Wayne County Speedway season awards

By Dana Blair

(Orrville, OH) - Track owners Wayne and Bonnie Phillips awarded the top drivers from Wayne County Speedway at their recent awards banquet. Over 300 people were on hand as Ryan Markham (Late Models), Doug Stanley (Sprints), and Mark Thompson (Stock Cars) were crowned as the point champions. Track announcer, Chuck Griffith, was the emcee of the event. He congratulated the Phillips' on a fine season and introduced Wayne to the crowd as he stepped up to speak to the crowd. He thanked all drivers, crews, and fans for helping to make the 2000 a big success. "It's bigger and better than last year and I look for it to continue next year," he stated. Guest speakers for the event included World of Outlaws broadcaster for TNN, Brad Doty, three time All Star Circuit of Champions champion, Kenny Jacobs, and MACS late model series owner, Jeff Geesy. Markham, of Ashland, Ohio, dominated the Late Model season in his white number 5 picking up eight wins on his way to the championship. He outdistanced Charlie Duncan, Dave Wirt, Took Wiles, and Doug Drown in the final rundown. Drown received the Rookie of the Year award for the Late Model class. Claiming the Most Improved Driver award was veteran Rick Bond in his 007 machine. Stanley, hailing from North Benton, Ohio, had only two victories in the number 18 on his run to the championship in the closest point battle of the three divisions. Steve Butler and J.B. Scarbrough both had a chance to claim the title on the final night, but finished second and third, respectively. Nevin Root and Matt Lamborn rounded out the top five. Lee Jacobs was named Rookie of the Year and was also nominated for the National 360 Rookie of the Year award. Garrett Jacobs was announced as the recipient of the Most Improved Driver award for his fine season in the 75j car. Thompson, towing in from Streetsboro, Ohio every week, also claimed eight feature wins during the season in the T1 Monte Carlo. Rory Reed, Ron Craver, Roger Drouhard, and Mitchell Lam claimed the next four places in the final standings. Rookie of the Year honors were bestowed upon Rich Holmes. Reed also was awarded as the Most Improved Driver for his accomplishments in the 88 machine. A very special award for the season was the Sportsman of the Year, and it was presented to Dave Wirt for his 25 years of racing as a well spoken, level headed gentleman on and off the track. Before concluding the festivities and starting the entertainment portion of the night, the track schedule for 2001 was announced. Special events next season include: two visits by the MACS late models, the UDTRA late models make one appearance, an Ohio Sprint Speedweek appearance by the All Star Circuit of Champions for the Pete Jacobs Memorial, and the first annual Ohio Dirt Nationals. The Phillips look forward to seeing everyone again at Wayne County Speedway during the 2001 season.