FRIENDS OF AUTO-RACING INTRODUCES “2020” HALL-OF-FAME CLASS INDUCTEES TO BE HONORED AT HOLLAND INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

- Induction Ceremony to be part of Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak Event -

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Alden, N.Y. (July 28, 2021) – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the annual Friends of Auto Racing (FOAR) Score Club Hall-of-Fame inductions did not take place during the 2020 season as the club was forced to postpone their traditional banquet and holiday party. The “2020” class will now be introduced at the 32nd annual Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak at Holland International Speedway on Saturday, August 14.

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The “2020” class of inductees represents the best in Western New York racing.

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Jim Thompson; Thompson, who will be 80 in late August, began his racing career at the age of 15, making his way to North Collins Speedway, Holland International Speedway and Perry Speedway. His career also saw him as an official at Drum Speedway before returning to the competitive side of racing at Lancaster National Speedway in 1986 with Bobby Straus as a driver. Thompson’s cars have earned feature victories in a number of divisions with many different drivers, including his daughter Jayme. He has also earned two championships at Lancaster (Late Model in 1996 and Sportsman in 2015) however it is Thompson’s unwavering dedication to the sport that placed him into the FOAR Score Hall-of-Fame. Thompson rarely missed a race during his time as owner, which meant, he and his wife, towed their family to Lancaster National Speedway on any race night, along with helping promote the sport for the better part of the past 50-years. The Thompson family remains engaged in the sport as Jayme continues to compete on a part time basis in Jim Thompson’s popular number 54 Sportsman Modified.

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Gordon Becker; Becker is one of the original partners at Holland International Speedway, beginning side-by-side with Ron Bennett (already a FOAR Score Hall-of-Fame Member) in 1960 and remains actively working at the speedway today. Becker’s passion for the promotional and marketing side of the sport is unrivaled as he has played a vital role in securing and presenting some of the longest standing partnerships in the Western New York racing. Becker joins Bennett in the FOAR Score Hall-of-Fame to complete Holland International Speedway’s original ownership group’s inductions.

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Rick Mooney; Mooney has become one of the most recognizable voices in Western New York racing after 40-plus years behind the microphone. Mooney’s racing passion began at the age of 7. Mooney’s calls are most familiar with the high-banks of Holland International Speedway, where he announced consistently for 30-years. He has now been at Ransomville for the past 20 years. He has also graced the microphone at many speedways throughout the region, including beginning his career at Perry in 1982, he’s worked at Spencer, Genesee, Humberstone and Wyoming County as well as announced as a part of Race of Champions weekend. Mooney is also a public relations expert along with television and radio show host. In addition to serving two terms on the FOAR Score Board of Trustees and being the Master of Ceremonies as the clubs banquet for many years.

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George Skora, Jr.; With his trademark fluorescent orange paint and meticulously prepared cars, Eden, N.Y.’s, George Skora has become a fixture of racing in Western New York over several decades. Skora started racing in 1983 and had early success, including winning the 1984 Charger Championship at Holland. He ultimately made the move to Late Models until his from driving in 1998. He then became a car owner for his son, George Skora, III. Wins and championships have dotted his career along with his “can do” attitude. Steering the ship for his son’s race team, the duo has experienced many successful moments including the 2012 TBRA Late Model Series championship, the 2013 Pro Modified Track Championships at Holland and winning the Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak in 2017 with the Race of Champions Modified Series.

 

These four individuals will be inducted as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the 32nd annual Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak at Holland on Saturday, August 14, as well at the banquet / holiday party this coming January.

 

For more information on the 32nd Annual Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak please visit; www.hollandsportscomplex.com or www.rocmodifiedseries.com

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The Friends of Auto-Racing Seeking Cooperation of Racing Enthusiasts (FOAR SCORE) is a non-profit organization that is the oldest auto-racing fan club in the United States. The club was formed in 1948 by race fans for the betterment of local auto-racing. The club attempts to help the sport of auto-racing in any way possible and their purpose is for the betterment of automobile racing for fans, drivers, car owners and promoters. The club has served to help in many fashions during it’s existence including donations to those in need, point-fund contributions and increasing the popularity and notoriety of the sport of auto-racing.