July 5, 2010 Vern McLaughlin III headed for the 1/3 mile paved oval known as Wall Stadium to enter into
the 50 lap Street Stock main event piloting the #41 Frank Tilton owned Chevy Monte Carlo. Vern was
looking forward to having a good run, but from the very first practice lap the Whitehouse Station driver
took around the high banked oval he knew something was drastically wrong with the car and was not
going to be able to compete for the win or even a top five for that matter. The car was very loose, and was
hard to handle according to Vern. There was something noticed on the car in the shop on Friday that
looked questionable and showed signs that something could be wrong. Without enough time and help to
look into it Vern worked on getting the rest of the car prepared, and hoped for the best. It turned out that
the rear end housing of the car was bent causing the car to be super loose and not handle at all when on
the throttle. At the point of coming out of the turns where one would be on the gas full throttle, Vern had to
lift off the gas just to keep the car from spinning up into the outside wall loosing precious time on the
track. It was a lost cause as there was nothing that could be done to fix it at the track. After spending $800
just to make this race, and getting nothing in return Vern was very disappointed.
McLaughlin was scheduled to start in the 15th position in the 20 car field. Although the car was not right
he was going to try and run the whole 50 laps anyway, but on lap 24 the first caution flag was waved and
what happened after that was even more disappointing to Vern, and even more so very discouraging.
Earlier in the afternoon at the drivers meeting there were several different topics that were strongly
discussed about the race procedure of the 50 lap main event. There were specific rules that were going
to be enforced by the track if and when the caution flag came out. Well when that first caution flag waved
on lap 24 those rules that were told to each and every driver were broken by the track. The race director
did not follow the rules, and it had an impact on Vern and where he was going to restart. After stopping on
the track to ask an official what was going on he was told that what was happening was because he was a
lap down which was not true. The leaders did not pass Vern at this point, and regardless you always go
back to the previous lap and where ever the cars were that's where they are to be restarted. During the
drivers meeting it was said that whoever spins out and causes the caution flag to wave was going to be
put at the rear of the field for the restart. They specifically said that even if there are cars one lap down,
or even two or three laps down, the cars that spin out will go to the end of the line no matter what. Well
the two or three cars that were involved in spinning out on lap 24 were placed 8 cars ahead of the end of
the line. They were placed in front of Vern for the restart, and Vern argued that they were supposed to go
to the end of the line. After that happened, and Vern was getting no where with trying to fight for his
position, he was so disgusted with not only the way his car was running , but more so with the way the
track handled that line up for the restart that he immediately pulled off the track, packed up the car and
called it quits.
After the race Vern was quoted saying, "I've had enough of that crap at New Egypt Speedway being
screwed over by the race director, now I come to race at Wall and the same type of stuff happens. Its just
not worth it anymore, especially when you spend so much money trying to race, and also trying to follow
the rules as much as possible, but then there are times when the track doesn't even follow their own rules.
Its very discouraging."
Vern is not sure what's next on his racing agenda, as this season has already fallen apart as far as
running full time at one track for any type of Championship. Vern will continue to race on a part time basis
for the remainder of the 2010 season, but there is nothing definite yet on where and what he will race
next. Stay tuned here to find out what is next on Vern's schedule.
Saturday, July 10th is "Fan Appreciation Night" at Wall Stadium where the track will offer $10 admission
for all adults, and will host an on track party for all the fans. Race Teams that will be attending usually
have gifts for all the fans as well, so mark it on your calendars to visit Wall Stadium for lots of fun and hard
core racing action next Saturday night.
July 2, 2010 After taking some time off in the last few weeks, Vern McLaughlin III is set to be strapped in
Frank Tiltons #41 Chevy Monte Carlo Street Stock at Wall Twsp. Speedway Saturday night July 3rd. Its
the "BT Memorial" race consisting of 50 laps of hard core door to door action with 25 other Street Stocks.
McLaughlin has been provided a very competitive car and hopes to make it three in a row as the last two
times Vern has raced at Wall he won the race. The last race back in early June Vern had a very
dominating performance as he started dead last in 18th position and came to the front to lead the rest of
the pack by lap 8. From there on out no one could catch him. Vern is looking forward to the same results
on Saturday night, but realizes its not going to be as easy to win as it was in the Factory Stock Division.
He has some tough competition he will be up against. Never the less, Vern always puts on a great show
so come on down to Wall Twsp. Speedway Saturday night for some thrilling, bone chilling racing action.
The weather is going to be great and we are all looking forward to seeing all you fans at the track. Check
back Sunday for the complete race report.
May 9, 2010 After three months of hard work building and preparing the car done by Vern McLaughlin
III, and his couple of dedicated pit crew members that have been with him for years, they fell short of the
schedule, and missed the first Wednesday practice at New Egypt Speedway back on April 7th. Vern
wanted to get the car on the track so he recruited some more help, and spent very long hours, and late
nights getting the car ready. The car was finished thanks to the help of Vern's crew members, some of his
sponsors like Loumarc Signs, Barker Bus Co., and their sure determination to make the first race.
McLaughlin Motorsports made the second Wednesday practice and the first two races of the season
before Vern McLaughlin III made the decision to pull the plug, and cease operation on the #06 Big Block
Modified. Vern's girlfriend, Lisa Rivella, who also serves as Vern's promotion manager was quoted saying,
"Vern was just very uncomfortable with the direction the Modified Team was heading towards, and opted
to leave the seat."
After learning the details and the reasoning behind McLaughlin's decision we were able to understand
why Vern could not go on with racing the Modified. Just about right from the beginning when McLaughlin
brought the car back to the shop, tension slowly started to develop between McLaughlin, and sponsor
Dave Wellama of ShortLoad Concrete Co. who happened to be Vern's partner on the car, which is where
Vern now realizes that's where he made a mistake. "That's where I screwed up", McLaughlin stated.
"Neither one of us could afford to have this type of operation on our own, so that's when we decided to
partner up with a mocked, somewhat 50/50 ownership deal. If I would have just kept ShortLoad as a
sponsor only maybe things would have worked out different." The magnitude of stress that Vern was
going through was way to overwhelming for him. The anguish that Vern was being put through by his
partner with the enormous amount of work that was being left on his shoulders, constantly being let down
with promises that were never kept, and certain expectations failing to come through, the notable driver
just could not deal with it anymore. The un-called for verbal comments that were being directed towards
Vern, and the arguments that had developed because of it was not something that Vern had planned.
This was certainly was not something that he wanted to go through and experience with someone that he
had just began a relationship with. McLaughlin stated, "Its was just not worth it. Yea, it was great to be
strapped in the car out on the track. That's when I was having the little bit of fun that this whole deal
produced, but I certainly was not looking forward to coming off the track, and I was definitely not looking
forward to Monday mornings either. Someone that has been around the racing scene for thirty plus years,
who I have allot of respect for told me that if I was not having fun, then why bother doing it. I took those
words and used them to make my decision."
Having fun is the most important thing about racing. That's why all the racers do what they do, and that's
why Vern has been racing for fifteen plus years now. He had high hopes with moving up into the Modified
division, but all the fun of it came to a dead stop well before the car even rolled out onto the track. Trying
everything he could to save the partnership, and pressing on for a period of four weeks hoping that things
would get better, but they only got worse. It got to the point where McLaughlin made the decision to end
the whole deal, and part ways with ShortLoad Concrete Co. Vern explained that it takes a 110%
commitment to run a race team. An endless effort, putting almost everything else aside in life, and
focusing on the race car. Especially if you want to be competitive, and win races. Vern is one of the most
competitive and committed drivers out there which has been proven by his track records over the years.
Vern also explained that it would take certain qualifications to be partners and/or drive one of his cars.
Without those qualifications, its just not worth it to be involved or allow someone else to be involved in his
racing operation.
What does the future hold for Vern McLaughlin III? Well he certainly is not giving up on racing all
together. We have been told by sources from the McLaughlin team that he has been offered an asphalt
Modified ride if he chooses, and has also been offered a Street Stock ride from notable driver, and friend
Rob Longo. Vern is not sure what path he will take from here. He does still have his very potent #06
Outlaw Stock sitting in his shop restless and wanting to be brought out onto the race track again, and
informs us that he will be bringing it back out into competition sometime soon. Tracks such as Bridgeport
Speedway, Grandview Speedway, New Egypt Speedway, and Wall Stadium are some where we should
expect to see the #06 in action again. We will keep fans updated on which track Vern plans to visit next.
It is unfortunate that all things must come to an end sooner or later. We, as people, try to make the best
of everything in life, but sometimes things do not go as planned. There are times where things go wrong
right from the beginning, and you must end it quick before matters get worse. Its then where you learn
from your mistakes, and know not to repeat them. Then there are times where something may last for
years and years, thrived, and flourished. Then you can look back at the happy memories that would last
forever, and the condescending moments of success that were experienced. Furthermore, when
something unplanned comes to an end the feeble minded ones go on suffering with self disappointment
and may fade away to nothing but a faint memory, but the substantially strong ones survive, and go on to
bigger and better things continuing their success as they go on in life.
A famous quote by B. T. Washington,
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles
which he has overcome."
You can be sure that Vern McLaughlin III will overcome this obstacle, and continue on fully focused and
determined to one Saturday night finding his way into Victory lane again.
April 26, 2010 With the 2010 racing season underway, Vern McLaughlin III, and his McLaughlin
Motorsports Team headed to New Egypt Speedway for their second attempt to qualify the new #06 Teo
Big Block Modified. It was a cloudy day with the threat of rain in the forecast which made for a totally
different track surface than what they experienced the week before. There was definitely some bite in the
track, and with the small adjustments made to the car McLaughlin claimed it felt better during the warm-up
session. Fighting a tight condition from the previous week, adjustments were made to loosen the car up
some to help Vern get through the turns better.
All drivers were asked to draw their starting positions out of a bucket, and Vern happened to pick the pole
position. The Loumarc Signs sponsored #06 Modified was scheduled to start in the number one spot for
the first Modified qualifier race. McLaughlin had his hands full with names like Pauch, Cozze, Martz, and
Laubach breathing right down his neck at the drop of the green flag. Up front leading the pack is the more
familiar spot we normally see McLaughlin with over twenty feature wins to his credit, but now he finds
himself racing with a whole different group of drivers that have proved themselves at being the best Dirt
Modified drivers on the east coast with hundreds of victories to their credit. McLaughlin held the lead for a
half a lap before the veterans started making their moves towards the front. Ten laps set the distance of
this first qualifier race, and although McLaughlin faded back to finish in the tenth spot with only six
qualifying, he picked up a full second of speed from the previous week.
Vern had one more chance to make the feature race by running the consi. Starting in the tenth position
with only six cars to qualify the green flag dropped and eighteen cars raced into turn one with everyone
swapping spots. It was a hard core battle with eighteen different drivers trying to make the feature race
with a no holds barred attitude. McLaughlin was certainly showing improvement as he passed a few cars,
but had to give up those spots because of the caution flag coming out. The race restarted, and
McLaughlin again started to pass a couple cars when another caution came out. When a wreck happens
and the caution flag comes out the race restarts with the cars in the positions they were in from the
previous lap. So when Vern advanced a couple spots the lap was not completed, and he had to go back
to the position he was in before the yellow flag came out. At one point Vern had worked his way into the
eighth position with only two more cars to pass in order to qualify, but the caution flags hurt his progress.
When the checkered flags waved McLaughlin came across the line in the eleventh spot leaving him with
no other option but to come back again next week and try to make the feature race again.
Normally you do not see a driver come from the bottom or beginner division, and move right up to the top
division. Most work their way up through the ranks gaining the experience they need to run with the top
division containing the best drivers around. On the other hand, Vern feels like he can do it. He has
confidence in his driving ability to be able to run with the Modifieds. There is no doubt, Vern is a very
talented driver, and with his lap times improving we don't think it will be long before Vern becomes a
strong competitor in the highest ranked division of short track auto racing. He has a very good car, and a
very strong engine built by Tischler Competition Engines, a stock pile of brand new tires, and most of all
he has strong determination to improve. We all know Vern as being one of the most focused drivers in the
Outlaw Stock ranks, and its obvious with the way his cars compete, sound, and look. He hopes to be able
to carry that focus, determination, and momentum into the Modified ranks, but he still is missing one very
important asset that would enhance his efforts, and that is a well experienced Crew Chief. Vern asked that
it be put in this weeks race report that he is currently searching for preferably a Crew Chief, but also
anyone that would be willing to become part of the team as a pit crew member that has experience with
setting up a Dirt Modified, and knows what tasks need to be done to be 100% ready for the next race.
Vern feels that is the biggest piece of the puzzle he is missing to be able to become competitive as quickly
as possible.
Nevertheless, Vern does look good out on the track, and is quickly becoming more comfortable with the
car. Still fighting a tight condition with the car, but not as much as last week we will have to wait until next
Saturday night to see if he can improve on this weeks run. Stay tuned, as the 2010 racing season has just
begun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2010 McLaughlin Motorsports Trivia Game will begin now with two FREE tickets to New Egypt
Speedway given to one lucky winner who can answer all the questions correctly. Players who answer
correctly will have their name placed in a box where one winner will be randomly drawn out of all the
players who get the answers correct. Tickets to the race will be good for any regular show valued at
$20.00 each that are made available, compliments of Bill Miscoski (owner/promoter), Danny Serrano
(track manager), New Egypt Speedway, and McLaughlin Motorsports.
April 19, 2010 Opening night at New Egypt Speedway produced some weather threatening skies
throughout the afternoon and into the night, but Mother Nature held off and gave us a great night of
racing at the New Jersey dirt oval. Forty Modifieds filled the pits along with Sportsman cars and Outlaw
Stocks. It was a full pit with car counts looking very good for the first race of the season.
Vern McLaughlin III was doing double duty with his fast and fierce #06 Chevy Monte Carlo Outlaw Stock,
and his beautiful, shiny Big Block Modified. McLaughlin is going to run both cars this season with the
Outlaw Stock being on a part time basis, and his main focus will be on the Modified. Not too many drivers
can go from the lowest division cars producing 400 horsepower, and jump right into the highest division of
cars producing 850 horsepower. McLaughlin did, and he seems to be getting a handle on it so far.
Although this was only his second time out onto the track with the Modified, he was turning much better
laps tonight than he was on Wednesdays practice session. Still almost a second off the pace from the
fastest car in the field, Vern is having some trouble getting the car to turn. The Whitehouse Station driver
explains that he just cannot get the rear of the car to come around for him through the turns the way he
would like. A push condition coming into the turns is pretty much ruining his momentum coming in and
then going out. A push condition with the car is when you enter the turn with your wheels turned to the left
and the car just wants to go straight right up into the outside wall. When this happens you must back off of
the throttle to get the car to turn and loose precious time from the leaders. Vern has the power he needs
with his Tischler Competitions Big Block Chevy, and with a brand new set of tires compliments of the
Barker Bus Company of Bridgewater, NJ he should be able to stick that power to the track. Adjustments
on the car as far as the setup goes is what Vern needs. Its a tough task getting these cars to turn
especially with the introduction of sail panels two years ago, they automatically create a tight condition,
and you're always searching for ways to loosen her up.
McLaughlin started fifth in his qualifier race with eleven cars. Five cars would qualify for the feature event,
and McLaughlin failed finishing eighth. This gave Vern a second chance to come out in the Consolation
race with eight cars starting fifth, and finishing sixth. The top three qualified. Vern was very happy after
the race with the performance of himself, the car, and his pit crew. Although the car was not handling
right, the power he needed was certainly there. His pit crew did a great job with all the work that needed to
be done, and the best thing about the whole night with the Modified is that Vern brought the car home in
one piece without a scratch on it.
Next up was the Outlaw Stocks. Vern dominated the qualifier race, but was experiencing the same
problem that he did in last years end of the season race at Bridgeport where he blew up the motor. The
car was losing all power in the turns, and then coming back on the straight-aways. So every other car
would close right up on him through the turns, but then Vern pulled away from them down the straight.
Coming through turn four for the checkered flags Vern had the lead, but with the power lose through the
turn resulted in finishing second by only two inches = 0.015 seconds. Some wondered if the lap scoring
transponder was in a different location on the winners car because it looked like Vern had him at the line.
Never the less, Vern knew he was in trouble with this power problem he was experiencing with the car.
The pit crew adjusted the floats in his carburetor before the feature race hoping that this was the problem
and that they had fixed it.
Lined up in ninth position for the feature race Vern charged up to fifth place with a field of twenty two cars
and coming into turn three a car in front spun out while Vern was racing door to door with another car with
Vern on the outside. It looked like Vern had plenty of room on the outside to go around the spinning car,
but the car on Vern's inside did not have the room. Trying to avoid the spinning car, the car to Vern's
inside turned his wheels out and drove right into the side of Vern causing a four car wreck and bringing
out the caution flag. Vern had thought he had some serious damage to the left front of his #06 Outlaw
Stock so he decided to make a pit stop for his crew to check over the car. The car was ok, and Vern made
it back out onto the track having to restart at the rear of the field. When the green flag waved Vern was on
a mission to get back to the front. Charging his way there, the motor started loosing power again in the
turns and also started backfiring very loud when he was on and off the throttle. Vern did charge his way
back up to the fifth position, but with the his strongest competition running in the top four, and the power
loss problem with the motor Vern could not gain any more positions before the twenty lap race was over
resulting in a fifth place finish for the double duty driver.
Vern will be taking a couple weeks off with his Outlaw Stock, but he will be back in action again next week
in his Big Block Modified for another 40 lap race with qualifying races starting at 5 pm and racing at 6pm.
Stay tuned for the 2010 Trivia Games coming soon where fans can log onto Vern's website and win FREE
tickets to enjoy a night of action packed, hard core racing at New Egypt Speedway.
April 16, 2010 Wednesday afternoon, and into the night was Vernon's first time on the track with his
new Big Block Modified. Things went very well. It was a shake down practice session which would give
Vernon the valuable seat time that he needs to get used to the big change of cars he has made. First
practice round was pretty good for first time ever behind the wheel. Second practice session Vernon was
able to experience what a right rear tire blow out felt like coming out of turn four on the throttle. He kept it
off the wall, and had to be towed into the pits. That's where Vernon's pit crew went to work on changing
the flat tire, and then realized there was more damage. The flying torn rubber coming off the tire broke the
brake line coming out of the brake caliper. Needed a whole new brake caliper which the team replaced
and Vernon did make it back out for the next practice round. The track slowly started to change into the
way Vernon prefers it. Dry, slick, and rubber down he started to get faster and faster, and coming through
the turns very well. Six rounds of practice filled the night for Vernon and he was able to bring the car
home in one piece. Never the less, Vernon does need some more time to adapt to his new car.
Saturday, April 17th is opening night at New Egypt Speedway where 50+ Modifieds will be trying to qualify
for the 26 car feature field. Vernon has his work cut out for him for sure, and it would be nice to see him
qualify for his very first feature race, but if he happens to not qualify his night would not be over yet. He
plans to get behind the wheel of his Outlaw Stock Saturday night as well, and with that car, and the work
that was done to it over the off season it would be the other way around. The rest of the field has there
work cut out for them. Look for Vern to make Feature win #8 in the Outlaw Stocks, and if there was a
betting line, the #06 Outlaw would be a sure bet.
|
