1981 - Miller Emotional After Minnesota Win

 

Mike Miller accepts his award after winning the ASA-sanctioned AMS/Oil 300 at the Minnesota State Fair. – Bernie Tappa Photo

St. Paul, Minn. (August 30, 1981) – Mike Miller scored the biggest win of his career in the AMS/OIL 300 opening weekend race at the Minnesota State Fair.

But it was Butch Lindley of Greenville, S.C., who terrorized his “Yankee hosts,” by virtually dominating the race in a Chevy Cavalier V-6 until engine problems sidelined late in the race.

While the two-time NASCAR sportsman champion led 213 of the 300-lap race around the .52-mile oval in spectacular fashion, eventually lapping even Miller, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., driver battled tenaciously to stay in touch.

Many times a bridesmaid in ASA competition, it was Miller’s first win, but it seemed completely out of the question until Lindley pulled into the infield with a broke rod at lap 248.

The normally talkative Miller was choked with emotion in a post-race interview, saying, I would like for everyone to observe a moment of silence for Larry Detjens,” recalling his close personal friend who was fatally injured earlier in the month. “I felt like Larry was in the car with me today.”

After Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin traded the lead for the first 22 circuits, it was Lindley guiding the potent Chevy V-6 from his third starting spot to take the lead he wouldn’t relinquish until a pit stop on lap 150.

Until he pitted, Lindley enjoyed a least a one lap lead over everyone in the 36-car field except Miller, who took over on the 151st circuit.

So overwhelming was Lindley in handling the track’s wide, sweeping turns, he methodically ran down Miller in just 10 more laps after his stop to take the lead again.

Lindley proceeded to put second-place Miller down a lap after 229 revolutions but at the 248-lap mark, the V-6 gasped for life when a connecting rod apparently broke, ending the dominating drive.

Mark Martin, the only other driver beside Miller to keep Lindley in his sights, left the hunt at lap 133 when a valve spring broke in his Camaro.

When Lindley exited, ASA points leader Mike Eddy applied maximum pressure on Miller, hoping for a late race caution to give him a chance at victory, but Miller was uncooperative.

At the finish, Miller was a lap plus a few feet ahead of Eddy and NASCAR star Darrell Waltrip was another lap in arrears of Eddy.

Finishing two laps back, Dick Trickle was fourth followed by Jim Sauter, who came all the way from his 31st starting position.

Miller’s win was worth $7,325 from a purse of $33,000. Done before a weekend crowd of over 18,000 that often-dodged showers, fog, and overcast conditions.


Results –

1. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
2. Mike Eddy, Kawkawlin, Mich.
3. Darrell Waltrip, Franklin, Tenn.
4. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
5. Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.
6. Joe Shear, Twin Lakes, Wis.
7. Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.
8. Rusty Wallace, Valley Park Mo.
9. Alan Kulwicki, Milwaukee
10.Don Gregory, Columbus, Ohio