0
0
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, drivers, teams, owners, sponsors and family and friends gathered at the Mystic Marriott located in Groton, Connecticut to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 racing season at the New London Waterford Speedbowl Awards Banquet.
Seven Saturday Night Divisions, the Open Street Stocks and Compact Enduro divisions were represented with a total of 97 trophies and plaques to be presented throughout the evening. Recipients included Rookie of the Year in the seven Saturday Night Divisions, drivers finishing two through ten in points in all nine divisions and the highest award of Champion in all nine divisions.
Co-Manager and Director of Frontend Services, Heidi McDonough began the awards presentation with a thank you to all who attended and noting the record number of guests attending this evening. She spoke of the New London Waterford Speedbowl being home to so many and a place where most times, on and off the track we are all family. She then went on to speak of the 2024 season and the goal of both Co-Manager and Director of Race Operations, Chris Austill and Owner of the New London Waterford Speedbowl, Bruce Bemer, to bring back a Drivers Points Fund. She was happy to announce that this goal was accomplished throughout the 2024 season and the award recipients here tonight would be presented with a Drivers Point Fund check for the first time in many years. She also announced, for the first time in Speedbowl history, those qualifying drivers from the Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday Night Awards Banquet will also be receiving a Drivers Point Fund check in the coming weeks.
It was then time to turn it over to the voices of the Speedbowl, Dave Baribeault and John Gates for the awards presentations. Dave and John announced each recipient and provided statistical information of the driver’s season as they crossed the stage where they were presented their award by Heidi McDonough. It was now time for the highest award, the best of the best, the Champion. Each Champion crossed the stage to receive their coveted Gold Cup and their Championship jacket provided by Hoosier Tire East. Speeches were given by the Champions who thanked Bruce Bemer for providing them a place to race as well as the staff of the Speedbowl. Parents, Crews, Sponsors and fans were also thanked and the resounding theme was this Champion could not have accomplished this without their hard-working team and sponsor support. Many talked about returning to the Speedbowl for the 2025 season as well as some drivers changing up divisions.
The evening concluded with dancing and socializing as it was evident that these drivers, teams, sponsors and family and friends can’t wait for the 2025 season to begin.
Congratulations to our 2024 Champions, SK Modified: Anthony Flannery IV, SK Light: Evan Bourgeois, Late Model: Jason Palmer, Street Stock: Aaron Plemons, Mini Stock: Charles Canfield, Truck: Brad Strickland, Legends Car: PJ Evans, Open Street Stocks: Ryan Lineham and Compact Enduro: Allen Coates Jr.
New London Waterford Speedbowl will see you all on Blast Off Weekend, May 2-4, 2025.
(Image by TK Race Photo)
