Morris, IL (11/17/07) The Jennifer’s Garden, Chicagoland’s premier banquet facility, was the setting for the 16th Annual Illini Racing Series Awards Banquet, which saw the Critchett brothers collect the lion’s share of the post season awards for the Illini Midget Division.

Loran Critchett, Jr., the 2001 driving champion, was honored as the championship car owner and for his 8th place finish as a driver of the Dave Gass owned #17. Lamont Critchett was crowned the 2007 driving champion, beating Doug Orseske by just 28 points. Lamont also picked up the “Quinn McCabe Full Throttle Award” for his hard charging driving style and dedication to the club. The entire Critchett team was presented the “Bob Lockard Mechanic Excellence Award” for their work keeping the #44 car at the front all season, on pavement and dirt.

Wisconsin driver Dan George was named the “Bob Higman Rookie of the Year”, took home the 4th place hardware, and his 82nd Airborne tribute car was honored as “Best Appearing Car”.

Jason Dull received the “Determination Award” for his efforts running the same car in two classes, at two tracks, winning a heat and a feature at Angell Park.

The “Bob Meyers Perseverance Award” would have been presented to late model stock car driver Scott Koerner, but he had to leave after collecting his 5th place open wheel awards, so he could attend the stock car banquet down the road.

The “Most Improved Driver Award” was presented to 7th place driver and car owner Mark Morey, who just finished his second season in a midget.

Doug and Diana Orseske were awarded the “Brett Lovellette Sportsmanship Award” for their many contributions to the club.

Nearly $6000 in cash and prizes was distributed at the banquet, bringing the total for the year to over $30,000.