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Slinger Awards 2008 Stars by Fay Hendricks 1/10/2009 Saturday's gathering of Slinger Speedway's race family in nearby Hartford was exactly the warmth we all needed in the frigid temperatures outdoors. The historic Chandelier Ballroom hosted Slinger's awards banquet, not far from the Hartford Auto Museum that houses southeast Wisconsin's Auto Racing Hall of Fame. The love of racing has been dominant in this area for generations, and we all hope it will continue despite the economy. To save teams a little money, there will be a limit of two new tires a week for the late models, while the limited late models and sportsman divisions will be allowed only one. It is sad to see that a consistent low car count has brought about the demise of the modified division at Slinger. The sportsman field nearly faced the same fate until a meeting and promise of a minimum field ensured their return in 2009. After dinner the awards began with Ken Schraufnagel accepting the Slinger Bees crown. Thanking his wife and kids for their support, Schraufnagel told the audience, "This means a lot". A season-long battle saw Schraufnagel finish the season 40 points ahead of Erik Long. Brandon Tackes finished third in the point standings to earn Rookie of the Year honors. The Thunder Stock division ended their season with Al Stippich ahead of Aaron Cain by 60 points. This dynamic duo saw setbacks and adversity all year, and Stippich thanked all who helped him along the way. The Figure 8 field always closes the race program at Slinger Speedway, but Saturday they were midway through the awards. This division also had a close championship contest all season, with Scott Goetzke ahead of Shane Becker by 40 markers at the end of the year. The Midwest Sportsman division title was finalized with Jeff Holtz topping former champion Mike Graczkowski by 54 markers at the end of a series of close contests. Both are budget racers, making their accomplishments even more gratifying. The Midwest Modified division ended their years at Slinger Speedway with Steven Schulz handily adding the final crown to his previous collection. With the point lead stretching to over 300 by the end of the season, Schulz could easily have earned the championship even if he sat out a few weeks. The best of the rest was Ron Schmitt for second place in the points tally. The limited late model division saw Jon Reynolds Jr. earn his second title after his car was destroyed early in the season. Using his father's car to edge out Steve Apel by 46 points at the end, Reynolds told the audience, "I'm even prouder of this one. We finished every lap in competition." Speaking of tightening the bonds with his father, the second-generation racer appreciated the season even more. Trevor Dassow finished eighth in the points for top rookie of the year. Father Mike Dassow told your scribe of his older son Travis planning on big things this year. Look for more news in the upcoming weeks. The late model awards capped off the evening's program with Lowell Bennett earning his fifth track title as well as capturing the Pepsi Challenge Series crown by a slim margin over Collin Bamke. "I can't wait to get to Slinger every week", claimed Bennett, who posted 45 more points than repeat champion David Prunty. Bennett intends to return every week for a long time, and said his wife Sue might join in after running a spectator event last year gave her the need for more speed. "We'll keep on racing", Bennett declared, as will veteran All Schill and new father Mike Strupp, among most the others. Jeff Way earned the late model Rookie of the Year honors after completing the season in the top twenty in the point standings. Not exactly a rookie to racing, Way was never a regular at Slinger before, and told of his best friend sometimes being the only crew he had. The Hard Luck Award went to Collin Bamke. Most will remember during Slinger's Miller Lite Nationals when an accident resulted in Bamke's car pinned against the wall on its side. When huge flames erupted, Bamke climbed out of the passenger window and over the chain link fence to the grateful arms of his mother. No one wants to earn this award, but it was certainly deserved. The drawing for the free body from Five Star was not announced by name this year, thus sparing the recipient from the envy of his fellow racers. The lucky winner's number did not reveal who got this major prize, but we all know it will be greatly appreciated. A lot of happy people capped off the evening by dancing to the music and visiting as the hours went by and suddenly we were into the next day. We don't think anyone enjoys time with their fellows as much as racers do, which is why we keep coming back as well. Thanks to Wayne Erickson, Slinger staff, and the entire Slinger Speedway race family for a very enjoyable evening. After 61 years, the Sunday tradition will continue. |
Home Page  Top: Lowell Bennett, Jeff Holtz, Al Stippich, Sarah Dornbrook, Jon Reynolds Jr., Steven Schulz. Bottom: Scott Goetzke, Ken Schraufnagel. [Ron Erstad Photo] Recent News From Slinger Super Speedway 
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