MEREDITH, N.H. -- The largest banquet crowd in Sprint Cars of New England history turned out to see Dan Douville crowned the 2011 SCoNE Champion on Saturday, at the iconic Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant at Lake Winnipesaukee.

Although it was his first SCoNE championship, Bridgewater, NH resident Douville has 10 previous track and series championships in Modifieds and Sprint Cars from four different New England tracks.

“I feel fortunate and proud,” the Champion said. “We all have a lot to be proud of, being part of a group that’s going places. It’s a great opportunity that we have and I want to thank everyone who’s done so much to let me be a part of it.

The 2011 championship battle wasn’t settled until the final race of the year, duplicating the drama of the 2010 finale. Douville was a model of consistency during this year’s 11 race regular season, finishing in the top five 10 times. His three wins and eight podiums enabled him to eke out an 8 point victory (595 to 587) over 2010 champ Chris Donnelly.

Banquet goers were treated to a speech by author, publisher and former Modified racer Lew Boyd of Coastal181.com. After giving an overview of the 2011 season, Boyd told SCoNE members “Racing is about being on the edge... you’re the best thing going in New England, please keep it going. Enjoy it, because this is something you’ll always remember.”

Tyler Rich was honored as Rookie of the Year; a victory in the final race of the season allowed him to eclipse Jim Lowery, Jr. by just 10 points.

Track Champions for each of the three tracks at which SCoNE raced in 2011 were announced: Canaan Dirt Speedway- Dan Douville, Bear Ridge Speedway- Chris Donnelly, and Legion Speedway- Jake Williams. Clay Dow was celebrated as Triple Crown Series Champ.

Series Photographer and promotional go-to-guy Don MacIntosh earned the Sportsman of the Year trophy and Si Allen was named Statesman of the Year. Appreciation Awards were presented to Dan Bowne, Clay Dow, Shawn Lawler, Mark McKeon, Arthur Pinkham and Marty Tetu.

SCoNE President Mike Kondrat recapped the highest car count season in SCoNE history, described the plans for 2012. He thanked promoters Butch Elms and April May Preston, Si Allen, and Dick Therrien as well as series sponsors Coastal181.com, TheRaceDepot.com, Kreitz Oval Track Parts, Inc. and VP Racing Fuels.

SCoNE 2011 Championship Points (Final). 1. Dan Douville- 595, 2. Chris Donnelly- 587, 3. Kevin Chaffee- 521, 4. Tyler Rich (RoY)- 425, 5. Jim Lowery, Jr.- 415, 6. Tunk Berry- 371, 7. Shawn Lawler- 370, 8. Will Hull- 358, 9. Shawn Berry- 357, 10. Mark Cole- 343, 11. Lacey Hanson- 333, 12. Jake Williams- 328, 13. Robby Bodwell- 324, 14. Clay Dow- 273, 15. Brandon Valley- 263, 16. Bruce Kimball- 239, 17. Andy Seuss - 211, 18. Matt Robie- 182, 19. Nick Berry- 180, 20. Bob Giuliani- 158, 21. Dylan Campbell- 125, 22. Matt Shuart-118, 23. Randy Wimert- 109, 24. Dalton Varney- 98, 25. Si Allen- 46, 26. Rob Shuart- 29.