"Sept. 2001" Champeno Beats out two past rivals Thomas Knight Jr. of the Modifieds and Mel Wilt of the Street
Stocks to Bring Home Rookie of the Year title in the Late Models
Wade Champeno had a rough season bringing home a fifth in only his second outing in the premier
division followed by the blowing of his race engine the following week. He
changed engine builders and his new engine was not up to par with his previous
one.
Wade managed to take the Rookie of the Year honors away from Thomas Knight
Jr. and Mel Wilt. Knight finished first in points in the Grand American
Modifieds one spot of ahead of Champeno the previous year.
Mel Wilt beat Wade out in 1998 for the Rookie of the Year Title
in the Street Stock Division. Wade previaled when competing with these two
great racers in the Jennerstown Speedway Late model division by securing the Rookie
of the Year honor. Champeno also finished 12th in points for the year.
