From Bill Wright
Burlington, IA — (November 24, 2014) — Over $28,000 in cash and contingencies was handed out Saturday night, November 22 at the Brockway Mechanical & Roofing Sprint Invaders banquet. The banquet was held at the Comfort Suites in Burlington, Iowa.
After a reception and dinner, appreciation was handed out for series sponsors, the Board of Directors, tracks and promoters, series’ push truck drivers, event associates, officials and volunteers.
Owner awards were handed out next. The top five included the Jimmy Davies #99 (fifth), the Mike Houseman Sr. #68 (fourth), the Deuce Motorsports #49 (third), the Goodno Promotions #22 (second) and the Agan Motorsports #4 (champion).
Driver points were recognized next. The top five included Bret Tripplett (fifth), Mike Houseman Jr. (fourth), Josh Schneiderman (third), Tony Shilling (second) and Jon Agan (champion).
Kelly Graham was named Rookie of the Year with the series. KSE Hard-charger awards were given for passing the most cars in feature events. Bret Tripplett (third), Dustin Selvage (second) and Josh Schneiderman (first) received those awards.
Kev Doty, son of Kevin Doty joined emcee, Bill Wright, in handing out the Kevin Doty Memorial Perseverance Award. Harold Pohren, who suffered a house fire that cost him most of his racing operation, was the emotional recipient. He was quick to thank everyone in the room who had helped get him back on the track.
Donna Pindell presented a special “On the Road Again” Award to the Bret Tripplett #22 team. The team traveled thousands of miles during the season from their home in Lincoln, Illinois to make every Sprint Invaders show.
The Sprint Invaders Board of Directors was proud to induct long-time mechanic Scott Bonar into the Sprint Invaders Hall of Fame.
Peer Awards, voted on by the teams and officials were handed out next. Jon Agan was honored as the Brian Hetrick Memorial Driver of the Year. Jon scored two wins and eight top five finishes on his way to the championship.
Jimmy Davies was awarded as the Rich DeReu Memorial Owner of the Year by Bart Schneiderman. There was a three-way tie for this year’s Walter Rockhold Memorial Automotive Machine Mechanic/Crew Member of the Year. Bart Schneiderman of Deuce Motorsports, Alec Taeger of the Bobby Mincer #15 and Mike Houseman Sr. who wrenches on both of his cars, the #68 and the #80x were awarded in that category.
The Eagle Motorsports, Inc. Hard Luck Award was given to Carson McCarl, who despite getting his first win with the series, also suffered some mechanical setbacks along the way. For the second year in a row, Dave Getchell was voted as the recipient of the Olson Brothers Custom Shop Stoney and Dick Stoneking Memorial Sportsmanship Award.
For climbing from eighteenth in 2013 points to sixth this season, Mitchell Alexander was given the Most Improved Driver Award in memory of Galen “Shep” Shepherd. Finally, this year’s Bud Taeger Official of the Year Award was given to Donna Pindell for her tireless efforts for the series.
In addition to the awards, a silent auction raised funds for the Sprint Invaders Benevolent Society. In addition, over fifty door prizes were handed out to banquet guests. An initial schedule was given for 2015, with several dates still being finalized.