STOCKS: $80,000 Awarded to Top Point Teams at Lebanon Valley Speedway
20 March 1999
WEST LEBANON, NY-Lebanon Valley Speedway honored their 1998 drivers and owners at awards banquets held March 12 & 13 in the speedway clubhouse. In what is becoming one of the largest short track point funds in the country, $80,000.00 was awarded to the high point men in the Modified, Sportsman, Street Stock and IMCA Modified divisions. The $80,000.00 mark is the largest ever in the speedway's 46-year history and is one step closer to achieving the goal of $100,000.00.Kenny Tremont Jr. took home the lions share of the point money as he and his family and crew celebrated the #115's tenth Modified championship. Kenny, when planning his speech to thank his sponsors asked noted racing journalist Ron Hedger for a little advice on how to thank everyone. The outcome of that advice was that Kenny started out by thanking Brett Hearn for racing at Lebanon Valley for the past three seasons. He also thanked him for making him spend twice as much money to win the point title this season.
Brett finished second in the points. Rounding out the top ten in Modified points were Chris Moore, J.R. Heffner, Rich Ricci Jr., Eddie Marshall, John Hewitt, Dave Leckonby, Todd Wilkinson and Don Ackner.
Bob Devine, Modified car owner and father of driver Steve Devine was inducted as the 47th member of the Lebanon Valley Speedway Hall of Fame. Bob has been fielding a car for son Steve since 1979.
The John Maxon Modified Rookie of the Year award went to Todd Wilkinson. Todd garnered his first ever Modified feature win in 98 and was one of only 4 different feature winners last season.
In the Sportsman division "Alligator Art" Collins had 5 wins in 98 on the way to securing his 2nd Sportsman championship. Last years champion George Marcus finished second in the points followed by Bobby Chalmers, Chris Kokosa, Ron Blake, Bobby Hackel, Roy Bridge, Lee Gagliardi, K.C. Goewey and Mike Mason. K.C. Goewey was honored as the Sportsman division Rookie of the Year for the 98 season. Generosity awards went to Sportsman driver David Sanchez for loaning his racecar to Art Collins one night when the #68 could not race. This allowed Collins to win the Sportsman championship. Also being honored with the Generosity award was Chris Crews, IMCA Modified driver for loaning his racecar to Paul LaRochelle during the middle of a very close point battle. Dan Martin was awarded this years press award. Dan is one of the "Voices of Lebanon Valley" announcing the weekly races with his side kick John Stanley. Dan also hosts a radio talk show about racing on WBUZ 93.5FM.
In the IMCA Modified division Craig Simmons became only the second champion in this new and growing division. Paul LaRochelle and Don Denue tied for the runner up spot with Bill Lander and Rich Colesanti rounded out the top five. The 1998 Walt Schutt Memorial Award was presented to Pure Stock driver Jacob Coons. This 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. Jacob Coons fits these criteria and the Lebanon Valley is honored to present this prestigious award to him.
Lorne Browe notched his second Street Stock division championship in a row in 1998. Adam Haas had another great season but for the second year in a row fell just a little short of the championship. Robbie Speed, Scott Govertson, John Routhier, Danny Sanchez, Rob Yetman, Bobby Blackburn, Ricky Duzlak and Dave Striebel were 3rd through 10th.
Danny Sanchez won the Street Stock driver of the year award and Rob Yetman was the Most Improved Rookie.
Walt Clark was crowned as Rookie Street Stock champion. Walt secured the championship without winning a race. This is a great testament to his consistent finishes. Finishing second through tenth in the Rookie points were Mike Bungay, John Denue, Tim Emmons, Don Collins, Joe Platt, Chris Lawlor, Bob Miller, George Stalker Jr. and "Flyin" Brian Keough.
When Lebanon Valley Speedway opened in 1953 Walter and Margaret Bedell were present to see the races take place. The Lebanon Valley Board of Directors chose the Bedell's to honor with the 1998 Board of Directors award for dedication and support to racing at Lebanon Valley Speedway. For the past 46 years, with the exception of missing a couple of weeks when Walter had a heart attack a few years back, Walter and Margaret Bedell have attended every racing event run at Lebanon Valley Speedway.
Ron Fredericks claimed his first Pure Stock championship in 98. Ron chalked up 6 wins on his way to the championship. Tom Sanchez Jr., Kirk Stanaway, William Hammell, Tim Drumm, Henry Warner, Scott Kilmer, George Miles, Bob Palmer and seven time feature winner Pete De Figlio were honored as second through tenth place in the Pure Stock points.
Lebanon Valley Speedway promoter Howard Commander was honored with a proclamation from New York Governor George Pataki. The proclamation, presented by Deputy Secretary of State, J. Felix Strevell thanked Howard for his many years of supporting the Columbia County and Capital District areas and providing those areas with a facility the caliber of Lebanon Valley Speedway. It cited Howard for his dedication to auto racing and aiding to the spirit of family values by keeping Lebanon Valley Speedway a family oriented entertainment venue.
The next event at the Speedway will be the annual Kick Off Rally, Sunday, March 28. There will be many racecars on hand in the clubhouse on display and you can also pick up your 1999 season pass or license. The Kick Of Rally hours are 11am to 5pm, food and beverages will be available and kids can ride the Go-Karts free from 3pm-4pm Admission is just $5. You can find more information at www.lebanonvalley.com or please call the speedway office (518) 794-9606 or (518) 794-9965.