Awards banquet closes 1999 season at Thunderhill!
Dave Panske

November 6, 1999; Sturgeon Bay, WI. -  The Thunder Hill Speedway officially closed their 1999 season with their 7th annual awards banquet on Saturday night, November 6th. Awards were presented to the 1999 track sponsors for their continued support of the weekly racing program at the Hill. The top five drivers in each division also received trophies along with special awards for the rookie of the year drivers in each division.

IMCA Modified - George Henkel of Sturgeon Bay captured his first career track championship during his 21 year career. Henkel won one feature and consistently ran in the top five throughout the season. He took the title by a 631 - 608 point margin over Chris Derenne. Derenne was a double feature winner and led the points several times during the year. Brad Anderegg took the third place finish in the standings followed by Randi Back and Buck Schmelzer.

Larry Karcz, Jr won the opening night IMCA Stock Car division feature and carried the point lead throughout the entire season with consistent runs every week. His first career track title was won by a slim 580 - 572 point margin over Matt Junio. Jay Matthias, Eric VanIten and Rod Snellenberger made up the top five.

Bernie Reinhardt was the third first time track champion, this time in the Street Stock division. Reinhardt captured 2 feature flags building to a 614 - 596 point margin. Gregg Siebold was the runner up followed by Shawn Olson, Jared Siefert and James Tebon.

Jay Naze captured his second straight Bomber division track title earning a slim 3 point title over Mike Soukup, 601 - 598 Soukup had led the standings all season long but an accident on the final night swung the point advantage to Naze. Scott Reinhardt finished third in the point chase followed by Chad Szprejda and Greg Soukup.

Rookie of the year honors were presented in each division with James Iverson taking home the IMCA Modified trophy. Dave Pavlik took the IMCA Stock Car division honors. Josh Massart topped his first Street Stock season by winning the rookie title. Chad Szprejda was crowned the Bomber division rookie.

The management of the Thunder Hill Speedway would like to THANK all of the sponsors, drivers, crews and fans for making the 7th season a success.

Plans are underway for a mid May 2000 opener at the Thunder Hill Speedway.