2011 MORR TORC Sportsman Banquet Report
Posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Glenview, IL (October 25, 2011) - The Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL Sportsman Banquet was held this past Saturday at the Paper Valley Radisson in Appleton, Wisconsin. The banquet was hosted by MORR (Midwest Off-Road Racing) with 230 off-road enthusiasts in attendance. Before the fun and festivities began, MORR used much the day holding class meetings to discuss concerns and recommendations for the upcoming 2012 TORC Sportsman rule book.
Later in the afternoon, MORR held a General Meeting which included the introduction of the candidates for the 2012 MORR Board.
Immediately following the meeting voting took place and here is the 2012 MORR Board of Directors. President - Dan Vanden Heuvel Vice President - Don Demeny Treasurer - Greg Stingle Secretary - Mike Vanden Heuvel Directors @ Large - Jake Vande Voort, Scott Behnke, Jerry Conrad.
Before the banquet, the "Bench Racing" hour was sponsored by Crandon International Off-Road Raceway and Bark River Off-Road Raceway.
Once everyone found their table and enjoyed their dinner, the festivities began with the opening prayer from Jay Schafer. Then Scott Rehn and Amanda Fonferek put together a beautiful tribute to Rick and Jeff Huseman. The evening continued as the master of ceremonies Cheyne Statezny, kept the crowd entertained all night as the awards were being handed out.
In 2011, the TORC Sportsman Championship Points was funded by a portion of each racer's weekend entry fees, as well as donations from Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, Bark River Off-Road Raceway, and MORR. The Championship points fund awarded just over $20,000 to 31 Sportsman Competitors.
Light Buggy 1st - Greg Stingle 2nd - Matt Gerald 3rd - Todd Lemke 4th - Jaime Kleikamp 5th - Steve Oman 6th - C.Paitl/B. Holtger
Super Stock Truck 1st - Scott Beauchamp 2nd - Brent/Brock Smith 3rd - Justin Keehner 4th - Larry Maciosek 5th - Jerry Conrad
Stock Truck 1st - Matt Ives 2nd - Nick Baumgartner 3rd - Wayne Schunk 4th - Bob Birkholz
1600 Buggy 1st - Brad Erickson 2nd - Mark Steinhardt 3rd - Rob Kinner 4th - Bob Blaney
Super Buggy 1st - CJ Greaves 2nd - Bob Klaus 3rd - Steve Krieman
Formula 4x4 1st - Brad Lamarche 2nd - Dave Miah 3rd - Charlie Bell
Classix 1st - Dale Chestnut 2nd - Rob Weiland 3rd - Mike Mischler
Super Truck 1st - Dan Baudoux 2nd - Bob Gremler 3rd - Dave Bayer
All the class champions received an Oakley Watch, a MORR commemorative plaque, and a USAC medallion honoring their accomplishments.
Jay Schafer led a contingent from Crandon International Off-Road Raceway that presented the World Championship rings to the winners in attendance.
Then the MORR awards were next on the agenda. Driver of the Year - Matt Ives, Team of the Year - Smith Brothers Motorsports, Rookie of the Year - Nick Baumgartner, Best Win - Nick Byng, Hard Charger - Justin Keehner, Most Improved Driver - Nick Byng, Tough Luck Award - Don Demeny, MORR Guy of the Year - Chuck Lund, MORR Lifetime Achievement Award - Tom & Ruth Schwartzburg, Farmer John Award - Dan Vanden Heuvel
Thanks to the efforts of Scott Rehn, the MORR Guy of the Year Award includes was also presented with a complimentary weekend stay at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, compliments of the South Point Casino.
Mastercraft Safety and Impact Racing awarded a driving suit and helmet to Formula 4x4 Champion Brad Lamarche and Single Buggy Champion Greg Stingle.
FSD Designs award a $500 check and vinyl vehicle wrap to Super Stock Truck Champion Scott Beauchamp. Teamtech Motorsports awarded a Driving suit and seat harness to Single Buggy Champion Greg Stingle and Classix Champion Dale Chestnut.
The first MORR Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tom and Ruth Schwartzburg. The Schwartzburgs have been involved in off-road racing for over 40 years. Early on you could find the Tom in his red two-seat Funco Bandido running at the front of the field, many times with Ruth in the co-driver's seat. Later on they would become involved on the organizational side of the sport; ensuring short-course off-road racing would continue to thrive in the Upper Midwest. Throughout all this time Tom has continued to campaign his VW-powered Super Buggy. In fact, at the final 2011 TORC Sportsman event in Oshkosh, Ruth took the Super Buggy for a spin during the eight-lap mechanics race. Thank you, Tom and Ruth Schwartzburg.
The final award of the night saw Don and Amy Demeny present the "Farmer John" Award. John Konitzer was the ultimate Midwest off-road racer. His career began during the early days of Crandon. He made the name Konitzer synonymous with Midwest off-road racing. Not only for his ability on the track, but off the track as well. Farmer John would never hesitate to help out his fellow competitor no matter what the situation. This past summer John Konitzer passed away at home with his family.
In honor of "Farmer John" the inaugural award was presented to Dan Vanden Heuvel. Dan epitomizes those same values and has instilled them in his family as they work ensuring off-road racing continues to thrive throughout the Midwest.
Scott Rehn then introduced a video presentation commemorating John Konitzer.
Once the presentations were complete, socializing continued as the music began and many discussed plans for the 2012 season.
Don't forget to check out the MORR Facebook page and website for banquet photos that were taken by Chris Hord of Dirt-Productions.
Thanks also goes out to Mike Roth Photography for the slide show showcasing the 2011 Sportsman season, Amanda Fonferek for the slideshow tribute to Rick and Jeff Huseman, Scott Rehn for his behind the scenes work on the Farmer John Award presentation, and Nancy Vanden Heuvel for the incredible edible table centerpieces.
2011 TORC Sportsman Total Payback Race Purse Totals: Championship Purse Totals: Contingency Cash & Product Qualifying Totals: Total 2010 TORC Sportsman Purse: $81,000.00 $20,000.00 $71,000.00 $172,000.00