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2023 Tri County Awards Banquet

TRI-COUNTY SPEEDWAY 2023 AWARDS BANQUET

On Saturday night, January 6, 2024, Tri-County Speedway held their
third annual Championship Banquet at the Hub in Hudson, NC.
This was an exciting night. Many racecar drivers, their families, and
friends were there to support their favorite drivers from the 2023
season.
Everyone enjoyed the BBQ and all the trimmings. Wally Capps
Catering out of Ashville catered the meal. The mac and cheese was
fantastic! Everything was delicious!
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 2023
racing season so successful!
Mr. Payne also announced that Tri-County Speedway would be
adding a new division called the “Old Crown Vic” in 2024.
Phil Combs introduced the John H. Chapman Award. His son
accepted this award for his father. Dennis Setzer reminisced about
John and how he would be missed.
Phil Combs also introduced the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. Jamie
Yelton was the first inductee. He won a total of 33 races. Russ Leicht,
Sr. was the second inductee. He was a former owner of Tri-County
Speedway. Gary Lambert was the third inductee. He had a variety of
drivers during his career as a car owner. These included Dennis Setzer,
Dexter Canipe, and Rock Harris to name a few.
Crate Payne introduced the keynote speaker, Robert Pressley. He
reminded everyone that the Short Track Drivers must have Tough Skin!

He also emphasized that the Short Track was the Birthplace of Racing.
He encouraged everyone to keep Tri-County Speedway alive and
Support the track!
Crate Payne introduced the 2023 Rookies of the Year. Eugene
Norton was the Late Model Rookie. The Limited Late Model Rookie was
Darren Krantz, Jr. (Remember he is only twelve years old!) Tim Dale
was the Outlaw Rookie of the Year. The Street Stock Rookie was Kolby
Sawyers. Dalton Ledbetter captured the Renegade Rookie of the Year
Award. The Front Wheel Drive Rookie of the Year was Mahlon
Borkholder. Jaminson Whittington won Rookie of the Year for the Pro 4
Division.
Doug Houser drew the winning tickets for door prizes in between
each division winners. The prizes were provided by Pepsi which
included chairs, umbrellas, clocks, shirts, and bags. Many fans enjoyed
the gifts of the night!
Crate Payne presented the Pro 4 trophies first. Dennis Trivette #57
took the third place trophy. Rodney Trivette #6 was the second place
winner. Robbie Trivette #11 was the first place Champion for the Pro 4
Division.
Black Automotive Group sponsored the Vintage Cars Division. Craig
Baker #21 took the third place trophy. Mark Whitten #39 was second
in the division. Bob Wallace #35 was first place Champion for the
Vintage Division.
The Front Wheel Drive Division was next on the program. Gary
Willard #54 placed fifth in this division. Jason Garwood #46 took the
fourth slot for the Front Wheel Drive Division. Kayla Powell #12 took
the third place trophy. Donny Holland #10 was second. James Powell
#27 was the first place Champion for the Front Wheel Drive Division.

James Powell, Sr. won the Championship Crew Chief award for the
Front Wheel Drive Division.
The Renegade Division Winners were next. The fifth place trophy
went to Jacob Hickman # 22. The fourth place finisher was Michael
Waldrop # 22. Dalton Ledbetter #32 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 Championship Crew Chief winner for the Renegade Division.
Heritage Finance sponsored the Street Stock Division. Davey Smart
#14 took the fifth place trophy. Kevin Eby #03 was the fourth place
winner. Kayla Eby #3 captured the third place trophy. The second place
winner was Mike Hatton #12. Marlin Yoder #08 was the first place
Champion in the Street Stock Division. Travis McIntire won the
Championship Crew Chief award for the Street Stock Division.
The Limited Late Model trophies were next on the program. The
fifth place slot went to Darren Krantz, Jr. #1. Taylor Nesbitt #92 took
the fourth place trophy. Josh Goble #65 took third place for this
division. Austin Harris #59 was the second place in the Limited Late
Model Division. Trey Canipe #5 was the first place Champion for the
Limited Late Model Division. Dexter Canipe won the Championship
Crew Chief award for the Limited Late Model Division.
Crate Payne presented the trophies for the Late Model Division.
Tasha Kummer #35 took the fifth place trophy for the Late Model
Division. Eugene Norton #27W took the fourth place trophy. Taylor
Satterfield #40 was in third place. The second place trophy went to
Dillon Houser #11. Thomas Beane #28 was the first place Champion in
the Late Model Division. TreVaun Muse won the Championship Crew
Chief award for this division.

The Outlaw Division was sponsored by Messer Heating and Air.
The fifth place slot went to Austin Simmons #1X. The fourth place
trophy went to Sheflon Clay #15. The third place winner was Ruben
Caceres #77. Tim Dale #5 was second place in the Outlaw Division.
Martin Nesbitt #92 was the first place Champion in the Outlaw Division.
Dakota Slable took home Championship Crew Chief award for the
Outlaw Division.
Shad Higgins presented the last award of the evening. The 2023 Tri-
County Speedway Barney Arnette Sportsmanship Award was given to
Preston Allen. Mr. Allen was very touched to receive this award.
The third annual Championship Banquet for Tri-County Speedway
was a lot of fun for everyone and also very touching for many inductees
and winners.
Racing is just around the corner. We hope to see you the last
weekend in March to start the 2024 season at Tri-County Speedway.
Until then, we hope you and your family are blessed!

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