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!
BRL LM S25R4 Recap
27 January 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 25 | Round 4
Late Model Invitational Series | South Boston Speedway
The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series delivered a thrilling spectacle with a 100-lap race broadcast on the Virtual Grip Network. Jeffery Kemper took the pole position alongside Matt Shinoski in a highly competitive field that included JR Shepherd starting back in 14th place. The green flag dropped, signaling the start of an action-packed race that would see intense battles, strategic moves, and a surprising turn of events.
Kemper initially showcased a strong hold on the lead, while 2nd place became a battleground between Shinoski, Brenen Myers, and Bruce Pearson. The early race saw Todd Liston working his way forward, challenging for positions with Shinoski and Hardin engaging in battles further back.
As the race progressed, Matt Hoose quietly made his way through the field, steadily moving towards the front. On lap 22, a miscommunication between Austin Boelke and Joe Snyder led to a massive pile-up on the backstretch, reshaping the dynamics of the race.
Approaching the halfway mark, Kemper faced increasing pressure from Myers. Meanwhile, JR Shepherd aggressively weaved through traffic, breaking into the top 5 and eventually taking the lead from Kemper on lap 57. Shepherd seemed poised for victory, running away from the field.
However, in a dramatic turn, Shepherd’s night took a hit when he encountered Pearson on the track, unable to avoid heavy contact that ended his competitive run. With Shepherd relegated deep within the field, Shinoski assumed the lead with five laps to go after a caution.
Shinoski capitalized on the restart, defending his lead against Myers and Hoose. In the end, Shinoski emerged victorious, claiming his first win of the season. Despite the night’s challenges, Shepherd maintains the points lead, now holding a 4-point advantage over Hoose.
As the weekend wraps up, the Bootleg Racing League gears up for the next round at Kern Raceway, with the opening round scheduled for Friday, February 2nd with all of the action going live at 8:55PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network! Expect more exhilarating racing action as the competition continues to heat up in this fiercely contested Late Model Invitational Series!
BRL OUTLAWS S34 R4 Recap
26 January 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 34 | Round 4
Outlaw Modified Series | South Boston Speedway
In an action-packed night at South Boston Speedway, the Bootleg Racing League Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series presented by the Skitter Creek Motorsports Group ran a thrilling 100-lap feature that showcased intense battles, strategic moves, and a dominant performance by Kurt Smith. The event saw Smith seize control from the pole position and fend off challenges from a competitive field.
Smith faced immediate pressure from Jeffrey Hardin, who wasted no time getting on the rear bumper, seeking an opportunity to take the lead. The early dynamics of the race took an unfortunate turn when a caution involving the points leader, Matt Hoose, brought an end to Hoose’s competitive run for the night.
Undeterred, Smith continued to defend his lead through the first half, facing challenges from different contenders, including Todd Liston and Bruce Pearson. Going into the second half, Smith’s hold on the lead became evident as Liston’s pace started to wane, allowing Smith to build a significant one-second gap.
Smith maintained his strong position at the front. However, a late-race caution changed the complexion of the race, bringing Hardin back within striking distance. Running in 2nd place with 6 laps to go, Hardin faced a formidable challenge in trying to overtake Smith, who held his line with precision.
In the closing laps, the battle for the lead intensified, and Hardin, aware of the points implications, defended against Stephen Spies, who climbed up to 3rd and sought an opportunity to exploit the Hardin-Smith duel.
Smith ultimately held his ground and emerged victorious, leading all 100 laps and claiming the checkered flag. Todd Liston’s solid 5th place finish propelled him into the points lead, now sitting just 1 point ahead of Hoose.
The Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series will resume on February 2nd from Kern Raceway, promising more exhilarating racing action. Fans can catch all the live excitement at 8:55 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.
BRL OUTLAWS S34 R3 Recap
19 January 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 34 | Round 3
Outlaw Modified Series | Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway witnessed a spectacular showdown on Friday night as the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series, proudly sponsored by the Skitter Creek Motorsports Group, ran their thrilling 100-lap feature. The evening was filled with intense racing, strategic moves, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
The race kicked off with Bruce Pearson starting on the pole, setting the stage for a battle of skill and determination. Bobby Hayes, in hot pursuit of Pearson, faced tough competition from Donny Moore, who eventually overtook Hayes to secure the 2nd position. As the contenders jockeyed for position, an incident between Hayes and Jeffery Hardin unfolded, resulting in contact and a subsequent pile-up that involved a significant portion of the field.
When the race resumed, Pearson remained in the lead, fending off challenges from Moore, who was determined to make a move for the top spot. The veteran presence of drivers like Jeff Sharp, Matt Hoose, and Lowell Jewell added to the excitement, as they closed in on the lead battle.
Donny Moore showcased his racing prowess in the 2nd half of the race, strategically utilizing lap traffic to navigate past Pearson and claim the lead. Matt Hoose, demonstrating exceptional racecraft, followed Moore’s lead and secured the 2nd position. Meanwhile, Lowell Jewell executed a skillful maneuver to take the final podium spot from Pearson, with Jeff Sharp closely following in 4th.
In the closing laps, the battle for the lead intensified, but Donny Moore exhibited remarkable skill and composure, successfully holding off the challenges from Hoose. As the checkered flag waved, Moore celebrated a well-deserved victory, capping off an outstanding performance.
With this triumph, Moore not only added a significant achievement to his racing resume but also contributed to the excitement and prestige of the BRL Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series. Matt Hoose’s consistent performance allowed him to maintain his points lead, maintaining a 10-point advantage over Todd Liston.
The series continues to deliver thrilling races each week with the next round scheduled for Friday, January 26th with all of the action going live at 8:55PM ET only 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.
BRL OUTLAWS S34 R2 Recap
12 January 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 34 | Round 2
Outlaw Modified Series | Stafford Motor Speedway
The Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series presented by the Skitter Creek Motorsports Group battled in a dramatic 100-lap race, challenging drivers to navigate a treacherous course where chaos and calculated moves shaped the competition.
Jeffery Hardin commenced the race from the pole position, flanked by Kurt Smith, setting the stage for an intense battle. As the green flag dropped, the opening laps were marred by incidents, showcasing the unforgiving nature of the event. Michael Goodman faced an early challenge when a touch from Chris Davis sent him spinning on the track. Steve Hilbert encountered trouble shortly after, getting turned around due to contact with the #22 car.
In another incident, Matt Hoose and Lowell Jewell found themselves entangled, costing Jewell valuable time as the field surged ahead. The cautions continued, underlining the difficulty of managing loose conditions on the track.
The restart on lap 36 marked the beginning of a notable green flag run. Hardin, previously in the lead, faced pressure from JR Shepherd on his outside and Hoose in 3rd, with Aiden Young and Chris Davis rounding out the top 5. On lap 42, Hardin experienced a challenging moment, getting loose and sliding into the grass, relinquishing the lead to Shepherd.
Further drama ensued as the lead pack navigated through lap traffic. Joe Segalla and Hoose both encountered issues, with Segalla going loose and Hoose reacting to the unfolding scene. While Hoose managed to save his car, Young capitalized on the opportunity, moving up to take 3rd place.
The second half of the race witnessed a stark contrast to the eventful first half, with no cautions to interrupt the proceedings. Shepherd steadily increased his lead, leaving the rest of the field in pursuit. Young maintained a secure 2nd place, and Hoose successfully defended the final podium spot against challenges from Chris Davis and Todd Liston.
In the closing moments, JR Shepherd emerged victorious, claiming the checkered flag with Aiden Young and Matt Hoose rounding out the podium. Hoose remains at the forefront of the points standings, holding a 3-point lead over Todd Liston.
The excitement continues with Round 3 scheduled for January 19th at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, promising another night of thrilling racing. Catch the action live at 8:55 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.
BRL OUTLAWS S34 R1 Recap
5 January 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 34 | Round 1
Outlaw Modified Series | Southern National Speedway
In an electrifying 100-lap showdown, the new season’s opening round witnessed Jewell leading the pack from the pole, flanked by Goodman. However, early on, a loose track surface caused chaos, leading to Shepherd’s premature exit from the race due to significant damage sustained only five laps in.
As Jewell, Goodman, and Spies engaged in a heated battle for the lead, Boelke stealthily maneuvered through the field, making significant strides and breaking into the top five within the first 20 laps. Boelke’s persistent charge continued, capitalizing on an opportunity on lap 25 when Smith, under pressure, lost control of his car, allowing Boelke to advance to fourth.
Thirty laps into the night, Spies made a decisive move, attempting to overtake Jewell for the lead. Their intense battle led to slight contact, creating a gap that Boelke aimed to exploit. However, a three-wide skirmish ended in a chain reaction incident involving Boelke, Spies, and Jewell, leading to their unfortunate early exits from the race.
Through the latter half of the event, Boelke displayed remarkable control over his car, successfully defending challenges from Goodman. Meanwhile, Hoose surged through the ranks, claiming the final podium spot and setting his sights on overtaking Goodman for second place.
Despite Hoose’s persistent attempts to secure second position, he was unable to gather the momentum needed to complete the pass. Boelke, maintaining a comfortable lead, steered his way to victory, claiming the checkered flag in an impressive display of skill and control.
The season opener captivated audiences with intense on-track action. The upcoming round promises another thrilling showdown at Stafford Motor Speedway on January 12th, with the race action set to go live at 8:55 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
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!
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