1982 - Parker holds off Izzo, captures Santa Fe 100

 

Pete Parker led from start to finish in the 100-lap NDRA late model qualifier at Santa Fe Speedway. – Weber Brothers Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (July 5, 1982) – Pete Parker set a track qualifying record and then staved off a remarkable comeback by Tony Izzo to win the 100-lap feature for late models Monday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

The event replaced the scheduled National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) event after a management dispute prevented the NDRA competitors from appearing.

Parker started the evening on a prophetic note, touring the speedway’s longer oval in 18.01 seconds to erase Jim Partipilo’s standard of 18.19seconds.

Starting the 100-lapper on the pole, Parker shot into the lead at the opening green.

Jim O’Conner loomed as Parker’s chief rival early on as he came quickly from his fifth row starting position to third place before action was interrupted on lap 7 when John Provenzano’s mount, which had sustained a broken axle earlier, failed to negotiate turn one.

O’Conner took second shortly after the ensuing green and joined Parker in pulling away from the remaining contestants. However, smoke began to billow from O’Conner’s machine on the 20th revolution and he was black-flagged shortly thereafter. Izzo took second on lap 25 and O’Conner pulled into the pits seconds later.

Finding the upper groove to his liking, Izzo quickly zeroed in on Parker and took the lead as the pair sliced and diced through turn two on lap 30.

However, one lap later, Izzo and Bill Prietzel bumped, causing a yellow flag to fly and enabling Parker to regain the top spot.

The tangle with Prietzel loosened some fiberglass on Izzo’s car, and he was black-flagged. After having the fiber glass removed, Izzo rejoined the field at the back of the pack, along with Gary Webb, who had changed tires during the caution.

Moving back into contention quickly, Izzo was up to fourth at lap 50, as Parker was still on top followed by Dick Potts and Whitey Harris. Webb was also on the mov, running in fifth at the event’s midpoint.

Parker enjoyed a huge advantage on lap 60 when Izzo overhauled Potts for second place.

A four-car spinout required a caution on lap 70, allowing Izzo to close in on Parker for a restart.

When the green returned, Parker and Izzo pulled away from the field as they waged a heated battle for the lead, but Parker never relinquished the top spot again and crossed the finish line first. Izzo had to be content with a runner-up finish. Webb was third followed by Potts and Harris.

Results –

1. Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
2. Tony Izzo, Bridgeview, Ill.
3. Gary Webb Davenport, Iowa
4. Dick Potts, Morocco, Ind.
5. Whitey Harris, Lake Villa, Ill.
6. Larry Jackson, Lyons, Ill.
7. Mike Papp, Chicago
8. John Kennedy, Villa Park, Ill.
9. Bill Knippenberg, Hinsdale, Ill.
10.Fred Lofgren, Bensenville, Ill.