THOMPSON, CT. The Thompson International Speedway paid tribute to the track’s 2004 champions and those who finished in the top ten in points in the Late Model, Limited Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions. The gala affair, held at the Speedway’s Raceway Restaurant and Lounge was a huge success and done in front of a sell-out crowd.
Corey Hutchings laid claim to the title in the Late Model division and was showered with trophies, awards and clothing as a result of his championship run. Hutchings, who had won nine feature events and scored 19 top five finishes, thanked his owner, his crew, his fellow competitors and the speedway in accepting the championship crown. Additionally, Hutchings received honors from NASCAR as the NASCAR northeast region’s “Shortrack” champion.
Hutchings was also the lucky winner of a brand new body for his racecar courtesy of Ultra Flex, LLC from Warwick, Rhode Island. Both Todd and Carl Gustafson, owners of Ultra Flex were on hand to make the presentation.
Drivers finishing in the top 10 were (2nd- 10) Dennis Botticello, Ryan Posocco, Charles Bailey III, Mark Palmisano, Rich Gentes, John Falconi, Jeff Hartwell, Dennis Perry and Woody Pitkat.
The division’s Rookie of the year was Dave Trudeau with Most Improved Driver honors going to Jeff Hartwell and the Hard Luck award being presented to Chris Easlick.
Limited Sportsman Champion, Larry Barnett expressed his deepest appreciation to his team, sponsors and to his competitors after accepting his Championship awards. Barnett had finished second in points in two previous years but secured the top honors as a result of his near-perfect 2004 season. He bested his nearest competitor by some 64 points in the final standings and beamed with pride while accepting his awards from track owner Don Hoenig, Chief Steward, Dick Brooks and Special Advisor, Ben Dodge, Jr.
Other drivers in the Limited Sportsman division who were honored were (2-10), Scott Sundeen, Keith DeSanctis, Glenn Boss, Jesse Gleason who was the winner of a brand new racecar hood from Ultra Flex, Bill Davis, Paul Coutu, Jr, Joe Arena, Danny Cates and Ken Bamford.
The Rookie of the Year honors in the Limited Sportsman division went to driver Ken Bamford while the Most Improved honors were accepted by driver Paul Coutu, Jr. The Hard Luck award winner was George Perrault.
Mini Stock champion Eric Burgeois accepted his trophies, clothing, NASCAR award and Scott and Dale Nichol photo montage with typical grace and humility. He expressed his sincere thanks to everyone involved in his championship year and expressed his optimism about the 2005 racing season.
Other Mini Stock competitors who were honored were (positions 2-10) were Shane Michalski, Scott Michalski, Andy Publicover, Jason Paquette, Ron Rixham, Steve Michalski, Steven LaBreck, Randy Jurcik and Roger Larson, Jr.
Special awards were presented to drivers in the Mini Stock division as well. The sought after Rookie of the Year honors went to Steven LaBreck and the Most Improved trophy was presented to Shane Michalski. The Hard Luck award winner was Mike Gorgievski and the championship team crew chief, Bill Ley, Jr, won the coveted True Value “Mechanic of the Year” award.
Once the awards presentations had been completed and everyone enjoyed their steak dinners, the remainder of the night was devoted to music, dancing and having fun.
Speedway owner and promoter, Donald Hoenig thanked everyone for their support of the Thompson International Speedway and noted the significance of a top ten finish in any division at Thompson. Excellent car counts and tough competition in all divisions made a top ten finish something to be very proud of Hoenig emphasized and promised to make the 2005 racing season as good as it could possibly be for the competitors.
The banquet was hosted by the Director of Operations Russ Dowd and announcers Matt Buckler and Kyle Rickie.
Mother nature stepped in and postponed the Saturday night banquet when she delivered the year’s first major snow storm to southern New England. The night when the Pro Stocks and Sunoco Modifieds will be honored will be Friday, February 4th. It will begin with a social hour at 6 PM and the awards presentations will get underway at 7:30PM.
For more information and photos from the banquet, fans are urged to visit the Thompson Web site at www.thompsonspeedway.com
