HAZLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) has released the ballot to members for their prestigious Hall of Fame and special awards that will be presented during the organizations 51st annual convention, set to take place Jan. 12-14 at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
The EMPA Board of Directors meticulously reviewed the many names that were narrowed down in the respective categories, including just under 60 for induction into the EMPA Hall of Fame.
Respected motorsports journalist and past EMPA president Ron Hedger, as well as northeast pavement modified ace George Kent, are locked in to this year’s entry to the Hall of Fame, needing no votes.
There is an equally impressive list of distinguished individuals who will be voted on by the EMPA membership.
They include asphalt modified standout Ted Christopher, rising sprint car star Kevin Gobrecht, dirt modified kingpins Brett Hearn and Billy Pauch Sr., renowned photojournalist Ace Lane Jr., pavement specialist Steve Park, NHRA perennial champion Don Prudhomme, celebrated central Pennsylvania sprint car racer Steve Smith Jr., and Cathy Venturini, a respected co-car owner on the ARCA Series. Â
The organization will also honor National and Northeast Driver(s) of the Year in both asphalt and dirt.
The youth is also recognized with the John Blewett III Young Gun Award presented by New England Race Fuels. Other honors to be bestowed are Newsmaker of the Year, Promotional Effort of the Year and Spirit of the Sport.
EMPA also recognizes many of their own, presenting a Writer of the Year and Photographer of the Year along with several other awardees in a variety of writer and photographer categories.
EMPA Hall of Fame Nominees
Four of the following will be inducted: Ted Christopher, Kevin Gobrecht, Brett Hearn, Ace Lane, Jr., Steve Park, Billy Pauch, Sr., Don Prudhomme, Steve Smith Jr., Cathy Venturini
John Blewett III Young Gun Presented by New England Race Fuels (1): Austin Beers, Justin Grosso, Katie Hettinger, Steven Snyder, Jr., Drake Troutman
Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year (1): Wayne Helliwell Jr., Matt Hirschman, Wayne Owen, Ron Silk
Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year (1): Brent Marks, Freddie Rahmer, Matt Sheppard, Mat Williamson
Al Holbert Memorial National Asphalt Driver of the Year (1): Ryan Blaney, William Bryon, Doug Kalitta, Kyle Larson, Alex Palou, Leah Pruett, Brandon Queen
Al Holbert Memorial National Dirt Driver of the Year (1): Rico Abreu, Jade Avedisian, Kyle Larson, Hudson O’Neal, Bobby Pierce, Brad Sweet, Rickie Thornton, Jr., Tim WardÂ
Chris Economaki Memorial EMPA Newsmaker of the Year (1): CARS Tour, Flo Racing, High Limit Sprint Series, Tony Stewart, Vores Compact Touring Series
EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year (1): Lyle Devour, Indoor Racing Series, Monaco Modified Tri Track Series, Joe Skotnicki/RoC Series/RPM, Josh Vanada
Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport (1): Boom Briggs, Red Farmer, Joe Renfro, Wiscasset Motor Speedway
Jim Hunter Memorial EMPA Writer of the Year Award (1): Dan Anderson, Bruce Bennett, Thomas Pope, Ted Schmidt, Scott Walsh
Ace Lane, Sr., Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year (1): Evan Canfield, Rich Corbett, Debbie Gastelu, Michael Jaworecki, Sr., Walt Smith