CHARLOTTE, NC :: Keith Rocco didn’t win the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) National Championship but he did steal the show at Friday night’s NWAAS awards banquet at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rocco, who finished third in the NWAAS National Standings and won the NWAAS Connecticut State Championship, cracked jokes about Anders and his start-and-park fleet at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
“In this sport, you can never underestimate your competition and how far they are willing to go to win races and championships,” Rocco said. “With that being said, I’d like to congratulate our champion, Anthony Anders, and his entire team – including the 36, the 36x, the 36xx, the 01x and the 1x. Great job, guys.”
Rocco continued his roast, stating that he got a present for the National Champion – which he teased on Twitter earlier this week.
Doing a little painting tonight #nwaas pic.twitter.com/jCjVMWtFga
— Keith Rocco (@KidRocRacing) December 9, 2014
“I got to know Anthony a little better towards the end of the season,” Rocco remarked. “I learned he is quite the character. Boy, we had a lot of fun last night at Whisky River by the way. So, I figured that trophy over there probably wasn’t enough. Anthony, after all your hard work, I wanted to get you something to remind you of how much hard work you really put in to winning this title … but I ran in to a little problem. It didn’t quite pass tech with NASCAR. I’ll get that to you later.”
Rocco’s gift to Anders was a custom-decaled Little Tikes car – a joke referring to the start-and-parks at Greenville. Those start-and-parks were often rumored on social media to be Mini Stock cars and cars from other classes that weren’t legal Late Models – rumors that were denied by Anders, the track and NASCAR.
A little bit later in his speech, Rocco thanked his sponsors, and the jabs kept coming.
“I also have to welcome aboard my newest sponsor, as of his sixth drink at cocktail hour, Anders Incorporated. He guaranteed me a full field for 2015.”
Rocco ended his speech wishing everyone a safe holiday – but not before getting in one more shot at Anders.
“I want to wish everyone a great holiday, and remember, if you drink too much, just call Anders Start and Park Services. They always have drivers waiting.”
After the speech, NWAAS runner-up Lee Pulliam, who found himself embroiled in one of the controversies surrounding Anders at Greenville, tweeted Keith Rocco a message of admiration.
@KidRocRacing Rocco fan for life. #tellitlikeitis @NASCARHomeTrack
— Lee Pulliam (@LeePulliam11) December 13, 2014
Read More:
National Championship Contenders Feud After Greenville Showdown
Corruption or Confusion? | Keith Rocco Reacts to Greenville Controversy
Anthony Anders Wins First Career NWAAS National Championship
