Kawartha Speedway 2008 Banquet - A Celebration of Excellence

Kawartha Speedway 2008:  A Celebration of Excellence

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/Kawartha Speedway PR

With the 3/8th mile oval glistening under the glow of the Musco lighting and a mid-winter’s snowstorm sparkling its spacious layout, Kawartha Speedway (Fraserville, Ontario) celebrated the 2008 season by handing-out the hardware and point-fund cheques to drivers in their 4 weekly classes.  A standing-room only crowd numbering close to 400 gathered at the track to enjoy a magnificent buffet dinner, closed-out the evening with dancing, socializing and fellowship. 

The big winners on the night were Late Model driver Brandon Watson, who collected trophies for his championship in the Summer Shootout Series, the Late Model rookie of the year and most improved driver awards and 3rd place in division points.  The youngster from Stayner, Ontario took a few minutes at the end of the night to thank everyone for a great season and offer his praise to Kawartha’s management and track officials.  Port Hope, Ontario’s Willie Reyns also walked away with an extensive hardware collection.  The second year Thunder Car racer earned the division championship and was named by his peers as the class’ most sportsmanlike driver.  In an on-line fan vote, Reyns was also named as the track’s most exciting overall driver – a prize he claimed in a special Kawartha Speedway edition of the popular reality show, Survivor.

The Moroney Racing Team, who regularly contributed at least 4 cars to Kawartha’s Mini Stock division, also took home a number of awards.  Although travel arrangements (coming home from his wedding the Dominican Republic) prevented him from claiming the accolades in person, Jason Juriga earned his first track championship. Team mate Mike Wallace claimed the runner-up position, while also receiving the rookie of the year award.  Too Moroney finished 3rd in Mini Stock points, while Juriga’s new bride, Shanna Moroney was 5th in the final tally.

Barrie, Ontario veteran Stompin’ Tom Walters earned the Limited Late Model title – the 25th overall crown in his illustrious career, while Cavan, Ontario’s Dan McHattie picked-up the late model title.

In his closing remarks, track General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch thanked the drivers, crews, family members and friends for their continued support of racing at Kawartha Speedway.  He also announced that 2008 would be the final season for the track’s Limited Late Model division.  Lynch concluded his remarks by naming long-time track official Dave Middleton as the recipient of the annual President’s Award.

The official 2009 schedule is now posted at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Award winners:

Rookie of the Year – Late Model, Brandon Watson. Limited Late Model, Jamie Horner. Thunder Car, Jeff Remington. Mini Stock, Mike Wallace.

Most Sportsmanlike driver – Late Model, Larry Jackson. Limited Late Model, Terry Betts. Thunder Car, Willie Reyns. Mini Stock, Glenn Dee.

Most Improved driver – Late Model, Brandon Watson. Limited Late Model, Jamie Horner. Thunder Car, Jamie Wagar. Mini Stock, Steven Slot.

APX Racewear Dedicated Crew – Sinopoli Racing #7 Thunder Car and #7 Late Model.

KONI Shock Contingency draw - #88 Limited Late Model, John Bryan

5 Star Stock Car Bodies Contingency draw - #99 Late Model, Linc Brown.  #86 Limited Late Model, Terry Betts.

Photo attachments:  By Rick Young, www.rickattheraces.com

#1).  Kawartha Speedway’s top runners in the Mini Stock division.

#2).  Track champion Willie Reyns and the top 10 in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car class.

#3).  Points champion Tom Walters and the Limited Late Model runners

#4).  Champ Dan McHattie and the Late Model division top 10. <<ks1_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks2_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks3_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks4_(Medium).JPG>>