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Dan Robinson
RIVERSIDE, Mo. (November 29) - The O'Reilly MLRA presented by Lucas Oil officially honored Omaha, Nebraska's John Anderson as the series' 2008 Champion at the Championship Awards Banquet held in the Casablanca room of the Argosy Casino in Riverside, MO on Saturday night November 29th.
A social hour and wonderful buffet dinner kicked off the evenings festivities prior to getting underway with the presentation of the Championship hardware. Before the evening was complete, over $5,500 in product certificates and over $45,000 in cash was distributed to the eligible drivers that followed the Thunder Tour in 2008.
Knoxville Raceway's Bob Baker began the awards presentation with a word of prayer. John Lowery and Kevin Fletcher than took to the stage to emcee the event. The track promoters were first up to be honored as 12 different tracks hosted the 20 events on the 2008 schedule with each track receiving a commemorative plaque. MLRA Promoter Harriett Chancellor commented that "18 races were already scheduled for 2009 with several more still in the works."
The MLRA honors the Top 20 at the banquet. Reid Millard occupied the 20th spot in the season standings while Cross Timbers, Missouri's J.D. Hubert came home in 19th. Jeremy Grady was 18th with former series champion Alan Vaughn in 17th after running a partial schedule. The 16th spot went to Jerry Warner with Marquette, Nebraska's Kyle Berck in 15th. Chad Frewaldt, after having a breakout season 2008 was 14th while Bryant Goldsmith settled for the 13th spot in the final points battle. Adrian, Missouri's P.J. Haskins came across the stage in 12th, while Al Purkey settled for 11th after also running a partial schedule in 2008.
The honors for the Top 10 drivers were next as Centerview, Missouri's Jason Bodenhamer was the man in 10th after waging an intense battle in the last race with Al Purkey to take the spot. Jason was full of whit and humor as always in his acceptance of 10th and plans to run full time with the MLRA in 2009.
Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Joe Kosiski was 9th in the final points tally while running full time with the MLRA in 2008. Joe made mention in his acceptance speech that the MLRA was "one of the best series that he has ever raced with." Fellow Nebraska driver Bill Koons was 8th.
2008 MLRA Rookie of the Year Brantlee Gotschall was 7th in the final points standings and not only received the 7th place awards but also received a set of new Duralite Racing Wheels as part of the MLRA Rookie Program.
Stan Smith from Midwest Walnut was presented with a special plaque thanking him for his companies' 2008 contribution through the Midwest Walnut Lucky Stars Program which awards a driver an extra $1,000 at select events each season.
Larry Clawson, driver of the L88 finished 6th in points although he was unable to attend after a recent dune buggy mishap left him with an injured arm and a black eye or two. 5th place went to Springfield, Missouri's Jeremy Payne, driver of the 74p. Payne's Car owner, Terry Phillips finished one spot ahead in 4th place. Both Payne and Phillips were competing at an event in Tucson, Arizona and were unable to attend the banquet.
Mendon, Illinois' Denny Woodworth had an outstanding season to finish third in points. Denny also had good things to say about the MLRA and said he will be back in 2009. Woodworth had one win on the 2008 season at the Lakeside Speedway during the Capital Federal Savings Late Model Showdown.
Perennial fan favorite David Turner had a terrific season and led the points for some time but settled for second place. "Everybody is my friend", said Turner as he accepted his awards. David also had one win on the season at the Nevada Speedway in Nevada, MO. Turner made notice to the competition that he had a new car and would be back stronger than ever in '09 to gun for the title.
Kluhsman Racing Components was honored for continued support of the series as KRC Vice President, Sean Porter accepted a plaque and pledged continued support of the series in 2009.
Finally, it was time to crown the Champion. Omaha, Nebraska's John Anderson humbly approached the stage to a standing ovation and accepted the Champion's hardware. It was the first series championship for both John and for car owners Greg and Pat Junghan's who were also in attendance. An emotional Anderson worked his way through a prepared speech as he Thanked everyone who helped him along the way including his crew, his family, and his wonderful car owners.
The 2008 MLRA Engine Builder of the Year award went to Hatfield Racing Engines in Joplin, Missouri while Greenbrier, Arkansas' GRT Racecars received the MLRA Chassis Manufacturer of the Year Award.
Harriett and Cowboy Chancellor and the officials from The O'Reilly MLRA presented by Lucas Oil would like to thank all of the racers, crew members, track promoters, sponsors, and fans for making 2008 a great year. We hope to do bigger and better things in 2009. Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you.
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