VERMILION COUNTY SPEEDWAY 

NEWS FROM THE SPEEDWAY

HEDRICK & REYNOLDS VCS WINNERS(9/22/01)
By Jack Taylor 

EARL PLESSINGER TAKES 4K AT VCS(9/2/01)
By Namgalf

JIMMY OWENS "DA MAN" AT VCS(8/31/01)
By Jack Taylor

ERB WINS SECOND STRAIGHT AT VCS(8/26/01)
By Jack Taylor

ERB AND SCHWARTZ VCS WINNERS(8/19/01)
By Jack Taylor

LAYIN THE SMACK DOWN AT VCS(8/14/01)
By Jack Taylor

WEAVER AND BRADLEY RULE KID'S NIGHT(8/21/01)
By Jack Taylor

(8/12/01)Danville, IL. Sunday night at Vermilion County Speedway was a night designed for quoting numbers, when as many as 300 plus kids were in attendance for VCS Kids night. Promoter Bill Marietta and a large group of contributors made sure there were a lot of smiling faces during the evening events.

Each youngster coming thru the grandstand gate was given a VCS program containing a lucky number. This program normally sells for $2.00 and the numbers are used for adult prizes during the season. Not last night, as over 80 bicycles, scooters, skateboards, sleeping bags, etc. were given to kids with winning numbers. Announcer Mike Graves called winning numbers all evening as the kids marched down to the concession stand to pick up their loot.

After time trials and 14 preliminary races, a 20-minute intermission was called to allow the kids onto the track to ride around with the drivers. For a new visitor, this would seem like utter chaos, but Marietta has offered this each year he has promoted the track. Over 60 drivers came out of the pits and chauffeured the young riders on a lap around the oval. At 9:20, the officials cleared the track, checked the surface, and fans were ready to watch the remaining five feature races. None of the above needed to be said in a racing story, except that it thrills me that the kids were the benefactors of a night at the races and the grumpy adults played second fiddle. Congratulations to the VCS staff for an evening for the kids and there was a minimum of lost time in doing it.

At 9:30 the UMP Modifieds rolled out for their feature with Terry Duncan and Don Kiger leading 20 others to the green. It took three tries to get the show under way as the dry slick track produced two grooves and the drivers were attempting to make a third with spinning results. Why do drivers feel the race must be won on the first lap? Point leader, Denny Schwartz, from his 12th starting position developed problems and needed the hook during the second restart. When things finally settled in, Michael Bradley went to the top groove from his 10th starting spot and proceeded to pick off cars ahead of him. Duncan, and then Jason Lakey, led the early part of the feature, but on lap 17 Bradley took over for the remainder of the race. Behind Bradley at the checkered were Lakey, Don Kiger, Duncan, and Roger Cary.

The VCS trial balloon to host UMP Late Models each Sunday in August produced 22 LM's and a few surprises. No big surprise that Kevin Weaver stopped by. Local fans have seen him enough that he is considered one of the gang. Two drivers not normally in the area were Joe Izzo and Rodney Melvin, so the fans were treated to some royalty (in UMP terms).  Izzo stopped by from a race at Florence, KY in UDTRA and Melvin, the UMP National points leader was looking for a few more weekly points.

Weaver and Izzo led the Lates onto the track at 10:05 and Weaver took the checkered at 10:20. Leading from start to finish, Weaver held off challenges by Izzo and Melvin throughout, but as lapped traffic became a problem from midway in the race until the finish, Weaver threaded through the field much better than his pursuers. At the finish, it was Weaver, Melvin, Izzo, Rich Hedrick, and Ryan Dauber.

In Super Street action, Jeff Link won the feature over Mike Roundtree and Marcus Phelps. The Bomber feature was won by Jerrad Krick over Jeff Barker and Allan Shepherd took honors in the Hornet class.

131 cars, 5 classes, kid's night, and racing completed by 11:15. Long night, but well-organized by the VCS staff.

Summary
UMP LATE MODELS
Fast time-Ryan Dauber
Heat 1-Kevin Weaver, Rodney Melvin, Dauber, Marvin Burton
Heat 2-Joe Izzo, Rich Hedrick, Dick Potts, Jammie Wilson
Feature-Weaver, Melvin, Izzo, Hedrick, Dauber, Wilson, Don Hammer, Dan Walden, Rick Hufford, Chuck Haga

UMP MODIFIED
Fast time- Elvin Herscberger
Heat 1-Terry Duncan, Jason Lakey, Roger Cary, Herschberger
Heat 2-Don Kiger, Jerry Hathaway, Chuck Haga, Phil Line
Semi-Brad Wright, Jesse Simmons, Tony Roland, Tim Reynolds
Feature-Michael Bradley, Lakey, Kiger, Duncan, Cary, Rob Fuqua, Ryan Bowman, Line

SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Marcus Phelps, Jeff Link, Randy Shuman, Mike Roundtree
Heat 2-Ed Lahey, Matt Reitz, Kyle Vogel, Tim McEwen
Semi-Gene Bowling, Joe Weathers, Jason Townsend, Shawn Robinson
Feature-Link, Roundtree, Phelps, Shuman, Vogel

BOMBERS
Heat 1-Jeff Barker, Tony White, Dave Mackey, Joe Buyno
Heat 2-Larry Pruitt, Brandon Roundtree, Brad Nicholson, John Shue
Heat 3-Jason Turner, Larry White, Jerrad Krick, Josh Troxtell
Semi-Steve Nolan, Bob Cox, Brock Evans, Scott Miller
Feature-Krick, Barker, Buyno, White, Roundtree

HORNETS
Heat 1-Curt Saunders, Danny Bergthold, Mike Aper, Michael Heap
Heat 2-Allan Shepherd, Monte Reed, Ryan Ritter, Steve Cates
Feature-Shepherd, Ritter, Cates, Saunders, Reed   


TATMAN�S TOWING NIGHT
AT
 VERMILION COUNTY SPEEDWAY
NORTHERN ALLSTAR LATE MODEL SERIES
 FEATURE RACE
AUGUST 5, 2001

 
 

JACK AND CAROLYN TAYLOR  RECEIVED  THE 2001 APPRECIATION AWARD
 FOR THEIR WORK AND DEDICATION TO  THE SPORT OF DIRT TRACK RACING

We were very honored and humbled to be recognized by
our friends of the racing community.
Thank you to all,
Jack and Carolyn Taylor


PIERCE EXTENDS BANNER SEASON(8/5/01)
By Jack Taylor



 


CLENDENEN WINS HOOSIER SERIES AT VCS
By Jack Taylor

(7/15/01)Danville, IL. Bryan Clendenen of Oakwood, Illinois posted his first victory in his short late model history and it was a major win. Only a week ago at Fairbury during the Summernationals, fans were wondering who is that 53 car that gave Billy Moyer a challenge in the feature. Now, some more late model fans are saying this guy is for real. 

At VCS on Sunday, Clendenen used his track knowledge of Danville to the ultimate as he followed veteran Bob Pierce across the line for second in his heat and then parlayed his better starting position in the feature for a chance to run up front with the big boys.  

He waited as front row starters, Pierce and Jeff Martin set the first lap pace and again watched as John Gill moved up to challenge Pierce as Martin dropped back slightly. Throw in another hard charger named Rodney Melvin who was battling all three of the front-runners during the first five laps of the 30-lap affair. 

Gill finally got around Pierce for the lead and Clendenen kept up his pursuit on the bottom rail to gain third position after ten laps. Actually, the lead five cars were going two and three wide at times, as they all wanted the lead spot. 

Lapped traffic came into play at the 15-lap mark and Clendenen took advantage of the moment by getting around Pierce and then Gill for the lead. The only caution flew soon after for Jim Ransom in the second turn and for the first time the cars were nose to tail instead of two and three wide. 

Now there was an open track ahead of Clendenen and except for his wife and a few really loyal fans, everyone in (a packed stand) attendance wondered if the newcomer could maintain the top spot over Gill, Pierce, and Melvin, not to forget guys like Martin, Weaver, Long, and Hedrick.  

Pierce again got past Gill on the restart as the cars began their two and three wide battles behind Clendenen.  With five laps to go, lapped traffic again came into the fold as Melvin now sat in second with Gill, Pierce, and Long in the hunt. 

At the finish line, Gill made one last attempt as he swept by Melvin on the top and missed by a nose to Clendenden on the bottom. The top ten at the finish were Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long, Hedrick, Weaver, Shawn Toczak, Terry Eaglin, and Greg Johnson. 

VCS uses a slogan in their advertising, �We will sell you a whole seat, but you will only need the edge� and last night it could not have been truer. Only 22 late models for the show, but you would not have seen a more exciting race anywhere, not even at the Big E. 

Modified action for the evening was entertaining as well; with Denny Schwartz claiming the feature win over Jerry Hathaway, Rick Hufford, Chuck Haga, and Don Kiger. In fact, this feature was run prior to the late model feature and more than a few fans wondered if they were seeing the best racing of the night at that time. 

Marcus Phelps captured the Super Street feature and Larry White won the Bomber feature as 105 cars were on hand for Sunday night racing at VCS.  

SUMMARY

UMP LATE MODELS

Fast time- Kevin Weaver
Heat 1-Jeff Martin, John Gill, Terry Eaglin, Kevin Weaver

Heat 2-Bob Pierce, Bryan Clendenen, Marvin Burton, Richie Hedrick

Heat 3-Rodney Melvin, Roger Long, Greg Johnson, Juan Grino

Feature-Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long, Hedrick, Weaver, Toczak

UMP MODIFIED
Fast time-Don Kiger

Heat 1-Tim Reynolds, Chuck Haga, Don Kiger, Denny Schwartz

Heat 2-Jerry Hathaway, Cory Rolfe, Roger Cary, Dale Hayes

Heat 3-Tommy Burnside, Rick Hufford, Rob Fuqua, John Hudson

Semi- Jason Lakey, Arby Burton, Rick Rife

Feature-Schwartz, Hathaway, Hufford, Haga, Kiger

SUPER STREET

Heat 1- Johnny Gibbs, Lee Hall, Jeff Link

Heat 2-Mike Roundtree, Ed Lahey, Butch Meeker

Feature- Marcus Phelps, Meeker, Lahey, Roundtree, Link

BOMBERS

Feature- Larry White, Jason Turner, Josh Troxtell, Joe Buyno, Brandon Roundtree 


 


WEAVER AND BRADLEY RULE KID'S NIGHT
By Jack Taylor

(8/12/01)Danville, IL. Sunday night at Vermilion County Speedway was a night designed for quoting numbers, when as many as 300 plus kids were in attendance for VCS Kids night. Promoter Bill Marietta and a large group of contributors made sure there were a lot of smiling faces during the evening events.

Each youngster coming thru the grandstand gate was given a VCS program containing a lucky number. This program normally sells for $2.00 and the numbers are used for adult prizes during the season. Not last night, as over 80 bicycles, scooters, skateboards, sleeping bags, etc. were given to kids with winning numbers. Announcer Mike Graves called winning numbers all evening as the kids marched down to the concession stand to pick up their loot.

After time trials and 14 preliminary races, a 20-minute intermission was called to allow the kids onto the track to ride around with the drivers. For a new visitor, this would seem like utter chaos, but Marietta has offered this each year he has promoted the track. Over 60 drivers came out of the pits and chauffeured the young riders on a lap around the oval. At 9:20, the officials cleared the track, checked the surface, and fans were ready to watch the remaining five feature races. None of the above needed to be said in a racing story, except that it thrills me that the kids were the benefactors of a night at the races and the grumpy adults played second fiddle. Congratulations to the VCS staff for an evening for the kids and there was a minimum of lost time in doing it.

At 9:30 the UMP Modifieds rolled out for their feature with Terry Duncan and Don Kiger leading 20 others to the green. It took three tries to get the show under way as the dry slick track produced two grooves and the drivers were attempting to make a third with spinning results. Why do drivers feel the race must be won on the first lap? Point leader, Denny Schwartz, from his 12th starting position developed problems and needed the hook during the second restart. When things finally settled in, Michael Bradley went to the top groove from his 10th starting spot and proceeded to pick off cars ahead of him. Duncan, and then Jason Lakey, led the early part of the feature, but on lap 17 Bradley took over for the remainder of the race. Behind Bradley at the checkered were Lakey, Don Kiger, Duncan, and Roger Cary.

The VCS trial balloon to host UMP Late Models each Sunday in August produced 22 LM's and a few surprises. No big surprise that Kevin Weaver stopped by. Local fans have seen him enough that he is considered one of the gang. Two drivers not normally in the area were Joe Izzo and Rodney Melvin, so the fans were treated to some royalty (in UMP terms).  Izzo stopped by from a race at Florence, KY in UDTRA and Melvin, the UMP National points leader was looking for a few more weekly points.

Weaver and Izzo led the Lates onto the track at 10:05 and Weaver took the checkered at 10:20. Leading from start to finish, Weaver held off challenges by Izzo and Melvin throughout, but as lapped traffic became a problem from midway in the race until the finish, Weaver threaded through the field much better than his pursuers. At the finish, it was Weaver, Melvin, Izzo, Rich Hedrick, and Ryan Dauber.

In Super Street action, Jeff Link won the feature over Mike Roundtree and Marcus Phelps. The Bomber feature was won by Jerrad Krick over Jeff Barker and Allan Shepherd took honors in the Hornet class.

131 cars, 5 classes, kid's night, and racing completed by 11:15. Long night, but well-organized by the VCS staff.

Summary
UMP LATE MODELS
Fast time-Ryan Dauber
Heat 1-Kevin Weaver, Rodney Melvin, Dauber, Marvin Burton
Heat 2-Joe Izzo, Rich Hedrick, Dick Potts, Jammie Wilson
Feature-Weaver, Melvin, Izzo, Hedrick, Dauber, Wilson, Don Hammer, Dan Walden, Rick Hufford, Chuck Haga

UMP MODIFIED
Fast time- Elvin Herscberger
Heat 1-Terry Duncan, Jason Lakey, Roger Cary, Herschberger
Heat 2-Don Kiger, Jerry Hathaway, Chuck Haga, Phil Line
Semi-Brad Wright, Jesse Simmons, Tony Roland, Tim Reynolds
Feature-Michael Bradley, Lakey, Kiger, Duncan, Cary, Rob Fuqua, Ryan Bowman, Line

SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Marcus Phelps, Jeff Link, Randy Shuman, Mike Roundtree
Heat 2-Ed Lahey, Matt Reitz, Kyle Vogel, Tim McEwen
Semi-Gene Bowling, Joe Weathers, Jason Townsend, Shawn Robinson
Feature-Link, Roundtree, Phelps, Shuman, Vogel

BOMBERS
Heat 1-Jeff Barker, Tony White, Dave Mackey, Joe Buyno
Heat 2-Larry Pruitt, Brandon Roundtree, Brad Nicholson, John Shue
Heat 3-Jason Turner, Larry White, Jerrad Krick, Josh Troxtell
Semi-Steve Nolan, Bob Cox, Brock Evans, Scott Miller
Feature-Krick, Barker, Buyno, White, Roundtree

HORNETS
Heat 1-Curt Saunders, Danny Bergthold, Mike Aper, Michael Heap
Heat 2-Allan Shepherd, Monte Reed, Ryan Ritter, Steve Cates
Feature-Shepherd, Ritter, Cates, Saunders, Reed   


PIERCE EXTENDS BANNER SEASON
By Jack Taylor

(8/5/01)Danville, IL. Late Model fans filled the grandstand at Vermilion County Speedway for the final night of the NALMS Illinois Speedweek on Sunday and were treated to lesson number ten by the "Tall Cool One" of Oakwood, Illinois. Bob Pierce, from his second row position in the feature field, trailed Steve Hillard and Kevin Weaver for six laps before erupting around first Hillard and then Weaver to gain the spot he has commanded in many previous NALMS features this year.

The victory was his tenth of the year in NALMS competition in sixteen appearances and his sixteenth win in the four years of NALMS history, making him the winningest driver in the series. Coming off a $7,500 win at Bluegrass Speedway in Kentucky on Saturday night and a $2,000 win at Farmer City on Friday night, Pierce made it three for three on the weekend.

The 49 year old veteran admitted that this has been one his best years in racing. "I've had some really good years when I was driving for someone, but this is nice to be able to drive for myself and not have to split the winnings," he said. In a racing career spanning four decades, and a lot of victories, his many loyal fans are still hoping to see him in victory lane at Earl's place in September for the running of the World 100, a prize that has eluded him for many years.

34 late models took qualifying on the VCS high-banks and Steve Casebolt took top honors with a 14.055 time. In heat action, Weaver topped Jim Curry and Casebolt in the first heat. The  second was won by Pierce over Doug McCammon and Dennis Erb. The third heat went to NALMS point leader Steve Hillard over Shane Cottle and Junior Shickel. Winner of the fourth heat was Steve Barnett over Bryan Clendenen and Marvin Burton. In the 17-car semi, it was Frank Reaber topping Roger Long and Flip Shickel.

The feature remained caution-free until the 24 th lap of the 30 lap affair. After Pierce got around Hillard and Weaver early on, most of the racing for position was from third on back, as Barnett and Jim Curry also edged by Hillard in the late stages. Duke Whiseant, Clendenen, Scott James, Long, and McCammon rounded out the top ten. The track remained tacky and multi-grooved for good racing all night.

A point fund of $5,000 for the four nights of Illinois Speedweek netted Steve Hillard and Roger Long an extra $1,750 each as they tied for first place money. Doug McCammon received $1,000 and Shane Cottle $500 for third and fourth.

The Ump Modified feature was won by Denny Schwartz over Jason Lakey, Dan Hamstra, Roger Cary, and Tim Reynolds. Track point leader, Don Kiger, failed to make the feature from the semi, leaving a very tight bunch at the top of the point chart at VCS. Jeff Watts won the Super Street feature and Larry Pruitt took the Bomber win. 118 cars were in the pits at VCS Sunday night and the fans enjoyed the racing and the fireworks display prior to the NALMS feature.

Promoter Bill Marietta announced that VCS would have UMP Late Models on the card for the month of August and this met with a great response from the fans. The LM Features will be $1,000 to win.

RACE SUMMARY
NALMS LATE MODELS
Fast qualifier-Casebolt
Heat 1-Weaver, Curry, Casebolt, James, Reaber
Heat 2-Pierce, D. McCammon, Erb, Ted Loomis, J. Shickel
Heat 3-Hillard, Cottle, F. Shickel, Doug Ault, John Kresser
Heat 4-Barnett, Clendenen, Burton, Whiseant, B.J. McCammon
Semi-Reaber, Long, J. Shickel, Kresser
Feature-Pierce, Weaver, Barnett, Curry, Hillard, Whiseant, Clendenen, James, Long, D. McCammon

UMP MODIFIED
Fast qualifier-Denny Schwartz
Heat 1-Denny Schwartz, Tim Reynolds, Dan Hamstra, Terry Duncan
Heat 2-Roger Cary, Jason Lakey, Arby Burton, Jerry Hathaway
Heat 3-Blaine Farr, Rick Hufford, Kyle Logue, Bobby Allen
Semi- Tim O'Donnell, Chuck Haga, Sean Seavers, Mike Elliott
Feature- Schwartz, Lakey, Hamstra, Cary, Reynolds, Hathaway, Duncan, Mark Moore, Burton, O'Donnell

SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Randy Shuman, Marcus Phelps, Butch Meeker, Kyle Vogel
Heat 2-Jeff Link, Ed Lahey, Jeff Watts, Johnny Gibbs
Feature-Watts, Lahey, Shuman, Link, Meeker

BOMBER
Heat 1- Jeff Barker, Larry White, Brandon Roundtree
Heat 2-Randy Johnson, Josh Troxtell, Tony Phelps
Feature-Larry Pruitt, Roundtree, White, Barker, Joe Buyno


JIM SHERECK WINS VCS SPECIAL
By Jack Taylor

(7/22/01)Danville, Il. Gentleman Jim Shereck of St. Charles, Missouri traveled north for the weekend and went home with a few thousand dollars more than he arrived  with. Making stops at Kankakee, Fairbury, and Danville on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday netted the veteran driver a second place finish on Friday and a first on Sunday, giving him enough total points on the three night UMP Thunder and Lightning Modified Series to earn an extra $1,500 bonus for his efforts.

Thirty-four drivers were at Vermilion County Speedway on Sunday for the final night. Previous rains in the area had left the Danville track with a muddy, soaked infield and after working all day to get the track in shape another rain shower hit the track around 3:00PM. More track work and a decision to move the markers out on turns one and two allowed the program to get under way about 7:30. All heats had been run and the semi's were completed when fans, drivers, and officials began watching the northern skies filling with lightning and thunder (very appropriate for the series being run).

Only the features remained for the four classes and officials decided to run the Modified feature first to attempt to get it in before the rains came. Skipping the intermission and getting the Modifieds out on the track seemed to upset the entire thought process for the stellar field of 22 drivers. From that point on the program, which had moved rather quickly, suffered a complete reversal.

Three attempts were made before the race was underway as drivers decided the race could be won on the first lap, and their aggressiveness created far too much rubbing of metal. Finally John Hudson and Chuck Haga led the field through a first lap and the race was on. Lap four saw another yellow, as did lap six, which took two restarts to get underway. Hudson smacked the wall on the front straight as he and Haga battled for the lead and Hudson unhappily watched the remainder of the race from the infield. This gave Haga the lead with Shereck pushing him on the restart.

Laps 8 and 10 also saw cautions as the attrition continued to build. By mid-point of the 30-lap event, 9 cautions had been thrown as the only car in control was the lead car of Shereck after he took over on about lap 8. One more yellow on lap 17, the final one of ten, saw only 11 cars remaining for the rest of the feature. Another was lost on the final lap as Haga, running a strong race, also was finished for the night.

When the checkered flag fell, Shereck was in command over veteran local driver, Rick Hufford. Wes Steidinger, Roger Cary, R.J. Gall, Dave Wheatley, Jeff Leka, Don Kiger, Josh Ferguson, and Jerry Hathaway were the other eight drivers in that order remaining on the track. Over-anxious driving and some bad breaks put several drivers out of the final hunt, but on this night remaining in the hunt was an accomplishment.

As Gentleman Jim rolled to a stop for the award presentation, raindrops put a stop to the rest of the evening and the other classes will run double features next Sunday. Shereck, Dave Porth, and Jeff Leka also took first, second, and third in overall points for the three-night race card.

Summary

Fast time- Chuck Haga
Heat one-Haga, Rick Hufford, Dave Porth, Roger Cary, R.J. Gall
Heat two-John Hudson, Jim Shereck, Dave Wheatley, Michael Bradley, Denny Schwartz
Heat three-Jerry Hathaway, Wes Steidinger, Arby Burton, Phil Johns, Rocky Griffin
Semi- Steve Foust, Jeff Leka, Tim Reynolds, Jason Lakey
Feature-Shereck, Hufford, Steidinger, Cary, Gall, Wheatley, Leka, Don Kiger, Josh Ferguson, Hathaway.


CLENDENEN WINS HOOSIER SERIES AT VCS
By Jack Taylor

(7/15/01)Danville, IL. Bryan Clendenen of Oakwood, Illinois posted his first victory in his short late model history and it was a major win. Only a week ago at Fairbury during the Summernationals, fans were wondering who is that 53 car that gave Billy Moyer a challenge in the feature. Now, some more late model fans are saying this guy is for real. 

At VCS on Sunday, Clendenen used his track knowledge of Danville to the ultimate as he followed veteran Bob Pierce across the line for second in his heat and then parlayed his better starting position in the feature for a chance to run up front with the big boys.  

He waited as front row starters, Pierce and Jeff Martin set the first lap pace and again watched as John Gill moved up to challenge Pierce as Martin dropped back slightly. Throw in another hard charger named Rodney Melvin who was battling all three of the front-runners during the first five laps of the 30-lap affair. 

Gill finally got around Pierce for the lead and Clendenen kept up his pursuit on the bottom rail to gain third position after ten laps. Actually, the lead five cars were going two and three wide at times, as they all wanted the lead spot. 

Lapped traffic came into play at the 15-lap mark and Clendenen took advantage of the moment by getting around Pierce and then Gill for the lead. The only caution flew soon after for Jim Ransom in the second turn and for the first time the cars were nose to tail instead of two and three wide. 

Now there was an open track ahead of Clendenen and except for his wife and a few really loyal fans, everyone in (a packed stand) attendance wondered if the newcomer could maintain the top spot over Gill, Pierce, and Melvin, not to forget guys like Martin, Weaver, Long, and Hedrick.  

Pierce again got past Gill on the restart as the cars began their two and three wide battles behind Clendenen.  With five laps to go, lapped traffic again came into the fold as Melvin now sat in second with Gill, Pierce, and Long in the hunt. 

At the finish line, Gill made one last attempt as he swept by Melvin on the top and missed by a nose to Clendenden on the bottom. The top ten at the finish were Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long, Hedrick, Weaver, Shawn Toczak, Terry Eaglin, and Greg Johnson. 

VCS uses a slogan in their advertising, �We will sell you a whole seat, but you will only need the edge� and last night it could not have been truer. Only 22 late models for the show, but you would not have seen a more exciting race anywhere, not even at the Big E. 

Modified action for the evening was entertaining as well; with Denny Schwartz claiming the feature win over Jerry Hathaway, Rick Hufford, Chuck Haga, and Don Kiger. In fact, this feature was run prior to the late model feature and more than a few fans wondered if they were seeing the best racing of the night at that time. 

Marcus Phelps captured the Super Street feature and Larry White won the Bomber feature as 105 cars were on hand for Sunday night racing at VCS.  

SUMMARY

UMP LATE MODELS

Fast time- Kevin Weaver
Heat 1-Jeff Martin, John Gill, Terry Eaglin, Kevin Weaver

Heat 2-Bob Pierce, Bryan Clendenen, Marvin Burton, Richie Hedrick

Heat 3-Rodney Melvin, Roger Long, Greg Johnson, Juan Grino

Feature-Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long, Hedrick, Weaver, Toczak

UMP MODIFIED
Fast time-Don Kiger

Heat 1-Tim Reynolds, Chuck Haga, Don Kiger, Denny Schwartz

Heat 2-Jerry Hathaway, Cory Rolfe, Roger Cary, Dale Hayes

Heat 3-Tommy Burnside, Rick Hufford, Rob Fuqua, John Hudson

Semi- Jason Lakey, Arby Burton, Rick Rife

Feature-Schwartz, Hathaway, Hufford, Haga, Kiger

SUPER STREET

Heat 1- Johnny Gibbs, Lee Hall, Jeff Link

Heat 2-Mike Roundtree, Ed Lahey, Butch Meeker

Feature- Marcus Phelps, Meeker, Lahey, Roundtree, Link

BOMBERS

Feature- Larry White, Jason Turner, Josh Troxtell, Joe Buyno, Brandon Roundtree 


O'DONNELL TAKES ANOTHER WIN AT VCS
by Jack Taylor

 

(7/1/01-Danville, IL) For the past three Sunday nights at Vermilion County Speedway, fans have been witnessing a different kind of winner in the UMP Modified ranks. There have been some sleeping lions who have awakened to give the rank and file a few lessons in driving skills learned from the days of past. Not that these recent winners are past their time, they just want to let everyone know they're still out there and can run with the big dogs.

Three weeks ago, on Fathers Day, Tim O'Donnell gave his dad, Ken (his key pit crew helper), a nice Father's Day present with a win on Summernational night before a packed grandstand. O'Donnell, the 1998 VCS Modified Champion, had started that weekend off with a feature win at Farmer City on Friday night and a fourth at Charleston on Saturday.

Then last Sunday night, it was another veteran's turn in victory lane, as Roger Cary lead the stellar field of drivers to the checkers. O'Donnell was running behind Cary during this feature when a mishap put several cars out of the race, including O'Donnell.

This Sunday, it was all O'Donnell and Cary, as O'Donnell started on the outside of the first row and took the lead into turn one and never looked back. Leading by as much as a full straight-away, with one caution on lap 20 closing the field and allowing Cary who had moved into second place a shot at O'Donnell. Not on this night as the remaining laps saw O'Donnell power away to the victory. Cary, Chuck Haga, Jesse Simmons, and point leader, Don Kiger, followed the leader across the line. 

Super Street action was in high gear last night as the drivers were bidding for a $500 to win prize. Point leader Marcus Phelps led the field into the first turn from his pole position and continued to survive several cautions during the first 20 laps. Jeff Link was not about to roll over and continued to hound Phelps until he finally made the pass for the lead with only five laps to go. Eric Olmstead also got by Phelps near the end to take second.

In Bomber action Larry Pruitt won his heat and carried it over into a feature victory in a caution filled main event.

This weekend is Fair Week at VCS with Friday night Sprint Car action in the Larry "Boom Boom" Cannon Memorial.  On Sunday, fair visitors will be treated to the regular VCS racing program.

RACE SUMMARY
Modified fast time- Roger Cary
Heat one-Charley Carroll, Cory Rolfe, Cary, Brad Crosby
Heat two-Tim O'Donnell, Tim Reynolds, Don Kiger, Jason Lakey
Heat three-Chuck Haga, Jesse Simmons, Brad Wright, Clint DeMoss
Feature-O'Donnell, Cary, Haga, Simmons, Kiger

Super Street- Fast time-Marcus Phelps
Heat one-Phelps, Kenny Eads, Kyle Vogel
Heat two-Randy Shuman, Chris Dick, Johnny Gibbs
Heat three-Jeff Link, Butch Meeker, Brian Cook
Feature-Link, Eric Olmstead, Phelps, Meeker, Shuman

Bombers
Heat one-Larry Pruitt, Larry White, Brandon Roundtree
Heat two-Joe Buyno, Jason Turner, Jeff Barker
Feature-Pruitt, Buyno, White, Barker, Turner

  

 

 

6/24/01 RESULTS
UMP MODIFIED

Fast time: Chuck Haga
Heat 1: Jerry Hathaway, Chuck Haga, Tony Roland, Michael Bradley
Heat 2: Tim O'Donnell, Elvin Herschberger, Don Kiger, Arby Burton
Heat 3: Roger Cary, Dan Hamstra, Jason Lakey, Cory Rolfe
Feature:
1. Roger Cary 2. Michael Bradley
3. Dan Hamstra 4. Nick Gough
5. Cory Rolfe 6. Don Kiger
7. Chuck Haga 8. Rob Fuqua
9. Jason Lakey 10.Jesse Simmons
11.Brian McDaniel 12.Brad Wright
13.Karl Kruger 14.Tony Roland
15.Jerry Hathaway 16.Elvin Herschberger
17.Denny Schwartz 18.Tim O'Donnell
19.Arby Burton 20.Mike Elliott
21.Chris Richards 22.Rick Rife
23.Mike Gritton

SUPER STREET
Heat 1- Ed Lahey, Jeff Link, Gene Bowling
Heat 2- Kenny Eads, Lee Hall, Randy Shuman
Feature- Lahey, Shuman, Marcus Phelps, Hall, Eads

BOMBERS
Heat 1-Jeff Barker, Gordon Parsons, Jason Turner
Heat 2-Bob Cox, Larry White, Steve Akins
Heat 3-Larry Pruitt, Robbie Rife, Steve Nolan
Semi- Bob Weaver, Tom Gossar, Darral Copas
Feature- Barker, White, Turner, Joe Buyno, Akins

HORNETS
Heat 1-Curt Saunders, Jerry Benton
Feature-Greg Weise, Jim Flynn, Saunders



TIM O'DONNELL WINS AT VCS
By Namgalf

6/17/01)Champaign, Illinois driver Tim O'Donnell presented his father, Ken, with what he wanted for Father's Day by winning the UMP modified feature at Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Illinois Sunday evening. After asking what dad wanted for his gift and hearing a feature win that evening Tim complied by taking the victory ran in conjunction with the UMP Summernational series over 31 other drivers taking time trials. Front row starters Denny Schwartz and Wes Steidinger led the 22 car field to the green flag with O'Donnell starting inside row 2 next to fast qualifier and last week winner Elvin Herschberger. The front duo battled evenly through turns 1 and 2 when entering turn 3 Steidinger overcooked the corner and went over the top of the track finally coming across the finish line in last spot at the end of lap 1. With Schwartz running the middle of the multi-grooved speedway and O'Donnell along the tires third row starting Don Kiger squirted to the third spot by lap 2 running the rim . Herschberger slipped to 4th with Jason Lakey, John Hudson, Dean Vickers (10th starter), Kyle Logue all nipping at the heels of the front runners many times 3 wide and a couple of times 4 wide off turn 2 all trying to make up positions. During lap 2 Dan Hamstra who started 5th slowed with a flat tire and pulled to the pit area allowing the racing to continue. O'Donnell could not make up ground on the streaking Schwartz but Kiger was charging from third and making the battle for 2nd a good one until a caution for Michael Bradley on lap 9. The slowing seemed to have an effect on Schwartz as after the green re-appeared O'Donnell relentlessly applied the pressure on the leader eventually making the pass on lap 12. Although he could not pull completely away a 2 car length lead was steady with Kiger holding down the show position but the war for 4th was really the spot the fans eyes were on as Rob Fuqua (14th starter) was dodging high and low passing cars and joining Missouri invader Dean Vickers, now in 4th, Jason Lakey and John Hudson all darting and diving everywhere and changing spots almost every corner. Vickers was holding the 4th spot pretty consistently every time by the flag stand but it sure wasn't easy. A lap 20 caution for Cory Rolfe spin in turn 1 once again packed everyone up with the top 5 order of O'Donnell, Schwartz, Kiger, Vickers and Hudson wanting a piece of the top spot. O'Donnell was not to be denied tonight as he once again pulled to a fairly comfy 2 length cushion and leaving the tussle for 2nd to the also-rans. Schwartz appeared to pick a little push in his car leaving the opportunistic Kiger the opening on lap 23 to move by and end up the place position followed by Schwartz. The caution also proved costly for Vickers as he fell prey to Lakey, Hudson, and Fuqua before the finish. A very entertaining race was witnessed by one of the largest crowds in recent memory at VCS which promoter Bill Marietta would like to thank all in attendance fans, drivers and pit crews included for their support. Results below.
Fast time: Elvin Herschberger
1st heat: Denny Schwartz, Elvin Hersschberger
Jason Lakey, Dean Vickers
2nd heat: Wes Steidinger, Dan Hamstra, Kyle Logue, Tim Reynolds
3rd heat: Tim O'Donnell, Don Kiger, John Hudson, Sean Seavers
Consi: Chuck Haga, Jerry Hathaway, Dale Ayers, Jesse Simmons
Feature:
1. Tim O'Donnell 2. Don Kiger
3. Denny Schwartz 4. Jason Lakey
5. John Hudson 6. Rob Fuqua
7. Dean Vickers 8. Roger Cary
9. Elvin Herschberger 10.Jerry Hathaway
11.Michael Bradley 12.Kyle Logue
13.Wes Steidinger 14.John Hollifield
15.Mike Elliott 16.Dale Ayers
17.Cory Rolfe 18.Sean Seavers
19.Jesse Simmons 20.Tim Reynolds
21.Chuck Haga 22.Dan Hamstra
A total of 17 cars finished with all on the lead lap. A total of 89 cars were in the pits Sunday with the modified feature complete at 10:05 and all racing finished at 10:50. LM were done at 10:30. A note of interest is that starting next Sunday all start times will be moved back 1/2 hour with hot laps at 6:15 qualifing at 6:30 and racing at 7pm for the summertime daylight and temps. See ya Sunday with the regular program and the hornets on the schedule.


IT'S BECOMING A HABIT
By Jack Taylor

For the fourth night in the last eight, Denny Schwartz of Ashmore, has had his new car dialed in just right. Last Sunday, Denny proceeded to fend off all competition as he won flag to flag in the Richardson Memorial race. That was his first night out in a brand new car and 139 other drivers watched as he took home the $5,000 prize. One night later, on Monday at Macon Speedway, 78 more drivers finished behind Denny and he was rushing to the bank to cash another check for $6,500.

This Saturday, at Charleston, his home track, he won the feature again, and topped it off with a win at VCS Sunday night. "This winning thing can get to be habit forming," he said at victory lane Sunday night.

36 UMP Modified drivers were at VCS Sunday and the total car count reached 111 as the Sunday night racing programs have continued to draw good car counts in 2001.

Mark Anderson set fast time in the Modified qualifying. Terry Duncan, Schwartz, and Jeff Houchens were heat winners. Dale Hayes won the consy. The feature lineup placed Duncan on the pole with Schwartz along side. Only one caution marred the feature run and Schwartz maintained control throughout. The track was back to it's reputation of having several grooves for racing and the action behind the leader was furious. Jason Lakey advanced forward from his mid-pack position to finish fifth behind Schwartz, Michael Bradley, Duncan, and Roger Cary.

Kenny Eads held off Ed Lahey and Chris Dick to win the Super Street feature. Chris Wilkenson took honors in the Bomber feature over Jeff Barker and Doug Walker won the Hornet feature.

SUMMARY

UMP MODIFIED
Fast time- Mark Anderson
Heat 1-Terry Duncan, Roger Cary, Don Kiger, Jesse Simmons
Heat 2-Denny Schwartz, Michael Bradley, John Hudson, Corey Rolfe
Heat 3- Jeff Houchens, Larry Raines, Arby Burton, Jason Lakey
Consy- Dale Hayes, Rob Fuqua, Brandon Raef, Brian McDaniel
Feature- Schwartz, Bradley, Duncan, Cary, Lakey, Hudson, Raines, Chuck Haga, Blaine Farr, Simmons
SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Harry Sheppard, Johnny Gibbs, Kyle Vogel
Heat 2-Randy Shuman, Mike Gee, Chris Dick
Heat 3-Kenny Eads, Ed Lahey, Kevin Allen
Consy-Matt McDonald, Marcus Phelps, Joe Jeffries
Feature- Eads, Lahey, Dick, Phelps, Lee J. Hall
BOMBERS
Heat 1-Bill Brewer, Tim Lowe
Heat 2-Chris Wilkenson, Bill Kilgore
Heat 3-Joe Buyno, Bob Cox
Consy- Dave Mackey, Randy Johnson
Feature- Wilkenson, Jeff Barker, Buyno, Lowe, Larry Pruitt
HORNETS
Heat 1-Jerry Bunton, Monte Reed
Feature- Doug Walker, Greg Weise, Reed


Veteran Schwartz Claims Big Prize at VCS(5/27/01)
By Jeffrey A. Bayless

 

Owens Nabs $1,000 NKF Win at Vermilion County(5/25/01)          
By Paul D. Bayne

Kevin Weaver takes UMP Hoosier Series Win at VCS(5/13/01)
By Darin Stewart and Jack Taylor
SEAN SEAVERS POSTS SECOND WIN AT DANVILLE(5/5/01)
By Jack Taylor
 STEIDINGER FIRST AT VCS(4//28/01)
By Jack Taylor
 RACING AT IT'S BEST ON NALMS NIGHT(4/22/01)
By Jack Taylor
BURTON BEST ON OPENING NIGHT AT V.C.S.(4/15/01)
By Jack Taylor 
NEW SEASON WILL HAVE NEW LOOK(2/1/01)
By Jack Taylor