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EMS acknowledges this year's achievers

Riley Raynard was a recurrent face in front of the crowd, accepting recognition for two awards at the 17th annual Estevan Motor Speedway Awards Banquet, Dinner and Auction.
ems awards nov 2016
Levi Runge, left, Jeremy Swanson, Kody Scholpp and Keenan Glosser pose with their awards, as Points Champions for 2016.

Riley Raynard was a recurrent face in front of the crowd, accepting recognition for two awards at the 17th annual Estevan Motor Speedway Awards Banquet, Dinner and Auction. Raynard not only was the runner up in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, he was the winner of the Clint Prette Memorial Award.

Treasurer Lynn Trobert said the award started as one given out to modified drivers who showed a combination of class, talent, sportsmanship and who served as a good ambassador for Estevan, when racing locally and at other tracks.

“This winner is very special. This driver has accomplished a lot in his young life,” said Trobert, before announcing Raynard as the winner. 

Trobert listed a number of Raynard’s past accomplishments, such as the Ken Schrader Real Racer Award, and a number of past feature wins at previous events such as Border City Dirt Wars and Motor Magic.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m flabbergasted. I did not expect this at all,” said a grateful and humbled Raynard. “I want to thank everyone in my life, and all the people at the track.”

Trobert also presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Mike Stang, who she commended for his hard work at the track, noting that much of the work of volunteers goes on behind the scenes. Trobert referenced Stang’s hard work, mentioning the effort he puts into even the most drudging of tasks, like removing tumbleweeds from the fence in the winter. 

In response to receiving the award, Stang referenced the camaraderie of the many people with whom he volunteers. He also said, “I really enjoy our facility, and when spring rolls around, I like to get out there and get at it. I enjoy keeping the facility nice, and look forward to doing it for many more years.”

President Keith Cassidy said the racing at the Estevan Motor Speedway in 2016 was fantastic, and that all the racers “put on a heck of a show.” Cassidy referenced special events over the past year, like the Sprint Special, late Model Special and Border City Dirt Wars, and the new introduction of the Slingshot class as indicators of success for the year.

He said, “You guys are what makes racing great. There is a lot of happiness and a lot of upbeat people here, and we should strive to be happy out on the track.”

Cassidy referenced an incident when he started racing when his vehicle was T-boned during a race in Williston, N.D., as an example of the camaraderie of the people at the Estevan Speedway. He said that after the mishap, he thought he’d never make it to a race the following day in Minot, but was told by Kody and Kyle Scholpp to bring it to their shop, where they fixed it in time for the next race.

“I’m not talking about a door ding. That thing was junk. I never met (Kody and Kyle), and these guys went out of their way to help a stranger out,” said Cassidy. “I want everyone to know that, because that’s what racing means to me. I think we should remember racing is the greatest sport on Earth.”

The 2016 Rookies of the Year were acknowledged at the banquet, as well. They included Riese Dignan (IMCA Hobby Stock), and Jeff Dickson (IMCA Stock Car). 

“It was a good year. I grew up in a racing family, and you’re expected to do well, and not go out there and suck. I didn’t do too bad,” said Dignan, upon accepting his award. “I want to thank my family, for helping me out, and everyone here, too. I’m just a random kid, trying to drive a race car. The biggest thing I learned is that if you listen to everyone’s input and not be bull-headed and think you’re the greatest, you’ll do well.”

The 2016 Runner Up Award winners included Riley Raynard (IMCA Hobby Stock), Jordan Durward (IMCA Stock Car) and Riley Emmel (IMCA Modified). 

Points Champions for 2016 included Leevi Runge (IMCA Hobby Stock), Jeremy Swanson (IMCA Stock Car) and Kody Scholpp (IMCA Modified). Keenan Glosser of the new Slingshot division was also crowned points champion for this younger division.

“It feels pretty awesome. I never thought I’d go for a championship or win one, because I’m not really great at finishing every race in the season,” said Scholpp. “I know it’s pretty awesome to be here and still be able to do it everyday.”