Monday, April 24, 2006

Research Lab Planned For Riverstone

Space-age polymers that can fill an international demand for next-generation fabrics will be developed at Riverstone Technology Park in Halifax County, if plans unfold as proposed.
Creation of the laboratory, which would attract world-class chemical engineers to the region, was in initial discussions during a meeting on Friday, April 14.
FAB LAB, the name coined by Dr. Carole Cameron Inge, Director of VT-NASA STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and Dr. Per Lindstrand, president and founder of Lindstrand Technologies, would research and develop materials using sophisticated chemical processes to treat polymers.
If the planned laboratory becomes a reality, the FAB LAB will likely be the first research and development operation for Riverstone Technology Park and Halifax County.
The planning committee included county officials from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), representatives from Virginia’s Tech’s NASA VT-STEM, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), VT’s Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (HEC), and Congressman Virgil Goode’s Office.
According to Lindstrand, there is an international shortage of the sophisticated kinds of fabrics needed for air ships that host surveillance systems for military operations, car airbags, medical units in war zones, protective suits for space walks, and bioterrorism defense operations.
Other applications include protective covers for buildings in the paths of firestorms, tunnel plugs for subway system fires, even the protective skin for Formula and NASCAR vehicles. “The critical shortage of the unique fabric required for these purposes opens the door for creating a niche operation in Halifax County with our partners at Virginia Tech and IALR,” said Lindstrand.
Virginia Tech will provide the major thrust for the development of the FAB LAB, which will include state-of-the-art technology such as an ultraviolet testing chamber that can simulate the Mars atmosphere and other intense conditions in order to predict the life of coatings and fabrics.
Additional equipment may include a pilot coating machine, which would operate like the large-scale version but for a fraction of the cost. The coating process will be the area in greatest need of development as the industry matures, according to Lindstrand.
“What makes this opportunity so remarkable is not only that we have attracted this high tech international firm to Halifax, but that Dr. Lindstrand is an eminent research scientist in the areas of airships, inflatable structures, and chemical processes, and he will help lead the development of the program,” Inge said.
Attracting eminent scholars to the region is one method of transforming the economy as defined by Virginia Tech and its leaders. The IALR research facility represents this strategy for economic development. Dr. Lindstrand recently developed the arresting parachute for the landing of the Mars Rover for NASA, an agency Lindstrand Technologies continues to work with. He also flew Richard Brandson in a hot air balloon as they attempted to be the first to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon.
The FAB LAB will create a unique opportunity for Halifax County economic development as well as attract graduates with advanced degrees from Virginia Tech and other universities to the region.
“We will be looking for not only a director of the lab, but postgraduates in chemical, civil, and aerospace engineering. There will be further opportunities for lab technicians and marketing representatives, which will provide new kinds of career opportunities in this unique, emerging high tech field,” Inge said.
John Cannon, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, says that Lindstrand Technologies can be instrumental in changing the county’s economy.
“If we attract young professionals with advanced degrees to the community through this facility, they can become instructors at the HEC in conjunction with IALR and teach right here in our community.
The Halifax County S.T.E.M Academy will also benefit from Lindstrand Technologies and the FAB LAB because younger students can participate in internships where they gain real world experiences in aerodynamics, friction, drag, and structural design,” said Cannon.” This will provide a pipeline of students for the regional centers for higher learning.”
The original concept behind the Board of Supervisors’ investing in NASA VT-STEM was to bring university talent into the community to support cutting edge, high-tech industries like Lindstrand. These collaborations are considered integral to the county’s emergence in the new knowledge-based economy.
The next steps in the development of FAB LAB will include identifying funding sources, organizing an advisory board, developing an operating system for the purchase of equipment, and identifying the services that will be required.
Inge will spearhead these efforts for Virginia Tech and its partners.

Budget, Zoning On Tonight’s Work Session Agenda
Review of proposed $16,821,175 budget for FY 2006-07 under way.
A recommendation to amend Town Code to allow reconstruction and repair of non-conforming dwellings in Adaptive Reuse Zones leads tonight’s South Boston Town Council’s work session agenda. The Planning Commission recommends the change, according to Town Manager Ted Daniel.
The proposal would address needs in the Church Hill project, which includes some Adaptive Reuse areas, according Daniel.
Currently, there is no language to allow building a new house, Daniel explained, adding that a zoning ordinance is needed to exclusively accommodate reconstruction of several homes in the Church Hill project area.
A public hearing on the recommendation is set May 8 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Also on the Current Issues Committee agenda tonight, a request to allow sidewalk cafes downtown. Approval would call for a change in Town Code, according to Daniel. Vintner’s Cellar and Bistro 1888 have sought the change.
The agenda also carries a request for appointment of a representative to the “Revamped” Halifax County Recreation Advisory Committee.
Budget
South Boston staff presented a $16,821,175 budget for consideration during Council’s April 17 work session.
The proposed budget carries a real estate rate tax increase of two cents – from 19 cents per assessed $100 to 21 cents per $100 – and a 54 cents personal property rate increase, from $1.46 per assessed $100 to $2 per assessed $100.
A two-percent increase in water/sewer rates is proposed.
A proposed two percent cost of living adjustment for employees is also proposed.
The general fund’s total operating budget reflects a 46 percent increase due to capital borrowing and financing. In August, a $1.5 million loan is due that the town took for cash flow until taxes and fees were paid, according to Daniel.
Also, a bond anticipation note for approximately $3 million is due in June. Of those funds, Daniel said $1.6 million went to the general fund and included county and town funds to The Prizery, and about $1.4 million to water/sewer.

 

Sunday Accident Hospitalizes Two
Reverend Sent To Duke For Injuries
The driver of a 2000 Chevrolet 2-door coupe and a passenger in a 2000 Ford Van were sent to the hospital Sunday morning after the two vehicles collided at the intersection of Broad and Edmunds streets in South Boston, according to South Boston Police Sergeant Ronnie Edmonds.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Rev. Rudolph P. Jacobs, 77, of South Boston was transported to Duke University Medical Center in Durham for treatment. Thomas Puryear, the passenger in the van, was treated in the emergency room of Halifax Regional Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Clara L. Puryear, 66, of Virgilina, the driver of the van, was not reported injured.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:38 a.m., according to the police report.
The van was reportedly traveling north of Broad Street. The Chevrolet pulled onto Broad Street, according to Edmonds.
Charges are pending further investigation, police said.
Damages were estimated at $5,000 to the van and $2,000 to the coupe.

Obituaries

Edward Albert Walton
Funeral services for Mr. Edward Albert Walton will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Crossroad Baptist Church in South Boston, with the Rev. Bruce Featherston officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jennings, 77 Poplar Creek Street, South Boston.
Mr. Walton, 76, of Humps Trail in South Boston, died Thursday, April 20, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
He was born in Halifax County on May 23, 1929, the son of the late Joseph Calvin Walton and Bettie Belle Long Walton and married to Betty Joy Yancey Walton.
Mr. Walton was a member of Crossroad Baptist Church and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
He is survived by four daughters, Linda W. Jennings, Vonnie W. Jones, both of South Boston, Mary W. Humphrey of Roxboro and Betty W. Furman of Alton; five sons, Sfc. Joseph A. Walton of Hopewell, Msg. Charlie C. Walton of Okinawa, Japan, George D. Walton of Danville, Bobbie A. Walton of Baltimore and Timothy M. Walton of South Boston; a step-son, Melvin Barksdale of South Boston; 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Dorothy Featherstone and Fannie Medley, both of Alton; two brothers, William Walton and Charlie B. Walton, both of South Boston; four sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Kitty Bailey Collins
Funeral services for Mrs. Kitty Bailey Collins will be held today at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. William Hicks officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the residence, 2129 Neals Corner Road, Clover.
Mrs. Collins, 62, died Thursday, April 21, at her residence.
She was born in Halifax County on April 2, 1944 to the late Henry Sterling Bailey and Louise Lee Bailey and was married to Hiawatha Collins.
Mrs. Collins was a member of the Bethel Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Sean Elliot Collins of Sacramento; a granddaughter, Makayla Collins of Sacramento; a sister, Christine H. Williams of New York City; a brother, Henry Marshall Bailey and wife Sarah of South Boston; six sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Collins was preceded in death a brother, James Bailey and five sisters, Grace Farley, Yvonne Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Mary Jane Bailey and Louise Deloris Bailey.
Walter Franklin Cheek Sr.
Walter Franklin Cheek Sr., 68, of 308 Webster Street, South Boston died April 19, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Cheek was born in Halifax County on June 14, 1937, the son of the late Charles Cheek and Irene Church Cheek, and was married to Mary Seay Cheek. He was a member of Second Baptist Church and was employed by the Halifax County Public School System for 47 years.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Cathy Cheek Carter and husband, Tim, of South Boston; one son, Walter F. ‘Frankie’ Cheek Jr. and wife, Kim, of Halifax; two sisters, Inez C. Shelton of South Boston and Marie C. Snead of Newport News; one brother, Richard Cheek of Mt. Laurel; and two grandchildren, Jennifer Michelle Carter of South Boston and Walter F.’Trey’ Cheek III of Halifax.
Mr. Cheek was also preceded in death by two brothers, William Cheek and C.C. Cheek; and three sisters, Garnett Womack, Grace Lavender and Ruth Earls.
Graveside services were held April 22, at 11 a.m. at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Rev. John Eure officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, 24592.
Jerry Rayburn Mabe
Jerry Rayburn Mabe, 39, of 4039 Clays Mill Road, Scottsburg died April 20, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Mabe was born in Halifax County on December 31, 1966, the son of Paul Rayburn Mabe and Mary Betterton Mabe and was married to Rhonda Lacks Mabe.
Survivors include his wife of Alton; three children, Jerri Lynn Mabe, Ada Marie Mabe and Jerry R. ‘Burny’ Mabe Jr., all of Alton; his parents, Paul and Barbara Mabe of Alton and Mary Betterton Mabe of Scottsburg; one sister, Jamie B. Johnson of Halifax; three brothers, Paul Rayburn “Buzzy” Mabe Jr. of Scottsburg, Paul Jason Mabe and wife Melissa of Alton, and Adam Brent Mabe, of Alton; and his grandmother, Marjorie Dalton of Scottsburg.
A funeral service for Mr. Mabe was held April 23, at 3 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Kopko officiating. Burial followed in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Arie Snead Martin
Mrs. Arie Snead Martin of James D. Hagood Highway died Friday, April 21, at the Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 79.
Mrs. Martin was born in Halifax County on March 1, 1927, the daughter of the late Pete Syndor Snead and Vivian Conner Snead.
She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Mrs. Martin is survived by four daughters, Shirley Paxton and husband William of Scottsburg, Lilly Martin and husband Eugene of Scottsburg, Eva Hazelwood and husband James of Scottsburg and Nora Pixley and husband Chuck of Roxboro; four sons, James Martin and wife Carolyn of Scottsburg, Thomas Martin and wife Amy of Scottsburg, Wyatt “Benny” Martin and wife Donna of Clover and Kyle Martin and friend Dorothy Davis; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; five sisters, Ruth Andrews of Clover, Geneva Andrews of Halifax, Connie Perkins of Halifax, Helen Ritt of Richmond and Ella Powell of Virgilina; and one brother, John Snead of Scottsburg.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Dink” W. Martin Sr.; one granddaughter, Charlotte Ann Paxton, one brother, Sam Snead, and two sisters, Annie Hatcher and Sallie Powell.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., today, April 24, at the Church of God of Prophecy. The Revs. Steve Byrd and Jack Stewart will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Clover Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of James and Eva Hazelwood, 7192 James D. Hagood Highway, Scottsburg.
Charmaine Margaruite Ghelfi Gillis
Mrs. Charmaine Margaruite Ghelfi Gillis of Leighwood Trail in Halifax, died Friday, April 21, at the Danville Regional Medical Center. She was 71.
Mrs. Gillis was born on June 28, 1934, in Juneau, Wisconsin, was an administrative assistant at Daystrom and was a veteran of the Korean conflict, where she served in the Navy.
She was a member of St. Paschals Catholic Church where she was a member of the craft club, was a member of the AARP, the Red Hat Society and was an active supporter of the YMCA.
Mrs. Gillis is survived by her husband, Albert Gillis of Halifax, two daughters, Terri Ann Gillis of New York, NY., and Cheryl Ann Gillis Haley of Norfolk; one son, David Allen Gillis of Norfolk; two grandchildren, Jamie Leigh Hughes and Jordan Alexandra Haley; and three sisters, Joyce Johnson, Marilyn Schafer and Edith Ghelfi.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Paschal Catholic Church with Father John Kloepfer officiating. Burial will follow at the Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Brooks Funeral Home Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. and other times at the home, 2201 Leighwood Trail, Halifax.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718 or online at www.cancer.org.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net.
Eloise Blackwell Guthrie
Funeral services for Mrs. Eloise Blackwell Guthrie will be held today at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with the Rev. Shelton Miles and the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw conducting the service.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Guthrie, 89, of Republican Grove died Friday, April 21, at the Woodview Nursing Home in South Boston.
She was born in Halifax County on December 4, 1916, the daughter of Charles Blackwell and Ivy Dillard Guthrie and was married to the late Vernon Lacy Guthrie.
Mrs. Guthrie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Republican Grove.
She is survived by a son, Ronnie Guthrie and wife Patricia of South Boston; three grandchildren, Cynthia Crute of Richmond, Traci Gerrell of Tallahassee and Amy Crownover of Atlanta; three great-grandchildren and a brother, Robert Blackwell of Centreville.
Mrs. Guthrie was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy Montgomery; a grandson, Stanley Guthrie, two brothers and three sisters.
For memorials please consider the First Baptist Church of Republican Grove Building Fund, 4210 Leda-Grove Road, Nathalie, Va. 24577, the North Halifax Volunteer Fire Department or any church of your choice.

Comets Getting Down To Business
The HCHS Varsity Baseball Team Faces GW Tuesday In Danville To Begin Stretch Run Of Six Straight District Games
After almost two months of preparation, the Halifax County High School varsity baseball gets down to business this week.
Halifax County (7-4, 2-0 district), the district co-leader, will kick off the stretch drive of its season when it faces arch-rival GW Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Danville. That game will be the first of six consecutive Western Valley District games that will comprise the final portion of the Comets’ regular-season schedule.
Thus far, the Comets have taken care of the most important business at hand and have an early leg up in the Western Valley District race. The Comets have won their first two district games with a triumph on the road over Franklin County and home win over Patrick Henry.
But, with the biggest portion of the team’s district schedule lying ahead, Davis says its even more important now that the team buckles down and focuses on the task ahead.
“It’s all about business from here out,” Davis pointed out.
“ We’ve got six district games in a row to finish out the season. That’s what it’s all about. These district wins that we already have are big, but we’ve got as long road to go. We’ve just got to stay focused and make sure that we take of our business.”
Tuesday night’s 7 p.m. Comets-GW game at Dan Daniel Park will mark yet another renewal of the long-standing rivalry between Halifax County and GW. When the Comets and GW take the field just about anything that can happen in the game of baseball is likely to happen.
“You can go and scout teams but, when these two teams get together it’s always a show,” Davis said.
“ I hope the fans will come out. There will be two great pitchers going after one another. It’s going to be a great game to see. Any time we play it’s a knock-down drag-out fight. It’s going to be a great ballgame like always. Hopefully we can come out on top.”
Tuesday’s game against GW is a game Davis says he will lean on his seniors to provide the leadership.
“I’m not going to say much about the game,” Davis said.
“ I scouted GW and Franklin County when they played each other. We have a report and we’ll go over it and get prepared for GW.
“I’m going to let the seniors go out and lead the team in this game,” he added.
“Hopefully that senior leadership will come in. I don’t think I’m going to have to gear them (the players) up or gear them down. They’re going to be pumped. It’s GW-Halifax.”
It has been a crazy early season in the Western Valley District.
GW, Franklin County and Patrick Henry have two losses each with GW having lost to E.C. Glass and Franklin County. Franklin County has lost to Halifax and Patrick Henry. One of Patrick Henry’s losses was to Halifax County.
The Comets and E.C. Glass are on top of the district standings with 2-0 district slates with the Comets facing GW and E.C. Glass this week on the road. Things could get even crazier this week depending upon the outcome of the various district games.
“It’s been crazy, but that’s what this district is all about,” Davis pointed out.
“We have quality teams in this district that can beat anybody on any given night and we’ve seen that. I’ve said all along this is a tough district. This is baseball. You have to play it between the lines and anything can happen at any time.”

A Half Century Of Baseball Memories
Dixie Youth Baseball Celebrates Golden Anniversary In South Boston
It’s been 50 years since a group of local visionaries saw the need for a youth baseball league that represented the best parts of America’s pastime, the pure simplicity of a child’s game also played by adults.
A half century later, that simple game is is still played here on the dirt infields and grassy outfields of South Boston, where countless children, coaches and volunteers have kept the legacy of those visionaries alive.
South Boston Dixie Youth Baseball has since became one of the cornerstones for Dixie Youth Baseball as a whole, and Sunday marked the 50th Anniversary of the local league.
Dixie Baseball dignitaries, elected officials and plenty of ball players past and present gathered yesterday at the Day Complex in South Boston to mark the occasion.
Matt Gunn, president of South Boston Dixie Inc., honored the contributions of four men who were there at the beginning, the late Hugh Moore, late Dude Austin, late Charlie Moorefield and the late Everett Taylor.
Moore served as both State Dixie and National Director for Dixie Youth Baseball, Austin as National Director, and Moorefield as State Director.
Gunn said this season would be played in honor of the 1956 Little Boys baseball all-star team, managed by Addison Marable and coached by Benny Hawkins.
“South Boston was the first and only team in Dixie Youth Baseball in 1956, and it’s unimaginable what has happened since then,” said Gunn.
“Hugh Moore is smiling down from Heaven at what is happening.”
A number of Dixie officials noted the achievements and contributions of those pioneers, including Leroy Floyd, Dixie Youth Baseball National Director.
Floyd, who could not be present for the ceremony, had fond memories of Moore.
“My former colleague, the late Hugh Moore, was a tremendous asset to this program. He helped start the program and was a great friend,” said Floyd.
“It was an honor to be able to work with him as a National Director.” Floyd noted the longevity of Dixie Baseball in South Boston, a program that has sent numerous teams to World Series play.
“It’s very outstanding to have a league that stays in the same program 50 years,” added Floyd.
“We appreciate South Boston, and it’s been a great asset to the state of Virginia and Dixie Youth Baseball. They’ve been to the World Series a number of years and have had some great players and coaches.
“We appreciate them and what the people here in South Boston have done for Dixie Baseball over the years.”
Kenneth Britt, Vice-President of Dixie Youth Baseball, and Charlie Green, Dixie Youth Baseball State Director, referred to Moore, the late Dude Austin, and the late Charlie Moorefield among several others as true “pioneers.”
Britt, who also could not attend Sunday’s ceremony, called South Boston Dixie Youth Baseball a special program, also noting the league’s achievements over the past half-century.
“South Boston has done a great job, and we had pioneers such as Hugh Moore, Dude Austin, Charlie Moorefield and others involved in Dixie Youth Baseball since the early stages of the program,” said Britt.
“South Boston has done a great job, and it’s a special program.”
Green also referred to the local league as a flagship program, a pioneer of Dixie Youth Baseball.
“The first year that Dixie Youth Baseball held a state tournament for the AAA league, it was held here in South Boston,” recalled Green.
“South Boston won and went on to the AAA World Series, where it stayed alive for quite awhile.”
“It was Little Boys Baseball when it came in, and I think the significance of a program to stay in a community for 50 years speaks strongly for two things,” continued Green.
“One, it’s the program that the forefathers of Dixie Youth intended it to be, it speaks to the local community and the volunteerism that you have here.
“Two, for it to stay in a community this long means you’ve got a solid group of people who really care about one thing – the kids of that community.”
Green added that Dixie Youth Baseball Inc, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and that plans for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Virginia Dixie Youth Baseball are underway.
That celebration will be at the 50th annual state tournament in 2007 at the Moyer Complex in Salem.
“Madison Heights is hosting the World Series that year, too,” added Green. So, we’ll have the 50th anniversary and the World Series in the state at the same time.”
Tim Boggs, a National Dixie Baseball Director after Moore, remarked that there was no way to match Moore’s accomplishments over the years.
“Hugh and others here started a program that the kids and parents of South Boston continue to support,” said Boggs.
Emmett Edmonds, Dixie Youth Baseball District 2 Director, recognized the work of countless volunteers behind the scenes that make the local program a success.
“Dixie Youth provides a tool to keep your kids occupied,” Edmonds told the crowd gathered for opening ceremonies.
“I’d rather see 100 kids on a ball field than one on the street with idle time on his hands,” noted Edmonds. “My hat’s off to those of you who don’t get the recognition for what you do.”

Rockenfeller, Long Win In A Thriller
German Mike Rockenfeller Raced From Third To First Place In The Final Two Turns To Give Himself And Teammate Patrick Long The Win In Yesterday’s VIR 400
German driver Mike Rockenfeller stormed past both Scott Pruett and Max Angelelli on the next-to-last turn and held on to score a dramatic win in yesterday’s VIR 400 Rolex Sports Car Series race here at VIRginia International Raceway.
And, while Rockenfeller celebrated, Angelelli vented his frustration on what he called a questionable move by the German driver that won the race for himself and teammate Patrick Long.
Angelelli, was leading the race in the SunTrust Pontiac Riley when he was forced to slow down to avoid hitting a GT series car entering the next-to-last turn. Scott Pruett, who was running second in the Comp USA Lexus Riley, took advantage of the opportunity to pull up beside Angelelli at the exit of the turn.
Pruett and Angelelli made contact, opening the door for Rockenfeller to squeeze past both cars, albeit with some door-banging with Angelelli in the process. Once he got the nose of his car in front, Rockenfeller pulled away, edging Angelelli by .518 second at the finish line.
“Without the moves they made at the end, I had no chance to overtake them,” Rockenfeller said.
“I was just trying to follow them. In the traffic, sometimes you lose a little or gain a little. I thought if there was an incident between those two (Angelelli and Pruett) I can go past them. I didn’t expect it but I was hoping for it.”
Rockenfeller said he saw a gap and went for it.
“I just saw the gap,” he pointed out.
“ I had a good run on the exit of the corner and I went through the hole. We touched a little bit. I don’t know how it looked on television, but, from my side, it was close, very hard racing like it is in Grand Am racing. I think it was a great race.”
Angelelli, who co-drove the SunTriust entry with Wayne Taylor, had a different take, alleging that Rockenfeller cut the corner and drove into him.
“I expected him to not cut the corner,” Angelelli said.
“ I never expected him to cut the corner and drive into me. Normally I get penalized for that but that’s racing.”
Angelelli even wondered why race officials did not penalize Rockenfeller for the move.
“I normally get penalized with that move,” Angelelli noted.
“ I think he will not be penalized and I wonder why. I did it twice and I got penalized twice. I just wonder why.”
The veteran Italian driver said he had no problems with what the driver of the slower Porsche GT series racer did or what Pruett did.
“Actually he (the driver of the Porsche) just went wide and that surprised me,” Angelelli said.
“ I was approaching the corner pretty slow because I was expecting him to come down. Scott did a good move and took advantage very well. Obviously, I was trying to defend my position - the last corner try everything. Scott again, was very fair, as usual. Everybody saw the end result.”
Pruett and co-driver Luis Diaz of Mexico City, secured their fourth straight podium finish with their third-place finish. The veteran driver said the race was a great one.
“It was clear any of those three cars could have won the race,” Pruett said.
“ We were going for it. We were going for it with 20 to go and it kept escalating. When you get the GT cars and the Prototype cars together, anything can happen.”
Pruett said he was simply trying to take advantage of the slower car to try to make a move on race leader Angelelli.
“We were trying to take advantage of some slow traffic with Max and, at the same time, Rockenfeller was trying to take advantage of both of us with the slow traffic,” Pruett pointed out.
“ It was a great race and a great show. That’s what racing is all about. It was a nail-biter all the way to the checkered flag.”
Michael McDowell and Guy Cosmo brought the Playboy/Uniden racing Team Ford Crawford home in fourth place as the top four cars crossed the finish line within eight and a half seconds of each other.
German Jorg Bergmeister and co-driver Colin Braun finished fifth in the Krohn Racing Ford Riley with Englander Andy Wallace and co-driver Butch Leitzinger finishing sixth in the Howard-Boss Motorsports Pontiac Crawford.
The duo of Christian Fittipaldi and Eddie Cheever brought their Porsche Crawford home in seventh place with Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld finishing eighth in a Pontiac Riley.
The teams of Michael Valiante and rob Finlay and Chris Dyson and guy Smith rounded out the top ten finishers.
Five different drivers led the 77-lap race over VIRginia International Raceway’s 3.27-mile course with Valiante leading the most laps with 18 laps in front of the pack.
Valiante took the lead on lap 54 when race leader Angelelli pitted for fuel and tires. He held onto the lead for 18 laps until Angelelli overtook Valiante in Turn 10 with five laps to go in the race. Immediately after losing the lead, Valiante headed for the pits for gas and ultimately ended up finishing ninth.
Three cautions slowed the pace for a total of 14 laps.
The win gave Rockenfeller and Long the Daytona Prototype series points lead despite the team having missed the race in Mexico City. Rockenfeller and Long lead Bergmeister and Braun by five points in the standings.
Andy Lally and Marc Bunting scored their first GT-class win of the season in the No. 65 TRG Pontiac GTO.