1986 - Frieden Steps Down, Henry In, at Tipton

 

Tipton, Iowa (August 14, 1986) – Al Frieden of Swisher, Iowa, announced this week that he will no longer promote racing at the Cedar County Raceway in Tipon, and that equipment he owned has been sold to Bob Henry of Cedar Rapids.

Henry will begin promoting races at the quarter-mile dirt oval beginning Sunday night.

The Cedar County facility had been vacant for a few years when Frieden re-opened it about five years ago.

“I’d like to thank all the fans who supported us while we’ve been promoting races at Tipton,” Frieden said. “The fans and drivers have been good to us, but we have sold in order to pursue other interests on Sunday nights.”

Frieden will continue to promote races at Hawkeye Down in Cedar Rapids and at the West Liberty Fairgrounds on Saturday nights.

Henry announced this week that the same classes will continue running – late model, IMCA modifieds, street stocks and bombers – and that the weekly purse will remain the same.

1982 - Olivero Decides to Race - Wins Springfield's Bettenhausen

 

Bobby Olivero, car owner Ralph Wilke, and crew celebrate Olivero’s victory in the Tony Bettenhausen 100-miler at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  – Mike Dunn Photo

Springfield, Ill. (August 14, 1982) – Bobby Olivero opted to miss a real estate business meeting on the west coast to participate in the Tony Bettenhausen 100-mile Silver Crown event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon.

And the bearded Lakewood, Calif., tycoon made the decision pay off handsomely as he drove to the event’s $8,000 first prize.

Olivero stormed from his 12th place starting berth in the 26-car field to post the win at an average speed of 97.976 miles per hour.

Sheldon Kinser set a new track record in qualifying with a speed of 110.943 miles per hour. He used his pole starting berth to grab the lead immediately and maintained it through lap 37.

Meanwhile. Olivero was up to seventh by the 10-mile mark, and third 10 circuits later. He advanced to second place by passing Joe Saldana on lap 22.

Olivero finally got around Kinser for the top spot on lap 38 and led the rest of the way for the triumph.

Olivero’s major concern during the battle was the wear and tear of the tires, especially a worn right front, which he nursed for the bulk of the contest.

Saldana finished second, four second behind the winner. Kinser held on for third, Mark Alderson drove a consistent race to finish fourth, and Ron Shuman came in fifth to annex the Silver Crown point lead by a single point, over Ken Schrader, who finished eighth.


Results –

1. Bobby Olivero
2. Joe Saldana
3. Sheldon Kinser
4. Mark Alderson
5. Ron Shuman
6. Larry Rice
7. Rick Hood
8. Ken Schrader
9. Bill Engelhart
10.Walt Kennedy
11.Mike Peters
12.Dana Carter
13.Ronnie Burke
14.Doug Wolfgang
15.Arnie Knepper

1977 – Parsons Wins USAC Midgets

 

Johnny Parsons is joined by his crew after winning the USAC midget feature at Paragon Speedway.

Paragon, Ind. (August 13, 1977) – Johnny Parsons Jr., won his sixth race in his last seven starts Saturday night, leading all but the first two laps in the 40-lap United States Auto Club midget race at Paragon Speedway.

Parsons, the night’s fastest qualifier, got by Wes Stafford early in the race, which was delayed by rain showers and got off to a slow start when eight cars tangled up on the first lap.

Bloomington’s Sheldon Kinser, competing in a midget for the first time, qualified eighth fastest and finished 15th.


Results –

1. Johnny Parsons Jr.
2. Wes Stafford
3. Chris Cumberworth
4. Mel Kenyon
5. Lonnie Caruthers
6. Larry Patton
7. Steve Cannon
8. Tom Steiner
9. Dennis Dorsey
10.Tom Burgdorf

1967 – Bowsher Nips White in Fair Stock 150

 

Jack Bowsher accepts his trophy after winning the 150-mile USAC late model stock car race at the Milwaukee Mile. – Patrick Heaney Collection

West Allis, Wis. (August 3, 1967) – Jack Bowsher could drive the car he wanted to in the 150-mile race on Sunday, but he couldn’t complain about the results he got with the one he did use.

Bowsher won the United States Auto Club late model stock car event at Wisconsin State Fair Park oval and besides $5,250 and 300 points in the USAC national standings, he also won revenge.

Bowsher finished 20 seconds ahead of Don White of Keokuk, Iowa, who just last month edged Bowsher on the same track in the Miller High Life 200.

White needed a pit stop on lap 91 and Bowsher, of Springfield, Ohio, took over for keeps at that point.

Bowsher brought two cars with him and was dissatisfied during practice runs with the one he had planned to drive. So, he made some adjustments on his dirt track 1967 Ford and used that for the race.

White’s second-place finish netted him $3,155 of the total $24,365 purse.

Al Unser of Albuquerque, N.M., finished third in a 1967 Dodge, Bay Darnell of Deerfield, Ill., took home fourth in a 1966 Plymouth and Gary Bettenhausen of Tinley Park, Ill., was fifth in a ’66 Ford.

Norm Nelson of Racine, Wis., the defending USAC late model stock car champion and a heavy local favorite, continued on his run of hard luck this season – being forced into the wall on lap 88 when he was running a strong second.

Other big-name drivers who ran into trouble on Sunday were Mario Andretti of Nazareth, Penn., who won thee pole position but hit the north wall turn on lap 36; Parnelli Jones of Palo Verdes, Calif., who blew his engine after 73 circuits; and A.J. Foyt of Houston, Tex., who needed multiple pit stops throughout the race and was never a factor.

Bowsher’s average winning speed was a relatively slow 86.78 miles per hour after 23 laps were run under caution.

A crowd of 22,860 saw the race – the first of three to be held in connection with the State Fair.


Results –

1. Jack Bowsher
2. Don White
3. Al Unser
4. Bay Darnell
5. Gary Bettenhausen
6. Frank Freda
7. Eddie Meyer
8. Dale Jett
9. Glen Bradley
10. Roger Regeth
11. Bill Behling
12. Jerry Smith
13. Terry Parker
14. Gene Marmor
15. Dave Hirschfield
16. Benny Parsons
17. Bob Coe
18. Rich Oertel
19. Jim Nusbaum
20. Butch Hartman
21. Red Owen
22. Norm Nelson
23. Whitey Gerken
24. Dave Dayton

1957 – Five Records Fall in Fair Stock Race

 

Johnny Beauchamp

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (August 13, 1957) – A slim Hawkeye Downs crowd of less than 3,000 saw five International Motor Contest Association world records broken during Tuesday afternoon’s late model stock car program.

Johnny Beauchamp, the “Flying Frenchman,” from Harlan, led the parade with new half-mile, 5-mile, and 10-mile standards.

Joining the IMCA point leader in the record shattering was Don White of Keokuk and the 3.5-mile sprint and Newt Bartholomew of Carlisle in the 4-mile event.

The time trials weren’t 30 seconds old before the Downs’ audience had it’s first record to cheer about. Ernie Derr of Keokuk spun around the newly banked half-mile in 26.55 seconds to break Beauchamp’s old standard of 27.56 seconds set in 1956.

Derr held his record for less than five minutes. Beauchamp unleased his Chevrolet for a 26.48 second clocking to reclaim the mark as the fourth qualifier. The Cedar Rapids track record of 27.61 seconds was trod on by no less than seven drivers. Dick Johnson of St. Paul, Minn., White, Bob Hardy of Beaumont, Tex., Lenny funk of Otis, Kan., and Cedar Rapids’ George Miller all got under the Downs’ standard.

The rest of the records came with ridiculous ease:

•  A yellow caution flag failed to keep Beauchamp from shaving five seconds off his 4 minutes and 48.7 second record in the 5-mile first heat race he set last April at Shreveport.

•  Beauchamp’s third record of the day was in the 20-lap feature. It was the easiest as he breezed to a quarter of a lap victory over Miller in a 1957 Pontiac. Beauchamp was 40 seconds under the old record with a 9 minute and 15.82 second clocking.

•  White, the 1955 IMCA title holder, erased a 1953 record. He went three and a half miles in the trophy dash in 3 minutes and 18.51 seconds, eclipsing the old mark of 3 minutes and 45.53 seconds set by Les Snow at Tulsa, Okla.

•  The Bartholomew record was 3 minutes and 47.53 seconds in the 4-mile consolation, breaking White’s record set in St. Paul, Minn., of 4 minutes and 7.96 seconds.

Results –


Time trials – Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan (26.48)
Heat #1 – Johnny Beauchamp
Heat #2 – Bob Burdick, Omaha
Trophy dash – Don White, Keokuk
Consolation – Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle
Feature –
1. Johnny Beauchamp
2. George Miller, Cedar Rapids
3. Bob Burdick
4. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
5. Don White
6. Chub Liebe, Oelwein
7. Newt Bartholomew
8. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
9. Bob Hardy, Beaumont, Tex.
10.Jerry Draper, Moline, Ill.
11.Dick Pellow, Minneapolis
12.Al Warrender, Harlan
13.Frank Richards, Marion
14.Dick Johnson, St. Paul, Minn.

1980 - Grundy ARTGO Triumph First of Malcuit's Career

 

Mark Malcuit won the "Wayne Carter Classic" at Grundy County Speedway. It was the first ARTGO victory of his career. 

By Stan Kalwasinski

Morris, Ill. (August 12, 1980) – Making one of his infrequent ARTGO Racing starts, “Captain Sizzle” Mark Malcuit, wheeled his Camaro to victory in the circuit’s sixth annual Wayne Carter Classic 100-lap late model main event at Grundy County Speedway on Tuesday night. It was Malcuit’s first-ever ARTGO victory and made him the tenth different winner in the circuit’s 21 main events so far this season.

After taking the lead from early pacesetter John Knaus of Rockford on lap 17, Malcuit held off the persistent challenges of two-time ARTGO champion and current point leader Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to score the win.

Trickle was second at the drop of Bill Gronley’s checkers with Joe Shear of South Beloit, Jim Sauter of Necedah, Wis., and two-time Wayne Carter winner Mike Miller of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., was fifth.

Knaus vaulted to the front of the 20-car field at the drop of the green but only two laps were completed when the yellow appeared for debris on the front stretch.

Knaus stayed in front for 15 more circuits before Malcuit took over the number one spot as the lead duo battled down the front chute on lap 17.

Lap 40 saw the caution light flash when Frank Gawlinski of Lynwood came to a stop when ball joint broke on his Camaro. On the restart, fast qualifier Steve Burgess of Eau Claire, Wis., lost control of his Camaro halfway down the front stretch. The car, which was suffering from a broke drive train, wound up spinning in the first turn.

In all, five drivers eclipsed Bob Senneker’s two-year-old qualifying mark of 15.31 seconds with Burgess coming away the fastest at 14.81 seconds.

Trickle, who had been running second since lap 26, made several attempts to overtake Malcuit but was unable to accomplish the task. Trickle later revealed that his car was not functioning up to par after making contact with the backstretch wall on lap 16.

The fifth and final caution flashed on lap 67 when Trickle of Steve Seligman of Lake Bluff tangled in the first turn after the transmission in Seligman’s car locked up just as Trickle was going by. Trickle, whose racer sustained left side damage, darted away from the scene of the accident to retain his second-place position.


Results –


1. Mark Malcuit, Strasburg, Ohio
2. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
3. Joe shear, South Beloit
4. Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.
5. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
6. Larry Detjens, Wausau, Wis.
7. Ed Hoffman, Bensenville
8. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
9. John Knaus, Rockford
10.Tom Jones, Northbrook
11.Ray Young, Dolton
12.Jerry Kemperman, Blue Island
13.Johnny McPartlin, Dolton
14.Rusty Wallace, St. Louis
15.Steve Seligman, Lake Bluff
16.Tom Musgrave, Des Plaines
17.Steve Burgess, Eau Claire, Wis.
18.Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood
19.Bill Venturini, Chicago
20.Bobby Dotter, Chicago

1973 – Eaker a Big Winner at Mower County Fair

 

Verlin Eaker (left), driving Dale Snyder’s (center) Nova, swept the late model action at the Mower County Fair.

Austin, Minn. (August 12, 1973) – Verlin Eaker had one hair-raising experience during the two-day Mower County Fair stock car races this past weekend.

That came in Sunday’s 25-lap late model feature.

Other than that, Eaker was in control of things all the way in the four late model races he competed in.

The veteran Cedar Rapids, Iowa, driver won a pair of 10-lap heats, one each day, plus the 25-lap features, one each day, added a big chunk of lap money on Sunday and ended up taking home over $800 in prize money plus a good-sized trophy.

Over 4,000 fans watched the action, which this year was sponsored by Chateau Speedway.

The official paid fan counts was 2,217 for Saturday afternoon and 2,420 for Sunday’s matinee – bringing the official two-day total to 4,637 race fans.

The drivers battled for a guaranteed $2,500 purse each day.

Eaker’s not-so-thrilling experience in Sunday’s feature came as the first lap began and it almost cost him the race.

Eaker and Rochester’s Mert Williams started side-by-side on the front row with Eaker starting on the pole and Williams alongside.

As the green flag waved, the two drivers went into the first turn, side-by-side, bumped, then Eaker hit the inside of the turn, suddenly swerved, and it looked like he might lose complete control of his car.

“After we bumped, I was suddenly heading for the wall,” said Eaker. “By the time I regained control, Mert and a couple of others got by me.”

Mert had the lead for one lap, then Blooming Prairie’s Dave Noble got by him on the second lap and stayed in front for the next 13 circuits.

“I knew I had to keep up with Mert and Dave to have a chance to win,” said Eaker.

On the 12th lap, coming out of the second turn, Williams slowed up a little behind a lap car which was in the middle of the track, while Eaker went around two cars on the inside.

Through the 13th and 14th laps, Eaker stayed glued to Noble’s bumper, got inside of him on the back straightaway, then passed Noble on the inside of the third turn on lap 15.

From then on, it was a breeze for Eaker, just like it was in Saturday’s heat, race, the feature, and also Sunday’s heat race.

“I knew that if I got alongside Noble, I could pass him and that’s they way it went,” said Eaker, whose Chevy Nova has a punched out 454-inch cubic engine under the hood.

Eaker pocketed $369 for winning Sunday’s feature, $110 more in lap money, $56 for winning each of the two heats, and another $338 for winning Saturday’s feature.

That gave him a grand total of $873 for the weekend’s work.

Noble took second in Sunday’s feature to collect $231 and another $130 for the 13 laps he led. He didn’t finish among the top-10 on Saturday.

Noble won Saturday’s semi-feature for $125 and was third in Sunday’s heat for another $25 for a grand total of $486 for the weekend.

Williams finished third in Saturday’s feature, was second in the heat, and Sunday won another heat. He finished third in Sunday’s feature. His weekend total was $441.

Sonny Morgan of Blue Earth won $256 Saturday for winning his heat and finishing second in the feature. Sunday he was second in the heat but dropped out of the feature. His weekend earning were $300.


Results –


Saturday –

Heat #1 – Ray Weis, Rochester
Heat #2 – Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Heat #3 – Sonny Morgan, Blue Earth
Semi-main – Dave Noble, Blooming Prairie
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker
2. Sonny Morgan
3. Mert Williams, Rochester
4. Dave Bjorge, Austin
5. Dick Sorenson, Austin
6. Ray Weis
7. Wendell Kuehn, Rochester
8. Ray Forsythe, Mankato
9. Kenny Sathoff, Fairmont
10.Paul Fitzpatrick, Rochester


Sunday –

Heat #1 – Verlin Eaker
Heat #2 – Mert Williams
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker
2. Dave Noble
3. Mert Williams
4. Bobby Saterdalen, Oronoco
5. Kenny Mann, St. Paul
6. Wendell, Kuehn
7. Emory Fretheim, Decorah, Iowa
8. Dick Sorenson
9. Harry Patterson, Mankato
10.Terry Hanson, Blooming Prairie

1975 – Leavitt Loses Job, But Wins Race

 

Eddie Leavitt, driving the R&H Farms #40, won the 1975 National Super Sprint Car Championship at Knoxville Raceway. 

By Wayne Grett

Knoxville, Iowa (August 11, 1975) – Being fired from a job can lead to better things.

In baseball, Billy Martin was ousted as the manager of the Texas Rangers and soon was hired as the field boss for the New York Yankees, a better team in the opinion of some.

In sprint car racing, Eddie Leavitt of Kearney, Mo., was fired as a driver by Ed Smith of Lincoln, Neb., about three months ago.

“He told me I couldn’t drive a race car anymore; I had lost my ability,” said Leavitt Saturday night after winning the National Super Sprint Championships A-main at the Marion County Fairgrounds.

Leavitt, 32, a trucking firm operator, had defintely proven he has not lost his ability. When one wins by three-quarters of a lap over the best drivers in the country, lapping all but three cars in the talented 22-car field, including Jan Opperman, who has raced in the Indianapolis 500, he still has something on the ball.

“That was the first time in my life I’ve ever been fired,” Leavitt said. “I was discouraged for a while, then I got a call from the ‘farmers.’”

The farmers are Tom Hill and John Ricky, who farm near Williams, and Hill’s brother Stan, who lives in Denver, Colo.

“Their driver, Thad Dosher of Topeka, Kan., had just recently quit to compete on the United States Auto Club circuit, and they wanted me to drive their car,” Leavitt said.

Dosher, who drove for them for several years, did well in the car, even winning the International Motor Contest Association sprint car title in 1973. “It was a great opportunity, and I jumped at the chance,” Leavitt remarked.

It would be a good match. In his first appearance at Knoxville in the black #40 Chevrolet-powered sprinter on June 28, he was third fastest qualifier and won his heat race. Then, he won a feature on July 5, skipped the July 12 events, won features on July 19 and 26, and also skipped the August 2 regular-season finale.

When Leavitt was driving for Smith, his best finish was fifth in a feature. “I got upside down one week, another time the motor caught on fire, and then another time the motor blew,” explained Leavitt. “I don’t know how you’re supposed to win when those things happen.”

Smith’s car did not qualify for Saturday night’s program. Steve Schultz of Chillicothe, Mo., finished second in a feature on Friday night for the non-qualifiers.

1968 – Stott, Brua Pace Wisconsin Valley Fair Races

 

Ramo Stott

Wausau, Wis. (August 11, 1968) – Running one-two in the IMCA stock car point standings for 1968, Ernie Derr and Ramo Stott showed Wisconsin Valley Centennial Fair fans why they’re the leaders on Sunday.

Stott came out on top in the Wausau dual in his 1968 Plymouth. The Keokuk, Iowa, hurricane on wheels set fast time during qualifying, won his 25-lap heat race and then shaved 10 minutes off the track record in the 100-lap feature before 6,400 fans.

In the evening program, Stott finished second in the 25-lap heat race and then came back to take third in the 50-lap feature after a near disastrous pin out less than halfway through the race.

Derr, also from Keokuk, Iowa, piloted his 1968 Dodge Charger to seconds behind Stott in the afternoon matinee and then copped first in hi evening heat race. In the 50-lap nighttime feature, Derr broke an axle, but still managed to hang on to fourth place after building up a commanding lead early on in the event.

Stott not only defeated Derr in two races Sunday afternoon, but he broke on the defending IMCA champions Marathon Park track records in the 100-lap Centennial feature. The 100-lap event was held in 1967 for the first time.

Stott’s winning time was 48 minutes and 1 second compared to Derr’s mark of 58 minutes and 2 seconds set last year.

Getting the checkered flag in the 50-lap evening race was Ole Brua of Albert Lea, Minn. He won in 29 minutes and 33 seconds after grabbing the top spot on lap 28. He also won his afternoon heat.

Four drivers actually held the lead in the afternoon feature at one time or another, with John Tiller of Fridley, Minn., taking the lead at the start. Tiller then lost the steering on his car and Lewis Taylor of Shawnee, Kan., grabbed the lead.

Taylor then spun in turn four on lap 8 and Derr forged into first place. Derr and Stott then dueled for first until lap 20 when Stott squeezed inside of Derr in turn three and took a lead he would never relinquish.


Results –


Afternoon -

Time Trials – Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa – 27.73
Heat #1 – Ramo Stott
Heat #2 – Ole Brua, Albert Lea, Minn.
Feature –
1. Ramo Stott
2. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
4. Blaine Morrow, Mt. Joy, Ill.
5. Rich Somers, Stevens Point, Wis.
6. Leon Bowman, Wichita, Kan.
7. Dale Keeling, Dixon, Mo.
8. Bob Daisky, Wausau, Wis.
9. Roger Bloomquist, Minneapolis
10.Ken Pankratz, Mosinee, Wis.


Evening -

Heat #1 – Lenny Funk
Heat #2 – Ernie Derr
Feature –
1. Ole Brua
2. Lenny Funk
3. Ramo Stott
4. Ernie Derr
5. Blaine Morrow
6. Rich Somers
7. Leon Bowman
8. Ken Pankratz
9. Butch Hall, Russell, Minn.
10.Russ Laursen, Cumberland, Wis.

1988 – Schrader Tops IMCA Modifieds at Mason City

 

Ken Schrader and Bob Harris of Harris Racing discuss the IMCA modified that Schrader would later take to victory at I-35 Speedway. It was the Winston Cup drivers first time behind the wheel of a modified. – Gunilla Haglund Photo

Mason City, Iowa (August 10, 1988) – Ken Schrader, who 10 days ago won the Talladega 500 in the world’s fastest speedway, turned his attention to a half-mile dirt track Wednesday night at I-35 Speedway and won again.

Schrader, driving Kelly Shryock’s car, won the IMCA Modified National Series event, the first leg of the four-race “Tour of the Northland”.

Schrader drew the outside front row position for the race and immediately took the lead. He held the top spot for the first 10 laps of the contest until Gene Claxton of Kansas City, who started third, moved side-by-side with Schrader and held a slim advantage the next two circuits. Schrader regained the top spot, however, and stayed there the remainder of the race, including a restart after a yellow flag period.

On lap 17 restart, Wayne Larson of Ames, who had started well back in the 14th position, and Denny Anderson of Dodge Center, Minn., who started sixth, both slipped around Claxton and battled back and forth for second, with Larson getting the nod in the duel. Anderson settled for third with Claxton fourth and J.L. Cooper of Claycomo, Mo., rounding out the top-five.

Schrader, a native of Fenton, Mo., now living in North Carolina, has driven nearly every type of race car imaginable, but this was his first-ever appearance behind the wheel of a modified.

“I like these little cars,” Schrader said afterwards. “I could drive one of these every week.”

Schrader pocketed $1,000 for the victory.


Results –


1. Ken Schrader, Concord, N.C.
2. Wayne Larson, Ames
3. Denny Anderson, Dodge Center, Minn.
4. Gene Claxton, Kansas City
5. J.L. Cooper, Claycomo, Mo.
6. Larry Schmidt, New Hampton
7. Harv Patterson, Northwood
8. Gary Shumski, Rochester, Minn.
9. Dave Nutt, Fairmont, Minn.
10.Danny McKeighan, Omaha
11.Mike Carlberg, Iowa Falls
12.Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
13.Earl Muilenberg, Sparta, Mo.
14.Ron Pope, Ames
15.Jack Miles, Des Moines

1980 – Sills tops Eldon Sprints

 

Jimmy Sills

Eldon, Iowa (August 10, 1980) – Jimmy Sills of Sacramento, Calif., driving the Ace Lines sprinter out of Des Moines, won the 25-lap feature at the Wapello County Fairgrounds. The event was sanctioned by the National Speedways Contest Association.

John Stevenson of St. Paul, Minn., led a six-car barrage that all lowered the previous track record of 21.140 seconds. Stevenson’s new record time was 20.485.

Tim Green of Carmichael, Calif., won the trophy dash followed by Stevenson and Sills. Tony Weyant held off a late bid by Chris Maurer to win the first heat, Sills took the second heat while Ralph Blackett outran Stevenson in the third heat.

Blackett jumped to the lead in the feature until, when moving in slower traffic, Sills made a spectacular move from high to low and back to take the lead.

It looked as though it would be an easy for Sills until Bobby Marshall of Dallas, Tex., moved in to challenge with two laps remaining. The two took the white flag side-by-side but Sills stayed low to hold off Marshall for the win.

Results - 

Time trials – John Stevenson, St. Paul, Minn. (20.485)
Trophy dash – Tim Green, Carmichael, Calif.
Heat #1 – Tony Weyant, Springfield, Ill.
Heat #2 – Jimmy Sills, Sacramento, Calif.
Heat #3 – Ralph Blackett, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Jimmy Sills
2. Bobby Marshall, Dallas, Tex.
3. Ralph Blackett
4. Randy Smith, Mt. Ayr, Iowa
5. Bill Robison, Topeka
6. Mike Thomas, Des Moines
7. Tony Weyant
8. Art Coons, Des Moines
9. Chris Maurer, Colfax, Iowa
10.Bob Kammerer, Ottawa, Ill.
11.Bob Ensminger, Burlington, Iowa
12.Wayne Kronk, Fulton, Mo.
13.Bill Hetrick, Carmen, Ill.
14.Adrian Zoutte, Brighton, Iowa
15.Galen Martin, Fairfield, Iowa
16.Curt Evan, Carrollton, Mo.
17.John Stevenson
18.Mike Coughlin, Pleasantville, Iowa
19.Ken Potter, North Kansas City
20.Ron Wulff, St. Paul, Minn.

1974 - O'Brien Out Front at Rockford ‘Homecoming’

Larry O’Brien receives his spoils after winning the 50-lap late model feature at Rockford Speedway. Making the trophy presentation is Andy Granatelli, while Rockford promoter Hugh Deery holds the checkers and starter Jack Heiman looks on. – Stan Long Photo

Rockford, Ill. (August 10, 1974) – Larry O’Brien of Harvard fought off the last-lap charge of Dennis Burgan of Waukegan to win the “Homecoming 50” late model feature at Rockford Speedway Saturday night.

The homecoming honors were for Andy Granatelli, who returned to Rockford Speedway to greet racing fans and friends after a 20-year absence.

Doug Moline, the Loves Park wonderboy, won both his heat and feature in the roadrunner division.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Ernie Billman
Heat #2 – Tom Yakaitis
Heat #3 – Ron Willig
Semi – Tom Yakaitis
Feature –
1. Larry O’Brien
2. Dennis Burgan
3. Wayne Swartout


Roadrunner –

Heat #1 – Clayton Smith
Heat #2 – Doug Moline
Feature –
1. Doug Moline
2. John Logan
3. Pat Ward

1986 - Allen Wins ‘Eldora Nationals' Crown

Bobby Allen

Rossburg, Ohio (August 9, 1986) – Bobby Allen of Hanover, Penn., has always suffered disappointment during high-stake sprint car races at Eldora Speedway but he turned the tables Saturday night as he conquered the half-mile clay oval and a stellar field to win the 30-lap World of Outlaws Eldora Nationals crown.

The only other World of Outlaws win at Eldora for the Keystone State veteran came in 197, the inaugural WoO season. Allen was ready for this event as he put his machine in front on the 11th circuit and pulled away from the rest of the field.

The surface of the half-mile was slick, which fit Allen’s racing strategy perfectly. Allen’s $12,225 payoff was his richest of the season and made him the fourth WoO driver to top $100,000 in earnings. Allen’s 17th career World of Outlaws victory moved him into a tie with Rich Ferkel of Tiffin, Ohio, for fifth place on the WoO winner’s list.

The Eldora Nationals’ nature for producing surprises continued Saturday. A pair of non-regulars on the tour put on their best performances of the season while many of the circuit’s superstars struggled.

The first race WoO race for Kenny Jacobs was the most productive as the Holmesville, Ohio, driver trailed Allen across the finish line to earn runner-up honors and $7,500 for his efforts.

Jack Hewitt of Troy, Ohio, shook off ill luck suffered throughout the event and charged from his 13th starting position to score a podium finish, which was worth $4,515.

Bobby Davis Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., led the first five laps before Allen shot around him. Davis held on to take fourth and collect $3,500. Dave Blaney of Hartford, Ohio, rounded out the top five with a $2,500 performance.


Results –

1. Bobby Allen, Hanover, Penn.
2. Kenny Jacobs, Holmesville, Ohio
3. Jack Hewitt, Troy, Ohio
4. Bobby Davis Jr., Memphis, Tenn.
5. Dave Blaney, Hartford, Ohio
6. Sammy Swindell, Bartlett, Tenn.
7. Steve Kinser. Bloomington, Ind.
8. Tim Green, Sacramento, Calif.
9. Ron Shuman, Tempe, Ariz.
10. Doug Wolfgang, Sioux Falls, S.D.

1979 - Watson Fair 150 Winner

 

Dave Watson

West Allis, Wis. (August 9, 1979) – Dave Watson of Milton, Wis., used some crafts driving down the stretch Thursday to win the Wisconsin State Fair Week 150-miIe stock car race at State Fair Park Speedway for a third consecutive year

Watson, driving a 1977 Buick Skylark, finished two seconds ahead of Rusty Wallace of Arnold, Mo., for Thursday’s trophy.

It was Watson’s first United States Auto Club victory of the season He won $3,810 of the $27,000 purse before a crowd of 10,132.

Watson had been running third behind Joe Ruttman and Wallace. He took the lead just six laps from the finish to climax a steady comeback effort that saw Watson overcome a 19th place start.

‘‘I’ve never come from that far back to win,” Watson said, "In fact, I can’t remember the last time I started that far back period.”

Watson took the lead after Wallace, who was trying to pass Ruttman as they dipped into the first turn, tapped the rear of Ruttman’s yellow Pontiac, sending them both into a spin.

Ruttman, of Upland, Calif., managed to avoid the wall but fell back to eighth place. Wallace’s red Pontiac Firebird brushed the wall in the first turn, but he held second place as Watson slipped past.

When the green flag came out on lap 146, Watson pulled out to a two second lead over Wallace and maintained it to the finish.

"After the green came out, I figured I could hold him off,” Watson said. "When you spin out at 140 miles per hour, you burn up your tires. I figured his car wouldn’t be up to par.”

Wallace, who was later penalized a lap for passing under the yellow earlier in the race, ended up finishing eighth.

Second place went to Jim Sauter of Necedah, Wis., in a 1979 Camaro. A. J Foyt, the USAC stock car points leader, finished third in a 1978 Camaro.

Rounding out the top five were Sal Tovella of Addison, Ill., in a 1977 Volare, and Ruttman.

The collision angered Ruttman.

“In racing, it’s called a quarter panel shot,” Ruttman said “He tapped me on the left rear fender, and I spun and almost went into the wall. Either he had no brakes, or it was deliberate.”

“There was no in between,” Ruttman added. "There wasn't enough room, ask him. Guys who have been around racing long enough know how to do it."

Watson said he needed the victory badly.

“You gotta take ‘em (victories) any way you can," Watson said. “I was saying my prayers, thanking the Lord that I was running third and had a good chance to finish that high up.”

“I haven t finished a USAC race this year," said Watson, who was put in the 19th starting spot on the basis of USAC points after qualifying was rained out.

“I was in serious trouble early in the race with brake trouble, and my tires were burning up Fortunately. we got a yellow at the right time and could change fires and then cool the brakes.”

Watson said luck was the most important factor in claiming his third victory.

“You don't like to think in terms of your good fortune being a result of someone else s misfortune, but that’s the way these things work sometimes.”


Results –

1. Dave Watson
2. Jim Sauter
3. A.J. Foyt
4. Sal Tovella
5. Joe Ruttman
6. Larry Phillips
7. Tom Sneva
8. Rusty Wallace
9. Bob Schacht
10.Bay Darnell
11.Billy Venturini
12.Dean Roper
13.Rich Clement
14.Bob Brevak
15.Bob Dotter
16.Gordon Blankenship
17.Larry Nau
18.Frank Freda
19.Tom Schley
20.Fred Zack

1974 - Sanger Boasts Cresco Victory on 'Trickle Night'

 

Cresco, Iowa (August 9, 1974) – The question which floated around area racing circles this past week, “Can Dick Trickle win on dirt?”, remained largely unanswered following the famed asphalt driver’s appearance at the Howard County Fairgrounds on Friday night.

Trickle, who started last in the 17-car super stock field, made many in the crowd of 2,200 believers through the first six laps of the special 35-lap promotional race, advancing quickly to tenth place.

But a collision on the seventh lap on the half-mile dirt forced a halt to the feature while Trickle’s crew right rear wheel that was damaged in the broad slide mishap.

Handling performance was marred from that point on, leaving Trickle in the eighth spot when the checkered flag fell.

Karrl Sanger of Waterloo picked up the $300 first-place money out of the $2,750 total purse. Ron Kester of Austin, Minn., finished second followed by Willie Richardson of Hayfield, Minn., and Dave Bjorge of Austin, Minn.

Trickle, the 32-year-old from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., gaining stock car’s ‘winningest driver” title in 1972, when he won 67 feature races, and has placed among the sport’s biggest names at the Daytona and Charlotte superspeedways.

So, Trickle’s showing didn’t settle well with the veteran short track driver. “Putting a tire on that isn’t specified for a dirt track can make a world of difference in the outcome,” said Trickle, referring to the replacement following the seventh-lap crash.

“I’ve probably raced on dirt seven times in the last 15 years of asphalt racing,” he added, “and the adjustment is major. I felt good acceleration, but the rear end slid too much in the corners.”

After the restart, Trickle was ordered to the rear of the field but regained some ground by the ninth lap, moving up to 12th, but advancement came slowly in the next 23 circuits.

Following a sixth place finish in his heat race, Trickle made weight adjustments to the left front of his ’71 Mustang, and the early feature laps reflected his work.

In the hobby stock feature, Bill Gadbois of Albert, Minn., clung to the lead the entire way with Dutch VanWyngeren of Hollandale, Minn., nipping at his bumper.

Gary VanWyngeren of Hollandale, Minn., captured the street stock main event with Dan Varner taking runner-up honors.


Results –


Super Stock –

1. Karl Sanger, Waterloo
2. Ron Kester, Austin, Minn.
3. Willie Richardson, Hayfield, Minn
4. Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
5. Red Dralle, Evansdale
6. Bob Hilmer, Dysart
7. Em Fretheim, Decorah
8. Bob Shryock, Estherville
9. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
10.Ron Schafenbuel, New Hampton


Hobby Stock –

1. Bill Gadbois, Albert, Minn.
2. Dutch VanWyngeren, Hollandale, Minn.
3. Ron Jones, Cresco


Street Stock –

1. Gary VanWyngeren, Hollandale, Minn.
2. Dan Varner
3. Dan Faber, Austin, Minn.

1988 – Wolfgang Tops Annual ‘Jayhawk Nationals’

 

Doug Wolfgang won the Jayhawk Nationals at Lakeside Speedway. Joining “Wolfie” in victory lane are, from left, flagman Terry Wantland, trophy girl Pamela Simone, and car owner Les Kepler.

Kansas City, Kan. (August 8, 1988) – Doug Wolfgang put all of his past Jayhawk Nationals frustrations behind him Monday to claim the 13th edition of the Jayhawk Nationals at Lakeside Speedway.

An estimated crowd of 7,000 witnessed the event, making it easily the best attended auto racing program in the Kansas City area this season.

Wolfgang’s past Jayhawk frustrations came mostly in the 1985 and ’86 affairs. In 19985, the 36-year-old Sioux Falls, S.D., native was headed for a flag-to-flag victory when a torsion bar snapped with three laps remaining. In ’86, Wolfgang had set a track record in qualifying but his hopes for a win ended when he tangled with Mike Peters on the fifth lap.

This time around, Wolfgang came within two hundredths of a second of becoming the first to score a Jayhawk grand slam of setting quick time, capturing the heat race, taking the trophy dash, and winning the 30-lap finale. Danny Lasoski turned the fastest lap at 18.08 seconds, just shy of Wolfgang’s track record of 17.96 seconds set at the 1986 Jayhawk.

In the 30-lap feature Tommie Estes, a second row starter, shot out into the lead by getting the jump on front row starters Randy Smith and Keny Weld. Estes maintained the lead until the sixth lap when Wolfgang shot past him on the high side of the track.

After moving into the front-running spot, Wolfgang kept a 100-yard advantage over Estes until notching Terry Wantland’s checkered flag. Estes, Jason McMillan, and Jeff Tuttle wound up with their personal best Jayhawk finishes by taking the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively. Lasoski, who was a victim of a blown tire on lap 22 while running third, charged back to finish fifth.

“We had the car set up really stiff because the track can get real wavey towards the end,” Wolfgang said. “The lapped traffic didn’t bother us, nor did the yellows.”


Results –

1. Doug Wolfgang, Sioux Falls, S.D.
2. Tommie Estes, Ada, Okla.
3. Jason McMillan, Sacramento, Calif.
4. Jeff Tuttle, West Des Moines, Iowa
5. Danny Lasoski, Dover, Mo.
6. Danny Thoman, Higginsville, Mo.
7. Max Dumesny, Sidney, Australia
8. Rich Bubak, Golden, Colo.
9. John Gerloff, Lincoln, Neb.
10.Mike Brooks, Knoxville, Iowa
11.Willie Snowden, Kansas City
12.Bill Cohee Jr., Topeka
13.Kenny Weld, Kansas City
14.Bill Vielhauer, Shawnee
15.Devlin Polkinghorn, Dodge City

1981 – Merryfield Wins at Jones County Fair

 

Joe Merryfield

Monticello, Iowa (August 8, 1981) – Joe Merryfield of Des Moines won the late model feature on Saturday afternoon at the Jones County Fair. Fair time is the only race of the season on the half-mile dirt track.

Merryfield won over Jim Thruman of Freeport, Ill., Rick Wendling of Hazelton, Gary Webb of Davenport, and defending champion Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo.

Tom Hughes of Monticello came out of retirement and drove promoter Arlo Becker’s car to a win in the IMCA modified main.

Denny Banks of Washington won the sportsman feature while the altered street stock feature went to Gus Hughes, son of Tom.

The 60-car fun class wound down to Chuck Martin of Scotch Grove winning the feature after six heat races reduced the field to the top 24 cars.


Results –

Late Model –

1. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
2. Jim Thruman, Freeport, Ill.
3. Rick Wendling, Hazelton
4. Gary Webb, Davenport
5. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
6. Keith Remley, Blue Grass
7. Bob Schulte, Delhi
8. Bob Jaeger, Dubuque
9. Arnie Christen, Mineral Point, Wis.
10.John Wolf, Cedar Rapids


IMCA Modified –

1. Tom Hughes, Monticello
2. Bernie Juliar, Hudson
3. Tom Fitzpatrick, Gilbertville
4. Jerry Mull, Anamosa
5. Terry Meeks, Cedar Rapids
6. Steve Stinger, Cedar Rapids
7. Greg Seitz, Waterloo
8. Daryl Stout, Vinton
9. Dave Venenga, Vinton


Sportsman –

1. Denny Banks, Washington
2. Denny Ansel, Dubuque
3. Greg Hunter, Independence
4. Dave Naylor, Scotch Grove
5. Terry Rachels, Riverside
6. Jay Iben, Monticello
7. Dennis Dugan, Colesburg
8. DeWayne Worthen, Anamosa
9. Ron Worthen, Anamosa
10.Steve Steuri, Earlville


Unaltered Street Stock –

1. Gus Hughes, Monticello
2. Jerry Naylor, Scotch Grove
3. Kelly Salow, Earlville
4. Merv Chandler, Walford
5. Chopper Safley, Springville
6. Fred Eggiman, Monticello
7. Bill Hodges, Cedar Falls
8. Max Leonard, Shellsburg
9. Rob Wertz, Cedar Rapids
10.Terry Gadient, Monticello


Fun Class –

1. Chuck Martin, Scotch Grove
2. Chuck Takes, Anamosa
3. Pat Weber, Monticello
4. Phil Pearson, Seneca, Wis.
5. Andrew Zimmerman, Anamosa
6. Mark Bone, Monticello
7. Terry DeShaw, Hopkinton
8. John Connolly Jr., Delhi
9. Bob Bossard, Monticello
10.Randy Pearson, Anamosa

1986 – Moyer Stars at Santa Fe

 

Billy Moyer Jr. won the USAC late model feature at Santa Fe Speedway in Hinsdale, Ill. He’s congratulated by Reynolds MacDonald, former USAC chairman, and is joined by runner-up Gibby Steinhaus (left) and third-place finisher Dick Potts. – Steven John Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (August 7, 1986) – Fastest qualifier Billy Moyer Jr. nabbed the checkered flag in the 40-lap USAC late model feature Thursday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

Gibby Steinhaus paced the first 18 circuits of the contest before Moyer took control. Moyer dominated the remainder of the event to earn the victory and maintain first place in the series’ point standings.

Steinhaus settled for second followed by Dick Potts, Ernie Barrow, and Paul Shafer.


Results –

1. Billy Moyer Jr.
2. Gibby Steinhau
3. Dick Potts
4. Ernie Barrow
5. Paul Shafer
6. Jim O’Conner
7. Tony Izzo
8. Rick Standridge
9. Larry Jackson
10.Bill Knippenberg
11.Bill Prietzel
12.Darrell Marmor

1982 – Smyser, Green Scores NSCA Wins at Knox County Fair

 

Tim Green

Knoxville, Ill. (August 7, 1982) – Tim Green of Carmichael, Calif., and Sonny Smyser of Lancaster, Mo., the current National Speedways Contest Association point leader, each won 20-lap sprint car features at the Knox County Fair over the weekend.

Green, driving the Trostle sprinter from Des Moines, Iowa, won the Friday night 20-lap feature on the fast half-mile dirt track. Smyser, in the Vielhauser sprinter from Kansas City, won Saturday night’s 20-lapper.

Cliff “Woody” Woodward of Kearney, Mo., was a big story here, He was competing for the only the fourth time suffering a broken back and broken legs in a crash in early May at Knoxville, Iowa.

On Friday night, Woodward’s own car was sidelined with mechanical issues. He hopped into a car owned by Roger Anderson of Burlington, Iowa, on Saturday and finished second to Smyser.

Friday’s main event saw Tom Corbin of Carrollton, Mo., lead the first four laps, then was passed by Green, who led the remainder of the race. Corbin finished second, although his car dropped a valve in the late stages of the race. Manny Rockhold of Pekin and Jim Moughan of Springfield put on the big battle of the night, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

A three-car crash resulted in some infield damage. Bob Ensminger of Burlington, Iowa, Jim Hetrick of Gladstone, Ill., and Randy Plath of Carmen, Ill., got together with Ensminger barely missing a parked car at the judge’s stand. Plath wasn’t so lucky as he spun into the infield and smacked the public address speakers. No one was injured, but at the same time, unnoticed until after it after it was over because of the melee down front, Dave Kinsel of Springfield was upside down in turn three.

Green was not present on Saturday. Woodward led the first eight laps of the feature until Smyser got by him in the second turn on a daring maneuver and led the rest of the way. Moughan, who spun early in the contest and was sent to the rear of the field, worked his way back to finish fourth, finishing behind Rick Howard of Kansas City.


Results –


Friday Night –


Time trials – Tim Green, Carmichael, Calif. (22.233)
Heat #1 – Bill Dusenbery, Burlington, Iowa
Heat #2 – Tim Green
Heat #3 – Tom Custer, Peoria
Feature –
1. Tim Green
2. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
3. Manny Rockhold, Pekin
4. Jim Moughan, Springfield
5. Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.
6. Bob Thoman, Higginsville, Mo.
7. Bob Kammerer
8. Rick Howard, Kansas City
9. Tom Custer, Rock Island
10.Jim Hedrick, Gladstone


Saturday Night –

Time trials – Sonny Smyser (21.890)
Heat #1 – Jerry McKinney, Peoria
Heat #2 – Mark Fisher, Bloomington
Heat #3 – Jim Moughan
Dash – Sonny Smyser
Feature –
1. Sonny Smyser
2. Cliff Woodward, Kearney, Mo.
3. Rick Howard
4. Jim Moughan
5. Tom Custer
6. Cliff Blundy, Metamora
7. Larry Wilson, Industry
8. Wayne Kronk, Fulton, Mo.
9. Steve Johnson, Orion
10.Richard McDole, Rock Island

1965 – Larson Triumphs at Allentown

 

Joltin' Jud Larson

Allentown, Penn. (August 7, 1965) – USAC’s sprint car drivers opened the Allentown Fair Saturday afternoon on what is supposed to be a half-mile dirt track. The surface on some asphalt tracks isn’t as hard as the sunbaked oval at Allentown was for Saturday’s event.

Jud Larson’s many years’ experience, on all types of racetracks, paid off. The big Texan drove into the winner’s circle at the end of the 30-lap feature race on a set of rear tires made of the softest rubber imaginable.

It took just three laps for Larson to move from his ninth place starting position to the front of the pack. As far as first place was concerned the race was over.

Fourteen cars started the feature, at one time or other during the race thirteen of them made a run for second place.

All that could be seen of Jud was the tail of his Watson-built sprinter disappearing in the distance.

This was one time when action back in the pack was enjoyed by race fans. Greg Weld, Don Branson, and Mario Andretti hooked up in as tight a three -car race as has ever been seen. For several laps the three were circling the track side-by-side.

Mario’s engine went lame and Greg finally spun-out. Grandpa Branson finished back in the pack.

Bud Tinglestad, in one of his few appearances in the sprints this year, took second place honors. Jerry “Scratch” Daniels was third; Ronnie Duman, fourth; and Bobby Unser, fifth.

Jud said after the race, “I learned about these soft tires dodging trees, when we used to race up and down the side of a hill in Texas."

It pleased Jud more to “out smart" the USAC regulars, and several local heroes, than if he had battled them for 30 laps before winning.


Results –


1. Jud Larson
2. Bud Tingelstad
3. Jerry Daniels
4. Ronnie Duman
5. Bobby Unser
6. Don Branson
7. Johnny Rutherford
8. Dave Lundy
9. Chuck Engel
10.Greg Weld
11.Carl Williams
12.Red Riegel

1983 - Senneker Wins Again in Redbud 400

 

Bob Senneker hoists his trophy after winning the ASA-sanctioned Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway. He’s joined by trophy girls Eva Taylor (left) and Jodie O’Brien (second from right), along with Bobby Batson of General Cigar and Tobacco Company. – Don Thies Photo

Anderson, Ind. (August 6, 1983) – The flight of the “Bluebird” was unerring as Bob Senneker won the Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway Saturday night by .6 of one second over Rusty Wallace before a track record crowd of 11,232.

In the patent Senneker style, the Michigan ace measured the front-runner for the first half of the race then applied pressure late, benefitting from what was perhaps a eye-blink break of concentration from Wallace on lap 366 when Dennis Lampman spun as the Missourian led Senneker.

As Lampman skidded into the infield and clear of the track, Wallace reasoned that a caution was imminent, saying, “It seemed like we got cautions for that kind of thing all night and I did slow a little when I saw it happen…apparently enough for Senneker to go by.”

Senneker admitted afterwards he was not of mind to pass either, but urgings of his crew chief Howard Thomas over his radio made the difference. “Howdy came over the radio and all I heard was ‘get him now, get him now,’ and I did. He was right,” Senneker said.

At the finish, the only other car on the lead lap in a night of grinding attrition was Dick Trickle, who consolidated third place, some four seconds behind the pair.

The tight, but blindingly fast quarter-mile, high-banked Anderson layout puts emphasis on handling and Alan Kulwicki apparently had that equation solved as he blasted from his pole position into a early lead. His bid, however, would be abated when his engine seized on lap 18. Second-fastest qualifier Darrell Waltrip was riding inches from his Kulwicki’s back bumper and as Kulwicki spun in his own oil, Waltrip had absolutely no place to go.

Bobby Dotter would inherit the lead at this point but was immediately challenged by Jim Sauter, who took his Firebird into the lead on lap 69. Sauter would keep a sizzling pace until nearing the halfway point of the 400-lap contest when Senneker decided he’s like to dictate the pace and took over on lap 195.

With younger brother Terry getting into the first turn wall on lap 242, bringing out the caution, frontrunner Bob Senneker led a massive assault on the pit area, with virtually the top-10 runners making a necessary stop. Butch Miller led the parade for two laps as the track was cleansed of oil but when green flag racing resumed, it was Wallace ahead of the pit stop shuffle and in command of the race.

Just 10 laps later, Tom Jones had a good run spoiled when his engine expired and the resulting slickness collected Don Gregory, who ricocheted off the wall and momentarily trapped Senneker and Dotter, both very much in the hunt.

As Senneker recovered, Dotter sustained radiator damage that would result in a overheating condition some 50 laps later, putting the 23-year-old Chicagoan out of the contest.

A late-race wrinkle feature Butch Miller, who spun on lap 312 while racing door-to-door with Dick Trickle for third place. On the resulting caution, both drivers made pit stops but Miller would tangle with Muttly Kurkowski on lap 323 and spun, losing his lead-lap status. Despite that and overheating problems early in the race, Miller persisted to finish fourth, one lap down.

Despite finishing second, Wallace took over the lead in the what has been a see-saw battle for the ASA crown.


Results –


1. Bob Senneker
2. Rusty Wallace
3. Dick Trickle
4. Butch Miler
5. Bob Strait
6. Mark Malcuit
7. Jim Sauter
8. Dennis Vogel
9. Dennis Lampman
10.Kent Stauffer
11.Bobby Dotter
12.Muttly Kurkowski
13.Tom Jones
14.Terry Senneker
15.Don Gregory

1972 – Busch Captures Stuart ‘National’

 

Stuart, Iowa (August 6, 1972) – Ray Busch of Ogden led all 30 laps and edged Phil Reece of Des Moines by a bumper Sunday night to win the $500 first prize in the “Grand National” late model races at Stuart Speedway.

Bill Davis of Des Moines was third while George Barton of Ankeny was fourth.

Jim Dagel of Des Moines won the street stock feature.


Results –


Trophy dash – Jack Paulse, Des Moines
Heat #1 – Paul Chumos, Guthrie Center
Heat #2 – Del McDowell, Ames
Heat #3 – George Barton, Ankeny
B-main – Chuck Berg, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Ray Busch, Ogden
2. Phil Reece, Des Moines
3. Bill Davis, Des Moines
4. George Barton
5. Del McDowell

1961 – Hutcherson Tops La Crosse Field

 

Dick Hutcherson

La Crosse, Wis. (August 6, 1961) – Dick Hutcherson, the 29-year-old Keokuk, Iowa, driver, drove his 1961 Ford to feature victories Sunday afternoon and night at the La Crosse Interstate Fair.

Hutcherson, who is in the building contract business with his father, won the 25-lap afternoon feature and the 100-lapper in the evening before crowds estimated at 2,500 and 3,500, respectively.

Four records were broken Sunday, all in the afternoon, including the 8-lap consolation won by Hutcherson, who shaved almost 18 seconds off of Doc Narber’s 1960 time of 4 minutes and 18.08 seconds. Hutcherson accomplished it in the time of 4 minutes and 0.48 seconds.

Hutcherson’s time in the accident-riddled 100-lapper was 54 minutes and 41.98 seconds – creditable considering that 33 of the laps were run under yellow flag conditions.

Buzz McCann of St. Paul, Minn., driving a 1961 Ford, was second and Eddie Harrow of Corpus Christi, Tex., was third in a 1961 Chevrolet.

Bob Reynolds, the Oklahoma dirt track champion, led the first six laps and was a contender until he drove his 1961 Ford over the back straightaway on lap 31.

Hutcherson took the lead on lap 7 and held it the rest of the race. The caution flag was out four times before it came out for the final time – for the last 16 laps, thus allowing Hutcherson to coast home.

Reynolds wasn’t the only contender to have issues in the feature. Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, driving a 1961 Chevy convertible, also slipped off the back straightaway on lap 59. Chub Liebe of Oelwein, Iowa, in a 1961 Ford, lost a wheel as he was pressing Hutcherson for the lead on lap 9 in front of the grandstand.

Roland Wilson of Bedford, Iowa, drove his 1960 Ford over the second turn and Ron Snow of Red Wing, Minn., and Gerry Harrison of Topeka, Kan., collided into the light tower on the second turn, plunging the corner into darkness and causing the final yellow flag.

Lenny Funk of Otis, Kan., had mechanical trouble in the afternoon feature and didn’t race in the nightcap. Ernie Derr and Ramo Stott, both of Keokuk, Iowa, did not make an appearance. Stott was involved in an accident at Donnellson on Friday night and Derr reported having engine trouble.

They were 1-2 in the current International Motor Contest Association stock car standings.


Results –


Afternoon –

Heat #1 – Jerry McCredie, Keokuk, Iowa
Heat #2 – Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dash – Chub Liebe, Oelwein, Iowa
Consolation – Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
Feature –
1. Dick Hutcherson
2. Bob Reynolds, Edmond, Okla.
3. Chub Liebe
4. Buzz McCann, St. Paul, Minn.
5. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
6. Jerry McCredie
7. Eddie Harrow, Corpus Christi, Tex.
8. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
9. Jerry Kaufman, Minneapolis, Minn.
10.Ole Brua, Albert Lea, Minn.


Night –

Heat #1 – Bob Reynolds
Heat #2 – Dick Hutcherson
Feature –
1. Dick Hutcherson
2. Buzz McCann
3. Eddie Harrow
4. Ron Snow, Red Wing, Minn.
5. Gerry Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
6. Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn.
7. Jerry McCredie
8. Doc Narber
9. Don Rosenberg, Des Moines, Iowa
10.Pete Van Oudenhoven, Appleton, Wis.

1987 - Martin Tops Freeport 'Tour' Race

 

Curt Martin captured the NASCAR Winston/Busch All-Star 50 at Freeport Super Raceway. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Freeport, Ill. (August 5, 1987) – Curt Martin of Independence, Iowa, cruised to the Winston/Busch All-Star Tour 50-lap late model victory Wednesday night at Freeport Super Raceway.

Martin, the evening’s fast qualifier, took the lead when Roger Dolan encountered lapped traffic in the first turn on lap 23 after the duo had battled for a dozen laps – Dolan on the high side, Martin on the inside lane.

The complexion of the 27-car main event changed dramatically as Dolan attempted to retake the lead and drifted high in the third turn with his back bumper climbing the concrete wall. The veteran driver used his years of experience to bring the car back down on all four wheels.

Dolan was uninjured but the Tour points runner-up was out for the night.

The restart saw Martin lead followed by Steve Kosiski, Rollie Frink, and Tony Izzo. Izzo, the winner of the event last year when Midwest Motorsports, Inc., presented the event at Sycamore Speedway, eventually ended up fifth.

A final yellow flag nine laps away from the finish regrouped the leaders but Martin again pulled away for his first tour win of the season. Steve Kosiski moved back into the tour point lead with his second-place finish. Frink was third followed by Ray Guss Jr.

In the companion 15-lap modified feature, Steve Johnson of Camanche beat Rich Smith to the checkered flag.


Results –

1. Curt Martin, Independence, Iowa
2. Steve Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
3. Ken Walton, Viola, Iowa
4. Ray Guss Jr., Milan
5. Tony Izzo, Bridgeview
6. Rollie Frink, Davenport, Iowa
7. Joe Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
8. Dale Fischlein, Independence, Iowa
9. Terry Gallaher, New London, Mo.
10.Steve Fraise, Montrose, Iowa

1976 – ‘Wally Jors Memorial’ Won by Schuler

 

Larry Schuler won the Wally Jors Memorial at Wisconsin International Raceway. Jors’ widow, Carol, and her children, Michelle, and Bob, make the trophy presentation.

Kaukauna, Wis. (August 5, 1976) – Larry Schuler of Lockport, Ill., continued to blister the half-mile paved oval of Wisconsin International Raceway on Thursday nights as he won his seventh feature of the year, nipping Kimberly’s Roger Regeth at the finish line to take top honors in the “Wally Jors Memorial” race.

Schuler, driving his 1975 Camaro, grabbed the lead on lap 7 and held off Regeth by less than a car length before 1,409 fans.

Appleton’s Cliff Ebben led the first lap before Medina’s Jerry Smith took over. Smith kept his 1974 Nova in the top spot until lap 4 when Al Schill of Franklin zoomed by. Schill was passed by Schuler three circuits later.

Tony Strupp of Slinger finished third followed by Schill and Smith.

The feature race was halted on lap 17 when Bill Goeden of Kewaskum and Gene Coleman of Menomonee, Mich., collided in the first turn. The two cars nearly hit head on and slid along the inside guardrail into the second turn before coming to a halt. Both cars were out of the race with badly damaged front ends but neither driver was injured.

Special memorial ceremonies for the late Wally Jors included a driver’s parade with Al Schill leading the way in Jors’ former Camaro stock car. His widow Carol was presented with a plaque from the Fox River Racing Club.

Jors died of a heart attack in June. He had been one of the top late model racers at the Kaukauna track and at other tracks where he competed.


Results –

1. Larry Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
2. Roger Regeth, Kimberly
3. Tony Strupp, Slinger
4. Al Schill, Franklin
5. Jerry Smith, Medina
6. Pete Parker, Kaukauna

1979 – Sanders wins KIJV South Dakota 100

 

Bill Sanders

Huron, S.D. (August 4, 1979) – The man with the longest haul won the longest race of the season as Bill Sanders of Muskogee, Okla., won the rain-delayed KIJV South Dakota 100.

Nine days earlier, Sanders qualified for the pole position for the state’s best paying race by winning the first heat, but the feature was rained out.

For Sanders, the return trip was worth $2,200 as he grabbed the lead from Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on lap 57 and won by a straightaway over Eaker, who earlier in the evening, lowered the track record to 23.88 seconds on the final lap of the trophy dash.

Third and fourth place went to Denny Selting of Huron, S.D., and Willy Yost of Miller, S.D. Only the top four finishers were on the lead lap.

Pete Parker of Kaukauna, Wis., was the early leader, jumping from the outside of the front row and hanging on through four yellow flags and the challenges of Sanders and Eaker until lap 44 when Dennis Gross of Huron, S.D., lost oil pressure and came to a half in turn four.

Several drivers, including Sanders, used the stoppage to change tires. Sanders, in fifth place during the red flag, dropped back to seventh on the restart due to cold tires as Eaker took the lead from Parker. On lap 51. With his tires sufficiently heated, Sanders began his charge to the front, taking second from Parker on lap 55.

At this point the top 12 cars, six of them locals, were running virtually nose to tail. Sanders roared by Eaker two circuits later and ran away and hid, even after two more yellows closed the field.

Sanders’ win was relatively easy compared to some of the dogfights for lower positions that raged from start to finish leaving the huge crowd hoarse. Thirteen cars, out of the starting field of 34, finished the 50-lapper.


Results –


1. Bill Sanders, Muskogee, Okla.
2. Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville, Iowa
3. Denny Selting, Huron, S.D.
4. Willy Yost, Miller, S.D.
5. Leon Plank, Eau Claire, Wis.
6. Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
7. Sheldon Reding, Harrold, S.D.
8. Gary Crawford, Independence, Iowa
9. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo, Iowa
10.Joe Salner, St. Cloud, Minn.
11.Galen Keas, Grand Island, Neb.
12.Dallas Lafferty, Reliance, S.D.
13.Kent Wilson, Miller, S.D.
14.Bill Christman, Bronson, Iowa
15.Ron Droog, Aberdeen, S.D.
16.Ken Farrell, New Hampton, Iowa
17.Britt Williams, Brookings, S.D.
18.Rich Wendt, Aberdeen, S.D.
19.Gary Nagel, Gettysburg, S.D.
20.Kenny Selting, Huron, S.D.
21.Dennis Gross, Huron, S.D.
22.Jim Cowan, Sturgis, S.D.
23.Ron Anderson, Webster, S.D.
24.Terry Kopecky, Miller, S.D.

1974 – Lund Wins Shawano USAC Go

 

Tiny Lund (55) powers to the inside of Butch Hartman (75) for the lead and eventual win at Shawano. – Pete Vercauteren Collection

By Pete Vercauteren

Shawano, Wis. (August 4, 1974) – Beating back the late race challenge of Ernie Derr, Dewayne “Tiny” Lund of Cross, S.C., steered his “min-powered” 1974 Camaro to top honors in the Centennial 100 for United States Auto Club late model stock cars on Sunday afternoon at the Shawano County Fairgrounds.

Lund took the lead on lap 63 as he ducked under current USAC point leader Butch Hartman after chasing the 1974 Dodge Charger pilot for some 20 laps on the half-mile clay oval.

Lund moved out to an immediate six-car-length cushion, but a rapidly balding right rear tire forced him to slow late in the race allowing Derr an opportunity to challenge for the lead.

Derr found the rear deck of Lund’s racer on lap 91 and tried an outside pass four revolutions later as the pair diced won the backstretch. However, the dry, slick track had reduced racing room to little more than one groove and Derr wisely pulled back behind Lund as they approached turn three.

As the duo received the white flag from starter Duane Sweeney, Derr decided to test the inside and moved up on Lund entering the south turn. Metal was tapped and Lund exited the corner in the lead and Derr lost traction and dropped back several car lengths.

At the checkered, less than a car length separated the pair. Lund’s Camaro was powered by a 350 cubic inch engine while the majority of the field was over 400 cubic inches. A weight per cubic inch rule was applied to equalize competition.

“I was running faster as the groove got higher because I could keep the engine wound up and not shut down in the corners,” Lund explained afterwards, after posting his first-ever USAC-sanctioned victory.

Starting seventh in the 14-car field, Lund moved by Derr on lap 4 to take fourth and eight laps later, slipped by Norm Nelson’s 1971 Plymouth to take third. Catching the afternoon’s fast qualifier, Don White on the 15th circuit, Lund dipped inside out of turn four two laps later to gain the second spot behind Hartman.

Lund began to gradually chip away at Hartman’s seven-second cushion which he built up after beating White in a mad dash for the first turn at the green flag. The margin was down by two car lengths by lap as the pair started to encounter slower traffic.

On several occasions, Lund had the inside groove on the defending USAC champion, but a slower car would force him to back off.

However, entering the south turn for the 63rd time, Lund dipped inside once again and moved ahead down the back straight. Hartman broke traction in the second turn and Derr slipped his 1973 Charger by.

Hartman nipped Nelson at the checkered as the pair finished a straightaway behind Lund and Derr. White rounded out the top five finishers in his 1974 Dodge Charger.

The USAC program was the first-ever at Shawano and first on a northeast Wisconsin clay oval since 1966.


Results –

1. Tiny Lund
2. Ernie Derr
3. Butch Hartman
4. Norm Nelson
5. Don White
6. Jigger Sirois
7. Ramo Stott
8. John Schultz
9. Paul Feldner
10.Steve Drake
11.Ray Bolander
12.M.J. McBride
13.Larry Cope
14.Bay Darnell