Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Devil’s Bowl to host awards ceremony

Order tickets by Jan. 27
RUTLAND—Devil’s Bowl Speedway will bring the 2016 stock car racing season to its official close in style with a two-night gala on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4. The annual Banquet of Champions will be presented at the Holiday Inn Rutland-Killington on Route 7, Rutland.
The Banquet of Champions has been split into two dates for the first time in order to accommodate a recent string of sold-out crowds. As many as 400 total guests — including drivers, car owners, team members, sponsors, officials, and fans — are expected to attend. In all, more than 90 drivers from six states are scheduled to walk across the stage during the festivities.
On Feb. 3, drivers from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series will be honored for their efforts at Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s 3/10-mile dirt track. Bobby Hackel will collect his first championship in the Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified division, with Bill Duprey earning the Rosen & Berger Renegade title and Mike Ryan taking the Portland Glass Mini Stock crown. In addition, Chris Donnelly will take the first Sprint Car title awarded in Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s 50-year history.
On Feb. 4, competitors at the 1/2-mile asphalt track will be recognized. Jason Durgan will be crowned as a first-time Bond Auto Parts Sportsman Modified champion, with Josh Masterson taking his second Central Vermont Motorcycles Late Model title. Jim McKiernan will be named the Rosen & Berger Renegade king, and rookie Eric Messier will take Portland Glass Mini Stock honors. Cory Gray will also be honored as the Enduro Series title winner.
In addition to the divisional champions, trophies will be given to the top drivers and Rookie of the Year winners in every class. A series of special annual awards will also highlight each evening, including peer-voted Sportsmanship awards and Most Improved Driver awards. Bonus prizes will be presented on behalf of Bond Auto Parts, Five Star Race Car Bodies, Shiley Fabrication, Crazy Horse Racing, the University of Northwestern Ohio, and NASCAR.
Tickets for the Banquet of Champions are now available. Single-event pricing remains at $45 for adults and $25 for kids age 13 and under. Discount two-night tickets are $75 for adults and $45 for kids age 13 and under. To order, email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com by Jan. 27. Drivers must purchase a ticket and be present to receive awards.

Mountain Times Newsletter

Sign up below to receive the weekly newsletter, which also includes top trending stories and what all the locals are talking about!