AKWESASNE -- With the 2011 season just a few short weeks away, Mohawk International Raceway inched a little closer to the first green flag of the new year by waiving the checkered flag on 2010 as MIR honored the champions and top finishers from the past year.

Nearly 250 people gathered at the Brass Horse Banquet Hall to formally crown the champion in each division, as well hand out the stunning trophies and plaques that went to the top finishers.

The top rookie in each division also received an award and recognition.

Carey Terrance, Chris Raabe, Ricky Thompson, and Joey Foster were the 2010 Champions, while Melvin Rush, Brent Kelsey, Claudia Tarbell and Peter Cename picked up rookie of the year awards.

Todd Stone was crowned Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution Series Champion.

In an emotional tribute to one of Mohawk Raceway's fallen heroes, Mitchell Jock, MIR track announcer Tim Baltz announced a very special award in honor of the former racer who tragically passed away last year.

The award will be called the Mitchell Jock Memorial Sportsmanship Award, and will be handed out each year to the driver that displays the most sportsmanship throughout the year. The inaugural recipient of the award went to Tom Jock Jr., a second-generation racer who clearly exemplifies the true meaning of sportsmanship.

Mohawk International Raceway will open on Saturday, May 14th with open practice for all divisions and will kick off the 2011 season on Friday, May 20th with twin 20 lap features for the 358 Modifieds as well as a regular show of Sportsman, Pro Stocks and Bandits.

Mohawk International Raceway is located midway between the Seaway International Bridge to Cornwall, Ont. and the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road.

Racing is held on Friday nights at 7:45 PM from May through September, featuring the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Sportsman and Pro Stocks, as well as the Bandit division. Visit us on the web at www.MohawkInternationalRaceway.com.

The MIR office is 518-358-3225 and on race days, the track number is 518-358-9017. The track is owned and operated by Mohawk International Raceway