PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles-based Righteous Racing team qualified for the 2011 U.S. Legends Asphalt Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring later this year.
With a strong run at South Sound Speedway in Rochester on Saturday night, Jon VanGesen of Port Orchard, driver of the No. 17 race car, earned a provisional starting position in the U.S. Legends Asphalt Nationals A main event.
Righteous Racing is owned by Thom and Jai VanGesen of Port Angeles, who provide the 1937 Chevy Sedan Legends to Jon VanGesen.
Jon was the 2007 Outlaw Compact champion, 2008 NW Legends semi-pro rookie of the year, championship runner-up and 2009 NW Legends masters division champion.
Crew members for the team include Jerry West, Ian VanGesen and Steve Deets, who assist with repairing and setting up the car for each race.
On Saturday night, Jon VanGesen started fifth out of 14 cars at the regional qualifier for the national event.
At the drop of the green flag, Rachel VanKopp quickly moved in the lead, followed by VanGesen, before one lap was completed.
It took several more laps for VanGesen to get around race leader VanKopp.
VanGesen took the lead while dealing with constant pressure from VanKopp.
VanGesen eventually shook off all challengers to win the event.
The race was delayed and shortened from its original 50 laps to 30 laps after several cautions for spins, wrecks and a blown motor with other cars in the pack.
