By Greg Anderson

Hibbing, MN- Following an award winning season can be difficult as expectations increase but by all measures, Hibbing Raceway was able build off 2008 for a stellar 2009 racing season. It all culminated with the annual awards banquet at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino. Long time track announcer Freddy Frand recapped some of the individual accomplishments followed by award presentations from IRRA president Bill Engelstad. As was the case in 2008, Hibbing Raceway was one of the car count leaders in each of their WISSOTA sanction classes for the entire region.

To close out the evening, all four track champions were brought to the stage to receive their trophies, jackets, and all other accolades that accompany being a track champion. After making history by becoming the first ever female track champion in 2008, Lerae Ralidak of Meadowlands followed it up by capturing her second straight Pure Stock track title. Jay Kintner of Hibbing was rewarded with a strong and consistent season with a track championship in the WISSOTA Super Stocks. The same could be said for veteran Parkville racer Brad Hanson as he topped a host of strong WISSOTA Modified contingent over the course of the season. Young Late Model driver Kyle Peterlin of Hibbing raced to his first career track title in the Late Model division after moving from the Super Stocks just 2 seasons prior.

Following the annual banquet in a recent IRRA meeting, association members turned out in large record numbers to show their support or disapproval for adding an additional class to the program. By a vote of 30-17, voting members carried the motion to add WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds to the regular Saturday program as a 5th class. The booming class has seen rapid growth in it's short existence after being introduced as a more affordable open wheel class to the higher powered WISSOTA Modifieds. Hibbing Raceway has hosted the Midwest Modifieds on two occasions during past special events and topped the 25 car mark both times. Concerns over program length are being addressed as Hibbing Raceway recognizes their positive relationship with the community and is looking to uphold and strengthen it.

The Midwest Modifieds will not be the only significant change for 2010 at Hibbing Raceway. Following the season ending Labor Day Shootout, track officials went to work and added over 1200 yards of new clay to the racing surface; which widened the back straight-away by 12 feet. The move should make for a safer racing experience for competitors in addition to opening up new passing opportunities that didn't exist with the previous and infamous back-stretch dropoff.

Hibbing Raceway would like to wish you and your families happy holidays and look forward to seeing you for what will be an exciting and action packed 2010 racing season! For information on future announcements including the 2010 schedule, check out www.hibbingraceway.com