Garden Island Racing Association closed its year by saying goodbye to president Bill Turk and awarding the top racer awards at its recent awards banquet. Kerri Villa, the GIRA information officer, said Turk served as president of the GIRA for
Garden Island Racing Association closed its year by saying goodbye to president Bill Turk and awarding the top racer awards at its recent awards banquet.
Kerri Villa, the GIRA information officer, said Turk served as president of the GIRA for the past six years, and the GIRA board was truly appreciative of his efforts during his tenure.
“Members of the board joined the president on stage and echoed his gratitude to the many faithful, committed volunteers who helped throughout the season,” Villa said. “Those chores included technical areas like training for the computer system, setting up and breaking down lights and electrical tasks, to the more humble jobs involving track cleaning and maintenance, as well as the numerous other jobs necessary to run a successful track.”
A general membership meeting will be held on Jan. 8 at the Kaua‘i Community College Automotive Classroom starting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the upcoming season which begins with racing in March.
Todd Canavan and David Hudcovic finished the GIRA year tied on points with 625 apiece to top the Bike ET class. Their trophies were presented by Turk and GIRA vice president Bobby Barros in the congratulatory presentations.
Dennis Stoner finished third in the division, just five points ahead of fourth-place finisher Steve Lewis. The riders tallied 485 and 480 points, respectively.
Top Gun honors went to Calvin Costa, whose point total of 595 was just 20 points better than second-place finisher Kevin Sakamoto’s 575 points. Third place went to Wayne Costa (435 points) and Rudy Ramos (405 points) rounded out the leader board of that division.
Marc Perales dominated the Pro ET class, finishing the year with 690 points. He was followed by Dave Onodera (490 points), Barros (355 points) and Gilbert Barretto (340 points).
The race for Muscle V8 was even closer, as Shandon Takayama edged Sheldon Costa for top honors by just 10 points, Takayama tallying 715 points to Costa’s 705 points. Jon Nakamura (540 points) and Steve Nakamura (440 points) rounded out that division’s leaders.
Elena Kealoha’s VW bug missed the top slot in the Sport Compact class by a mere 5 points as Robert Wheelock Jr. topped that class with 615 points to Kealoha’s 610 points. Ricky Uemura (525 points) and Thaddeus Tumbaga (460 points) rounded out the division leaders.
Alexis Vasconcelles also closed off a competitive year in the Jr. Dragster ET class by edging out Courtney Brock by 15 points for top honors.
Vasconcelles picked up the top trophy with 590 points compared to Brock’s 575 points. Third place went to Klifton Gomes (540 points) followed by Donaven Gomes Jr. (465 points).
Derreck Brock topped the Street ET class with a year-end total of 700 points, edging out Matt Torry (655 points), Kela Corbin (565 points) and Byron Ponte (525 points).
Villa said all the top points winners of each class received a cash prize or paid registration and membership along with a plaque.
“But most importantly, they nailed glory and bragging rights,” Villa said.
For more information on the GIRA, visit its Web site at www.dragrace-kauai.com for the latest updated information, or call 652-0091.
