FASTRAK NE's storybook night

It was kind of like a Hollywood script.  One of FASTRAK NE Touring's most prestigious races is the Gary Knollinger Memorial, this year at Sharon Speedway on June 25, topped by a 30 lap, $2,000 to win feature.  Knollinger was a tough FASTRAK competitor who loved the series and was the epitome of sportsmanship and professionalism.  When Knollinger lost his life the result of a traffic accident in December, 2010, the loss was felt across the racing community. 

Such was Knollinger's impact and persona a force at FASTRAK NE, a special award was instituted to be given at thier annual Award Banquets, the Gary Knollinger Memorial Golden Award.  Recipient of the innaugural award was Joe Martin, a competitor who mirrors Knollinger's qualities.  No matter the situation, Martin's low key demeanor and integrity are front and center.  Martin said the award meant more to him than any other award he had received. 

The 2012 season had been anything but kind to Martin entering Sharon's Memorial race, having only one top five Touring finish out of seven events, an unusual state of affairs for the driver of the black and yellow Wylie Chassis #55.  Things were to change for him on this special night, as he promptly dominated his qualifying heat, then proceeded to a flag to flag win in the feature.  After a side by side duel with Andrew Satterlee in the early going, Martin regrouped and cruised to a convincing win, being met in victory lane by Gary Knollinger's parents, Gary Sr. and Bev. 

As if that wasn't enough, Knollinger's longtime friend and fellow competitor, Joel Prosser showed up at Sharon with a special paint job on his #77.  The right side was emblazened with the look and number - 38K - of his friend Gary's racer.  Prosser led the four-wide salute at the start of the feature.  Prosser's night, however, looked dim as he failed to qualify for the main event.  Things turned around though, as Prosser went on to win the Non-Qualifiers feature, and over some stout competition including a couple of New Jersey front runners.
Prosser met Gary's parents in victory lane, in what was another emotional moment at the track that evening.

The starting line-up for the FASTRAK NE Gary Knolinger Memorial at Sharon Speedway

Joe Martin holding the special Gary Knollinger Memorial trophy following his FASTRAK NE Touring win at Sharon Speedway

Joel Prosser celebrates his Non-Qualifier Feature win in style at the FASTRAK NE Gary Knollinger Memorial at Sharon, as FASTRAK NE/Sharon flagman Todd Beichner looks on approvingly.  Prosser's graphics on his racer pay tribute to his friend's #38K.

Joining Joel Prosser in victory lane following his Gary Knollinger Memorial NQ feature win are Gary's parents, Bev and Gary Sr.