Interview with Leeroy Racing Chief Engineer
ASCAR Weekly Magazine
For those who’ve been living under a rock the last week, the Conke Cola 100 has been run and won. But there was controversy both on and off the track as Leeroy Racing’s Vlad “The Impaler” Bolovic was roughed up by Barry Bonkarenko, causing the Bogliq driver to lose valuable championship points and possibly his life.
Word is, there was an incident when Vlad pitted. He had to be physically restrained by his own team! t isn’t hard to guess where young Vlad was headed off to. Luckily for his career, Vlad calmed down and nothing further happened… Although the Right Turn Motorsports crew chief had a recurring situation where a mysterious bag of flaming dog poop kept finding it’s way onto the doorstep of his personal trailer!
We are here today to discuss with Leeroy Racing’s chief engineer just what happened and what are the ramifications for Vlad and Barry going forward.
Int: “Thankyou for agreeing to an interview”
CE: “You’re welcome”
Int: “OK, so let’s dive straight in, shall we… What happened out there”
CE: “I’m limited in what I can say; legal reasons, you understand. But I can say that Mr Bonkarenko came in contact with Vlad’s car, causing him to lose control. This resulted in our car losing a number of positions that we would otherwise not have lost”
Int: “So Barry PITT’ed Vlad? Did he do it deliberately?”
CE: “I cannot comment on whether an actual PIT maneuver was used or whether the move was deliberate or accidental. Until ASCAR rules, nothing can be definitively stated. I will say this. Both drivers are young, hot blooded, go getters who want to win and want to do their team proud. This might have coloured their recollection of the events in question. The ASCAR officials will need to talk to both drivers and thoroughly review the footage but I just can’t speculate on who did what.”
Int: “OK, but you must feel that it’s more than a race incident or else you’d not make the complaint, surely?”
CE: “We lost position, points and potential sponsorship revenue. Legal reviewed the video and chose to file the complaint. If it were up to me… I dunno, it felt kinda deliberate but these cars are akin to a tap dancing elephant; they just aren’t capable of delicate maneuvers!”
Int: “OK, thanks for your time, I think we have a clearer picture of the issues and now we just have to wait on ASCAR’s complaints processes to make the final ruling…”
Indeed, ASCAR has made a concession to Team Leeroy Racing, offering to cover any medical expenses incurred by Vlad as part of the incident and a financial bonus at the end of the racing season.
As for Team Right Turn’s position? They feel that it was a racing incident and that, in the heat of the action, mistakes were made. Legitimate, rookie mistakes.
We don’t take sides here at ASCAR Weekly but my personal opinion? Leeroy Racing should take the bonus money, make a public announcement stating all’s well and let everyone get back to the business of racing!!!