The Awesome Al-Anabi Pro Modified team put four teams into Friday’s ADRL Battle for the Belts competition at the ADRL World Finals but only three will compete this weekend.

Shannon Jenkins, crew chief and tuner for the organization, and driver of the fourth car, didn’t travel this weekend to Texas, electing to remain home after the death of his father, Gaylon, who passed away from unexpected complications following routine surgery.

Mike Castellana, Jenkins’ longtime teammate, believes that while Jenkins is noted for his tuning prowess, he deserves recognition for his planning and organizing of a team that could operated so efficiently in his absence.

“Shannon put together a good team here,” said Castellana, who has raced together with Jenkins for nearly a decade. “If you look at any of the major stick and ball sports, if the coach isn’t there one day, the team doesn’t go down the tubes. What he built here is a good team with a solid foundation. A good crew chief always has a back-up plan.”

Castellana pointed out that Jenkins insisted the team race this weekend. That’s easier said than done pointed out Castellana.

“We would really like to be there with him at the funeral and the wake,” Castellana said. “His wishes were for us were to race, and bring home the championship. We’re following his wishes and the team feels terrible for him.”

Jenkins’ spot will be filled by first alternate Pat Stoken, who will assume the No. 8 seed. Per ADRL alternate insertion procedures, other teams will move up a spot in the ladder placing Castellana in the second spot formerly occupied by Jenkins.

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