later in the night. Plans for 2010 are currently to run selected shows around the dirt circuit.
The final class honoured was the 358 Modifieds. We were thrilled to bring them back for 9 shows in 2009. In those nine races there was 8 different winners. That says so much for the level of competition in Niagara. The top ten were:
10 76 Travis Braun
9 108 Billy Bleich
8 6 Mat Williamson
7 80 Chris Steele
6 72 Tommy Flannigan
5 17c Jeff McGinnis
4 44 Brian Stevens
3 71 Mike Bowman
2 22 Larry Lampman JR
Our 2009 Champion claimed his 10th Championship here at Humberstone Speedway, adding to his illustrious career. He has ran out of fingers and toes for counting championships, Numerous as car builder and now Merrittville Speedway Co-owner. Driver of the Lucas Oil, Merrittville Speedway, Bicknell Racing Products car number 42 Pete Bicknell.
Pete would like to thank his crew for getting the car ready each week and everyone who helped. Bicknell also noted the competition level this year made it a lot of fun. Bicknell also liked the return of 358 Modifieds to the speedway “reminds me of the previous championships here, been so many years”. Plans for next year are still undecided.
Every year there is more and more pride going into the race cars. Each year the best appearing Car Award gets tougher as the Paint and Graphic people come up with even better ideas to make the racers look more attractive to new sponsors. The choices for 2009 were:
Pure stocks 6V Aaron Vasas
Mini Stocks 67 Dave Small
Pro4 Trucks 41K Kameron Kocarik
Street Stocks 1J Jason Fontaine
Sports man 7 Cody McPherson
Modifieds 20m Jeff McGinnis
Every year racing depends on new talent as veterans decide to hang up their helmets. It nice when Rookies come into the sport, as we watch them work their way to the top. 2009 To Rookie honours went to:
Mini stocks 38 Sam Rodgers
Pro 4 Trucks 9 Kevin Conley
Street stocks 41 Pat Thompson
Sportsman 53 Jamie Gilbert
Modifieds 71 Mike Bowman
The next award was the most improved driver award. This award is given out to an individual who sometimes lacks experience, have had bad luck, have an “off” season etc… The award is given out based on achievement from the previous year of racing. The drivers who improved the most from last year were:
Pure stocks 51j Jon Vineski
Mini stocks 34 Rocco Conte
Pro 4 Trucks 43 Scott Sherk
Street stocks 1J Jason Fontaine
Sportsman 7 Cody McPherson
The Hard Luck award is presented to drivers who have has success in the past, but circumstances don’t always go as planned. This years recipients:
Pure stocks 13 Jackie Giancola
Mini stocks 36e Greg Wilson
Pro 4 Trucks 7 Hilary Haegens
Street stocks 108 Billy Bleich JR
Sportsman 18R Brad Rouse
Modifieds 96 Fred Carlton
Racing can be frustrating at times for Everybody. Some drivers show it all the time, some once in awhile. While others take everything in stride, we like them and it does no go unnoticed. The following drivers were presented with the Sportsmanship Award:
Pure stocks 76 Rob Goulden
Mini stocks 43 Matt Deschamps
Pro 4 Trucks 2V Mike Toovey
Street Stocks 9 Tyler Anderson
Sportsman 62 Rick Bellante
Modifieds 96 Chris Steele
The Hard Charger Award is presented to the drivers that know their way to the front. Not giving up leads. Making their way to thru the field cleanly using different lines. This years recipients:
Pure stocks 5 Jason Coutu
Mini Stocks 16 Rob Goulding
Pro 4 Trucks 5 Kevin Aube
Street stocks 88 Shayne Pierce
Sportsman 777 Tyler McPherson
Modifieds 22 Larry Lampman Jr
Bonnie Robinson (head scorer) was presented the ABCD (above and beyond the call of duty) for her hard work and dedication to the sport and Humberstone Speedway over the years.
The Jim Simpson Crew Chief of the year award was presented to Dave Flannigan. Dave had the duty of a multi car team, one a sophomore in the sportsman, while the other in the Modifieds. Both cars were always very well prepared, and ready to win.
The final award of the night was the Trevor Wilkens Driver of the year award. This year there was no debate who should get this. Kevin Aube had more wins then any competitor during the season. As he drove his pro 4 truck to 13 victories on the season.
The end to a season full of memories has come. Plans are already under way for an exciting 2010 season. Log onto www.humberstonespeedway.com all winter long for more info, as we keep you up to date with exciting plans. Plus look for the all new stories, were we will showcase the racing stars of our speedway.
We’ll see you at the track in 2010
Humberstone Speedway HOME OF THE
Molson All Canadians
NASCAR Stars Night
Eve Of Destruction
NIAGARA’S HOME TO AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!!!
