02/20/2001

A.J. VANNESS TO ENTER THE 2001 BLUNDERBUST RANKS...

After making his return to the Riverhead race scene last year in the Figure 8’s, A.J. Vanness has decided to switch divisions and enter the ever-competitive Blunderbust division for 2001.
            Vanness will be driving a 1972 Buick Riviera, recently purchased from Wheels Racing and Neal Feola Sr. and was raced by the 1999 Figure 8 Rookie of the Year, Carl Baxter.  The car will be featuring plenty of power from an engine by G&R Performance.
            The #18 Vanness Motorsports team will have funding from Partylite Candles, John’s Auto Repair, and Select Pro Shop.
            A.J. Vanness grew up on stock car racing with the smells and sounds of Islip Speedway only two blocks away from his home.  His father, Allen Vanness, was crew chief to drivers such as Bobby Mason, John Burns, and the 2000 Figure 8 Champion Bill Steen.  Racing is in his family, for not only his father was involved in racing, but also his brother-in-law is Bill Steen and his wife Michelle, is the niece of Figure 8 standout and current DEI crewmember, Tom Ryan.
            A.J. Vanness was destined to race eventually and started racing behind the wheel of a Figure 8 in 1990 and continued wheeling Figure 8’s until 1996 when got married and started a family.  In 2000, A.J. Vanness returned to the track and the Figure 8 ranks in an old Mike Mujsce mount to mixed results.  For 2001, A.J. Vanness will be in control of his own team in the Blunderbust and in control of his destiny.
            The reasoning behind the move to the Blunderbusts is of one that is starting to become very familiar.  “[I decided to move] to have a little fun and the other division was starting to the point of who was after who,” A.J. commented, but A.J. quickly added, “plus my best friend Neal [Feola] is having fun driving the #16.”  As those involved in racing know, friends and family are deeply tied into the sport with the most famous battles on the track occurring between friends and family.
            The Vanness Motorsports goals for its rookie Blunderbust season are simple, but vital, “My goals are to have fun, be the top rookie, and enjoy the challenge of driving in the Blunderbust division.”
            In 2001, Vanness Motorsports will have plenty of competition from veterans and rookies alike in the competitive Blunderbust division.  With a strong team of friends and family and a winning tradition, A.J. Vanness’ 2001 season looks to be promising for success.

Source:  J.A. Ackley
Posted:  February 20, 2001