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Jennerstown Speedway Holds Second Annual Awards
Banquet |
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JENNERSTOWN, PA (December 11, 2001) -- Jennerstown Speedway, LLC. held
their second annual Awards Banquet Friday evening December 7, at the
Four Points Sheraton Hotels in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. This
celebration was a chance for the Speedway to recognize
their divisional champions of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series. They
included Neil Brown in the Wheeler Bros./AC Delco Late Models, Todd
Price in the Jennerstown Pro Trucks, Adam Kostelnik in the Brown Timber
& Land Street Stocks, Jason Holder in Jennerstown Chargers, and Jayme
Bolkovac in the Cover Insurance Agency/PA Legacy Series. Also honored at
the ceremony were drivers, race teams, sponsors, media, and fans that
all contributed to make the 2001 racing season a rousing success. With
the arrival of Christmas only a few weeks away, the festive atmosphere
was heightened by a fantastic display of Christmas trees situated
throughout the Hotel lobby and banquet room hallways, each decorated
differently in a wonderful array of color and light.
The evening began at 6:00 P.M., as guests were treated to a cocktail
hour, which gave them the chance to mingle amongst their friends and
fellow competitors, in a much more relaxed atmosphere than they were
accustomed to during the race season. While the location and attire were
quite a departure from the friendly confines of the Laurel Highlands
Oval, many of the
seasons closest on track battles were apparently rekindled, as some
racing rivals could be seen explained winning moves with sweeping hand
and arm gestures in place of smoking tires and screaming engines.
The Awards program began just after 7:00 p.m., as Jennerstown Speedway
President Steve Peles was introduced and opened the event by welcoming
everyone, and recognizing the special guests in attendance, including
the evening’s guest speaker Paul Schaefer, Senior Editor of NASCAR
Magazine. He then introduced Joan Smeltzer, Jennerstown Speedway Track
Chaplain, who gave the invocation. A fine meal was served, starting with
salads and dinner rolls. The entrée was a combination of tender beef
tips and chicken breasts, along with a wild rice pilaf and a medley of
string beans. Dessert was a piece of moist cake topped with decorated
white icing.
Once most of the 350 guests in attendance were finished with their meal,
guest speaker Paul Schaefer was introduced. He congratulated all of the
divisional champions, with special recognition to Neil Brown, for
winning the Track Championship and joining an elite group of prestigious
former Late Model divisional champions. He also reminded the drivers,
teams, and fans to appreciate what a fine facility and management team
they have at Jennerstown Speedway. He closed by saying how enjoyable it
was to be back among familiar surroundings, since he had grown up in
nearby Sandusky, Ohio and had many fond memories of stock car racing
action throughout the dirt and asphalt tracks of the tri-state area.
The next part of the ceremonies was the presentation of divisional
trophies for the top ten points finishers among the five different
racing divisions. Each divisional champion took time at the podium to
give their heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make their racing
dreams become a reality. Once the divisional awards were completed, it
was time to present special awards for individual achievements and
contributions.
Mark Smith received the “Fast Time” award from the Speedway and R & M
Trucking for winning the most Pole Positions during time trials at
selected events. Barry Awtey received the “Stick To It” award along with
a Lincoln Electric portable welding unit and safety accessories
including welders’ gloves and helmet. Brad Creighton received the “Long
Distance Travelers” award for his efforts in driving over 500 miles
round trip each weekend to race at Jennerstown Speedway. Claire Folk
received the “Best Friends of Racing” award for his continuance
attendance at the track over the past 32 years. Tom Knight Jr. and Bill
Awtey each received “Mechanic of the Year” awards presented by NASCAR
and True Value for their wrench wielding abilities. Vernon Yoder
received special recognition for his efforts as Webmaster of the
Official Jennerstown Speedway website, and maintaining the weekly
points. Mike Milliron, Master of Ceremonies, also received special
recognition for his time and dedication to Jennerstown Speedway.
Steve Peles then concluded the official portion of the program by giving
his “State of the Speedway” address. He announced that Dodge is now the
presenting sponsor of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series, which will focus
more attention on the weekly divisional program. He also stated that
Wheeler Bros./AC Delco would remain the Late Model division sponsor for
the 2002 season, and that Cover Insurance Agency would be back on board
as well as the sponsor of the PA Legacy Series. In addition Bob Bentz
and Bob Bentz Jr., owners of Stan’s Transmission Service have agreed to
sponsor a four-race Modified division program, which could springboard
the open wheeled cars back into a weekly position at the Laurel
Highlands Oval.
The biggest news came in conjunction with the announcement that the USAR
Hooters ProCup Series would increase their Jennerstown Speedway event
schedule from three events in 2001, to four races in 2002. Each of these
races will be televised nationally by the Speedvision Network, soon to
be known as Speed Channel, including one of the “Four Champions”
Championship
post-season events. With the local Late Model division running 50 lap
races in conjunction with these special touring races, including a new
scheduled event at nearby Motordrome Speedway, a special five-race
separate points fund has been established to enhance the financial
rewards for those who will compete.
A “Naturally Fresh Challenge Series” point’s fund currently totaling
$15,000 dollars has been secured. Additional sponsorship funds attained
before the start of the 2002 racing season could push the “Naturally
Fresh Challenge Series” points fund even higher, giving the local Late
Model drivers and teams the chance to challenge for a long overdue, and
well deserved financial reward for all of their hard work and exciting
entertainment. In addition, the return of the ASA/AC Delco Series will
now bring the nationally televised event total at Jennerstown Speedway
to five, expanding the exposure of great racing in Western Pennsylvania
to a nation of enthusiastic race fans.
The evening ended with the distribution of door prizes, and dancing to
the music provided by Steve Richards and Cajun Spiced Audio. |
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