1988 – Olson Outruns Boorse in Angell USAC Main

Kevin Olson won the 50-lap USAC/BMARA Midget feature at Angell Park Speedway. Car owners Mark and Greg Wilke join Olson in victory lane. – Armin Krueger Photo

By Bryan Gapinski

Sun Prairie, Wis. (June 18, 1988) – Kevin Olson outdistanced Dan Boorse to win the 50-lap USAC National Midget Series/Badger Midget Auto Racing Association feature Saturday night at Angell Park Speedway.

Boorse charged out front from his pole position and quickly opened up a lead over Mel Kenyon while Olson started his charge to the front from his tenth starting position.

On lap 6, Steve Knepper spun, bringing out the yellow flag. One lap after the restart, Hans Lein flipped, suffering a bruised wrist in the mishap.

When the green flag returned again, Olson began to chase down Boorse. On the 10th lap, Olson managed to squeeze into the lead ahead of Boorse, but before the lap was completed, the yellow flew again, reverting the lead back to Boorse.

Olson was able to move around Boorse when the green flag waved again and wouldn’t relinquish it this time. Boorse held off a late charge from Kevin Koch to garner second with Koch third, Kevin Doty fourth and Joe Corrigan fifth.


Results –

1. Kevin Olson
2. Dan Boorse
3. Kevin Koch
4. Kevin Doty
5. Joe Corrigan
6. Dean Billings
7. Terry Wente
8. Mel Kenyon
9. Ed Loomis
10.Jim Bradford

1967 – Derr Victor in ‘Marred’ Gopher 100

 

Ernie Derr 

By Dave Anderson

Owatonna, Minn. (June 18, 1967) – Did Blooming Prairie’s Dave Noble receive a fair shake at the Steele County Fair’s International Motor Contest Association-sponsored new car late model races Sunday.

That’s the question a lot of southeastern Minnesota stock car fans were asking themselves. In most cases, the immediate answer was “no”.

Noble, who doesn’t carry a permanent (season-long) IMCA registration, was ruled ineligible on a technicality, and as things turned out, the whole situation turned out to be embarrassing for the promoting organization.

As expected, Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, won the Gopher 100, the 24-car feature event. The seven-time IMCA champion, and defending titlist, had a struggle on is hands, though. Lenny Funk, who drew the pole position, led for 61 laps before Derr overcame the Otis, Kan., wheat farmer.

Noble, familiar to most area racing fans because of his appearances at Minnesota Speedways, Inc., programs at Rochester, St. Charles, Kasson, and Chateau Raceways, is considered one of Minnesota’s best stock car drivers. Driving a 1965 Chevelle, the 33-year-old jockey has proven that time and time again this season. However, he wasn’t able to display his credentials on Sunday.

Noble arrived at the half-mile dirt track at 2 pm, a half-hour before the program was to start. But he was barred from competing because he failed to attend a driver’s meeting at 1:30.

When a large contingent of fans from Austin learned of Noble’s predicament, they raised a howl that silenced the track announcer. IMCA countered with the national anthem, quieting the grandstands.

Peace didn’t reign long. The Austin “delegation” rallied the grandstand behind its cause and the raucous crowd, numbering an estimated 3,000, again stilled the announcer, bringing an official explanation on Noble’s status.

“I’m disgusted with the whole thing,” Noble said, after the four-event car was completed. “They (IMCA) wouldn’t even talk to me. Apparently, the rules aren’t set up the same for everyone. I know of another car that raced, and it arrived way after me. There was a ’57 Ford’, and it was illegal (only cars 1963 or newer are allowed to compete) and it raced. Someone had a Mustang (from the compact speedway class) that was illegal, and it competed.”

“When I talked to a few of the drivers, they told me I could’ve raced had the field (27 cars) been smaller. I guess IMCA don’t want any outsiders around.”

Noble, who insists MSI drivers (like Rochester’s Paul Fitzpatrick and Ron Behne and Austin’s Gerhard Wollenberg) are the equal of IMCA’s best pilots, was surprised that there were so many “dogs” in the field. He didn’t elaborate, though.

Derr, driving a 1967 Dodge, covered the 50-mile feature in 49 minutes and 33 seconds, beating Funk by a quarter-lap. Albert Lea’s Ole Brua finished third.

1987 - Fischlein Takes 'Stroh's Nationals' at Marshalltown

 

Dale Fischlein hoists his trophy high after winning the “Stroh’s Nationals” at Marshalltown Speedway. The race, which was part of the IMCA Late Model Summer Series, was Fischlein’s second win in as many years. – Jerry Mackey Photo

Marshalltown, Iowa (June 17, 1987) – Dale Fischlein of Independence won his second straight Stroh’s Nationals in as many years Wednesday night at Marshalltown Speedway.

Fischlein took the lead from Darrel DeFrance on lap 31 of the 50-lap feature, which was part of the IMCA Late Model Summer Series.

The win was worth $2,400 to the young Fischlein.

It was evident early on that it was going to be a duel between Fischlein and the hometown favorite DeFrance. DeFrance had bested Fischlein in Tuesday night’s Race of Champions, Wednesday night’s trophy dash, and was sitting on the pole for the 50-lap feature.

Fischlein, on the other hand, had set fast time on Tuesday and was the defending champion of the event.

DeFrance took the lead from his front row starting position and fought off challenges from several different drivers. On about the 20th circuit around the quarter-mile oval, Fischlein really began putting pressure on DeFrance. He tried DeFrance several times on the low side but could do no better than pull even with him.

Then, coming out of turn four on the 30th lap, much to everyone’s surprise, Fischlein went high on the still tacky track and passed DeFrance in front of the grandstand. DeFrance would challenge several more times but would eventually fade back to third.

In one of the finest drives of the night, Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls would come all the way from the back to within a couple of car lengths of Fischlein at the finish. Aikey, winner of numerous features at Marshalltown this season, and the point leader of the Summer Series, finished second as the yellow flag he was waiting for never came out.

Another Marshalltown regular, Denny Osborn of Cedar Falls, drove a smooth race to finish fourth while Bob Hill of Story City worked his way from an early-race mishap to finish fifth in his first appearance at the track.

Other Stroh’s Nationals champions were Greg Kastli of Waterloo in the IMCA modifieds, Tommy Thompson of Marshalltown in the IMCA stock cars, and Ron Fenton of Des Moines in the thunder cars.


Results –

1. Dale Fischlein, Independence
2. Jeff Aikey, Cedar Falls
3. Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown
4. Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls
5. Bob Hill, Story City
6. Curt Martin, Independence
7. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
8. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
9. Craig Jacobs, Des Moines
10.Rick Wendling, Hazelton
11.Scott Sells, Waverly
12.Steve Watts, Jimtown
13.Red Dralle, Evansdale
14.Ted Pallister, Wapello
15.Danny Breuer, Wapello

1981 - Sauter, Martin Win 75s in ARTGO Raceway Card

 

Mark Martin is joined by ARTGO promoter John McKarns and announcer Wayne Adams after Martin won the overall championship in the twin 75’s at Raceway Park. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Blue Island, Ill. (June 16, 1981) – Finishing eighth and first in the twin 75-lap features and setting fast time during time trials gave Mark Martin of Batesville, Ark., the overall championship in the ARTGO Racing late model special at Raceway Park on Tuesday night.

Sharing feature wins honors with Jim Sauter of Necedah, Wis., Martin’s victory was his first in ARTGO competition this year and his first win since last October for the 22-year-old speedster.

A starting field of 20 pounded the asphalt at the drop of the green flag in the first feature race. Coming from his outside front row starting position, Tom Jones moved his Camaro into the lead.

Jones set sail, building a healthy margin between himself and his nearest competitor, Frank Gawlinski. Sauter, meanwhile, began slicing through traffic, taking over the third spot on lap 15, and quickly moving into second place on the 24th lap.

Lap after lap, Sauter cut down the distance between himself and Jones, with Sauter slipping past Jones on lap 42 for the lead. On the next circuit, Jones pulled out of the action, his mount suffering a broken water pump pulley.

With Sauter driving a seemingly effortless race, a real battle developed for positions three through seven between Leo Mens, Jerry Kemperman, Burt Weitemeyer, Larry Schuler, and Dick Trickle, with the five jockeys battling bumper-to-bumper.

With nine laps to go and Sauter about to lap Trickle, Mens’ mount suddenly lost all power coming off the second turn due to a spark plug short, causing a chain reaction crash involving Kemperman, Schuler, Weitemeyer, Trickle and Sauter, which brought out the red flag. All drivers escaped injury, with Kemperman and Schuler unable to continue.

On the restart, Sauter set the pace, with Mens dropping out of the race on lap 67 and second place Gawlinski losing two spots because of a bad right front tire.

Sauter’s win was his second in ARTGO action this season. Following were Weitemeyer, Trickle, Gawlinski and Woody Church.

The second 75-lapper saw Mens guide his Camaro into the lead at the start of the race. Mens, who started on the pole position, was in command on lap 8, when the yellow flag flew, as Bob Weltmeyer, current ARTGO point leader Larry Detjens, and Jim Weber tangled in turn one, putting all three out of the race. As the pack circled the quarter mile under yellow, Mens suddenly pulled into the pit area with ignition ills.

Inheriting the top spot, Martin quickly began to pull away from the rest of the field, with Gawlinski, Schuler, Sauter and Jones in pursuit. Schuler, with Sauter right behind him, moved into second place on lap 18. Sauter battled a stubborn Schuler for second place as Martin maintained his lead. Sauter finally rolled past Schuler on lap 34and began setting his sights on the leader.

Lap 58 saw the race’s second yellow as Trickle did a quick spin in turn three and was joined by Wayne Kullman and Dave Weitemeyer, with Sauter slamming into the tail of Martin’s car as the leading duo braked hard to avoid a clogged turn three. The accident Sauter, whose mount received differential damage to the pits.

Two additional caution flags slowed the action, as Trickle once again looped his Camaro in turn three on lap 61, and Ray Young came to a halt in turn two on the 66th circuit.

The final laps to starter Bill Gronley’s checkered flag saw Schuler put heat on Martin for the lead, with Jones riding in third place right behind the leaders. Following were Gawlinski, Weitemeyer and Trickle.


Results –

Feature #1 –

1. Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.
2. Burt Weitemeyer, Lansing
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
4. Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood
5. Woody Church, Palos Park
6. Pat Echlin, Calumet Park
7. Ray Young, Dolton
8. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
9. Wayne Kullman, Calumet City
10.Leo Mens, Chicago


Feature #2 –

1. Mark Martin
2. Larry Schuler, New Lenox
3. Tom Jones, Northbrook
4. Frank Gawlinski
5. Dave Weitemeyer, Harvey
6. Dick Trickle
7. Pat Echlin
8. Joe Shear, South Beloit
9. Woody Church
10.Wayne Kullman

1968 - Forbes Outduels Eaker at Speedbowl Park

 

Bill Forbes powered his Pontiac GTO to victory at Sterling Speedbowl Park. – Roger Meier Photo

Sterling, Ill. (June 16, 1968) – Bill Forbes of Rock Falls beat the best the Midwest had to offer Sunday at Speedbowl Park.

Forbes won his heat over Jim Baker of Peoria and Lloyd Ewing of Kewanee, then showed Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the fast way around the 1/3-mile track in the feature race.

Forbes, after a season in the cadet class in 1967, has demonstrated his skills in the late model division this season but Sunday night was his night. Following Forbes and Eaker to the finish line was Alan May of Peoria, Tom Hughes of Monticello, Iowa, and John Connolly of Delhi, Iowa.

Heat races were won by B.J. Higley of Sterling, Forbes, Dick Nesteby of Dubuque, Iowa, and Jerry Roedell of Peoria. Ewing took the trophy dash while Daehle Reitzel of Sterling took home the semi-feature win.


Results –

1. Bill Forbes, Rock Falls
2. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
3. Alan May, Peoria
4. Tom Hughes, Monticello, Iowa
5. John Connolly, Delhi, Iowa
6. Roger Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa
7. Jim Baker, Peoria
8. Lloyd Ewing, Kewanee
9. Biil McDonough, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 
10.Dick Nesteby, Dubuque, Iowa

1988 - Hood Tops Kokomo Klassic

 

Rick Hood receives congratulations from promoter Bill Lipkey after winning the 40-lap Kokomo Klassic sprint car race at Kokomo Speedway. – Jack Gladback Photo

Kokomo, Ind. (June 15, 1988) – Rick Hood became the first repeat winner in the 14-year history of the Kokomo Klassic sprint car event, Wednesday night at Kokomo Speedway.

Hood trailed 1987 winner Dave Darland throughout the 40-lap main event’s first 14 circuits before taking charge on the 15th time around.

Darland fell from contention on lap 29 when he slammed into the third turn wall after tangling with Terry Shepherd.

Steve Butler took over second place after all-out racing resumed, but Hood led the rest of the way despite a late spin. Butler came in second with Jack Hewitt, who had started 15th, finishing third to complete a clean sweep of former Klassic winners. Tony Elliott was fourth followed by Jeff Donelson.


Results –


1. Rick Hood
2. Steve Butler
3. Jack Hewitt
4. Tony Elliott
5. Jeff Donelson
6. Kurt Hawkins
7. Randy Woodling
8. Bob Kinser
9. Tim Bookmiller
10.Ray Kenes

1968 - Columbus Junction Honors to Prymek

 

Ron Prymek, driving John Mullink’s 1956 Mercury, won the Mississippi Valley Speed Club feature at Columbus Junction.

By Mary Ann Harris

Columbus Junction, Iowa (June 15, 1968) – Ron Prymek of Iowa City held off Mark Mosier of Washington for the last nine laps of the feature here Saturday night to score his first Mississippi Valley Speed Club victory of the season.

Stan Crooks of Muscatine had led the 20-lap feature for the first 11 circuits until a blown engine sent him to the sidelines. On the restart, Prymek jumped into the lead and was able to hold it the remainder of the way.

Mel Morris of West Liberty took fast time in time trials, circling the big half-mile in 27.40 seconds. Dan Robertson of Muscatine had second fastest time with 27.75 seconds.

The first event of the evening, the trophy dash, was won by Bob Helms of Rochester. Morris won the first heat while Mosier took honor in the second heat. John Moss of Iowa City was the third heat winner and Tom Harris of Iowa City picked up the checkered in the fourth heat.

On the 11th lap of the 15-lap B-main, Bill Douglas of West Liberty took a nasty tumble in the third and fourth turns. He wasn’t hurt but the top of his car was peeled back to look like a convertible. Byron Buchele of Muscatine was the winner of the event.


Results –

1. Ron Prymek, Iowa City
2. Mark Mosier, Washington
3. John Moss, Iowa City
4. Dan Robertson, Muscatine
5. Bud Darting, Wilton Junction
6. Byron Buchele, Muscatine
7. Bill Newman, Burlington
8. Larry Jenkins, Wilton Junction
9. Roy Stutzman, Lockridge
10.Richard Hamilton, Muscatine