Belton, Missouri
Official Press Release - November 8, 2002 O'Reilly MLRA
Long way to the Top
By: Kevin Fletcher
While looking thru my closet of memories, I stumbled on to an interesting
magazine that had some of my early stories featured in. it; It was the early
stages of what would have been a very interesting magazine for today's racers
and fans.
Unfortunately it was also under fueled for the fire that was supposed to
follow in the months and years ahead, therefore cutting my chances of ever
being a "Big League Writer" for racing news, just another mild set back
towards my editorial career.
Fortunate enough I was assigned to do a story on one of the Midwest's
hottest attractions Alan "the Wild Child" Vaughn. I had seen Vaughn race
countless times but never had took the time to see who he really was and what
his goals where.
So with a pad and pencil in hand, I proceeded to look like I was someone on
a Big Time Magazine assignment’ in Joplin, Missouri.
Under rain clouds and a dampened track we sat and made conversation of where
it all got started and who was involved in the early days.
I Soon found out it wasn’t Four Corners and on dirt, where Vaughn got his
love for speed started. It was on quarter miles with asphalt pits that first
inspired him getting a thrill 12 seconds at a time in a 327/300-horse shoebox.
In a 1955 Chevrolet, Vaughn would get his taste of adrenaline, rushing up
and down the strip time and time again along the way gaining wins, but that
taste would soon leave him for a new liking. Stock Car Racing. "Dirt Track"
something totally different.
In his "Rookie " season at the Adrian Speedway in Adrian, Missouri in 1985
Vaughn would pass the checkered flag first more than once. His second season
also had its share of Victories, another 8 for the books. So with only 2
seasons behind the wheel he was nearing 20 wins. A number reached by only a
handful of drivers their complete careers. This new sport might have some
future if it can keep up this pace.
The taste of Racing was soon to get expensive, in his 3rd year a decision
was made to fulfill the dream of most everyone that has ever raced has had.
To power 2300 pounds of metal thru a corner at speeds over 100 mph. In the
premier class known as the Late Models.
With the help from a host of fans, friends, sponsors, and the master
mechanics, his dad Jack Vaughn, Bob Peterson, Randy Davidson, John Ayers, and
Dave Perry they set out to make a name that people would remember.1990 would
be his first complete season with the MLRA. Not the year the team had hoped
for but then again a good year for an unpolished team.
Within a couple of years Vaughn would not only get a name, but he would
create a cheering section anywhere he went, Promoters eyes would gleam when
they saw Vaughn at the pit gates knowing the stands would have additional
hamburgers, hot dogs, and popcorn wrappers under them as the crowds would
cheer the "Wild Child" to victory lane.
The fans always knew they had spent their money in the right place, as the
"Wild Child" would roll onto the track. The 22 car and driver were starting
to produce, and the Trophy pictures were being added at the souvenir stands
quite often.
1994 would be one of the first true seasons of success in a Late Model his
decision to run with the MLRA was one that had sharpened his skills needed to
compete at that level. He would be competing with weekly car counts of 40
plus and every driver that was anybody in the country. He not only sharpened
his skills but he made his point by notching his first Top 5 finish in season
points with the MLRA
Along the way Vaughn and his team proved their wealth in more ways than one.
As they would compete with teams of unlimited expense and endless budgets he
could still roll up in his 86 crew cab and unload off a open pit trailer a
car that was equal to the best of them. In the sport of dollars and sense,
Vaughn was showing it takes sense to spend the dollars where they was needed
and the ability to put both to good use as he rolled under the checkered
flags.
Vaughn has been a regular with the O’Reilly’s MLRA series for 12 years now
making it to the Top first in 1995 being crowned the MLRA Champion. 96, 97,
and 98 he was 2nd in points each year, making pressure for another
Championship run seem close but then again far away.
2002 was not a banner season for the 22 car of Belton, Missouri right from
the start, but he hooked the battery from the negative to the positive side
around mid season and proved himself to everyone again even after a serious
crash at the Winston Speedway in Winston, Mo. Many fans feared his
championship run had just ended, but not Alan.
It was a new chassis and fresh motor that made the package complete as he was
once again points chasing with the O’Reilly MLRA and it would come down to
the final night of the season in front of a full stands in S. Coffeyville,
Oklahoma at the Mid America Speedway to see if Vaughn had what it takes to
get the job done.
He wasn't in it for 2nd place He was in it for his 2nd championship, that
is the attitude it takes to be a Champion with the O’Reilly MLRA Super Dirt
Late Model series. It’s hard work, sleepless nights, and countless miles.
Dedication is demanded and the weak not should apply.
Allow me to introduce you to what it takes! Coming from the great state of
Missouri, with 14 career wins and over 200 A Feature wins, you’re 2002 Season
Champion with the O’Reilly MLRA, Alan "The Wild Child" Vaughn.
Sponsoring Vaughn for the 2002 season was a host of great people including
Helts Turf Farm, Super Clean Plumbing, Davidson Trucking, Smitty’s Racing
Engines, Bates Co. Heating and Cooling, Rocket Chassis BY Larry Shaw, Simon
Petroleum / Sunoco Race Fuels and Weld Wheels.
2002 had more people than ever behind Alan and his Race Team, including all
of his fans, he would like to thank them each and everyone for all they have
done along the way. And his Hat was tipped especially to his Father Jack, for
the amount of work he has contributed by working daily making sure his car
was ready for anywhere and anything.
A Good team has good people and his crew pulled it together whenever needed,
spending valuable time away from their friends, family's, and lifestyles to
keep Alan and his car at the front, he also would like to thank them for
their help Heather, Jack Vaughn, Tim Green, and Chris Parks.
His addition to the Sport and to the O’Reilly MLRA is why Racing is the
Number 1 sport in America. Alan Vaughn could be called one of Yesterdays
Stars and Today's Heroes, what will Next Year be? Good chance it will have
Alan listed at the Top of it in whatever paper you read.
Alan Vaughn - 2002 O'Reilly MLRA Super Dirt Late Model Series Champion
Thanks for checking this story out for more info contact OREILLY MLRA@cs.com
or www.mlraracing.com also phone inquiries can be made directly to the
O'Reilly MLRA Home Office at 816-650-5063 Alan "Cowboy" & Harriet Chancellor
Story Submitted by
High Gear Entertainment and Racing Promotions
Springfield, Mo.
417-833-9467 or 417-860-8346
Official Press Release - November 8, 2002 O'Reilly MLRA
Long way to the Top
By: Kevin Fletcher
While looking thru my closet of memories, I stumbled on to an interesting
magazine that had some of my early stories featured in. it; It was the early
stages of what would have been a very interesting magazine for today's racers
and fans.
Unfortunately it was also under fueled for the fire that was supposed to
follow in the months and years ahead, therefore cutting my chances of ever
being a "Big League Writer" for racing news, just another mild set back
towards my editorial career.
Fortunate enough I was assigned to do a story on one of the Midwest's
hottest attractions Alan "the Wild Child" Vaughn. I had seen Vaughn race
countless times but never had took the time to see who he really was and what
his goals where.
So with a pad and pencil in hand, I proceeded to look like I was someone on
a Big Time Magazine assignment’ in Joplin, Missouri.
Under rain clouds and a dampened track we sat and made conversation of where
it all got started and who was involved in the early days.
I Soon found out it wasn’t Four Corners and on dirt, where Vaughn got his
love for speed started. It was on quarter miles with asphalt pits that first
inspired him getting a thrill 12 seconds at a time in a 327/300-horse shoebox.
In a 1955 Chevrolet, Vaughn would get his taste of adrenaline, rushing up
and down the strip time and time again along the way gaining wins, but that
taste would soon leave him for a new liking. Stock Car Racing. "Dirt Track"
something totally different.
In his "Rookie " season at the Adrian Speedway in Adrian, Missouri in 1985
Vaughn would pass the checkered flag first more than once. His second season
also had its share of Victories, another 8 for the books. So with only 2
seasons behind the wheel he was nearing 20 wins. A number reached by only a
handful of drivers their complete careers. This new sport might have some
future if it can keep up this pace.
The taste of Racing was soon to get expensive, in his 3rd year a decision
was made to fulfill the dream of most everyone that has ever raced has had.
To power 2300 pounds of metal thru a corner at speeds over 100 mph. In the
premier class known as the Late Models.
With the help from a host of fans, friends, sponsors, and the master
mechanics, his dad Jack Vaughn, Bob Peterson, Randy Davidson, John Ayers, and
Dave Perry they set out to make a name that people would remember.1990 would
be his first complete season with the MLRA. Not the year the team had hoped
for but then again a good year for an unpolished team.
Within a couple of years Vaughn would not only get a name, but he would
create a cheering section anywhere he went, Promoters eyes would gleam when
they saw Vaughn at the pit gates knowing the stands would have additional
hamburgers, hot dogs, and popcorn wrappers under them as the crowds would
cheer the "Wild Child" to victory lane.
The fans always knew they had spent their money in the right place, as the
"Wild Child" would roll onto the track. The 22 car and driver were starting
to produce, and the Trophy pictures were being added at the souvenir stands
quite often.
1994 would be one of the first true seasons of success in a Late Model his
decision to run with the MLRA was one that had sharpened his skills needed to
compete at that level. He would be competing with weekly car counts of 40
plus and every driver that was anybody in the country. He not only sharpened
his skills but he made his point by notching his first Top 5 finish in season
points with the MLRA
Along the way Vaughn and his team proved their wealth in more ways than one.
As they would compete with teams of unlimited expense and endless budgets he
could still roll up in his 86 crew cab and unload off a open pit trailer a
car that was equal to the best of them. In the sport of dollars and sense,
Vaughn was showing it takes sense to spend the dollars where they was needed
and the ability to put both to good use as he rolled under the checkered
flags.
Vaughn has been a regular with the O’Reilly’s MLRA series for 12 years now
making it to the Top first in 1995 being crowned the MLRA Champion. 96, 97,
and 98 he was 2nd in points each year, making pressure for another
Championship run seem close but then again far away.
2002 was not a banner season for the 22 car of Belton, Missouri right from
the start, but he hooked the battery from the negative to the positive side
around mid season and proved himself to everyone again even after a serious
crash at the Winston Speedway in Winston, Mo. Many fans feared his
championship run had just ended, but not Alan.
It was a new chassis and fresh motor that made the package complete as he was
once again points chasing with the O’Reilly MLRA and it would come down to
the final night of the season in front of a full stands in S. Coffeyville,
Oklahoma at the Mid America Speedway to see if Vaughn had what it takes to
get the job done.
He wasn't in it for 2nd place He was in it for his 2nd championship, that
is the attitude it takes to be a Champion with the O’Reilly MLRA Super Dirt
Late Model series. It’s hard work, sleepless nights, and countless miles.
Dedication is demanded and the weak not should apply.
Allow me to introduce you to what it takes! Coming from the great state of
Missouri, with 14 career wins and over 200 A Feature wins, you’re 2002 Season
Champion with the O’Reilly MLRA, Alan "The Wild Child" Vaughn.
Sponsoring Vaughn for the 2002 season was a host of great people including
Helts Turf Farm, Super Clean Plumbing, Davidson Trucking, Smitty’s Racing
Engines, Bates Co. Heating and Cooling, Rocket Chassis BY Larry Shaw, Simon
Petroleum / Sunoco Race Fuels and Weld Wheels.
2002 had more people than ever behind Alan and his Race Team, including all
of his fans, he would like to thank them each and everyone for all they have
done along the way. And his Hat was tipped especially to his Father Jack, for
the amount of work he has contributed by working daily making sure his car
was ready for anywhere and anything.
A Good team has good people and his crew pulled it together whenever needed,
spending valuable time away from their friends, family's, and lifestyles to
keep Alan and his car at the front, he also would like to thank them for
their help Heather, Jack Vaughn, Tim Green, and Chris Parks.
His addition to the Sport and to the O’Reilly MLRA is why Racing is the
Number 1 sport in America. Alan Vaughn could be called one of Yesterdays
Stars and Today's Heroes, what will Next Year be? Good chance it will have
Alan listed at the Top of it in whatever paper you read.
Alan Vaughn - 2002 O'Reilly MLRA Super Dirt Late Model Series Champion
Thanks for checking this story out for more info contact OREILLY MLRA@cs.com
or www.mlraracing.com also phone inquiries can be made directly to the
O'Reilly MLRA Home Office at 816-650-5063 Alan "Cowboy" & Harriet Chancellor
Story Submitted by
High Gear Entertainment and Racing Promotions
Springfield, Mo.
417-833-9467 or 417-860-8346
