Nathan Hutchinson
Register Sports Editor
RICHMOND
March 15, 2008 01:21 am
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Victor Lee didn’t win a race last year in the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series, but his steady, solid performances throughout the season earned him and his team a championship.
Lee, a native of Stanford, had more Top 10 finishes than any other driver and clinched the title for Frank Revel Motorsports of Richmond on Sept. 20 at the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown.
He finished with 4,161 points during the 22-race season, 279 points ahead of Jason Keltner.
“We set out to accomplish one goal and that was to win the series championship,” Lee told Dirt Late Model Magazine. “I can’t believe we accomplished it.”
Lee was in his first season driving for Frank Revel, a Madison County native who has extensive experience in motorsports. Revel started working on cars when he was just 16 years old and he built his first car from the ground up in 1995, which was driven by Jim Robinson of Waco.
His grandfather, Luther Goins, and uncle, Sam Goins, were also heavily involved in auto racing throughout the area.
“All of this wouldn’t have been possible this season without a lot of great help along the way,” Lee said. “I have to thank Frank for letting me drive the car. Without him, we wouldn’t be here. The man really knows racing.”
Revel’s experience and Lee’s driving ability were a big reason for the team’s success, but they certainly had some help on the way to the championship.
Lee flipped his car several times during time trials for the ninth annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial race, but used a back-up car provided by Tyrel Todd of Eubanks to finish 22nd and hold on to the points lead.
After a late-season accident, Tim Logan of Cattlesburg loaned the Revel team another back-up car. Lee went on to finish eighth the next day at the annual Labor Day event.
“Without him (Tim Logan), it wouldn’t have been possible,” Lee said.
Lee finished in the top five at the series-opening event at the Florence Speedway and “The Lincoln Leadfoot” would place in the top 10 in the next four events.
After some disappointing finishes in the middle of the season, the Revel Motorsports team bounced back. Lee had a fourth-place finish during the Speedweek event at the Richmond Speedway, then after a month off he took third at the Ponderosa Speedway.
He took sixth at the Fall 40 at the Richmond Raceway, then wrapped up the title at Bardstown.
“I have to thank my mom and family,” Lee said after clinching the title. “Without their support and that of my girlfriend, this wouldn’t be possible.”
The chassis of Lee’s car was built by C.J. Rayburn of Whiteland, Ind. and the motor was built by Jay Dickens of Mississippi.
The 2008 Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series is set to get under way on April 12 at Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, Ind.
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