It doesn't pay anything... and we don't even have a trophy to give out, but we've decided to close out the summer by naming a "3 Wide's Picture Vault Driver of the Year". (Because we spent most of our Saturday's at New Egypt Speedway, we focused our attention on the driver's that compete there on a weekly basis.)

We don't usually choose favorites  as we have a tremendous respect for all driver's... past and present.  There are many exciting drivers who week after week support the sport in ways to promote its place for future generations., and for all of them we are grateful and thank them for their dedication and determination to participate and thrill us, the fans, in what is still the best way to spend a Saturday Night.

For the year 2007, the "3 Wide's Picture Vault Driver of the Year" is Ryan Godown.

Never being one to follow someone else around, we saw Ryan's determination week after week to go where the other guys weren't in order to make his way to the front.    While respecting his competitors, Ryan also knows that racing at NES is extremely competitive and that there will be times when that respect that a driver has for his fellow driver will be challenged.   We found Ryan's driving style to be aggressive, but never reckless.   Watching Ryan making his drive from the rear to the front each week during the Modified feature to be nothing short of spectacular. 

Our website usually focuses on drivers of the past.  We spend a lot of time remembering the greats of their day, and remembering the many nights we enjoyed watching them thrill us with their skill and abilities.  Ryan Godown's  exciting driving style is creating those same type of memories for today's fans and it is those memories that will provide a place for our sport in the future.

In addition to the excitement provided on track in the self owned, John Chemidlin "supported" #747,  Ryan took time away from car prep on many occasions this year to say hello to new fans during the Race Night Sponsor's tour of the pits (middle photo on left).   As  shown above, Ryan also does a great job with the young fans too (photo on right taken after a mid week show behind the grandstands at Bridgeport Speedway).

Unknown to most, Ryan was instrumental in helping us get some of your favorite legends driver's to our Hall of Fame Night a few months ago.  In addition, his was a strong voice in supporting the match race challenge events this year at New Egypt Speedway and when the drivers were asked if they wanted to do it or not this year, Ryan stood up and said "Yes!"    One of his main reasons why he wanted the show to go on: "Because the fans love it".  

Ryan is a racer with natural talent, who also supports short track auto racing in ways outside of the car to keep our sport healthy today so that it can have a tomorrow. 

...and then at the end of the night, (bottom left photo) as has been done by many of our all time favorites from the past, Ryan hops in the truck, with racecar in tow, and makes the drive back to the garage...  already setting his sites on next week... .

Ryan Godown, our "3 Wide's Picture Vault Driver of the Year" for 2007.