Evan Suggs Racing

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King of California Golden State Series Banquet
by Troy Hennig

OROVILLE, CA (1-10-09) - The 2008 King of California Golden State Series banquet was held Saturday night at the Feather Falls Casino show room in Oroville, CA. A very impressive turn out of drivers and fans enjoyed a festive night with catered food and an interactive awards ceremony. Every driver was either present or made sure someone was on hand to accept his or her trophy and championship money. Troy Hennig and Gary Thomas hosted the event.

The awards presentation started off with the Most Dedicated Car Owner Award presented each year by a mystery person. The award this year went to Ken Fredenburg of Gilroy. Fredenburg was surprised and delighted to receive the award and the extra cash that came along with it. “This is a surprise and I am very thankful for the award,” said Fredenburg. “We will try and be back for all the races this upcoming year.”

Next award was the Dave Bradway Jr. Inspirational Award. The beautiful trophy has been a part of the series since 1987. This year’s recipient was Ashley Smith, crew chief for Jonathan Allard and the Williams Motorsports #0. Smith was given this award for his dedication and behind the scenes work he does for the Golden State Series. Smith was in shock as he accepted the award, “I truly came in tonight wondering what that big trophy was on the stage and someone explained it was the Bradway trophy and now it’s going home with us for the year,” said Smith.

A new award was presented Saturday night from the good folks at HoservilleCA Internet fan message board. Written on the first annual plaque was the Most Dedicated Team Award. The honor went to Suggs Racing. An excited John Suggs came on stage to accept the award. He and his family were blown away and very grateful to be recognized. The award also came with cash donated by HoservilleCA.

The final special award went to the year’s Rookie of the Year. Fremont’s Brent Bjork won the award by finishing in the top ten of the final points standings. He came on stage to thank his family and also added thanks to the traveling officials. Bjork stated that he plans on following the tour again in 2009.

Bjork started off the top ten in point’s award ceremony. This time his father came on stage to accept the award for ninth place car owner. Next on stage it was Fredenburg who returned to the stage to accept his ninth place driver’s trophy and eight place car owners money.

Jason Statler was the next driver on the stage. Statler finished eighth in driver points and seventh in car owner. He said, “I don’t like being on stage this early,” but added, “next year it looks like we will be back with help from Rios and D&D.” This year he and his wife celebrated the birth of their first baby boy.

Not present at the banquet was Tim Kaeding who finished seventh in points. Kaeding was racing an outlaw kart in Red Bluff. Yet representing Tim was his friend Joey Batts. In fact, Batts was on hand to accept all the Kaeding’s awards. Brent, who finished sixth in points, was still in Australia, and Bud was getting ready for the Chili Bowl midget race. Batts did an impeccable job of graciously accepting the trophy and money for the Kaeding's while also answering questions for all three. Batts should be commended for his passion and dedication he has for the Kaeding family. Bud finished the year third in points. Batts said that Bud will be pursuing the Silver Crown Series full-time this year but will also spend many weekends racing with the King of California Series in 2009. Batts also said on Brent’s behalf, “He wants the championship in ’09.”

Fifth place in points went to Evan Suggs. The family had a trying year filled with some motor problems and bad luck but still persevered to the top five finish. Evan was very heartfelt in thanking his family for allowing him to race and putting everything they had into finishing out the year.

Sacramento driver Mike Henry finished four this year racing for Steve Harris and the Racing For Troops #93. It was an impressive year for the upstart team. Henry was gracious in his speech when talking about how thankful he was for Steve to give him a shot this year. Henry also added that while he does not have any full-time ride this year we still might see him at a few shows this year. He also added that he is looking forward to getting his son’s racing career moving forward and being with him more this year.

SC Motorsports were in full force on Saturday night. Driver Tyler Walker led the team to a second place finish in points. Owners Scott and Kathy Chastain were present along with their crewmembers. Walker came up on stage by himself but quickly grabbed the microphone and wanted the whole team to join him on the stage. Walker then proceeded to give everyone hugs and high-fives and thanking them for their hard work and dedication to the NMI #24.

The championship team and driver were next. Even though champion driver Jonathan Allard was not present, he was still racing in Australia, the whole team showed up including Allard’s wife. The team presented a championship ring to Bob Scovel for all of this hard work the past few seasons. Katie Williams received a championship pendant-necklace also. Morrie and Jonathan received their Hoosier Racing Tire championship jackets along with the championship trophy and winner’s money.

The King of California Golden State Series starts on March 28 at Placerville Speedway. The 24-race schedule will end on August 22, back at Placerville. Along the way the series will return back to Calistoga over the Memorial Day Weekend and Santa Maria on July 11. The series will also head to Oregon twice this year with the first stop Saturday night, June 13 at Southern Oregon Speedway and Monday night, June 15, at Cottage Grove Speedway.