The United States Auto Club honored their 2015 Western champions and special award winners last Saturday, February 20, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by Chris Kearns, the annual Western Awards Banquet was held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino.
The event was headlined by returning champions. Damion Gardner of Concord, California celebrated his third consecutive AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car title for Alexander Racing. Tipton, California’s Danny Faria, Jr. earned his second West Coast Sprint Car crown and R.J. Johnson of Laveen, Arizona claimed his third straight Southwest Sprint Car championship.
Corona, California’s Ronnie Gardner won his third consecutive USAC Western Midget Series crown for Six8 Motorsports.
In the Western HPD Midget divisions, Cody Jessop of Madera, California won his first overall series championship. Simi Valley, California’s Shawn Buckley earned the Dirt Series crown and Dylan Nobile of Clovis, California scored the Pavement title. Menlo Park, California’s Jesse Love IV claimed the inaugural Restricted championship.
Rookie of the Year honors went to Parker Colston of Lake Elsinore, California (CRA Sprint), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma’s Trey Marcham (West Coast Sprint), Dennis Gile of Phoenix, Arizona (Southwest Sprint) and Bakersfield, California’s Cory Elliott (Western Midget).
Special awards were presented to Steve Alexander (Bruce Bromme Jr. Mechanic of the Year), Logan Williams (CRA Most Improved Driver), Jack and Sharon Jory (Billy Wilkerson Award) and Mike Grosswendt (Evelyn Pratt Award). Dick Woodland was also recognized for his longtime contributions and support of racing.
The Western campaign opens on March 4th with the FVP Sin City Showdown featuring the USAC West Coast and Southwest Sprint Cars at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.