HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Maryland International Raceway (MIR) celebrated its 2024 track champions at the annual Awards Presentation and Racer’s Party on Saturday, March 8, 2025, hosted by the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. The event recognized standout performers from the Late Model Performance Midnight Madness series and the 1320 Fabrication ET Series presented by East Coast Collision, marking the close of a successful season and setting the stage for 2025.
The evening began with an internal accolade, as MIR staff member Wayne Kayne received the Employee Recognition of Excellence award for his reliability, dedication, and flexibility. The spotlight then shifted to the racers, starting with the Midnight Madness champions. Mike Sweeney of Lusby, Maryland, earned the Bracket Bike Racing Matters Motorcycle Grand Champion trophy and jacket. Gary Moorman of Mechanicsville, Maryland, followed, accepting the Grand Champion trophy and jacket. Ricky Shifflett of Zion Crossroads, Virginia, rounded out the series, claiming the Dental Billing Group No Clock Street Champion title.
The 1320 Fabrication ET Series champions closed the ceremony. Austin Keys, an 18-year-old from Nanjemoy, Maryland, took home his first MIR championship trophy as the Hubble Motorsports Junior Dragster Champion. Bobby Mattera of Waldorf, Maryland, secured his third Mod ET championship trophy, adding to a prior Super Pro win from 1991 for a career total of four. Jeffrey Jones of King George, Virginia, received his inaugural Top ET championship trophy, complementing his Division One Summit Super Series title from Piedmont and a 20K Door Car Race victory in Darlington.
Beyond the awards, the event featured cocktails, light refreshments, a 50/50 drawing, practice tree races, door prizes, and a junior scavenger hunt, fostering a festive atmosphere. The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s hospitality ensured a memorable night, cementing its role as MIR’s permanent venue for future racer celebrations.
MIR’s 2025 season kicks off April 5 with a doubleheader weekend for the 1320 Fabrication ET Series. The schedule includes the inaugural Door Car Domination on March 28-30, two King of the Creek 25K events (May 29-June 1 and September 4-7), four ET Series Blowout Weekends, and additional special races. The track, one of Maryland’s largest motorsports venues, hosts over 100 events annually, drawing thousands to St. Mary’s County, per its official site.
The March 8 event not only honored 2024’s victors but also highlighted MIR’s community ties, with local racers like Moorman and Mattera among the honorees. As the 2025 season nears, anticipation builds for another year of competition at the Mechanicsville facility.
