11 replies to this topic

[Jim Creighton]

I just received word of the winner of the 2012 Jim Fitzgerald Award. The Award is present annually for the best winning drive at the SIC and is selected by the Stewards of the event.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that this years receipient is driver of the #31 Spec Maita, Roger Burdette from Guyton, Ga. Roger was sponsored by TraqGear and OPM Autosports.

The Award will be presented to Roger at the SEDiv Awards banquet at the Oceanside Inn & Suites on Jekyll Island Saturday night, January 19th, 2013. His name will also be added to the permanent plaque at Roebling Road on the wall of fame in the tech building.

I'm sure of all will join me in congratulating Roger for a great race and being selected for SARRC's highest award.

Here is a list of past winners.

1987 Rock Vest EP
1988 Rick Cochran FP
1989 John Intile SR
1990 Squeek Kennedy GT1
1991 Zac Moretz FP
1992 Randy Carter EP
1993 Sid Collins EP
1994 Thomas Turner ITB
1995 Rick Hartsell GT1
1996 John Henderson GT1
1997 Fred Clark FV
1998 Mark Eaton SRF
1999 Ken Blackburn GT4
2000 Michael Gatto SRF
2001 Ricky O C Thompson IT7
2002 Franklin Futrelle SRF
2003 Sandy Thalheimer FV
2004 Joe Evans SM
2005 Fred Clark FV
2006 Mike Cottrell SM
2007 John Williams ITS
2008 C Peter Pope FE
2009 Paul Kullman FP
2010 Todd Buras SM
2011 Russ Stalvey FV

[Danny Steyn]

Congrats Roger - that's HUGE!. You're in great company dude!!!

[Jim Drago]

congrats Roger!

[Terry Whitlock]

Roger, Congratulations on all your accomplishments this past year and weekend. I remember our discussion five years ago when you were first considering getting out of the Porsche and in to a Miata. Hopefully the volume of information I buried you in contributed in a small way to your entry and success in the class. Your commitment and development has been impressive and you are a deserving winner.

[Keith Andrews]

Congratulations Roger! As someone who had a front row seat to your weekend, your drive this weekend was fantastic. The race was the culmination of hard work and skill, well done sir.

[Glenn]

Congrats Rodger!!! Awesome job.

[Brocodile]

Roger: Congratulations. That's HUGE!

[Dan Tiley]

Wow Roger, Congrats! You had a great car built by Drago, awesome trackside support from OPM, and I hope your Ti-Speed engine played a part in your ECR and SIC victories as well. You drove the wheels off that that car, methodically driving from 4th to first one car at a time, all without contact, and also without disturbing the hard fought SARRC points battle between Keith and Skip. WELL DONE! Looking forward to many more wins!!!

[tburas56]

Nice Job Roger! Great award!!! Sounds like you drove a great race! Video???

[Tom OPM]

Congrats Roger that is really big, a real honor. I am old enough to remember being around Jim Fitzgerald and he was a true racer.

[zbb0730]

Holy cow guys! I had no idea! Been traveling back and forth for my Mom's surgery and haven't kept up. In fact, traveling back to stay with her tonight at the hospital.

Jim Creighton, thanks so much!! It is truly an honor! There is SO much talent in this class and much of it posted on this topic. Thanks for the kind words guys!! And yes, the engine did help Dan and a huge thanks to you and Drago. This is the third season on Drago's engine and it is still strong. But, with the compeition at the SIC, I thought I needed something fresh and it paid off. Dan, you and JIm build a fantastic product! I still have Jim's engine as a back up even after that much time on it. That's just how good the cars are. And you can't ignore Fowler's service and car building skills either. Just look at Skip's car and how well he's done this year. Tom thanks so much for your help...you always put up with my whining and help me with data, set up and improvement.

It isn't just great equipment though, you guys are simply the best. Danny, Todd Buras, and many others are always willing to help get you up to speed. Danny, you've kept me off suicide watch on the weekends where I'm getting beat up in the field. Thanks man. And thanks Terry! I made the right decision.

A massive thank you to the stewards, corner workers and track officials. Everyone works SO hard just so we can go out and have fun. SCCA puts on the absolute best events and it's because of you guys.

Most of all, you guys know my faith. I can't do anything without Jesus. I know the Lord allowed me such a great weekend and blessed me with a win. We serve an awesome God.

See you guys soon. Rog

[Steve D]

Congrats Roger!! Except for 2006, that's an esteemed group of drivers! Well deserved.