As has historically been the case, the SAFER banquet held on
March 21st to honor 2008 champion Roger Maynor provided a good
time for all in attendance. A large number of members from the
Figure Eight community were in attendance, as were a number of
other guests from elsewhere in the racing community. The night
provided an opportunity for everyone to share in the celebration
of the successes enjoyed by the SAFER organization and its
members in the last year.
Joe Saraceno started off the evening by welcoming everyone,
and going through a rather lengthy and impressive list of
special guests who were in attendance. The floor was then turned
over to Joe Larsen and Tom Kraft for the presentation of Hall of
Fame inductees. The inductees into the Hall of Fame were
journalist Ricky Miller, George Anderson, Bill Steen, and John
Meade.
Next, those competitors finishing from eleventh through
second were presented with SAFER point fund money and/or
trophies. Second place finisher Tom Kraft presented his trophy
to Michael Specht, stating that he wanted Michael to have a
trophy to take with him when the Specht family moves to Florida.
The final presentation based on 2008 points standings was made
to Roger Maynor. Maynor received his championship trophy, and
was also once again presented with the Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Long Island Cup.
Joe Saraceno then made a presentation to Leah Maynor on
behalf of SAFER in recognition of all of the work she has done
for the benefit of the organization.
Following a dinner break, Leah Maynor took the floor and made
a special presentation on behalf of herself and Mike Rommeney,
recognizing Kevin Rommeney as the 2008 Blunderbust Rookie of the
Year.
A number of SAFER special awards were then presented. The
Bill Webster Memorial Crew Chief of the Year award was presented
to Maynor's crew chief, Artie Schenk. Benny Vecchio, owner of
Tom Kraft's 2008 ride, received the Bill Webster Memorial Car
Owner of the Year award. The Best Appearing Car award went to
Kenny Hyde. Scott Pedersen was recognized at the Rookie of the
Year. The Most Improved Driver award was given to Paul Specht.
Roger Maynor was called to the podium again to receive the John
Zell Memorial Sportsmanship Award. Leah Maynor was the recipient
of the Achievement Award.
The final presentations of the night were for the Crew Member
of the Month. The following people were recognized: Maynor's
crew member Pat Petrone (April/May), Carl Baxter (June), Kraft's
crew member Joe Medonia (July), and Arne Pedersen's crew member
James Brady (August/September).
The DJ then took over, and many attendees enjoyed dancing
until the wee hours of the morning. The winner of the evening's
50/50 raffle, which totaled $241, was Ken Vogel.
Source: Tracy
Chirico/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
March 21, 2009
