Wednesday, April 26, 2006

‘A Great Day For Halifax County’
Ceremonial Check Presentation Brings Lindstrand, U.S.A. To County

Fifth-District Congressman Virgil Goode was joined by state and federal dignitaries to present a check from the Small Business Administration that effectively opens the door to Halifax County’s newest industry.
Lindstrand U.S.A., a manufacturer of inflatable structures such as airships, aerostats, flood barriers and aircraft hangars, will soon begin operations in the former Star Warehouse building on Parker Avenue.
With the assistance of Senator George Allen and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), American National Bank and Trust Company presented owner Per Lindstrand with a ceremonial $500,000 check during Monday’s ceremony.
The ceremony was the culmination of a process that began more than a year ago when Lindstrand approached Allen during a listening tour and requested his help in securing financing for the new venture.
The loan will be used to buy machinery, equipment and for working capital.
Ron Bew, Richmond district director of the SBA, called the project an “important part” of the economic rebirth of Southside.
“It’s wonderful when federal, state and local resources can all work together to bring a small business owner vital financial assistance,” he said.
Other financing for the project included real estate financing, a $100,000 Governor’s Opportunity Fund grant, a $90,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission and a $75,000 grant from the county.
Tobacco Commission member and South Boston Vice-Mayor Ed Owen said yesterday’s ceremony is symbolic of the efforts being made to transform the county’s economy.
“This is the answer to the question of why we invest in education. To bring high-quality jobs to the area,” he said. “We’re trying to build a world-class community in Halifax County.”
Goode agreed.
“You have an excellent school system in Halifax County, but you also have an excellent facility in the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. That is the key to economic development in this area,” he said.
“This morning, I was especially pleased to meet Per Lindstrand. We appreciate his presence here and look forward to the innovation and jobs he will bring to the area,” Goode added. “Southside Virginia and Halifax County need to go forward into a technical economy for the future and it’s my belief that Halifax County will be a key to Virginia’s economy in the not-too-distant future.”
County Administrator Bryan Foster called yesterday’s ceremony a “great day in the county and South Boston.”
“This is how we get things done when we work together,” he said. “This facility will be the beginning of the transformation of the local economy. Great things are on the horizon.”
Speaking to the gathered dignitaries, Lindstrand said that without the assistance of the SBA and American National Bank and Trust Company, the ceremony could not have taken place.
“It’s been a hard year-and-a-half to get to this place,” he said as he looked around the room. “We’re at the leading edge of fabric manufacturing here. At the moment, I have three major U.S. orders – two for airships and one military contract.
“We already have a year’s production ready to go.
“The quality of the workforce in South Boston and Halifax County is very high. We have good hopes for the future and are happy to be here.”

 

Public Hearing Set On Tax Hike

South Boston Council spent about three hours Monday night reviewing several proposed FY 2006-2007 budget items and setting its May agenda for public hearings.
A proposed real estate tax hike, from 19 cents per assessed $100 to 21 cents per assessed $100, in staff’s proposed $16,821,175 budget, and a proposal to amend Town Code to allow reconstruction, repair, expansion and alternation of non-conforming single family dwellings in adaptive reuse districts (needed in the Church Hill project ) is scheduled for public hearing at Council’s May 8 meeting.
The proposed amendment is intended only for the Adaptive Reuse District, according to a staff recommendation. The Planning Commission is recommending the change.
Also due May 8, a staff recommendation dealing with a request by two businesses to allow serving food and beverages in sidewalk cafes in downtown South Boston. Vintner’s Cellar and Bistro 1888 have sought approval.
Owner Wayne Stanfield spoke on behalf of Vintner’s Cellar’s request, as well as providing information regarding Bistro 1888, whose owners could not attend Monday night, Stanfield said.
South Boston Town Manager Ted Daniel told councilmen that a business must take control of the sidewalk, leased to them in order to meet ABC license requirements. Daniel said the area must also be marked.
The administrator recommended that the town’s lease agreements be site-specific.
Councilman Coleman Speece questioned whether there was sufficient space to allow safe passage for the town’s pedestrians?
”I’m concerned about the narrowness (of the sidewalk) and access,” said Speece, who had checked available sidewalk space at one site. “I don’t think we can impede pedestrian traffic,” he added.
Director of Public Works Allen Auld noted Vintner’s Cellar has more sidewalk space available in front of its building than Bistro 1888. Auld too recommended each lease be site-specific.
Vintner’s owner noted that he and the Bistro currently have small tables and chairs outside their buildings. He said Bistro was interested in the same arrangement to accommodate smokers. He said that both businesses are smoke-free.
There is room for two to talk side by side, Stanfield said of Vintner’s sidewalk.
Councilman Glen Abernathy’s suggested that the town initially set a trial period to see how the proposal works out. “I don’t want to give a lease until I see how it works,” said the councilman.
But Stanfield said that the lease would contain provisions allowing the town to terminate the agreement if it wished. He also said Vintner’s would use black stanchions and chain to mark the area and that those markers would be removed at the close of each business day. He said that the barriers would in no way impede the use of the sidewalk by the public and would enhance the downtown experience.
Vintner’s is seeking six feet out from its front widow for the length of the storefront, according to Stanfield’s request. He said Bistro’s was less.
Stanfield also noted Vintner’s Cellar is open in the daytime and that Bistro is open in the evenings, which he said, could change sidewalk dynamics.
“From by perspective, I’m interested in this for business and for tourism,” said Stanfield. “It fits.”
He said a third restaurant in town might be interested in sidewalk tables.
In his opening remarks Stanfield named numerous Virginia towns and cities that allow sidewalk cafes.
Staff was asked to investigate available space at both sites and offer a draft proposal to Council at its May 8 meeting.
Council also placed a resolution to seek grant funding for the Cotton Mill Park project through the Virginia Outdoors Fund grant program on its agenda. The grants are 50 percent matching funds. South Boston is considering up to $100,000 for the park, which is to feature walking trails, picnic shelters, open fields, shelters and a butterfly garden.
Budget Issues
Tourism’s request for a $40,000 appropriation in the 2006-2007 budget drew a multitude of questions from councilmen Monday night.
Council noted Tourism’s first request several years ago had been $15,000. An additional $15,000 was later sought for a brochures project. However, the $30,000 request has grown to $40,000, noted several councilmen.
Councilmen’s questions included: What will the additional funds be used for, and is there a dramatic increase in need?
Also, based on population, Councilman Abernathy questioned the fairness of South Boston residents contributing a requested $40,000 when the county had given $62,000 previously and the Town of Halifax about $2,000.
“Twelve to 15 years we’ve had a meals and lodging tax, before Tourism started,” said Abernathy. “We did that because we needed the money. It helps local people in their (tax) burden.”
“We need to know what they need it for,” added Vice Mayor Ed Owens. “We will look at the Tourism budget at the next meeting before deciding.”
Information is to be sought through Tourism Director Linda Shepperd
Also placed on the May agenda, a grant application for the Cotton Mill Park project.
In other business, Councilman Roberts indicated he would be willing to serve on the Southside Planning District. Roberts would serve as a citizen at large and would replace Town Planner Lee Pambid on the commission.
A request to appoint a representative to the revamped Halifax County Recreation Advisory Committee is expected to be addressed at the May meeting. Don Thompson was suggested for the post and will be contacted prior to the next meeting to see if could serve. Thompson is seeking one of three Council seats up in the May 2 election.
Council also briefly reviewed the Destination Downtown South Boston budget, including funding from other sources, such as membership, Harvest Fest Concerts, ‘Alive After Five’ summer concerts, Flower Basket sSponsorship and Sun Trust Bank as sponsor.
Daniel noted South Boston had budgeted approximately $46,000, basically for personnel costs.
Fuel Costs, Green Boxes & Garbage
Town budget expenses for fuel continue to cause Council concern.
“We are looking at the figures,” said the town manager. “Each department will have to make choices,” he said, as they cut expenses to make budget.
Council also extensively reviewed the cost for commercial container rent. The rate has been $300, but a proposed increase, to $400, is under review. The additional $100 would add $18,000 revenue.
“Waste service is essentially a freebie for everyone,” said the public works director. “It is a steady drain over cost,” he added. “We are charging about half of actual cost. It costs about $600 annually per box for pickup only,” said Auld. “That does not include tipping fees or extra pick ups”
Owens asked the cost to dump commercially, and was told by Auld a minimum of $1,000. Auld said 14 boxes are owned by companies, not South Boston, and tipped for free.
It was also noted South Boston downtown businesses served by residential pickup trucks receive free service.
Council asked Auld for recommendations regarding containers and fees at its May meeting.
The location of a transfer station to collect town garbage following the closing of its landfill in 2007 stirred lively Council debate.
Councilman Eric Roberts opened the debate on the disposal of South Boston’s solid waste.
“A sense of urgency” was cited as the date draws near.
Specifically, the councilman sought details on the town’s agreement with the county for transfer.
Aired during the following discussion were the following questions: Are we going to have a transfer station? Where is it going to be? Who will build it?
Roberts pressed for details of the town’s agreement with the county regarding garbage disposal.
Following closure of the South Boston landfill, the town and county will send solid waste to a Mecklenburg County landfill..
“What is taking so long?” Councilman Morris Bryant asked of the disposal details.
“The big hurdle was getting a place to put trash,” said Council Speece, who serves on the joint town/county committee dealing with the issue. “The big problem is solved, now we just need to work out the details.”
But Abernathy also pushed for siting of a transfer location. “I am concerned as we approach December of ’07,” said Abernathy. “If iwe don’t know until November, we don’t have a chance to look at alternatives.”

High Speed Chase Nets Seven Months

A 29-year-old Red Oak man was sentenced Monday in Halifax County Circuit Court to a total of seven years in prison, with all but six months and 20 days suspended, for charges stemming from a high-speed chase in 2004 that spanned two counties.
Judge Leslie M. Osborn sentenced Wilbert Kychoren Darden to five years in prison, with all but six months suspended, for felony eluding police and to one year in jail, with all but 20 days suspended, for driving on a suspended/revoked operator’s license, a misdemeanor.
Darden also received a one-year suspended sentence for misdemeanor DUI.
Judge Osborn ordered the suspended portions of Darden’s sentence be conditioned on his good behavior for five years for the felony and a total of two years for the other two convictions.
The court additionally ordered Darden be placed on probation for two years, beginning immediately, suspended his operator’s license for a total of one year and 90 days, pay a $250 fine, complete VASAP, undergo a mental health evaluation and submit to random drug tests.
Darden was arrested in the early morning hours of September 1, 2004, after a police pursuit that began in Danville and ended on Hamilton Blvd. in South Boston, according to authorities.
Three different police agencies were involved in the pursuit, which started in Danville after police clocked a vehicle traveling 72 in a 35 MPH zone, according to police reports.
Deputies with the Pittsylvania County sheriff’s office pursued the vehicle along U.S. 58 after it entered their jurisdiction, with Halifax County deputies taking over as the vehicle entered Halifax County.
Speeds reportedly reached 110 MPH during the pursuit, according to authorities, which came to an end on U.S. 360 near Hamilton Blvd. in South Boston.
Police said the vehicle struck a police cruiser as a deputy tried to pass it, with Darden losing control of the vehicle and subsequently sliding down an embankment.
Darden was not listed as injured in the accident.
Other Court Cases
• Travorris Bysjon Foster, 23, of South Boston, was sentenced Monday to ten years each in prison on two separate counts of possessing a Schedule I/II controlled substance with the intent to distribute, with all but two suspended,.
Judge Osborn ordered the suspended portion of Foster’s sentence be conditioned on his good behavior for 20 years, and ordered Foster be placed on probation for one year following his release.
The court additionally ordered Foster to pay $200 restitution to the Virginia State Police Task Force and submit to random drug tests, as well as suspended his operator’s license for one year.
• Loretta Lynn Hill, 45, of South Boston, pleaded guilty Monday to cocaine possession.
In exchange for her guilty plea, the Commonwealth agreed to have Hill sentenced to five years in prison, with all suspended to time served while awaiting trial.
The court ordered Hill’s suspended sentence be conditioned on her good behavior for ten years, beginning immediately, and ordered Hill be placed on probation for six months, also beginning immediately.
The court additionally suspended Hill’s operator’s license for six months.
• Daniel Wayne Short, 19, of South Boston, was convicted Monday of the unlawful wounding of Matthew Comer.
The court remanded Short to custody to await sentencing in the May term.
• Danny Boy Johnson, 59, of South Boston, pleaded no contest Monday to the misdemeanor assault and battery of a juvenile.
The court sentenced Johnson to one year in jail, but suspended the entire term conditioned on Johnson’s good behavior for one year, additionally ordering him to have no contact with his victim.
• Jeffrey Sylvester Lacks, 46, of Scottsburg, pleaded guilty Monday to enhanced petty larceny after reaching a plea agreement with the Commonwealth.
In return for his guilty plea, the Commonwealth agreed to have Lacks sentenced to five years in prison, with all but six months suspended, conditioned on Lacks’ good behavior for five years, beginning immediately.
The court authorized work release for Lacks and further ordered him be placed on probation for six months, also beginning immediately.
The court additionally ordered Lacks to pay $28 restitution and banned him from the property of Short Stop.
• William Deyon Ballou, 27, of South Boston, originally granted first offender status for a marijuana possession charge, had that charge dismissed Monday upon payment of court costs.
• Thomas Gregory Betts, 36, of Halifax, was convicted Monday during a show cause hearing of failure to pay court-ordered fines and costs.
The court revoked ten days of Betts’ previously suspended prison sentence, with weekend jail service authorized, and ordered him to pay $100 by the 20th day of each month toward his fines and costs.
The court additionally convicted Betts of a capias for failing to appear, ordering him to pay a $50 fine for the offense.
• Alton Edward Britton, 41, of Crystal Hill, had an indictment charging him with the construction fraud of Frank Carr dismissed Monday by the Commonwealth upon payment of restitution.
• Reginald Cordell Edmonds, 37, of South Boston, originally granted first offender status for charges of cocaine and marijuana possession, had those charges dismissed Monday upon payment of court costs.
• Charles Lamont Jennings, 23, of South Boston, had 60 days of his previously suspended prison sentence revoked Monday for a probation violation.
• Timothy Wayne Layne, 19, of Nathalie, pleaded no contest Monday to the grand larceny of property from Tonya Tomlin.
The Commonwealth nol prossed an additional charge against Layne during the trial, one for breaking and entering the property of Layne.
The court sentenced Layne to five years in prison but suspended the entire term, conditioned on Layne’s good behavior for five years, ordering Layne be placed on probation for six months, effective immediately.
The court additionally ordered Layne to submit to random drug tests.
• Kelvin Wise Stovall, 40, of South Boston, originally granted first offender status for cocaine possession, had that charge dismissed Monday upon payment of court costs.

Obituaries

James Johnson Blanks
James Johnson Blanks, 75, of 2039 Old Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, died April 24, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Blanks was born July 15, 1930, in Halifax County the son of the late Annie Loftis Blanks and John Will Blanks, and was married to Josephine C. ‘Ella’ Blanks. He was a member of Seven Oaks Baptist Church and was a former member of Woodmen of the World. He was a retired textile worker and farmer.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four sons, William Dennis ‘Bill’ Daniel and wife, Annie, of South Boston, Larry James Blanks and wife, Vickie, of Asheboro, N.C., John W. ‘Jim’ Blanks and wife, Nola C., of Alton, and Richard ‘Ricky’ Blanks of South Boston; three daughters, Rebecca B. ‘Becky’ Wilkerson and husband, Mac, Martha Jane Elliott and husband, Randolph, and Vickie E. Conner and husband, Cecil, all of South Boston; one brother, Dennis Blanks, of South Boston; 15 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Mr. Blanks was also preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Louise T. Blanks.
Funeral services will be held today, April 26, at 2 p.m. at Seven Oaks Baptist Church with the Revs. Raymond Bucklew and Jack Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Seven Oaks Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net
Clifford Jackson
Clifford Jackson, 72, of Dry Fork died April 21, 2006, at Danville Regional Hospital.
Mr. Jackson was born in New York, N.Y. on March 15, 1934, to the late Thomas Jackson and Mildred White Jackson. He was a member of Bluestone Baptist Church in Chase City.
Survivors include one daughter, Delores J. Pierre of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two brothers, Douglas Jackson of Scottsburg and William H. Jackson of Halifax; one son-in-law, Clyde Pierre; and two sisters-in-law, Edna Jackson and Millie Jackson.
Funeral services for Mr. Jackson were held April 25, at 3 p.m. at the chapel of Crawford House in Halifax with the Rev. Louis S. Leigh officiating. Burial followed in the Jackson Family Cemetery in Scottsburg.

HC South Dixie Baseball Opens

The Halifax County South (HCS) Dixie Youth Baseball League, after a one-day delay due to weather, got its show on the road for the 2006 season Sunday.
A total of 262 youth, representing 23 teams from T-Ball through Dixie Youth, were introduced along with their respective coaches, each running the base paths as their names were called.
The Rev. Jason Bryant gave the invocation, Chris Carmichael sang the National Anthem, and Perry Bagbey threw the ceremonial first pitch, before a special presentation by league president Harrison Conner.
Conner called Bagbey back out to the mound to honor the long-time coach and volunteer for more than a decade of service to the league.
Bagbey served as a coach in both HCS Dixie Youth and Halifax County Babe Ruth baseball leagues, and has always been there if his help was needed, according to Conner.

 

Lions Boys Team Wins Tri-Meet
Halifax Prepares For Conference Championships Friday
The Halifax County Middle School boys track team got a good dose of momentum in advance of Friday’s Southside Middle School Chammpionship Meet with a solid win here Monday over conference foes Amelia and Russell.
Halifax totaled 87.33 points in the meet, Amelia was second with 41.66 points, and Russell was third with a single point.
The Lions took first in seven of ten individual events and two of three relays to win going away, Quinton Wooden finishing with three, Adams and Antonio Walker two wins each and Iric Webster one individual win.
Adams and Wooden tied for first in the high jump, Walker won the long jump and hurdles, Wooden the discus and shot put and Adams the 100-meter dash, while Webster won the 400-meter dash.
Halifax also won two of three relays, the 4x100-meter relay with “A” team members Devin Walton, Tevin Gayles, Brandon Boyd and Wooden, in addition to the 4x400-meter “A” relay team.
Halifax will host the Southside Middle School Conference Championships Friday, with the meet scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Tisha Waller Track and Field.

Halifax 87.33, Amelia 41.66, Russell 1
Meet Results
High Jump
1. Lemal Adams (H), Quinton Wooden (H) 5’-6” (tie)
2. Slayden (A) 5’-4”
3. Iric Webster (H), Perry (A), Herbert (A) 5’-2” (tie)
Discus
1. Quinton Wooden (H) 118’-6.5”
2. Chris Thorpe (H) 113’-9.5”
3. Lemal Adams (H) 112’-4”
4. Slayden (A) 105’-9”
Long Jump
1. Antonio Walker (H) 18’-5.5”
2. Slayden (A) 18’-.75”
3. Quinton Wooden (H) 17’-11”
4. Iric Webster (H) 17’-9.75”
Shot Put
1. Quinton Wooden (H) 44’-9”
2. Lemal Adams (H) 41’-4”
3. Chris Thorpe (H) 40’-5.5”
4. Slayden (A) 38’-9.5”
Hurdles
1. Antonio Walker (H) 15.33 seconds
2. Marcus L. Williams (H) 15.7
3. Blanks (A) 15.75
4. Brandon Boyd (H) 15.87
1,600-Meter Run
1. Walsh (A) 5:29
2. Parker Harrell (H) 6:03
3. Kaos Moses (H) 6:04
4. Travis Lipscomb (H) 6:07
100-Meter Dash
1. Lemal Adams (H) 12.11 seconds
2. Banks (A) 12.12
3. Antonio Walker (H) 12.52
4. Drumgold (R), Stewart (R) 12.89 (tie)
400-Meter Run
1. Iric Webster (H) :57 seconds
2. Slayden (A) 1:00
3. Shaq Bailey (H) 1:02.9
4. Kwame Lambert (H) 1:04.01
800-Meter Run
1. Walsh (A) 2:28
2. Keith Gutrich (H) 2:31
3. Raines (A) 2:50
4. Kimbro (A) 2:55
200-Meter Dash
1. Slayden (A) 24.13 seconds
2. Lemal Adams (H) 25.0
3. Brandon Boyd (H) 25.24
4. Starkes (A) 26.18
4x100-Meter Relay
1. Halifax “A” (Walton, Gayles, Boyd, Wooden) 49.53
2. Amelia 50.17
Halifax “B” (Marcus L. Williams, Cordaro Brown, Bilal Corbin, Thorpe) 53.9
4x200-Meter Relay
1. Amelia (Booker, Starkes, Perry, Slayden) 1:41.65
2. Halifax “A” (Walton, Wooden, Adams, Webster) 1:43
Halifax “B” (Brown, Daryl Rome, Lambert, Thorpe) 1:58.7
4x400-Meter Relay
1. Halifax “A” 4:16
Halifax “B” (Lipscomb, Harrell, Moses, Rome) 5:02

 

Defending Rolex Sports Car Series Champions Facing Uphill Battle
The VIR 400 Notebook
Last year SunTrust Pontiac Riley drivers Max Angelelli and Wayne Taylor won the championship in the Daytona Prototype division of the Rolex Sports Car Series and had no problems running at or near the front of the field and stacking up podium finishes.
This season, however, has been another matter.
The team has struggled and Taylor and Angelelli are blaming a rules change Grand American Road Racing Association officials made earlier this season in an effort to equalize the competition among the teams with regard to engine packages for their less than desirable showing.
Taylor and Angelelli had a better day Sunday, with a second-place finish in the 400, a race that was not decided until the final two turns on the final circuit. Angelelli led 12 laps of Sunday’s 77-lap race, marking the first time he has led a race since the Crown Royal at the Glen last September.
Those 12 laps were also the first laps the SunTrust car had led since Taylor led two laps in the early going of the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. In addition, Sunday’s podium finish here at VIRginia International Raceway was the team’s first podium finish of the season.
Still Angelelli and Taylor were not happy.
“I want to point out our package is not competitive,” Angelelli said.
“I took a lot of risks. It was very difficult for me. We’re struggling. The rules have been changed since last year. This the first podium (of the season) for Pontiac. It’s not their fault. We’re working very hard. Hopefully, we’ll have a better package in the future.
“Last year we won the championship,” Taylor added.
“We have the same drivers, the same cars, the same Rileys. There has got to be something wrong when we can’t get to the podium. I think the equivalency formula is a little out of whack right now.
“I’m happy we could get Pontiac back on the podium,” Taylor pointed out.
“ But there is more work to be done. We’re at the limit of what we can do with our resources. Grand-Am needs to check this out.”
Race Notes From Staff, Grand American
Road Racing Association Reports
VIR 400 race winners Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long know how to impress a sponsor. Ruby Tuesday came on board the week prior to the race to sponsor the team and Rockenfeller and Long gave the firm a win in its first outing.
“Obviously, it’s nice for the team, or Patrick and myself and for Ruby Tuesday who was our sponsor for the first time this race,” said Rockenfeller.
“ It’s great to win this one.”
It was the second-career Rolex Series victory for both Rockenfeller and co-driver Patrick Long, who led a race-high 30 laps after starting second and taking the lead at the start. The triumph comes on the heels of the duo’s maiden Rolex Series win in the Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami last month, and was their fourth podium finish in as many Rolex Series starts this season.
The victory coupled with the second-place run in Saturday’s qualifying race moved Rockenfeller and Long to the top of the Daytona Prototype points table. The duo leads No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Riley driver Jorg Bergmeister by five points, 164-159.
The No. 39 Crown Royal Special Reserve/Cheever Racing Porsche Crawford has had its share of misfortune in 2006. An engine failure in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and an unavoidable crash in the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach led to 11th and 24th place finishes, respectively.
However, in the three races that the machine has finished, it has logged top-seven finishes each time. Finishing sixth in Mexico City, second at Homestead-Miami Speedway and seventh in Sunday’s VIR 400, the team sits fifth in the updated Daytona Prototype team standings... Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger--co-drivers of the No. 4 The Boss Snowplow Pontiac Crawford for Howard-Boss Motorsports--posted their third top-six finish in the last four races with a sixth-place overall result at VIR. With the finish, the duo climbs into a tie for 15th in the driver standings.
For the first time in 2006, No. 65 TRG Pontiac GTO.R co-drivers Andy Lally and Marc Bunting climbed the top step of the GT class podium, and with Sunday’s win in the VIR 400, the 2005 class runners-up also move into the championship lead.
Lally passed Germany’s Wolf Henzler in the No. 72 NEC Porsche GT3 at the end of the back straightaway and into the “roller coaster” section of the 3.27-mile road course with six laps to go and never looked back, clinching the first victory for the machine since the Crown Royal 250 at The Glen last September.
“This win feels good, but the championship is the main goal,” said Lally.
“This is my first pro race win here at VIR, and after finishing second in the qualifying race yesterday morning and second in the Grand-Am Cup race yesterday afternoon, the win today makes for a very good weekend.”
Bunting and Lally jumped ahead of Henzler and co-driver Robin Liddell--who finished fourth in the VIR 400--in the points standings, and hold a five-point advantage (151-146) over the Tafel Racing duo heading into next month’s U.S. Sports Car Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. They are 11 points better than TRG teammates Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards.