Racing series hands out awards to local race teams

The American Speed Association/Western States Supermodifieds racing series recently handed out numerous awards at the Atlantis Hotel/Casino in Reno.

More than 80 were in attendance including several drivers from Northern Nevada as well as their crews and families.

Whitey Janssen of Dayton, in just his second full season in a supermodified racecar, picked up honors for Most Improved Driver of the series and a trophy for ninth place overall. DNA Racing driver Amy Barnes of Minden finished in 10th place overall.

Rookie of the Year was 19-year-old Martin McKeefery of Milpitas, Calif., who also finished in eighth overall; Jim Birges of Fresno, Calif. was seventh; Kirk Wartman of Boise, Idaho, driving for Courtney Lewis and Mike Burt of Reno, finished sixth. Eric Silsby, DNA racing teammate of Barnes, finished fifth; Rick Veenstra of Emmett, Idaho finished fourth; Jeff Russell of Boise finished third overall and received an award for Driver of the Year and Team of the Year for Out Front Racing; A.J. Russell of Clovis, Calif. finished second overall.

Troy Regier, driver of the Carson City-based S&S Motorsports racecar, was the champion for the third straight year. Regier is from Dinuba, Calif. Another honor for the S&S crew was Crew Chiefs of the Year for Tom Silsby and Steve Shaw.

Special recognition was given to the league's Web site master, Lou Anne McKeefery; the Promoter of the Year was Doug Binstock of Rocky Mountain Raceways in Salt Lake City, and Tom Hottell was recognized as Fan of the Year.

The league begins its season April 14 at Tucson Raceway Park in Tucson, Ariz.

For information on ASA/WSS visit www.wssrl.com.

•Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.