1989 - Gennetten Wins Topeka 'Hill Memorial'

 

Gene Gennetten 

Topeka, Kan. (July 16, 1989) – Steve Knepper may be the defending Belleville Midget Nationals champion, but Gene Gennetten proved Sunday he’s still king of Topeka Raceway when it comes to racing a midget.

Gennetten held off Knepper to win the 15th annual Mike Hill Memorial race in front of a capacity crowd at the quarter-mile dirt track. It marked the first time in the history of the event that it had been held in Topeka after making Riverside Stadium it’s home the last 11 years.

The race is held in honor of Mark Hill – a promising 21-year-old Kansas City driver killed in a USAC midget race at Charleston Speedway in Illinois – and was sanctioned by the Midwest Auto Racing Association.

The race was originally schedule for Saturday, but an early afternoon rain shower postponed it until the next night. It was the only appearance for the one of the oldest forms of auto racing in the Topeka area.

For Gennetten, it was his seventh Hill victory and third in a row on Topeka soil. The Gravois, Mo., driver, who moved to the Ozarks from Parkville this spring, won the 1987 Hill Memorial and the 1983 Jayhawk Midget Classic, the last two Topeka midget races prior to Sunday.

It was Gennetten’s first start since a mid-February Florida race while Knepper has racked up a comfortable lead as the MARA circuit points leader.

The 46-year-old driver was given an unplanned layoff last season after being banned for using physical force on two MARA officials during a race at Central Missouri Speedway in Warrensburg.


Results –


1. Gene Gennetten, Gravois Mills, Mo.
2. Steve Knepper, Belleville, Ill.
3. Bob Thoman, Higginsville, Mo.
4. Scott Frew, Columbia, Mo.
5. Tim McVay, Blue Springs, Mo.
6. Terry Holderfield, Mattoon, Ill.
7. Matt Berryhill, Tulsa, Okla.
8. Steve Gennetten, Parkville, Mo.
9. Don Lehman, Springfield, Ill.
10.Mike Wente, Florissant, Mo.
11.Aaron Berryhill, Tulsa, Okla.
12.Johnny Yonke III, Alma
13.Jim McVay, Blue Springs, Mo.
14.Dan Ford, St. Peters, Mo.

1978 - Crawford Takes Dubuque Title

 

Gary Crawford proudly poses with his trophy after winning the late model mid-season championship at Dubuque Speedway.

By Jayne Chapman

Dubuque, Iowa (July 16, 1978) – Gary Crawford of Independence took his second mid-season championship in as many days at Dubuque Speedway on Sunday night.

Working up to and getting by fellow Independence driver Glen Martin on the 44th lap of the 50-lap event, Crawford crossed the finish line ahead of Martin and Joe Schaefer of Waterloo. Crawford had won the mid-season title at his hometown track of Independence the night before.

It was Duane Bentley of Fairbanks all the way in the sportsman title run. Chuck Martelle of Dubuque was a distant second with Joe Churchill of Peosta third.

Bill Murray of Hopkinton recovered from his rollover of a week ago to win the fun car mid-season title. Don Bahl of Asbury and Randy Frush of Jesup were second and third, respectively.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Gary Crawford
2. Glen Martin
3. Joe Schaefer
4. Jim Burbridge
5. Mark Liebfried
6. Roger Bruggeman
7. Skip Kennedy
8. Bob Schulte
9. Jim Decker
10.Carl Severson

Sportsman –

1. Duane Bentley
2. Chuck Martelle
3. Joe Churchill
4. Greg Hunter
5. Gary Henderson
6. Jim Reidl
7. Rick Mills
8. Ron Warthen

1986 – Trickle’s Rockford Triumph Nets ARTGO Point Lead

 

Dick Trickle won the All-Star 100 at Rockford Speedway. It was his third ARTGO Challenge Series win of the season. – Russ Lake Photo

Rockford, Ill. (July 15, 1986) – Dick Trickle raced to his third ARTGO feature win of the season Tuesday night at Rockford Speedway and jumped into the series point lead as Joe Shear was forced to pit for a flat tire in the late stages of the ninth annual All-Star 100.

Trickle drove through a lap 52 tangle involving leader Jim Weber and runner-up Terry Baldry to grab the lead and then hold off the stiff challenges of Shear and eventual runner-up Dave Watson.

“Sometimes you get a win when you least expect it,” said Trickle, who had suffered through a series of misfortunes in the past few weeks.

Shear’s luck was all bad Tuesday as he competed both in the ARTGO events and the inaugural All-Star Shootout for weekly Rockford Rules late model competitors who had won a feature at the quarter-mile oval in the past year and a half.

The luck of the draw for the added event saw Shear gain the number one starting berth and many observers forecasted a Shear runaway in the 50-lap, $1,000-to-win contest.

Shear’s first 10 laps went according to forecast as he powered away from the field but on lap 11 a puff of smoke came from his engine, and he coasted to the pit area with John Knaus grabbing the lead.

Knaus, an ARTGO regular who now limits himself to weekly racing at Rockford, was immediately challenged by Bobby Hacker and the duo raced side-by-side for the last 35 laps.

On the 37th circuit, the top two bumped with Hacker scooting in front only to have Knaus use the outside lane to pull even. The two bumped again on lap 43 and 45, but Knaus held on the for the victory, Al Papini III came from the back of the pack to earn third place.

The 100-lap ARTGO feature almost fell victim to severe storms. However, officials outwaited the weather, canceled time trials, and lined up the feature according to the average points of the series’ top dozen drivers.

Rookie Bobby McDonald was on the pole of the 22-car field, and he promptly got crossed up and went airborne going into the first turn. McDonald was eliminated and George Prziborowski and Doug Herbst needed pit repairs before returning.

The restart saw Tracy Schuler grab the lead but an eighth lap tangle with Jim Weber knocked Schuler into the infield as Weber took over the top spot. By lap 20 it was Weber, Baldry, Trickle, Butch Miller, and Shear.

Miller, in his first-ever stat at Rockford, passed Trickle for third place on lap 44, but dropped back to fourth a few laps later. Weber and Baldry ran side-by-side for six rounds before their tangle with Trickle somehow slipping through and Miller plowing into Baldry.

Baldry and Miller did not return and were scored with 15th and 16th, respectively. Earlier, Mark Martin had lost an engine in hot laps and did not compete in the 100-lapper.

Trickle led the 14 survivors back to the green flag with Shear, Al Schill, Rich Bickle Jr., and Dave Watson right behind. Watson banged past Bickle five laps later, then slipped by Schill on lap 61 to set up a classic shootout to the finish.

On lap 65, Shear moved inside of Trickle as Watson closed in on the leaders.

But Shear couldn’t hold onto the lead and finally ducked into the pits on lap 82 to replace the left front tire on his car. Watson, who started 16th, shadowed Trickle for the final 10 circuits but had to settle for second. Bickle took third with Larry Schuler and Scott Hansen darting past Schill on a wild pair of final laps to take fourth and fifth, respectively.


Results –


ARTGO Late Models - 

1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
2. Dave Watson, Milton, Wis.
3. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
4. Larry Schuler, Lockport
5. Scott Hansen, Green Bay, Wis.
6. Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
7. Dave Weltmeyer, Harvey
8. Bobby Gill, Venice, Fla.
9. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
10.Doug Herbst, Wausau, Wis.
11.Joe Shear, Clinton, Wis.
12.George Prziborowski, Apple Valley, Minn.
13.Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
14.Tracy Schuler, Lockport
15.Terry Baldry, Omro, Wis.



Rockford Rules –

1. John Knaus, Rockford
2. Bobby Hacker. Loves Park
3. Al Papini II, Machesney Park
4. Randy Sargent, Beloit, Wis.
5. Dennis Miller, South Beloit
6. Tim Melvin, Machesney Park

1975 – Sanger Goes Low For Falstaff 100 Victory

 

Ed Sanger is joined by his wife Sue, and race sponsor Keith Fleck in victory lane after the Waterloo veteran won the Falstaff 100 late model stock car classic at Hawkeye Downs.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (July 15, 1975) - Ed Sanger's 1973 Camaro stock car is in the midst of getting a new paint job. But Ed can't find the time in a busy race schedule to hire the work done and furthermore, he can't do the job himself because the Waterloo fire department says the painting facilities in his shop don't measure up to the prescribed safety standards.

Consequently, “Fast Eddy”, the current point-leader at Hawkeye Downs, put a half yellow-half black car on the track Tuesday night for the third annual Falstaff 100.

Maybe the car wasn’t the prettiest, but the masterful race jockeyed by the Waterloo hotshoe was, as he came from a fifth-row starting position and won the 100-lapper, barely edging his brother Karl, who started 18th.

“That’s right,” grinned Sanger after Falstaff officials presented him with a towering trophy afterward, “I couldn’t get the paint job finished because my mechanical setup isn’t just right.”

Don’t worry about Sanger though. The feature paid a record $1,400 to the winner, so if Ed is ready to invest he should be able to bring his shop up to snuff and into presentable paint shape.

A Hawkeye Downs crowd estimated at 6,500 - the net proceeds went to the Multiple Sclerosis Society watched the most exciting Falstaff 100 yet and in the process, witnessed some nifty driving by at least eight hard chargers who battled for the lead at various times.

Lisbon's Roger Dolan set fast time of 24.78 seconds and won the pole, just missing the track record held jointly by Cedar Rapids' Darrel Dake and Keokuk's Ernie Derr (24.57).

Roger led for 32 laps but coming out of the fourth turn on the 33rd tour, Sanger dipped underneath Dolan and took a lead he never relinquished.

The track was in excellent condition and had an unusual swift high groove and Dolan took full advantage of it. However, the going up high appeared to get slower and Roger eventually lost ground to fourth place.

Sanger had a different explanation, however.

“It really doesn’t matter which groove is the fastest,” explained the Waterloo native. “As far as I’m concerned it’s a matter of the tempo and pace you set from the beginning. I made up mind to run low and set it up, gearing and so on, to take a shot on the low groove. I really believe in maintaining a consistent pace and it paid off.”

“I was surprised that I was able to work into the lead because everyone was running extremely hard, especially since I started 10th, but I'll take it,” he added with a wry smile.

Dolan won the Trophy Dash and also picked up another trophy for setting fast time. Heat wins went to Ken Walton of Viola, Ron Weedon of Pleasant Valley, Mel Morris of West Liberty and Em Freitheim of Decorah.

Weedon also won the 25-lap consolation, taking the lead for good when Omaha’s Bob Kosiski went out on the 19th lap.

Several pilots gave Sanger a run and the strongest challenge came from Dike’s Curt Hansen. Hansen was running second when he lost his steering on the 43rd lap and hit the fence in the first turn.

Don White, the winningest USAC stock car driver in history (52 wins), ran a steady race in his Chrysler Kit Car and wound up third behind Karl Sanger.

Karl probably gets the credit for the best bit of driving. He started 18th and made it a 1-2 finish a family affair with his brother Ed.

Cedar Rapids' Darrell Dake challenged early and took fifth. Irv Janey, the USAC stock car rookie of the year in 1973, drove Dake's backup car, but finished well back in the pack.


Results –


Trophy dash - Roger Dolan, Lisbon
Heat #1 - Ken Walton, Viola
Heat #2 - Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
Heat #3 - Mel Morris, West Liberty
Heat #4 - Em Fretheim, Decorah
Consolation - Ron Weedon
Feature -
1. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
2. Karl Sanger, Waterloo
3. Don White, Keokuk
4. Roger Dolan
5. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
6. Bill Beckman, Monticello
7. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
8. Dave Chase, Council Bluffs
9. Ed Mellecker, Iowa City
10. Bob Helms, Andalusia, Ill.

1987 - Hewitt Wins Plymouth Winged Sprint Series Opener

 

Jack Hewitt drove to victory in the Wisconsin Winged Open Sprint Series feature at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds. Ray Toft makes the trophy presentation.  – Dave Jensen Photo

Plymouth, Wis. (July 14, 1987) – Jack Hewitt outran Rick Ungar to win the 30-lap feature in the opener of the two-program Winged Open Sprint Series Tuesday night at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds.

Hewitt caught polesitter Ungar midway through the event to gain the lead as the two came upon lapped traffic. Hewitt pulled out a straightaway lead which he held to the wire to highlight the first sprint program ever held at the track.

Ungar settled for runner-up honors followed by Craig Keel, Dave Hanna, and Bobby Allen, who set a new track record of 12.29 seconds in qualifying.


Results –


1. Jack Hewitt, Troy, Ohio
2. Rick Ungar, Indianapolis
3. Craig Keel, Weedsport, N.Y.
4. Dave Hanna, Grayslake, Ill.
5. Bobby Allen, Hanover, Penn.
6. Kelly Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.
7. Steve Perry, Dallas, Tex.
8. Rick Ferkel, Tiffin, Ohio
9. Jim Moughan, Springfield, Ill.
10.Darrell Dodd, Waukegan, Ill.

1967 – Davenport Mid-Season Honors to Eaker

 

Verlin Eaker accepts his trophy for winning the 50-lap mid-season championship at Davenport. Making the presentation is promoter Homer Melton while starter Obie Beals presents the checkers. -Larry Hergert Photo

Davenport, Iowa (July 14, 1967) – Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids passed up the favored pole position to start from the outside spot in the front row for the 50-lap Mid-Season Championship on Friday night, but it didn’t make much difference.

The point champion from the first half of stock car racing at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, led almost the entire way to capture the checkered flag against an outstanding field, going the grueling distance.

Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill., held the second position throughout most of the race and crossed the finish line behind Eaker. Davenport’s Jim Gerber finished third and Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, took fourth. Dake had started the race from the pole position.

Except for the 19th lap, when Dake was slightly out front as they passed the flag stand, Eaker led the entire feature run. Gerber and Bohlander battled with each other the entire 50 laps for the runner-up spot, as Dake faded after his brief lead.

More than 5,000 witnessed a wild night of racing, especially in the novice division. There were four serious crashes including one that sent Dale Whitsell to the hospital. Jim Engleton of Davenport was the feature winner.

Jack Henson, Stronghurst, Ill., Hank Strube, Peoria, and Bill McDonough of Cedar Rapids were heat winners. Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn., who races here on a limited basis, outran Dake to win the semi-main.


Results –


Heat #1 – Jack Henson, Stronghurst, Ill.
Heat #2 – Hank Strube, Peoria, Ill.
Heat #3 – Bill McDonough, Cedar Rapids
Semi-main – Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn.
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
2. Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill.
3. Jim Gerber, Davenport
4. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
5. Bill McDonough
6. John Connolly, Delhi
7. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
8. John Beauchamp, Atlantic
9. Ben Hofer, Rock Island, Ill.
10.Dean Montgomery, Rock Island, Ill.

1989 - Leka Posts 'Herald & Review 100' Win

 

Jim Leka won the Herald & Review 100 at Mighty Macon Speedway. He’s joined in victory lane with his father Bob Leka. – TCA Photo

Macon, Ill. (July 13, 1989) – One of the finest racing facilities in the United States held the ninth annual Herald & Review 100 late model classic with a full grandstand, 33 late models, and the winner receiving $4,000.

The event also marked the third stop on the UMP Summernationals tour.

Jim Leka was red hot as he powered to victory in the 100-lap main event on Thursday night at Mighty Macon Speedway, picking up his second Summernationals win in a row in as many outings.

Buffy Clark started the action by taking the early lead in the century grind, leading the 18-car field around the 1/5-mile dirt oval. Kevin Weaver challenged Clark on several occasions as the pair brought the fans to their feet in a fierce battle for the lead.

On lap 25, Weaver, running the high groove, made his move once again, this time passing Clark coming out of the second turn. Six laps later, Tom Rients followed suit, passing Clark to take over second and setting his sights on Weaver.

Hard-charging Roger Long was sneaking his way through the field, moving into third position after starting 13th, and setting his sights on Weaver and Rients.

After a caution for debris on lap 55 bunched up the field, racing action got hot and heavy as Rients, running the low side, and Weaver, on the high side, battled side-by-side for the number one position with Long and Leka running side-by-side right on their tails in a four-car battle.

Long jumped the cushion, dropping back to fourth. But when his rocket booster kicked in, Long found the middle groove passing Leka, Rients, and Weaver, within two laps gaining the lead on lap 70. Jim Leka passed Rients and Weaver moving into second as Rients passed Weaver moving into third in the late stages of the contest.

Long opened up a straightaway advantage over Leka and appeared to be well on his way to victory when disaster struck as his engine went up in cloud of smoke, forcing him to the infield.

Leka inherited the top spot and held off a last lap challenge from Rients to take the checkered flag and join Bob Pierce as the only two-time winners of the event. Kevin Weaver, Buffy Clark, Joe Ross Jr., and Dick Taylor were all running neck-and-neck at the wire for third position, finishing in that order.


Results –

1. Jim Leka
2. Tom Rients
3. Kevin Weaver
4. Buffy Clark
5. Joe Ross Jr.
6. Dick Taylor
7. Terry Messenger
8. Butch Smith
9. Roger Long
10.Marvin Burton