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2016 Banquet Review

ALTONA- The 2016 Banquet of Champions was held this past weekend at the Rainbow Banquet Hall and Wedding Facility.
The night began with the D.S. Specialties/Sample Lumber Go Kart program receiving their awards. The champions for 2016 were Connor Santa-Maria, Evan Patrie, DJ Gonyo, Matthew LaValley, Tanner Forbes and Tristian Dibble.
A slideshow of Dave Brown photos from various points of the season was displayed during the dinner buffet.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series presented by Fidelis Care would receive their awards following the buffet.
Busch Beer Mini Modified drivers finishing in the top 10 in the point standings were honored for their accomplishments. Dale O’Neil collected 13 wins and 19 top 5 finishes for the year. He received a $100 Bond Auto Parts gift card for his track championship.
The Jeffords Steel Renegade top 15 point finishers were noticed for their achievements this past season. Seventh place finisher, Dylan Rabtoy, received the UNOH Youth Achievement Award. Milton, Vt. driver, Robert Gordon had three wins and 14 top 5 finishes in his Renegade championship season. Gordon is the all-time winningest driver in the division.
Ernie’s Discount Tools Sportsman Modified top 15 were recognized next. Nick Heywood collected his fifth consecutive championship with 10 wins and 18 top 5 finishes on the year. Heywood finished second in the New York State NASCAR Home Track point standings.
Sportsmanship Awards were received by one driver in each division. The award was voted on by fellow drivers. Keeseville’s Tim LaFountain was the recipient for the Mini Mod division. Swanton, Vt. driver Dylan Rabtoy received the award for the Renegade division. The Sportsman Modified division voted Codie Aubin of Plattsburgh.
Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel was the sponsor of the Hottest Shoe Award. This went to the driver with the most wins in their respective division. Dale O’Neil’s 13 wins was enough to earn him a $100 bonus for the Mini Mod Hottest Shoe. Shawn Duquette and Josh Terry both scored four victories in the Renegade division, making them Co-Hottest Shoe, good for a $125 bonus for each driver. Nick Heywood’s 10 wins was enough to earn a $500 bonus for the Sportsman Modified Hottest Shoe.
Plattsburgh’s Bucko Branham was the winner of the Leon Gonyo Memorial Award for his spirited participation in the sport. “The Professor” delivered a speech remembering Leon for the great competitor that he was, noting that the two had plenty of good battles over the years.
The Airborne Park Speedway Dedication Award went to track announcer, Rob Knowles. Knowles has been involved for over 20 years at Airborne. Beginning in the early 90’s when he and his brother, Rick, co-hosted the Motor Sports Magazine (MSM) television program.
The Maurice Broderick Award goes to the person with a positive attitude, goes above and beyond, will do anything asked and positively promotes and believes in the mission statement as founder Maurice Broderick did over sixty years ago. Brothers Steve and Scott Carpenter of Liquor & Wine Warehouse and Econo Lodge, respectively, were the 2016 recipients.
The final award of the evening was the Airborne Park Speedway Excellence Award. The criteria for the award was a driver or crew member that displays a positive attitude, the desire to compete, is willing to help their piers in the time of need and will openly and honestly share their feelings and concerns to make the overall racing experience better. Bucko Branham was the unanimous decision and was presented with the plaque.
The night concluded with final comments from Promoter, John Walker. Walker review the season and thanked sponsors, racers, fans and staff for their support throughout the season and shared his excitement about next season.

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