NBISbanquet1

New Brunswick International Speedway Banquet Awards

Over 400 people enjoyed New Brunswick International Speedway�s annual banquet that put the 2003 season to rest by honouring the champions in each division and those that stood out during the season. The evening featured many rousing ovations for the winners and some more emotional moments. The most emotional moment centred around one person who created a stir by simply walking into the banquet.
Co-owner Steven Burns opened the banquet by welcoming Ben Graham who was involved in a car accident in October that left him with some very serious injuries to his arms and legs. From his hospital bed shortly after the accident, Graham made it his goal to walk into the banquet. After several months of rehabilitation, Graham accomplished his goal and his presence was greeted with a standing ovation.
Fans also came to their feet when it was announced that Wade Wilson, NBIS announcer, was this year�s recipient of the Hughie Yorke Dedication to the Sport Award. Wilson has been announcing NBIS races since the second event of the first year and has never missed a race, including the first event, as he was there as a fan. Over the years, he has gone above and beyond several times to maintain his ironman streak so that fans could be treated to his lively call of the action at NBIS. Hughie Yorke was a fixture at NBIS for many years as a TV announcer, radio commentator, trackside interviewer, and racing personality. Wilson was a close friend of Yorke�s.
CARQUEST Pro Stock Champion Glenn Rasmussen, City Limits Sportsman Champion Brian Gillespie, and Coast Tire Street Stock Champion Greg Fahey all received their championship trophies for their excellent season. Gillespie also received the use of a Haulmark trailer for the 2004 season courtesy of Maclean�s Sports and Haulmark for winning the championship. Rookie of the Years Mike Thornton of the CARQUEST Pro Stocks, John Beers of the City Limits Sportsman, and Mike Francis of the Coast Tire Street Stocks also received their trophies.
There were several other rousing ovations for some of the award recipients including Wade Harris for Hard Luck Driver and Jack Lane for Sportsman of the Year. Harris has been very close to winning a championship several times over the past few years only to run into bad luck of one form or another and this year was no different as he was in the points lead going into the final event only to be involved in a wreck on the backstretch that forced him to the pits. Lane lives and breathes the philosophy that he is just racing for fun whether it is for last or first and was commended by several competitors for his willingness to help them without hesitation. He mentioned that several times through the season, some of the drivers who finished ahead of him had his parts on their cars.
The #42 Sportsman team won the Crew of the Year due to their small team � two crew members and driver Steven Rodgers � which set up a car that was the car to beat on most nights throughout the season. NBIS also rewarded longtime racer Robert Tomlinson with the Ironman Award, a newly created award, for his persistence. He received a very loud ovation for the award.
NBIS released their 2004 schedule. Although subject to change, the released schedule features the return of the Irving Oil 250 presented by Coca Cola and Humpty Dumpty, and 200-lap Sportsman race, and a Monster Truck show at the end of July.

Award Winners listed on next page.