Pfluger Wins over NASCAR's Ron Hornaday

Tucson Raceway Park was buzzing with excitement because Craftsman Truck Series Champion, Ron Hornaday Jr. was returning to the track to race. This was an opportunity of a lifetime for Victor Pfluger who had grown up watching and following the career of local legend Hornaday.

Heat race action saw everyone in the house on their feet as Hornaday demonstrated why he has won 3 Truck Championships. Relegated to staring in last position, by lap 3 Hornaday, driving the #15 car of Rueschenberg had blown by the pack to take the win with Duane Hunt and Pfluger trailing behind.

Pfluger was slated to start the 75 lap race from the 8th position in the 18 car field. In the first 10 laps of the wild race Hornaday had climbed to the 7th spot as Paladenic lead the pack over Mat Williams. It was a 3-way battle for the next 15 or so laps as Pfluger, Rueschenberg and Hornaday were locked in a side by side struggle. At lap 22 a caution would come out letting the field bunch up again. Hornaday took this opportunity to close the gap on the leaders.

Halfway through the 75 laps saw Paladenic, Hornaday, Pfluger and Rueschenberg out front in a race of their own while half a straightaway behind the rest of the drivers were hoping for a chance to slip by Mat Williams.

Lap 45 saw a dramatic turn of events: Hornaday executed a strategic move to avoid contact with a lapped car which domino-ed to Pfluger who spun and to Cassie Gannis whose involvement created a fire under the hood. This situation brought out the red flag and field reverted to the previous lap with Hornaday and Pfluger retaining their spots.

The race went green with Paladenic out front, Hornaday in second and Pfluger in third. In just a few laps Paladenic's and Hornaday's cars were beginning to suffer from tire wear. It was on lap 61 that Pfluger saw his opportunity to make his move on Hornaday and he and Rueschenberg charged to the front.

The side-by-side battles continued and with only two laps to go the pack began to frantically swap positions as Hunt would get by Rueschenberg for second and in the final dash to the checkered Harrington would get by Hornaday for fourth. During all this Victor held his ground and took the win in the biggest race of his career at Tucson Raceway Park.

Pfluger, who won the ASA Speed Truck Championship last year, ran virtually door to door with the veteran Hornaday for more than 30 laps. Many of these laps were actually three wide with Rueschenberg tagged on one side of the other. "Racing in traffic like that is fun - and it gets a bit hairy - but the excitement of racing against one of my all-time heroes was just amazing and it helped me concentrate on driving hard, but steady. " Said Pfluger.

"Hornaday was an awesome competitor, a very personable and gracious guy." Said team owner Art Pfluger. In the Winner's circle Hornaday signed Victor's trophy and told him what a great job he had done.

Scott Rueschenberg also ran a great race and as always a formidable competitor. He too came over to congratulate Victor on his win.

"We tried a new setup because we hadn't as done well the last 2 races. The new setup helped, but we will continue looking to make the car better for each race." Said Pfluger still reeling from the victory.

BACK TO BACK WINS FOR PFLUGER
Tucson Raceway - March 29, 2008

The Parker Farms, Copperstate Tire, Maxima Racing Oils, Holiday Inn Express Chevy unloaded at the beautiful Tucson Raceway Park Friday afternoon for a day of productive testing. Though the universe seemed to have a different agenda for the team and towards the end of the testing session problems arose in the form of a broken rocker stud. This would be extremely problematic for the team and looked as if it might put a quick end to driver Victor Pfluger’s quest of 2 wins in a row.

Thanks to the help of the local fans and racers the Parker Farms team was able to locate a replacement part at a local speed shop, Townshed Performance, and get the car back on track. Bud Harvey provided over-the-phone tech support helping the team get the new stud installed and motor tuned to perfection.

Qualifying on Saturday saw Victor Pfluger in Jerry Blaco’s z2 Parker Farms Chevy setting fast time over the 14 car field. This was a good indicator of things to come as the trophy dash would show Pfluger starting 6th and finishing 2nd. The main event had Pfluger lined up in the 4th starting position. When the green flag came out Pfluger quickly took the lead on lap two and setting sail past last years Arizona State Champion Joe Paladenic.

The race pace was only interrupted with 2 cautions. But Pfluger, who kept a cool head under pressure, quickly resumed a 5 car lead over Paladenic until the last 5 laps when Scott Rueschenberg made his way into forward pulling into 2nd behind Pfluger. Pfluger made use of his smooth and smart driving style pulled a slight lead before the checkers fell giving him back to back wins.

The entire Parker Farms team cannot thank Chuck LaHorgue for his over-the-phone-help that led to this win. Matt Wolfe’s at track help was greatly appreciated, along with that of Mike Hubbard, Brad and Carlton Peterson who all came out to help crew the car. Jerry Blaco’s continued support of the team in lending his black z2 has been greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all of the Holiday Inn Express fans that came to the track to give their on-site support. None of this could be possible without the continued support of Alpinestars, Lou Martin at Pimp Hammer, and Rancho de los Cabelleros. Pfluger heads back to Tucson Raceway Park on April 4th to go for 3 in a row. Come on down and see the action for yourself and support your local drivers.

SPEEDTRUCK CHAMPION WINS WINTER THRILL ROUND 3 AT TRP

Photo linked from www.racingwest.com
In only his third NASCAR Feature Event, 17 year old Victor Pfluger pulls off a thrilling win. The Parker Farms/Copperstate Tire/ LaHorgue Race cars Monte Carlo owned By Jerry Blaco of Redding Ca. the third race of the season Saturday night.  Pfluger qualified second out of the pack of Late Models and finished 5th in his heat race. This placed him on outside pole for the start.  When the green flag dropped he took a quick lead over Dave Larson. Victor led the race from flag to flag in a 40 lap non-stop feature that went the distance without a yellow. His only challenge came in the final lap when Scott Rueschenberg had a late race charge and made it within a few feet of the rear bumper at the flag.

Crew chief Chuck Lahorgue was on hand to supervise the setup of the car and to lend support to the team. 15 year old Brian Hill of Tucson, AZ recently joined the pit crew for the Tucson races and is learning fast.

We were thrilled and grateful to all the supports and fans that showed up to cheer us on. Lou Martin of Pimp Hammer Clothing was on hand for the evening as was Aendy Araiza from Rutland Tools who made the long ride to Tucson from Los Angeles to watch the festivities. Media consultant Matt Wolfe also was in attendence to help with just about everything including taking care of the contingent of "Pfluger Phans" that were on hand.  "We want to welcome The Airport Holiday Inn Express in Tucson who has come onboard to assist the needs of our team and supporters with lodging.  Jack Waterman of course keeps the website going so that everyone can keep up to date with Victor." Said Art Pfluger, father of the young hotshoe.  Brad and Carlton Peterson were not there as they had previous obligations and it was shame as they work very hard to help the team.  AlpineStars helped keep Victor safe with his new custom Alpinestars driver's suit.

"We really wanted a win with Mr.Blaco's car", said Victor. It has been really special having him loan us this chassis. We are trying our hardest to honor his generosity by doing well at the track. It is pretty cool when someone thinks highly enough of you to loan you a chassis and then have you take it 900 miles away to race. We hope that when this is over he is as happy as we are."  The rules for the series have been a challenge.  Adjusting to only being allowed 2 new tires per race makes pit strategy and timing even more important, so we are really grateful to Lahorge for his solutions that always keep us dialed in.

PFLUGER HONORED AS YOUNGEST ASA SPEED TRUCK CHAMPION IN SERIES HISTORY
Source: Dave Grayson
Date: 03/10/2008


The ASA Speed Truck Challenge Series,(ASA-STC), teams arrived in Lake Havasu City-Arizona to officially open their 2008 season with a March 8th 100 lap feature at the Havasu 95 Speedway. But before they officially kicked off their 12th season they had a some business to take care of from last year. It was their annual awards banquet, held at the Quality Inn and Suites, where a packed room gathered to pay tribute to their 2007 champion: Morristown-Arizona's Victor Pfluger.

The gathering brought back a lot of memories of exactly how Pfluger won that championship this past October at the Havasu 95 Speedway. It was a race that many series participants and fans are still talking about. Going into that final race Pfluger was two points behind two time series champion Darren Young. Everyone watching was prepared for literally anything that night. It was a race that was being billed as "the duel in the desert." Pfluger set the fast time in qualifying that night and that earned him the highly coveted five bonus points. He also won the trophy dash. The stage was now set for "the duel."

On the initial green flag Young jumped into the lead. Pfluger stayed close to his tailgate. The two potential champions ran nose to tail for over 40 laps. All of sudden Young slowed and pulled into the pits. He was the victim of a cut tire. Young returned to the race and charged his way back to fifth before the laps ran out. Pfluger became the new ASA-STC champion. At age 16 he was also the youngest champion in series history. Pfluger and his family owned and operated racing team finished the 2007 season with three wins, 11 top five finishes, 12 top tens in 13 starts. He also was the fastest qualifier five times and won four trophy dashes.

Pfluger displayed a great deal of class at the awards banquet. Anyone who has ever met him should not be surprised. Victor Pfluger is a very classy, very well raised, young man. After being presented with his champion's ring and jacket, Pfluger dedicated the champion's trophy to his parents and thanked them for the years of support and the sacrifices that they made to help him achieve his dream. He also had high praise for crew chief, and truck builder, Chuck Lahorgue and told them that this championship could not have happened without his effort. Pfluger awarded LaHorgue with a Champions ring and jacket. Pfluger was also pleased to acknowledge Jim Parker, the owner of Parker Farms, who has been his long time primary sponsor. There were also the appropriate thank you to his list of associate sponsors that included Copperstate Tire, Alpine Stars, Maxima Racing Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Mondello Tech, Pimp Hammer Clothing and Holley Carb.

Anyone who closely follows the ASA-STC already knows that Victor Pfluger will be moving on the new racing opportunities in 2008 and will not be defending his title. He plans to campaign a super late model stock car in NASCAR's Whelen All American Series and plans to seek the NASCAR Arizona State Championship. Home base for Pfluger Racing this year will be Tuscon Raceway Park where he's already scored top five finishes in two starts. Chuck Lahorgue is busy building the team a new car. In the mean time they are using a car loaned to them by Jerry Blaco.While the details are still being finalized, there are also plans for the team to compete in selected NASCAR Camping World West Series events this year.

Also appropriately honored at the awards banquet was Darren Young. Always a class act off of the track, Young saluted Pfluger Racing for a job well done under the highly competitive circumstances that they both dealt with. The Gilbert-Arizona native also had high praise for his team, United Nissan Racing, and the tireless effort they put out that put him in a position to make that championship run last year.Young finished the 2007 season with an excellent record that included four wins, 10 top five and 10 top ten finishes in 13 starts.

Also making the honor roll at the ASA-STC's awards banquet were the drivers who finished third through tenth in the final 2007 standings. They included: Andy Allen, Randel King, Bear Rzesnowiecky, Jim Putman, Austin Murphy, Shawn Steele, Tim Allen and Jeff Catlin.

While 2007 was another banner year for the series, the prospects of 2008 are even brighter. And for the eighth year in a row there will be a national television package which is a huge benefit for both the series and the individual teams in terms of acquiring sponsorships. It has also been announced that the ASA-STC's televised races this year will be aired on a Saturday afternoon time slot which is a big improvement. There is also an influx to 20 plus new teams who will be racing with them this year.

After completing their first race of the year at the Havasu 95 Speedway, it appears that the competitive edge for the ASA-STC is going to be as sharp as ever. That season opener saw Jason Black get his first ever series win with Dallas Colodny right behind him in a very exciting green-white-checker finish. After that race Jay Rutherford, series President and CEO, was all smiles about the outcome of the race and said "somebody asked me earlier if I had two picks for the 2008 championship and I gave them two picks. Come to find out they were first and second in qualifying and one of them won the trophy dash and the other won the main event." That would be Dallas Colodny and Jason Black.

Strong Start to the 2008 Season

Many people are wondering, "What will the 2007 Speed Truck Challenge Champion do next?" The answer: "It mostly depends on money !" says team owner, Art Pfluger.  The plan is to run the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at Tucson Raceway Park - and run for the state NASCAR championship. 

Opening Night at the Tucson Racway Park saw Victor Pfluger set third fast qualifying time and finish 4th after losing the third spot on the very last turn of the last lap.  The winners of the race were Trent Synder (2007 ASA Late Model North div champ), and second was Joe Paladenic (The 2007 Az State NASCAR Champ). 

Race number two of the season, March 1st, saw Victor and the 2z car again make the 3rd fastest qualifying lap. And in another great race he finished 3rd in the feature event.  "We missed having Chuck Lahorgue with us this weekend, we are still anxious over setups, and just feel more secure when Chuck is able to guide us. Hopefully Chuck will be with us at the next race on the 15th." Said Art

Also in the plans are a few outings to run the ASA Late Model Series.

Chuck LaHorgue, who has been with the team as builder and crewchief for several years will continue his roles in the new season.  A busy schedule may preclude him from attending certain races, but he is always just a phonecall away.   "We couldn't have won the championship last year without the skill and help of Chuck.  His dedication to his drivers and teams is amazing." Said Pfluger. 

Currently the VPR team is currently running the #2Z car of Jerry Blaco.   "We are honored that Mr. Blaco made us such a generous offer."  We are having a new car built by Chuck Lahorgue, but untill that is done, we are just really grateful for the car that Jerry has allowed us to use." Said the team.

Continuing their support from years past are Bud Harvey and Carlton Peterson - who have pledge their expertise at the track and in the shop.

"And nothing is as important to a racer as their sponsors" said Victor. "We are proud that all of our sponsors have returned for the 2008 season.   We have strived to offer our sponsorship partners a great return on their investments in terms of local and national advertising and exposure. Parker Farms, our long-time primary sponsor are again offering their generous support and I hope we can hand them another championship this year."  Copperstate Tires has been a crucial team supporter for many seasons and are continuing their support.  As are Alpinestars, Maxima Oil, Holley Carb and Pimp Hammer Clothing. 

PFLUGER’S SPEED TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP CLENCHED IN A TRIPLE CROWN NIGHT - Becoming the Youngest Champion in Speed Truck History
Under the hot Arizona desert this past Saturday there was a shootout brewing between points leader Darren Young and sixteen year old Victor Pfluger. The two ASA Speed Truck drivers have been the class of the field all year and heading into the final battle the veteran Young held only a two point lead. Both drivers and their teams knew anything could happen during the race, and until the checkered flag drops their fates had not been sealed. The championship could come down to the last race, possibly last lap, maybe even the last corner. ...Read More ....

July 21, 2007 - Irwindale, CA
The day got off to a good start with a strong qualifying just .076 second off the fast time.  This put Victor in 3rd position for the start.  A rough start saw the the current points leader drop a number of spots to 7th.  A long crawl brought the #80 back up the pack to 5th place.  Knowing the truck was getting stronger as the track cooled and the long runs dialed in the setup, Victor was confident that he could catch the leader and win this race.  But curfew restrictions at the facility forced them to shorten the race to only 50 laps which didn't leave enough time for the young gun to take the win.  Victor took 5th place and still maintains his point's lead.

JULY 15, 2007
Victor wins second ASA Speed Truck Challenge of the Year !
The ASA-Go Fast-Speed Truck Challenge Series paid a July 14th visit to the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino. When the checkers flew at the conclusion of the 75-lap feature Victor Pfluger parked his #80 Parker Farms/Copperstate Tire Dodge...Read More from Racing West !

Read the Article from the ASA Speed Truck Site .... Click Here

Victor Widens his Points Lead - "From the Pits"
It was a great weekend. The Parker Farms/Copperstate Tire/Mondello Tech Dodge was on rails. Victor started with Fast qualifier, then on to the Trophy Dash and ran away with the feature. With the next weekend being Irwindale, a track that we especially want to do well at. It was great for me to see the truck go in the trailer without a scratch on it.
Read More from - From the Pits -

June 27, 2007

Click for more photos
Debut in Grand National Division at Infineon a Grand Experience
A mad scramble doesn't begin to describe the week leading up to the Infineon Speedway debut of Victor Pfluger.  Since the early days in karting the team has been a shoestring raceteam, maximizing the sponsorship contributions from their loyal group of supports - ...  Read More

June 23, 2007
Pfluger Makes NASCAR Debut at Infineon Speedway
The road course kid made the show for the Grand National West Sunscream 200 at Infineon Raceway this weekend. Despite a tough qualifying time, the young gun, who was relagated to starting in the 34th position stayed on the lead lap for the entire race while holding off and passing veteran drivers.  The week leading up to this race has been a hectic battle to prep the new GN car and arrange the tow to Sonoma.  But, for the young man who has always dreamed of racing the Everest of road courses, it has all been worth it. 

FOURTH PLACE FINISH AFTER ROUGH START
California Speedway - a road course - Victor's favorite racing, and a style he has excelled at.  His karting background has given him the skills to navigate thru the turns better than most drivers.  Having been the youngest racer in ASA history to win a race - at the St. John's track, he has shown he has propensity for turning right.

Practice went smoothly at the beautiful venue and Victor was confident of a strong qualifying.  On the first circuit of qualifying it was apparent that something had gone amiss with the motor.  Clocking in at 2 full seconds off pace proved that there was work to be done.   A quick look under the hood revealed an unhooked spark plug wire. The Parker Farms, Lahorgue Race Car had qualified on only 7 cylinders and yet still came up with a 10th place start.

Victor knew he had a fast truck and reckoned that with 45 scheduled minutes of racing he should be able to make up for the weak starting position.  When the flag dropped the determined points leader immediately began picking up spots. 20 minutes into the race the leader's fastest lap time was a 1:15:23 and Victor clocked off a 1:13:76. and was getting faster.

The race was slowed by 2 cautions and but restarts were a breeze for the powerhouse.   27 minutes in sitting in 4th spot and another caution was pulled. As the pack came around the bend to take the green there was an unexpected surprise. the checkers were waving 7 mins early - no time remaining to complete the inevitable charge to the lead.   Victor later commented on the shortened race: "We now have to race twice as hard to keep the points lead. Though it has motivated us to make sure we are at the front of the field the rest of the year."

REBOUNDING FROM TURMOIL
Sixteen year old Victor Pfluger proved a lot this past weekend.   This, the first race after the disconcerting claiming of his motor, proved beyond a doubt that this young gun is definitely a force to be contended with...  Read More

Alpinestars Announces Sponsorship
Victor Pfluger Racing would like to announce that Alpinestars has come aboard to supply Victor with his driving equipment for the rest of the 2007 season.  We would like to thank Matt Wolfe with Wolfemotorsports and his contacts P.J. Rashidi and Billy Deakins at Alpinestars. We would also like to thank Alpinstars for partnering up with us for what we feel will be a longterm relationship. We have not once put pen to paper nor have we met face to face on this deal. So for Alpinestars to partner up with us just from a talent stand point says someone is watching out for the little guy. We would like to extend a very heart filled thank you to P. J and Billy . Now that we look good the only thing to do is stay consistent and run up front.
Please visit www.alpinestars.com for your local retailer of driving gear, riding gear and street wear; and tell them Victor sent you!

TRIPLE CROWN WIN FOR PFLUGER IN TUCSON

Coming off of a commanding win in the Late Models last week, Victor Pfluger kept up the winning momentum by grabbing the Triple Crown in the 4th of the Speed Truck races.  First, the 16 year old from Wickenburg set a blistering Fast Time with a margin of more than 2/10th of second over the second runner-up.  At the pill drop, Victor rolled a 1 and nabbed the pole position for the Main.  In the interim, the #80 Lahorgue truck took him to win in the heated Trophy Dash.   On the pole with a nearly perfect truck, and his mind set on victory, Victor held the lead even after a number of caution restarts which put him in heated battles. First challenge came from veteran Darren Young, and then nearer the end of the race with Austin Mercy, but the determined Victor pushed the truck to the edge and took the win. -new photos

April 14, 2007 - Victor Pfluger Wins the Blythe Late Model Season Closer - Victor driving the Parker Farms/Copperstate Tire/ Maxima Oil Late Model won the season closer at Blythe in a decisive fashion. At the flag the young driver was a full straightway ahead of the second place car. Hoping to set fast time, we were content with the third spot, but the inversion worked in our favor and we got the pole position.

Pfluger led every lap of the 35 lap race besting past champion Mark Schriner (#82, who finished 3rd) and seasoned veteran Ron Daniels (#39 who finished second). It was a satisfying season with a great ending as we were able to snatch another win.    Chuck Lahorgue was once again our setup and engine coordinator, but this time was remotely communicating with the team via cell phone. 

Jerry Auck of Danny's Chrome Oasis in Phoenix, one of Pfluger's top sponsors, happened to be in the area and was thrilled at the opportunity to come out and watch his logo on the hood of the winning car. We want to congratulate Chris Gerchman on another Track Championship. We believe that we finished the year in second but need to have it verified. We hope to take this momentum to Tucson for the Speed Truck Race next weekend. - 
Victor Pfluger Interview with Ron NAVA - includes In Car Video Footage

Click Here for Interview !


March 4th, 2007
Pfluger Sets the Bar at Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe

Victor Pfluger, the 16 year old driver from Morristown, AZ had a fantastic set of runs in both the Late Model Winter Blast Series and the first race of the ASA Speedtruck Challenge. Saturday was a double-duty day as Victor and his team... Read more

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Arizona -- The ASA Speed Truck Challenge will send their high flying, full sized, racing pick up trucks to take on the often challenging Havasu 95 Speedway, a quarter mile paved oval located in Lake Havasu City-Arizona, this Saturday night April 7th....Victor Pfluger, on the strength of two very consistent top five finishes in a row, goes into the weekend leading the standings with 122 points.Like the current crop of youngsters in the series... Read More !

Local Soroptimists Honor Victor Pfluger
Newspaper Article from Feb. 21 - from the Wickenburg, Sun

Click Images for Larger Versions
Lucky 4-4-4
The final race of the ASA Speed Truck Series ran at I-10 on Nov. 11 2006.   Victor Pfluger qualified 4th fast out of the 18 trucks that started, finished 4 in the Main Event and with those points was able to nab a strong 4th place over all in Final Points.

• Click Here for Story
• Click Here for Slideshow from the race !
• Click Here for Race Results - Word Doc.
  Click Here for Final Championship Points

Fourth Place Finish at the Firebird Road Course moves the young driver into the Fourth Position in Points AND Victor awarded the Hard Charger Award Read More... - Click Here for Complete Race Results (word doc.)

The Toys For Tots Car Show

2002 Dodge Dakota
Victor is 15 years old.
Home town Morrison, AZ.
Phone 623-388-9435
Racing Exp. Karts, Dwarf Cars, ASA Speed Truck, ASA Late Model.
Accomplishments: youngest driver in history to win ASA Speed Truck Race.
(St. John’s Road course, Arizona) 2003 SWKA Kart Champion

Streaming On-Line Video !
Madera, 07-15, 2006
Victor Spun at the Top of the Race - Click Here (note: WMV file -3.2mb)

Madera, 07-15, 2006
Charging a Comeback - Click Here

Front of Shirt	Back of Shirt
Now Available - Victor Pfluger T-Shirts ! Click Images to See Larger Versions Contact Us about how to get your T-Shirt !

Victor Pfluger: Personal Stats: Home Town: Morristown, AZ Racing Experience: - Karts - Dwarf Cars - ASA Speed Trucks - Late Model Stockcars

Accomplishments:
Youngest driver in history to win an ASA Speed Truck race (St. John's Roadcourse, AZ).  2003 SWKA Kart Champion.  Scored three wins, one second and a fifth place in the senior sportsman division  karts in winter series 2006. First Runner-up Junior Sportsman series.   Won Dwarf Car National and Regional title with ASA ProAutoSports in 2004.   Seventh in points with the Arizona Dwarf Cars on dirt ovals.  Scored three wins, one second and a fifth place in the Senior Sportsman Division Karts.

Victor Pfluger Racing in conjunction with ThunderWave Racing is actively seeking sponsorship for the high profile ASA Series.  Last season the ASA Speed Truck series was nationally televised.  Each race was repeated during the summer.

*If you have problems viewing the videos, try right-clicking on the clip link and choosing "Save Target As" - and save it to your Desktop and then play it from there !