Nov. 12, 2002

NYSSCA TO INDUCT WHITBECK, MARCUS, & MARTTERER INTO HALL OF FAME AT AWARDS BANQUET ON JANUARY 18TH

Three distinguished veterans of the region's stock car racing community will be inducted into our Hall of Fame on January 19th at our Annual Awards Banquet.

The late Bob Whitbeck, a driver in the sport's early years and then a distinguished car owner who inspired Fonda Speedway legend Dave Lape to take the wheel as a teenager, leads the slate.  Joining Whitbeck will be Lebanon Valley Speedway Sportsman division superstar George Marcus and crew chief/mechanic John "Jocko" Martterer, who has steered the area's leading drivers to countless victory lanes and track championships in a five decade career that is still going strong.

Marcus, one of the true gentlemen of the sport, was highly respected by his competitors for both his driving talent and for claiming most of the speedway's records driving for a relatively low dollar, family oriented team.  Martterer, a driver himself in the early days, has been a major factor in the success of such drivers as Mert "Socks" Hulbert, Johnny Flach Jr, Alan Johnson, Kenny Tremont Jr, Rich Ricci Jr, and Brett Hearn over the years and is known for always having his equipment totally prepared before leaving the shop for the speedway.

Some two dozen names were considered for inclusion in the Hall of Fame induction.  Nominations for future consideration should be forwarded by email to NYSSCA Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, Ron Hedger, at rjhmedia@juno.com.