2012 Championship Banquet

Bakersfield, CA – Saturday afternoon the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series Championship Awards Banquet took place at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, where the series top performers of 2012 were honored. The top twenty drivers of the 2012 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series were honored on stage, as well as the top ten car owners from the final championship standings. The top ten SRL Legends Tour drivers were also honored on stage, including the presentation of the 2012 SRL Legends Championship Trophy to Darren Amidon.

The final award of the night was presented to the 2012 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series champion and team, as Derek Thorn took the stage to accept the 2012 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series Championship Cup.  He was joined on stage by his Campbell Motorsports team, lead by crew chief Mike Keen.

Prior to Thorn stepping onto the Crystal Palace stage, other well-deserved accolades were handed out, including the trophy and new chassis presented to the 2012 Victory Circle Rookie-of-the-Year, Jeff Oleen.

Three special annual awards were presented on Saturday; the “Bob Elliff Award”, the “Jeff Anthony – Spirit of 76 Award” and the annual “Perseverance Award”.

The “Bob Elliff Award” went to MRO Chaplain – Norm Griffith.

The “Jeff Anthony – Spirit of 76 Award” was presented to Motor City Buick-GMC’s John Pitre.

The “Perseverance Award”, went to Zane Lovelace.