BRL OUTLAWS S35 R9 Recap

31 May 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 9
Outlaw Modified Series | South Boston Speedway

On Friday, May 31st, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series descended upon South Boston Speedway for the thrilling 9th round of the season. Steve Hilbert had the honor of starting the night on the pole, with Jeffrey Hardin flanking him in second position. As the green flag dropped, Hardin quickly began probing for opportunities to pass Hilbert, while Donny Moore and Lowell Jewell engaged in a fierce battle for the third spot in the early laps.

Five laps into the race, Hardin spotted an opening to the inside and made a decisive move. Despite Hilbert’s efforts to leverage the high side’s momentum to fend off Hardin, the persistent challenger succeeded in completing the pass on lap 9. This maneuver left the door open for Moore to also advance, moving into the second spot. The field then settled into a single-file formation, with drivers keenly focused on chasing Hardin around the track.

The front trio, composed of Hardin, Moore, and Matt Hoose, maintained a tight race, avoiding any major incidents during the first half of the night. It was evident that neither Moore nor Hoose intended to let Hardin slip away. However, on lap 56, contact between Hoose and Moore caused Hoose to spin low, dropping him to the rear of the field without triggering a caution. This allowed Jewell to capitalize and claim the third spot. Shortly after, Moore attempted a pass under Hardin for the lead but was unsuccessful, which resulted in Moore falling back to fifth as he scrambled to regain his rhythm. Mark Hertzog seized the opportunity, leaping into second place and setting his sights on Hardin.

As the race progressed, it appeared Hertzog might not have enough time to catch Hardin. Meanwhile, Hoose, determined to recover from his earlier misfortune, was making an impressive charge back through the field, breaking into the top 10 with 20 laps to go. Moore, still positioned in fifth, was aggressively vying with Jason Menda for the fourth spot. A late-race caution with 12 laps remaining, caused by contact between Moore and Menda, brought the field back together. Crucially, this incident catapulted Hoose into the top five, as he skillfully avoided the chaos ahead.

With just eight laps remaining, the green flag briefly waved again, only for another caution to emerge almost immediately when Moore and Hardin collided in the first corner, sending Hardin spinning. Hoose deftly navigated through the turmoil, moving up to third and turning his earlier setback into a remarkable comeback.

The race concluded under a Green-White-Checkered (GWC) finish, with Moore crossing the line first to take the checkered flag, followed by Hertzog in second, and Hoose, rounding out the podium in third. This exciting and unpredictable race was a testament to the resilience and skill of the drivers.

The Bootleg Racing League will return next weekend on Friday, June 7th, at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The action promises to be just as intense, with live coverage starting at 8:55 PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network. Be sure to tune in for another electrifying round of racing!

ABL S36 W11 Recap

26 May 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 11
FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle | Mount Panorama Circuit

On Sunday, May 26th, the Absolute Beginners League’s Formula Neagle FIA F4 Series hosted its season finale at the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit, featuring two thrilling back-to-back 20-minute races. The event was a spectacular end to the season, filled with intense battles, strategic maneuvers, and dramatic incidents that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Marcus Byfeldt started the first race from the pole position, with Michael Haflidason alongside him on the front row. As the green flag waved, Byfeldt, Haflidason, and David Burns quickly broke away from the rest of the field, showcasing their superior pace. The trio remained closely bunched together during the opening laps, with a nearly two-second gap back to Neil Bamber, who was running alone in fourth place.

The battle at the front was intense. Haflidason, in his efforts to defend against Byfeldt, lost control of his car and suffered severe damage after a hard hit into the wall. This incident allowed Bamber to move up to third place, trailing the leading pair of Byfeldt and Burns. The two front-runners continued their duel, trading the lead multiple times throughout the race. Burns stayed strategically tucked behind Byfeldt, conserving his car and waiting for the perfect moment to make a decisive move.

That moment came on the final lap. Burns executed a perfectly timed overtake in the last corners, seizing the win from Byfeldt in a dramatic finish. Ludwig Sauer secured the pole position for the second race due to the top-five inversion rule, setting the stage for another exciting contest.

The second race saw a noticeable increase in aggression from the drivers. Sauer managed to hold onto the lead for the first six minutes before eventually being overtaken by the hard-charging Byfeldt. Haflidason made an impressive recovery, working his way through the field to secure the third spot, just behind Burns. Sauer’s struggles continued as he lost control of his car approaching the halfway mark, allowing Haflidason to take second place and Burns to move into third.

Burns, capitalizing on a strong run down the back straight, managed to overtake Haflidason for second place. The intense battle between Haflidason and Burns for the second position allowed Fabian Jungbluth to stay in close contention, running in fourth. As the race neared its conclusion, Haflidason lost control again, similar to his incident in the first race, crashing into the wall and collecting Jungbluth in the process. This mishap promoted Bamber to the third position.

By this point, Byfeldt had extended his lead to over five seconds, demonstrating his dominance. He crossed the finish line to claim his seventh checkered flag of the season, securing the season 36 points championship with a commanding performance.

The Absolute Beginners League will return next Sunday, June 2nd, for the final round of the Andy Morgan Cup GT3 Series at Road Atlanta. The action will go live at 1:55 PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network. This upcoming race promises to deliver more thrilling moments as the drivers battle it out on one of North America’s premier road racing circuits. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to another fantastic season of racing.

AOLL INDY 250

25 May 2024
AOLL Racing League | Palmetto Racing
Special Event | Indianapolis Motor Speedway

On Saturday, May 25th, the AOLL Racing League hosted the highly anticipated INDY 250 presented by Palmetto Racing. This half-length event, mirroring the real-world INDY 500, brought together drivers from multiple leagues, creating a unique and competitive atmosphere. The combination of various driving styles and the Dallara IR-18—a car unfamiliar to many participants—contributed to a night filled with short green flag runs and intense battles, keeping the field closely packed and providing an exciting spectacle for fans.

John Poole III secured the pole with a blistering lap time of 39.956 seconds during qualifying, earning the top starting position and the privilege of leading the field to the green flag. Lining up beside him on the front row was Blake Trawick, poised to challenge for the lead from the outset. As the race began, Poole maintained his lead, with Trawick and Marcellus Breuning closely following in second and third, respectively. The opening laps saw Poole demonstrating his pace and control, but the race was far from settled.

The initial 20 laps featured several cautions, causing frequent restarts and shuffling the running order. These cautions led many drivers, including the leaders, to take strategic pit stops. As a result, Dave Wright found himself in the lead, pursued by Johnie Downey. Downey soon capitalized on his position, overtaking Wright and attempting to break away from the pack. However, Ed Sprenger was not far behind, moving up to challenge Downey for the lead. By lap 27, Sprenger had successfully maneuvered around Downey, taking control of the race.

While Sprenger led the field, the initial front-runners—Poole, Breuning, and Trawick—began their climb back through the dense traffic. The frequent cautions kept the field bunched together, allowing these drivers to methodically work their way forward. Poole’s determination paid off as he reclaimed the lead by the halfway mark, demonstrating his resilience and skill. Meanwhile, other notable drivers, such as Joe Dinsmore and Derrek Shilling, were quietly making their way toward the front, employing patient and strategic driving to avoid the chaos.

As the race approached its second half, Steve Boyer emerged as a strong contender, taking over the second spot and positioning himself as a significant threat to Poole’s lead. The pit strategy continued to play a crucial role, with DeShawn Gorham briefly taking the lead with 30 laps to go. However, Poole’s relentless pace saw him retake the lead, as the aggression in the field heightened with the laps winding down.

With 20 laps remaining, the intensity reached a peak. Boyer, capitalizing on a strong run out of turn 2, overtook Poole down the backstretch to seize the lead. The final stages of the race were marked by a late caution, which brought the field back together for an 8-lap sprint to the finish. Boyer faced immense pressure from Gorham, while Trawick, who had been quietly advancing through the field, moved into second place and began closing the gap on Boyer with blistering lap times.

As the race neared its conclusion, the tension was palpable. Trawick’s charge in the final laps brought him within striking distance of Boyer, setting up a dramatic finish. Despite Trawick’s relentless pursuit, Boyer managed to maintain his composure and held on to his lead, crossing the finish line just two-tenths of a second ahead of Trawick. The narrow margin of victory underscored the fierce competition and skill displayed by the drivers throughout the event.

The INDY 250 showcased not only the drivers’ talent and strategic acumen but also the unpredictable nature of racing, where anything can happen, and every decision counts.

PGRL S6 W32 Recap

21 May 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 32
Premier Series | Atlanta Motor Speedway

On Tuesday, May 21st, the Pretty Good Racing League concluded its season with back-to-back 65-lap races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Can Chrobok Close? 130 presented by GamingGuyL. Michael Chrobok entered the night leading the points standings, closely pursued by Mike Rasimas.

In the first race, Chrobok secured the pole position, with Rasimas starting beside him. Rasimas took the lead early, utilizing the preferred outside lane, while Chrobok slipped back to third as Woody Mahan also passed him. Brian Yaczik and Matt Press pressured Chrobok further, but he fought back, reclaiming second place from Mahan. On lap 14, Rasimas hit the wall in turns 1 and 2, dropping through the field and allowing Chrobok to take the lead. Rasimas pitted early, attempting an undercut strategy. This forced other drivers to follow suit. Rasimas’s gamble paid off as he regained the lead after the pit stops, extending his advantage to 2 seconds over Chrobok. Rasimas pitted again with 20 laps remaining, executing a flawless stop that widened his lead. Mahan made a late charge but couldn’t catch Rasimas, who claimed the first race victory.

For the second race, the finishing order was inverted, placing Marc Cohn on the pole. Chrobok adopted a more aggressive approach, quickly moving through the field. Yaczik and Press overtook Cohn and vied for the lead early on. Yaczik initially led but lost the position to Press after brushing the wall. Chrobok moved up to third, with Rasimas steadily climbing the ranks. Chrobok pressured Press, slowing both drivers and allowing Rasimas to close in. Chrobok pitted early again, hoping to outmaneuver Rasimas. Most of the field followed suit, except for Matt Taylor, who adopted a fuel-saving strategy aiming for a single stop. Taylor pitted at the halfway mark, leaving Chrobok and Rasimas to battle for the lead.

Chrobok pitted again on lap 43, trying to undercut Rasimas once more. After the pit cycle, Taylor emerged with a 15-second lead over Press. Chrobok and Rasimas, battling for second, rapidly closed the gap on Taylor. Despite their efforts, Taylor’s bold strategy succeeded, and he won the race with a 1.6-second margin over Rasimas.

As the dust settled and points were tallied, Michael Chrobok was crowned the PGRL Season 6 champion, concluding an exhilarating season with a spectacular finish.

ABL S36 W10 Recap

19 May 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 10
GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup | Nürburgring

On Sunday, May 19th, the Absolute Beginners League hosted a 40-minute race at Nürburgring in the GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup. Marcus Byfeldt secured pole position in qualifying and quickly demonstrated his pace, breaking away from the rest of the field as soon as the green flag dropped. Behind him, David Burns settled into a solid second place, unable to close the gap to Byfeldt but comfortably ahead of the drivers behind him.

Vincent Brehm found himself under pressure from JT Koppinen and Wojtek Potoczek as he tried to defend his third position. About ten minutes into the run, the majority of the field had spread out around the course, with the battle for third being the primary point of contention. The first half of the race went by with minimal incidents, and the few passes that occurred were mainly due to driver errors rather than aggressive overtakes.

As the race entered the second half, Byfeldt had established a strong three-second lead over Burns. Brehm was still in third but with a small buffer between himself and Koppinen. Burns opted for an early pit stop, attempting to undercut Byfeldt, who stayed out for an additional lap. Brehm, Koppinen, and Potoczek followed Burns into the pits, but a mistake from Brehm cost him dearly. Potoczek capitalized on this error, leapfrogging both Koppinen and Brehm to move into third place as they rejoined the track. Brehm’s mistake dropped him to sixth, behind Ludwig Sauer.

Byfeldt’s strong pace allowed him to pit the following lap and maintain his lead over Burns, rejoining the track with a four-second advantage. From there, Byfeldt ran the remaining laps unchallenged, taking the checkered flag with ease.

The Absolute Beginners League will return next Sunday, May 26th, at Mount Panorama Circuit for the FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle. Catch all the action live at 1:55 PM ET on the Virtual Grip Network!

BRL OUTLAWS S35 R8 Recap

17 May 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 8
Outlaw Modified Series | New Smyrna Speedway

On Friday, May 17th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series competed in a 100-lap race at New Smyrna Speedway for round 8 of 11 in season 35. Joe Segalla started the night from the pole. In the opening laps, brothers Steve and Tom Hilbert battled for the 2nd spot, with Tom securing the position. Early cautions plagued the first half and set the tone for the race overall, forcing drivers to focus on short green flag runs and making more aggressive moves for gains. This aggressive mindset led to disaster for points leader Matt Hoose and his closest competitor in the points, John Wilson, as both drivers were caught up in early incidents, putting them each a lap down.

Throughout the race, Segalla maintained the lead while drivers like Donny Moore and Todd Liston quietly climbed up through the field with each restart. By lap 20, Moore had reached Segalla’s rear bumper and started making attempts for the lead but was unsuccessful each time. On lap 33, Moore pushed too hard, breaking the rear end loose and spinning in front of the oncoming field. After racing resumed, this opened the way for Liston, who had moved up to 2nd and made a bold move to challenge Segalla on the outside. They ran side by side for several laps, with Ricky Hardin waiting in 3rd to see which lane prevailed.

As the battle for the lead continued, Stephen Spies moved up to 4th, joining Hardin, with Rubin Altice rounding out the top 5. Approaching the halfway point, Liston finally cleared himself out front in the lead, with Segalla slotting back into 2nd ahead of Hardin. Spies worked on Hardin for much of the 2nd half before finding his way into 3rd on lap 82. A caution soon afterward gifted Hoose the lucky dog, bringing him back onto the lead lap, but it was too little, too late, as there wasn’t enough time left in the race to make up for the bad luck earlier in the night.

As the green flag came back out, Spies took advantage to steal the 2nd spot from Segalla but didn’t have the pace to challenge Liston before Liston claimed the checkered flag. Hoose still holds a slim 2-point lead in the standings, now ahead of Liston, who took the 2nd spot from Wilson with his win. After taking off next week for Memorial Day, the BRL will return on Friday, May 31st, at South Boston Speedway for the next round of the season, with the action going live at 8:55 PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W31 Recap

14 May 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 31
Premier Series | Rockingham Speedway

On Tuesday, May 14th, the Pretty Good Racing League took on Rockingham Speedway for the Wreckingham Twin 60s presented by Yaz’s Sandwiches & More. With only four races left in the season, and the surprise absence of Scott Eckrich, the championship battle narrowed to Michael Chrobok and Mike Rasimas.

The first race began with Brian Yaczik on the pole, joined by Brendan Marr on the front row. Championship contenders Chrobok and Rasimas started in 4th and 5th, respectively. Yaczik had a strong start, quickly distancing himself from Marr. Rasimas, however, launched an aggressive charge, overtaking Chrobok and then Yaczik to claim the lead after just 11 laps. The side-by-side battle between Yaczik and Rasimas allowed Chrobok to close in and take the second spot.

Rasimas extended his lead steadily as the race progressed, showing remarkable pace and control. At the midway point, a superior pit stop performance allowed Rasimas to further stretch his lead over Chrobok to more than five seconds. By the time Rasimas took the checkered flag, his lead had grown to a commanding seven seconds, securing a dominant victory in the first race.

For the second race, the finishing order was inverted, placing Marr on the pole and Mark Poe alongside him. Chrobok and Rasimas started from the rear in 8th and 9th. Learning from the first race, Chrobok adopted a more aggressive approach, quickly charging through the field and seizing the lead from Marr by lap 19. Marr’s resistance allowed Rasimas to close in, and he soon took the second spot.

Chrobok’s strategy paid dividends as he managed to fend off Rasimas’s repeated attempts to overtake. Rasimas stayed close, applying relentless pressure, but Chrobok’s defensive driving and optimal racing line thwarted all passing attempts. Chrobok’s persistence was rewarded as he crossed the finish line to win the second race.

With his victory, Chrobok maintained a solid 59-point lead over Rasimas heading into the final two races of the season. The championship will be decided next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with the action going live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

ABL S36 W9 Recap

12 May 2024
Absolute Beginners League | Season 36 | Week 9
FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle | Oulton Park Circuit

On Sunday, May 12th, the Absolute Beginners League delivered an electrifying doubleheader at Oulton Park Circuit in the FIA F4 Series Formula Neagle. Michael Haflidason set the stage from pole position for the first race, with Marcus Byfeldt alongside him.

As the green flag unfurled, Haflidason shot ahead, but Byfeldt found himself entangled in a thrilling battle with André Selander. Meanwhile, Neil Bamber and Vincent Brehm jockeyed for position behind them, rounding out the top five.

In an intense display of skill and strategy, Haflidason and Byfeldt quickly established themselves as frontrunners, engaging in a relentless duel for the lead. Lap after lap, Byfeldt shadowed Haflidason, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

With just five minutes remaining, Haflidason made a crucial error, allowing Byfeldt to seize the lead. Although Haflidason fought back valiantly, a subsequent contact sent him careening into the tire barriers, earning him a meatball flag and a pit stop in the race’s final moments.

Byfeldt capitalized on the opportunity, streaking across the finish line to claim victory in the first race, while Haflidason salvaged a seventh-place finish.

For the second race, the top five finishers were inverted, placing Brehm at the front of the grid. Haflidason, starting from seventh, wasted no time in mounting a fierce charge through the field. Within moments, he found himself back at the front, with Byfeldt hot on his heels.

In a nail-biting rematch of the first race, Haflidason and Byfeldt engaged in a thrilling battle for supremacy. With each lap, they traded positions, refusing to yield an inch to their opponent.

As the checkered flag loomed, the tension reached its peak, culminating in a heart-stopping sprint to the finish line. In a photo finish, Haflidason emerged victorious by a mere tenth of a second, securing a breathtaking win in the second race.

Join us next Sunday, May 19th, as the Absolute Beginners League takes on the legendary Nürburgring in the GT3 Series Andy Morgan Cup. Don’t miss a moment of the action, live at 1:55 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

BRL OUTLAWS S35 R7 Recap

10 May 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 35 | Round 7
Outlaw Modified Series | Myrtle Beach Speedway

On Friday, May 10th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series roared into Myrtle Beach Speedway for an exhilarating 100-lap showdown. The evening kicked off with Mike Holloway leading the charge from the pole position.

Holloway showed early dominance, but the dynamic duo of Jeffery Hardin and Matt Hoose wasted no time carving their way through the field, setting their sights on the lead. Just seven laps into the race, Hardin executed a daring move, diving low under Holloway to seize control of the race.

Hoose quickly joined the fray, relentlessly pressuring Hardin for the lead. The two engaged in a thrilling side-by-side battle, with Hoose ultimately gaining the upper hand on lap 31. However, the fight for supremacy was far from over, as Todd Liston and Donny Moore lurked close behind, ready to pounce on any opportunity.

As the race progressed into its second half, Hardin and Hoose continued their fierce duel for the top spot, trading positions with precision while Liston patiently awaited his chance. Moore, seizing the moment, made a bold move to snatch third place from Liston, intensifying the battle up front.

In a pivotal moment on lap 78, Hardin surged ahead to reclaim the lead, leaving Hoose to fend off Moore’s advances. With the laps winding down, Hoose’s aggressive maneuvers ultimately cost him, allowing Moore to slip past and secure second place with just eight laps remaining.

Hardin, maintaining a steady pace, navigated the final laps flawlessly to clinch a well-deserved victory. Despite the intense competition, Hoose remains at the top of the standings, holding a narrow four-point lead over John Wilson.

Be sure to tune in next week, Friday, May 17th, as the BRL shifts gears to New Smyrna Speedway for another thrilling round of racing action, live at 8:55 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!

PGRL S6 W30 Recap

07 May 2024
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 30
Premier Series | Phoenix Racway

On Tuesday, May 7th, the Pretty Good Racing League brought the heat to Phoenix Raceway for a thrilling double-header of 65-lap races in the MARSS Properties Arizona Adventure. The excitement kicked off with Scott Eckrich leading the pack from the pole position in the first race.

Eckrich wasted no time asserting his dominance, setting a blistering pace in the opening laps while series points leader Michael Chrobok kept him honest from second place. However, as the laps wore on, tire wear began to take its toll on Chrobok’s machine, allowing Eckrich to stretch out a commanding lead.

Meanwhile, Brian Yaczik applied pressure on Mike Rasimas for the third spot, but Rasimas held his ground, denying Yaczik any opportunity to advance. As the race approached the halfway mark, Rasimas launched an assault on Chrobok for second place, successfully seizing the position when Chrobok opted to pit for fresh rubber.

Eckrich, opting for a longer stint on track, reclaimed the lead with fresher tires, and once again pulled away from the field with authority, securing the victory in the first race of the night.

As the grid was inverted for the second race, Mark Poe and Brian Yaczik led the field to the green flag. Yaczik wasted no time in asserting his dominance, storming into the lead on the opening lap and setting a strong, consistent pace.

Chrobok, Rasimas, and Eckrich, starting from the rear of the field, aggressively worked their way up through the pack. However, a pivotal moment occurred on lap 5 when Eckrich made contact with Woody Mahan, sending Eckrich hard into the outside wall and compromising his pace for the remainder of the race.

Despite a fierce challenge from Brandon Marr, Yaczik maintained his composure and managed his tires masterfully, fending off Marr’s advances as the laps ticked by. With Chrobok swiftly moving up to second place, the battle for victory intensified.

Yaczik executed a flawless pit stop on lap 36, rejoining the race in fifth place. With fresher rubber, he quickly carved his way through the field, reclaiming the lead and leaving his competitors in his wake as he crossed the finish line to clinch a commanding victory.

Chrobok’s solid performance ensured a strong points haul, maintaining his lead in the standings as the series heads to Rockingham Speedway next Tuesday, May 14th, for a thrilling double-header of 60-lap races in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks series. Tune in live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!