January 1999
CHARLOTTE COUNTY JR. FAN CLUB ENDS 98 RACE SEASON As the end of the 98 race season came to a close the Jr. Fan Club at Charlotte County Race Track were winding down with their endof the year banquet and making last minute preparations for the Christmas Parade in Punta Gorda and the awards that would be presented to the different drivers and sponsors of the Jr. Fans. The point season was a close one this year with first place going to a very special young lady who missed only one or two nights of racing during the season - Shannon George. Shannon and her sister Stephanie (who is a former member) always are eager to discuss their favorite driver or give you an opinion on a race call at a moments notice. Sean Connolly and Crystal Carmean were awarded a special award for all their outstanding work and sportsmanship that they exhibited during the season. Sean, never said no to cleaning up after a event or setting for hours and face painting when called upon. Crystal, like Sean was always there to help at a moments notice - this not only makes them Jr. Fans but "Very Important Jr. Fans" As the Jr. Fans received their gifts for Christmas and the last meeting of the season ended the Christmas Parade and how to decorate was decided. Hasbeen Fire Department along with Jon Hall, Celeste, Russell, and countless others allowed the kids to decorate and ride on the trucks for the parade. Hasbeen was even kind enough to fill in with a substitute convertible for Miss Charlotte County Speedway "Allison Carmean" when there was not one available. Of course, it was a retired ladder truck but again Hasbeen Fire Department to the rescue. The Christmas Parade was a complete success, the firetrucks were decorated like a big Christmas gift, complete with a fire truck boxcar and checkered flags. I would like to give a special thanks to Brittany Meiser, Crystal Carmean, Tina Vanderlinden, and Sean Connolly. These kids put a lot of work and energy into making the firetrucks look like Christmas. Also, Miss Charlotte County Speedway Allison Carmean assisted the kids in her gown, never forgetting to smile or sign a autograph for a fan she is a very special person. Every year at the Adult Banquet the Jr. Fans give out presentations honoring the people that help allow the Jr. Fan Club to have all their events throughout the year. Without these people there would be no Jr. Fan Club. They are the following: Red Oney Honorary Jr. Fan Member Ms Linda Appreciation Ms Peggy Appreciation Ms. Deanna Appreciation Robin Meiser Appreciation Marlene Brunner Appreciation Cheryl Weaver Appreciation Karen Fowler Appreciation Mr. "Santa" Metcalf Mr. Santa Award Terry Vanderlinden Appreciation the above people received certificates and some little tokens of the Jr. Fan Clubs appreciation. There were plaques given to the following people: Donna Connolly - "The keep on truckin award" Brad Barkis "King Heart Throb 1998" He also received a crown and sash Mr. Larry "The voice of Charlotte County Speedway" Hasbeen Fire Department "For their Support" James Brunner "Never saying no to Jr. Fan" Mr. Vanhorn "For making racing fun" The above people were voted on by the Jr. Fans to receive a special outstanding award. These people always had a moment for their youngest fans. There were also certificates presented to Russell Gillette, Celeste McPeak, Chris Turner and Marilyn and Ronnie Karto for their continuous support of the Jr. Fan Club. The biggest fund raiser for the Jr. Fan Club is the Favorite Driver Voting the following is the top three drivers for 1998: 1st Bob Root Car 28 Limited Late Model 2nd Dan Yates Car 3 Mini Stock 3rd Buzz Martin Car 62 Sportsman These drivers were awarded plaques for being the top three Favorite Drivers of 1998. In the fourth through tenth positions are: 4th Dan Benoit 5th Mark Ludvigson 6th Frank Welch 7th Cliff Simer 8th Eric Smith 9th Dave Beckner 10th Bryan Beckner There was also presented a plaque to a father and son for giving the fans the thrills and chills that make stockcar racing what it is today. The Father and Son Show" was presented to Dave and Bryan Beckner. Now that the season has come to a close, I would personally like to say a special thank you to everyone that took time with the not just the Jr. Fan Club but all the other kids that come to the race track. Stockcar racing is a family sport and just take a look around on a race night. Young and old alike are there cheering for their favorite drivers. Finally, next year along with the Jr. Fan Club there will be a club for the "older youngster" who are to old to be Jr. Fans. This is still in the planning but is sure to be a part of next years racing season. -Sara Carmean |
