On the heels of what has been their most successful ever seasons to date in their driving careers, 2 Central Illinois drivers shared the honors of MIDWEST SPEED, INC. Driver of the Year as announced recently at the 6th Annual Midwest Speed Expo.

Justin Allgaier of Riverton, Illinois, whose family owned team claimed the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Championship for 2008 by winning the most races on the schedule and Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Illinois who claimed the 2008 United Midwestern Promoters (U.M.P.) National Modified Division Championship were named DRIVER of the YEAR and both received 5′ trophies and a check for $500 as Show Coordinator Terry Young announced the winners of the award which is to be given annually in memory of his mother who passed away in 2007 after a battle with lung cancer.

Terry Young Midwest Speed, Inc, Jeff Leka and Roger Chandler, President of Marine Bank and sponsor of the Driver of the Year Award - Erik Grigsby Photo

The duo join Dennis Erb of Carpentersville, IL. who was the inner of the inaugural award in 2008.

Show coordinator Young stated that it was a tough year to try to choose a winner of the award with Erb bettering his 2008 season and obviously deserving of consideration again, additionally an outstanding effort was put forth by Springfield native Tim Wilkerson who finished in the runner up spot in the NHRA Funny Car division. “There are always so many people who deserve an award like this and deciding a winner is always tough, we try our best to give the award to someone deserving and I feel both of these young men exemplify hard work, family participation and a dedication to the sport”.

Terry Young Midwest Speed, Inc, Justin Allgaier and Roger Chandler, President of Marine Bank and sponsor of the Driver of the Year Award - Erik Grigsby Photo

The award is given annually in conjunction with the MIDWEST SPEED EXPO racers Swap Meet and Trade Show held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the Richard Orr Building.

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver JUSTIN ALLGAIER headlines the CHAMPIONS to appear at the 6th Annual MIDWEST SPEED EXPO Racers Trade Show and Swap Meet

Midwest Speed, Inc. announced today that NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver and 2008 Automobile Racing Club of America National Champion Justin Allgaier will appear at the 6th Annual MIDWEST SPEED EXPO Racers Trade Show and Swap Meet to be held on January 10-11, 2009 in Springfield, Illinois at the ORR Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Allgaier at Daytona 2008

Midwest Speed, Inc. announced today that AMANDA OLSON, 2006 / 2007 NOPI Nationals Swimsuit Champion will appear at the 6th Annual MIDWEST SPEED EXPO Racers Trade Show and Swap Meet to be held on January 10-11, 2009 in Springfield, Illinois at the ORR Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Amanda Olson to appear at Midwest Speed

FEDEx Ground and GOTTA RACE Apparel have signed on as the presenting sponsors of the 6th Annual MIDWEST SPEED EXPO Racers Trade Show and Swap Meet to be held on January 10-11, 2009 in Springfield, Illinois at the ORR Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Information on FEDEx Ground services and GOTTA RACE can be obtained by pointing your web browser to www.fedex.com and www.gottarace.com respectively. Or you can visit ww.midwestspeed.net and use the links on our homepage.

FedEx Ground announced as a presenting sponsor of the Midwest Speed Expo

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The 6th Annual MIDWEST SPEED EXPO Racers Trade Show and Swap Meet is scheduled to be held on January 10-11, 2009 in Springfield, Illinois at the ORR Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Once again, the “U.M.P.” United Midwestern Promoters annual awards banquet will also be held in Springfield, Illinois on the evening of January 10 at the beautiful CROWNE PLAZA.

Home to the Expo: Illinois State Fairgrounds Orr Building

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