MANCHACA, Texas — The Thunderhill Raceway and TSRS (Texas Super Racing Series) 2009 Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, January 16, 2010.
Over 300 drivers, racing teams, staff, officials, media and fans attended this annual event that was held at the Manchaca Firehall and Community Center in Manchaca, TX.
The evening began with a social hour, followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. During the pre-awards activities, guests were treated to video presentations that highlighted some track action, along with video clips from “life in the pits” during the 2009 racing season.
The awards ceremony began with the two emcees, Bobby Chaffee and Rodney Rodriguez, introducing the THR/TSRS Owner and Promoter, Mary Ann Naumann. Naumann welcomed everyone to the banquet and introduced the special guests – including Neil Upchurch from the Texas Pro Sedans, Arden Vikre from the Dwarf Car Racing Series of Texas, Mike Steinman from NasKarts, Nick Holt from Lone Star Speedzone and Bruce Mabrito (Motorsports writer).
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff, officials and safety crews. Kathy Tiemann, Director of Scoring, presented a trophy to Debbie Williams, Media & Public Relations Director, for her help with the training on the electronic scoring system. Naumann announced a few staff changes for the 2010 racing season as follows: Terry Barden as the Race Director for TSRS and traveling classes, Gary Smith as the THR Marketing Manger and Cameron Moore, Sr., as the Track Chaplain.
Neil Upchurch was next on the agenda and announced his retirement from the on-track activities for the Texas Pro Sedans. He presented awards to two Texas Pro Sedan drivers – the 2009 championship award to Mike Merrell and the Rookie of the Year award to Tory Christopher. Upchurch ended his presentation with an inspiring speech about the state of stock-car racing and introduced David Mackey as the new Race Director for the Texas Pro Sedans.
The Thunderhill Raceway awards were presented next, and the following drivers received the top awards:
Mini Stocks
Champion: #46 Mason Yousling
Grand Stocks
Champion & Rookie of the Year: #58 Layton Carroll
To the Rear Award: #07 Richard Fitch
Thunder Stocks
Champion: #16 Mason Teague
Rookie of the Year: #58 Patrick Burow
ASA A-Line Super Stocks
Champion: #3 Clint LaFont
Rookie of the Year: #99 Chase Stapp
SportMods
Champion: #10D Don Painter
Pro Modifieds
Champion: #5 Michael Umscheid
Pro Trucks
Champion: #42 Jason Marshall
Following a nomination process by THR staff and drivers, the Special Awards winners were announced, as follows:
Thunderhill Raceway Extra Lap Award
David Lewien, driver of the #3 Pro Truck
Thunderhill Raceway Hard Luck Award
Dwayne Toyne, driver of the #48 ASA A-Line Super Stock
Thunderhill Raceway Best Appearing Crew Award
Allen Alexander, driver of the #80 ASA A-Line Super Stock, and his AAA House Leveling Team
Thunderhill Raceway “Kevin Suberg” Sportsman of the Year Award
Terry Tschoerner, Mini Stocks
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the THR and TSRS sponsors.
Tory Christopher invited all drivers to attend a Driver Image Workshop that will be held at THR on Saturday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The TSRS awards were presented next, and the following drivers received top honors:
TSRS Allison Legacys
Champion: #07 Rusty Mirth
Rookie of the Year: #19 Cole Runco
TSRS Late Models
Champion: #14 Jake Kruger
Super Pack Champion: #17 Robert Barker
Rookie of the Year: #72 Kendall Bumbera
A drawing was held for a certificate for a $900 Five-Star Late Model body. To qualify for the drawing, the TSRS Late Model driver(s) must have competed in a stock appearing, template-style body, competed in at least 75% of the scheduled events, displayed the Five-Star decal and must have been present at the awards ceremony. Dillon Spreen, driver of the #81 TSRS Late Model, was the lucky winner.
The emcees then announced the following winners of the TSRS special awards:
TSRS Mentor Team Award
Jake Wright, driver of the #96 TSRS Allison Legacy, and Jake Kruger, Driver of the #14 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Hard Luck Award
Levi Krauss, driver of the #4 TSRS Late Model
TSRS Best Appearing Crew Award
Kendall Bumbera, driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model, and her Next Generation Racing Team
TSRS Sportsman of the Year Award
Bobby Teer, Jr., driver of the #72 TSRS Late Model
David Mackey was presented with the Official of the Year trophy by Mary Ann Naumann.
The event was closed out with an expression of thanks to the Janette Huff and her family for the banquet decorations, Manchaca Firehall for the facility and food, the photographers and videographers (Jeff Garvin, Tory Christopher, Thad Yousling and Duke O’Connor) for banquet pictures and videos, Dave New with All American Trophy & Awards for the trophies and plaques and Insty-Prints for the banquet printing.
The night ended with DJ music by David Vogel.
