USDrift 2014 Rounds 4 & 5; Jim Bissey and David Bellomo reach final podiums of the season!
Text by Brian Eggert. Photos by James Dickinson
USDrift returned to one of the most scenic racetracks in the country this past weekend for the final 2 rounds in their 2014 USDrift PRO/AM Series. The event took place on the 1.1-Mile Patriot Course that sits nestled inside the famous 3.27-Mile Full Course. Jim Bissey from Philadelphia, PA took the top spot in Round 4 held on Saturday while David Bellomo, from Haymarket, VA took the honors in Round 5 held on Sunday.
VIRginia International Raceway is located in Alton, VA on the VA/NC border and was opened back in 1957. After the fuel crisis in the 1970’s, the track fell on hard times and reverted back to farmland for the next 25 years. In 1998, investors purchased the track restoring it to its original beauty and reopened it in 2000. The Patriot Course, in which the competition took place, was opened in the fall of 2003.
Round 4 kicked off the double-header weekend on Saturday with several competitors visiting VIR for their very first time. It didn’t take very long for all the drivers to learn the course and prepare for the competition. Taking the #1 qualifying position was North Carolina native, Jonathan Nerren from nearby Concord in his LS7 powered 1995 Magnuson Superchargers Nissan 240SX. David Bellomo, who looked the most consistent all weekend in his 1JZ powered 1994 Nissan 240SX would wind up missing the podium in 4th place. Nerren would take 3rd place, making this his second USDrift podium finish in a row. Steve Angerman, from Egg Harbor Township in NJ would take 2nd place in his 1JZ powered Hoonigan Nissan 240SX. Determined to push his season points lead that much further out of reach going into Sunday’s final round, Jim Bissey would take 1st place on the podium in his 1JZ powered 1993 J&C Auto Nissan 240SX.
Saturday’s Round 4 event would set the stage for Sunday, as the course layout would remain the same for Round 5. The only change would be determined by which drivers could stay consistent two days in a row. Starting off strong was Jonathan Nerren, who took the #1 qualifier position both days. However his luck would run out of steam by the top 4, and he would earn himself the first spot off the podium in a well deserved 4th place. Next would be Chris Allen, in his 2006 Garrett Turbo Ford Mustang GT earning him his first spot on a USDrift podium in 3rd. No stranger to 2nd place, Steve Angerman would finish strong in the same place he qualified, as well as where finished the day prior. The top spot would go to David Bellomo, awarding him his second USDrift podium, which coincidently was also won in the last round of the 2013 season.
As for the Championship, having back-to-back rounds on the same weekend had the potential to royally disrupt the season standings making it anyone’s game. However the series point’s leader after 3 rounds, Jim Bissey, continually placed high enough in both rounds to secure his lead throughout the weekend and earn himself the 2014 USDrift PRO/AM Series Championship. Steve Angerman would manage to take second, despite missing Round 3 in Ohio and Salvatore DiPompo from New Jersey finished out the top 3 in his 1994 1JZ powered BMW 3 Series.
“VIRginia Internatioinal Raceway holds a special place in our heart, as we were lucky enough to ‘break in’ the Patriot Course on it’s inaugural weekend 11 years prior to the day” said Brian Eggert, Event Director of USDrift. “It has been a couple of years since we were able to return due to conflicting schedules, so this event was long overdue and we can’t wait to return next Spring.”
The 2014 USDrift PRO/AM Series concluded with Rounds 4 and 5 at VIRginia International Raceway, in Alton, VA on October 4-5. Series updates and schedules for the 2015 season should be announced shortly. For more information please visit: www.usdrift.com. You can also find USDrift on popular social media outlets such as:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/usdrift
Instagram: http://instagram.com/usdrift
Twitter: http://twitter.com/usdrift
USDrift RD4 Results:
1. Jim Bissey [Philadelphia, PA]
2. Steve Angerman [Egg Harbor Township, NJ]
3. Jonathan Nerren [Concord, NC]
USDrift RD5 Results:
1. David Bellomo [Haymarket, VA]
2. Steve Angerman [Egg Harbor Township, NJ]
3. Chris Allen [Allentown, PA]
USDrift 2014 Standings Five Rounds:
1. Jim Bissey [PA] – 438pts
2. Steve Angerman [NJ] – 392pts
3. Salvatore DiPompo [NJ] – 371pts
4. David Bellomo [VA] – 296pts
5. Jonathan Nerren [NC] – 280pts
6. Chris Allen [PA] – 266pts
7. Troy Manners [PA] – 231pts
8. Dan Savage [VA] – 179pts
9. Austin Meeks [SC] – 146pts
10. Nathaniel Chen [VA] – 145pts
For more information please contact:
USDrift/Lookout, LLC
10307 West Broad Street, #186
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804-65-PROAM (7-7626)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
