SODUS, NY – | The 2016 CRSA Sprints season concluded with the annual awards banquet this past Saturday night at the Vernon Downs Casino where a series record $10,850 in cash along with awards was distributed to drivers for their achievements. Receiving cash awards were the top 12 in tour points, all “A” Main winners, the 2016 Rookie of the Year, and each of the top three finishers in the Kennedy’s ‘Northway 90’ series, E&H Services, LLC Southern Tier Challenge, and the I-88 Speedway/Algonkin Motel Challenge Series.
Earning a total of 3,146 points, Kyle Smith was crowned the tour champion for the second year in a row, worth $1,325. The South Egremont, Massachusetts driver finished the season with 3 wins (Fonda April 23rd, Thunder Mountain May 28th, & I-88 October 7th), 12 top 5’s and 18 top 10’s through 20 races. Smith also finished 2nd in the Kennedy’s ‘Northway 90’ series and 3rd in the I-88/Algonkin Motel Southern Tier Challenge, bringing his total earnings to $1,725 in cash as well as his Champions Cup, Jacket & Plaque.
Finishing second through twelfth in overall tour standings were Brett Jaycox ($1,275), Emily VanInwegen ($1,225), Dana Wagner ($750), Eddie Strada ($700), Dalton Herrick ($500), Sydney Prince ($875), Josh Flint ($575), Brian Krummel ($650), Tyler Jashembowski ($375), Scott Goodrich ($975) and Thomas Radivoy ($300).
Through the support of great marketing partners Kennedy’s Towing & Service, E&H Services, LLC. With Mike Emhof Motorsports, Inc., and The I-88 Speedway/Algonkin Motel, drivers were able to compete in three ‘mini series’ throughout the season. The top three drivers in each series were recognized for their efforts at the banquet.
In the Kennedy’s ‘Northway 90’ series, Cory Sparks took home two victories (Fonda July 2nd, Albany-Saratoga September 9th) and three 2nd place finishes earning him top honors worth $400. Kyle Smith was second with a win at Fonda on April 23rd, earning $250 for his efforts. Josh Pieniazek rounded out the top 3, receiving $150.
In E&H Services, LLC. Southern Tier Challenge competition, Scott Goodrich had an average finish of 5.1 making him the series champion worth $300. Emily VanInwegen took the win at Five Mile Point Speedway on June 18th and came away 2nd overall in the series, earning $200. Brett Jaycox rounded out the top 3, receiving $100.
Scott Goodrich also finished in first place in the I-88 Speedway/Algonkin Motel Challenge Series worth another $300. He had two victories at I-88 on June 3rd and August 23rd, and finished second in the final challenge event on October 7th. Brian Krummel finished second in the series ($200), and Kyle Smith rounded out the top three ($100) with a win on October 7th.
Many special awards were handed out throughout the night as well. Sydney Prince finished 7th in overall points and scored 3 top 10’s in her first season of racing full-size cars, and was awarded Rookie of the Year honors worth $250. Other awards being distributed included the M&W / Panther Frameworx Hard Luck award (Art Kiser Racing), Best Appearing Car (Sydney Prince), PowderTech Hard Charger (Brett Jaycox), Mechanic of the Year (Russ Flint), Sportsmanship award (Josh Flint), Perseverance award (Dana Wagner), and the Dedication to CRSA award (John Matrafailo). A special award for Dedication and Service to CRSA was also presented to long-time series flagman and official Ken Marshall, who has decided to retire after the 2016 season.
Series Owner Mike Emhof, Director Greg Hixson, the entire CRSA Staff and Mike Emhof Motorsports family would like to thank each and every driver, crew member, owner and fan for their support in making 2016 the best season yet! A special thanks also goes out to each of the outstanding CRSA marketing partners that made the 2016 season possible: Super Gen Products/Champion Power Equipment, A-Verdi Storage Containers, Einstein Construction Group, Mike Emhof Motorsports, Inc., Kennedy’s Towing & Service, E&H Services, LLC., I-88 Speedway/Algonkin Motel, CNY Powersports, Star Headlight & Lantern Co., PowderTech Coatings, Insinger Performance, Profab, Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing, and M&W Aluminum Products/Panther Frameworx.
Be sure to follow along this off season at www.crsasprintcars.com, along with CRSA Sprints on Facebook and @CRSASprints on Twitter for announcements on the upcoming 2017 season!