Race drivers from the Energy City and beyond were recognized for the year's achievements at the 18th annual Estevan Motor Speedway awards banquet Saturday night.

The ceremony began with inducting Ken Murray into the 2017 Wall of Fame. He is one of the founders of the Speedway, and has been involved in almost every aspect of the track's operation as well as held a variety of responsibilities within the racing world.

"I'm happy with the recognition, and I'm pleased with what's happened. Not just what we did, but what's happening today, 17 years later," he said, adding that he's glad to see the number of young racers out there as well.

The rookies of the year were:

  • Slingshot -- Cash Saxon...# 12, Lampman, Sk.
  • IMCA Hobby Stock -- Devon Gonas...# 47, Midale, Sk.
  • IMCA Stock Car -- Troy Threinen...#99, Estevan, Sk.

The points champions of 2017 were then handed their awards. Jesse Gibson from Estevan took the Slingshot division, while Joey Galloway of Manor was at the top of the IMCA Modifieds.

Joey Galloway was at the top of the IMCA Modifieds.

Zach Lutz from Burlington, ND, was first in points in the Hobby Stocks.

"It was a really good year. It was fun racing with Devon Gonas and the Runges. With three feature wins and the track championship, you can't complain," he shared. While school will be a factor next year, he plans to keep on racing.

Gregg Mann from Estevan was  the 2017 IMCA Stock Car points champion.

 Hometown driver Gregg Mann took home the IMCA Stock trophy.

 "It's always a good achievement to come out on top. You work hard all season, and to put a championship at the end of it is something to be proud of.   You've got bragging rights till next year," he said with a laugh. Racing is a family dynasty for the Manns, and Gregg hopes to be able to keep racing,   though work may keep it limited.

 The 2017 points runners up were...

  •  Slingshots -- Keenan Glasser...#22, Estevan, Sk.
  •  IMCA Hobby Stock -- Landon Runge...#52L, Lampman, Sk.
  •  IMCA Stock Car --  Austin Daae...#17, Estevan, Sk.
  •  IMCA Modified -- Riley Emmel...#12EH, Torquay, Sk.

The Volunteer of the year award was handed to Cam Martin who, while now retired, has been dedicated in keeping the track in good shape for the drivers.

"I didn't know I was getting it, but everybody out there deserves it. I'm doing something I enjoy doing, I like being there."

A very surprised Lynn Trobert was given the Clint Prette Memorial Award.

"What can I say? It's an honor, it really and truly is. It sounds really corny, but it's not...these people are considered family. I could call so many of them on a moment's notice and they would be there to help, and that's what I appreciate. We are a very close knit group out there, and we have a blast."

Speedway President Keith Cassidy was pleased at the outcome of the evening and the year.

"It was a great year for the Speedway. We tried a lot of new things, some of them worked, some of them didn't. One of the big success was of course the night. We sold out for the first time that I can recall, so hats off to our banquet crew."

The evening carried on after the awards ceremony with a cabaret, auction and a pitmans challenge.

Lynn Trobert (left) is presented the Clint Prette Memorial Award by Gregg Mann.

Ken Murray was inducted to the Wall of Fame.

Cam Martin (right) was the Volunteer of the Year.

 

Jesse Gibson was the Slingshots points champion.