Fugle, Catalano and Micoli Make Return Visits to Victory Lane

By: Steven Petty

PERRY, NY With weather threatening, Wyoming County International Speedway got the entire program completed in just about two hours. The racing action was just as competitive just as it always is on the 1/3^rd mile Perry, NY oval.

Don King made his first trip to the Bullring a memorable one as he picked up the win in the SST Modified feature. Greg Utberg and Andy Jankowiak led the field to the green flag with Utberg leading the first go around but it was the Rear End Specialties, Jim and Bobs Service 57 of Jankowiak that would take over the top spot on lap 2. Jankowiak would have almost a full track advantage over the rest of the field but engine woes plagued the 57 machine and Don King would get around Jankowiak before the yellow flag would come out. King would then hold off Kevin Lewis and Greg Utberg for his first win at the Bullring.

Other winners ... Lippa Jr, Catalano and Eck

By: Steven Petty

PERRY, NY… The weather was a little cool on Opening Night but the racing action was hot as Wyoming County International Speedway opened the gates for the first time in 2010. It was Meet the Drivers/Meet the Angels night as the SST Angels were on hand to meet and greet the fans that were anxiously awaiting the start of the racing action.

Joe Evans and Andy Jankowiak led the competitive field of SST Modifieds to the start of the 35 lap affair with Jankowiak getting the early advantage. Side by side action all over the 1/3^rd mile led to the first caution of the night as Amy Catalano and John Julicher Jr ran side

Introduction 2009 Awards Banquet   - and news release recap

Welcome to our annual WCIS / SST Awards Banquet, Celebrating 50 years of stock car racing history at the BullRing and Six(6) official years of SST Series racing.

WCIS started off this season, one of the best years ever when it came to racer / crew participation. The first Two months, May & June of 09’ proved that even in hard times, people want to be entertained…We all want to be a part of something ….family, friends and that great thrill of competition.

Then the rain came…not every day, and not even in buckets….but just enough between the hours of 3&5pm on Friday afternoon to upset our favorite past time!

Fortunately, Mother Nature did allow us to get in,  some of our big events during the second Half of the season.  6 of 12 rain outs beginning July 3^rd upset the momentum we were building….but the big shows, like the RoC modified Tour, SST 100 LaborDay Weekend Party and the ShootOut at the BullRing continue to be … events you don’t want to miss!

A definite HighLight of the season was the 50 year reunion Celebration.

Fans visited with their racing heroes of the past and present. With a display of memorabilia and face to face conversation… the event was definitely, one to be remembered. Be sure to check out the 2010 schedule as an annual reunion event will be a part of the BullRing play list for seasons to come.

On the SST Tour front…teams gatherd for what is being said to be the best asphalt racing in the region. Dunn Tire Raceway Park, Holland Motorsports Complex, RoC at the Steel Palace of Oswego, Spencer Speedway, The BullRing – Wyoming County International Speedway and well beyond. In both the SST Modified, and the newly formed SST SuperStock, people continue to observe and join in on this regional platform. The consistency and diligents of the tech team maintain equality in the competition, …and the interest of new fans & racers continue to grow the quality of the special events.

SST – The Super Short Track Racing Series, was developed to focus on the regional racer of today… helping to bring recognition to the diehard teams who week after week, compete to entertain all of us fans. A commitment of a group of officials to oversee the parameters designed to promote the racing industry…from the marketing of team sponsors, product and monetary distribution to the racers and driver promotional recognition…a never ending circle, that continues to grow and evolve with every passing season.

Now for the awards presentation…each week most of us play this racing game for the thrill of a possible winner’s circle trophy presentation at the end of the race. Some simply race for the camaraderie of your friends & family pit side… none of us really do it for the money….long days of dedication are required for the thrill of only a few hours…and those who do it…love it…it’s a way of life.

And at the end of every year, we gather to celebrate the cumulative accomplishments of the season past. The individual racer, the supporting teams, the dedicated officials, promoters and sponsors.

The sponsors of today’s awards ceremony are as follows;

FK RodEnd
VRP Shocks
Sherwood Racing Wheels

Powertrain technologies

RNE Precision Machining & Welding

Discount Trophy & Engraving   Buffalo
Emerling Chev. / Ford
Decker Promotions
RayTech Securities
Contingency Connection
2Kwik Chassis                            **Repeat**

Typically because of time constraints, we have limited the interviews to the top three only… but that’s not fair, So today …because racers are so good at stretching the rules, we’ve decided to give the remaining top ten competitors…One… and Only one sentence that creatively sums up their season…….let’s see if this can be done!

Mini-Cup Racing at WCIS, for the first time this past season has evolved from a club, to a weekly division at the BullRing. Reaching speeds exceeding 60 MPH, these 5/8ths scale, fully suspended racers, are fun and a great way to learn chassis set up and driver discipline. Starting at the age of ten years old, Racers can begin experiencing real side by side competition

This is a great way to get children started in circle track motorsports. The vehicles are that follow MMRA rules are the same across the country. As we evolve our new program we look forward to full fields and a chance to bring a National Mini-Cup event to our scale nationals to the BullRing in the Fall.

SuperStocks….The last of the true Stock Cars….a division caught up in time restricted by the development of the front wheel drive. A full bodied division who’s rebirth is driving up recognition and participation with every exciting race. Diversely supported by veterans and rookies alike, blending what will continue to be a respected division of awesome racing action.

Open wheel racing at the BullRing is known as the birthplace of the SST Modified… 450 hp….speeds of 100 MPH…side by side racing,  which translates into… the never ending short track excitement. The challenge of this division, is made up of the diversity of those who compete within it, and the drama that sometimes follows.

Racing in what is swiftly becoming the premier division of the region, gives pride to those who challenge the competition…… and thrill the fans!

SST – Super Short Track Racing Series       (Introduce Dennis Murphy Jr.)

As many of you know, SST began in an infant stage back in 1999. A simple idea to grow the industry around Wyo.Co…which in theory ….would then help to grow the racing in Perry……………

……Well at least its working around the region……….  :)

With the participation of teams always on a steady increase, and a cross breeding of input, from team players……decisions are formulated…. Information from manufacturers, engine builders, Chassis builders (2Kwik Chassis) Speedshops and race teams, SST brings together information to build upon our industries future.

Last season SST moved forward with the unification of our second sanctioned division of SST SuperStocks. Participation from a relatively downsized group saw an upswing for the first time in years. And that growth continues through 2010.

Our goal, similar to the Mods, is to show the region that unified rules provides the basis for growth in regional motorsports.

Please congratulate the top ten teams of the 2009 SST SuperStock Tour

The growth of SST Modified racing in the North East, proudly supises me every time we experience an out of state fan, or a manufacturer that’s producing and advertising SST legal components from somewere across the country….it makes me realize SST is growing as its own entity….a part of racing history that each and everyone of us are a part of…..

Now we may not yet be able to provide the big payout and point funds, …. Maybe soon…… but, we can provide you a piece of history….

The top twenty SST Modified Teams of 2009are as follows;

To the officials, management and event support, that provide a tireless foundation to the success of every event.  They provide the direction for the “organized ciaos” we all love to be a part of …Short Track Stock car racing…Thank you for your efforts and good judgment.

Also, at this time…Drivers… take the time to look around and thank your family and crew for putting up with your attitude all season …

…and make sure they understand how much you appreciate them!

RNE  Precision Machining & Welding

                           Most Improved Driver Award

These next awards are chosen for those who from last season to this season, improved in overall points, handeling and attitude toward racing….sometimes it’s because you’re a rookie with a steep learnig curve going up….or last season just was’nt all that good.

Austyn Fugle – 4 Cylinder Stock #36

Mike Chenaille – SST SuperStock #20

Steven Fuchs – SST Modified # 01

Recognition of Achievement

These next 3 awards are a little special because it lets the recipients know that we noticed your effort…and when I say    WE… understand that it may be your fellow racers, and/or the officials at the track….
The first one is “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” Most every one in this room has had this guy help them out when things were at there worst….. Just after you broke, wrecked or …broke then wrecked….or broke then wanted to wreck someone….

This Guy was there…Stepping up as Infield Director at the BullRing……Mike Adamczak

The second Award is Perseverance….. There was an event were after taking quite the wild ride down the back straight-a way, barrel rolling and even maybe an endo, the driver got out…walked to the pits and shortly after participated in a junkyard Smsh-n-Crash event….But that’s not the perseverance part…. The perseverance part is that this family team, made it back racing the next week with a repaired SST SuperStock….

The “Perseverance Award” this year goes to Brian Gordon and Family.

The next award also exemplifies a family effort….Pitside week after week this group participates together not only for fun, but also for consistency…..Every single season you can expect to see this car in the top group at the end of the year….and this year was no different. Clicking off Two 3^rd place season finishes….one in  SST Division racing at the BullRing and also the SST Racing Series

We celebrated his 50 years in auto racing last season… and wish him many more….Mr Dick Kluth

Hard Luck Award

Nobody gets excited about this award….but every year without fail every one of you compete for it….blowen up motors, smashing up cars and sometimes just having a bad day at the races….

It’s the hard luck award, and this year it goes out to two good people, who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time

SST SuperStock #45 Brad Collings

SST Modified # 91 Joe Evans

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hard Charger Award

As I’ve said in the past, these next awards are possibly opposite of the last award, yet…they are separated at times by just a fine line. A line that can be crossed in an instant,  when that hole closes without warning, but in this case when it stays open, just long enough to ‘thread the needle’ and

make the pass for the win… you know, your a Hard Charger!

The Hard Charger Award recognizes those who…through perseverance..

and a little luck… accomplish great deeds.  Almost every week, putting on a show… as they race with fellow competitors to the finish line,

not always finishing first, but still being recognized as a ‘hard charger’.

 Mini Cup #48   Jamie Bindel

4Cylinder #47 Eric Hastreiter

SST SuperStock # 64 Brian Gleason

SST Modified   #91 Joe Evans

MM Sports Photos – Best Appearing Car Award

Mini Cup    #8 Kennedy White    

4-Cylinder Stock  #47 Eric Hastreiter

SuperStock   #45 Brad Collings

SST Modified #01 John Barber

Dedicated Official

These next three people joined the BullRing Team of Officials over the past couple years for varicose reasons, and all of us at WCIS would like to say Thank You for your Support and assistance all year long

Pit Stewards; Erine Collings , Gary Wolfer

Scorer: Cheryl Packman

FK RodEnd - Mechanic of the Year

We all realize the importance in maintaining a race car for weekly short track competition. Every nut and bolt requires re-torque. Every moving part requires inspection. And then the set up, adjustments, tires and engine maintenance.

So, for this season we would like to recognize a crewchief that accomplished several wins at different race tracks, many successful top fives, and three championships in one season

This is all with a full time job and kids involved in racing themselves!

Congratulations for taking your team to the championship!

Dave Catalano

Rookie of the Year

The ‘rookie of the year’ is a highly regarded award that recognizes the accomplishments of new teams into a division. The decision is based on the overall accomplishment and the way the contender presents themselves when competing.

The 4-Cylinder Division is the gateway for new drivers to begin their racing career. It’s competitive,… yet forgiving when mistakes are made. The learnig curve can be sharp,…with jagged edges…but if you can make it through, you may be recognized like this ….

4 Cyl stock #88 Chris Wolcott from Wyoming NY

This next recipient showed up to WCIS for other reasons other than racing…. It was for a job in the concession stand!.

But soon after getting that race fever with her family this new rookie had a race car

Please welcome rookie of the year MiniCup Style

Kennedy White # 8

With every step up, in division racing, the competition grows more intimidating. The SuperStocks are no exception. Racing with this group demands full concentration and a desire to go fast side by side for several laps!

So, off to the BullRing they go….focused on the competition and a huge desire to do well….week after week we saw the improvements and may continue to notice her back in winners circle in 2010

From Hamburg NY …Lexi Wilson #21

When piloting an open wheel SST …Racing Machine, one finds out …. Its not as easy as you think. So we should all respect the ones that step up for the challenge! 400plus horsepower, 100 mph and lets go racing!

Well this young gentleman entered the BullRing eager to listen learn…and this he did

Finshing just out of the top ten in the SST Modified Series and 5^th at the BullRing, Please recognize SST Modified ‘Rookie of the year’ 2009

#03 Patrick Emerling from Orchard Park NY

Sonny Grimes Sportsmanship Award

This award was developed after the WCIS inaugural season starter Sonny Grimes passed away. Sonnnny was a part of our regions racing community, involved as a driver himself in the 60’s and moving into officiating soon after. Sonny’s involvement and personality had such an impact during those early years of the BullRing, that he also became the very first to be inducted into the Wyoming County International Speedway “Hall of Fame”. He was always very polite and willing to help when and were ever he could….The 2009 Sportsman Award goes to a man who also is extremely polite…. even if things don’t go as planned…Polly says, ‘we need a whole field of nice guys like him in racing’

Please welcome driver of the #55 SST Modified…Greg Utberg

Recognition of Support

Through out the season, along with maintenance of the facility, promotions and marketing become the #1 priority. Part of the marketing is developing onsites for track and series exposure…this can be accomplished at business location, car shows, parades ect…

Although many teams assist by taking part in these events, one person we could always count on was Mike Bliss and his # 27 SST Modified!

Sponsor of the Year – Elitsac Lumber, Castile NY – Thank you

Special recognition – Ladies of racing

To the boys of the BullRing….Here come the Ladies!

It may have started back with Rhonda Mooney, Donna Beach or Karen Ingleman…. And now we have names like Pruitt, McDonald, Packman, 2 Beckers, Wilson, Jack, Catalano and more.

Media Recognition

This is a relatively simple award, although the task to achieve it…is certainly not. It requires a good memory, notes, photos and creativity.

So as a reminder to all of us, the two people responsible for getting the information to the fans…helping to make all of us look good…                                             

                                     Seven Petty – Announcer / Writer

Outstanding Achievement

These next 3 recipients did a stellar job to achieve the outstanding achievement award…more than anybody else, with the help of there team…Won the most features of their division!

                    Gurt McDonald, 4-Cylinder Stock #33    5 Feature wins

                    Bobbie Lippa Jr, SST SuperStock #15     8 Feature wins

‘Wall of Fame’ inductee 2009

As many of you know, Jim Roberts ( Track Welder) has been a stable part of Wyoming County Int. Speedway since the spring of 1998. Before we opened the gates, before the first racecar rejoined the Perry asphalt, before the first green flag flew, Jim joined in helping to create the facility we have today. With out even being asked… there he was. And there he stayed…working hard to get every one of your race cars back into the trailer, or back on the track to finish the race!

My respect for Jim Roberts goes well beyond words…and I’m afraid I didn’t say thank you enough….So,           thank you Sir, and welcome to our ‘Wall of Fame’

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