RIPLEY, W. Va. -- A black-tie affair of a first-class nature highlighted a full evening of fanfare which culminated in the crowning of four national champions in the 16th (AMRA) American Motor Racing Association's awards banquet this past weekend at McCoy's Conference Center in Ripley, WV. Nearly 300 drivers, owners, sponsors, and fans were present.

Jeremy Berwanger, Murray City, Ohio was crowned as the 2009 Malta-AMRA National Modified Champion; while fellow competitor Doug Henry, Beverly, Ohio was crowned as the National Road Warrior Challenge champion. Harold Redman, Jr., Charleston, WV was crowned as the inaugural AMRA Late Model National Champion, while veteran Roger Garnes, Ripley, WV claimed the 358 Modified National Champion honors.

Well-traveled announcer and sometimes voice of the AMRA Bruce Hines and AMRA pitchman Scott Wolfe served as Master of Ceremonies for the prestigious event. Dave Poske of Poske's Performance Parts gave the opening address. Poske has been involved in the AMRA since its inception and continues to be a strong advocate of the organization which officially has distributed over half a million dollars in points' prize money over 16 years as of this year's banquet.

Poske recognized AMRA president Larry Keefer and First-Lady of the AMRA, Alice Keefer, saying "this husband-wife team expects nothing from this series and doesn't want the fanfare, but they truly need to be recognized for all of their hard work and all of their dedication to this organization. I see only bigger and better things coming from the AMRA."

"The AMRA has been a part of the Ohio Valley racing community for the past 16 years and has awarded over $500,000 in cash and $250,000 in contingencies to racers and members involved in the AMRA."

"This year alone the AMRA awarded $59,000 in cash to the AMRA Modifieds, the AMRA Late Models, the AMRA Limited 358 Modifieds, and the AMRA/KOM Late Models as well as over $12,000 in contingency money from their fine sponsors."

"The AMRA has contributed in a major way to the Ohio Valley racing community and has earned all of our support and respect. Dave Poske's Performance Parts and Hoosier Tire-Ohio Valley are proud to be supporters of the AMRA."

After a first class meal, professionally prepared by Buffalo's Best Chef, the awards ceremony began to honor the top 35 in National AMRA points. Drivers from 15 different states participated on the tour; however, drivers from Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia predominantly took home the top prize money.

Following the meal, professional Chassis Builder and highly-touted Late Model Champion Audie Swartz gave a speech on the safety aspects of racing. Swartz stressed the importance of being prepared for the worst to increase your chances of survival in a bad crash.

Swartz often referred to his grandpa Audie Swartz's fiery crash at Eldora Speedway and the crash's of fellow competitors, citing instances where safety gear saved drivers from injury or lack of safety gear led driver's to avoidable injury. Swartz concluded, "If I can prevent just one of you from an injury tonight, then I have done my job. Please don't cheat yourself by trying to save money on safety equipment. It should be your biggest investment."

MC Hines honored the top modified drivers, while Wolfe announced the top guns in the Late Model series.

The top five in MALTA-AMRA National Points for modifieds were National Champion Jeremy Berwanger who took home $5,000, Brett Hamilton, Powhatan, Virginia ($2500); Joe Cox, Beckley, West Virginia ($2000); Jeremy Blake, Guysville, Ohio ($1,800); and Doug Henry, Beverly, Ohio ($1,700). Twelfth place in points paid $1,200 while 35th earned $255. Russell Erwin, Beaverdam, Virginia was named the AMRA W.S. Hogg Insurance "Rookie of the Year". Joe Hamon was runner-up.

Hines presented awards to the top ten in AMRA Road Warrior Challenge points. Doug Henry ($1,200) was crowned champion, Dave Defibaugh, Mill Creek, WV was second ($650); Jeremy Berwanger was third ($550); Mike McPherson, Millfield, Ohio ($450); and Jeremy Blake ( $375) fifth.

The top five in the 358 mods were Roger Garnes, Jessie Keaton, Nick Carr, Kenny Carr, and George Chapman, Jr.

Next, Late Model awards were presented by Scott Wolfe. Harold Redman, Jr. was crowned the champion and took home the first Late Model crown and $3,000; Larry Bond, Coolville, Ohio was second ($1,200); followed by Ronnie Mayle, Chesterhill, Ohio ( $1020); Jeff Burdette, Parkersburg, WV ($960); and Ed Shuman, Mineral Wells, WV ($900). The top 25 National Points drivers were recognized and each took home a minimum of $250 for a total of $16,000 in point's money. The Late Model division is expected to grow to the status of the Modifieds with an even bigger point's fund next season.

The 2009 PBM "Engine Builder of the Year" award went to Billy Lloyd of Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, in New Haven, West Virginia.

Even bigger plans with more participating tracks are set for the most prestigious AMRA season yet in 2010. Visit the AMRA website for further upcoming details.
Malta Windows and Doors was the title sponsor of the AMRA Modified division in 2009. Together Malta and AMRA continue to grow. Fans benefitted from the newly formed union as Malta Windows and Doors awarded a 10% discount to any order when the Malta AMRA modified series was mentioned to the dealer of its products. Additionally, lucky fans were awarded a $100 gift certificate at every Malta AMRA show.

More details can be acquired by visiting www.maltawindows.net on the web or visiting http://www.amramodified.com

Other fine sponsors of the MALTA AMRA Modified series are Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Wrisco, Hoosier, PBM Performance, WS Hogg Insurance, PBM Performance Products, AERO Racing Wheels, Hassy Chassis, Rocket Chassis, Bell Racing, Eibach Springs, Dickson (DRS) Racing Shocks, Thrown'N Dirt Chassis, Lincoln Welders, Racersmate, KRC Racing, Impact, Hypercoils, Bazell Race Fuels, DASCO Race Fabrication and Supply, Alky Racing Alcohol, Kluhsman Racing Components, Evans Vinyl Signs, WV Tax & Bookkeeping, Winters Performance, and Pike Street Lanes. Join the AMRA now!-America's Open Wheeled Modifieds Most Competitive Series!