Team Demolition Derby 2013 Round 3 Most Valuable Driver

Team Demolition Derby Tournament of Destruction series sponsor LKQ Pick Your Part Self Service Auto Parts presents the Round 3 "LKQ Most Valuable Driver" award to #03 Ryan Bleuer of Junkyard Dogs!
Bleuer captured all 3 checkered flags with flashes of the speed and skill that helped solidify Championships with Junkyard Dogs in 2008 - 2009 and for Orange Crush in 2010. The Junkyard Dogs were expected to contend for the Championship in 2013, but up until Round 3, were unable to string even 2 wins together.
JYD advanced over Full Throttle in one of the fastest races of the year thanks to a major log jam on the first lap that staked Bleuer and #35 Gerritt Vanderbilt to a big lead early on. Full Throttle's crushers got in a few shots, but not enough to knock Bleuer from the taking the win.
Bleuer and JYD dealt a critical blow to Reckoning's quest for back-to-back-to-back Championships in one of the wildest, wreckage-filled races in recent memory. Vanderbilt and #7 Brian Anderson battled for the lead initially while Bleuer was slowed by spin outs and blocks. #73 Ryan Decker unleashed two hellacious shots on Vanderbilt totaling the blue bubble. #36 Tom Lewis returned the favor on Anderson and allowed Bleuer to pull ahead on Lap 3.
Decker side-swiped Bleuer, ripping his front end apart in the process, to bring Anderson back within 1/2 a lap with 2 to go. Bleuer was out-numbered against the last two Reckoning cars, but he pit-maneuvered #77 Andrew Sherman on Lap 4 while fuel problems on Anderson's car opened a clear path on the final lap. Anderson wasn't having it and lined up Bleuer from mid-track as he charged towards the finish. Neither driver lifted and they collided in a thunderous smash against the front wall! Bleuer's momentum pushed him through the crash and across the finish as smoke & steam engulfed the car. Awesome race!
In the Finals, JYD fell behind in similar fashion that hurt Full Throttle earlier. Bleuer was hit 3 times before completing 1 lap while #66 Ron Tyrakowski had nearly completed 2 full laps. On Lap 3, Bleuer trailed right behind #69 Carl Brouwer as they both entered Turn 3. Bleuer shoved Brouwer at the apex of the corner and, combined with the slick track surface, helped spin Brouwer immediately sideways right into the oncoming path of Lewis. A tactical move by Bleuer, but with disastrous consequences. Injuries from the impact to the driver's door forced Brouwer out of the race and left OC a man short. When the race resumed, Bleuer's speed had to match up with #67 Elmer Fandrey's constant attacks. Fandrey missed the first chance, but connected on the next two allowing Tyrakowski to gain ground. Bleuer was still 1 lap ahead, which forced Tyrakowski to alter his course and try to defend the finish line.
Bleuer bounced off the front wall, avoided all contact to win the night and earn the 2013 Round 3 "LKQ Most Valuable Driver."
After each Tournament of Destruction event, representatives from LKQ Auto Parts choose the driver who made a key difference and executed a clutch performance to receive the Most Valuable Driver recognition.
Watch the wreckage in-person at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. For Tickets:
www.route66raceway.com
www.teamdemos.com
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