by Chris Stepan

ARCADIA, Wis. (Jan. 27, 2002) - The Fox Ridge Speedway in Arcadia, Wis., held it’s first ever racing banquet this past Saturday at the Country Club in Arcadia to honor the champions of the inaugural racing season at the new facility.

Nearly 400 people attended the festivities on Saturday night and witnessed the crowning of the 2001 racing champions in all 4 divisions. Bob Timm was honored not only as the WISSOTA Late Model Track Champion, but also as the Late Model Rookie of the Year in the division. Another Late Model rookie, Keith Foss earned second place honors in the final Late Model point standings as well as the speedway’s Hard Charger Award winner. Tom Nesbitt, Lance Matthees and Jeff Keeney were also honored for rounding out the top five finishers in the point standings.

Steve Speltz claimed the Modified track championship in a close battle over Bruce Angst. Shane Wehrs finished third in the final point standings as well as was honored for being the Modified Rookie of the Year. Dan Hesch and Dave Wiersgalla rounding out the top five in the Modified point standings. Brad Waits picked up the Hard Luck Award for his up and down season in his # 24 Mod.

Jason Johnson was crowned as the first ever Super Stock Track Champion in another very close battle with John Doelle, who ended up in second. Kevin Glander, Dan Arneson and Jon Duffy were also honored with their top five finishes in the final Super Stock point standings. Matt Durnen was awarded the Super Stock Rookie of the Year Award as well. Lyle Schlomer was also honored by picking up the Inspiration Award for his on and off track accomplishments. Schlomer never quits smiling even when things seem to be not going his way on the speedway.

Travis Krause was awarded the hardware for picking up the Street Stock Track Championship by topping Daryl Foegen, Jeremy Sommer, Shawn Wehlage and Danny Hanson in the official point standings at the end of the season. David Nastvold was named as the 2001 Street Stock Rookie of the Year in the division.

Promoters Dave and Judy Hesch along with partners Jeff and Diane Reglin were recognized for the tremendous job they have done in getting the first season at Fox Ridge underway and for making it such a tremendous season.

Several “gag gifts” were awarded to some unsuspecting audience members, including promoter Dave Hesch, which made for a very entertaining awards ceremony.

A tradition has been started at Fox Ridge where the track champions each season will receive a Championship Ring, similar to the rings that the players are given when they win the Super Bowl. The championship rings will be presented to the Track Champions at a ceremony on opening night, April 19th 2002.

The 2002 racing schedule was also released at the banquet. The season kicks off on April 19th and will conclude with the second annual Thunder at the Ridge on October 4th and 5th. Many special events are scattered throughout the schedule, including several stops by the WISSOTA Sprint Cars and a Firecracker Doubleheader weekend on Friday, July 5th and Saturday, July 6th. Several other events are being negotiated with several sanctioning bodies and those special events will be announced soon.

After the awards ceremony was concluded the festivities kicked into high gear as a DJ played and everyone hung around to enjoy the remainder of the evening.

For more information on the Fox Ridge Speedway please call the track at (608) 323-3132 or check out the track website at www.foxridgespeedway.com.