Trevose, Pa – The Mid Atlantic .90 Association placed a cap on its 2016 season with its annual banquet held on February 18th in Northeast Philadelphia. A crowd of just under 140 people joined to celebrate the champions of the previous season and give away some special awards. Mid Atlantic .90 president Rob Keister kicked things off with a special video tribute honoring the racers, followed by some special awards. The rookie of the year award went to Super Gas Racer Mike Lang. Even though Lang has been racing for many years this was his first season with MASGA.
After, 2 victories and a 4th place finish in points Lang was the highest placing rookie. The sponsor of the year award went to Auto Meter Products and Marc Erickson. Autometer has been the primary sponsor of the special Top 8 event held at Cecil County and has given back to the racers over the years. The wrench of the year went to Super Gas racer George Smith who is there to always give a helping hand and lend his spare motor to someone is in need. The Driver of the Year award took on new meaning this year as it was named in honor of fallen Super Gas racer Gary Laird and it was only fitting it went to MASCA Champion Chase Fahnestock who was close friends with Gary. Two special honorary awards went to Derek Clark & Bob Keister. Clark, battled back from a garage fire in 2015 that destroyed his Oldsmobile Cutlass Super Gas Car and to Keister who is always lending a helping hand out to his son with running the association.
The crowing of the 2016 Champions was the highlight of the evening. In Super Comp, previously mentioned Chase Fahnestock won his first MASCA Championship driving his DWM Inc. / Yards Brewing Dragster. Fahnestock, recorded 4 final rounds with 2 victories in only 7 events competed in the tough series. Chase thanked his parents Joel & Crystal, family, friends and fellow racers. In conclusion a toast was made to Laird and his Grandfather who had passed away in 2016. In Super Gas, another first time champion graced the podium as Don Knoblick was crowned Champion. With 3 final round appearance in 2016, Knoblick won a nail biter in the end over Don Miller. Knoblick thanked his parents, fiancée Kelli Barbato, Business Partner Bob Silfies, Waylon and everyone who helped him get to where he is today. Knoblick also gave a toast to his fellow racers and family and is looking to defend his championship in 2017. The last of the champions was Keith Mayers. The stage was no stranger to Mayers as this was his 3rd straight Super Street Championship after 3 victories in his Black & Orange Porsche. Mayers thanked his wife Etta, all the rest of the Top 5 finishers of MASSA and is looking forward to shooting for his 4th straight championship in 2017.
In closing president Rob Keister unveiled a brand new 2017 trophy for all to see that was designed by S&W Performance Group in Spring City, Pa along with a special .90 event to be held at Numidia Dragway on July 8th & 9th that will pay $1,500 to the winners of all three classes each day. The season kicks off on April 29th & 30th at the famed Atco Dragway in Atco, NJ.