11/17/2025
Midget Auto Racing Association
Sparks and Kunz Headline MARA Awards Banquet
The Midget Auto Racing Association (MARA) celebrated their third season since the revival of the series, with the awards banquet at Angell Park Speedway. The event was held in conjunction with their sister organization the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association.
After the cocktail hour, Father Dale Grubba gave an invocation prior to the evening meal. The ceremony then started with MARA President Quinn McCabe addressing the crowd and welcoming them to the banquet. He congratulated Jace Sparks on the MARA Driver's Championship and Steven Kunz on his MARA Owner’s title.
Along with the point leaders, the rest of the top ten in driver and owner’s points were honored.
The Charlene Meents Award was awarded to MARA official Phil Sims for his work toward the betterment of MARA and midget racing in general.
Charles Kunz III was named Mechanic of the Year.
The 2025 High Performance Lubricants Hard Charger Award went to Daltyn England for passing the most cars during the season. England, who was on hand, also took home the third-place plaque.
In his acceptance speech for Mechanic of the Year Steven Kunz indicated he had a great time working with his dad Charles and brother Charles III throughout the year noting he was also pleased the team didn’t give up when there were setbacks. Kunz gave credit to his driver Mark McMahill (who was second in driver points) for his help and feedback behind the wheel of the #11K. He also thanked Robby Wirth for filling the seat for one race and Robby’s dad “Pops” for helping on the wrenches.
Sparks closed out the MARA portion of the event. An emotional Sparks said early in his address, “It never really hit me that we did it until maybe tonight.” He went on to thank his mom and dad. He thanked England for coaching him during the season. Sparks also expressed gratitude for his “Grandma Terri” and for the service he received from Mike Wallace of MWR Engines.
Sparks said he plans on defending his MARA crown and may pursue a Badger Midget Series title next season. Before that starts, his team intends on racing at The Chili Bowl Nationals in January of 2026.
Look for interviews and news with MARA and Badger drivers from Tulsa and the Chili Bowl on the Facebook pages for both clubs.
MARA thanks their fans and teams for another great season and looks forward to the 2026 campaign.
Photo 1, Jace Sparks with his Champion’s cake.
Photo 2 Charlie, Steven and Charles Kunz with the Owner’s Title cake.
Photo by Roy Ophime Photography
Article by Bill Blumer Jr.
Submitted By: William Blumer
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