Local supermodified drivers return to Madera

By Rhonda Costa-Landers

Appeal Staff Writer

Local racers, too, are feeling the pinch of a tight economy, with Dale Lamborn of Carson City and DNA Racing teammates Amy Barnes and Eric Silsby of Minden not able to make today's Supermodified Racing Association feature event at Madera Speedway in Madera, Calif.

Locals who will be competing are S&S Motorsports of Carson City with driver Troy Regier of Dinuba, Calif., C&M Motorsports of Reno with new driver Kenny White of Fresno, Calif., and Janssen Motorsports of Dayton, driver is Whitey Janssen of Dayton.

White takes over the driving duties in the No. 96 C&M Motorsports supermodified race car after co-owners Mike Burtz and Courtney Lewis released Ernie Coppo Jr. of Fresno. Coppo drove the car the first two races of the SMRA season at Madera.

White, 22, has been driving a 360 cubic-inch supermodified over the past few years at Madera Speedway. C&M co-owner Courtney Lewis said White is eager to move to the ranks of the 410 cubic-inch supers.

"I talked with Kenny a little while ago and didn't make any promises (to him)," Lewis said. "I called him back and we talked some more, and I made the driver change."

"It just wasn't working out (with Ernie)," Lewis said.

"We (Lewis and Burtz) were introduced to Kenny by Troy Regier. Kenny said he's always wanted to drive a super.

"We'll have his dad and one other guy helping us out. I hope he's a good match for us."

The S&S Motorsports team has made repairs to the No. 98 car after the front panhard bar broke during the May 10 race at Madera.

Co-owner Tom Silsby has replaced the front panhard bar and redesigned and replaced the rear panhard bar on the racecar. Minor damage was also done to a body panel and an oil line fitting.

"We're ready to get out there and race again," said Steve Shaw, co-owner with Silsby.

Janssen finished 10th in last month's race and has said he gains experience from each outing. Janssen is in his second full season in a supermodified.

For information on S&S Motorsports, visit www.ssmotorsportsracing.com, and on the SMRA visit www.smraracing.com.

Full results of Saturday's race will be in Monday's Nevada Appeal.

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