PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY CROWNS CHAMPIONS

 

For Immediate Release:

January 6, 2008

Port Royal, PA

 

Port Royal Speedway 2007 awards were handed out Saturday night January 5 at the Community Building in Port Royal, PA. Mifflintown's Keith Kauffman added another title to his long list of accomplishments in Sprint Car racing. Kauffman received a check of $ 5,200 dollars from division sponsor Aumiller & Associate's of Milroy. Company owner Dick Aumiller presented Kauffman with the check and trophy. Car owner Dave Middleswarth of Middleburg joined Kauffman onstage to accept the owners title. Kauffman and Middleswarth announced they will return in 2008 to attempt to defend their title. Middleswarth said, " We race as a team, we argue as a team and tonight we are going to celebrate as a team." Kauffman praised his crew and said, " we have a good bunch of guys and they are working hard to get ready for next year."  Runner up Kevin Nouse was not in attendance. Nouse's father in law, Jim Callahan, accepted his awards. " Kevin is working on some things but nothing is firm yet. He loves Port Royal and likes to race here. He has some irons in the fire but nothing is settled." Todd Shaffer finished third and was also absent from the event, due to other commitments at the York County Racing Club Banquet. Car Owner Gary Beam announced the team will be regulars at the Juniata County oval in 2008. Mike Wagner finished fourth in points and will continue to compete with his own team. Mike Erdley was fifth. Erdley will again compete with his Lisi sponsored racer in 2008. Sixth place finisher Alan Cole was absent but team officials stated they will be regulars next season. Mark Smith, who finished seventh, was absent due to work commitments. Smith's wife accepted his awards and stated their plans are not final for the new season. She did indicate Smith plans on racing at Port Royal if suitable arrangements can be made. Craig Keel and Clark Simonton, Jr., ended the 2007 season in a tie for eighth place. Keel was not on hand. Simonton is working on his final plans for 2008. Cliff Brian finished tenth and was also absent. Special Sprint Car awards were presented to Mike Wagner for Sportsmanship and Alan Cole for Hard Luck.

 

Scotty Haus of Hamburg, PA received the Ramsey's Car Wash/AB Auto Glass Late Model Champions award. Haus thanked the entire crew and the Mapes Family for keeping the team together after the death of car owner Robby Mapes. " I have a great crew, stated Haus. " Steve Campbell had a little bit of an off year and we were finally able to beat him," added Haus. Campbell finished second and intends to return for the new year. Mike Hess was third, Hess was moved by the support and kind words of others he received following the death of his brother and long time crew chief, Kevin, last fall. Tim Wilson was fourth in points and complimented the other racers he competes with. " I've run a bunch of places. This group I run with here at Port Royal are a good bunch of guys." Wilson also received the Sportsmanship Award in Late Model action. Mitch Hack received fifth place money. Sixth was Eric Zembower who also received the Hard Luck award. Despite that title, Zembower remained upbeat and proclaimed it a good season. Scott Flickinger was seventh and stated his season was good after visiting the winners circle two times last year. Flickinger will be back with the same car after regrouping this winter. Jere Wierman finished eighth and also said it was a good year after scoring multiple wins. Tim Fedder was ninth and plans on returning next season. however Tim Burkholder took home Rookie of the Year honors. Tenth place finisher Lindsey Barton was absent. Barton's father accepted her awards and announced she was attending a driver development school that day.

 

Tim Krape received his Pro Stock Championship trophy from division sponsor Lisa Stong of Stong Auto Parts In Mifflintown. Krape and car owner Jess Trommetter will team up for 2008. Second place finisher Terry Naugle thanked car owner Spunk Wilson and stated the team will have two cars next year. " We'll probably start the year with the old car and bring out the new one later in the season." Derick Garman was third and plans to return with the same team. Jim Palm was fourth and Cliff Peffer finished fifth. Both plan to return. Sixth through tenth place finishers included Devin Frey, Jason Zook, Clark Reese, Jr., John Heane and Bill Powell. Zook does not plan on being a Pro Stock regular next season. Powell's plans are unclear.Frey will continue to make the tow from Meyerstown each week. Reese is working on his racer. Heane was absent.

 

Denise Peterson of Gray's Towing & Licensing Service presented Enduro Car awards. Jason Zook was crowned champion. Alan Noss finished second with Dave Eby third. Mark Krone and Todd Eby were in the top five. Zook and Eby were the only drivers present and plan to continue Enduro racing next season.

 

Zimmerman Truck Line Powder Puff Awards were handed out by Steve Arnold. Champion Jen Powell plans to defend her title. Second,third and fourth place finishers Amanda Dalton, Teresa Kepner and Rhonda Hutchinson plan to return. Fifth place finisher Holly Renninger was absent.

 

The Old Ed's Dog banquet, Bargain Barn, Green Hill Farm 4 Cylinder Stock Car Championship was presented to Dave Leidy. Tim Burkholder finished second with Ralph Morgan, Jr., Norm Beam and Steve Hanes following.

 

Champions received jackets from John Goshorn Racing Supplies and Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic.

 

President Tom Little also recognized and thanked Mr. & Mrs. Gary Ramsey, of Ramsy's Car Wash, Wade Cleck of the Bargain Barn, and Greg Allison of Old Ed's Dog Banquet. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kreitzer and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cleck whom Little announced will join AB Auto Glass as Late Model division sponsors in 2008.

 

Special Appreciation Awards were presented to employee's Mike Alleman, Dan Stoner, Missy Potter, John Peck, Tina Berrier and Fred Book. The PA Posse Racing Association was also awarded an Appreciation Plaque.

 

Butch Renninger Leadership Awards were given to Heidi Kauffman, George Berrier and Mel Thomas.

 

John and Buck Garloff of Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar Dealerships presented George Berrier with the Denny Kepner Memorial Award which is presented annually to a person who is always willing to assist others and goes above and beyond the normal call in their duties at Port Royal Speedway.

 

President Tom Little announced racing will start on Saturday March 22 at 6:00 PM. Gates will open at 4. A Kids Easter Egg Hunt will be held prior to racing action. Sprint Cars, Late Models and Pro Stocks will compete during the opening day show.

 

Racing Operation Directors Craig & Hank Rutherford, Bill Ritzman and Assistant Race Director Steve Arnold assisted in Awards ceremonies. The Friendship Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary prepared a delicious Turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Nearly 350 persons were present.

 

Following the awards ceremony, DJ Mel Thomas entertained with music for dancing.