NEETS Racing Celebrates Successful Season at 7th Annual Awards Ceremony

Story by:
Geno Ostrowski
December 22, 2009

   Despite snowy and sloppy weather conditions, a large turnout of racers and their friends and family came out for the 7th annual North East Enduro Tour Series (NEETS) awards ceremony at the Kutztown Fire Hall.

   Emcee, Mark Garman, was joined by Kenny Rogers of Grandview Speedway, who presented a special appreciation award to Joe and Erin Cutri for bringing their series to the speedway.

   Appreciation awards were given to each of the series' officials, which included Josh Oswald, Rick Collins, Pat Karley, Cindy Bott, Matt Odwazny, Ryan Nelson, Jamie Bower, Mark Garman.

   Each of the series' champions were celebrated. The Grandview Speedway Main Series points champions that took center stage were Tim Pauch (Big Car), Dave Bentley, Jr. (Small Car) and Tracy Berger-Carmen (Ladies Division). The Wall Stadium Mini Series champions were also honored. Those winners were Richard Petey (Big Car), Dave Bentley, Jr. (Small Car), Jeff Gregor (Trux) and Melissa Simms (Ladies Division). Main Series champions, Pauch and Bentley each received a $1,000 payout, towering trophy and a custom fitted leather jacket with their names and accomplishments embroidered on them.

   NEETS Promoter, Joe Cutri, presented several special awards to select drivers for their efforts throughout the season. Joel Pilgert received an award for accomplishing the most flips this season, turning his car over 3 ž times in a single roll! Scott Bergey was awarded the "Most Enduring Driver" award for receiving a broken neck after a violent roll-over at the final race of the season. Scott's outlook after returning home from the hospital was when the new rules are being posted and when the first race will be.

   Rookie of the year awards went to Chuck Miller and Jack Zeilsdorf Jr., Small and Big Car divisions respectfully, which were sponsored by Detweiler's Towing.

   Also sponsored by Detweiler's Towing, Hard Luck Awards were awarded to Steve Sapp and Chris Agstadt, Small and Big Car divisions respectfully.

   The Spirit Award went to Critter, for his valiant efforts to attract as much attention to the series as possible online and at various special events and the first ever sportsmanship award was presented to Chris Reichert for his commendable spirit throughout the 2009 racing season.

   Travis Schwenk received the promoter's award for publicizing the series in any way, shape or form possible throughout the year, on and off the speedway and finally, Richard Petey was awarded the "Most Flat Tires" award for the season as the floor was turned over to him to present the prestigious "Uncle Petey award to Tom and Kory Stevens. Petey followed up with the "Special" gag awards to various drivers.

   Promoter Joe Cutri looks forward to another event filled season of racing at Grandview Speedway. The series has acquired a display booth at the upcoming 25th Annual Len Sammons' Motorsports Expo Show in Oaks, PA. There will be a vehicle on display as well as t-shirts, sets of rules, schedules, flyers and other freebies! All drivers are urged to come out to support the series!

Big Car Top Ten - Grandview Speedway Main Series
Champion - Tim Pauch
2nd Place - Chris Reichert
3rd Place - Duane Eidem
4th Place - Shawn Naftzinger
5th Place - Steve Haegele
6th Place - Howie Bott
7th Place - Kory Stevens
8th Place - Richard Petey
9th Place - Justen Steigerwalt
10th Place - Jack Zeilsdorf Jr.

Small Car Top Ten - Grandview Speedway Main Series
Champion - Dave Bentley Jr.
2nd Place - Steve Todorow
3rd Place - Travis Schwenk
4th Place - Phil Levering
5th Place - Art Kulik
6th Place - John Saccomandi
7th Place - Mark Forman
8th Place - Tom Stevens
9th Place - Steve Sapp
10th Place - Mike Ventura

Ladies Race - Grandview Speedway Main Series
Champion - Tracy Berger-Carmen

Big Car Top Five - Wall Stadium Mini Series
Champion - Richard Petey
2nd Place - Rob Longo
3rd Place - Elliot Wohl
4th Place - Howie Bott
5th Place - Chris Felber

Small Car Top Three - Wall Stadium Mini Series
Champion - Dave Bentley Jr.
2nd Place - John Saccomandi
3rd Place - Melissa Simms

Trux Division - Wall Stadium Mini Series
Champion - Jeff Gregor

Ladies Race - Wall Stadium Mini Series
Champion - Melissa Simms