Arizona Off Road Awards

Phoenix, AZ (January 29, 2005) -- The 2004 Whiplash awards banquet, was quite a function. Many successful Arizona Off Road racers were there, and too many for me to list.

During Jay's "State of Desert Racing in Arizona" speech, he told the story of when Ivan Stuart was the guest speaker at one of the Whiplash awards, (around five or six years ago). He recalled the story of when he told Ivan there would be approx. 500 guest', and Ivan didn't believe him, till he got to the Phoenix banquet.

Jay stated that they had made just around Two Hundred Awards for this occasion. Of course this includes: the bikes, the Pee Wee's, the Quads, the Sportsmen, the Fast, the Old, the course workers, and finally, the Pro Car & Trucks

The awards consisted of a 24 X 36 wood framed plaque, with: the winners picture inserted, his Championship place, and class. I also received one embroided, black, Championship Jacket, and One Hundred Bucks, cash.

The Awards were held at Alice Cooperstown, a Rock & Roll Sportsbar across the street from the Bank One Ballpark, in downtown Phoenix. There were guitars, and all kind of Rock & Roll memorabilia decorating the walls.(There are also a few Doherty Motorsports decals in a few strategic locations now located in there). The food was good, the soda, coffee, and tea were free. (Free was good, as we were there five hours!)

The action was held outside in a courtyard, with everyone on two floors watching from the two levels of porch (see enclosed photo). Then it started to rain. Everything was then packed up, and moved inside. The bar was not very "viewer friendly", and as soon as the rain stopped, everything was then moved back outside again.

1600 racer Don Johnson, who is also the Whiplash Tech inspector, had donated one of his brand new $5000 Don Johnson built, 1600 VW motor, to be awarded to one of the top five 1600 class champions. The five names were put in a hat, and after they all received their awards, and thanked their sponsors, one name was drawn out of the hat for the motor. It was won by 3rd place winner, and Tucson Plumber, Rick Sanders, (whom we were sitting with).

A good time was had by all.
Alice Cooper never did show up.
The rain didn't dampen all the fun,
and so ends the 2004 Arizona Desert Point Series season.

Mike Doherty
2004 class 8 champion