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“ROOKIE” STARS AT WESTERN BANQUET FEBRUARY 7

Drivers Logan Williams, Trevor Schmid, Trent Carter, Garrett Long, Jarid Blondel and Joel Rayborne are slated for year-end recognition as 2014 “Rookies of the Year” when the USAC Western States Banquet unfolds February 7 at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles, Calif.

They are among numerous drivers, car owners and special award recipients to be celebrated at the function, which begins with a meet and greet from 4:30-6:30 pm at the facility located at the Estrella Warbirds Museum at the east end of Paso Robles.

Williams, of Yorba Linda, Calif., finished 11th in the final AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint standings and scored a trio of “top-10” finishes during the season.

Schmid, of Stockton, Calif., notched a pair of “top-10” finishes in his four Western Classic Sprint car starts.

Carter, of Terre Bella, Calif., and Long, of Porterville, Calif., will share the USAC West Coast Sprint “Rookie” honors. Carter posted a pair of “top-10” finishes and both finished in the “top-20” in the series standings.

Blondel, of Orange, Calif., compiled nine “top-10s,” including a pair of thirds on his way to the number three ranking in the final Honda USAC Western Midget series. His 18 total starts were the most for any driver.

Rayborne, of West Covina, Calif., took fifth in the Western HPD Midget points and was 11th on the dirt, resulting in a sixth-place overall finish in the standings.

Ed Justice, Jr. of Justice Brothers, one of the sport’s most ardent supporters, will serve as the keynote speaker at the February 7 event.

Champion drivers being honored include USAC/CRA Sprint Car titlist Damion Gardner, West Coast Sprint Car king Matt Mitchell, Western Classic Sprint champ Ryan Bernal, Western Midget Champ Ronnie Gardner, Western Pavement Midget Champ Chad Nichols and Western HPD Midget champ Shawn Buckley and HPD Dirt champ Ashley Hazelton.

Kevin Montgomery will also be presented the USAC National Race Organizer of the Year honors.

The Woodland Auto Display is located at 4251 Dry Creek Road in Paso Robles.

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