STEIDINGER FIRST AT VCS
By Jack Taylor 

(4/28/01)Another superb field of UMP Modifieds invaded Vermilion County Speedway Sunday for the third night of action in Danville. 33 cars took qualifying to set the stage for four heats and a semi-feature prior to the 22-car feature to cap off the evening. 

The first heat went to Wes Steidinger of Fairbury, IL over J.R. Coyner of Lafayette, IN, Chuck Haga of Bismarck, IL, and Dick Phelps of Covington, In. Heat two was won  by Arby Burton of Georgetown, IL, with Sean Seavers of Willow Springs, IL, Elvin Herschberger of Kokomo, In, and Kyle Logue of Argenta, IL following. The third heat was captured by Tim O'Donnell of Champaign, Il over Don Kiger of Oakwood, IL, Ron Fuqua of Paris, Il, and Denny Schwartz of Ashmore, IL. 

The fourth and final heat winner was Rick Hufford of Danville topping Corey Pitts,Terry Duncan of Danville, and Charlie Sentman of Waveland, IN. The Semi-feature went to Roger Cary of Catlin, Il over Danny Schwartz of Ashmore, Il and Brandon Raef of Kokomo, IN.

The feature was pretty well controlled by Steidinger from his pole position as he maintained as much as a half straight-away lead at times during the 25 lap affair. Two cautions bunched the field, but all of the racing action was from third place back as second place finisher, Burton also kept a safe distance ahead of the field. Two and three car wide battles were the name of the game from second place back as fans were again treated to an exciting modified feature at the "Fast Track". Following Steidinger and Burton across the finish line were Hufford, Coyner, and Kiger.

Super Street action was dominated by veteran driver Marcus Phelps of Covington, In as he won the first heat and the feature. The Bomber feature went to Jeff Barker of Charleston after actual winner Larry Pruitt was disqualified. The Hornet class feature was won by Allan Shepherd of Danville.

Another 100 car-plus field was on hand at Danville tonight, with fast, exciting racing and action which saw two roll-overs, one which involved Jeremy Fowler of Decatur, IL.  During the Super Street feature, Fowler rolled his car on the back straight-away, ending on his side and instantly catching fire. The fire was quickly put out and Fowler got out of his car un-injured, but shaken.