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Tennessee Cowboy Takes First BFTS Event Win of Career!

sportsimagetimes — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:26:52 +0000

Cody Nance not only takes his first ever BFTS event, but takes over the lead in the 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race.

PUEBLO, Colo. (May 17, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) took Colorado by storm as the top 40 bull riders in the world invaded Pueblo, home of the PBR. The world’s best riders took on the toughest bulls that the PBR had to offer at the 2009 Ford F-150 Invitational presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding, stop #22 on the PBR’s elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) tour. In the end, Tennessee cowboy Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) took home the coveted event title after riding two of his three bulls. He scored a total of 178.75 points and collected a check for $30,258. This win gave Nance his first BFTS event title, valuable points in the 2009 BFTS standings, and the lead in the 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race.

“I talked to Adriano (Moraes) and he gave me good advice that worked,” Nance said from the winner’s circle. “He said instead of leaning forward, to stay straight up, and thankfully, it worked out.”

Nance took on the bull, Wrangler Big Rig, owned by Jeff Robinson/Bar None/Skyhawk Rugs, for 87.25 points in round one, finishing in fifth place. He was bucked off his round two bull, Hot Pistol of Boyd/Floyd Bull Company, but still scored enough points to make it back to the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. He had the seventh pick in the PBR Bull Draft and chose to take on the bull, Super Duty, owned by D&H Cattle Company. He covered the bull for 91.5 points—not only winning the Championship Round, but taking the coveted Ford F-150 Invitational event title.

Colorado cowboy Josh Koschel (Greeley, Colo.) took second place after riding two bulls for 173 points and $14,895. Australia’s Ben Jones (Sunset, Texas) finished third after totaling 170.25 points and took home a check for $12,283. Taking fourth place was Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) who finished the weekend with 90.75 points and collected $8,270 for his efforts. Rounding out fifth place was young gun Cody Campbell (Summerville, Ore.) who covered one bull for 90.25 points and added $7,080 to his bank account.

The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders in the world to The Sooner State for stop #23 on the prestigious BFTS tour. PBR will buck into the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on July 17-19, showcasing the best bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.

INJURY REPORT:
Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) suffered a possible broken jaw after bucking off his round two bull. He will get examined in Dallas on Monday.

Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) suffered a concussion and hurt his neck after being bucked off his Championship Round bull. He went to the hospital for x-rays and further diagnosis.

BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round two win at last weekend’s Genuity Invitational, Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Ford F-150 Invitational. Oliveira did not make the eight second whistle after taking on the bull, Rowdy LJ; therefore, stock contractors, Circle T Ranch & Rodeo, took home the $5,000 bonus.

Due to his round one win at the Ford F-150 Invitational, Cody Campbell (Summerville, Ore.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round two. Campbell did not make the eight second whistle after attempting to ride the bull, Wine Me Up; therefore, the stock contractor, Martinez Bucking Bull, LLC, took home the $5,000 bonus.

As the round two winner, Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) will compete for the bonus at the next BFTS event in Tulsa, Okla.

Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Josh Koschel (Greeley, Colo.) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and did not win the Ford F-150 Invitational; therefore, the bonus will be $10,000 at the next event in Tulsa, Okla. It grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.

Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the Ford F-150 Invitational event winner, Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.

Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bull, Hot Stuff, owned by D&H Cattle Company, earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46 points. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.

High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) recorded the high-marked ride at the Ford F-150 Invitational in Pueblo, Colo. Nance rode the bull, Super Duty, owned by D&H Cattle Company, for 91.5 points during the Built Ford Tough Championship Round.

Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race continues on strong as fourteen riders are competing for the coveted title. After winning the Ford F-150 Invitational, Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) has taken the lead in the race with Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) and young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) hot on his heels. A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Trophy Bull Competition:
The Trophy Bull Competition is heating up and as of the Ford F-150 Invitational, Boyd/Floyd Bull Company and Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls are tied with six points each. At each Built Ford Tough Series long-round event in the 2009 season, three bulls are designated by PBR as Trophy Bulls. If the rider successfully rides the bull, he gets a Trophy Bull point. If the bull bucks off the rider, the stock contractor gets the Trophy Bull point. At the end of the season, the top three point earners will receive an outdoor adventure of their choice courtesy of RMEF.

Ford F-150 Invitational presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Cody Campbell (Summerville, Ore.) 90.25 points on More Bucks (Jaynes Gang/Peterson/Mansour/Langhans/Nelson/Teague), $2,730; 2) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 90 points on Over the Edge (Lufkin Ranch & Rodeo), $1,950; 3) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 89.25 points on Neon Ghost (Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls/Bryan Smith), $1,170; 4) Josh Koschel (Greeley, Colo.) 87.5 points on Hit Man (“Mo” Betta Bull Company); 5) Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) 87.25 points on Wrangler Big Rig (Jeff Robinson/Bar None/Skyhawk Rugs).

ROUND TWO: 1) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 90.75 points on Maverick (Lufkin Ranch & Rodeo), $2,730; 2) LJ Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) 90 on Far West (Martinez Bucking Bull, LLC), $1,950; 3/4) Reese Cates (Carthage, Texas) 85.5 points on Wow (Homestead Genetics/Something Special Deli & Lubex); 3/4) Josh Koschel (Longmont, Colo.) 85.5 points on Semi-Automatic (Hebert Bucking Bulls); 5) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 81.5 points on Rowdy (Harry Vold).

BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) 91.5 points on Super Duty (D&H Cattle Company), $2,730; 2) Ben Jones (Sunset, Texas) 84.5 points on Red Devil (Circle T Ranch & Rodeo), $1,950.

OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Cody Nance (Paris, Tenn.) 178.75 points, $30,258; 2) Josh Koschel (Greeley, Colo.) 173 points, $14,895; 3) Ben Jones (Sunset, Texas) 170.25 points, $12,283; 4) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 90.75 points, $8,270; 5) Cody Campbell (Summerville, Ore.) 90.25 points, $7,080.

BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)

1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 8,335 points, $254,438; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 7,537.25 points, $160,080; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 7,228.25 points, $163,366; 4) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 5,879.25 points, $87,439; 5) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) 5,742 points, $133,824; 6) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 5,740.5 points, $90,358; 7) Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) 5,370.5 points, $82,086; 8 ) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 5,343.75 points, $81,325; 9) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 5,243 points, $99,316; 10) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4,965.25 points, $84,800.

New Mexico Rider Dominates The Genuity Invitational!

sportsimagetimes — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:17:32 +0000

PBR superstar Travis Briscoe takes his first event win of the 2009 BFTS season.

DES MOINES, Ia. (May 9, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) took the top 40 bull riders in the world to Des Moines, Iowa to rock the Wells Fargo Arena with two performances of non-stop action on May 8-9. At stop #21 on the elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS), PBR fan favorite Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) took top honors with his first event win of the season.

“I’ve been waiting for this all year long and I just put this in God’s hands and he showed me what was possible….putting God first has shown a difference in my everyday attitude–it’s amazing,” Briscoe commented from the winner’s circle.

In round one, Briscoe scored 87.5 points on the bull, Matt Dillon, owned by Curtis Mendell/Mancreel Cattle Co., splitting fourth and fifth place. He followed that up with a second place finish in round two after riding Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve’s bull, God’s Gift, for 87.25 points. Briscoe ultimately entered the Built Ford Tough Championship Round with a total of 174.75 points, where he met up with Mendell/Jaeger’s, Chester, for the first time where the pleasure was all his after walking away with the event championship and $35,317 in earnings.
“People have been telling me Chester was a great bull to get on and he fit my style,” Briscoe stated.

Taking second place in Des Moines was Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goianla, GO, Brazil) who scored 258.5 points, adding $17,193 to his wallet and pushing him that much closer to the possibility of being the next World Champion. Finishing third was Brazilian Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) who weighed in with 176.75 points, earning himself $12,498-just ahead of two-time PBR World Champion, Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.), with 172.75 points and $6,648. Rounding out fifth place was Aaron Roy (Asqulth, SK, Canada) who scored 171.75 points in Des Moines and added $4,423 to his 2009 earnings.

The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders in the world to the home of PBR headquarters in Pueblo, Colo. for the F-150 Invitational presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding to make stop #22 on the prestigious BFTS tour. PBR will invade the Colorado State Fair Events Center on May 16-17, showcasing the best bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.

INJURY REPORT:

McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) suffered a strained lower left leg. He is questionable for next week.

Ben Jones (QLD, Australia) received a concussion and is questionable for next week.

Dustin Elliott (North Platte, N.E.) opted to take it easy during tonight’s round after suffering from a concussion the previous evening. He is still questionable for next week.

BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round one win at the Genuity Invitational, Douglas Duncan (Alvin, Texas) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round two. Because he did not make the eight-second whistle on the bull, Lunatic, the stock contractor, Stace Smith Pro Rodeos was awarded the $5,000 bonus.

As thewinner of round two, Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goianla, GO, Brazil) will be eligible for the bonus during round one at the 22nd BFTS stop in Pueblo, Colo.

Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately won the Genuity Invitational. He collected the $5,000 bonus. The bonus will return to $5,000 at next weekend’s event, the F-150 Invitational presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding in Pueblo, Colo. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.

Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the Genuity Invitational event winner, Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.

Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bulls, Big Tex, owned by Dakota Rodeo / Clay Struve and Jeff Robinson / Bar None / Broken N-N / Kenny Jack’s bull, SkyHawk Cut-a-Rug , earned Bull of the Event honors with a scores of 45.50 points in Des Moines. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.

High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) recorded the high-marked ride of the Genuity Invitational in Des Moines, Iowa, after riding the bull, Grey Dog, owned by D&H Cattle Company, during the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. Palermo received a score of 90 points.

Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race is heating up and as of the Genuity Invitational, Kansas young gun Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) still holds a slight lead over young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS). A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

Genuity Invitational RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Douglas Duncan (Alvin, Texas) 88.5 points on Exotic Justin (Stace Smith Pro Rodeos), $2,730; 2) Nick Landreneau (Sulpher, La.) 88 points on Fully Loaded (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve), $1,950; 3) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La) 87.75 points on Buffalo Hump (Hebert Bucking Bulls/Barry&Aliceson), $1,170; 4/5) Travis Brisco (Edgewood, NM) 87.5 on Matt Dillon (Curtis Mendell/Mancreek Cattle Co.); 4/5) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 87.5 on Coyote Ugly (Danny Lemmon).
U.S. Air Force Invitational RESULTS

ROUND TWO: 1) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 87.75 points on Monkey Moves (Stace Smith Pro Rodeos), $2,730; 2) Travis Brisco (Edgewood, NM) 87.25 points on God’s Gift (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve), $1,950; 3/4) Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) 86.75 points on Semi-Automatic (Hebert Bucking Bulls) 3/4) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 86.75 points on Bad Action (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve); 5) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 86.5 points on Legacy (Silverado Rodeo Company).

BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND:
1) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) on Grey Dog (D&H Cattle Company), $2,730; 2) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 89.75 points on Chester (Mendell/Jaeger), $1,950; 3) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goianla, GO, Brazil) 86.75 points on Migraine (Silverado Rodeo Company) $1,170; Aaron Roy (Asqulth, SK, Canada) 86 points on El Presidente (Jeff Robinson/Bar None/SkyHawk).

OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS:
1) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 264.5 points, $35,316.50; 2) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goianla, GO, Brazil) who scored 258.5 points, $17,192.50; 3) Brazilian Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 176.75 points, $12,497.50; Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 172.75 points, $6,648. Aaron Roy (Asqulth, SK, Canada) 171.75 points, $4,422.50.

BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)

1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 8,075.75 points, $251,368.34; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 7,537.25 points, $159,079.68; 3) J B Mauney Mooresville, N.C.) 7,228.25 points, $163,365.51; 4) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goianla, GO, Brazil) 5,879.25 points, $87,439.26; 5) Zack Brown (Edgewood, N.M.) 5,742.00 points, $133,823.97; 6) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 5,425.50 points, $85,882.69; 7) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 5,343.75 points, $81,325.47; 8 ) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 5,243.00 points, $99,315.79; 9) Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) 5,179.75 points, $80,212.62; 10) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4,965.25 points, $84,800.47.

Two-Time PBR World Champion Takes Worcester Event Title!

sportsimagetimes — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:02:22 +0000

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 3, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) took the top 40 bull riders in the world to Massachusetts for three performances of non-stop action on May 1-3. At stop #20 on the prestigious Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS), two-time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) left Worcester’s DCU Center victorious after totaling 350 points on four bulls and took home the coveted U.S. Air Force Invitational event title, pocketing a check for $34,746.50 and collecting valuable points in the 2009 World Standings.

“It’s been a while since I’ve won one of these,” Shivers said from the winner’s circle. “I’ve placed second at a couple of the events, but that doesn’t cut it when it comes down to the World Championship race. I’m just glad I was able to get this win.”

In round one, Shivers took on the bull, Legacy, owned by Silverado Rodeo Company, for 86.25 points. He rode Jeff Robinson/Larry the Cable Guy’s bull, Gappy Joe, for 86 points in round two and scored another 86 points in round three after riding Rice Ranch’s Push Baby. Shivers went into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round in first place and chose to ride the bull, Buckeye, owned by Silverado Rodeo Company. He tamed the bull for 91.75 points, splitting first and second place in the round as well as taking the coveted event title. Shivers totaled 350 points and was one of only four men to ride all four of his bulls over the three-day event.

Reigning World Champion Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) finished second in the average after totaling 348 points. He added $16,412.50 to his bank account. Taking third place was North Carolina superstar J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) who totaled 347.25 points and received a check for $14,096.50 while Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) finished fourth place with 347 points and $7,452.50. Rounding out fifth place was Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) who left Massachusetts with a total of 253.25 points and walked away with a check for $4,818.

The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders to Des Moines, Ia., for the Genuity Classic, stop #21 on the prestigious BFTS tour. The Wells Fargo Arena will play host to the world’s top bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country on May 8-9. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening.

INJURY REPORT:
Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) sprained his right elbow. He is probable for the Des Moines event.

Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) suffered a concussion and a chin laceration. He is probable for next weekend’s event.

Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.) has a possible fracture in his right wrist (free arm). He will ride next weekend.

BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round two win at last weekend’s Bass Pro Shops Shootout presented by Tracker Boats in Omaha, Neb., Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the U.S. Air Force Invitational. Willingham did not make the whistle on the bull, Scaredy Cat; therefore, the stock contractor, Dakota Rodeo/Denny Hawks, took home the $5,000 bonus.

Due to his round one win at the U.S. Air Force Invitational, Clayton Baethge (Johnson City, Texas) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round two. Because he did not make the eight-second whistle on the bull, Carolina Cat, the stock contractor, Walton & Wagoner Bucking Bulls was awarded the $5,000 bonus.

As the winner of round two, Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) will be eligible for the $5,000 bonus during round three of the competition. Palermo did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, SkyHawk Cut-A-Rug; therefore, the stock contractor, Jeff Robinson/Broken N-N/Kenny Jack, received the $5,000 bonus.

As the winner of round three at the U.S. Air Force Invitational, J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) will be eligible for the bonus during round one at the 21st BFTS stop in Des Moines, Ia.

Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Two-time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and won the U.S. Air Force Invitational and collected the $5,000 bonus. The bonus will be $5,000 at the next event in Des Moines, Ia. It grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.

Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the U.S. Air Force Invitational event winner, Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.

Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bull, Code Blue, owned by Walton & Wagoner/Berger & Struve, earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46.5 points. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.

High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) recorded the high-marked ride of the U.S. Air Force Invitational in Worcester, Mass., during round two. He took on the bull, Apollo, owned by Box K Cattle, for 92.5 points.

Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race is going strong and as of the U.S. Air Force Invitational, Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) continues to hold a slight lead over young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS). A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

U.S. Air Force Invitational RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Clayton Baethge (Johnson City, Texas) 87.25 points on Fully Loaded (Dakota Rodeo.Clay Struve), $7,000; 2/3) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 87 points on Black Gold (Silverado Rodeo Company), $4,000; 2/3) Aaron Roy (Asquith, SK, Canada) 87 points on Silent Image (Silverado Rodeo Company), $4,000; 4/5/6) Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) 86.75 points on Monkey Wrench (Silverado Rodeo Company), $1,333; 4/5/6) Beau Hill (West Glacier, Mont.) 86.75 points on SkyHawk Cut-A-Rug (Jeff Robinson/Broken N-N/Kenny Jack), $1,333; 4/5/6) McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) 86.75 points on Bird Creek (Jeff Robinson/Bar None/Leon Frakes Bucking Bulls), $1,333.

ROUND TWO: 1) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 92.25 points on Apollo (Box K Cattle), $2,730; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 90.25 points on Buckeye (Silverado Rodeo Company), $1,950; 3) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 89.25 points on Bad Action (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve), $1,170; 4) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 88.5 points on Big Tease (Dakota Rodeo/Julie Rosen); 5) Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) 87.75 points on Live Wire (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve).

ROUND THREE: 1) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 87 points on Lil’ Feller (Jeff Robinson/Bar None Bucking Bulls), $2,730; 2) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 86.75 points on Eviction (Robinson/Tedesco), $1,950; 3) LJ Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) 86.25 points on Mean Machine (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen), $1,170; 4) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 86 points on Never Enough (Rice Ranch); 5) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 85.75 points on May Day (5G Farms Bucking Bulls).

BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1/2) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 91.75 points on Apollo (Box K Cattle), $2,340; 1/2) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 91.75 points on Buckeye (Silverado Rodeo Company), $2,340; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 90.25 points on Say I Won’t Gunner (Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve), $1,170; 4) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 90 points on All IN (Dakota Rodeo/Naccarato/Struve).

OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 350 points, $34,746.50; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 348 points, $16,412.50; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 347.25 points, $14,096.50; 4) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 347 points, $7,452.50; 5) Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) 253.25 points, $4,818.

BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)

1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 7,923.25 points, $249,744; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 7,537.25 points, $159,080; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 6,847 points, $155,098; 4) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) 5,604.75 points, $132,512; 5) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 5,343.75 points, $81,325; 6) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 5,170.75 points, $70,247; 7) Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) 5,018 points, $78,238; 8 ) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4,965.25 points, $84,800; 9) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 4,833.75 points, $73,385; 10) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 4,755.25 points, $92,668.

North Carolina Superstar Takes Third Event Win of the 2009 Season!

sportsimagetimes — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:06 +0000

Brian Canter takes the Bass Pro Shops Shootout win, winning back-to-back event titles in Omaha.

OMAHA, Neb. (April 25, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) took Nebraska by storm as the top 40 bull riders in the world invaded Omaha’s Qwest Center on April 24-25. The world’s best riders took on the toughest bulls that the PBR had to offer at the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Shootout presented by Tracker Boats, stop #19 on the PBR’s elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) tour. In the end, Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) took home the coveted event title after being one of only two men to ride all three of his bulls. He scored a total of 270.25 points and collected a check for $56,022. This win gave Canter back-to-back event titles in Omaha and makes this the third BFTS event he has won in 2009. He added valuable points to his 2009 BFTS standings, moving him into the top ten in the world.

“I felt really good going into this weekend,” Canter stated from the winner’s circle. “I’ve been working really hard at home and have been going to the gym since winning this event last year. Going into this event, I told myself I was going to win it again. With a 93 last night, I had confidence going into tonight.”

Canter took on top-rated bull of round one, Crosswired, owned by D&H Cattle Co./Clifton Wiggins, for 93 points, earning a first place finish. He followed that up with a sixth place finish in round two after earning an 85.75 point ride on Danny Lemmons’ bull, Coyote Cat. He entered the Built Ford Tough Championship Round in first place with a total of 178.75 points and chose to take on the bull, Chester of Mendell/Jaeger, in the PBR Bull Draft. Canter tamed the top animal athlete for 91.5 points, not only splitting first and second place in the round, but locking up the coveted Bass Pro Shops Shootout event title.

“It seems as if everything is going my way right now,” Canter continued. “Lately, as soon as I get off one bull, I can’t wait to get on the next.”

PBR superstar J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) took second place after riding all three of his bulls for 263 points, adding a check for $16,104 to his bank account. The two North Carolina men not only finished one-two at the Omaha event, but were the only two riders to cover all three of their bulls over the weekend. Veteran rider Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) finished third after totaling 177.75 points and took home a check for $12,540. Taking fourth place was home state favorite Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) who finished the weekend with 173.25 points and collected $7,038 for his efforts. Rounding out fifth place was Team Enterprise rider Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) who covered two bulls for 171.75 points and added $5,270 to his 2009 earnings.

The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders in the world to New England for stop #20 on the prestigious BFTS tour. PBR will buck into the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., for the twelfth consecutive year on May 1-3, showcasing the best bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.

INJURY REPORT:
Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) broke his nose during round one and tore ligaments in his elbow and will undergo an MRI for further evaluation. He did not compete in round two and is doubtful for Worcester.

Billy Robinson (Galax, Va.) suffered a chin laceration. He competed in round two.

Shane Proctor (Grand Coulee, Wash.) strained his groin at a Challenger event and reaggravated it during round one in Omaha. He is out for the Worcester event.

Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) underwent a CT scan after being stepped on his chest during round two. He has bleeding in his lungs, liver, and spleen and fractured a few ribs. He will stay at the hospital for the next couple of days for observation. He will not compete in Worcester.

Reese Cates (Carthage, Texas) pulled his groin during round two. He is out for the Worcester event.

Ben Jones (Sunset, Texas) sprained his left MCL at a Challenger event and reaggravated it in Omaha. He will not compete in Worcester.

BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round three win at The NILE Invitational in Billings, Mont., Michael Manes (Conway, Ark.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Bass Pro Shops Shootout in Omaha, Neb. Manes did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Rocko; therefore, the stock contractor, 4C’s/Sills/HD Bucking Bulls, was awarded the $5,000 bonus.

As the winner of round one, Team Enterprise rider Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during the second round of competition. Canter made the eight second whistle on the bull, Coyote Cat, owned by Danny Lemmons; therefore, he took home the $5,000 bonus.

As the winner of round two at the Bass Pro Shops Shootout, Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) will be eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during round one at the 20th BFTS stop in Worcester, Mass.

Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and won the Bass Pro Shops Shootout; therefore, he collected the $20,000 bonus. The bonus will be $5,000 at the next event in Worcester, Mass. It grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.

Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the Bass Pro Shops Shootout event winner, Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.

Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bull, Crosswired, owned by D&H Cattle Co./Clifton Wiggins, earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 45.5 points. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.

High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) recorded the high-marked ride at the Bass Pro Shops Shootout in Omaha, Neb. Canter rode the bull, Crosswired, owned D&H Cattle Co./Clifton Wiggins, for 93 points during round one.

Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race is heating up and as of the Bass Pro Shops Shootout, Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) continues to hold a slight lead over young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS). A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

Bass Pro Shops Shootout presented by Tracker Boats RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 93 points on Crosswired (D&H Cattle Co./Clifton Wiggins), $2,730; 2) Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) 88 points on Good Time Charley (D&H Cattle Company/Buck/Watts), $1,950; 3/4) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 87.5 points on Range War (Circle T Ranch & Rodeo), $975; 3/4) Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) 87.5 points on Hit Man (“Mo” Betta Bull Company), $975; 5) Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) 86.75 points on Habanero (Mossyrock Cattle Company).

ROUND TWO: 1) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 88 points on Frosty (Circle T Ranch & Rodeo), $2,730; 2) Ben Jones (Sunset, Texas) 87.25 points on Rewind (Mann Creek Cattle Co./Curtis Mendell), $1,950; 3) Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) 86.5 points on Say When (Martinez Bucking Bulls, LLC), $1,170; 4/5) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 86 points on Turbo Charger (Martinez Bucking Bulls, LLC); 4/5) LJ Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) 86 points on Override (Chad Berger/Clay Struve).

BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1/2) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 91.5 points on Chester (Mendell/Jaeger), $2,340; 1/2) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 91.5 points on Ricky Bobby (HD Page/Bill & Betty Morrison), $2,340; 3) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 89.75 points on Maverick (Lufkin Ranch & Rodeo), $1,170; 4) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 87 points on Homer Simpson (Hyland Cattle Company); 5) McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) 84.5 points on Tahonta’s Shadow (4C’s Bucking Bulls/James Sills).

OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 270.25 points, $56,022; 2) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 263 points, $16,104; 3) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 177.75 points, $12,540; 4) Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) 173.25 points, $7,038; 5) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 171.75 points, $5,270.

BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)

1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 7,923.25 points, $249,744; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 6,649.25 points, $142,667; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 5,944.75 points, $141,001; 4) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) 5,521.75 points, $132,512; 5) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 5,072.75 points, $79,427; 6) Ryan McConnel (Colgate, Okla.) 4,887.5 points, $77,965; 7) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4,514.5 points, $82,000; 8 ) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 4,473.75 points, $184,502; 9) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 4,378.75 points, $62,794; 10) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 4,349.5 points, $64,755.

NASCAR Legends at Bristol!

sportsimagetimes — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:12:53 +0000

Where in the world can you see Linda Vaughn (Miss Hurst) and David Pearson within 20 feet of each other? BRISTOL!

Bristol, TN 03/21/2009 Editorial by Jeff Kluss/SIT: Well it was a major weekend for the Bristol races, but what folks were sticking around for after the Nationwide Series Race on Saturday was much more significant to me and the other 100,000 fans which never left their seats. It only consisted of 35 laps and lasted for less than an hour including the driver introductions. Maybe it was the idea of getting to see a great event that may never occur again due to the aging Hall of Famers that participated. Possibly it was that these participants help shape and mold the sport of NASCAR. For me, it was the idea of seeing childhood heroes that raced like crazed men on a mission since it definitely wasn’t for the endorsement income since it didn’t exist when they competed.

Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison in the infield at Daytona in 1979

Photo courtesy of ISC Archives

I was a late bloomer since I didn’t start attending NASCAR races on a regular basis until 1978. But I definitely remember what happened in Daytona in 1979. It was all over the television when Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough were battling down to the last lap…then it happened. They took each other out of the race, and Richard Petty took the win by default. But no one was paying attention to the King crossing the finish line since the spectacle was on the infield. Cale and Donnie were going at it while the crowd watched intently.

Wayne Estes, Jack Ingram, Cale Yarborough, Sterling Marlin, Harry Gant, Phil Parsons at Driver’s Meeting.

First Photo: Cale in the pits at Bristol. Second Photo: Cale coming out of turn 2 in his Late Model Busch sponsored car.

Those were the great days of NASCAR before fines and suspensions. All those memories and more came back in a flash with seeing all these great drivers back in a car, thanks to Wayne Estes and all the folks at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Special thanks to my second daddy Jack “Iron Man” Ingram for letting me tag along. I was able to relive all the great memories of those bygone NASCAR days when big budgets and multiple team ownership were non-existent. It is still exhilarating to see fans recognize the 5 time Late Model Sportsman and Busch Series winner. And it was great to see a smile on his face when he got in his car once again. As we all know, heroes are a rare commodity today.

Jack in his #11 Late Model before the race and then Jack “Iron Man” at Charlotte in 1974 with his Chevy Monte Carlo

What was very cool was listening in to all the conversations that were conducted left ear to left ear due to all these great drivers being mostly deaf in their right ears since there was very little or no ear protection in the old days.

Jack and Rusty discussing how the #2 car had an illegal B pillar and higher than legal rear spoiler..but the $200 thousand price tag for the car and wind tunnel testing for a Charitable race never came up…..or did it?

Of course the legends in attendance didn’t stop there. The Allison brothers showed up to see all the hoopla and to converse with all their former competitors.

Bobby and Donnie Allison on the infield at Bristol, and of course Donnie’s Ford Torino at Daytona in 1969.

But another real treat was to see Robert “Junior” Johnson actually get in the car once again. Course Jimmy Spencer just had to tap him and spin him out before the race really got underway.

Junior Johnson on the infield with David Green and of course Junior in his car at Daytona in 1964.

Of course it was great seeing the two Skoal Bandit Drivers on the track once again…that is Harry Gant in the #33 and Jack Ingram in the #11.

It has been my privilege to go to more NASCAR races than I can begin to count, five Hall of Fame inductions where I sat at the table and told jokes with Jack, King Richard, and Benny Parsons. I’ve shared photographic stories with T. Taylor Warren (God bless you Taylor, you will be missed.) But actually getting an opportunity to see all my childhood heroes drive again was something that will never be forgotten. If you missed this one, you missed something really special. Wayne Estes and the folks at Bristol want to repeat this again, but it makes me wonder if this kind of magic can actually happen again? I hope so.

Iroquois Steeplechase: Tennessee’s Premiere Horse Race Attracts The Elite In Sport and Society

sportsimagetimes — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:01:43 +0000

Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT

68^th Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase Set for May 9, 2009

Spectators May Witness History as Good Night Shirt Seeks Third Consecutive Title

Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On the second Saturday of every May – one week after another popular horse race, the Kentucky Derby – Nashville society gathers in the boxes at Percy Warner Park to witness steeplechasing’s premiere spring contest and Music City’s traditional rite of spring, the iconic Iroquois Steeplechase.

The 68^th running of the Iroquois Steeplechase – benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt – is slated for May 9, 2009.

Biggest Steeplechase in America’s Spring Season

While race day purses, bonuses and awards totaling $416,000 – the largest in American steeplechasing’s spring season and the second highest overall – attract the best horses and jockeys on the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) circuit, it is the tradition and pageantry of the Iroquois that draw a who’s who list of Southern society. Private box seats are filled with seersucker suits, sundresses, mint juleps and discussions of business and politics between the seven races of the day.

“The Iroquois Steeplechase has long been a major part of Nashville and Tennessee’s heritage – it is our traditional rite of spring,” said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “The excitement, pomp and renown that increase each year were present from the beginning, starting with the founders of the race. It all began with members of some of the most prominent families in Nashville and the prestigious Hillsboro Hounds.”

A Storied History: Serious Horseracing In Tennessee Predates Kentucky

Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT

Long before the first running of the Kentucky Derby, Tennessee – not Kentucky – was regarded as the center of horse breeding and racing in the United States. Tennessee’s renown as the center for thoroughbred horses and horse racing reached its pinnacle during the 19^th century with more than 10 established racetracks, 20 organized jockey clubs and Belle Meade in Nashville at the center of the horse racing region.

Hats at the Iroquois

Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT

In 1906, Tennessee passed an anti-betting law, bringing an end to horse racing in Tennessee for many years. However, the void was filled in 1936 when Marcellus Frost, John Sloan, Sr. and Mason Houghland, together with members of the Hillsboro Hounds and through ties to President Franklin Roosevelt, built a steeplechase racecourse in front of a hillside in Percy Warner Park. The first running of the Iroquois Steeplechase – named for Pierre Lorillard’s Iroquois, the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby – was held in 1941. The Iroquois has run continuously since, except for 1945 when it was suspended because of World War II.

Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT

Seven races are held throughout the day, including the Bright Hour Amateur Hurdle and Guilford Dudley Jr. Memorial Flat Race. The Iroquois course, regarded as one of the best racing surfaces in the country, is maintained year-round with a computer-controlled, golf course style irrigation system. Below the course turf is 640 tons of sand that helps the course retain moisture and provides cushion to the horses in an effort to reduce race injuries. The Iroquois was one of the first steeplechase courses to use an irrigation system.

The Spring Gathering of Southern Society

“Remarkably, the Iroquois Steeplechase remains unchanged, for the most part, from its roots,” said Hall. “It remains the last surviving example in Tennessee of what horse racing was meant to be. And because of this, it continues to attract the crème de la crème of Southern society. But, beyond the excitement of great racing, the Iroquois Steeplechase continues to be one of the biggest and longest running fundraisers for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.”

Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, Children’s Hospital has received more than $9 million from the event proceeds.

For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.

Marchi Defends His Event Title in Kansas City!!

sportsimagetimes — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:59:37 +0000

The 2008 PBR World Champion took his first win of the 2009 Built Ford Tough Series season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 8, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) thrilled the Show-Me State as the top 40 bull riders in the world competed at the Kansas City Invitational brought to you locally by Troy-Bilt, the second of two back-to-back stops in Missouri. On stop #13, the world’s best riders took on the toughest bulls the PBR had to offer at Kansas City’s Sprint Center on March 7-8. In the end, 2008 PBR World Champion and defending Kansas City event champion Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) took home the coveted event title after riding all three of his bulls for 267 points. He collected a check for $36,642.50 and jumped from sixth to third place in the 2009 Built Ford Tough World Standings.

“I try my best all of the time and this week I drew good bulls,” the 2008 World Champ said from the winner’s circle. “This weekend was great for me and I love Kansas City. I thank God that I am able to ride and I would like to thank my fans for all of their support.”

Marchi finished third in round one after scoring 87.5 points on the bull, Velvet Elvis, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls. He followed that up with a second place finish after scoring an 89.5 point ride on the bull, Stiffler, owned by Boyd/Floyd Bull Company, during round two. He entered the Built Ford Tough Championship Round in first place with a total of 177 points and picked the bull, Big Iron, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls, in the PBR Bull Draft. Marchi tamed the top animal athlete for 90 points, locking up not only the Championship Round victory, but the coveted Kansas City Invitational event title.

Oregon fan favorite Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) took second place after riding all three of his bulls for 263 points, adding $15,320.50 to his bank account. Taking third place was Brazilian superstar Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) who scored 261.75 points over the weekend and collected a check for $10,664.50. Last weekend’s BFTS event winner Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) took fourth after scoring 247.5 points and took home a check for $6,472.50 and rounding out fifth place was young gun McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) who covered two of his bulls for 171.75 points and added $4,506 to his 2009 earnings.

The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders in the world to Alabama for stop #14 on the prestigious BFTS tour. PBR will buck into Birmingham’s BJCC Arena on March 14-15, showcasing the best bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.

INJURY REPORT:
Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) suffered a shoulder strain and is probable for next weekend’s BFTS event in Birmingham.

Ednei Caminhas (P.Alves, SP, Brazil) suffered a concussion after bucking off his round two bull. He is probable for next weekend’s competition.

Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) received a concussion after bucking off his round one bull. He did not compete in round two.

Cody Ford (Stanfield, Ore.) suffered a concussion and a laceration to the head after riding his round one bull. He competed during the second round of the Kansas City Invitational.

Kasey Hayes (Liberal, Kan.) suffered a high ankle sprain during round one in Kansas City. He did not ride in Sunday’s round.

Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) aggravated a strained shoulder he suffered during last weekend’s event in St. Louis. He did not ride in round two of the Kansas City Invitational.

BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round three win at last weekend’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car Invitational, Bryan Richardson (Dallas, Texas) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Kansas City Invitational. Because he did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Diamond Heat, the stock contractor, John & Karen Sirridge, took home the $5,000 bonus.

As the winners of round one at the Kansas City Invitational, Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) and Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) were eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during round two. Clark did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Kiss Off; therefore, the stock contractor, Hebert Bucking Bulls, received their share of the $5,000 bonus. Farley also did not ride for the full eight seconds after taking on the bull, Matt Dillon, so stock contractor, Mann Creek Cattle Co./Curtis Mendell, took home part of the $5,000 bonus.

As the winner of round two at the Kansas City Invitational, Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) will be eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during round one at the 14th BFTS stop in Birmingham, Ala.

Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and won the Kansas City Invitational; therefore, he collected the $5,000 bonus. The bonus will be $5,000 at the next event in Birmingham, Ala. It grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.

Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the Kansas City Invitational event winner, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.

Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bull, Crosswired , owned by D&H Cattle Company, earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46.75 points. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.

High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) recorded the high-marked ride of the Kansas City Invitational in Kansas City, Mo., during round two after riding the bull, Chester, owned by Mendell/Jaeger, for 90.5 points.

Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race is heating up and as of the Kansas City Invitational, young gun Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) still holds the lead over young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS). A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

Kansas City Invitational RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1/2) Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) 87.75 points on I’ll Make You Famous (Kooper Branum & Gene Baker), $2,340; 1/2) Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) 87.75 points on V1 (Shad Smith), $2,340; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 87.5 points on Velvet Elvis (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $1,170; 4) Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) 87.25 points on Life Sentence (5G Farms Bucking Bulls/Jim & Kelly Orhood); 5) Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) 87 points on Depths of Despair (5G Farms Bucking Bulls/Jim & Kelly Orhood).

ROUND TWO: 1) Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) 90.5 points on Chester (Mendell/Jaeger), $2,730; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 89.5 points on Stiffler (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company), $1,950; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 88.25 points on Yosemite Sam (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $1,170; 4) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 87.75 points on The Bug (Hebert Bucking Bulls/Georgia Akers); 5) Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) 87.5 points on Black Mamba (Martinez Bucking Bull, LLC).

BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 90 points on Big Iron (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $2,730; 2/3) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 89.5 points on Pearl Snap (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company), $1,560; 2/3) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 89.5 points on Hot Stuff (D&H Cattle Company), $1,560; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 89 points on Sure Fire (D&H Cattle Company).

OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 267 points, $36,642.50; 2) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 263 points, $15,320.50; 3) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 261.75 points, $10,664.50; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 247.5 points, $6,472.50; 5) McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) 171.75 points, $4,506.

BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)

1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 4,914.25 points, $163,646; 2) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 4,496.5 points, $119,579; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 4,026.75 points, $94,077; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 3,873.5 points, $60,359; 5) Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.) 3,583 points, $52,240; 6) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 3,554.5 points, $56,497; 7) Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) 3,481 points, $103,042; 8 ) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) 3,250.5 points, $78,126; 9) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 2,989.75 points, $29,489; 10) Cody Ford (Stanfield, Ore.) 2,801.75 points, $83,356.

RAY EVERNHAM ANNOUNCES FUTURE PLANS

sportsimagetimes — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:02:36 +0000

Industry Leader Balances Interests in NASCAR with Racetrack Ownership, Driver Development, Racecar Engineering and Television Broadcasting

MOORESVILLE, NC (January 27, 2009) – Ray Evernham has been long known for his leadership atop the pit box of NASCAR stars like Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne, guidance of Dodge’s return to NASCAR racing and technological innovation that changed the sport.Evernham announced today that he officially is passing the torch on race team entrepreneurship to new team owners like Tony Stewart and Tommy Baldwin. He will now focus his attention on broadcasting, preserving racing venues for future generations, helping develop young drivers and setting new records.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments I’ve achieved with my colleagues and partners over more than two decades in racing, from the early days in IROC to the championship years with Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon to leading Dodge’s return to NASCAR as a team owner,” said Evernham. “It has been an amazing journey, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people and gain invaluable experience throughout the years.”

Evernham is relinquishing his leadership role at Richard Petty Motorsports to pursue new opportunities in motorsports, from grassroots racing to NASCAR and beyond. He is focusing his short-term efforts on establishing Ray Evernham Enterprises, broadcasting races for ESPN, managing East Lincoln Speedway, opening a new museum and entertainment facility in Mooresville, NC, (shown at right), helping develop young drivers and designing racecars for several key events.

“I’m not retiring from racing or putting NASCAR on a back burner,” he noted. “I’m committed to the growth and success of the sport overall, and to building championship teams and organizations in many different levels of racing in the future. I spent my first decade in racing driving and working on racecars. My next decade I went from a rookie crew chief to a NASCAR champion. My third decade I had the opportunity to lead a manufacturer back into the sport and own a team.. Who knows what my fourth decade in the sport will hold?”

Evernham, whom motorsports media voted “The Greatest Crew Chief of All Time”, won three NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as Jeff Gordon’s crew chief and led Dodge in its re-entry into NASCAR.

Long term, Evernham is looking at long-term opportunities to contribute his technological expertise, operational excellence, innovation and racing business acumen to the NASCAR business community as it redefines itself in the current economy.

“I wish Richard Petty and the entire Petty organization success in their new partnership with George Gillett,” added Evernham. “I’m proud of what I accomplished there, and am proud to see the Petty name live on as part of that organization.”

Ray Evernham will retain select contractual obligations to Richard Petty Motorsports, including a minority ownership in the race team and a consulting agreement with the team.Evernham has several projects on his plate, with plans for many more in the future. While he has been competing at Daytona in some form since 1984, this year he isn’t as busy preparing for the start of the NASCAR season. But, certainly isn’t relaxing in his retirement nor has he ruled out future involvement in the Sprint Cup Series.

Evernham Purchases East Lincoln Speedway

Evernham recently purchased the East Lincoln Speedway, a 3/8 mile dirt track located on Mariposa Road in Lincoln County, NC. The facility was built by Ralph Nantz and opened for racing in 1990. The 2009 season will mark its 19th consecutive year of racing. The Speedway runs various classes of cars ranging from Micro-sprints to Late Model Modified-Sportsman.

“When I sold the majority interest in Evernham Motorsports to George Gilllett in 2007, one of my goals was to find ways to give back to the sport and help up-and-coming drivers find a safe, low-cost way to race,” said Evernham. “Unfortunately, rising property values and land development have taken away many of the great dirt tracks around the country. With the acquisition of the East Lincoln Speedway, I can make sure that racers in the Charlotte area will have access to a safe, low-cost, family friendly racing facility for many years to come.”

The transaction was negotiated by Bob Mack, who also will be a minority owner of the speedway.

Setting the Land Speed Record

Working with NHRA star Doug Herbert, Evernham is helping design and build a land speed car to break the 500 mph land speed for a piston-driven car. They are planning to make their attempt in August 2009 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Herbert is participating in the land speed record effort car in honor of his B.R.A.K.E.S. Foundation.

Creating Racing Opportunities for Young Stars

To help young – and young-at-heart — racers afford to compete in safe, reliable cars, Evernham is helping promote a class of four-cylinder speedsters for Tobias Speedsters for Rich Tobias from Pennsylvania and helping field cars for qualified racers. The speedsters, designed for racing on pavement or dirt tracks, are available for approximately $17,000 with the engine included.

“It’s hard to be able to afford to make the transition to a larger car and get the experience you need,” he said. “I want to give young people who have talent and a commitment to furthering their experience an affordable way to move to the next level.”

Evernham on ESPN

Evernham will continue his duties in the booth for ESPN with co-hosts Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty and Alan Bestwick for a number of NASCAR races throughout the season. He also will be at the ESPN Studios on Mondays as a host of “NASCAR Now”.

Rick Hendrick on Ray Evernham:

What do you see as his legacy?

He is just so innovative. He brought such new thinking and ideas to this sport, from the way you train a pit crew to the way you organize, the way you hire them, he really kind of brought our company to a new level and a new way of thinking. I think he revolutionized the sport. He opened the doors for a lot of engineering and other people. He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met. He’s just got tons and tons of talent. What he did to start teams from scratch, to build what he built is unbelievable in the short period of time he did it in. I know how hard it is. He’s quite a talented guy and it’s just amazing his energy level and what he’s willing to sacrifice to get the job done, always thinking outside the box. He’s one of my best friends. I hated to see him go. The day he told me what he wanted to do it tore me up. At the same time, I did it. I left a guy to start my own business and I was happy for him. I wasn’t real happy to have to race against him, but he did a super job. I’m just real happy for him. I’m kinda jealous that he messes with his old cars now. We’ve been promising each other that we’re going to get a sandwich for about two years, so maybe we’ll get it done this winter.

What attracted you to him?

Just when you talk to him and you meet him and you listen to him, his approach to things and his organizational skills. His ability to attract people and know what to do, not willing to settle for mediocre results and have a plan of how to get there. Some of the things he talked with me about, I said, ‘I don’t know about that.’ Then you watch them unfold and you’re really impressed.

What was one of the best moments you guys had together?

Some of the most heartfelt moments was when I walked into the hospital in New York when Ray J was diagnosed with Leukemia and he wasn’t expecting me. I walked down the hall and they were sitting on a bed. I remember the emotions we felt then, and then the day I had to tell him I had Leukemia. We’ve been through some real trauma in life, too.He got me my first championship, so that was real special. I never thought I would win one of those things.

If you had to pick a new career for him, what would it be?

Anything he wants to do. He can run any kind of business. He can do whatever he wants to do. He’s that smart. He can adapt to anything. He can do what he wants to do. He’s the kind of guy that sets a goal and then a goal of how to achieve it. He’s unbelievable. He can do whatever he wants to do.

Bill Elliott on Ray Evernham

What do you think he’ll pursue next?

He’ll be back, some how, some way.

What will he be doing?

I don’t know, but he’ll be back.

Would you go back and drive for him?

No. I’m trying to get to the end of that.

What do you see as his contributions to the sport?

Ray has done a lot for the sport. I think if you look at the way he came about, it’s kind of like the great feel good NASCAR story. He got in his pickup truck, he drove down here, he started the deal. He was real ambitious. He got in at the right time. He got in with some good people, and everything came together. If you take it and you look at it in sections, he got down here and he got with the right people. All of a sudden he goes to Hendrick and there was Gordon. I guess there were together a little bit before they went to Hendrick. They got together and skyrocketed up. Then he decided to leave Hendrick and go do his own deal and bring Dodge back in. There, again, he got in with some pretty good people. That skyrocketed up. He came to me and asked me if I would drive and I think I fell on the floor. I couldn’t answer. I really struggled leaving Ford at that point in time, but I ran out of options. When Cal Wells came in and everything that happened through that McDonald’s era really put me in a bad deal. Then Ray bought my deal, worked hard, kept his nose to the grindstone and made some good decisions, but times were really good. Then George Gillett comes along and he sold out at probably the best time in his career.. If anybody could have timed it more perfectly, he did, when you look back on it today.

He’s done a lot. He’s been very innovative. But now that NASCAR has really changed the playing field. Innovation isn’t what racing is all about. It’s part of showing up and doing a race. Now, you go through inspection today, versus what it was 5, 10, 15 years ago it paid a premium on what you could innovate and come up with new ideas. Shoot, there’s nothing you can do today.

What is his lasting legacy to the sport?

I keep going back to the fact that he got the highest fine in NASCAR history at Charlotte for that spindle. That’s what I’ll always remember.

What about that Daytona 500 when you won the pole in Dodge’s first season?

I don’t think it really sank in for Ray. Watching him struggle that whole year, I think he realized car ownership, maybe what he wanted to do, at the end of the day. It sounds good having control over your own destiny, but the problem is you pick up so much other package when you agree to do that. That’s what I found out when I started doing my own deal.. Yea, I could control some things, but then there are some things that are out of control. Being a racer and trusting somebody to run the business, if you don’t bring that person in to trust them, then you’re screwed. That’s what I ended up doing. I took the sponsors for granted, so to speak, worked with them and did what I had to do, but then behind your back somebody else is trying to take your deal away. That left a bitter taste in your mouth..

Ray fell into the deal perfectly when he got in and when he got out, because if he was still in it today trying to find that next sponsor, that next deal is so much harder, versus what it was two, three, five, 10 years ago.

If you had to pick the next career for Ray, what would it be?

I don’t know. There will be something he’ll be doing somewhere, somehow, some way. I just know him too well. He will be into something.

Six Hours Competition for BOSCH KONI Challenge at VIR 2nd Closest in History

sportsimagetimes — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:05:34 +0000

ALTON, Va. (October 5, 2008) – After six hours of competition on the challenging 3.27-mile Virginia International Raceway, the No. 59 ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang came up less than a quarter of a second from winning their first race in the last race of the KONI Challenge season.

#59 Catches air in turn 4 at VIR

Photos by Jeff Kluss/ SIT

For this event, more than double the length of a normal KONI Challenge race, regular drivers Jack Roush, Jr. and Dean Martin teamed up with 19-year old Ryan Phinny to share the duties behind the wheel. It would be the first KONI Challenge race for Phinny, but not the first Grand-Am race as he had a standout season in the Rolex GT Series despite having limited starts this year.

#59 Leading the pack in turn 10 at VIR on lap 28

The team qualified in fourth position with Martin behind the wheel, a change in strategy from the other events this season which saw Roush as qualifier. At the green flag Martin quickly moved up to third and eventually took the lead on lap 28 as the pit sequences began. He paced the field until lap 33 when he dove into pit lane for fuel, four fresh tires and a driver change.

Phinny was next behind the wheel and he came out in 17th position. Still getting a feel for the KONI Challenge Mustang, which is much different than any type of car he has driven before, Phinny methodically worked his way through the field by passing cars on the track and as the different pit strategies played out. He moved into fourth position by lap 52, and then one more spot by lap 59 where, amazingly, he was running his fastest lap times despite having well-worn tires at this point of the event.

#59 Phinney on lap 59 at turn 11

On lap 61 Phinny took the point and tallied up his first laps led in KONI Challenge competition in his very first race in the series. He pulled into the pits on lap 64 and turned the wheel over to Roush who, with a fresh set of tires and a full tank of gas, came back into the fight in 11th place.

Roush began his march to the front by running consistent lap times and making calculated passes. A full course yellow flew and Roush dove in for a pit stop on lap 86 when he was running in second place. The Rehagen Racing team elected to take four tires and fuel, but left Roush in the car for a second stint. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the lug nuts on the right rear and Roush came out in 13th, the last car still on the lead lap.

Cool behind the wheel, Roush took to the challenge and began retaking the lost spots and eventually took the lead on lap 102. He led for three laps, and then gave up the top position to Rehagen Racing teammate Matt Plumb who was on a different pit sequence and had fresher rubber on his No. 60 Sunset Hills Vineyard Mustang.

Another full course yellow flew on lap 123 and one lap later Roush pitted and turned the car back over to Martin during a frantic pit road session that saw all the leaders pitting together in the same section with cars in front and behind the No. 59 ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang.

#59 midway up the Back Straight

Martin came out ninth with just over an hour left in the marathon. He had the Mustang flying, was posting the fastest lap times of any car on the track at that point, and quickly sliced his way through the field. He retook the lead on lap 138 with only 40 minutes left in the race, and had his teammate Hugh Plumb in the No. 60 Mustang on his bumper running second.

Martin was running quickly and led for six circuits when the duo came into Turn 2. Unfortunately, Plumb’s brakes were getting very worn by then and he was unable to slow his car down quickly enough and hit Martin’s rear bumper which pushed him out of the groove.

This put Plumb in the lead, and fortunately, Martin was able to recover quickly and lost just the one position. The two ran nose-to-tail until the No. 83 Porsche dumped oil through the downhill section of the course and the yellow flag flew again with less than 10 minutes remaining.

After the clean-up was completed (though many drivers complained the racetrack was still unsuited for racing) the Grand-Am officials threw the green flag for a two-lap dash to the finish.

When the checkered flag flew, Plumb was able to hold off Martin by 0.208-seconds making this the second-closest finish in KONI Challenge history. Though they just missed the victory, it was the season-best finish for the No. 59 ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang and remarkably all three of the drivers led the event; Martin headed the field for 11 laps, Phinny for four, and Roush paced the field for three circuits. No other team in the event had all their drivers lead the race.

As Martin climbed from the car he was both disappointed to finish as the runner-up, but happy to have the Regahen Racing cars take the top two positions.

As for the incident that knocked him out of the lead, he said, “We were racing hard, and I knew Hugh (Plumb) was light on brakes. I had brakes, but I was being a little conservative, and Hugh came in just a little bit deep. I knew he was going too light on brakes at the end, and I knew that when he hit me. I got crossed up and he got by me. I had some opportunities to get back around Hugh, but they were all going to be risky. The last thing I wanted to do was take my teammate out. Having a Rehagen car win was a team win. It was unfortunate that we got hit and turned sideways because we might have won it. But Hugh was certainly fast, and that’s the way it worked out. I’m not too upset about it, just disappointed. Jack (Roush, Jr.) and Ryan Phinny did an awesome job all day, (and) we all took turns at the front of the field.”

Pleased with his KONI Challenge career-best finish, Roush said, “This is a nice way to finish, with our best finish of the season. The car felt very strong out there. At one point, it felt like I was taking positions at will. It got a little harder at the end, when the tires went away, but the No. 59 Roush/Valvoline Mustang was awesome all day.” The team has run off six consecutive finishes of seventh or better to finish off the 2008 season.

Phinny did an outstanding job as the third driver, especially considering how different the KONI Challenge Ford Mustang handles as compared to other cars he has raced. He quickly got up to speed and was able to log lap times comparable with the leaders during his time behind the wheel.

“This car was very, very new to me,” he said. “I really didn’t expect the car to handle the way that it did. It took longer for me to learn the nuances of the H-pattern gear box and how a unibody chassis reacted. I’ve never been so slow to adapt to any car before, and I wish that there had been more time to log more laps before the race began to really get a feel for the car. Still, to get a podium finish in my first KONI Challenge race was a great experience.”

Left to Right,Dean Martin, Ryan Phinney, and Jack Roush Jr.

Overall, it was a tremendous day for the Rehagen Racing team with all three cars finishing on the lead lap and in the Top-10. The No. 60 Sunset Hills Vineyard Mustang won the race with Hugh Plumb, Mike Canney and Matt Plumb behind the wheel. The No. 52 Columbus Truck & Equipment Mustang, driven by Adam Pecorari, Ray Mason and Gene Martindale, finished in sixth. Overall, Ford Mustangs took five of the top-10 places in the event.

#52 Columbus Truck Mustang finished 6th

The No. 59 Ford Mustang, based out of the Rehagen Racing shop in Livonia, Mich., carries sponsorship from ROUSH Performance and Valvoline. In 2006, this was the highest-finishing Mustang in the series.

Second-Closest Finish in Grand-Am Koni History!

sportsimagetimes — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:04:11 +0000

#60 Mike Canney, Hugh Plumb, Mike Plumb in turn 2 at VIR KONI Challenge sponsored by Bosch

Photos by Jeff Kluss/SIT

Danville, Va. (October 5, 2008 ) – The second-closest finish in Grand-Am KONI Challenge series history occurred Sunday at VIRginia International Raceway. The Bosch Engineering Twin Six-Hour race for Grand-Am KONI Challenge cars went down to the wire, with Mike Canney, Hugh Plumb and Matt Plumb beating out the sister Rehagen Racing Mustang by only 0.208 second at the checkered flag, six hours after the green flag flew over the season’s final race. Third went to the TRG Porsche driven by Andy Lally, Peter Ludwig and Scott Schroeder.

“This is my first win in this series, so it’s really exciting, especially to do it like we did today,” commented Canney after the race. “Our crew chief Quinn Conda had a great setup… and the car handled really well during my stint. I’m happy to get a one-two finish for Rehagen Racing,” he added.

#60 at the Oak Tree turn 11 at VIR

Hugh Plumb noted that the team had to battle back from some minor adversity early in the race. “After I got hit on the first lap I had to take an extra pit stop to fix the damage,” he said. “And then I just had to put my head down, be consistent and catch the field, but the car was great and we just kept moving forward all day.”

The day’s action was punctuated by a spectacular crash involving the No. 18 Morris Animal Foundation BMW Z4 when Andrew Davis suffered a brake failure at the end of the track’s 5000-foot back straightaway, resulting in the car flipping and rolling before landing wheels down. Davis scampered from the wreckage unhurt.

#18 Morris Animal Foundation BMW Z-4 just prior to crash

The race wound down to a green-white-checker after a final caution for debris at the “Oak Tree” Turn Eleven, when the BGB Motorsports Porsche blew its engine and scattered debris on the track.

When the final points were tallied, Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster earned the season championship over Bret Seafuse and James Gue by only six points. The points championship for drivers came down to the final race of the season, as the top seven drivers were within 19 points of each other.

VIR’s next spectator event is a 13-hour enduro for Sports Car Club of America drivers in Showroom Stock, Improved Touring, Production and Touring cars, running from 9:00 AM until the checkered flag at 10:00 that night.