Official Press Release (For Immediate Release)
O'Reilly MLRA
November 29, 2003
Argasy Casino
Riverside, Missouri
14th Championship Awards Banquet
By Kevin Fletcher
High Gear Entertainment
After a re acquaintance during the social hour, the 125 plus guests was treated to a first class dining experience at the Argasy Casino this past weekend for the 14th O'Reilly MLRA Awards Banquet in Riverside, Mo. Giving the invocation and blessing of the meal was done by "Rookie" contender Brett LaFollette.
Master of Ceremonies was once again Kevin Fletcher. As he made an early statement that he was going to try and move quickly, as there was several awards that needed passed out and he was more than right. Several Thousands of Dollars and Thousands more in Contingencies was spread to the top 13 teams that had competed in the 2003 season.
Those were the 13 teams that out shined the other 200 plus teams, that had registered and raced with the O'Reilly MLRA for the last year and for the 28 scheduled nights of racing in 6 different states. From quarter miles to half miles with every dirt compound known to race on these 13 teams had proven superior for the season.
Fletcher started out by thanking the tracks that had provided the playgrounds for the Dirt Late Model cars, stating it was one of the key elements in series racing. Having willing participants that would open their doors for specials. Something that is valuable for everyone in the sport from the fans perspective seeing new names in their area, to the sponsors, gaining added exposure in advertising areas they may not already be in, to the owners that also gain by the fans support and by the enjoyment of other than weekly racing.
Some of the track owners and promoters present was Ron and Mary Jenkins formerly of the Wheatland Raceway, Doug Stange of the Mid Nebraska Speedway in Doniphan, Nebraska. Mike White of the L.A. Speedway in Lamont, Mo., Tim Schreckler of the Tornado Alley Speedway in Pleasonton, Ks. Glenn and Colleen Portzen of the Adrian Speedway. Taking notes for the evening for an upcoming talk show was Radio Personalities of the area Scott Traylor and Kirk Elliot of 810 AM Racing Radio.
After recognizing those present and offering microphone time, Fletcher hit on the importance of good sponsors. Something the O'Reilly MLRA prides itself, for the quality of sponsors it has and has had over many years with the association. Some of those there for the evening included Larry Shaw of Larry Shaw Racing Cars, Gene Smith of Hoosier Racing Tire, Park Jones and T Bone of Hatfield Racing Engines, Barbara Ince of Ince Race Cars, and Dan Smith of Smitty's Racing Engines
It was now Driver time as first up was Will Ince for a 13th place finish in his "Rookie" season. Moneys, Contingencies, Plaque and a Jacket were presented along with the traditional picture shots. 12th was to Brett LaFollette, 11th to Brandon McCormick, 10th was Joe Conway, 9th Daryl Brown, 8th Dale Eaton, 7th Eric Anderson then there was one of the special presentations for the evening. As the crowd all listened to his accomplishments Rusty Dukes was invited to take center stage his first season with the O'Reilly MLRA it would be memorable, as he was declared the "Rookie of the Year" his net worth was on the rise, as his packet contained besides Money, a Brand New James Ince Race Chassis, Engine Certificates, Afco Certificates, Kluhsman Racing Certificates, DriveLine Shop Certificates, Bodees Bodies Certificates, and a Custom Helmet painted by Marty Denny of ProLine Designs in Springfield, Mo. Walking off stage he had an armload while he stood for his picture with Jacket, Packet, Trophy and a Smile.
Next up was to Raymond Merrill in 5th, then accepting for his son was Bob Kosiski of Omaha, Nebraska as Joe was not able to attend. His reason of course was racing, as him and his family was in South Carolina for his daughters Soap Box Derby Race. Something he had done with his daughter to help start her career. Russell Portwood who was third accepted and wanted some time at the microphone as he thanked his valuable sponsors and those who had made 2003 possible, along with his packet was a $1000.00 off towards a new Larry Shaw Chassis. Runner Up was Al Purkey as he took the stage Larry Shaw made a special presentation to Purkey. Stating Purkey had been a valuable asset to Larry Shaw race cars after switching over providing endless knowledge and information Shaw wanted to present him a complete Shaw Chassis as a added benefit to his 2nd place package. After taking the awards and taking the microphone Purkey made a comment that came as a shock to many there. Stating he had been to just about every Awards Banquet in the past, but he would or would not be at the next. And if he was it would more than likely be for the fellowship. His 2004 plans included some other possibilities and he thanked all that had given him the opportunities from day one.
His dad Bud Purkey had got him started when he was young and he had appreciated the quality time he had gotten to share because of Bud, especially in the later years. He also thanked Harriet and Cowboy for making the O'Reilly MLRA series such a success, Larry Shaw for putting him in good cars and his girlfriend for pushing him when he needed the nudge this season.
After Purkey left the stage it was time to get "Wild", as Alan Vaughn would be crowned the 2003 O'Reilly MLRA Champion his 3rd title, and second consecutive year. With a standing ovation the crowd applauded for an extended time to the new Champ. Along with the bonus payday Larry Shaw too beckoned him for his acceptance of a New Shaw car as an added reward of being a champion. Larry thanked Alan for such a good season and wished many more wins to his credit. Along with the Car and Money he too accepted all of the contingency awards bring his net rake for the evening in the 5-digit range.
Edna Kircher a long time dedicated fan of Vaughns also presented an award she had made up, a nice picture plaque to her most favorite driver as Vaughn wasted no time getting his picture besides Edna under the O'Reilly MLRA Banner. Where ever possible Edna can be found cheering Vaughn and his crew for another Victory all across the Midwest.
Vaughn too took the microphone for some special awards also, as he had prepared many plaques for his sponsors and crew. The ones he credited for his winning ways. They each were a very special part of his race team he added and stated it could have not been done without them.
Almost finished rewarding, Fletcher called his long time friends and racing associates to take the stage as the Crew of the O'Reilly MLRA racing series had prepared a special package including some special pictures from the 2003 season and a handsome plaque to hang on the walls of their new house, which has been the fruits of Harriet and Cowboy's labor, when they was not busy racing over the last year. The words inscribed was read and he wanted them to know each of their Officials felt the same way on the wording wishing them a long and rewarding life not only in racing but in whatever they did. It read "Life begins with a Green Flag and ends with a Checkered, May you ALWAYS hear Green, Green, Green Clear All Around!"
To end the evening Pattie Frost made a special announcement that capped the night off reporting that O'Reilly Auto Parts had just signed another 3 year contract with the MLRA. That will insure the series continued success from their part as a Corporate Sponsor, it will also insure for the many Associate Sponsors their continued partnership will keep the name in front of Tens of Thousands of fans each and every year all across the Midwest and Beyond.
2004 marks a special year for the series in a new way, and it was also announced that evening by Larry and Cheryl Shaw that they was celebrating 25 years in business producing over 2700 cars. Larry was wanting to help the O'Reilly MLRA series by doing some form of special rewards, possibly every night on the 25th lap, details was not all planned yet but he promised it would be a very good year and everyone would like the special ideas he was working on.
Besides Shaw's plans and intentions it will make the 15th year for the O'Reilly MLRA, keeping it one of the long running series of the area. There has been many laps ran with the MLRA and every one of them was at full speed wherever they were.
Once again we would like to thank our season sponsors and please patronize them whenever it is possible!
O'Reilly Auto Parts - The Parts Professionals
Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco / Simon Petroleum, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, GRT Race Cars, Schoenfield Headers, Real Wheels, Intensitee, Aerotech Laboratories Makers of ATL Fuel Cells, The Cutting Edge, Gameday Trophy, Bodees Race Bodies, APR And G &G Motorsports, Smitty's Racing Engines, Rod End Supply , Buzzard Racing Engines , Duralite Wheels , RTM Factory Direct, DriveLine Shop, Kluhsman Racing Components, Pro-Line Design, James Ince Race Cars, AFCO, Weld Wheels
O'Reilly MLRA
November 29, 2003
Argasy Casino
Riverside, Missouri
14th Championship Awards Banquet
By Kevin Fletcher
High Gear Entertainment
After a re acquaintance during the social hour, the 125 plus guests was treated to a first class dining experience at the Argasy Casino this past weekend for the 14th O'Reilly MLRA Awards Banquet in Riverside, Mo. Giving the invocation and blessing of the meal was done by "Rookie" contender Brett LaFollette.
Master of Ceremonies was once again Kevin Fletcher. As he made an early statement that he was going to try and move quickly, as there was several awards that needed passed out and he was more than right. Several Thousands of Dollars and Thousands more in Contingencies was spread to the top 13 teams that had competed in the 2003 season.
Those were the 13 teams that out shined the other 200 plus teams, that had registered and raced with the O'Reilly MLRA for the last year and for the 28 scheduled nights of racing in 6 different states. From quarter miles to half miles with every dirt compound known to race on these 13 teams had proven superior for the season.
Fletcher started out by thanking the tracks that had provided the playgrounds for the Dirt Late Model cars, stating it was one of the key elements in series racing. Having willing participants that would open their doors for specials. Something that is valuable for everyone in the sport from the fans perspective seeing new names in their area, to the sponsors, gaining added exposure in advertising areas they may not already be in, to the owners that also gain by the fans support and by the enjoyment of other than weekly racing.
Some of the track owners and promoters present was Ron and Mary Jenkins formerly of the Wheatland Raceway, Doug Stange of the Mid Nebraska Speedway in Doniphan, Nebraska. Mike White of the L.A. Speedway in Lamont, Mo., Tim Schreckler of the Tornado Alley Speedway in Pleasonton, Ks. Glenn and Colleen Portzen of the Adrian Speedway. Taking notes for the evening for an upcoming talk show was Radio Personalities of the area Scott Traylor and Kirk Elliot of 810 AM Racing Radio.
After recognizing those present and offering microphone time, Fletcher hit on the importance of good sponsors. Something the O'Reilly MLRA prides itself, for the quality of sponsors it has and has had over many years with the association. Some of those there for the evening included Larry Shaw of Larry Shaw Racing Cars, Gene Smith of Hoosier Racing Tire, Park Jones and T Bone of Hatfield Racing Engines, Barbara Ince of Ince Race Cars, and Dan Smith of Smitty's Racing Engines
It was now Driver time as first up was Will Ince for a 13th place finish in his "Rookie" season. Moneys, Contingencies, Plaque and a Jacket were presented along with the traditional picture shots. 12th was to Brett LaFollette, 11th to Brandon McCormick, 10th was Joe Conway, 9th Daryl Brown, 8th Dale Eaton, 7th Eric Anderson then there was one of the special presentations for the evening. As the crowd all listened to his accomplishments Rusty Dukes was invited to take center stage his first season with the O'Reilly MLRA it would be memorable, as he was declared the "Rookie of the Year" his net worth was on the rise, as his packet contained besides Money, a Brand New James Ince Race Chassis, Engine Certificates, Afco Certificates, Kluhsman Racing Certificates, DriveLine Shop Certificates, Bodees Bodies Certificates, and a Custom Helmet painted by Marty Denny of ProLine Designs in Springfield, Mo. Walking off stage he had an armload while he stood for his picture with Jacket, Packet, Trophy and a Smile.
Next up was to Raymond Merrill in 5th, then accepting for his son was Bob Kosiski of Omaha, Nebraska as Joe was not able to attend. His reason of course was racing, as him and his family was in South Carolina for his daughters Soap Box Derby Race. Something he had done with his daughter to help start her career. Russell Portwood who was third accepted and wanted some time at the microphone as he thanked his valuable sponsors and those who had made 2003 possible, along with his packet was a $1000.00 off towards a new Larry Shaw Chassis. Runner Up was Al Purkey as he took the stage Larry Shaw made a special presentation to Purkey. Stating Purkey had been a valuable asset to Larry Shaw race cars after switching over providing endless knowledge and information Shaw wanted to present him a complete Shaw Chassis as a added benefit to his 2nd place package. After taking the awards and taking the microphone Purkey made a comment that came as a shock to many there. Stating he had been to just about every Awards Banquet in the past, but he would or would not be at the next. And if he was it would more than likely be for the fellowship. His 2004 plans included some other possibilities and he thanked all that had given him the opportunities from day one.
His dad Bud Purkey had got him started when he was young and he had appreciated the quality time he had gotten to share because of Bud, especially in the later years. He also thanked Harriet and Cowboy for making the O'Reilly MLRA series such a success, Larry Shaw for putting him in good cars and his girlfriend for pushing him when he needed the nudge this season.
After Purkey left the stage it was time to get "Wild", as Alan Vaughn would be crowned the 2003 O'Reilly MLRA Champion his 3rd title, and second consecutive year. With a standing ovation the crowd applauded for an extended time to the new Champ. Along with the bonus payday Larry Shaw too beckoned him for his acceptance of a New Shaw car as an added reward of being a champion. Larry thanked Alan for such a good season and wished many more wins to his credit. Along with the Car and Money he too accepted all of the contingency awards bring his net rake for the evening in the 5-digit range.
Edna Kircher a long time dedicated fan of Vaughns also presented an award she had made up, a nice picture plaque to her most favorite driver as Vaughn wasted no time getting his picture besides Edna under the O'Reilly MLRA Banner. Where ever possible Edna can be found cheering Vaughn and his crew for another Victory all across the Midwest.
Vaughn too took the microphone for some special awards also, as he had prepared many plaques for his sponsors and crew. The ones he credited for his winning ways. They each were a very special part of his race team he added and stated it could have not been done without them.
Almost finished rewarding, Fletcher called his long time friends and racing associates to take the stage as the Crew of the O'Reilly MLRA racing series had prepared a special package including some special pictures from the 2003 season and a handsome plaque to hang on the walls of their new house, which has been the fruits of Harriet and Cowboy's labor, when they was not busy racing over the last year. The words inscribed was read and he wanted them to know each of their Officials felt the same way on the wording wishing them a long and rewarding life not only in racing but in whatever they did. It read "Life begins with a Green Flag and ends with a Checkered, May you ALWAYS hear Green, Green, Green Clear All Around!"
To end the evening Pattie Frost made a special announcement that capped the night off reporting that O'Reilly Auto Parts had just signed another 3 year contract with the MLRA. That will insure the series continued success from their part as a Corporate Sponsor, it will also insure for the many Associate Sponsors their continued partnership will keep the name in front of Tens of Thousands of fans each and every year all across the Midwest and Beyond.
2004 marks a special year for the series in a new way, and it was also announced that evening by Larry and Cheryl Shaw that they was celebrating 25 years in business producing over 2700 cars. Larry was wanting to help the O'Reilly MLRA series by doing some form of special rewards, possibly every night on the 25th lap, details was not all planned yet but he promised it would be a very good year and everyone would like the special ideas he was working on.
Besides Shaw's plans and intentions it will make the 15th year for the O'Reilly MLRA, keeping it one of the long running series of the area. There has been many laps ran with the MLRA and every one of them was at full speed wherever they were.
Once again we would like to thank our season sponsors and please patronize them whenever it is possible!
O'Reilly Auto Parts - The Parts Professionals
Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco / Simon Petroleum, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, GRT Race Cars, Schoenfield Headers, Real Wheels, Intensitee, Aerotech Laboratories Makers of ATL Fuel Cells, The Cutting Edge, Gameday Trophy, Bodees Race Bodies, APR And G &G Motorsports, Smitty's Racing Engines, Rod End Supply , Buzzard Racing Engines , Duralite Wheels , RTM Factory Direct, DriveLine Shop, Kluhsman Racing Components, Pro-Line Design, James Ince Race Cars, AFCO, Weld Wheels
