Northern California Racing Association recently hosted its 41st annual awards banquet at the Konocti Vista Resort & Casino to conclude the 2006 auto racing season.
The top drivers in NCRA”s modified, mini stock, bomber and street stock divisions were honored as well as the L.A. Cruiser champion. More than $15,000 in cash and trophies were distributed during the program, which was attended by nearly 200.
The evening began with a welcome presentation by Lakeport Speedway Manager Nadine Strauss and the introduction of the NCRA officers, directors and officials. Track announcer Blue Pabst acted as master of ceremonies with NCRA director Jinjer Hearn and NCRA Secretary Wendy McIntire handing out the awards.
Special recognition included the $200 Linnell Printing Award, which was presented to Jonathon Reynolds, of Lakeport. Hearn presented her popular director”s awards to Al Cipparrone, Rich Schramm, Jr., Mill Mucci, Wendy McIntire, Brad Laird and the Red Neck Racing team.
The “Kermit Knudson Rookie of the Year” titles are presented by Kermit Knudson to the rookie driver who finishes highest in points in his/her class. These awards went to Reynolds in the modified division; Davey Coyne in the mini stock class; and Mike Bray in the bombers.
In NCRA”s premier division, Terry McIntire, of Kelseyville, cinched his third consecutive modified championship, which was a first in the 41-year history of NCRA. McIntire pocketed more than $1,000 and took home a four-foot tall trophy as well as a Lakeport Speedway champion jacket.
Street stock champion Chris Salmina, of Clearlake was not in
attendance to receive his trophy; however, second place finisher Sean Keown was present to accept his first season-end trophy running under NCRA. Kevin Waycik finished third with Charlie Collins fourth and Bill Mucci fifth.
The mini stock championship went to 17-year-old Rich Schramm, Jr., of Nice. Fred Schmidt, the oldest driver at Lakeport Speedway at age 68, finished in second place ahead of Coyne, Mitch Preston and Laird.
In the bomber division, it was gentleman George Abella, of Lakeport, who snagged his first ever championship. For the third year in a row, second place went to Ukiah”s Jimmy Sorrels. Jon Waner finished in third with Robert Byers in fourth and Andy Norton in fifth.
The L.A. Cruiser division crowned Rick Bryant of Lucerne as its champion, followed by Bob Strauss, Paul Lauenroth and Mike Smithhart.
Photos were taken by Lakeport Speedway official photographer Kolene Potter, and music was provided by DJ Lyle Coburn.
Changes for the 2007 racing season include running a limited schedule at Lakeport Speedway and joining forces with the Ukiah Speedway for an overall points championships in the modified, mini stock, bomber and bonus bomber (previously street stock) divisions. Rules for all four classes are now available at the Lakeport Speedway office in Lucerne.
