VanInwegen Grabs First Career Modified Win on WRWD Night
By FRANK CATIZONE Accord Speedway Media 5/3/2013
ACCORD, NY – Billy VanInwegen lifted a huge weight off his shoulders at the Accord Speedway last Friday evening as he was finally able to earn his first career victory in the All American Ford Modified 30-lap main event during WRWD Night.
“What a relief,’’ said VanInwegen. “This is just a great feeling. I’ve come close to winning my first Modified feature before, but something always seemed to happen. I finally got the monkey off my back.’’
VanInwegen, a three-year Modified competitor from Port Jervis, joined forces with the Sherlock Brothers, Robbie and Randy, during the latter stages of the 2012 season. The Sherlocks, who own Tri-State Roofing, have picked up wins through the years with other chauffers. This is the first time this combination has clicked.
“I really enjoy working with the Sherlocks and feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity,’’ said VanInwegen. “They provide me with an outstanding car to race and have some of the best equipment around. This was only my second start at Accord and we were able to park this car in victory lane. Hopefully, this is the start of good things for the Tri-State Roofing team.’’
VanInwegen, who started fifth in the 17-car field, stayed clear of two wrecks before a lap was completed to move into third place behind leader Mel Schrufer and Gary Quick.
Reigning champion Andy Bachetti, who looped his car to create a first-turn pile-up at the start, spun again on the ensuing restart and drove his car into the pits. He would return two laps down, but went to the pits again and parked his car for the night.
VanInwegen, meanwhile, settled in behind leader Schrufer and Quick when racing resumed, and it remained that way until Jeff Heotzler Sr. spun in the second turn with five laps completed. Quick got the jump on Schrufer following the restart and was able to stay in front until Brad Rothaupt spun in the fourth turn to force a caution with 11 laps completed.
VanInwegen, utilizing his small block power, got a great bite on the bottom off the restart and was able to edge ahead of Quick for the lead. He woukd remain there until the finish.
“We were strong on the bottom all night,’’ said VanInwegen, “and using our small block was the way to go. We had the big block on opening night, but we just couldn’t get a handle on things. The track was a little slick and the small block was definitely the right choice.’’
VanInwegen ran a flawless line after grabbing first place from Quick and was able to keep his competition behind him en route to his first Modified victory. Quick chased VanInwegen throughout the race but could never find a way around him.
Quick took the checkered flag behind VanInwegen, but was disqualified following the event for being light over the scales. The disqualification handed second place over to Danny Tyler with Tommy Meier, Danny Creeden, Jackie Brown Jr., Mike Doty, Scott Ferrier, Rothaupt and Ken Boniface Jr. rounding out the top 10.
In the Escape RV Sportsman 25-lap feature, Greg McCloskey notched his first victory this season ahead of Ken Ferrier, Will Dietz, Tom Johnson and Dave Werber.
McCloskey, after starting fourth in the 20-car field, chased down early leader Ferrier and was able to grab first place with a pass off the third turn on the 18th lap. Kevin Ward produced the race’s first caution a lap later with a flat tire.
But McCloskey was able to stay ahead of Ferrier following the restart and was never challenged to the finish.
The Healey Brothers Spec Sportsman 20-lap feature was marred by seven cautions and a disqualification during the post-race weigh-in. Ed Dachenhausen, who took the first win of his Accord career, was stripped of first place when he was light over the scales.
That handed the win over to Joe Judge, who was scored ahead of Mike Sabia, Mike Traver, Tyler Boniface and Mike DuBois.
In the Ruge’s GM Parts Center Pro Stock division, Jim Sykes unveiled a brand new car and it quickly paid off as he captured the 20-lap feature ahead of Ralph Ronk, Emerson Cargain Jr., John Roese and Ron Rion.
Sykes, who finished 12th in the season opener on April 26, started on the pole and never trailed as he was able to stave off his competition and avoid five accidents . Paul Maiolo, while racing second, spun off the second turn with 18 laps down to halt racing for the final time.
In the Arkel Motors Pure Stock class, George Deckelman continued his early-season dominance as he utilized a last-lap pass for his second straight victory in the 15-lap main event.
Ray Tarantino enjoyed the upper hand from the start as he grabbed first place, and was able to keep both Nick Johnson and Charles Deckelman behind him. But Ant Marguglio’s spin in the second turn opened the door for George Deckelman with 12 laps down.
George Deckelman chased down Tarantino when racing resumed and was able to power in front on his final tour around the quarter-mile bullring.
The Want Ad Digest Fireball Four-Cylinder 15-lap feature was won by Matt Curry.