Linda’s Speedway Celebrates ’24 Champions At Banquet; Preparing For 50th Season
Story By: MIKE BATZ / LINDA’S SPEEDWAY – GRANTVILLE, PA – This past weekend, Linda’s Speedway gathered its community to honor the champions of the 2024 season at the annual Night of Champions banquet, held at the Holiday Inn in Grantville, PA.
The evening was a celebration of racing achievements that included Brandon Heist, who secured his fourth career Linda’s Speedway championship, winning the 270 Micro Sprints title for the second year in a row.
Heist’s impressive career also includes two past championships in the 600 Micro Sprints.
In the Hoosier Tire Wingless 600 Micro Sprints, Ryan Groff came out on top, claiming the season championship. Meanwhile, Brent Shearer marked his triumphant return to the Stolz Stove Sales Winged 600 Micro Sprints, taking home the title.
The All Star Slingshots championship ended in a rare tie between Brett Bieberand Chase Schott, a testament to the competition on the track. In the Jr. Slingshots, young driver Hailey Erohclaimed the season title.
Other champions included Tyler Bartik in the Xcel 600 Modifieds, Ken Buck in the Front Wheel Drive division, and Chris Warren, who secured the Chargerchampionship and joined his father Smokey as racing champions from the local area.
History was made in the Jr. Sprints, with Jase Smith becoming the first-ever champion of the new division.
The evening also highlighted specialty awards recognizing standout performances and sportsmanship:
- Rookies of the Year were Chason Hauck (270 Micro Sprints) and Chase Schott (600 Micro Sprints).
- Most Improved Drivers were Ian Herr (Chargers), Ryley German(Modifieds), and Daniel Betz (Slingshots).
The night concluded with the prestigious Sportsmanship Awards, honoring drivers who show the spirit of racing both on and off the track. Justin Riegel received the Steve Buch Sportsmanship Award, named in memory of Linda’s Speedway’s long-time announcer. Tyler Ulsh was awarded the new Barry Hair Sportsmanship Award, named after the beloved speedway official who has been courageously battling cancer.
Looking ahead, Linda’s Speedway is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary season in 2025, a milestone that of competition and family tradition looking forward to the golden anniversary season.
