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Eldora
Speedway crowned its 2011 racing champions Saturday at the
Eldora Ballroom
Saturday night. Pictured left to right are, Jerry
Bowersock (Mods), Brian Rhuleman and Jon Henry
(Late Models) and Rob
Trent (Stocks). Photo by Nancy Feldner, splitsecondsports.com
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Eldora hails 2011
champions
CNO contributor honored
By George Starks
NEW WESTON - Eldora Speedway crowned its 2011 Late Model, Modified and
Stock Car Champions Saturday night at the Eldora Speedway Ballroom.
In the most contested race, Brian Ruhlman and Jon Henry tied for first
in the Eldora Late Model Division with 122 points each.
Going into the final race of the season, seven different drivers were
in the hunt for the point’s title, with all seven holding the lead at
one point in that race.
Behind Ruhlman and Henry were Jeep VanWormer (121), Kent Robinson (117)
and Curtis Roberts and J.R. Hotovy (116).
“I never even knew I had won the title until the race was over,”
Ruhlman said. “Jon is a great competitor and I can’t think of anyone I
would rather share it with.”
Henry echoed Ruhlman’s sentiments.
“I agree with Brian,” said Henry. “It was a close battle all season and
it came right down to the final race. There were seven of us that could
have won the point race. If I have to share it with anyone, Brian’s my
choice.
In the Sunoco American Late Model series, Ruhlman and Henry battled
each other there but in the end, Henry edged out Ruhlman, 782-698 to
take the top spot.
Jerry Bowersock, in another tightly contested race, won the points
title in the modified division, beating Jesse Bitterling by a mere
seven points, 205-198 while Rob Trent knocked off Dean Pitts, 270-263,
at the finish line.
When it comes to handing out the hardware, Eldora is second to none.
Specialty awards are something that Eldora is known for. Saturday was
no different but for Nancy Feldner of splitsecondsports.com and long
time contributor of action photos for George Starks.
Saturday, Eldora recognized her as the speedways 2011 Woman of the Year.
“I was taken aback when they called my name,” said Feldner. “I was
speechless when they named me and I still am.
“Another Eldora banquet in the books... but this one was even more
special,” she said. “I was presented with the ‘Woman of the Year’
award. To say that I was shocked and speechless is an understatement.
I’m so honored by Tony and his staff. I thank you from the bottom of my
heart. This is such an honor, such a shock. I’m proud to be in the
company of the wonderful women that have received this award in the
past. I just want to thank Tony and his staff for presenting me with
this honor.”
In addition, new track GM Roger Slack was introduced to the crowd. I
was granted an interview by Slack and will pass along his comments in
Tuesday’s CNO publication.
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Nancy
Feldner, long time photo contributor, was named the 2011 Woman
of the Year at Eldora Saturday. Mike Campbell Photo
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