From Waynesfield Raceway
Waynesfield Raceway Park capped off it’s 2009 season with its championship banquet last night at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The November 21st event saw a capacity crowd on hand to witness the crowning of champions in all classes that ran at Waynesfield Raceway Park in 2010, as well as honoring the top 8 in each division. Pastor Lynn Huffman from Ohio Circle Track Ministries delivered the invocation, dinner was served, champions were crowned, and promoter Dean Miracle dropped a bombshell: Waynesfield Raceway Park will award 3 brand new chassis to competitors who have perfect attendance at WRP in 2010.
In the Non Wing Sprint Car class at Waynesfield Raceway Park, every driver who competes in 100% of the events held at WRP in 2010 will have his/her name place in a random drawing to be held at the 2010 Championship Banquet, and the winner will receive a brand new Maxim Chassis, courtesy of Kear’s Speed Shop in Tiffin, Ohio. In the UMP Modified division, the same stipulations will apply, however the winner will receive a brand new Laser Chassis, built by John Staples of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Finally, in the Tuff Truck division, the winner will have their chassis finished by Mario Rinaldi of Intimidator Chassis of Lima Ohio. The Tuff Truck class winner will have to supply their own frame, and Rinaldi will build the roll cage, and front and rear hoop. “We wanted to find a way to show the drivers who support us every week how much we appreciate them, while at the same time, give others incentive to become weekly supporters of Waynesfield Raceway Park.”, Miracle said.
With that announcement effectively stirring the crowd, awards presentations got underway. Among the highlights was 2009 Post Agri-Service UMP Modified and Block Insurance Agency Stock Car champion Jeff Babcock giving more insight into his 2010 plans, which may see him heading off to do some ARCA racing as well as possibly some NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing under the banner of Venturini Motorsports, news which was well received by many of his fellow competitors. Also, Kyle Conway let it be known that a new driver would be joining his stable in 2010, in the form of the 2009 7th place finisher in Lee’s Hydraulics Non Wing Sprint Car points, Jon Nelson. The cases were broke out and 2009 JR and Sons Service Center Compacts Champion Jeff Kimes played “Chase for the Case” one final time for the year, picking up a free Pit Pass for the opening event at WRP in 2010, while leaving $50, and $1 in the other 2 cases. Miracle Motorsports Tuff Trucks Champion “Fat” Matt Twining delivered an emotional thank you to his father, who wrenches on both Matt and his brother Gabe’s Tuff Trucks at WRP. Matt also presented his dad Rick with the Champions jacket from Hoosier Tire. Hoosier Tire also graciously donated a brand new tire to each of the classes that run the Hoosier dirt tire at WRP. Garry Loney picked up the honors as champion of the Fowler and Hadding 600cc Mini-Sprints, and with his team moving to 1000cc in 2010, he should be one of the favorites at WRP. Kyle Simon rounded out the night by picking up the trophy, jacket, tire, and money that goes with being the 2009 Lee’s Hydraulics Non Wing Sprint Champion. Simon, from Covington, Ohio, beat Matt Westfall for the title by 66 points.
Waynesfield Raceway Park would like to thank all of the racers, teams, and fans for making 2009 a memorable first year for promoter Dean Miracle, his wife Jane and staff. We are anxiously looking forward to providing you with all of the excitement that is dirt track racing, while giving you the best value for your entertainment dollar. 2010 opening weekend will be a 2 day show taking place Saturday April 24th, featuring UMP Late Models, 1000cc Mini-Sprints, Tuff Trucks, and Compacts; and Sunday April 25th, featuring the 410 Non Wing Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Tuff Trucks and Compacts. The full schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Watch http://www.waynesfieldmotorsportspark.com and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Waynesfield.Raceway.Park for details on our plans for the 2010 season.