Published: October 15, 2006 10:51 pm         

Track champions crowned

The last checkered flag has officially waved on the final points race of the season at Enid Motor Speedway. More than 10,000 laps were raced on the local oval, but only six stock car competitors could emerge victorious as 2006 track champions.

Enid’s Jim Ciampi wrapped up the first championship of his racing career in the track’s premier modified division. Ciampi has raced for almost a decade, but this is the first time he seriously chased points in pursuit of a track championship.

“It was fun,’’ said Ciampi. “The hard part was racing so differently. We had to concentrate on finishing races, being consistent, and the points chase kept us at home. This was definitely a group effort. I appreciate everybody’s effort and time.’’

Ciampi pilots the No. 0 car, which sports a Hoffman chassis and is powered by engines built by Dunsworth Machine and BMS Racing Engines. Big O Tires and Mike Hoffman Photography sponsor the team. Crew members include Brandon Rhodes, Justin Patocka, Paula Ciampi and Richard Patocka.

Ciampi said he plans to continue his pursuit of the checkered flag next season.

Sixty-three year-old racing veteran Bill Beebe captured the 13th championship of his career in the street stock division. He has been a strong contender on the Garfield County Fairgrounds high banks for more than three decades.

“It feels good,’’ said Beebe. “It would have felt better if I had won a lot of A features this season. It is tough to race for a championship and win races.’’

Beebe said the key to his success is finishing in the top five every night. He said to win a championship. you have to race with caution. He wrapped up the first half and overall points chase in his metric car. BB Machine sponsors the No. 17 car. Darryl Beebe, A.J. Brochu, Joey Brochu and Steve Hoage comprise his pit crew. A motor built at BB Machine powered the championship ride.

“I’m done racing for points,’’ said Beebe. “Next year. I’m going to race for fun, I have a lot of racing left in me and won’t retire until I get old.’’

Scott Parli wrapped up the points chase in economy modified in the division’s‚ inaugural season at the Garfield County Fairgrounds track. It was the second championship of his racing career.

Parli piloted the No. 97P CRC chassis to two feature wins and was a picture of reliability every race night with numerous top five finishes.

“Our key to success was consistency and showing up every week,’’ said Parli. “We were lucky we won a few and didn’t break down.’’

Parli’s ride is powered by the motor that came with the car he purchased from John Coppack. His son, Ryan Parli; son-in-law, Anthony Witter; and David Givens comprised the pit crew.

Parli captured the championship without the support of any sponsorship. He took pleasure in his successful run and plans to continue his pursuit of the checkered flag next season.

“I really enjoy the economy modifieds and hope this class really takes off,’’ said Parli. “It is an economical class to run and a lot of fun.’’

Though he came out with the goal of having fun this season, lady luck was on Ross McCartney’s side as he won the factory stock division for the first championship of his career. He’s been racing since 2000.

“I didn’t start out running for points, but I put myself in a position to win the championship by racing consistently this season,’’ he said.

McCartney’s No. 42 car is a 1976 Chevelle built by Jerry Derr and is powered by a 358 Chevy motor built by Willis Adams.

Pit crew members include McCartney’s father, Ross; Calvin Bradford, Eddie McCartney, Nathan McCartney, Joe Kile, Colby Collins and Mike Green.

Johnny “The Rocket’’ Rauschenberg put his No. 21 Mustang in the winner’s circle 16 out of 24 race nights this season, snaring the overall, first half and second half championships in the mini stock division. He had won the 2005 title with 15 A feature wins.

These statistics easily put Rauschenberg down in the track record book as one of the most dominate drivers in the history of Enid Motor Speedway.

“I’m having fun in mini stocks and as long as there is a mini stock class at Enid Motor Speedway Johnny Rauschenberg will out there in the No. 21,’’ he said.

Sponsors include Dunsworth Machine, Dusty’s Graphics Mike Hoffman Photography, Sundown Services, Fairview Auto Salvage, 104.7, the Rocket; Speed Tech Automotive and Chris’ Custom Cabinets.

Darrol and Melissa Bonniksen, Dustin Schoonover and his sisters-in-laws, Tiffany and Stacy, were his pit crew.

Perseverance paid off for Dustin McNamara as he captured the first championship of his career in the pure stock class.

He dominated the division, winning the first half and overall championships with 10 feature wins.

McNamara attributes his accomplishment to hard work and being prepared for each and every race night.

“I worked hard to keep this car fast,’’ said McNamara. “Patience and hard work were the keys in winning this championship.’’

McNamara Auto Plaza, J & M Racing, Jordan Lawn Care and Harris Tire and Furniture sponsor the No. 3DJ car. Travis Jordan heads up the winning team as crew chief with Terry Jordan building the engines.

Second half champions are rookie A.J. Brochu, modified; Kenny Morris, street stock; Parli, economy modified; Dustin Choate, factory stock; Rauschenberg, mini stock and Duane Head, pure stock.