1979 – Wallace Has Winning Day

 

Rusty Wallace celebrates after winning the 250-mile Governor's Cup at the Milwaukee Mile. 

West Allis, Wis. (September 9, 1979) - Rookie Rusty Wallace whose driving has drawn complaints from the regulars, overcame such veterans as Joe Ruttman and A.J. Foyt to win the Governor's Cup 250-mile United States Auto Club stock car race Sunday.

Wallace, 23, said the victory on the State Fair Park mile oval, his third in his first USAC season had a lot to do with ignoring a near-empty fuel tank.

“I don’t think there is more than a couple of quarts of fuel left in that car,’’ he said after his Firebird finished three seconds ahead of Ramo Stott of Keokuk, Iowa, who drove a Camaro.

“The last time here, I went 99 miles on the 22 gallons," he said " I was skeptical about making it this time. I was really worried, but the car was running consistently, and I decided to stay with it."

There was some question about how the more experienced drivers might treat the kid from Arnold. Mo.

Ruttman was deprived of an apparent victory in a 150-mile race at the park in August when Wallace rammed him into a spin. Milton's Dave Watson, who eventually won that race, finished 23rd Sunday, dropping out on the 139th lap with a blown engine. Watson, who qualified third for the race, earned $468.

Wallace took the lead to stay at the 199th lap after Ruttman blew an engine and hit the wall at the 106th lap

Foyt left at the 221st mile with engine trouble. He finished 14th and retained his circuit point lead with 1,640 Wallace is second with 1,190, followed by Bay Darnell 1,120, Ruttman, 1,050, Terry Ryan, 935 and Bob Brevak, 905.


Results –


1. Rusty Wallace
2. Ramo Stott
3. Bob Brevak
4. Sal Tovella
5. Ken Rowley
6. Rich Clement
7. Dick Trickle
8. John Prior
9. Clyde Dagit
10.Russ Peterson
11.Larry Nau
12.Tom Schley
13.Gordon Blankenship
14.A.J. Foyt
15.Rick O’Brien
16.Fred Zack
17.Rich Sundling
18.Bay Darnell
19.Frank Freda
20.Bill Venturini
21.Dean Roper
22.Tom Meinberg
23.Dave Watson
24.Randy Ogden
25.Bob Schacht
26.Joe Ruttman
27.Allan Shepherd
28.Danny Darnell

1978 - Shryock Repeats at Black Hills Championships

 

Bob Shryock

By Pat Seyler

Rapid City, S.D. (September 9, 1978) – Bob Shryock of Estherville, Iowa, continued his domination of the late model field at the National Championship Races at Black Hills Speedway. John Stevenson of St. Paul, Minn., notched his first win here in the sprint class during the running of the sixth annual event.

Shryock and Stevenson both picked up $1,500 for their respective wins as they claimed their share of the $20,000 total purse that was up for grabs during the three days of racing.

Shryock took the lead away from Clayton Peterson Jr. of Grand Island, Neb., early on and then led the rest of the 50-lap race.

But for the first time, Shryock’s strongest competition came from a local racer as Les Staedel of Rapid City came from the back row, after winning the consolation to even make the field, and was on Shryock’s bumper for the rest of the race. Although Staedel pulled alongside Shryock on several occasions, he could not get around the elusive driver.

Trailing these two drivers across the finish line were Lynn Franz of Sturgis, Dan Nesteby of Waterloo, Iowa, and Ted Zieman of Mason City, Iowa.

Bill Liebig of Rapid City started on the pole alongside Peterson but cut a tire on the first lap and was forced to pit to change tires. Down two laps, Liebig charged through the field, passing all but Stadel and Shryock before the checkered flag fell.

Shryock has now won the Black Hills National Championship four times in the last six years, along with a second-place finish and a fifth-place finish.

Steven had little trouble picking up the sprint car victory as he easily won his heat race then led start-to-finish in the 40-lap feature.

Some of his major competition went out early as Bill Mellenberndt crashed into the wall on the third lap then bounced into traffic, with several cars tangling but everyone staying on their wheels. Mellenberndt, Darl Ellis, and Mike Foley were all knocked out of the race.

Jack McCorkell of Redwood Falls, Minn., ran second for a while but midway through the race his motor let go and put him out of action.

Don Reiners of Sioux Falls finished second with Jack Tennyson and Sam Liebig, both of Rapid City, and Marv DeWall of Jackson, Minn., rounding out the top-five.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Bill Liebig, Rapid City
Heat #2 – Clayton Peterson Jr., Grand Island, Neb.
Heat #3 – Dennis Selting, Huron
Heat #4 – Bob Shryock, Estherville, Iowa
Consolation – Les Stadel, Rapid City
Feature –
1. Bob Shryock
2. Les Stadel
3. Lynn Franz, Rapid City
4. Dan Nesteby, Waterloo, Iowa
5. Ted Zieman, Mason City, Iowa

Sprint Car –

Heat #1 – Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux Falls
Heat #2 – John Stevenson, St. Paul, Minn.
Heat #3 – Jack McCorkell, Redwood Falls, Minn.
Consolation – Jack Tennyson, Rapid City
Feature –
1. John Stevenson
2. Don Reiners, Sioux Falls
3. Jack Tennyson
4. Sam Liebig, Rapid City
5. Marv DeWall, Jackson, Minn.

1967 – Householder Captures Three Wins in Denison Finale

 

The top-five in points are lined up after the season finale at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. From left to right – Andy Rasmussen, Harlan (fifth place), Greg White, Spencer (fourth place), car owner Dale Swanson and Junior Brunick, Vermillion, S.D. (third place), Mike Chapman, Whiting (second place), and Butch Householder, Algona and car owner Wayne Meyer (champion).

By Jerry Dickinson

Denison, Iowa (September 9, 1967) - Butch Householder of Algona powered his way to three wins Saturday evening as the final night of stock car racing here closed out with cars able to run unlimited carburetion and tires.

Householder grabbed the top spots in the second heat, handicap, and the “A” feature.

The handicap race was a new race to the fans this year, taking the top two cars from each heat and matching them together.

Since the races did not follow the rules used during the year, drivers drew for their heat race positions and their finish in those heats determined which feature race they ran.

Householder easily won his heat and the handicap but was trailing Junior Brunick of Vermillion, S.D., by a good distance in the “A” feature. Brunick, however, got tangled up with Don Wood of Ida Grove. Householder also got into the fender-bending as well, bouncing off Brunick, but somehow ending up in the lead. He held it to the finish with Brunick a couple of car lengths behind.

Tully Carlson of Onawa won the “C” feature and Mike Schaben of Defiance grabbed top honors in the “B” feature. Other heat winners were Lloyd Jorgenson of Carroll and Jim Pester of Denison.


Results –

Heat #1 – Lloyd Jorgenson, Carroll
Heat #2 – Butch Householder, Algona
Heat #3 – Jim Pester, Denison
Handicap – Butch Householder
C-feature – Tully Carlson, Onawa
B-feature – Mike Schaben, Defiance
A-feature –
1. Butch Householder
2. Junior Brunick, Vermillion, S.D.
3. Mike Chapman, Whiting
4. Lloyd Jorgenson
5. Leo Corn, Onawa
6. Loren Theis, Arthur
7. Jim Pester
8. Don Wood, Ida Grove

1979 - Nesbitt, Christman, Hop Win Laursen Memorial

 

By Jamie Thomas

Superior, Wis. (September 8-9, 1979) – Tom Nesbitt, Dick Christman, and Bob Hop took top honors in the ninth annual Russ Laursen Classic at Tri-State Speedway. Over 97 cars were on hand to compete for the top prizes in each class.

Tom Nesbitt held on to the lead for the last five laps over Red Steffen to win his 26th feature of the year.

The feature was a battle for the lead between Nesbitt, Phil Prusak, and Steffen. Prusak went by Nesbit to take the lead. Steffen then raced by Prusak to take over the top spot and held it until the last five laps when Nesbitt went by and held it to the checkers.

Steffen settled for second with Prusak in third. Brent Laursen was fourth followed by John Jones, who drove an impressive race after starting 23rd.

Dick Christman led the super stock feature from start to finish with Ron Jones finishing a car-length behind. Don Roseen and Rick Popovich finished third and fourth, respectively.

Bob Hop outdistanced Gordy Lamb on a very dry-slick racetrack to capture the sprint car main event.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Tom Nesbitt, Thunder Bay, Ont.
2. Red Steffen, Eau Claire
3. Phil Prusak, Eau Claire
4. Brent Laursen, Cameron
5. John Jones, Thunder Bay, Ont.
6. Tom Steuding, Altoona
7. Punky Manor, Altoona
8. Jim Bruggeman White Bear Lake, Minn.
9. Rick Schutte, Thunder Bay, Ont.
10.Bob Gherardi, Kelly Lake, Minn.


Super Stock –

1. Dick Christman, Superior
2. Ron Jones, Zimmerman, Minn.
3. Don Roseem Duluth, Minn.
4. Rick Popovich, Duluth, Minn.
5. Steve Rudiger, Menomonie, Wis.
6. Jim Miller, Thunder Bay, Ont.
7. Bill Nelson, Duluth, Minn.
8. Rick Gulbranson, Hermantown, Minn.
9. Dave Gillette, Esko, Minn.
10.Gary Grierson, Virginia, Minn.


Sprint Car –

1. Bob Hop, Mendota, Minn.
2. Gordy Lamb, Fargo, N.D.
3. Dan Shearer, White Bear, Minn.
4. Greg Cole, Grand Rapids, Minn.
5. Dave Heskin, Monticello, Minn.
6. Lyn McIntosh, Thunder Bay, Ont.
7. Al Hargrave, Oakdale, Minn.
8. John Sernett, Minneapolis, Minn.
9. Harry Johnson, Oakdale, Minn.
10.Lynn Franklin, Little Canada, Minn.

1974 – Sanger Edges Hansen for Dubuque Title

 

Ed Sanger won the late model season championship at the Dubuque Speedway. Co-promoter Jack Hunt makes the trophy presentation while flagman Roger Beck presents the checkers. – Mike Chapman Photo

By Jayne Chapman

Dubuque, Iowa (September 8, 1974) – Waterloo’s Ed Sanger carried home his third season championship trophy from the Dubuque Speedway on Sunday night.

One might say the race began the way it finished. Sanger took the lead at the drop of the green flag and held it for three laps, at which time point leader Curt Hansen of Dike snatched it away and did a spectacular job of holding the top spot for the next 43 circuits.

But on lap 47, Hansen drifted too high in the second turn and Sanger, on Hansen’s rear bumper the entire time, took advantage of the opportunity to take over the lead.

A bumper-to-bumper battle in the final few laps kept the fans on their feet but Sanger prevailed with Hansen settling for runner-up honors. Following the two top runners were Glen Martin of Independence, Bill McArdle of Shullsburg, Wis., and Bill Barthelmes of Troy Mills.

Roger Bruggeman of Dubuque scored his first season championship win in the 25-lap sportsman feature. Denny Pickel of Dubuque did his best to stay out front but an overheated engine late in the race ended his bid.

Pickel held on to finish second with Bob Schulte of Delhi taking third. John Weers of Readlyn and Don Mayner of Winthrop rounded out the top-five.

Greg Murray of Hopkinton won the fun car feature after leader Dave Beidler of Dubuque lost a wheel with only a few laps remaining.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – John Curwen, Hazel Green, Wis.
Heat #2 – Glen Martin, Independence
Feature –
1. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
2. Curt Hansen, Dike
3. Glen Martin
4. Bill McArdle, Shullsburg, Wis.
5. Bill Barthelmes, Troy Mills


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Tim Swope, Raymond
Heat #2 – Keith Braun, Cedar Falls
Feature –
1. Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
2. Denny Pickel, Dubuque
3. Bob Schulte, Delhi
4. John Weers, Readlyn
5. Don Mayner, Winthrop

1987 – Trickle Edges Musgrave in ASA Minnesota 300

 

Dick Trickle rings the victory bell after winning the ASA Racing Series Miller 300 at the Minnesota State Fair. Starter Dennis Decheine holds the checkers. – Don Thies Photo

Falcon Heights, Minn. (September 7, 1987) – Dick Trickle edged Ted Musgrave by .28 of a second to nab top honors in the ASA Racing Series Miller High Life 300 Monday afternoon at the Minnesota State Fair Speedway.

Trickle grabbed the lead on the opening circuit and paced the field through the first 104 laps before Joe Shear inherited the top spot. Current ASA point leader Butch Miller dropped out of the race with a sour engine on lap 110.

Shear appeared to be in control of the race as he led through the middle portion of the event but was eliminated when he tangled with Kenny Wallace in the first turn of lap 163. Wallace had his engine blown leaving shear with no place to go, hitting the wall and rolling over. Neither driver was injured.

Russ Urlin took over the lead and stayed on top from lap 164 to 174 before Trickle regained the lead for good in the first turn. Trickle remained on top for the duration of the contest despite constant pressure from Musgrave and Harold Fair.

“My car kept getting looser and looser,” Trickle said. “I couldn’t get enough bite in the car, so about every ten laps or so, I was getting a tenth of a second slower. I really had to do some driving there at the end to win it.”

Trickle took the checkered by a slim margin over Musgrave, with Fair, Bob Senneker, and NASCAR’s Bobby Allison close behind as the top-five finished under a blanket.

The victory was Trickle’s 26th in ASA competition, second only to Senneker’s total of 58. The pole position he earned with a time of 19.065 seconds, was his career-leading 40th with ASA.


Results –

1. Dick Trickle
2. Ted Musgrave
3. Harold Fair
4. Bob Senneker
5. Bobby Allison
6. Dave Watson
7. Mike Eddy
8. Russ Urlin
9. Tom Jones
10.Kent Stauffer
11.Gary St. Amant
12.Dennis Vogel
13.Buddy Schrock
14.Doug Mayr
15.Peter Gibbons

1975 - Wallace, Collier Happy with 1-2 Fair Finish

 

"Super" Joe Wallace 

Lincoln, Neb. (September 7, 1975) - Joe Wallace and Ferris Collier were both happy with their one-two finish in the 50-lap International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) race at the Nebraska State Fair Sunday afternoon.

But the two drivers had widely varied reasons for being satisfied.

Wallace, of Peyton, Colo., took the lead from Collier on the 20th lap, led Collier for the final 30 laps, without making a mistake or having to work very hard at all.

Collier, in the meantime, smacked the wall head on during one of the three attempts to start the feature race and was also involved in two other accidents during the heat races, and one in the consolation race.

Pointing with a badly swollen wrist, Collier noted that the frame on his car was bent and the body received severe damage.

“This car hadn't been touched all year,” the Lampe, Mo., driver said. “I didn't even know if I should run in the feature, but I did, and the car ran fairly well.”

“The only problem was that I couldn't hold the car low in the turns and couldn't hold off Wallace,” Collier said.

Wallace said that due to track conditions on the half mile dirt oval the only place to pass was on the inside.

“He (Collier) was getting on the accelerator too hard on the turns and slipping high. And it allowed me to pass him. I just eased by him and had no trouble after that.”

Wallace and Collier had no challengers for the top two spots as both of them lapped almost every other car on the track.

Em Fretheim of Decorah, Iowa, who challenged for the early lead with Collier, finished third about one-quarter lap ahead of Dave Chase of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kent Tucker of Aurora, Neb.

Tucker won the consolation race finishing in front of Randy Sterner of Blair, Neb., Dick Jensen of Aurora, Neb., and Lincolnite Joe Wade.


Results –


Time trials – Joe Wallace, Peyton, Colo. (26.53)
Heat #1 – Joe Wallace
Heat #2 – Larry Stromer, Grand Island
Heat #3 – Thurman Lovejoy, Kansas City
Consolation – Kent Tucker, Aurora, Neb.
Feature –
1. Joe Wallace
2. Ferris Collier, Lampe, Mo.
3. Em Fretheim, Decorah, Iowa
4. Dave Chase, Council Bluffs, Iowa
5. Kent Tucker
6. Gary Lindgren, Ogden, Iowa
7. Dick Jensen, Aurora
8. Roy McClellan, Riverside, Mo.
9. Jim Hager, Liberty, Mo.
10.Con Edwards, Oklahoma City, Okla.