PGRL S6 W23 Recap

12 March 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 23
Premier Series | Martinsville Speedway

On Tuesday, March 12th, the Pretty Good Racing League revved up the excitement with back-to-back 100-lap races featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks at Martinsville Speedway. Dubbed the “No Time For Cautions at Martinsville” and presented by Wrong Time Watch, this unique event promised non-stop action on the track.

The green flag dropped for the first race with Matt Taylor leading the charge from the pole position. Taylor showcased impressive speed early on, pulling away from the pack as Scott Eckrich settled into second place. The field quickly fell into single file, with drivers jockeying for position in the opening laps.

However, Eckrich and Mike Rasimas soon closed in on Taylor, setting the stage for an intense battle at the front. On lap 39, Taylor’s grip slipped in turn 1, allowing Eckrich and Rasimas to make their move and seize control of the race. The majority of drivers opted to pit around the halfway mark, shuffling the running order.

As the pit cycle concluded, Matt Press briefly took the lead before Eckrich reclaimed the top spot with Rasimas hot on his heels. Eckrich surged ahead, building a comfortable lead and ultimately securing the victory in the first race of the night.

With the field inverted for the second race, Brian Yaczik led the charge from the pole position. As expected, the chaotic nature of the race intensified, with faster drivers navigating through traffic to reclaim their positions at the front.

Meanwhile, Taylor adopted a strategic approach, focusing on fuel conservation from the outset. Despite fierce competition, Taylor maintained a steady pace to stretch out his fuel window to incredible lengths.

Thomas George briefly took the lead from Yaczik before heading to pit road, allowing Yaczik to regain the top spot. Eckrich, in pursuit of another victory, battled through traffic to challenge for the lead.

As the laps dwindled, Taylor’s calculated strategy paid off, allowing him to take the lead after the pit cycle over Eckrich and cross the finish line victorious, securing a remarkable win at Martinsville.

In the championship standings, Michael Chrobok continued to dominate, maintaining a significant lead over Jeff Ward. As anticipation builds for the upcoming championship chase, the action shifts to the final pre-chase weekend at Richmond Raceway on Tuesday, March 19th, promising another thrilling showdown exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W22 Recap

05 March 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 22
Premier Series | Kentucky Speedway

The Pretty Good Racing League revved up the excitement with twin 55-lap races at Kentucky Speedway, featuring the NASCAR Gen 4 stock cars in the thrilling Wrong Time Watch Kentucky Classic. Jeff Ward led the charge from the pole position in the first race, setting the stage for a high-octane showdown.

As the green flag waved, Ward maintained his lead in the early laps, but the field saw significant movement as Mike Rasimas surged from 5th to challenge for the lead. However, Ward’s fortunes took a turn when he received a pit road violation, dashing his hopes of victory. Rasimas capitalized on the opportunity, establishing a commanding lead over the pack.

Despite a brief caution period on lap 42, Rasimas held firm at the front, crossing the finish line with a commanding 1-second lead over his closest competitor, Colton Salek. Meanwhile, Ward staged a remarkable comeback, charging through the field to secure a commendable 4th-place finish.

The grid was inverted for the second race, with Thomas George leading the charge from the pole position. After a chaotic start that sent some drivers off track, George battled to maintain his lead against the relentless pressure from contenders like Rooster Rodden and Matt Taylor.

As the race progressed, Rasimas and Ward once again showcased their skill, climbing up the ranks to challenge for the lead. Taylor eventually wrestled the lead away from George, but Rasimas quickly closed in, seizing control of the race with a strategic pit stop.

With Rasimas dominating at the front, Taylor mounted a late charge but fell short as Rasimas stormed across the finish line to complete his sweep of the night at Kentucky Speedway.

Despite the thrilling battles on track, Michael Chrobok continued to assert his dominance in the standings, maintaining a substantial lead over Ward as the championship race heats up.

Next Tuesday promises more heart-pounding action as PGRL heads to Martinsville Speedway, with the NASCAR Craftsman trucks set to take center stage in another exhilarating showdown, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W21 Recap

27 February 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 21
Premier Series | New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Pretty Good Racing League delivered an electrifying showcase of racing prowess with back-to-back 60-lap thrillers at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, featuring the NASCAR Craftsman trucks in the Loudon Performance Parade presented by Wrong Time Watch.

In the first race, Jeff Ward seized the pole position, flanked by Scott Eckrich on the front row. As the green flag waved, much of the field quickly settled into single file, with Ward asserting his dominance and pulling away from the pack. Meanwhile, Matt Taylor showcased impressive pace, applying relentless pressure on Eckrich for the 2nd spot. Despite Taylor’s persistent challenges, Eckrich held firm, thwarting each passing attempt in the opening laps.

As the race progressed, the field stretched out around the track, with Ward establishing a commanding lead of over two seconds as the fuel window opened. Taylor, opting for an undercut strategy, made an early pit stop on lap 28 in a bid to gain an advantage. However, Eckrich capitalized on the opportunity, overtaking Taylor for the lead with 14 laps remaining. Despite Taylor’s efforts to reclaim the top spot, Eckrich’s blistering pace proved insurmountable, as he stormed to victory with a commanding lead of over four seconds.

In the second race, the finishing order from the first race was inverted to determine the starting lineup, placing Woody Mahan and Sawyer Nelson on the front row. The field inversion triggered early cautions as drivers vied to gain positions, with Ward capitalizing on the restarts to advance through the field. Meanwhile, Eckrich faced adversity amid collisions further back in the pack.

The race dynamics were further influenced by pit strategies, with drivers opting for quick fuel stops during caution periods. Ward emerged as a frontrunner, wresting the lead from Mahan on lap 13. As the fuel window opened, Ward took an early pit stop on lap 31, leading a trickle of trucks down pit road. Amidst the pit cycle, Taylor, who had saved fuel throughout the race, inherited the lead and opted to stretch his fuel to the limit.

In the closing laps, Taylor’s strategic gamble paid off handsomely, as he maintained a five-second lead over Ward, coasting across the finish line to clinch a remarkable victory. Michael Chrobok continued to assert his dominance in the standings, holding a commanding 247-point lead over Ward with three weeks remaining before PGRL’s championship chase.

Looking ahead, PGRL gears up for another exhilarating showdown at Kentucky Speedway, featuring dual 55-lap races in the NASCAR Gen 4 stock cars, set to broadcast live on Tuesday, March 5th, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.

PGRL S6 W19 Recap

06 February 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 19
Premier Series | Chicagoland Speedway

The Pretty Good Racing League brought the heat to Chicagoland Speedway with an electrifying pair of duel 55-lap races on Tuesday, February 6th. The first race kicked off with Colton Salek and Scott Eckrich leading the charge, setting the stage for an intense battle. Eckrich wasted no time asserting dominance, snatching the lead from Salek early on with a daring move on lap 2.

As the race unfolded, pit strategies played a pivotal role, with Adam Jurski and Dave Matson showcasing their skills at the front of the pack. Matson, aided by a push from Michael Chrobok, surged into the lead, only to face stiff competition from Eckrich, who reclaimed the top spot.

Meanwhile, Salek staged a remarkable comeback, maneuvering his way through the field to challenge Eckrich for the lead. With the race reaching its climax, pit strategies diverged, with Chrobok opting for a two-tire gamble that briefly catapulted him into the lead.

However, Eckrich, displaying his prowess once again, hunted down Chrobok and seized control of the race. Salek, hot on his heels, closed the gap, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the closing laps. Despite Eckrich’s efforts to defend his position, Salek relentlessly pursued him, setting up a dramatic final lap duel.

In a heart-stopping finale, Eckrich made a bold move to block Salek, resulting in a collision that dashed both drivers’ hopes of victory. Seizing the opportunity, Chrobok surged past to claim a dramatic win, capping off an exhilarating first race.

As the field reset for the second race, Matt Press led the charge, setting the stage for another action-packed showdown. Salek, determined to bounce back from his earlier setback, quickly asserted himself at the front of the pack, engaging in a fierce battle with Press.

Amidst the chaos, Eckrich and Chrobok fought their way through the field, but a stroke of misfortune befell Chrobok, knocking him out of contention. Undeterred, Salek regained the lead, only to face relentless pressure from Eckrich, who closed in with 25 laps to go.

With the final pit cycle underway, Mike Rasimas emerged as a surprise contender, employing a cunning fuel-saving strategy to snatch the lead. Despite Salek’s valiant efforts to chase him down, Rasimas held on to claim a stunning victory, leaving Salek and Eckrich in his wake.

As the dust settled, Chrobok maintained his stronghold atop the point standings, holding a commanding lead over Jeff Ward. With anticipation building for the next race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on February 20th, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown in the world of PGRL racing. Don’t miss the action, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W18 Recap

30 January 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 18
Premier Series | Nashville Superspeedway

On Tuesday, January 30th, the Pretty Good Racing League (PGRL) brought the excitement of back-to-back 60-lap races to Nashville Superspeedway, featuring the powerful Gen 4 stock cars. The night showcased thrilling battles, intense strategy, and a mix of ups and downs for the drivers.

The first race kicked off with Scott Eckrich on the pole, flanked by Jeff Ward on the front row. Eckrich led the early laps, but Ward showcased his speed, reclaiming the 2nd spot from Michael Chrobok on lap 17. Ward’s pace continued to impress, and he closed in on Eckrich for the lead. On lap 28, Ward executed a smooth pass, taking the lead from Eckrich. However, the race wasn’t short on drama, with a bit of contact between the two.

As the pit cycle unfolded, Eckrich briefly regained the lead, but Ward, determined and focused, once again took charge. Eckrich, facing challenges, eventually retired from the race. Meanwhile, Mike Rasimas showcased impressive pace, chasing down Ward in the closing laps. Despite Rasimas’s late-race charge, Ward secured the first checkered flag with a mere 87 hundredths of a second lead.

The second race, featuring a total field inversion, added an extra layer of chaos. Ryan Keiss started on the pole, but with Ward and Rasimas at the back, the quicker drivers carved through the field, creating intense battles throughout. Adam Jurski led the early laps, engaging in battles with Matt Taylor and Brian Yaczik.

As the pit cycle unfolded, Ward and Rasimas patiently worked their way through the field. In the final laps, Rasimas showcased his speed once again, reaching Ward’s rear bumper. With two laps to go, Rasimas made a decisive move, clearing Ward and taking the checkered flag in race number two.

Despite the night’s challenges, Michael Chrobok maintains a commanding 270-point lead over Jeff Ward in the point standings. Racing fans can look forward to more action as PGRL heads to Chicagoland Speedway for week 19 on Tuesday, February 6th. Catch all the excitement live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W17 Recap

23 January 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 17
Premier Series | Lime Rock Park

In a display of masterful car control and strategic racing, Mike Rasimas showcased his skills at Lime Rock Park during the Pretty Good Racing League’s Lime Rock Park Grand Prix presented by Wrong Time Watch. The event featured two duel 30-lap races that unfolded with intense battles, surprising moves, and a twist that added intrigue to the competition.

In the first race, Rasimas, starting on the pole, exhibited exceptional car control, leaving no room for Scott Eckrich, who lined up on the front row. The two drivers quickly pulled away from the rest of the field, setting the stage for a showdown. Meanwhile, Jeff Ward fiercely defended the 3rd spot from Matt Taylor, showcasing the competitive spirit in the mid-pack.

As the race progressed, Ryan Zima, starting from 10th place, demonstrated impressive speed, steadily working his way through traffic. By lap 18, Zima overtook Michael Chrobok for 5th place, highlighting his determined charge through the field. Rasimas continued to assert his dominance, building a gap between himself and Eckrich, who eventually made a surprising decision.

In an unexpected move, with 7 laps to go, Eckrich conceded, pulling off the track while still securely in 2nd place. This allowed Ward to move up to 2nd, with Taylor in 3rd. Rasimas, with a clear path ahead, maintained his lead, securing the checkered flag unchallenged in the first race.

The league’s total field inversion between races added a strategic twist to the second race, now placing Eckrich at the front of the grid and Rasimas at the back. Eckrich quickly broke away from the field, outclassing the drivers in the lead pack that had finished in the rear of the first race.

For the rest of the drivers, the second race became a flurry of activity as the faster competitors, starting from the rear, worked their way through dense traffic. Rasimas, Ward, and Taylor navigated through the challenges, with Rasimas advancing to 3rd and battling with Zima for position.

Despite Rasimas’s efforts, Zima held onto 2nd place, and Eckrich’s strategic exploit of the league rules paid off as he secured a commanding victory over 17 seconds ahead of the field.

In the points standings, Michael Chrobok maintained a substantial lead with 310 points over Jeff Ward. The excitement continues in the Pretty Good Racing League, with the next event scheduled for Tuesday, January 30th, at Nashville Superspeedway for duel 60-lap races. Racing enthusiasts can catch all the action live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.

PGRL S6 W16 Recap

16 January 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 16
Premier Series | Homestead Miami Speedway

In the latest spectacle from the Pretty Good Racing League (PGRL), Homestead Miami Speedway played host to back-to-back 55-lap races featuring the NASCAR Cup Gen 4 stock cars. Sponsored by MARSS Properties Vacation Rentals, the event was aptly named the “MARSS Properties Vacation Rentals Beachfront Bash.”

The first race saw Matt Taylor starting on the pole, flanked by Mike Rasimas. Jeff Ward and Colton Salek wasted no time making their presence felt, swiftly moving towards the front in the early laps. The wide range of viable racing lines at Homestead added to the excitement as Taylor maintained the lead through the mid-race pit cycle, closely followed by Rasimas.

As the second half unfolded, Salek and Ward engaged in a spirited battle for 3rd, allowing Taylor and Rasimas to pull away. In the closing laps, Taylor got loose, enabling Rasimas to seize the opportunity and claim victory with a skillful run along the outside wall.

As the sun set, the second race commenced with Adam Jurski starting on the pole. With a total field inversion between races, the first race’s top finishers, Ward, Salek, Taylor, and Rasimas, started from 16th to 19th, adding a unique challenge to the event.

An early caution set the stage for the night race, and Salek wasted no time in surging to the front, claiming the lead. Rasimas and Ward quickly joined the front pack, taking control of the remaining podium spots. The lead in the second race was hotly contested, with Rasimas and Ward both making plays for the top spot.

Amidst the pit cycles, Thomas George briefly led, but Ward and Salek resumed their battle for the lead. As the laps dwindled, Taylor quietly worked his way up, ultimately taking the lead from Salek. The drivers continued to battle for positions, with Rasimas running consistently and closing in on Salek in the closing moments.

In a thrilling finale, Rasimas seized the lead on the last lap, securing his second checkered flag of the night. This remarkable achievement marked Rasimas as the first driver in PGRL to sweep both races since the league adopted the dual-race format.

Despite not claiming victory in these races, Michael Chrobok maintains his lead in the point standings, currently 343 points ahead of Jeff Ward. The PGRL action continues on Tuesday, January 23rd, as the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks head to Lime Rock Park for Week 17, with the excitement unfolding live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.

PGRL S6 W15 Recap

9 January 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 15
Premier Series | Daytona Int’l Speedway

The Pretty Good Racing League (PGRL) held back-to-back 40-lap races featuring the NASCAR Craftsman trucks at the famed Daytona International Speedway. The first race commenced with Michael Chrobok starting from the pole position alongside Jeff Ward, setting the stage for a competitive battle among the contenders.

The field remained tightly packed and predominantly 2-wide, with drivers like Scott Eckrich and Ryan Zima challenging for the lead. Early risky maneuvers led to a caution on lap 11, initiated by a collision between Mark Poe and Creighton Carter, subsequently involving multiple drivers. As the incident aligned with the pit window, the entire field took the opportunity to pit for fuel before racing resumed.

The fight for the lead persisted, characterized by constant position changes and close calls. However, on lap 34, another caution reshuffled the pack dramatically when an incident triggered by an aggressive push involving Thomas George and Johnathon Caddell caused chaos, eliminating several front-runners.

This setup a three-lap shootout, which unfortunately culminated in another significant wreck on lap 39, collecting a majority of the field. Amidst the chaos, Johnathon Caddell navigated through the incidents and secured victory under yellow flag conditions.

The second race, with Ryan Keiss on pole, witnessed a more patient approach from drivers, focusing on pit strategy rather than risky maneuvers. Smaller incidents occurred, but the majority were handled without necessitating caution, allowing for a prolonged green flag run.

Chrobok, Ward, and Eckrich strategically worked together, navigating green flag pit cycles effectively and consistently maintaining their positions at the front. As the final lap approached, a duel between Chrobok and Eckrich seemed inevitable. However, a scramble for position ensued after contact between the two, allowing Adam Jurski to momentarily take the lead with teammate Thomas George trailing.

In a thrilling turn of events, George seized the moment, utilizing his momentum to surpass Jurski, securing victory right at the finish line. Chrobok extended his lead in the championship standings, holding a substantial 379-point advantage over Ward.

PGRL returns on Tuesday, January 16th, for the next event at Homestead Miami Speedway, promising more exhilarating action live on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:50 PM ET.

PGRL S6 W14 Recap

19 December 2023
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 14
Premier Series | Pocono Raceway

A double-header at Pocono Raceway treated fans to intense racing action as the NASCAR Cup Series Gen 4 stock cars roared around the track in back-to-back 40-lap races. Jeff Ward started the first race on the pole, setting the stage for a night of thrilling battles.

In the initial race, Ward faced stiff competition from Brian Yaczik and Mike Rasimas in the early laps. However, Scott Eckrich made a remarkable charge from 14th to 5th, quickly asserting himself in the lead battle. By lap 13, Eckrich secured the second spot, eyeing Ward at the front. Despite Eckrich’s relentless pursuit, Ward showcased resilience and increased his pace to maintain a lead.

Colton Salek, a frequent winner in PGRL, made a late-race comeback, claiming a spot on the podium by overtaking Rasimas. Pit strategies played a crucial role as the field shuffled during pit cycles. A late caution added excitement, setting up a thrilling battle between Ward and Rasimas on the final lap. Ward held his ground, fending off Rasimas to secure the checkered flag in a dramatic finish.

The second race kicked off with Rooster Rodden on the pole, and early cautions mixed up pit strategies. Salek and Eckrich engaged in a fierce battle for the lead, with Eckrich eventually taking control. Pit strategies continued to evolve as drivers jockeyed for position under green flag conditions.

Ward reasserted himself in the lead with 15 laps to go but had to pit again for fuel, leaving the door open for drivers like Eckrich and Salek, who had enough fuel to reach the end. However, technical issues forced Eckrich to retire early, changing the complexion of the race.

Rasimas inherited the lead but needed one more fuel stop. Behind him, Chris Stofer battled Salek for the lead, ultimately making a decisive move with three laps to go. Matt Taylor capitalized on the leaders’ battles, securing the second position.

In a dramatic finish, Stofer held off Taylor’s late charge to take the checkered flag. Chrobok continued to lead in the point standings, holding a 362-point advantage over Ward.

After the holiday break, PGRL heads to Daytona International Speedway on January 9th, promising more exciting racing action. Happy holidays to all sim race fans from the Virtual Grip Network!