(Pigeon Forge, TN - January 21, 2025) – The 2024 Crate Racin' USA Banquet, held this past weekend at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrated the achievements of racers across multiple divisions and touring series, crowning six champions and recognizing outstanding contributions to the sport.
With a beautiful backdrop of the Great Smokey Mountains at the resort, the evening was filled with excitement as drivers and teams gathered to honor the season’s accomplishments. Over $160,000 was distributed to drivers across four weekly divisions, two touring series, rookie of the year, young gun award, and special bonuses.
The bonus money would come via Crate Racin' USA TV, through the generous support of subscriptions purchased throughout the 2024 season, distributed $10,000 to random drivers in attendance through a ticket drawing. Speed Sport TV Executive Director, Chris Graner, shared, "We took the money from those subscriptions for the whole year, and we’re going to allocate it to the drivers!" The total amount included four $1,000 checks, eight $500 checks, seven $100 checks, and one $300 check with twenty drivers receiving bonuses as part of the Crate Racin' USA TV replay subscription initiative.
2024 Promoter of the Year:
The evening also honored East Bay Raceway Park’s Al Varnadore, who was named 2024 Promoter of the Year. Varnadore, who operated the historic “Clay by the Bay” for over two decades, has been instrumental in Crate Racin' USA’s success at East Bay. Acknowledging the end of an era, Varnadore shared his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “"This is unexpected and totally a shock! I did put my heart and soul into it, I was their for 22 years and loved every minute of it and hated every minute of it at time to". Varnadore showed his appreciation to Crate Racin' USA for helping build East Bay to what it was, "Between the Lucas Oil Series and Crate Racin' USA, you all are my backbone, ya'll were the one's who put me on the map, and put East Bay Raceway Park on the map!"
Bob Cross Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award:
The prestigious Bob Cross Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who dedicate their lives to the sport of racing, was presented to Buddy Tucker. Tucker, a longtime series official, received the award amid a challenging year following his prostate cancer diagnosis. Series Director Adam Stewart praised Tucker’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Buddy has dedicated a lifetime to this sport, and he’s been through a lot this year, but he looks pretty good.” Tucker, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude to all who supported him. "I wasn't expecting this, thank everybody, thanks for all the prayers throughout the year, and thank everybody for what they've done." Tucker will look to return to the touring series this spring at the Needmore Speedway in Norman Park, GA, March 27-29 for the season opener.
2024 Crate Racin' USA Champions:
Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series (604 Tour) Champion – Jimmy Thomas, Phenix City, AL
Cruise with the Champion Rookie of the Year – Matt Dooley, Brooks, GA
Crate Racin' USA $100,000+ Challenge Champion – Jimmy Thomas, Phenix City, AL
Crate Racin' USA (602 Tour) Late Model Sportsman Champion – Logan Bradford, Huntsville, AL
VP Racing Fuels Young Gun Challenge Champion – Kason Harper, Pelahatchie, MS
Crate Racin' USA (604) Weekly Series Champion – David Williamson, Seminary, MS
Crate Racin' USA Street Stock Division Champion – Calvin Martin, Carriere, MS
Crate Racin' USA Modified Sportsman Champion – Chuck Gipson, Tuscumbia, AL
Crate Racin' USA (602) Late Model Sportsman Champion – Bryson Mitchell, Russellville, AL
Looking Ahead:
Details regarding the upcoming 2025 weekly season, the second season of the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Late Model Sportsman Tour, and the 21st season of the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series will be revealed in the coming weeks. Major events and significant paydays are in store for the 2025 season, making it an exciting year for fans and competitors alike.
About Crate Racin’ USA:
Crate Racin' USA is a premier sanctioning body for dirt racing, promoting events for various divisions, including the Dirt Late Model Series (604's), Modified Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Late Model Sportsman (602's). With a focus on affordability and high-level competition, Crate Racin' USA continues to be a leader in the dirt racing industry.
For more information on Crate Racin’ USA, please visit www.crateracinusa.com.