Rain Washes Out Dreams
For Some At ODS.......9/26/09
On a night where championship drivers were to
raise their arms in victory in front of thousands of screaming fans, it
was apparently Mother Nature had other celebratory plans. The forecast for
the entire area was for heavy rains later this evening, which meant no
chance for racing at the Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas. So with this
being said, championship drivers sat at home, making phone calls,
e-mailing friends and relatives, hugging wives and kids, and thanking crew
members for their year-long support. Drivers who had put their selves in
position to perhaps snatch away a championship on the final night, did the
same as the champions, but with not as much elation. These drivers
included David Polenz. Polenz started out the season with some tough luck,
putting himself into a hole in the points chase that maybe he even thought
was insurmountable. But a late-season surge, which included wins in the
last 2 weeks, put the youngster from Pattenburg, NJ in a position to steal
the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship away from veteran
Willard Lawrence. All he needed was to win and finish at least 8
positions, equaling just 21 points, ahead of Lawrence to grab the
championship. Tough considering Lawrence's average finish in 2009 was 4.2,
and his average finish over the past 2 seasons was 3.1. But Mother Nature
had other ideas. Congratulations to Willard Lawrence - Matt Cannon had
been looking over his shoulder just about all season long in the Austin
Legends division, as George Cushman pressured him lap after grueling lap.
Cushman stayed within 10 points of Cannon for most of the second half of
the season, and was down by 6 points heading into tonight's final event. A
4 position difference at the night's end would have secured the
championship for Cushman. But Mother Nature had other ideas.
Congratulations to Matt Cannon on his first ODS track championship - 10
points was the difference in the Mini Modified division as the 4-cylinder
machines headed into their final night of action. Dave Daniels held the
top spot due to the consistency of his season with an average finish of
2.15. Paul Green, who racked up the most wins of the season with 6, but
missed a race earlier in the year, was looking to snag the championship
from Daniels. Green could have grabbed the championship, but with the low
car count, it would have been something short of a miracle. But Mother
Nature had other ideas. Congratulations to Dave Daniels on his first ODS
track championship - The UCAR division was virtually locked up with a
couple races remaining as Bryan Fox takes the championship for the second
year in a row. Fox's 26 point lead and 3 wins led Jason Welch heading into
the final night of racing. Based on the average car count for the season,
Fox could have not even started the event to take the championship. Mother
Nature's other idea wouldn't have made a difference. Congratulations to
Bryan Fox - The 2009 season at the Old Dominion Speedway is now concluded.
Track officials are already working on the 2010 season, so check back on
the ODS website frequently for updated news. I want to give a call out to
all the competitors, teams, and especially the fans who supported ODS in
2009. Next season is already shaping up to be another exciting season,
with new cars, teams, and sponsors. Have a safe off-season and happy
holidays.
See ya in 2010!!
Dave Menefee Old Dominion Speedway
Polenz Takes The
"BIG ONE" - Points Chase Tightens.......9/19/09
David Polenz from Pattenburg NJ picked up
perhaps the biggest win of his short career Saturday night, taking home
the checkers in the "ODS Big One", a 200 lap affair for the
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Cars. Polenz took the
top spot early, managed his tires with consistent laps, and cruised to the
win and the big payday. But more importantly, Polenz was able to make up
considerable ground on the points leader, who suffered problems late in
the going. Starting from the 5th spot, Polenz wasted little time heading
to the front. He took the second spot from polesitter Doug Liberman, then
grabbed to top position from Mike Darne on lap 16. From there on, it was
pretty much follow the leader as drivers managed their tires. This was the
first time since the inception of the 8-inch tire rule, that they have
competed non-stop for 200 laps. The race was a chess game for the first
150 laps or so. But business started to pick up late in the going as
drivers started getting a bit racy. On lap 180, point leader Willard
Lawrence attempted to get around Darne heading into turn one, but tagged
the former champion, sending both cars spinning. Darne was able to
continue, but Lawrence's night was done with a broken radiator. This had
huge implications on the point standings as Polenz was able to pick up
about half the points he was behind. Once the green waved, Polenz had to
hold off a hard charging Greg Compton, but was able to do so as he crossed
the stripe .636 seconds ahead of the former track champ. Finishing behind
Polenz and Compton were Michael Hardin, Adam Brenner, and Doug Liberman.
With the final night of racing coming up next Saturday night, Polenz now
trails Lawrence by 19 points. Another Polenz visited victory lane Saturday
night as Ryan Polenz, cousin of David Polenz, picked up the win in a wild
finish in the Legends feature. Polenz led the charge out of turn 2 on the
final lap, but was tagged by George Cushman. John Jansen Jr. took the lead
down the backstraight, but Polenz never lifted, and raced Jansen back to
the stripe for a photo finish. Timing and scoring was needed to determine
the winner, and Polenz was awarded the win by just .018 of a second.
Finishing 3rd was Scott Gore, his best Legends finish of the season,
followed by last week's feature winner Steve Ward, and Cody Scott. The
Legends points championship comes down to the final races as well. Matt
Cannon leads George Cushman by just 6 points. In other racing action,
Jerald Harris took home the win in the Va. Sprint Series 30 lap event,
beating Billy Norfleet and French Grimes to the stripe. Craig Oglevee took
home win number 4 in the 30 lap UCAR feature, and James Lucas finished out
his racing career with 2 feature wins, taking the checkers in both 25 lap
features for the Mid-Atlantic Street Stocks. Lucas also claimed the
inaugural Street Stock track championship at ODS. Next Saturday night, the
Old Dominion Speedway oval track season comes to a close, as track
champions will be decided. On the schedule is a 100 lap event for the Late
Models, 30 laps for the Mini Modifieds, 30 laps for the Legends, and 20
laps for the UCAR's. The Bandoleros will also compete in a special
feature. Practice begins at 2PM, qualifying starts at 5PM, with action set
for 7PM.
Photos From 9/19/09:
Top Row:
David Polenz - Late Model Winner
Middle Row:
Jerald Harris - Va. Sprint Winner
Ryan Polenz - Legends Winner
Craig Oglevee - UCAR Winner
Bottom Row:
James Lucas - Street Stock Winner
Polenz Muscles His Way
To 100 Lap Feature Win.......9/5/09
Back in January, if one were to say that David
Polenz, fresh out of the Legends division with an ODS track champion under
his belt, would have been in the middle of a Late Model championship run
in September with 3 wins, 14 top 5's, and an average finish of 5.15 in his
pocket, that person would have been considered out of his mind. With
veterans like Dave Moon, Robert Bruce, Doug Liberman, Mike Southard, and
past champions Greg Compton, Willard Lawrence, and Adam Brenner, and Les
Miranda returning to the famed 3/8 mile oval, there was just no way a
teenager from NJ with peach fuzz on his chin was going to have any chance
at a win, much less a title. The critics have now been silenced. Polenz
picked up his third feature win Saturday night, taking the lead from Doug
Liberman on lap 54, and held off point leader Willard Lawrence for the win
in the 100 lap event for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model
Stock Cars. Polenz, who started 3rd on the grid, actually dropped back to
as far as 5th, but clawed his way up to 3rd before muscling his way past
Lawrence on lap 41. Lawrence would get around Liberman on lap 86 after
Liberman's car spun coming out of turn 2. Once the green waved again,
Lawrence gave chase, but came up 1.686 seconds short when the checkers
flew. Quick qualifier and last week's feature winner Mike Darne finished
3rd, while Adam Brenner and Steve Jenkins rounded out the top 5. With the
win, Polenz was able to make up 7 points on Lawrence in the championship
chase, cutting the lead to 46 points with 2 races remaining. Although his
title chances are slim, the Polenz team won't give up. But what a rookie
season it has been in 2009 for the youngster from NJ. Dave Daniels powered
his way to his 3rd win of the season in the 30 lap Mini Modified feature.
Daniels, the current point leader in the division, was able to hold off a
hard charging Paul Green at the end. Green, who had to make a pit stop
under caution for his window net that come down, cut his way through
field, but was not able to mount a serious charge at the end. Keith Riley
finished 3rd, while Joe Riley and Nick Johnston rounded out the top 5.
With just one race remaining for the Mini Modifieds, Daniels takes a slim
10 point advantage over Green into the final event scheduled for September
26th. Brandon Johnson, in only his 2nd start ever at ODS, powered his way
to the lead on lap 16, and held off Morgan Duncan for his first ever
feature win in the 20 lap UCAR event. The 14 year old driver started from
the 8th position and bounced off of just about every car he passed on his
way to the front, taking the top spot from Greg Sites on lap 16. Duncan
was also able to get around Sites, but was could not make a challenge at
the end. Finishing 3rd was Sites, followed by Jason Welch, and Craig
Oglevee. Point leader Bryan Fox fell out of the event early with
mechanical problems and finished 11th. With 2 races remaining, Fox still
has a comfortable 28 point lead over Welch, and a 32 point lead over
Duncan with 2 events remaining for the UCAR's. Another driver picked up
his first ever ODS feature win Saturday night as Steve Ward from Warrenton
Va. took over the top spot on lap 29, and held off point leader Matt
Cannon and George Cushman for the win. Ward, who has his share of bad luck
this season, finally had some luck come his way. He was running a distant
second to Rette Causey, who has taken ODS by storm this season. But on lap
29, Causey spun coming out of turn 2 after experiencing a mechanical
problem on the rear of his machine. This handed the lead to Ward, who then
had to hold off Cannon and Cushman. At the stripe, Ward took the checkers
by just .407 second over Cannon, and .842 seconds over Cushman. Steve
Cypher recorded his best finish ever with 4th place finish, while Jeff
Harms rounded out the top 5. Cannon's lead over Cushman is now 8 points,
with 2 races remaining on the schedule. The SRL Mini Cups invaded the Old
Dominion Speedway for the final time in 2009, and Tim Brown took home the
checkers after a furious battle with Tyler Staton and Steve Shreck. Those
drivers, along with Steven Teter, who had earlier set a track record in
qualifying for the division, battled for the top spot, swapping positions
on just about every lap. Teter would develop fuel issues with his machine,
knocking him out of the event before the halfway point. Brown then took
the lead from Stator late in the going, and would finish 1.994 seconds
ahead. Following Brown and Stator across the stripe were Shreck, Kenny
Armstrong, and Andy Reeves. The Bandoleros were back at ODS, and Trevor
Collins not only set a track record in qualifying for the division, but
picked up another win. The 11 year old driver held on and beat Macy Causey
to the stripe when the checkers flew. Jonathan Findley finished 3rd, while
Steven Cypher, Dakota Polenz, and Dakota Scott rounded out the field. The
Old Dominion Speedway oval tack will be dark next Saturday night for the
Richmond Sprint Cup race. Exciting NASCAR racing returns on Saturday
night, September 19th with an action packed schedule of events. A 200 lap
event is scheduled for the Late Models. Also on the schedule are the Va.
Sprint Series, as the ultra-fast winged sprint cars are scheduled for 50
laps. The UCAR's are also scheduled for an extra distance affair, as they
will compete in a 30 lap feature race. In addition, the popular Street
Stock class is set for twin 25 lap events, while the Legends cars are set
for a 30 lap event. Practice is set for 2PM, with qualifying beginning at
5PM. Racing action will take the green at 7PM. The final night of oval
track racing at ODS will be Saturday night, September 26th, when the track
champions will be crowned. On the schedule is a 100 lap event for the Late
Models, a 30 lap event for the Mini Modifieds, a 30 lap race for the
Legends, and a 20 lap event for the UCAR's. Also on the schedule is a
special event for the Bandoleros.
Photos From 9/5/09:
Top Row:
David Polenz - Late Model Winner
Middle Row:
Steve Ward - Legends Winner
Brandon Johnson - UCAR Winner
Dave Daniels - Mini Modified Winner
Bottom Row:
Tim Brown - Mini Cup Winner
Trevor Collins - Bandolero Winner
Veterans Darne, Compton Take The
Checkers At ODS.......8/29/09
Special Thanks to Ed Turner for this release.......
Greg Compton and Mike Darne split victories in
twin 35 Late Model races at Old Dominion Speedway Saturday night. It was
Compton's first career Late Model win and Darne's second win in two weeks.
In the first twin, Darne started on the pole, took the lead off the start,
and led every lap, holding off second-place Willard Lawrence in the 14-car
field. "The car was good," said Darne, the 2002 Late Model
champion. "I probably drove harder than anyone else out there."
Adam Brenner was third, Compton fourth and Mike Southard fifth. In the
second twin, Compton started on the pole and grabbed the lead early and
kept ahead of second-place Willard Lawrence until the checkers. Compton
was the 11th Late Model driver to win this season. "We had a great
race car tonight," said a jubilant Compton. "I want to thank my
crew, sponsors and everyone who made this possible." Lawrence started
third and got around Brenner on the start for second. "Clean air
plays a big role on this race track," said Lawrence, who collected
his 15th top five. "And maybe we pushed too much in the first
race." Mike Southard took third after battling with Darne for nearly
25 laps as the two ran side-by-side. "It's a lot of fun when you can
get in the outside groove and just go," Southard said. "I want
to thank Mike for driving me clean." Darne was fourth and noted that
eight-inch tires made passing difficult. "We did everything we
could," he said. Brenner was fifth. In Legends, Matt Cannon powered
his way to his third win of the season. Cannon, who started third, took
the lead after leader Steve Ward and Rette Causey got together in lap 10.
Cannon then held off George Cushman as the race wound down. Cushman got
underneath Cannon but could not pass. Cannon said his car ran tight after
being involved in the earlier crash with Causey and Ward. "My car was
still good enough to bring it home to first," Cannon said. Cushman's
second gave him 15 top fives and he is six points behind points leader
Cannon. "My car was faster than Cannon's," Cushman said. "I
could've moved him out of the way. But I don't race that way." Ryan
Polenz, who started fourth, came in third. Cody Scott was fourth. In Mini
Modifieds, Paul Green grabbed his sixth win of the season. Green, who
started sixth, passed Keith Riley for the lead in lap 17. Green then held
off hard-charging Dave Daniels for the remainder of the race. "I had
to really work for this one," Green said. "Dave was really
coming." Daniels, who started second, finished second and collected
his 12th top five of the season. "It was a good points night,"
he said. Riley was third, Bobby Able fourth and Nick Johnston fifth. In
U-Cars, Jason Welch notched his second straight win and his fifth of the
season. Welch, who is second in points, started last, in ninth, and got
around Greg Sites for the lead in lap four. "This car stuck good and
took me to the front," Welch said. Craig Oglevee, who started eighth,
fought his way to second. Oglevee got around Sites for the spot in lap
seven. Bryan Fox, who started sixth, was third and battled with Oglevee
for third but couldn't make the pass. Morgan Duncan was fourth. He got
around Sites for the spot in lap 11. Sites was fifth. In Mid-Atlantic
Street Stocks, James Lucas motored his way to his third win of the year.
Lucas started fourth and got around Terry Leach for the lead in lap five.
Phil Kenney, who started sixth, got around Leach for second in lap eight.
"I was picking them off one by one," Kenney said. Jim Mallon was
third, Leach fourth and John Mozingo fifth.
Darne, Lawrence
Winners In Twin Features.......8/15/09
Twin Late Model features were the highlight of
the evening at the Old Dominion Speedway Saturday night, and when the
checkers flew, former track champions Mike Darne and Willard Lawrence
stood in victory lane. Darne took home the win in the first of the twins,
battling Lawrence for top honors. He took over the lead on lap 27, and
held off the challenger for the remainder of the event for his first win
since September 21, 2002, which was his championship season. Following
Darne and Lawrence were David Polenz, Greg Compton, and Doug Liberman.
Lawrence took over the top spot from early leader Mike Southard and was
able to hold off rookie David Polenz for the win in the second of the twin
features. A late race caution period bunched up the field, but Lawrence
held off the rookie driver from Pattenburg, NJ to take home his 5th win of
the 2009 season. Crossing the stripe behind Lawrence and Polenz were Darne,
Compton, and Mike Southard. Lawrence picked up another 4 points on Polenz,
and now leads the standings by 35 points with 5 races remaining. Rette
Causey continued his dominance at ODS, taking home his 6th win in 8 tries
in the Austin Legends / INEX Legends 30-lap event. Muscling his way to the
front, Causey battled with Ryan Polenz for the first several laps, but
Polenz faded towards the end and wound up third after being passed by
George Cushman late in the going. Finishing fourth was point leader Matt
Cannon, followed by Nick Carlson. Cannon's lead has now been cut to just 4
points over Cushman with 3 races remaining. Jason Welch dominated the
20-lap UCAR event, notching his 4th win in 2009, and boosting himself into
the second spot in the points chase. Welch took over the lead and watched
in his rear view mirror the fierce battle between Rich Marouse, Morgan
Duncan, Craig Oglevee, Greg Sites, and point leader Bryan Fox. When the
checkers flew, Welch was the winner by several car lengths, while Marouse
was able to break away and finish second. Oglevee held on for third, while
Duncan and Sites rounded out the top 5. Fox has a massive 46 point lead
over Welch, and unless the unthinkable happens, should be able to notch
his 2nd track title in a row. The Va. Sprints returned to the Old Dominion
Speedway, and Jerald Harris took home yet another feature win as he
dominated the 25 lap event. A late-race caution bunched the field up, but
once the green flew again, he began a series of 14 second laps, and
stretched his lead on every circuit. Billy Norfleet wound up second.
Next Saturday the Old Dominion Speedway will be closed for the final day
of the Prince William County Fair. Exciting NASCAR Whelen All-American
Series racing action returns to the 3/8 mile oval on Saturday night,
August 29th, with twin 35-lap features for the Late Models. Also on the
schedule is a 30 -lap feature for the Mini Modifieds, a 20-lap feature for
the UCAR's, a 30-lap event for the Legends, and the Mid-Atlantic Street
Stocks return for a 35-lap feature. Also on the schedule is a special
feature for the up and coming starts of the Bandolero division. Practice
begins at 2PM, with qualifying set for 5PM. Racing action takes the green
at 7PM.
Photos From 8/15/09:
Top Row:
Willard Lawrence - Late Model Winner
Jerrald Harris - Sprint Winner
Mike Darne - Late Model Winner
Bottom Row:
Jason Welch - UCAR Winner
Rette Causey - Legends Winner
Lawrence, Polenz Take
Feature Wins.......8/8/09
The two top guns in the point's chase each took
home the checkers Saturday night, as point leader Willard Lawrence and
rookie David Polenz wound up in victory lane at the Old Dominion Speedway
in Manassas, Va. Lawrence had to battle his way to the top spot in the
first 35-lap event, while Polenz took the lead on lap one and cruised to
the win in the second 35-lap feature. The first event was marred by a huge
crash sparked by Davey Callihan, who lost control of his Chevy as the cars
exited turn four on the first lap. His car slammed the outside fence, then
careened across the track in front of several cars. Kevin Hall's car
nearly went on it's roof as it flew over the start / finish line after
contact with Les Miranda. Mike Southard, last week's feature winner, was
also involved. All drivers were okay after the melee, but all were forced
from the event. Once the green waved again, Lawrence battled his way to
the front and took the win by a little over a half a second over Mike
Darne. Adam Brenner came home third, followed by Polenz, and Greg Compton.
With the top four being inverted for the second 35-lap event, Polenz would
start on the pole, with Brenner on the outside. The green waved and Polenz
led the charge into turn one. Brenner dove to the inside and held on to
the second spot for the remainder of the quick 35-lap feature. Mike Darne,
who had started third, experienced rear-end problems and dropped back
quickly, finally finishing ninth. Lawrence, who started fourth, held on
for the third spot at the end, followed by Greg Compton and Doug Liberman.
With six events remaining, Lawrence now holds a 28 point lead over Polenz
for the track championship. Rette Causey picked up another win at ODS,
taking the checkers for the fifth time in seven events in 2009 in the
first of twin 25-lap events for the Austin Legends / INEX Legends cars.
Starting from a familiar eighth spot, Causey wasted little time getting to
the front, and held off Nick Carlson for the win. George Cushman came home
third, while Ryan Polenz and Darrell Vance rounded out the top five. In
the second feature, Causey was on yet another charge to the front, but his
muffler fell of and he was parked for the night. With Causey on the
sidelines, the battle for the lead was between the two top drivers in the
points chase, Matt Cannon and Cushman. Cushman led up until lap 20, when
Cannon muscled his way into the lead. Cannon would cross the stripe .490
seconds ahead of Cushman at the end. Ryan Polenz, Steve Ward, and Darrell
Vance would round out the top five. With five events remaining, Cannon
leads Cushman by a scant 8 points in the chase for the track championship.
In other racing action, Paul Green rolled into victory lane for the fifth
time in 2009, taking the win over point leader Dave Daniels in the 30-lap
Mini-Modified feature event. Craig Oglevee took the win in the UCAR 20-lap
feature, beating point leader Bryan Fox to the stripe by less than a car
length. And 8-year old Macy Causey, daughter of Legends driver Rette
Causey, set a track record in qualifying, then led flag-to-flag to take
the win in the Bandolero feature. Trevor Collins came home second,
followed by Jonathan Findley and Dakota Scott. The schedule for next
Saturday night includes twin 50-lap events for the NASCAR Whelen
All-American Series Late Models. Also on the schedule is a 20-lap feature
for the UCAR's, a 30-lap event for the Legends, and the return of the
ultra-fast Va. Sprint Series Sprint Cars. Practice begins at 2PM, with
qualifying set for 5PM. Racing action takes the green at 7PM.
Photos From 8/8/09:
Row 1:
David Polenz - Late Model
Winner
Macy Causey - Bandolero Winner
Craig Oglevee - UCAR Winner
Row 2:
Paul Green - Mini Modified Winner
Willard Lawrence - Late Model
Winner
Row 3:
Rette Causey - Legends Winner
Matt Cannon - Legends Winner
Row 4:
The Carnage After "The Big One"
Southard Takes Home
2nd Win.......8/1/09
Mike Southard was in the right place at the
right time Saturday night, taking advantage of the leaders misfortune and
winding up in victory lane in the Fan Appreciation 100-lap feature for the
NASCAR Whelen All-American Late Model Stock Cars. After starting from the
pole and leading several laps, Southard was dropped back 2 spots by leader
Willard Lawrence and Adam Brenner. Those 2 drivers staged a classic GM /
Ford battle for the top spot. Brenner appeared to have the faster car at
different stages of the 100 lap event, but was unable to complete the
pass. But late in the event, Brenner got alongside of Lawrence heading
into turn one. The two drivers made contact, sending Lawrence into the
fence in turn one. Both drivers were sent to the rear of the field,
handing the top spot back to Southard. Southard had his hands full with
Mike Darne, as the former track champ pressured him over the final
circuits. But Southard was able to hang on for his second feature win of
the season, crossing the stripe just .654 seconds ahead of Darne when the
checkers flew. Tommy Hall, who started on the outside of the front row,
picked up his best finish of the season, finishing third just another half
second behind Darne. Kevin Hall, rookie David Polenz, and Doug Liberman
rounded out the top six. Brenner would wind up 8th, with Lawrence bringing
his battered machine home 10th. With his 5th place finish, Polenz is now
just 26 points behind Lawrence in the point standings. Southard moved up a
spot in the point standings, and now is just 35 points behind Polenz.
Rette Causey picked up yet another feature win in the Legends 30-lap
event. Causey, who started 8th, took over the top spot just past the
halfway point, and dominated the remainder of the event. The win was his
4th in 5 races, with his other finish being a third place on June 6th.
Point leader Matt Cannon finished 2nd, followed by George Cushman, Ryan
Polenz, and Nick Carlson. Craig Oglevee powered his way to the front,
racing side-by-side with point leader Bryan Fox for several laps, and took
home his 2nd feature win in 2009 in the 20-lap UCAR feature. Fox held on
to finish second, followed by Morgan Duncan, Brandon Johnson, and Greg
Sites. Fox now has a commanding 46 point lead in the division over Duncan.
Dave Daniels took home win number 2 in 2009, taking the checkers in the
30-lap Mini Modified feature. The event was not without incident as
Daniels and Scott Gore collided entering turn one, with Gore almost
spinning his Ford. Daniels was able to get around Gore after the contact,
then was able to pass Carte a few laps later. He would take the checkers
some 3 car lengths ahead of Carte at the end. Gore held on for second,
followed by Keith Riley and Kevin Davis. Daniels holds a 12 point lead in
the division over Paul Green in the point standings, who finished 6th in a
borrowed car after engine problems sidelined his primary ride. Tyler
Staton held off Tim Brown in a furious battle for the top spot, taking
home the win in the 20-lap SRL Mini Cup feature. Staton, who took over the
lead late in the event, battled Brown over the final circuits, barely
taking the win by .001 seconds over Brown. Early leader Jody Hensley held
on for the third spot. Next Saturday night will be shades of old as the
Late Models will compete in twin 35-lap features. Also on the schedule is
a 30-lap feature for the Legends, a 20-lap event for the UCAR's, and twin
25-lap features for the Legends. Practice begins at 2PM, with qualifying
set to begin at 5PM. Racing action takes the green at 7PM.
Photos From 8/1/09:
Top Row:
Tyler Staton - Mini Cup Winner
Craig Oglevee - UCAR Winner
Bottom Row:
Rette Causey - Legends Winner
Dave Daniels - Mini Modified Winner
Mike Southard - Late Model
Winner
Rain Out At ODS.......7/25/09
Old Dominion Speedway suffered yet another rainout
Saturday night, as a steady rain pelted the speedway just as racing
activities were to start. Officials waited patiently as the rains came,
but a strong shower passed through about 25 minutes after the first
showers came through. Lightening and thunder came through shortly
thereafter, forcing track officials to call it a night.
Scheduled activities next Saturday night include a 100-lap feature for the
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models, a 30-lap feature for the
Austin Legends / INEX Legends, a 20-lap event for the UCAR’s, a 30-lap
event for the Mini Modifieds, and a special feature for the SRL Mini Cups.
Practice begins at 2PM, qualifying is set for 5PM, with racing action set
to take the green at 7PM.
Polenz, In Dominating Fashion, Takes First Win At ODS.......7/18/09
Rookie David Polenz, the 17-year old
from
Rette Causey returned to the Old Dominion Speedway and once again took
home the win in the 30-lap Austin Legends / INEX Legends feature. Causey
was the quickest in qualifying for 2nd time this season, and
with his win has taken the checkers in 3 of the 4 races he has entered.
His other finish in 2009 was a third place finish back on June 6th.
George Cushman battled point leader Matt Cannon for the second spot for
most of the event and managed to hold on to take that honor as Cannon
faded towards the end. Following Cannon at the end was Nick Carlson and
last weeks feature winner Ryan Polenz. Cushman now trails Cannon in the
chase for the championship by just 16 points.
Jason Welch took the win for the third time this season in the UCAR 20-lap
feature. Welch took over the top spot near the midway point and cruised to
the win over point leader Bryan Fox. Last week’s feature winner Craig
Oglevee came from the back of the field to finish third, while Greg Sires
and Morgan Duncan rounded out the top five.
Tony Harris battled his brother Jerald to the stripe to take home the win
in the 25-lap Va. Sprint Series feature. Harris took over the lead from
Chris Ware and held off his brother by less than a car length at the end.
Rounding out the top five were Billy Norfleet, Ware, and French Grimes.
Next Saturday night is Fan Appreciation night at the Old Dominion
Speedway. Buy a ticket, get another ticket of equal or less value for
free. A jam-packed schedule of events for Fan Appreciation night include a
75-lap feature for the Late Models, 30 laps for the Mini Modifieds, 20
laps for the UCAR’s, 30 laps for the Legends, 35 laps for the
Mid-Atlantic Street Stocks, and a special event for the Bandoleros.
Practice begins at 2PM, with qualifying beginning at 5PM. Racing acion is
set for 7PM.
Photos From 7/18/09:
Top Row:
David Polenz - Late Model
Winner
Bottom Row:
Tony Harris - Va. Sprint Winner
Rette Causey - Legends Winner
Jason Welch - UCAR Winner
Brenner, Lawrence,
Oglevee, Green, Polenz, and Polenz Winners At ODS.......7/11/09
In some wild racing action that hasn't been seen
in a while, Adam Brenner powered his way to the win Saturday night in the
first of the twin 50 lap features for the NASCAR Whelen All-American
Series Late Stock Cars. Willard Lawrence returned to victory lane in the
second 50 lap feature, taking the checkers for the 3rd time in 10 tries in
2009. In the first feature, Brenner took over the top spot early, and
showed the rear bumper of his Ford to the field. His place up front turned
out to be the safest place to be as caution after caution was displayed
for multiple wrecks that involved half the field by the time the checkers
flew. When the final flag did fly, only 7 of the original 16 starters were
on the track. Doug Liberman, back after a few weeks off after blowing the
engine in his Chevy a few weeks ago, came home a strong second, while Mark
Cropp, in only his 2nd start of the season, finished 3rd, Rounding out the
running finishers were Lawrence, Tommy Hall, Mike Southard, and Bob
Harman. Eric George would bring the field to the green in the 2nd 50 lap
event, and the remaining lineup scrambled to get around him on the first
few laps. Liberman, who had started next to George, darted out in front as
the field sorted themselves out. Dustin Storm, who had started near the
back of the pack in Lawrence's back-up machine, cut his way through the
field and had the fastest car on the track. His forward progress was
halted once he battled up to the third spot. Jody Cahall, a feature winner
earlier in the season, was also a car on the move after starting in the
back. He cam up through the field in a hurry as well, and went by Storm,
who was 3rd, and Lawrence, who had ran second for most of the night. He
then began to run down Liberman, but the laps were winding down quickly.
Then on lap 46, Cahall drop-kicked Liberman as they headed into turn
three, sending Liberman into the grass. Both drivers were sent to the rear
of the field, handing the lead to Lawrence. Lawrence then led the final
few laps to take home the win. Following Lawrence across the stripe were
Storm, Brenner, Compton, and the battle-scarred machine of David Polenz.
Ryan Polenz picked up his 1st ever ODS feature win in the Austin Legends /
INEX Legends feature. Polenz took over the top spot from Darrell Vance,
and beat Legends point leader Matt Cannon to the stripe by less than a
half a second. Finishing 3rd was George Cushman, followed by Ryan Ellis,
and Vance. Jessie Polenz picked her first Bandolero feature win in the 10
lap event. Polenz led flag to flag, and beat Dakota Scott to the stripe by
less than a car length. Craig Oglevee won his first ever UCAR feature
event in thrilling style. Starting near the rear of the field, Oglevee
muscled his way through the field, and ran down early leader Morgan
Duncan. Entering turn 3 on the final circuit, he powered his way to the
outside, and was able to beat Duncan to the stripe by less than a foot.
Duncan had to settle for second, while point leader Bryan Fox, Steve
Brady, and Greg Sites rounded out the top 5. Paul Green returned to
victory lane for the 4th time in 2009, crossing the stripe less than a car
length ahead of point leader Dave Daniels in the 30 lap Mini Modified
feature. Scott Gore came home 3rd, while Mike Carte and Keith Riley
rounded out the top 5. Next Saturday night, the Va. Sprint Series returns
to the Old Dominion Speedway. These lightening fast winged machines are
scheduled for a 25 lap feature, along with heat races. Also on the
schedule is a 75 lap feature for the Late Models, 30 laps for the Legends,
and 20 laps for the UCARS. Practice begins at 2PM, with qualifying set for
5PM. Racing action takes the green at 7PM.
Photos From 7/11/09:
Top Row:
Willard Lawrence - Late Model
Winner
Ryan Polenz - Legends Winner
Paul Green - Mini Modified Winner
Bottom Row:
Adam Brenner - Late Model Winner
Jessie Polenz - Bandolero Winner
Storm Takes Win At
ODS.......6/27/09
2001 Old Dominion Speedway track champion Dustin
Storm made a triumphant return to his former home track, taking the
checkers in the American Cancer Society 100 lap feature for the NASCAR /
Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Cars. Storm was at the right
place at the right time, taking over the top spot as early leader Adam
Brenner had a mechanical problem as the checkers were within his reach. Starting
from the 7th position, Storm bided his time as the laps wound down.
Polesitter Kevin Hall would lead the first 2 circuits, but handed the lead
over to Brenner's Ford on lap three. Brenner held onto that spot for the
entire event, and seemed to have everything under control. Meanwhile,
Storm methodically made his way towards the front, and had a solid second
place finish in hand. But on lap 97, Brenner's car broke loose exiting
turn 4, and spun into the infield, the victim of a broken shock bolt.
Storm took over the top spot and led the final circuits to take his first
win in his first start in 2009. Hall held on for the 2nd spot, his best
ever finish in the Late Model class. Rookie David Polenz battled his way
to a third place finish, his best ever in the Late Models since moving up
from the Legends division. Quick qualifier Greg Compton came home fourth,
while point leader Willard Lawrence and Robert Bruce rounded out the top
six.
After fighting motor troubles for the past several weeks and spinning in
practice, Scott Gore took home the win in the 30 lap Mini Modified
feature. Gore was able to get through the field clean after an earlier
altercation, and get an early
lead as second place finisher Dave Daniels had issues with some of the
slower cars. He finally made up to the second spot, but was too far back
to mount any type of a serious challenge. Veteran Mike Carte came home
third, while early leader Keith Riley finished fourth. With his second
place finish, Daniels now assumes the point lead as Paul Green developed
engine problems and was not around at the start of the event. Other
feature winners included Bryan Fox in the UCAR division, Matt Cannon in
the Legends division, and John Mosby in the Mid-Atlantic Street Stock
division.
Racing action will return to the Old Dominion Speedway on
Saturday night, July 11th with a 75 lap feature for the Late Models. Also
on the schedule is a 20 lap feature for the UCAR's, a 30 lap feature for
the Legends, a 30 lap event for the Mini Modifieds, and a special event
for the Bandoleros. Practice begins at 2PM, with qualifying set for 5PM.
Racing action takes the green at 7PM. Note: The Lawrence Racing Team held
a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday night.
They would like to personally thank each and everyone who donated to this
cause. The night's final tally was over $1100.00. Thanks to all the race
fans!!
Feature Winners At ODS - 6/27/09
Top Row:
Dustin Storm - Late Model
Matt Cannon - Legends
Scott Gore - Mini Modified
(Nice photo, Kidwell!!)
Bottom Row:
John Mosby - Street Stock
Bryan Fox - UCAR
Rain Cancels Racing At
ODS.......6/20/09
All activities scheduled for Saturday night at the Old Dominion
Speedway have been cancelled due to rain. Steady rains, and impending bad
weather forecast for the evening, have forced track officials to cancel
all racing activities.
Next Saturday night, June 27th, scheduled
events include a 100-lap feature for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Late Model Stock Cars. Also on tap for the night will be a 30-lap feature
for the Mini Modifieds, a 30-lap events for the Austin Legends / INEX
Legends cars, and a 20-lap feature for the UCAR’s. Practice will begin
at 2PM, with qualifying starting at 5PM. Racing action is set to take the
green at 7PM
Cahall
Wins First Ever Late Model Win At ODS.......6/13/09
In only his 8th race at the historic Old
Dominion Speedway, the tough, bumpy, 3/8 mile oval in
Photos From 6/13/09:
Top Row:
Morgan Duncan - UCAR Winner
Jody Cahall - Late Model Winner
Ryan Ellis - Legends Winner
Bottom Row:
Paul Green - Mini Modified Winner
James Lucas - Street Stock Winner
Trevor Collins - Bandalero Winner
Callihan
Takes First LM Win AT ODS.......6/6/09
He's been successful competing in
go karts, motorcycles, and Mini Modifieds. Now add Late Model Stock Cars
to the list. Third-generation driver Davey Callihan from Warrenton Va.
picked up his first-ever NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model
Stock Car feature win Saturday at the Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas,
leading flag-to-flag in the Burger King Challenge Series 75-lap feature.
Starting from the pole, Callihan was virtually unchallenged throughout the
entire event. Greg Compton picked up his first quick qualifier award of
the season in his Donna Wheeler Drapery Designs Chevy with a lap of
16.346. Last week's feature winner Mike Southard was second quickest in
his Try-It-Racing Chevy with a 16.411 lap, with the Ford of Adam Brenner
third quickest with a 16.437. Defending track champ Willard Lawrence was
the fourth fastest with a 16.441, while the Foster's Grille Pontiac of Les
Miranda (16.516) and Callihan (16.583) rounded out the top six. Pre-race
favorite Doug Liberman, who has had a solid season thus far and was in the
top five in points, ignited a motor in practice, an was headed back to
Delaware before the night's activities even began. Once the green waved,
Callihan jumped out in front, and was on cruise control throughout the
event. Several brief caution periods bunched the field up, including one
where Willard Lawrence made contact with Mike Southard on the front
straight, sending Southard into the fence. Southard was able to continue,
and brought his battered machine home in the eighth spot. Lawrence would
be sent to the rear, but was able to battle back to a second place finish
after passing rookie David Polenz for that spot with less than ten laps
remaining. Polenz held on for third, his best finish thus far in his
rookie season, while Compton, Jody Cahall, and Miranda rounded out the top
six. The Legends competed in twin 25-lap events, and Roger Austin Jr.
picked up win number three in 2009 in the first event. Austin out-muscled
his nemesis Matt Cannon, the current point leader, for the victory.
Rounding out the top six were Rette Causey, George Cushman, Nick Carlson,
and Mike Bryant. Austin was not so fortunate in the second twin 25-lapper
as he was involved in an incident with Mike Bryant on lap one. The two
veterans tangled coming out of turn four, sending both cars hard into the
fence, eliminating both. After some post-race altercations, Austin has
been suspended for four weeks. The win in the second 25-lap feature went
to Causey, who has raced at ODS on three occasions, compiling 2 wins and a
third place. Finishing behind Causey was Nick Carlson, followed by Ryan
Ellis, Cannon, Van Sykes, and Ryan Polenz. Jason Welch took home his
second feature win of the season in the 20-lap UCAR event. Welch held off
the repeated challenges of Craig Oglevee over the final few laps, but was
able to hold on for the win. Following Welch and Oglevee was Greg Sites,
point leader Bryan Fox, Jeff Beamer, and Morgan Duncan. Bobby Able used a
veteran move to take home the win in the 30-lap feature for the Mini
Modifieds. Able, who had been running a distant third throughout most of
the event, took advantage of a late race caution period when point leader
Paul Green blew the engine in his G2 Ford Fusion, and got around early
leader Dave Daniels with just 3 laps remaining. From that point he held
off Daniels for the win. Following Able and Daniels was Scott Gore, Keith
Riley, and Kevin Davis. Next Saturday night, the Late Models compete in a
75-lap event. Also on the schedule is a 30 lap feature for the Legends, 20
laps for the UCAR's, 30 laps for the Mini Modifieds, 35 laps for the
Street Stocks, and a special event for the Bandoleros. Practice begins at
2PM, with qualifying set for 5PM. Racing action takes the green at 7PM.
Photos From ODS Action
6/6/09:
Top Row:
Davey Callihan - Late Model Winner
Rette Causey - Legends #2 Winner
Bobby Able - Mini Modified Winner
Bottom Row:
Jason Welch - UCAR Winner
Roger Austin Jr. - Legends #1 Winner
Southard Wins At
ODS.......5/30/09
Mike Southard from Nokesville Va. picked up his
first win in 2009, and his first win since September 2006, in the Burger
King Challenge Series 75-lap feature for the NASCAR Whelen-All American
Series Late Model Stock Cars at the Old Dominion Speedway Saturday night.
Southard took advantage of his front row starting spot, and led
flag-to-flag in the event. Robert Bruce in the J&J Music-To-Go Chevy
paced the field in qualifying with a 16.256 lap, followed by Southard in
the Try-It-Racing Chevy with a 16.275 lap. Third quickest was the Larson
engineering Chevy of Doug Liberman with a 16.350 lap, followed by Les
Miranda in the Foster's Grille Pontiac with a 16.371 lap. Rounding out the
top 6 was Adam Brenner (16.375) and Greg Compton's Donna Wheeler Drapery
Designs Chevy (16.422). With the inversion, Southard would start on the
front row, and led the charge into turn one. Once out front, he was on
cruise control as the remaining field battled for position. The field
strung out quickly and settled down as most drivers appeared to be holding
back a bit to save their tires. A late-race caution flew, which bunched
the field up with less than 15 laps to go. Business began to pick up as
Bruce, who had started 6th, made his way up to second, and began to
pressure Southard for the top spot. The battle for third was just as
heated and Compton, running third, was busy holding off Brenner, David
Polenz, Liberman, and Miranda. Polenz and Miranda swapped positions
several times before Miranda spun coming off of turn four. This relegated
him to the rear of the field. He would eventually finish 9th. Up front,
Southard was able to hold off Bruce, and would finish just .255 seconds
ahead of the runner-up. Compton held on for third, while Brenner, Polenz,
and Liberman rounded out the top six. Missing from the event was point
leader Willard Lawrence, who elected to not race this week. The points
have now tightened up, and the championship chase is up for grabs at this
point. Dave Daniels from Woodbridge Va., driving the Daniels Auto Care
Ford, led almost from the start, and took home his first-ever Mini
Modified win in the 30-lap event. Daniels took advantage of the
misfortunes of point leader Paul Green, who had to pit and start from the
rear of the field after a bolt broke in the front end of his G2 Ford.
Green battled back and would finish in the second spot. Problems in
practice and qualifying eliminated two pre-race favorites from the event.
Scott Gore had an engine problem in practice and never made the feature,
and Jason Darne crashed in qualifying, sending him to the hospital with a
cracked bone in his shoulder. UCAR point leader Bryan Fox picked up win
number two in 2009, holding off a determined Jeff Beamer for the win. Fox
started deep in the filed in his Huhn's Shell Chevy, but made a few daring
moves and took over the top spot near the halfway point. Beamer made a few
challenges, but came up a bit short at the end. Morgan Duncan's A-Atlantic
Plumbing machine came home third, followed by "The Cooley Zone.com"
Chevy of Craig Oglevee, and Greg Sites. Nick Carlson took the checkers for
the win in the 30-lap Austin Legends / INEX Legends feature 2009, and his
first win at the famed 3/8 mile oval. Carlson dominated the event, and
crossed the stripe 1.307 seconds ahead for second place finisher and
current Legends point leader George Cushman. Matt Cannon came home third,
while Ryan Polenz and Van Sykes rounded out the top five. 10-year old
Trever Collins led the entire 10-lap feature and came home victorious in
the Bandolero feature event. Jessie Polenz finished second, followed
Michael Munley, Mason Diaz, and Dakota Scott. Next Saturday night, the
Late Models are scheduled to compete in a 75-lap event. Also on the
schedule is a 30-lap Mini Modified feature, a 20-lap event for the UCAR's,
and Twin 25-lap events for the Legends. Practice begins at 2PM, qualifying
starts at 5PM, with racing action set for 7PM.
Photos From 5/30/09:
Top Row:
Trevor Collins - Bandalero Winner
Bryan Fox - UCAR Winner
Dave Daniels - Mini Modified Winner
Middle Row:
Mike Southard and Crew In Victory Lane
"Took you long enough to get me a trophy, Dad!!"
Bottom Row:
Nick Carlson - Legends Winner
Dave Moon Takes First Ever LM Win At ODS.......5/23/09
Dave Moon from Stafford Va. took home his
first-ever Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Car feature
Saturday night in the Memorial Day 150 at the Old Dominion Speedway in
Manassas Va. Moon took over the top spot late in the event after early
race leader Robert Bruce spun his Chevrolet exiting turn two. The popular
victory sent just about every driver and crew member from all the teams
out to the front straight to congratulate the veteran, who has been trying
for years to get the first win. "I've been racing for, let me see (as
he is counting his fingers) a very long time, let's say, and it's been a
long time coming," Moon said as he was interviewed on the start /
finish line. The evening began with qualifying for the 20-car field, and
Mike Darne paced all drivers with a quick lap of 16.969. Robert Bruce was
second quickest in his J&J Music-To-Go Chevy with a 16.003 lap. Moon
was the top Ford in qualifying, circling the 3/8 mile oval in his Famous
Dave's Fusion in 16.066 lap. Adam Brenner qualified his Ford fourth with a
16.096 lap, while Mike Southard in the Try-It-Racing Chevy (16.127) and
Doug Liberman's Larson Engineering Chevy (16.181) rounded out the top six.
Several different strategies began to play out early once the green
dropped, with some drivers opting to run up front all night, while others,
including quick qualifier Darne, elected to save as much of the 8-inch
tire as possible until the end. Jody Cahall, who started on the pole by
virtue of the inversion, led the first few laps before being passed by
Bruce, who led the first six cars around the speedway at a much slower
pace than most had expected. The lap times for the leaders actually
approached the 18-second mark, almost a full 2 seconds slower than the
qualifying speeds. As the leaders began approaching some of the cars that
had elected to fall to the back, the pace began to pick up, which usually
causes problems once passing begins. The first casualty was Darne, who had
dropped back to as far as 13th, almost a full lap down at one point. He
began to pick up the pace, but tagged Cahall coming out of turn 4. Both
Cahall and Darne were sent to the rear of the field, with Darne sustaining
fender damage on his machine. He would eventually limp home to an 8th
place finish. Once the 100 lap mark came about, the pace began to quicken.
Bruce seemed to have things well under control, but coming out of turn
two, he approached some slower traffic and tried to go low. But the worn
tires and the greasy track struck back, sending him on a long slide down
the back straight, handing the lead to Moon. At that point, Moon held off
the challenges of Brenner for the final circuits and took home the
checkers for the first time. He then proceeded to take a "Polish
Victory Lap" and pull into victory lane, where he was drenched by
several crews. Following Moon and Brenner, was Liberman, point leader
Willard Lawrence, Bruce, and Les Miranda. Scott Gore took home win number
two in the 30-lap Mini Modified feature. Gore held off point leader Paul
Green for the win. Finishing third was Dave Daniels, followed by Mike
Carte and Keith Riley. Jason Welch picked up his first-ever UCAR feature
win in the 20-lap event for the 4-cylinders, holding off a determined Craig
Oglevee for the win. Point leader and defending track champ Bryan Fox was
third, followed by Greg Sites and Brandon Johnson. Rette Cossey had never
been to the Old Dominion Speedway before, but walked away with the win in
the 30-lap Austin Legends / INEX Legends feature. Cossey took over the top
spot from Ryan Polenz on the initial start and led flag-to-flag for the
win. Ryan Ellis finished second, followed by Nick Carlson, point leader
George Cushman, and Matt Cannon. Steven Teter continued his dominance at
the Old Dominion Speedway, taking the checkers in the 20-lap SRL Mini Cup
feature. Teter, who had qualified the quickest, started from the 6th
position, and took over the top spot by lap two. From that point on, it
was all Teter, who finished almost two seconds ahead of 15-year old Tyler
Staton. Finishing third was 11-year old Andy Reeves, followed by Jody
Hensley, and Tim Brown. Next Saturday night the Late Models compete in a
75-lap event. Also on the schedule is a 30-lap feature for the Legends, a
30-lap feature for the Mini Modifieds, a 20-lap feature for the UCAR's,
and a special feature for the Bandoleros. Practice begins at 2PM,
qualifying starts at 5PM, with racing action set for 7PM.
Top Row
All Photos -Dave Moon
LM Feature Winner
Bottom Row:
Scott Gore - Mini Modified Winner
Jason Welch - UCAR Winner
Steven Teter - Mini Cup Winner
Rain Cancels Racing At ODS.......5/16/09
Late evening rains pelted the Old Dominion Speedway Saturday night,
canceling all activities scheduled at the famed 3/8 mile oval.
Next Saturday night, a full slate of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
racing action is scheduled including the first 150 lap event for the Late
Models. Also scheduled is a 30 lap Legends feature, a 30 lap Mini Modified
feature, 20 laps for the UCAR's, and a special event for the Mini Cups.
Practice begins at 2PM, qualifying starts at 5PM, with racing action set
for 7PM.
Adam Brenner Takes The Win In
Wild 100 Lapper.......4/25/09
Adam Brenner brought his NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Car out for the first time Saturday night, not really knowing what to expect. He certainly had high expectations, considering he was the 2007 Grand Stock champion, and when the Late Models and Grand Stocks combined to make one division last season, he racked up 4 wins and 13 top 5's. But never in his wildest dreams would he have thought he would end up in victory lane in his initial appearance in 2009. But that is exactly what happened Saturday night. In a wild 100 lap contest, Brenner took the checkers in his Ford, dodging the carnage in the process. For 96 laps, the Late Models stretched around the 3/8 mile oval, circling the track in an effort to beat the impending rain showers that were all around the historic 3/8 mile oval. Once again all drivers were chasing the Willard Lawrence / Kyle Hall train. Many of the fans in the stands were already headed to the pit gate, waiting to congratulate Lawrence on yet another win. But all that changed with a late-race caution on lap 96. Lawrence in the Foster's Grille Pontiac, who started from the 8th spot by virtue of the inversion, bumped his way to the front, along with Hall's machine. Car after car fell victim to the duo as the laps wound down. The caution came out on lap 96 that changed the whole complexion of the event. After 2 failed attempts to restart the race, they tried one more time. This time, the field got a lap in and hwas headed for the final 2 laps. But Lawrence's car lost power coming down the frontstraight, causing a traffic jam that involved several of the top running machines. Brenner, who got around Hall for the 2nd spot, made an evasive move to inside, barely missing the rear of Lawrence's car. But the cars behind Brenner were not so lucky as the piled up in an attempt to avoid the stalled car. All in all, 4 cars were damaged and stopped on the front straight. The red-checker was displayed and Brenner was declared the winner. Lawrence was credited for the 2nd spot, followed by Doug Liberman's Larsen Engineering Chevy, Dave Moon in the Famous Dave's Ford, and Hall. Roger Austin Jr. also made his first start of the season in the Austin Legends / INEX Legends feature, and picked up the win over a fast closing Matt Cannon. Austin and Cannon were clearly the class of the field as they stretched their lead on every lap. Cannon made several attempts to take the top spot, but came up short at the end by less than a car length. Roger Austin Sr. finished third, followed by Ryan Polenz, and Van Sykes. The Mid-Atlantic Street Stocks made their initial start at ODS, and long-time competitor James Lucas took home the checkers in the 35 lap feature. Lucas, who has started 7th, made his way to the front, and took over the top spot just past the halfway point. From there on, he was able to hold off former track champ Phil Kenney for the win. John Mozingo finished third, while Dave Nobles and Terry Leach rounded out the top five. Other racing action for the night included the UCAR 20 lap feature, which was won by Jeff Beamer for his 2nd win in 2009. Beamer crossed the stripe just ahead of "Stop-N-Go" Steve Brady. Finishing third was 2008 track champ Bryan Fox, followed by Morgan Duncan and Greg Sites. The Mini Modified 30 lap event was won by Paul Green. The win was Green's first ever feature event at ODS. Finishing second was the ill-running Ford of Scott Gore, followed by Dave Daniels. Mike Carte came home fourth, followed by Keith Riley. And in the Bandelaro feature, it was young Tanner Rumberg taking the checkers over Trevor Collins and Jessie Polenz. Next Saturday night, the Old Dominion Speedway oval will be hosting a Demolition Derby as the stock cars take a break for the Sprint Cup race in Richmond. Stock car racing action returns to the 3/8 mile facility on Saturday night, May 9th with a 75 lap feature for the Late Models, 30 laps for the Mini Modifieds, 30 laps for the Legends, and 20 laps for the UCAR's. Racing action is set to take the green at 7PM
Photos From 4/25/09:
Top Row:
Bandelaro Winner Tanner Rumberg
Mini Modified Winner Paul Green
Second Row:
Legends Winner Roger Austin Jr.
Street Stock Winner James Lucas
UCAR Winner Jeff Beamer
Third Row:
Late Model Winner Adam Brenner
Lawrence Makes It 2
For 2
In 2009 …….4/18/09
Willard Lawrence made it 2-for-2 in 2009
Saturday night at the Old Dominion Speedway, taking home the win in the
75-lap feature event for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model
Stock Cars. Lawrence, piloting the Foster's Grille Pontiac, took over the
top spot from the Larson Engineering Chevy of Doug Liberman, and held off
the challenges from young Kyle Hall throughout the remainder of the event.
It was the second time in two races that the veteran Lawrence and
youngster Hall have finished 1-2 at ODS this season. Lawrence, by virtue
of his win in the last feature event on April 4th, had to start from the
8th position after the inversion, nonetheless had the quickest qualifying
time of the night with a 16.200 lap around the famed 3/8 mile oval. Hall
was just a tick of the watch slower than Lawrence, as his 16.233 lap was
good enough for the 2nd quickest lap of the night. Ray Terczak, who was
the quickest on opening night, was 3rd quickest in his Chevy with a 16.274
lap, while Greg Compton's Donna Wheeler Drapery Design Chevy and Mike
Southard's Try-It-Racing Chevy rounded out the top five. Once the green
dropped on the 19 car field, Liberman led the pack into turn one, with
Michael Arnold in tow. One the field spread out a bit, Lawrence began his
run to the front. One by one, he picked off positions, even making it
3-wide in some daring moves. Once he got by Liberman for the lead, it
appeared he was on cruise control, as Hall had a harder time getting
around the 2nd place Liberman. Hall began to reel Lawrence in towards the
end, but ran out of laps before he could mount any real challenge. Behind
Lawrence and Hall, Les Miranda's Foster's Grille Chevy would finish third,
followed by Southard and Liberman. As of this release, the order of finish
is still unofficial as the engines in both top cars are being inspected.
The UCAR division competed in twin-15 lap events, and the winners included
Mark Taylor from Manassas, and Jeff Beamer from Charles Town, WV. Taylor
took home the win in the first feature event, beating Beamer to the stripe
by 2 car lengths, while Beamer stormed through the field in the second
feature event, taking the checkers by 3 car lengths over 2008 UCAR track
champ Bryan Fox. The Va. Sprint Series took to the 3/8 mile oval for the
first time in 2009, and Anthony Linkenhoker took home the checkers in the
25-lap feature. Linkenhoker beat the veteran French Grimes to the stripe
by 3 car lengths to claim the win. Finishing third was Billy Norfleet,
followed by Chris Ware, and Scott Vasbinder. Next Saturday night, 6
divisions are scheduled to compete in a jam-packed night of excitement.
The Late Models will compete in a 100-lap event for the first time this
season. The Legends return to compete in a 30-lap event, along with a
30-lap feature for the Mini Modifieds and a 20-lap event for the UCAR's.
For the first time ever, the Bandelaro division will visit ODS for a
special feature event. Old school racing returns to ODS as well, as the
newly renamed Mid-Atlantic Street Stocks compete for the first time this
season. This division is a throwback from the Street Stock / Speedway
Sportsman divisions that competed regularly at ODS in years past. Practice
for all divisions will begin at 2PM, with qualifying set for 5PM. Racing
action is set for 7PM.
Photos From 4/18/09:
Late Model Winner - Willard Lawrence
UCAR #2 Winner - Jeff Beamer
Va. Sprint Winner -
Anthony Linkenhoker
UCAR #1 Winner - Mark Taylor
Rain Halts
Activities At Old Dominion Speedway …….4/11/09
April rains have forced cancellation of activities at
the Old Dominion Speedway. The predicted rain, that was supposed to clear
out by early afternoon, kept falling, forcing track officials to pull the
plug. "This system was supposed to be gone by noon, but each time we
checked it, the weatherman kept pushing it farther and farther into the
afternoon. There was really no way we could have got the track in shape to
practice, much less race. With the high humidity, it would have taken
several hours to dry the track. And to top it off, if it rained again, it
would have put us back to square one. Not to mention the temperature was
not supposed to be very high either," said general manager Hayne
Dominick. Next Saturday night April 18th, the schedule will be headlined
with the Va. Sprint Series lightening fast, winged Modifieds. These cars
post the fastest laps ever at ODS, consistently in the 14 second bracket.
They are scheduled for heat races and a 25-lap feature. In addition to the
VA. Sprints, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models will
compete in a 75-lap event. Defending track champ Willard Lawrence will be
gunning for his 2nd win in a row in 2009. Also on the schedule, the always
entertaining UCARS will be featured in twin 15-lap events. Practice is set for
2PM, with qualifying for all divisions starting at 5PM. Racing action will
take the green at 7PM.
Lawrence
Continues To Roll Along……. 4/4/09
2008 Old Dominion Speedway track champ Willard Lawrence continued his
winning ways in 2009, taking home opening night honors in the 75-lap
feature for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Cars.
Lawrence took over the top spot from early leader Davey Callihan, and held
off the stout charges of young Kyle Hall for the win. Lawrence had to come
from the 7th starting spot, as the new inversion for ODS in 2009 is now 8
positions. He methodically made his way through the field, and took the
lead from the rookie Callihan coming out of turn 4. Hall, who had been
following Lawrence throughout the event, followed Lawrence around Callihan,
pushing the youngster back to the 3rd spot. At that point, Hall began his
charge to get around Lawrence. Hall's car seemed to get better as the laps
clicked off, but several late-race caution periods kept him from doing so.
He wound up finishing .379 seconds behind winner Lawrence. Callihan held
on for third, while quick qualifier Ray Terczak and Les Miranda rounded
out the top 5.
Scott Gore returned to ODS with two additional family
members (Jack and Jake were born on March 19th), set a new track record in
qualifying, and held off a furious charge from Paul Green to take home the
opening night feature for the Mini Modifieds. Gore eclipsed the previous
track record set by Ken Datesman (17.44) with a lap of 17.24 (78.306 mph).
Ironically, the car Gore drives now is the same car Datesman drove a few
years back. With his quick lap and the inversion, Gore would have to come
from the back of the pack. Once in the lead, he began to stretch what
appeared to be an insurmountable lead. But Green would cut into the
deficit with every lap. Green would get to within 2 car lengths, but would
run out of laps, and finish second. Mike Carte would finish third,
followed by Dave Daniels and Keith Riley. Ryan Ellis made bold move after
bold move, cutting through lapped traffic late in the event, and won the
30-lap feature for the INEX Legends cars. Ellis, who started 7th, took the
lead late in the event, and held off quick qualifier Matt Cannon for the
win. George Cushman brought home his ill-handling car home third, while
Cory Weaver and Ryan Polenz rounded out the top five. 2008 UCAR track
champ Bryan Fox took home the win in the 20-lap UCAR feature. Fox battled
early leader Mark Taylor late in the event, The two cars touched going
down the backstraight, sending Taylor spinning wildly into the grass. Fox
held on and ended up beating Morgan Duncan to the stripe as the checkers
flew. Steve Brady finished third, while Kevin Epstein and Greg Sites
rounded out the top 5. Next Saturday night, the Late Models will be
featured in a 75-lap feature. Also on the schedule is a 30-lap Mini
Modified event, a 30-lap Legends feature, along with a 20-lap event for
the UCARS and a special feature for the Mini Cups. Practice begins at 2PM,
with qualifying starting at 5PM. Racing action is set to take the green at
7PM.
Photos From 4/4/09:
Top Row:
Willard Lawrence - Late Model
Feature Winner
Ryan Ellis - INEX Legends
Feature Winner
Scott Gore - Mini Modified
Feature Winner
Bryan Fox - UCAR
Feature Winner