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(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) has released the ballot to its membership for voting in the 2025 inductees to the prestigious EMPA Hall of Fame (HoF), along with other special awards that will be presented during the organization’s 52nd annual convention set to take place January 10-12, 2025, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
The EMPA Board of Directors thoroughly reviewed the names submitted for consideration, including 61 for the HoF, and then narrowed them down into the respective categories.
There will be eight highly regarded individuals from which the membership will vote four into the HoF.
Respected motorsports journalist Mark “Bones” Bouncier, World of Outlaws Sprint Car legend Rick Ferkel, renowned champion car owner Chip Ganassi, dirt Modified standout Jimmy Horton, Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky, northeast dirt racing icon Alan Johnson and a pair of Sprint Car greats Sammy Swindell and Steve Smith Jr., have made this year’s HoF ballot.
NHRA perennial champion Don Prudhomme and NASCAR Cup and pavement Modified and Cup star Steve Park will also be going into the HoF as automatic lock-ins.
The organization will also honor National and Northeast Drivers of the Year in both asphalt and dirt. Young drivers are recognized with the John Blewett III Young Gun Award presented by New England Race Fuels. Other honors presented are the Newsmaker of the Year, Promotional Effort of the Year, and Spirit of the Sport awards.
EMPA also presents two members – one each – as Writer of the Year and Photographer of the Year, along with awards in the writer and photography contests.
World Racing Group has named Scott Gobrecht of BAPS Speedway the recipient of the Jerry Reigle Dedication to Sprint Car Racing Award winner.
All ballots must be returned by Sunday, December 8, at which time the winners will be announced. Only EMPA members are permitted to vote.
The annual three-day convention begins with a Friday evening Salute to the Champions and membership welcoming. A select group of local and regional driving titlists will be on hand to network with the press. Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops, and award presentations. The formal Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony takes place later that evening.
Noted motorsports television and radio announcer, Paul Page, will be the keynote speaker on Saturday prior to the Dover Motor Speedway luncheon.
The Mission of EMPA is: to acknowledge excellence in motorsports and those who have excelled; to foster an atmosphere to improve the quality of motorsports reporting through fellowship and interaction of veteran media with less experienced members in a welcoming atmosphere where tips, techniques and ideas are exchanged.; and to increase positive interactions between race tracks, sanctioning bodies and the working motorsports media.
Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members with backing from Dover International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts, New England Race Fuels and American Racer Tire who are among the supporters of the organization.
2025 EASTERN MOTORSPORT PRESS ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME/AWARD NOMINEES
EMPA Hall of Fame nominees:
Inducted will be the following two, no vote needed:
Don Prudhomme and Steve Park
Four of the following inducted by vote: Mark “Bones” Bourcier, Rick Ferkel, Chip Ganassi, Jimmy Horton, Nick Igdalsky, Alan Johnson, Sammy Swindell and Steve Smith Jr.
John Blewett III Young Gun Presented by New England Race Fuels – One winner: Luke Baldwin, Trevor Catalano, Corey Day, Steven Snyder, Jr., Drake Troutman
Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year – One winner: Justine Bonsignore, Brandon Grey, Jon McKennedy, Matt Hirschman, Ron Silk
Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year – One winner: Briggs Danner, Stewart Friesen, Anthony Macri, Matt Sheppard, Mat Williamson
Al Holbert Memorial National Asphalt Driver of the Year – One winner: Antron Brown, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Alex Palou, Austin Prock
Al Holbert Memorial National Dirt Driver of the Year – One winner: David Gravel,Cannon McIntosh, Bobby Pierce, Brandon Sheppard, Brad Sweet
Chris Economaki Memorial EMPA Newsmaker of the Year – One winner: CARS Tour, Dave Blaney retires in Victory Lane, Jeff Taylor wins Oxford 250 after 38 tries, John Force Racing’s NHRA dominance, Pennsboro Speedway reopens after 22 years.
EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year – One winner: Doug Rose Bridgeport and Kutztown Speedways, Jamie Friesen track prep excellence, Orange County Fair Speedway, Stafford Motor Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Asphalt Racing
Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport – One winner: Jeff Battle, Ryan Flores, TJ Potrzebowski, Ryan Simmons
Jim Hunter Memorial EMPA Writer of the Year Award – One winner: Dan Anderson, Thomas Pope, Ted Schmidt, Scott Walsh, Keith Waltz
Ace Lane, Sr., Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year – One winner: Rich Corbett, Debbie Gastelu, Tommy Lane, Rick Neff, Walt Smith
