With winter almost in the books, the ERL Big Block Modified Series rolled into Charlotte, North Carolina’s premier dirt track. As the teams unload the combined 9,780 horse powered Big Block Modifieds the crowd gathers. Engines roar and crew members scramble to get each of their machines ready for the nights event.
Suddenly work halts, the dust settles, and the National Anthem rings out from the loud speakers. Drivers, crew members, officials, and spectators, all stand at attention united for a brief moment as they honor a great tradition. Then, what they’ve all been waiting for, a boisterous voice comes over the loud speaker and announces, “Big Block Modified Heat one to staging”. This is it boys, it’s time to put up or shut up!
BLS_Deadbolt comes in off a win at Bloomington Speedway. Heavily favored for tonight’s event, he’s looking to add another feature win badge to the hood.
Heat one lines up with BLS_Deadbolt at the point, Squirrel 2nd, ERL_xXx 3rd, ERL_BBS starts 4th and in the 5th starting position is BLS_34. Deadbolt brings them around the light is out. As they come out of turn 4, BLS_Deadbolt charges out front and maintains the lead. The crowd goes wild as BLS_Deadbolt wins Heat #1, and sets the tone for the rest of the evening.
Heat two lines up with BLS_Superman on the pole, with Matzen in 2nd, ERL_BLKJAK 3rd, ERL_Gambler starting 4th, and BLS_42 starting in the 5th position. Superman sets the pace down the back stretch and as they come out of turn 4 the green flag flies. ERL_BLKJAK makes a move early and is in 2nd place, but BLS_Superman isn’t giving up without a fight. The laps wind down, the checkered flag waves and ERL_BLAKJAK wins Heat #2.
After a brief intermission, they line up for the Dash. It’s BLS_Deadbolt on the pole with ERL_BLKJAK to the outside. Row 2 has teammates BLS_34 and BLS_42 side by side, row 3 has Squirrel starting 5th and Matzen on the outside in the 6th position. The green flag drops and it’s a tight race to the finish where we find BLS_Deadbolt carrying the checkered flag for the second time tonight. He is really on a tear this evening winning his heat and the dash. Can he win the feature and pull off a triple crown?
The pits are swarming with drivers and crew members scrambling trying to figure out how to stifle BLS_Deadbolts evening. Crews work up to the last minute, some almost too long and the last call comes over the loud speaker, “Last call! Big Block Modified drivers to staging. You have 3 minutes to line up or you do not race!”. Cars come off the jacks and engines roar as the drivers rush to the lineup.
The A-Main lines up with BLS_Deadbolt on the pole. ERL_BLKJAK starts outside. Row 2 the BLS teammates side by side again with BLS_34 inside and BLS_42 outside. Row 3 starts Squirrel inside and Matzen outside. Row 4 has two more teammates ERL_xXx inside and ERL_Gambler on the outside. Row 5 has ERL_BBS inside with BLS_Superman outside.
They roll down the backstretch with BLS_Deadbolt setting the pace. As they roll into turn 3 they begin to pick up a little speed. As they come out of turn four the engines wind up and they are off. Down the front stretch BLS_Deadbolt takes the lead and never looks back. ERL_BLKJAK hits a rut going into turn 1 and plows the wall.
He quickly gathers it up and carries on making his way up through the pack for a remarkable 3rd place finish. But all eyes are on BLS_Deadbolt as he crosses the finish line for the win and the crowd goes nuts! He parks on the front stretch for his interview, but the announcer can not get onto the racing surface as the drivers all take an extra lap to stop by and congratulate BLS_Deadbolt for the domination.
When the announcer finally makes it over to the car to congratulate Deadbolt, he just replies, “Well I knew I had a fast car, I just had to get out front and stay out of trouble.” He promptly thanked the fans and the officials for a great night.
The pits were a buzz long into the night as everyone helped to celebrate BLS_Deadbolts victory.
Full results posted at http://teamerl.webs.com/2011ebbmseventresults.htm
Join us next week as the ERL Big Block Modified Series goes to Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio. The points are close, it’s anybodies championship, so don’t miss the action!
Written by: ERL_Turbo