1977 – Neillsville 50 to Walton

 

Ken Walton

Neillsville, Wis. (July 2, 1977) – Out of state drivers made a strong showing at Paul’s Neillsville Raceway on Saturday night with the feature, the semi-feature, and two of the three heats for late models going to drivers from Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Ken Walton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pocketed $1,000 for winning the 50-lap feature – the first of three events that make up the Super Stock Car Series over the weekend.

Walton made it look easy as he drove his Camaro into the lead on lap 11 and went untouched to the checkered.

Altoona’s Punky Manor was relentless in his pursuit of Walton, but the gap was too great, so he had to settle for runner-up honors. Red Steffen of Eau Claire finished a close third with Axel Dahlberg of Mauston fourth.

Tom Steuding of Altoona and Winona’s Karl Fenske spun each other out 50 feet from the finish line on the last lap. Fenske threw his machine in reverse and drove the last 50 feet backwards and crossed the finish line in fifth place much to the fan’s delight. Steuding would finish sixth.


Results –

Time Trials – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo, Iowa (25.369)
Trophy Dash – Ken Walton, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Heat #1 – R.R. Ashbeck, Greenwood
Heat #2 – Herb Iverson, Escanaba, Mich.
Heat #3 – Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
Semi-Main – Herb Iverson
Feature –
1. Ken Walton
2. Punky Manor, Altoona
3. Red Steffen, Eau Claire
4. Axel Dahlberg, Mauston
5. Karl Fenske, Winona, Minn.
6. Tom Steuding, Altoona

1984 – Tigges Wins Dubuque ‘Winston Classic’

 

Durango’s Gary Tigges won the “Winston Classic” for NASCAR late models at Dubuque Speedway. He’s joined by a crew member and Dubuque County Fairboard member Paul Vaassen (right). – Debbie Bohr Photo

Dubuque, Iowa (July 1, 1984) – Gary Tigges of Durango took the lead from Karl Sanger of Waterloo on the 22nd lap as he posted the 30-lap “Winston Classic” win for Grand American late models at Dubuque Speedway on Sunday night.

Sanger, driving the #22 car driven recently by NASCAR Grand National ace Bobby Allison, took the lead on lap 6 from Lynn Idler of Ionia and held it until being passed by Tigges.

In the 20-lap sportsman feature, Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls took over on the third lap – after Randy Mills and Dickie Chapman had each led one lap – and scored a decisive victory in that division.

Ron Barker of Dubuque won the street stock main event.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Lynn Idler, Ionia
Heat #2 – Karl Sanger, Waterloo
Heat #3 – Gary Crawford, Independence
Feature –
1. Gary Tigges, Durango
2. Karl Sanger
3. Ken Walton, Viola
4. Jim Burbridge, Delhi
5. Curt Martin, Independence
6. Greg Kastli, Waterloo
7. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
8. Lynn Idler
9. Alan Wessels, Strawberry Point
10.Larry Kelley, Walford


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Wayne Young
Heat #2 – Jeff Aikey
Feature –
1. Jeff Aikey
2. Denny Ansel
3. Carl Severson
4. Jim Reidl
5. Wayne Young
6. Harley McWilliams
7. Dickie Chapman
8. Randy Mills
9. Tom Wackerhauser
10.John McLaughlin

1983 – Stepan Scores ‘Detjens Memorial’ Win

 

Kevin Stepan is joined by Margo Detjens, daughter of the late Larry Detjens, after winning the third annual Larry Detjens Memorial at State Park Speedway in Wausau. – Ed Wodalski Photo

Wausau, Wis. (June 30, 1983) – Kevin Stepan of Mosinee won the biggest race of his six-year racing career after winning the Larry Detjens Memorial at State Park Speedway on Thursday night.

“This is the biggest race I’ve ever won,” Stepan said in victory lane. “If I never win another race, I’ll be happy.”

Stepan finished with 102 points, while two-time defending champion Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids was second with 89.

“Larry Detjens taught me an awful lot when I was starting out,” said Stepan. “I sure did appreciate him.”

Trickle started the evening off by setting fast time with a lap of 14.225 seconds. Royce Rossier of Plover, Sonny Immerfall of Marshfield, and Mike Miller of Marietta, Ga., won heat races while Jim Back of Vesper won the trophy dash.

Stepan took the lead from Wausau’s Wayne Lodholz on lap 16 of the first of two scheduled 25-lap feature races and held off Miller in a 10-lap dogfight.

Ted Musgrave of Grand Marsh was third in the 25-lapper with Lodholz fourth and Trickle fifth.

Gerry Graff of Stevens Point was lead the second late model feature when rain put a halt to the competition three laps into the race.


Results –


Time trials – Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids (14.225)
Trophy dash – Jim Back, Vesper
Heat #1 – Royce Rossier, Plover
Heat #2 – Sonny Immerfall, Marshfield
Heat #3 – Mike Miller, Marietta, Ga.
Feature #1 –
1. Kevin Stepan
2. Mike Miller
3. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh
4. Wayne Lodholz, Wausau
5. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
6. Bobby Turzinski, Hewitt
7. Jim Back
8. Jim Dundey, Wausau
9. Bob Mackesy, Wausau
10.Joe Krzykowski, Sherry
11.Lyle Nowak, Wausau
12.Steve Holzhausen, Bangor

1973 – Goldsberry Takes Firecracker 100 at I-70

 

Odessa, Mo. (June 30, 1973) – David Goldsberry of Bolivar drove to victory in the Firecracker 100 Saturday night at I-70 Speedway before a crowd of 7,400, the largest of the season.

Dan Conner of Shawnee Mission, Kan., the defending track champion, took the lead on the first lap and began to move out in his 1973 Chevelle. Conner held a four-second lead over Terry Bivins until lap 23 when Conner, Mike Keehnel of Kansas City and Eddie Gray of Jefferson City collided entering the first turn, sending Gray’s 1972 Camaro up and over the three-foot concrete retaining wall. Conner’s car was badly damaged and all three were unable to continue.

With Conner eliminated, Bivins inherited the lead and for the next 19 laps, pulled away from second place Goldsberry.

On the 42nd lap, entering the second turn, Dave Wall blew an engine, throwing his 1969 Chevelle into a slide. Bivins, who was preparing to lap Wall, was unable to avoid the sliding car and rammed into Wall.

The 1973 Nova Bivins was driving suffered a broke radiator and both Bivins and Wall were done for the day.

From lap 43 on, it was all Goldsberry, with the southern Missouri driver lapping the field in his 1971 Chevelle. He earned $1,200 for the victory.

Heat winners were Bivins, Dean Ayres, and Vester Cates. The trophy dash was won by Vance Cook of Jonesboro, Ark. Jim Evert took honors in the consolation.

Willie Crane turned the fastest lap in qualifying, speeding around the quick half mile in 18.63 seconds, at over 104 miles per hour.

Results –

1. David Goldsberry, Bolivar
2. Fred Whisler, Independence
3. Bob Frueh, Rolla
4. Tom Karrick, Kansas City
5. Vester Cates, Lawson
6. Harold Young, Kansas City
7. Willie Crane, Springfield
8. Dean Ayres, Platte Woods
9. Jerry Nussbaum, Oak Grove
10.Jim Evert, Richmond

1985 - Initial ARTGO Triumph for Middleton at Illiana

 

Larry Middleton holds up his $200 bonus after winning his first career ARTGO late model event, the 100-lap feature at Illiana Motor speedway. ARTGO Racing’s John McKarns congratulates Middleton. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Schererville, Ind. (June 29, 1985) – Veteran Chicago-area driver Larry Middleton scored his first-ever ARTGO Challenge Series feature win Saturday night at Illiana Motor Speedway as he took the sixth annual Chicagoland Showdown 100-lap late model headliner.

The 42-year-old Hazelcrest, Ill., resident, who began his racing career in 1963, drove his Firebird to triumph, making him the fourth different driver to score a victory in ARTGO Challenge Series competition.

After turning sixth fastest time during qualifications, Middleton started the 100-lapper in the fourth spot, took over first place on lap 13, and went on to win the contest by almost one-half straightaway over Al Schill, who nipped Rich Bickle Jr., for second place at the finish line.

Rounding out the top-five in the century battle, which was marred by numerous yellow flags, was Steve Seligman and Steve Holzhausen. Fast qualifier Joe Shear was sixth.

Middleton picked up over $2,000 of a posted purse of more than $25,000 for his efforts, including a $200 bonus for being a first-time winner on the popular midwestern stock car circuit.

Asked how he did it after his victory, the elated Middleton stated, “I just worked my tail off. We hung tough and never gave up.”

During his interview, he thanked car owner Bill Skarupinski and five-time ARTGO titlist Dick Trickle, who formerly drove the winning car and helped with the set-up.


Results –


1. Larry Middleton, Hazel Crest, Ill.
2. Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
3. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
4. Steve Seligman, Northbrook, Ill.
5. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
6. Joe Shear, Lake Villa, Ill. 
7. Chuck Dunshee, Otsego, Mich.
8. Tom Musgrave, Half Day, Ill.
9. Randy Witt, Hanover Park, Ill.
10.Doug Herbst, Wausau, Wis.
11.Tracy Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
12.Axel Dahlberg, Cottage Grove, Wis.
13.Tony Hertko, Joliet, Ill.
14.Larry Schuler, New Lenox, Ill.
15.Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.

1952 - No Gas at End, But Harrison Wins

 

Tubby Harrison carries the checkered flag, emblematic of victory, after winning the 125-miler at Des Moines. – Ken Scarpino Photo

By Tony Cardano

Des Moines, Iowa (June 29,1952) – The lesser-known member of the Harrison racing family, Tubby, finished first in the fourth annual 125-miler stock car classic of the International Motor Contest Association Sunday afternoon at the State Fairgrounds.

An estimated 12,000 spectators witnessed the event.

Tubby, driving his brother’s 1949 Plymouth, barely sputtered across the pay-off line, five laps ahead of Ernie Derr of Fort Madison, the 1951 winner.

Tubby’s machine sputtered and coughed the last half mile of the contest and upon investigation afterwards, the Topeka, Kan., pilot discovered his gas tank was bone-dry. Harrison had driven the entire distance without a pit stop.

The more publicized Harrison, Bill, finished third in a field of 20 cars.

The Harrison’s collected $950 total. Bill, however, will bank the bigger share of the purse. Tubby was driving on a percentage basis. First prize was $650 while third place earned $350.

Actually Tubby, who won a stock car race for the first time in his career, was ready to turn in his chauffeur’s card after his brother’s Plymouth broke down twice in races earlier this season.

For 107 of the 125 miles, Shorty Perlick of Minneapolis, driving a 1950 Oldsmobile, set the pace with steady hands a purring engine. However, on the 218th lap, Perlick was being towed to the infield with a broke rear axle.

The Harrisons both performed like track athletes. First Bill, piloting a 1952 DeSoto, shadowed Perlick for 173 laps before having to make a pit stop.

The brother Tubby took pursuit of Perlick, picking up ground through the turns, but his car didn’t have the horsepower in the straightaways to keep pace.

With 40 laps remaining, Perlick pulled into the pits for gas and oil with a three-lap advantage over Tubby. Perlick returned to the track in approximately 50 seconds and still held better than a lap advantage over the ultimate winner.

Then, as mentioned before, the rear axle on Perlick’s car broke and he lost 14 laps before he was able to return to action.

Perhaps, but for an unfortunate accident early in the race, Ernie Derr might have pocketed the first-place money for the second straight year.

Derr was running third at the completion of 25 laps before his car had a brush with Bill Harrison’s car, forcing the Iowan to pit.

Two other former 125-mile winners, Eddie Anderson of Grinnell and Don White of Keokuk, did not fare so well. Anderson, winner of the race in 1949, withdrew from the race on lap 67 with engine trouble while White experienced handling issues all afternoon and finished 12th.

Herschel Buchanan of Shreveport, La., the 1950 and ’51 IMCA national stock car champion, went out of the race on lap 11 with a broken right front hub.

Harrison completed the 125 miles in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 55 seconds. That means he averaged 50 miles per hour around the half-mile oval.

The fastest time trial was turned in by Derr, who spun his 1952 Oldsmobile around the track in 33.37 seconds.


Results –


1. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
2. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
3. Bill Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
4. Gene Harmon, Lincoln, Neb.
5. Delmar Donaldson, Burlington
6. Shorty Perlick, Minneapolis, Minn.
7. Tilman Huset, Brandon, S.D.
8. Eddie Martin, Birmingham, Ala.
9. Ray Shy, Topeka, Kan.
10.Floyd Hauersperger, Kellogg
11.Sonny Gross, Quincy, Ill.
12.Don White, Keokuk

Matt “Shorty” Perlick (5) leads Tubby Harrison (9) during the 125-miler at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. A few laps later, Perlick was in the pits and Harrison would go on to score the victory. – Ken Scarpino Photo

1974 – West, Hopkins Share Spotlight at Bloomfield

 

Pokey West won the super stock feature at the Davis County Fairgrounds in Bloomfield. Flagman Cy Bohr joins West in victory lane. – Dick Kleindolph Photo

By Ida May Van Genderen

Bloomfield, Iowa (June 28, 1974) – The big winners at Bloomfield Speedway Friday night were Pokey West and Larry Hopkins.

West conquered the 1/3-mile dirt oval in his first appearance of the season here. The West Chester driver set fast time of 20.30 seconds, giving him the pole position for the super stock feature. But in order for West to qualify for the feature, he first had to win the consolation.

West took the lead from Larry “Peewee” Pipes of Kirksville, Mo., on the 11th lap of the 20-lap feature. Pipes, who also qualified through the consolation, led the first 10 laps of the race until his car started to lose power, allowing West to slide by.

Pipes managed to hold on to take runner-up honors with Bob McCall of Ottumwa right on Pipes’ bumper at the finish. Russ Derr of Keokuk grabbed fourth followed by Gary Dose of Kirksville, Mo.

McCall won the trophy dash and his heat race while Jerry Pilcher of Ottumwa and Larry Winn of Kirksville, Mo., were the other heat winners.

Larry Hopkins of Bloomfield captured the fast and furious street stock feature. It was Hopkins’ third feature win in four weeks. Five cars battled it out for the top spot throughout the entire race.

Chasing Hopkins across the finish line were Doug Turner and George Robinson, both of Bloomfield, and Art Simmons of Promise City.

Rich Marks of Ottumwa and Hopkins were street stock heat winners.


Results –


Super Stock –

Time Trials – Pokey West, West Chester (20.90)
Trophy Dash – Bob McCall, Ottumwa
Heat #1 – Jerry Pilcher, Ottumwa
Heat #2 – Larry Winn, Kirksville, Mo.
Heat #3 – Bob McCall
Consolation – Pokey West
Feature –
1. Pokey West
2. Larry Pipes
3. Bob McCall
4. Russ Derr, Keokuk
5. Gary Dose, Kirksville, Mo.
6. Mike McClure, Eldon
7. Dan Dickey, Packwood


Street Stock –

Heat #1 – Rich Marks, Ottumwa
Heat #2 – Larry Hopkins, Bloomfield
Feature –
1. Larry Hopkins
2. Doug Turner, Bloomfield
3. Art Simmons, Promise City
4. Mark Mundell
5. George Robinson, Bloomfield

1964 – Beauchamp is Race Victor

 

Johnny Beauchamp

Davenport, Iowa (June 26, 1964) – Johnny Beauchamp of Atlantic, Iowa, lived up to his reputation on Friday night at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds when the former two-time IMCA national champion captured the 25-lap modified feature.

Beauchamp fought off strong challenges from Jerry Reinhart of Moline, Ill., and Red Droste of Waterloo to win by a close margin. Reinhart and Droste finished in that order, behind the Atlantic driver.

The biggest crowd of the season attended Friday night’s program, with an estimated 6,000 spectators in the grandstands.

It was a bad night for three drivers who went to the hospital for treatment following crack-ups on the track. None were seriously hurt.

Fred Strube, Peoria, Ill., was involved in the most spectacular accident when his car went over the lip of the third turn. The car rolled seven times before coming to a stop.

Jim Atwood, Davenport, won the novice class feature race and Carol Ewoldt of Peoria won the Powder Puff Derby with Ann Gerber of Davenport coming in second.

Willis Franck, Rock Island, Ill., and Dean Montgomery, Milan, Ill., were heat winners in the modified division. Because there were more than 40 cars entered in competition, two semi-features were run as well as a consolation event.

Shorty Bennett, Moline, Ill., and Paul Burrows, Davenport, were semi winners. Ernie Speth, Davenport, topped the consolation field.


Results –

Novice –

Heat #1 – Pat McClump, Davenport
Heat #2 – Pat Blake, Clarence
Consolation – Chuck Lukemyre, Tipton
Feature –
1. Jim Atwood, Davenport
2. Paul Gooding, Davenport
3. Ernie Cook, Goose Lake


Modified –

Heat #1 – Willis Franck, Rock Island, Ill.
Heat #2 – Ernie Schaefer, Peoria, Ill.
Heat #3 – Dean Montgomery, Milan, Ill.
Semi-main #1 – Paul Burrows, Davenport
Semi-main #2 – Shorty Bennett, Moline, Ill.
Consolation – Ernie Speth, Davenport
Feature –
1. Johnny Beauchamp, Atlantic
2. Jerry Reinhart, Moline, Ill.
3. Red Droste, Waterloo
4. Dean Montgomery
5. Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill.
6. Darrel Dake, Cedar Rapids
7. Al Terrell, Peoria, Ill.
8. Ron Weedon, Davenport

1955 – Derr Wins at Heidelberg

 

Heidelberg, Penn. (June 26, 1955) – Ernie Derr of Fort Madison, Iowa, practically spread-eagled the field as he won the 100-lap late model stock car race on the fast, high-banked Heidelberg Raceway half-mile track on Sunday afternoon before 8,000 race fans.

The race was promoted by John Marcum and the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC).

Derr, who finished second in the Australian Pursuit race earlier, took the lead on the first lap and, without making a pit stop, held it the rest of the way. He finished half-a-lap ahead of Iggy Katona of Willis, Mich. Derr’s time for the race was 50 minutes and 49.88 seconds, slightly under 60 miles per hour.


Results –

1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Iggy Katona, Willis, Mich.
3. Don Dahle, Clarion
4. John McGinley, Chicora
5. Joe Ditch, Erie

1987 – Dolan Wins Rain-Delayed Corning ‘Tour’

 

By Jim Brennan

Corning, Iowa (June 25, 1987) – Wednesday night’s Busch/Winston All-Star Tour race at Adams County Speedway met interference from Moter Nature again. Thus, promoter Gail Hampel’s streak of eight races with no rainouts was broken.

Late model heat races were run before the skies opened up and washed out the program. The “Flying Kosiski Brothers” – Joe, Steve, and Ed – and Bob Hill of Story City were victorious.

Thursday night saw clear skies and cooler temperatures and the evening began with time trials for the top 20 late models from the heat races the night before. Roger Dolan of Lisbon set fast time of 22.51 seconds. Ed Kosiski had the second fastest time of 22.71 seconds. That put those two drivers on the front row for the 40-lap feature.

Dolan jumped out in front at the drop of the green and despite a yellow flag, managed to hold the top spot until lap 22 when Dale Fischlein of Independence overtook him.

But Dolan, being the veteran that he is, stayed close to Fischlein and began looking for a way around him. Dolan found the high groove to his liking and began putting pressure on Fischlein until lap 28 when Dolan regained the lead.

Fischlein stayed close to Dolan as Dave Chase joined the duo on lap 29, making it a three-car shootout to the end. But Dolan was up to the task and was not to be denied as he continues to be the hottest driver in the NASCAR Central Region.

Fischlein and Chase finished second and third, respectively, with Steve Kosiski of Omaha and Dave Birkhofer of Muscatine rounding out the top-five.

In other action, Rich Mercer of Creston won the street stock feature and Rick Germar of Red Oak was the modified feature winner.


Results –

Time Trials – Roger Dolan, Lisbon (22.51)
Heat #1 – Joe Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
Heat #2 – Bob Hill, Story City
Heat #3 – Steve Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
Heat #4 – Ed Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
B-main – Curt Martin, Independence
Feature –
1. Roger Dolan
2. Dale Fischlein, Independence
3. Dave Chase, Omaha, Neb.
4. Steve Kosiski
5. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
6. Ed Kosiski
7. Bob Hill
8. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
9. Jay Johnson, Wapello
10.Curt Martin
11.Gene Claxton, Kansas City
12.Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
13.Terry Buresh, Bellevue, Neb.
14.Johnny Saathoff, Beatrice, Neb.
15.Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids

1987 - Miller Outdrives Trickle; Tops La Crosse ARTGO

 

Butch Miller on his second ARTGO Racing Series feature in as many nights at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, the Special Export Light 100. – Russ Lake Photo

West Salem, Wis. (June 24, 1987) – Butch Miller squeezed past Dick Trickle with just 11 laps remaining to win the Special Export Light 100 Wednesday night at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway before the largest ARTGO crowd ever assembled here.

The conclusion brought the crowd of 5,771 to their feet repeatedly in the final 30 laps as six-time ARTGO champion Trickle and current American Speed Association point leader Miller dueled side-by-side, interrupted only by lapped traffic.

Finally, on the 89th lap, Miller once again dipped low coming off the second turn, some say through the grass, and edged inside the crafty Wisconsin Rapids ace to gain the lead and score the victory 11 circuits later.

Trickle took runner-up honors as Miller sliced into Trickle’s ARTGO point lead with a 100-lap victory Tuesday night at Raceway Park in Shakopee, Minn., and Wednesday’s triumph at La Crosse.

Joe Shear, after challenging for the top spot early on, settled for third with Tom Reffner and Dave Watson rounding out the top-five.

Trickle, formerly the weekly hero at the 5/8-mile paved oval, set fast time with a 19.537-second clocking over the 45-car late model field which included NASCAR Winston cup point leader and two-time champion Dale Earnhardt.

Earnhardt, whose 13th quickest qualifying time placed him on the outside of the front row, blasted into the feature lead over Rich Bickle Jr. at the drop of the green.

A serious crash on the ninth lap involving Doug Herbst brought out the yellow flag. On the restart, Reffner passed Bickle for second and closed in on Earnhardt, wrestling the lead away on lap 19 with Trickle following through the second spot.

On the 22nd lap, Earnhardt displayed some instinctive driving skills by miraculously keeping his car straight after a skid into the second turn “marbles”. He retired after 40 laps with handling issues and scored as 16th.

Trickle was the next one to bring the crowd to its feet as he and his archrival Reffner diced for the lead with Trickle taking the top spot on lap 25 homestretch pass. But the fireworks were far from over as now Shear mounted a charge racing side-by-side with Trickle for 10 laps before dropping back. Miller took second on lap 40.


Results –

1. Butch Miller, Coopersville, Minn.
2. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
3. Joe Shear, Clinton
4. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
5. Dave Watson, Milton 
6. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor
7. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
8. Scott Hansen, Green Bay
9. Rick Wateski, La Crosse
10.Tom Carlson, La Crosse
11.Steve Carlson, West Salem
12.Burt Weitemeyer, Lansing, Ill.
13.Robbie Reiser, Allenton
14.Don Turner, La Crosse
15.Tim Wood, McFarland
16.Dale Earnhardt, Kannapolis, N.C.
17.Steve Murgic, Rosemount, Minn.
18.Frank Gawlinski, Lyndon, Ill.
19.Craig Peterson, Minneapolis
20.Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.

1981 - 'Race Days' Win to Steve Kosiski

 

Steve Kosiski of Omaha won the seventh annual Race Days title at Buena Vista Raceways. The 21-year-old racing phenom is joined by trophy girl Nancy Grienke. – Bill Haglund Photo

Alta, Iowa (June 24, 1981) – Young Steve Kosiski provided an exciting finish Wednesday night to win the seventh annual “Race Days” title at Buena Vista Raceway.

Kosiski, a 21-year-old driver from Omaha, took advantage of other driver’s misfortune, then stole a last lap victory from Minnesotan Dwaine Hanson to win the 40-lap late model event, as a full house of nearly 2,000 roared their approval.

“I really didn’t think I was going to catch him,” admitted Kosiski afterwards. “He was running awful fast most of the race, but we really got hooked up in the last few laps. I’m really fortunate to have some super equipment and these guys (pit crew) know how to make it work.”

Kosiski started the main event on the inside of the fourth row, and looked on patiently as veteran driver Dave Bjorge of Austin, Minn., roared out to a comfortable lead over Des Moines’ Billy Moyer Jr., Hansen, and Jim Thruman of Freeport, Ill.

On the 11th go-round, misfortune struck the hard-running Bjorge when his rear axle snapped, allowing Moyer to take over the top spot.

A mere 10 laps later, however, the hands of fate fell on the front-running Moyer as his engine let go, elevating Hansen to the head of the field, with Kosiski now battling for the runner-up spot with Thruman and Bill Rice of Des Moines.

Hansen seemed to have things well in hand until the 31st lap, when Kosiski finally broke free from the pack of second place challengers and began to make up ground on the popular Minnesotan.

Kosiski continued his assault on the top position, until the very last circuit, when he rode the outside guardrail coming out of the fourth and final turn to nudge by Hansen by a matter of inches at the flag.

A disappointed Hansen blamed cautiousness on his narrow loss. “I just got too cautious at the end,” he said. “I sure can’t complain though. I’m sure we can away with even more money than Steve did.”

Thruman, who traveled the farthest distance to this year’s $10,000 event, settled for third-place money ahead of Al Urhammer of Radcliffe, and Joe Kosiski, the winner’s brother, rounding out the top five.

Late model heat races went to Thruman, Billy Moyer, Urhammer, and Bjorge, with Moyer winning an exciting 8-lap trophy dash, Consolation honors went to Joe Kosiski. Who finished ahead of Bob Hill of Randall and Frank Jorgenson of Carroll.

In other action, Mel Sorenson of Elkhorn, Neb., won the sportsman 30-lapper and Estherville’s Rick Zitterich won the 20-lap street stock feature.


Results –

Heat #1 – Jim Thruman, Freeport, Ill.
Heat #2 – Billy Moyer Jr., Des Moines
Heat #3 – Al Urhammer, Radcliffe
Heat #4 – Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
Trophy dash – Billy Moyer Jr.
Consolation – Joe Kosiski, Omaha
Feature –
1. Steve Kosiski, Omaha
2. Dwaine Hansen, Lakefield, Minn.
3. Jim Thruman
4. Al Urhammer
5. Joe Kosiski
6. Denny Hovinga, Pocahontas
7. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
8. Keith Mander, Honey Creek
9. Roger Dolan, Lisbon
10.Roger Tapper, Webster City
11.Bill Rice, Des Moines
12.Craig Spetman, Council Bluffs
13.Frank Jorgenson, Carroll
14.Randy Sterner, Blair, Neb.
15.Ray Haase, Norfolk, Neb.

1967 - White Wins Indiana Classic

 

Rose Queen Diana Grant plants a firm kiss on Don White’s cheek after the Keokuk, Iowa, driver won the Indiana Classic at the State Fairgrounds. – Charles Berry Photo

Indianapolis, Ind. (June 24, 1967) – It was his 41st birthday, so Don White gave himself many happy returns for the day – and night.

The Keokuk, Iowa, leadfoot made it two in a row at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Saturday night as he outdueled Parnelli Jones to take the 100-miler for USAC stock cars.

And the $6,296 he collected out of a $22,283 purse makes a mighty nice birthday present.

White and his 1967 Dodge covered the assigned distance in 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 24 seconds for an average speed of 82.873 miles per hour. That was about six seconds better than Parnelli could summon from his 1967 Ford.

White finally pulled away from a whing-ding of a battle with Jones on the 28th mile and was never headed the rest of the way. He had built up almost a half-lap lead when he made his mandatory pit stop on lap 61.

Two caution lights in the last 40 circuits let Parnelli close most of the gap and also slowed the race average speed below last year’s 83.97 miles per hour pace.

Still, Al Unser, in another ’67 Charger, was the only other driver besides White and Jones to finish on the lead lap.

Andy Hampton turned the first and most spectacular yellow light on the 61st circuit. He didn’t turn his 1965 Dodge left going into the first turn. A steering failure didn’t leave him any choice. Hampton and his Dodge left early, plowing straight through the outer guardrail and cyclone fence. Andy wasn’t hurt but the car was.

Ralph Latham added six more laps under caution when he spun his ’65 Plymouth on lap 78. He was running fifth at the time.

For the first 27 miles, this was as dandy as a race you’ll ever see with three leaders and six lead changes.

White, starting from the pole position, took the lead going into the first turn, but eighth-place starter A.J. Foyt was already on the move.

He was fourth by the time the field hit the backstretch, got by Unser for third in the first turn of the second lap, polished off second-place Jones at the other end of the track on the next circuit.

White was a tougher nut to crack. A.J. didn’t get around him until they came into the backstretch on the ninth circuit.

Just when it looked like the three-time Indianapolis 500 winner was going turn the race into a showcase for his own personal dirt track virtuosity, , the engine in his 1967 Ford turned cannibal and Foyt coasted to the pit area on lap 29.

That put White back in front but for one lap only. He went wallowing into the deep stuff in the second turn and Jones sneaked by and grabbed the lead.

White got himself straightened out and started his pursuit. That started a nose-to-tail duel for the next 17 miles. Parnelli finally got a tap as he tried to get by a slower car coming into the backstretch on lap 28. That sent Parnelli into the outer fence and White bombed past for good.

White, who also scored in last August’s State Fair Century, was more than a lap ahead of fourth place Butch Hartman and his 1965 Dodge. Fifth went to J.C. Klotz in ’65 Plymouth.

Mario Andretti was a surprise entry. That is, he surprised everyone except himself and his car owner who claimed they had fielded an entry. But USAC and promoter Joe Quinn hadn’t seen hide or hair of it, so Mario was forced to qualify near the tail-end of the 36-car field.

With that disadvantage, he started 12th. He finally worked his way into eighth place before the engine in his 1967 Ford got cranky after 13 laps.


Results –


1. Don White
2. Parnelli Jones
3. Al Unser
4. Butch Hartman
5. J.C. Klotz
6. Norm Nelson
7. Bay Darnell
8. Roger Regeth
9. Norm Brown
10.Bill Cheesbourg
11.Jerry Smith
12.Jack Bowsher
13.Jim Martin
14.Keith Ploughe
15.Dave Whitcomb

1984 – Rosenberg Tops NASCAR Field at Boone

 

Denny Rosenberg of Grimes won his third NASCAR Grand American feature of the season at Boone Speedway. – Dean Malone Photo

Boone, Iowa (June 23, 1984) – Denny Rosenberg of Grimes picked up his third NASCAR Grand American feature win and Scott Sells of Waverly was the “bridesmaid” for the third time during the 1984 racing season at Boone Speedway on Saturday night.

Darrel DeFrance of Marshalltown was third. He won the last NASCAR Grand American event on June 2.

Kent Kaplan of Ankeny took the lead away from initial leader Sammy Baugh of Grand Junction early in the race and went on to score the victory in the IMCA modified feature. Dave Dresser of Ames was third.

Just as the thunder car race was about to begin, speedway officials learned that the car normally driven by Kendall Sather of Ankeny was being piloted by Steve Shannon of Des Moines.

Since the track rules is that the points go to the driver, not the car, Shannon was moved to the rear of the field for the start. Shannon drove an inspired race as he worked his way through the pack to take the lead about halfway through the event, only to experience mechanical difficulties which forced him off the pace and he finished second to winner Larry Weiland Jr. of Des Moines.

Larry Fricke of Marshalltown made his first appearance at Boone a happy one as he captured the street stock feature with Joe College of Earlham second and Sid Pencook of Radcliffe third.


Results –

Late Model –

Heat #1 – Scott Sells, Waverly
Heat #2 – Denny Rosenberg, Grimes
Feature –
1. Denny Rosenberg
2. Scott Sells
3. Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown


IMCA Modified –

Heat #1 – Ross Krieger, Jefferson
Heat #2 – Kent Kaplan, Ankeny
Feature –
1. Kent Kaplan
2. Sammy Baugh, Grand Junction
3. Dave Dresser, Ames


Thunder Car –

Heat #1 – Steve Shannon, Norwalk
Heat #2 – Tim Milner, Des Moines
Feature
1. Larry Weiland Jr., Des Moines
2. Steve Shannon
3. Richard Clark, Des Moines


Street Stock –

Heat #1 – Brad Gray, Stuart
Heat #2 – Sid Pencook, Radcliffe
Feature –
1. Larry Fricke, Marshalltown
2. Joe College, Earlham
3. Sid Pencook

1956 – Larson Wins Over Grim at Newport

 

Jud Larson gets a hug from his wife Valerie after winning the 20-lap Dixie Sweepstakes at Newport, Tenn. 

Newport, Tenn. (June 23, 1956) – Jud Larson, the red-hot Austin, Tex., big-car driver, pressed down hard on the throttle and copped the “Dixie Sweepstakes” Saturday night at the brand-new half-mile Tennessee-Carolina Speedway.

Larson swept by Bobby Grim of Indianapolis midway through the contest and held the lead comfortably all the way to the checkered flag.

He powered the Campbell Offenhauser through the 20 laps on the banked oval in 8 minutes and 19.24 seconds.

Trailing Larson and Grim at the finish were Don Carr of Tampa, Fla., Bud Randall of Fairmount, Ind., and Ray Knepper of Belleville, Ill.

The National Speedways, Inc., sponsored racing program was the initial auto racing card presented on the newly completed track. A standing room crowd watched the action.


Results –

Time Trials – Bobby Grim, Indianapolis
Heat #1 – Ray Knepper, Belleville, Ill.
Heat #2 – Arnold Knepper, Belleville, Ill.
Heat #3 – Bobby Grim
Trophy Dash – Eddie Loetscher, St. Louis
Pursuit – Jud Larson, Austin, Tex.
Feature –
1. Jud Larson
2. Bobby Grim
3. Don Carr, Tampa, Fla.
4. Bud Randall, Fairmount, Ind.
5. Ray Knepper
6. Bob Carpenter, Wabash, Ind.
7. Wilbur Robinson, Indianapolis

1980 – 5,134 Watch Shear Win ‘Red’ Race

 

Joe Shear

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (June 22, 1980) – Joe Shear of South Beloit, Ill., slipped past Larry Detjens of Wausau on the 30th lap and went on to win the 55-lap feature in the first race of the Red, White and Blue State Championship Series on Sunday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway.

With a crowd of 5,134 on hand, Shear scored a four-car-length victory over a fast-closing Dave Watson with former Fox River Racing Club champion Larry Schuler third, Detjens fourth and Mike Miller rounding out the top five.

Dick Trickle, a four-time Red, White, and blue champion, qualified a substitute car for the feature. The car was normally driven by bob Iverson. Trickle destroyed his Pontiac Firebird on Saturday night in a violent crash in Berlin, Mich. He was taken to a hospital for overnight observation after being knocked unconscious and released the next morning.

Trickle was able to guide Iverson’s car to a ninth-place finish to keep in the running for the 1980 title.

Detjens took the lead from his front row starting position and held back repeated challenges from Schuler. By the 15th round, the race for the lead was a five-car freight train with Detjens out front, Schuler in second, Shear third, J.J. Smith fourth and Watson in fifth.

Those five cars raced in that formation until lap 23 when Shear overpowered Schuler for the second spot with an inside move coming out of turn four.

Shear then slipped past Detjens on lap 30. Smith also got past Detjens on the 35th lap and appeared to be closing in on Shear until a right rear tire began to blister and he was forced to slacken his pace. That allowed Watson to move past Smith for second.

Shear would cruise to victory even though Watson narrowed his lead to four-car-lengths at the finish.


Results –

1. Joe Shear, South Beloit, Ill.
2. Dave Watson, Milton
3. Larry Schuler, New Lenox, Ill.
4. Larry Detjens, Wausau
5. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
6. Jim Sauter, Necedah
7. J.J. Smith, Appleton
8. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh
9. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
10.Tony Strupp, Slinger
11.Tom Reffner, Rudolph
12.Bob Abitz, Freedom
13.Butch Mierendorf, Lake Mills
14.Steve Seligman, Lake Bluffs, Ill.
15.Wayne Roffers, Oneida
16.Al Schill, Franklin
17.Dennis Vogel, Manitowoc
18.John Knaus, Rockford, Ill.
19.Alan Kulwicki, Greenfield
20.Steve Moll, La Valle

1986 - Wilmot USAC Stocks to Sentman

 

Charlie Sentman waves to the crowd after topping the USAC late model field at Wilmot Speedway. Trophy girl Michelle Hendriksen and announcer Jack Biddison joins the winner in victory lane- Mike Napierala Photo

Wilmot, Wis. (June 21, 1986 – Defending USAC Late Model Series titlist Charlie Sentman, "The Racing Auctioneer" of Waveland, Ind., jumped in front on the opening lap and went on to win the series’ 40-lap feature Saturday night at Wilmot Speedway.

Sentman nabbed the frontrunning position from his front row starting position. Sentman dominated the entire race and was able to fend off late challenges from Ernie Barrow to earn the victory.

Barrow settled for runner-up honors while Rick Standridge took third. Current USAC point leader Billy Moyer Jr. placed fourth ahead of Pete Parker.


Results –

1. Charlie Sentman
2. Ernie Barrow
3. Rick Standridge
4. Billy Moyer Jr.
5. Pete Parker
6. Dick Potts
7. Whitey Harris
8. Ray Guss Jr.
9. Jeff Bodendorfer
10.Gary Herbert

1964 – Foyt Wins Langhorne 100

 

Anthony Joseph Foyt 

Langhorne, Penn. (June 21, 1964) – A.J. Foyt, the 1964 Indianapolis 500 winner, overcame heat, a balky power steering, and formidable competition Sunday to capture the 100-mile race at Langhorne Speedway and virtually clinched his fourth United States Auto Club national championship.

Foyt, of Houston, Tex., was on the outside of the first row at the start of the race and jumped out in front to take the lead and held it throughout despite being pressed by Don Branson of Champaign, Ill., who finished second, one-half lap behind.

Foyt developed problems with his power steering on his brand-new Sheraton-Thompson Special around the 42nd lap and had to wrestle with the steering for the remainder of the race.

It was the 12th win of the season and the fifth consecutive victory for Foyt who is the defending USAC national champion. Foyt earned $4,900 from a $20,000 purse. His winning time was 58 minutes and 30 seconds at an average speed of 102.522 miles per hour. The temperatures on the surface of the track were reported to be in upwards of 123 degrees.

Bobby Marshman of Pottstown, Penn., was third, Jim McElreath of Arlington, Tex., took fourth and Arnie Knepper of Belleville, Ill., rounded out the top five.


Results –


1. A.J. Foyt
2. Don Branson
3. Bobby Marshman
4. Jim McElreath
5. Arnie Knepper
6. Bob Mathouser
7. Bobby Unser
8. Lloyd Ruby
9. Mario Andretti
10. Jud Larson
11. Norm Hall
12. Johnny Rutherford
13. Bob Harkey
14. Bruce Jacobi
15. Bud Tingelstad
16. Dee Jones
17. Curly Boyd

1965 – Amick Leads Start to Finish at Winchester

 

Richard "Red" Amick

Winchester, Ind. (June 20, 1965) – Red Amick, Muncie, won the 30-lap feature of the International Motor Contest Association-sanctioned sprint car program Sunday afternoon at Winchester Speedway.

Amick, the fastest qualifier for a single lap at 17.94 seconds, started on the pole position for the feature and was never headed.

Dan Mast, Marion, Ohio, finished second and Norm Brown, Grand Rapids, Mich., was third.

Amick turned the 30 laps over the half-mile in 9 minutes and 14.10 seconds for a new track record for cars of that type.

Heat winners were Dick Gaines, Mitchell, Jim McCune, Toledo, Ohio, and Bob Davis, Dayton, Ohio. Amick won a match race involving the top four fastest qualifiers and Bernie Graybeal, Frankfort, Ky., won the consolation race.


Results –

Heat #1 – Dick Gaines, Mitchell
Heat #2 – Jim McCune, Toledo, Ohio
Heat #3 – Don Davis, Dayton, Ohio
Match race – Red Amick, Muncie
Consolation – Bernie Graybeal, Frankfort, Ky.
Feature –
1. Red Amick
2. Dean Mast, Marion, Ohio
3. Norm Brown, Grand Rapids, Mich.
4. Jim McCune
5. Ray Duckworth, Anderson
6. Norm Brown
7. Gordon Woolley, Waco, Tex.
8. Charlie Masters, Waddy, Ky.
9. Bill Eubanks, Indianapolis
10.Benny Rapp, Toledo, Ohio

1984 - Martin Leads All Laps in Capital ARTGO 100

 

Mark Martin led green to checkered in the "Tuesdays Are Terrific 100" ASA-ARTGO Challenge Series late model feature at Capital Super Speedway. He’s joined in victory lane by Cindy Day. – Russ Lake Photo

By Stan Kalwasinski

Oregon, Wis. (June 19, 1984) – Wheeling his 1984 Thunderbird, Mark Martin was the winner of the ASA-ARTGO Challenge Series “Tuesdays Are Terrific 100” late model feature at the Capital Super Speedway on Tuesday night.

Martin, the 25-year-old Batesville, Ark., speedster, recorded his first Challenge Series victory of the current campaign, giving him a total of 12 career wins on the Midwestern stock car circuit.

Leading all 100 circuits around the high-banked, half-mile paved oval, Martin became the first driver to win an ARTGO-sanctioned event in a Ford-powered product.

Taking home $3,825 for his efforts, Martin picked up the $1,000 bounty which was placed on current points leader Dick Trickle.

Martin, who started on the outside of the front row of the 24-car field, defeated the night’s fastest qualifier Alan Kulwicki and Trickle, who started last in the 100-lapper and finished third.

Rounding out the top six were Frank Gawlinski, Joe Shear, and NASCAR superstar Darrell Waltrip., who drove his V6-powered Camaro.

A sellout crowd of 7,388 was on hand to watch the action.


Results –

1. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
2. Alan Kulwicki, Greenfield
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood, Ill.
5. Joe Shear, Beloit
6. Darrell Waltrip, Franklin, Tenn.
7. Steve Burgess, Eau Claire
8. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
9. Dennis Lampman, Oak Creek
10.Bryan Reffner, Rudolph
11.Tracy Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
12.Bobby Weiss, Montello
13.J.J. Smith, Appleton
14.Tom Reffner, Rudolph
15.Ken Lund, Madison

1977 - HRN's Denny Carter Killed in Accident

 

Vinton, Iowa (June 19, 1977) – Two Vinton residents lost their lives early Sunday morning in a grinding, two-car T-bone crash at the intersection of Highway 101 and County E-16, just north of the Dudgeon Area bridge.

Dennis Dean Carter, 27, was dead on arrival at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton and Brian Leon Walker, 17, died en route to University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Kyle Gingrich, 12, a passenger in Carter’s automobile, was transferred Sunday afternoon to University Hospitals where he was listed in serious condition.

Carter, driving a 1969 Chevrolet station wagon, was southbound on 101 when his car was struck broadside by a 1969 Chevrolet driven by Walker. Walker was driving west on E16 when he apparently ran through a stop sign, hitting Carter on the driver’s side.

Both cars went down an embankment on the west side of Highway 101 and the Carter vehicle came to rest on it’s top. Both Carter and Gingrich were wearing seat belts during the collision. The Gingrich youth was freed from the wreck, but it took medical and sheriff’s officials about an hour to free Carter.

Carter died of chest injuries while Walker died of head injuries.

Carter and Gingrich were returning from Fairbank where Gingrich had driven a quarter midget owned by Carter. Carter was president of International Speedways, promoter of quarter midget races throughout the state. He was employed at Hawkeye Racing News in Vinton.

Carter’s quarter midget, which was on a carrier atop his station wagon, was thrown 150 feet from the vehicle during impact.

Walker would have been a senior at Washington High School this fall.

Carter came to Hawkeye Racing News in 1970 out of Marshalltown Junior college and was instrumental in setting up many of the newspaper’s policies. He left in 1971 to enroll in the University of Northern Iowa. In 1972 he worked part-time while attending college. In 1973 he received his BS degree and took over the role of editor, a position he held until 1974.

In 1975 he asked to be transferred to the advertising managership. In September of 1976, he started Hawkeye Printing Co., in Waterloo, moving the operation to Vinton in December. Since then, he worked with Hawkeye Racing News in an advisory role and chief compositor.

He had recently sold the Hawkeye Printing company to Don Cryder of Ames.

1986 – Noble Wins Chateau IMCA National

 

Mark Noble

Lansing, Minn. (June 18, 1986) – Mark Noble led from wire-to-wire, holding off serious challenges from two drivers along the way, to win the first Southeastern Minnesota IMCA Modified National Series race Wednesday night at Chateau Speedway.

Noble, who is the current point leader at the track, swept the action as he earlier had won his heat and the “Dash for Cash” before claiming the 25-lap feature win before a large crowd at the 1/3-mile dirt oval.

Noble’s first win – in the first heat – actually took 24 hours to complete. He led after six laps on Tuesday night when continuous rains forced discontinuation of the program until Wednesday. The heat race was resumed with six laps complete on Wednesday and Noble maintained his lead to the finish.

While Noble, who started on the pole, was credited with leading all 25 laps of the feature – picking up $100 bonuses for leading laps 10 and 20 along the way – he was passed momentarily twice on the backstretch before regaining the lead at the start/finish line.

First to challenge Noble was current IMCA National Series point leader Dude Thompson of Huxley, Iowa, who started third in the field. Thompson shot past Noble midway in the event as he entered the third turn, but lapped traffic slowed Thompson’s momentum and Noble was back out front at the flag.

Next to challenge was Greg Kastli of Waterloo, Iowa, who started sixth. Kastli moved into a challenging position after about 15 laps. He kept the pressure on Noble lap after lap, finally nudging ahead as the duo entered turn three. But, once again, Noble was able to regain the top spot on the front straightaway and stay out front to score his first-ever National Series victory.

Kastli’s hard charge ended three laps away from the finish when he suffered brake failure and was forced to race with Davenport, Iowa’ Bruce Hanford and Thompson for runner-up honors.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Noble said. “I thought I had a chance to win last week at Fairmont (a National Series race) but finished second.”


Results –

Heat #1 – Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie
Heat #2 – Bruce Hanford, Davenport, Iowa
Heat #3 – Dude Thompson, Huxley, Iowa
Heat #4 – Denny Anderson, Rochester
Dash – Mark Noble
Feature –
1. Mark Noble
2. Greg Kastli, Waterloo, Iowa
3. Bruce Hanford
4. Dude Thompson
5. Leroy Scharkey, Rochester
6. Gus Hughes, Monticello, Iowa
7. Doug Hillson, Blooming Prairie
8. Steve Rustman, Mankato
9. Randy Winter, Winnebago
10.Bob Van Gorp, Des Moines, Iowa
11.Mark Zimmerman, Cleveland
12.Ron Luitjens, Brewster
13.Jerry Boumeister, Wauseca
14.Dave Noble, Blooming Prairie
15.Al Reidel, Kasson

1967 – Paul Fitzpatrick Hits Milestone

 

Paul Fitzpatrick

By Dave Anderson

Rochester, Minn. (June 18, 1967) – Rochester’s Paul Fitzpatrick, holder of virtually every Minnesota Speedways, Inc., season and career records, has set a standard few MSI stock car drivers will reach.

Ftizpatrick’s noteworthy achievement came in his first race on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds track Sunday night. Despite the feat, it was the second race that the veteran jockey will remember for years to come.

Most avid racing fan (there were 2,475 on hand Sunday) are aware that Fitzpatrick has enjoyed tremendous success with MSI, the Rochester-based organization that was formed in 1963. However, few realize the extent of Paul’s “kingpin” role in the modified division.

Last season, the 37-year-old charger placed “in the money” in 51 races, winning 16. In 1965, he placed in 79 races, winning 19. In 1964, he placed in 39 races, winning six. In 1963, he placed in 19 races, winning seven. Thus far this season, “Fitz” has place in all 20 races he’s entered, winning seven.

Now, if you add those up, you’ll find the full-time backhoe operator has gathered “chips” 201 times, winning a grand total of 55 races. A fourth in his heat race Sunday was #200 and a win in the 15-lap feature was #201. Combined, the two events produced his largest ever MSI purse.

“I’ll continue to run with MSI as long as things continue as they are,” said Fitzpatrick, who makes weekly jaunts to Independence, Iowa, on Saturday nights. “They pay better in Iowa, but I certainly can’t complain about the way things have been breaking for me in Minnesota this season. I won a lot of trophies in the ’65 season but last year I had better payoffs. I have to believe we’ll do a lot better this season.”

When Paul says “we,” he’s referring to the to the other member of the four-man team that keeps his 1957 Chevrolet in top running order. They’re the Sperry brothers – Sam and Ken – and Dick Neitzel. Sam, the pit chief, works in Minneapolis, but Ken and Dick are both employed at IBM in Rochester. The quartet has been together for three years and as Neitzel says, “It looks as though we have a winning combination.”

In the feature, Fitzpatrick started on the outside of the second row. Austin’s Ron Kester drew the pole position and led the first nine laps before succumbing to Fitzpatrick’s steadily increasing pace.

1987 - Runaway Win for Blaney in Impact All-Star Win

 

Dave Blaney emerged the winner of the All-Star Circuit of Champions 30-lap sprint car feature at Impact Speedway. He was greeted in victory lane by trophy girl Julie Hobbins. – Lowell Dalsoren

Oregon, Wis. (June 17, 1987) – Dave Blaney found the correct tire combination and rode the cushion to victory in the 30-lap All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint car main event at Impact Speedway on Wednesday night.

Blaney had things pretty much his way from the start as he charged from the back of the starting grid to take second place by lap 5 by passing Doug Wolfgang, who had set a track record earlier in time trials. Three circuits later, Blaney powered past early leader Kelly Kinser, and the rout was on from there.

“We happened to put the right set-up on and hit the right tire combination,” Blaney said from victory lane. “The track really came to the car as the feature went on and it was just one of those nights for us.”

While Blaney was hammering his car into the corners and building up a half-lap lead over Wolfgang, there were several good battles in the back of the pack.

Kinser, Rocky Hodges, and Rick Ungar took turns occupying the third position, with Kenny Jacobs in pursuit.

Blaney looked secure with his advantage at the mid-point of the race, but a late caution gave Wolfgang, Kinser, and Hodges a last shot at the leader. Blaney was up to the challenge, however, and roared away from his competition at the drop of the Dick Witt’s green flag.

Wolfgang, who had earlier become the first driver to crack the 17-second barrier at Impact with a 16.810-second clocking, held on to second while Hodges outran Ungar to take third. John Stevenson passed a fading Jacobs late to earn fifth-place money.

“The top cushion was the place to be tonight,” stated Blaney, who collected $4,000 from a $20,000 purse.


Results –

1. Dave Blaney, Hartford, Ohio
2. Doug Wolfgang, Sioux Falls, S.D.
3. Rocky Hodges, Des Moines, Iowa
4. Rick Ungar, Indianapolis
5. John Stevenson, St. Pal, Minn.
6. Kenny Jacobs, Holmesville, Ohio
7. Kelly Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.
8. Jim Moulis, Fox Lake, Ill.
9. Joe Gaerte, Rochester, Ind.
10.Tony Weyant, Springfield, Ill.

1961 – Oklahoma Pilot Cops Feature at Playland

 

Council Bluffs, Iowa (June 17, 1961) – A deft-driving daredevil from Oklahoma City thrilled 4,100 fans on Saturday night at Playland Speedway as he captured the 50-lap stock car feature from the favorites.

Bob Reynolds literally tore up Playland’s asphalt in edging defending International Motor Contest Association titlist Ernie Derr of Keokuk for top honors.

In doing so, he broke up what appeared to be a stranglehold that Keokuk drivers had on victory laurels in the late model stock car program.

Derr, Ramo Stott, Jerry McCredie, and Dick Hutcherson, all of Keokuk, had hogged most of the preliminary honors.

And, for most of the feature, it appeared that Derr, the present IMCA point leader, would again earn checkered flag recognition.

He jumped to the front of the field on lap 3 and held on to it almost to the end.

But for much of the going, the front bumper of Reynold’s racer was nudging the bumper of Derr’s.

Then, on the next-to-last go round, Reynolds darted inside his rival on the first and second turns. They battled side-by-side on the backstretch and as they entered the final set of turns, the Oklahoman took command.

Despite Derr’s last lap challenge, Reynolds held on and crossed the finish line a car-length ahead with the capacity crowd on their feet roaring their approval.

Playland’s asphalt took a fearful beating under the pounding of the heavy late model entries. By the time the feature was 10 laps old, the cars had gouged heavy hollows on every corner.

But while it made the going rough, the hazards never slowed the pace.


Results –

Heat #1 – Ernie Derr, Keokuk
Heat #2 – Bob Reynolds, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Heat #3 – Jerry McCredie, Keokuk
Match race – Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk
Consolation – Bill Moyer, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Bob Reynolds
2. Ernie Derr
3. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
4. Ramo Stott, Keokuk
5. Dick Johnson, St. Paul, Minn.

1975 – Hanson Takes Boone ‘Spring Invitational’

 

Curt Hansen of Dike won the 50-lap late model “Spring Invitational” feature at Boone Speedway. Hansen is being congratulated by flagman Eddie Tharp (left), trophy girls, and race promoter George Barton.

Boone, Iowa (June 16, 1975) – Curt Hansen of Dike must be a “special” kind of race driver.

In three “special” late model stock car races this spring, he has won two and finished third. His latest victory was in the Spring Invitational Short Track Championship at Boone Speedway on Monday night.

Hansen, 30, took the permanent lead on lap 18 of the 50-lap feature and earned $800.

Lem Blankenship of Keokuk finished second, earning $500. Ed Morris of Omaha, Neb., was third, Phil Reece of Des Moines, fourth, and Stan Stover of Reinbeck, fifth.

Hansen collected $1,000 in the recent Pepsi Special in Oskaloosa and his third place finish at the Iowa Challenge Cup in Cedar Rapids brought him $550. He has won more than $10,000 this season already.

“This is the first time I’ve been on a quarter-mile track this season,” Hansen said, after finishing a third of a lap ahead of Blankenship. “The car handled beautifully.”

“I tried to slow down a little bit when I got my lead built up, but the front end started dipping and diving around so I speeded it up and everything started running smoothly again.”

Hansen is second in points at Oskaloosa, Denison, and Cedar Rapids. He started running at Davenport a couple of weeks ago.

Blankenship had taken the early lead in his 1974 Camaro. But he said that after Hansen took the lead, “I didn’t even try to race with him because I was having so many problems with the holes.”

The “holes” are the result of some recent heavy rains.

“This is the first time I had my crew set the car up for a quarter-mile track,” Blankenship continued. “I think they did a wonderful job. They didn’t have the slightest idea about what gear to use.”

Don Hoffman and Joe Merryfield, both of Des Moines, didn’t fare well. Hoffman was forced out from his heat race after he suffered a flat tire and then went out of the B-main with transmission issues. Merryfield placed third in his heat but retired from the feature after 23 laps. His mechanical problems were not diagnosed.

Vern Carmen, principal stockholder in the speedway, said attendance was approximately 1,600.

“That is disappointing,” he said. "I had figured on paid attendance of 3,000. We made enough to pay the $5,000 purse, but you’d like to make a little more.”


Results –


Heat #1 – Ed Morris, Council Bluffs
Heat #2 – Lem Blankenship, Keokuk
Heat #3 – Phil Reece, Des Moines
Heat #4 – Curt Hansen, Dike
Trophy dash – Ed Morris
B-main – Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
Feature –
1. Curt Hansen
2. Lem Blankenship
3. Ed Morris
4. Phil Reece
5. Stan Stover, Reinbeck
6. Bob Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
7. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha, Neb.
8. Dan Nesteby, Waterloo
9. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
10.Red Dralle, Evansdale

1963 - All Records Fall as McCluskey Wins

 

Jim Hurtubise (right), who had won the last five sprint car races at Terre Haute, presents a sliver cigarette ashtray to Roger McCluskey after the Tucson, Ariz., driver won the 30-lap USAC sprint car feature.

Terre Haute, Ind. (June 16, 1963) - It was only fitting that with records being set for everything from one-lap to hot dogs that the Terre Haute Fairgrounds Action Track would also get a new sprint car champion.

So, Jim Hurtubise, with five straight victories under his belt here, abdicated his throne when a magneto failed on the 13th lap and Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., the current United States Auto Club sprint point leader, picked up the victory in Sunday’s record-setting sprint car program ever run anywhere.

Over 11,000 fans who paid a $10,695 purse and ate 9,000 hot dogs – all records – saw new records set in every race in which time was kept and saw the old track one-lap record broke by five different drivers.

They also got a new set of heroes for later races. Probably the guy who is going to grab the biggest share of attention from the local buffs is 22-year-old Steve Stapp, son of former racing great Babe Stapp and protégé of A.J. Foyt.

Stapp startled everyone – including himself – as he set a new track record of 23.42 seconds, and he was the fifth from last qualifier.

In grabbing the new standard, Stapp earned a $25 special prize from the hands of Chuck Hulse who first broke Roger McCluskey’s old track record of 23.60 seconds with a best lap of 23.44 seconds on the day’s first qualifying run.

During the racing itself, Stapp took third in the first heat behind McCluskey and Hulse.

Then in the feature he held off Hurtubise in a brilliant wheel-to-wheel dual through 13 laps until Hurtubise dropped out. Foyt, who has been Stapp’s teacher along the rugged USAC trail, took up the chase at that point and pupil and teacher went at it hammer and tong until Foyt finally got around him on lap 25.

After the race A.J. told his pupil, “Buddy, you got your last lesson out there today. You get any better and I won’t get around you.”

As for the feature race itself, it was McCluskey’s when he beat Hulse and Hurtubise into the first turn on the green flag start. “Hercules” starting on the outside of the second row, tried to go high and beat both McCluskey and Hulse. He almost got the job done, but as he put it,” I ran out of brave pills” and wound up about sixth coming into the back stretch.

After that one brief challenge, no one seriously pressed McCluskey – or second place Hulse for that matter. Both were decidedly faster than anyone else on the track Sunday afternoon.

McCluskey’s winning time for the 30 laps was 12 minutes and 26 seconds, set by Eddie Sachs in 1958.

Heat race winners were Hulse, Hurtubise and Al Miller with Jiggs Peters picking up the semi-feature. Hulse shattered the old 8-lap record of 3 minutes and 16 seconds with a new mark of 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

The purse of $10,695 is a USAC-AAA record for a race on a half-mile track. The old mark was $9,100 set by the championship cars in a special race at Dayton, Ohio.

McCluskey picked up $2,422 for the winner’s share and Hulse didn’t go home empty-handed either with his take $1,578 as the first four places paid better than $1,000.

The track itself was in the best condition it has been in at least three years thanks to Kermit Nees and Bob Smith of Pittsfield, Ill. Hurtubise said after the race, “If I had ordered the track. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”


Results –


1. Roger McCluskey
2. Chuck Hulse
3. A.J Foyt
4. Steve Stapp
5. Don Branson
6. Al Miller
7. Bob Mathouser
8. Chuck Engel
9. Bob Black
10.Billy Earl
11.Ted Pfeiffer
12.Snooky Bullock
13.Jiggs Peter
14.Jim Hurtubise
15.Mickey Shaw

1977 – Tri-City Speedway Special to Wolfgang

 

Doug Wolfgang is joined by (l-r) starter Billy Shipman, heat winners Chuck Amati and Dick Gaines, B-main winner Butch Wilkerson, and Marshall Yost, director of competition.

Granite City, Ill. (June 15, 1977) – Doug Wolfgang took the lead from Dick Gaines on the second lap and led the remaining 28 circuits to win the sprint car special at Tri-City Speedway.

In winning the 30-lap event, Wolfgang lapped all but three cars, Gaines, Tom Corbin, and Bob East. Chuck Amati, the pole sitter for the feature event, was forced to withdraw from the race on the fourth lap due to mechanical issues.

The only red flag of the racing program came during the first heat. Lenard McCarl of Des Moines, while attempting to lap a slower car, became involved in an accident which catapulted McCarl’s car over the first turn guardrail. McCarl was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for shoulder injuries.


Results –

Heat #1 – Chuck Amati, Marion
Heat #2 – Dick Gaines, Floyd Knobs, Ind,
Heat #3 – Doug Wolfgang, Des Moines
B-main – Butch Wilkerson, Columbus, Ind.
Feature –
1. Doug Wolfgang
2. Dick Gaines
3. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
4. Bob East, Bellflower, Calif.
5. Ron Milton, Jacksonville
6. Ricky Hood, Memphis, Tenn.
7. Mike Johnson, Martinsville, Ind.
8. Phil Howell, Jacksonville, Ill.
9. Butch Wilkerson
10.Larry Gates, Evansville, Ind.