By Bill W
November 20, 2010 – The Knoxville Raceway banquet was held on Saturday, November 20 at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona, Iowa. Headlining the night’s events were an assortment of items for the competitors in addition to their prize money. Over two million dollars in purse money was handed out already in 2010, and more was in store on Saturday night.
A total of eight chassis, 22 wing packages, two sets of shocks, two sets of quick change rear-ends, two fuel pumps and a set of All Pro Heads were handed out to drivers (see prize list with winners below). In addition, the Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization (KRCO) again provided insurance covering all Knoxville drivers for 2011 anywhere they may race. Also, each driver will receive a $600 gift certificate towards a new Bulterbuilt Professional Seat System, courtesy of KRCO.
Director of Marketing and Sales, Brian Stickel, opened the program up with the announcement that the “Driver Bios” aspect of the Knoxville Raceway website will be ramped up to include several features. The features will provide a unique opportunity for fans to become more familiar with their favorite drivers, and will provide drivers an opportunity to win contingencies including chassis next season. The new feature is expected to be operational in March of 2011.
Contingencies were handed out next, and for the first time, were done by draw in front of the banquet crowd, estimated at over 500. Chassis winners included Nate Van Haaften, Dustin Selvage, Matt Moro and Alan Zoutte in the 360 class, and the Derek Ingalls #91, Bob Weuve, Davey Heskin and Skip Jackson in the 410 class (see complete list below).
Race Director, Ralph Capitani announced the 2011 schedule is “pretty much set”. There is little change from the 2010 schedule, but negotiations with the World of Outlaws are still underway concerning how many race nights they will run on the weekend of June 11. Cappy also announced to applause that the National Championship feature would again run 50 laps.
Cappy presented Arleta Voyce with a special award from the Marion County Fair Association for her 45 years of great service to the raceway. She retired from office duties in October, but will continue to score on race night.
Doug Brown of Jocko’s Auto Parts received the “Heritage Award” from Bob Baker of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum. Brown has been instrumental in keeping many competitors on the track over the years.
Nate Van Haaften was the “Junior Fan Club Driver of the Year” in the 360 class, while Skip Jackson won the award for the sixth straight year in the 410 class. Lorin Miller accepted her award as “Junior Fan of the Year” as well.
The “Lyle Boyd Hard Charger Award” was next on the agenda, awarding the drivers who passed the most cars in A main events this season. Chad Humston received the award in the 360 class, and Josh Schneiderman was the 410 winner. Danny Heskin (360) and Austin McCarl (410) were named the “Most Improved Driver” in their respective classes.
Minnesota’s Butch Maxwell who owns cars for grandsons Davey and Danny Heskin received the honor of 410 “Owner of the Year”, while Steve Wares and Vern Harrison took home the same award in the 360 class for their #10 entry. Don Droud Jr. was the honoree in the “Sportsman of the Year” category in the 410 class, an award he also enjoyed in 2002. He was joined in the 360 class by Matt Moro. Finally, “Rookie of the Year” Awards went out to Ian Madsen (410) and Jamie Ball (360).
Arizona transplants Bob and Ruth Ann Wagner were thrilled to receive the honors for the this year’s “Fan of the Year” Award.
Drivers outside of the top five in the 305, 360 and 410 classes received their accolades next.
The big hardware went out last to the top five drivers and owners in the point standings. In the 360 class, Johnny Anderson (5th), Jon Agan (4th), Chad Humston (3rd), Dustin Selvage (2nd) and Clint Garner (champion) were honored in the driver category, while the Anderson Family (5th), Agan (4th), Mark Burch (3rd), Ray and Naomi Grimes (2nd), and Boyd and Glenda Fluth (champion) received owner awards. The championships were the second in a row for Garner and the Fluth’s. Selvage announced he will move up to 410’s in 2011.
In the 410 class, Bronson Maeschen (5th), Mark Dobmeier (4th), Skip Jackson (3rd), Don Droud Jr. (2nd) and Brian Brown (champion) were drivers honored, while owner awards went to the Jordan Brothers (5th), J&S Auto Sports (4th), Dave Lunstra/Mike Dobmeier (3rd), Strange Performance (2nd) and Brian Brown (champion). The championship was the second for Brown as a driver (2007), but his first as an owner.
Contingency Winners by Draw…
Chassis – 360: Dustin Selvage (Eagle), Matt Moro (Eagle), Nate Van Haaften (Schnee), Alan Zoutte (Maxim); 410: Derek Ingalls #91/Dusty Zomer (J&J), Bob Weuve (Maxim), Davey Heskin (Eagle), Skip Jackson (J&J)
HRP Wings – 305: Bruce Clark #66, Tasker Phillips; 360: Ryan Roberts, RJ Johnson, Boyd and Lisa Burnham #54, Chad Humston, Harrison/Wares #10; 410: VanderEcken #10, Brian Brown, Bronson Maeschen, Mike Moore
Vortex Wings – 305: Mitchell Alexander, Mike Van Haaften; 360: Danny Heskin, Jamie Ball, Jon Agan, Chad Heimbaugh, Clint Garner; 410: Williams #7K, Ian Madsen, Austin McCarl, Lynton Jeffrey
Pro Shocks Set – 360: Snodgrass #2; 410: Mike Deavers
DMI Quick Change Rear-end – 360: Russ Hall, 410: Don Droud Jr.
Waterman Fuel Pump – 360: Johnny Anderson, 410: Josh Schneiderman
All Pro Heads – 410: Mark Dobmeier
For more info, visit www.KnoxvilleRaceway.com!