Beech Ridge closes out 2007 season with the crowning of champions; Emerson family makes surprise appearance.
By Dan Walker
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway PR
Portland, Maine-With approximately 400 people in attendance, the Holiday Inn by the Bay was the setting for the crowning achievements of the 2007 NASCAR Whelan All American Series held at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. The 59th awards ceremony was brought to a hush during opening moments of the awards presentation as the Whiz Kidz were receiving their trophies.
Jim and Brenda Emerson, parents of Jordan Emerson the young lady seriously injured in an accident in August made a surprise appearance to collect the trophy for Jordan. Brenda Emerson addressed the crowd for approximately 15 minutes giving a heartfelt thank you to the Beech Ridge community for the support. Then as Beech Ridge CEO Andy Cusack went to present the Emerson’s with the trophy for Jordan, Brenda said she could not accept it and stated that “we have somebody that we would like to accept that trophy for us” and with that Jordan Emerson appeared from behind the stage curtains to a roar from the crowd in attendance. It was a very tearful and emotional scene felt by all. Leading the list of honorees was 2007 NASCAR Pro Series champion Bub Bilodeau who capped off another strong season with his second championship in the past 4 years. Bilodeau was not done with the awards for the night as he was also the recipient of the Hall of Fame honors and for the third time in his career the Driver of the Year award. Don Colpritt stepped to the podium next to collect his first Sport Series championship. Colpritt gave praise to his competitors and crew noting that the championship effort could not have been possible without their dedication. Richard Randall received his first championship in the Wildcat division. Randall honored his very small but dedicated team and his family for the effort that got him the championship and he looks forward to possibly defending his title next season. Shawn Brackett collected the championship honors from the Road Runner division. Brackett won the title on the final night of racing. Brackett thanked his family for the support as they were the force behind the championship run. Rookie of the Year awards were presented to D.J. Shaw (Pro Series), Joe Doiron (Sport Series), Buddy Poole (Wildcat) and Ed Pierce (Road Runner). Most Improved awards went to Josh Cantara (Pro Series), Sally Gherardi (Sport Series), Steve Benincasa (Wildcat) and Paul Lund (Road Runner). With the champions crowned it was time for the anticipated special awards and the first award presented was the “Outstanding New Driver” award and that was presented to freshman Sport Series competitor Joe Doiron. The Craftsman Mechanic of the Year award to Paul Emery. This concluded the 2007 NASCAR Whelan All American Series events for Beech Ridge with opening day 2008 scheduled for April 19 and the opening event for the PASS Tour. The Beech Ridge Motor Speedway schedule for the 2008 season once again looks very busy and will feature the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series, Thursday Thunder, Wednesday Series, Car Wars and the popular Days of Destruction. Also returning this season will be the True Value Modified Series, The Pro All Stars Series, New England Antique Race Cars and of course despite what you may have read elsewhere the Whiz Kids will be back in 2008.