Pocono Raceway/EMPA 2021 Writer’s Contest

Feature
1st place Jim Donnelly
“Left Turn to Destiny”
Crankshaft, spring 2021
Judge’s comment: LOVED the descriptive words used by writer…Historical references showed writer’s passion and knowledge of matter subject. A++

2nd place Jason Beck
“Surviving The Unsurvivable”
Speedway Illustrated, April 2021
Judge’s comment: Innate knowledge of subject matters and well-placed quotes equals strong story.

3rd place Thomas Pope
“Grudge Racing, A Million-Dollar Steering Wheel And The Stott Boys
Speedway Illustrated, January 2021.
Judge’s comment:  Writer pulled you into story right away and kept you riveted.

Column
1st place John Snyder
“Patience Is A Virtue: Advice Not Followed At Daytona”
Area Auto Racing News, February 16, 2021
Judge’s comment: Very persuasive. Doesn’t mince words…Only a quote is in right place. Solid transitions.

2nd place Dan Anderson
“Strange Music”
Speedway Illustrated, September 2021
Judge’s comment: Like how writer talked with readers, not at or to them.

3rd place Len Sammons
“Have The Outlaws Taken A Step Forward, Or The PA Posse Teams A Step Back”
Area Auto Racing News, May 25, 2021.
Judge’s comment: Sense writer’s keen knowledge and familiarity of material, like he didn’t need to do any research. Threw out names like he’s known them all his life. Makes for top-notch column.








Personality Profile
1st place Bruce A. Bennett
“Paradise Lost”
Speedway Illustrated, May 2021
Judge’s comment: From beginning to end writer kept my attention. Very solid read. A+ effort!

2nd place Dan Anderson
“A Force Of Nature”
Speedway Illustrated, October 2021
Judge’s comment: Storytelling was fabulous. Quotes were dynamic, well-placed.

3rd place Carol Houssock
“The Overcomer: Garrett Zacharias conquered obstacles to become one of the best stock car racers in New York”
Speedway Illustrated, October 2021.
Judge’s comment: Writer introduces conflict early in story and does fine job of addressing subject’s determination to deal with said conflict and adversity. Was hooked by story throughout.

Race Report
1st place Ron Hedger
“An Angry $25,000 Winner”
Speedsport.com, September 5, 2021.
Judge’s comment: Loved how writer described varying emotions of subject matter. Great storytelling.

2nd place Nick Graziano
“Shine of a King: Tyler ‘Sunshine’ Courtney Claims 38th Kings Royal In First Appearance
Worldofoutlaws.com, July 17, 2021
Judge’s comment: Unique lead…pulled me into the story. Vivid description of race.

3rd place Len Sammons
“Michael Barnes Is No Longer The Ultimate Classic Bridesmaid”
Area Auto Racing News, June 1, 2021
Judge’s comment: Liked the descriptive build-up of subject’s struggles to finally getting a win…Kept focus on subject throughout story.









News
1st place Steve Barrick
“Fall Brawl Lived Up To Billing: DeFebo Helmet Tossed By Beers Team”
Area Auto Racing News, November 9, 2021
Judge’s comment: “Action-packed, enjoyable read. Covers all angles.

2nd place Mike Adaskaveg
“602 Crate Engine: Production Paused Due To Issues”
Outsidegroove.com, October 27, 2021
Judge’s comment: Very “newsy.” Informative. Detailed. Writer shows knowledge of subject matter.

3rd place Dino Oberto
“BACK IN BLOOM” Racing set to Bloomsburg Fairgrounds”
Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, PA., January 17, 2021
Judge’s comment: Could sense writer’s enthusiasm in subject matter. Well-written.