Each and every year just seems to get better and that was different this year as the annual awards banquet lived up too all expectations and much, much more. Many drivers and crew members who spend all summer together each weekend, and have not seen each other for the past two months are very excited in getting together to rekindle the enjoyment of each others company, have a few drinks and maybe tell a story or two.
The night kick off with the welcoming of everyone including representation from Elliot Lake and the North Shore Challenge, Wawa, and the NEW Northern Nationals and Shannonville Motorsports Park Dragway. Everyone was in unison of accolades to the Chef and the staff at the Hampton Inn for once again serving up what many called a feast fit for a king.
After a brief recap of the 2011 season, and the introduction of many advertisers who where present the actual presentation kicked of with the awarding of 16 Jr. Dragster Drivers with their prizes climaxing with the introduction of the NEW JR. Dragster Champion Steve Clarmo. The Jr. Dragster Program is one of the best anywhere and is made possible by advertisers Randy Urslak, Jamie Clarmo, Scott Wilson and Mike and Vicky Ogilvie.
The Ogilvie’s added a cool deal to the Jr. Dragster Program with the giving away of a brand new lap top which was too be drawn with a reverse draw format which was kicked off with the first name being drawn. From the first name drawn out until the last two drivers came to the front of the hall all the kids where on pins and needles. Finally the 3rd. last name to be drawn out, Rachel Ogilvie invited Chevy Morrow and Matt Menard to the front as she drew out the final name leaving Mathew Menard the winner of the HP Lap Top. After all of this excitement things even got more exciting as the Ogilvie Lady’s Rachel and Ashley where voted joint rookies of the year in the Jr. Dragster Class.
Joining them in the Rookie categories where Ralph Coe in Super Pro and Laura Lapointe in the Semi Pro Class. Kevin Morrow was then introduced and presented with his awards for being the first ever Door Pro Points Champion, in the class that was all the talk in 2012. Once these special events where over things where then put into high gear with the presentation of the all the Luskville Dragway Semi Pro winners and the 2011 Champion Marc Sauve.
Next up was the Super Pro class which saw many new faces but a familiar face as the champion as Kyle Jessup added yet another title to his long list of accomplishments. Serge Lapierre of North Bay was introduced as the 2011 Sled/Bike Champion and was presented his awards by Elliot Lake reprehensive Darla Hennessey. Darla was joined at the banquet by representatives of the newest race on the tour Wawa, Ontario (official announcement to come next week).
The night continued with the Money Tour points winners in Semi Pro and their 2011 Champion Darryl Jensen, the Super Pro winners and their series champion Ralph Coe the first to claim the title in a door car. The last award of the night is always the driver of the year and as the winner Russ Adams put it, “I have always wanted to win this award” this is the most anticipated award of the night. Russ had a great year winning many races and accumulating the large amount of winnings of any driver.
The rest of the evening was spent being entertained by the incredible band Catalyst and of course much, much bench racing. Some of that bench racing also included a number of advertisers confirming their support for next season, which included the title rights to the Jr. Dragster High Roller Race at next years Bracket Bonanza. This will make it even more exciting for the 16 Jrs. who are entered into this event. What was even more exciting was the fact that over 12 more entrees where confirmed for the three high rollers events that will take place at this years race, which means there is not a lot of spots left and if you want in you better get your name on the list. So as you can see this was an incredible night for everyone, which was very evident with the comments that flowed into our office the following day, and those that where seen by everyone on Facebook.
Posted by: Arnie Malcolm
www.luskvilledragway.com
