1) Tommy Walkowiak
#00 Unique Golf Shop Chevrolet

For the second consecutive year, Tommy Walkowiak stood at the podium and collected his championship hardware. While he does not deny there was a good amount of skill involved, Walkowiak does not discount the role that plain and simple racing luck played in his season. Walkowiak’s car was virtually destroyed in a June incident, but his friend Ron Langdon stepped up and lent Walkowiak his car, a car that Walkowiak has won in before. Walkowiak did not miss a single race, showing up with Langdon’s car, with Walkowiak’s body hung on it. In 16 races, Walkowiak recorded 6 wins, 11 top 5s, and 13 top 10s. In 2008, look for Walkowiak to come back to defend his title once again while also running a limited number of shows in a Late Model.

16 races, 6 wins, 11 top 5s, 13 top 10s

2) Scott Maliszewski
#22 Maliszewski Racing Chevrolet

Maliszewski, the 2005 Blunderbust champion, had to settle for being the bridesmaid to his off-track friend, Walkowiak for the second consecutive year. In spite of putting up a good fight that went down to the wire (Walkowiak edged Maliszewski by only 10 points), Maliszewski himself described his 2007 season as “disappointing.” By his own account, Maliszewski suffered three flat tires in 2007, more than any other season in his career. Maliszewski’s plans for 2008 are up in the air, as the car and motor are for sale and he runs a primarily self-funded and self-manned team. If sponsorship comes through for Maliszewski expect to see him running back to the front of the field again in 2008.

16 races, 2 wins, 11 top 5s, 14 top 10s

3) Eddie Mistretta
#32 BAM's Auto Body Chevrolet

“Krazy” Eddie Mistretta, who has run cars in the Charger and Figure 8 classes, returned for his second season in the Blunderbusts and spent much of the season within reach of the division crown. Just a few bad nights kept it just out of reach for the veteran driver, in spite of winning two of the division’s three 30-lap double point races. Probably the highlight of Mistretta’s season, from a fan’s perspective, was his win in the August 30-lap race, where he battled side-by-side with Chris Busick for much of the race. Mistretta’s plans for 2008 are not definite as his car is also for sale. Mistretta may explore the possibility of returning to the Figure 8 division or possibly another division. If his Blunderbust is not sold, Mistretta may be yet another contender for the 2008 title.

16 races, 2 wins, 8 top 5s, 12 top 10s

4) Joe Pingitore
#76 J&C Auto Salvage Chevrolet

Pingitore has a reputation for flying below the radar both on and off the track. In 2007, he flew right into the top 5! Pingitore has consistently improved over the past few seasons. In 2005, Pingitore had 5 top 10s in 12 races, and in 2006 he recorded 7 top 10s in 11 races. Consistency was key for Pingitore in 2007, as he had no wins but tallied up 7 top 5s and 13 top 10s in 16 races. According to the quiet driver, his biggest downfall going into 2008 is that he didn't leave himself much room for improvement. “There aren’t many spots left to move up into," he said, "but as long as sponsorship works itself out, I hope to be in one of them next year.”

16 races, 0 wins, 7 top 5s, 13 top 10s

5) Bill Wegmann
#79 Crackerjack Auto Supply Olds

Wegmann had a tough season, suffering some mechanical woes that included a blown motor. He kept himself busy as the primary crew on his own car, while also providing some setup assistance to his stepson, Ray Shannon. The two duked it out in the points for part of the season and Wegmann managed to hold onto a trophy position by a mere two points over his stepson. Surprising to many was the fact that Wegmann did not record a win in 2007, the first time in four years. He plans to run a full schedule in 2008, hoping to visit victory lane again. According to Wegmann, his family has agreed that – as long as they can get him in and out of the window of the race car – he can continue to entertain spectators as the “Racing Grandfather.”

16 races, 0 wins, 4 top 5s, 11 top 10s

6) Ray Shannon
#64 Centereach Trans. Chevy

Shannon just missed taking home a trophy at the banquet in 2007, but not for lack of trying. Working closely with his stepfather, Shannon put a lot of work into his car prior to the season and it was virtually impossible not to notice the difference it made. Shannon recorded 5 top 5s and 10 top 10s (1 more top 5 but 1 fewer top 10 than Wegmann). According to the driver, the high point of his season was walking away feeling that he had gained the respect of other drivers in the division. Look for Racin’ Ray Shannon to return in 2008, with a visit to victory lane a distinct possibility.

16 races, 0 wins, 5 top 5s, 10 top 10's

7) Artie Pedersen Jr.
#1 Sherwin-Williams Chevrolet

Pedersen’s 2007 season was one of his best since his return to the Blunderbust division in 2003. While he did place fourth in 2005’s point standings, he earned his personal best in top tens and a win in 2007 – his first since 1997. Pedersen feels his season went “okay,” as while his season was one of his best, he had some mechanical issues and some on-track incidents. Pedersen’s 2008 season is up in the air, as it could include a Late Model deal, a return to the Blunderbusts, or a year off to concentrate on his two kids’ go-kart efforts.

16 races, 1 win, 4 top 5s, 11 top 10s

8) Scott Pedersen
#27 Baysides Bar & Grill Chevrolet

The other half of the racing Pedersen brothers had a career year as well. Despite having one more top five than his brother Artie, Scott wound up eighth, six points behind him. His eighth place finish was a career best, but he came up short in the wins column, still looking for his first career feature win. Pedersen plans to try it again in 2008, hoping to attain his first win, a goal which he has come so close to, but to no avail.

16 races, 0 wins, 5 top 5s, 11 top 10s

9) Tom Sullivan
#7 Lakewood Used Parts Lincoln

Sullivan made a mark on the racing scene with a “supporting” role in American Gangster and a podium-place finish in a beauty contest. However, he seemed unable to carry over the success to the track. Sullivan was never short of fast, but Sullivan brought new meaning to “bombing” on the track. Not only did Sullivan blow up two of his own motors, he blew up a few in the rides he borrowed. In 2008, Sullivan hopes to have “another fun season, with no blown motors.” Hopefully, Sullivan will not be distracted again this year from his Hollywood pursuits.

14 races, 0 wins, 6 top 5s, 8 top 10s

10) Donny Oliver
#05 Flanders Automotive Chevrolet

Oliver’s 2007 season started with a car that was intended as a parts car for other vehicles in car owners, Frank and Vicki Curtis’s stable. It culminated in the driver earning “Rookie of the Year” honors and a top 10 point finish in spite of missing a week. Oliver spent much of the season frustrated with chasing car issues, but he led the “Rookie of the Year” standings from opening night on and managed to stay in the top 10 in points for most of the season. He raced smart, but sometimes gave positions by trying not to get in the way of other drivers. Many would have loved to see what he could do in his sophomore year, but his plans do not include the Blunderbusts. His fans will have to be content watching him in the Grand Enduros unless something changes between now and opening night.

15 races, 0 wins, 1 top 5, 8 top 10s

~The End~