ATLANTA DRAGWAY HONORS 2012 POINTS CHAMPIONS AT BANQUET
By Amy Glover
Atlanta Dragway racers traded in their racing gear for button-ups and other formal wear to attend the 2012 Atlanta Dragway Banquet of Champions at the American Legion Post 127 in Buford, GA. Kids and adults were gathered around the Christmas tree; not the kind with presents of course, but there were plenty of goodies donated by sponsors to give away to attendees. Sponsors included Summit Racing Equipment, VP Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil, Coca Cola, Year One, Mickey Thompson Tires, Tanger Outlet Mall, Wendy's, Comfort Suites Commerce, Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, K&N Filters, and more.
The first part of the ceremony honored the participants of the Jr Dragster racers. Families came out in full support to cheer them on for their accomplishments during the 2012 season. The Butler family won 'Best Looking Pit Vehicle', Austin Solesbee won the 'Best Appearing Older Jr Dragster' award, and Wesley Syme won the 'Best Appearing Younger Jr Dragster' award. The 'Junior Sportsmanship Award' went to Jackson Earwood, and the 8-9 champion Nate Halsey was given the 'Most Improved' title. Jr Dragster parent Lynn Solesbee won the 'Extra 1/8 Mile' award for her contributions to the Jr Dragster program. Winners of the Qualifier Shootout included Nate Halsey and Jacob Wilson for the 8-9 category, Austin Bowden and Austin Carden for the 10-12 category, and Brittney Hellemn for the 13-17 group.
Nathan "Hotrod" Halsey was the 8-9 year old Jr Dragster champion, and thanked his dad Jeff, mom Lovelle, sister Maddie, his Aunt Wendy, his teacher Ms. Fraley and friend Maggie Merret, and 'Little' Bill Gillen. Austin "Skull Crusher" Carden remains undefeated for a third consecutive year in the 10-12 Jr Dragster category. "I'd like to thank God for the ability to drive and doing what I love to do." Carden also thanked his dad Matt and Jeff Brown for being his crew chiefs, mom Charlene, nana Connie, and sister Alayna for cheering him on. Brittney Hellemn came out on top with a ten point lead in the 13-17 Jr Dragster class. She thanked the racing families and the track employees, as well as her granddad, mom and dad, and dedicated her championship to her late friend Adam Smith.
After the Jr Dragster ceremony concluded, the "big car" racers took over the banquet hall. Track director Mike Savage announced the racer's choice awards first, while racers talked and dined. Travis Bryant won 'Best Engineered Car', Steve Brown won the 'Good Luck Award', Diane Mansolillo won 'Crew Chief of the Year', and the 'Sportsmanship Award' went to Jesse Wilson. Chad Brewer won 'Most Inspirational Driver', Tanner Dutton won 'Most Improved in No Box Classes', while Peter Mansollilo was named 'Most Improved Driver of the Year'. Jodee Kennedy won 'Employee of the Year' for her hard work and dedication to the track.
After several door prizes were given away, Savage announced the top competitors of each category, including the 6.50 Index, 7.0 Index, Open Comp Full Body, Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman and Motorcycle classes, and then named the 2012 Atlanta Dragway Summit Series champions.
Stan Sinack won in the Super Pro category, and thanked his wife Tammie, Ed Nalley and Bill Boomhower for helping him throughout the year, and his brother Spencer "for coming to the races and helping me out." Sinack dedicated his championship to his father-in-law Ray Coggins, who is currently battling cancer. Travis Bryant won the Pro championship and the 6.50 Index championship, and thanked his dad Wade Bryant, Tony Holliman, HR Race Cars, Randy Suttles, and his wife Jessica. Bryant also thanked the track employees and Mike Savage. Howard Warren won the Sportsman championship with an impressive 270 point lead, and thanked God, his wife Shirley, and Atlanta Dragway. Tim Sutton defended his 2011 championship with another win in the Motorcycle category this year. Sutton thanked his wife Jennifer because "she goes to all the races with me."
John Norris, also a champion in last year's season, took home the 7.0 Index championship. He thanked Wade Bryant Automotive, Tri County Chevrolet, Rocky Ridge Custom Trucks, the racetrack, and all his friends, after earning the fourth championship of his racing career. Chad Brewer, last year's Pro champion, secured the Open Comp Full Body championship with a 50 point margin of victory. Brewer humbly gave thanks "to the Big Guy upstairs," and also thanked "an unnamed source" as well as Al Schaffer for all his support.
After the major awards were announced, champions Stan Sinack and Travis Bryant were called to the Christmas tree to battle it out for a brand new set of Mickey Thompson racing slicks. Bryant won two out of the three matches to round out his winning day. Afterward, racers were invited to spend the rest of the evening competing for tech cards for the 2013 season.
Mike Savage offered some closing words for the evening, thanking the racers for coming and racing with Atlanta Dragway during the 2012 season and that, "I look forward to seeing you all in March."
