11/3/24) Stockton, CA … The Northern Auto Racing Club capped its super-exciting 410 sprint car campaign by crowning its King of the West champions and honoring key contributors at the plush Brookside Country Club in Stockton.

Justin Sanders and car owner Demo Mittry were the guests of honor after claiming the 2024 65th Anniversary season championship on the last lap of the season at the Stockton Dirt Track. Sanders and Cole Macedo fought a torrid season-long battle for top honors that engaged sprint car fans nationwide.

The potent Sanders-Mittry team posted seven victories and posted 18 podium finishes during the 23-race season. Included in those totals were eight runner-up finishes.

Macedo and Tarlton Motorsports scored five wins, and 19 top tens, 18 of which were in the top five and 13 on the podium. In the end, Sanders won the championship by only six-points over Macedo.

Both drivers were complimentary of each other and thanked their respective teams and sponsors for their efforts.

Emcee Jim Allen presented the 2024 Rookie of the Year award to 19-year-old Caeden Steele, who outgunned a stellar rookie class this season with 13 top ten finishes.

Justin Sanders was also the recipient of the coveted Billy Albini Mechanic of the Year award. Sanders is unique in that he also serves as crew chief and wrenches on the cars he has run over the years. Mike Andreetta presented the unique trophy, which features names such as Shane Bowers, Willie Croft, Jimmy Carr, Rod Tiner and Mark Bristow.

The prestigious Dave Bradway Jr. Inspirations Trophy was awarded to an emotional Shawn Heath, who received a standing ovation for his unique videos and marketing efforts with NARC and open wheel racing.

The huge video and awards presentation also acknowledged the balance of the top ten in the final NARC 410 Sprint Car Series standings.

Drivers Bud Kaeding and Billy Aton served as auctioneers for the lively NARC Benevolent Fund auction. The 20-minute affair raised an astounding $15,846 for the non-profit fund which helps drivers and families in need. The fund has recently helped drivers such as Angelique Bell, Justin Cox, and Chase Johnson.

Close to $75,000 was distributed to teams. Car owners Demo Mittry (2X), Tarlton Motorsports (21), Bates-Hamilton Racing(42X), Blaine Steele (121), BK Racing (29), Vertullo Racing (83V), Keller Motorsports (2K) and Parker Automotive (15), were also presented with loyalty bonus checks for competing at every event.

The Northern Auto Racing Club would like to thank all the racing teams, fans, sponsors, and promoters who contributed to the success of the 65th Anniversary season.

Caeden Steele claimed the 2024 NARC Rookie of the Year Award. Photo by Joe Shivak

 

Justin Sanders was awarded with the coveted Billy Albini Mechanic of the Year award, presented by Mike Andreetta. Photo by Joe Shivak

 

Car owner Demo Mittry and Justin Sanders added their names to the NARC King of the West perpetual trophy for their championship efforts. Photo by Joe Shivak

 

Cole Macedo sports his Fastest Five Days in Motorsports championship trophy. Photo by Joe Shivak

 

Cole Maceo and crew chief Drew Werner represent Tarlton Motorsports and their stellar effort to chase the 2024 championship. They only came up six-points short at the end. Photo by Joe Shivak

 

Shawn Heath sports a million dollar smile after being presented with the prestigious Dave Bradway Jr. Inspirational Trophy. Photo by Joe Shivak

Additional photos can be found on NARC social media.