Edition 38, January 26th - 2009

Season Ending Banquet / A New Beginning

It seems like forever from the end of our season in La Crosse until the Mid American Race banquet held in Wisconsin Dells on January 17 th. True to form this would be the coldest week of the year(s) leading up to the awards presentation. We hosted a lunch on Saturday at our favorite haunt in Baraboo, and everyone was in good spirits, yet I sensed some obvious somberness as this would the last time this race team would be together. We pressed on like troopers vowing to party all night if necessary, trying to hold on to something that worked so well over the last three years.

Our fellow sponsors joined us at our team table. Clint and Wayne from YRC Logistics traveled up from Chicago, to honor Swan and the Berge Race team. YRC was with us for two years and were a great supporter of the sport. They were always interested in how the team was doing, and they were proud to be a part of a championship team. Also joining us this evening was new sponsor DRM Inc. based out of Lake Delton Wisconsin. President Randy and his wife Lori have been both supporters of the race team financially and have attended races including helping host employee appreciation night at the Dells. Randy is a good friend and a shrewd businessman who keeps expanding his manufacturing presence in southern Wisconsin.

After dinner the driver awards and prizes were presented. True to form our driver had to wait through drawings for race trips, car bodies, and mig welders before James’ name was drawn as a winner of an autographed mini hood with the drivers autographs from this year final race at La Crosse. Somehow this was an appropriate prize as it was presented by Hankscraft, and perhaps this is the last time that James may see this group together, plus it will remind him of who he had to beat on that cold night to win his fourth championship. Monetary value was small, sentimental value was great.

And then the program moved on to honor the top ten drivers in points for the 2008 season. Kenny Smart, Kyle and Troy Shear, Bill Prietzel, Scott Null, Lyle Nowak, Bob Gutkencht; Jake Finney, and Mark Kissinger. As stated earlier, Swan took home his third champion trophy which he generously loaned it to his sponsor Hankscraft for their lobby. It has been a real pleasure racing against all these truly great Mid Am competitors in 2008. We will miss you.

James Swan was recognized as champion and he approached the podium to present his farewell speech to a standing ovation. Those of us in attendance heard a slight crackle in his voice as he went about thanking those that helped him in his racing career. Systematically he thanked his sponsors and each of the team members by name. He allowed time to recognize our ladies who allow us to chase our dreams in racing. He recognized series owners Doug and Julie and all his fellow competitors who meant so much to him. His final thanks went to his father Jim Swan who traveled from South Carolina to be with his son. It was a great speech by a great competitor.

But it is time to move on. No huge secret is that James has been offered a ride in Limited Late series and he would like to compete for rookie of the year. We all move on as we all try to find the finances to allow James to strive for his dreams. We know the man deserves the chance to compete in this series and we are excited to have the opportunity to watch him race against new competition.

I am confident that the new Swan race team will be very successful in 2009.

Watch for our upcoming reports about Daytona events and check out our gallery for photos from the 2009 banquet in the Wisconsin Dells!

RACING TO THE CHECKERS

Jim