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Banquet Caps Off Historic Year for Ideal Ready Mix Sprint Invaders!
(Bill W) Last Saturday night, competitors, officials and fans of the Ideal Ready Mix Sprint Invaders gathered at the Catfish Bend Inn & Spa in Burlington, Iowa to celebrate the 2008 season. $30,000 in cash and contingencies were handed out to the twelve drivers and thirteen owners in attendance.
It was no surprise that the big winners of the night came out of the Deuce Motorsports stable, led by the series' point champion, John Schulz. Not only did John receive the laurels of victory for his point championship, but he was voted by his peers as the "Driver of the Year". The Award has been heretofore named for the late, great, Brian Hetrick, a former competitor and friend who lost his life in a motorcycle accident in August. "It's quite an honor to win this award," said the humble Schulz. "Brian was always someone who carried himself the right way off the track, and raced you clean on it."
Schulz's car owner, Bart Schneiderman received a number of awards. Bart, who owns both Schulz's #2 and son Josh Schneiderman's #49 fielded the first and third place cars in the standings. Bart was also awarded twice by his peers. He received the "Rich DeReu Memorial Owner of the Year" Award, and the "Walter Rockhold Memorial Automotive Machine Mechanic of the Year" Award. "I have a lot of people to thank," said Bart, before calling his wife Suzie up for some well earned gratitude. "First and foremost it is the people sitting in here. We're all part of one big family, and it is really special to be a part of it."
Andy Huston received Midland Performance/Automotive Machine Rookie of the Year honors for the series in 2008. Bobby Mincer, the runner-up in points received the "Hard-charger Award" after passing 71 cars in feature events this season. Jordan Goldesberry was the winner of the "Kevin Doty Memorial Perseverance Award" for transferring from the B to the A main the most times.
Drew Bergquist, of Deuce Motorsports won the "Galen 'Shep' Shepherd Memorial Crew Member of the Year Award". Matt Sutton, who suffered numerous motor problems, received the "Gary T. Williams Snap-On Tools Hard Luck Award". Ryan Jamison, who loaned out a backup motor to a number of competitors in 2008, received the well deserved "Olson Brothers Custom Shop Stoney & Dick Stoneking Memorial Sportsmanship Award". Matt Harms received the "Cornwell Tools Most Improved Driver Award".
Dick and Kelly Behnken of Storm Steel were inducted into the Sprint Invaders Hall of Fame. Storm Steel has been a longtime supporter of sprint car racing, and the Sprint Invaders. They have sponsored competitors, events, and added to numerous purses over the years.
A special "thank you" went out to title sponsor Ideal Ready Mix, the principal sponsors, associate sponsors, event sponsors, and contingency sponsors. Also, recognition was given to the tracks and promoters active in the series. Push trucks also got their due, along with officials, associates and volunteers.
In the "Year of the Fan", Bobby Knisley was named the "Fan of the Year". Also, the "Ladies of the Sprint Invaders" were honored for their devotion and support of the drivers and series.
Plans are already underway for the 2009 season, so don't miss it!
Awards Summary
Driver Point Standings (75% participation)
- 2, John Schulz
- 15, Bobby Mincer
- 49, Josh Schneiderman
- 29, Matt Rogerson
- 51J, Ryan Jamison
- 99W, Korey Weyant
- 53H, Matt Harms
- 99, Jimmy Davies
- 65, Jordan Goldesberry
- 18A, Dan Avery
- 40, Andy Huston
- 17, Austin McCarl
Owner Point Standings (75% Participation)
- 2, Bart Schneiderman
- 15, Bobby Mincer
- 49, Bart Schneiderman
- 29, Jerry & Kim Glasgow
- 51J, Terry Jamison
- 99W, Scott Weyant
- 53H, Dave Harms
- 99, Jimmy Davies
- 65, Jack Goldesberry
- 18A, Dan Avery
- 40, Andy Huston
- 17, Janet Holbrook
- 22x, Nick Eastin
100% Participation Awards – Dan Avery, Matt Harms, Ryan Jamison, Bobby Mincer, Matt Rogerson, Josh Schneiderman, John Schulz, Korey Weyant
Points Champ: John Schulz
Owner Points Champ: Deuce Motorsports, Bart Schneiderman
Midland Performance/Automotive Machine Rookie of the Year: Andy Huston
Hard Charger: Bobby Mincer
Kevin Doty Memorial Perseverance Award: Jordan Goldesberry
Brian Hetrick Memorial Driver of the Year: John Schulz
Rich DeReu Memorial Owner of the Year: Bart Schneiderman
Walt Rockhold Memorial Mechanic of the Year: Bart Schneiderman
Galen "Shep" Shepherd Memorial Crew Member of the Year: Drew Bergquist
Gary T. Williams Hard Luck Award: Matt Sutton
Olson Brothers Custom Shop Stoney & Dick Stoneking Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Jamison
Cornwell Tools Most Improved Driver: Matt Harms
Sprint Invaders Hall of Fame: Dick and Kelly Behnken (Storm Steel)
Fan of the Year: Bobby Knisley
John Schulz (third from left) is joined by his crew. (R to L) Amy Mapel, Drew Bergquist, Owner Bart Schneiderman, Doug Beaird and Jarrod Schneiderman
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@BillWMedia
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