Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Banquet

Pictures:
Rookie: Original Member Albert Banyard, Secretary Cindy Lorenz, 2007 Rookie of the Year Alison Macleod
Official: 2007 Official of the Year Terry Watts, President Ken Lorenz
Mostimproved: 2007 Most Improved Driver Darren McLennan
Mechanic: 2007 Mechanic of the Year Cliff Walsh, President Ken Lorenz
Champ: Secretary Cindy Lorenz, 2007 Club Champion Todd Cresswell, President Ken Lorenz
Sportsman: 2007 Most Sportsmanlike Award Dave Smith, Original member Albert Banyard,

Todd Cresswell, of Newmarket, Ont., was crowned the 2007 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion at the 42nd annual banquet held recently night at the Best Western Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ont. In accepting his award, Cresswell thanked his father, Bill, for all his years of support on and off the track. He presented Steve Snowden, from Lucas Oil, the series sponsor, his helmet mounted on a plaque as thanks for their sponsorship for the past three years.

Snowden then announced that he signed an additional 2 year agreement with Can-Am Midget Club President, Ken Lorenz, for Lucas Oil to continue as the primary sponsor of the series through 2009.

One of the surprise highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement award to Harry Macy, former President and one of the founding members of the Can-Am Midget Racing Club in 1965. Macy was not able to attend because of recent surgeries but a speaker phone was set up in the banquet room for everyone to wish Harry well. The award was accepted on his behalf by Robbie Robinson, a representative of the FOAR Score Racing Fan Club based in Buffalo, New York.

Alison MacLeod received the George McIntyre Memorial Rookie of the Year award. Alison is also driving a full schedule in the Clorox Ford Racing Female Development Driver Program driving a USAC Ford Focus Midget. Darren McLennan earned the Rick Sykes Memorial Most Improved Driver of the Year award finishing in 5th place in the series.

The Albert Banyard Sportsman of the Year award was presented to the Can-Am Midget announcer and a member of the Board of Director, Dave Smith, for all his efforts this season. The Harry Macy Mechanic of the Year trophy went to Cliff Walsh as he campaigned 3 cars this season with two finishing in the top ten and the third car finished 11th in owner points. Walsh thanked all the help he receives in the garage as well as the track along with some very talented drivers (Lucas Smith, 3rd, Alison MacLeod, 9th, and Harvey Walsh and son Adam Walsh sharing driving duties in the third car.

Race Director Terry Watts received the Official of the Year award and the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget car #00 walked away with the Best Appearing Car and Crew trophy.

Rob Neely, driving the TQ #74 this season for Ken & Cindy Lorenz finished 2nd place in the points series, followed closely by Lucas Smith in 3rd. Craig Mackereth and Darren McLennan rounded the top five in points.

Finishing in the sixth through 10th places were, Daniel Bois, James Gray, Greg Smulders, Alison MacLeod and David Balych.

Additional Thank You awards were given out to Grant and Cathy Slater for their series within a series held at Sauble Speedway this season, and to Ron McKay from Bicknell Racing/Hoosier Tires for their continued support. Bob Saunders, from Race Time Radio, received the Media Award and was also the Guest MC of the evening along with Dave Smith. Ralph Webb, along with Colormark was thanked for all his photos and banners, as well as the nights program.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets are completing their schedule for 2008 season and it looks like it will be another competitive year ahead for all their fans.

By Cindy Lorenz