2005 MMRA Championship Awards Banquet

The 2005 MMRA Championship Awards Banquet was a great success.  This was the first year that we set aside a special weekend just for the banquet and we were glad to see such strong support from our racers.  Although there were lots of nearby racers in attendance, there were also travelers who came from Indiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and even California.  We were also glad to have Tim O'Brien of Extreme Engine Systems, Rusty and Angela Branson of Race Face Graphics, and Ken Joyce of Ken Joyce Racing on hand for the celebration.

Click here for a photo of the awards table
Click here for a photo of the banquet underway

The banquet started off with some special awards and announcements.  David Daniels of the Baby Grands manufacturing company announced that every year he will provide a Baby Grand roller for the Future Stars champion to move up to the Junior PRO Division.  This year's champion, Jacob France, is looking forward to his new ride, and all the other Future Stars now have another goal to work toward in 2006.

This kind of generous support for our sport is why the highest reward in MMRA is the David Daniels Award of Excellence.  Each year, it is given to the person or group who contributes the most to the success of MMRA.  This year's winner was Frank Portera from California.  Frank stepped up to leadership in California and completely turned that program around.  In 2006, that group may very well be the largest in MMRA, thanks to his efforts.  Click here for a photo of Frank and his family with the trophy.

Next, Vic Johnson was presented with an appreciation award for his loyal service the last four seasons and Lee Griffith was presented with a leadership award for his outstanding work as National Director in 2005.

Our road warriors were racers who attended every Touring Series and Grand National race in 2005.  They are the most serious and dedicated racers in MMRA and each one was presented with a crystal globe to recognize their efforts.  Click here for a photo.

Rookie of the Year Awards went to Donald McIntosh in Future Stars, Chad Willis in the Open Division, Lindsay Daniels in the East PRO Division, and Dominic Portera in the West PRO Division.

All drivers in attendance were recognized, and the champions were presented with their solid gold championship rings.  MMRA sponsors provided over $5,000 in prizes which were randomly given to drivers.  In addition, every person who came went home with at least one new hat or T-Shirt.

A special thanks goes out to Della Brandt who helped set up the room, and Rachel Neimeier who ran to the nearby Target to get nice gift bags for the Ultrashield gift packs. 

Thanks also to our sponsors who provided prizes and awards for the banquet including ESAB, Hoosier Tires, Digatron, AFCO, ARP Bodies, Hawk Brake Products, Extreme Engine Systems, Race Face Graphics, Horstman Clutches, and NGK Spark Plugs.

The 2005 racing season is now in the recordbooks and attention turns to 2006.  MMRA is already hard at work developing our program for next year and we hope to see lots of new and returning racers.  Please keep checking this website throughout the winter as it will regularly have news and announcements posted.