Bobby Pelland III Tests at Daytona
Bobby Pelland, III experienced a breakthrough season at Seekonk Speedway in 2011. The driver of the A&A Auto Parts #12 earned two victories in the Late Models. Pelland steadily improved during the season to notch third place in point standings behind 5-time champion Gerry DeGasparre, Jr. and 2-time champion Ryan Vanasse. “It was a good year and I was happy with our performance and the cars we had every week,” Pelland said. “I could have had a couple more breaks go our way for a better season, but overall I am happy with the results.”
December is normally the heart of the offseason with drivers waiting for their next race in the Spring. Ryan Vanasse and his father had something in the works. A University of Rhode Island freshman, Pelland’s father told him about the Daytona trip while he was studying at school for finals. Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval left an impression on the 18-year-old. “It was unbelievable to race on a track with so much history and prestige,” Pelland said. “The banking was something else too. Also, it was a lot narrower then I had expected so it shows what kind of talent is in NASCAR when they go 3 or 4 wide in the draft.”
Pelland had to adjust to new surroundings – a powerful ARCA race car and by far the biggest race track in his brief career. “It took a lot longer then what I was used to to get up to speed and what not. Also, the not lifting thing was different I thought about it the first turn but I knew I didn't have to so I didn’t and after you did it once it came naturally.” The ARCA car felt comfortable for Pelland. “It’s obviously different but I would have to say the main thing is just the power other then that I did not feel much difference,” Pelland said. “I think on a short track or intermediate where handling matters more you would be able to notice the differences a lot more then Daytona.”
Pelland participated in two test sessions at Daytona. He improved from 30th in the morning session to end the day 11th quickest in Brian Keselowsi’s #29c Dodge at 49.076/183.389. “I was very happy with the results,” Pelland said. “I didn’t expect to go down there and set the world on fire. I just wanted to learn, gain experience, and show I could do it. For my first time there, I think it was great to be running with the guys I was around.”
With the Daytona test behind him, Pelland is focused on his home track and improving on last season. One goal is the Seekonk track championship, matching his father’s 1994 Late Model title. “Our main goal is to win the championship at Seekonk plain and simple," Pelland said. "I think with myself as a driver with another year of experience and maturity will help, along with things we found in the cars at the end of last year that made Team V really stand out. I think we should be taken seriously for the championship, not only myself but also with Ryan in the Pro Stocks. I think we have a shot to win both this year and people should not overlook us. Our guys work real hard and give me and Ryan great cars every week.”
The upcoming season has Pelland running full-time at Seekonk in Late Models and some Pro Stock races. Some ACT and PASS touring events are also in the works.“We’re interested in trying new things this year,” Pelland said. "It all comes down to sponsorship. I’m not going to worry about any of that. I’m just going to drive whatever I’m given and focus on that.”
Pelland wants to improve on this past season's success. "I’d like to win a lot of races, especially the DAV with what happened last year – starting on a pole with a car that was flawless all weekend,” Pelland said. “Also, I’d like to just gain experience at as many tracks as possible in anything I can while I’m still young. I’d like to thank my Dad, Mom, Grandfather, Ryan, Mike, all of Team V, my sister Nicole, Brian Keselowski and his team, and everyone else for the continued support.”