Votes for Person of the Year 2008
Please note, not all comments are included. (Last update December 13, 7:00am PT)
When one person votes for more than one candidate, each candidate will recieve a percentage of the whole.
Candidate: Austin Reed
Comment: Because he really puts his heart into what he does and it shows!
Voted by:
John Laforme
Candidate: Ken Coventry - race engine builder
Comment: He has for nearly 40 years put all other people's needs first over his own. He has literaly helped any racer who ask's for help. some are ernie irvan, davey hamilton and the list is endless. he is the most selfless person I know.
Voted by:
Geoff Tipton
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: For all he has done for the racing community, no better way to honor his life then with this award.
Voted by: Michael Medlin
Candidate: Mark and Gloria Wilson, Hasa Pool Products
Comment?: Mark and Gloria are dream sponsors. Not only do they come to almost every race, they host hospitality events that have been well received and have been nicknamed Hasapitality Events. Their hard work and efforts have helped fill the seats at numerous races. As an example: over five hundred Hasa customers and friends attended the Infineon race in June. Gloria personally cooked enough Tri-Tip to feed them all! Mark and Gloria really get involved with the Camping World Series West, and are very hands on. Their dedication to our sport makes them deserving to be Racing West’s 2008 Persons of the Year.
Voted by: z. Smith
Candidate: Dean Klock
Comment: I have known this guy since his "Sprint car" days, he did well as a crew chief there but then got in to the pavement deal at Irwindale because he wanted a new challenge. He did well with Dan Moore in the Super Late Model class, won a championship with Dan in the Super Trucks. Then he moved on to the Speed Wong program as crew chief for their Super Late program, and won races with Cris Johnson, and worked with some great drivers. All the Super Lates were plenty fast with lots of different drivers in them, and its important to note that when Dean got there, they had no program to speak of and the programs success was due in no small part to Deans hard work. Last year Dean teamed up with the Jacksons from Jackson race cars as a car chief and the team won 10 races, had lots of fast times, and won a championship, as well as nearly winning a championship in the Late Model division. Dean keeps an extremely low profile at the track, but, in my opinion, its about time he is recognized for what he is, a hard worker, an asset to any team lands on, nad on hell of a crew chief!!!!!!!!!
Voted by: Kevin Buchner
Candidate: Jerry Losch-Scott Ellsworth
Comment?: Making Northwest Late Model racing great again
Voted by: Mike Easley
Candidate: Brian Ickler
Comment: He is a very talented young man who drives in a variety of motorsports
Voted by: Michael Cohen
Candidate: "Uncle" Mike Barrett
Comment: This man is 100% dedicated to racing in the NW. He did not hesitate to give my son a chance to test one of his cars. He and his crew did all the work. What a Guy!
Voted by:
Dave Anderson
Candidate: John Thomson
Comment: He works hard at his business during the day and at night he works on race cars. He helps kids with their legends at LVMS (Bullring) track. He worked on my niece's legend this year. When it was crashed he would stay up all night to fix it so she could make the race. He worked very hard on her car all year. He even built her a new car. He is very kind and caring and always ready to help everyone.
Voted by: Donna Gunther
Candidate: Darren "Budah" Scriver
Comment: Budah can make you laugh and keeps the race days emotions on a positive note all the time but what he has done to gain support from the racing community to help James Oneal is awesome and shows his selflish side. Each time I read about James I think of the hard work Budah did and that it's been helpful to James who never got down and always was thankful for all the support. Nachos Budah has my vote!!!
Voted by: Doug Pace
Candidate: Mike Minegar
Comment: Mike's dedication to the racers and the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series has been nothing short of astounding. It is rare in these days of self interest that someone in our sport seeks the best for the little guy. Mike has done that. The RMCS provides a platform for those starting out and those with great experience in a top level touring seies.
Voted by: Randy Franks
Candidate: Joe Dollefield Stateline Speedway
Comment: I have always been treated exceptionally when racing at his top notch facillity and have never heard anything negative form him or about him from anyone. He's great.
Voted by:
Tommy Rasmussen
Candidate: Tony Jackson
Comment: Cuz he is cool
Voted by: Christopher Jackson
Candidate: Mike Minegar
Comment: Mike's dedication to the racers and the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series has been nothing short of astounding. It is rare in these days of self interest that someone in our sport seeks the best for the little guy. Mike has done that. The RMCS provides a platform for those starting out and those with great experience in a top level touring seies
Voted by:Randy Franks
Candidate: Tony Jackson
Comment : Tony is a Chassis Builder for his fathers business.(Jackson Race Cars)He is the best Crew Chief I've ever worked with or seen in all my years of racing. From early on building and crewing on Ron Hornaday Championship run in the Southwest Tour in 1992 to Chief Crew Van Knill Super Late Super Late Championship in 2006 Super Late Championship. This year Nick Jonides had 14 fast times and 10 wins on his way to Irwindale Speedway Super Late Model Title. Tony and Dave Jackson are the best at getting the best people, and let them do their job.With great communication and fun they get the most out of every crew member. So just like fine wine Tony gets better every year,he deserves this Award for 2008 and for a Lifetime of Greatness.
Voted by:Robert Stuart
Candidate: Darrin "Budha" Scriver
Comment: Gotta go with the big fella on this one! All you have to do is look at the video on KOMO 4 in regards to their coverage of the James O'Neill story, and then think about Budha's efforts to help raise the funds he did to cover the humungous costs of James' operation. People like Budha are what make this sport so special, and fun to be involved in. Well done, my friend. Second choice would go to Scott Ellsworth & Jerry Losch.
Voted by:Steve Mortland
Candidate: Joe Doellefeld
Comment: In my opinion he has had the greatest impact on others in the promotion part of the sport over the last decade. He always speaks with wisdom and reverence and treats us all with respect and dignity. I have learned so much from Joe my brain hurts to think about it.
Voted by: Kelly Hart
Candidate: Rev. Jan McCormack
Comment: She was a great roll model. When we were working with Scott Gaylord. Man I miss those days!
Voted by: Greg McLauglin
Candidate: Bruce Flanders
Comment: You might be giving him a double take now a days but the guy still kicks ___.
Voted by: Tommy Mason
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: I can't think of a more giving person. Half the cars we race with have a Hoopers sticker in the bumper cover and he never asked for anything in exchange. He also let my sons and and others just drive his cars at no cost. RICHARD WAS "THE MAN".
Voted by: Jeff Murphy
Candidate: Bill Rozhon
Comment: He is by far the best promoter I have ever known. Need say no more...
Voted by: Rob Munoz
Candidate: Joe Doellefeld
Comment: I voted for Joe last year because of all the things he does for EVERYONE in the western racing community. Gonna do it again, because every year that goes by I learn of other things he does to further sport that aren't always so public!... And the Idaho 200 wasn't bad either...LOL >>>other thoughts were Scott & Jer, but if the tour is as large as it seems it is gonna be, we can all vote for them next year....LOL
Voted by:
Adam Nelson
Candidate: Jim Pettit II
Comment: He has devoted his life to racing and the promotion of it, this year he brought growth to the SRL and made it a viable series. jim has a heart of gold and helps his competitors on and off the track
Voted by: Otis Gleason
Candidate: Mike Minegar
Comment:: Mike and the whole RMCS crew have worked very hard to make the RMCS one of the most successful and competitive late model series in the NW. The Idaho 200 weekend was proof to many that Mike's racers will follow him wherever he leads them. GO RMCS!
Voted by: Dave Minegar
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: Without a doubt this man would have given you the shirt off his back. No matter what Richard was the true meaning of "Friend".
Voted by: Johnny Betzer
Candidate: Nick Joanides and Jackson Racecars
Comment: Throughout the 2008 season at Irwindale Nick Joanides showed that he is a class act. He is also a talented driver, and came very close to being the first driver to achieve dual championships at Irwindale in their two highest classes, Super Late and Late Models. ------- Jackson Race cars have always been there for any driver at any track they attend, and if you just ask they will give you whatever help or advice you need to help your race car to get you closer to the checkered flag faster. Dave, Matt, and Tony are very knowledgeable in all aspects of the cars and I have never seen them turn anyone away. Mandy is concerned for the safety and success on and off the track for the many drivers that she has met and is always delightful to be around as well. ----- Together, the Jackson's and Nick Joanides make a remarkable team.
Voted by: Erika Murphy
Candidate: Jerry Losch & Scott Ellsworth
Comment?: Together they have brought some normalcy back to late model racing in the Northwest
Voted by: Jack Lashua, Northwest Late Model Crew
Candidate: H.D. NET T.V.
Comment: H.D. NET. T.V. adds alot to our series NATIONWIDE. Thank you H.D. for all your hard work!
Voted by: Jimi Offenbach
Candidate: Steve Fensler
Comment: Steve is the extremely capable, hard working, upfront, and polite head of the SRL. He is a straight shooter, is consistent in his decisions, and works diligently to help his racers.
Voted by: Bob Gardner
Candidate: Chris Richter Sr.
Comment: I started the year out not knowing much about my car and i was racing against his son but he still helped me get my car setup and gave me parts when they broke, he was always at the track no matter what, even with his bum ankle he went into surgery on his ankle and was calling from his hospital bed to see what Tyson's car was doin and how to fix it
Voted by: Nathan Voyles
Candidate: Scott Ellsworth / Jerry Losch
Comment: I selected both of these individuals for the Person of the Year; their efforts and success in combining the ASANWT & LMCS into one series and putting their differences behind them for the betterment of racing. Late Model racing in the NW has a better chance to survive the economic problems we all face and thrive.
Voted by: Dennis Westcott
Candidate: Jerry Losch
Comment: His dedication and hard work for the betterment of Late Model Racing over the past 10 years. What started with an idea over a couple of beers has turned into the leading Late Model Series in the Northwest. Series
Voted by: Jack O'Neal
Candidate: Scott Ellsworth
Comment He is doing a lot to save racing in the Northwest.
Voted by:Bruce Mooney
Candidate: Steve Fensler
Comment: His unwavering determination to keep the most exciting touring series alive on the west coast speaks for itself
Voted by:Michael Mulder
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: For being an outstanding racer and business owner to the racing community for many, many years. You will find no other with the willingness to help anyone in racing and become your friend.
Voted by: Dave Arce
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: We lost Richard recently and he had a huge impact on local racing.
Voted by: Brian Kelley
Candidate: Chad Knaus
Comment: By far the best crew chief of all times. Three time Champ. Can take a bad raceday and make it good at will.
Voted by:Rex Morgan
Select Anonymous Votes with Comments
These will not count unless a person used their real name when completing the form but requested anonymity.
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: He has done so much for so long that most of us took him for granted, now that he is gone we are hurting. Guys like him don't come along very often and we should have honored him long before this.
Candidate: Steve Finsler - SRL
Comment: Steve demonstrated his unique ability as a strong leader by working with all the drivers to come up with the best solution to every challenge the SRL series met. Add to his amazing gift of encouragement and you have the Person of the Year
Candidate: Bill McAnally
Comment: Just count the number of races he has promoted, found sponsors for, and how many cars are run at not just West races but also at the local level under his banner. No one does more to promote the West series on a continuos basis than him. He also runs cars at local tracks to promote new drivers.
Candidate: Rip Michels
Comment: Rip worked very hard serving as consultant to Dan Moore racing this last season, and helped bring the SRL race to Toyota Speedway with Stock Building Supply Sponsorship.
Candidate: Jeff Barkshire
Comment: Spend 15 minutes around this young man and you will know. Kind, respectful, honest....the guy you want your daughter to bring home to meet the family. As far as racing goes........NOBODY, did i mention NOBODY, works as hard as Jeff to race. He holds down a 40 hour a week job at night, accomplishes 90% of all work completed on his West cars, drives the hauler to EVERY race and still has time for family and friends. Oh yeah, and he was married 2 weeks ago. Add another hat to his responsibilities. I have been racing for 25 years, go karts, midgets, sprints, stock cars, road racing and accumulated 7 series and national championships driving or working on racing vehicles......Jeff is without a doubt the hardest working individual I have come across in 35 years of life and absolutely a young man with the highest degree of integrity you can find.
Candidate: Tom Moriarity
Comment: Showed he can contend with the competition and master a track in short time and add to his already impressive list of feature wins and championships. Great year Tom and look forward to seeing you contend and add to your long list of championships at Evergreen Speedway in 09. Congrats go out to your crew and team as well.
Candidate: Tom Moriarity
Comment: Showed that he is a contender at all tracks he goes to. Many championships at Evergreen Speedway Wa. and now a blistering 7 in a row feature wins and another championship at South Sound Speedway in Rochester Wa. Rumors say that this finely tuned machine is going for yet another championship at his old venue Evergreen Speedway in Monroe Wa. Good luck Mr. Moriarity and your first class team.
Candidate: Clay Wooster
Comment: Clay is a devoted car owner and fields 2 Late Models (at times). This year he put a guy in his car who wouldnt be racing if it werent for a guy like Clay who spends countless dollars and puts in a heck of a lot of time into his cars.He just wants to race and help others when possible. He also allowed a fellow competitor to race his car this year when that driver wrecked his own car in qualifying allowing this competitor to maintain his points position of 3rd at the time.
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: Because I didn't even know him that well and I can see what he has done for so many others, and for racing , for so many years!!
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: Gave alot to alot
Candidate: Bill McAnally
Comment: He continues year after year to raise the bar higher and higher as far as a race promoter and team owner.Two championships in one year! Congrads on winning your fourth NCWS West Championship.
Candidate: Scott Ellsworth
Comment: Working with ron bennett to help keep the new asa tour going and then taking over and merging with jerry Loesch is something that should help stabilize late model tour racing in the northwest. the merger is probably the biggest thing that has happened in the last few years as far as paved oval racing goes in the past few season.
Candidate: Bill McAnally
Comment: His organization promoted several of the NASCAR Camping World West Series events on the schedule, his driver won another West title, and his Late Model team dominated at Roseville
Candidate: Mike Minegar
Comment: Mike has developed a competitive series with a unique set of rules that creates great racing not only for the fans but for the racers themselves. He is also involved and cares for the race teams.
Candidate: Steve Fensler
Comment: SRL, like SWT but better & cheaper!
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: The man was the most unselfish racer/car owner i have ever met. he gave more racers a chance to get started in racing with cars and education than anyone. richard passed away dec. 2008 and has left a very large hole in a lot of peoples lives. he will be greatly missed
Candidate: Steve Fensler
Comment: I know of no one else in racing who gives so much of himself so others can do what they love so much.
Candidate:Billy Weber
Comment: Overall had a great season and basically conquered every track he went to this year with a Brand New team. And got 3 wins at two different track a track record and won on the 5/8th's at evergreen speedway in a dominating fashion.
Candidate: Richard Hooper
Comment: Richard was a great asset to the racing community. He helped many racers begin their racing career. He loved to see his cars race and helped anyone who needed it.
Candidate: Giles Thorton
Comment: for the tremendous improvements to the already great Montana raceway park
Candidate: Billy Weber
Comment: All around good shoe.
