Eastern Motorsport Press Association Inducts Racing Legends at 52nd Annual Convention
The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) celebrated its 52nd annual convention at the Holiday Inn East Mountain in Wilkes-Barre, PA, highlighting excellence across motorsports disciplines.
Trophy presentation on dirt track stage
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony welcomed six new members: dirt racers Alan Johnson and Jimmy Horton III, NHRA legend Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme, asphalt champion Steve Park, sprint car icon Sammy Swindell, and acclaimed writer Bones Bourcier.
Champions Night, sponsored by The Wire Guys, featured presentations from notable drivers including Zane Zeiner, Jeff Strunk, Ken Duke, Jr., and others who shared their experiences and insights.
Speaker at podium
Paul Page, the voice of the Indy 500, delivered the keynote address, sharing valuable industry insights alongside Hall of Fame inductee Bones Bourcier in a panel discussion focused on journalistic integrity and audience trust.
Major awards included:
- National Driver of the Year: Kyle Larson (Asphalt) and David Gravel (Dirt)
- Northeast Driver of the Year: Justin Bonsignore (Asphalt) and Mat Williamson (Dirt)
- Chris Economaki Newsmaker of the Year: Dave Blaney
- Jim Hunter Writer of the Year: Ted Schmidt and Keith Waltz (tie)
- Photographer of the Year: Rich Corbett and Tommy Lane (tie)
The writing competition recognized excellence across multiple categories, with Thomas Pope, Dan Anderson, and Scott Walsh among the top winners. The photography contest showcased outstanding work by Dave Dellinger, Pete McDonald, and others across various categories.
Dover Motor Speedway received the Ernie and Marilyn Saxton Service to EMPA award for their continued support of motorsports journalism.
The 53rd convention will return to the same location, continuing EMPA's tradition of celebrating motorsports excellence and professional journalism.
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