Rod Evans
A bit about
Evans...
Evans...| Name: | Rod Evans |
| Hometown: | Saint Albans, WV |
| Birthday: | May 27 |
| Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Nicci |
| Children: | (1) Rodney, Jr. |
| Occupation: | General Manager - Evans Lumber Company |
| Hobbies: | Racing, 4-wheelin', motorcycles, bowling, golf |
| Years racing: | 30+ years |
| Car Class: | Dirt Super Late Model |
| Car #: | R1 |
| Colors: |
Black car with a green number, orange & purple prism |
| Chassis: |
2011 Rocket |
| Motor: |
418 cu. in. Chevy - by Rusty Bass |
| Body: |
Monte Carlo Graphics by: Chad Justice / Axis Custom Decals |
| Most Memorable Moments: |
A lot of memorable moments... the last three being: (Win) "Beckley USA 100" in 2004 (Win) "Battle of the Bluegrass" from the tail in 2006 (Win) "5th Annual Randy Thurman Memorial 40" in 2009
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In 1974, Rod Evans of St. Albans, WV, began racing motorcycles at the age of eighteen. He remembers getting the racing fever when he was very young, watching his Uncle Dave Webster race at the paved track at Ona Speedway. In 1978, his uncle helped him build his first dirt hobby stock car. His first race was at Jackson County Speedway (now known as I-77 Raceway Park) off the Fairplain/Ripley exit. Even though he didn't finish his first race, he was determined he was going to make it to victory lane. With the help and support of several good friends and family, Evans recalls his first feature win with a smile. He says he knew then, it was only the beginning of something he wanted to do.
In the early 1980's, Rod teamed up with Rusty Bass and they were able to pick up McFarland Auto Parts as a sponsor running in the semi-late division. This enabled him to do a little more racing and get some experience at different tracks. Racing in the tri-states of WV, OH and KY, he began making a name for himself, and was able to pick up additional sponsors and co-sponsors throughout the years. In 1988, he moved up to the super late model class and it wasn't long before he was in victory lane in that division as well. By the end of the 1980's, he had picked up Burning Springs Farm as his main sponsor to help finance the cost of racing.
In the early 1990's, with the help of Kanawha Valley Maintenance (Rusty Bass), NAPA (Bobby Jarrett), E. A. Evans Construction (family) and Garrett Tire Center as additional sponsors, Rod was quickly moving forward. In 1994, he picked up Jasper Engines and Transmissions as his major sponsor and was able to put many more wins behind him. Rick Harrah, the branch owner of Jasper Engines & Transmissions in South Charleston, WV, became a weekly crew member and maintains a close relationship with Rod. The combination allowed them to win the I-77 Speedway Track Championships in 1997 and 1998.
In the New Millennium, Rod experienced the worst racing accident of his career when his car was demolished after flipping several times down the front straight stretch at I-77 Speedway. Everyone was glad to see that he wasn't hurt, and thanks to his sponsors and crew, it was only a couple of weeks before he was back out on the track again. Rod knows that sponsorship is a vital part of racing, and he'll be the first to tell you that without his sponsors and the people that help him, he wouldn't be able to enjoy the sport that interests him and/or the pursuit of victory.
In 2004, Rod got the opportunity to drive for Don White for a while with Gary Carroll leading the team. Not only did Rod get to attend some bigger tracks and races during that time... but he won the biggest paying race of his career ($10,000) for Don at Beckley Motor Speedway in the "Beckley USA-100". The huge trophy will always be treasured as much as the race will be remembered. Thanks to Don and Gary for giving him that opportunity.
In 2008, Rod celebrated his 30th year anniversary in dirt car racing. To add to the occasion, he and Rusty Bass decided to team up once again to see if they could make it one of their most memorable years of racing ever! Eddie Lucas also joined the team again of Rick Harrah, Michael Webster, Bob Jarrett and Rodney, Jr.. During the season, Gerry Jarrett joined the team again, too, while Arby Lucas is often there to lend a hand when he can. The year went pretty well... they ran into a few problems but they learned a lot from them, too. So as they look forward to each new season... the story continues...
In the Super Late Model division and adding up to his latest win (09/02/11), Rod has accomplished 186 feature wins.
Special Thanks to Rusty and Diana Bass of Kanawha Valley Maintenance
and... Special Thanks to Rick Harrah of Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Rod would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for the '2012 season: Kanawha Valley Maintenance LLC, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Dave Poske's Performance Parts and NAPA Auto Parts/KNOW HOW. Rod would also like to thank all of his sponsors, team members, family, friends and fans for the support they have given him over the years.
