Twin State Auto Racing Club inducts first Hall of Fame class

Staff report

McDONALD

The Twin State Auto Racing Club held its inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on Dec. 12 in conjunction with its annual awards banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

The Hall of Fame class represented the wide variety of racing readily available to area fans — late model, sprint, modified, six-cylinder, drag, asphalt and dirt.

Presenting plaques to the honorees was Twin State president Ed Miller.

Those honored were Bill Forney of Youngstown, Tom Jarrett of Austintown, Glenn Gault of Hubbard, Ralph Quarterson of Hermitage, Pa., Buddy Cochran of Sharon, Pa., and Lou Gentile of Hubbard.

Selected posthumously were Lou Blaney, Jim Bickerstaff, Ted Wise, Mike Klapak, Phil Wertz and Butch Buccella.

Special presentations were given to: Jim and Vera Novak, Promoter’s Award; Jim Pollock, Track Official Award; Floyd Trevis and Paul “Pappy” Kerr, Owner/Mechanics Awards; Carlon Hine, Drag Racer Award; and John Sandquist Sr. and Kevin Bolland, 20-year veteran awards.

Winning annual awards from the club were: Rookie of the Year — Chad Wright (dirt), Lexi Wilson (asphalt); Most Improved Driver — Danny Holtgraver (dirt), J.P. Weisser (asphalt); Hard Luck Driver — Charlie Holben (dirt), Jamie Hebner and Steve Horkey (asphalt); Jerry Hassay Dedication Award — Jack Coley; Russ King Memorial Owner of the Year — Jack Sodeman,Sr.; Bud Crum Memorial Good Guy — Scott Bonnell; and the Sportsmanship Award — Brent Matus.