Area racer on a winning roll

Kitsap racer Jon VanGesen is closing in on an Outlaw Compact Series Championship. VanGesen races in the Outlaw Compact Series, which is the Northwest Premier Mini Stock touring series, racing on paved oval short tracks throughout the Northwest. VanGesen has won three of the last six races, including the last two races in a row.

Among the tracks VanGesen has won at this season are Jackson Prairie Speedway in Chehalis June 16, Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, Idaho on Aug. 5, and Port Angeles Speedway Aug. 11. VanGesen leads the series points race for the 2007 Championship.

VanGesen drives a four-cylinder 1984 Toyota Corolla GTS in the series. His racing efforts are supported by several area businesses and community groups including; Westbay Auto Parts, Comfort Inn, Kitsap Chiropractic, Cutters Point Coffee and the Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild and Corrections Association.

“It was great to get a win at a track  where I have been a bridesmaid several times,” he said of the Stateline win. “I love racing at Stateline Speedway. Our team needed this kind of momentum to help us finish the season strong.” 

However the win at Port Angeles Speedway this weekend was not quite as easy. 

The front end of VanGesen’s race car was nearly destroyed during a heat race in which VanGesen and a fellow driver collided going into turn one and VanGesen hit the tire wall on the inside of the track.

VanGesen’s crew put the car back together, replaced suspension parts and three wheels, in time for the 30-lap main event. VanGesen then went on to take the win. 

The Outlaw Compact Series races at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Ore., on Aug. 25, in the Outlaw Compact 100 “A Mini Stock Invitational.”

The Outlaw Compact Series rounds out the season at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe on Sept. 8 and at Port Angeles Speedway on Sept. 22 for Championship night.

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