(11/10/20), Stockton, CA … The Northern Auto Racing Club presented the coveted Billy Albini Mechanic of the Year Award to veteran crew chief, chassis builder, and car owner Rodney Tiner at the Stockton Dirt Track Saturday.
The one-of-a-kind trophy, which features a gold plated wrench and a mural of the late Billy Albini, was presented by Mike Andreetta and Chris “Cajun” Good at the King of the West season finale.
“We would normally present this at our year-end banquet,” said Andreetta, from the Stockton Dirt Track victory circle, “but COVID-19 forced up to alter our plans. And, we didn’t want to let a whole year go by to recognize another deserving crew chief in our sport.”
“Rod is one of the best in the business at knowing how to get the most out of a sprint car and a driver,” continued Andreetta. “He’s been successful at it for more than three decades and we are proud to present this award to him tonight.”
In addition to taking home the trophy for a year, Tiner was also presented with a $1000 cash prize and a Mechanic of the Year ring.
Mark Bristow was the first winner of the award in 2019.
Billy Albini was a longtime crew chief for 13-time NARC and King of the West champion Brent Kaeding and is recognized as the winningest “wrench” in NARC history. He lost his life to cancer in 2019.
