PASTERYAK CROWNED TRUE VALUE MODIFIED CHAMPION
A capacity crowd filled the historic Francis Farm banquet facility
in Rehoboth, MA., Saturday night, November 15, as the True Value
Modified Racing Series, presented it’s fifth annual Awards Banquet
honoring drivers, car owners, and the 2008 series champion, Chris
Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT.
Pasteryak, winner of two races, at Waterford and Seekonk, addressed
the crowd from a well prepared and well delivered script that
detailed what the season meant to him and his family. The second
generation driver thanked his fiancé, family, his Babcia, friends,
his sponsors, series sponsors, and TVMRS officials, for their
support. His father, Charlie, and uncle, Carl, have been involved in
modified racing since the mid-seventies. “I guess they didn’t know
what they were getting into,” said the new champion.
Series founder Jack Bateman, joined by series officials and True
Value representatives,
Rick and Robin Tullock, made presentations to the top fifteen
drivers and car owners as well as achievement awards in several
categories. Sponsorship awards and the the 4th annual Bob Polverari
“7-11” presentation were also part of the evenings festivities.
Series announcer, John Spence Sr, hosted the event, with opening
remarks focusing on a review of the 2008 season. Spence noted,
“despite the just concluded campaign being tough economically for
everyone, 61 different drivers were awarded points this year. All
things considered, that’s not too bad.” Spence also recognized
special guests and thanked media representatives for their continued
support.
Bateman recognized series officials for their hard work,
professionalism, and dedication.
He offered comment on each official pointing out their qualities
and what they mean to the series. The tours officials have been
lauded by fans, media, speedway management, and race teams, for the
respect they show competitors, and their easy going manner.
Bateman thanked track owners, series sponsors, participating New
England True Value stores, New England Racing Fuels, Black Mountain
Painting, Hoosier Tire East , SPAFCO Race Cars, Koszela Speed, Dart,
UniFirst, Inside Track, Sherwood Racing Wheels, for their support.
The series founder also spoke of a 16 race schedule, down from 19
this past season, with some adjustments and possible additions to be
made to a tentative schedule already in place for 2009. The series
will also assist in officiating the “open” race at Seekonk in July.
The 2008 “7-11” award, for professionalism on and off the track,
was presented to Vinnie “WHO” Annarummo. The recipient was chosen by
former winners, Bateman, Dwight Jarvis, and Ed Dachenhausen and the
special plaque was presented by New England Hall of Famer, Bob
Polverari.
Service Award: Ray Legere. A race car owner/builder since the early
70’s, Legere, now a member of the series tech staff, joins Jarvis
and Bateman as one of three original race car owners that remains
with the series today.
2008 True Value Modified Racing Series Achievement Awards
Recipients:
Hoosier Tire East Award: (Presented By Bobby Summers) - Chris
Pasteryak
Black Mountain Painting Award: (Presented By Jack Bateman) -
Kirk Alexander
Most Improved Driver: (Selected By Series Officials) – Shelly
Perry
Touch Luck Award: (Selected By Series Officials) – Les
Hinckley
Sportsmanship Award: (Selected By Series Officials) - 77
Gangsta Racing
Koszela Speed - Rookie of the Year: Kenny White Jr (presented
by Peter Jarvis)
THE END