1978 – Simenec Leads at Davenport

 

John Simenec

Davenport, Iowa (April 21, 1978) – Rock Island’s “Flying Fireman,” John Simenec, won the late model feature during professional stock car races at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on Friday night.

It was an added thrill for Simenec to lead the pack after 25 laps around the half-mile after he narrowly missed victory in last week’s season opener. He came from the rear of the field but lost to Mel Morris of West Liberty, who finished fourth in this week’s feature.

Battling it out for runner-up honors was Tom Hearst of Wilton, who crossed the line inches ahead of Duane Steffe of Colona, Ill.

The late model semi-feature saw a battle between Davenport’s Rollie Frink, who took an early lead in the 12-lap event only to be overcome by Verlin Eaker of Mechanicsville, Iowa.

Steffe, Simenec, and Gerry Reeder of Peoria, Ill., were late model heat winners.

In sportsman action, Gary Kerres of Edgington, Ill., won both his heat and feature.


Results –

Heat #1 – Duane Steffe, Colona, Ill.
Heat #2 – John Simenec, Rock Island, Ill.
Heat #3 – Garry Reeder, Peoria, Ill.
Semi-main – Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville
Feature –
1. John Simenec
2. Tom Hearst, Wilton
3. Duane Steffe
4. Mel Morris, West Liberty
5. Ron Jackson, Burlington