ENNIS, TEXAS (October 24, 2011) – On the final day of the 2011 racing season, the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) also held its annual Racer Appreciation and Awards Gala.
The memorable event took place Sunday evening at the Champion's Club at Texas Motorplex, which served as the site of the ADRL's season-ending LenMar Motorsports World Finals VII presented by Summit Racing Equipment, which also finished on Sunday. The world's premier eighth-mile drag racing league officially recognized its 2011 World Champions – Jason Hamstra (Pro Extreme), Mike Castellana (Pro Nitrous), Dan Millen (Extreme 10.5), Ashley Owens (Pro Extreme Motorcycle), Cary Goforth (Extreme Pro Stock) and Morgan Benfield (Pro Junior Dragster) – to officially conclude a thrilling and record-breaking 2012 ADRL season.
ADRL television personality Brian Olson hosted the event that also trumpeted the 2011 "Battle For The Belts" winners, the World Finals VII event winners and also announced the winners for ADRL Driver of the Year (Cary Goforth), Rookie of the Year (Mahana Al-Naemi), Track of the Year (Virginia Motorsports Park) and Spirit of the Year (T.T. and Angelia Jones).
Hamstra was the points leader from start to finish in Pro Extreme, winning twice and advancing to at least the semifinals in every race but one.
"It's been a great year and we had a lot of support," Hamstra said. "Everything worked out well and it was just a lot of fun."
Castellana, who overcame cancer during 2010, gave a touching speech after earning his championship trophy.
The New York native won four times in Pro Nitrous and was able to enjoy a storybook season.
"The ADRL has given us a great place to race and I want to thank KH (Al-Thani) for giving us an opportunity to get where we're at," Castellana said. "My crew has been unbelievable this year and I have to thank (crew chief) Shannon (Jenkins) for giving me one of the best years I've had racing.
"I also have to thank everyone for all the kind words. It all helped out a lot."
Millen was the only driver in the ADRL who finished his season with a world championship, a "Battle For The Belts" victory and a World Finals VII all on the same weekend.
It was a fitting end for an Extreme 10.5 standout who earned his second straight championship and won four times in 2011.
"It's just been an excellent year," Millen said.
Owens' second straight spectacular season ended with his first world championship. The talented rider won four times in Pro Extreme Motorcycle and re-set the E.T. record (3.964) in also becoming the first PXM rider to reach the 3-second mark.
"I just want to thank Paul (Gast of Fast by Gast). He built me an even better bike for me this year and that means a lot to me," Owens said.
In one of the most closely contested classes in the ADRL, Goforth had a remarkable and historic year in Extreme Pro Stock. He picked up three wins in what was consistently the biggest and closest class in the ADRL.
"I've got the best guys in the world on this team," Goforth said. "There's so many great competitors in this class and I'm so proud to be part of it."
Goforth's special night didn't stop there, either.
With three wins and his first ADRL world championship, Goforth was named the 2011 ADRL Driver of the Year, drawing huge applause from the large crowd at the Champion's Club.
Goforth, who also set the class E.T. record (4.037) during a standout 2011 season, was blown away by the award on what was an emotional night for his family.
"This was a pleasant surprise," Goforth said. "Jerry Haas has given us the greatest race car in the world. I love the ADRL and this is a wonderful organization to be part of."
After a spectacular 2011 rookie season, Mahana Al-Naemi was named the 2011 ADRL Rookie of the Year.
Al-Naemi had never driven a Pro Nitrous car in the United States before 2011, but he burst onto the scene with a top five finish in points, one event win and five No. 1 qualifier awards.
Crew chief and class legend Shannon Jenkins accepted the award for Al-Naemi, who was tending to an illness in the family.
"Mahana's become a very good driver and very good for the sport," Jenkins said. "I'm sure he would have been glad to accept this award."
Serving as home of the annual Speedtech U.S. Drags, Virginia Motorsports Park earned Track of the Year honors. The top-notch facility hosted another top-notch event, as fans flocked to VMP for one of the best races of the 2011 ADRL season.
Enoch Love, a Richmond-area native and owner of E-Love Racing, accepted the award on the behalf of Virginia Motorsports Park.
T.T. and Angie Jones were named recipients of the ADRL Spirit of the Year Award for their generosity and selflessness in the Pro Extreme Motorcycle class.
To finish off the Awards Gala, the ADRL also announced its 2012 schedule.
Also getting recognized were the 2011 Battle For Belts winners – Todd Tutterow (PX), Khalid Al-Balooshi (PN), Millen (XTF), Owens (PXM), Richie Stevens Jr. (XPS) and Benfield (PJD).
Earning their World Finals VII Minuteman trophies at the event were Jason Scruggs (PX), Jenkins (PN), Millen (XTF), Dave Vantine (PXM), Tony Gillig (XPS), Chanse Bullock (Summit Racing Top Sportsman), Lee Adkins (Pro Modified) and Kaley Allen (PJD).
