Hagan, Anderson, Moon and Ashley share Honors in Vegas
Las Vegas -- Matt Hagan was named the 2006 AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Series Rookie of the Year at the series’ year-end banquet held recently in Las Vegas. Howard Moon and Brad Anderson shared Crew Chief of the Year honors, and two-time World Champion Mike Ashley was awarded the Walter Henry Award for his contributions to Pro Modified racing.
Hagan, from Christiansburg, Va., was unable to attend the banquet, choosing instead to spend time with his wife Rachel and new son, Colby Matthew Hagan, who was born Friday, October 27th.
“It's a great honor,” Hagan said. “You only get to be a rookie in a class once in your career, and we're very proud to have done as well as we've done against the competition we've faced in this class.”
Recognized for their superior performances during the season, veteran tuner and engine builder Brad Anderson joined Howard Moon as Crew Chiefs of the year. Anderson tuned his daughter, Shelly Payne, to a stellar number four finish, as well as her husband, Jay, to the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified World Championship. Moon led 2005 Rookie of the Year Josh Hernandez to two event wins and a number three finish in the series.
Former champion Mike Ashley was awarded the sixth annual Walter Henry award for his dedication and contributions to the class.
“I was completely surprised,” said the New York mortgage banker turned nitro Funny Car driver. “It’s humbling to receive an award like this, because it represents so much. I just follow my heart, and my heart is definitely here — in Pro Mod.”
Also during the event, AMS Staff Leasing’s Jeff Lynn confirmed the return of the series in 2007.
“We’re pleased to be a part of such an exciting class, and we’re all looking forward to an incredible 2007,” Lynn said.
“On behalf of Dave Wood, Tim Tindle and all of our sponsors this year, I want to congratulate all of our winners and say thank you to the drivers and teams who competed with us this year. I’m looking forward to next year and more of the best Pro Modified racing in the world,” he said.
