USSA Banquet honors competitors
By Ken de la Bastide
INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time under new ownership the USSA family gathered Saturday to honor the performances during the 2022 season. It was the first year of competition for the Kenyon Midget Series under the ownership of Brad Hayes.
Dameron Taylor became the first three-time champion with the Kenyon Midget Series after a tight year-long battle with Jack Macenko. During the season Taylor scored three feature wins and eighth top five finishes.
“The way the series has prospered,” Taylor said of the improvements made this year. “What's different about here is this is family orientated, everyone works to put the cars back on track. There is a lot of room to grow,” he said. “This series is going up.”
Macenko finished second in the points with a series high four wins and eighth top five finishes. “There is a lot I can talk about,” he said. Macenko noted how important it was for the series to take a big growth step forward this season.
The Cincinnati driver also won the KRJ Heat Race award for winning nine heat races over the course of the season.
Kyle Ford took home rookie of the year honors on the way to a third place finish in the overall point standings.
Thomas Schrage won the Advanced Racing Suspensions Hard Charger award for the season by gaining 14 positions in running a limited schedule. Schrage scored two wins including one at Anderson where he started on the tail of the field.
Taylor Tecco won the GRLPWR Award presented by Redline Ace by finishing ahead of Ashton Thompson in the standings.
Her brother Tanner was named the Most Improved driver of the year.
Tim Taylor took home the ECORSA Mechanic of the Year honors for turning the wrenches on champion Dameron Taylor's midget all year. The team survived a crash at Anderson Speedway and the repairs were made in time for the next race at Shadybowl Speedway.
The Nell Award was presented to Anderson Speedway's Jared Owen.
A new annual award was inaugurated for the Kenyon Dedication to Motorsports Award to honor Don and Mel Kenyon, who started the series. In announcing the award Nancy Hayes said the Kenyon's received the award because the two brothers are known for their integrity and dedication to the sport.