Pennink to be Crowned 10th Anniversary VMRS Champion
Canaan, NH — Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA, will officially become the 10th Anniversary Champion when the Valenti Modified Racing Series crowns its top competitors at Saturday’s 10th Annual Banquet of Champions.
Car owner Gary Casella, of Saugus, MA, a driver-car owner when the series started in 2003, will also be honored.
Both Pennink and Casella are first-time champions.
For their efforts, the Pennink/Casella team will receive a check for $10,000 in honor of the series 10th anniversary by founder Jack Bateman.
Pennink captured two wins in 2013 at Monadnock Speedway in New Hampshire and Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine, but it was his consistent solid runs that paved the way to his first series championship.
Pennink had 13-top five finishes and 15-top 10 finishes, the most of any series competitor.
Pennink was the only driver to qualify through heat races in every event. The Roscoe Racing # 25 team never ran a consolation race in 2013.
Pennink also became the only driver in series history to win all marquee events in VMRS history when he garnered the 10th annual Spring Dash at Monadnock in April.
The Pennink/Casella team captured ‘Wings and Wheels’ at Waterford, CT, in 2009, the ‘DAV Fall Classic’ at Seekonk, MA, in 2012, and the 9th annual ‘Oktoberfest’ at Lee USA Speedway (NH) in 2011.
The season’s top 14 finishers in the point standings will also receive awards for their achievements.
Specialty awards, chosen by series officials will be presented.
Categories include the SPAFCO Most Improved Driver, Tough Luck Award, Sportsmanship Award, Mechanic of the Year award, Rookie of the Year, Dedication to Racing Award, Volunteer Award, and Above and Beyond Award.
The ‘711” Award, presented to the driver who represents modified racing in a professional manner both on and off the track, will be handed out by Hall of Fame driver, Bob Polverari.
This year’s event will be held at Best Western Executive Court Inn, 13500 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH.
Guests will be received at 4:30 pm, with a social hour beginning at 4:45 pm.
A buffet style dinner will be served at 6:00 pm followed by awards at 7:30 pm. Music and dancing will follow.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR