Saturday Banquet Release

MODIFIED AND SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT LEBANON VALLEY

POINT FUND EXCEEDS $75,000 AGAIN!

MARCH 15, 2003

West Lebanon, NY- Brett Hearn and Art Collins took home the lions share of 
the cash Saturday night at the Lebanon Valley Clubhouse. Hearn was crowned 
the 2002 high point champion in the modified division, while Art Collins took 
top honors in the sportsman ranks. Two special guests were on hand Saturday 
night. Jack Arute, along time broadcaster for ABC Sports and ESPN gave a 
great talk about racing at this level. For the second straight night, 
nationally known comic, Steve Van Zandt entertained the crowd with his antics 
and impressions. A huge crowd was on hand for the always-great roast beef 
dinner.

Brett Hearn from Sussex, NJ was honored as the 2002 modified track champion. 
Hearn piloted the Budweiser-Gable Motorsports #1 car to nines wins at the 
Valley in 2002 including the Mr. Dirt Track USA event and the CARQUEST 200. 
Hearn took the point title away from Kenny Tremont Jr on the final night of 
the season. Hearn’s second modified championship at Lebanon Valley was worth 
$5,200. Hearn was quick to thank his owner, Jody Gable and crew chief Jocko 
Matterer for all their efforts in the 2002 season. Kenny Tremont Jr, Eddie 
Marshall, Matt Quinn and Andy Bachetti finished second though fifth in the 
final modified point standings. Ernie Palmer took home the John Maxon 
Modified Rookie of the Year honors.

Art Collins from Chatham NY is the 2002 Sportsman Track Champion. Collins had 
three victories in 2002. Out of the sixteen races run Collins finished 
fourteen in the top ten. In his acceptance speech Collins dedicated this 
title to his sister who passed away recently. For his efforts in 2002 Collins 
picked up a check for $3,169. K.C. Goewey, Roy Bridge, Lorne Browe and Bobby 
Knipe finished second through fifth in the final standings. Lorne Browe was 
honored with the Jeff Yasinsac "Mr. Excitement" Award and Ryan Larkin was 
honored as the Rookie of the Year in the Sportsman division.

Andy Bachetti was also honored for his 358-modified track championship in 
2002. Bachetti had three wins in seven races in the 358-modified division. 
Rich Ricci Jr and Brett Hearn finished second and third respectively in the 
358-modified standings.

There were several other special awards handed out Saturday night as well. 
The 2002 inductee into the Lebanon Valley Speedway Hall of Fame was Todd 
Sheldon. Todd began his career at Lebanon Valley as a driver and has been an 
active car owner and sponsor at the track for many years. The Lebanon Valley 
Board of Directors Award went to Debbie Hewitt for all her work in raising 
money for the drivers point fund. The media award went to Ed Biittig Jr for 
his involvement with the speedway press releases, the Racing with Hart radio 
program and various other free-lance writing assignments.