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The Flying Dutchman Lands on Podium in Round 4

Appleton, WI (June 1, 2009) - The Flying Dutchman Off-Road Race Team is in the learning mode with their brand new Maxxis Tire Auto Trans Design Chevy Silverado PRO-2WD truck. The next step in the process saw team owner and driver, Dan Vanden Heuvel, drive his #77 Chevy on the podium in Round 4 at Perris Auto Speedway.

After two afternoon practice sessions, the crew went to work double-checking every nut on bolt on the truck making sure everything was race ready.

The starting spot is determined by your points standings, with the top six inversed. This put Dan Vanden Heuvel starting on the pole position

When the green flag dropped the Flying Dutchman held off all challenges the first few laps, eventually two of the big budget teams made their way around the #77. At the halfway mandatory yellow, the Wisconsin based independent was comfortably in third place.

When the race went green for the final ten laps, the engine began to sputter. Dan pulled into the hot pits, and never returning for the night, officially finishing twelfth.

The new truck incredible to drive,” noted Vanden Heuvel. ”Luckily it was just the alternator that went out on us tonight. Everything else was great. We put on a great show for 10 laps."

As the Flying Dutchman Off-Road Team was preparing for Round Four, there was a quiet confidence among the group. The red Chevy was ready to go as Maxxis Tire Motorsports Director, Creighton King, wheeled over four fresh tires to get all the Wegner Performance horsepower to the ground.

The start of Round Four saw Dan steer clear of any major carnage, and kept the Maxxis Tire Chevy in position for a final push after the mandatory yellow flag.

The plan worked to perfection, the #77 Maxxis Tire Auto Trans Design Chevy began working a very high line entering and exiting the infield portion of the track. This gave him the grip other racers couldn’t find. The Flying Dutchman was able to pass several competitors with this line; the end result was a third place podium finish.

An exuberant Dan Vanden Heuvel exclaimed, “This new truck that my son, Mike designed and built is just awesome. I told Creighton we could get Maxxis their first TORC PRO-2WD podium tonight, and we did just that. It’s amazing how our little team can compete at such a high level, my hat is off to all my guys.”

You can see Dan Vanden Heuvel and the rest of the PRO truck action, Sunday, June 7, at 4pm central time, on ABC Sports.

Rounds 5 and 6 of the Traxxas TORC series presented by AMSOIL will be June 20-21, in Crandon, Wisconsin.

Dan Vanden Heuvel Sr. and his team also thank the continued support from the following companies:

Maxxis Tires, ATD, AMSOIL, Mastercraft, HJC Helmets,

MSD Ignition, Autometer, Catco, Loctite, AirGas, Jaz Products,

Miller Electric, and Phil’s Inc.