LOCAL HORSHAM SPORT STARS AND VOLUNTEERS HONOURED IN SPEEDWAY PRESENTATION NIGHT

Horsham Motor Sports Club has held its annual presentation night for the end of the 2022/2023 season and honoured many of their competitors, officials, and volunteers, all who are integral in providing the Wimmera community a great night out through the Speedway season.

Acknowledgements ranged from class champions to life memberships and everything in between.

**Well known Truck racer Luke James was awarded the class champion for the season of the V8 Trucks and later also received the prestigious club champion honour.**

After years helping his father Nathan prepare time champion Limited Sportsman racers cars, Tom Baker stepped onto the track this season in his own car and claimed the class honours in Limited Sportsman.

Club Committee man, racer and teacher Shaun Queale had stiff competition in the form of his own son Ryan early in the season however, Shaun produced consistency all season long and claimed the class champions gong in Production Sedans.

Jeremy Beddison was crowned the champion in the Wingless Sprints in a season where he and Steven Hateley produced big results at their home track against huge fields in the class.

Junior Sedan competitor and canteen volunteer Rebecca Johnstone was awarded the most improved Horsham Motor Sports Club race driver for the season. Rebecca has to travel far and wide to get enough racing in her logbook competing in Speedway Sedans Australia New Stars, Victorian Speedway Council Junior 1200 Sedans, and Junior Open Sedans. Rebecca has shown a lot more confidence on track this past season and is a well-liked competitor with displaying friendship and sportsmanship to others.

Dean Hughes and Katelyn Eltze both from the Production Sedans and Donald Timmins from the V8 Trucks received encouragement awards to give them an extra pep in their step heading into next season. All three consistently support the club when scheduled to compete and give 110% each time they hit the track. Hughes in particular had some great results and is one to watch in the new season.

Tim Driller was rewarded for always presenting a stellar looking V8 Race Truck, the Optimus Prime. A little kids and big kids favourite that shows up nice and clean and stands out on track and under lights.

Timing Monitor operator Hannah Eastwood was acknowledged with the volunteer appreciation award. Hannah keeps track of all the race results as transponders report back to her program, this job keeps the show running smoothly as drivers are placed into position for restarts and the information helps stewards and commentary members in particular with their roles.

**Gina Harrison was awarded the committee appreciation award.**
**Gina is one fantastic member of a great crew of people in the committee that are tasked with all the planning and** **co-ordination of events, with many if not all giving a hand in some way on race day also.**

**The Outstanding volunteer award was earnt jointly between Jaryd Carman whom is also a Truck racer and Brett Johnstone who is Junior racer Rebecca’s father and also involved in the club canteen.**

Another prestigious award is the Club Presidents award was shared by Nigel Quick and Julie Queale. Both members of the club put in an outstanding amount of time and effort through the season and are vital to the club’s operation.

And rounding out all this seasons awards was Shaun Queale picking up his Life membership award. Shaun over many years has been passionate about the Horsham Motor Sports Club and its Blue-Ribbon Raceway and has contributed in many ways. Whilst stepping out of the commentators booth a couple of seasons ago to get back behind the wheel and racing, **Shaun has continued to contribute and volunteer even in between races.**

The committee congratulate all the recipients of awards and is keen to hear from any people looking to be involved this season as a racer, volunteer, official and contributing supporter. Feel free to reach out to the club directly who can be found on the internet under a search for the Blue-Ribbon Raceway.

Also a very big thank you to the season 22/23 supporters;
Horsham Speedway Club would like to acknowledge the following club supporters;
Ace Radio Network

Burson Auto Parts Horsham

Bondy’s Contractors

Bigham Truck Repairs

Carman’s Towing and Windscreens
Crop Opti

Dooen Hotel

Horsham Auto Wreckers

Horsham Injector Service
Johnsons Merchandise

Mick Harrison Signs

Millers
Petrogas Horsham
Simpson Fire Motorsport Safety

Westonvic Waste
Wilken Group

Wimmera Bakery Dimboola

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mail Times

Wimmera Security Service

Written by
Dean Thompson
DMT Sports Media
For Horsham Motorsports Club