IRWINDALE, California -- Todd Burns couldn't have asked for a better season to back up his 2002 Late Model Championship. He picked up his ninth win of the year on Saturday night in the AAA Late Model 50-lap main in his Villa Roma Sausage/George Foreman Sausage Products Chevrolet.
It was an unusual day at Irwindale Speedway, to say the least. Qualifying was canceled due to a super stock oiling down the track surface. The officials allowed the late models to have one more practice session for about eight laps after an extensive cleaning process. The call was made to start the main event off of points with the point's leader spinning the invert wheel. Burns spun a fifth place invert.
The 22-car field took to the track, unsure of what condition it would be to race. As the cars took the green, there was a red flag for a wreck on lap one. After another cleanup process, the field took the restart flag with Burns now running in the second position behind the #1 of Dave Hessing. Burns made the pass on Hessing to take the lead, but another red flag was waved on the third lap. At that restart, Burns pulled away from the field in the red flag/caution filled race to take his ninth win in 13 starts and his 35th overall win at the speedway.
"The car was just awesome. It was the best it's been since earlier this year. We made some changes and came here and tested last night and it responded well to the changes we made. I can't say enough about my team. They never give up and come out here week in and week out. They are the true meaning of dedication. Also, all our sponsors, Villa Roma Sausage - our newest sponsor, George Foreman Sausage Products - Ron's Rear Ends, Maropulos Racing Engines, Circle Racing Wheels, Dalcorp Racing, all the fans. Thank you," stated Burns. Later Burns relayed, "I dedicate this win to George Foreman. I got word that his message to us was that we needed to go out and win and this one is for him. Thanks, George!"
Burns Motorsports will be right back at Irwindale Speedway this Saturday night, August 23rd.
