New Egypt Awards Banquet

$50,300 Distributed at New Egypt Banquet

New Egypt, NJ (January 23)-On January 23rd, New Egypt Speedway capped off its inaugural season on dirt under the Grosso family's ownership in grand style, with a gala banquet at Bally's Park Place Casino in Atlantic City, where 33 top drivers in four divisions split $50,300 in point fund awards.

With a record of 21 top 10 finishes, including three wins, Ivyland, PA, driver Roger Laureno became the first New Egypt Modified champion on the clay, and collected $10,000 cash for his efforts. Larry McVay of Flemington, NJ, ran his #83 to seven victories, earning the Sportsman division championship and $3,000. Street Stock champion Jeff Carpenter, with six wins in 1998, received $1,500, while top Rookie Rich Scagliotta of Bound Brook, NJ, took home $500 in point monies.

New Egypt's "dynamic duo" of Nick Leach and Pete Wortman served as masters of ceremony for the affair, which also honored many drivers in special award categories.

Hard Luck Awards went to Tim Tanner Jr. (Modified), Tom Eppolite (Sportsman) and Rocco Infante (Street Stock). Drivers Scott Van Gorder (Modified), Bob Worthington (Sportsman) and Mike Rudolph (Street Stock) received the Determination Award in their respective divisions. Named New Egypt's Stars of Tomorrow were Carmine Infante (Modified), Ron John Koczon (Sportsman) and Ralph Gargiulo (Street Stock). Best Appearing Car Awards, as voted by the fans, were given to Mike Sena (Modified), Matt Papiez (Sportsman) and Jim Gerber Jr. (Street Stock). Street Stock driver Carol Whitehouse was named Best Victory Lane Interview.

For his humanitarian gestures and generosity to the fans, Sportsman driver Joe Sarvis was honored as New Egypt's Man of the Year, an award sponsored by Herr's Snack Foods. Wayne Coffey, engine builder for three of the top 10 Modified teams and one top 10 Sportsman car, was named Mechanic of the Year.

Receiving special recognition from the Grosso family for their support and involvement in the speedway's first-year success were Jim Potts of Mid-State Communications and Joe and Chrissy Haines of Haines Towing. New Egypt Employee Recognition Awards were presented to announcers Nick Leach and Pete Wortman, who enlivened every event with their enthusiasm.

The Central Jersey speedway will kick off its "bigger and better" second season as a dirt facility on March 27th with a practice session that is free to the public. The Easter Eve opening event is April 3rd, with four divisions on the card. For further information, contact the speedway at (609) 758-1900.