RPW Exclusive: Glen Ridge Motorsports Park Honor Their Point Champions And Others At The “Banquet in the Barn”

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – FULTONVILLE, NY – Putting a twist on where management decided to hold their festivities to acknowledge their drivers and participants, that supported The Ridge in 2018 racing season was a understatement.

It was a Great Idea. The Award ceremony was held at the Eion’s Hideaway Pavilion, which actually is a barn at the racing facilities. One would think barn. After talking to many in attendance the ambiance was just how they liked it, perfect. “It was a Fun relaxing atmosphere” Everybody stated.

After eating had commenced it was time to get down to the award ceremonies.

The trophies that were handed out were just amazing. Over the Top (and when I say over, they were over six feet tall) Big and beautiful!

The winners of the ever exclusive 2018 Championship in their respective divisions were:

David Constantino(crate modified), Derrick McGrew Jr.(limited sportsman), Luke Horning(Prostocks), Steve Cosselman(streetstocks), P.J Bleau(duel, mini stock), C.J Shepler(single, mini stock), Mike Hill(Sr. Slingshot),Garrett Poland(Jr. Slingshot).

A new award that was put into place was the Omar award. This is in the honor of Ed “Omar” Richer the father of former campaigner Dave Richer who had lost his life at the track last year due to a health reason.

By the inspiration of Susan Hazard in Omars honor, a award was created for someone that goes above and beyond that gives their dedication and commitment to the sport of racing, and fellow drivers. A perfect addition to ceremony presentation.

The First recipient to receive this award went to Cliff Huslin who certainly fits the requirements.

I was able to catch up to the limited Sportsman champion Derrik McGrew Jr. before he was whisked away to go play football. I asked the young pilot “what his plans were for 2019,”

” We will be running Malta, Fonda and the Brett Deyo short track series shows. We will be starting off in the limiteds at Albany/Saratoga then moving up to the sportsman division halfway through the season.”

“We are not sure if we will be running full time at the Fonda Speedway, but it will be in the Sportsman division.”

“Also in the Brett Deyo shows along wherever else we run, it will be in the Sportsman ranks. McGrew stated.

“I was really happy with the accomplishments we did in our rookie season with two championship and wins…we did it and I’m happy.” The young driver replied.

Sportsman Crate Modified Champion, David Constatino will be chauffeuring Laudy Hoyenga’s Big block Modified at Fonda Speedway due to the fact that after seven years with Hoyenga racing, Shaun Pangmen decided to hang up his fire suit.

“As far as I know that’s all I’ll be racing because I have too many kids to be racing anymore nights a week” David replied.

How was Oswego for DKM?

“We had great finishes with Stewart Freisen (two seconds) in the 358 Small block and in the Big Block, Jessey Mueller had a great run in the consi, but had bad luck on the scales.” Adam McAuliffe finished third in the Sportsman race while David himself was sixth. “We had a great time” he stated.

Up and coming driver Garrett Poland and your Jr. Slingshot Champion will be moving up to the Sr. ranks for next season and is interested to see how well he can do in the upper class.

” I’m looking to test my skills with the more experience and older drivers” the thirteen year old stated.

A lot of accomplishment and achievement were had by all in their 2018 dedication and passion to earn their trip to the “Banquet in the Barn.” It sure did make for a fun time.

Congratulations to all the award winners as it’s always a great feeling to be recognized and appreciated in what you do in the sport of racing.

Hats off to the Glen Ridge Motorsports management and staff, Great job.