2005 ATVA GNC MX & EDT Awards Banquet

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Fort Mitchell, KY – 2005 marked the 20th year of GNC racing and just as quickly as it began it was in the history books, and it was finally to acknowledge the best of the best from this years Motocross and Extreme Dirt Track Series.

Sherri Taylor and Mark Baldwin were in charge of organizing and hosting the banquet, and they decided to have it once again at the Drawbridge Inn located in Fort Mitchell, KY, which is just a stones throw away from Cincinnati, OH.

With the banquet held the same weekend as my wife’s birthday, I found it safer to spend Friday Night at home taking her out to celebrate her birthday and fly into Cincinnati Saturday afternoon for the banquet, and the flight in was beautiful and the temps on the ground in the upper 70’s were unbelievable for a banquet in November.

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The banquet would be held in the London Hall Banquet Room at the Drawbridge Inn and ATV Racin Extras, David Screws, arrived early to distribute his FREE racing paper around at the tables for all those in attendance to get a chance to read.

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The Weekend Warrior Trailer used as the Mobile Medical Unit was on display outside the London Hall, and it would be awarded to one lucky top 10 finisher in attendance at this year’s award banquet.

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Jamie Jones(Rentz) racing season ended early this year once she found out that she was going to be a mom, and her and Pro Racer, Jeremiah Jones shared their vows after Loretta’s and are now expecting little Jeremiah before the end of the year.

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Inside, I found John Lawson, and he informed me that he would no longer be driving for Rig for Suzuki and his good friend Doug Gust, but he wouldn’t let it stop him from trying to attend as many races as possible next season, which was great news because it is always a pleasure to see John at the races with his great sense of humor.

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Chaz Rice and Allison Gruhn were busy handing out ballets to each ticket holder the banquet for the ATV Sports Peoples Choice Awards, and the top vote getters in each category would be announced through the awards ceremony.

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On the way to the London Hall, I stumbled across 2004 TT Women’s Champ, Mandy Brodil. She wasn’t able to repeat her championship this year after a serious wreck at Elizabeth City that had her sidelined for the remainder of the season, and she is still dealing with some of the injuries from his wreck.

Mandy has a positive attitude and I look forward to seeing her back in action next year for some great racing action with this years champion Candace Lee.

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Ofcourse, no one could miss seeing Jason Dunkelberger and the lovely Ashley by his side. For those who are wondering where in the word does Jason find the extravagant suites, they aren’t from the local men’s shop if you were looking. Instead, he has to search through online clothing sites in California to find his spiffy attire, which is always a crowd pleaser

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The 2005 GNC MX Pro Champion, John Natalie Jr, went for the simple look, and as always, Michelle Reiser was looking stellar.

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Extreme Dirt Track Pros, Darin Odgen and Scott Morris were in attendance with their better halves along for the fun

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The Class Trophies for the Pros were lined up on the tables on the Podium, but unlike last year, the Amateur Trophies were left packed away from safe keeping and handed out when the riders were called up to the stage.

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Once again, many series sponsors contributed items to the event to be raffled off at $5.00 chance, which is always a hit with Axles, Swing arms, A-arms, shocks, and much more up for grabs.

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To kick off the evening celebration, Doug Morris provided the opening speech and thanked everyone for another great year and informed us that CPSC are once again looking to make changes to ATV Laws like they did when they banned three wheelers in the 80’s, so we all need to speak up and let them her our side before our youth lose their right to ride ATVs, which is the agenda this time.

For more information, please Click Here (http://www.atvriders.com/atvnews/2005_cpsc_atv_ban.html)

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After Several classes were recognized, it was time to award the first of nine ATV Sport Peoples' Choice Awards with "Youth Rider of the Year" going to Joel Hetrick.

Joel was a force to be reckon with this season in both the Motocross and Extreme Dirt Track as he wrapped up the Championship in MX 90cc Modified 8-15 Class and EDT 90cc Production Sr 12-15 convincing, but he received his stiffest competition in the EDT 90cc Modified 8-15 with him and Michael Blanchard battling for most of the season along with Matthew Carter.

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Jorge Cuartas has finally recovered from his serious wreck at Red Bud, which left him at risk of losing his leg, so he was kept busy this weekend taking photos of his FMF Media Allstar team riders.

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MX Production B

(left to Right0
Nathan R Commer, Aaron Meyer, Hunter Johnson

Aaron Meyer would clean up with Class Championships in both the Production B and 4 Stroke B, but he received a little help in Production B when Russell Shumaker switched to Production A after winning five of the six rounds.

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It was great to see so many parents, girlfriends, and friends lining up to capture the moment the riders worked so hard for all season.

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Taylor Hilyer was the honorary raffle ticket drawer from the spinning drum with help from Sherri Taylor

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Amazingly the second drawing of the night for the Lonestar Swingarm and linkage winner was his father Stephen Hilyer.

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No sooner did Stephen return to his seat he was called back up to the stage for his 2nd place finish in the MX 4 Stroke C Class along with Class winner Travis Moore and Mark Batson.

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EDT 4 Stroke C

(left to right)
Candace Lee, Timmy Duncan, Nathan Smithson

Candace Lee would hold the class lead to the final round when Duncan took the win and claim the championship. Nathan Smithson finished 2nd in 4 Stroke C, but had a commanding points lead in 265C and took the Championship with Duncan in second place.

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MX Pro Am Production

(left to right)
Rocco Arno Jr, Josh Creamer, Josh Upperman

This trio battled hard the entire season in both the ProAm Prodution and ProAm Unlimited Class with Creamer claiming the win in Production with Upperman out front in the Unlimited Class.

Arno Jr finished out the season in the runner up spot in both class and all three riders plan on racing Pro next year, and I am sure their presence will be felt from watching them tearup the track this year.

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EDT Pro Am Production

(left to right)
Brad Covington, Darin Ogden, Mitch Reynolds

Darin Ogden dominated the Production Class with three wins and two second place finish. Covington took his first win of the season at final round aboard a Suzuki he decided to test out after racing the YFZ450 all season.

Mitch Reynolds made an impressive transition to Pro Am Class this year finishing in 3rd in Pro Am Production.

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The next Raffle Drawing was for some ATV FourPlay A-arms, and the lucky winner was Pro Rider Pat Brown.

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The next ATV Sport award winner was presented by Chaz Rice to ITP Tires for "Most Influential Aftermarket Manufacturer"

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MX Senior 40+

(left to right)
Gary Gibson, Tommy Tantillo, James Perry

Do you think Tantillo was happy about his Championship? Well he had good reason to celebrate after winning every race he entered in the class this season.

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MX 4 Stroke B

(left to right)
Fred Reiser, Aaron Meyer, Jake Anderson

Meyer was able to walk away with the championship after both Reiser and Anderson were forced to A Class after Round 9 due to racing locally in an A class, which disqualified them from future National B Class competition, but they still were able to hold onto their 2nd and 3rd place class finishes.

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Mitch Reynolds was back on the stage to receive the ATV Sports "Amateur Rider of the Year" Peoples' Choice Award.

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MX 16-24 Years

(left to right)
Daryn Capitena, Josh Chapman, Caleb Moore

Chapman won the Championship with four wins this season, but the points battle was tight between Capitena and Moore.

Capitena was on crutches for the banquet after injurying his leg at the 12 Hours of ATV America when he crashed on the MX track

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MX 50cc Limited 4-8

The top 10 finishers included two young ladies with the same name Hannah, and either of them may be the next women’s champion in the future.

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Top three finishers in the class were up on stage accepting their awards.

Devin Laird claimed the Championship with four wins after starting the season at round 4 with Jeremy Ledonne finishing second after Laird won the final round of the season.

Chase Horton made a run as well for the championship with four wins of his own, but a rough season ending left in him in third place.

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EDT 50cc Limited 4-8

Are these kids looking like true Champions or what with them holding their plaques over their heads Zachary Wentz kicked off the season with two wins in a row and never looked back as he was able to skip the final round and still win the Championship.

Tyler Edmondson ended Wentz’s win streak with his win at Ashtabula, which was enough to claim the runner up spot after he ended the season tied in points with Ryan Harness.

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Debi Bartosek and Cindi Hart conducted a Super Raffle with $3,000, $1,500, and $500 cash prizes up for grabs to the ticket holders that donated $100 to help raise money for the 2006 Mobile Medical Unit.

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John Hines was the lucky winner of the $500 prize, but he wasn't in at the banquet, and Penny Dunkelberger(Jason's Mom) claimed the second place prize of $1,500 as she left the stage smiling ear to ear.

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the “Ironman” John Natalie Jr claimed the top prize of $3,000, and he donated half his winnings back to the fund and was followed by Penny Dunkelberger and John Hines donating all their prize money back to the Mobile Medical Unit, which was a true testament to those involved in our sport.

Debi Bartosek proudly announced the Autograph jersey sales added $3,236 to the fund and the Bartosek race earned another $4,900 this year, which took the fund well over $40,000 with the the Super Raffle winner contribution with her goal of $88,000 in the memory of her son #88 Matt Bartosek.

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Next up was the raffle for the Baldwin Motorsports National Engine Kit with a value of $1,350 and the winner was Taylor's Grand Father this time.

I am sure Taylor will get anything he wants the next time they go shopping :D

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MX 70cc Mod 6-11

(left to right)
Robert leonard, DJ Spurling

DJ Spurling was back on top again this year in the 70cc Modified and he stole the heart of the crowd. DJ defiantly has his public speaking skills under control as he had no problem handling any question Banger through at him.

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TT 70cc Mod 6-11

(left to right)
Tyler Skipper, Paige Bowman

Tyler won all but one race this season to take the Championship with Alexander Ross finishing in second place followed by Paige Bowman.

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MX 70cc Mod 6-11

(left to right)
Brian Foltz, Stephen Loxley, Jay Burgin

Loxley's two wins and second place finish were enough for him to secure the Championship, but only one point seperated Foltz and Burgin afer the final race of the season.

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The biggest prize of the evening was awarded at the halfway point of the ceremony, which was the Mobile Medical Unit Weekend Warrior Trailer. Every rider that finished in the top 10 was given a chance at the trailer and the lucky winner this year was none other than MX Pro AM rider, Josh Upperman.

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Mark Baldwin received ATV Sports Peoples' Choice Awards for both the "Mechanic of the Year" and Race Team of the Year"

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The Dantonio family took upon themselves to award Mark Straubinger "Announcer of the Year", which had Mark speechless as he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

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MX Women B/C Class

Next Up were some of the fastest up and coming Women Racers in the Country with the Women's B Class Awards presented to top 10 finishers.

In 2004, Jami Luburgh committed herself to racing the TT Series and finished out her first complete season on National racing in 4th place, but for 2005, she made the switch to MX Racing to join her brother Jason Luburgh and really found her calling as she would go on to win the Championship earning four wins alongs the way.

Next Year, she will move up to A Class along with Cindi Hart and Christa Watson.

Leslie Ragon was on her way to winning the Championship early in the season with four wins of her own, but an injury sidelined her for the rest of the season, so she will be back in 2006 with the Championship on her mind.

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EDT Women Class

The battle last year for the Championship was between Mandy Brodil and Amanda Slayton, but the story was completely different this year as Candace Lee was in charge winning all but one race this year when she finished second to Mandy Brodil.

Brodil's season was cut short from a serious wreck at Elizabeth City which gave Lee plenty of breathing room to wrap of the Championship convincingly over Donna Jetter and Lakyn Spear.

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The ATV Sport Peoples' Choice Award for "The Promoter of the Year" went to racing legend, Donny Banks. Donny runs the show at Echeconnee Off Road Park, which is a track favorite for many of the Top Pro riders.

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EDT 70cc Modified 6-11

Tyler Skipper took the Championship with four wins and a third place finish with Alexander Ross finishing in second place followed by the Paige Bowman.

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With the Awards Ceremony winding down, it was time to draw the winner of the KYMCO ATV, and Ryan Wheeler would be the lucky ticket holder as he ran to the stage to claim the keys to the his new ride.

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KYMCO is quickly gaining ground in the Youth Market and it is great to see them participating in the GNC Series because I am sure this evening will be apart of Ryan Wheeler's memories for years to come.

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MX Women's A Class

Once again the race for the Women's Championship came down to the final race of the season, which left Heather Byrd and Angela Butler (Moore) tied in points with the tie-breaker once again going to Heather Byrd for his second consecutive championship.

Michelle Reiser continued to close the gap between her the front runners as the season progressed and once again finished in the third.

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EDT 90cc Modified

The battle was once again intense between Joe Hetrick and Michael Blanchard for the Class Championship with them swapping wins back and forth, but this year would end up belonging to Joel Hetrick.

Matthew D Carter with two wins of his own finished in third place in a highly competitive class.

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Daryl Rath would be the lucky raffle winner of a JB Racing Swingarm, but instead of keeping his prize, he graciously passed his prize over to Cody Anderson. In return, Jody Bateman, acknowledge Rath by providing him with yet another Swingarm for himself as everyone was in the giving spirit.

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Curtis Sparks was awarded “Engine Builder of the Year”, but unfortunately he wasn’t able to attend, so John Natalie Jr took to the stage to thank Curtis for helping him win the Championship this season with his incredible engines that kept Natalie Jr out front for most of the races.

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MX 4 Stroke A Class

Cale Downen wrapped up the Championship with two rounds remaining, so he moved his focus to the Pro Am Unlimited and Production Class for the final two rounds. Cale would impressively finish out the year in 4th Place in Pro Am Production with his best finish of the year coming at Loretta Lynn’s with a second place. I really think Cale needs to look into a dress shoe sponsor for 2006.

Cody Grant and Ryan Slingluff with two wins each would round out the top three.

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EDt 25 Plus Class

Todd Harrell not only won the Senior Class, but he also won the Plus 25 Class this year, which is impressive for a man in his fifties. In the runner up spot was Marc Noreuil who isn’t a spring chicken either, and he was also the Vet Class Champion winning all five rounds he raced. Kenneth Marcou finished out the year in the third spot and also took second to Todd Harrell in the Senior Class.

I am sure the rest of the Age Class racers are hoping to hear some retirement news from these front runners because age doesn’t seem to be slowing them down.

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50/50 Drawing

Ten Number were drawn and the ticket holders were invited on stage to either split the money or draw a number to send some to their seat, and this year group weren't pretty easy going as it only took a couple to sit down before they decided to split jackpot amongst themselves.

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"Most Influential Manufacturer" went to Honda, and Tim Farr took the honor of accepting the award for his Main Sponsor.

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"Pro Rider of the Year Award" went to John Natalie Jr

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MX Open A

(left to right)
Josh Chapman, Dane Heilman, David Porter

Dane Heilman has a year to remember dominating both the Open A and the Plus 25 Class with 16 wins between both classes, which showed his preparedness and determination to win.

Josh Chapman finished in the runner up position, but he took the Championship in the 16-24 Class. David Porter is like the energizer bunny and just keeps on going and going against the young buck year after year. Now in his forties, he continues to ride like a man in his early twenties, and has been finished in the Open A top three for the last three years.

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Angela Butler (Moore) not only raced in Women's A this year, she also raced in Open A, and finished only five points behind David Porter in 4th place Overall.

Angela Butler won the opener in Texas and finished several times in the top three, and if she didn't skip out on racing the Open A class at Loretta's to focus on the Women's Title, she just might have been able to move past Porter.

Congratulations Lonestar Racing's Angela Butler on a great year of racing

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EDT ProAm Unlimited

(left to right)
Mitch Reynolds,Daryl Rath, Houston Lowder

Daryl Rath made the transition from the Polaris to the Honda seamlessly and improved upon his runner up position last season to take the Championship this year in the newly formed Pro Am Unlimited Class.

Mitch Reynolds continues to prove his abilities as an upcoming rider that will be running in the Pro Ranks in no time as he finished in the runner up position, and Houston Lowder made the move from A to Pro Am in stride as he finished third in his first year running in the Pro Am Class.

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MX - Pro Class

The last two classes to hit the stage were the MX & EDT Pro Riders to conclude the Awards Ceremony.

MX Top 10 Pros (left to right)
1. John Natalie Jr
2. Doug Gust
3. Jeremiah Jones
4. Joe Byrd
5. Tim Farr
6. Travis Spader (Not Present)
7. Kory Ellis
8. Keith Little
9. Dustin Wimmer
10. Jason Dunkelberger

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John Natalie Jr took home the #1 Plate for winning the MX Championship, which was one of many Championships Natalie Jr added to his collection in 2005.

*Side Note*
Natalie Jr announced that him and Michelle Reiser have plans to get married in 2006.

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EDT - Pro Class

Unlike the MX Pro Championship, when Natalie Jr wrapped it up at London, KY with two rounds remaining, the Extreme Dirt Track Championship came down to the final race of the season once again, but this year Tim Farr was able to preserve his points lead and bring home the #1 Plate to give Honda the Pro Sweep in the ATVA MX & EDT Nationals.

Both Keith Little and Darin Ogden came within a few points of the Championship this year, and next years racing action will surely be another nail biter if this trio along Shane Hitt and Harold Goodman get back on track.

EDT Top 10 Pros (left to right)
1. Tim Farr
2. Keith Little
3. Darin Ogden
4. Shane Hitt (Not Present)
5. Harold Goodman
6. Brad Covington
7. Daryl Rath
8. Scott Morris
9. Eric Jennings
10. Brad Riley

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Extreme Dirt Track Champion- Tim Farr

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With the Awards Ceremony over, it was time for a pizza party

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The DJ cranked up the music and everyone hit the dance flor for hours of dancing well past midnight.

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To keep things interesting, Sherri Taylor arranged contest throughout the night with $50 up for grab for the winner.

One of the contests was who could keep the Hula-Hoop going the longest, and many latest several minutes. The final two swaying their hips were Shane Taylor and Audrey Straney. Shane never had a chance with his exaggerated hip motion while Audrey was just barely moving to keep the Hula-Hoop twirling.

Finally after atleast 5-10 minutes, Shane lost his rhythm which gave Audrey the $50 Prize.

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Next up was the Limbo, which had a line up people jumping in on this game with another $50 up for grabs.

Even JB Racing, Jody Bateman, tested how low he could go, but it wasn't low enough!!!

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Jen Murphy was able to maneuver her way under the bar without losing her balance to claim the $50 Prize.

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By 2AM in the morning, the upbeat music was replaced with some slow dancing music to conclude an evening of fun and celebration for many, but some decided to keep things going in small groups till the next morning.

The newly weds, Scott & Angela Butler slow dancing the night away, which concludes the 2005 ATVA Awards Banquet Coverage, and I look forward to seeing everyone at Glen Helen in just about three months, which will be here before we know it.

[cody anderson]

Originally posted by Admin
Daryl Rath would be the lucky raffle winner of a JB Racing Swingarm, but instead of keeping his prize, he graciously passed his prize over to Cody Anderson. In return, Jody Bateman, acknowledge Rath by providing him with yet another Swingarm for himself as everyone was in the giving spirit.

That was the coolest thing that anybody has ever done for me... I can't even thank him enough. He could have kept that for his bike, he could have sold it and make money on it... But he gave it to me. And what means more to me than that swingarm, or ANY other part, was that he went up on stage and basically told everybody WHY he was giving it to me.

Thank you!