Posted (11/08/1999) -
   
I
   
n a hard fought season that saw the points lead change hands four times between the Planet Earth Motorsports teammates, the Nonnamaker Brothers edged out their teammates in the final race.
   
As Will Nonnamaker said "Had the season lasted another race, this championship might have been Wymore's. It seemed as though we would trade off leading the championship almost every race. Wymore and Dick Starita had a great season, and we were just lucky to be leading the championship after the last race."
   
Wayne Nonnamaker won the championship in just his first full professional season, and was elated. "To finish first through fourth in the Driver's Championship is a huge accomplishment. It is not just a testement to the drivers, but more so a testement to this crew. Our crew cheif, Mike Thomas was amazing all year. He and his crew put together a car that was the most mechanically sound car on the track. Mike was able to have a perfect season this year. We had 28 entries this year, and we scored points in all 28 of those races."
   
Joe Nonnamaker tied for the championship in 1998, and lost it due to tie breaker. It was very satisfying for him to see his team finish first through fourth in the championship, and as a father it was very gratifying to see his sons tie for the team championship. Joe Nonnamaker was mostly grateful to the hard work of his crew cheif, Mike Thomas, and the hard work of his crew.
   
This was the first brother duo to win a professional road racing championship in North America since the Archer Brothers won the SCCA Escort Endurance Series in 1988. This was Will and Wayne's first year driving together. Will is a 27 year old graduate of Miami University, and is the creator of the Planet Earth Motorsports campaign. Wayne is a 21 year old who just graduated from Miami in May of 1999, and this is his first full year of professional driving.
   
Look for the team to be back next year with Joe Nonnamaker coming out of retirement to drive.
Click here for points for the season
1999 Season Recap
|