2025 News

1/30/26

EMPA Newsletter - January 2026

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.

11/30/25

11/26/25

11/21/25

Greetings all,

Just want to say thank to those who have so far sent in their 2026 dues and ballot.

There is still time for those who have yet to cast their vote (the deadline to get your ballot back to me is Sunday, November 30).

If by chance you have not gotten a ballot it was sent out last Sunday, November 16. It is advised to check your spam folder or let me know ASAP so we can get you the info pronto.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS so please look over those bios and make the right choice.

The writer contest deadline is fast approaching also (December 5).

Here is the link to the contest:

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrulesEMPAWritersContest.html

Did you get your hotel reservations and attendance form filled out?

Here are the links to follow:

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

https://empamedia.com/conventionhotelroom.html

Remember if you want you can pay your dues and hotel guest fees by Venmo.

Just reach out to me for the Venmo information either by email: dlmo@ptd.net or phone: 570-401-8168.

If you’re mailing a check please make payable to:
Eastern Motorsport Press Association and mail to: Dino Oberto, 211 Columbus Avenue, Hazle Township, PA 18202

Peace, out

Dino

11/18/25

Message from Dino:

Greetings all,

Just want to send out a blast here to get your ballot filled out and returned.

Please look over the bios so you can make the right choice when voting.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!

Also, a friendly reminder that your dues need to be paid in order to vote.

You can now VENMO me for payment or send in a check if you so desire. Dues are $50.

If you need the VENMO information email me at dlmo@ptd.net or call/text me @ 570-401-8168.

Checks should be made payable to:

Eastern Motorsport Press Association

Mail to:

Dino Oberto, 211 Columbus Avenue, Hazle Township, PA 18202

To writers, your deadline for getting your entries in is fast approaching so chop, chop!!

And, did you get your room reservations made yet at the Holiday Inn, Wilkes-Barre for the convention?

Your options to reserve overnight accommodations at the facility:

·        Call there directly at 570-822-1011 Mention our organization for the special rate

·       Or  https://tinyurl.com/EasternMotorSports2026  You'll have to click on the word ‘Proceed’ and that will take you directly to the reservation page, but you do have to click on ‘Proceed’. I know some of you don't like links.

Peace, out

Dino

11/17/25

Good morning all

Forwarding this from Dino

By now I would assume you have all opened your email and found the ballot and bios to review.

Please take the time to look over closely and return to me by November 30.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Also, you can now VENMO me your dues and/or convention guest fees as the account is now available.

To those who already sent in checks, I thank you.

For VENMO info please get with me via email: dlmo@ptd.net or call/text: 570-401-8168

Much thanks,

Dino

11/16/25

Hi, everyone.

As promised, here are the bios for this year’s nominees. Please take the time to read them before casting your votes. EVERY VOTE COUNTS! Also, take note that our National Driver of the Year is wide open and will go to the one driver receiving the most votes from our members. It's YOUR choice - who deserves it, in your opinion?

There are several ways to vote:

·       Copy and return by mail (include your 2026 dues payment if you have not yet renewed) to Dino Oberto, 211 Columbus Ave., Hazle Township, Pa  18202

·       Call or text Dino with your votes at 570-401-8168

·       Email your votes to him at dlmo@ptd.net

·       Hit reply to this email and send me your votes and I’ll forward them to him

Again, please read the bios as a lot of work by the Board goes into them. And….please make sure you vote by the November 30th deadline.

As always, if you have questions or comments, you can reply to me or contact Dino using the information above.

We’ll be sending out reminders. If you are eligible to vote and have done so, you’ll still get those reminders as they will likely include other convention-related info.

Have a great evening!

Carol Houssock

11/16/25

EMPA Press Release 11/16/25

11/13/25

“The Godfather” Dave Moody named as keynote speaker at annual EMPA convention

(Hazle Township, PA) When the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) holds its 2026 convention January 16-18, at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., one of the most respected and recognizable voices in motorsports, Dave Moody, will be attending as keynote speaker.

Moody began his motorsports broadcast career in 1978 at age 17, working as a short-track public address announcer under the guidance of his mentor, former CBS-TV motorsports anchorman and EMPA Hall of Fame inductee Ken Squier. For the next 30 years, he manned the PA microphone at one of the country’s most successful short tracks, Thunder Road International Speedbowl in his native Vermont.

“I learned at the feet of the master,” recalls Moody. “Ken taught me everything I know about the sport. I would announce a couple of Street Stock heats every week, then report to Ken’s office the next morning for a thorough review of my performance and tips on how to improve. It was an amazing opportunity, and I have made a career from what he taught me.”

The EMPA convention is yearly gathering of individuals from within the media side of motorsports. Founded in 1969, EMPA is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working within the industry.

“We’re thrilled to have Dave Moody joining us at our 53rd annual convention,” stated EMPA president Dino Oberto.

“Dave is a true legend in this sport, and we are indeed honored to host him at our January gathering. His accomplishments from behind the microphone make his visit valuable for our organization and what we stand for at EMPA.”

From his start at Thunder Road International, Moody expanded his horizons to include weekly stints on the microphone at Vermont’s Catamount Stadium and Bear Ridge Speedway, the Lee USA Speedway in New Hampshire, Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway and the Airborne Park Speedway in New York. He also served as the voice of the NASCAR North and American-Canadian Tour Late Model Series for more than two decades, traveling throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.

“It was a lot of work, but I can’t think of a better way for a young announcer to learn the trade,” recalls Moody. “It was standard operating procedure for me to work at a different track every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. At last count, I had worked at more than 100 different speedways in the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the height of my short-track days, I had more than 600 drivers, cars, hometowns and sponsors memorized for instant recall.”

Moody also has a long history with traditional “stick and ball” sports. A multi-time Associated Press Vermont Sportscaster of the Year, his resume’ includes as many football, basketball and hockey broadcasts as auto races, if not more.

“I loved my years in small market radio,” he said. “When I went out to cover a game, I was the engineer, play-by-play man, color commentator and statistician; all in one. I worked five or six nights a week broadcasting High School and college basketball and hockey; some years as many as 120 games in a single season. It was a great environment to polish my craft, and I made some lifelong friends along the way.”

Moody made his national debut with the Motor Racing Network in 1984 and has been a full-time member of MRN’s national broadcast team since 1993, serving as lead turn announcer for the network’s NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series race broadcasts.

“It’s an amazing job, the best in the world,” said Moody. “I get to travel the country and watch the most talented stock car drivers on the planet. I’ve witnessed some of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history, and you never know when there’s another one just around the corner.”

The most recent addition to Moody’s motorsports resume’ came in 2003, when he was named to host Sirius XM Speedway on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Tabbed “The Godfather,” Moody has made Sirius XM Speedway can’t-miss radio for fans, competitors, and industry insiders alike, earning numerous awards for his interviews and commentary. His “Sirius XM Speedway Legends” – a series of long-form interviews with pioneers from the early days of motorsports – have been hailed as one of the sport’s most comprehensive and historic documentaries.

Moody is also an accomplished writer, having earned multiple print awards from the Eastern Motorsport Press Association, National Motorsports Press Association and Associated Press. He is a frequent contributor to Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated magazine and has earned numerous NMPA honors for breaking news coverage, columns, and commentary. He was named to the NASCAR Hall Of Fame Voting Committee in 2011, casting one of just 53 votes to determine each year’s inductees to the Hall.

In 2010, Moody earned National Motorsports Press Association first-place awards in both print and radio, making him the only individual ever to be honored in two different media categories in the same year.

EMPA’s annual three-day convention begins with a Friday evening Salute to the Champions and membership welcoming. A select group of local and regional driving titlists will be on hand to network with the press. Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops, and award presentations. The formal Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony takes place later that evening. 

11/12/25

Greetings all

This message is to let you all know the ballot is just about ready to be released, and I am sure many of you have been waiting for its arrival.  

We are putting the finishing touches on it, and we hope to send it out by the weekend.

I feel you will all be pleased with what we have to present.

It is never an easy process, and a lot of time goes into making sure we do it right.

The ballot will come like always via email so PLEASE check your inbox and one again I cannot stress enough that EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

All 2026 dues must be paid in order to vote, and take part in the photographer and writer contests.

Speaking of that - to all writers the deadline is fast approaching to get your entries in.

All of the info can be found on our website (empamedia.com), but if there are any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me at dlmo@ptd.net.

Just an FYI ,I will be at Wall Stadium for the Turkey Derby at the end of the month. If anyone would like to drop off their contest entries or dues, you can hand them to me there to save on mailing.

I am also working on setting up a VENMO account. Please be patient with me on that! I'll let you know when it's available.

Also, on the website is the updated Convention Attendance Form which you will need to get back to me.

More news is on the way but until then,

Peace out,

Dino

11/8/25

2026 Convention Attendance Form is now available for viewing.

And Welcome Big Diamond Speedway to our list of sponsors.

https://bigdspeedway.net/

10/29/25

Good afternoon, all

Passing along some information to you all about the convention.

A – Did you send in your 2026 membership dues?

Your dues ($50) must be paid in order to vote when the ballot comes out, and to be eligible for the contests.

It is also your ticket to the convention, and covers all your attendance Friday and Saturday.

Please make check payable to: Eastern Motorsport Press Association               

Mail to: Dino Oberto, 211 Columbus Avenue, Hazle Township, PA 18202.

If you previously joined or renewed your EMPA membership via Speedway Illustrated magazine, their website was compromised by spammers and is being updated. However, they cannot process EMPA payments at this time. Karl Fredrickson intends to honor his offer, but we need to provide them with the names of members who took advantage of his generous offer. Please just hit 'reply' to this message so that we can forward your names to them for processing of your magazine subscription renewal. If you have already replied to Carol and/or me, please do not do it again to avoid confusion at our end.

B – Did you make your room reservations?

The convention is on January 16/17/18. We are back at the Holiday Inn Wilkes-Barre East Mountain, and our group rate has been in effect.

You have 3 options to reserve overnight accommodations at the facility:

·        Call there directly at 570-822-1011

·        Go to their website (I tried to copy/paste, but it looked funny, but it's easy to find if you do a search for the facility by name

·        https://tinyurl.com/EasternMotorSports2026  You'll have to click on the word ‘Proceed’ and that will take you directly to the reservation page, but you do have to click on ‘Proceed’. I know some of you don't like links.

If you call or use their website, be sure you have the correct dates (January 16-18) and mention EMP for the code or say, 'Eastern Motor Sports'. The rate is $124/night for either one King or two Queens. If you need a Handicap-accessible room, you'll have to mention that.

C – The Board is in the process of putting together the ballot for the awards and Hall of Fame. This is always a tough process, but we are confident that when it is finalized everything will be good for your voting.

D – Writers please start getting in your contest entries. The deadline for entries is December 5 (NO EXECPTIONS).

Copy and paste this link for contest rules:

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrulesEMPAWritersContest.html

E – To all photographers Debbie Gastelu is the chair and any questions or concerns please get with her. There are no changes to the rules.

F – We will be putting out a Convention Attendance Form very soon. It is important that you fill this out and mark down if you are bringing a guest so we can give the correct headcount to the hotel for the meals.

E – We are also getting together our Saturday seminar sessions schedule, plus I will be announcing our Keynote speaker.

There is lots more to come your way so stay tuned.

Peace, out

Dino

10/21/25

Greetings morning all,

Mike Mallet is once again promoting the Monster Bash at Thunder Mountain Speedway in Center Lisle, NY on October 31/November 1 and he cordially invites all EMPA members to attend

Just contact him at: mikemallett@dirttrackdigest.com

Awesome gesture Mike!!

https://thundermtnspeedway.net/second-annual-monster-bash-just-two-weeks-away-free-passes-available/

Peace, out

Dino

10/7/25

Greetings all,

Any members who are planning on attending Super Dirt Week at Oswego Speedway there will be a celebration of life taking place for Bobby Chalmers.

This is being coordinated by Chris Dolak.

 As you know Bobby passed away earlier this year and was the guy behind Race Pro Weekly not to mention a longtime supporter of EMPA.

 According to Chris, Bobby was probably the first media member to check in at SDW each year and he always would pick up Cam’s Pizza for his team.

So, Chris will be ordering some of those pizzas and welcome those who want to share a story or two on Bobby. The gathering will take place at the Media Center this Friday at noon. It will be informal and Bobby’s dad, Robert, will also be there.

Thanks, Chris, for this great gesture,

Dino

10/7/25

Greetings all,

We hope this message finds you well and that your racing season has been productive. Although it has been some time since our last official newsletter, we have continued to provide updates through email correspondence. However, it is nearing the time that we begin planning the annual convention and all that goes along with it.

Before we do, I need to pass along some sad news. If you have not heard by now, longtime EMPA member Keith Waltz, 65, has passed away. Keith was an outstanding motorsports writer who covered the sport for many years at Speed Sport News and other outlets.

He was a two-time recipient of the Jim Hunter Memorial EMPA Writer of the Year, including last year's co-winner. It was so nice that he was able to attend the convention to accept the award. More information is available at this link.

https://speedsport.com/more-racing/industry-news/motorsports-journalist-keith-waltz-65/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHtUhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrMydd3xssgpUvJF-RB5Pp3pXWVMgVeG4ClyrgV3I3zPwaK83hXEhjuC7XK__aem_52mo2tsrj3ZVxXXttXCOuw

Also, we received news that Ray Hedger died. He was longtime car owner, fabricator and crew chief and the brother of former EMPA president Ron Hedger.

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out for them and their families.

2026 EMPA Convention:

We are back at the Holiday Inn, Wilkes-Barre at East Mountain Inn, 600 Wildflower Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

The dates for the convention are January 16-18

Reservations are now being taken

·        Call there directly at 570-822-1011

·        Go to their website https://tinyurl.com/EasternMotorSports2026  You'll have to click on the word Proceed and that will take you directly to the reservation page, but you do have to click on "Proceed".

Whatever method you choose, be sure you have the correct dates (January 16-18) and mention EMP for the code or say 'Eastern Motor Sports'.

The rate is $124/night for either one King or two Queens. If you need a Handicap-accessible room, you will have to mention that.

We have requested additional rooms this year which they are providing for us.

Contests:

There is still plenty of time to get your entries together for the EMPA/Pocono Raceway Writers Contest and the EMPA/Brice’s Photo Contest.

There are no rules changes in either group so if you entered before there should be no problem.

Debbie Gastelu is the chairperson of the photo contest. You can contact her at: Dgastelu9@hotmail.com

Any questions on the writers contest please contact yours truly at dlmo@ptd.net

The contest rules are on the website at:

https://empamedia.com/conventioncontestrules.html

The Board will be getting ready to go over all those details very soon and we would like as much input as possible from you all.

Board of Directors seats:

There are two seats on the Board of Directors up for election this year, currently held by Dino Oberto and Pete MacDonald.  These are three-year terms. If you would like to have your name on the ballot please let me know via email, dlmo@ptd.net  We’ll make sure you are included when we send out the official ballot. There will be no voting for Board members at the convention.

Your contact information:

If you have updated your contact info, please let us know so we can do the same.

There will be lots more news and info coming your way so stay tuned.

Until then,

Peace, out

Dino

Dear members,

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Ernie Saxton. He died early Sunday morning.

As many of you may know Ernie, for many years, was the cornerstone of EMPA. It was his foresight, over 50 years ago, to assemble an organization dedicated to the motorsports media that became the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA).

He served as the organization’s longest-termed president and over that time built EMPA to be one of the most respected auto racing media groups in the country. His commitment was to bring together members of the working press as professionals with core values through a respectful, honest, and unbiased manner. He did so to ensure the absolute finest news, be it through print, video, photography, or PR. To this day, that remains the principal credence for the members of EMPA.

He and his late wife, Marilyn, were also instrumental in putting together our annual press convention, yet another part of his vision for the organization. Over the years it has become a gathering where members learn from seminars and other forums, as well giving honor and praise to those from within through a series of special awards.

Ernie established the EMPA Hall of Fame, which is a major part of the convention and pays tribute to so many great individuals within motorsports.   

We will provide funeral details when we receive them.

We ask that you please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers and may he rest in peace.

Respectfully,

Dino Oberto, President Eastern Motorsport Press Association

We have some sad news to pass along.

Long-time EMPA member Rick Neff passed away.

Rick had been battling cancer for the past few years.

Anyone who knew Rick will tell that aside from being a great photographer, he was a great guy in general.

Rick travels to most of the dirt tracks throughout the northeast, always capturing great shots.

He supported EMPA for many years too.

We will miss him dearly and our sincere condolences to his family.  

Dino Oberto

President Eastern Motorsport Press Association

To all,

We have sad news to pass along.

Earlier today we were notified that longtime EMPA member Bobby Chalmers passed away from pancreatic cancer.

I can not begin to say how deeply saddened we are and on behalf of the entire organization we would give our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him.

Bobby was an outstanding supporter of EMPA as well as a proud writer and photo contest winner over the years.

He was the editor of Race Pro Weekly which covered all aspects of short track racing and did so with the utmost professionalism.

He will truly be missed and may he rest in peace.

Dino Oberto

President Eastern Motorsport Press Association

5/21/2025

All of us on the EMPA Board extend our sympathy to longtime member John Snyder. His wife, Jill, passed away recently. She attended several conventions with John, and we wish him and the families well in the difficult time ahead. 

EMPA Board of Directors

5/12/2025

Yesterday we received the sad news on the passing of long time EMPA member Ace Lane Jr., and on behalf of all of us in the organization we send our sincere condolences and prayers to his son Tommy and all his family.

It goes without saying that Ace was one of the best when it came to motorsports photography, a craft that was passed down to him by his legendary father, Ace Sr., and likewise to his two amazing sons, Tommy and JJ.

If you have been around this game for a while you probably, at some point, have crossed paths with Ace and once you got to know him you became friends for life.

Ace would never hesitate to lend a hand to a fellow photographer or anyone for that matter.

It’s hard to imagine just how many racing photos he has shot over the years and each one “picture perfect.”

Since 1972 we proudly have had the yearly EMPA Photographer of the Year award named for Ace Sr., who was the inaugural winner. Ace Jr., is a two-time winner while JJ and Tommy have also won the prestigious honor which goes to show just how much Ace, and his family mean to all their colleagues.

And, the annual EMPA convention would not be complete without the presence of Ace, who had the uncanny ability to brighten up the room the minute he entered thanks to his outgoing personality.

Godspeed Ace and may you rest in peace.

Dino Oberto

President EMPA

1/12/2025

Eastern Motorsport Press Association’s 52nd Convention Recognizes Excellence and Professionalism

(Wilkes-Barre, PA)   The 52nd gathering of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association brought together a wide range of motorsports professionals at the Holiday Inn East Mountain in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The weekend blends work with celebration, made possible because of support from the business community and individuals involved in some aspect of motorsports.
Inducting outstanding individuals into the EMPA Hall of Fame is the weekend’s crown jewel event at a celebratory banquet. This year two dirt racers (Alan Johnson and Jimmy Horton III), NHRA drag racing legend Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme, asphalt star Steve Park, sprint car great Sammy Swindell, and renowned motorsports writer Bones Bourcier have joined other legends in the Hall.
Friday evening, attendees heard from several drivers who were invited to Champions Night, presented this year by new sponsor The Wire Guys from Hazle Township, PA. They included Zane Zeiner, Jeff Strunk, Ken Duke, Jr., Steve Shultz, Scott Riggleman, Logan Watt, John Scarborough, Parker Hendricks, Sam Ryan, and Stephen Kopcik.
Saturday’s agenda included workshops for both writers and photographers, the popular photo contest, and keynote speaker, Paul Page. As the longtime voice of the Indy 500, his blend of humorous anecdotes and sage advice was well received. He then joined Hall of Fame inductee Bones Bourcier in a panel discussion facilitated by EMPA Vice President Karl Fredrickson. Topics ranged from the absolute necessity in being factual and the importance of building trust with your audience. “Please thank your members for the wonderful hospitality they gave me. I really enjoyed the event. Your attention to detail is amazing,” Page stated.
Dino Oberto, EMPA President, provided a ‘State of the Organization’ address to highlight the many changes that have taken place in recent years. He also thanked some key individuals for their work in various initiatives. Oberto then presented an Ernie and Marilyn Saxton Service to EMPA award to longtime sponsor Dover Motor Speedway. Mike Lewis accepted.
Saturday evening’s Hall of Fame dinner celebrated racing’s past, with six new inductees, and its present, with a host of special awards to members and others in the sport. Each of the Hall of Fame inductees recognized the accomplishments of all the others and expressed the personal honor of being included among so many talented professionals.  
Early indications are that EMPA again scored a big win with the weekend’ lineup. The 53rd convention will be held at the same location. Additional information on EMPA can be found at https://empamedia.com.

2023 Pocono Raceway/EMPA Writer’s Contest
Feature: 1st Thomas Pope (Speedway Illustrated), 2nd Ron Hedger (Speed Sport Insider), 3rd Scott Walsh (Scranton Times-Tribune)
Personality Profile: 1st Dan Anderson (Speedway Illustrated), 2nd Carol Houssock (Speedway Illustrated), 3rd Thomas Pope (Speedway Illustrated)
Column: 1st Bruce Bennett (Speedway Illustrated), Dan Anderson (Speedway Illustrated), 3rd Jason Beck (Speedway Illustrated)
Race Report: 1st Scott Walsh (Scranton Time-Tribune), 2nd Lenny Sammons (Area Auto Racing News), 3rd Dino Oberto (Hazleton Standard-Speaker)
News: 1st Kevin Kovac (DirtonDirt.com), Scott Walsh (Scranton Time-Tribune), Mike Adaskaveg (Outsidegroove.com)

2024 Brice’s NAPA Auto Photography Contest
Action: 1st Dave Dellinger, 2nd Jack Kromer, 3rd Dave Pratt (Honorable Mention: Dave Dellinger, Matt Butcosk, Dave Pratt)
Action Sequence: 1st Dave Dellinger, Pete McDonald, Stefanie Canfield (Honorable Mention: Deb Gastelu, Deb Gastelu
Crash Action: 1st Jack Kromer, 2nd Pete McDonald, 3rd Dave Pratt (Honorable Mention: Kristen Cocca, Joe Kaminski, Dave Pratt)
Feature: Pete McDonald,2nd, Todd Dziadosz, 3rd Matt Butcosk (Honorable Mention: Dino Oberto, Matt Butcosk, Walt Smith, Jim Smith, Brent Smith, Harry Meeks)
Picture Story: 1st Dave Dellinger, Bobby Chalmers, Todd Dziadosz (Honorable Mention: Erika Bye, Duane Canfield, Bob Yurko, Michael Casey, Bob Yurko)
Portrait & Personality: 1st Harry Meeks, 2nd Tommy Lane, Jack Kromer (Honorable Mention: Duane Canfield, Erika Bye, Jack Kromer, Matt Butcosk, Matt Butcosk, Pete McDonald
Pure Art: 1st Todd Dziadosz, Brent Smith, Harry Meeks (Honorable Mention: Duane Canfield, Todd Dziadosz, Tommy Lane, Pete McDonald)
Unpublished Color: 1st Todd Dziadosz, 2nd Brent Smith, 3rd Stefanie Canfield (Honorable Mention: Tommy Lane, Rick Sweeten, Rick Sweeten)
Portfolio: Pete McDonald
Best of Show: Dave Dellinger

Other Awards:
EMPA Hall of Fame: Bones Bourcier (Journalist), Jimmy Horton III (dirt), Alan Johnson (dirt), Steve Park (asphalt), Don Prudhomme (drag racing), Sammy Swindell (sprints)
Junie Dunlevy Spirit of the Sport: Ryan Flores
Janice Brice photo award: Duane Canfield
EMPA Promotional award: Doug Rose
John Blewett III Young Gun, Presented by New England Race Fuels: Corey Day
Jerry Reigle Outstanding Contribution to Sprint Car Racing: Scott Gobrecht
Richie Evans Northeast Asphalt Driver of the Year: Justin Bonsignore
Richie Evans Northeast Dirt Driver of the Year: Mat Williamson        
Al Holbert National Dirt Driver of the Year: David Gravel
Al Holbert National Asphalt Driver of the Year: Kyle Larson
Chris Economaki Newsmaker of the Year: Dave Blaney
Ace Lane, Sr. Photographer of the Year:  (tie) Rich Corbett, Tommy Lane                            
Jim Hunter Writer of the Year: (tie) Ted Schmidt, Keith Waltz
Howie and Mary Hodge Photo: Bob Yurko
Ernie and Marilyn Saxton Service Awards: Dover Motor Speedway, Bill Brice

Photos:

Pic 1: Keynote speaker Paul Page (photo by Bob Yurko)

Pic 2: EMPA award winners
L – R row 1: Alan Johnson, Steve Park, Justin Bonsignore, Doug Rose, Keith Waltz
L – R row 2: Bob Yurko, Bill Brice, Tommy Lane, Bones Bourcier, Jimmy Horton, Ryan Flores, Ted Schmidt, Rich Corbett (photo by Jim Smith)

Pic 3: Mike Lewis, Manager, Communications at Dover Motor Speedway, receives EMPA Ernie & Maryln Saxton Service Appreciation award statue from organization president Dino Oberto (photo by Bob Yurko)

Pic 4: Dinner crowd at EMPA Awards gathering on Saturday evening (photo by Dino Oberto)

1/6/2025

The Wire Guys/EMPA Champions Salute driver line-up:

Friday, January 10, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm

Zane Zeiner – RoC Modified Tour champion                                    

Steve Shultz – Evergreen Raceway 602 Crate Modified champion 

Scott Riggleman – Wall Stadium Factory Stock champion               

Parker Hendricks – Greenwood Valley Action Track 600cc Micro Sprint champion            

Ken Duke Jr. – Port Royal Speedway & PASS 305 Sprint champion 

John Scarborough – Maryland State IMCA & Laurel Highlands Sprint champion   

Logan Watt – Grandview Sportsman/SSTS 602 South champion    

Danny Creeden – Penn Can Modified champion                             

Sam Ryan – Challenge Cup Series champion                                    

Jeff Strunk – Grandview Speedway 358 Modified champion          

Stephen Kopcik – Wanick Motorsports                                            

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

1/5/2025

Elite Custom Awards joins EMPA line-up of convention sponsors

(Hazle Township, PA 1-5-24) The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is happy to announce that Elite Custom Awards from Freeland, Pa., has signed on with the organization as a 2025 sponsor for the upcoming convention which is taking place on January 10-12 at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre.

Elite Custom Awards is a division of Evergreen Raceway and run by the track’s owner/promoter Jason Makarewicz. Recently Makarewicz acquired the former Printers Edge of Hazle Brook, Pa., and is rebranding it as Elite Custom Awards.

“We’re very excited to welcome Elite Custom Awards to our growing family of sponsors. Jason does a great job of presenting very thrilling asphalt racing at Evergreen and is now venturing into this new venue which I know he will succeed at,” said EMPA president Dino Oberto”

“He was very willing to be part of the convention this year and we’re happy to say that all of our award plaques will be provided by Jason and Elite Custom Awards.”

Elite Custom Awards specializes in all types of trophies and plaques and recently had added embordering to their line-up of customer needs.

To contact Makarewicz and Elite Custom Awards email him elitecustomawards12@gmail.com or by phone at 570-956-6347. They are also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571077461079

The EMPA annual convention takes place January 10-12 at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre. It begins with a Friday evening “Salute to the Champions presented by The Wire Guys” where local and regional driving titlists have a meet and greet with the press followed by socializing.

Saturday will consist of press conferences, workshops and guest speakers. The “Voice of The 500” Paul Page, is this year’s keynote speaker on Saturday. The gathering 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 with backing from Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Brice’s NAPA Auto Parts, Wanick Construction, New England Race Fuels, Speedway Illustrated, The Wire Guys, Buckley’s Automotive, Inc., American Racer, Evergreen Raceway, and Himmer Graphics, who are among the supporters of the organization.

1/3/2025