By John Lemon
Tulsa, Oklahoma (November 23, 2013) – Harli White was officially crowned as the 2013 Oil Capital Racing Series sprint car champion at the Clarion Inn Hotel in a capacity filled banquet hall this evening. White led the points chase from the first race of the season and tallied seven wins overall in her Maxim framed sprinter with Boyd Racing Engines providing the power. White’s father Charlie was recognized as the 2013 OCRS Mechanic of the Year. The teams sponsors are: Jerry Tucker Roustabout, Terraco Soil Farming, Crash Enterprises, All Star Café and Charlie’s Trucking.
Danny Smith was acknowledged for his season ending runner-up finish in the Hoosier Tire Southwest points fund chase while Johnny Kent, Kade Morton and Kyle Clark finished in positions third through fifth respectively. Morton was also tabbed as the Brodix/PM-Pro rookie of the Year with Miss Shayla Waddell presenting Morton with his award on behalf of PM-Pro. The balance of the top ten were: Alex DeCamp, Chance Morton, Casey Wills, Michael Tyre and Alex Sewell. Michael Bookout (11th place) and Perry Pickard (15th place) were acknowledged as 2013 point funds recipients as well for making the minimum 75% of the scheduled events.
A special “Lifetime of Excellence” acknowledgement was presented in honor of Bob Westphal of WESMAR Racing Engines fame who passed away this summer. Kelly Westphal accepted the plaque that was created for this presentation and he gave a speech in the only manner Kelly can…. Humorous! All of the OCRS series sponsors were acknowledged with White collecting the AmeriFlex Hose and Accessories “Hardest Charger of the Year” award.
White was also crowned as the first OCRS ‘Non-Wing’ sprint car champion for the non-winged events that dotted the 2013 OCRS schedule. Danny Smith was awarded a special award by Larry and Linda Dean in honor of their beloved daughter Dena.
Over $170,000 in cash was paid out during the year along with several thousand dollars in contingency awards handed out as well. In addition to White’s championships and the top ten/point fund recipients, the complete OCRS team awards were:
AmeriFlex Hose and Accessories Hardest Charger of the Year: Harli White
Brodix / PM-Pro Rookie of the Year: Kade Morton
Most Improved Driver of the Year: Kyle Clark
Don Young Award (Best Looking Car of the Year): Alex DeCamp
Sportsmanship of the Year: Danny Smith
Perseverance of the Year: Dan Schnackenburg
Mechanic of the Year: Charlie White
Spirit of the Year: Johnny Kent
In addition to the 2013 awards ceremony, the attendees were entertained by comedian/hypnotist Bruce James who had the crowd laughing throughout his show. The night concluded with music and dancing.
OCRS wishes to thank Danny and Tina Smith and their Same Day Auto Repair company for sponsoring the 2013 OCRS banquet. Congratulations to all the teams for an outstanding season. OCRS wishes to thank all of the track promoters and all the fans of the OCRS series for your support and we look forward to making 2014 better yet!
It’s just 126 more days till the start of the 2014 Oil Capital Racing Series 13th season that will kick off at the Brill Motor Speedway in Meeker, Oklahoma……
“Get Ready”