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DRAG AWARDS - SIMMO DRIVER & ANDERSON RIDER OF YEAR AS GAVIN WINS 1st 507 |
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Paige Gavin won the inaugural Steve Igglesden Memorial trophy as proud father Eamonn and Pauline Igglesden look on while Paiges little brother looks non plussed! |
| All pics by High Octane Photos |
| Super Comp racer Graeme Simms and Comp Bike Rider Neil Anderson were awarded
with the Perth Motorplex Drag Racing Driver and Riders of the Year awards last Saturday night. The Rookie of the Year awards were also hotly contested with Super Streets Peter Applebee and Modified Bikes Greg Juranovich winning the Rookie Driver and Rider of the Year awards respectively. A large turnout was on hand to give all Drag Racing trophy recipients the accolades they richly deserved after a hard fought season. In addition to the the regular awards the night saw the introduction of a new award - the Steve Igglesden Memorial trophy. Already nicknamed the '507' in recognition of the number Steve raced with since the late 60's (and now used by daughter Pauline on her 7 second supercharged altered), the trophy is an annual award to be given to the female racer who has shown great improvement and sportsmanship during the pervious season. The 507 award comes with a perpetual trophy, a replica keepsake and a monetary prize drawn annually from a trust fund set up by Steve. Those at the night were pleased to see Steves wife Ruth in attendance along with eldest daughter Pauline who assisted in the presntation. The selection panel had a number of racers in mind finally choosing Junior Dragster racer Paige Gavin who not only has shown great improvement during the season but also very good sportsmanship coupled with a willingness to lsiten to the advice and direction she was given. |
 Even after 4 decades of racing, 2007/08 Drag Racer of the Year Graeme Simms cannot wait for the new season to commence. |
 Supercharged Outlaw champion Steve McGrath was delighted to defend his title for the second year running...giving presenter Stuart Bond a peck on the cheek. |
 A typical 'Bushdog monlogue' followed complete with animation...he da man! |
 Before settling in for the longest acceptance speech of the weekend (beating all Speedway and Drag Racing competitors!) |
 Krystal Ecclestone became the first woman to win the Modified championship. |
 Long serving Staging Lane marshall Warwick Leete received this magnificent piece of memorabilia based on his Ravenswood Raceway officials shirt. Leete worked tirelessly for both Drag Racing at Ravenswood and the Perth Motorplex and Speedway at Claremont and the early years of the Perth Motorplex for many years. Leete is retiring and the racers and officials all chipped in to the keepsake. |
| THE PERTH MOTORPLEX DRIVER OF THE YEAR Graeme Simms THE PERTH MOTORPLEX RIDER OF THE YEAR Neil Anderson REED CLASSIQUE JEWELLERS ROOKIE DRIVER OF THE YEAR Peter Appleby REED CLASSIQUE JEWELLERS ROOKIE RIDER OF THE YEAR Greg Juranovich STEVE IGGLESDEN MEMORIAL AWARD Paige Gavin GT RADIAL TYRES TOP COMP Champion: Rob Pilkington 2nd: Adam Croker 3rd: John Zappia PRO AUTO PERFORMANCE SUPER COMP Champion: Graeme Simms 2nd: Allen Puglia 3rd: Jodi Racco TROPHY SPECIALIST COMPETITION BIKE Champion: Neil Anderson 2nd: Reg McCallum 3rd: Tim McClure GENIE PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS Champion: Steve McGrath 2nd: Ian Foster 3rd: Tony Argentino VEEM ENGINEERING MODIFIED Champion: Krystal Ecclestone 2nd: Andrew Katavatis 3rd: Mark MacKay STONE RACING TRANSMISSIONS SUPER SEDAN Champion: Kaine Weighell SS/A 2nd: Mike Naylor 3rd: Yvette Gregg HIGHWAY YAMAHA MODIFIED BIKE Champion: Adam Ewing 2nd: Tony Wood 3rd: John O'Hara SOUTHSIDE ENGINE CENTRE SUPER STREET Champion: Vince Belladonna 2nd: Michael Waters 3rd: Darran Bakranich BUTLER BUILT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS JUNIOR DRAGSTER Champion: Ethan Hort 2nd: Damion Le-cocq 3rd: Laurence Adamos |