CAR SHOW, 2020 AWARDS CEREMONY ADDED TO PRACTICE DAY AT COTTON BOWL SPEEDWAY

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For immediate release:
MAN Racing Promotions
Contact: Mary Ann Naumann
Tel: 512-844-3582
Car Show, 2020 Awards Ceremony added to Practice Day at Cotton Bowl Speedway. Fans admitted free, get chance to vote for Best Appearing car in each class

PAIGE, Texas (Jan. 15, 2021) — Officials at Cotton Bowl Speedway (CBS) have announced the addition of a Car Show and 2020 Awards Ceremony to their 2021 Open Practice Day scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20.

Race fans will have free access all day and can vote for Best Appearing car, as well. The CarShow is presented by Kragh's Jewelry, a valued partner and supporter at Cotton Bowl.

Since restrictions brought on by the ongoing global pandemic prohibits the traditional annual Awards Banquet, officials will utilize the gathering of Practice Day to pass out awards earned during the 2020 season. While this is less than ideal for all, it does make sense and will recognize our drivers.

“When this idea was presented to me it made a great deal of sense,” CBS promoter and GM Mary Ann Naumann said. “We have a lot of racers who put a huge effort into their cars every year. This will provide an opportunity to recognize that hard work, and for fans to connect with our race teams.

“While H and I wish we could have held the usual banquet, large gatherings like that are simply too risky at this time in a confined space. We'll honor our 2020 champions at the track as they prepare to do battle once again this year. I think the whole day will be productive and enjoyable for all of us.”

When it's time to hand out 2020 awards, points champions Hardy Henderson (MAGNUM IMCA Modifieds); James Hanusch (IMCA Southern Sport Mods); Adam Haugh (Gunslinger Factory Stocks), Dustin Mooney (Browning IMCA Stock Cars); Tommy Gural (Street Stocks), and Rowdy Chouinard (Sport Compacts) will be officially crowned. All six enjoyed outstanding
results in 2020.

“When we got our new car last year, it really turned our program around,” Henderson, 58, a multi-time title holder said. “We sold it recently, but will have a new one from the same builder this year. We have some fast young guns in this class, but I'm hoping to stay ahead of them again 2021.”

Hanusch, a former National champion, changed his plans as 2020 unfolded, yet it panned out.

“We really had no plans of chasing points last year,” he said. “But things went well for us, so when we found ourselves on top we decided to go for it. This year will be similar, we'll start out as best we can and see how things unfold. I plan to compete again at Cotton Bowl and look forward to it.”

Haugh claimed his crown in impressive fashion during his first-ever season competing on dirt.

“I just wish we could have earned a few more wins,” he said. “With all that talent showing up at Cotton Bowl, from veterans like Homeyer, Sims and Don Painter, to invaders like Dalton Faulkner, it is very tough to land in Victory Lane. We finished second more than I'd like, but it was behind top guys. Now that I sold my car to Steve Sims, I'll probably just help some friends this year. I'll be at the track.”

Mooney put in a head-turning performance all year as he battled seasoned veterans on the oval.

“The way things came together for us last year was amazing,” he explained. “I didn't expect to run as well in my rookie year. Jason Batt helped me a ton, and the Florio family always has my back. This year, I have a full-time USMTS Modified ride so I won't get to cotton Bowl as often in 2021.”

Gural is a longtime veteran racer who builds his own cars and has big respect from his peers.

“I really had a solid season in 2020, but winning that title wasn't easy,” he said. “There's just so many good cars every week, it's tough to hit the podium regularly. I may not chase points this year, but I'll still be in the Street Stock class most of the time. I'll also be doing more Enduro racing in 2021.”

Chouinard turned a lot of heads in 2020 as he enjoyed a stellar rookie season in Sport Compact.

“My son had an incredible rookie year in that great class,” Rowdy's father Thomas said. “We're moving him up to an IMCA Sport Mod this year, and I hope he adapts to it as well as he did last season. He's really into it at just 14, and racing is in our blood. We're very excited for the new season ahead.”

Cotton Bowl Speedway is operated by MAN Racing Promotions. The track operates every other Saturday night from March through October with a full card of racing.

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Article Credit: Phil Whipple

Submitted By: Mike Fortier