1989 – Heroics by Holzhausen Highlight Racefest ‘89

 

Steve Holzhausen is congratulated by promoters John McKarns and Harry Molenaar after winning the ARTGO-style late model headliner at Illiana Motor Speedway. – Al Fortner Photo

Schererville, Ind. (October 22, 1989) – Steve Holzhausen made a dramatic pass of four-time track champion Frank Gawlinski on the 121st circuit and went on to win Sunday afternoon’s 129-lap ARTGO-style late model feature that highlighted Racefest ’89 at Illiana Motor Speedway.

Gawlinski, who had scored a dozen regular feature wins at the 1/3-mile paved oval this year, charged past early pacesetter Tony Raines to take the lead on lap 39 of the ARTGO-style late model headliner, which was scheduled for 125 laps.

With no yellow flags to slow them, Gawlinski and second-running Raines opened up a substantial lead over their closest pursuers, Dave Weltmeyer, Len Nowosel, and Holzhausen.

The fireworks began on lap 89, when Nowosel and Weltmeyer bumped in turn two, dropping Weltmeyer all the way back to eight position and resulting in a stop-and-go penalty for Nowosel. The incident necessitated a restart in which Holzhausen got around Raines for second.

Another yellow on lap 113 put the leaders in single-file once again with Gawlinski shaking up the field with a lightning-fast restart. But, within five circuits, Holzhausen had closed the gap and was nipping at Gawlinski’s heels.

Holzhausen finally got around Gawlinski on lap 121 then outran his rival to the checkers, which was extended to 129 laps by a caution period that regrouped the field on lap 124. Tracy Schuler came in third followed by Steve Carlson, Weltmeyer, and Raines.

In other action, Joe Witowski won the 50-lap sportsman feature Steve Christman was the E-mod winner. Kevin Cywinski took the NASCAR late model feature and David Dotter grabbed street stock honors.


Results –

1. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
2. Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood, Ill.
3. Tracy Schuler, Lockport, Ill.
4. Steve Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
5. Dave Weltmeyer, Harvey, Ill.
6. Tony Raines, LaPorte
7. Tony Hertko, Joliet, Ill.
8. Tom Jones, Northbrook, Ill.
9. Lem Nowosel, Grayslake, Ill.
10.Dale Hirschfield, Alsip, Ill.