From a press release:

Road racer Tim O’Connor was named the recipient of the 2003 John Bettencourt Memorial Sportsman of the Year award during the Loudon Road Racing Series annual Championship Awards presentation banquet.

O’Connor was recognized for his long-time support of the club and his assistance to fellow competitors since beginning road racing in 1986. The award was presented by the Penquin Road Racing School.

“Having personally known John Bettencourt, this is a really special honor for me,” said O’Connor. “John’s enthusiasm for our sport was contagious, he was always willing to talk about racing to anyone who asked and never had a big ego over his accomplishments. This is definitely the best thing I’ve ever won, and means the most to me.”

O’Connor started racing in 1986 in AAMRR, which became LRRS, winning class Championships in Lightweight Grand Prix in 1989, and GTU in 1993. He started his professional career in 1989 in the AMA 250 Grand Prix class. O’Connor carried National Number 56 on his Yamaha TZ250s for many years until the class’ demise this year.