1985 – First ARTGO Win for Trickle at Capital

Dick Trickle recorded his first ARTGO Racing victory of the season at Capital Super Speedway. Ms. Capital, Corrine Chatman, joined the winner in victory lane. – Don Thies Photo

Oregon, Wis. (May 18, 1985) – Defending ARTGO Challenge Series champion Dick Trickle recorded his first win of the season on the circuit, as he drove to victory in Saturday night’s First Wisconsin Special 100 at Capital Super Speedway.

The 43-year-old racing legend from Wisconsin Rapids, wheeled his 1985 Firebird to the checkered flag in the 100-lap main event. It was the five-time ARTGO titlist’s 49th career feature win on the circuit.

Wrestling the lead away from pacesetter Joe Shear on the 93rd go-round, Trickle went on to take the checkered flag some four-car-lengths ahead of Shear. Rounding out the top-five were Mark Martin, Rich Bickle Jr., and Steve Holzhausen.

A field of 22 started the century grind with Tom Musgrave sneaking in from his second row outside starting position to take the lead on the first revolution. Musgrave was on top for only one laps before Holzhausen moved to the front. Holzhausen, who started on the front row, led until lap 5 when John Ziegler moved past him.

With 19 laps in the record books, the first yellow flag appeared as Jim Weber and Tom Reffner tangled in the third turn.

Lap 25 saw Ziegler still in command, followed by Shear, Trickle, Martin, and Ted Musgrave. Leading the race by about five-to-six car-lengths most of the way, Ziegler began to stretch his margin to 10 car-lengths as the event approached the three-quarter mark.

Looking to score hiss first-ever ARTGO feature win, Ziegler, however, began to slow and pulled into the infield on lap 68 when his Ford Thunderbird ran out of gas.

The race then featured a three-car battle between Shear, Trickle, and Martin, who ran bumper-to-bumper until lap 74, when Martin fell off the pace, dropping well back of the leaders.

Shear was still on top lap 75, pressed by Trickle with Martin, Holzhausen, and Bickle giving chase. After first trying outside to get around Shear for first place, Trickle snuck underneath the leader on lap 91. The pair then raced side-by-side for a couple of laps before Trickle finally took the lead away from Shear on lap 93.


Results –


1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
2. Joe Shear, Lake Villa, Ill.
3. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
4. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
5. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor
6. Al Schill, Franklin
7. Bob Gunn, Madison
8. Dennis Lampman, Oak Creek
9. Tom Musgrave, Mundelein, Ill.
10.Don Leach, Beloit

Today in Racing History

 

May 17, 1981

May 17, 1990

1970 – Fatality Mars Knoxville Super-Modified Card

Joe Saldana

Knoxville, Iowa (May 16, 1970) - It was Joe Saldana night at the super modified season opener at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville Saturday night. Saldana, from Lincoln, Neb., was anxious to race after pulling to Knoxville the last two weeks only to find the races cancelled due to rain. In a new car with a new number, Joe captured the 25-lap super modified feature, the trophy dash and his heat.

Saldana took the lead on the third lap and continued leading to the 25th lap and the awaiting checkered flag. Seemed that nothing could stop him as he won by a considerable margin over the rest of the field. Dick Sutcliffe from Kansas City, Mo., finished second ahead of Jerry Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., in third spot.

On the field of 31 supers, Jerry Blundy set the fastest time of 22.11 seconds around the one-half mile oval in his red #33.

The trophy dash was won by Joe Saldana. Saldana fought off the challenges of Ray Lee Goodwin of Kansas City for the trophy. Bill Utz was third and James Bond, fourth.

Saldana then put his red #2 super into the first to cop the first 10-lap heat by a wide margin. In second was Jay Woodside. Stacy Redmond of Mason City placed third followed by Flea Atkins.

Dick Sutcliffe took the lead on the first lap and was never headed to cop the second 10-lap heat. Sutcliffe was leading by one-fourth lap ahead of the second place Lennie Jensen at the checkers. Keith Hightshoe finished in a very close third.

The only flag of the evening came on the first lap of the second heat when newcomer Jay Opperman of Beaver Crossing, Neb., flipped wildly over the third turn fence, landing some 80 feet from the track. Opperman lost his life in that accident and the Van's Mobile Home Special super modified was totally demolished.

Officials said Opperman's car struck the wheel of another auto in the first lap of the second heat.

Ralph Blackett of Des Moines grabbed a good-sized lead to win the third 10-lap heat event. In the battle for second spot it was Wib Spalding finishing second. Next across the finish line were Del Schmidt, Jerry Blundy and Bill Utz.

Bill Utz led all the way to victory in the 10-lap consolation. James Bond was second and Roger Abbott of Lincoln, Neb., in a close third. Following were Bob Fisher of Des Moines, Curt Houge of Ames, Steve Schultz of Chillicothe Mo., and Bruce Sommerfeld of Fort Dodge.


Results –


Time Trials – Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
Trophy dash – Joe Saldana, Lincoln, Neb.
Heat #1 – Joe Saldana
Heat #2 – Dick Sutcliffe, Kansas City
Heat #3 – Ralph Blackett, Des Moines
Consolation – Bill Utz, Sedalia, Mo.
Feature –
1. Joe Saldana
2. Dick Sutcliffe
3. Jerry Blundy
4. Del Schmidt, Topeka, Kan.
5. Lonnie Jensen, Lincoln, Neb.
6. Bob Williams, Independence, Mo.
7. Jay Woodside, Kansas City
8. Ray Lee Goodwin, Kansas City
9. Bill Utz
10.Stacy Redmond, Mason City, Iowa

1977 – Trickle’s Brand-New Firebird Outruns Field in Spring 50

Dick Trickle accepts congratulations from starter Bill Gronley after winning the Spring 50 at Wisconsin International Raceway. Trickle’s wife Darlene joins them in victory lane. – Gary Vercauteren Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 15, 1977) – Dick Trickle, driving a newly built 1977 Firebird, scored a one-car-length victory in the Spring 50 for late models at Wisconsin International Raceway Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 4,283.

It was an impressive debut for the Wisconsin Rapids driver with the gleaming white racer, which was just completed Saturday night.

Trickle took the lead on the 20th lap when he slipped to the inside of Jimmy Pierson of Janesville. Tom Reffner of Rudolph, wheeling his 1977 Hornet, quickly moved past Pierson but could not close in on Trickle.

On the 32nd lap Pierson was able to repass Reffner and finish second. Reffner placed third, followed by Roger Regeth of Kimberly, Jim Back of Vesper, and Stevens Point’s Rich Somers.

Before a lap could be completed, the race was stopped twice due to pileups in the third turn. The first stoppage came when Gene Coleman, Larry Nipple, and Arnie Christen crashed. Coleman and Nipple were both eliminated.

On the restart, Regeth and Gary Hemmerling locked bumpers in the first turn with Al Schill also spinning.

Regeth took the lead when the green flag was dropped with Jerry Eckhardt locked on his rear bumper as the pair fought for the lead.

Pierson advanced his drive to the front when he slipped to the outside of Eckhardt on the backstretch of the 10th lap and powered past Regeth on the front chute as the drivers entered the 11th lap on the half-mile paved oval.

Trickle, meanwhile, threaded his way to the front, passing Regeth for second place on lap 13 with Reffner breathing down his tailpipe.

A yellow flag on lap 17 tightened the field behind Pierson, Trickle was able to take the lead on the 20th round.

Two more cautions periods were required before the race’s conclusion. On lap 24, Eckhardt’s motor blew on the backstretch and on the 47th circuit, Gordy Mudlaff spun in the fourth turn. On each occasion, the field tightened up behind Trickle, but both times he was ready for the challenge and held off Pierson and Reffner for the victory.


Results –


1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
2. Jim Pierson, Janesville
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Roger Regeth, Kimberly
5. Jim Back, Vesper
6. Rich Somers, Stevens Point
7. Bob Gunn, Madison
8. Fred Bender, Sun Prairie
9. Al Schill, Franklin
10.John Speer, Janesville
11.Roger Paul, New London
12.Gordy Mudlaff, Wind Lake
13.Larry Nipple, Albany
14.Jim Sauter, Necedah
15.Jerry Eckhardt, Watertown

1971 – Stock Opener to Sanger

Ed Sanger

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (May 14, 1971) – When the gates open, you walk through, according to Ed Sanger.

Sanger should know - he’s been walking through quite a few of them lately.

Friday night, it was the 25-lap late model stock car feature at Hawkeye Downs and the Waterloo dandy raced off with the season opener before an anxious crowd of 4,200.

Remarkably, it was Easy Ed’s sixth straight feature triumph of the young season in the 1970 Monte Carlo he drove to season championships at Independence and Waterloo and a third-place finish here at Cedar Rapids.

In this one, though, someone from up above must have been smiling down on Sanger, who started 10th in the 18-car field on the quarter-mile dirt track.

Polesitter Chub Liebe of Oelwein and Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo waged a bumper-to-bumper duel for the first 12 laps, with Zwanziger’s ’70 Nova holding the front spot over Liebe’s ’67 Ford.

Then, right at the start/finish line on the next tour, the two machines got together and Zwanziger spun out, nearly clipping the infield guardrail.

Sanger shot by and into the lead, as Liebe slowed considerably. Zwanziger was down nearly a lap before he was able to recover.

From that point on, it was clear sailing for Sanger, as he pocketed $350 for his victory.

Liebe finished second with Karl Sanger of Waterloo, Ed’s brother, in third, Curt Hansen of Dike in fourth and Cal Swanson of Reinbeck finishing fifth.

“When the gate’s open, you’re supposed to walk through,” a smiling Sanger said afterwards. “I had clear sailing after Bill and Chub got together, but I was picking up on them pretty good before it happened.”

“Liebe kind of got into Bill…guess that’s part of racing.”

Zwanziger was bitter and didn’t spare his feelings.

“There was only one way Liebe could get around me and that was to spin me,” he said. I was in the lead, and I had the groove - I was entitled to it.”

Red Droste of Waterloo, last year’s champion at The Downs, finished seventh behind Independence’s Glen Martin.

Zwanziger did walk off with two checkered flags in the 15-lap semi-main and the second heat. Sanger claimed the 10-lap dash and Liebe was the winner of the first heat. The 10-lap consolation went to Benny Hofer of Rock Island, Ill., after a four-year absence.

Dave Trower of Waterloo carved his niche in the sportsman division, winning his heat and the 15-lap feature.


Results –


Trophy dash – Ed Sanger, Waterloo
Heat #1 – Chub Liebe, Oelwein
Heat #2 – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
Semi-main – Bill Zwanziger
Consolation – Ben Hofer, Rock Island, Ill.
Feature –
1. Ed Sanger
2. Chub Liebe
3. Karl Sanger, Waterloo
4. Curt Hansen, Dike
5. Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
6. Glen Martin, Independence
7. Red Droste, Waterloo
8. Bill Barthelmes, Troy Mills
9. Dr. Al Mayner, Independence
10.Joe Schaefer, Waterloo

1967 - Eaker Beats Dake to Capture Davenport Win

Verlin Eaker receives the checkered flag from starter Obie Beals after winning the 25-lap late model modified feature at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.

Davenport, Iowa (May 13, 1967) – Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids wheeled his red 1964 Plymouth hemi to a feature victory in the late model modified feature at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on Friday night.

Eaker flashed across the finish line ahead of Darrell Dake, also of Cedar Rapids, in his new Ford sedan. Two more Cedar Rapids chauffeurs, Bill McDonough, and John Schlemmer took third and fourth, respectively.

There were more than 30 cars in the modified field and competition was keener than in many years.

Four cars were eliminated on the first lap of the feature in a big tangle. Wreckers pulled Dick Nesteby of Dubuque and Red Droste of Waterloo into the pit area. Dean Montgomery of Milan, Ill., and Ron Weedon of Pleasant Valley had to be cut apart before being towed away.

After the smoke cleared, the main event went off smoothly without those four competitors.

Ray Cox of Davenport continued his mastery over the novice drivers as he copped another feature win – his third of the young season – two here and one at Cedar Rapids.

Schlemmer won the first modified heat, Droste bagged the second, and Cal Swanson of Reinbeck was the third heat winner.

Fred Strube of Peoria, Ill., won the semi-main, a few feet ahead of Johnny Beauchamp of Atlantic, the former IMCA national stock car champion. Dean Montgomery finished third.


Results –


Heat #1 – John Schlemmer, Cedar Rapids
Heat #2 – Red Droste, Waterloo
Heat #3 – Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
Semi-main – Fred Strube, Peoria, Ill.
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
2. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
3. Bill McDonough, Cedar Rapids
4. John Schlemmer
5. Jim Gerber, Mt. Joy

1984 – Sanger Takes Twin-50’s at 34 Raceway

Waterloo's Ed Sanger swept both ends of a twin 50-lapper at Burlington. - Lee Johnson Photo

Burlington, Iowa (May 12, 1984) – The three-and-half hour trip down from Waterloo was well worth it for Ed Sanger as he captured both features during the NASCAR Twin 50’s at 34 Raceway on Saturday night.

Jay Johnson grabbed the lead at the outset of the first 50-lapper before Bob Lekander swept by on lap 7. Johnson, Rollie Frink, and Mike Klinkkammer gave chase as Lekander opened up a respectable margin. Frink moved up to challenge for the lead midway through the contest while Sanger gradually worked his way through the strong field.

Sanger, with Johnny Johnson hot on his heels, moved past Frink on lap 42 and then set his sights on Lekander. Two laps later, Sanger sped to the outside of turn three to get past Lekander and take the victory. Lekander managed to hold off Johnson for second with Frink fourth and Bill Breuer fifth.

The second 50-lapper was missing some top contenders due to misfortunes in the first feature, including Bruce Hanford, Steve Fraise, and Mark Keltner. Ken Jackson opened up an early lead on his hometown track, but it only took until the fifth lap before the pair of Sanger and Johnson worked their way up to challenge.

Jackson held the speedy duo off until lap 9 when Johnson made a nifty move to go from third to first on the backstretch. Sanger kept the pressure on, however, and it paid off when Johnson tangled with lapped traffic in turn four, bringing out the caution on the 21st lap.

It was “Fast” Eddie’s race the rest of the way with Johnson making a charge through the pack to take second on the last lap. Lekander took third with the brothers, Ken, and Ron Jackson, grabbing fourth and fifth, respectively.

In other action, Randy Samberg of Burlington won the street stock feature.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
2. Bob Lekander, Burlington
3. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
4. Rollie Frink, Davenport
5. Bill Breuer, Wapello
6. Dave Goble, Burlington
7. Steve Watts, Danville
8. Mike Klinkkammer, West Branch
9. Del Lankford, Macomb, Ill.
10.Ken Jackson, Burlington


Feature #2 –

1. Ed Sanger
2. Johnny Johnson
3. Bob Lekander
4. Ken Jackson
5. Ron Jackson, Burlington
6. Jim Hollenbeck, Burlington
7. Rollie Frink
8. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
9. Mike Klinkkammer
10.Del Lankford

1986 – Purvis Nabs USAC Stocks at Monett

Jeff Purvis

Monett, Mo. (May 11, 1986) – Jeff Purvis nabbed his second straight USAC late model feature win in as many nights as he outran Larry Phillips to claim the 40-lap headliner at Monett Speedway.

T.J. Pauschert paced the first four laps of the contest until Phillps took command. Phillips would stay out front for the next 19 circuits.

Purvis, who won the night before at I-44 Speedway, got his first taste of the lead on lap 24 but Larry Moore took over for the next five rounds.

Purvis powered in back in front for good on lap 30 and then led the remaining circuits to seal the victory. Phillips placed second ahead of Pauschert, Gary Wright, and Moore.


Results –


1. Jeff Purvis, Clarksville, Tenn.
2. Larry Phillips, Springfield
3. T.J. Pauschert, Carlile, Ark.
4. Gary Wright, Hooks, Tex.
5. Larry Moore, Phenix City, Ala.
6. Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, Ark.
7. John Mason, Millersburg, Ohio
8. Dick Potts, Morocco, Ind.
9. Willy Kraft, Lakefield, Minn.
10.Gary Herbert, Waynesburg, Ind.

1975 - Fast Time, Twin Victories for Reffner in Dells Opener

Tom Reffner

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (May 10, 1975) – Tom Reffner extended his domination of central Wisconsin late model racing to the Dells Motor Speedway Saturday night as he set fast time and took both of the 50-lap features on the third mile banked paved oval.

The show was the first of the season, as two previous attempts had been rained out.

Driving his “Blue Knight” 1974 AMC Javelin, Reffner did not take the lead in the first 50-lapper until lap 42. Bill Retallick of Marshall took the early lead in the event, only to lose it to Madison’s Bobby Gunn on lap 12.

Once ahead, Gunn kept his ex-Dick Trickle 1970 Mustang out front, increasing his margin with nearly every lap.

Meanwhile, Reffner was working his way through the field and was near the front when John Reimer and Rich Somers tangled on the front straightaway, bringing out the caution flag.

The field bunched and when the green flag dropped on lap 42, Reffner shot by Gunn for the top spot. Reffner then built up his own cushion and finished well ahead of Gunn, Dick Trickle, Dave Watson, and Joe Shear.

The second 50-lapper followed the script of the first with some of the cast changed.

Jim Pierson of Milton took an early lead in his 1975 Camaro but lost it to Marv Marzofka of Nekoosa on lap 12. Marzofka then built up an impressive lead as, once again, Reffner steadily worked his way from the back of the pack.

On lap 25, a caution flag flew when Reimer and Trickle’s mounts started spilling oil on the racing surface. Both were done for the evening.

Marzofka kept Reffner at bay on the restart, but the caution flag came out again on lap 43 when Gunn’s mount started spilling oil.

Gunn pitted while the track was cleaned up and returned to the race, only to oil the surface again. The track was cleaned again, and Gunn was finished for the night.

On the restart, Reffner charged past Marzofka into the lead and held it to the finish. Marzofka settled for second, followed by Mike Miller, John Ziegler, and Larry Detjens.


Results –


Time trials – Tom Reffner, Rudolph (14.482)
Semi-main – Mike Waddell, Madison
Consolation – Pat Riley, Osseo, Minn.
Feature #1 –
1. Tom Reffner
2. Bob Gunn, Madison
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Dave Watson, Milton
5. Joe Shear, Beloit


Feature #2 –

1. Tom Reffner
2. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
3. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
4. John Zeigler, Madison
5. Larry Detjens, Wausau

1986 - Davis Garners Santa Fe WoO Victory

Bobby Davis Jr. claimed the World of Outlaws sprint car win at Santa Fe Speedway. The victory was Davis’ third of the year and 18th of his career. – Bryan Gapinski Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (May 9, 1986) – Bobby Davis Jr. notched his third victory of the season as he captured the 30-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature Friday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

Rick Hood grabbed the early lead ahead of Jimmy Sills while Davis closed in on the leaders. On round 11, Davis overtook Sills for second and two laps later, he was able to power past Hood for the lead.

For the remainder of the race, Davis was able to utilize the low groove around the clay oval to nab his 18th career Word of Outlaws’ victory.

Steve Kinser advanced from fourth to second in the final 10 circuits, passing Sills for second on the low side coming off of turn four on lap 27. Kinser held on to take runner-up honors. Sills claimed third ahead of Brad Doty and Hood.

Sammy Swindell set a new track record in qualifying with a time of 15.525 seconds. However, Swindell’s race efforts were hindered by a sour engine.

The victory earned Davis $4,315 while Kinser collected $2,675.


Results –


1. Bobby Davis Jr.
2. Steve Kinser
3. Jimmy Sills
4. Brad Doty
5. Rick Hood
6. Mark Kinser
7. Randy Smith
8. Ron Shuman
9. John Stevenson
10.Tim Gee

1971 – 9,899 See Oldham and Reece Win at Fairgrounds

Dick Oldham

Des Moines, Iowa (May 8, 1971) – Dick Oldham and Phil Reece, defending champions in their respective auto racing classes, rode to victory Saturday night before 9,899 at the Fairgrounds.

Oldham, who had only one feature win last year, powered his 1969 Chevelle to victory against a stalwart field of cars that included Lem Blankenship, Darrell Dake and also Ernie Derr – the 11-time International Motor Contest Association stock car champion.

Derr, driving a 1965 Dodge, placed seventh in the late model main event and fourth in the semi-main.

John Connolly, who won the late model semi-main, finished second in the feature behind Oldham. They were followed by Dake, Stan Stover, Dean Montgomery, and Blankenship.

Reece’s victory in the sportsman feature was his second in a row. He finished ahead of Chuck Berg, Matt Mauro, John Knapp, and Lou Thrap, all of Des Moines.


Results –


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Phil Reece, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Chuck Berg, Des Moines
Semi-main – Matt Mauro, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Phil Reece
2. Chuck Berg
3. Matt Mauro
4. John Knapp, Des Moines
5. Lou Thrap, Des Moines
6. Bob Pike, Des Moines
7. Bob Peterson, Des Moines
8. Tom Gratton, Des Moines
9. John Brouwer, Prairie City
10.Dale Miller, Cummings


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Dave Chase, Council Bluffs
Heat #2 – Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
Semi-main – John Connolly, Delhi
Feature –
1. Dick Oldham, Des Moines
2. John Connolly
3. Darrell Dake
4. Stan Stover, Reinbeck
5. Dean Montgomery, Milan, Ill.
6. Lem Blankenship, Keokuk
7. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
8. Dave Chase
9. Gerry Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
10.Don Hoffman, Des Moines

Today in Racing History

 

May 7, 1967

1981 – Parker Tops Oskaloosa NSCA Races

Pete Parker of Kaukauna, Wis., won the National Speedways Contest Association late model feature at Southern Iowa Speedway. Joining Parker in victory lane is NSCA’s Robert Lawton.

Oskaloosa, Iowa (May 6, 1981) – Pete Parker of Kaukauna, Wis., started on the pole and posted a wire-to-wire victory Wednesday night in the National Speedways Contest Association late model feature at Southern Iowa Speedway.

Parker held off repeated challenges by Joe Merryfield of Des Moines and survived a restart when caution flags flew on lap 20 of the 25-lapper.

Parker actually qualified seventh fastest among the 24 late models who posted times. That placed him on the inside of the third row on the starting grid, but he inherited the pole position when second-fastest qualifier Don Hoffman of Des Moines failed to make the feature grid.

Chasing Parker and Merryfield across the finish were Ken Walton of Viola, Tom Hearst of Wilton, and Johnny Johnson of Morning Sun.

Hearst set the crowd abuzz when he was the final car to take a timed lap in qualifying and he lowered the track mark to 21.356 seconds. That mark broke the old record of 21.750 set by Kevin Gundaker in August of 1980.

Hearst actually took to the track as the 13th car to qualify but as he crossed the start/finish line after one timed lap, his car was noticeably sputtering, and he pulled into the pits.

Getting back in the qualifying line for his last of two laps, he became the final car to qualify. While times got slower as qualifying progressed, Hearst was quicker.

Asked about his problems the first time on the track, he replied, “We ran out of gas. In the rush to get the car on the track, nobody saw to it that there was gas in the tank.”

Hearst said the track was rough, but he knew he was moving well on his second lap.

“I felt good out there,” he remarked. “I didn’t know about any records but I knew I was moving right along.”

Late model heat wins were registered by Craig Jacobs of Des Moines, Joe Kosiski of Omaha, and Merryfield.


Results –


Time trials – Tom Hearst, Wilton
Heat #1 – Craig Jacobs, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Joe Kosiski, Omaha
Heat #3 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
2. Joe Merryfield
3. Ken Walton, Viola
4. Tom Hearst, Wilton
5. Johnny Johnson, Morning Sun
6. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
7. Curt Hansen, Dike
8. Billy Moyer Jr., Des Moines
9. Martin Bennett, Des Moines
10.Dave Sidwell, Iowa City
11.Ken DeGood, Hills
12.Bill Breuer, Wapello
13.John Edwards, Des Moines
14.Tony Stewart, Washington
15.Joe Kosiski, Omaha
16.Craig Jacobs, Des Moines
17.Curt Hogue, Ames
18.Tim Murray, Des Moines
19.Russell Lancaster, Glenview, Mo.
20.Bill Rice, Des Moines

1979 - Hoffman Wins Harlan's 'Spring Bonanza'

Don Hoffman 

Harlan, Iowa (May 5, 1979) – Don Hoffman of Des Moines, wrestled the lead away from Dan Rabbass on lap 8 and led the rest of the way to pocket the top prize in the late model stock car portion of Shelby County Speedway’s Spring Bonanza on Saturday night.

Rabbass, from Bellevue, Neb., grabbed the lead from the green flag but couldn’t hold off Hoffman, who pocketed $800 for his feature victory.

The late model portion had been scheduled for Saturday, April 28 but was rained out. Sunday, April 29, rain date also fell to foul weather.

Following Hoffman and Rabbass to the finish line in the 50-lap main event were Joe Merryfield of Des Moines, and Glen Robey and Jerry Wancewicz, both of Omaha.

Heat winners were Merryfield, Bill Martin of Council Bluffs, and Hoffman. Hoffman also won the trophy dash while Bill Kirk of Salix won the consolation.


Results –


Trophy dash – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Heat #1 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
Heat #3 – Don Hoffman
Consolation – Bill Kirk, Salix
Feature –
1. Don Hoffman
2. Dan Rabbass, Bellevue, Neb.
3. Joe Merryfield
4. Glen Robey, Omaha
5. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha
6. Bob Kosiski, Omaha
7. Al Druesdow, Omaha
8. Bill Martin
9. Bill Kirk
10.Duane Errett, Harlan
11.Paul Zdan, Omaha
12.Bill Leithoff, Omaha
13.Keith Mander, Omaha
14.Corky Bailey
15.Rob Taylor, Fremont, Neb.

1968 – Richert Wins Southland 100

Jerry Richert accepts the trophy from IMCA’s Nick Nachicas after winning the Southland 100 for IMCA sprint cars at State Fair Speedway. – Bill Causey Jr. Photo

Shreveport, La. (May 5, 1968) – Jerry Richert, a three-time International Motor Contest Association national sprint car champion, edged past defending champion Karl Busson to grab the checkered flag in the Southland 100 for IMCA sprint cars at the Louisiana State Fair Speedway.

Piloting his Wagner Chevy Special to a 42 minute and 21.82 second clocking over the 50-mile, dirt covered half-mile speedway, Richert, from Forest Lake, Minn., eclipsed the IMCA world standard of 45 minutes and 14 seconds set in 1955 by Jud Larson in Des Moines.

Busson appeared to have the race won when he took the lead on lap 34 nut smoke started billowing from his Cedoz Chevy just 10 laps shy of victory.

Busson stayed in the race despite suffering the burning spray of hot oil pouring from his engine but was overtaken a quarter mile from the finish by Richert.

Billy Jack Casper of Dallas, Tex., finished third followed by Shady McWhorter of Fort Worth, Tex., and Gordon Woolley of Waco, Tex., the 1963 IMCA national champion.

Jim Moughan of Springfield, Ill., took the early lead and held it until Smokey Jones of Dallas, Tex., crashed into the retaining wall in the second turn on the 24th lap, bringing out the caution flag which enabled the field to close the gap.

Busson took the lead on lap 34 after the race resumed full speed. Moughan started to fade soon after and finally drove into the infield on lap 78 and collapsed from heat exhaustion.

That left only Busson and Richert to battle for the $4,200 purse. Richert stayed within seconds of the leader for 20 laps but Busson slowly began increasing his margin until he ran into over-heating problems at the 45-mile mark.

Moughan set a new State Fair Speedway record for one lap in time trials, speeding to a time of 23.71 seconds, which erased the old mark of 23.91 seconds set by Bobby Grim in 1956.


Results –


1. Jerry Richert, Forest Lake, Minn.
2. Karl Busson, Toledo, Ohio
3. Billy Jack Casper, Dallas, Tex.
4. Shady McWhorter, Fort Worth, Tex.
5. Gordon Woolley, Waco, Tex.
6. Lee Kunzman, Guttenberg, Iowa
7. Sonny McDaniel, Pasadena, Tex.
8. Cliff Cockburn, Dallas, Tex.
9. Jack O’Donnell, Fullerton, Calif.
10.Ollie Gibbon, Fort Worth, Tex.
11.Jim Moughan, Springfield, Ill.
12.David Horton, Mesquite, Tex.
13.Tommy Johnson, Dallas, Tex.
14.Charles Sitton, Dallas, Tex.
15.Len Kaiser, Dallas, Tex.
16.Ralph Parkinson, Wichita Falls, Tex.

1986 – Shear Stars at Rockford in Spring Classic

Joe Shear completed the clean sweep in the ninth annual ARTGO Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway. He also set fast time and won his heat race. – Russ Lake Photo

Rockford, Ill. (May 4, 1986) – Joe Shear continued his domination of the ARTGO Challenge Series by slicing through the field from his 12th starting berth to win the ninth annual Spring Classic late model feature at Rockford Speedway, Sunday afternoon.

Shear, who won the series opener at Grundy County Speedway two weeks ago, recorded a rare clean sweep by setting fast time at 13.656 seconds, and then winning a 12-lap heat race before scoring the 86-lap feature victory.

A field of 35 cars participated in the show, which was held in sunny, but windy conditions.

Rich Bickle Jr. edged into the lead on the first lap from his front row starting berth with Dave Weltmeyer and Don Leach right behind him. Shear was already slicing through the field using the inside lane with Dick Trickle right behind him, trying to keep up.

By lap 34, Shear was right behind Bickle and for the next 20 laps, the two Wisconsin driver kept the fans on the edge of their seats as Shear looked for a way to take the top spot away.

By lap 55, the top six – Bickle, Shear, Weltmeyer, Terry Baldry, Bobby Dotter, and Trickle – were running nose-to-tail. Finally, on the 57th lap, Shear drove to the inside of Bickle, traded some paint, and took the lead on the fourth turn. He would never relinquish it,

Meanwhile, Trickle’s V-6 powered Celebrity came to life, and he picked off Dotter, Baldry, and finally Weltmeyer to finish third behind Shear and Bickle.

After the win Shear was asked his secret to running “the tough groove” at tracks like Grundy County and Rockford.

“It’s the chassis,” the six-time National Short Track champion explained. “We only ran this car four times at the end of the ’85 season but we knew it was just what we needed to hopefully secure our first ARTGO championship.”


Results –


1. Joe Shear, Clinton, Wis.
2. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
4. Bobby Dotter, Chicago
5. Terry Baldry, Omro, Wis.
6. Dave Weltmeyer, Harvey
7. Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
8. Tony Strupp, Slinger, Wis.
9. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
10.Don Leach, Beloit, Wis.
11.George Prziborowski, Apple Valley, Minn.
12.Bobby McDonald, Combined Locks, Wis.
13.Scott Hansen, Green Bay, Wis.
14.Lee Sohns, Waterford, Wis.
15.Doug Herbst, Wausau, Wis.

The one and only lead change in the 86-lap ARTGO Spring Classic takes place on lap 57 as Joe Shear (36) gets by Rich Bickle Jr. (45) for the lead and the eventual win. – Don Thies Photo

1974 – Kirkpatrick Captures Stuart Super Win

 

Larry Kirkpatrick is joined by his crew and promoter Gail Miller (far right) after his super sprint victory at Stuart Speedway. - AMR Photo

Stuart, Iowa (May 3, 1974) – Gail Miller’s Stuart Speedway played host to an excellent field of the Midwest’s super sprints as the quarter-mile track opened for weekly sprint racing for the remainder of the summer months.

The previously exclusive stock car track saw some of the finest racing in the facility’s 13-year history with two life-long friends battling each other tooth and nail all evening.

When the dust settled, Larry Kirkpatrick of Wood River, Ill., captured the feature event over former Wood River resident Ron Perkins, now a Des Moines mobile home salesman.

Perkins jumped out to the initial led in the 15-lap event with Kirkpatrick right on the exhaust pipes off the Dave Van Patten #19 car. Perkins drove into turn three too hard on lap 6, sliding high into the corner which gave Kirkpatrick, driving the beautiful black Jim Springer #28, the opportunity to slip down low to take the lead.

Once in front, Kirkpatrick would not be denied and took the checkers with Perkins in close pursuit. Following Kirkpatrick and Perkin were Ralph Blackett of Des Moines, Leonard McCarl of Bonaparte, Iowa and Mike Thomas of Des Moines.

In preliminary action, Kirkpatrick outdueled the persistent McCarl to capture the first heat with Perkins winning the second heat over Bert Sonner of Des Moines. Ralph Blackett pushed Jim Utt’s Chevy to wins in the trophy dash and a special match race.

Mike Thomas, driving his own “taboo” green-colored #37, won an accident-marred consolation over Adrian Zoutte of Knoxville, Iowa. The red flag came out on the last lap when Bill Miller of Prairie City, Iowa, developed problems with a radiator hose which broke spraying hot water on Miller’s legs. Despite suffering first and second-degree burns on his legs, Miller was seen walking around the pit area after the races.

1982 - Senneker takes ASA 'Badgerland 150'

Bob Senneker

Milwaukee, Wis. (May 2, 1982) – Bob Senneker continued a long string of successes at the Milwaukee Mile by winning the ASA-AMSOIL Racing Series ‘Badgerland 150’ edging Alan Kulwicki by a narrow half-second margin that capped a spectacular late race duel.

The final 20 miles of the 150-mile event saw Senneker’s ’81 Camaro and Kulwicki’s ’82 Firebird just inches apart in an all-out scrap.

Mike Eddy was third and Butch Miller was fourth. Bobby Dotter was fifth, a lap off the pace for his best-ever ASA finish; Minnesota’s Mel Whalen drove an inspired race to finish sixth, and the top ten was filled out by Harold Fair, Billy Kuhn, rookie Kent Stauffer, and Rusty Wallace.

For Senneker, the win – an unpreceded 36th in American Speed Association competition – offered welcome relief from a skein of early season misfortune, including a massively damaging first-lap crash at Nashville and a flame ride at Atlanta when an oil filter exploded onto hi headers.

“I would have been happy just to finish,” Senneker commented after the race. “But to win is frosting on the cake.”

Senneker collected $6,000 of a $39,425 purse for the win, his third out of six ASA 150-mile events at Milwaukee since 1978. He has completed 100% of a possible 600 miles in competition during that time.


Results –


1. Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.
2. Alan Kulwicki, Milwaukee, Wis.
3. Mike Eddy, Midland, Mich.
4. Butch Miller, Lawton, Mich.
5. Bobby Dotter, Chicago
6. Mel Whalen, Shakopee, Minn.
7. Harold Fair, Livonia, Mich.
8. Billy Kuhn, Frankfort, Ill.
9. Kent Stauffer, Elyria, Ohio
10.Rusty Wallace, Valley Park, Mo.
11.John Knaus, Rockford, Ill.
12.Buddy Schrock, North Liberty, Ind.
13.Ray Young, Dolton, Ill.
14.Tom Harrington, Loveland, Ohio
15.Dennis Lampman, Oak Creek, Wis.
16.Dennis Vogel, Manitowoc, Wis.
17.Mark Hall, Kansas City
18.Rick Hanley, Dousman, Wis.
19.Dave Jensen, Independence, Mo.
20.Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
21.Ed Evans, West Allis, Wis.
22.Don Ely, Kingman, Kan.
23.Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
24.Gene Mathu, Luxemburg, Wis.
25.Jack Drolema, Grand Rapids, Mich.
26.Bobby Tinkham, Youngstown, Ohio
27.Bob Strait, Flossmoor, Ill.
28.Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.

1965 – 8,500 See Derr Win in Knoxville

Ernie Derr

Knoxville, Iowa (May 1, 1965) – Ernie Derr of Keokuk drove a 1965 Dodge to victory Saturday in the Hawkeye 200 stock car race before 8,500 fans. His winning time was 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 39.51 seconds.

The next two finishers – Ramo Stott and Ron Hutcherson – were also from Keokuk. Stott drove a 1965 Dodge and Hutcherson piloted a 1964 Ford.

Stott, who had the fastest qualifying time of 26.07 seconds, started the race in the fourth row, but had the lead by the end of the first lap of the 200-lap, 100-mile contest.

Stott kept the lead until the 114th circuit, then Derr took over and stayed in front the remainder of the way.

Twenty cars were in the field.


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
2. Ramo Stott, Keokuk
3. Ron Hutcherson, Keokuk
4. Bob Jusola, Mound, Minn.
5. Bill Thomas, Lake Elmo, Minn.
6. Don Hensley, Holden, Mo.

1972 – Walkup Captures Hulman Classic

Bruce Walkup

Terre Haute, Ind. (April 30, 1972) - Bruce Walkup survived a wreck-prone start Sunday to win the rain-delayed Tony Hulman Classic for United States Auto Club sprint cars at Action Track.

The purse exceeded $22,000, according to reports at the track race day. Walkup was a happy winner as he spoke to the crowd following the 40-lap feature race.

The race on the half-mile oval was postponed Saturday by rain only to be stopped on the second lap Sunday when defending USAC national sprint car champion Gary Bettenhausen of Tinley Park, Ill., flipped three times after colliding with Carl Williams of Kansas City.

Bettenhausen had moved from 16th to ninth in only two laps. He was not injured. Walkup held the lead intermittently through the event but outdueled George Snider of Bakersfield, Calif., on the final lap. Sam Sessions of Nashville, Mich., was third.

Dick Tobias of Lebanon, Penn., also crashed but escaped injury. He flipped several times on lap 18.

Snider took last year’s initial running of the Classic by running past Don Nordhorn – just as the white flag waved – on the final lap. The same script was nearly followed Sunday before a good-sized crowd.

Walkup had led 17 laps and then Snider took the lead. He kept it until lap 23 when young USAC sprinter Billy Cassella ran into some traffic, slowing Snider just enough for Walkup to slip by for the top spot.

Walkup maintained the top spot until the third turn of the 40th and final circuit, when Snider passed him – just a few yards from where he made his 1971 move.

But Walkup wasn’t to be denied the victory, and he passed Snider in the final turn and held last year’s winner off by a hair to triumph.

The St. Paul, Ind., resident didn’t have a great 1971 season but if Sunday’s results were any indication, 1972 will be a different story for Walkup.


Results –


1. Bruce Walkup
2. George Snider
3. Sam Sessions
4. Lee Kunzman
5. Larry Cannon
6. Jim McElreath
7. Tom Bigelow
8. Don Nordhorn
9. Bill Puterbaugh
10.Larry Dickson
11.Carl Williams
12.Bill Cassella
13.Dick Tobias
14.Duane Carter
15.Gary Bettenhausen

1984 - Gennetten Tops Springfield

Gene Gennetten waves to the crowd after winning the USAC National Midget Series 40-lap feature at Lil’ Springfield. – Bryan Gapinski Photo

By Bryan Gapinski

Springfield, Ill. (April 28, 1984) – Gene Gennetten won the 40-lap feature in the USAC National Midget Series program, Saturday night at the Springfield Speedway.

Polesitter Don Tyler, set the early pace followed by Gennetten, Alan Brown, and Steve Knepper.

The evening’s first caution was displayed when Art Knepper’s car stalled. On the restart, Tyler and Gennetten pulled away from the field and waged a torrid battle for the lead, until lap 14 when Russ Gamester spun in turn four.

Only one lap later another yellow flag appeared when Sam Isenhower’s car stalled in turn three. Tyler’s bid for his first-ever USAC win, ended when he retired with mechanical problems. One lap later, the final caution occurred when a infield tire was knocked from the racing surface.

The final 22 laps saw Gennetten pull away from the field, finishing straightaway ahead of Kevin Olson, who was looking for a clean sweep after setting fast time, and winning his heat. Olson staged a brilliant charge from the back of the field, after pitting to change a tire under caution.

Steve Knepper, Brown, and Jerry Nuckles rounded out the top five.


Results –


1. Gene Gennetten
2. Kevin Olson
3. Steve Knepper
4. Alan Brown
5. Jerry Nuckles
6. Sherwin Armstrong
7. Mack McClellan
8. Dick Pole
9. Kenneth Nichols
10.Sherman Armstrong

1972 – Stott Cops Grand Memorial

Ramo Stott 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 28, 1972) – A pair of red flags were about the only serious moments Ramo Stott had Friday night, en route to capturing the 50-lap Iowa Grand Memorial Race of Champions at Hawkeye Downs.

An estimated 4,000 braved chilling temperatures and the threat of rain to see the season-opener for late model stock cars at the Downs.

Ramo didn’t disappoint them…

The Keokuk dandy – the biggest name in the star-studded field – took the lead in his 1970 Dodge on the initial lap and was never headed as he copped the top prize of $600.

However, Stott, the two-time ARCA national champion, who will begin racing full-time on the USAC stock car circuit starting Saturday night at Knoxville, Iowa, had his anxious moments.

Like, when the first of two red flags halted the action on the recently resurfaced half-mile dirt oval. To that point, Ramo had a comfortable lead over second-running Fred Horn of Marion in a ’70 Plymouth Roadrunner.

With Horn on Stott’s rear bumper on the restart, it was a question of who could outrun who. Not for long, though.

Eight laps later, Horn went out when he lost a header and Ed Sanger of Waterloo charged into second place in his ’70 Monte Carlo that he drove to four track titles last season.

Another red flag, this one on lap 26, brought the field together again, but Ramo wasted no time in putting some daylight between him and Sanger.

“I didn’t know if he (Sanger) was going to turn it on or not,” Ramo drawled. “So, I stuck my foot into it. I wanted to stretch my lead, but still keep the same pace.”

Ramo said the track, “held up better than I thought it would. In fact, it held up beautifully.”

Sanger pocketed $450 for his runner-up finish. Another car from Sanger’s stable, a ’69 Chevy driven by Red Dralle of Evansdale, took third place and $300.

Ron Perdock of Washington, in a Monte Carlo, finished fourth and Ron Prymek of Iowa City, was fifth piloting a Ford Torino.

Stott, Dr. Al Mayner of Winthrop, Cal Swanson of Reinbeck, and Glen Martin of Independence won heat races. Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo won the 20-lap semi-main.


Results –


1. Ramo Stott, Keokuk
2. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
3. Red Dralle, Evansdale
4. Ron Perdock, Washington
5. Ron Prymek, Iowa City
6. Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
7. Bill Barthelmes, Troy Mills
8. Phil Reece, Des Moines
9. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
10.George Barton, Ankeny

1975 – Sessions Set Salem Mark

Sam Sessions

Salem, Ind. (April 27, 1975) – Sam Sessions, driving the Gene Hamilton sprinter, captured the 40-lap USAC sprint car feature at the high-banked Salem Speedway on Sunday afternoon.

Sessions started on the outside of the front row and charged into the lead on the first lap’s first turn. He took a commanding lead over Bill Cassella, Joe Saldana and Larry Dickson and stayed in front all the way to the checkered flag. The 40 laps were run caution free and Sessions was able to establish a new track record of 12 minutes and 4 seconds, for a speed of 99.425 mile per hour.

Cassella, Saldana, Dickson and Bill Engelhart were locked into a tight battle the entire distance with Dickson slowly picking off each one to take runner-up honors. Cassella was running fourth on lap 39 but lost an engine with less than half a lap to go. He would coast across the finish line in eighth place.

The win for Sessions was his first since July of 1974 when he copped a feature win at New Bremen, Ohio. The win moved Sessions into fifth place in the point standings.

Dickson, with his second-place finish, catapulted to first place in the point standings with 147 points to Joe Saldana’s 146.

Defending point champion Pancho Carter, who passed up Salem in favor of a race in Trenton, N.J., fell from second to fourth in the standings.


Results –


1. Sam Sessions
2. Larry Dickson
3. Bill Engelhart
4. Joe Saldana
5. Sheldon Kinser
6. Chuck Gurney
7. Bruce Walkup
8. Bill Cassella
9. George Snider
10. Bob Frey

1986 - Fenn, Banks, Spilman Win at Eldon

Denny Banks of Washington is joined by his 5-month-old son Brandon after winning the IMCA modified feature at Eldon Raceway. Ron Potts presents the checkers. – Kathy Root Photo

Eldon, Iowa (April 26, 1986) – Kenny Fenn, Denny Banks, and Mike Spilman opened the 1986 racing season at Eldon Raceway with victories in their respective divisions.

Fenn, of Washington, put his late model out front at the drop of the green flag and held on to capture the feature win. Chasing him hard the entire way was Sonny Findling of Kirksville, Mo. Fenn and Jim Brown of Ottumwa were heat winners.

Denny Banks of Washington continued his winning ways of last year when he scored nine feature wins at the “Super Half-Mile.” Banks survived four red and yellow flags to win the 12-lap feature, Nipping at Banks’ heels was Randy Schroeder of Sigourney. Banks and Schroeder were heat winners.

Mike Spilman of Hedrick, the 1985 street stock champion, opened up a successful defense of his title with a feature win over Aaron Brown of Fremont. Spilman and Allen Reed of Washington were heat winners.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Kenny Fenn, Washington
2. Sonny Findling, Kirksville, Mo.
3. Keith Allen, Eldon
4. Harley Harrelson, Brashear, Mo.
5. Lynn Monroe, Memphis, Mo.
6. Jim Brown, Ottumwa
7. Daryl Hemm, Eldon
8. Jerry Asher, Kirksville, Mo.
9. Ted Pallister, Wapello


IMCA Modified –

1. Denny Banks, Washington
2. Randy Schroeder, Sigourney
3. Dan Jay, Centerville
4. Bill Shipman, Oskaloosa


Street Stock –

1. Mike Spilman, Hedrick
2. Aaron Brown, Fremont
3. Kim Spees, Selma
4. Mike Payne, Sigourney
5. Marion Sherman, Tracy

Veteran Kenny Fenn won the late model season opener at Eldon Raceway. Flagman Ron Potts joins Fenn in victory lane. – Kathy Root Photo

1981 – Dirt Champs Make Debut at Eldora

Steve Kinser

Rossburg, Ohio (April 26, 1981) – A first time ever was recorded with the appearance of the United States Auto Club’s Dirt Championship Cars.

Well known racer Tom Bigelow turned in a fast-qualifying time of 17.113 seconds, which will stand as track record for future races at Eldora Speedway. The 24 entries were broken into two heat races, won by Tom Bigelow and the King of the Outlaw's, Steve Kinser.

A change in rules now makes it possible for drivers who are not sanctioned with USAC to compete on the Dirt Champ circuit.

The 100-lap feature was dominated by Steve Kinser, who took the lead with the drop of the green flag and held it the entire 100 laps.

The red flag was brought out on the 41st lap when Bobby Olivero hit the cement retaining wall in the fourth turn, sending his sprinter end over end, until finally coming to rest back on its wheels at the bottom of the track. Olivero escaped injury.

Larry Rice and Larry Dickson were also taken out of the action by separate accidents.

Sheldon Kinser, who was in the tangle with Rice, managed to escape damage, but was forced to return to the tail of the field, where as he was in second position.

Gary Bettenhausen, the defending Dirt Champ qualified his car, but put Steve Chassey in his place for the feature race, which meant by USAC rules that Steve would also start on the rear.

The end result of the feature was Steve Kinser in victory lane, then came Jack Hewitt, Steve Chassey, Paul Pitzer, and cousin to the winner, all-time favorite Sheldon Kinser.

By securing the second position, Jack Hewitt now leads the Silver Crown Series in points.

At the close of the activities Sunday, promoter Earl Baltes was given an award in appreciation of all he has done for this area's racing and in recognition of the fact that over $1 million dollars has been handed out in prize money since 1965.


Results –

1. Steve Kinser
2. Jack Hewitt
3. Steve Chassey
4. Paul Pitzer
5. Sheldon Kinser
6. Leland McSpadden
7. Steve Cannon
8. Chris Cumberworth
9. Bill Compton
10.Tom Bigelow
11.Larry Dickson
12.Bud Wilmot
13.Bobby Olivero
14.Billy Vukovich
15.Greg Leffler
16.Joe Saldana
17.Larry Rice
18.Lennie Waldo
19.Bill Tyler
20.Bill Engelhart

1970 – Droste is Big Winner at Vinton

LaVern "Red" Droste

Vinton, Iowa (April 26, 1970) – Hard-charging Red Droste of Waterloo, Iowa, made a clean sweep of the racing action to take the Spring Championship at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon.

Droste won the third heat and then charged from his tenth starting position in the 25-lap feature to snare the title.

Ed Sanger of Waterloo took the early lead in the main event and held it until Curt Hansen charged by Sanger on lap 10. Sanger would be forced out of the running on lap 16 with mechanical issues.

Droste would methodically work his way through the pack and take over the second spot by lap 13. Droste would power by Hansen on lap 19 and then withstand several challenges from the Dike, Iowa, youngster for the remaining six circuits.

Hansen hung on for second while Glen Martin of Independence, Iowa, took third. Skip Kennedy of Dubuque, Iowa and Bill Barthelmes of Walker, Iowa, rounded out the top-five.

Sanger, Hansen and Droste won heat races while Skip Kennedy was the semi-main winner. Dick Oldham of Des Moines won the consolation.


Results –


Heat #1 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
Heat #2 – Curt Hansen, Dike, Iowa
Heat #3 – Red Droste, Waterloo, Iowa
Semi-main – Skip Kennedy, Dubuque, Iowa
Consolation – Dick Oldham, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Red Droste
2. Curt Hansen
3. Glen Martin, Independence, Iowa
4. Skip Kennedy
5. Bill Barthelmes, Walker, Iowa
6. Ed Brown, Dubuque, Iowa
7. George Barton, Ankeny, Iowa
8. Paul Uhlenberg, Garwin, Iowa
9. A.E. Mayner, Winthrop, Iowa
10.Jim Havill, New Liberty, Iowa

1982 – Sauter and Hanley Star in ARTGO Grundy 50’s

Junior Hanley won the second of two 50-lap features for the ARTGO late models at Grundy County Speedway. - Bob Elman Photo 

By Stan Kalwasinski

Morris, Ill. (April 25, 1982) – Jim Sauter and Junior Hanley each captured a main event as ARTGO Racing presented a twin 50-lap late model special at Grundy County Speedway on Sunday afternoon.

Both Sauter and Hanley piloted 1981 Camaros in recording their first ARTGO feature triumphs of the year.

A field of 22 cars started the first 50-lap main, with Steve Burgess grabbing the early lead from his front row starting position.

Pressed hard by Ron Bloomberg, Burgess was still in front on lap 8 when Larry Cooper and Wayne Para tangled in turn four necessitating the event’s first yellow banner.

Before the entire field could taking the ensuing green, the yellow light flashed again as Dave Weltmeyer tagged the frontstretch wall after a shock absorber in his mount gave way.

Burgess paced the restart but another caution came out on lap 10 when Joe Shear, who was running third, blew the engine in his machine, dropping oil all over the track.

With Burgess still in command, the yellow flew as the leaders attempted to complete the 17th circuit when Burt Weitemeyer and Dave Tomczak got together between turns one and two.

At the halfway mark, Burgess was still the leader but then Sauter entered the battle for first place, trailed by Dick Barker, Tom Jones, Jim Weber, and Tom Reffner.

Sauter, the 1981 ARTGO champion, took over first place on lap 30 and was still on top on lap 38 when the final yellow waved for Woody Pool’s Maverick, which had stalled on the frontstretch.

The final 12 laps saw Jones challenge Sauter but the Necedah, Wis., pilot was equal to the test and crossed the finish line a couple of car lengths ahead of Jones. Burgess was third, followed by Reffner and Hanley.

A total of 23 cars started the second 50, with Curt Cheshire pacing the field at the drop of the green.

Only three laps were complete when the race’s first yellow appeared as Burgess spun in turn one while running sixth, sending the rest of the field behind him scattering.

Cheshire led the first seven laps but surrendered the top spot the next time around, as he and second running Frank Gawlinski spun between turns one and two, again scattering the flowing pack.

Inheriting the lead, Hanley quickly built a strong advantage, putting daylight between himself and the runner-up Barker.

Another yellow slowed the battle on lap 16when Gawlinski backed hard into the third turn wall.

The green flag remained out the rest of the way, with Hanley on top at the 25-lap mark trailed by Barker, Reffner, Sauter, Jones, and Tracy Schuler.

A real battle ensued for third place between Reffner, Sauter, Jones, and Al Schill, winner of the 1982 ARTGO season opener at Rockford, diced lap after lap.

Sauter then began to make his move, slipping by Reffner on lap 36 and then snaring second place from Barker on lap 44.

Moving up on Hanley for the final six circuits, Sauter saw his time run out before he could complete a charge from the outside groove.

Hanley took the checkered only a few car lengths ahead Sauter, who was followed by Jones, Schill, and Reffner.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.
2. Ton Jones, Northbrook
3. Steve Burgess, Eau Claire, Wis.
4. Tom Reffner, Rudolph, Wis.
5. Junior Hanley, Oakville, Ont.
6. Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
7. Dick Barker, Detroit, Mich.
8. Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood
9. Kevin Stepan, Mosinee, Wis.
10.Curt Cheshire, Hickory Hills


Feature #2 –

1. Junior Hanley
2. Jim Sauter
3. Tom Jones
4. Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
5. Tom Reffner
6. Dick Barker
7. Tracy Schuler, Lockport
8. Dave Weltmeyer, Harvey
9. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
10.Burt Weitemeyer, Lansing

1975 - Hansen Wins Columbus Junction Opener

Curt Hansen 

Columbus Junction, Iowa (April 25, 1975) – Curt Hansen of Dike started on the outside pole position and ran away with the late model feature at the season opener at Columbus Junction.

Hansen took the lead at the start of the 20-lapper with Mel Morris of West Liberty breathing down his neck the whole way. Despite constant pressure from Morris, Hansen was able to take the checkers. Bill Rice of Des Moines took third, Steve Keppler of Marion was fourth and Ron Prymek of Iowa City took fifth.

Rice set fast time in time trials, touring the half-mile in 25.83 seconds.

Three heats were run on the cold and windy night, with Tom Hearst of Muscatine walking away with honors in a bumper-to-bumper finish with Prymek in the first heat. John Moss of Iowa City, back in the saddle after a couple of years layoff from racing, easily won the second heat. Mel Morris won the third heat over Larry “Poo” Rummelhart of Riverside.

Dave Birkhofer of Muscatine won the semi-main after earlier going over the berm on the first lap of the first heat. Ron Hemsted of Lone Tree and Bud Darting of Wilton Junction followed.


Results –


Time trials – Bill Rice, Des Moines (25.83)
Heat #1 – Tom Hearst, Muscatine
Heat #2 – John Moss, Iowa City
Heat #3 – Mel Morris, West Liberty
Semi-main – Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
Feature –
1. Curt Hansen, Dike
2. Mel Morris
3. Bill Rice
4. Steve Keppler, Marion
5. Ron Prymek, Iowa City
6. Tom Hearst
7. Stan Stover, Reinbeck
8. Ed Mellecker, Iowa City
9. John Moss
10.Larry Rummelhart, Riverside