| Race: Points Race #11 Date: 11-7-2004 Location: Richmond, Va. Track: 360 West Shopping Center Temperature: 72°F & Sunny |
The 2004 VORRA points series was originally scheduled to wrap up with the conclusion of Race #14, but due to a postponed event the final race was actually wrapped up this past Sunday with Race #11. Several classes winners had been decided at the previous event but most of the remaining podium spots were still up for grabs. With the race being late in the year, many drivers from up north and to our east arrived to get in one more in before the winter cold set in. The same layout as the last few races was used and went up smoothly. (See image of layout below)
![]() With the winter months arriving and the end of daylight savings time, there came a new set of obstacles that club members had to deal with. due to the ever shortening periods of day light classes had to be organized quickly and heat were to be run without any breaks. This was accomplished by keeping track closed until everyone was registered and having the drivers meeting early. The track was opened up for an hour of practice and qualifying was started immediately following and all heats and mains were run straight through. A special Thanks! to Angie Ingram for keeping things moving along and putting up with us troublesome drivers. When qualifying was complete the TQ's were as follows: Sean Tabor -1/8th scale, Eric Jones-Nitro Touring Pro, David Basl-Nitro Touring Sport, John Laster-Electric Touring, Spencer Atkinson-Nitro Truck, and Mac Scott Nitro Monster Truck.
Moving straight through into the mains the 1/8th Scale B-Main was run first with Kevin Randolph beating out Guillermo Mendez and Travis Johnson for the win with his Mugen MRX3. Not bad for first time out! With 1/8th scale done John Laster made quick work of the Electric Touring Class but not before some brief nervous moments with Paul Knab and Kevin Randolph hot on his heels. John finally put some distance between himself and secured the Electric Touring title for 2004 in the process. When the batteries were all dead the finishing order was John in 1st, Paul in 2nd, Mac Scott in 3rd, Kevin 4th, Spencer Atkinson 5th, Angie Ingram 6th, Tommy Ingram 7th, Joe Harler 8th, and Wayne Goodwin rounded out the field in 10th. With the sunlight quickly fading Nitro Touring Sport took to the track and put on a good show. Pole sitter David Basl had troubles early and had to fight hard to regain lost positions. for this he was rewarded with a third in the event and the Nitro Touring Sport title. The rest of the field was as follows: Chris Whitney in 1st, Lamont Dunson 2nd, David 3rd, Omar Rosales 4th, Joe Harler 5th, Jorge 6th, Paul Knab 7th, Gregg Phelps 8th, and Aaron Bartlett 9th. Nitro Touring Pro took to the track next and eric Jones put on a driving clinic in route to victory. The best battle on the track was between Mike Bowman and Mike Kelly. After a fierce battle Kelly would best Bowman by a mere 3 seconds. When the dust settled Kelly would finish 2nd, Bowman 3rd but wrapped up the class title in the process. 4th was John Laster who has started to appear human in the last few events. 5th went to Jack Honeycut, Kevin Randolph 6th (runner up to the title), Terrance Brown 7th (2nd runner-up to the title), Paul Rush 8th, Stan Medlin 9th, and Guillermo Mendez rounded out the field in 10th. Next on the track was the Nitro Truck division. Spencer Atkinson showed off his horsepower and handling by besting Earl Ingram, Victor Boger, and Tommy Ingram in that order. Tommy's run was cut short by mechanical problems forcing him to finish last in the event but he wrapped up the division title in the process and called it a succesful year. Nitro Monster Truck had at it last and was dominated by Mac Scott who led start to finish under darkening conditions.. Larenzo Allen finished 2nd and Victor Boger paid homage to his name in becoming the class title winner with a 3rd place finish. Aaron Bartlett did not start.
Don't forget there will be 1 more race this year on November 21. Hope to see you there! ---Mark Poore |