FRESNO, California -- Nearly 200 Drivers, Owners, Crews, Family, and Friends attended Davey Hamilton’s SRL Wild West Shootout awards banquet last Saturday night at the Elk Horn Country Club in Stockton.
The top 15 drivers in the championship race were recognized for their achievements.
Livermore California racer Jeff Anthony won the 2002 series championship. Anthony had three wins, 10 top tens, in just 11 starts. As the series champion Anthony pocketed $5,000. Nathan Tucker the 2001 series champ came in second in the series standings with one win, and eight top tens and $2,400. Ray Lawson Jr. of Fresno California had two wins at Madera Speedway, and nine top tens finished third overall.
Rick Ruzbarsky of Tracy California finished an impressive fourth in the overall standings. Rick had four fast times, one win, and eight top tens to go along with his rookie of the year title, and his Qualifying Championship for the 2002 season. Rounding out the top five in the standings was Joey Zampa. Zampa who missed the first race of the season this year had two wins, two fast times, and eight top tens. He also finished second in the rookie of the year race, and second in the qualifying championship.
Ron Strmiska Jr. who won the first race of the season at Stockton99 Speedway finished in the sixth position overall. Strmiska also had six top tens on the year. Tim Stratmeyer the 2001 rookie of the year found himself in the seventh position by years end. Tim recorded seven top tens on the season. Michael Carver who had one fast time this season at Stockton finished in the eight position overall. Carver also had seven top tens on the year.
Fremont California driver Troy Ermish finished the season in the ninth position with four top fives, and five top tens. Ed Coughenour rounded out the top ten in the series standings for the 2002 season. Ed recorded seven top tens on the year.
Chris Wadsworth who ran eight races this year, had three top fives, which includes a second place finish at Altamont this year finished 11th in the series championship. David Philpott of Tracy California finished the year with three top fives on seven starts, which was good enough for the 12th position overall. Chad Pais who finished fifth in the rookie of the year title ended up in the 13th position this season. Ken Boyd a four-time late model champion at Stockton99 Speedway finished 14th on the year with only seven starts. Boyd had one fast time this year at Madera Speedway. John Gaalswyk of Ripon California set fast time one time this year, and had one win in just six starts ended up 15th in the overall series standings for the 2002 season.
Over $23,500 was given away for the top 15 drivers in series championship.
Series Champion Jeff Anthony won the Five Star Stock Car Body from Chris Carli and Finishline Racing Equipment.
Davey Hamilton’s SRL Wild West Shootout would like to thanks it’s 2002 Series Sponsors which include: Sunoco, Hoosier, Western Seed & Fuel, Extreme Race Wear, Five Star Stock Car Bodies, Frank's Radio Service, F. R. E., & Print Works.
Davey Hamilton would also like to thank Executive Series Director Steve Fensler and the rest of the 2002 Officials for all of their hard work.
