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.