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Night of Champions Honors Top Runners at Canandaigua, Cayuga County, and Rolling Wheels
Weedsport, NY – November 25, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Cayuga County Fair Speedway PR Coordinator
The 2008 racing season has now officially come to a close for Canandaigua, Cayuga County Fair, and Rolling Wheels Raceways after Saturday’s Night of Champions Banquet in the Chancellor Ballroom of the Holiday Inn at Waterloo. The evening was highlighted with the presentation of 10 different champions, six Rookie of the Year Awards, the 2008 Award of Excellence and the presentation of over $36,000 in point fund money.
The evening’s first awards were handed out to the 10th through 4th place finishers in each of the main divisions at all three Speedways. This year a championship point fund was added for the Sportsman at Rolling Wheels Raceway, as well the Big Block Modifieds were honored at the banquet for the first time in a number of years.
New in 2008 was the introduction of the Parts Plus Big Six Series for the DIRTcar Street Stocks. Two races were run at each of the Speedways with the Top6 at the conclusion earning point fund checks. When it was all said and done, Mike Welch edged Andy Fisk for the series title by just four-points earning a Parts Plus Champions jacket and trophy.
Rookie of the Year awards were next in order and five of the six recipients were on hand to accept their laurels. Each was presented with a beautiful champion’s trophy by Race Director Jeff Farney, as well as a gift certificate from Dash Racewear presented by Pam Dinkins.
“Lightning” Larry Wight (Cayuga County) and Eric Fisher (Canandaigua) were declared Rookie of the Year in the Big Block Modified ranks, while Dave Marcuccilli (Cayuga County) and AJ Lewis (Canandaigua) took the honors in the Sportsman.
The Street Stock division saw Vance Vanderwall (Canandaigua) and Ray Smith (Cayuga County) take the hardware.
Once again in 2008, General Manager Jack Deery presented his Award of Excellence. Last season the award was presented to the head of the track’s safety team David James. In ’08 it went to long-time Canandaigua Speedway supporter and radio host “Hot Rod” Rodney McNeil.
“Captain Canandaigua” as he has come to be known as, can be seen weekly at the Land of Legends coordinating the victory lane ceremonies as well as working feverishly with fans and youngsters to be sure they are having the best time possible while watching at Canandaigua Speedway.
From there each of the top three in all divisions would come across the stage to accept their championship checks, eagle trophies, and for nine other drivers a special leather championship jacket.
The Canandaigua PureStox and Cayuga County BattleKarz were the first to step to the stage. PureStox champion Bryan Faulkner and BattleKarz top runner Nick Werner each came forward to address the crowd. Both thanked their families, friends, and sponsors for helping to make the 2008 season such a success.
The DIRTcar Street Stocks from both Canandaigua and Cayuga County were next with repeat champions at each facility. Both Mike Welch (Canandaigua) and Nick Rizzo (Cayuga County) tacked up their second consecutive titles in 2008. Welch had arguably the best season in the Stocks across the board after taking the Big 6 Championship and also finishing as runner-up to Rizzo at the Weedsport oval.
The DIRTcar Sportsman champions were next honored at not only Canandaigua and Cayuga County, but also Rolling Wheels Raceway. Although he did not win a single feature during the regular season, Kevin Ridley took the ’08 crown at Canandaigua over Dan Wiesner. Ridley also managed a runner-up championship finish at Cayuga County, and mentioned that he will likely be back in ’09 to try and double-up.
Jeremy Pitcher was declared the Cayuga County Sportsman Champion for the second consecutive year this season. Pitcher had one main event win on the year, and also said that he would be back in 2009 to give Ridley a run for his money.
Canadian Chris Raabe was never a big fan of Rolling Wheels Raceway. However, that would change this season as his consistent finishes were more than enough to earn him the track championship at the ‘Fast Track.’ For the year Raabe won three total track championships, the north regional crown, and the overall Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series Championship.
The final awards of the evening were presented to the Big Block Modified Champions for 2008.
For the 9th consecutive year and 10th time overall, the ‘Hurricane’ Steve Paine was presented as the Canandaigua Speedway Big Block Modified Champion. Paine beat out Matt Sheppard and Gary Tomkins for the title, picking up three feature wins along the way. To the delight of many in attendance, Paine indeed made mention that he will be back next season to try and claim his unprecedented 10th consecutive championship.
For the 5th time this decade and 8th time overall, ‘AJ Slideways’ Alan Johnson took home the Championship at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Johnson won two features on the year in his own no. 14J, as well as in the Spra-King no. 1J. Johnson defeated defending Speedway champion Jimmy Phelps and Justin Haers for the title.
For more information call the DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606 or visit www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com or canandaiguaspeedway.com.
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