October 25, 2003; Plover, WI - Golden Sands Speedway hosted its annual Driver’s Banquet at the Ridges Golf Course. Four divisions where present to receive the trophies and awards.

Photo Highlights

Charlie "The Godfather" Schwock (center) retired from racing after 33 years of competition.  Presenting honors were track promoter Craig Bassuener (right) and operations manager Amy Kolo (left). The best of the 2003 Late Models drivers gathered for a group photo.. The top 2003 Super Stock performers gathered for a picture. The 2003 Pure Stock division earned accolades at the banquet. The top 4 cylinder drivers were present for their group photo. The 2-Man Cruiser class also received accolades at the banquet.

A special award went out to Super Late Model Driver, Charlie Schwock, as being the first inductee into the Golden Sands Speedway Hall of Fame. Charlie, nicknamed “The Godfather”, retired at the end of the 2003-racing season, after 33 years of racing. His favorite part of racing has always been the fans and his fellow competitors. Every year he and his wife, Donna gave a way a color TV to the fans during Fan Appreciation Night. We will all miss Charlie and Donna and hope to still see them every race night as spectators.

The 2003 Congeniality award went out to Super Stock driver, Dave Neitzke. Dave was always in an upbeat mood, very friendly and sociable. He got along with everyone in the pits.

The Super Late Model division had some great racing throughout the year. Mark Eswein took his fourth Championship at Golden Sands Speedway. The points race was pretty tight in a lot of the places. Joel Schulz claimed the Rookie of the Year title. Best Looking Car went out to #27 Patrick Williams. Patrick had a rough start totally his first car out, but always kept his cars clean and spiffy.

The Super Stock division raced like there was no tomorrow. They always put on an edge-of-your-seat show. Shawn Stelzer took his first Golden Sands Speedway Championship home, after a heated battle last year with Tim Hintz, which continued into this season also. Tim had some car problems in the beginning of the season, but raced hard and took the second position. Jason Blenker claimed the Rookie of the Year title. #80 Tim Plowman was awarded the Best Looking Car.

The Pure Stocks and the 4-Cylinders shared the season pretty much half and half. A new kid on the block, Bert Soyka, took the Pure Stock Championship and the Best Looking Car Award. Another new racer, racing in the 4-cylinder division, Adam Krzykowski took the 4-Cylinder Championship title home. #43 Torey Nitzsche was awarded the Best Looking Car Award.

The Cruiser division delighted the fans all year long, with great car counts and some great racing. Some of the newer drivers were pretty funny to watch. Jeremy Wisinski and Josh Szymkowiak clocked in the 2003 Championship by seven points.

The 2004 season starts off with practice April 17th and 18th. The first official race will be Friday, April 23rd. Keep checking our website for the latest details at www.goldensandsspeedway.com