OXFORD, Maine - Oxford Plains Speedway owner Bill Ryan is one of eight
national finalists for the 33rd annual Auto Racing Promoter of the
Year Award, chosen by fellow promoters in balloting through Racing
Promotion Monthly.
Ryan is one of four first-time nominees for the ARPY honor, joining
Billy Thomas, East Alabama Motor Speedway; Toby Kruse, Marshalltown
(Iowa) Speedway; and Randy & Deb Queensland and their family, Deer
Creek (Minn.) Speedway.
"It is an honor to be nominated for Auto Racing Promoter of the Year,"
said Ryan. "I have been blessed to have a great team of employees here
at the Speedway. Their dedication to short track racing is incredible.
I would also like to thank our drivers and fans for their tremendous
support. Oxford Plains Speedway has an impressive national reputation
due to the quality of the racing and the enthusiasm of our fan base."
The 2008 season completed Ryan's first decade as owner and promoter at
OPS. During his tenure, the speedway has gained renewed notoriety on
the national scene for the growth of its showcase event, the TD
Banknorth 250 Presented by New England Dodge Dealers.
NASC AR champions Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch became the first Sprint
Cup champions to compete in the 250 in 12 years when they entered the
event in 2004. Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Terry
Labonte are among the other superstars to compete in Oxford's crown
jewel, with Harvick winning the 2008 classic.
Other highlights of Ryan's tenure include the introduction of a highly
successful, midweek Acceleration Series in 1999, and a complete
repaving of the 3/8-mile oval track after the 2002 season. Hundreds of
drivers have enjoyed the opportunity to drive a stock car for the
first time as a result of the low-cost Acceleration Series.
Ryan and OPS have received two past awards from RPM in 2000 and 2007,
both for outstanding continuing short track operations.
The Auto Racing Promoter of the Year is short track racing's most
prestigious award. It is awarded each year after voting by promoters.
The award was originated in 1976 by the editors of Racing Promotion
Monthly, the ideas newsletter for auto racing promoters.
Voting is conducted in two phases. A preliminary ballot in the
newsletter nominates candidates in eight regions. The eight candidates
become Regional Promoters of the Year and then appear on a second
ballot for final voting. Ryan represents New England and the
northeast.
Multi-time nominees for promoter of the year are: Bruce Rogers,
Grandview (Pa.) Speedway, his third nomination; the Doellefeld
brothers, Stateline (Idaho) Stadium & Speedway, nominated fo r the
fourth time; Jim Nuckles and family, Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway,
nominated for the seventh time; and 2002 Auto Racing Promoter of the
Year Lanny Edwards, Devil's Bowl (Texas) Speedway. Edwards won his
record 10th regional award and becomes the 10th promoter re-nominated
after winning the national award.
Past winners from New England include Anthony Venditti of Seekonk
(Mass.) Speedway in 1978 and American-Canadian Tour promoter Tom
Curley of Thunder Road International Speedbowl of Barre, Vt., in 2004.
The ARPY will be presented during the 36th annual RPM Promoters
Workshops at the Orlando Marriott in Lake Mary, Fla., on Feb. 9.
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