Union, Kentucky's Darrell Lanigan finds a low route around the Volusia Speedway Park oval to hold off a high flying Brian Birkhofer for a big win at the Daytona area track. (Mike Ruefer photo)  

Lanigan Off To Strong Start With Opening Night WoO Victory at Volusia

By Kevin Kovac

BARBERVILLE, FL - Feb. 8, 2010 - Darrell Lanigan won't be a bridesmaid during the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio.

The standout racer from Union, Ky., made sure of that on Monday night, scoring a hard-fought victory in the 30-lap UMP Late Model A-Main that opened the meet's full-fender action at Volusia Speedway Park.

Lanigan, 39, outdueled Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn., and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Ia., to pocket a $7,000 top prize -- almost exactly one year after finishing second in the first event of the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH.

DIRTcar UMP Late Model A-Main Finish (30 laps):

(1). Darrell Lanigan, (2). Jimmy Owens, (3). Brian Birkhofer, (4). Billy Moyer, (5). Dan Schlieper,(6). Earl Pearson, Jr., (7). Tim McCreadie, (8). Jack Sullivan, (9). Dennis Erb, Jr. (10). Tim Fuller, (11). Dale McDowell, (12). Josh Richards,(13). Jason Feger, (14). Vic Coffey, (15). Rick Eckert, (16). Rick Briggs, (17). Brady Smith, (18). Clint Smith, (19). Steve Francis, (20). Tommy Kerr, (21). Jordan Bland, (22). Tyler Ivey, (23). Eric Jacobsen, (24). Ross Camponovo