Extreme
Dirt Track
DURO ATVA Nationals
Awards Banquet - Columbus, OH
Fort
Rapids Water Park Resort
October 18, 2008
|
Photos
By: Darin Wentz |
2008
ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Awards Banquet - Continued
In the youth classes, Ryland
Johnson not only wrapped up the championship
for the 14-15 Year Youth Production class, but
he also won the Youth Rider of The Year award.
Ryland appeared a little overwhelmed upon receipt
of his award, but very excited as well. Corydon,
IA racer Taylor Foster, who races in the 265
B and Production B classes, took home the Amateur
Rider of the Year award.
|
|
|
Duro
Tires
Sponsor of the Year |
Taylor
Foster
Amateur Rider of the Year
|
Ryland
Johnson
Youth Rider of the Year |
| Special
Award Winners |
| Sponsor
of the Year: |
Duro
Tires |
| Pro/Pro Am Rider
of the Year: |
Harold Goodman |
| Amateur Rider of
the Year: |
Taylor Foster |
| Youth Rider of the
Year: |
Ryland Johnson |
| Mechanic of the Year: |
Terry Pope |
| |
|
The evening’s festivities were highlighted
by a sponsor raffle with over $7,000 in prizes provided
by sponsors such as Duncan Racing, Dirty Girls,
Roberts Racing, and Scott. While there are many
sponsors who back the EDT series, such as Turtle
Engines, Hinson, BP, Kymco, and Houser Racing, along
with many more, Duro Tires is one that has stood
out as the main sponsor for 2008, and was honored
accordingly as the 2008 Sponsor of the year.
|
| Turtle
Engine's Terry Pope was awarded Mechanic
of the Year |
While most of the evening was upbeat and festive,
there was one award presentation that was particularly
emotional to those in attendance, when Terry Pope
of Turtle Engines was awarded Mechanic of The Year.
Terry has been through an incredibly trying time
this year after losing both of his parents, but
despite his hardship, Terry has stayed positive
and has always been there giving 110 percent all
season long. It was a very emotional moment for
Terry as he took to the stage. Upon acceptance,
Terry dedicated the award to his parents, which
brought tears to the eyes of those who had bared
witness to Terry’s struggles this year. As
applause filled the room, you could feel the sense
of community and compassion that makes the EDT series
feel more like a close-knit family than just another
race series.
As festivities began to draw to a close, there
were already discussions of next season’s
schedule and potential changes that might be forthcoming.
“We should have next season’s schedule
released sometime in the next couple of weeks,”
stated Roy Reed. “There will also be a few
rule changes and other alterations made that we
will be announcing at a later date,” concluded
the new Promoter’s Chairman.
With input from the newly appointed rider representatives,
the anticipated changes that will be made for
next season are expected to help make the already
first class series even better for all race classes
and hopefully draw more attendance while bringing
in more contingencies and sponsors to help draw
more interest and elevate the EDT attendance to
the same level of popularity as its motocross
and cross-country counterparts.
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