1982 – Record 8,407 See Sauter Win WIR Spring 50

 

Jim Sauter is presented his trophy from Miss WIR Ronda Helbach and Tri-County Distributing’s Roger Blink after winning the Budweiser Spring 50 at Wisconsin International Raceway. – Jim Vercauteren Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 16, 1982) – Jim Sauter wrestled the lead away from John Ziegler on the 37th lap and went on to win the 50-lap feature in the Budweiser Spring Classic at Wisconsin International Raceway before a record crowd of 8,407 spectators.

Sauter, the defending Fox River Racing Club point champion at the track, guided his 1982 Pontiac Firebird to victory by several car lengths over Ziegler.

The top 11 finishers in the race crossed the finish line within nine seconds of one another. “It was a real tight field,” Sauter said from victory lane. “Everyone was evenly matched.”

After finishing sixth in the feature on Thursday night, Sauter made some major adjustments on his car and that gave him the edge on the 61 entries, of which the fastest 20 cars started the main event.

Terry Baldry, who recorded his best WIR finish with a third place showing, took the lead at the drop of the green and held on until the seventh lap. Ziegler ran wheel-to-wheel with Baldry for the top spot from the fourth lap until finally slipping around him on the seventh round. He quickly opened up a seven-car-length lead.

After a yellow flag slowed the field on the 15th lap, the pack tightened up on Ziegler’s bumper for the restart. Baldry continued to challenge Ziegler for the top spot and nearly regained the lead on lap 21 when he pulled even with Ziegler on the frontstretch. Ted Musgrave and Sauter soon moved into contention in third and fourth positions on the 24th lap.

Gary Roehrborn brought out the caution on lap 29 with a spin on the backstretch which again put the pack back on the Ziegler’s heels.

A mechanical malfunction dropped Musgrave out of the battle on lap 30 while Sauter began his charge to the front. He nosed ahead of Baldry going into the third turn on the 35th circuit, then powered by Ziegler on the outside coming out of the fourth turn on lap 37.

The final caution flew on lap 42 when J.J. Smith, Willie Goeden, Steve Burgess, Gary Roehrborn, and Kevin Stepan crashed in the first turn.

When all-out action resumed, Sauter kept control of the event to the finish. Following Sauter, Ziegler, and Baldry to the checkers were Dick Trickle, a five-time Red, White, and Blue Series winner at the track, and Joe Shear.

Trickle was the fastest qualifier at 19.969 seconds for the half-mile paved oval. His lap was the fastest ever recorded for late models, snapping the mark of 20.12 seconds established by Shear last summer.


Results –


1. Jim Sauter, Necedah
2. John Ziegler, Madison
3. Terry Baldry, Omro
4. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
5. Joe Shear, Beloit
6. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
7. Dave Watson, Milton
8. Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
9. Steve Burgess, Eau Claire
10. Gary Roehrborn, Kimberly
11.Wayne Roffers, Oneida
12.Willie Goeden, Kewaskum
13.J.J. Smith, Appleton
14.Kevin Stepan, Mosinee
15.Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh

1983 - Mitchell Quickest on Tough Vinton Oval

Jack Mitchell won the IMCA modified feature at the Vinton Speedway season opener.  

Vinton, Iowa (May 15, 1983) – Jack Mitchell of Cedar Falls began defense of his point championship at Vinton Speedway in impressive fashion as he beat Mike Schulte of Norway to the checkered flag in the 25-lap IMCA modified feature race before a small but enthusiastic crowd.

By feature time, the track, which had soaked up vast amounts of rain over the past few weeks, had developed deep ruts, especially in the turns, and drivers fought the track as much as they did each other. In fact, the 25 laps were so grueling and demanding that many of the drivers suffered bruises to their arms, legs, and backs from being tossed about inside their speeding machines.

“Two more laps and I would’ve had to pull out,” Schulte said after chasing Mitchell for much of the race. “I just couldn’t take much more.”

Schulte, third place finisher Jim Schmuecker of Vinton, and fourth-place finisher Howard Stinger of Cedar Rapids didn’t leave their cars for several minutes after the completion of the event and the exhaustion on their faces was evident.

Two mishaps were directly attributed to the rough surface.

The first, with three official laps completed, left speedway regular Mike Sampson of Evansdale with a completely destroyed race car. After a restart, with the field tightly bunched, Sampson was tagged by Hiawatha’s Steve Stinger as they left the fourth turn and entered the straightaway. Sampson’s car veered sharply to the right and slammed head-on into the cement retaining wall at more than 60 miles per hour. Sampson walked away uninjured but the frame on his car was bent beyond repair.

The other incident, also in the fourth turn, involved Buz Kaster of Kansas City and Mitchell. Running through the ruts, Mitchell’s car touched Kaster’s and the latter tagged the wooden guardrail that extends beyond the cement retaining wall. The impact bent a tie rod and flattened a tire, ending his drive. Nonetheless, Kaster was not discouraged.

“These IMCA modifieds are new in Kansas City and we’ve only had one race down there because of the weather,” Kaster said. “I wanted to come up here because I had heard so much about guys like Mitchell, Schulte and Fischlein (Dale) and I wanted to see if I could run with them. Also, I want to race this track two or three times at Vinton before the Nationals, so I know the track better.”

In other opening night action, Rex Cousins of Evansdale and Don Berg of Waterloo put on a door-to-door battle in the altered street stock feature before some lapped traffic ultimately decided the outcome. Berg got trapped, while Cousins sped by and took the opening night win the exciting 20-lap contest.


Results –


IMCA Modified –

1. Jack Mitchell, Cedar Falls
2. Mike Schulte, Norway
3. Jim Schmuecker, Vinton
4. Howard Stinger, Cedar Rapids
5. Todd Jensen, Waterloo
6. Bernie Juliar, Hudson
7. Doug Robison, Brandon
8. Buz Kaster, Kansas City, Mo.
9. Dan Higdon, Vinton
10.Merv Chandler, Cedar Rapids


Altered Street Stock –

1. Rex Cousins, Evansdale
2. Don Berg, Waterloo
3. Glen Conger, Waterloo
4. Craig Coventry, Brandon
5. Wayne Wall, Marion
6. Bob Tritle, Marion
7. Jim Kemmerling, Cedar Rapids

Rex Cousins of Evansdale won the altered street stock feature at Vinton Speedway to open up the 1983 season.

1972 – Tri-County Nod to McWilliams

Chuck McWilliams

West Chester, Ohio (May 14, 1972) – Chuck McWilliams, the 1968 and ’69 track champion here, won the United States Auto Club stock car 100-lap feature at Tri-County Speedway on Sunday.

Ralph Latham, the 1970 track champion, led the pack from the start and led the first 77 laps before he blew a tire and was forced to the pit area. Latham lost two laps on the tire change, came back out, but retired permanently a few laps later with mechanical issues.

Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, took over the lead after Lathem dropped out and maintained the top spot from lap 78 to 90.

On lap 91, McWilliams shot to the inside of Eaker in the second turn to take over the lead. Eaker would continue to knock on the door, but it would be to no avail as McWilliams would take the checkered.

Latham would show his intimate knowledge of the track during time trials with a time of 22.11 seconds.


Results –


1. Chuck McWilliams
2. Verlin Eaker
3. Jack Bowsher
4. Bay Darnell
5. Paul Feldner
6. Lem Blankenship
7. Ramo Stott
8. Sal Tovella
9. Kenny Reiter
10.Ken McEldowney
11.Bud Schroyer
12.Paul Sizemore
13.Tom Klippel
14.Jim Tobin
15.Ralph Latham
16.Jay Wyatt
17.Lefty Robinson
18.Bill Davis
19.Dan Dickey
20.J.J. Smith
21.Jigger Sirois
22.Butch Hartman

1988 – Swindell Paces Distance in Santa Fe WoO

 

Sammy Swindell led all 30 laps of the World of Outlaws sprint car A-main at Santa Fe Speedway. – Mark Killdoo Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (May 13, 1988) – Sammy Swindell outsprinted Dave Blaney into the first turn to gain the lead on the opening lap and then went on to lead all 30 laps in the World of Outlaws sprint car feature Friday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

Blaney earned the pole position for the event by winning the trophy dash over Swindell, but Swindell managed a good jump at the start and beat Blaney into the low groove in the first turn of the opening lap.

Swindell, who ran the first sub-15 second lap in the history of Santa Fe Speedway during time trials (14.846 seconds), never relinquished the lad as he went to take the checkered flag ahead of Blaney.

Steve Kinser placed third followed by Jac Haudenschild and Bobby Allen.

Mark Kinser, who was the second fastest qualifier, slammed into the wall and flipped three times in the feature but was not injured. Greg Wooley and Tim Gee were also involved in the crash but escaped injury as well.


Results - 


1. Sammy Swindell
2. Dave Blaney
3. Steve Kinser
4. Jac Haudenschild
5. Bobby Allen
6. Brad Doty
7. Steve Butler
8. Bobby Davis Jr.
9. Andy Hillenburg
10.Danny Smith

1979 – Overall Crown to Marzofka in Dells’ Midwest Championships

 

Promoter Larry Wehrs joins Marv Marzofka (center) and Mark Martin (right) in victory lane at the Midwest Championships at Dells Motor Speedway. Marzofka and Martin each won 75-lap features while Marzofka clinched the overall crown. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (May 13, 1979) – First and second place finishes in Sunday’s 75-lap features combined with a runner-up finish in Saturday’s 50-lap headliner, enabled Marv Marzofka of Nekoosa to claim the overall title in the Dells Midwest Championships for late models at Dells Motor Speedway.

The two-day program opened the track’s 1979 schedule.

The event’s three features produced three different winners with Dick Trickle taking Saturday night’s 50-lapper and Marzofka and Mark Martin winning Sunday’s twin 75-lappers. But Marzofka was the most consistent driver of the three overall.

Greg Arenson came from his outside front row starting berth to take the early lead in Saturday’s main event. John Knaus headed a tightly knit group in the battle for second place but was unable to keep pace with Arenson, who soon pulled to a comfortable advantage.

Utilizing the outside groove, Trickle, who had started 12th, methodically advanced through the pack in the early going and finally took over second place from Knaus on lap 12.

Trickle then quickly erased the straightaway lead that Arenson had opened up and passed the early frontrunner on lap 13 to take over the lead.

Marzofka overhauled Arenson on lap 20 and closed to within two car lengths of Trickle on lap 33.

Trickle, however, turned on the speed and was never seriously challenged. At the finish, it was Trickle on top, with Marzofka nearly a straightaway behind in second. Arenson place third ahead of Mark Martin and Tom Reffner.

Sunday’s opening 75-lap main event was paced by Jim Back for one round before Jim Johnson took over for nine circuits.

Marzofka, in his Camaro, got around Johnson to claim the upper advantage on lap 11, with Martin advancing to second place three laps later.

The yellow came out on the 15th round and after all-out racing resumed, Larry Detjens moved into third with Trickle into fourth.

Trickle would knock Detjens out of third on lap 26 and would catch Martin on lap 43 to claim second.

Trickle then closed in on Marzofka and ran side-by-side with the frontrunner on laps 48 through 50 before Marzofka finally took advantage.

Rain invaded the speedway on ap 53, necessitating a 30-minute red-flag period.

Marzofka and Trickle waged a torrid struggle for the lead after action resumed with Marzofka holding Trickle to the inside groove and taking advantage of lapped cars to maintain first place.

Although Marzofka appeared to have the race under control in the final 10 rounds, Trickle was only one-car-length behind at the checkered flag. Mike Miller trailed Trickle to the finish with Martin fourth and Detjens rounding out the top-five.

Outside front row starter Joe Shear dominated the early stages of the second 75-lapper, building a full straightaway lead over his nearest rival before a Dennis Vogel spin on lap 12 brought the caution out.

Martin and Trickle, who closed up on Shear on the restart, forged into first and second, respectively, after the green returned on lap 13.

Trickle pulled ahead of Martin on the 27th circuit but Martin was back in front the next time around. Trickle’s bid for victory would end on lap 31 when engine trouble forced his Pontiac Firebird to the pit area.

Trickle’s exit elevated Mike Miller to second and Marzofka to third. The top three positions remained unchanged until lap 39 when Marzofka got around Miller.

However, Marzofka was unable to overtake Martin and finished three-car-lengths behind the Batesville, Ark., driver. Miller came in third with Joe Shear in fourth and Pat Schauer rounding out the top-five.


Results –

Saturday -

Feature –

1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
2. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
3. Greg Arenson, Rosemount, Minn.
4. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
5. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
6. John Knaus, Rockford, Ill.
7. Larry Detjens, Wausau
8. Fred Bender, Sun Prairie
9. Joe Shear, South Beloit, Ill.
10.Tom Musgrave, Grand Marsh


Sunday –

Feature #1 –

1. Marv Marzofka
2. Dick Trickle
3. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Mark Martin
5. Larry Detjens
6. Greg Arenson
7. Steve Burgess, Fall Creek
8. Fred Bender
9. John Knaus
10.Bobby Gunn, Madison


Feature #2 –

1. Mark Martin
2. Marv Marzofka
3. Mike Miller
4. Joe Shear
5. Pat Schauer, Watertown
6. Steve Burgess
7. Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
8. Larry Detjens
9. Tom Musgrave
10.Greg Arenson

1975 – Schuler is Illiana Winner

 

Larry Schuler

Schererville, Ind. (May 11, 1975) – Larry Schuler dominated Sunday’s opening day late model stock car action at Illiana Motor Speedway, winning three events.

The 22-year-old Lockport, Ill., resident won the 25-lap feature, heat race, and trophy dash.

Dave Weltmeyer of Harvey, Ill., grabbed the lead in the feature and held it for the first four laps.

But Schuler knifed his way through the pack to take over the lead on lap 5 and was never headed. He finished the race in a record time of 9 minutes and 20.76 seconds.

Ray Young of Dolton, Ill., was third followed by Butch Miller of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Jim O’Conner of Kankakee, Ill.

Woody Pool of Blue Island, Ill., survived a six-car spinout to win the 15-lap semi-main. Chuck Merritt of Riverdale, Ill., was second and Larry Morris of Channahon, Ill., took third.

Miller set a track record during time trials, touring the half-mile paved oval in 21.67 seconds. Schuler and Young also broke Ed Hoffman’s old record of 21.96 seconds.

Heat wins went to Merritt, Weltmeyer, Schuler, and O’Conner.

1986 – Brown Holds Off Ridley for Nashville Victory

 

Darrell Brown

Nashville, Tenn. (May 10, 1986) – Darrell Brown withstood 10 caution flags and a strong challenge from Jody Ridley to win the All-Pro Nashville 200 Saturday night at Nashville Motor Speedway.

Fast qualifier Rusty Wallace, who set a track record of 114.799 miles per hour in Friday’s time trials, grabbed the early lead. When a caution appeared on lap 35, most of the field pitted, giving NASCAR star Bobby Allison the lead.

When the green flag returned, Allison retained the front spot and dominated the race until Mike Alexander squeezed by on lap 91. Ridley would power into the lead on lap 107 and hold the top spot until he pitted for fresh tires on lap 119. Allison regained the top spot but only until lap 159 when he pulled into the pits with an overheating motor.

Brown then took command of the race and outran Ridley for the remainder of the race to nab the victory. Ridley held on for runner-up honors followed by Gary Balough, Allison, and Tommy Evans.

“I was confident that I once I got to the front, I could hold the rest off after Rusty and Mike (Alexander) went to the pits,” said Brown, after pocketing $4,800.


Results –


1. Darrell Brown
2. Jody Ridley
3. Gary Balough
4. Bobby Allison
5. Tommy Evans
6. Harold Fair
7. Freddy Fryar
8. Jimmy Cope
9. Sterling Marlin
10.Ricky Crawford

1975 – Osborne Leads Early and Late at IRP

 

Six previous USAC champions were honored during the sprint car program at Indianapolis Raceway Park. From left to right; Greg Weld, Sam Sessions, Duane Carter, Rollie Beale, Gary Bettenhausen, and Larry Dickson. At the right is car owner Grant King’s wife, Doris. – Scattergood/Christie Photo

Clermont, Ind. (May 10, 1975) – USAC’s 1974 Rookie-of-the-Year Lee Osborne of Lebanon, Penn., led the last 21 laps to win the 40-lap United States Auto Club sprint car feature at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday night.

Osborne started the event on the pole and led through the first seven circuits before dropping behind Tom Bigelow. Four laps later, Bigelow lost the top spot to defending USAC sprint king Duane “Pancho” Carter.

Carter continued to set the pace until lap 19 when a blistered tire caused him to slow and enabled Osborne to reclaim first place.

Carter ultimately dropped to 13th place at the finish, while Osborne was never again headed in registering the victory in the Stauffer Construction Chevy.

Chuck Gurney claimed second with Billy Cassella in third. George Snider took fourth and Bigelow rounded out the top five finishers.

Although he managed only a 14th place feature finish, Sam Sessions was the only driver to claim two firsts in the program by winning the trophy dash and topping Osborne in the semi-main.

Snider paced the field in qualifying, setting a new track record with a 22.53-second lap. Bill Puterbaugh held the previous mark of 22.64 set last year.

Carter, Rollie Beale, Jackie Howerton and Bo Richards scored heat victories.

The evening’s lone accident saw Sonny Ates crash into the turn one wall during the fourth heat. Ates was uninjured but his car was unrepairable.

As an added attraction, the track saluted nine previous USAC sprint car champions. In addition to Carter, Sessions, Gary Bettenhausen, Rollie Beale, and Larry Dickson, all of whom took part in Saturday’s racing program, former champions Parnelli Jones, A.J. Foyt, Johnny Rutherford and Greg Weld were also on hand for the festivities.


Results –


1. Lee Osborne
2. Chuck Gurney
3. Billy Cassella
4. George Snider
5. Tom Bigelow
6. Joe Saldana
7. Bruce Walkup
8. Tommy Astone
9. Steve Chassey
10.Dana Carter
11.Bob Richards
12.Ronnie Burke
13.Duane Carter
14.Sam Sessions
15.Gary Irvin
16.Jimmy Caruthers
17.Chuck Booth
18.Jackie Howerton
19.Larry Dickson
20.Rollie Beale

1987 - Sills Leads All The Way in Indianapolis WoO Win

 

Jimmy Sills is interviewed by Larry Nuber after winning the World of Outlaws main event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. – Mike Killdoo Photo

Indianapolis, Ind. (May 9, 1987) – Jimmy Sills led wire-to-wire to claim the 25-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature Saturday night at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Stevee Kinser jumped into the lead when the green flag waved, but “The King” was charged with a false start and the contest was restarted.

On that same faulty start, Ron Shuman and Andy Stapp flipped in turn one. Rich Vogler attempted to avoid the mishap but caused Johnny Herrera to flip as well.

Om the restart, Sills nabbed the lead from the pole position, and he was never passed as he toured the 10-mile dirt oval on both the inside and outside grooves.

Sills was never challenged and took the checkered six seconds ahead of runner-up Kinser. Sammy Swindell placed third, followed by Mark Kinser and Jac Haudenschild.

Seven drivers topped the previous track record during qualifying for the event with Swindell posting the top mark of 27.09 seconds.

Several engines were burned up over the course of the night, causing the B-main to be canceled.


Results –


1. Jimmy Sills
2. Steve Kinser
3. Sammy Swindell
4. Mark Kinser
5. Jac Haudenschild
6. Randy Smith
7. Brad Doty
8. Kenny Jacobs
9. Keith Kauffman
10.Lee Brewer

1981 – Detjens Sweeps Dells ARTGO Go

 

Larry Detjens dominated ARTGO's Twin 50’s action at the Dells Motor Speedway, winning both 50 lappers at the third-mile paved oval. - Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (May 9, 1981) - Larry Detjens made a clean sweep of ARTGO Racing’s 10th annual Midwest Championships late model stock car special at Dells Motor Speedway on Saturday evening.

Detjens, a 36-year-old Wausau native, made off with both 50-lap features on the 1/3-mile paved oval in his 1981 Camaro.

He started the evening in second place in the ARTGO point standings and left with the point lead after his clean sweep.

Joe Shear, who started the evening as the ARTGO point leader, stayed in first place in the first 500-lapper until lap 33 when Detjens took command.

Detjens finished with a comfortable lead over Jim Sauter, Pat Schauer, Dick Trickle and Larry Schuler. Shear finished sixth.

In the second 50-lapper, Detjens took the lead on lap 37 and cruised from there.

Trailing Detjens at the finish were Sauter, Trickle, Schauer and Mike Miller.

Shear, who developed differential problems in the first contest, sat out the second race.

Detjens collected an extra $200 from ARTGO management for his clean sweep of the late model competition.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Larry Detjens
2. Jim Sauter
3. Pat Schauer
4. Dick Trickle
5. Larry Schuler
6. Joe Shear
7. Jim Weber
8. Kevin Stepan
9. Don James
10.Mike Miller


Feature #2 –

1. Larry Detjens
2. Jim Sauter
3. Dick Trickle
4. Pat Schauer
5. Mike Miller
6. Jim Weber
7. Frank Gawlinski
8. Alan Kulwicki
9. Wayne Lensing
10.John Knaus

1983 – Smith Takes Winged Sprint Main at Blue Grass

 

Randy Smith of Norwalk won the 25-lap winged sprint car feature at Hawkeye Raceway in Blue Grass. Promoter Verne Schumann (left) and flagman Larry Armstrong join Smith in victory lane. – Bernie Tappa Photo

Blue Grass, Iowa (May 6, 1983) – Despite threatening skies, six different racing divisions completed their events Friday night at Hawkeye Raceway.

Ina special appearance of winged sprinters, Randy Smith of Norwalk stated third and picked up the victory in the 25-lap headliner.

Manny Rockhold of Pekin, Ill., finished fourth in the sprint car feature after flipping onto its side earlier in the contest. Rockhold spun to avoid hitting cars in front of him that were slowing due to a caution flag but was able to continue when his car was put back on it’s wheels and a tire changed.

Tim Baker of Sioux City, the heat winner, was not so fortunate. His car flipped onto it side on the feature and could not continue.

In the winged three-quarter midgets, Bruce Moore of Moline, Ill., made a clean sweep, winning his heat and feature.

Rick Hixson of Coal Valley, Ill., won the bomber feature race and Mike Kennedy of East Moline, Ill., went all the way in the mini-stock main event.

Jim Mettlin of Cambridge, Ill., led wire-to-wire in the IMCA modified feature and Gary Reinhart of Moline, Ill., made it two in a row, winning the sportsman feature.


Results –


Winged Sprint Cars –

1. Randy Smith, Norwalk
2. Mike Pinckney, Des Moines
3. Mike Thomas, Des Moines
4. Manny Rockhold, Pekin, Ill.
5. Steve Morris, West Burlington

IMCA Modified –

1. Jim Mettlin, Cambridge, Ill.
2. Tom Herbert, Silvis, Ill.
3. Jack Lueth, Davenport
4. Ken Raabe, Davenport
5. Robert Dlouhy, Tipton

Bomber –

1. Rick Hixson, Coal Valley, Ill.
2. Wayne Sperry, Davenport
3. Darrel Beauchamp, Davenport
4. Rod Stevens, Davenport
5. Mel Reicks, Davenport

Sportsman –

1. Gary Reinhart, Moline, Ill.
2. Ron Van Gothem, Moline, Ill.
3. Jim Ross, Thomsen, Ill.
4. Al Yerington, Rock Island, Ill.

1984 – Johnson Tops Corning’s NASCAR Invitational

 

Johnny Johnson is joined by his crew and Debbie Bohr in victory lane after winning the NASCAR late model season opener at Adams County Speedway. – Jerry Adams Photo

By Jim Brennan

Corning, Iowa (May 5, 1984) – Mother Nature decided to relax Saturday night and allow the Adams County Speedway to kick off their season under the NASCAR Winston Racing Series banner.

An excellent crowd saw an exciting show with 60 cars – 38 late models and 22 street stocks – doing battle on the half-mile oval.

A power failure that took out half of the track lighting and took almost an hour to repair failed to dampen the enthusiasm of fans or racers.

In late model action, Jeff French of Mt. Ayr took the lead from his outside front row starting position and held it until lap 6 when Johnny Johnson of Wapello overtook him and led until the finish, which was shortened to 40 laps due to running over the town’s curfew.

Tom Hearst of Wilton, the 1982 Winston Racing Series national champion, had moved into second position on lap 10 and was challenging Johnson when mechanical difficulties forced him to the infield.

Next to challenge Johnson was Joe Kosiski of Omaha, but a broken rear suspension forced him to the sidelines. Kosiski was able to make repairs but had to restart at the rear of the field. He fought his way back and finished eighth.

Ron Tilley of Council bluffs, who had earned a starting position through one of two consolation races, moved into second when Kosiski dropped out and held it to the end. Rounding out the top-five were Glenn Robey of Omaha, French, and Bill Leighton of Omaha.

Heat races were won by Jim Jenkins of Council Bluffs, Kosiski, Rick Beebe of Overland Park, Kan., and Hearst. Consolation winners were Tilley and Don Weyrich of Norfolk, Neb.

In the street stock feature, John Mensing of Fontanelle came from his seventh row starting position to capture the 15-lap contest. Mensing, who had mechanical problems in his heat, finished second in the consolation to earn a starting spot in the feature. He worked his way through the field and passed David Weeda on lap 12 to take the lead. Weeda held on to second in a close finish with Doug Lund.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
2. Ron Tilley, Council Bluffs
3. Glenn Robey, Omaha
4. Jeff French, Mt. Ayr
5. Bill Leighton, Omaha
6. Denny Rosenberg, Grimes
7. Keith Mander, Omaha
8. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
9. Don Weyrich, Norfolk, Neb.
10.Randy Sterner, Blair, Neb.


Street Stock –

1. John Mensing, Fontanelle
2. David Weeda, Mt. Ayr
3. Doug Lund, Fontanelle
4. Cliff McKinney, Omaha

5. Larry Robinson, Omaha

1974 - Bigelow Burns USAC Field at Tri-County

 

Tom Bigelow

West Chester, Ohio (May 5, 1974) – Tom Bigelow of Whitewater, Wis., was the hottest thing going here Sunday afternoon at Tri-County Speedway during the USAC sprints.

Bigelow and a star-studded cast that included many of the Indianapolis 500 set didn’t disappoint the large crowd as they made a shambles of existing Tri-County track records in setting new USAC track marks in every event.

In making a clean sweep of the races, Bigelow (158) moved up to third place in the standings behind Jan Opperman (194) and Duane “Pancho” Carter (186).

Bigelow captured the 40-lap feature in the record time of 11 minutes and 50.57 seconds, a new record. He took the lead on the fifth lap and finished ahead of Joe Saldana Lincoln, Neb., Sam Sessions, Nashville, Mich., Duane Carter, Huntington Beach Calif., and Opperman, Beaver Crossing, Neb.

Bigelow set a new record in the qualifications with 17.16 seconds. Twenty-two cars broke the 100-mile barrier in qualifying under 18 seconds. Don Nordhorn, Wadesville, Ind., Sessions and Carter also broke the old record.

In winning the first heat, Bigelow set a mark of 2 minutes and 21 seconds for the eight laps. Bruce Walkup, St. Paul, Ind., Charlie Masters, Waddy, Ky., and Carter also won heats.

In the 10-lap semi-feature, Sessions set a new record of 2 minutes and 55 seconds.


Results –

Time trials – Tom Bigelow, Whitewater, Wis. (17.16)
Heat #1 – Tom Bigelow
Heat #2 – Bruce Walkup, St. Paul, Ind.
Heat #3 – Charlie Masters, Waddy, Ky.
Heat #4 – Duane Carter, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Semi-main – Sam Sessions, Nashville, Mich.
Feature –
1. Tom Bigelow
2. Joe Saldana, Lincoln, Neb.
3. Sam Sessions
4. Duane Carter
5. Jan Opperman, Beaver Crossing, Neb.
6. Chuck Booth, Speedway, Ind.
7. Rollie Beale, Toledo, Ohio
8. Bruce Walkup
9. Bill Puterbaugh, Indianapolis
10.Rich Leavell, Elwood, Ind.
11.Bill Cassella, Winterville, Ohio
12.Lee Osbourne, Lebanon, Penn.
13.Karl Busson, Northwood, Ohio
14.Mel Cornett, Speedway, Ind.
15.Don Nordhorn, Wadesville, Ind.
16.Sheldon Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.
17.George Snider, Bakersfield, Calif.
18.Larry Rice, Linden, Ind.
19.Jerry Nemire, Toledo, Ohio
20.Charlie Masters

1957 – Beauchamp Wins Gulf States Title

 

Johnny Beauchamp

Shreveport, La. (May 5, 1957) – The Louisiana State Fair was given additional prestige in ratings of the nation’s speedways as two world records fell by the boards while Johnny Beauchamp churned his way to victory in the annual Gulf States 100-mile championship.

Don White, Keokuk, Iowa, grabbed one of the world marks by finishing the first 25 laps in 12 minutes and 4.74 seconds. Then Beauchamp cracked the other standard, streaking across the starting line in 48 minutes and 40.36 seconds for the first 100 circuits.

Beauchamp, the defending IMCA stock car king, was the winner in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 74.36 seconds, taking his title in only less than two-tenths of a second off the all-time 100-mile record.

White, holder of the one-lap qualifying mark, led Sunday’s time trials with a clocking of 29.03 seconds.

Driving a fuel-injected 1957 Chevrolet, Beauchamp’s latest triumph was posted before a crowd of 8,364, as he fought off constant challenged by White, who was driving a 1957 Ford.

Beauchamp waged terrific competition with White through the first 100 laps, grabbing the lead twice, although momentarily. White fell behind on the 99th trek of the oval after a shock absorber broke. White pulled into the pits for fuel and engine inspection which consumed only 36 seconds.

The big difference occurred when Beauchamp’s pit stop only took 15 seconds.

On only one occasion was a caution flag necessary, when Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, ran out of gas and came to a halt on the backstretch.


Results –


1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
2. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
4. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
5. Red Dowdy, Dallas, Tex.
6. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
7. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
8. Doc Narber, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
9. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
10.Al Warrender, Harlan, Iowa
11.Bob Hardy, Beaumont, Tex.
12.Jerry Draper, Moline, Ill.

1975 – Zwanziger is Triple Winner

 

Bill Zwanziger scored the rare weekend sweep, winning super stock features at Davenport, Eldon, and Cedar Rapids. He’s shown here with promoter Homer Melton after winning at Davenport. – B.E. Tappa Photo

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (May 4, 1975) – Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo had a successful opening weekend of racing, winning super stock features Friday night at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Saturday night at the Wapello County Fairgrounds in Eldon, and Sunday night at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids.

At Davenport, Zwanziger went green to checkered in the 25-lap late model main event although it wasn’t easy. Another Waterloo driver, Ed Sanger, appeared to be hooked to Zwanziger’s rear bumper the entire way and despite repeated attempts to get around Zwanziger, “Fast Eddie” had to settle for runner-up honors. Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids was third with Keokuk’s Lem Blankenship fourth and Larry Jenkins of Wilton Junction rounding out the top-five.

Zwanziger had his work cut out for him the next night at Eldon. Johnny Babb of Ottumwa took the early lead and was out front for the first four laps. Last week’s feature winner, Larry Jenkins, took command for the next seven circuits until Zwanziger overtook Jenkins on lap 12 and onto the checkers in the non-stop 25-lapper. Jenkins held on for second followed by Steve Fraise of Montrose, Roger Dolan of Lisbon, and Larry “Pee Wee” Pipes of Kirksville, Mo.

A crowd of 3,000 watch Zwanziger capture the 25-lap feature at Hawkeye Downs on Sunday night, leading start to finish. Darrell Dake was a straightaway behind in second. Don Hoffman of Des Moines was third, Fred Horn of Marion was fourth, and Ed Sanger rounded out the top-five.


Results –

Davenport –

1. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
2. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
3. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
4. Lem Blankenship, Keokuk
5. Larry Jenkins, Wilton Junction


Eldon –

1. Bill Zwanziger
2. Larry Jenkins
3. Steve Fraise, Montrose
4. Roger Dolan, Lisbon
5. Larry Pipes, Kirksville, Mo.


Cedar Rapids –

1. Bill Zwanziger
2. Darrell Dake
3. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
4. Fred Horn, Marion
5. Ed Sanger
6. Curt Hansen, Dike
7. Mel Morris, West Liberty
8. Stan Stover, Reinbeck

1968 – Derr Cops Feature at Des Moines

 

Ernie Derr receives congratulations from promoter Homer Melton and starter Johnny Beauchamp after his feature win at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. - Beetle Bailey Photo

Des Moines, Iowa (May 4, 1968) – Despite 40-degree weather, over 9,500 fans turned out to watch Ernie Derr and his 1967 Dodge Charger to win the 25-lap late model feature at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday night.

Derr, one-half of the Keokuk Komets two-some, fought off three cars, during most of the race. Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, piloting a 1967 Dodge formerly owned by Derr, Ramo Stott, the other half of the Keokuk duo, and Dean Montgomery of Milan, IL, were involved in the nip and tuck battle.

Derr moved into the lead on the second lap and never gave up. Numerous times, Eaker was close on his tail, but he never got around the eight-time International Motor Contest Association champion.

Eaker dropped back to third, letting Montgomery and his 1967 Chevelle move into second, and then fell down to fourth, letting Stott in his 1967 Plymouth climb to third.

Derr started the evening on the right foot, winning the first heat while Eaker won the second heat. A newcomer to the Des Moines oval, Stan Stover of Reinbeck, won the 15-lap semi-main.


Results –


1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk
2. Dean Montgomery, Milan, Ill.
3. Ramo Stott, Keokuk
4. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
5. Dick Nesteby, Dubuque
6. Ray Guss, Milan, Ill.
7. Darrel Dake, Cedar Rapids
8. John Connolly, Delhi
9. Fred Horn, Marion
10.Buzz McCann, St. Paul, Minn.

1987 – Fischlein Scores Rare Weekend Sweep

 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (May 1-3, 1987) – Dale Fischlein of Independence scored a rare weekend sweep of NASCAR Winston Racing Series Grand American features, winning at Hawkeye Downs on Friday, May 1, West Liberty Raceway on Saturday, May 2, and ending the weekend with his third consecutive win at Dubuque County Speedway on Sunday, May 3.

On Friday night, Fischlein, the point leader at Hawkeye Downs, started the feature in the 12th position. He scraped the first turn wall several times as he tested the high groove on the half-mile but used it effectively and passed Rick Wendling on lap 15 for the lead. He ran untouched the remainder of the way. It was Fischlein’s second late model feature win of the young season at the Downs’.

Curt Martin, also of Independence, and Roger Dolan of Lisbon battled back and forth for second with Martin finally gaining the upper hand. Dolan settled for third while Wendling and Rollie Frink of Davenport rounded out the top-five.

The next night, at West Liberty, Fischlein became the third different late model winner at the Muscatine County Fairgrounds’ half-mile, passing Johnny Johnson of Wapello on lap 5 and leading the remaining 20 circuits to take the victory.

Roger Dolan also got around Johnson on lap 15 to earn runner-up honors. Johnson hung on to finish third while Jay Johnson was fourth and Rollie Frink finished fifth.

Sunday at Dubuque, Fischlein completed the trifecta, winning the 25-lapper but unlike Friday and Saturday night, he had to work a little for the victory.

Fischlein started in the sixth position and quickly worked his way to third behind Gary Crawford of Independence and Gary Tigges of Durango. Passing Tigges on the 15th circuit, he patiently pressed Crawford, gaining with each lap. Finally, on lap 21, Crawford got caught behind a slower car and Fischlein took advantage, passing Crawford and then breezing to the win.

Crawford settled for second with Tigges in third, Roger Dolan fourth, and Rollie Frink fifth.

The win earned Fischlein the NASCAR Winston Racing Series “Win 3” bonus, which put another $150 in his pocket for his weekend clean sweep. It also gave him five feature victories for the season and put him solidly into first place in the NASCAR Central Region point standings.


Results –


Cedar Rapids –

1. Dale Fischlein, Independence
2. Curt Martin, Independence
3. Roger Dolan, Lisbon
4. Rick Wendling, Hazelton
5. Rollie Frink, Davenport
6. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
7. Gary Crawford, Independence
8. Steve Keppler, Marion
9. Bill Breuer, Wapello
10.Gary Henderson, Independence


West Liberty –

1. Dale Fischlein
2. Roger Dolan
3. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
4. Jay Johnson, Wapello
5. Rollie Frink
6. Dave Birkhofer
7. Ron Boyse, Kalona
8. Bill Breuer
9. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
10.Tony Stewart, Washington


Dubuque –

1. Dale Fischlein
2. Gary Crawford
3. Gary Tigges, Durango
4. Roger Dolan
5. Rollie Frink
6. Dan Dickey, Packwood
7. Ray Guss Jr., Milan, Ill.
8. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
9. Jeff Aikey, Cedar Falls
10.Red Dralle, Evansdale

1981 - Gemmill Scores Win in Kansas Nationals

 

Van Gemmill won the 50-lap late model championship at the Kansas Spring Nationals at Fun Valley Speedway in Hutchinson. Wayne “Whiskers” White holds the checkered and Marcie Tisdale presents the trophy. – Bill Haglund Photo

Hutchinson, Kan. (May 3, 1981) – Van Gemmill of Ponca City, Okla., squeezed past Larry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., on the 28th lap to win the 50-lap late model championship of the Kansas Spring Nationals at Fun Valley Speedway on Sunday afternoon.

Phillips had started on the pole by virtue of winning the opening heat race on Friday and Gemmill started on the outside of the front row after winning the first qualifying heat on Saturday.

After he took the lead, Gemmill was not seriously challenged even though young Steve Kosiski of Omaha moved past Phillips on the 33rd lap of the 50-lap grind and stayed within striking distance until the end.

The race was red flagged after 45 circuits when Dhon Hauserman of Wichita crashed into the front straightaway retaining wall, but Gemmill immediately pulled away from Kosiski on the restart and won handily.

Phillips hung on to take third followed by Larry McDaniels and Jon Arnce, both of Wichita.

Seventeen-year-old Greg Ward of Salina was dominant in the 25-lap sportsman division and Reggie Green of Hutchinson won the 15-lap street stock feature.


Results –

1. Van Gemmill, Ponca City, Okla.
2. Steve Kosiski, Omaha
3. Larry Phillips, Springfield, Mo.
4. Larry McDaniels, Wichita
5. John Arnce, Wichita
6. Buck Cadwell, Arnett, Okla.
7. Bob Dauer, Falun
8. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
9. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
10.Bud Purkey, Coffeyville
11.Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
12.Rick Beebe, Overland Park
13.Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
14.Rick Dauer, Falun
15.Jeff Montgomery, Blackwell, Okla.

Greg Ward, only 17 years old, won the sportsman feature at the Kansas Spring Nationals. Marcie Tisdale makes the trophy presentation. – Bill Haglund Photo

1969 – Williams Nabs Knoxville Opener

 

Bob Williams

Knoxville, Iowa (May 3, 1969) – Kansas City’s Bob Williams won the opening super modified feature on Saturday night – his fifth straight feature win this spring – and two drivers were taken to the hospital.

Hank Smith of Mount Ayr flipped four times going into the fourth turn and went over the fence on the second lap of the consolation.

Collins Memorial Hospital reported that Smith had a broken left arm, possible broken ribs, and multiple bruising.

On the seventh lap of the consolation, Norm Wadle of Milo rolled three times on the backstretch and flipped over the fence. He was shaken but uninjured.

A total of 4,479 fans were on hand at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Jerry Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., Joe Saldana and Lonnie Jensen, both of Lincoln, Neb., and Dick Forbrook of Morgan, Minn., won preliminary events.

Williams’ victory at Knoxville was his first since 1964.


Results –


Time Trials – Joe Saldana, Lincoln, Neb. (22.42)
Trophy Dash – Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
Heat #1 – Joe Saldana
Heat #2 – Lonnie Jensen, Lincoln, Neb.
Heat #3 – Jerry Blundy
Consolation – Dick Forbrook Morgan, Minn.
Feature –
1. Bob Williams, Kansas City
2. Jerry Blundy
3. Joe Saldana
4. Jan Opperman, Beaver Crossing, Neb.
5. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
6. Jay Woodside, Kansas City

1987 - Gibbs Tops Keene, Miller for Birmingham Crown

 

Mickey Gibbs

Birmingham, Ala. (May 2, 1987) – All Pro driver Mickey Gibbs topped Daniel Keene and Butch Miller to win the rain-shortened All Pro Racing Series Birmingham 250 Saturday at Birmingham Super Speedway.

Miller, who was the fastest qualifier but elected to start on the outside of the front row, gained the lead on the opening lap as he outran polesitter Steve Grissom. Miller would dominate the early portion of the race while Gibbs worked his way up from his 15th starting spot and Keene from his 35th starting position.

Keene moved into the top 15 by lap 50 and broke into the top 10 by the 100th circuit but tangled with Harold Fair, Russ Irlin, Donnie Strickland and Mike Eddy in turn two on lap 111. Keene was able to return after the mishap but lost his top 10 ranking.

Gibbs gained the lead from Miller on lap 137 when Miller pitted during the 11th caution of the race. When the green returned, Gibbs continued to lead the pack.

On lap 168, Dick Trickle tangled with Brett Miles, sending Trickle’s car to the infield where he slammed into a light pole causing a spectacular fireworks display. After the yellow flag waved, the track’s lights dimmed, forcing a red flag. During the red, rain began to fall heavily and when the track’s lighting returned to normal, the rain continued.

Officials declared the race complete at 171 laps, giving Gibbs the victory ahead of Keene and Miller.

“You bet I’ve been doing a rain dance,” said an elated Gibbs. “I hated to see Trickle tear his car up, but his bead break was a good one for us.”

Keene earned runner-up honors followed by Miller, Billy Bigley Jr., and Ted Musgrave.

NASCAR star Bobby Allison, a former owner of the track, completed only 27 laps before the ignition in his car died.

More than 16,000 fans showed up for the event, the largest crowd in more than 15 years of the 63-year-old facility.


Results –

1. Mickey Gibbs
2. Daniel Keene
3. Butch Miller
4. Bill Bigley Jr.
5. Ted Musgrave
6. Tom Jones
7. Bobby Dotter
8. Bob Senneker
9. Tommy Evans
10.Harold Fair
11.Darrell Brown
12.Jody Ridley
13.Ricky Crawford
14.Mike Eddy
15.Bret Miles
16.Dave Jackson
17.Dennis Lampman
18.Kent Stauffer
19.Bobby Gill
20.Mike Harmon

1965 – Nelson Wins Yankee 300

 

Norm Nelson is congratulated by crew member Joe Luxem after winning the Yankee 300. – Jerry Nelson Collection

Clermont, Ind. (May 2, 1965) - Norm Nelson, 42, began his 25th year of racing here Sunday with a victory in the “Yankee 300” stock car race over the 2.5-mile Raceway Park course.

Nelson averaged 78.024 miles per hour in taking the $5,965 first prize that went to the winner. The total purse was not immediately determined.

Paul Goldsmith finished second behind Nelson's 1965 Plymouth in his own '65 Plymouth. The new Plymouths also held the third spot, with Jim Hurtubise behind the wheel.

Don White and Roger Regeth drove 1964 Fords to the fourth and fifth spots.

Nelson took the lead on the 108th lap when leader Parnelli Jones had to drop out with a blown engine. Jones had led all but one lap from the first lap of the 120-lap feature.

Nelson finished about three miles ahead of Goldsmith, who won the pole position in qualifications. Jones, driving a 1964 Mercury led for 87 of the 120 laps, with Nelson in control the rest of the way.

Richard Petty, NASCAR 's stock driving champion last year, had to drop out on the 53rd lap, when his 1965 Plymouth developed transmission trouble.

It was transmission trouble or clutch problems which accounted for all the NASCAR entrants leaving the race, most of them before the 300-mile feature was half over.

Twenty-two drivers started over the twisting course, with only eight cars still running at the finish.


Results –


1. Norm Nelson
2. Paul Goldsmith
3. Jim Hurtubise
4. Don White
5. Roger Regeth
6. Sal Tovella
7. Parnelli Jones
8. Bob Christie
9. Herb Shannon
10.Dick Passwater
11.Charles Johnson
12.Bob Slensby
13.Bay Darnell
14.Richard Petty
15.Bill Moore
16.Bob Wawak
17.John Kennedy
18.Lou Burmeister
19.Bobby Isaack
20.David Pearson
21.Bob Hollifield
22.Ted Hane

1987 – Guss Jr. Wins ‘Busch 50’ at Princeton

 

Ray Guss Jr. 

Princeton, Ill. (May 1, 1987) – Young Ray Guss Jr. completely dominated the Illinois Stockcar Association (ISA) late model division as he won the “Busch 50” special feature Friday night at Princeton Speedway.

Guss grabbed the lead from his outside front row starting position and never looked back as he lapped everyone in the field except runner-up Kevin Weaver – and he finished 11 seconds ahead of him.

Guss pocketed $1,500 for the victory. Weaver finished second with Bill Knippenberg third, Don Bohlander fourth, and Dan Bennett, making his first appearance of the season, fifth.

Weaver won the first heat and Guss Jr. won the second heat and the trophy dash, giving the Coal Valley driver a clean sweep on the evening.

Bruce Hanford of Davenport, Iowa, took the lead on the eighth lap from Dan Brown and won the 20-lap IMCA modified feature. Brown finished second, Leland Bushong took third, Tom Hamburg fourth, and Bob Schadt finished fifth.

Keith Lucas continued his dominance of the sportsman division with another feature win, leading start to finish.


Results –


ISA Late Model –

1. Ray Guss Jr., Coal Valley
2. Kevin Weaver, Gibson City
3. Bill Knippenberg, Minooka
4. Don Bohlander, Glasford
5. Dan Bennett, Peoria
6. Ron Bohm, Pontiac
7. John Provenzano, Hinckley
8. Nancy Churchill, Normal
9. Ray Guss Sr., Coal Valley
10.Gary Webb, Davenport



IMCA Modified –

1. Bruce Hanford, Davenport, Iowa
2. Dan Brown, Osco
3. Leland Bushong, Colona
4. Tom Hamburg, Dixon
5. Bob Schadt, Davenport, Iowa
6. Brent Prior, Hillsdale
7. Don Cole, Sterling
8. Doug Stringer, Peoria
9. Duke Binegar, Peoria
10.Mel Hooper, Princeton

1976 - Moss Wins Thriller at West Liberty

 

John Moss

West Liberty, Iowa (May 1, 1976) – John Moss of Iowa City overcame a strong driving performance by Muscatine rookie Jack Hall to claim the late model feature race at West Liberty Raceway on Saturday night.

Hall, who moved up to late model racing this year after being the sportsman division champion last year, started on the pole position and staved off challenges from Ron Weedon throughout the first half of the race.

Moss, who had finally passed Weedon about midway through the race, then overtook Hall in the 12th lap. The Muscatine driver was then passed by Weedon on the 16th time around.

The feature race was sprinkled with mishaps that forced many restarts. The first came on the initial lap when several cars spun out on turn one. Ed Mellecker then hit the wall on the second lap and Dave Birkhofer spun out on the seventh lap.

A multi-car pileup involving about six or eight cars came in the 10th lap.

Heat wins were recorded by Ed Sanger, Ken Walton and Ron Prymek with Birkhofer taking the semi-main, Curt Hansen had the night's fastest lap in time trials.


Results –


Time trials – Curt Hansen, Dike, Iowa (24.67)
Heat #1 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
Heat #2 – Ken Walton, Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Heat #3 – Ron Prymek, Iowa City, Iowa
Semi-main – Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa
Feature –
1. John Moss, Iowa City, Iowa
2. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley, Iowa
3. Jack Hall, Muscatine, Iowa
4. Larry Rummelhart, Riverside, Iowa
5. Mel Morris, West Liberty
6. Duane Steffe, Colona, Ill.
7. Larry Jenkins, Wilton, Iowa
8. Dave Birkhofer
9. Rollie Frink, Davenport, Iowa
10.Ron Prymek
11.Bill Douglass, West Liberty, Iowa
12.Mike Niffenegger, Kalona, Iowa
13.Curt Hansen
14.Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls, Iowa
15.Perry Beckler, Tiffin, Iowa

1972 – Rain Makes Trouble, But Miles Can Smile

 

Denny Miles won the ASA-sanctioned 50-lap stock car feature at Greater Salem Speedway. Joining Miles in victory lane is Milt Hartlauf (left) and ASA’s Rex Robbins.

Salem, Ind. (April 30, 1972) – A brief shower that forced nearly an hour’s delay for Sunday’s late model and sportsman stock car races at Greater Salem Speedway “really hurt me,” Denny Miles said.

If the Muncie, Ind., driver thinks the rain played havoc with him, he should have talked to Jerry Long of Woodbine, Tenn.

Long, who nearly passed up the feature race after the frame of his 1964 Chevelle had been bent in a heat race pileup, slipped into first place on the first turn of the 16th lap as he and Miles began lapping slower cars.

The rain came on the 17th lap, halting action with Long in front, and the NASCAR sportsman competitor stayed in front for eight more circuits following the restart.

But on the third turn of the 26th lap, “I had to get up a little too high on laps cars, and it was still wet up there. The rear-end of my car went ‘swit’,” explained Long as he made a gesture mimicking a car sliding towards a guardrail.

He slapped against the guardrail, bending sheet metal into his right rear tire. Miles ducked beneath him into the lead and never was headed as he wrapped up the victory by about 100 yards over a charging LaMarr Marshall.

Long, who said he’d been running “just hard enough to stay ahead of Miles,” parked his car and settled for 18th place.

Miles’ problem with the shower actually started one lap before the first drops of rain splattered the track. His 1969 Chevelle’s engine “busted a ring on the piston.”

When the rain started, the field ran several unscored laps under caution before officials decided to halt the race. The combination of the busted piston ring and the slow laps allowed oil to foul up the spark plug in the afflicted cylinder of the engine.

On the restart, Miles’ car trailed a long plume of blue smoke through each corner as he chased Long. “My engine was missing out,” Miles said. “and it didn’t seem like I had enough power to catch him.”

When Long exited the fray, Miles backed off to conserve his car and his supply of oil which had been bolstered by a quart during the delay. “As long as it smoked, I knew I had oil,” Miles laughed.

Miles’ reduced pace allowed Marshall, who charged into contention about the same time Long smacked the guardrail, to close within a car’s length of Miles with about 10 laps to go.

However, Marshall and his 1972 Chevelle got stuck behind a slower car and by the time he he’d gotten free to pursue Miles, he was no longer up to the task.

Miles, the 1970 American Speed Association champion and the 1972-point leader, collected $660 for the victory before a crowd of 3,661.


Results –


1. Denny Miles, Muncie
2. LaMarr Marshall, Louisville, Ky.
3. Gene Payne, Owensboro, Ky.
4. Lonnie Breedlove, Indianapolis
5. Ellis Herbert, Louisville, Ky.
6. Alex Burke, New Castle
7. Andy Vertrees, Louisville, Ky.
8. Tommy Spaugh, Louisville, Ky.
9. Gil Schildknecht, Louisville, Ky.
10.Ray Fullen, Anderson, Ind.
11.Willard Googe, Louisville, Ky.
12.Steve Blunk, Clayton
13.Jim Blount, LaPaz
14.Darrell Basham, Clarksville
15.Billy Henshaw, Mooreland

1985 - Canadian Chapman Tops Burlington Sprints

 

Ken Chapman of Winnipeg, Canada, won the first-ever Midwest Region World of Outlaws sprint car 25-lap feature at 34 Raceway. Denny Decheine presents the checkers. – John Vass Photo

Burlington, Iowa (April 26, 1985) – An invasion from the north overwhelmed the field of winged sprint cars at 34 Raceway Friday evening as native Canadians finished one-two in the first event of the new Midwest Region World of Outlaws Series.

Ken Chapman of Winnipeg, Canada, held off the challenge of former Alberta resident Tim Gee to take the 25-lap main event.

Chapman shot to the lead from his front row starting position and had no trouble putting some distance between himself and the rest of the field. However, a yellow flag eliminated Chapman’s advantage and the race was on.

Veteran driver Roger Rager was the first to apply pressure as he dove to the inside of the leader several times with no success. The battle up front allowed Gee, now living in Jamestown, Ind., to make up ground after having to qualify by winning the B-main. With Rager continuing to try the low side, Gee rode the cushion to take over second with his sights now on Chapman.

The World of Outlaw tour regular first tried high, then the low side, but like Rager, couldn’t find a way around the determined Chapman, who hung on to pick up the winner’s check of $1,500. Following Gee and Rager were Keith Frantsen and Scott Ritchhart.

Gee set fast time for the evening but suspension problems in his heat race forced him to participate in the B-main, which saw three abreast racing for the first few laps.


Results –

Time Trials – Tim Gee, Jamestown, Ind.
Heat #1 – Ken chapman, Winnipeg, Canada
Heat #2 – Randy Smith, Norwalk
Heat #3 – Jeff Tuttle, West Des Moines
B-Main – Tim Gee
Feature –
1. Ken Chapman
2. Tim Gee
3. Roger Rager, Mound, Minn.
4. Keith Frantsen, Windom, Minn.
5. Scott Ritchhart, Lincoln, Ill.
6. Tony Weyant, Springfield, Ill.
7. Bruce Drotz, Des Moines
8. Bill Hetrick, Carman, Ill.
9. Gary Stewart, Galatia, Ill.
10.Ned Fry, Burlington

1975 – Martin Nabs Spring Invitational

 

Bill Martin won the $5,000 Spring Invitational at Sunset Speedway.

Omaha, Neb. (April 26, 1975) – Bill Martin of Council Bluffs, Iowa, started the season exactly like he finished it at Sunset Speedway – by winning a title race – this time the third annual $5,000 Spring Invitational.

Last year he grabbed the $8,000 Cornhusker-Hawkeye Challenge.

With 52 late models, 22 survived the four qualifying heats and two consolation events to enter the 75-lap feature.

Martin jumped into the lead from his front row starting position and fought off Bob Kosiski for 27 laps before the 23-year veteran took command.

With 23 laps remaining, Kosiski’s axle broke giving Martin clear sailing and eventually a $1,000 payday before a crowd of 2,135.

Martin’s victory was a boost to local stock car racing as thee win came over some of the best dirt track drivers in the Midwest.


Results –


Heat #1 – Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Heat #2 – Joe Wallace, Kansas City
Heat #3 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha
Heat #4 – Karl Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
Trophy Dash – Bob Kosiski
Consolation #1 – Ed Morris, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Consolation #2 – Denny Hovinga, Laurens, Iowa
Feature –
1. Bill Martin
2. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
3. Karl Sanger
4. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha
5. Ed Morris
6. Dave Knott, Minneapolis
7. Joe Wallace
8. Mike Dibben, Morris, Minn.
9. Ferris Collier, Liberty, Mo.
10. Chuck Bosselman, Grand Island, Neb.