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Ray Evernham Wins Racing for a Reason RMP MAD Match Race
by Walter Elliott

WALL TWP., N.J. -- Hazlet native Ray Evernham had a victorious Wall Township Speedway Saturday homecoming by edging NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Kasey Kahne by .001 sec. in the RMP Modified Affordable Division Racing for a Reason Night match race.

Evernham came from fourth - and last - starting spot to chase down the second-starting Kahne within the first four laps. The former Wall NASCAR Whelen All-American Series modified main winner first took the lead on a turn four pass the next lap.

Kahne drew alongside Evernham on lap nine and ran almost on the leader's bumper - but settled for a .001 second place after 20 laps. Evernham was aboard the Downs Ford Bohn-modified McGill- RMP Chevrolet No. 659 of reigning champion Danny Bohn, of Freehold. Kahne was driving the No. 14 of Marc Nappi, of Howell. Sadler drove the No. 97 Jr., of Brick's Robert Geibel to third. Former NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Bill Elliott held the pole and finished fourth in Jackson resident Shaun Emmon's No. 10. All four cars are full Whelen All-American Series modifieds but outfitted with spec GM V8 engines from RMP, of Pennsauken. "This is not my first time here at Wall - but I've never driven a modified before," said Elliott. "With a crate engine, one has to build up momentum. In talking with Shaun, I realized that I hadn't quite got the car up to speed."

Evernham can unofficially add an RMP MAD main win to his 10 sportsman/pro stock/modern stock and seven WAAS victories won 1979-91 The No. 19 modified driver traded his helmet for a crew chief hat, joining Jeff Gordon at Hendrick Motorsports. The three-time NNC-championship-winning crew chief has 54 race wins; 47 with Gordon and seven with Elliott, Sadler and Jeremy Mayfield under Evernham Motorsports seven-year-old factory Dodge campaign. Evernham brought along Elliott, Sadler, Kahne and Erin Crocker to help his Racing for a Reason Foundation. Racing for a Reason intends to help research and patients dealing with cancer - particularly leukemia and lymphoma.

"I started Racing for a Reason when my son, C.J., was stricken with leukemia," said Evernham in victory lane. "He's fine now. We're working with NASCAR Charities." Proceeds from ticket admission, "Wall Revue" PDI track programs, a silent auction and the Wall Kiwanis and Keenan Motors American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association 50/50 raffles went to Racing for a Reason. Funds also came from limited edition VIP tickets, where buyers had an audience with Evernham and his drivers.

Evernham was greeted by seven New Jersey State Troopers in victory lane. Capt. K. Burke, of the Garden State Parkway Barracks, presented Evernham with a plaque in appreciation of his newly- launched driver safety campaign. Evernham also received a poster whose copies were posted overnight at New Jersey Turnpike service plazas. "Ray is helping us get the word out that racing is for the speedways, not the streets," said Burke. "The posters will be seen throughout the state. There will be radio announcements."

Evernham's attempt for an eighth WAAS modified triumph was less successful. He drove the No. 66 Statusgreen.com Troyer-Chevy of Howell's Jimmy Blewett from 15th place to eighth. Evernham found himself riding the backstretch guardrail briefly on lap lap five and pitting on the next lap's caution for a handling check.

RMP MAD RACING FOR A REASON MATCH RACE FINISH
(20 laps): RAY EVERNHAM, HAZLET; Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Bill Elliott.

Photos © 2006-2007
Ace Lane Jr.
unless otherwise noted

©2007 Wall Township Speedway, LLC