The dust has barely settled from last nights Big Block Modified show here, but track employees scurry around cleaning, painting, and making repairs to set the stage for the nights event. The weather seems to be cooperating and the haulers are making their way through the gate. Among the list of haulers rolling in are two teammates that have a bit of a rivalry going.
VLR_Shock and VLR_18 (also known as Wheel) have had a few issues lately. They race each other harder than anyone else. They pit side by side, but there’s not much chatter between them. They both have had much success at this track, you can tell this is going to be a good show. The lineups are posted and hot laps are completed. The Hot Shots, a local up and coming band, begin the National Anthem in quartet.
Opening ceremonies are finished, the drivers are strapping in, and the officials are at their stations. The announcer calls heat one to the track. We are going racing!
Heat one lines up with IFRT_14 on the pole. VLR_18 gets the outside. The second row is ERL_Turbo inside and ERL_BLKJAK outside. On the third row we find BLS_34 and BLS_Jsn!, with BLS_Superman on the tail. After 12 laps VLR_18 takes the win.
Heat two lines up with Squirrel on the pole, and last nights crowd favorite from the Big Block Modified Race, BLS_Deadbolt starts outside. Second row heavily favored for tonight’s event is VLR_Shock, outside row 2 is IFRT_Jim. Row tree has Matzen inside and Simon outside. 12 laps later we find BLS_Deabolt carrying the checkered flag again.
The teams are given a short intermission to make last minute adjustments and prepare for the Dash and B-Main races. The Dash Lines up first with VLR_18 on the pole, BLS_Deadbolt outside. BLS_Superman, who had to come from the back of his heat race for 2nd place to qualify for the dash, and VLR_Shock to the outside.
Row three of the dash is ERL_BLKJAK on the inside and IFRT_Jim outside. The green drops and VLR_18 leads the pack down the front stretch and into turns one and two. VLR_18 finishes 1st with VLR_Shock coming in second. These two are like magnets, almost always finding each other in any given race.
The B-Main rolls onto the track with BLS_34 in the pole position. Simon is outside row one with BLS_Jsn!, Matzen, IFRT_14, Squirrel, and ERL_Turbo starting on the tail. The transfer spots go to BLS_34, BLS_Jsn!, Simon, and ERL_Turbo.
With the night’s final intermission, crews are in a frenzy to get their machines ready for the Feature event. Times up and the call goes out for the Late Model drivers to lineup. It’s time for the money show.
The A-Main starts with BLS_Superman on the pole. VLR_Shock starts outside. Row two starts VLR_18 inside and IFRT_Jim outside. Row three starts BLS_Deadbolt inside and ERL_BLKJAK outside. Row four has a couple teammates side-by-side BLS_34 inside and BLS_Jsn! on the outside. Row five has Simon inside with ERL_Turbo outside.
As they roll past the flag stand for the parade lap the yellow light goes out. Next time by the green light will be on. Time to shake off those nervous thoughts and get focused.
The green flag drops and the race begins, and what a race it is! Right away BLS_Superman gets out front and is determined to hold his ground. VLR_Shock makes a pass and BLS_Superman flies right back into 1st. They battle it out for nearly thirty laps and VLR_18 noses up there and begins to challenge for the lead as well. Superman and Shock are dueling for the 1st position while leaving VLR_18 wanting more.
18 gets closer and closer each lap until he finally bumps Shock. Then Shock gets right back by they continue to bump and race as they make their way by BLS_Superman. The battle for the lead is taken over by VLR_18, then Shock slides back in there.
They start to get a little rougher as the laps wind down. It’s just luck and talent that the have not wrecked so far. The white flag drops and the battle heats up even more, if that’s possible. Shock is leading going into turn 3 for the last time.
VLR_18 slides in and bumps him, and makes the pass. It’s almost a photo finish as they cross the line 1 and 2 with VLR_18 taking the victory only to have it stripped away when he does not pass tech.
The officials rule VLR_18 to be DQ’ed with 10th place points and VLR_Shock is awarded the win! VLR_Shock said, "I don’t wanna win like that, give the win to 18, he earned it.” The officials denied the request and Shock is left the winner.
Full results posted at http://teamerl.webs.com/2011nlmsresults.htm
Join us next week as the National Late Model Series goes to Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio. There’s some stiff competition vying for the points lead. BLS_34 is the current points leader, can he hold on to it. Come to Attica and see for yourself. See ya there!
Written by: ERL_Turbo