Pasteryak Crowned Valenti Modified Racing Series Champion
West Springfield, MA. — Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT., was crowned 2011 Valenti Modified Racing Series Champion last night at the 8th annual awards banquet. The event was held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Three wins, and 9 top-five finishes paved the way to the title for the 31 year old second-generation driver.
Pasteryak thanked his wife, parents, family, friends, crewmembers, and sponsors, for their support in helping him reach his goal. The new two-time champion recognized and thanked series officials and the media. Pasteryak was the series champion in 2008.
Presentations were made to the top fourteen drivers for 2011. Les Hinckley, Rowan Pennink, Mike Holdridge, Norman Wrenn, Louie Mechalides, Rob Goodenough, Dwight Jarvis, Joe Doucette, Max Zachem, Timmy Jordan, Jon McKennedy, Jacob Dore, Kenny Barry and Todd Annarummo, were all recognized.
The top 15 car owners were also recognized. CCP Inc (Charlie Pasteryak), CMR Racing (Chuck Montville), Gary Casella, M&D Racing (Holdridge), Advanced Gas Distributors (Wrenn), Kevin Stuart, Ron Goodenough, Daniel Cabral, Max Zachem, Patrick Jordan, Bonnie Jarvis, Jack Bateman, Jon McKennedy, Robert Worell, and Vinnie Annarummo.
The annual “Achievement” awards, chosen by series officials, were also presented.
Joe Doucette, of Framingham, MA., was presented the “SPAFCO Most Improved Driver” award. Jack Bateman received the “Tough Luck” award. Max Zachem the “Sportsmanship”Award, and “Mechanic of the Year” was presented to Butch Shea, of the CMR (#06) team.
Timmy Jordan received the “Mountainside Graphix Rookie of the Year” award, Gary Casella, the “Dedication to Racing” award, and this year’s recipient of the “Above and Beyond” award was presented in memory of John Hoyt, to the entire MRS Staff.
The prestigious “7-11” award, for professionalism on and off the track. was presented to Mike Holdridge by New England Hall of Fame driver Bob Polverari.
A 15-race schedule was announced for 2012 with the first event scheduled for March 31, April 1, at the Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR