By Gene Harmlink
The 2008 Eagle Valley Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held on January 17, 2009, at the Old Barn on the Eagle Valley track property located near Jim Falls, WI. There was an excellent turnout of drivers, sponsors, workers, and fans who enjoyed a great night of socializing.

The evening festivities began with a social hour from 7:00 to 8:00. At approximately 8:00 Jerry Weigel made some introductory remarks which were followed by a delicious meal prepared primarily by Janis and Jerry Weigel. After completion of the meal, the awards were presented to the top ten in each division and the rookie of the year in each division was announced.

In his comments to those present, Jerry Weigel thanked all those who contributed in some way to making the 2008 racing season a success. He specifically singled out his wife, Janis, his daughter, and his son-in-law for all they did throughout the year, including moral support. He also had high praise for all of the drivers who supported the track, the fans, the race car sponsors, the track sponsors, and all the track workers.

He said one of his hopes for 2009 is that each person would encourage someone else to attend the races. One of his wishes for track improvement is to add more clay to the racing surface to provide the drivers with an improved track.

The track schedule was announced with practice scheduled for two consecutive Thursdays, April 9 and April 16. Racing will begin on Sunday, April 19. A Late Model Dart Challenge Series race has been scheduled for July 5, and one Sprint special has been scheduled for a bit later in the season. Weigel indicated that he is in the process of adding another Late Model race and another Sprint race this season, as well. A two-day special is scheduled for July 18 and 19, and the Lonnie Leu Memorial will be on August 30.

The evening continued with many door and driver prizes and song and dance.

Top Ten In Each Division

(*) Rookie of the year in the division

Hornets: Travis Anderson, Colfax, WI; Brittany Olson, Whitehall, WI; *Mackenzie Olson, Whitehall, WI; Rocky Kempe, Chippewa Falls; WI, Bob Anderson, Colfax, WI; Jerry Zebro, Ridgeland, WI; Matt Marvin, Whitehall, WI; Travis Lau, Cadott, WI; Dustin LaBlonde, Bruce, WI; David Sykora, Chippewa Falls, WI.

Mid West Modified: Shane Halopka, Medford, WI; Ronnie Rihn, Bloomer, WI; Brad Hudson, Chippewa Falls, WI; *Michael Truscott, Chippewa Falls, WI; Scott Erickson, Barron, WI; Mark Gerth, Menominie, WI; Matt Leer, Bruce, WI; Dalton Yohnk, Galesville, WI; Jesse Glenz, Cadott, WI; Dan Svee, Colfax, WI.

Super Stock: Curt Myers, Cameron, WI; Mike Keller, Menomonie, WI; Mark Stender, Holcombe, WI; Eric Olson, Ladysmith, WI; Steve Hallquist, Eau Claire, WI; *Shane Kisling, Sarona, WI; Chad Zastrow, Cadott; WI, Paul Erikson, Abbotsford; WI, Rick Hallquist, Eau Claire, WI; Jeff Dregney, Eleva, WI.

Pure Stock: Danny Richards, Mondovi, WI; George Richards, Mondovi, WI; Doug Wojcik, Ladysmith, WI; Jason Lang, Sheldon, WI; Cody Kummer, Medford, WI; *Mitchell Johnson, Bloomer, WI; *Nick Wojcik, Ladysmith, WI; Kyle Bitney, Chippewa Falls, WI; Pat Smith, Eau Claire, WI; Jeremy Robinson, Boyd, WI.

Modified: Kevin Adams, Cameron, WI; Rich Loftus, Bloomer, WI; Mike Anderson, Colfax, WI; Mark Hanson, Chippewa Falls, WI; Bryan Nayes, Chippewa Falls, WI; *Keith Tourville, Star Praire, WI; Cory Crapser, Eau Claire, WI; Craig Thatcher, Knapp, WI; Paul Knauf, Marshfield, WI; Jake Hartung, Elmwood, WI.

Street Stock: Clark Swartz, Bloomer, WI; Jay Kesan, Weyerhauser, WI; Crystal Hanson, Augusta, WI; Mike Conrad, Independence, WI; Matt Wolfe, Mondovi, WI; Butch Kummer, Medford, WI; Cory Hanson, Black River Falls; WI, *Jeff Antezak, Weyerhauser, WI; Gary Kasperek, Tigerton, WI; Scott VonHaden, Ladysmith, WI.