OSS celebrates champions, change
and new additions at 2007 Awards Banquet
SAN BERNARDINO, CA (Jan. 30,
2008) – One thing has stayed true in the new atmosphere at Orange
Show Speedway in 2007, Management will stand true to their word while
bringing continued improvements to the speedway without sacrificing
its rich history.
Last Saturday evening, over 400 racers, sponsors,
family and friends gathered to celebrate OSS championships in 9 different
divisions as well as crowning champions in the Lucas Oil ASA Modified
and Stock Car USA traveling series. The banquet was held in the amphitheater
portion of the NOS Sports Center. The seating area was equipped with
7 permanent large projection screens for all fans to see properly the
PowerPoint presentation, with 45 additional televisions located throughout
the seating area for all to enjoy additional live footage provided by
Lucas Oil TV.
During the evening, Joe Ganino, OSS Director of Motorsports,
greeted all and continued to assure attendees that he and his team are
not satisfied with what they have accomplished to date;
“I look out into the crowd and I see new faces
I didn’t see at last year’s event. I take great satisfaction
in that the fun, affordable and family environment we have tried to
create only continues to grow. As we look to the future, we will continue
to embrace the speedway’s rich history. But tonight we celebrate
you, our 2007 Champions, their families and all of you who made 2007
remarkable.”
Along with our champions, other awards presented during
the evening. The Stephen Teel Memorial Award was given to Martin Huizenga
for his continued selfless work for the betterment of the OSS ideals
and sportsmanship. Huizenga not only raced, but also help maintain three
entries in the AFLAC Factory Four division, and when an opportunity
to acquire a Super Late Model was available; he gave up his seat on
his first race in the division to Rick Chavez. Chavez had crashed the
week prior, and thoughts of a championship seem gone until Huizenga
stepped up. His sacrifices allowed Chavez to take the Championship to
the final race, but came up short to John Manke who captured championship
honors in the Hype Manufacturing Super Late Models. Larry Meredith,
driver in the Leno’s Rico Taco Legends Division was awarded the
Ray Walker Memorial Award for his time and commitment to his Division
and bringing outstanding competition for all to enjoy at OSS. It was
made known earlier in the week the Mr. Walker, who had moved to Kansas
last year, had passed away with health issues.
Orange Show Speedway’s Person of the Year, awarded
to a group or individual who singly impacted the track and all associated
was awarded to Bob Patison from Lucas Oil. Lucas Oil’s return
to the speedway was highlighted with Orange Show Speedway unveiling
the Lucas Oil Scoreboard in 2007. The scoreboard is the first of its
kind for the speedway in its 60+ years of racing. In addition Lucas
Oil brought to OSS the traveling Lucas Oil ASA Modified Series and Lucas
Oil TV, which produces the popular Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour, which
includes the Lucas Oil ASA Modified Series, which included three broadcasts
from Orange Show Speedway in 2007 to homes across the nation on the
Versus Network. Lucas Oil also announced that the eight race traveling
series’ popularity has now extended initial airings of their races
on the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour on Versus to additional re-airings
as well as on networks across the globe including Europe and Australia.
2007 ORANGE SHOW SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONS
DIVISION CHAMPION - HOMETOWN
Hype Manufacturing Super Late Models
- John Manke, Ramona
BSR West Late Models - Jim Conklin, Big Bear City
Lucas Oil Outlaw Figure 8's - Tom Smith, Lakewood
Leno’s Rico Taco Legends - Darren Amidon, Santee
AFLAC Factory Fours - Spencer Samaro, San Bernardino
ASA Stock Pony - Jim Edmiston, Highland
Pro 4 Late Models - Eddie Secord, Bloomington
ASA Street Stock - Cliff Conklin, Big Bear City
Mini Stock Car - Mike O’Hara, Canyon Country
LUCAS OIL ASA MODIFIED CHAMPION –
Danny Gay
STOCK CAR USA CHAMPION – Mark Whitson
Orange Show Speedway unfortunately announced today
an error in the Lucas Oil Outlaw Figure 8's standings. After an investigation
was conducted in the matter of Jay Henson, the findings found clerical
errors in the Orange Show Speedway’s accounting that resulted
in loss of points and standings. Mr. Ganino ruled that Jay Henson will
be given his points, end-of-year points monies reinstated which would
award Jay Henson 3rd place in the final standings. Mr. Ganino went on
to say;
“The Orange Show Speedway would like to express
its deepest apologies for the error that we have made. We extend our
apologies to Mr. Henson, his family and sponsors. We are terribly sorry
for any confusion it has created.”
On a brighter note, the NOS Events Center announced
a long-term agreement with the Orange Show Quarter Midget Racing Association.
The former Pomona Association called the center Orange Show Speedway
track home in 2007, but with this agreement with the NOS Events Center
and an allotment of land, the OSQMRA began construction almost immediately
on their new state-of-the-art 20th mile banked oval which in tentatively
planned to open in April of this year. The land is adjacent to the pit
area of the speedway, which Mr. Ganino finds appropriate;
“This gives us the opportunity to share our
love of racing with more and more families and gives our young racers
the opportunity to see the great variety of racing open to them if they
want to continue.”
Drivers, Racers and Fans are encouraged to keep abreast
will all the updates and exciting news during the off season by checking
out www.nosevents.com and keep an eye on the speedway page for more
information including rules announcements as well as the 2008 OSS Racing
Season schedule.
Racing at Orange Show Speedway is sponsored by Lucas
Oil, Blackhawk Protection, Hype Manufacturing, Del Taco, Aflac Insurance,
KTTD radio (AM 1350), Leno’s Rico Taco, Soboba Casino, Budweiser,
Hoosier Racing Tires, Frank’s Radio Service, Torco Racing Fuels,
Parker Pumper/BSR West, Eibach Springs, JP Striping, Star Auto Parts,
Pepsi, Matich Corporation, L. Curti Truck and Equipment, One Stop Landscape
Supply, Extreme Exhibits & Logistics, Little Green Onions and the
San Bernardino County Sun.
For further information, contact Orange Show Speedway
at 909-888-6788, X438, or visit the web site at www.nosevents.com.
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