What a beautiful weekend for racing. Due to handicapping Jon and the Elite Air Systems, Valken Racing #61 was scheduled to start in the 7th spot in this past Saturdays’ feature event. The 61 looked like it was the only car to hit “the set-up”. I do not mean to offend any other drivers or crews but when certain cars are able to move through the field with what looks like ease I think it should be noted why. The answer is homework.
Back on track, Jon smoothly moved low to make it three wide at the start. All the cars in front of him drifted high and Jon was able to overtake enough cars on the first lap to put him in an excellent position for the win. Racing around to take lap three Jon had the 61’s Valken Wheels rolling in the 3rd position. Eying the leaders and sticking his line Jon walked by the 2nd place car in turn three of the fourth lap.
After strategically setting up the leader through turn one and two of the 5th lap, Jon was able to scoot by on the low side and pull away with the lead on lap 6. The laps ticked off as the crew held their breath and shouted unheard votes of confidence to their friend, sibling, son and driver as he cruised unrelenting into the turns with nothing but dust in front of him.
Laps 10, 11, and 12, each lap feels like an entire race when your car is winning. The caution flag flies for a car slowing on the back straight. Over the next few laps the caution continues to fly as the cars bunch up and allow threatening advances by drivers nearly as hungry as Jon. At this point the 5w of Pat Wall and the 91a of John Micek are knocking on the door.
I have a ton of confidence in our car and our driver so when you know how bad the driver wants to win and how good the car is, NOTHING will replace victory. So the green flag flies and Jon sticks the line, but moving up a bit to avoid the noticeable slick spots down low. An excellent portrayal of clean driving is what went on for the rest of the race.
Jon whipped the 61 across the line for our first win of the season which was dedicated to the late Jerry Simons, a friend, a sponsor and an all around great guy. A huge congratulations goes out to all our generous friends and sponsors.
So far this season we have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes and are obviously trying not to follow the numerical scale.
Overall it was a great weekend; Jon came from the 9th starting spot and went on to win the 8 lap qualifying heat race. The 61 Teo Pro car also took the Lightning Lap award for the second time this season which is a monetary award for the fastest lap in a heat race.
To say that Jamie Mills was hoping for a win at Delaware International Speedway’s “Mix and Match” event would be an understatement - instead, he was determined to get the win. But it didn’t come easy. Due to a crash between Jeff Brownell Jr. and Alan Johnson the race had to be stopped and then restarted, this is when Jamie Mills saw his opportunity. Even with his cars loss of power steering, Jamie was able to stick it out and cross the checkered flag to bring home the win!
Last weekend Team Valken sponsored racer Jon Haegele proved that he is becoming a reputable force in the world of dirt racing. Haegele was able to capture a third place victory while fending off a swarm of racers behind him. The other racers were clamoring to get their spot in the winners’ circle, but to no avail, they were simply shut out by Haegele (maybe they should have been rolling on the Valken Modified Wheel too).
Team Valken’s David Bell brought home a first place victory after leading all fifteen laps of the GM Sportsman event last Saturday. It didn’t come easy, but this goes down as Bells first career win as a Team Valken dirt racer. Later, when talking about the race, Bell had this to say.
Team Valken Racing would like to congratulate Brittany Whitesall on her first place victory in the Rookie GM Sportsman event. Brittany managed to slingshot herself into first place on the second lap and she never looked back. A first place victory has never looked so good.