Tue, 17 Dec 2002, 05:33 AM Division Six Honors 2002 Champions

SEATTLE -- Family was the name of the game at the 2002 Northwest Division Awards Banquet. Over 350 attendees helped close the season on a high note and celebrate the efforts of many. Many father and son teams were honored and emotional speeches made by Steve Federlin, Jim Van Cleve, Jr., and Elvon Kauffman. In addition to the event and series champions crowned, the evening also awards many with special recognition for the contributions to the 2002 season. The ceremonies were hosted by Johnny Moto and Mike Rice.

The evening also saw the induction of the three newest members to the Northwest Division Hall of Fame. Ron Farmer was inducted in a presentation by Wally Duperon and Rick Farmer. The late Jim Van Cleve, Sr. was inducted in an emotional presentation with the award being accepted by wife Joan and son Jim, Jr. In a surprise to everyone, Jim Jr. was then notified that he too was being inducted. A special video was provided by the Van Cleve family that brought back many memories.

Special thanks also go out to Larry Pfister for his great work on the videos that always draw rave reviews.

Special Award Recipients


Jr. Dragster Driver of the Year – Charlie Tiller
Castrol JDRL Western Conference Champion (10-year old class) – Benjamin
Hilton
National Dragster Be A Winner, Be A Member Track – Woodburn Dragstrip
National Dragster Contributor of the Year – Scott New (Firebird Raceway)
National Dragster Team Spirit Award – Madras Dragway
Most Improved Track – Pacific Raceways
Team Finals Hard Luck Award – Lost Creek Raceway
Summit Racing Series Track of the Year – Bremerton Raceway
Mel Bresaw Memorial ET Racer of the Year – John Korfiatis
Track Managers Challenge Cup – Mission Raceway Park
Summit Team Championship – Woodburn Dragstrip
Sponsor of the Year – Lucas Oil Products
LODRS Track of the Year – Woodburn Dragstrip
Ernie Hall Memorial Person of the Year – Don Rhyne
Top Alcohol Driver of the Year – Steve Federlin
Sportsman Driver of the Year – Mike Ferderer
Gracious Lady Award – Barb Ferderer
Sportsman Crew Chief of the Year – Alan Bowdish
Rod Hoerner Memorial Rookie of the Year – Brandon Johnson
Jerry Verheul Memorial Crew Chief Award – Mike Johnson


Division Six Champions
Top Alcohol Dragster -    Brandon Johnson
Top Alcohol Funny Car -   Bucky Austin
Competition Eliminator -  Adam Bowdish
Super Stock -             Terry Anderson
Stock -                   Jody Lang
Super Comp -              Mike Ferderer
Super Gas -               George Scott III
Super Street -            Jason Heard