WATSON FAMILY CELEBRATES AT LEBANON VALLEY BANQUET

Friday was the first night of Lebanon Valley Speedway’s two-evening Awards Banquets. It was a time to celebrate the year’s best from 2016…a year that saw Jeff Watson capture his fifth-career Sportsman track title. However, the Watson family came away with way more than they bargained for.

Not only was Jeff honored with the title, but he also became the second driver in Speedway history to win the Jeff Yasinsac Mr. Excitement Award three times. This award, given out by Jeff’s widow and renowned motorsports columnist Robin Yasinsac-Gillespie, is named for the late competitor who was extremely exciting to watch on the track. Each year, a Sportsman driver is honored who exemplified the same type of ability. This year, it was Jeff.

“It’s truly an honor winning this award for the third time,” Watson said on stage. “This actually means more to me than winning the championship because of who it represents and the names that are on the list.”

Wayne Jelley is the other three-time winner of the award.

Watson, as stated in the opening paragraph, was also honored for capturing the 2016 Sportsman track championship. On the strength of two wins and eight top 5 finishes, the Sheffield, MA driver was able to hold back the likes of John Virgilio, Chris Lynch, Kevin Ward and the rest of the field to grab the crown.

“To win my fifth title is just amazing, but it’s because of the support that we have with this team,” Watson said. “All I’ve ever wanted was to win races, do our best and see where things shake out. This is truly amazing”.

However, those weren’t the only awards given out to the Watson family Friday evening. To the surprise of many, including Jeff and his family, Watson’s father, legendary Small Block racer Danny, was inducted into the speedway’s Hall of Fame. Danny ranks fifth on the all-time Small Block Mod win list and was the first driver to win both a Big Block and Small Block event at the track on the same evening.

“I use to hitchhike to this place when I was 10-years-old to see races,” the elder Watson said with a laugh. “I can’t thank the Shuman’s and my family enough for their support over the years and Howard Commander for giving us a great place to race. This is such a surprise and I thank you all.”

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