Thunder Mountain Speedway Celebrates 2019 Champions At Awards Banquet
Story By: SARA SPOONHOWER / THUNDER MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY – CENTER LISLE, NY – Thunder Mountain Speedway wrapped up its 2019 season by celebrating the accomplishments of the speedway’s most talented drivers. Over $30,000 was presented to those in attendance.
Shaun Walker picked up the $5,000 modified championship over runner up Alan Barker. Walker’s consistent top five finishes helped him to solidify the grand prize. Alan Barker, Ryan Jordan, Nick Nye and Eric Leet round out the top five.
Dennis Clapperton and Chance Spoonhower battled most of the season for the open sportsman championship. In the end, the two tied for the title and each was presented with a $1,000 payday. Chris Jordan claimed third place followed by Tom Eiklor and Tyler Keener.
Past TMS 602 crate sportsman champion, Tommy Collins picked up the title for 2019. Kenny Hammond brought home a solid second place point finish followed by Dale Welty, Pat Jordan and Rich Talada.
Street Stock driver Earl Zimmer pulled double duty picking up the Thunder Mountain Speedway championship title as well as a championship at The Hill Speedway. Mike Wilbur, Trevor Dudley, Jerry Lobdell Jr., and Gene Sharpsteen round out the top five.
The 600cc modifieds saw returning 2018 champion Chris Jordan defend his title for the back-to-back championship win. He was in a tight point battle with the young Jared Green with just four points separating the two drivers. Third place went to Mark Golden followed by Justin LaDue and James Randall.
Matt Meade had a fantastic year taking home six victories and the championship title. Tyler Banks followed with Erica Bowman, Bryan Pospisil and Bryan Bartos rounding out the top five.
The IMCA Modified champion, Tyler Stoddard, overtook Matt Roberts by a small margin to claim his title. Third place went to Brandon Smith followed by Gary Roberts and Brad Smith.
The 4-cylinder stock point battle was also close between Eric Rowley and Stanley Mathews. In the end, Rowley would take the victory. Third place went to Dane Hedlund followed by Austin Edwards and Dakota Fuller for the top five.
Special awards
Rookie awards went to Eric Leet (Modified), Joe McCabe (Open Sportsman), Zachary Deidrickson (602 Crate), Shane Moshier (4cyl Stock).
Sportsmanship awards went to Matt Meade and Shayne Spoonhower who both gave up their cars for a fellow driver in the points chase.
The Forkey Fabrication & Construction Iron Man award was given to rookie sportsman driver, Bryan Bartos.
The Car Owner of the Year award was presented to Mike Costello, owner of the champion #21 Shaun Walker modified.
Racing legend Mike Colsten received the Dedication to Racing award for his contributions to racing he has made over his long racing career.
It was announced that Raymond Kennerup would take on the head flagger position for 2020. Kennerup has a strong background in racing and is looking forward to making the mountain his home on Saturday nights.
We look forward to rolling into the 2020 season with Hoosier Tire, VP Racing fuel and DIRTcar. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and the 2020 race schedule.
