2/6/2025
I-96 Speedway
2024 Season Banquet Honors Top Drivers
The 2024 racing season at I-96 Speedway was nothing short of spectacular, and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of drivers, the track held a grand banquet on February 1st, 2025, to honor the season’s top performers. The evening was filled with applause, recognition, and anticipation for an even brighter future at the Speedway. A total of 70 drivers were recognized for their hard work, talent, and dedication throughout the season, finishing in the top ten in points. Among the honorees, the spotlight also shone on a standout driver who earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the recognition of the top drivers. The competition was fierce throughout the season, but these drivers stood above the rest. In the Late Models, the top drivers included Bill Bray, Jimmy Gallagher, Travis Stemler, Chase Burda, Jared Guinn, Jacob Rendel, Bry Johnson, Corey Ausra, Justin Pauley, and Chad Finley. The IMCA Modifieds featured top drivers Myron Deyoung, Gary VanderMark, Benten Deyoung, Troy Ziegler, Jack Dalman, Mark Anderson, Denny Mooney, Jacob McCloud, Dan Hubbell, and Casey Smith. In the Pro Stocks, Rob Putt, Billy Trueblood Jr., Michael Husted, Rob Brillhart, Cody Forsythe, Nick Rohloff, Darin Devries, Jeremy Williams, Kyle Hunt, and Tim Raby earned their recognition. For the Street Stocks, Carlind Forsythe, Hunter Evans, Bill Brandt Jr., David Schmidt, Cody Broersma, Brent Teneyck, Marty French, Richard Adams, Jeff Kohn, and Michael Rogers were among the top performers. In the Compacts, Drew Phillips, Nick Williams, Trenton Dingman, Colin Preston, Austin Terryn, Andrew Mills, Jordan Siegel, Brayden Bosworth, Irving Carey, and Mike Currier stood out. In the Mini-Wedge 10-14 division, Audee Proctor, Ajay Davidson, Jordan Hendrick, Neveah Davidson, Karsyn Crosby, Aaron Eifert, Brayden Yonker, Braden Dykhouse, Racer Smith, and Jack Gonyon made their mark. Finally, in the Mini-Wedge 6-9 division, Colby Brownlee, Roy Tharp Jr., Lola Stemler, Makenzy Shomin, Axel Smith, Grace Shomin, Kayson Sloan, Ty McClure, Kenzington Baylis, and Hailey Murray were celebrated. The Rookie of the Year award went to Tanner Greenbauer.
Each driver was celebrated for their skill, determination, and incredible performance during the 2024 season, with fans and fellow competitors alike showing their admiration for these talented individuals. In addition to honoring the drivers, the evening also included the exciting announcement of new staff additions. I-96 Speedway is entering a new era with fresh faces who are ready to elevate the racing experience for fans and drivers. These staff changes, along with several exciting track upgrades, promise to make the 2025 season even more thrilling.
A special congratulations goes out to Connie Betts for being named Employee of the Year. Connie's unwavering dedication, both on race nights and behind the scenes, has been a crucial part of the success of I-96 Speedway. Her tireless work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring that everything runs smoothly have not gone unnoticed. Whether managing the behind-the-scenes logistics or keeping things organized on race nights, Connie’s contributions are an essential part of what makes each event possible. Thank you, Connie, for everything you do—you truly are an invaluable member of the team!
Fans of I-96 Speedway can look forward to several significant upgrades for the upcoming season. A new scoreboard will be installed, providing better visibility and real-time updates for fans, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. Additionally, the track has launched a new website at i96speedway.com to enhance the overall fan experience, offering easy access to race schedules, standings, and other vital information. Another highly anticipated improvement is the working bathrooms, a much-needed upgrade that will certainly make race days more comfortable for everyone attending.
I-96 Speedway is also thrilled to announce the addition of several new sponsors for the 2025 racing season. These partners will play a vital role in supporting the track, enhancing the racing experience, and making this upcoming season even more memorable. The Speedway is proud to welcome Auto Value, Reed and Hoppes, Dave’s Dry Dock, Northside Service, and All Natural Farms. Their support and involvement in the Speedway will help bring the racing community together and ensure that I-96 continues to grow and thrive. These new sponsors share a passion for motorsports and the local community, marking an exciting new chapter for the 2025 season.
With a successful 2024 season behind them, I-96 Speedway is ready to take on 2025 with renewed energy and enthusiasm. The recognition of these top drivers, the announcement of new staff, and the ongoing track improvements reflect the Speedway’s commitment to providing fans and drivers with the best possible racing experience. As the checkered flag waves on another exciting season, there’s no doubt that I-96 Speedway is gearing up for even more thrilling moments in the years to come. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of racers to the track in 2025, as I-96 Speedway continues to be a place where champions are made and racing dreams come true.
Submitted By: Taylor King