From the unsung heroes to rising stars, those who spent the last six months racing on the Penticton Speedway track have been recognized for their efforts in 2023.
Year-end awards in seven different categories have been handed to the season鈥檚 top drivers.
The Western News鈥� Tracey Anderson won this year鈥檚 Rookie of the Year award, after putting the rest of the Hornet Class on notice with a series of strong performances starting with her debut in June.
鈥淏ehind her unassuming exterior lies a fierce competitor, a driver who not only conquered the challenges on the track but also exemplified sportsmanship and kindness off of it,鈥� an awards announcement on Anderson reads.
Although being forced to overcome a number of challenges, like dealing with a blown engine, Anderson鈥檚 fellow Hornet driver Mike Marshall was crowned the 2023 class champion.
Rick Digby, meanwhile, walked away with his eighth Hit-to-Pass championship award.
鈥淗is showmanship, driving skill, and determination left an indelible impression on the fans,鈥� representatives from the track wrote.
In the Street Stock category, Cory McGiverin was crowned this year鈥檚 class champion.
At the same time, McGiverin also received the prestigious Driver of the Year Award.
鈥淗e was visibly moved by the acknowledgment from the fans and his fellow drivers,鈥� the speedway wrote on McGiverin accepting the honour.
Sportsmanship was among the themes of the speedway鈥檚 awards gala, held earlier this week at the Penticton Golf and Country Club.
In an award voted on by his peers, Late Model driver Jeff Cameron claimed the Sportsman of the Year title.
鈥淜nown for his friendly demeanor, Jeff鈥檚 respect on and off the track makes him the kind of guy you want beside you.鈥�
And then there鈥檚 the unsung heroes.
Reagan Babyak was the recipient of the inaugural Team Member of the Year Award.
鈥淏abyak鈥檚 behind-the-scenes efforts in managing the high-pressure role of scoring and timing did not go unnoticed,鈥� the speedway wrote. 鈥淎 team member with a heart for racing, Babyak seamlessly ensured that every race ran like clockwork.鈥�
Trevor Seibert, Bryan Wevers and Lee Howarth 鈥� owners of Penticton Speedway 鈥� thanked everyone for their 鈥渄edication, and tireless efforts,鈥� while reminding everyone that the track鈥檚 success is a collaborative effort.
鈥淭he night at Penticton Speedway was not just about trophies and accolades; it was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond that makes this local motorsports community exceptional,鈥� the speedway said.
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