Orlando FL. 1-21-13 – The Florida United Pro-Truck Series will crown it’s 2012 Champion and honor the top 10 in points this Saturday night at the Chateau Elan on the Sebring International Raceway.
” We are excited to hold the banquet at the Chateau Elan, it is a terrific facility and being on the Sebring International Speedway’s hair pin turn is really cool. Alan Jay Automotive Network and Randy Leonard have worked to make this happen and I am so thankful to them for their help. Alan Jay and Blackwater Integration have sponsored the event to help keep the ticket per person costs down and it allows us to have a first class meal and event for a very good price. We will have a great time, great food and honor some drivers that worked hard all year to support this series, they deserve a great night along with their crews, families and some special guests we will have at the banquet. ” stated Series founder and out going director Rick Bristol.
Gerald Campbell will be crowned the champion after a great battle with Tim Sozio down to the last race. The two of them raced clean and did a great job all season. Gerald will represent the series very well as it’s champion. Third place in points is Joseph Mursuli who will also receive the Rookie of the Year honors. Fourth through tenth are Jessica Murphy, Mica Williams, Michael Lira, Dylan Martin, Danny Anderson, Jessica Green and Brad Bowman.
New series director Rick Williams will be in attendance to except registrations and answer questions about the series and the plans for 2013. Several track owners and promoters will be joining us as well in support of the series and the drivers.
Rick Bristol who started the series plans in late 2011 will be stepping away to fulfill commitments as as assistant Pastor as well as working a full time job and time with his wife of 29 years Carla. Rick worked along with his long time friend Carl Green and Eric Reynolds to bring Pro-Truck Series racing back, while trying to cut costs, help tracks and get it back to having fun. Together Rick and Carl worked on rules to get them back in line, trying to clear up gray areas along the way and make stiff penalties for motor violations. Rick brought a two tire limit rule in that saved money and increased the competition. The series saw great racing in 2012, many fans at the tracks complimented the racing throughout the year. There is planned 4 tire races along the way to help with stagger and available tires, but over all the two tire rule has worked well. Rick brought in friend Shawn Reutimann as race director at the events 6th race and Shawn will continue on with the series in 2013. Rick & Carl worked to finish a set of rules that the tracks have adopted in most places and Rick has put together a 14 race schedule with a possible 15th race at the Sebring road course. ” I wanted to leave the series in good shape as I step away, there is more that I would like to have done but I feel good with what we accomplished. I say we because this was not about me, I just stepped up to lead. The drivers, tracks and crews worked with us to make the series successful, and they deserve credit for much of the series success. I am proud of the group of drivers we had this year, we really had a very good season. You always have issues, but we worked through them, even when it got tough.
The banquet will begin with track tours at 4:30, Social hour at 6 p.m. The dinner will be served at 7 p.m. offering London Broil, Herb Chicken, potatoes, steamed veggies, rolls and butter and cake for dessert. Tea, Water and Coffee will be the drinks. The awards will begin at 8 p.m. and then there will be a DJ with Music and Dance at 9:30 -11 p.m.
There is still openings if you would like to attend, you will need to RSVP to Rick Bristol by Tuesday night the 22nd, the cost for members, crews, families and guest is $25 per person. Non-members can still attend but it will be $35 per person. All payment will be taken at the check in table at the banquet if you have not sent in already.
There will be door prizes, raffles and more going on during the event. One of the top 10 drivers will receive a new built transmission from JW Transmissions to be drawn during the event. The night promises to fun and very nice so plan to attend. For more information call Rick Bristol at 407-497-0448 or go to the Chateau Elan link for directions