Local race team looking for a three-peat

Co-owners Tom Silsby and Steve Shaw of S&S Motorsports are longtime friends on and off the race track. Their attention to detail and ingenuity to make an already great product better has put them at the forefront of the supermodified racing world.

When the names of S&S Motorsports and Troy Regier are talked about on the open-wheel racing circuit, the words "proven champions" come to mind.

The Carson City-based race team is seeking its third consecutive championship in 2006. The season begins May 6 at Madera Speedway in Madera, Calif., where the baby blue No. 98 car will take to the asphalt.

Regier, who is from Dinuba, Calif., is their driver. Regier has six supermodified championships: four with Biswell Motorsports, his past two with S&S. The years Regier won with S&S, Shaw and Silsby won as owners.

"We're making a couple of changes to the car, hopefully for the better," said Silsby. "We freshened the motor and are trying a new lateral front-end."

"We don't want to do too many things at once," Shaw said. "We'll test the motor and suspension when we go to Madera, and give Troy some laps."

Regier, 39, is ready for a new racing season.

"I'm definitely looking forward to racing," he said. "We're kind of getting a late start here.

"I want to improve. We had a good package last year and have kept some things the same. But we're making little improvements - doing some fine tuning."

S&S does its own fabricating, builds its own chassis, wing design and more. All work is done in Carson City with the exception of tires and the motor. S&S uses Tom Reitz in Fresno, Calif., to build its motors.

"We want to thank Larry Torres of T&D Machine Products in Carson City," Shaw said. "They're the leading supplier of rocker arms for nearly everyone in racing."

Also on board as sponsors are Ron Burdg of Sierra Racing Products, Mr. Gasket, Regier Farms, Capital City Auto Parts (NAPA), and Valley Chevrolet (Mike Teihm).

The complete racecar and transport trailer are paid for, but the team could use help covering travel expenses.

"You've got fuel, food and lodging wherever you go," said Burdg, president of Sierra Racing Products/Sierra Mold Corporation. "It would be nice if one of these types of businesses would help out."

Shaw welcomes phone calls from anyone interested in helping sponsor the team. Large amounts of money aren't necessary - most any arrangement would be helpful.

"I'm just anxious to get going," Regier said. "It's been too long. I'm looking forward to some new challenges."

Spoken like a true speed junkie.

"We had an exceptional year last year," Silsby said. "We'll win our share this year."

But the team never underestimates the competition, be it driver or owner.

"Tommy gets to be creative and try different things on the car," Shaw said. "With his knowledge, as both driver and builder, he's learned a lot.

"And he likes racing and helping others, like Amy (Barnes). He likes helping them along, then go out and beat them."

"Hopefully," Silsby added, with a wry smile.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.