LERNERVILLE'S AWARDS BANQUET

LERNERVILLE'S 39TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET A SUCCESS
By Eric J. Westendorf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Sarver, PA) The 39th Annual Lernerville Speedway Awards Banquet returned to the beautifully renovated Days Inn on Rt. 8 south of Butler Saturday Night, March 3. The evening began with an introduction to 2006 Co-General Managers Gary Risch Jr & Sr, Emcees Dow Carnahan and Ed Schaefer, and 2006 Track Champions Kevin Schaeffer (Sprints), Lynn Geiser (Late Models), Kevin Bolland (Modifieds), and Butch Lambert (Pure Stocks).

Before the buffett lines opened up, the following awards were given out for the 2006 season; Most Improved Driver - Carl Bowser (Sprints), Matt Lux (Late Models), Keith Swartzlander (Modifieds), Wayne Carbo (Pure Stocks); Hard Luck Award - Charlie Holbein; Sportsmanship Award - Steve Solari; Rookie of the Year - Danny Holtgraver; Bob Cochran Sponsorship Award - Advanced Auto Parts; Bill Steinbach Media Award - Lou Ruediger; Grover Clasper Award - Ginger Meloy, Jim Magill; Craig Fleming Lernerville Speedway Appreciation Award - Mary Lynn Nicholas. 2007 General Manager Gary Risch, Jr. also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda Fennell for her years of hard work and dedication to Lernerville Speedway.

After everyone enjoyed a lavish buffett, Vice President of DIRT MotorSports Public Relations Chris Dolack was on hand to recognize the faithful media members on hand. Chris credited the media members for helping Lernerville become the elite dirt facility it is today. Dolack stated, "The exposure Lernerville Speedway receives by local and regional print media is second to none in the entire country." In appreciation for their weekly racing section in the Valley News Dispatch, Chris awarded a DIRT MotorSports National Media Award to Tom Zuck and Lou Ruediger. The four page section profiles local drivers and tracks as well national racing series. It is created and distributed every Friday during the Lernerville Speedway season and is provided free of charge to everyone coming through the gates of the speedway. Lou Ruediger also created a multi-media presentation for the Valley News Dispatch website including pictures and audio clips of the 2006 season, and honoring the 2006 track champions.

Emcees Dow Carnahan and Ed Schaefer next took turns presenting the Top-10 and Track Champions from each of the Fab Four weekly racing divisions.

Sprint car drivers Gary Rankin, Arnie Kent, Carl Bowser, and Ed Lynch, Jr. were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Martha Dionise was on hand to accept on behalf of Brent Matus. Kevin Schaeffer graciously accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. "Kool Kevin" thanked his family, sponsors, racing team, and the Lernerville Speedway for making his, "Dream come true of winning a Lernerville Track Championship."

Late Model drivers Tony Burke, Alex Ferree, Matt Lux, and Sam Stile were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Danny Holtgraver was on hand to accept on behalf of John Flinner and a crew member was on hand to accept on behalf of Gary Lyle. Alex Ferree comicly warned champion Lynn Geisler and the entire Late Model division that he "Was Coming" for them in the 2007 racing season. Lynn Geisler and Jack Crowell of longtime sponsor #1 Cochran Automotive were on hand to accept Lynn's 5th Lernerville Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. Lynn thanked his "Senior Citizen pit crew" and #1 Cochran and credited their hard work and devotion to his sustained success.

Modified drivers Keith Swartzlander, Mark Flick, Dave Murdick, and Brian Swartzlander were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Jo Rankin was on hand to accept on behalf of her Grandfather Carl Murdick. Mark Flick expressed his appreciation to Steve Solari for giving them a car to finish the season with after a bad wreck that totaled the Baker Racing #2 Modified at the Super DIRT series race, and to the Bakers for believing in him enough to put another car under him for the 2007 season. Champion "Revin' Kevin" Bolland graciously accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from Hoosier Racing Tires. Bolland also made a heart-felt thank you to his crew for stepping in to keep the 777 ready and on the track while his mom was sick last season, and dedicated the Championship to his mother Rosalie who lost her battle with Leukemia last fall.

Pure Stock Drivers Jake Ayers, Terry Young, Bob Lipinski, Jason Fosnaught, and Wayne Carbo were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Walt Wimer was on hand to accept on behalf of Greg Beach. Back-to-Back Champion Butch Lambert accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. Lambert thanked his wife for her support and made a bittersweet dedication to his father-in-law Bob Kennedy, (who passed away last month), and to his daughter Madison who was born the night of last year's banquet.

Walt Wimer came back to the stage to present his 2006 Cavalcade Award to Ed Lynch Jr. The award was Lynch's 6th, tying the Great Johnny Beaber for the most all-time. Walt also announced the Western PA Rookie of the Year would be awarded to Crate Late Model driver Jason Rider, a regular at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.

Gary Risch, Jr. spoke next, giving thanks to all the drivers, teams, track officials and employees, and fans who make Lernerville the "Best Dirt Track in the Country!" Gary then announced the new features and changes for the 2007 season; An alternate Victory Lane behind the grandstands; new lights all around the track that will make Lernerville Speedway the best lit Dirt Track in the Country, and thus making it more prone to national television broadcasts; a new fence along the front straightaway; a change in insurance policy that will allow fans of all ages into the pits, allowing children to be part of the Friday Night pit crew; on-site beer sales (details of which will be forthcoming); a 2-day 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Show, the "Firecracker 100" will pay $30,000 to win, and be accompanied by an "Uncle Sam 30" non-qualifier's race which will pay $3000 to win; that the World of Outlaws" Don Martin Memorial "Silver Cup XV" will be televised on espn2; and that the April 17 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Race will be televised on SPEED.

Gary Risch, Sr. took the mic next and thanked Jeff Swartzlander for overseeing race operations of the 3G and 8G driven by Brian and Keith Swartzlander respectively while the Risches oversaw the nightly track operations. Risch, Sr. thanked everyone who had a hand in making the transition of the 2006 season possible and successful. Risch, Sr. also gave high praise to his son Gary Risch, Jr. for doing most of the leg work last season with day-to-day and Friday Night operations at the speedway. An emotional Risch, Sr. confidently praised his son and expressed his belief that Risch, Jr. would successfully continue the traditions and improve the overall environment at Lernerville Speedway going forward. Risch, Sr. will oversee concessions and beer sales during the 2007 season, but pledged to make himself available to answer any questions and help anyway he could to the drivers and crews.

The evening then became more informal with music, dancing, mingling, and the distribution of a plethora of door prizes. Up next for Lernerville Speedway is the Clearview Mall Car Show March 15, 16, 17 and Opening Night Friday March 30. Please visit our website www.lernerville.com or call the track office at (724) 353-1511 for more details or to register for the Clearview Mall Car Show.