LEATY
ENJOYS YEAR END ACCOLADES AT SPENCER AWARDS BANQUET
by Gary M.
Spaid
ONTARIO,
NY…The 53rd annual Spencer Speedway Awards Banquet was
held on Friday, October 12 at the Ontario Fireman’s
Hall. Nearly 200 competitors, fans, family and officials
attended the packed house affair. Announcer and race
director, Chris Zacharias, emceed the award ceremonies.
The
purpose of the annual banquet is to honor the 2007 track
champions at Spencer Speedway. Mike Leaty, from
Williamson, joined a unique group of nine drivers to have
won multiple modified track championships at Spencer
Speedway, which included the late and great Richie Evans.
Leaty won his first track championship at Spencer last
season and backed it up with his second title this year.
“My
father has helped me to earn this title,” commented
Leaty. “He helps to supply and build the best motors and
chassises needed to win this title.” Leaty then
proceeded to thank his sponsors and crew for their efforts
in 2007.
Also on
hand was T.J. Potrzebowski, the 2007 SST Modified Champion
at Spencer. Potrzebowski was in a battle to try and win a
special $20,000 bonus to win both the Spencer and Chemung
SST titles. During the 2007 season “T.J.” raced three
nights a week, competing in some 60 SST Modified races.
Potrzebowski
fell short of picking up the $20,000, as Tony Hanbury took
the Chemung title and with it the NYS NASCAR State
championship. Potrzebowski finished second in New York
State points. For his Spencer Speedway efforts however,
Potrzebowski picked up $5,000 in track championship money.
The 2007
Champion in the Street Stock division was Jim Steffenhagen
Jr., who won a tight points battle with Bobby Lippa Jr.
Steffenhagen commented he would be looking to field an SST
Modified in 2008 at Spencer.
Billy
Semmler picked up his first Super Six track title, edging
out the 2006 champion Kris Hillegeer.
A number
of new drivers took special honors on the night. In the
“Rookie of the Year” category Cassandra Johnstone took
top honors in the Super Six division, while Billy Semmler
won in the Street Stock class and Ryan Beeman, who
finished ninth in track points, took the Rookie honors in
the SST division.
“Hard
Charger” awards were handed out to Kris Hillegeer in the
Super Sixes, Ryan Corso in the Street Stocks, Kevin
Timmerman in the SST Modifieds and Tim McMullen in the
NASCAR Modified division.
In the “Most
Improved Driver” category top honors were given to Patti
Davenport in the Super Six division, Willie Strusz in the
Street Stock class and Jeff Hamman in the SST Modified
division.
The “Best
Appearing Car” category awards were presented to Kris
Hillegeer in the Super Sixes, Tom Carino in the Street
Stocks, Kevin Timmerman in the SST Modifieds and Mike
Leaty in the NASCAR Modified division.
One of the
most coveted awards annually in the NASCAR Craftsman
Mechanic of the Year Award. This year Douglas Cheetham won
the award.
All-State
Insurance sponsored a special “Good Hands” award for
sportsmanship and help to others. This year the winner was
Dean DeMarree, who helped Todd Smith remain on the track
following damage to Smith’s own car. With the help of
DeMarree, Smith finished fifth in Spencer NASCAR Modified
points.
Also
receiving special awards were Don and Marilyn Toal for
their dedication to motor sports and Spencer Speedway in
particular. Both received Certificates of Appreciation and
Recognition.
Certificates
of Appreciation were also handed out to Ron Rigby, Tom
Starsmore and Chris Zacharias. A number of “Kathy Awards”
were handed out for help at the speedway; Marilyn Toal,
Star Mullie, Michelle Stapleton, Missy Stapleton, Nancy
Danowski, Christina Grodski, Tara DeMarree, Melissa Brusso
and Suzanne Mullie.
The
management at Spencer wants to thank everyone for their
support during their first full season of operations. They
look forward to the 2008 racing season. Look for
announcements concerning racing plans during the winter
months.
