SPOTLIGHT ON ATLANTA DRAGWAY 2012 POINTS CHAMPIONS
By Amy Glover
Stan Sinack may have won the 6.50 Index championship the past two seasons, but this year he went on to dominate the Super Pro category for his first Super Pro championship. He 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's victory was a very tight win, with the top three points leaders tied for first before the final race; Sinack clinched the title when he won the final round of the last race, about which he mused "I fell right into it." Sinack dedicated his championship to his father-in-law Ray Coggins, who is currently battling cancer.
Placing in many of the races this season, Travis Bryant won the Pro championship and the 6.50 Index championship with consistency. "I'm just having fun, overcoming the heat, and trying to stay focused," Bryant said of his racing strategy. He thanked his dad Wade Bryant, who "did the engine work that keeps it running," Tony Holliman, HR Race Cars, Randy Suttles for a great paintjob on his car, and his wife Jessica for staying home and watching after the farm. Bryant also thanked the track employees and Mike Savage, "There's a lot of smiling faces and a friendly atmosphere."
Howard Warren won the Sportsman championship with an impressive 270 point lead, gaining his advance with five wins and two second place finishes. "I need to thank God for all the luck he has given me this year. I am lucky to have a wife who puts up with my racing habit and doesn't give me grief, and it's great to have a track like Atlanta Dragway." Warren began 2012 with burying his father and stepmother, and wasn't certain he'd make the first race of the season, but he came out with his first championship in his 25 year racing career. Warren will continue celebrating with his upcoming 44th anniversary of marriage to his wife Shirley.
Tim Sutton defended his 2011 championship with another win in the Motorcycle category this year. Not only did he win a Wally trophy at the King of the Track race, but he earned a 150 point lead with a whopping seven wins throughout the year. Sutton thanked his wife Jennifer because "she goes to all the races with me." Upon receiving his championship jacket and trophy he simply said, "Thank you."
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. Though he had many mechanical issues throughout the year, Norris said "it worked out good in the end," 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. Unable to recall whether he had won five or six championships in his racing career, Brewer humbly gave thanks "to the Big Guy upstairs," and also thanked "an unnamed source" as well as Al Schaffer for all his support. Brewer also commented on his top competition, runner-up Jeff Wagner: "I was worried Jeff was gonna catch me the last couple of races, but I couldn't let a Mopar beat me."
Brittney Hellemn had some tough competition for the 13-17 Jr Dragster championship, but came out on top with a ten point lead when all was said and done. Addressing racing families and racetrack employees alike she said "Thank you to the families for being awesome, you are like my second family, and thank you to the track employees for making this year awesome and fun." Hellemn also acknowledged her immediate family's support, "Race day wouldn't start right without granddad's breakfast" and continued, "I thank my mom for being my biggest cheerleader, and thank dad for giving me a winning car." In an emotional conclusion, Hellemn dedicated her championship to her late friend Adam Smith.
Austin "Skull Crusher" Carden remains undefeated for a third consecutive year in the 10-12 Jr Dragster category, but the formidable champion was humble when receiving the honor: "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. With confidence, Carden stated "I look forward to moving into the 7.90 class." Carden also won his second consecutive championship at Silver Dollar Raceway.
Nathan "Hotrod" Halsey was the 8-9 year old Jr Dragster champion, and held an impressive 6th place in the 8-12 Jr Dragster points this season. Grinning from ear to ear, Halsey thanked his dad Jeff, mom Lovelle, sister Maddie, and his Aunt Wendy. He also thanked his teacher Ms. Fraley and his friend Maggie Merret, and 'Little' Bill Gillen for being "a good helper" who is already working on Halsey's faster 8.90 engine for the 2013 season.
