Flanscha named Driver of the Year during awards banquet

National Dragster, Jan 20, 2006 by Theis, Earlene

PUEBLO MOTORSPORTS PARK, Pueblo, Colo. (Dec. 10) More than 150 racers and family members gathered at the historic Union Depot to honor the 2005 season champions. Track manager Jay Gilman welcomed the group with a report on the accomplishments and successes of the track's 30th year.

Among those recognized during the evening was newly crowned Division 5 Super Gas champion John Steffen, who entertained the crowd with a humorous narration of his "Tales of the Trail" experiences.

E.T. Series sponsor Danny Rice, of U.S. Transmission & Torque Converter, assisted Gilman with passing out the awards for 2005. The coveted special award of Driver of the Year was presented to Lucas Flanscha. Chris Thompson was voted by his fellow drag racers as Rookie of the Year. J.T. Goethe was named Jr. Dragster Driver of the Year. U.S. Transmission & Torque Converter and W.R.E. Fuels shared the Sponsor of the Year award. Jr. Dragster father Kenny Cramsey received the Outstanding Service award, which is presented in memory of Charlie Mathei.

Assisting Gilman with awards for the Coca-Cola/W.R.E. Fuels High School series was Friday night drag manager Kim Gauger. Kyle Bonds took the top spot, followed by Ken Cole and Thompson. - Earlene Theis