2023 NMRA Awards Ceremony Photo Gallery
Each December the NMRA crowns its champions and presents special awards with a ceremony celebrating the achievements and accomplishments from the racing season. And 2023 was no different, as hundreds gathered for an evening of fun in Indianapolis during the Performance Racing Industry show.
Emcee for the event was renowned Fox TV broadcaster and race announcer Brian Lohnes, who served as master of ceremonies. Class sponsors had the opportunity to present each of the championship categories winners their awards, and the top 10 in each category were celebrated as well.
Along with the champions, NMRA also presented special awards for Driver of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Track of the Year and the coveted Jim Swarr Crew Member of the Year. Additionally, Gene Bergstrom, NMRA/NMCA Senior Director of Racing Operations, announced his retirement after a 40-plus year career in the drag racing and was recognized for his years of service. Along with Bergstrom, ProMedia president Steve Wolcott presented Mark Mainiero of UPR with a NMRA Founder’s Award that was accepted by Sharad Raldiris.
2023 NMRA Champions
VP Racing Madditives Renegade: Martin Connelley
Whatever It takes Transmission Parts Limited Street: Samantha Moore
Coyote Stock: Ed Bennett III
Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Mike Bowen
Suncoast 8.60 Street Race: Casey Shotwell
Exedy Clutch Modular Muscle: Susan Roush-McClenaghan
ARP Open Comp: Dennis Corn
HP Tuners Super Stang: Kevin McKenna
Truck & Lightning: Johnny “Lightning” Wiker
Ford Muscle: Danny Towe
Driver of the Year
Nominees: Ed Bennett III, Martin Connelley, Casey Shotwell
Winner: Martin Connelley
Jim Swarr Crew Member of the Year
Nominees: William Lujan, Grant Scott, Jason Waterman
Winner: Jason Waterman
Sportsman of the Year
Nominees: Cameron Bowles, Casey Flora, Susan Roush McClenaghan
Winner: Cameron Bowles
Ambassador of the Year
Nominees: Tim Donathen, Leticia Hughes, Lloyd Mikeska
Winner: Leticia Hughes
Track of the Year
Beech Bend Raceway Park
Each December the NMRA crowns its champions and presents special awards with a ceremony celebrating the achievements and accomplishments from the racing season. And 2023 was no different, as hundreds gathered for an evening of fun in Indianapolis during the Performance Racing Industry show.
Emcee for the event was renowned Fox TV broadcaster and race announcer Brian Lohnes, who served as master of ceremonies. Class sponsors had the opportunity to present each of the championship categories winners their awards, and the top 10 in each category were celebrated as well.
Along with the champions, NMRA also presented special awards for Driver of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Track of the Year and the coveted Jim Swarr Crew Member of the Year. Additionally, Gene Bergstrom, NMRA/NMCA Senior Director of Racing Operations, announced his retirement after a 40-plus year career in the drag racing and was recognized for his years of service. Along with Bergstrom, ProMedia president Steve Wolcott presented Mark Mainiero of UPR with a NMRA Founder’s Award that was accepted by Sharad Raldiris.
2023 NMRA Champions
VP Racing Madditives Renegade: Martin Connelley
Whatever It takes Transmission Parts Limited Street: Samantha Moore
Coyote Stock: Ed Bennett III
Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Mike Bowen
Suncoast 8.60 Street Race: Casey Shotwell
Exedy Clutch Modular Muscle: Susan Roush-McClenaghan
ARP Open Comp: Dennis Corn
HP Tuners Super Stang: Kevin McKenna
Truck & Lightning: Johnny “Lightning” Wiker
Ford Muscle: Danny Towe
Driver of the Year
Nominees: Ed Bennett III, Martin Connelley, Casey Shotwell
Winner: Martin Connelley
Jim Swarr Crew Member of the Year
Nominees: William Lujan, Grant Scott, Jason Waterman
Winner: Jason Waterman
Sportsman of the Year
Nominees: Cameron Bowles, Casey Flora, Susan Roush McClenaghan
Winner: Cameron Bowles
Ambassador of the Year
Nominees: Tim Donathen, Leticia Hughes, Lloyd Mikeska
Winner: Leticia Hughes
Track of the Year
Beech Bend Raceway Park
