RESULTS
Wyalusing Valley's Top Drivers Honored At 2009 Tingley Glass Awards Ceremony
Wyalusing Valley Motorsports Park honored the top drivers of 2009 on November 7th at the Tingley Glass Awards Ceremony held at the Wysox Fire Hall in Wysox, PA.
The evening kicked off with a delicious meal of pork loin and roast beef prepared by Hurley's Fresh Market in Towanda, PA.
Just prior to the beginning of the awards ceremony, many door prizes were given out courtesy of WVMP, Burris Racing Tire, Graphix By Billy, D & J Fotos, Speedway Entertainment, Jake Maynard, Maynard Racing, and Audrey Rosengrant.
Promoter/Announcer Billy Maynard revealed in his opening remarks that a conditional use hearing regarding the track's desired switch to Saturday Nights in 2010 will be held just prior to Thanksgiving. Following his opening remarks, a special 3+ minute video produced by D & J Fotos was shown reviewing the 2009 season and paying tribute to the racers.
When the presentations commenced, drivers were presented their awards for their accomplishments in the point standings, as well as several special awards. The Schooney's Diner Front Runner Award, Calaman Radiator Hard Charger Award, Beers Motors Best Appearing Car Award, Bryan's Meat Cutting Most Improved Driver Award, and the Lamphere Truck Parts Rookie of the Year Award were all presented in each division (see below for award winners).
Several other awards and presentations were held during the ceremony. Two WVMP staff members were given the “Most Unappreciated Track Worker Awards”, tiny 2” trophies, which helped keep the fun going. Bob Coveney (Karts) and Jerry “Hard Luck” Traver (Smallcars) were given the “Nightmare Awards” for hard luck. Neil Brown (Head of Track Preparation) and Rich Howard Sr. (President of WVMP) were presented WVMP Jackets courtesy of Billy Maynard in appreciation of their hard work and dedication to the facility. Tom Hendershot was awarded the Maynard's Garage Mechanic of the Year Award on the heels of his 11 year old son Jake's stellar rookie season in the 270 Micros.
Audrey Rosengrant was present the WVMP “Dedication to Motorsports Award” for individuals, with Meshoppen Stone Inc. given the award for business entities. 270 Micro Champion Jordan Tittle's mother, Peggy, took a moment to present awards of appreciation to fellow competitors John Zionkowski (#23z owner/driver) and Scott Middendorf (#29 owner). Debbie Ryder was awarded the D & J Fotos “Fan of the Year” Award.
The final award given out was the highly prestigious “Drew Chapman Memorial Award for Professionalism & Enthusiasm”. This year, the award was given to Novice Blue driver Dom Rogers, who has been competiting at WVMP since the track opened. Dom often finds himself quietly battling for wins, as he is not really what you'd call a “flamboyant” type of driver. His low-key approach often makes it appear that he has been overlooked. His accomplishment of winning this award shows that is not the case and that many notice his effort and conduct.
When the presentations were finished, the real fun began as everyone was treated to music and dancing provided by DeeJay Randy Zionkowski. Also on hand again this year was Rich Savage and his 4 person Sprint Car Simulator, which had a constant line all night long.
As the 2009 season is put to rest, WVMP would like to congratulate all of the racers and award winners on a great season just one more time.
To keep up with developments for 2010, be sure to monitor the WVMP website often.
2009 Champions: Kara Chapman (RP), Jared Zionkowski (NB), Collin Hadlock (JG), Nick Funk (SK), Dawn Roberts (SW), Rodney McConnell (SM), Tyler Chapman (MED), Mike Ely (HVY), Derek Chapman (AHVY), Shelby Ogozaly (JRSS), Jake Maynard (SS), Dave Mooers (600's), Jordan Tittle (270's)
2009 Schooney's Diner Front Runner Award Winners: Kara Chapman (RP), Jared Zionkowski (NB), Nick Funk (JG), Nick Funk (SK), Dawn Roberts (SW), Rodney McConnell (SM), Tyler Chapman (MED), Mike Ely (HVY), Matt Roberts (AHVY), Shelby Ogozaly (JRSS), Rich Howard Jr. (SS), Dave Mooers (600's), John Zionkowski (270's)
2009 Calaman Radiator Hard Charger Award Winners: Kara Chapman (RP), Jared Zionkowski (NB), Nick Funk (JG), Nick Funk (SK), Dawn Roberts (SW), Rodney McConnell (SM), Tyler Chapman (MED), Mike Ely (HVY), Derek Chapman (AHVY), Derek Frederick (JRSS), Steve Ogozaly/Jake Maynard (Tie - SS), Shayne Ely (600's), Jordan Tittle (270's)
2009 Beers Motors Best Appearing Car Award: Kamdin Maby (RP), Jared Zionkowski (NB), Nick Funk (JG), Keith Lamphere (SK), Krissy Baldwin (SW), Burt Maynard (SM), Dalton Maynard (MED), Bob Coveney (HVY), Matt Roberts (AHVY), Bradley Crouse (JRSS), Jake Maynard (SS), Dave Mooers (600's), John Zionkowski (270's)
2009 Bryan's Meat Cutting Most Improved Driver Award: Seth Anderson (RP), Hayden Baumunk (NB), Collin Hadlock (JG), Keith Lamphere (SK), Krissy Baldwin (SW), Brett Benjamin (SM), Scott Lamphere (MED), Jay Abbott (HVY), Bob Coveney (AHVY), Derek Frederick (JRSS), Jake Maynard (SS), Ray Merli (600's), Mark Wurzler (270's)
2009 Lamphere Truck Parts Rookie of The Year Award: Ryan Funk (RP), Jared Zionkowski (NB), Collin Hadlock (JG), Derek Frederick (SK), Dawn Roberts (SW), Burt Maynard (SM), Scott Lamphere (MED), Chris Shaffer (HVY), Derek Chapman (AHVY), Derek Frederick (JRSS), Jake Maynard (SS), Ray Merli (600's), Jacob Hendershot (270's)
2009 D & J Fotos Most Popular Driver Award: Ryan Funk/Kara Chapman (RP - Tie), Dominic Rogers (NB), Collin Hadlock (JG), Nick Funk / Jaye Winemiller (SK - Tie), Krissy Baldwin (SW), Rodney McConnell/Burt Maynard (SM - Tie), Dylan Maynard (MED), Bob Coveney (HVY), Derek Chapman (AHVY), Derek Frederick (JRSS), Jake Maynard (SS), Ray Merli (600's), Bobby Maynard (270's)