By Dick Jordan
USAC drivers Bryan Clauson, Levi Jones, Ricky Johnson and Rob MacCachren have been recognized by the nation’s motorsports press for their 2010 USAC successes and are on the ballot for the 2010 American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association’s All-America Team.
Voting is underway among more than 250 members of the press to select the team to be honored at the 41st annual AARWBA banquet January 9 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., and Jones of Olney, Ill., are listed in the Short Track category, while Johnson, of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., and MacCachren, of Las Vegas, Nev., are among nominees in the Off Road and Rally category. Clauson and Jones ranks 1-2 in this year’s USAC National Drivers Championship, while Johnson and MacCachren excelled in USAC’s The Off Road Championship competition.
Two drivers from each of eight categories will be named to the first team and the winner of the coveted Jerry Titus Award will also be announced at the banquet, honoring the team’s top driver, the one earning the most votes in the balloting regardless of category.
Clauson and Johnson are making their initial appearance on the AARWBA ballot this year.
Bobby Santos III of Franklin, Mass., a frequent USAC competitor in recent years and 2008 winner of this Thursday night’s “Turkey Night Grand Prix” USAC Midget race at Irwindale, Calif., is also on the ballot in the Touring Series category after winning the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title.
Balloting will also determine a second team of the drivers placing third and fourth in each category and honorable mentions to all others receiving at least five percent of the vote. This year, for the first time, voters will also select the first recipient of the AARWBA Rising Star award.
The last USAC regular to earn a spot on the AARWBA First Team All-America was Jerry Coons Jr., who was selected in both 2007 and 2008.
The banquet is open to the public. Ticket information is available from AARWBA, 922 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, Calif. 91505 or call (818) 842-7005.