Fiesta Pro LM Champ Joe Aramendia leaves Houston Motorsports Park 2009 Awards Banquet with $15K check; David Starr keynote speaker
January 25, 2010
Lone Star Speedzone traveled to Houston Motorsports Park’s annual awards banquet this past weekend and it turned out to be quite an impressive affair with about 250 in attendance, a $15K check being handed out and a rousing speech by NASCAR star David Starr.
HMP’s announcer, “Uncle Bob,” did his usual professional job as the MC making sure we were all done and dancing by 9:30 after giving out numerous awards and trophies – we’ll go over some of those in a minute.
HMP General Manager John Mandabach took over the podium early in the evening and sincerely thanked everyone for their professionalism and for putting on such an impressive, entertaining show every race night. He went over some of the progress the track has made over the past four years and told the story of how he met Keith Jacobson, the Marketing Manager for Fiesta Mart, Inc, the company that has played an important role in that progress by teaming up with the speedway in numerous, mutually beneficial ways. I’ll let John tell the story the next time you talk with him.
As for 2010, John announced the following:
1. NASCAR Sanctioning - 3 sanctioned classes this year – Must have license to be eligible for points, purse & awards
NASCAR Fiesta Late Models – Feature Division – ages 16 and up
- $25,000 Track Points Fund thanks to Fiesta
- $3,500 State Points Fund & $40,000 National Points Fund
- Track Champion receives a Commerative Helmet
- State Champion receives a Custom Championship Driver Uniform
- State Champon Crew Chief gets $500
- State R.O.Y. gets $1,000
- Will pay $950 to Win, $100 to Start
NASCAR Cricket Modifieds – ages 14 and up
- $750 Win - $75 Start
- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to Cricket Wireless
NASCAR 360 Trucks – ages 14 and up
- $10,000 Points Fund thanks to 360 Motorsports
- $750 Win - $100 Start
2. Legends
- Nine Race Summer Shootout
- Some Purse and Points Fund
- If class develops will be full schedule class in 2011
3. Fiesta’s SpeedFest presented by Cricket Wireless
- All Purses Guaranteed with No Minimum Car Counts for Full Purse – All Classes
- $5,000 Win NASCAR Fiesta Late Models “Delmar Systems 75”
- $3,000 Win NASCAR Modifieds “Cricket 50”
- $1500 Win NASCAR 260 Trucks “DDC 50”
- $500 Win Pro Stock – possibly more based upon sponsorship
- $300 Win Eco Stock
4. Fiesta Gift Cards - 1st, 2nd, 3rd – all classes including Trucks & Legends
5. Improving Points System - Hybrid of NASCAR’s points system for all classes for feature (no bando or leg)
- Based upon # of licensed cars starting the Feature
- Winner gets 2 points per car up to 23 cars plus 5 point bonus
- Each finishing position after that will be decrease by 2 points
- 23rd position and lower all get 2 points
- Heats will be same system but based on 1 point per car with no win bonus.
6. Race Format remains the same
- Best Practice lap is qualifying time for heat
- Coin toss at Drivers Meeting
- How finish heat is how start feature
7. 2010 Advertisement
- TV Commercials – All Events
- Ad in the Houston Chronicle – All Events
- Posters at Fiesta & O’Reilly Auto Parts – All Events
8. Email & Internet presence
- HMP Facebook Page – over 1000 members already
- Email database added everyday
- Lone Star Speedzone “Live Updates” when available
Sounds like a great year coming up for HMP!
Next, David Starr, a Houston area racer who has successfully moved up into the NASCAR upper racing divisions and who was asked to be the keynote speaker for the evening delivered a very inspirational speech which centered on the need for all of us involved in local racing to remain passionate about our hobby. David detailed how he got his start and how important it is to form positive relationships within, as well as apart from, the racing community. The one thing that kept coming through as he spoke was the pride he takes in being a part of the Texas stock car racing community and how he keeps his “racing roots” in sight wherever he goes. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see David back racing at HMP from time to time next season. The guy’s a racer. I had a chance to talk for a while with David with the digital audio recorder after the banquet. Hopefully that interview will be up on the front page of Lone Star Speedzone some time in the near future.
Now, on to the awards.
The Houston Motorsports Park “Extra Mile Awards” went to:
Amy Hogan, who contributed in many way to HMP’s success in 2009 including taking care of the banquet decorations and table arrangements, which were very impressive.
Brad Dixon, who together with Brian Stipe were instrumental in putting the new Eco Stock class on the map at HMP in 2009.
Jim Beasley, who has done for the Pro Trucks what Dixon and Stipe have done for the Eco Stocks.
Bandoleros:
R.O.Y. - Chase Schubert
Most Improved Driver - Jon Fernandez
3rd Place - Taylor Myers
2nd Place and Bandit Track Champ - Christopher Hogan
Champion – Travis Benson
Legends:
Champion Zach Hausler
Eco Stocks:
R.O.Y and 3rd Place – Bob Berndt
2nd Place – Brad Dixon
Champion – Brian Stipe
Limited Modifieds:
3rd Place – Todd Manchester
2nd Place and R.O.Y. – Quentin Epler
Champion – Kalif Sellier
Pro Stocks:
R.O.Y – JT Schild
3rd Place – Richard Smith, Jr.
2nd Place – Richard Smith, Sr.
Champion – Lynn Hardy, Jr.
Pro Trucks:
3rd Place and R.O.Y. – Lynn Hardy, Jr.
2nd Place - Jim Albert
Champion – DL Wilson
NASCAR Cricket Modifieds:
3rd Place – Justin Long
2nd Place and R.O.Y. Brent Seeley
Champion – Denny Burton
NASCAR Fiesta Late Models
R.O.Y. Jacklyn Harris
3rd Place – Brandon Bendele
2nd Place – Carl Smith
Champion – Joe Aramendia
It was pretty impressive to see all the loot Joe took home – a large-size $15,000 check, a beautiful commemorative helmet, a custom made fire suit, a handsome trophy or two and probably some other stuff I missed. Keith Reithmeyer and Homer Pitner, both of whom work on the Aramendia team, were co-winners of the NASCAR Crew Chief of the Year Award.
By Nick Holt
Photos by Steve Steinle
Racing Champions recognized at Thunderhill Raceway banquet
January 19, 2010
The Thunderhill Raceway and Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) 2009 Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Over 300 drivers, racing teams, staff, officials, media and fans attended this annual event that was held at the Manchaca Firehall and Community Center in Manchaca, TX.
The evening began with a social hour, followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. During the pre-awards activities, guests were treated to video presentations that highlighted some track action, along with video clips from “life in the pits” during the 2009 racing season.
The awards ceremony began with the two emcees, Bobby Chaffee and Rodney Rodriguez, introducing the THR/TSRS Owner and Promoter, Mary Ann Naumann. Naumann welcomed everyone to the banquet and introduced the special guests – including Neil Upchurch from the Texas Pro Sedans, Arden Vikre from the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Mike Steinman from NasKarts, Nick Holt from Lone Star Speedzone and Bruce Mabrito (Motorsports writer).
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff, officials and safety crews. Kathy Tiemann, Director of Scoring, presented a trophy to Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, for her help with the training on the electronic scoring system. Naumann announced a few staff changes for the 2010 racing season as follows: Terry Barden as the Race Director for TSRS and traveling classes, Gary Smith as the THR Marketing Manger and Cameron Moore, Sr., as the Track Chaplain.
Neil Upchurch was next on the agenda and announced his retirement from the on-track activities for the Texas Pro Sedans. He presented awards to two Texas Pro Sedan drivers – the 2009 championship award to Mike Merrell and the Rookie of the Year award to Tory Christopher. Upchurch ended his presentation with an inspiring speech about the state of stock-car racing and introduced David Mackey as the new Race Director for the Texas Pro Sedans.
The Thunderhill Raceway awards were presented next, and the following drivers received the top awards:
Mini Stocks
Champion: #46 Mason Yousling
Grand Stocks Champion & Rookie of the Year: #58 Layton Carroll
To the Rear Award: #07 Richard Fitch
Thunder Stocks
Champion: #16 Mason Teague
Rookie of the Year: #58 Patrick Burow
ASA A-Line Super Stocks
Champion: #3 Clint LaFont
Rookie of the Year: #99 Chase Stapp
SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter
Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid
Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall
Following a nomination process by THR staff and drivers, the Special Awards winners were announced, as follows:
Thunderhill Raceway Extra Lap Award - David Lewien, driver of the #3 Pro Truck
Thunderhill Raceway Hard Luck Award - Dwayne Toyne, driver of the #48 ASA A-Line Super Stock
Thunderhill Raceway Best Appearing Crew Award -Allen Alexander, driver of the #80 ASA A-Line Super Stock, and his AAA House Leveling Team
Thunderhill Raceway “Kevin Suberg” Sportsman of the Year Award - Terry Tschoerner, Mini Stocks
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the THR and TSRS sponsors.
Tory Christopher invited all drivers to attend a Driver Image Workshop that will be held at THR on Saturday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The TSRS awards were presented next, and the following drivers received top honors:
TSRS Allison Legacys
Champion: #07 Rusty Mirth
Rookie of the Year: #19 Cole Runco
TSRS Late Models
Champion: #14 Jake Kruger
Super Pack Champion: #17 Robert Barker
Rookie of the Year: #72 Kendall Bumbera
A drawing was held for a certificate for a $900 Five-Star Late Model body. To qualify for the drawing, the TSRS Late Model driver(s) must have competed in a stock appearing, template-style body, competed in at least 75% of the scheduled events, displayed the Five-Star decal and must have been present at the awards ceremony. Dillon Spreen, driver of the #81 TSRS Late Model, was the lucky winner.
The emcees then announced the following winners of the TSRS special awards:
TSRS Mentor Team Award - Jake Wright, driver of the #96 TSRS Allison Legacy, and Jake Kruger, Driver of the #14 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Hard Luck Award - Levi Krauss, driver of the #4 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Best Appearing Crew Award - Kendall Bumbera, driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model, and her Next Generation Racing Team
TSRS Sportsman of the Year Award - Bobby Teer, Jr., driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model
David Mackey was presented with the Official of the Year trophy by Mary Ann Naumann.
The event was closed out with an expression of thanks to the Janette Huff and her family for the banquet decorations, Manchaca Firehall for the facility and food, the photographers and videographers (Jeff Garvin, Tory Christopher, Thad Yousling and Duke O’Connor) for banquet pictures and videos, Dave New with All American Trophy & Awards for the trophies and plaques and Insty-Prints for the banquet printing.
The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.
Story by Debbie Williams, THR Media & Public Relations Director
Photos by Jeff Garvin
Texana Raceway Park crowns champs at well-attended Awards Banquet
January 10, 2010
This year, after reviewing big event calendars extending into December, Texana Raceway Park for the first time ever moved the annual awards banquet to January. Having never tested the water with a banquet in January, the management was pleasantly surprised with the large turnout for what turned out to be a fantastic banquet. Over 180 attendees filed through the doors at the Hafernick Center within the Brackenridge Park at Lake Texana, out side of Edna.
The evening started off with a catered BBQ meal, and was followed by drawings for door prizes. In the mix were some incredible door prizes. Pairs of new Racing tires were given away. Twenty-five gallons of racing fuel were given away, along with raceceivers, batteries, and a whole host of great door prizes provided by several generous donors and the track ownership combined.
The order of events consisted of trophies being provided to the top three in each class and a nice jacket, plus a bonus framed picture provided to each class champion. Two special awards picked by the track ownership were also provided which were “Most Improved” and “Rookie of the Year”. And, finally, the much anticipated and closely guarded fan voted “Favorite Drivers” were awarded. A few class champs also won favorite driver, and Hot Stock Truck 2009 phenomenon, Greg “Joe” Turner walked away with an unprecedented three awards as a class champ, favorite driver and owner’s pick as most improved.
Paul White was the first ever two class champion at the raceway, and banquet attendees were treated to Paul’s father, the legendary Bill White attending the banquet. Anyone who has followed dirt track racing in Texas knows, that it would hard equal the accomplishment of the two combined.
Paul White and and legendary dad, Bill White
Owner, Bruce Tesch also announced the more specific plans for 2010, and utilized the opportunity to squelch all rumors associated with the raceway. Tesch has hired long-time flagman Ken Bulsterbaum to serve as track operator in 2010.
A summary of award winners followed by some select pictures provided courtesy of Brenda Dancer “Dancer Motorsports Photos” follows below:
Class Points Champions:
Mini-Stock - Zachary Tesch
Texana Classic Dwarfs - Andrew Cline
Texana Bombers- Chris Shafer
Hot Stock Trucks- Greg Turner
Super Stocks - G W Hessong
Limited Modifieds - Paul White
Modifieds - Paul White
Fan Voted Favorite Drivers:
Mini-Stock - Lauren Chamberlain
Texana Classic Dwarfs - Douglas Schmidt
Texana Bombers - Janet Perks
Hot Stock Trucks - Greg Turner
Super Stocks - G W Hessong
Limited Modifeds - Mickey Helms
Modifieds - Paul White
Most Improved
Greg “Joe” Turner
Rookie of the Year
Brad Wright
by Monty Chamberlain
Photos by Brenda Dancer
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