MRA 2021 Awards Banquet a successful celebration
Denver, CO – The Motorcycle Roadracing Association held its 2021 annual awards banquet at the Field House Venue, in Denver Colorado on Saturday, November 20th. After skipping a year due to COVID restrictions, the banquet was well very attended where honor and recognition was bestowed on the club’s competitors and staff. The Field House Venue a stone’s throw from Broncos football stadium and offers a scenic view of the downtown
Denver skyline.
For 2021, the MRA hosted and welcomed a full house of racers, staff, and family to enjoy a nicely catered dinner with festivities starting at 6:00pm. The MRA is a friends & family oriented organization which meant that the evening consisted of speeches, laughs, digs, and heart felt congratulations all around. Though recognition to all the top place holders is justly deserved, we would do the premier event (Race of the Rockies) a disservice if we did not note the passing of a torch. For the first time since 2015, a new name holds the #1 race plate for the MRA. Ray Thornton, of Edgewood, New Mexico, finally had the year he’d been working for and captured the top spot for 2022. Congratulations to Ray!
In addition to the top 5 of each class, the MRA has special awards for extraordinary contribution and service. Jeff Brown was awarded the Bob Heaton Distinguished Service award for his long and continuing dedication to the MRA. Although humbled and shocked by this recognition, Jeff will continue to serve at the New Rider Director for the MRA in 2022.
Sportsman of the Year went to Scott Morrison, who also was recognized as MRA #10 for 2022. Rookie of the Year was awarded to Jason Hayes, and the Katherine Burke Memorial Cornerstone Award was presented to Mike Applegate for his actions and unique contributions that demonstrate his commitment to the MRA. Congratulations to Scott, Jason, & Mike!
Finally, with the dissolution of the Heavyweight Supersport class, the MRA retired the Don Bruner award. This traveling trophy was presented to the Heavyweight Supersport class champion in memory of one of the MRA finest competitors who we lost nearly 20 years ago. Jason Martinez, has the honor of being the last to earn and carry the cup. The trophy will now move to the Bruner family who will have this emblem representing their lost loved
one for many years.
The MRA board is recognized for preparing and hosting the evening, with a little extra thanks to President Chris Nami, Secretary Brittney Morrison, Rider Reps Dennis Stowers, and all the rest behind and in front of the scenes, that made it all happen!
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
