25th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet
March 13, 2016 was the date and Branches Catering was the spot for this year's annual Hall of Fame Awards banquet. Many club members, family, friends and guests were in attendance to honor the following individuals for their achievements in auto racing in New Jersey:
Drivers: Dick Havens and Richie Massing
Owner: Bill Hewlett
Bobby Thomas "Spirit of the Sport" Award: Bob Emmons
Lifetime Achievement: Bill Wilson
Pioneer Award: Otha Johnson
Owner: Bill Hewlett
Bobby Thomas "Spirit of the Sport" Award: Bob Emmons
Lifetime Achievement: Bill Wilson
Pioneer Award: Otha Johnson
The afternoon began with club member and Racing with Jesus Ministries representative Bob Menschner, who gave the invocation. Earl Krause did a great job once again handling the microphone duties. Earl is a long-time club member and former Trustee, Area Auto Racing News Assistant Editor and Columnist as well as a race announcer at Wall Stadium.
Bob Menschner started off the awards portion of the afternoon. On behalf of Racing with Jesus Ministries, Bob presented an award to Ray Shea, congratulating him on 25 years of leadership as club President. Next up were members recognized for their participation in club events during the 2015 season. The top participants were Connie Joyner, Terry Van, El Herbert, and Bob Nase.
The ceremonies continued with the Pioneer, Lifetime Achievement, and Bobby Thomas "Spirit of the Sport" awards, after which the Hall of Fame presentations were made. In addition to plaques, the Hall of Fame honorees also received artwork prints of their race cars, created and donated by racing artist Charlie Lindmar. Over the course of the afternoon, quite a few stories were told, memories revived, laughs shared, and friendships rekindled.
Our report would not be complete without thanking those who made it all happen: Banquet Coordinator Eleanor Hagerman, Pam Krause, Ray Shea, Sue Simpson, and Chet Thompson. Congratulations on another fine job! Thanks once again to photographer Jim Smith for the pics.
Bob Menschner started off the awards portion of the afternoon. On behalf of Racing with Jesus Ministries, Bob presented an award to Ray Shea, congratulating him on 25 years of leadership as club President. Next up were members recognized for their participation in club events during the 2015 season. The top participants were Connie Joyner, Terry Van, El Herbert, and Bob Nase.
The ceremonies continued with the Pioneer, Lifetime Achievement, and Bobby Thomas "Spirit of the Sport" awards, after which the Hall of Fame presentations were made. In addition to plaques, the Hall of Fame honorees also received artwork prints of their race cars, created and donated by racing artist Charlie Lindmar. Over the course of the afternoon, quite a few stories were told, memories revived, laughs shared, and friendships rekindled.
Our report would not be complete without thanking those who made it all happen: Banquet Coordinator Eleanor Hagerman, Pam Krause, Ray Shea, Sue Simpson, and Chet Thompson. Congratulations on another fine job! Thanks once again to photographer Jim Smith for the pics.