ABL S36 W8 Recap

05 May 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 8
GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup | Sebring International Raceway

On Sunday, May 5th, the Absolute Beginners League brought the thunder to Sebring International Raceway, hosting back-to-back 20-minute sprints in the GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup. Marcus Byfeldt kicked off the first race from the pole position, with rookie sensation Andre Rajkovic sharing the front row.

Byfeldt wasted no time asserting his dominance, pulling away from the pack in the early laps. The race seemed destined for a straightforward affair, with the field spreading out around the track in pursuit. However, as if on cue, nature intervened, casting a shadow over the race as rain began to fall with just seven minutes remaining.

The sudden change in weather turned the race on its head, transforming the track into a treacherous playground. Despite the slippery conditions, fierce battles raged on, with Michael Endres, David Burns, and Ladislav Toth exchanging blows for the third spot.

In the final minutes, chaos ensued as drivers struggled to keep their machines on the wet track. Rajkovic, holding onto second, endured a spin but managed to recover, only to face renewed pressure from the charging pack. Meanwhile, Burns seized an opportunity to climb into second, only to relinquish it with a late spin, allowing Toth to snatch the position.

With nerves frayed and adrenaline pumping, Byfeldt emerged victorious, navigating the treacherous conditions to claim the checkered flag. In a dramatic showdown for fourth, Neil Bamber and Burns engaged in a spirited battle, with Burns ultimately securing the position as they crossed the finish line.

For the second sprint, the rain persisted, creating a daunting challenge for the drivers as they gridded up once more. Bamber seized the early lead, but Byfeldt, displaying his mastery in the wet, methodically worked his way to the front from fifth position.

Meanwhile, Burns, eager for redemption, launched an audacious move for the lead, only to falter under the challenging conditions, sliding off track and tumbling down the order.

As the clock ticked away, Rajkovic surged into second place, mounting a spirited charge through the field. Despite fierce competition from Bamber and Endres, he held firm, securing the runner-up spot.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Byfeldt completed his sweep of the day, clinching victory in both sprints and vaulting to the top of the championship standings.

With eyes now set on the next challenge, the ABL gears up for a thrilling showdown at Oulton Park Circuit next Sunday, May 12th, in the FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle. Don’t miss a moment of the action, live exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network at 1:50 PM ET!

BRL OUTLAWS S35 R6 Recap

03 May 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 6
Outlaw Modified Series | Irwindale Speedway

On a thrilling Friday night, May 3rd, the Bootleg Racing League descended upon Irwindale Speedway for a heart-pounding 100-lap showdown in the Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series. The anticipation was palpable as Lowell Jewell led the charge from the pole position, flanked by the formidable Donny Moore.

From the outset, the race was a relentless battle, marred by frequent cautions as drivers grappled with the challenge of making passes on the tight circuit. Jeffery Hardin wasted no time asserting his presence, storming into 3rd place early on and setting his sights on challenging Moore for the lead.

Moore, however, showcased his prowess, executing a bold maneuver under Jewell to snatch the lead on lap 15, with Hardin hot on his heels. Meanwhile, Stephen Spies, overcoming an early setback, quietly mounted a resurgence through the field, steadily climbing back into contention within the top 10.

Approaching the halfway mark, Hardin launched several spirited attempts to dethrone Moore, but the leader’s unwavering momentum thwarted each advance. Yet, as the battle for the lead intensified, more contenders joined the fray, creating a frenzied pack vying for supremacy.

In a nail-biting finale, Spies threw caution to the wind, launching a daring charge for the lead, pulling alongside Moore in a heart-stopping showdown. In a breathtaking display of skill, Moore managed to stave off Spies’ onslaught, crossing the finish line a mere 0.004 seconds ahead to clinch the checkered flag.

Amidst the last-corner chaos, John Wilson capitalized on the confusion, sneaking through to secure a commendable 3rd place finish. While Matt Hoose maintained a low-key presence throughout the race, he retained his grip on the championship standings, clinging to a slender 2-point lead over Wilson.

As the adrenaline-fueled action shifts to Myrtle Beach Speedway next Friday, May 10th, fans can expect another exhilarating spectacle, with the Bootleg Racing League’s finest drivers battling for supremacy under the lights. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement, live only on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:55 PM ET!

PGRL S6 W29 Recap

30 April 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 29
Premier Series | Iowa Speedway

The Pretty Good Racing League (PGRL) thundered into Iowa Speedway on April 30th, igniting the track with the scorching intensity of back-to-back 75-lap battles in the exhilarating Corntastic Twin 75s featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks. From the onset, the stage was set for a showdown of epic proportions as Scott Eckrich, wielding the pole, led the charge alongside Mike Rasimas.

In the first race, Eckrich wasted no time asserting his dominance, steadily stretching his lead over the pursuing pack led by Brian Yaczik. However, the intensity of the competition soon erupted into chaos as Yaczik and Matt Taylor tangled, triggering a caution that brought Branden Marr’s hopes crashing to a halt in a heart-wrenching collision.

Undeterred by the ensuing chaos, Eckrich resumed his charge at the front, facing relentless pressure from the determined Michael Chrobok. A late-race caution reshuffled the deck, thrusting Chrobok into the lead for the final sprint to the finish. Despite a valiant effort to maintain the lead, Chrobok had to settle for a hard-earned second place as Eckrich threw an aggressive slider forcing Chrobok to back off and Eckrich clinched the victory.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the grid inverted for the second race, ushering in a fresh wave of excitement. Mark Poe led the charge, but it was Yaczik who surged to the front, setting the pace in the early stages. Meanwhile, Rasimas, Chrobok, and Eckrich methodically carved their way through the field, positioning themselves for a strategic battle in the latter half of the race.

With the pit cycle complete, Chrobok found himself in the lead, fending off a relentless assault from Eckrich. Determined to complete his sweep of the night, Eckrich executed a flawless charge to the front, seizing control and powering his way to victory once more, leaving Chrobok to salvage a solid points night.

Despite the fierce competition, Chrobok’s strong points haul bolstered his lead in the standings, maintaining a decent advantage over Rasimas with only six races remaining in the season.

As the PGRL prepares for its next spectacle at Phoenix Raceway on May 7th, anticipation mounts for another exhilarating showdown in the NASCAR Gen 4 stock cars, promising thrills, spills, and heart-stopping action, all broadcast exclusively live at 8:50 PM ET on the Virtual Grip Network!

ABL S36 W7 Recap

28 April 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 7
FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle | Road Atlanta

The Absolute Beginners League (ABL) delivered exhilarating action at Road Atlanta on April 28th, hosting a 40-minute endurance race in the FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle. Marcus Byfeldt showcased his prowess by starting from the pole position and quickly asserting his dominance, breaking away from the field to build a commanding lead.

Behind Byfeldt, Christian Hengst battled with Rainer Knautz for the second position, while David Burns, starting from fourth, faced early adversity after making contact with Ricardo Lehmann, plummeting to 20th place.

As the race progressed, Byfeldt continued to extend his lead, while Hengst spun off the track, relinquishing his position to Knautz. Burns embarked on a remarkable comeback, setting blistering lap times and swiftly working his way through the field.

Approaching the halfway mark, the pit cycle commenced, with drivers opting for quick stops to refuel before rejoining the race. Byfeldt, maintaining his lead, executed a flawless pit stop, emerging back on track with a comfortable advantage over Neil Bamber in second.

While Byfeldt pulled away at the front, the battle for second intensified between Bamber and Knautz, with Ludwig Sauer closing in from fourth. The intense duel for second saw Bamber and Knautz exchanging positions multiple times, with Knautz ultimately gaining the upper hand in the final corner, securing a second-place finish.

Byfeldt cruised to victory, taking the checkered flag in dominant fashion. The ABL will return on May 5th at Sebring International Raceway for the GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup, promising more thrilling action, exclusively live at 1:55 PM ET on the Virtual Grip Network!

BRL OUTLAWS S35 R5 Recap

26 April 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 5
Outlaw Modified Series | Kern Raceway

The Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series heated up at Kern Raceway on April 26th, delivering thrilling action and intense competition. Chris Haizlip kicked off the event from the pole position but faced immediate pressure from Lowell Jewell, who seized the lead in the opening laps.

However, Jewell’s time at the front was short-lived as Todd Liston launched a determined charge, surging to the lead on lap 12. Ricky Hardin joined the fray, making his presence felt as John Wilson and Matt Hoose closed in from behind.

On lap 24, Hardin executed a bold move to snatch the lead from Liston, but Hoose capitalized on the opportunity, diving low under Hardin. The two engaged in a spirited battle, with Hoose eventually emerging ahead after using lap traffic to his advantage, relegating Hardin to second.

Hoose maintained his lead through the first half, but Wilson mounted a challenge, drawing alongside Hoose on lap 61. However, as Wilson made his move, contact occurred, allowing Hardin to capitalize and slip past both drivers to reclaim the lead, with Hoose holding onto second.

Liston re-entered the fray, reclaiming second from Hoose and setting his sights on Hardin. However, Hoose mounted a determined comeback, regaining the lead from Hardin with 25 laps remaining.

Despite Hardin’s relentless pressure, Hoose held firm, defending his position to secure his second consecutive victory. The stage is set for another thrilling showdown as the BRL heads to Irwindale Speedway for the next round on May 3rd, exclusively broadcast live at 8:55 PM ET on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W28 Recap

23 April 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 28
Premier Series | Talladega Superspeedway

The Pretty Good Racing League’s thrilling duel races at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23rd, presented by MC² Editing Services, delivered edge-of-your-seat action and unexpected twists. In the first race, Michael Chrobok, the points leader, led the pack from the pole position.

With a smaller field, the 20-lap race unfolded rapidly, with drivers jockeying for position in a single pack. Chrobok maintained a strong presence near the front, poised to secure victory. However, on the final lap, Mike Rasimas surged to the inside line, challenging Chrobok for the lead. As they raced three-wide out of the last corner, chaos erupted in classic Talladega fashion.

A tangle between Woody Mahan and Thomas George sent Rasimas into Chrobok, creating a scramble for position. In a stunning turn of events, Justin Rector capitalized on the chaos, maneuvering from ninth place to snatch the race win.

The second race, featuring an additional 10 laps and mandatory pit stops, intensified the competition. The field exercised patience in the early stages, knowing the race would be decided by pit strategy. However, contact between Brian Yaczik and Rooster Rodden disrupted their night’s prospects.

As the race progressed, a five-car pack emerged at the front, led by Scott Eckrich. Rasimas and Chrobok executed lightning-fast pit stops, rejoining the lead group as Eckrich led the charge. In a frenetic final lap, Chrobok appeared poised for victory, but Matt Press seized an opportunity, surging low to claim the checkered flag.

Despite the nail-biting finish, Chrobok maintains a commanding 24-point lead over Rasimas in the standings. The anticipation builds for the next event at Iowa Speedway on April 30th, featuring back-to-back 75-lap races in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks series, exclusively broadcast live on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:50 PM ET!

ABL S36 W6 Recap

21 April 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 6
GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup | Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans

In a thrilling 40-minute endurance race at Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, the Absolute Beginners League’s GT3 Series showcased intense competition and strategic battles for the coveted Andy Morgan Cup. Marcus Byfeldt led the charge from the pole position, with David Burns starting alongside him in second.

From the opening lap, Byfeldt demonstrated his prowess, quickly establishing a commanding lead over the field. However, the large circuit posed challenges for drivers, with many falling victim to penalties for exceeding track limits.

Burns, initially running in second place, faced his own setback with a slowdown penalty, relegating him to fifth position. Meanwhile, Ricardo Lehmann emerged as a strong contender, seizing the lead from Byfeldt as the race unfolded.

But fortunes swiftly changed as penalties reshuffled the order, allowing Byfeldt to reclaim the lead from Lehmann. Burns, determined to recover lost ground, made a relentless charge through the field, ultimately securing second place ahead of Vincent Brehm.

Byfeldt, facing a late-race slide, surrendered the lead to Burns in the closing stages. Despite a valiant effort to regain ground, Byfeldt fell just short of catching Burns before the checkered flag waved.

In a stunning display of skill and determination, David Burns crossed the finish line to claim victory in the endurance race, seizing the points lead in the process. The intense competition sets the stage for another thrilling event at Road Atlanta in the FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle next Sunday, April 28th, with all the action broadcast live exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network at 1:55 PM ET!

BRL OUTLAWS S35 R4 Recap

19 April 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 4
Outlaw Modified Series | Slinger Speedway

In an exhilarating showdown at Slinger Speedway, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series, presented by Yesteryear Racing, delivered heart-pounding action for fans. Todd Liston led the pack from the pole position alongside Steve Hilbert, setting the stage for a thrilling night of racing on the tight 1/4-mile track.

The intensity was palpable from the opening laps, with drivers pushing hard to gain early advantages. Donny Moore wasted no time, snatching the race lead from Liston just four laps into the event. However, the challenging nature of the short track led to early caution periods, as drivers navigated the tight confines with little room for error.

As the race progressed, Lowell Jewell emerged as a contender, challenging Moore for the lead, with Jason Menda in close pursuit. A fumbled restart on the inside line shuffled the field, resulting in Moore being sent to the rear of the pack as racing resumed for the second half of the event.

This incident propelled Jewell into the lead, flanked by Menda on the front row. However, Matt Hoose made a bold move, charging through the field to seize the lead from Jewell. Hoose held his ground at the front as the race entered its final laps, with Moore mounting an impressive comeback to challenge for victory.

A late-race caution set the stage for a thrilling green-white-checkered finish. Despite the pressure from Moore, Hoose maintained his composure, fending off his rival to secure the race win in a breathtaking conclusion.

With the victory, Hoose closed the points gap to series leader Jason Menda, setting the stage for an intense battle as the series heads to Kern Raceway on Friday, April 26th. Fans can catch all the action live exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:55 PM ET, as the Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series continues its thrilling season!

PGRL S6 W27 Recap

16 April 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 27
Premier Series | Sonoma Raceway

In the thrilling duel at Sonoma Raceway on Tuesday, April 16th, the Pretty Good Racing League delivered two action-packed 20-lap races in the Sonoma Aroma 128K, presented by The Joy of Driving. Scott Eckrich asserted his dominance from pole position in the opening race, showcasing his remarkable skill on the road course.

With his expertise evident, Eckrich surged ahead, leaving the rest of the field in his wake. Mike Rasimas held on to the second spot, but couldn’t match Eckrich’s blistering pace. Eckrich’s commanding performance saw him cross the finish line a remarkable 13 seconds ahead of the competition, securing victory in an uneventful first race.

As the field inverted for the second race, chaos ensued, providing an electrifying spectacle for fans. Marc Cohn led the charge from pole position, but Rasimas and Eckrich faced the challenge of navigating through traffic.

Rasimas and Eckrich engaged in a fierce battle, with Rasimas determined to keep his rival at bay. Matt Press and Brian Yaczik showcased their prowess, with Press initially taking the lead before Yaczik seized control.

In the closing laps, Eckrich launched a series of determined attacks on Yaczik, but the latter defended his position valiantly, denying Eckrich another victory. Yaczik crossed the finish line to claim victory, breaking Eckrich’s winning streak in a thrilling finale.

Despite the setback, Eckrich’s stellar performance earned him a podium finish, propelling him to third in the points standings. Meanwhile, Chrobok maintained his lead in the standings, extending his advantage over Rasimas.

With exhilarating racing action and intense battles, the Pretty Good Racing League delivered a memorable event at Sonoma Raceway. The excitement continues next Tuesday, April 23rd, as PGRL heads to Talladega Superspeedway for the next round of thrilling competition, airing live exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:50 PM ET!