Reynoldsville —Hummingbird Speedway put the final touches on another successful season by honoring the top ten drivers in all five divisions at its annual awards banquet held at the Bellamauro in Reynoldsville on Saturday evening.
After the opening remarks by Program Director, Dave Resinger and invocation given by Dave Farrell, over 450 people were served a buffet style meal. Resinger then gave the season recap & statistics followed by the awarding of trophies and jackets to the drivers. Jerry Walls of Sykesville claimed his first track championship in the inaugural season for the front wheel drive four cylinders. Walls had four feature wins and a total of 1228 points. Second through tenth place went to Jim Haag, Russ Walls, Mark Segerberg, Dustin Fields, Ben Smith, John Spellen, Chris Woodel, Mike Lucas, and Dave Kohler.
Jess and Duane Miller of Miller Brothers Furniture and By The Room Furniture were on stage to give out he awards for the pure stock class. Paul Kot of DuBois claimed his first points championship as he garnered 7 feature wins and 1304 points, both speedway leading totals. Kot also became the sixth different champion in the division. Second through tenth place were Toby Saline, Matt Heindl, Bill Huntington, Scott Kline, John Barley, Brian Rhed, Pete Mackie, Jeff Krach, and Dustin Michuck.
Wayne Prontock of Prontock Beer Distributing was the presenter in the next two divisions with Bill McMillen of St. Marys picking up his second straight championship in the IC Light Beer four-cylinders. McMillen scored three feature wins and 1189 points. Alan Barnett, Don Henry, Mike Anderson, George Bailey, Aaron Henry, Brandon Weidow, Scott McCartney, Bob Ralston, Jr., and Randy Albert finished second through tenth. Bob Connor of DuBois continued his steak in the Kronik Energy Drink street stocks as he picked up his third straight title in the division with four feature wins and 1267 points. Connor also matched Emory Rinehart, Jr. (2001-2003) by winning his third title. Second through fifth place were Levi Ardery, Joe Kot, Gary Little, Fuzzy Fields, Dan Smeal, Pernell Beimel, Denny Fenton, Scott Fenton, and Tom Slack.
Josh Johnson, a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization represented Brookville Wood Products as the presenter for the limited late model division. Luke Hoffner of Turbotville took home the top honors in the division with six feature wins and 1138 points. The title was Hoffner’s first at the track, second this season, and fourteenth of his career. Second through tenth place were Jim Parson, Jr., Dave Shagla, Jr., Bob McMillen, Chris Farrell, Chuck Kennedy, Dwayne Brooks, Donnie Connor, Loren Sallack, and Adam Nixon.
Denny and MaryAnn Fenton presented the sportsmanship award in memory of their nephew Joe Ellis, who was a driver at the speedway, and passed away after a vehicle crash as he was returning home from an internship on September 11, 2001. Winners of the award were Hoffner, Bob Connor, Bill McMillen, Paul Kot, and Jessica Brooks.
Rick Soukup of Eckerd Express Photo Lab presented Toby Saline with the “photo finish” award. Gerald Royer took home the roll over award. Sponsor plaques and other awards finished the awards presentation program with track owner Louie Caltagarone making his closing remarks. Caltagarone stated that the track is already prepared for next racing season and new poles and lighting will be installed in the pit area in the upcoming week. Rules have also been posted on the track’s website. The evening closed with music by The Original Sonic Sounds.
For more information on the 2007 season, call the track office at 653-8400 or visit the track’s website at www.hummingbirdspeedway.com.
