2024 News

12/18/24

Good afternoon all,

Just want to send out this update on the hotel.

For those who have yet to make your reservations at the Holiday Inn, it is unfortunately sold out.

However, the folks at the Holiday Inn have been kind enough to reach out to another local IHG hotel and they have us booked at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wilkes-Barre. It's a very easy drive of just 3.4 miles. It is the same rate plus breakfast.

When you call the Hilton, ask for the EMPA rate or Eastern Motorsports.  

Below are the link to the Hilton, the address, and the phone number.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/avpwigi-hilton-garden-inn-wilkes-barre/?SEO_id=BING-AMER-GI-AVPWIGI&y_source=1_MjA4MzI2MS00ODMtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D

Located in: Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace

Address: 242 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Phone: (570) 820-8595

Dino

12/16/24

Eastern Motorsport Press Association Welcomes The Wire Guys as Salute to the Champions sponsor

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 12-16-24) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is happy to announce that the Salute to the Champions, taking place on Friday, January 10, and kicks off the organization’s annual convention, is being presented by The Wire Guys of Hazle Township, Pa.

The Wire Guys have been a longtime supporter of Evergreen Raceway as well as 2024 602 Crate Modified champion Steve Shultz.

“We are so thrilled to have The Wire Guys come onboard with us for the upcoming convention. I know they have been huge race supporters of local racing here in northeast Pa., for a long time and it’s great to see them step in and be part of our Salute to the Champions,” said EMPA president Dino Oberto.

“We are very fortunate to have so many great supporters who are dedicated to this organization and believe in what we stand for and we’re certainly proud to bring along The Wire Guys as part of the 52nd annual EMPA convention coming up in just a few weeks’ time.”

A division of Arc Electric Co., The Wire Guys is geared towards residential clientele. The company was created to properly serve homeowners in Northeast Pennsylvania by giving them the focus they deserve. Founded in 2006, The Wire Guys was launched to provide a dedicated, qualified team to serve residential customers. They provide a wide array of services including electrical panel installation and upgrades, backup generators, lighting, wiring your homes security system, and much more. Their mission is to service each client with a highly trained and courteous technician that is dependable and always trustworthy.

They are located at 1338 North Church Street, Hazle Township, Pa. You can also find them online at https://www.homewireguys.com/our-team/

The EMPA convention takes place January 10-12 at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre. The weekend begins with a Friday evening “Salute to the Champions presented by The Wire Guys” where local and regional driving titlists have a meet and greet with the press followed by socializing.

Saturday will consist of morning press conferences, workshops, and guest speakers. The “Voice of The 500” Paul Page, is this year’s keynote speaker on Saturday following the workshop sessions and then the Dover Motor Speedway luncheon. The gathering culminates with that evening’s Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony.

A complete weekend schedule will be out soon.

Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members with backing from Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts, Wanick Construction, New England Race Fuels, Speedway Illustrated, The Wire Guys, Buckley’s Automotive, Inc., American Racer, Evergreen Raceway, and Himmer Graphics, who are among the supporters of the organization.

12/14/24

Media Invited to Eastern Motorsport Press Association Workshops

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 12-14-24) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is extending an open invitation to all race track media individuals including PR/announcers/photographers to come and be part of the organization’s Saturday morning, January 11, workshop sessions, which is in conjunction with the 52nd EMPA Convention taking place at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, PA that same weekend.  

The workshops are being organized by dirttrackdigest.com editor Mike Mallett, who has put together a selection of leading media personal who will be conducting scheduled work sessions that will cover writing, photography, credentialing, and ethics.

“We’re really looking forward to having these work sessions with not only our members who are already in attendance at the convention but also to those who would like to come out and learn from some of the best in the business on these related topics,” said EMPA president Dino Oberto.

“Mike (Mallett) has done a great job of putting this all together and we’re happy to extend an invitation to those who would like to learn from this as well see what EMPA all is about.”

The workshops will begin at 9:20 am and continue through 10:50 am.

“I’m looking forward to the workshops on Saturday as we've been able to line up some of the best people in the industry,” stated Mallett.

“We have former EMPA writer of year winners Kevin Kovac, Jeremy Elliott, and myself leading the writing workshops along with EMPA photographer of the year winners Brent Smith and Bob Yurko leading the photo workshops. Kolton Gouse of BAPS Motor Speedway is also coming to discuss the credentialing process and expectations for our members. It should be a very informative morning.”

Those attending will also get to sit in afterwards for the keynote speaker presentation with “The Voice of The 500” Paul Page.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of Dover Motor Speedway. Following the luncheon there will be a roundtable discussion with Page and EMPA Vice President Karl Fredrickson on the teamwork between the Society of Motorsports Journalists and EMPA.

Anyone who would like to attend the EMPA work sessions is asked to contact Dino Oberto at dlmo@ptd.net

12/11/24

12/10/24

Eastern Motorsport Press Association Hall of Fame Inductees and Award Winners Announced…Bones Bourcier, Jimmy Horton, Alan Johnson, Steve Park, Don Prudhomme and Sammy Swindell to HoF; Justin Bonsignore and Mat Williamson are Northeast Drivers of the Year

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 12-9-24) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is proud to announce the class of 2025 into its prestigious Hall of Fame in advance of the 52nd EMPA Convention, which takes place January 10-13, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

The membership of EMPA – which consists of professional motorsports media associates – voted to induct the selected individuals for entry into the Hall of Fame, as well as other various awards affiliated with the organization.

Heading up the class of 2025 is noted motorsports journalist Mark ‘Bones’ Bourcier. Bones has set the standard for excellence in motorsports journalism with hundreds of columns and features for newspapers such as Speedway Scene and Speed Sport while his byline has appeared in Stock Car Racing, Open Wheel, and Speedway Illustrated. He wrote books that include “Foyt, Andretti, Petty” and he has co-authored the auto-biographies of Bill Simpson, Tony Stewart, Bugs Stevens, Gary Balough, Eddie Flemke, and Parnelli Jones.

Jimmy Horton III is a dirt Modified superstar and recently inducted into the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame and can now add his name to the EMPA Hall of Fame. Throughout his outstanding career he has put together a win total of 466 triumphs which not only includes dirt Modifieds, Sprint Cars and Late Models but on the Nation’s top superspeedways as well in the ARCA Series.

Veteran dirt Modified standout Alan Johnson has put together a career that includes feature victories at 39 different tracks and wins that total a staggering 439. Johnson was twice named the EMPA Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Dirt Driver of the year (2003 & 2006) and in 2017 he was inducted into the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame. He can now add the EMPA Hall of Fame to his long list of accomplishments.

Steve Park, a native New Englander, first rose to stardom in Northeast pavement Modifieds before going onto the ranks of ARCA and NASCAR. Park can boast winning in all of the aforementioned divisions including the Cup Series when he raced for Dale Earnhardt Sr.

When it comes to NHRA drag racing one of the perennial stars is Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme. A member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Prudhomme has racked up a ton of accomplishments including four NHRA Funny Car championships coupled with countless victories.

Sprint Car kingpin Sammy Swindell is a three-time World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champion and owns 394 A-main wins, and that’s just with the WoO. In an amazing career that spans over five decades, Swindell not only was a tremendous success in Sprint Cars but also competed in IndyCars and NASCAR.

The Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Driver of the Year goes annually to an asphalt and dirt racer. And, for the first time since the award split into two categories a new pavement winner has emerged with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore unseating 5-time winner Matt Hirschman. On the dirt side Mat Williamson, who this year garnered the Super DIRTcar Series title and for the first time since 2019 has earned the EMPA Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year honors.

The Al Holbert Memorial National Driver of the Year – also one each in asphalt and dirt – is going to NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson for a third time (2020 & ’21) and 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champion David Gravel.

The 2024 John Blewett III Young Gun award presented by New England Race Fuels, will be presented to multi-talented dirt and pavement racer Corey Day.

Earning the Chris Economaki Memorial Newsmaker of the Year Award is veteran Sprint Car and NASCAR driver Dave Blaney, who retired in Victory Lane after his win at Sharon Speedway earlier this year. That race was also the 16th Annual Lou Blaney Memorial, a race held in honor of his late father who is also an EMPA Hall of Fame inductee.

The Junie Donlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport goes to New Jersey native Ryan Flores. After leaving home with a dream to make it in the NASCAR Cup Series, living on couches at the start, he was picked up by Roush-Fenway Racing at the age of 20 working as a fabricator and eventually part of the road crew team. His career skyrocketed after he was hired by Stewart-Haas Racing, where he would eventually become a tire changer before moving over to the Wood Brothers and now Team Penske on the No. 12 of Ryan Blaney. 

The EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year recipient is Doug Rose. Since taking over the ownership of New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway, Rose has elevated the racing-rich dirt oval into new heights. The track was changed to a 3/8-mile and highlights not just great weekly action but some of the Nation’s top touring divisions as well. Little Bridgeport Speedway is located inside the big track and plays host to Micro Sprints. Both tracks draw great car counts thanks to the ongoing efforts of Rose along with his wife Brittany. Rose also partners with Richie Tobias who runs the very successful Kutztown Speedway and their wildly popular Wednesday night races.

World Racing Group has named BAPS Motor Speedway owner Scott Gobrecht as the recipient of the Jerry Reigle Outstanding Contribution to Sprint Car Racing award winner.

Elections also took place for the EMPA Board of Directors and retaining their seats are current EMPA Vice-President Karl Fredrickson and Secretary Carol Houssock.

During the formal awards dinner presentations, the organization will also recognize many of their own including the Jim Hunter Memorial Writer of the Year and Ace Lane Sr., Memorial Photographer of the Year, along with numerous others whose talents are recognized in the EMPA Pocono Raceway Writers Contest and the Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts Photo Contest.

The annual convention begins with a Friday evening “Salute to the Champions” where local and regional driving titlists have a meet and greet with the press followed by socializing.

Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops and guest speakers. The “Voice of The 500” Paul Page, is this year’s keynote speaker on Saturday. The convention culminates with the evening’s Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony.

Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members with backing from Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts, Wanick Construction, New England Race Fuels, Speedway Illustrated, Buckley’s Automotive, Inc., Evergreen Raceway, and Himmer Graphics, who are among the supporters of the organization.

12/9/24

12/1/24

From the desk of EMPA president Dino Oberto

Passing along this balloting update to you all.

The votes have been coming in and we have some close battles taking place.

This is a friendly reminder that if you did not yet cast your vote to please get those returns in ASAP.

As of right now there are some close numbers in several categories so, please know that your vote counts and could make the difference.

You have until Sunday, December 8 to get that to me.

Also, if you have not yet made your convention reservation it would be wise to do so and let us know what days and events you plan to attend

Peace, out

Dino

11/27/24

Eastern Motorsport Press Association reveals nominees for EMPA Hall of Fame and special awards

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) has released the ballot to its membership for voting in the 2025 inductees to the prestigious EMPA Hall of Fame (HoF), along with other special awards that will be presented during the organization's 52nd annual convention set to take place January 10-12, 2025, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

The EMPA Board of Directors thoroughly reviewed the names submitted for consideration, including 61 for the HoF, and then narrowed them down into the respective categories. 

There will be eight highly regarded individuals from which the membership will vote four into the HoF.

Respected motorsports journalist Mark “Bones” Bouncier, World of Outlaws Sprint Car legend Rick Ferkel, renowned champion car owner Chip Ganassi, dirt Modified standout Jimmy Horton, Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky, northeast dirt racing icon Alan Johnson and a pair of Sprint Car greats Sammy Swindell and Steve Smith Jr., have made this year’s HoF ballot.

NHRA perennial champion Don Prudhomme and NASCAR Cup and pavement Modified and Cup star Steve Park will also be going into the HoF as automatic lock-ins.

The organization will also honor National and Northeast Drivers of the Year in both asphalt and dirt. Young drivers are recognized with the John Blewett III Young Gun Award presented by New England Race Fuels. Other honors presented are the Newsmaker of the Year, Promotional Effort of the Year, and Spirit of the Sport awards.  

EMPA also presents two members – one each – as Writer of the Year and Photographer of the Year, along with awards in the writer and photography contests.

World Racing Group has named Scott Gobrecht of BAPS Speedway the recipient of the Jerry Reigle Dedication to Sprint Car Racing Award winner.

All ballots must be returned by Sunday, December 8, at which time the winners will be announced. Only EMPA members are permitted to vote.

The annual three-day convention begins with a Friday evening Salute to the Champions and membership welcoming. A select group of local and regional driving titlists will be on hand to network with the press. Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops, and award presentations. The formal Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony takes place later that evening.

Noted motorsports television and radio announcer, Paul Page, will be the keynote speaker on Saturday prior to the Dover Motor Speedway luncheon.

The Mission of EMPA is: to acknowledge excellence in motorsports and those who have excelled; to foster an atmosphere to improve the quality of motorsports reporting through fellowship and interaction of veteran media with less experienced members in a welcoming atmosphere where tips, techniques and ideas are exchanged.; and to increase positive interactions between race tracks, sanctioning bodies and the working motorsports media.

Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members with backing from Dover International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts, New England Race Fuels and American Racer Tire who are among the supporters of the organization.

2025 EASTERN MOTORSPORT PRESS ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME/AWARD NOMINEES

EMPA Hall of Fame nominees:

Inducted will be the following two, no vote needed:

Don Prudhomme and Steve Park

Four of the following inducted by vote: Mark “Bones” Bourcier, Rick Ferkel, Chip Ganassi, Jimmy Horton, Nick Igdalsky, Alan Johnson, Sammy Swindell and Steve Smith Jr.

John Blewett III Young Gun Presented by New England Race Fuels - One winner: Luke Baldwin, Trevor Catalano, Corey Day, Steven Snyder, Jr., Drake Troutman

Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year - One winner: Justine Bonsignore, Brandon Grey, Jon McKennedy, Matt Hirschman, Ron Silk

Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year - One winner: Briggs Danner, Stewart Friesen, Anthony Macri, Matt Sheppard, Mat Williamson

Al Holbert Memorial National Asphalt Driver of the Year - One winner: Antron Brown, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Alex Palou, Austin Prock

Al Holbert Memorial National Dirt Driver of the Year - One winner: David Gravel, Cannon McIntosh, Bobby Pierce, Brandon Sheppard, Brad Sweet

Chris Economaki Memorial EMPA Newsmaker of the Year - One winner: CARS Tour, Dave Blaney retires in Victory Lane, Jeff Taylor wins Oxford 250 after 38 tries, John Force Racing’s NHRA dominance, Pennsboro Speedway reopens after 22 years.

EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year - One winner: Doug Rose Bridgeport and Kutztown Speedways, Jamie Friesen track prep excellence, Orange County Fair Speedway, Stafford Motor Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Asphalt Racing

Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport - One winner: Jeff Battle, Ryan Flores, TJ Potrzebowski, Ryan Simmons

Jim Hunter Memorial EMPA Writer of the Year Award - One winner: Dan Anderson, Thomas Pope, Ted Schmidt, Scott Walsh, Keith Waltz

Ace Lane, Sr., Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year - One winner: Rich Corbett, Debbie Gastelu, Tommy Lane, Rick Neff, Walt Smith

11/26/24

11/23/24

11/22/24

Greetings all,

Please take the time to review the convention attendance form so that we can get a jumpstart on who is coming and who is not.

The link to the form on the website is below, plus there is an attachment as well.

Dino

2025 Convention Attendance Form

11/11/2024

Greetings all,

Just wanted to send out a note to remind everyone about sending in your 2025 membership dues, which are now due.

In order to vote or be in any contests you must have your '25 membership dues paid.

Remember, you can go to the Speedway Illustrated website and renew online. If you do, you will also get a free one-year subscription to the magazine. 

https://speedwayillustrated.com/product/2021-membership-to-the-empa/

Otherwise, please send check payable to:

Eastern Motorsport Press Association

Mail to:

Dino Oberto

211 Columbus Avenue

Hazle Township Pa 18202

Also, for those of you who are planning to participate in the EMPA/Pocono Raceway Writers Contest you need to hustle and get those entries in ASAP as the deadline is nearing.

Here is the link to the contests for both writers and photographers from our website.

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrules.html

And it would be in your best interest as well to make your hotel reservations for the convention, which is January 10, 11, 12 at the Holiday Inn Wilkes-Barre

East Mountain, 600 Wildflower Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Room Block for reservations is active. Phone code is EMS and online https://tinyurl.com/EMPABlock

Hotel office:

570-970-1152

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/HolidayInnWilkesBarreEastMountain/

Finally, we are putting the final touches on the soon-to-be-released ballot for the Hall of Fame and other awards.

When you get it, which will be by email, PLEASE take the time to look over and review ALL the selections.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

More news will be on the way, but until then

Peace, out

Dino

10/25/24

Greetings all,

This is just a quick reminder for those who are planning to enter the EMPA Pocono Raceway Writers Contest to please start sending in your entries.

Once the deadline is passed there will be no exceptions.

Remember also you must have your 2025 dues paid in order to enter the contest.

Here is the link for the rules:

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrulesEMPAWritersContest.html

Photographers you can find the rules for the EMPA Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts Photo Contest here:

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrulesEMPAPhotographersContest.html

Thanks, Dino

10/15/24

Mike Harris Named 2025 Squier-Hall Award Recipient

Harris spent three decades as lead motorsports reporter for The Associated Press

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate long-time EMPA memeber Mike Harris on being named as the 2025 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.

Well earned Mike!

The following is the official announcement from NASCAR Communications.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2024) — Longtime The Associated Press (AP) reporter Mike Harris was named recipient of the 2025 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence becoming the 13th winner of the prestigious award.

Harris joined the AP in 1969 and became lead motorsports reporter in 1980, a role he held until retirement in July 2009.

“Mike Harris was a trusted voice inside the NASCAR garage for decades," said Jim France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "Mike's nationwide reach coincided with NASCAR’s enormous popularity growth, and his coverage and feature stories for the world's largest news-gathering organization brought NASCAR and our drivers into the homes of millions of fans across the country. Mike is a true professional, a gentleman and a legend in his field.”

Harris began his full-time journalism career in 1967 with The Rockford (Ill.) Morning Star and Register-Republic before joining the AP Chicago Bureau in Feb. 1969. He covered a variety of sports and served as Indiana Sports Editor prior to finding his home in motorsports.

Harris is the 1985 recipient of the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence (previously called the Henry T. McLemore Award). In 1987 and 1994 he won the Jim Hunter Writer of the Year Award given by the Eastern Motorsport Press Association.

The Squier-Hall Award is voted upon by a panel of NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame executives, active and retired media members, and former NASCAR competitors and industry leaders. Harris will be honored during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities on Feb. 7, 2025 and featured in an exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Tickets to the Induction Weekend events are available at NASCARHall.com.

The Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence was named after legendary NASCAR media figures Ken Squier and Barney Hall, the first two recipients of the award.

10/15/24

Mike Harris Named 2025 Squier-Hall Award Recipient

Harris spent three decades as lead motorsports reporter for The Associated Press

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate long-time EMPA memeber Mike Harris on being named as the 2025 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.

Well earned Mike!

The following is the official announcement from NASCAR Communications.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2024) — Longtime The Associated Press (AP) reporter Mike Harris was named recipient of the 2025 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence becoming the 13th winner of the prestigious award.

Harris joined the AP in 1969 and became lead motorsports reporter in 1980, a role he held until retirement in July 2009.

“Mike Harris was a trusted voice inside the NASCAR garage for decades," said Jim France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "Mike's nationwide reach coincided with NASCAR’s enormous popularity growth, and his coverage and feature stories for the world's largest news-gathering organization brought NASCAR and our drivers into the homes of millions of fans across the country. Mike is a true professional, a gentleman and a legend in his field.”

Harris began his full-time journalism career in 1967 with The Rockford (Ill.) Morning Star and Register-Republic before joining the AP Chicago Bureau in Feb. 1969. He covered a variety of sports and served as Indiana Sports Editor prior to finding his home in motorsports.

Harris is the 1985 recipient of the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence (previously called the Henry T. McLemore Award). In 1987 and 1994 he won the Jim Hunter Writer of the Year Award given by the Eastern Motorsport Press Association.

The Squier-Hall Award is voted upon by a panel of NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame executives, active and retired media members, and former NASCAR competitors and industry leaders. Harris will be honored during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities on Feb. 7, 2025 and featured in an exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Tickets to the Induction Weekend events are available at NASCARHall.com.

The Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence was named after legendary NASCAR media figures Ken Squier and Barney Hall, the first two recipients of the award.

9/26/24

8/8/24

On behalf of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association we would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Chuck Givler.

Chuck was a longtime fixture with the Easton Express newspaper and not only did he do an amazing job of covering the local and regional sports scene, he made certain motorsports got a fair and equal share as part of it.

Chuck was also a fixture in the Media Center rooms at Pocono Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway and Nazareth Speedway, always front and center.

As a member of EMPA he was always a great guy to hang with during the yearly conventions and in 2003 he was named as the Jim Hunter Memorial EMPA Writer of the Year.

He will be missed by all who knew him. A great reporter and great guy.  Dino

https://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/us/obituaries/etpa/name/floyd-givler-obituary?pid=207379860

8/1/24

The following is a statement from EMPA President Dino Oberto on the passing of Evan Canfield:

All of us at the Eastern Motorsport Press Association are deeply saddened by the news on the passing of member Evan Canfield who died unexpectedly early this morning.

Evan was an amazing young talented photographer, with a passion that was passed on to him by his parents Stephanie and Duane Canfield.

He took great pride in his work that was always exceptional and garnered several awards from the organization for that work.

His crowning achievement came this past January at the EMPA convention when Evan was named the Ace Lane Sr. Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year.

The organization is always looking for young talent such as Evan who is able to share the message of EMPA, and he proudly did just that.

The Canfield family is a true testament of what professionalism stands for within motorsports and all with a heart of gold.

We ask that you please take a moment to remember Evan and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

Pic 1: Evan Canfield receives the Ace Lane Sr. Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year award from last year’s winner, Harry Meeks during the organization’s January convention. (Photo by Bob Yurko)

Pic 2: After receiving the prestigious Ace Lane Sr., Memorial EMPA Photographer of the Year award, Evan Canfield got a big hug from his proud mom, Stephanie. (Photo by Karl Fredrickson)

7/18/24

4/26/24

2/29/24

1/15/24

Eastern Motorsport Press Association Celebrates Excellence and Professionalism at 51st Convention

(Wilkes-Barre, PA)   When Jonathan Swift said ‘everything old is new again’ in the 1700’s, the 51st Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) convention proved he was right. With new business sponsors joining our longtime supporters, new winners of the organization’s various contests, a new Saturday format, new Association members in attendance, and a new venue, superior teamwork combined to make what several said was the best-ever EMPA convention. That’s a home run in another sport, but for motorsports professionals it was a checkered flag.
Members and supporters gathered at the Holiday Inn East Mountain in Wilkes-Barre, PA for a weekend that annually blends work with celebration. The event is made possible because of support from the business community and individuals involved in some aspect of motorsports.
The induction of outstanding individuals into the EMPA Hall of Fame is the weekend’s crown jewel event. This year two asphalt racers (George Kent and the late Ted Christopher), two dirt racers (Brett Hearn and Billy Pauch, Sr.) and two motorsports professionals (writer Ron Hedger and photographer Ace Lane, Jr.) received the most votes from EMPA members and are now in the hall.
Hearn remarked that when you’re racing you don’t think about what you’ve done, you think about what you’re going to do. Pauch said the EMPA membership made drivers like him heroes by what they wrote and the pictures they took. Emotions took over during a pair of acceptance speeches. Mike Christopher accepted the award for his late twin brother, Ted, while Lane mentioned how many photographers his late father had inspired during his own Hall of Fame career.
EMPA’s President, Dino Oberto, kicked things off by welcoming everyone to the convention during the Friday evening Belmont’s Garage Champions Night. This event was added several years ago as a way to interview various track champions during the recently completed season. He, Carol Houssock and Earl Krause interviewed Micah Adams (Evergreen Raceway), Brett Tonkin (Penn Can/Afton), Zane Zeiner (ROC Modified Series), Logan Watt (Grandview), Nick Robinson (Chemung Speedrome), Josh Patterson (East Coast TQ Midgets), Ryan Godown (Georgetown/New Egypt), and Buddy Sload (ATQMRA).
Saturday morning press conferences featured Mike Lewis from Dover Motor Speedway, Kyle Taraska from the ATQMRA, Chris Dolack from World Racing Group, and Steven Ovens from Land of Legends Raceway. Each spoke highlighted 2023 and provided information on the upcoming season. Ovens presented data from their video coverage, which is free and proving beneficial for racers seeking sponsorship.
EMPA’s Vice President, Karl Fredrickson, introduced the keynote speaker, Dave Argabright. He spoke about his entrance into motorsports and how communicating with the public has changed over the years. He kept the audience engaged with his light-hearted stories of working with the likes of Chris Economaki, as a columnist and later as author of a book on the legendary man. Argabright told the members that you have to be unique, entertaining, relevant and informative. He added that he is most proud that the racing community accepted him.
Bob Stephens, a retired pilot and former race car owner, joined Argabright and Ovens in a panel discussion on the changing world of motorsports media. Stephens, who spent years as a member of the distinguished Blue Angels and flew for Southwest Airlines for over 30 years, shared what he sees as almost one-to-one similarities between being in the military and NASCAR Cup racing. He stated that each requires a high level of professionalism and reliance on a team for success. The panel then discussed artificial intelligence, which is certain to infiltrate and appeal to some who accept nonsense. Argabright added the importance of works like credibility, accountability and integrity when putting your name to what you write or shoot as a photographer. Ovens emphasized the importance of getting the word out.
Oberto mentioned three awards to close out the morning session. He recognized Rich Corbett, now living in Florida, with a President’s Award for his dedication to, and marketing of, EMPA. Corbett recruits new members on an ongoing basis. Carol Houssock accepted George Kent’s Hall of Fame award. Kent had planned to attend but a medical issue prevented travel. She will present the statue to Kent at the upcoming Chemung Speedrome banquet. Pete MacDonald received the Howie and Mary Hodge photography award from Mike Jaworecki, Sr.
Oberto facilitated an engaging afternoon discussion among three book authors in attendance. Dave Argabright, Buffy Swanson, and Jim (JK) Kelly spoke of the arduous task of actually writing a book, from coming up with the idea or subject, through distribution. They agreed there is no one way to do. Those writing fiction have to paint the whole story, while non-fiction books required careful photo selection. Even coming up with a title can be as simple as hearing a phrase or having ideas just come to them. This discussion was very well received by the membership.
Saturday evening was all about awards. Those going in the Hall of Fame received their hardware and spoke a few words. Emcee and President Dino Oberto then moved in to the presentation of driver, member and other awards listed below. Matt Hirschman and Matt Sheppard were on hand, just as they were a year ago, to receive hardware for being voted the Northeast asphalt and dirt drivers of the year. Both repeated a prior season of excellence and incredible numbers. Ryan Blaney and Ricky Thornton, Jr. were voted the National asphalt and dirt drivers of the year. Blaney sent a video thanking the membership for their votes, saying it was special to receive this award from an organization where both his father and grandfather are in the EMPA Hall of Fame.
Reviews of the weekend have come in swiftly, with many saying they had attended the best convention ever. EMPA remains dedicated to promoting the best in motorsports through its professional, associate and corporate members. 

2023 Pocono Raceway/EMPA Writer’s Contest
Feature: 1st Ron Hedger (Speed Sport Insider), 2nd Thomas Pope (Speedway Illustrated), 3rd Mike Adaskaveg (Outsidegroove.com)
Column: 1st Dan Anderson (Speedway Illustrated), 2nd Scott Walsh (Scranton Times-Tribune), 3rd Karl Fredrickson (Speedway Illustrated)
Personality Profile: 1st Carol Houssock (Speedway Illustrated), 2nd Mike Adaskaveg (Outsidegroove.com), 3rd Bobby Chalmers (Race Pro Weekly)
Race Report: 1st Scott Walsh (Scranton Times-Tribune), 2nd Nick Graziano (Worldofoutlaws.com), 3rd Ron Hedger (Speedsport.com)
News: 1st Scott Walsh (Scranton Times-Tribune), 2nd Mike Adaskaveg (Outsidegroove.com), 3rd Len Sammons (Area Auto Racing News)

2023 Brice’s NAPA Auto Photography Contest
Action: 1st Brent Smith, 2nd Harry Meeks, 3rd Brent Smith, honorable mention Tommy Lane, Jack Kromer
Action Sequence: 1st Duane Canfield, 2nd Jim Smith, 3rd Harry Meeks, honorable mention Debbie Gastelu
Crash Action: 1st Bobby Chalmers, 2nd Todd Dziadosz, 3rd Peter MacDonald, honorable mention Evan Canfield, Bob Yurko
Feature: 1st Jack Kromer, 2nd Bob Yurko, 3rd Walt Smith, honorable mention Tommy Lane, Duane Canfield
Picture Story: 1st Bob Yurko, 2nd Erika Bye, 3rd Paul Arch, honorable mention Paul Arch (2)
Portrait & Personality: 1st Jack Kromer, 2nd Bob Yurko, 3rd Matt Butcosk, honorable mention Duane Canfield, Brent Smith, Matt Butcosk
Pure Art: 1st Duane Canfield, 2nd Matt Butcosk, 3rd Brent Smith, honorable mention Debbie Gastelu, Walt Smith, Kristen Cocca
Unpublished Color: 1st Brent Smith, 2nd Todd Dziadosz, 3rd Brent Smith, honorable mention Micah Adams, Todd Dziadosz, Jeremy Zarfus
Portfolio: Brent Smith
Best of Show: Brent Smith

EMPA Hall of Fame: Ted Christopher, Brett Hearn, Ron Hedger, George Kent, Ace Lane, Jr., Billy Pauch, Sr.
Junie Dunlevy Spirit of the Sport: Red Farmer
Janice Brice photo award: Matt Butcosk
John Blewett III Young Gun, Presented by New England Race Fuels: Austin Beers
Jerry Reigle Outstanding Contribution to Sprint Car Racing: Allan Holland 
Richie Evans Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year: Matt Hirschman
Richie Evans Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year: Matt Sheppard         
Al Holbert National Dirt Driver of the Year: Ricky Thornton Jr.
Al Holbert National Asphalt Driver of the Year; Ryan Blaney
Chris Economaki Newsmaker of the Year: High Limit Sprint Car Series
Ace Lane, Sr. Photographer of the Year: Evan Canfield                                              
Jim Hunter Writer of the Year: Bruce Bennett
President’s Award: Rich Corbett

1/10/24

1/8/24

1/4/24

Greetings all,

We’re just one week away from the convention and everything is really coming together nicely.

As a matter of fact, we have our best attendance numbers in some time, and we’re not taking any more requests at this time.

Friday night is jam packed, Saturday morning will have a bit of a new look to the press conferences, the photo contest is going to have some amazing entries, and the awards dinner is shaping up to be a great and memorable affair.

We’re very much looking forward to seeing you all, and we’ll have the complete weekend itinerary out following this weekend.

Peace, out

Dino