News Director 
Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – MT. MORRIS, NY – The Race of Champions Series family of participants, officials and fans gathered at the Genesee River Restaurant & Reception Center in Mount Morris (NY) for an evening of awards, accolades and celebration to conclude the 2017 championship season.
Honored as series champions were Mike Leaty of Ontario, NY (Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series), Tim Gullo of Elmira, NY (Race of Champions Super Stock), Tommy Catalano of Ontario, NY (Race of Champions Sportsman Modified and Race of Champions Late Models), and Chad Chevalier of Port Colborne, Ontario, CAN (Race of Champions 602 Dirt Sportsman Modified).
“This is a great accomplishment for our team,” stated Leaty, accepting his awards in regard to his first Race of Champions Modified Series championship. “I have a great family, a great team and this is a great Series. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and we are going to enjoy it.”
Many others will receive special recognition, in addition to recognizing the accomplishments of all, for an entire season of passion and dedication.
Scott Wylie of Blasdell, NY, Dylan Davidson of Saint Catharines, Ontario, CAN and Joel Gleason of Webster, NY were all recognized as Race of Champions Rookie-of-the-Year.
Point fund contributions come from Hoosier Racing Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, the US Army, Colton RV, Presque Isle Downs and Casino and TDH Refrigeration.
Speed51.com will present the Most Popular Driver Awards which will be revealed that evening along with other special Race of Champions recognition awards, those awards went to Tommy Catalano (Modified, Sportsman Modified and Late Model); Justin Sharp of Saint Catharines, Ontario, CAN (602 Dirt Sportsman Modified) and Joe Gleason (Super Stock).
Special awards were presented to Amy Catalano of Ontario, NY as she received the first-ever FOAR (Friends of Auto-Racing) Score Fan Club Perseverance Award, with a $500 donation to the Elizabeth Wende Cancer Fund in Rochester, NY in Catalano’s name.
Mary Jo “Grandma” Smith of Henrietta, NY and Mother to Todd Smith, Race of Champions Series Technical Inspector was honored posthumously with a service and dedication award to the Series.
Sunoco Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Ithaca Gun Company, Sports Insurance Specialists, Speedway Illustrated, Product 9, Competition Products, Area Auto Racing News and Rock Auto handed out a variety of awards including product certificates, race tools, discount certificates and gift cards.
Noted New York racing announcer Mike Mallett of Brewerton, NY, performed as the Master of Ceremonies.
