Winston Speedway
Van Wormer captures Player Hater 50
Jeep Van Wormer's crew enjoys victory lane. (Jim DenHamer)
ROTHBURY, Mich. (April 27) — Denied a victory the previous night, pole-starting Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Mich., broke through Saturday at Winston Speedway in his second start of the season. The 37-year-old Van Wormer collected $2,500 in the Player Hater 50 for his 31st career Sunoco American Late Model Series victory. | Slideshow
Former ALMS champ Rusty Schenk of Weston, Ohio, finished second with Rich Neiser of Fruitport, Mich., rallying to third and former Player Hater winner Mike Spatola of Manhattan, Ill., fourth. Van Wormer faced multiple challenges from Schlenk and Spatola, leading virtually the whole way in a race that was tight during the middle stages.
Notes: Van Wormer’s Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Bayline Fire Protection, Van Wormer Management, Allstar Performance and Penske Racing Shocks. ... Van Wormer is five victories behind all-time winningest ALMS driver the retired Kris Patterson, who posted 36 career victories. ... The victory is Van Wormer’s first since 2011. ... ALMS action continues May 5 at Fremont (Ohio) Speedway.
Player Hater 50: (1) Jeep Van Wormer, (2) Rusty Schlenk, (3) Rich Neiser, (4) Mike Spatola (complete finish unavailable).
Correction: Fixes winner's chassis make and corrects it's Van Wormer's first victory since 2011.
