1973 – Gilbert Collects Top Payday at Eldora

 

Floyd Gilbert proudly poses with his trophy after winning the World 100 at Eldora Speedway. 

Rossburg, Ohio (September 30, 1973) – Floyd Gilbert, a 43-year-old driver from Lockland, Ohio, scored the biggest payday of his racing career Sunday afternoon by winning the World 100 late model stock car feature at Eldora Speedway.

Gilbert cashed in $6,870 - $6,000 for the win and $870 for leading the final 87 laps at $10 per lap. He piloted a 1969 Chevelle.

Bill Teegarden of Dry Ridge, Ky., took runner-up honors and earned $1,500. He drove a 1973 Camaro.

Such famous racing names as Tiny Lund, Charlie Glotzbach, Verlin Eaker, and Ralph Latham failed to qualify for the feature. Another well-known name, Jim Hurtubise, watched from the stands.

Eaker, last year’s winner of the World 100, won the 25-lap feature which followed the main event.


Results –

1. Floyd Gilbert, Lockland, Ohio
2. Billy Teegarden, Dry Ridge, Ky.
3. Gene Petro, Columbus, Ind.
4. Bruce Gould, Milford, Ohio
5. Dick DeBolt, Union City, Ind.
6. Roger Grossnickle, North Manchester, Ind.
7. Chuck McWilliams, Union, Ky.
8. Dave Chase, Council Bluffs, Iowa
9. Chick Hale, Lewisburg, Ohio
10.Frank Lamp, Davison, Mich.
11.Red Dralle, Evansdale, Iowa
12.Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo, Iowa
13.Ron Edwards, Cincinnati, Ohio
14.Rodney Combs, Lost Creek, W. Va.
15.Dale Woolworth, Saginaw, Mich.
16.Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
17.John Mugavin, Glen Este, Ohio
18.Don Goff, Zanesville, Ohio
19.Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley, Iowa
20.Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.

1979 – ‘Husker-Hawk’ Cup to Niffenegger

 

Mike Niffenegger of Kalona, Iowa won the eighth annual Cornhusker-Hawkeye Challenge at Shelby County Speedway in Harlan. With Niffenegger are promoter John Beaman (left) and race sponsor. – Dean Malone Photo

Harlan, Iowa (September 29, 1979) – Mike Niffenegger of Kalona, Iowa, grabbed the lead from his pole position, lost it for 19 laps, then regained it and sailed to victory in the eighth annual Cornhusker-Hawkeye challenge at the Shelby County Speedway on Saturday night.

The two-day show attracted many of the top late model pilots from Iowa and Nebraska, each gunning for the $1,500 winner’s prize, plus the coveted cup.

Niffenegger’s win gave Iowa its eighth straight win in the challenge series since it began in 1972.

Niffenegger earned the pole position for the 75-lap feature by virtue of his win in the trophy dash Saturday evening. The trophy dash featured the eight heat winners, who fought it out for the pole position.

When the green flag waved, Niffenegger pushed his Camaro to the head of the pack. However, Don Hoffman of Des Moines moved up from his third row starting position to challenge after the first 10 laps of the contest.

Time after time Hoffman tried to get around Niffenegger and finally on the 18th lap, Hoffman got the job done.

Then, it was Niffenegger’s turn to challenge the leader. Lap after lap the two drivers would be nose to tail down the back straight. Then, like a derailed train, they would separate – Hoffman running the high side and Niffenegger the low side. Finally, after 10 laps, Niffenegger came out on the front straightaway ahead of Hoffman and they would run that way to the end.

“I knew the only way to get the lead back was to go really hard and low into the turns and slide out in front of him (Hoffman),” a tired but happy Niffenegger said from victory lane.

Hoffman held off a persistent Tom Hearst of Wilton to claim second while Joe Merryfield of Des Moines was fourth – the only other driver on the same lap as Niffenegger.

The best finish by a Nebraskan was Randy Sterner of Blair, who finished eighth.


Results –

1. Mike Niffenegger, Kalona
2. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
3. Tom Hearst, Wilton
4. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
5. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
6. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
7. George Barton, Ankeny
8. Randy Sterner, Blair, Neb.
9. Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
10.Joe Kosiski, Omaha
11.Dan Rabbass, Bellevue, Neb.
12.Bill Davis, Des Moines
13.Rocky Hodges, Des Moines
14.Paul Zdan, Omaha
15.Craig Spetman, Omaha
16.Al Humphrey, Giltner, Neb.
17.Dan Nesteby, Waterloo
18.Red Dralle, Evansdale
19.Kent Tucker, Aurora, Neb.
20.Ken Davidson, Indianola

1975 – Champions 100 to Kenimer

 

Doug Kenimer

Ionia, Mich. (September 28, 1975) -Doug Kenimer of Dahlonega, Ga., won the Cavalcade of Champions 100 open competition late model stock car race at the Ionia Fairgrounds Speedway on Sunday after the event was nearly canceled by the owner of Clarke’s Motor Speedway in Clarksville, Mich.

The rich event was scheduled to be held at Clarke’s Motor Speedway.

The promoter of the race, Ross Havenstick, who has leased the track all season, reported he received a telegram from track owner Steve Clarke on Wednesday night, just three days before qualifications and preliminary heats on Saturday. The telegram said the race would not be held on his track because of financial risks. Unbeknownst to Havenstick, Clarke reportedly sent cancellation notices to several newspapers and some of the top drivers that were scheduled to appear.

Havenstick, that same night, secured the use of the Ionia Fairgrounds, which is located 10 miles north of Clarksville.

Havenstick notes the uncalled for cancellation of his lease with Mr. Clarke, which did not expired until October 1, caused a noticeable decrease in the size of the crowd and the number of entries.

Des Moines, Iowa, driver Joe Merryfield, the recent winner of the World 100 at Eldora Speedway, finished runner-up in the 100-lap feature, which paid $10,000 to win and $5,000 for second place.

Placing third was fast qualifier Ed Sanger of Waterloo, Iowa, followed by Em Fretheim of Decorah, Iowa, and Bill Youkin.


Results –

1. Doug Kenimer, Dahlonega, Ga.
2. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines, Iowa
3. Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
4. Em Fretheim, Decorah, Iowa
5. Bill Youkin
6. Dan Dickey, Packwood, Iowa
7. Dale Woolworth
8. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
9. Tom Helfrich, Haubstadt, Ind.
10.Dick Schiltz, Waterloo, Iowa

1974 – Dirt Track Title to Guss

 

Ray Guss won the 50-lap championship feature at the National Dirt Track Championships at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Promoter Homer Melton is on left and a representative of Kentucky Fried Chicken, the race’s sponsor, make the trophy presentation. – B.E. Tappa Photo

By Charlotte Reinhart

Davenport, Iowa (September 27, 1974) – Ray Guss of Milan, Ill., walked away with the National Dirt Track Championships Friday night at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Guss received $1,200 for his winning efforts.

Guss, piloting a car usually driven by Ron Weedon, set fast time in qualifying, circling the half-mile in 26.82 seconds.

Kentucky Fried Chicken sponsored the event and awarded $100 to each heat winner and the consolation winner plus the $1,200 to the feature winner.

Second place went to Roger Dolan of Lisbon with Curt Hansen of Dike taking third. Ed Sanger of Waterloo was fourth and 12-time IMCA stock car champion Ernie Derr of Keokuk took fifth.

The semi-main winner was Russ Hughes of Monticello, with heat wins going to Mike McGrew, Mike Bardoel, Jerry Wolland, and Mike Niffenegger.

Fifty-five drivers entered the event that boasted a $6,000 purse.


Results –

Time trials – Ray Guss, Milan, Ill.
Heat #1 – Mike McGrew
Heat #2 – Mike Bardoel
Heat #3 – Jerry Wolland
Heat #4 – Mike Niffenegger
Semi-main – Russ Hughes
Feature –
1. Ray Guss
2. Roger Dolan
3. Curt Hansen
4. Ed Sanger
5. Ernie Derr

1986 – Fischlein Tops Park Jefferson ‘Tour’

 

Dale Fischlein won the Busch/Winston All-Star Tour feature at Park Jefferson International Speedway. He’s joined by track owner Dr. John Anderson. – Kathy Root Photo

Jefferson, S.D. (September 26, 1986) – Dale Fischlein of Independence, Iowa, outraced the NASCAR late model field at Park Jefferson International Speedway Friday night to pocket first place and $2,000 as the Busch/Winston All-Star Tour made a Siouxland stop.

Fischlein, who also won his heat race, went 50- laps to nab the main event over 23 other contenders. Starting on the outside of the front row, Fischlein took the early lead from polesitter Joe Kosiski of Omaha, then survived two cautions to win by nearly a half a lap over Kosiski.

Steve Kosiski of Omaha, Fischlein, Dave Chase of Omaha, Bill Baldwin of Bellevue, and Roger Dolan won heat races. Bill Kirk of Salix, Iowa, won the first B-main while Dave Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, took the second B-main.


Results –

1. Dale Fischlein, Independence, Iowa
2. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
3. Roger Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa
4. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa
5. Bill Kirk, Salix, Iowa

1959 – Shepherd Wins Race; IMCA Records Fall

A.J. Shepherd receives his trophy from Tennessee State Fair president Beverly Briley as promoter Al Sweeney looks on.

Nashville, Tenn. (September 26, 1959) – A.J. Shepherd shattered every IMCA record in the book Saturday as he blazed to his second straight big car victory at the Tennessee State Fair.

Shepherd traveled the 12.5-miles on the high banked oval in 9 minutes and 9.65 seconds or 81.95 miles per hour, easily eclipsing the old IMCA national record. The old mark of 9 minutes and 26.48 seconds as set by Marvin Pifer at Salem, Ind., in 1953.

A roaring shirt sleeve crowd of approximately 12,000 enthusiastic race fans cheered every move the big car drivers made, often rising as cars attempted to pass each other.

“I figured I’d broke the 25-lap record for the track, but I know it was a national mark,” an elated Shepherd said afterwards. “Man, that was a terrific pace out there today. I’ve never had to run so fast to win a race, but I couldn’t let up for a second with Pete right on my tail.”

Shepherd was referring to Pete Folse, the IMCA national champion, who finished in second place for the second straight day. Folse again held the pole position and held the lead for the first three laps. He wasn’t even close at the finish.

It took quite a bit of daring on Shepherd’s part to grab the lead, and in so attempting, nearly spun out. First, Shepherd tried to take Folse on the second lap, and he hit him from behind, spinning slightly off the bank.

The A.J. really brought the crowd to its feet as he rammed Folse full force from behind in trying to get by again.

“Pete was braking slightly on the banks,” explained Shepherd. “I was going faster than he was, and I couldn’t avoid hitting him. I’m lucky I didn’t spin out completely.”

After those two gasping efforts, Shepherd finally made it around Folse on lap 4, and held the top spot the rest of the way.

Jack Rounds of Huntington Beach, Calif., who described the racetrack as a “dandy,” finished third, with Jerry Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., coming in fourth.


Results –

Heat #1 – Jack Rounds, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Heat #2 – A.J. Shepherd, Gardena, Calif.
Heat #3 – Ray Duckworth, Anderson, Ind.
Match race – A.J. Shepherd
Australian Pursuit – Jerry Blundy
Feature –
1. A.J. Shepherd
2. Pete Folse, Tampa, Fla.
3. Jack Rounds
4. Jerry Blundy
5. Mickey McCormick, Mitchell, Ind.
6. Ray Duckworth
7. Duke Hindahl, Pekin, Ill.
8. Hank Lawshe, Winchester, Ill.
9. Paul Dorcic, Chicago Ridge, Ill.

1960 – Derr is Winner in 150-Lapper

 

Ernie Derr

Oklahoma City, Okla. (September 25, 1960) – National champion Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, made it a repeat performance at the Oklahoma Free State Fair on Sunday afternoon, besting a field of 13 stock cars in the 150-lap marathon run.

“Durable Ernie” set a torrid pace from the very start to sack up his second triumph in two years and for all purposes just about wrapped up the International Motor Contest Association title.

Ramo Stott, also of Keokuk, finished second, about 10 car lengths behind, and Mert Williams of Rochester, Minn., took third. Both were driving Ford’s while Derr steered a 1960 Pontiac to victory. Stott piloted a 1960 convertible and Williams was driving a 1958 model.

Time for the distance (75 miles) was 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 24.8 seconds with the yellow flag causing two slowdowns for minor mishaps. It still bettered last year’s mark of 1 hour, 21 minutes, and 17 seconds.

One of the mishaps - a broken axle on the 69th lap – sidelined rookie-of-the-year Dick Hutcherson, another product of Keokuk. At the time, Hutcherson was in third place and challenging the leaders.

Five other cars failed to finish due to mechanical problems and only six of the original 13 starters completed the race.

Derr set a track record in time trials with a tour of 28.62 seconds for the half mile dirt oval.

Another record broke was the attendance mark. Unofficially, 8,000 fans saw the race despite overcast skies and a light drizzle which prevailed through the first few minutes of the race.

Derr, sitting on the pole position, beat the rest of the field into the first turn, and after that, it was Derr all the way. Stott challenged throughout but never did get any closer that his 10-car-length difference at the end.

Most of the action centered on the fight for second place with Stott, Hutcherson, and Williams battling it out. At the 69th lap, Hutcherson dropped out, leaving a pattern of Derr, Stott, and Williams for the remainder of the contest.

Newt Bartholomew of Carlisle, Iowa, was fourth with Joe Dolphy of New Brighton, Minn., and Bob Eichor of Oklahoma City the only other drivers still on the course when the checkers fell.

1988 - Frieden Wins Oskaloosa 'Fall Challenge'

 

Mike Frieden won the IMCA Modified National Series 35-lap feature during the second annual Fall Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway. Joining Frieden in victory lane are IMCA race director Keith Knaack, track official Wally Price, and Jerry Boubin Jr. of Boubin Tire. – Dean Malone Photo

Oskaloosa, Iowa (September 24, 1988) – Mike Frieden of Swisher captured the 35-lap IMCA modified feature Saturday night during the second annual Fall Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway.

The event was part of the IMCA Modified National Series.

Bob “Gabby” Hayes of Ottumwa captured the IMCA stock car contest, while the hobby stock main event was won by Bob Maschmann of Malcolm.

Frieden started inside of the second row but moved quickly to the front of the 33-car field as he won over Merv Chandler of Cedar Rapids, Mark Noble of Blooming Prairie, Minn., Denny Banks of Washington, and Rick Wages of Davenport.

Chandler’s second place finish put him a notch closer to the National Series point championship as his closest competitors for the title – Danny Wallace of Des Moines and Ron Becker of Tam – finished 10th and 12th, respectively.

Hayes captured the IMCA stock car feature over Dean Hughes of Oskaloosa, Randy Harter of Jefferson, Larry Hopkins of Bloomfield, and Dave Blankenship of Brooklyn.

In the hobby stock division, Maschmann was the winner over Jim Reynolds of Des Moines, Darrell Klein of Brooklyn, Ron VerBeek of Oskaloosa, and Dan Nicholson of Indianola.


Results –


IMCA Modified –

1. Mike Frieden, Swisher
2. Merv Chandler, Cedar Rapids
3. Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
4. Denny Banks, Washington
5. Rick Wages, Davenport
6. Rich Smith, Davenport
7. Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.
8. Scott Van Buskirk, Hedrick
9. Bob Dominacki, Bettendorf
10.Danny Wallace, Des Moines
11.Rick Cox, Davenport
12.Ron Becker, Tama
13.Jack Miles, Des Moines
14.Glenn Woodard, Des Moines
15.Jim Anderson, Des Moines


IMCA Stock Car –

1. Bob Hayes, Ottumwa
2. Dean Hughes, Oskaloosa
3. Randy Harter, Jefferson
4. Larry Hopkins, Bloomfield
5. Dave Blankenship, Brooklyn
6. Aaron Brown, Fremont
7. Jim Phillips, Indianola
8. Pat Surfus, Oskaloosa
9. Roy Harwood, Oskaloosa
10.Ron Ray, Boone


Hobby Stock –

1. Bob Maschmann, Malcolm
2. Jim Reynolds, Des Moines
3. Darrell Klein, Brooklyn
4. Ron VerBeek, Oskaloosa
5. Dan Nicholson, Indianola
6. Mark Cooling, Victor
7. Burt McDaniel, Eldon
8. Terry Win, Ollie
9. Tom Rea, Ottumwa
10.Butch Grams, Milo

Bob “Gabby” Hayes won the IMCA stock car feature at the second annual Fall Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway. – Dean Malone Photo

Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Algona, Iowa (September 23, 2025) – The Iowa Hall of Fame & Racing Museum is honored to announce that the 2025 Hall of Fame class will be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame during our seventh annual induction ceremony in November. 

The 2025 inductees include Jeff Aikey of Waterloo, Billy Allen of Des Moines, Bruce Badgely of Mingo, Scott Braun of Cedar Falls, Steve Davis of Hopkinton, Bob Dominacki of Blue Grass, Roger “Radar” Lechtenberg of Cedar Falls, Shawna Robinson of Catawba, North Carolina, Mike Schulte of Norway, John Tibben of Victor, and Bob Weber of Burt. Three individuals being inducted posthumously are George Barton, Ron Efkamp and Denny Osborn. These well-deserving individuals represent drivers, owners, builders, car sponsors, promoters, motorcycle and drag racers and are well known in the racing community. Congratulations to all this year’s inductees for their outstanding racing accomplishments and contributions to the sport of racing in the state of Iowa.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, November 1st at the Briggs Woods Conference Center in Webster City, Iowa. Social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the program. This event is open to the public and advance tickets are required. Tickets may be purchased through the Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum website or by contacting Teresa Huffman at 515-835-2620.

The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum opened their new building at the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum located at 800 E Fair Street in Algona in April. This new location gives race fans access to an amazing collection of Iowa racing memorabilia and historical archives. We are currently open on Saturdays and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and open by appointment for group and individual tours.

For more information on past Hall of Fame members, nomination forms or the museum, you can visit the website at www.iowaracingmuseum.com or find us on Facebook. The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to honor Iowa’s racing legends and to preserve Iowa’s racing history for future generations.

1979 - O'Conner Nails Down Clay Track Championship

 

Jim O’Conner (center) stands next to his trophy after winning the 200-lap National Clay Track Championship at Santa Fe Speedway. Joining him on the winner’s stand are runner-up LeRoy Schneiderman (left and third place finisher Gary Webb (right). – Vince Mayer Photo

Hinsdale, Ill. (September 23, 1979) – Jim O’Conner of Kankakee, Ill., claimed the National Clay Track Championship “200” on Sunday afternoon at Santa Fe Speedway. The 100-mile classic, worth $3,000 to win, celebrated its 27th running and was O’Conner’s third career crown.

Two qualifying races on Saturday left Pete Parker and O’Conner sharing the front row with Gary Webb and tony Izzo starting a row back.

Parker took charge of the late model main event at the green but found O’Conner quick to relieve him of the front spot on lap 9. However, defending champion of the crown, Tony Izzo, seized the lead from O’Conner’s grasp when Ray Jelnick spun out before the front runners and scattered the field through the first turn. The incident on lap 25 was Izzo’s advantage to the lead.

The next 10 circuits slowly faded Izzo’s control as the tires started to wear. O’Conner regained domination on lap 37, and never relinquished it until the final checkers. After a relentless pursuit, LeRoy Schneiderman would pass Gary Webb with 16 laps to go to take runner-up honors while Webb would settle for third. Schneiderman and Webb were on the same lap as O’Conner at the end.


Results –


1. Jim O’Conner, Kankakee
2. LeRoy Schneiderman, Woodstock
3. Gary Webb, Davenport, Iowa
4. Arnie Gardner, Batavia
5. Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
6. Mike Gardner, Batavia
7. Larry Jackson, Lyons
8. Bill Davis, Chesterton, Ind.
9. Eddie Farrell, Clarendon Hills
10.John Engelkens, Morrison
11.Ray Guss, Peoria
12.James Bond, Blue Island
13.John Hollifield, Hammond, Ind.
14.Denny Falkos, Aurora
15.Dick Potts, Morocco, Ind.

1975 - USAC Title to Stott; Trenton Checkers to Tovella

 

Ramo Stott

Trenton, N.J. (September 21, 1975) – As Ramo Stott flashed across the finish line in fifth place in Sunday’s rain-shortened Trenton 200 United States Auto Club stock car race, his pit crew flashed him a sign reading “CHAMP”.

The Keokuk, Iowa, driver just won the USAC stock car points season championship, and even though Sal Tovella of Chicago won the race, Stott was the real winner.

Stott had a slim lead over Butch Hartman going into the final race of the season, but Hartman could only manage a fourth-place finish, giving Stott his first USAC title.

Larry Moore of Dayton, Ohio, finished second with A.J. Foyt of Houston, Tex., the pole-sitter, taking third. The race was shortened from its scheduled 200 miles to 150 because of the threat of rain.

Tovella’s victory, his second of the season, was followed by Gordon Johncock’s come-from-behind victory in the 150-mile USAC National championship race, was followed over the same 1.5-mile paved Trenton International Speedway and completed the “Trenton Times Twin 200’s” which were scheduled for 200 miles each but were shortened due to several weather delays. Foyt came back to place second in that race with Johnny Rutherford of Fort Worth, Tex., taking third.



Final USAC Stock Car Standings –

1. Ramo Stott – 2,360
2. Butch Hartman – 2,295
3. Sal Tovella – 1,460
4. Bay Darnell – 1,435
5. Paul Feldner – 1,370
6. Don White – 1,180
7. Larry Moore – 1,155
8. Terry Ryan – 1,155
9. Len Gittemeier – 1,155
10.Harold Fair - 940

1968 – Fitzpatrick Nabs Indee Spectacular

 

Paul Fitzpatrick holds his trophy presented to him by race promoter Vern Weber (left). Roger Beck (right) presents the checkers.

Independence, Iowa (September 21, 1968) – Over 30 late models were entered in the third annual Indee Spectacular at the Buchanan County Fairgrounds on Saturday night.

Paul Fitzpatrick of Rochester, Minn., showed the same style he used a week ago to win the season championship as he took second fastest time and then won the 50-lap championship feature to take home $550 for his night’s work.

Fitzpatrick started fifth, as the first six fastest timers were inverted for the main event. He steadily moved up to take the lead at the midway point of the race and finished a straightaway ahead of runner-up Ed Sanger of Waterloo. Sanger qualified third fastest to make his total winnings to $390.

Red Droste of Waterloo was the fastest in time trials for $100, won the first heat and another $100, and finished third in the feature for a total of $425 in winnings.

Chub Liebe of Oelwein won the second heat and finished ninth in the feature for a total of $150.


Results –

Time trials – Red Droste, Waterloo (18.24)
Heat #1 – Red Droste
Heat #2 – Chub Liebe, Oelwein
Feature –
1. Paul Fitzpatrick, Rochester, Minn.
2. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
3. Red Droste
4. Curt Hansen, Dike
5. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
6. Glen Martin, Independence
7. Claus Stricker, Waterloo
8. Joe Wurst, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
9. Chub Liebe
10.Karl Sanger, Waterloo

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.

1975 - Steffe Grabs Kirchoff 100

 

Duane Steffe accepts the winner’s trophy after winning the Kirchoff 100 at the Jackson County Raceway. Promoter Ernie Cook (right) looks on. – Mike Chapman Photo

By Marlene Vohringer

Maquoketa, Iowa (September 20, 1975) – The second annual Kirchoff Schmidt 100 marched into the Jackson County Racing Association record books Saturday night despite constantly threating weather, with Duane Steffe copping the 75-lap championship.

The afternoon began with a slight delay for a shower but once the festivities got going it was Ron McCutcheon winning the Cook’s Crashers feature while Robert Bronnamen of Monticello won the demolition feature.

Latee model time trials were run after another rain delay with Jim Gerber of Long Grove setting fast time at 16.02 seconds.

Sportsman heats were up next with Denny Ansel and Keith Heinzel winning top honors. Don Yarolem won the semi-main and Tom Allen captured the 25-lap main event. He took over the lead on lap 3 and stayed there the remainder of the race.

The four late model heats were won by Jim Burbridge, Ron Weedon, Larry “Poo” Rummelhart, and Mel Morris while Duke Jackson won the semi-main.

Duane Steffe would win the grueling 75-lap main. He overtook Gerber on lap 16 and never relinquished the top spot. He was tailed closely by Ray Guss. Jim Burbridge, Jim Leverington, and John Connolly were all on the same lap as the leaders and finished in that order.


Results –

Late Model –

Heat #1 – Jim Burbridge, Greeley
Heat #2 – Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
Heat #3 – Larry Rummelhart, Riverside
Heat #4 – Mel Morris, West Liberty
Semi-main – Duke Jackson, Clinton
Feature –
1. Duane Steffe, East Moline, Ill.
2. Ray Guss, Milan, Ill.
3. Jim Burbridge
4. Jim Leverington, Freeport, Ill.
5. John Connolly, Delhi
6. Ron Weedon

Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Denny Ansel, Dubuque
Heat #2 – Keith Heinzel, Maquoketa
Semi-Main – Don Yarolem, Baldwin
Feature –
1. Tom Allen, Baldwin
2. John Weers, Readlyn
3. Tom Wacker, Lost Nation
4. Bob Kinsella, Dubuque
5. Keith Heinzel
6. Mark Leibfried, Rickardsville

1988 – I-44 USAC Honors to Moyer

 

Billy Moyer Jr.

Lebanon, Mo. (September 18, 1988) – Billy Moyer Jr. earned his second USAC Late Model Series victory in two nights as he topped the 40-lap feature Saturday night at I-44 Speedway.

Moyer, who won the night before in Bolivar, grabbed the lead from Rex McCroskey on the second lap and set sail, never looking back.

Moyer took the checkered ahead of Eddie Pace and Ken Essary. T.J. Pauschert and fast qualifier Willy Kraft completed the top five.


Results –

1. Billy Moyer Jr.
2. Eddie Pace
3. Ken Essary
4. T.J. Pauschert
5. Willy Kraft
6. Ray Guss Jr.
7. Larry Phillips
8. Wendell Wallace
9. Jerry Inmon
10.Brad Willard

1983 - Back's First ARTGO Win Nets Dells Midwest Championship

 

Jim Back scored his first career ARTGO feature victory and captured the overall title in the Midwest Championships at Dells Motor Speedway. – Lowell Dalsoren Photo

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (September 18, 1983) – The senior member of the “Wisconsin Gang,” Jim Back nailed down two firsts and a fifth-place finish in 50-lap feature races during the weekend’s ARTGO Racing late model competition to capture the overall title in the two-day, 12th annual Midwest Championships at Dells Motor Speedway.

Starting the weekend still looking for that first ever ARTGO win, the 49-year-old Vesper resident ended the wait in Saturday night’s 50-lapper. Piloting his 1981 Camaro, Back wasted little time, grabbing the lead on lap 3 and going on to take the checkered flag.

Ranked 16th in the ARTGO point standings, Back became the tenth different feature winner in ARTGO competition this season.

Trailing Back, who was this year’s Dells track champion, in Saturday’s 50 were Steve Holzhausen, Tom Reffner, fastest qualifier Bob Iverson, and Al Schill.

Sunday afternoon, Tom Reffner won the opening 50-lap feature. The two-time ARTGO titlist wheeled his 1981 Camaro to his second ARTGO feature win of the year.

The 42-year-old Reffner took over the top spot on lap 38 and went on to record his 14th career ARTGO main event. Chasing Reffner at the end were Bobby Gunn, Holzhausen, Iverson, and Back.

In the 50-lap Sunday matinee, Back would get around race leader Al Schill on lap 35 and then maintain a half-a-straightaway for the remaining circuits to score his second ARTGO feature win. Gunn, Tony Strupp, Holzhausen, and Reffner would round out the top five.

Bryan Reffner, the 19-year-old son of Tom, score the win in the 50-lap late model semi-main.

Results –

Saturday –

1. Jim Back, Vesper
2. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh
5. Al Schill, Franklin
6. Bob Iverson, Hyde, Mich.
7. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
8. Tom Musgrave, Glenview, Ill.
9. Mel Walen, Shakopee
10.Bob Gunn, Madison


Sunday –

Feature #1 –

1. Tom Reffner
2. Bob Gunn
3. Steve Holzhausen
4. Bob Iverson
5. Jim Back
6. Rich Bickle Jr.
7. Steve Carlson, La Crosse
8. Joe Shear, Beloit
9. Al Schill
10.Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.

Feature #2 –

1. Jim Back
2. Bob Gunn
3. Tony Strupp, Slinger
4. Steve Holzhausen
5. Tom Reffner
6. Ted Musgrave
7. Joe Shear
8. Rich Bickle Jr.
9. Tom Musgrave
10.Bob Iverson

1978 – Eddy Records Initial ASA Win at Salem

 

Mike Eddy stands in victory lane awaiting an interview with ASA’s Garry Poindexter after winning the Midwest 300 at Salem.

Salem, Ind. (September 17, 1978) – Mike Eddy set fast time in Saturday’s qualifications and then led every competitive he drove Sunday in capturing the 100-lap qualifying race and the 100-lap championship finale for a clean sweep of the triple-100 format of the Midwest 300 for American Speed Association late models at Salem Super Speedway. Eddy collected $3,050 for his efforts.

Eddy, from Midland, Mich., edged Mark Martin by a second and a half in the finale with Bob Sensiba placing third, one second behind Martin. The feature win was the first for Eddy in ASA competition.

The two-day show was marred by a series of mishaps which saw five cars go completely outside of the steeply banked .54-mile track within a period of 24 hours.

The unprecedented display of vehicular acrobatics started during the practice session when Steve Agnew of Brownsburg got into the fourth turn steel guardrail and then sailed over the bank. Agnew’s car was airborne for 120 feet before nosing and cartwheeling outside the track. The car was totally destroyed, and Agnew was taken to an area hospital with a mild concussion.

Sunday’s first 100-lap qualifying race started with fireworks anew with an unbelievable series of crashes, all of which occurred within 25 feet of where Agnew met misfortune.

On lap 11, Walt Grady of Fairfield, Ohio, making his first start in a late model, slid into the fence while running eighth and did a series of violent flips outside the track. He was taken to a local hospital with a severe concussion.

Only five laps were completed after the restart for Grady’s misfortune when Larry Zent of Fort Wayne, running second in pursuit of leader Bob Sensiba, hit the fourth turn guardrail and also cart-wheeled out of the park, finally coming to rest some 200 feet from its departure. He was hospitalized overnight for a separated shoulder and fractured elbow.

With the race restarted following Zent’s crash, Sensiba and Martin locked up in a heated battle, with the 19-year-old Martin, the current ASA point leader, diving under Sensiba to claim the lead on lap 59.

While Martin was busy passing Sensiba, Paul Stuerenberg and Bill Bartholomew, both of Cincinnati, tangled high on the opposite end of the track. Both cars climbed the guardrail and then cleared the barrier in a shower of flames as Bartholomew’s fuel cell split after catching the guardrail. Emergency crews were quick on the scene and got the fire extinguished quickly. Both drivers walked away unhurt.

With the normally half-hour duration race once again restarted, nearly two and a half hours had passed and Martin established a commanding lead, with Sensiba working his way forward from the tail of the pack after having a tire changed during the previous red flag shutdown.

Sensiba charged to within two and a half seconds of Martin but ran out of time and had to settle for second. Third went to Harold Scott with Lonnie Breedlove fourth and Bob Coffey fifth. Don Gregory, who had been a factor in the event’s early stages, was force to retire with steering issues after 52 laps.

The comparatively quiet second 100-lapper was dominated by Eddy, who led the entire distance and finished a straightway ahead of Jerry Makara, Ed Cooper, Mickey Flora, ad Terry Shirley.

Mechanical retirements in the second race included Charlie Glotzbach, who lost his differential gears in his mount, Dave Roahrig, with a broken crankshaft, and Larry Schuler, who blew an engine. Schuler, however, was able to start in the finale after his crew replaced the powerplant in his racer in only 38 minutes.

Eddy started the third 100 on the outside of the front row and won the drag race with polesitter Mark Martin into the first turn to take the lead he would maintain throughout the contest. Despite leading all the way, Eddy was pressured throughout the event by Martin and Sensiba.

The trio weaved spectacularly through slower traffic as they battled for the top spot during the duration of the event, prompting eddy to later say, “I know it looked like I was driving crazy, but the car handled so great I could go anywhere on the track.”

Gregory placed fourth after an amazing drive from his 24th starting position, and L.J. Lines came from his 20th starting berth to claim fifth.


Results –

1. Mike Eddy, Midland, Mich.
2. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
3. Bob Sensiba, Middleville, Mich.
4. Don Gregory, Columbus, Ohio
5. L.J. Lines, Greensboro
6. Jerry Makara, Pinckney, Mich.
7. Terry Shirley, Seymour
8. Larry Gorman, Indianapolis
9. Roger Gillespie, Urbana, Ohio
10.Don Johnson, Hillard, Ohio
11.Wayne Howard, Fort Wayne
12.Dan Sprinkle, Indianapolis
13.Harry Brady, Louisville, Ky.
14.Gene Christie, Gaston
15.Luther Burton, Columbus
16.Larry Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
17.Bobby Sands, Henryville
18.Billy Howell, Louisville, Ky.
19.Harold Scott, New Castle
20.Bob Coffey, Indianapolis
21.Lonnie Breedlove, Indianapolis
22.Mickey Flora, Anderson
23.James Phillips, Louisville, Ky.
24.Ed Cooper, Clark Lake, Mich.

1956 – Bryan Wins ‘250’ Race at Milwaukee

 

Jimmy Bryan is joined in victory lane by car owner Bob Wilke after the Phoenix, Ariz., driver won the 250-mile late model stock car race at the Milwaukee Mile.

Milwaukee, Wis. (September 16, 1956) – Jimmy Bryan of Phoenix, Ariz., driving his 1956 Mercury at an average of 85.67 miles per hour over the one-mile paved oval at State Fair Park, Sunday won the 250-mile late model stock car race worth $3,931.

Bryan made only one pit stop during the race and finished in a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 3 seconds. He took the checkered banner three miles ahead of second place Bob Christie of Grants Pass, Ore., also in a Mercury. Christie pocketed $2,709.

A total of 17,796 fans contributed to a total purse of $18,925.

Bryan took the lead at the start and led for all but 9 miles of the race. His one stop was for fuel and tires at the 122-mile point and Christie roared into the lead. Bryan took over the top spot again when Christie pitted at the 131 miles.

Two drivers who failed to finish the race provided Bryan with his closest competition. Sam Hanks of Palisades, Calif., was forced out after 208 miles by a broken connecting rod, and Troy Ruttman of Lynwood, Calif., blew a tire, smashed into the wall, and then skidded into the pit area with a broken axle.

Twenty-eight cars started and 18 finished. Local favorite Norm Nelson of Racine was forced out after 58 miles with trouble in the left front hub of his 1956 Mercury.


Results –

1. Jimmy Bryan, Phoenix
2. Bob Christie, Grants Pass, Ore.
3. Marshall Teague, Daytona Beach, Fla.
4. Johny Mantz, Long Beach, Calif.
5. Don Miller, Milwaukee
6. Chuck Weyant, Springfield, Ill.
7. Johnny Parsons, Van Nuys, Calif.
8. Jack Radtke, Libertyville, Ill.
9. Ray Sellers, Cambridge, Ohio
10.Fred Lorenzen, Elmhurst, Ill.

1968 – Bohlander Wins Speedbowl Title

 

Don Bohlander

Sterling, Ill. (September 15, 1968) – Don Bohlander, going into the 50-lap season championship third in points, not only won the feature but emerged the Sterling Speedbowl point champion.

Bohlander took the lead on the 33rd lap when early leader John Connolly of Delhi, Iowa, and Bill McDonough of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tangled while battling for the lead, eliminating each other.

Bohlander was pushed by Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the last 17 laps but managed to hang on for the hard-fought victory. Verlin Eaker, also of Cedar Rapids, finished third with Lloyd Ewing of Peoria finishing fourth.

As a result of double points for the championship event, Bohlander was able to clinch the championship with a total of 1,212 points. Bill McDonough, the points leader entering the event, finished second with 1,136 points and finishing only one point behind, Ewing and Dake tied for third with 1,135 markers.

Connolly finished fifth with 1,085 points and Eaker sixth with 940 points.


Results –


Trophy dash – Darrell Dake
Heat #1 – Daehle Reitzel
Heat #2 – Bill Forbes
Heat #3 – Fred Strube
Heat #4 – Dick Nesteby
Consolation – Harold McCollum
Feature –
1. Don Bohlander
2. Darrell Dake
3. Verlin Eaker
4. Lloyd Ewing
5. Allen May
6. Dick Nesteby
7. Roger Dolan
8. Fred Strube
9. John Engelkens
10.Bob Specht

1973 – Dosher a Winner at Spencer

Thad Dosher

Spencer, Iowa (September 9, 1973) – Thad Dosher of Topeka, Kan., driving the Rickie-Hill Chevrolet, won the 30-lap feature for IMCA-sanctioned sprint cars at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Starting on the pole position, Dosher took the lead at the drop of Larry Shipley’s green flag and drove to an easy victory, increasing his lead in the IMCA championship point standings.

Ray Lee Goodwin of Kansas City, driving the Woodke Chevrolet in place of Bob Geldner after his own brand new Swenson Chevrolet developed motor trouble, drove an excellent race to finish second.

Buzz Rose, Hank Albers and Bill Utz rounded out the top five.


Results -

Time trials - Ralph Blackett (24.11)
STP Dash - Sonny Smyser
Heat #1 - Jerry Richert
Heat #2 - Bill Utz
Heat #3 - Jerry Frantsen
Semi-main - Hank Albers
Feature -
1. Thad Dosher
2. Ray Lee Goodwin
3. Buzz Rose
4. Hank Albers
5. Bill Utz
6. Larry Kirkpatrick
7. Gene Gennetten
8. Jerry Richert
9. Bill Robison
10. Russ Brahmer

 

1975 – Dake, Beaver and Godwin Win in Knoxville Jamboree

 

Darrell Dake hoists his trophy after winning the curfew-shortened late model feature at the Knoxville Jamboree. Gail Miller holds the checkers. – Earl Schwartz Photo

Knoxville, Iowa (September 13, 1975) – Darrell Dake, Dan Beaver and Rod Godwin survived the late nights, pileups, and a slick track to win races at the Fall Jamboree stock car extravaganza at the Marion County Fairgrounds this past weekend.

With more than 250 cars in three divisions, it was a busy weekend. Time trials lasted until midnight Friday and heat races went until 3 am Saturday morning, causing consternation among Knoxville residents.

“The townspeople started complaining about the noise, so we had to quit,” said Ralph Capitani, director of the Knoxville track. “We had a deadline of midnight on Saturday.”

Jerry Campbell of Des Moines, who won the third heat in the sportsman division, said he heard the Veteran’s Hospital officials had sent someone to turn off the Fairgrounds’ power if the races ran any longer.

The late model feature, won by Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, was shortened from 50 laps to 22, and the sportsman feature, won by Dan Beaver of Tracy, was cut from 25 laps to 14.

“It was the largest field of race cars I’ve ever seen,” Campbell said. “I think that was the reason there were so many wrecks. The drivers were so tired and weren’t focused. It was a mess, for sure.”

Campbell said promoter Gail Miller, who leased the track for the event, said another Fall Jamboree would be held next year. It’ll be a four-night deal then,” Campbell said. “He just jammed too much into two nights.”

Miller said a purse of $18,500, with $2,000 going to Dake, and $1,000 to Beaver. It was not announced what the street stock winner, Godwin, of Redfield, took home.

Capitani said the crowd was around 3,500 on Friday night and the Saturday night gathering about 6,000.


Results –


Late Model - 

Heat #1 – Galen Schaefer, Topeka, Kan.
Heat #2 – John Connolly, Delhi
Heat #3 – Ron Prymek, Iowa City
Heat #4 – Joe Wallace, Payton, Colo.
Trophy dash – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Consolation – Don Styskal, Fremont, Neb.
Feature –
1. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
2. Curt Hansen, Dike
3. Ed Sanger, Waterloo


Sportsman - 

Heat #1 – Mike Thraker, Muscatine
Heat #2 – Rex Carter, Des Moines
Heat #3 – Jerry Campbell, Des Moines
Heat #4 – Red Dralle, Evansdale
Trophy dash – Bill Ludington, Carlisle
Consolation #1 – Dave Trower, Jessup
Consolation #2 – Wayne Kirk, Omaha, Neb.
B-main – Ivan Long, Louisiana, Mo.
Feature –
1. Dan Beaver, Tracy
2. Rocky Hodges, Des Moines
3. Bill Ludington


Street Stock -

Heat #1 – Steve Shannon, Norwalk
Heat #2 – Rod Godwin, Redfield
Heat #3 – Greg Simonson, Des Moines
Heat #4 – Jay Scott, Dana
Trophy dash – Steve Shannon
B-main – Dennis Pittman, Jefferson
Feature –
1. Rod Godwin
2. Jay Scott
3. Steve Shannon

Dan Beaver won the sportsman feature at the Knoxville Jamboree at the Marion County Fairgrounds. – Earl Schwartz Photo

1953 – Katona Wins Dayton 500-Lapper

 

Dayton, Ohio (September 13, 1953) – Iggy Katona, the 37-year-old driver from Milan, Mich., guided his 1953 Hudson through 500 grueling laps at Dayton Speedway Sunday afternoon to win the MARC-sanctioned event for late model stock cars.

A crowd of more than 13,000, one of the largest in track history, saw Katona finish nearly four laps ahead of Jim Romine of Youngstown who was driving a 1952 Hudson.

Third place went to a 1953 Hudson driven by June Osborne of Winchester, Ky., while Lou Moore of Frewsburg, N.Y., finished fourth in a 1953 Ford.

Less than half of the 46 cars that started the four-hour, five minute marathon on the speedway’s half-mile, high-banked track were running at the finish.

John Marcum of Toledo, president of the Midwest Association Racing Club, said the order of the finish for the remaining cars could be determined after a tabulation of scoring sheets.

Katona took the lead on the 27th lap when race leader Bucky Sager off Toledo spun on the north turn. Sager had set a new track record in qualifying with a time of 24.59 seconds to earn the pole position.

J.H. Petty of Greensboro, N.C., briefly took the lead when Katona stopped for fuel and tires on lap 254. The stock Michigan driver took over the lead again on lap 300 when Petty went into the pits and led the rest of the way.

Lap prizes were awarded at the rate of $100 for the car in first place at the end of each 50 laps, giving Katona a $1,000 sweep in that department along with the $2,000 first prize from a total purse of $10,000.

It was Katona’s biggest win in 16 years of competition.


Results –

1. Iggy Katona, Milan, Mich.
2. Jim Romine, Youngstown
3. June Osborne, Winchester, Ky.
4. Lloyd Moore, Frewsburg, N.Y.
5. John McGinley, Chicora, Penn.
6. Julian Petty, Randleman, N.C.
7. Lee King, Kendallville, Ind.
8. Bucky Sager, Toledo
9. Earl Wilson, Detroit
10.Briar Johnson, Richmond, Ind.

1987 – Boggs Claims ‘World 100’

 

Randy Boggs waves to the fans after his stunning victory in the prestigious World 100 late model race at Eldora Speedway.

Rossburg, Ohio (September 12, 1987) – Randy Boggs survived the battle of attrition that was the 17th annual World 100, holding off a hard-charging John Mason to triumph in the late model stock car race that ended in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Wrecks and mechanical failures sidelined 12 of the 24 starters before the 100-lap race on the half-mile was halfway over. At the end, only six cars were still running in the race, which didn’t begin until 2:56 a.m., because of numerous accidents in the seven preliminary races and a thunderstorm which shut everything down for over three hours.

Boggs triumphed by .05 seconds over Mason to earn the $20,000 first-place money.

For Boggs, of Hutchins, Ky., the victory ended a year of frustration over the events which sidelined him in the 1986 race.

Boggs was the fastest qualifier in ’86, recording a time of 16.683 seconds. “I lost oil pressure one lap into the feature – and I was out just like that,” Boggs recalled.

While his brother Jack had been a regular competitor in the World 100, this was only the second appearance for Randy.

“I really didn’t know if I had a chance to win this race,” he said. “I spent the early part of the race trying to find the right groove – the track was really fast.”

Boggs led laps 1 and 2 before yielding to Charlie Swartz for laps 3 to 15. Boggs was back in front for laps 15 to 68 before Billy Moyer Jr. got past him. Moyer’s car, however broke, and on lap 96, Boggs took charge to the checkered.

Mason, who set a new World 100 qualifying record with a lap of 16.114 seconds on Friday, settled for runner-up honors but he almost didn’t get to race.

On the first lap of the first heat, Mason was involved in a wreck on the front straightaway. His crew spent six hours getting the car back into good enough shape to compete.


Results –


1. Randy Boggs, Hitchins, Ky.
2. John Mason, Millersburg
3. Bobby Carnes, Cincinnati
4. Freddie Smith, Kings Mountain, N.C.
5. Russ Petro, Columbus, Ind.
6. Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, Ark.
7. Jack Boggs, Grayson, Ky.
8. Jeff Purvis, Clarksville, Tenn.
9. Gary Stuhler, Westminster, Md.
10.Tom Helfrich, Haubstadt, Ind.
11.Kevin Claycomb, Vincennes, Ind.
12.Jack Hewitt, Troy
13.Donnie Moran, Dresden
14.Rodney Franklin, Parkersburg, W.Va.
15.Dave Johnson, Imperial, Penn.
16.Kevin Gundaker, St. Charles, Mo.
17.Steve Francis, Ashland, Ky.
18.Charlie Swartz, Ashland, Ky.
19.John Gill, Bedford, Ind.
20.Eddie Carrier, Lebanon, Ky.

1970 - Al Unser Wins Rich Hoosier Hundred Race

 

Al Unser won the Hoosier Hundred at the one-mile Indiana State Fairgrounds. 

Indianapolis, Ind. (September 12, 1970) – Al Unser beat back an early challenge by A.J. Foyt Saturday and won the rich Hoosier Hundred auto race at a record speed of 94.944 miles per hour.

The young Albuquerque, N.M., driver became the first winner of the Indianapolis auto racing “triple crown” by adding the dirt track event to earlier victories in the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Raceway Park 150-miler.

It was Al’s seventh victory this season on the United States Auto Club championship circuit. He has an almost insurmountable lead in the USAC point standings.

Foyt, a six-time winner of the Hoosier Hundred, led the first 53 miles on the one-mile oval before Unser caught and passed him on the main straightaway.

Unser would never look back, finishing a half-mile ahead of runner-up Ralph Liguori.

Foyt finished third followed by Sam Sessions in fourth and Mike Mosley in fifth. Sessions, making his first start in the 18-year-old race, was given the rookie-of-the-year award afterwards.

Johnny Parsons Jr., whose father won the 1950 Indianapolis 500, was the fast qualifier in time trials, but his engine quit after only 22 miles.

Such names as Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford and Gary Bettenhausen were too slow in time trials to make the 18-car field.


Results –


1. Al Unser
2. Ralph Liguori
3. A.J. Foyt
4. Sam Sessions
5. Mike Mosley
6. Bruce Walkup
7. Greg Weld
8. Bentley Warren
9. Will Cagle
10.Jim McElreath
11.Mario Andretti
12.Jim Malloy

1971 – Hovinga, Woodard Win Boone Championships

 

Dennis Hovinga (left) and Glenn Woodard show off their trophies from a season of racing at Boone Speedway. Hovinga was the top driver in the late model division while Woodard dominated the sportsman class. – Jerry Dickinson Photo

Boone, Iowa (September 11, 1971) – The season point champions at Boone also picked up season championship trophies Saturday night.

Denny Hovinga, Laurens, kept the lead throughout the super late model championship contest, as did Glenn Woodard, Des Moines, in the sportsman class.

Gene Schattschneider, Algona, jumped into the lead at the start of the super late model event, but coasted to a stop before the first lap was complete when his steering wheel came loose, putting him out of the race. Hovinga inherited the lead on the restart and never relinquished it.

In the season championship for sportsman cars, Woodard had to slide through some trouble to take the win. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, also of Des Moines, finished second in the feature.

Midway through the race, Norm Carlson, Ames, went into the infield and as he came back out, his front end folded up. Woodard, who was closing in to lap Carlson, went into a slide to avoid Carlson and bumped into him. However, he came out of it unscathed, kept going, thus avoiding being sent to the rear of the pack on the restart.

Bud Peterson, Algona, who has not been a regular at Boone this year, passed Ray Busch, Ogden, on the last lap to win the A-main. The entire race was close between Busch, Peterson, Schattschneider, and Dwight Engleen, Ogden.

Peterson, Engleen, and Darwin Madden, Boone, were heat winners.

Del Stokke, Ames, started in the sixth row of the B-main, worked his way through traffic, and went to win over Chuck Cox, Boone, and Earl Tice, Ames.


Results –


Super Late Model –

Heat #1 – Bud Peterson, Algona
Heat #2 – Dwight Engleen, Ogden
Heat #3 – Darwin Madden, Boone
A-main – Bud Peterson
B-main – Del Stokke, Ames
Feature –
1. Denny Hovinga, Laurens
2. Darreld Bunkofske, Algona
3. Arlo Dorenbush, Boone
4. Dwight Engleen
5. John Carlson, Ankeny


Sportsman –

1. Glenn Woodard, Des Moines
2. Leonard, Des Moines
3. Doug White, Redfield
4. Jerry Brown, Slater
5. Allen Martin, Madrid

1960 – Folse Drives Best at Mid-America Fair

 

Pete Folse

Topeka, Kan. (September 11, 1960) – Pete Folse of Tampa, Fla., the 1959 dirt track champion of the International Motor Contest Association, came from behind Sunday afternoon to win the championship feature of the two-day big car racing meet at the Mid-America Fair before 11,000 race fans.

Folse, who won the feature event on Saturday, moved up from his fourth starting position to take the lead on lap 15 of the 25-lap main event from Buzz Barton of Gardena, Calif., and remained there until the checkered flag.

Chet Hamby, a Kansas City driver who specializes in midget driving, set a new 10-lap record for the Mid-America meet in winning the semi-final event.

His time was 4 minutes and 47 seconds, bettering the old standard of 4 minutes and 47.53 seconds.

Dale Redd of Wichita narrowly escaped injury when his car caught fire while competing in his heat race. He pulled into the pits quickly and the fire was extinguished by the safety crew.


Results –

Inaugural Dash – A.J. Shepherd, Gardena, Calif.
National Speedway Dash – Pete Folse, Tampa, Fla.
American Triumph Dash – Gordon Woolley, Waco, Tex.
Sinclair Handicap – Pete Folse
Semi- Final – Chet Hamby, Kansas City
Championship Sweepstakes –
1. Pete Folse
2. Buzz Barton, Tampa, Fla.
3. A.J. Shepherd
4. Herschel Wagner, Hickman Hills, Mo.
5. Bill Sullivan, Sacramento, Calif.
6. Bob Mathouser, Gardena, Calif.
7. Jerry Schumaker, Wichita
8. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.

1983 – Gurney First in Hoosier Hundred

 

Chuck Gurney put on a dominating performance in winning the 31st annual Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 

By Robin Miller

Indianapolis, Ind. (September 10, 1983) – There have been three United States Auto Club dirt car races at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the past 12 months.

But only one winner…

Chuck Gurney, a USAC regular in the 1970s who has become one of the country’s fastest commuters, flew in from California again and dusted off the competition to win the 31st annual Hoosier Hundred.

It was Gurney’s second straight victory in what used to be dirt racing’s showcase event. And, coupled with his triumph in May’s 60-lapper here, it gave the 32-year-old driver three wins in a row on the 1-mile slick, sandy surface.

His official winning margin over runner-up Sheldon Kinser was either 15 seconds or half a lap. Regardless of how it’s measured, the worst crowd in Hoosier Hundred history (estimated 7,000) witnessed an out-an-out rout.

Starting on the front row, Gurney gobbled up pole-sitter and fast qualifier Ken Schrader on lap 10 and was seen only periodically after that – when the yellow came out. But it didn’t matter how close everyone got bunched up on the restart, because when the flagman waved the green flag, Gurney waved goodbye.

“The car and I got along together real well,” understated the Pleasanton, Calif., native said. “It handles great, and the motor is strong.”

Some of Gurney’s competitors think is powerplant is either illegal or aided by nitrous oxide. “They screamed last May when we won but the tech officials found nothing,” said Gurney. And they’re going to tear it down right now and we knew that coming into the race. But I got news for ‘em. It’s legal.”

It would be nice to write about all of the great racing behind Gurney but that would be fiction. Kinser, who started sixth, kept busy holding off Larry Rice for second in the only close race for position.

Besides Gurney, the quickest driver out there may have been Kramer Williamson, who started 18th and finished fourth. Johhny Parsons Jr. also displayed some nifty passing on a one-groove track, starting 22nd and finishing fifth.

Schrader, who nearly broke Parson’s nine-year-old qualifying record, lost an engine on lap 33. Seve Chassey, who was comfortably in second place behind Gurney most of the day, pulled in on lap 70 when his motor failed.

Kevin Olson, the defending USAC midget champion, did a nice, tidy job in his dirt debut, with an eighth place finish.


Results –

1. Chuck Gurney
2. Sheldon Kinser
3. Larry Rice
4. Kramer Williamson
5. Johnny Parsons Jr.
6. Gary Gray
7. Joe Saldana
8. Kevin Olson
9. Mark Alderson
10.Billy Vukovich