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Jamie Nutzmann
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (November 17) - Last week as winter began to settle in on the Midwest, Cedar Lake Speedway's Late Model Track & NASCAR Wisconsin state champion Brent Larson traveled to Las Vegas for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Banquet. NASCAR series champion Philip Morris of Ruckersville, VA along with state champions were rewarded for their 2008 achievements in a nearly week long celebration.
The celebration opened on Wed., Nov. 5 with the Jim Hunter Invitational Golf Classic at Las Vegas Desert Pines Golf Club. Hunter, NASCAR's Vice President for Corporate Communications and long-time devotee of NASCAR short tracks, hosted the event at what Golf Digest has recognized as one of the best new upscale courses in the country.
Thurs., Nov. 6 featured a complimentary state champion seven course dinner for drivers and their spouses. Earlier that day NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track operators and various champions competed in go-karts at Pole Position Raceway, Las Vegas' famous quarter-mile road course, enclosed in a massive 60,000 square-foot facility. National Champion Philip Morris received a special bonus as he and his family enjoyed a helicopter excursion and lunch in The Grand Canyon.
The week's main event, Fri., Nov. 7 first class banquet was preceded by an awards recognition gathering in the afternoon. Track and State champions were recognized and awarded by series sponsors with several items including a NASCAR jacket, a champion's shirt, an award plaque, a custom Sparco driving suit, a painted helmet from Bell, shoes from Sparco, and a driver's gear carrying bag. Later that night banquet attendees were treated to a first class meal, welcoming comments by NASCAR president Mike Helton, entertainment from comedian Craig Shoemaker and video congratulatory remarks from several NASCAR personalities including Darrel Waltrip, Matt Kenseth, Jimmy Johnson and more. Track and State champions were again recognized for there achievement with on stage trophy presentations. National Champion Philip Morris received a trophy weighing 120 pounds, a $25,000 check, a car owner's check for $5,000 and championship ring. Philip's wife received a matching championship necklace and pendant. Philip's crew chief Chad McCoy received a check for $3,000 as well.
Cedar Lake Track champion and Wisconsin State Champion Brent Larson stated "It was an amazing experience. NASCAR is first class, the food, the stage, the awards and the people are the finest around. Hanging out with Mike Helton, Dick Berggren and Mike Joy at the Champions dinner was a real treat! NASCAR stops at nothing to make their drivers feel welcome. After receiving my State Champion check for $4,000, Sparco race suit & shoes, helmet, jacket, shirt, bag, plaque and trophies I was wondering how I was gonna get this stuff home? Turns out NASCAR was one step ahead, after the ceremonies all of the champion's awards and gifts were shipped back to there homes at NASCAR's expense. Attending my first NASCAR banquet has really inspired a desire to not only defend my state championship but to go after the National Championship in 2009."
Brent Larson overall finished 22nd in NWAAS with 6 wins, 14 top 5's & 16 top 10's with just 16 starts. Larson was the highest finishing competitor with fewer than 20 starts. By comparison, NWAAS Champion Philip Morris had 14 wins, 23 top 5's & 26 top 10's with 28 starts. NASCAR awards points for a driver's best 18 shows. Larson's State championship came down to the last race as he edged Lacrosse Fairground's Steve Carlton by just one point. "Winning the State championship by one point over last year's National Champion was great! I wasn't sure how the year would go with Cedar Lake joining NASCAR. After all was said and done it worked out pretty good for me and all the other drivers at the track!" commented Larson during an interview Saturday. "I want to thank all my fellow racers, my crew, Cedar Lake, NASCAR and most of all my family for their efforts and time"
In 2008, Cedar Lake Speedway joined NASCAR creating a partnership benefiting their loyal drivers, the track and NASCAR. With this partnership CLS drivers will receive the largest track point fund in the Midwest. The annual banquet is scheduled for January 17th at Grand Casino Hinckley, MN. The track is now able to market the NASCAR name to casual fans in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The NASCAR name is recognized by all fans and lends professionalism to the track. NASCAR is proud to call Cedar Lake Speedway one of their own. Founded in 1957, the track has grown into one of the elite facilities in the country hosting numerous special events and is home to some of the greatest local talent in the country. Cedar Lake Speedway looks forward to the 2009 season as they continue to strengthen their relationship with NASCAR and promote the extraordinary things NASCAR is doing for their local driver base.
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