By Bryan Gapinski
Sun Prairie, Wis., Nov. 7 — Driver Champion David Budres and car owner Manic Racing headlined the list of honorees at the annual Badger Midget Auto Racing Association awards banquet Saturday Night at the Angell Park Pavilion . The event brought the curtain down on the 79th anniversary season for the series sponsored by Zimbrick Chevrolet of Sun Prairie and Mid-State Equipment.
Budres’s season was highlighted by his first career Badger Midget feature victory driving the Manic Racing Stealth/Fontana No. 31. Dave Budres was named Mechanic of the Year.
Other award winners included: Billy Balog (Terry Vaughn Award), Jake Neuman (Frank Conner Award), Buddy Luebke (Pat Stender Award), Johnny Murdock (Kevin Doty Award), Denny Smith (Appreciation Award), Mid-State Equipment, Zimbrick Chevrolet of Sun Prairie, Don’s Home Furniture, 1855 Saloon, Cardinal Heating, Kleven & Company, High Performance Lubricants, Industrial Truck Repair, Service Specialists and My Race Pass (Sponsor Appreciation), SET Racing (Best Appearing Car), and NAPA Racing (Best Dressed Crew).
Derek Childs was named midget rookie of the year, while rookie achievement awards were presented to: Tommy Bigelow, Donnie Bigelow, Laura Smith, Denny Smith, Neil Weigen and Childs.
Will Gerrits won five features to claim the Badger 600 Micro Series Championship, driving for Car Owner Champion NAPA Racing. Jake Gerrits claimed Rookie of the Year honors for the division.