By: Bob Stascak

The 2009 Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) Awards Banquet was held on Saturday January twenty third at the Westlake Holiday Inn. Before the evenings festivities began, there was a general meeting at noon which outlined several rule changes and procedures. Although barely one month into the new year, Kevin Jaycox said that there has been more done already at this point in time than in the past years. The 2010 MSA schedule was also released which has a mix of old and new venues. There will also be an MSA Steak Fry in March with the date to be announced. Sandusky Speedway will be the site of the MSA practice session on Sun. April 25, and the 2010 MSA season opens at Sandusky Speedway on Sat. May 8.

Kevin Jaycox, the MSA founder, was joined on stage by his new MSA management partners Randy and Rhonda Burch. Bob Gangwer made the trek from Oswego, New York to share the emcee duties and conduct interviews. It has been an MSA tradition to start the award ceremony with a trio of light hearted awards and tonight was no exception. The “King For A Day” award went to Bob Dawson, the “Charlie Schultz Hot Lap Award” went to Trent Stephens and the “Crying Towel” award went to Jon Henes.

Between the awards, the 2009 MSA top fourteen drivers were called to the stage. Starting with the fourteenth position the roll call was : Denny Fisher; Mark Sammut; Jim Paller; Jon Henes; Gene Lee Gibson; Matt Palmer; Rich Reid; Jack Smith; Randy Burch; Bob Dawson; Trent Stephens and Tim Ice (tie); Charlie Schultz and the 2009 MSA champion Tim Jedrzejek.

Gene Lee Gibson was the winner of the “Hard Luck” award. Trent Stephens was the winner of the “Brad Squires Rookie of The Year” award. Late Model star Tim Ice was voted “Most Improved Driver” and Todd Ridgeway was named “Media Member Of The Year.” There was a tie for the winner of the “Best Appearing Car” award which went to both Jack Smith (Jack Smith Racing) and Rich Reid (Gillingham/Reid Racing). “Winning Deliveries” awards were presented to Tim Jedrzejek, Mark Sammut, Charlie Schultz and Gene Lee Gibson.

Crystal Gillingham was presented with the “Woman Of The Year” award. Dick Lavati (Reeds Salvage Motorsports) won the “Mechanic Of The Year” award, Randy Burch was presented with the “Sportsman Of The Year” award. The “Crew Of The Year” award went to Acme Racing (Steve Stout). The “Bill Kovacs Owner Of The Year” award was presented to Craig Reed (Reeds Salvage Motorsports). Joe Gillingham won the “Terry Gibson Determination Award”, Rhonda Burch was presented with the “MSA Support Award.” Sharon Jaycox presented the “Ralph Jaycox Memorial Award” to Randy Burch.