|
THE WORLD DIRT RACING LEAGUE HONORS CHAD SIMPSON AS THE 2008
CHAMPION
Marion, Iowa, driver gets standing ovation from fellow competitors and
others in attendance
TAMA, IA (Nov. 25) - Saturday night, Nov. 22, was a big night for Chad
Simpson. The Marion Iowa, Late Model driver was honored as the 2008 series
champion at the WORLD Dirt Racing League's 2008 Awards Banquet held here at
the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel.
Following a social hour and delicious buffet dinner, WDRL's Jim and Nancy
Wilson and series officials honored the top five drivers in the final
Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation Pole Dash point standings. The drivers,
listed fifth to first, respectively, were Denny Eckrich, Frank Heckenast
Jr., Eric Pember, John Kaanta and Chad Simpson. The five drivers all
received checks from the sponsor, Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation.
The 2008 Chase Signs and Graphics Rookie of the Year contenders were honored
next. Jeremy Grady received second-place honors, which included a check and
a certificate for a new wrap from Chase Signs and Graphics. Frank Heckenast
Jr. was honored as the Chase Signs and Graphics Rookie Champion. He received
a plaque; a new wire welder, helmet and welding cart from Lincoln Electric;
an attractive jacket from Chase Graphics; and a certificate for lettering
for his race car and a check from Chase Signs and Graphics for his
championship.
The next recognition was for MasterSbilt for winning the 2008 Chassis
Builders Championship. Rocket Chassis was second in that season-long
competition.
An enthusiastic crowd helped honor the top-10 drivers in the final WDRL
point standings for the 2008 season.
Matt Furman was the first driver to appear on stage, receiving his
10th-place trophy and other awards. Ninth place driver Andrew McKay was
honored for his efforts in 2008.
The eighth-place driver was Denny Eckrich, followed by his brother, Dave
Eckrich, who was seventh in the final points tally.
Called up to the stage next were two drivers who tied for fifth place in
points in the 2008 WDRL Late Model Series. Jeremy Grady and Chris Simpson
both received fifth-place point fund checks and trophies.
Frank Heckenast Jr. was honored as the fourth-place driver in the WDRL point
standings, Eric Pember took third-place honors and John Kaanta earned second
place for the 2008 season in a tight and exciting points battle that ended
on the final night of the season.
The 2008 WDRL champion, Chad Simpson, received his standing ovation as his
name was called and he came to the convention center stage to receive a
$10,000 point fund check, a $2,500 certificate from MasterSbilt for a new
chassis, a $229 certificate from Performance Bodies, a set of brake pads
from The Brake Man with a $360 value, a $300 certificate from BSB
Manufacturing, a $260 certificate from Fast Shafts and a wheeled cooler from
Gatorade.
Simpson and the others who finished in the top 10 in points also received
jackets compliments of Hoosier Tire of America and point fund checks from
Hoosier and CrashedToys.com.
After the awards were presented, the names of the drivers who were present
were placed in a drawing for a new set of safety belts from Hooker Harness
with a value of $480. They were won by Frank Heckenast Jr.
Another drawing for a third certificate with a $900 value from Chase Signs
and Graphics went to Eric Pember.
Jim and Nancy Wilson and the officials of the WORLD Dirt Racing League wish
to thank all of the race teams for their support during the 2008 season. In
addition, the series especially thanks all the sponsors for their support
this year. We also wish everyone the best holiday season ever.
The WORLD Dirt Racing League's sponsors are: Hoosier Racing Tires,
Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation, CrashedToys.com, Chase Signs and Graphics,
BSB Manufacturing, Champ Pans, Hooker Harness, Fast Shafts, Lincoln
Electric, Performance Bodies, QA1 Motorsports, The Brake Man and Wyman Ford.
For more information on the WORLD Dirt Racing League or the latest WDRL Late
Model Series schedule, check out the WORLD Dirt Racing League's Web site,
www.worldraceleague.com.
 |
