Gulf South Region 2008 awards banquet notes

Berryman Takes Top ASCS Gulf South Honors

TULSA, Okla. (November 18, 2008) -- Brandon Berryman received championship accolades for the second year in a row as the American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region's Seventh Annual Awards Banquet took place at the Isle of Capri Casino in Lake Charles, LA, on Saturday night.

The Missouri City, TX, racer rebounded from an early season deficit to nip veteran contenders Greg Rilat and Gary Watson for the title, with just 18 markers separating the top three in final points as Berryman became the series' first back-to-back champion since Kelly Angelette took the initial pair of Gulf South championships in 2002 and 2003.

Berryman and the balance of the top ten in ASCS Gulf South points were honored over the course of the night, with other honorees including Greg Rilat, Gary Watson, Tommy Bryant, Travis Elliott, Channin Tankersley, Brandon Corn, Chris Sweeney, Travis Knighton and Michael McNeil.

In addition to the series title, the 28-year-old Berryman also picked up an extra $750 from Joe Gabbarb for topping the season's Tango Transport Hard Charger standings, with Watson and McNeil second and third, respectively, in Hard Charger standings.

Travis Elliott received Rookie of the Year honors, Michael McNeil picked up the Best Appearing Car award and Aaron Reutzel claimed Most Improved honors.

Also, Greg Rilat was received the Sportsmanship award as well as a plaque commemorating his 100th career ASCS Gulf South Region feature start, which took place at Waco's Heart O' Texas Speedway on May 25.

The 2008 season for the ASCS Gulf South Region consisted of 20 events at ten tracks throughout Texas and Louisiana, with 92 different drivers competing in at least one event.

Additional information regarding the ASCS Gulf South Region and the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

-credit: ascs