1/20/2023
Tri-County Speedway
2022 Tri County Banquet
TRI-COUNTY SPEEDWAY 2022 AWARDS BANQUET
On Saturday night, January 7, 2023, Tri-County Speedway held their second annual Championship Banquet at the Hub in Hudson, NC.
This was a fabulous night. Many racecar drivers were there with their families. The banquet had great food, great fellowship, and great door prizes. Once again, Hog Wild catered the event. As always, Derek and Ronnie provided a delicious meal for everyone.
Crate Payne was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He recognized all the Tri-County Speedway Staff and workers. Payne thanked everyone who helped make Tri-County run smoothly each week. All of these people played a special part in making the 2022 racing season so successful!
Phil Combs introduced the keynote speaker, Humpy Wheeler. Humpy Wheeler has worn many hats. He was a golden glove boxer in his younger days. He also wrote an autobiography “Growing Up Nascar.” Humpy Wheeler had a colorful career at Charlotte Motor Speedway. One of his most memorable stories was when David Pearson called Humpy and told him he “fixed the wrong turn”.
Phil Combs and Humpy Wheeler helped introduce the inductees to Tri-County Hall of Fame for the 2022 racing season.
Dennis Setzer was the first inductee. He won the track championship at Tri-County Speedway in 1993. Setzer shared some of his experiences of short track racing.
Rock Harris was the second inductee. He won three consecutive track championships at Tri-County Speedway in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Robert Huffman from Claremont, NC was the third inductee. He won the track championship at Tri-County in 1987. Since then, he has won the Goodey’s Daytona Dash Series three times and the Truck Series.
The fourth inductee to the Hall of Fame was Johnny Price. Price’s car won the FIRST race ever held at Tri-County Speedway. He won the Late Model race with a Ford, of course! He is the oldest continuous supporter since 1985!
Damon Halsey was the last inductee for the 2022 Hall of Fame. Halsey has always been Tri-County Speedway’s photographer. He has captured many memorable moments of drivers, fans, sponsors, and children while covering all the events of Tri-County Speedway!
Chad Hunter presented trophies for Rookie of the Year. Stephen Shore was Late Model Rookie of the Year. Dee McCall received Rookie of the Year for the Limited Late Model Division. Joseph Hodges won Rookie of the Year for Street Stock Division. Robert Blackwood was the Outlaw Rookie of the Year. The Renegade Rookie was Steve Smart. Jacob Hayes captured the Front Wheel Drive Rookie of the Year
Award. Mark Whitten won Rookie of the Year for the Vintage Division.
Terry Anderson presented trophies for the Vintage Division. Don Fenn #72 took the third place trophy. Dennis Hinkle #4 was second in the division. Tim Gilbert #95 was first place Champion for the Vintage Division. Eddie Gilbert won the crew chief award for the Vintage Division.
Justin Winebarger presented trophies for the Front Wheel Drive Division. Jacob Hayes #0 took the third place trophy. Brian Dodd #4 was second. James Powell #27 was the first place Champion for the Front Wheel Drive Division. James Powell, Sr. won the crew chief award for the Front Wheel Drive Division.
Ronnie Setzer presented trophies to the Renegade Division Winners. Skylar Hudson #25 took the third place trophy. Steve Smart #16 took the second place trophy. Klint Townsend #9 was the first place Champion of the Renegade Division. Kevin Townsend was the crew chief winner for the Renegade Division.
Crate Payne presented trophies for the Outlaw Division. The third place winner was Rock Harris #59. Sheflon Clay #59 was second place in the Outlaw Division. Martin Nesbitt #92 was the first place Champion in the Outlaw Division. Dakota Slable took home crew chief award for the Outlaw Division.
Donovan Culbreth presented trophies for the Street Stock Division. Kevin Eby #03 was the third place winner. The second place winner was Cody DeMarmels #12. Davey Smart #07 was the first place Champion in the Street Stock Division. Rick Parris won the crew chief award for the Street Stock Division.
Karen Tunnell presented the Limited Late Model trophies. Don Carlton #84 took third place for this division. Taylor Nesbitt #92 was the second place in the Limited Late Model Division. Austin Harris #59 was the first place champion for the Limited Late Model Division. Rock Isaac Harris won the crew chief award for the Limited Late Model Division.
Crate Payne presented the trophies for the Late Model Division. Isabella Robusto #55 took third place in the Late Model Division. Thomas Beane #28 was second place in the late Model Division. Zack Franks #1 was the first place Champion in the Late Model Division. Rick Parris won the crew chief award for the division.
Shad Higgins, Shane Higgins, and Buddy Higgins presented the last award of the evening. The 2022 Tri-County Speedway Barney Arnette Sportsmanship Award was given to David Baird. David Baird not only promotes words of sportsmanship but also promotes this award by his actions while at the track of Tri-County Speedway.
The second annual Championship Banquet for Tri-County Speedway was a lot of fun for everyone and also very touching for many inductees and winners. We missed Doug Houser due to sickness. We also missed Michael McSwain due to a family emergency. We wish both of them our best!
Racing is just around the corner. We hope to see you in April to start the 2023 season at Tri-County Speedway. Until then, we hope you and your family are blessed!
Article Credit: Debbie Setzer
Submitted By: Rhonda Higgins
