Winterport awards to Cunningham, Pinette

Brian Cunningham of Bucksport and Paul Pinette of Bowdoinham took home the top honors from the Winterport Dragway’s awards banquet last week at Jeff’s Catering in Bangor.

Cunningham was the season’s point champion in the Eliminator Series while Pinette won the point title in the Motorcycle Series.

Cunningham outpointed Jerry Hatch of Lubec 168-to-152 in winning the title. Third place went to Paul Bickford of Rockport.

Pinette’s 90 points were just enough to eke out a four-point advantage over Bill Stanley of Medway. Steve White of Jay was third.

Mark Piper of Hancock was named Rookie of the Year; Hatch was named Sportsman of the Year; and Ellery Dyer of Auburn was Motorcycle Driver of the Year.

In other news, owners of the dragway have signed a five-year extension with the town of Winterport for use of the land.

Other award winners included:

Hard Luck Award: Ken Fowler, Wiscasset; Powder puff: Cathy David, Union; Super street: Harry Webber, Penobscot; Pro: Brian Hill, Union; Super pro: Joe Paluga, Bar Harbor

Low qualifier: Cunningham; Red Light Award: Rick Romano, Jay; Bronze Plaque: Linda Fuller, Old Town; Racing Hall of Fame: Mike and Mary Grant, Etna.

Final Point Standings Eliminator Series

1. Brian Cunningham, Bucksport, 168; 2. Jerry Hatch, Lubec, 152; 3. Paul Bickford, Rockport, 142; 4. Elaine Romano, Jay, 118; 5. Tim Huff, Bangor, 98; 6. (tie)-Linda Fuller, Old Town, and Harry Webber, Penobscot, 88; 8. Joe Paluga, Bar Harbor, 84; 9. Luke Beaulieu, Winslow, 82; 10. Carl Johnson, Stockton Springs, 80 Motorcycle Series

1. Paul Pinette, Bowdoinham, 90; 2. Bill Stanley, Medway, 86; 3. Steve White, Jay, 82; 4. Ellery Dyer, Auburn, 78; 5. Brett Jones, Jefferson., 74