FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
Another great banquet! It was great to see some of our long time charter members attend like Willis & Marian Flokstra, who along with Vito LoPiccolo, founded our club nearly 37 years ago. Glad to see some of my old Mt. Clemens Race Track friends again. Met so many new champions again this year it’s hard to remember them all. Was sorry that “Bear” Ackles from the Butler Motor Speedway was unable to come and be our Master of Ceremonies this year. At the last minute he came down with a bad flu bug. I hope that he is feeling better. A speedy recovery goes out to Owner/Promoter Ron Flinn of Crystal Motor Speedway. Ron had surgery on his leg last month after a fall.
Keep checking back for more information on upcoming Fan Club Days. Many are already set and some other will be added later.
All memberships for 2002 are due now !! Please send them in as soon as possible.
See ya all after Daytona!
Bill Barnhart
President MARFC
January 19, 2002-Warren, MI—The 2002 MARFC Awards Banquet.
All Photographs on this page courtesy of Paul Anton Racing Photos
HONOREES
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Michigan Auto Racing Personality of the YearTim Culbertson Dodge Motorsports Winston Cup Program Manager,Tim Culbertson (l), received MARFC’s top honors as Michigan’s Auto Racing Personality of the Year. Bill Barnhart(r)-MARFC President. |
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Lifetime AchievementBenny Rapp Benny Rapp(l), Bill Barnhart-MARFC President (r) |
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Electronic Media AwardThe Inside Lane-WJR 760 AM Hosts Jeff DeFran and Jim Meuller accept the award, thanking the fans and behind the scenes co-workers for the show’s success. Jeff DeFran (l), Jim Mueller (m), and Bill Barnhart-MARFC President (r) |
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Motorsports Writer of the YearSteve Kaminski of the Grand Rapids Press Steve Kaminski (l), Bill Barnhart-MARFC President (r)
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Special AppreciationAn emotional Sandy Crowe explained how important this award is to her and the memory of her late husband, Steve Crowe. We learned that Steve gained a genuine love for auto racing by first covering tennis, finding that unlike tennis, racing is not just a sport, but a way of life. Something no other sport enjoys. |
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Promoter of the YearButler Motor Speedway Joe and Sandy Dorer Accepting the award on their behalf was Butler Street Stock Champion, Eric Wilson (l) Bill Barnhart-MARFC President (r) |
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Michigan Auto Racing Fan of the YearCathie Rohloff Cathie Rohloff (l), Bill Barnhart-MARFC President (r) |
CHAMPIONS
Quarter Midget |
Crystal Motor Speedway Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Jeff Reist-Pro Stock, Mike Kresnak-Pro Truck, IMCA Modified Co-Champions- John McClure and Scott Fisk, Jay Chlebeck-Hobby Stock |
Flat Rock Speedway Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Rick Knowles-Late Model, Ken Knight-Street Stock A, Aram Zadigian-Street Stock B, Greg Studt-Figure 8 |
Spartan Speedway Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Jeff Finley-Late Model, Jeff Hackworth-MMA Modifieds, Cathy Clingan- Pony Stock, Rob Marten-Street Stock, Lonny Hill- Figure 8 |
| Butler Motor Speedway ChampsPictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Terry Sroufe-UMP Late Model, Eric Wilson-Street Stock |  |
Toledo Speedway Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Dennis Strickland-Late Model, Ron Allen-Sportsman, Paul Duffin-Factory Stock, Greg Studt-Figure 8 |
Owosso Speedway Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, Phil Massuch-Super Late Model, Ed Young Jr.-Limited Late Model, Tim Brodd-Street Stock |
ARCA Series Champs |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, ARCA President Ron Drager representing Frank Kimmell-ARCA RE/Max Series, A.J. Davis-Midget Series, Robbin Slaughter-Truck Series, Dave Kuhlman-Late Model Gold Cup Series |
Michigan Legends Series |
| Pictured left to right: Rob Michon-MARFC Vice-President, John Turnbull Sr.-Series and Pro Division, Steve Jancar-Masters Champion, Shun Jennison-Pro Series and Rookie |
| Special Appreciation Awards |
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John and Suzanne MacDonald For their contribution to the annual Children’s Christmas Party.
Jim Buckley-Former President and VP
Special thanks to the race teams of Kevin Feeney and Bob Keselowski for preparing and bringing their rides to display at the banquet.
And last but not least, the 2002 MARFC awards enjoyed a “first ever” moment. After accepting his award, Ken Knight called Talya Cronenwett to the stage where he knelt before her and proposed. Talya joyfully accepted!! Congratulations!! |
Bob Capps- Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame. Also accepted the award for Kart-2-Kart.
