Appleton, WI (June 9, 2010) – Flying Dutchman Off-Road
Racing has put together a TORC Sportsman Limited 2 truck program for Mike Vanden Heuvel. Mike has been known for several years as one of the premier fabricators in the world of short-course off-road racing thanks to his business, Independent Off-Road, as well as one of the best Light Buggy drivers anywhere in the country. The question is, will his skills in a limited horsepower buggy translate into success behind the wheel of a 650 horsepower full size truck? If the results from his debut in Antigo are any indication, the answer is yes, definitely yes.
The opening weekend of the TORC Sportsman series was held at a familiar location, the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wisconsin. For twenty years, beginning in the mid 80′s this facility hosted off-road events under the SODA and CORR banners. After a four year absence, area promoter Ronn Krueger got the attention of TORC and brought back off-road racing to this legendary facility.
“I remember growing up watching my dad compete here, and eventually I did as well,” noted Mike Vanden Heuvel. “I just hope I can have the same success this weekend ‘Driver’ (Mike’s Dad) did over the years, but the plan is to have respect for the experienced drivers and see where I fall in.”
The ¾ mile layout that ran on and inside the ½ mile banked clay oval, definitely seemed to suit Mike’s driving style. In Round One, it took a second green flag to get the big trucks moving. The first green flag start saw Dan Baudoux roll over in the middle of the track in the infield portion of the layout. Once Baudoux’s truck was removed from the track, another green flag start was ordered.
Immediately Mike and pole sitter Ron Schreiner were side by side for much of the first three laps. Even a spin during the second lap couldn’t slow down the youngest Vanden Heuvel from challenging for the lead. Then on lap 4, Schreiner went a little high going back onto the stock car track just before the front straightaway, allowing the #277 Flanagan’s Stop n Shop Goodyear Chevrolet to take the lead and hold it all the way to the checkered flag.
When Mike came back around for the podium interviews, four generations of Vanden Heuvels were waiting to celebrate Mike’s first Limited 2 victory.
“This opportunity just came up literally, a few weeks ago,” noted Mike Vanden Heuvel. “Pat Flanagan offered to help with some sponsorship, and my crew told me they’d prep the truck, and all I needed to do was drive. I’ve been really busy with customer work and the responsibilities of being a MORR Board member, I didn’t think we’d be here racing, let alone winning.”
Sunday afternoon arrived and so did Round 2 for the Limited 2 trucks. Unfortunately, a steady rain began just as the field was lining up for the rolling start. This time getting to the front of the back didn’t come as easy as the day before. The steady rain made the track a mess. Once the race started, the fifteen lap event became a fight for survival. Throughout the entire race, trucks were spinning around and blowing past corners, as the clay surface was almost impossible to race on. Mike and his “Flanagan Flyer” were no exception. Eventually he kept the truck under control and fought his way to a third place finish.
Mike Vanden Heuvel was the only Limited 2 competitor to finish on the podium for both days. As a result, the #299 Chevy Silverado leads the TORC Sportsman Limited 2 Championship standings, while heading into rounds 3 & 4 on June 19-20 in Crandon, Wisconsin.
Mike Vanden Heuvel would like to thank his sponsors including:
Flanagan’s Stop n Shop – Appleton, WI
Independent Off-Road
Goodyear Tires
Catco Parts and Services
AMSOIL
HJC Helmets
Phil’s Inc.
You can watch all the TORC racing action on the internet, live or at a later time, @www.usacracing.com/usac_live/usac_live_main
For more information about Mike Vanden Heuvel contact via email: racermike177@yahoo.com
www.flyingdutchmanoffroad.com
- photos by jnlphoto.com
- Mike Reusche, mt-graphics.com
Mike Vanden Heuvel – TORC Antigo Race Report 
