In 2007, Riverhead Raceway enduro drivers notched an
important "first", as that was the first year that the enduro
divisions were awarded points. This year, they recognized that
in a big way by hosting their own awards banquet. Drivers in
each of the divisions were rewarded for their efforts with
trophies, point fund money, special awards, and an enjoyable
affair. More than a hundred people were on hand at JC's Pub &
Restaurant in Manorville to take part in the event.
Guests arriving at JC's were greeted by festive decorations,
a DJ providing entertainment, and hors d'ouvres. Following a
buffet-style dinner, the presentation of awards began. A special
presentation was made by Gene Burbol on behalf of all of the
enduro drivers to CARQUEST Auto Parts for providing all of the
trophies handed out at the enduros all season.
The 4 cylinder drivers who placed tenth through sixth were
recognized, and then the top five received their trophies, with
the top three also getting point fund checks. It was capped off
by the presentation to champion Bob Haeger, who received a check
from Iron Man Welding and a championship plaque from Denise's
Photos in addition to his other awards. The 6 cylinder drivers
were honored next, culminating with the presentation to champion
Shawn Wanat. This was followed by the 8 cylinder division, with
champion Dege Russell capping off the division's presentations.
Then the spotlight turned to the 4/6 cylinder trucks, wrapped up
with the presentation to champion Donald "Woot" Lawrence.
A number of special awards were then presented to some of the
Grand Enduro drivers, courtesy of Flanders Automotive. Greg
Zaleski received the award for Best Appearing Car, while John
Cozza was recognized with the Hard Charger Award for advancing
the most positions overall during the season. The award for Most
Improved Driver went to rookie Jimmy Denis, who showed
remarkable improvement as he gained seat time during the course
of the year. Cindy Johnson and a small group of Grand Enduro
drivers then collectively presented flowers and plaques to
Christie Wanat, Tracy Chirico, and Elaine Vollmoeller, in
appreciation of the time and effort they volunteered on behalf
of the enduro drivers in 2008.
Next, the tenth through sixth place drivers were recognized
for their achievements, with those drivers finishing in the top
five receiving point fund money in addition to their trophies.
The final presentation of the evening went to John Cozza, the
2008 Grand Enduro champion.
Many door prizes were given out once the awards presentations
were complete. Such things as poinsettias, liquor baskets,
subscriptions to Area Auto Racing News, and a gift
certificate to Constant Performance were given away to
attendees. The 50/50 raffle included the traditional
"winner takes half" money prize, and a second prize that
consisted of a pair of tickets to a New York Rangers hockey game
was also given away, courtesy of Mike Cappiello and WRS
Environmental Services. Guests who found orange Post-Its stuck to
the bottoms of their chairs were given centerpieces to take
home. John Cozza had framed collage photographs containing
pictures of several cars in the division that he handed out to
the top five finishers in the division.
Before heading home, those on hand at the banquet had the
opportunity to take part in some dancing, with a DJ providing
music until the conclusion of the event.
It was announced that there will be an informal meeting of
enduro drivers, tentatively expected to be held at the beginning
of January. LongIslandJam.com will post the details of the
meeting once plans are finalized.
Source: Tracy
Chirico/LognIslandJam.com
Posted:
December 6, 2008
