VRW S2: Both New and Old Names Shine At The Rock
- NR2k2
- Published ()
- Virtual Racing World
The VRW rolled into the North Carolina Speedway with driver tensions running high. Every driver and team owner in the field new that the second race of the young season 2 would be the true test of who really belongs in the VRW.
The sportsman race was the first test of the VRW competition at the Rock. Like Real Racing's Wade Hermes dominated the Sportsman race, winning the pole position and leading 160 laps of the 236 lap event. Ken White brought his Buzzin' Hornets Racing ride home in the second position. Lanny Sledge came home in third for car owner Ben Fourman and Peak Performance Motorsports.
The event featured only 6 caution periods for a total of 21 laps under yellow.
Exported Sportsman Results File.
The Grand National event was marred by a massive wreck coming out of turn four in the closing laps of the race. Daytona 250 winner Darrell Young was leading in the Ana Motor Sports #87 when veteran Paul Rigney unfortunately spun them both out in turn four. A massive, devastating wreck ensued that damaged virtually every car in the field. Tempers flared after the event, with several owners and drivers getting into a virtual shoving matches on the league's news group. The issue at hand appeared to be how many driver's decision not to lift or attempt to slow down when the yellow flag flew caused the massive pile up.
Sean Higgins had a break through race, securing his first VRW victory while only leading two laps for owner David Brough and Cheetah Racing. Jim Russell put his O'Brien Performance Motorsports entry into second place at the checkered flag and Steve Bycroft secured third place for Precision Racing owner and online sim racing legend Mike Grandy.
Nine drivers shared the lead while 9 caution flags flew during the duration of the event.
Exported Grand National Results File.
There is no doubt that with the departure of Chris Shearburn from the VRW this season the door is open for new talent to win some races. On the flip side of that argument is Darrin Stevens, Mike Ramsden, and Shawn Wise.
Ramsden's weekend started on rocky ground as he was unable to make the Sunday pre-qualifying race in his usual Team Cyclone ride. Unfortunately the substitute driver for the #3 was only given one lap instead of the usual two to get the car into the field. The result was a disappointing 40th place effort.
The VRW champion was not to miss the event however, and owner Matt Schiller made the bold (or just plain intelligent) move to get Ramsden into the #29 car for the VRW North Carolina 300. Ramsden did not disappoint and brought home the car in the third podium position, despite starting in the 29th position on a provisional.
Shawn Wise earned valuable points over Ramsden, leading the most laps for car owner Mike Ostrow in the Lord of the Rings #98 Ostrow Motorsports entry. Wise looked very dominant by leading 200 of the 295 lap event. That dominance was tested in the closing laps. Tried and true VRW Cup Championship contender Darrin Stevens put his #6 Weidner Racing ride into the victory circle after Wise made a minor mistake in touching the apron in the closing laps. The cars raced side-by-side for several laps before Stevens finally got by for the lead and win.
The pace car turned the lights on 8 times as the field circled the track for a total of 32 laps under yellow. 8 drivers led in all for a total of 19 lead changes.
Exported Cup Results File.
Next week the VRW circus rolls into the Lone Star state, with several teams looking to rebound after a disappointing first two events. Many drivers jobs will be on the line as they have already stretched the limits of their car owner's trust and patience.