By Carol Haynes
Verona, NY – The Turning Stone Casino Cypress Room served as the backdrop for the 29th annual ISMA Awards banquet Saturday night, November 5th with many being honors for their 2011 achievements. Anne Schaefer, ISMA Auxiliary chairperson, served as Master of Ceremonies and after the awards, Ron Gray’s Millennium Music provided the music.
The top 20 owners and drivers in the final point standings received plaques and checks to start off the ceremonies. The 2011 Car Owner champion Vic Miller and the 2011 Driver champion Russ Wood were presented trophies and a jacket denoting their titles. The Driver Point Fund sponsors were recognized by Kathy Harrington, who spearheads the endeavor.
The Slice n Go Deli Mechanic of the Year $500 check and jacket went to a very deserving Rich Witkum Jr. who helped driver Jeff Locke pilot the 37 car to a fifth place in the standings.
The Randy Witkum Memorial Rookie of the Year award, sponsored by EF Shea Concrete, went to Dan Bowes who had a successful inaugural year finishing 13th in the standings with his 18 super.
The Most Improved Driver plaque went to 2010 Rookie of the Year Joey Scanlon who drove the Budnick 88 to a 12th place position in points. Car owner Budnick, who had announced his retirement at the end of this season, was also honored with a Special Recognition award for his longtime support of the ISMA organization. He also won the BS&B Radiator by luck of the draw. Budnick deservedly capped off the night by taking home the Jim Soule Award as presented by Dan Soule.
The Gater Racing News Fan’s Choice Most Popular Driver went to Canadian Mike Lichty, third place finisher in the ISMA point, as voted on by the fans.
Eddie Witkum Jr., driver of the Lane 97, took home a new helmet courtesy of Seymour Enterprises while 8-time ISMA champion Russ Wood claimed the 2011 Achievement award.
The Vic Miller number 11 crew was honors as 2011 Crew of the Year receiving shirts from sponsor Race Threads.
Marsha Gadzera won the Lois Matczak Memorial award and was also voted in as the new ISMA Vice President. Marsha and her husband Tony surprised Carol Haynes and Jim Feeney with beautiful watches in recognition for their longtime association with ISMA.
And last but not least, Tony Sammut, father of Mark Sammut, won the coveted Jim Shampine award for his efforts on his son’s 78 supermodified.
A host of excellent door prizes were taken home by many lucky winners thanks to Burke’s Home Center Eagle Beverage, Gater Racing News, Kathy Harrington, the ISMA Novelty trailer Tony and Marsha Gadzera, Essex Seafood, Jerry and Mary Lou Kritzman, Miller Racing 11, Mitchell’s Speedway Press, Murray’s Transmission, Oswego Speedway, PATCO Transportation, Racing Against Cancer, Bud and Barb Skinner, Turning Stone and Woody’s Automotive.
Earlier in the day, at the General Membership meeting, Howie Lane discussed a tentative 13- event 2012 ISMA schedule and Race Director Jerry Kritzman noted only one rule change that would become effective next season.
The ISMA Auxiliary were applauded for helping make the banquet a success.