Albuquerque's "Roadrunner" Club Hosts Year End Banquet

It was a lovely Saturday afternoon in January in Albuquerque, NM when the Roadrunner Quarter Midget Club gathered at the Radison Hotel and Convention Center. Decorated Round tables were set for the noon banquet. The checkered runway, where the drivers would enter the front of the room was adorned with black and white balloons weighted with ceramic racing wheels.

Frank Fanelli opened the ceremonies, giving club members a kind of "state of the club" report. This time, last year, the club was over $7,000 in debt. Today, with yearly obligations already met, the club has over $10,000 in the bank. Fanelli credited the success to team work by all of their members. Three young ladies sang the National Anthem as they have opened races all year long. A great video was played that highlighted many memories of the 2010 Season. The entire banquet was set around the Power Point Presentation. The announcement that the club will race under USAC Sanction for 2011, was met with cheers from the room. Fanelli explained that he has been very pleased with how USAC is working with their local clubs.

Frank was pleased to announced and introduce James Spink, Executive Director of Driver Development from USAC, who attended the banquet and welcomed the Roadrunner Club to USAC. Spink explained the National Championship for local club racing along with information on the 12 race National Generation NEXT Tour.

Trophies were presented, championships were celebrated and very special people were recognized, including special recognitions to the Ortega Family. Probably one of the most moving presentations was by Sarah Skaags as she presented her brother with the Sportsman Award.

As Fanelli closed the wonderfully prepared banquet, the great food, the fellowship and comradarie of the club members, he introduced the new President, Rob Justus. He told the crowd that his goal is that all of the kids of Roadrunner would look back at these days of Quarter Midget Racing as some of the best days of their lives.

At the close of the banquet, the kids of Roadrunner, changed into swimming apparel to hit the water park that is attached to the Radison property.

Roadrunner Quarter Midget Club, located in Albuquerque, NM will host the 3rd leg of the USAC Generation NEXT National Series - April 29 - May 1, 2011.

For more information see the club website at www.roadrunnerqma.com

2010 Roadrunner Quarter Midget Club Champions
Junior Novice - Samantha Reif
Junior Honda - T.Congleton
Senior Honda Champion - Cameron Morga
Lt 160 - S Skaggs
Briggs World Formula - Michael Fanelli

We are the 2010 Roadrunner Champions - S.Skaags, Cameron Morga, T Congleton, Samantha Reif, Michael Fanelli & Joshua Jackson

 

*I would like to thank the club for inviting me to their banquet. As I sat and watched each of the drivers go up and get their trophies and the video of all the fun times they had at Roadrunner this season, and all of the parents clicking off photos, I can't help but remember those days I had with all of my kids, Stephenee, AJ, Matt and Bryan. They do grow up so very fast! Thanks again to the Jackson's and the Fanelli's for the shuttle service. I had a great time!

..The Skaggs.... sister and brother

...Junior Novice Class

...Frank Fanelli recognizes Dana for all of her hard work in planning the banquet!