Atlanta Dragway regulars gathered for the 2010 Atlanta Dragway Summit Series awards ceremony on Nov. 20, at The American Legion post 127. In perfect Southern form, attendees feasted first, while door prizes, donated by track sponsors, were raffled off.
O'Reilly Auto Parts, Summit Racing Equipment, VP Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil Products, Coca Cola, Year One, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Moroso Performance Parts, Computech Systems, and several local businesses made the night possible.
"Look out dragsters, these door cars are bad!" Super Pro champion John Hobbs boasted about his '71 Vega wagon. After a thirty year drag racing career, Hobbs finally nabbed his first NHRA track championship—"He's been grinning ever since," noted his wife Helen. Hobbs consistently made rounds, but never took home a coveted winner's sticker; however, his persistence paid off with a 40 point lead in the Super Pro ranks. Hobbs gave special thanks to his late friend Michael Weekly: "I'm dedicating all this to him." Hobbs also thanked Paul Stringer and Tommy Payne.
Pro racer Bruce Wilson's success in his eight years of drag racing has made him a formidable foe at the starting line. Including this year, he has earned four track championships and two division championships. "Every week I've done good, and it seems every time I come home with something," Wilson commented, "I'm proud." As part of the Wilson Gang, he thanked his mom Sue and dad Jesse, his wife Cassie, and the whole team, as well as Marshall York. Wilson had a cushy 70 point lead in the Pro class, thanks to his consistent participation and a handful of wins.
"Coming first without winning a race means you had to fight really hard," said Mel Abney, topping the Sportsman category in a midnight blue '67 Camaro. Abney secured his championship with a 30 point lead, having placed second three times and third once out of the seven Summit E.T. series bracket races. "I want to recognize my fellow racers who are keeping the competition hot and heavy," Abney said, "I appreciate the track personnel, and the track sponsors, including VP Racing Fuels, Hayes Automotive, and Summit Racing Equipment, for their support in this economy." Abney gave special thanks to his "good buddy J.D. Burford, for his encouragement to stick with it."
Another member of the Wilson Gang, Brian Wilson, secured his first track championship in the Motorcycle class. After four years of racing motorcycles and two years "getting the bike straightened out," Wilson's season "came together at the last race" this past September, when he secured a 40 point lead and became Atlanta Dragway's 2010 King of the Track. His championship and Wally win made for an emotional triumph: "My sister, the first to win a Wally in '98, passed away in '01; now mine completes all the Wilson kids winning the Wally." Wilson thanked his family, especially his father Jesse who started the family tradition of bracket racing: "It keeps us together."
Stan Sinack fought hard for his Saturday Insanity 6.50 Index championship, winning four out of seven races for an 80 point lead. "I don't get cocky," Sinack said, "but I guess I'm always ready to race." Sinack thanked racing buddies Ed Nalley and Bill Boomhower: "they helped me out the whole time." The championship really capped off his year after winning NHRA Unleashed, and Sinack thanked Hedman Headers for their headers donation to the index winners. "I just hope we can get more people to come, and I look forward to running next year."
Shane Williams was on fire this year, maintaining the Saturday Insanity 7.50 Index lead for almost the full season; with 70 points ahead of the pack, Williams won his first track championship. Sticking with the same car he's had since he began drag racing in '01, Williams plans to rely on his '99 Mustang another ten years. "It's nice to come to Atlanta Dragway; it's a good track, and I have a lot of fun here." Williams thanked Danny and Suzanne Towe, and his girlfriend Holly and her daughter Abby "for putting up with me."
John Norris established his lead with the first Saturday Insanity of the 2010 season, in the Full-Bodied category. Norris thanked Jimmy Mason, Kenneth Mason, Wade Bryant Automotive, Mayberry Tire & Wheel, and Atlanta Dragway for his success. There's no question of Norris's dedication to racing, having participated also in the 7.50 Index class: "6.50, I'm coming for you!" Norris threatened. "I'm ready for next year."
Trey Butler has gotten things started the right way, winning the 8-9 Junior Dragster championship in his rookie year. Butler began the year by earning the #1 qualifier position during his first race. Butler thanked his dad James and mom Terri, his sister Mackenzie, and his nana Shirley and pawpaw Randy. "I had fun and really enjoyed this year," said Butler.
Austin Carden came out on top in the 10-12 Junior Dragster category, winning with a slim 10 point lead. After coming out #3 at Silver Dollar and #2 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Carden was relieved to be #1 at Atlanta Dragway, in his third year of racing. Carden thanked his dad Matt, mom Charlene, sister Alayna and Jeff Brown. Carden plans "to stay in Junior Dragster racing as long as possible."
For her final year in the Junior Dragster category, Jennifer "Lead-foot" Jarrett went out with a bang and her first track championship. Jarrett frustrated herself throughout the year with red-lights and break outs, but dominated the pack with a 30 point lead: "I'd like to thank my mom Judy, dad Johnny, Rusty Denton, Pop, and my granddad Pawpaw." Jarrett intends to move on to Super Comp next year, and dreams of one day racing a Top Fuel dragster. Fresh out of Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, and armed with the knowledge to maintain her race vehicle, Jarrett has a promising future in drag racing.
Phil Owens was recognized for winning in the Super Pro category at the Division 2 finals, and placing second at the Bracket Championship in California.
Stacy Blanton won "Best Looking Helmet," while Super Pro champion John Hobbs humbly accepted "Ugliest Pit Vehicle." Joe Haddon won "Best Looking Pit Vehicle," and Bill Boomhower won "Best Looking Race Vehicle." Tommy Motes was given the "Sportsmanship Award," Jessie Wilson was nominated "Most Inspirational Driver," and Eric Smith was elected "Most Improved Driver." Mike Savage was named "Employee of the Year" for his unyielding service to the track.
Track manager Ray Wilkings promised a lot more racing for the 2011 season, and plenty of reinvented events to keep things interesting.
