Hialeah Speedway Honored Last Track Champions November 5th
by Marty Little
MIAMI, Fla. - The 2005 Hialeah Speedway track champions were honored at an awards ceremony at Hooligan's Sports Pub here Saturday afternoon in front of an enthusiastic gathering of racers, fans and track employees.
Veteran Craig Seewald claimed his first title at the now defunct speedway which closed in August after a 51 year run, as he upheld the honor for the Ford marque in the season-long battle in the limited late models. Bob Regula was second and David Weaver third.
Buddy Ryan, whose career began at Hialeah in 1964, came out of semi-retirement in 2004 and this season scored six feature victories en route to the Street Stock crown ahead of T.C McElyea and Joe Franssen.
Mini Stock honors fell to Ricky Thorpe as he wheeled Alan Styer's Pinto to top honors in the small car category over top rookie Steve Lotts and Bill Calder.
Tony Crowder topped the always competitive Cyclone division as he edged Eddie Lawler and former champion John Pettit.
Promoter Drew Ogden had special plaques made from weathered wood from the track's bleachers, a special touch he felt was more fitting than a regular plastic trophy.
Badly damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, the track lies in ruin awaiting the bulldozers and it's final fate.
