For complete photo gallery of 2008 Champion's Banquet please click here. For complete Summit Pro-Am Banquet gallery please click here. 

Usually large gatherings, banquets and award ceremonies have a theme. This theme frequently is decided beforehand and, in the end, seems forced and does not work. That was not the case for the 2008 IHRA Champion’s Banquet at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kings Island, Ohio.

Prior to the banquet there was no theme, no plan, no manufactured mindset. However, as the ceremony moved along a distinct theme did emerge…IHRA as a large family that is growing stronger as the years go by.

When IHRA president Aaron Polburn, in his opening remarks, commented on the fact that he and every IHRA employee considers its racers as part of their family it was noticed by the racers and sponsors in attendance. And, as the night went on, that theme continued in the speeches and comments from racers and sponsors alike.

In many of the champion’s speeches the family mindset emerged. When Don Lower, who was representing 2008 IHRA Sportsman Sponsor of the Year, Summit Racing Equipment, spoke to the crowd he spoke of the importance his company places on IHRA and it’s racers…all members of the family. Andrew Bornstein from Amalie Oil, the 2008 IHRA Professional Sponsor of the Year, spoke of how he has enjoyed watching his company’s commitment to the IHRA family grow year after year.

Nick Folk gives Craig Marshall a ride up to the stage

And Super Stock World Champion Craig Marshall joined Stock World Champion Nick Folk in a grand entrance that, in the end, maybe was a little too close and familiar for comfort. Actually they broke the crowd up with their walk to the stage, then had them rolling in the aisles with their speeches.

Darrell Pittman and Chad Dotson, the 2008 Summit SuperSeries World Champions set the tone for the champion’s speeches by talking at length about their wives and the sacrifices they have made to get them where they are today. Hot Rod champ Glenn Ferguson Jr. gave thanks to his racing hero, his father. Super Rod champion Jim Lintner, who also was named 2008 IHRA Most Improved Sportsman Driver, closed his speech by thanking his friends and his wife Joyce.

Don Lower accepts Summit Racing Equipment's Sportsman Sponsor of the Year award

Quick Rod champion Brett Nesbitt spoke of his wife Lisa getting everything ready for him to go race and his two daughters for their support, as well as his parents for their influence on him as a person while Scott Richardson, the Top Dragster, emotionally thanked his in-laws for welcoming him into their family. Steve Corker, the Top Sportsman champion, commented on how his wife Brenda has meant everything to him since they met…and how they now stil do everything together.

Corker was in for a surprise later. After all the trophies and checks were handed out Corker was honored with IHRA’s most prestigious award…being named the 2008 IHRA Sportsman of the Year. Corker was nominated for this award two years ago.

“I thought it was quite an honor just to be nominated, that was one of the great thrills in my life,” Corker said. “Getting this honor this year…I really don’t know what to say. I’m honored and I’m humbled.”

The professional drivers also stressed their family connections. Pete Berner, the 2008 Pro Stock World Champion, spoke of the close bond that developed between the Pro Stock drivers this season, saying he “could not be more proud than to be associated with this group.” He also talked about his “wife and best friend Cheryl,” how she pushes him to be better in all facets in his life.

Laurie Cannister, the Alcohol Funny Car champion whose husband Dale tunes her car, discussed how much she values him as a husband, tuner and person. She also talked about the close friends she has made over the years in IHRA competition and her 82-year-old father, who still works on her crew. Pro Mod champion Kenny Lang mentioned how his girlfriend Brenda Tohavaleson who talks to him, takes care of him and gives him a lot of support. He also mentioned his father, who has been behind him his entire career.

Spencer Massey took the Top Fuel world by storm this season, ending up claiming the 2008 championship

Terry Haddock, the Nitro Funny Car champion, had his wife Bambee and his 2-year-old son sitting with him at the champion’s table. Spencer Massey, the Top Fuel World Champion, asked the crowd to give everyone at IHRA a round of applause during his speech before giving his crew and crew chief Paul Smith all the credit for the championship. He also thanked Mitch King and his wife, his car owner, claiming if he had not come along Mitch would have been the one giving the speech. Massey also credited his father and his mentor Gene Snow for getting him involved in racing in the first place.

Other awards were given out, including the following: Jim Lintner (Most Improved Sportsman Driver), Jeff Dobbins (Most Improved Professional Driver), Rob Reeves at Castrol Raceway (National Event Track of the Year), Steve Earwood at Rockingham Dragway (Promoter of the Year), Dan Guterman at Tulsa Raceway Park (Special Recognition Award), Joe Lombardo at New England Dragway (IRHA Award of Excellence), Matthew Crisp (Sportsman Rookie of the Year), Spencer Massey (Professional Rookie of the Year), Paul Smith (Crew Chief of the Year), Summit Racing Equipment (Sportsman Sponsor of the Year), Amalie Oil (IHRA Sponsor of the Year), Luke Bogacki (Sportsman Driver of the Year) and Laurie Cannister (Professional Driver of the Year).

Paul Smith wrenched Spencer Massey to the championship, and was awarded 2008 Crew Chief of the Year for his efforts