Eric Harmon was named the 2019 Bill Bader Sr. Sportsman of the Year in one of the most touching tributes at Summit Motorsports Park’s 46th Annual Edelbrock Banquet of Champions presented by Lincoln Electric on Jan. 18 at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.

Eric, who rides the well-known Whiskey Grade Kawasaki motorcycle in the high-winding Wiseco/Cycle Tech Super Bike category, was the inspiration for an impassioned speech by Summit Motorsports Park president Bill Bader Jr., who referred to him as a person of great moral character.

“It was an unbelievable night, and it still hasn’t sunk in,” said Harmon, a construction superintendent from Canfield, Ohio, who received a standing ovation and countless hugs and handshakes. “It means so much to me, the world to me, actually, because it’s not about the wins and losses. It’s about how you conduct yourself and how you treat people.”

While Eric’s wife, Lori, was at his side from the beginning of the event, his daughter, Erica, son, Mikey, and mother and stepfather Lucile and Al, surprised him by joining him as Bader Jr. warmly welcomed him to the stage as the 2019 Bill Bader Sr. Sportsman of the Year.

“Such a rush of emotion has come over me,” said Eric. “I really want to live up to this award.” - Mary Lendzion