Sacramento, Calif-- Nearly 175 Drivers, Owners, Crew members, Family, and Friends attended the SRL Wild West Late Model Shootout awards banquet last Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza in downtown Sacramento. The top 10 drivers and car owners in the championship race were recognized for their achievements, as the 2006 season was celebrated.
Eric Schmidt was crowned at the 2006 SRL Wild West Late Model Shootout Champion. Schmidt won two races en route to the Series Championship. Schmidt and car owner Frank Jordan both appeared on stage and thanked their team, competitors, and staff of the SRL for an excellent 2006 season.
Finishing second in the final point standings was Jim Courage Jr. of Roseville California. Courage Jr., scored his first career SRL victory at Madera Speedway this season. Finishing third was Jeff Belletto, the driver who led the most laps during the 2006 season, but failed to score a victory after a tough run of bad luck. Mike Mendenhall who traveled the most miles to and from the racetrack during the 2006 season finished fourth as he also scored his first career SRL victory this season. Rounding out the top five was Joey Zampa who earned three fast time honors this season and qualified in the top five in six out of eight races.
Troy Ermish finished the 2006 season in the sixth position. Ermish started the 2006 season off with setting fast time at Shasta Raceway Park. Finishing seventh was SRL veteran Ken Boyd. Boyd, like Zampa also qualified in the top five in six of the eight races in the 2006 season. Aaron Days was yet another driver who scored his first victory during the 2006 season. That victory came at Altamont Motorsports Park. Tracy Bolin finished ninth in the championship standings. Bolin finished the 2006 season with two third places finishes. Rounding out the top ten is Kyle Gottula who was also named the 2006 Victory Circle Chassis and Parts Rookie of the Year. Gottula beat Jason Gilbert by just five points for the tenth position and the Rookie of the Year title.
Kyle Gottula of Modesto, California was crowned as the 2006 SRL Wild West Late Model Shootout Victory Circle Chassis and Parts Rookie of the Year. The 20 year-old will be the recipient of a brand new Victory Circle Chassis.
Five-Star Stock Car Bodies held a drawing for a Free Pak “A” Body that was won by Eric Schmidt. Troy Ermish won the 50% off Pak “A” Body, while Jeff Belletto received 20% off of a Pak “A” Body.
Bassett Racing Wheels present certificates to Eric Schmidt, Jim Courage Jr., and Kyle Gottula. Ken Boyd also won two free powder coated wheels from Basset Racing Wheels.
Joey Zampa received a check for $2,500 as the Qualifying Points Champion. Finishing second was Jim Courage Jr. who received a check for $1,500, and Ken Boyd third as he received $1,000.
Impact Racing supplied a Helmet to Eric Schmidt the 2006 SRL Champion. Impact driving shoes will be awarded to Jim Courage Jr., for his second place finish in the championship standings. Jeff Belletto who finished third will receive a pair of Impact Driving gloves.
Afco Racing Products gave certificates to Eric Schmidt (first), Joey Zampa (fifth) and Kyle Gottula (tenth). Dyna-Tech Headers also awarded Schmidt, Zampa, and Gottula for their first, fifth and tenth places finishes with certificates. U.S. Brake awarded Jim Courage Jr., Troy Ermish, and Jason Gilbert with certificates for their performance during the 2006 season.
PITSTOPUSA.COM presented certificates to Eric Schmidt for his championship and to Kyle Gottula for winning Rookie of the Year.
Long Engine Systems held a drawing for an Electric Impact Wrench that Jim Courage Jr. was able to take home. Frank’s Radio also raffled off a Racing Electronics Headset that was won by Peggy Mullins.
Before the fifth place driver was announced and brought onto the stage, a special tribute was made to the late Jeff Anthony. A plaque was issued to the Anthony family with the names of every driver who led on lap 76 during the 2006 season.
The top 10 drivers, car owners, and rookie of the year also received a framed photograph from David Misco, the official photographer of the SRL. Every driver who attended also received a gear bag from the SRL. Each driver and owner received a trophy for their accomplishes during the 2006 season, along with a check for their final points position. Over $30,000.00 in awards were presented to the 2006 SRL competitors.
George Wade from Shasta Raceway Park was in attendance along with Danny Grill who will serve as the Director of Competition for the SRL in the 2007 season.
The SRL would like to thank everyone who attended the 2006 awards banquet and for making the 2006 season a successful one. On behalf of the staff and members of the SRL, we would all like to thank Steve and Barbara Fensler for the beautiful awards ceremony.
For more information visit the SRL Wild West Shootout’s website at http://www.srllatemodels.com
The SRL Wild West Shootout would like to thank their 2006 Sponsors, which include: Afco, Bassett Racing Wheels, Brodix Inc., Dynatech, DPI, Eibach Springs, FRE, Five Star Stock Car Bodies, Frank’s Radio Service, G. P. Fabrication, Hoosier Tire West, Impact Racing, Fensler Racing Inc., Madera Auto Center, MUD-Racing.net, Paul Oil Co., Performance Electrical, Peterson Fluid Systems, Pit Stop USA.Com, Sunoco, U.S. Brake, and Victory Circle Chassis and Parts.
