07/30 Attica Late Model Fuller
07/30 Brewerton Modified Decker, Phelps, Ward, Wight
07/30 Modified OBrien
07/31 Muskingum Late Model Fuller
07/31 Fulton Modified Bresnahan, Decker, Phelps, Ward, Wight
07/31 Brockville Modified OBrien
08/01 Eriez Late Model Fuller
08/01 Utica Rome Modified Ward
08/01 Cornwall Modified OBrien
08/02 Merrittville Modified Decker, Wight
Full Schedule »
Thursday, Jul 29, 2010 Utica Rome / Modified
42p Pat Ward finished 19
91 Billy Decker finished 1
99L Larry Wight finished 11
Utica Rome / Late Model
91 Billy Decker finished 6
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2010 Sharon / Late Model
19 Tim Fuller finished 11
Tuesday, Jul 27, 2010 Central PA / Late Model
19 Tim Fuller finished 12
Fonda / Modified
42p Pat Ward finished 9
91 Billy Decker finished 3
99L Larry Wight finished 26
Fonda / Late Model
91 Billy Decker finished 5
99L Larry Wight finished 18
Sunday, Jul 25, 2010 Utica Rome / Modified
42p Pat Ward finished 2
99L Larry Wight finished 9
Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 Fulton / Modified
91 Billy Decker finished Rainout
99 Ryan Phelps
42p Pat Ward
99L Larry Wight
02 Roy Bresnahan
Friday, Jul 23, 2010 Brewerton / Modified
91 Billy Decker finished RAINOUT
99 Ryan Phelps
42p Pat Ward
99L Larry Wight
Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 Drummond / Modified
91 Billy Decker finished 6
99L Larry Wight finished 24
99 Ryan Phelps finished 14
All Results »
Pat Wards Adds Two More Honors To His 2009 Season At The NYSSCA Awards Banquet
Posted Jan 27, 2010 by David
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Jo Ann Davies
davmedia@nycap.rr.com
518 768 2582 (home)
ALBANY, NY (January 23, 2010) – The New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) celebrated the 2009 racing season in style Saturday night, honoring drivers, owners and fans at the Polish Community Center in Colonie, NY. The 41ST annual awards banquet gathered approximately 450 guests with local track announcers John Stanley and Dan Martin once again serving as Masters of Ceremony.
The Hall of Fame Induction honored four exceptional members of the stock car community including drivers Jerry Higbie, Sr., Mike Romano, Charlie Rudolph and Jimmy Spencer.
Presenting Jerry Higbie, Sr.’s accomplishments to the gathering was well-known track announcer Jimmy King. Higbie’s driving career began in the early 1960’s and as a car owner in 1966. Over the years his Sportsman cars ran at Accord Speedway (NY), Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway (NY) and Nazareth Speedway (PA). Then, in 1977 the Higbie owned big block Modifieds have been run by such name drivers as Bobby Bottcher, Rich Ricci, Sr., Bruce Quinn, Larry Brolsma, Jeff Heotzler, Steve Bottcher, Frank Cozze, Rich Ricci, Jr. and Eddie Marshall. In 1996 Jerry Higbie, Jr. became the regular driver of the famed no. 97 and went on to win track titles at Accord and Orange County.
Well-known local writer Tom Boggie, Assistant Sports Editor of the Schenectady Daily Gazette, summarized the accomplishments of three-time Fonda Speedway (NY) champion Mike Romano. Romano, whose career includes 48 big-block wins at the famed ‘Track of Champions’ also garnered 21 small block wins and two championships in the 320 division and another five wins and a championship in the 358 division. Additional wins came on the famed “outlaw” circuit that included Fulton and Utica-Rome Speedways as well as the big block titles at Drummondville and Granby, Quebec in 1995. Health problems forced an early retirement from racing when Romano was only 34 years old. Today, he operates Andy’s Speed Shop in Johnstown, NY and is partnered with Jake Spraker in the promotion of the Glen Ridge Speedway (NY).
Andy Fusco, well known author and columnist, spoke of the many career achievements of asphalt and dirt racing star Charlie Rudolph. During his career Rudolph claimed championships at Lancaster Speedway (NY), Ransomville Speedway (NY), Cayuga County Fairgrounds Speedway (NY) and Rolling Wheels Raceway (NY). In addition to winning the 1986 MR. DIRT title, Rudolph also won the Mohawk Valley 200 at Fonda twice and was second to Jimmy Horton at the 1987 Syracuse Super DIRT Week event. Rudolph entered the racing world of Winston Cup and qualified for four Cup events. He is best known, at that level, for being the driver to bring Sunoco into the sport of auto racing for the first time. In recent years he has changed direction once again and is crew chief for his son Erik, who drives on the DIRTcar circuit winning the 2008 Sportsman race at Syracuse and on the NASCAR Modified circuit as a high school senior.
The reign of ‘Mr. Excitement’ Jimmy Spencer was chronicled by well known area journalist Ron Hedger. Known best today as a commentator on NASCAR Sprint Cup racing for various television shows, Spencer began his racing career at the fast New York asphalt track of Shangri-La Speedway in a family crewed no. 24 Modified. He won the 1983 track championship against the famed George Kent and Richie Evans. He also won the 1987 NASCAR Busch North event at Shangri-La and the 1983 Race of Champions at Pocono Raceway (PA). Next in his list of Modified accomplishments were the 1986 and 1987 national NASCAR Modified championships. From there he went on to record 12 Busch series wins and Winston Cup wins at Daytona and Talladega. Today, Spencer continues to bring his exciting personality over the airwaves of the Speed channel.
Special awards were also on the agenda for the night, beginning with the President’s Award. President John Keegan spoke about the award’s criteria requiring the recipient to have achieved a milestone in racing in order to be given this award and the fact that this is an award not given every year. This year, the President’s Award was presented to Laudy Hoyenga and to Nick Ronca. Hoyenga, who returned to racing after a 29-year pause, returned in 2009 to compete at the Glen Ridge Speedway where he achieved his first career victory at the age of 64. Ronca, who was well known locally for his involvement as a driver and later as a car owner for his sons Don, Mike and Rich also dedicates many hours to NYSSCA and has served for many years in an official capacity with the organization.
Jim Ellis, “Racing Around” columnist for the Amsterdam, NY Leader Herald, was recognized for his work with the NYSSCA Journalism Award. Ellis also provides editorial support for “The Racing Insider”, the weekly program at Fonda Speedway and the annual Fonda Yearbook.
The Dedication to Racing in Memory of Harry Peek award was presented to Albany-Saratoga driver Marc Johnson and his family. After finishing a very respectable ninth place in the points standing, Johnson’s low budget, family owned Modified team completed all 150 laps at the Super DIRT Week Salute to the Troops 150, earning a ninth place finish. He earned both the Rookie of the Race and Hard Charger awards at that event.
Car Owner of the Year accolades went to Mike ‘the Kingfish’ King, owner and driver of the Thoma Tire no. 55 at the Lebanon Valley Speedway (NY). For 37 years King has run his own operation making every effort to do his best weekly. He finished the 2009 season in 10th position in points, earning his first top 10 point finish in those 37 years of racing. His first Modified win came in 2008 and he followed that up with his second career Modified win in 2009.
Pat Ward of Genoa, NY was the recipient of the Overall Outstanding Performance Award for 2009. Driving his well known Gypsum Express no.42P, Ward began the 2009 season with two wins at Volusia County Speedway (FL) and the Florida Tour Series Championship. Additional wins came this season at Selinsgrove (PA), Fonda (NY), Fulton (NY) and Utica-Rome (NY) Speedways for a win total of 13 on the year. He also won the Utica-Rome track title for the second consecutive year and the Race of Champions DART Dirt Tour title for the third year in a row. This year’s Overall Outstanding Performance Award was Ward’s second consecutive season of achieving this honor.
The Lifetime Contribution to Racing Award in memory of Kenny Shoemaker was presented to Bruce Dostal, current owner of the A & B Speedshop in Johnstown, NY. Dostal’s first climb behind the wheel was as the driver of the potent Ernie Gahan no. 50 at the Victoria Speedway (NY) in 1965. He later ran at Utica-Rome (NY), Fonda (NY) and Albany-Saratoga (NY) Speedways retiring in 1973 to focus on his speed shop and chassis building business.
The Dedication to NYSSCA Award in Memory of Arty McCarty was presented to a very well deserving Ron Hedger. Hedger’s work as a writer is well known in the pages of the National Speedsport News as well as Speedway Illustrated and Stock Car Racing magazines. His writing career also included a local column in the Schenectady Daily Gazette for many years. Hedger serves as the NYSSCA Hall of Fame Committee chairman and was instrumental in the creation of the Racing NY portion of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. He developed the extremely popular “Lost Speedways” series that is presented several times a year at the Museum. Hedger continues the family tradition of involvement in the sport of auto racing.
The NYSSCA Award of Excellence was presented to Jack Gentile, driver of the no. 20 (or no. 201) Modified. Gentile claimed the DIRTcar title at Albany-Saratoga (NY) finishing the six race series with his worst finish that of a third place. He also won the Ridgerunner Series title as well as the Eastern region DIRTcar title. For 2009 he achieved 6 wins, 13 top 3’s, and 13 top 10’s at Albany-Saratoga in the 16 races he ran there. At Devil’s Bowl Speedway (VT) Gentile ran five events finishing in the top six in every one with a third place best finish.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bernie Heald whose 35 year involvement in auto racing has been as a sponsor, a crew member, a track manager and, most recently, as track handicapper. Heald held the position of track handicapper for many years on the Champlain Valley Racing Association circuit and currently serves in that role at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. Heald has been a NYSSCA member for many years and was instrumental in the success of Motor Racing Mania, a NYSSCA car show held in Saratoga, NY for many years in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
A ceremony at the Saratoga Auto Museum (Saratoga Springs, NY) on Sunday morning, January 24th, added the Hall of Fame honorees to the permanent Hall of Fame display in the Racing in New York gallery.
NYSSCA’s track base covers Albany Saratoga, Devils Bowl, Fonda, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, Lebanon Valley and Utica-Rome Speedways. Established in 1969 with just eleven members, NYSSCA membership is open to anyone involved in the sport of racing. Today, membership includes over 700 people throughout the northeast. The organization’s most important function is to provide cash benefits for members injured during sanctioned racing events at recognized racing facilities. For more information visit their website at www.nyssca.com.
NYSSCA track awards were presented to:
ALBANY SARATOGA SPEEDWAY: Driver of the Year to Ken Tremont, Jr. (modified), Mark Kislowski (sportsman), Jermey Pitts (pro stock), Daniel Older (limited), Travis Tromans (six cylinder), Colin Clow (four cylinder); Outstanding Performance to Ronnie Johnson (modified), Rob Langevin (sportsman), Kim Duell (pro stock), Dan Petronis II (limited), Ken Schroder (six cylinder), Erin Older (four cylinder); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Corey Gilligan (modified), Frank Corradi (sportsman), David Cook (pro stock), Jason Wood (limited).
DEVIL’S BOWL SPEEDWAY: Driver of the Year to Kenny Tremont, Jr. (modified), Cale Kneer (pro stock), Mike Clark (limited), Kayla Bryant (six cylinder), Nathan Woodworth (four cylinder); Outstanding Performance to Todd Stone (modified), Fred Little (pro stock), Bill Duprey (limited), Erica Lilly (six cylinder), Brent Warren (four cylinder); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Scott Duell (modified), Chris Fifield (pro stock), Paul Braymer (limited).
OVERALL CVRA: Driver of the Year to Frank Hoard III (budget sportsman); Outstanding Performance to Tim Hartman, Jr. (budget sportsman); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Tim Hartman, Jr. (budget sportsman).
FONDA SPEEDWAY: Driver of the Year to Bobby Varin(modified), David Towns (sportsman), Jeremy Cramer (IMCA modified), Ken Gates (pro stock), Cassidy Wilson (street stock); Jeremiah Munson (602 sportsman); Outstanding Performance to Matt DeLorenzo (modified), Luke Munroe (sportsman), Chuck Dumblewski (pro stock), Danny Ballard (IMCA modified), Dave Horning, Sr. (street stock); Mike Ketchum (602 sportsman); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Howard Gage (modified), Justin Auspelmyer (sportsman), Pete Broderson (pro stock), Craig Ritchie (street stock), Chris Reckner (602 sportsman).
GLEN RIDGE MOTORSPORTS PARK: Driver of the Year to Jeff Brownell, Jr. (modified), Korey Wilder (sportsman), Justin Knight (street stock), Kerrie Hollenbeck (6 cylinder), Kenneth Hollenbeck (4 cylinder); Outstanding Performance to Paul Kinney (modified), Jeremiah Munson (sportsman), Duke McSpirit (rookie sportsman), Shannon McDermott (street stock), Kerrie Hollenbeck (6 cylinder), Laurie Fallis (4 cylinder); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Ernie Palmer, Jr. (modified); Greg Pessolano (sportsman), Brian Pessolano (rookie sportsman), Don Folts (street stock), Harley Shepard (6 cylinder), Mike Close (4 cylinder).
LEBANON VALLEY SPEEDWAY: Driver of the Year to Andy Bachetti (modified), Andy Bachetti (358 modified), Frank Harper (sportsman), Robbie Speed (pro stock), Cord Becher (limited pro stock), Phil Wood (pure stock), Steven Loomis (4 cylinder duel cam), Don Curley (4 cylinder single cam), Jason Herrington (budget sportsman); Outstanding Performance to Kenny Tremont, Jr. (modified), Matt Quinn (358 modified), Danny Sanchez (sportsman), Jay Corbin (pro stock), Chuck Towslee (limited pro stock), Ray Hall, Jr. (pure stock), Don Miller (budget sportsman); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Kory Sandstedt (modified), Matt Pupello (358 modified), Brandon Piastka (sportsman), Allen Tarantino (pro stock), James Hatch (pure stock), Seth Roberts (budget sportsman).
UTICA ROME SPEEDWAY: Driver of the Year to Pat Ward (modified), Jason Rood (sportsman), Tom Denton (pro stock), Ron Hawker (pure stock); Outstanding Performance to Stewart Friesen (modified), Jeff Leslie (sportsman), Rocky Warner (pro stock), Frank Hyatt (pure stock); Rookie / Newcomer of the Year to Casey Williams (modified), Claude Hutchings, Jr. (sportsman), Jeff Pastorella (pro stock), Mike Harrison (pure stock).
