1987 - Shear Scores Double at Rockford's NSTC

 

Joe Shear wears the victory wreath following his triumph in the 200-lap National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway. Promoter Jody Deery joins Shear in victory lane. – Don Thies Photo

Rockford, Ill. (September 20, 1987) – Joe Shear dominated the final day of action in the 22nd annual National Short Track Championships, Sunday afternoon at Rockford Speedway as he topped the NASCAR/ARTGO Challenge Cup Series 200 and the Rockford Rules 100-lapper to become the first driver to win both events.

In the 200-lap late model main event, David Green jumped into a quick lead from his front row starting position. Shear, who started tenth, moved in behind Green on lap 30, and 20 laps later ducked under Green to gain the lead.

Butch Miller moved into second on lap 75 and spent the remainder of the race looking for an opening or a mistake that never came as Shear went the distance for the win. Ted Musgrave placed third followed by Rich Bickle Jr. and Green.

Shear averaged 62.954 miles per hour in an event slowed by seven caution flags, covering 40 laps.

Rain hit the area right after the completion of the 200-lapper and left a greasy circuit for the 100-lap late model sportsman race when the downpour eventually stopped.

The event saw three lead changes in the first four laps as Doug Nelson paced the first circuit before Tom Gille took over. Nelson regained the lead on round three, but Dennis Miller charged in front on lap 4. Miller held on to the front-running position until lap 33 when Shear slipped past Miller in turn tow.

Once in front, Shear was unstoppable as he took the checkered flag ahead of Bobby Beadnell and Jon Reynolds. Tim Melvin and Miller rounded out the top five.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Joe Shear, Clinton, Wis.
2. Butch Miller, Coopersville, Mich.
3. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh, Wis.
4. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
5. David Green, Madison, Tenn.
6. Bobby Dotter, Franklin, wis.
7. Scott Hansen, Green Bay, Wis.
8. Mark Day, Clarksville, Tenn.
9. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
10.Dave Mader III, Maylene, Ala.
11.Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
12.Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
13.Doug Herbst, Wausau, Wis.
14.Tony Strupp, West Bend, Wis.
15.Don Jenkins, Antioch, Tenn.
16.Conrad Morgan, Dousman, Wis.
17.Tom Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
18.Mitch Fowler, Smyrna, Ga.
19.Marty Ward, Marietta, S.C.
20.Ronnie Sanders, Fayetteville, Ga.


Rockford Rules –

1. Joe Shear
2. Bobby Beadnell, Rockford
3. Jon Reynolds, Rockford
4. Tim Melvin, Machesney Park
5. Dennis Miller, South Beloit
6. Mark Numbers, Loves Park
7. Dick Kath, South Beloit
8. Tom Gille, Rockford
9. Dale Cox, Loves Park
10.Kevin Laatsch, Edgerton, Wis.