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Handy Racing Promotions names 2009 Rookies of the year

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] HRP Photo by Steve Cox[/caption]

OROVILLE, CA (11-28-09) - Before a capacity crowd in the Cascade Showroom of Feather Falls Casino in Oroville, California, Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated paid tribute to the top performing drivers of the 2009 racing season at Silver Dollar Speedway, Placerville Speedway and the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series.

In addition to the crowning of the already determined champions in each series, the coveted Rookie of the Year title was announced in the appropriate divisions for each track and series. The Rookie of the Year title goes to the driver newest to each venue that performs the best during the year and finishes the highest in the season ending point standings among the eligible candidates.

Chico resident Kenny Allen stole the show in the Rookie of the Year category Saturday night as he claimed two different honors. Allen was named the 2009 Rookie of the Year for both Placerville Speedway and the competitive Civil War Sprint Car Series.

In his season at Placerville, Allen finished 13th in the series point standings with a fast time award, a top five finish and three top ten finishes. In the Civil War Series the former Outlaw Kart racer claimed 10th in standings with a top five finish and two top tens in the year. Allen's father and car owner, Dan Allen of Chico R.V. was also recognized for his sponsorship of the weekly Silver Dollar Minute television segment in Chico as well.

Chico's own Bradbumgarner was awarded the Rookie title for the 2009 Silver Dollar Speedway winged sprint car series. Returning after an injury shortened season in 2008, Bumgarner scored two fast times in the year, three top five finishes and six top tens.

Silver Dollar Speedway awarded a Rookie of the Year title in the Dirt Modified division as well. The title went to Jedediah Thompson of Chico. Thompson finished fourth in the standings with a top five finish and five top ten finishes in the year. In 2009 there were no eligible rookie drivers in Silver Dollar Speedway's wingless or street stock divisions.

At Placerville Speedway Allen was joined in the Rookie of the Year ranks by Limited Late Model-Pro Stock driver Jay Norton of Shingle Springs. Following in the footsteps of his Uncle, former champion Dennis Ahart, Norton drove to third place in the standings with nine top five finishes and 13 top ten finishes.

Placerville's competitive Pure Stock division saw John Hollowhornbear of Shingle Springs claim the Rookie of the Year title. Hollowhornbear drove to three top five finishes and nine top 10 finishes during the season.

Additional surprise tributes on Saturday night included a special presentation to car owner Steve Harris of Sacramento. Harris, who fielded two winged sprint cars for the entire season at Silver Dollar Speedway and select Placerville and Civil War events, is battling cancer and continues to stay active and dedicated to the sport with his well known "Racing for the Troops" team that claimed the 2009 Silver Dollar Speedway Championship with Bobby McMahan behind the wheel.

"Tonight we want to thank Steve for everything he does for this sport," said Silver Dollar Speedway's Troy Hennig. "It's hard enough to run a two car team in this sport and Steve and his organization give so much to the sport and the community. His dedication is truly appreciated by everyone."

Saturday's event was the first championship awards banquet for Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated who took the reigns of operating Chico, Placerville and the traveling campaigns this past year, following the successful John Padjen Motorsports who managed the venues for decades. After Handy Racing Promotions recognized their many officials, the longtime promoters were gratefully acknowledged for their years of dedication.

"This past season was very successful for Alan and all of us on his maiden voyage. But tonight we are all here because of two people that dedicated their lives to this sport and built what we are working to continue to today," said Bill Sullivan of Handy Racing Promotions. "I'd like to thank John and Robbie Padjen on behalf of this whole organization. At the same time I need to thank the two of them personally for giving me an opportunity 18 years ago. I don't think they realize what that meant to me and how their hard work is appreciated by everyone today. Thank you."

Handy Racing Promotions will host an additional banquet on January 23 for the Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series at Feather Falls Casino. In the coming weeks the 2010 schedules will be assembled for all venues. Watch www.handyracingpromotions.com or the appropriate speedway webpage for information on those upcoming events and further information on the 2009 champions that were recognized Saturday night.

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