1/30/26

EMPA Newsletter - January 2026

1/19/26

(Wilkes-Barre, PA)      Fifty-three looks good on the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA), as the professional organization wrapped up another successful convention. For the 53rd time, EMPA members, award winners and guests met to honor excellence in motorsports. This year’s convention took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Friday night EMPA honored champions from the recently completed racing season. Eight drivers, along with a ninth who announced an advancement in her career, recapped their seasons and spoke of things to come in 2026. EMPA thanks Steve Shultz, Aiden Grover, Tyler Truex, Ken Duke, Jr., Trevor Gach, Zach Sobotka, Austin Beers and Sarabeth Mesko for their participation on Friday evening that kicked off the convention.
Saturday morning traditionally divides members into two rooms. Photographers view their contest to hear comments about their entries from independent judges, while writers and broadcasters attend workshops relevant to their work. Len Sammons from Area Auto Racing News and the Scranton Times-Tribune’s Scott Walsh facilitated the opening session dealing with sending copy to news outlets. Walsh and Karl Fredrickson, EMPA’s Vice President and Publisher of Speedway Illustrated Magazine, then spoke about ethics in the media. Much of their discussion related to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists: seek the truth and report it, be independent, minimize harm, and be accountable. EMPA board member and owner of DirtTrackDigest.com Mike Mallett, and BAPS Speedway’s Promoter Kolten Gouse then spoke about what promoters expect from the media. Both groups need each other for the health and continuance of the sport.
Scott Woodruff and Doug Foley, representatives of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) explained the recent explosion of activity in the sanctioning body by new owner Darryl Cuttell. He purchased IHRA and several tracks as an investment in the sport for the future, and to provide a safe place for families. Their new Stock Car Series is geared to local racers, keeping costs down for them, and providing payouts more rewarding of their work.
Rex Merritt, recipient of this year’s EMPA/Junie Dunlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport Award, provided some inspirational messages that guided his remarkable contributions as a driver and innovator in the mid-west.
Dave “The Godfather” Moody, longtime announcer/protégé of the late Ken Squier lead turn announcer for the Motor Racing Network and host of XM Speedway on Sirius Radio (channel 90), engaged the audience with a blend of the serious work of an announcer along with some lighter moments he’s experienced. He also drove home the importance of being right rather than being first in sharing news, regardless of the format.
In the afternoon Moody, Mike Warren from the Super DIRTcar Series, and veteran announcer Barry Angstadt participated in EMPA’s first-ever announcer roundtable. Moderated by EMPA’s Secretary and longtime announcer Carol Houssock, the panelists addressed many aspects of the job. These included preparation, delivery, equipment failures, working solo or with a partner, and overall advice to those new to the microphone, among other topics.
The evening Hall of Fame and Awards banquet highlighted the day for attendees. EMPA’s Hall of Fame now includes six new names. Frank Cozzen, Jan Leaty and the family of the late Rick Ferkel were on hand to accept those honors. Kenny Bernstein, Paul Page and Steve Smith, Jr. could not attend but sent messages of thanks. Racers Austin Beers and Alex Payne accepted awards for excellence in the 2025 season, while Kyle Larson and Anthony Macri were unable to attend.
EMPA members were also recognized for their professional work in motorsports. Several members won cash prizes for creativity either behind a keyboard or a camera. The organization is indebted to Pocono Raceway and Bill Brice for sponsoring the writers and photographers contest for professional members.
Halmar/Friesen Racing won the Chris Economaki Memorial Newsmaker award, Rex Merritt won the Junie Donlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport award, and BAPS Speedway Promoter Kolten Gouse picked up a pair of awards: the EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year and the Jerry Riegle Contribution to Sprint Car Racing award presented by World Racing Group.  Finally, by membership vote, Ken Bruce is the Jim Hunter Memorial Writer of the Year and Walt Smith is the Ace Lane, Sr. Memorial Photographer of the Year. Winners of the latter two awards are revealed at the event, and both winners were overcome with emotion and thanked the organization and its members for the recognition.
All of the organization’s award winners are listed below.
“We had an amazing convention, and I can’t say enough about how great the whole weekend went. I wish to thank everyone who had a hand in making our 53rd annual EMPA Convention one of the best yet, from our sponsors, guest speakers, especially Dave Moody and Rex Merritt, and to each and every member and guest who attended,” said EMPA president Dino Oberto.
Based on the number of attendees at the seminars, the banquet, and from feedback over the weekend, those who were there for any part of it said the convention met or exceeded their expectations.
Work on the 54th convention commenced on Sunday morning, with members offering suggestions and comments to make what was great even better next year. Information on EMPA is available on www.empamedia.com.
“Congratulations to all the deserving award winners and Hall of Fame inductees. I am very proud of what this organization stands for and represents in motorsports media.”

2025 EMPA/Pocono Raceway Writer’s Contest
Feature: 1st Linda Mansfield (Groundskeeping is a Huge Undertaking”, speedsport.com); 2nd Steve Barrick (“A Baby Boom”, AARN); 3rd Carol Houssock (“Cleanup Crews Play a Major Role at Race Tracks”, Speedway Illustrated)
Column
1st Ron Hedger (“The Excitement is Still There”, speedsport.com); 2nd Bruce Bennett (“Racing is Weird”, Speedway Illustrated; 3rd Scott Walsh (“Pocono Win Validates Briscoe’s Hiring at JGR”, Scranton Times-Tribune
Personality Profile
1st Thomas Pope (“Never Too Old”, Speedway Illustrated); 2nd Earl Krause (“Photographer Scott Racz”, AARN); 3rd Bruce Bennett (“The Legend of Russ Meyer”, Speedway Illustrated)
Race Report
1st Scott Walsh (“Zilsch Grabs Win With Help From Dale Jr.”, Scranton Times-Tribune; 2nd Len Sammons (“Selinsgrove Mayhem”, AARN; 3rd Dino Oberto (“Worth the Trip: Flud Claims Big Payday”, Bloomsburg Press Enterprise)
News
1st Jeremy Elliott (“Emotional Moment: Brad Sweet Walks Away”, SprintCarUnlimited.com); 2nd Steve Barrick (“Gil Tegg Jr. Contemplates Future”, AARN; 3rd Mallory Kutz (“Jennifer Flanagan Kutz: A Ten Year Legacy”, AARN

EMPA/Bill Brice Photography Contest:
Action: 1st Brent Smith (Sprint Car Unlimited), 2nd Matt Butcosk (3 Wide Picture Vault), 3rd Brent Smith (Dirt Track Digest), Honorable Mention Jim Smith, Harry Meeks
Action Sequence: 1st Todd Dziadosz (3 Wide Picture Vault), 2nd Debbie Gastelu (Speedway Illustrated), 3rd Debbie Gastelu (Speedway Illustrate), Honorable Mention Harry Meeks
Crash Action: 1st Todd Dziadosz (AARN), Jim Smith (3 Wide Picture Vault), Harry Meeks (AARN), Honorable Mention Jim Smith, Duane Canfield, Kristen Cocca
Feature: Pete MacDonald (AARN), Todd Dziadosz (Competition Plus), Matt Butcosk (3 Wide Picture Vault), Honorable Mention Pete MacDonald, Duane Canfield, Matt Butcosk, Debbie Gastelu, Walt Smith
Picture Story: Bob Yurko (3 Wide Picture Vault), Pete MacDonald (AARN), Erika Bye (AARN), Honorable Mention Debbie Gastelu
Portrait & Personality: Jack Kromer (3 Wide Picture Vault), Harry Meeks (AARN), Duane Canfield (Race of Champions), Honorable Mention Debbie Gastelu, Jack Kromer, Pete MacDonald, Matt Butcosk (2)
Picture Art: Todd Dziadosz, Erika Bye, Christine Johnson, Honorable Mention Walt Smith, Kristen Cocca, Christine Johnson (2)
Unpublished Color: Brent Smith, Christine Johnson, Todd Dziadosz, Honorable Mention Erika Bye, Christine Johnson
Portfolio: Brent Smith
Best of Show: Jack Kromer
Mary and Howie Hodge Award: Pete MacDonald
Janice Brice Memorial Award: Kristen Cocca

EMPA Hall of Fame: Kenny Bernstein, Frank Cozze, Rick Ferkel, Jan Leaty, Paul Page, Steve Smith, Jr.
EMPA Al Holbert National Driver of the Year: Kyle Larson
EMPA John Blewett III Young Gun presented by New England Race Fuel: Alex Payne
EMPA Richie Evans Memorial NE Asphalt Driver of the Year: Austin Beers
EMPA Richie Evans Memorial NE Dirt Driver of the Year: Anthony Macri
EMPA Chris Economaki Memorial Newsmaker of the Year: Halmar/Friesen Racing
EMPA Junie Donlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport: Rex Merritt
EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year: Kolten Gouse (BAPS Motor Speedway)
Jerry Riegle Contribution to Sprint Car Racing presented by World Racing Group: Kolten Gouse
EMPA Jim Hunter Memorial Writer of the Year: Ken Bruce
EMPA Ace Lane, Sr. Memorial Photographer of the Year: Walt Smith

1/11/26

Greetings all,

We are less than a week away from the convention, and it’s looking good!

All systems are GO! We’re looking forward to a great weekend!

I've attached two tentative itineraries - one is Friday’s driver line-up for our Wire Guys Salute to the Champions, and the other is the Friday/Saturday/Sunday schedule. As always, these are subject to minor changes. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you all, and it's looking like EMPA will have most of the hotel to ourselves.

Peace, out

Dino

1/7/26

1/6/26

Good afternoon all,

I am sending out this hotel update.

As of today, the hotel is now a Double Tree.

They have gone through an extensive remodeling, and it looks great!

Everything is still the same for us and there are rooms available to EMPA (just be sure to mention EMPA). Phone number, address - everything else is the same.

Here is the new link:

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/avpbadt-doubletree-wilkes-barre/

We’ll be sending out our agenda very soon.

Peace, out

Dino

12/24/25

Greetings to one and all,

From Justine and I to you and yours we would like to express our sincere wishes for a wonderful Christmas.

I am very grateful to serve such an amazing organization and work alongside a committed and hard-working Board of Directors…Vice President Karl Fredrickson, Jeff Gromis, Carol Houssock and Mike Mallett.

EMPA remains strong because of each and every member.

We hope you are all enjoying a great holiday and we look forward to seeing everyone at the convention!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Peace, out

Dino

12/23/25

Eastern Motorsport Press Association extends welcome to others to be part of Saturday workshop sessions at annual convention 

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 12-23-25) The 53rd Annual Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) convention will be taking place the weekend of January 16-18, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Many of the organization’s associates will be taking part in workshops on Saturday that are all aimed towards learning opportunities in an effort to educate and bring a better awareness and understanding in today’s world of motorsports media relations.

As a gesture to others who are not members but would like to sit in and be part of the informative talks, EMPA president Dino Oberto is sending out an open invite to promoters, announcers, PR persons, podcasters and others involved in motorsports media to come join them.

“For this year’s convention we have lined up some very good speakers who will be talking about different aspects of what we in the motorsports media need to know about today’s changing landscape of how things should and shouldn’t be done,” said Oberto.

“And we also want to share with those who may not know what EMPA is all about and we feel this will be a great opportunity to get more people involved with the organization.”

Topics on sending press releases, ethics, the media collaborating with promoters and race track announcers will all be part of the agenda. A photographer workshop session will be held as well.

One of the most respected and recognizable voices in motorsports, Dave Moody, is this year’s keynote speaker. Moody will also serve on a panel that will be a discussion on race track announcers and includes Mike Warren from the Super DIRTcar Series and one of the area’s premier short track race-callers Barry Angstadt.

Rex Merritt, recipient of the 2025 EMPA/Junie Donlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport Award and acknowledged as one of the nation’s leading IMCA Modified racers, will deliver remarks on his 40 years of experience in the sport.

“EMPA continues to be a strong and viable organization of professional media members, and our annual convention brings us all together in one setting to not only learn but also enjoy a great weekend among our peers,” added Oberto.

“Saturday will be a gratifying day of learning for not just our members but those who attend as guests, however, there is a limited number of availabilities for those who do wish to join us, so it is highly advised that they contact me as soon as possible to register.”

Oberto can be reached at 570-401-8168 or email at dlmo@ptd.net.

The annual three-day convention begins with a Friday evening Salute to the Champions presented by The Wire Guys of Hazle Township, and an evening of membership socializing. A select group of local and regional driving titlists will be on hand to network with the press. Saturday will consist of press conferences, workshops and a few award presentations.

Also taking place on Saturday is the EMPA/Brice’s Photo Contest.

The Dover Motor Speedway sponsored luncheon takes place at noon. The weekend culminates with the formal Hall of Fame and awards ceremony later that evening.

EMPA's mission is to recognize excellence in motorsports, enhance motorsports reporting through collaboration between experienced and new media members, and promote positive relationships among race tracks, sanctioning bodies, and the motorsports media.

Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members. Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Bill Brice, Wanick Construction, New England Race Fuels, Evergreen Raceway, Grandview Speedway, Big Diamond Speedway, Elite Custom Awards, Speedway Illustrated, World Racing Group, Himmer Graphics, Snyder Web Design, who are among the supporters of the organization.

Additional information can be found at: https://empamedia.com/

12/23/25

As a gesture to others who are not members but would like to sit in and be part of the informative talks, EMPA president Dino Oberto is sending out an open invite to promoters, announcers, PR persons, podcasters and others involved in motorsports media to come join them on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

“For this year’s convention we have lined up some very good speakers who will be talking about different aspects of what we in the motorsports media need to know about today’s changing landscape of how things should and shouldn’t be done,” said Oberto.

“And we also want to share with those who may not know what EMPA is all about. We feel this will be a great opportunity to get more people involved with the organization.”

Topics on sending press releases, ethics, the media collaborating with promoters and racetrack announcers will all be part of the agenda. A photographer workshop session will be held as well.

“EMPA continues to be a strong and viable organization of professional media members. Our annual convention brings us all together in one setting to not only learn, but to also enjoy a great weekend among our peers,” added Oberto.

“Saturday will be a gratifying day of learning for not only our members but those who attend as guests. Since there is a limited number of availabilities for those who do wish to join us, it is highly advised that they contact me as soon as possible.”

Registration is required and Oberto can be reached at 570-401-8168, or email him at dlmo@ptd.net.

12/18/25

Greetings all,

Hey folks we’re within a month from the convention and hopefully all who are attending have gotten their hotel room(s).

If not, please call the hotel and make your reservation.

I have been assured that rooms are still available.

I would advise to call the hotel direct for making reservations.

The info is in the link provided.

https://empamedia.com/conventionhotelroom.html

Also please let me know ASAP about attending the weekend so we can have headcounts for the hotel and meals.

https://empamedia.com/2026%20EMPA%20Convention%20Attendance%20Form.pdf

Things are coming together nicely and we’ll have a complete weekend itinerary out soon.

If you have already made your reservation and sent me your convention attendance form, there is no need to reply to this email. If, however, you have questions then feel free to contact me at dlmo@ptd.net. 

Peace, out

Dino

12/4/25

Greetings all

I just want to remind you all that if you are planning on attending the convention to please fill out the convention attendance form and get it back to me ASAP. The form is attached and the link below takes you to it as well.

The deadline for attending is December 31.

We need to get the proper headcounts for the hotel and it is important that you let us know.

Speaking of which, if you did not make your room reservations you need to get that taken care of also.

https://empamedia.com/convention.html

Peace, out

Dino

2026 Convention Attendance Form

12/1/25

Eastern Motorsport Press Association Hall of Fame Inductees and Award Winners Announced…Kenny Bernstein, Frank Cozze, Rick Ferkel, Jan Leaty, Paul Page, and Steve Smith, Jr. to HoF; Austin Beers and Anthony Macri are Northeast Drivers of the Year

(HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 12-1-25) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is proud to announce the class of 2026 entering its prestigious Hall of Fame. This announcement comes in advance of the 53rd EMPA Convention, taking place from January 16-18, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Members of EMPA, professionals in motorsports media, voted to induct those selected for entry into the Hall of Fame. They also voted for winners  of several other awards affiliated with the organization.

The EMPA Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 represent various forms of racing. Kenny Bernstein represents the NHRA. Nicknamed both the “Bud King” and “The King of Speed”, he left his mark as a Funny Car drag racer. The first drag racer to break 300 miles per hour on a standing-start quarter mile dragstrip, Bernstein also owned King Racing, and he fielded cars in both NASCAR and IndyCar over the years. Bernstein was previously inducted into both the NHRA Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Frank Cozze has transcended the decades, beginning in the 1970’s and he is still competitive, capable of winning any race he enters. A winner in dirt Modifieds up and down the east coast, in 2008 he captured the crown jewel when he won at Super Dirt Week at the Syracuse Mile. Cozze promoted special events at Bridgeport Motorsports Park, and he and his family ran Nazareth Speedway through its final year.

The late Rick Ferkel was nicknamed “The Buckeye Traveler” as the Ohio native chased big events and was an early star when the World of Outlaws Sprint series began. One of the winningest Sprint Car drivers (250+ wins), he also spent many years as an official, crew chief for Doug Kalitta’s USCA Sprint Car team, and as a team owner. In the 1970’s, he regularly had 30+ wins, earning a career-high 38 race victories in 1978.

Jan Leaty’s asphalt racing career began in a Street Stock in 1978. He moved to a Late Model and won his first title in 1981. His career rocketed skyward when he jumped up to the Modified division. The Williamson, NY hot shoe won 9 times on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and has 18 wins on the RoC Tour, along with countless wins during weekly action at several tracks. Leaty won the prestigious Race of Champions at Pocono Raceway and had wins at North Wilkesboro, New Hampshire, and Nazareth Speedways. Jan has already been inducted into the Oswego Speedway, FOAR Score Racing Club and Race of Champions Halls of Fame.

“The Voice of the 500”, Paul Page has worldwide recognition, whether on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Radio Network or on ABC-TV broadcasts of the Indy 500. For 25 years he was part of ABC and ESPN coverage of IndyCar, NHRA, NASCAR, the X Games, the Olympics, and even the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. His co-hosting duties with Bobby Unser and Sam Posey, begun in 1988, were both entertaining and popular ‘500” broadcasts. Page returned to the IMS Radio Network in 2014-2015 as the “Voice of the 500” and he then co-hosted the 100th Indianapolis 500 broadcast in 2016.

Steve Smith, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps throughout his 31-year career in Sprint Car racing. He won 222 features, with 84 of them on the WoO Series. His highlights include Port Royal’s Tuscarora 50, Williams Grove’s National Open (3 times), the Grove’s Mitch Smith Memorial (3 times), the ’94 Gold Cup at silver Dollar Speedway, and the ’05 Brad Doty Classic. In 2015 he won the PA Sprint Speedweek title and earned 15 wins there over the years. In 2015 Smith won the Ohio Sprint Speedweek title. Smith was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and now joins his father in the EMPA Hall of Fame.

The EMPA/Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Driver of the Year goes annually to both an asphalt and a dirt racer. By member vote, both of this year’s winners hail from Pennsylvania. For the second consecutive year the asphalt honoree won the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship. Austin Beers, a former EMPA Young Gun award winner, became the youngest Tour champion in their history. On the dirt side Anthony Macri won the PA Speedweek title, and he picked up $200,000 for winning the Kings Royal at Eldora. Those highlight many of his big achievements in 2025.

EMPA’s Al Holbert Memorial National Driver of the Year was left open for members to write in the driver he or she felt had put together the most award-worthy season. Thirteen racers earned votes, but it was Kyle Larson who is receiving this prestigious award for the fourth time.

The 2025 EMPA/John Blewett III Young Gun award, presented by New England Race Fuels, will go home with 20-year-old dirt Modified racer Alex Payne. Payne finished the season with eight wins, 47 top five and 59 top 10 finishes in 77 total starts.

Halmar/Friesen Racing has won the 2025 EMPA/Chris Economaki Memorial Newsmaker of the Year Award. Team co-owner Stewart Friesen had a great season underway until he sustained severe injuries in a vicious racing incident. The team rebounded putting Kayden Honeycutt in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Alex Yankowski in the Modified. Both drivers did their part to end on solid footing while Friesen continued to recover from his injuries.

Rex Merritt is the recipient of the 2025 EMPA/Junie Dunlavey Memorial Spirit of the Sport Award. His career in IMCA Modifieds dates back to what was a new concept in 1979. The winner on both dirt and asphalt hundreds of times, his sweetest win of all came when he won the A-Modified title at Lucas Oil Speedway the same year his granddaughter won the B-Modified crown. His four decades of racing clearly demonstrated his passion for the sport.  

Kolten Gouse from BAPS Motor Speedway will accept a pair of awards. His versatility in racetrack promotions earned him the 2025 EMPA Promotional Effort of the Year. In 2025 he held a $5 admission to a 410 Spring Car show, a Halloween Tour with race cars throughout several nearby towns, a special media day event, a “Photo of the Day” promotion, a tribute to engine builders, and he held a fundraiser that resulted in $10,000 for area police officers killed or injured in the line of duty. Gouse will also receive the Jerry Riegle Contribution to Sprint Car Racing Award, determined and presented annually by World Racing Group.

Elections also took place for the EMPA Board of Directors. Current President Dino Oberto retained his seat, while Matt Mallett will join the Board. Both are for three-year terms.

During the formal awards dinner presentations, the organization will also recognize many of their own including the 2025 EMPA/Jim Hunter Memorial Writer of the Year and the 2025 EMPA/Ace Lane Sr. Memorial Photographer of the Year. Many members will also accept honors for work they submitted in the 2025 EMPA/Pocono Raceway Writers Contest and the 2025 EMPA/Bill Brice Photo Contest.

The annual convention begins with a Friday evening “Salute to the Champions” where local and regional driving titlists have a meet and greet with the press and enjoy socializing after interviews. Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops and guest speakers. Dave Moody, known for his work on the Motor Racing Network and for years of announcing at countless racetracks, is this year’s keynote speaker on Saturday. The convention culminates with the evening’s Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony.

Founded in 1969, the Eastern Motorsport Press Association is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working in the motorsports industry. It also includes associate and corporate members Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Bill Brice, Wanick Construction, The Wire Guys, New England Race Fuels, Evergreen Raceway, Grandview Speedway, Big Diamond Speedway, Elite Custom Awards, Speedway Illustrated, World Racing Group, Himmer Graphics and Snyder Web Design, who are among the supporters of the organization.

EMPA Newsletter March 2025