By: Surfnsprint
Jawbreaker
Work
sometimes gets in the way of racing and it can be so annoying. I’m
lucky to have a job that I really like. It’s also good that I can hit
the track most Saturday nights. It’s my thing to go home after work
each night and work on my article. I like to write about racing because
I get so inspired by the people. I can barely convey all of the emotion
and heart I see in even one freaking heat race. But right now work is
kicking my butt. I’m not getting much time to write. I gotta lift
slightly. In the meantime, I’ll make you a trade, less words but I’ll
throw in more pictures….
All Thrill and No Fill
Steve Conrad Finds Himself In A Socially Awkward Position
Steve
Conrad parked this one during his heat race. His crew and a few friends
like BC thrashed for a few hours, he started fourteenth in the main and
finished second. That’s what I’m talking about!
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Justin Kierce Models Leading Edge Protection
Check
out the Leatt head and neck restraint device. Kent Bartels
(818-970-9292) was at the track Saturday showing off what they consider
the next generation. You can check it out at Leatt-Brace.com.
It retails for about 695 clams, but Justin Kierce was sharp enough to
snag one for free. I’ve watched Justin grow from a longhaired track
brat to one of the most friendly, sincere and enthusiastic drivers at
Ventura. He jumped into sprint cars this year and is ripping. He can’t
spell worth a dang, but he’s one of my best Saturday night racing
friends.
The Fierce Justin Kierce
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The Kevin Alverson Express
Kevin
Alverson only clinched second in Senior Pro Dwarf Main Event, but he is
leading the point’s race. Tenacious Bill VanPraag almost got it going
from the seventh spot but wobbled late in the race and lost traction.
No such problem for Ed Niedzwiecki, he got his groove back and pulled
down the checkers. We’re all gonna miss Jim Scribellito, he went off
and bought a racetrack in Texas! I guess Naylor makes it look easy.
Come on back once in awhile Jim and give us a thrill.
Ed Drives His Way Back Into Winner’s Circle
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Modified Rush Hour
Full
Metal Jacket. IMCA Modifieds were so bone crushing good the crowd was
aching from the green to the checkers. It was all about Randy McGraw
defying the world until he drove too hard into turn three. I saw him
late that night at Jack’s place writing a check for the damage. He
didn’t look too happy. Jimmy Reeves was incredible from thirteenth to
first. I mean unbelievably mind-blowing good! The Modifieds own Ventura
Raceway. Spread the word.
Jimmy Reeves Is Off the Charts
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No Smoke But Jeff Shelton Was On Fire
If
there is a more enthusiastic driver than Brent Stevens I don’t know who
it is. Maybe Jeff Shelton. Whatever. They both brought a ferocious
fight to the VRA Pro Dwarf Main on Saturday. Brian Saxton met them both
head on, but it was Angel Figueroa who shut them all down with an
incredible last moment pass on Saxton (stuffed by traffic). It was like
watching Picasso painting in turn four. Angel is jumping into Chris
Wakim’s sprint car this week. I don’t know if the crowd can handle it.
Tune in and check it out.
Maybe The Fastest Guy In Ventura
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Main Event Piston Win For Sir Oliver Blades
Stayed
in the infield and watched the bobble heads run. Oliver Blades took his
first ever main event win in the VRA Mini Dwarf Piston Division. Good
on you Oliver. Cameron McCauley leads the points over Cole Wakim. In
the Supercharger Division, Jimmy McDonald hunkered down and made it two
in a row! Kid’s got something. The dedicated Ricky Lewis still has the
points. In the VRA Junior Midgets the red-hot Brennan Rogers took the
main event and now leads the point’s race. Jessica Clark is only ten
points behind him; Riley Helland is only ten points behind her. The
stands are packed with supporters!
Some People Are Just Born Cool
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VRA
Sprints had Chris Wakim on the pole and it was like watching the old
Chris. Richard McCormick dominated the early laps with some brilliant
driving including strategic blocking. Wakim let the race come to him
and eased into first. Taylor was threatening every moment. Jake Hodges
and Derek Buckley mixed in turn two. Wakim caught Hodges rear end as he
tried to squeeze past and broke a simple radius rod. He’s gone and the
crowd groans. Chris doesn’t care, he (and Steve Conrad) seem to have
found cars that work for them. Taylor also seems to be getting
comfortable in his new ride. He takes over and nobody really has
another chance. It was so great watching Steve Conrad fight from way
back to second place. This driver is good everywhere on the track, he
can grind the bottom with the best (turns one and two) or fly the
cushion at will (turns three and four). He really added drama to the
restart with two to go, but Taylor was huge and hit every mark. Nice to
have Greg Taylor back.
Do Work Crew
Perhaps
the finest moment of the evening came after a bad flip on the front
straightaway by Brent Camarillo. He poked his head out the top, checked
his buggy and sent away the tow truck. “Push me!” he told the crash
crew. I love this kind of stuff. He finished eleventh after completing
all thirty laps. How tough is this kid? I had to think a long time. It
reminded me of something.
Jawbreaker
www.vrafan.com
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