From TBARA
The TBARA ( Tampa Bay Area Racing Association ) held their annual awards banquet on January 9, 2010 in Tampa, FL to crown the best of the best for the premier pavement series in the Southeast. Dave Steele won 9 races in 2009 on his way to a second championship with the series for his car owners, Job Site Concrete and Lenny Puglio. Following Steele in the Driver’s Championship race were Troy DeCaire and Shane Butler. Accepting the honors for the Owner’s Championship was George Rudolph whose car was driven by DeCaire during the 2009 season. The Rookie of the Year crown went to Dave Shotsberger. Shotsberger was a true rookie and had never driven any type of racecar previously. The gala was graced by Sonny Hartley as the Master of Ceremony and by Mark “Bones” Bourcier as a special guest speaker. In addition to the three championships, the TBARA recognized three individuals for their dedication and special talents. The Advanced Media Person Award went to Wendy Mathis. The Golden Wrench Award was won by Steele’s cew chief, Todd Schmidt. And the Sportsman of the Year Award went to Larry J. Brazil, Jr . The TBARA starts their 2010 campaign in February. Stay up to date at www.TBARA.net .