Team Rollin Coal makes its mark in Five-0 Race

What started out as a rough night on the race track, turned to gold for Brandon Larson and Team Rollin Coal.
Larson, a patrol officer with the Coal City Police Department, was behind the wheel of the #900 car in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Five-0 Racing event held at the Grundy County Speedway to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

There were 26 cars registered in the July 22 race and Larson crashed just before lap two in his eight-lap preliminary heat. Officer Mike Imhof, the second member of Team Rollin Coal, said Larson was running along the wall when he was pushed into it.

The vehicle sustained damage and just when it appeared that might be the only action Larson and car #900 would see that night, his crew took action.

Bob Davis and his team from Bob’s Advanced Auo & Tire got to work and in short order had the damaged bumper off the car, banged out a few dents and even swapped out the battery for the one that was in Davis’ tow truck to ensure Larson could get back to racing.

With the car in working order, Larson was able to get into the 25-lap main event and started in the back. When the green flagged waved, Larson took off and when the checkered flag waved it was Larson crossing the finish line in first place to mark his racing debut. The win came with a trophy and a place in the feature race.

Larson finished seventh overall and Team Rollin Coal was 15th in total fundraising with $3,650 raised for Special Olympics. The overall winner—racing and fundraising—was Illinois State Police Racing who collected over $16,400 for the cause. The event raised more than $151,300 for Special Olympics Illinois, a not-for-profit organization offering athletic competition for more than 55,000 athletes with disabilities.

Coal City Police Chief Chris Harseim said everyone involved in the event had a great time supporting the drivers and a good cause.

In order to enter the race each participating car had to raise $500 for Special Olympics. The more money raised the higher starting position the car receives.

Grundy County Sheriff’s deputy Ken Unland was sixth in fundraising with $8,525 collected, securing him a spot in the final race. He finished fifth overall. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office had two cars registered in the event. The car driven by deputy Chad Hrechko finished ninth overall and 10th in fundraising with $7,130 collected.

The vehicles entered by the Coal City Police Department and Grundy County Sheriff’s Office were supplied and outfitted by Bob’s Advanced Auto & Tire.

Harseim commended the Coal City business for its support of the police department and all they did to make it a great night of racing.
 

There are four more opportunities for Team Rollin Coal to put the pedal to the medal this season and additional races are forthcoming. Harseim said the team is looking forward to next year’s Five-0 race and possibly expanding the team of drivers.