March 21, Smithtown, NY--- A night to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of  the figure eight racing community at the Smithtown Landing Country Club.

 

Joe Saraceno started off the evening introducing the many honored guests and friends who attended this years festivities. Everyone was asked for a moment of silence due to the recent passing of SAFER Ernie Maynor Memorial Hall Of Fame member Allen VanNess.

The honorees this year inducted into the SAFER Ernie Maynor Memorial Hall of Fame were journalist Ricky Miller, George Anderson, Bill Stein and John Meade.  All of these gentleman have had a long relationship with figure eight racing, promoting and supporting it in their own various special ways.  Congratulations to each and everyone of them.

Award checks were presented from 11th to 1st place along with trophies to the top 5 in the division.  Roger Maynor once again captured the 1st place honor and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Long Island Trophy for the year.  2nd place was Tom Kraft, who re-presented his trophy to Michael Specht to have to remember when his family moves soon to Florida. 3rd. place went to Paul Specht.  4th place went to Carl Baxter.  5th place went to Arne Pedersen.

Special awards were presented for best appearing car, Kenny Hyde. Most improved driver, Paul Specht. John Zell Sportsmanship award, Roger Maynor. Achievement award, Leah Maynor. Leah has worked tirelessly this past year for the Safer organization for the benefit of all its members. She is continuing her efforts once again in 2009. Thank-you Leah for all of the hard work!!!

There were many awards given out to members who were unfortunately not in attendance last night and a few in recognition to other drivers and divisions that race at Riverhead Raceway. As in the past, all divisions are welcome to attend the Safer Awards Banquet and present special recognition awards if they choose.

The evening continued with a hot and cold buffet, cake, beverages and of course music for dancing throughout the evening.  A nice event and turnout was on hand this year.  One of the best attended banquets in some time.

Congratulations to all the competitors who competed this past year. Everyone put on a fine show of sportsmanship and competitive racing!

Karen Specht