Friday Banquet Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRO STOCK, ROOKIE AND PURE STOCK DIVISIONS
HONORED AT LEBANON VALLEY SPEEDWAY

MARCH 22, 2002
WEST LEBANON, NY-Lebanon Valley Speedway honored their drivers and owners for 
their accomplishments during the 2001 season in awards festivities March 22 
in the speedway clubhouse.
    The Pro Stock, Rookie and Pure Stock divisions crowned champions for the 
2001 season in awards presented on Friday night March 17th. 
    Long time Lebanon Valley competitor Jim Langenback of Pittsfield, MA 
emotionally thanked his crew and credited them for their help in winning the 
2001 Pro Stock championship. For his efforts Langenback received $2,229.00 in 
point money.
    Paul LaRochelle was the runner up in the Pro Stock points followed by Rob 
Yetman, Al Blackburn and Danny Sanchez. Sixth through tenth place in Pro 
Stock points were, Tom Brandt, Robbie Speed, Ricky Duzlak, Buddy Hencke and 
Ed Bachand. The top ten point men also received money from the Lebanon Valley 
point fund.
    One of the special awards of the night was presented to Pro Stock driver 
Buddy Hencke walked away with the Most Improved Rookie Award. After starting 
the 2001 season in the Rookie division and winning the 1st four races Buddy 
moved up to the Pro Stock division and drove the #10H to a respectable 9th 
place in points.
    The Rookie Pro Stock division was decided by only 22 points and was 
decided on the last night of racing. Dave Colwell just nudged out Dan 
Blackburn for the championship. Scott Kilmer, Charlie Woodard and Jason 
DiBello rounded out the top five positions with Henry Warner, Brian Keough, 
Phil Moffit, Larry Ball and Wayne Keyes finishing sixth through tenth.
    The Walt Schutt Memorial Award is presented to the individual who 
emulates the spirit of Walt Schutt. Walt Schutt was a racer who although 
having the funds to allow him to drive any car he wanted, chose to not race 
beyond his means. He was also a true gentleman on and off the track and raced 
for the fun of the sport.
    The 2001 Walt Schutt Memorial Award was presented to Al Blackburn of Pine 
Plains, NY. Al who's three sons, Al Bobby and Dan all race at the speedway is 
the consummate gentleman. His competitive spirit does not hinder his 
willingness to help others.
    Brian Sandstedt was crowned the 2001 Pure Stock Champion. Brian's 
consistency week to week helped him to 20 top ten finishes and three wins. 
Although our Pure Stock runner up Pete Wiegand was able to capture 9 wins 
Sandstedt's performance won him the title.
    Last years champion Bob Palmer was the third place point man followed by 
Jim Dellea and George Miles Jr. Sixth through tenth place in points were 
Wally Engel, Jim Hankey, Bob Burl, Robert Gibson and Bruce Moffit.
    The Lebanon Valley Speedway Board of Directors presented its award to a 
man who has worked at the speedway for over 40 years. Earl Soulier began at 
the track as a young boy of 10, helping out around the grounds. For almost as 
long as Earl's bee big enough to reach the pedals he has been running the 
water wagon and preparing the racetrack. As many can attest the racing 
surface at Lebanon Valley is one of the best anywhere and Earl has a lot to 
do with it being that way.
    Nationally known comic and impressionist Steve Van Zandt was on hand to 
entertain the crowd and had everyone laughing uncontrollably with his antics. 
Steve is a local talent from East Greenbush, NY and was extremely funny.
The awards banquet to honor the Modified and Sportsman drivers and owners was 
held on Saturday March 23rd and is detailed in another release. Lebanon 
Valley Speedway will kick off its 50th season on Saturday April 20th. For 
more information please visit www.lebanonvalley.com.