KANNAPOLIS, NORTH CAROLINA- Almost everyone knew it was coming, but nobody knew when. Was a driver, fresh of becoming rookie of the year last season, capable of winning a VLR race this early into their career? The answer is yes is your VLR_McGee. "The Kid" from South Carolina silenced any critics he had, and anyone else who doubted that he could win at one of the toughest series of online racing. Not only did McGee grab his first career VLR win, he also sat on the pole for the 2nd straight week, and led every single lap, keeping teammate VLR_18 at bay for the win. Interviewers caught up with McGee before the race had even began to ask him about his chances, and if he was feeling a lot of pressure to pick up his first career win. The 42 year old McGee responded with a smile, saying "I'm too old for pressure," and from watching the race you would think McGee had already reached victory lane many times over at VLR, from his smooth, consistently fast driving style. Competing against some drivers who are less than half your age can be tough, but "The Kid" in the 53 car may have had an advantage a lot of these younger guys didn't. Patience. From the drop of the green flag VLR_McGee quickly lost the lead to WFO_17va on lap 1, before quickly getting back by him coming out of turn 4. This move was all it took for McGee to separate himself from the pack, while everyone else battled for 2nd. McGee was slowly driving away, hitting his marks lap after lap, while VLR_18 tried to run down WFO_17va for 2nd. Meanwhile, the cool and collected machine in the 53 continued hitting his marks, and spacing himself between the guys battling for 2nd. VLR_Shock was hanging on to 4th, with GLH_Diz in 5th, going for his first ever top 5 at VLR, after coming into the race 4th on the drivers to watch list. WFO_F1 was running 6th on lap 35, with 5 to go, after being involved in a lap 2 accident and rallying back to a respectable position. Dot was making his 2nd consecutive VLR start, and was holding off WFO_MVD for 7th. DTRS Hoover was running 9th, 3 laps down, with 5 laps left.
VLR_18 made the pass for 2nd, but VLR_McGee was already setting sail and well on his way to victory number 1 at VLR. WFO_17va, subbing in for the sick GLH_RB, continued in 3rd.
At the finish the crowd erupted to see the sentimental favorite from Spartanburg, South Carolina, VLR_McGee cross the finish line first, ahead of everyone else. A lot of his family was able to attend the event as well, since it was not very far at all from his home, so it was almost like a home track win for him. VLR_18 crossed the line in 2nd, and gave McGee a nice wave on the victory lap, as did 3rd and 4th place finishers WFO_17va and VLR_Shock. GLH_Diz held on for his first top 5. After the race we caught up with the team owner VLR_Shock to give his thoughts on McGee's victory. "Man this is just awesome. I was telling everyone before the race that I wanted to see McGee pick up his first win here, and I thought he could do it. No one had anything for him today, he just smoked all of us. I'm very proud of him and happy to see him get the win, I know he will start knocking them off in bunches now." McGee had a huge grin in victory lane when we caught up with him. "This is great. I want to thank my sponsors and this old Ford for getting me in victory lane for the first time at VLR. I don't know what to say, I'm so happy right now. If I never win another VLR race, I can still be happy just knowing I have at least one now." We have a feeling this won't be the only one.
Next week, on 5/30/09, the stars from the VLR National tour continue the 5th anniversary series with a stop at KsT Speedway in Wichita, Kansas, for a 50 lap main event. Only this time, there is more on the line than just bragging rights, as the winner will receive a fully customized t shirt with their car, name, and car number on it. So practice up and come on out. Also, beginning this weekend, qualifying will be live, meaning that it will be on the day of the race and not through the week like in previous races. The race still begins at 1 pm eastern, so show up in chat and you will be directed where to go for your 5 lap qualifying attempt. Good luck, we hope to see you come out and run!