FALLON, NV (Nov. 4) – The Nevada Pro Stock Association, NPSA, held its award banquet in the Fallon Elks Lodge on Saturday. The get together celebrated a fantastic season for the group and gave them chance to not only honor the 2017 champion but sponsors and tracks that have hosted the series.
A buffet dinner started things rolling and there was something for just about everyone’s taste. And a raffle for prizes was also part of the evening.
One of the first racers that joined the group when it was founded was Californian Mike Learn and he’s supported the it ever since then. As a token of appreciation NPSA awarded him one of their jackets.
Next up was honoring the many sponsors that have kept the series going and growing over the past year. While some weren’t able to attend the function those that were present got a pen that came in an engraved box.
Even though not everyone could be present to receive the gifts it was a good-sized group.
In addition NPSA wanted to give thanks to the four tracks, Lovelock Speedway, Rattlesnake Raceway, American Valley Speedway and the track at the Modoc County Fairgrounds in Cedarville, California. Due to the track in Hawthorne not being to open the race slated for that date was moved to Saturday on Dirt Track Championship weekend at Rattlesnake Raceway.
Due to weather and other commitments none of the tracks had someone present to the association will get those out later.
There were a few jackets given out during the raffle give away and one person will carry the NPSA colors to Las Vegas is photographer Melissa Coker as she not only won a jacket but cap as well. She’ll be at the Duel in the Desert next week and will keep track for this site of the Northern Nevada drivers.
The season itself started as if it was going to be a runaway then morphed into a real barnburner with several different winners.
Travis White at the Dirt Track Championships on the night when his finish secured the 2017 NPSA championship.
At the top of the points, early championship leader Shawn Natenstedt was being chased by Travis White. The deciding moment came late in the race when a problem dropped Natenstedt to the back after he caused the final caution of the night.
In those last laps Robert Mull just ran away from everyone, like he did all race, while White was doing his best and Natenstedt was charging through the pack. But at the checkered flag White wound up ahead of Natenstedt.
Travis White gets the champion’s graphic, plus a nice check from NPSA acting president Jesse Gonzalez (right).
After counting all the points, as well as taking into account the throw away race each driver gets White had 425 points while Natenstedt was at 422. That’s just about as close as one can imagine.
At the banquet the top five drivers received a large poster sized graphic they can hang on a wall and they got some extra money as well.
When White received his he gave thanks to Natenstedt for setting the bar so high when the season began. He also added at how much harder he and others had to work to come up to that standard, which made for some great racing during the year.
Then he gave special thanks to his nephew Cody, who really is the crew chief, his crew, wife and his mentor Robert Miller for all the help and advice.
The top three in points also received the Perfect Attendance awards provided by Bob Oliver, who owns Competition Carburetion in Reno.
When the 2018 season begins there will be new officers. Travis Peterson ia the president while Chris Lumsden the vice president. Secretary is Kari Gonzalez while Kellie Dastrup is the treasurer and the new promoter is Samantha Rauscher.
For part of the season Jesse Gonzalez has been acting president now that responsibility has been handed to Peterson.
The board members are Gina Gonzalez, Rocky Boice, Robert Miller, Kenny Newberry and Rob Mason.
Since the tracks haven’t set their schedules yet next year’s season won’t be announced for a few more weeks.
Now everyone gets to go home, relax a bit, enjoy the holidays then roll up their sleeves and get to work preparing the cars for the season that starts in the New Year.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• If the reader is interested in NPSA photos they can to go Coker’s site, which is www.melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com.
REPORTER’S NOTE: At the end of this post there is a photo gallery of the banquet and award winners as well as the final points list.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
- This reporter will again be a guest on the Teresa’s Garage Radio Show on Tuesday. My usual time is 2:15 but the show itself, which runs from 2 until 3 p.m. is for anyone interested in the automotive world.
Teresa’s Garage Radio Show graphic.
- Reno Coffee and Cars had a show and shine Sunday. While it’s not so much a Hot August Nights theme there were plenty of cars on display for people to see. Their next one should be in two weeks.
If you enjoyed this article please “like,” and share it as widely as possible. Comments are welcome.
Subscribers have articles posted to their inbox as soon as they are on the site.
We now have five very appreciated sponsors that are helping support this site. Please patronize them as they support your sport.
Our newest is Big Valley Honda and is the first dealer we have as a sponsor. They sell everything from motorcycles, UTV’s, ATV’s and about anything else things one could want.
They are located at 2225 Market Street in Reno and their website is www.bigvalleyhonda.com and they have a Face Book page, www.facebook.com/bigvalleyhondareno.
Our first sponsor is a full service motorcycle shop, Reno Motorsports and they too have a full service shop as well as about anything a rider could want.
They are located at 964 Terminal way, by Mill Street and their website is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
Sponsor PJ & Co Restaurant and Saloon located at 1590 Wells Avenue in Reno is familiar to most in the riding lifestyle.
Good food, great place and they have Bike Night every Wednesday. For further information please check their website at, www.pjandco.net.
Concours Body Shop, owned by racer and race supporter Gil Grieve, is a business doing quality repair work on cars and trucks.
The business is located at 240 Telegraph Street in Reno and their website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
If you are into karting or want the most cost effective way to start racing then check out Nevada Kart Sport, our only full service kart shop in this region.
The shop has moved to 894 Deming Way in Sparks and their website is, www.nevadakartsport.com.
Have a business targeted toward the motorcycle, motorsport or off road demographic? Well we are looking for more sponsors.
You can contact us either through the comment section of the site or our Face Book page.
RESULTS:
Nevada Pro Stock Association:
+ Top Eight: 1. Travis White, 2. Shawn Natenstedt, 3. Games Gonzales, 4. Jay sears, 5. B. J. Pearson, 6. Mike McMordie, 7. Rocky Boice, 8. Robert Mull.
PHOTO GALLERY:
