January
26, 2002; West Salem, WI - The
2001 racing season is now officially over, with the conclusion of the Awards Banquet on
Friday night. Over 500 trophies and awards
were handed out at this prestigious event. The
event began by recognizing 10th through 4th in each of the top three
divisions with a photo plaque, and then the welder donated by Lincoln Electric was awarded
to Paul Lamoreaux in an on-stage drawing among Late Model Crew Chiefs present. During
Dinner, the annual “Thrills and Spills” tape was shown, highlighting the 2001
season, courtesy of Charter Communications. The 2002 Awards Banquet Date was announced, which will be held on
Saturday Night, January 25th 2003 in the new expansion of the LaCrosse Center. The Banquet has been moved down to the “South
Hall B” from the Ballroom because of record attendance at this year’s banquet. The evening concluded as John Scott was awarded
the Sportsman of the Year at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway for his hand in helping out
teams with their engines and engine difficulties. The LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway would like to thank everyone who
attended and for their support during the 2001 season.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients! Here’s a summary of
the 2001 Award recipients: River City Ready Mix Rookie of the Year: Late Models- Dave Bean, Sportsman – Branden Berg, Thunderstox – Jake Arneson Features SportsBar and Grill Hornets: 4th Place-Ben Allen, 3rd Place – Jerry Loging, 2nd Place – Rick Placek, Jr., Champion – Clint Mohn Best Appearing Car (voted by the fans): Late Model – Bill Niles, Sportsman – Don Henderson, Thunderstox-Mary Schill, Hornet – Ben Allen Best Appearing Car (voted by the racers): - Late Model – Mike Belling, Sportsman – Tony Ciano, Thunderstox – John Olson, Hornets – Tory Lockington United Auto Supply Thunderstox Awards: 3rd Place – Al Bartels, 2nd Place – John Olson, Champion – Kelly Schendel Tough Man Award: Late Model: Mark Lamoreaux, Sportsman – Jeff Baker, Thunderstox – Dan Secor NASCAR True Value Mechanic of the Year: Thunderstox – Curtis Owen, Late Model – Ryan Powell Budweiser Dash Champion: Thunderstox – Jason Stark, Sportsman – Sam Andersen, Late Model – Brent Kirchner Outstanding Performance Award: Thunderstox – Jason Schaller, Sportsman – Jon Barrette, Late Model – Todd Korish Ray Hutson Chevrolet Grand National Sportsman Division: 3rd Place – Jeff Baker, 2nd Place – Corey Jankowski, Champion – Jon Barrette Outstanding Spokesperson Award: Tom McClintock Novelty Event Champion: Jes Tenner Showmanship Award: Thunderstox – Bill Inglett, Sportsman – Corey Jankowski, Late Model – Kevin Nuttleman Queen Bees Awards: 3rd Place – Kim Eckelberg, 2nd Place – Christie Anderson, Champion – Tammy Eirschele Competition Achievement Awards: The Lockingtons, Terry Herbst, Blake Horstman, John Towner, Troy Anderson Not Whether You win or Lose Award: Thunderstox – Grant Kutchara, Sportsman – Laurel Viera, Late Model – Curt Eckelberg United Auto Supply Thunderstox Shootout Winners: Ray Hutson Chevrolet Grand National Sportsman – Corey Jankowski, Midwest Fuels Late Models – Kevin Nuttleman Most Improved Driver: Thunderstox – Jes Tenner, Sportsman – Trent Boettcher, Late Model – J.Herbst Best Appearing Crew: Thunderstox – Rob Curran, Sportsman – Kevin Eddy Racing, Late Model – Wild Racing Midwest Fuels Late Model Division Awards: 3rd Place – Kevin Nuttleman, 2nd Place – Mark Lamoreaux, Champion – Brad Powell Special Recognition Award: Marv DeGarmo, Gib Scharpf Good Luck Award: Thunderstox – Chris Skrede, Sportsman – John “Flipper” Towner, Late Model – Greg Scheck Most Popular Driver (voted by the fans): Hornets – Ben Allen, Thunderstox – Mary Schill, Sportsman – Corey Jankowski, Late Model – Bill Niles Sponsor Appreciation Awards given out by Race Teams: Niles Racing Awarded Noffke for their race car appearance throughout the year, and Eckelberg Racing awarded Rich Petry of Features Sportsbar and Grill for his support over the past 14 years. While Petry accepted his award, he awarded his brother, Bob Petry for attempting to race a tiny Hornet car this year….. Sharing Award: Robert Challet and Powell Racing Team 2001 Sportsman of the Year: John |
