(Photo by Larry Burnett/WRT Speedwerx)
Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway officially wrapped up the 2019 and 50th anniversary season by recently recognizing the top 10 in each of the track’s divisions with special attention reserved for the 2019 champions. During the night’s events, over $36,000 in cash and prizes was handed out; of that, almost $27,000 was in cash.
In the Victory Lap Pro Late Model division, Justin Williams of Concord was crowned champion and received a check for $5,000 for his efforts. Williams also received a $500 certificate from the Joie of Seating, a custom calendar from Al Goulder Photography, his championship helmet trophy, and his champions jacket from Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic. This year’s title marked Williams’ third championship in the Pro Late Model division and sixth overall championship at the speedway.
In the Truckin Thunder Sportsman division, Joe Weiss of Elizabeth City, N.C., was crowned champion and received a check for $1,000 for his efforts. Weiss also received a $500 certificate from the Joie of Seating, a custom calendar from Al Goulder Photography, his championship helmet trophy, and his champions jacket from Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic.
In the Budweiser Modified division, Hunter McClendon of Williamsburg was crowned champion for the second year in a row and received a check for $1,000, a $500 certificate from the Joie of Seating, a custom calendar from Al Goulder Photography, his championship helmet trophy, and his champions jacket from Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic.
In the Collision One Limited Stock Car division, James Givens of Henrico was crowned champion and received a check for $700, a $500 certificate from the Joie of Seating, a custom calendar from Al Goulder Photography, his Championship helmet trophy, and his champions jacket from Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic. This championship is Givens’ third Limited Stock title in a row and fourth overall. During his speech Givens announced he would be moving up to the Truckin Thunder Sportsman division in 2020.
The speedway also crowns an overall Dirt Series Champion, which pits all four divisions against each other. Hunter McClendon, on the strength of his three wins and his eight top five finishes, won the overall championship and received a $2,000 check and the special 50th anniversary trophy that goes along with winning the title.
Special achievement award winners for the 2019 season included: The Rookies of the Year were Matt Glanden of Denton, Md., in Victory Lap Pro Late Models; Dave Lane of Hayes in Truckin Thunder Sportsman; Jeremiah Marshall of Stuarts Draft in Budweiser Modifieds; and Paige Vassallo of Woodforde in the Collision One Limited Stock Car division. Each winner received a plaque and $250.
