Ashley Honored as SUPR Champion

BATON ROUGE, LA (November 13, 1999) - David Ashley of Zachary, La., was honored as the 1999 O’Reilly Southern United Professional Racing (SUPR) Series champion. Ashley was awarded with $10,750 in cash and contingencies for winning the championship. In addition to the $6,000 for winning the title, Ashley received contingency awards from AFCO, Clausen’s Racing, Bert Transmission, Shonefeld, Warrior and Thunder Valley Speedway. Ashley claimed four feature wins en route to the O’Reilly SUPR championship.

For Ashley, the championship capped an unbelievable season - a season that saw the points lead seesaw back and forth between himself and Duke Whiseant. Ashley thanked the good Lord for blessing him, his family for introducing him to racing at a young age and his wife for all of her support and understanding. He then praised Donald Watson for giving him the opportunity to drive his car and Eldon Rogillio with After Crash Inc. for sponsoring his efforts in 1999. Ashley wrapped it up by thanking his crew chief, Doug Barton.

“His (Barton) dedication to me, it is unreal to have a friend that close that will actually do anything that I ask,” Ashley said.

Whiseant of Texarkana, Ark., in his first season of pursuing the O’Reilly SUPR championship, finished second in the closest points battle in the 10-year history of the series. Whiseant thanked his mom and dad for all of their support and Ronny Adams for being a good friend.

Dave Siegert of Mesquite, Texas, claimed the Late Model America/Ashley Brothers Rookie of the Year and finished fifth overall in the points standings. He edged out Jon Mitchell of Texarkana, Texas, and Dennis Duncan of Byram, Miss., for the title. He was awarded with $1,000 and a set of Shonefeld headers and mufflers.

Jay Blair just did edge out Jon Mitchell for the Lloyd Wild Jr. Logging Hard Charger Award. Blair and Mitchell entered the last race at Pike County tied in Lloyd Wild Jr. Logging Hard Charger points.

Wade Cleveland was awarded with the 1999 Hard Luck award and received a set of Brodix heads. Cleveland had a rough year, losing eight motors. His luck improved as the season went on and he was able to climb up to an eighth-place finish in the final points standings.

Kenny Merchant won the drawing for a complete rotating assembly from Keith Craft Racing Engines.

Every year, the O’Reilly SUPR series holds a drawing for a chassis-in-a-box, a complete rolling chassis is made available to the winners of the drawing at a discount price. This years winners were Ronny Adams (Warrior), Wade Cleveland (GRT), Rob Litton (Larry Shaw) and Dennis Duncan (American Made).

Eddie Taylor was awarded the first Sportsman Award sponsored by Mar Lee’s Embroidery for supporting and promoting the O’Reilly SUPR series throughout the years.

Boothill Speedway owners Randy and Linda Paine were recognized for their support of the O’Reilly SUPR series over the 10-year history of the tour. Boothill Speedway has played host to 49 SUPR shows since the tour began - by far the highest total of any racetrack on the circuit.

For further information regarding the 2000 O’Reilly SUPR Series contact
Greg Holmes at 225-275-5040 or e-mail us at gholmes@suprracing.com.