The NYMM Series closed its doors on the 2006 racing season with the NYMM Banquet Blast at the Diplomat Banquet Center. Over 100 people were in attendance Saturday evening to close out the 2006 season. Dan Turner (MC) got things started welcoming our guests. Timex Morgan then took to the microphone thanking all drivers for their support and how grateful he is for their continued support of the series. Timex touched on the possible mini asphalt racing series in 2007 at the Wyoming County Speedway and the Chemung Speedway. Timex also touched on 2 possible indoor racing events next winter in western New York. Also because of the success of the NASCAR night at Black Rock Speedway last season, NASCAR drivers/pit crew could be not only jumping in the 600 machines but also racing during our feature event. Finally Timex briefly discussed the possibility of running at the Fulton Speedway during the World Of Outlaw Sprint Car night. Our 2007 schedule is taking shape, we are just waiting on some confirmation of some tracks. As Timex was ending his speech, the folks at the Diplomat were wheeling out the delicious buffet. The food was beyond expectations, and so much of it.

As dinner was being wrapped up, Dan presented the "2006-A Season To Remember" video compilation to kick off the Awards Presentation of the evening. NYMM Series Assistant Pit Steward Jeanne Arlcklaus did a little "housekeeping" handing out Scott Kreutter's award from the Winged Weekend. After Scott, Randy Brokaw received the 2006 Wheelie Award for his half a straight away wheelie at the Black Rock Speedway.

Once the housekeeping was done, Jeanne introduced the 2006 NYMM Series Rookie Class Nick Cooper, Ron Gamble, Jake Dates, Dean Shepard, Paul Habeck, Jeb Walworth, not in attendance were Eric Wise, Ken Welty, Marty Jenkins, Parker Evans, and Joe Zanho. Also, certificates were awarded to Chad Homan and Evan Drinkwater for the successful completion of their rookie status. Congrats to both. Jeanne then continued on awarding the 2006 NYMM Series Rookie of the Year Award to the "Rookie Sensation" - Jeb Walworth. Jeb raced in 25 races taking home a Top 3 finish in 2/3's of his heats and finished in the Top 10 in 76% of his features including 5 Feature wins. (listen to the award).

Race Director Mark DeRue had the honor in announcing the first of 3 "Drivers Choice" Awards. The recipient of the 2006 NYMM Series Sportsmanship award was one of the classiest drivers both on and off the track. Respected by his peers as one of the most courteous and unselfish drivers in the series, the winner of the 2006 NYMM Series Sportsmanship award was non other than the Tobacco Lies, Fender Bender Mender, Stallard Chassis #40 Ben "Crash" Kysor.

Next up was the Drivers Choice Award for the Best In Show. Normally drivers add more "flash" to their cars as the season progresses, however this years winner chose to work backwards. At the 2006 Gater News Car Quest Auto Show at the New York State Fairgrounds, the recipient of the award had one of the most spectacular cars on display. But even before the car could get dirty, the vinyl was gone and the yellow and red was on. After a mid season slide, the driver chose to not only change to yet another paint scheme, but also another car. With a plain black and white chassis, this driver continued not missing a beat what he did in his other cars, winning. This year's winner of the 2006 Best In Show was the Forest Edge, Sunnyside Cycle, Stallard Chassis #52 Scott Kreutter.

The last of the Drivers Choice Awards, the 2006 Most Improved Driver, was presented by NYMM Series Pit Steward Remy Babineaux. This year's recipient was clearly the most improved driver of the 2006 season. In his first 5 races, this driver averaged just a 17th place feature finish. Yet as the season progressed, so did the driver. With some seasoned confidence, this driver racked up 9 top 10 finishes and an average 5th place finish over his last 4 races. This years winner of the 2006 Drivers Choice Award for the Most Improved Driver went to the Honeoye Auto Parts, Tim Horton's, Lafler Chassis #15n Nick "The Kid" Cooper.

The last award was something the series holds of great value. The recipient of the award would be the driver, crewmember or owner who demonstrates sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendship and competition as well as representing the series with pride and dedication both on and off the racetrack. This year's winner was no exception to the true meaning behind the award. But what made the 2006 Spirit of NYMM Award winner special comes from a phrase we hear all the time from the recipient, "We do it as a family". This year's 2006 Spirit of NYMM Award went to Tatter Kysor, Ben Kysor, and Greg Kysor; better known as The Kysor Boys!

The NYMM Officials then proceeded to give out individual awards to the 48 registered drivers. Every driver was given a framed certificate of appreciation for their efforts in making the NYMM Series a tremendous success in 2006. Without our driver's dedication, the series would not have been what it was.

Series owner and driver of the #2 After Hours Imaging, Castle Car Care Products, Lafler Chassis Mean Machine Timex Morgan brought home the third place trophy designed by Lamont Trophies in Spencerport, NY. Timex was figured to be a sure front runner for the Series Championship, but a few poor finishes and some bad luck tossed in, Timex had to settle for 3rd place after a 2nd place finish in 2005.

Taking home second place in his Quality Homes of Rochester, Tina's Place, Dominator Chassis the "Danimal" Dan Miller. Dan finished the season with 2750 points, but amazingly enough was the only driver in the top 5 not to capture a feature win. But consistent he was competing and finishing all 24 events he competed in.

Finally it was time to honor our Series Champion. This years Series Champion won over 50% of his heats, and finished the season with 9 feature wins with an average 4th place finish in the events he par took in. But one thing that can be said about this years Champion was not only his willingness to win, but his willingness to help others. This year's 2006 NYMM Series Track Champion with 2847 points was non other than the #52 of Scott Kreutter. After receiving his trophy and a 4 foot check for $2,000.00, Scott took to the microphone thanking his sponsors and fellow peers for making the 2006 season a memorable one. Unfortunately for the series, there will be no title defense as Scott will make the jump into a full size sprint car. We at the NYMM Series thank Scott for his dedication and hard work he gave to the series and wish him the best of luck in 2007. There will always be a spot for Scott whenever he can get into a 600!

16 drivers qualified for the Championship Point Fund, and were not disappointed. Series Champion Scott Kreutter brought home a whopping $2,000.00! Second place took home a cool $1,000.00 and third $800.00! Forth place grabbed up $725.00. Working on down the payouts looked as follows.

05th - $700.00
06th - $675.00
07th - $650.00
08th - $625.00
09th - $600.00
10th - $575.00
11th - $550.00
12th - $525.00
13th - $500.00
14th - $475.00
15th - $450.00
16th - $425.00

With out a doubt this was one of the largest Championship purse this class has seen, but we could not have done it with out all of our great drivers who made the 2006 racing season a memorable one.

Announcer and MC of the evening Dan Turner finished up the awards portion of the evening with the NYMM Series poem. This unique one of a kind poem got more than a few chuckles from those in attendance.

But the night was only half over. Dan turned the microphone over to one of Rochester's best local band sensation, "The Rebels Posse"! The dance floor was hopping as our guests were treated to some great music and live entertainment. Taking requests at will, Rebels Posse played late into the morning keeping everyone going all night long. Special thanks goes out to such a great group of artists for helping make tonight memorable and a for-sure night to remember.

The NYMM Series finished up the evening with the drawing of the items in the Chinese Auction! Well over 3 dozen items up for auction. Items ranged from Hoosier Tires, T-shirts, hats, fuel jugs, car cleaning kits, and even some Pampered Chef items for the ladies in attendance. The auction raised over $300.00 at just .50 a ticket. We would like to thank all of our sponsors who helped make the auction a huge success. Bicknell Racing, Troyer Racing, Microracing.com, Pampered Chef, Red Bull, DR Motorsports, Area Auto Racing, Kath's Kandles, The Calling Web Page and Design, and many many more.

We here at the NYMM Series would like to thank everyone who made the 2006 season a true "Season to Remember". We look forward to another great season in 2007 with even more excitement and success! We hope everyone enjoyed the festivities and can not wait to start the 2007 season. Because of drivers like you, the sport of modified midget racing is making a huge comeback in New York! From all of here at the NYMM Series Thank You, and LETS GO RACING!