1956 - Burdick Tops Field in Cornbelt 200

 

All-Iowa Fair secretary Andy Hanson presents the Cornbelt trophy to Bob Burdick after he won the 200-lap feature at Hawkeye Downs. In the middle is promoter Frank Winkley. – Les Burianek Photo

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (May 20, 1956) – Bud Burdick, driving the last 20 laps with a bent wheel, captured the Corn Belt trophy and cash at Hawkeye Downs in the season’s first 200-lap late model stock car test.

A crowd estimated at 9,500 saw Burdick take the lead on the 130th lap, when Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids was forced into the pits, then rolled his Chevrolet to the final 70 laps to victory.

Dake, who led the from the 61st to the 130th lap, was one of the hard luck drivers in Sunday’s field. He rallied late and drew within 50 yards of Burdick in the closing laps, only to have his car forced into the pits again and wound up fourth in the final standings.

Defending International Motor Contest Association stock car champion Don White of Keokuk had his share of troubles. He grabbed the lead briefly in the early laps but was then forced to the sidelines when his fan broke through his radiator.

John Beauchamp of Harlan had the best qualifying time with a clocking of 29.99 seconds, but he lost the lead early to Sonny Morgan of Beaumont, Tex. Both had their share of car troubles, with Morgan finishing second and Beauchamp credited with fifth. Bob Burdick, brother of the winner, started last and finished an impressive third.

Beauchamp led the first two laps, then lost it to Morgan. Morgan the led the parade until lap 7 when White grabbed it briefly. Morgan took it back when White went to the sidelines. Dake and Morgan then dueled for the top spot until lap 61, when Morgan got jammed up in the first turn.

He plowed into a fence, losing the lead to Dake. He came out of the mishap with a 15-foot plank protruding from under his left front fender, and it took several crewmen to remove the board and get Morgan back on the track.

Dake then led the way until he pitted on the 130th lap and Burdick took over for good.


Results –


1. Bud Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
2. Sonny Morgan, Beaumont, Tex.
3. Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
4. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
5. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan
6. Roxy Dancy, Shreveport, La.
7. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
8. Frank Richards, Marion
9. Lee McClunk, What Cheer
10.Les Dykes, Davenport
11.Ted Zieman, Mason City
12.Doc Narber, Cedar Rapids
13.Bob Chauncy, Mason City
14.Burton Ramsey
15.Glen Strellner, Cedar Rapids

1967 - Droste Continues Mastery; Takes Monticello Opener

 

By Carol Krafka

Monticello, Iowa (May 19, 1967) – Airview Speedway began its season Friday night with Red Droste of Waterloo picking up the feature win and completing a clean sweep for the evening.

Droste won the first heat, A-semi, and the 20-lap feature. He was a quarter of a lap ahead in both the A-semi and feature when the checkers dropped. He easily outdistanced the field with Tom Hughes of Monticello and Cal Swanson of Reinbeck having the real duel as they fought for second place money.

Swanson picked up two checkered flags for the evening, winning the second heat and the B-semi.

Ed Sanger of Waterloo, driving his new blue GTO, won the third heat, finished second in the B-semi, and was fourth in the feature.

The novice feature was won by Fred Potter over Bob Lenstra and John Martin.


Results –


Heat #1 – Red Droste, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
Heat #3 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo
A-semi – Red Droste
B-semi – Cal Swanson
Feature –
1. Red Droste
2. Tom Hughes, Monticello
3. Cal Swanson
4. Ed Sanger
5. Larry Curley, Oxford Junction
6. Bob Hartman, Cedar Rapids
7. Curt Hansen, Dike
8. Dick Nesteby, Dubuque

1986 - Schedule Change Pays Off for Ziegler

 

John Ziegler won the Budweiser Spring Classic at Wisconsin International Raceway. Joining Ziegler in victory lane are Debbie Ashauer and Busch Beer representative Roger Brink. – Al Graf Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 18, 1986) – John Ziegler avoided a wild wreck on the25th circuit and went on to win the Budweiser Spring Classic 50-lap late model feature Sunday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway before a crowd of 4,614.

Ironically, Ziegler wasn’t scheduled to compete in Kaukauna.

“We were thinking about going to the ASA show in Kalamazoo (Mich.) but with all of the rain they were getting, we decided to come here instead,” he said.

It was the first win for Ziegler at WIR since 1981 Thursday night checkered flag and his first special event victory since 1975 when he won the overall title in the Red, White, and Blue State Championship Series.

Ziegler started off the afternoon by leading the 48-car field with a 20.134-second clocking in time trials.

Doug Herbst came off the front row to lead the opening round in the main event. Steve Arndt took over on the second lap and led until Tom Reffner pulled up on Arndt’s bumper and then wedged inside for the lead on lap 16. Bob Iverson shot past Arndt on lap 23 to take second.

The caution flew on lap 25 when Scott Hansen and Ziegler bumped while dicing for fifth position. Hansen’s car got sideways, and Terry Baldry went flying over the top of Hansen’s mount in the fourth turn. Baldry’s car turned on its side in mid-air and nearly flipped over.

Reffner’s seven-car-length lead was erased by the restart, and Iverson used the outer groove to take the lead from Reffner on lap 27.

Meanwhile, Ziegler continued his drive to the front. He went around Arndt for fourth position on lap 26 and passed Jim Weber for third on the 28th round. He motored past Reffner on lap 29 to move up to the runner-up spot.

Ziegler quickly closed up on Iverson and grabbed the lead on lap 32 along the front stretch. The veteran Madison driver opened up an eight-car-length margin over the final 18 circuits.

“You can never get too far ahead,” Ziegler commented. “I wasn’t really pushing hard.”

Iverson settled for second followed by Reffner, Jim Back, and Dave Watson.


Results –


1. John Ziegler, Madison
2. Bob Iverson, Escanaba, Mich.
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Jim Back, Vesper
5. Dave Watson, Milton
6. Terry Baldry, Omro
7. Steve Arndt, Edgerton
8. Bill Oas, St. Paul, Minn.
9. Tom Musgrave, Half Day, Ill.
10.Perry Redeker, Wausau

1970 - 4,000 Watch Kosiski Win Sunset Opener

 

Bob Kosiski 

By Mark Woods

Omaha, Neb. (May 17, 1970) – Bob Kosiski of Omaha, starting from far back in the field, won the stock car feature Sunday evening at Sunset Speedway before a season opening crowd of 4,000.

The 36-year-old king of late model racing brought his 1969 Chevelle from its 15th starting position in the field of 16 to roar into the lead on the 17th circuit on the newly remodeled half-mile dirt oval.

Kosiski came on strong midway through the chase to take the lead from Rex Baller of Oakland, Iowa, and Don Christensen of Harlan, Iowa.

Jim Wyman of Fremont, driving a 1968 Ford Torino, was the sole survivor of a nose-to-tail battle among three cars (Christensen, Bud Burdick, and John Beamon) for second place.

As Kosiski zoomed to the checkered flag, most of the crowd gave their hero a deafening cheer. He collected $500 for the victory and 500 points to become the current point leader. Kosiski also won at Whitehead Speedway on Saturday night in Nebraska City.

Phil Reeves of Omaha finished in front of Darwin turner of Omaha in the B-main.

Going down to the wire, Wyman won the 6-lap trophy dash over Kosiski by a half-a-car-length. Heat winners were Wyman, Kosiski, and Neil Holling of Omaha.

Twenty-nine cars showed with many other drivers still working on their cars.

Bill Wrich of Kennard, the 1969 season champion, will have his ’69 Chevelle ready for Memorial Day Weekend. Dick Brosseau will have his ’69 Dodge Charger ready next Sunday night.

As for the new track improvements, everyone was impressed with the emphasis on safety.

“It’s almost like daylight,” Kosiski said, referring to the new lighting system installed.


Results –


Heat #1 – Jim Wyman, Fremont
Heat #2 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha
Heat #3 – Neil Holling, Omaha
Trophy dash – Jim Wyman
Speed dash – Rex Baller, Oakland, Iowa
B-main – Phil Reeves, Omaha
Feature –
1. Bob Kosiski
2. Jim Wyman
3. Don Christensen, Harlan, Iowa
4. Bud Burdick, Omaha
5. John Beaman, Omaha
6. Rex Baller
7. Paul Zdan, Omaha
8. Jack Golder, Hooper
9. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
10.Neil Holling

1979 – Hoffman, Stewart Win Oskaloosa Season Opener

 

Tony Stewart won the sportsman feature during the season opener at Southern Iowa Speedway. Congratulating Stewart on the win is Paul Van Zee and flagman Joe Ranse.

By Ida Mae Van Genderen

Oskaloosa, Iowa (May 16, 1979) – Don Hoffman and Tony Stewart captured season opening features Wednesday night at Southern Iowa Speedway.

Hoffman, of Des Moines, fresh from feature wins in Omaha and Kansas City last weekend, overtook early leader Ken Walton of Cedar Rapids and rushed on to victory. There was about six seconds separating the two drivers at the checkers. Picking up third and fourth were Joe Merryfield of Des Moines and Dick Schiltz of Waterloo.

Heat wins went to Ed Sanger of Waterloo, Walton, and Merryfield. Hoffman won the Australian Pursuit and Steve Keppler of Marion was the consolation winner.

Stewart, of Washington, led the full distance in the sportsman feature. Stewart, fresh from a feature win at Eldon last Saturday, also won his heat race.

Chasing the winner were Ron Pallister of Wapello, Jim Anderson of Des Moines, and Steve Shannon of Norwalk.

Making his first appearance there, Bruce Hanford of Davenport won the sportsman consolation.


Results -


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Ken Walton, Cedar Rapids
Heat #3 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Australian Pursuit – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Consolation – Steve Keppler, Marion
Feature –
1. Don Hoffman
2. Ken Walton
3. Joe Merryfield
4. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
5. Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
6. Curt Hansen, Dike
7. Steve Keppler
8. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
9. Bill Rice, Des Moines
10.Ed Sanger


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Tony Stewart, Washington
Heat #2 - Ron Pallister, Wapello
Consolation – Bruce Hanford, Davenport
Feature –
1. Tony Stewart
2. Ron Pallister
3. Jim Anderson, Des Moines
4. Steve Shannon, Norwalk
5. Wendell Folkerts, Albia
6. Paul Carr, Ottumwa

1975 – Musgrave Ties Grundy Track Record

Tom Musgrave couldn't be beaten during the 1975 season at Grundy County Speedway.

Morris, Ill. (August 15, 1975) – Tom Musgrave romped to his sixth consecutive 25-lap late model feature win Friday night at Grundy County Speedway before one of the largest crowds of the season.

The victory ties Ed Hoffman’s five-year-old record for consecutive feature wins. Musgrave will try for a record-breaking seventh feature win this Friday.

Larry Morris led the first two laps before the contest was red-flagged for a George Vandermeier spin that collected several other cars. Vandermeier, Hal Davis, and Tom Jones dropped out as a result of the accident. Earlier, Jones had set fast time at a near-record 16.39 seconds.

Dave Weltmeyer gained the lead on the restart and led until the ninth circuit when Ray Young and Musgrave shot by as smoke started coming from the Weltmeyer machine. He was later black-flagged on lap 19

Musgrave powered out front for good on the 11th circuit and dashed to the checkered flag. Larry Schuler passed Young on the 16th lap to take second-place money and was followed by Young, Lee Schuler, and Ted Musgrave.

Lyndell Baumgarder, the 1972 six-cylinder champion, urged a smoking Camaro to victory ahead of Bob Dotter in the 21-car, 20-lap late model B-feature. Baumgardner took the lead from James Bond on lap 11. Bond finished third.

Kirk Fure won the 12-lap hobby stock feature over point leader Tony Hertko.


Results –


Time trials – Tom Jones, Northbrook (16.39)
Trophy dash – Ray Young, Dolton
Heat #1 – John Snyder, Morris
Heat #2 – Chuck Merritt, River Grove
Heat #3 – Dave Weltmeyer, Harvey
Heat #4 – Larry Schuler, Lockport
B-feature – Lyndell Baumgardner, Braceville
Feature –
1. Tom Musgrave, Mundelein
2. Larry Schuler
3. Ray Young, Dolton
4. Lee Schuler, Lockport
5. Ted Musgrave, Friendship, Wis.
6. Arnie Gardner, Geneva
7. Jerry Kemperman, Blue Island
8. Woody Church, Chicago Ridge
9. Larry Middleton, East Hazel Crest
10.John McPartlin, Lansing

1988 – Kraft Tops I-44 USAC Stox

 

Lebanon, Mo. (May 14, 1988) – Willy Kraft notched his third straight USAC late model feature win as he topped the 40-lap main event Saturday night at I-44 Speedway.

Kraft gained the lead on the initial lap, but Delbert Smith took over the second time around. Smith’s lead would be short-lived, however, as Kraft took over for good on lap 5.

Kraft outdistanced Ray Godsey and Smith to take the checkered flag. Ray Guss Jr. and Billy Moyer Jr. rounded out the top-five finishers.


Results –


Time Trials – Ken Essary (17.056)
Heat #1 – Ken Essary
Heat #2 -Billy Moyer Jr.
Heat #3 – Willy Kraft
Heat #4 – Johnny Stokes
Last Chance – Delbert Smith
Feature –
1. Willy Kraft
2. Ray Godsey
3. Delbert Smith
4. Ray Guss Jr.
5. Billy Moyer Jr.
6. Larry Phillips
7. Johnny Stokes
8. T.J. Pauschert
9. Terry Phillips
10.Ken Essary

1978 - Double Features to Hovinga

 

Promoter Don Cryder holds the checkered flag for Denny Hovinga after the Pocahontas driver won both late model features at the Hamilton County Speedway. - Margaret Gardner Photo

By Donna Post

Webster City, Iowa (May 13, 1978) – After being rained out the week before, Denny Hovinga of Pocahontas captured both late model features Saturday night at the Hamilton County Speedway.

Hovinga started on the outside of the second row during the first 20-lap feature and grabbed the lead from Roger Klingfus of Waterloo on lap 7 and held it to the finish.

In the second feature, Hovinga started on the pole and stayed there for the entire 25 laps. He found the groove on the track right away and did a superb job of staying there. He was threatened numerous times by Bob Hill of Randall, who finished second in both features.

Bob Shryock of Estherville, who was a consistent winner here last year, ran right up there with the leaders in the second feature only to suffer a flat tire. He changed the tire and moved back up into a contending position but lost a wheel and was done for the night.

There were two sportsman features as well. Wayne Larson of Ames won the first feature while Al Urhammer of Radcliffe took the win in the second feature.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Denny Hovinga, Pocahontas
Heat #2 – Bob Hill, Randall
Heat #3 – Bob Shryock, Estherville
Trophy dash – Bob Shryock
Semi-main – Darrell Sells, Waverly
Feature #1 –
1. Denny Hovinga
2. Bob Hill, Randall
3. Roger Klingfus, Waterloo

Feature #2 –

1. Denny Hovinga
2. Bob Hill
3. Ted Zieman, Mason City


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Al Urhammer, Radcliffe
Heat #2 – Wayne Larson, Ames
Trophy dash – Steve Coe, Ames
Semi-main – Bill Pruisman, Webster City
Feature #1 –
1. Wayne Larson
2. Mike Carlberg, Iowa Falls
3. Al Urhammer

Feature #2 –

1. Al Urhammer
2. Mike Carlberg
3. Howard Claude, Woolstock

1973 – Cale Yarborough Wins Music City 420

 

Music City 420 winner Cale Yarborough is interviewed by local sports anchor Paul Eells in victory lane. 

Nashville, Tenn. (May 12, 1973) – Steady Cale Yarborough lead nearly all the way in winning NASCAR’s Music City 420 for Grand National drivers Saturday night at Nashville’s Fairgrounds Speedway.

Yarborough, from Timmonsville, S.C., started on the pole and led all but one or two laps in his red and white Chevelle. The victory earned Yarborough $5,255 and 125 championship points.

The only other leader was Cecil Gordon, who assumed the lead briefly a third of the way through the race when Yarborough and Richard Petty, running second at the time, pitted simultaneously for gas and tires.

Gordon finished fourth and Petty, who went out on lap 400 when “something burned out up front,” finished 12th.

Benny Parsons, who needed to complete only the first lap to assure himself of the point title in the first leg of the Winston Cup Series, earned $10,000 for his first lap. He finished the race in second place driving a Chevrolet.

Buddy Baker survived a lost tire on lap 106 and charged back to place third.

Petty, who had won at Fairgrounds Speedways’ 5/8-mile track seven times previously, ran second much of the race after starting seventh.

Bobby Allison, who with Petty was one of the pre-race favorites, was in the pits often and spun out on lap 221. He would finish fifth.

Twenty-eight starters would divide the $43,000 purse. Eighteen cars were still on the track when Yarborough took the checkered.


Results –

1. Cale Yarborough
2. Benny Parson
3. Buddy Baker
4. Cecil Gordon
5. Bobby Allison
6. Coo Coo Marlin
7. Bobby Isaac
8. David Sisco
9. J.D. McDuffie
10.Vic Parsons
11.Dave Marcis
12.James Hylton
13.Richard Petty
14.Buddy Arrington
15.Dean Dalton
16.Rick Newsom
17.Elmo Langley
18.Jabe Thomas
19.Robert Brown
20.Frank Warren
21.Charlie Roberts
22.Walter Ballard
23.Richard Childress
24.Darrell Waltrip
25.Henley Grey
26.Alton Jones
27.Ed Negre
28.Bobby Poole

1968 - Lane Nips Niffenegger For Win at Burlington

Bob Lane, driving his famous “Schiltz Wagon” takes a victory lap after winning the semi-super modified feature at 34 Race Ways Park. – Roger Meier Photo

Burlington, Iowa (May 11, 1968) – Bob Lane, seeking revenge from having his track record broken earlier in the evening, edged Mike Niffenegger of Kalona to cop the semi-super modified feature at 34 Race Ways Park on Saturday night.

Despite leading start to finish, Lane never had the feature event cinched, with the “Flying Dutchman” nipping at the heels the entire way.

“I could feel him right behind me,” said the popular Lane, “all I could do was hold on.”

Niffenegger started the program by breaking the track record on the 3/8-mile dirt oval. Niffenegger, whose car has been troubled the past few weeks with drive line issues, putting his semi-super on the lightning-fast track and touring the course in 17.48 seconds. That surpassed the old mark of 17.57 seconds set by Lane in June of 1967.

Niffenegger went on to win his heat race, starting at the rear of the pack, moving to third by lap 5, then getting by Gene Williamson and Jim Ball to grab the victory. Lane easily won the second heat with Bob Ensminger winning the match race. Allen Tee won the consolation.

George Fielty scored his second straight feature win in the cadet division. Wayne Hummer, last year’s cadet champion, set the pace in the early going with Larry Reighard and Fielty in tow. Hummer would collide with Gary Miller on the backstretch of lap 8, losing a wheel and eliminating himself from competition.

Reighard would inherit the top spot but unfortunately, would only hold on to that spot for one lap when he spun off of turn four, giving Fielty the lead. Fielty expertly guided his car through lap traffic for the remainder of the race to earn a hard-fought win.


Results –


Semi-Super –

1. Bob Lane
2. Mike Niffenegger
3. Bob Ensminger
4. Duane Stoneking
5. Dick McClure

Cadet –

1. George Fielty
2. Bill Carder
3. Ken Reighard
4. Ralph Parish
5. Ed Haaman

1970 – World IMCA Marks Fall at Tri-County Speedway

Jerry Blundy

West Chester, Ohio (May 10, 1970) - Jerry Blundy came out on top after a fantastic dual with Dick Sutcliffe in the 40-lap International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car feature on a world record breaking Sunday night at Tri-County Speedway. Sutcliffe managed second place, and J.D. Leas ran a close third.

Blundy continues to lead the IMCA point standings.

The superfast half-mile banked dirt track saw IMCA records broken four times. Only a yellow flag in the feature allowed Jim McWhithey's 16-year-old 20-mile mark to remain on the books as new records were established for six laps, 12 laps and 10 laps twice.

Dick Sutcliffe grabbed the early lead from the outside front row slot in the inverted-six starting field. By the third lap, fast qualifier Blundy had maneuvered into second and set his sights on the catbird seat.

For the next 30 laps it was Sutcliffe and Blundy side to side and nose to tail with Leas running a few car lengths back in third. Blundy pulled even on the 13th lap, ran next to Sutcliffe through 18 and 19 and zoomed low to the edge into a slim lead in the third turn of the 25th circuit. But each time Sutcliffe repulsed the charge.

Hopes for a 40-lap mark were dashed when Mark Caldwell brushed the back chute wall and tore off a wheel, calling out the yellow flag. When the green flag reappeared, Blundy and Sutcliffe resumed her battle. Blundy deathblow through the third turn on the 33rd lap, then took command down the back chute of the 34th.

The outcome was decided one lap later when Sutcliffe nearly spun trying to recapture the lead and fell several car lengths off the pace. Leas almost pulled by him, but Sutcliffe straightened out in time to rescue the runner-up spot.

Don Hewitt slipped by Rick Ferkel on the 34th lap to gain fourth with Ferkel fifth.

Caldwell won the first heat with the next to producing world records. Eddie Leavitt snapped his own IMCA 10-lap mark for a semi-banked half-mile dirt track with a time of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Leavitt's record lasted only until the third heat when Dick Gaines lowered it by almost two seconds at 3 minutes and 28 seconds.

Another record fell in a six-lap match race as Sutcliffe covered the distance in 2 minutes and 4 seconds, which was almost 15 seconds faster than the mark set by Red Amick in 1963.

And a final mark fell in the 12-lap semi as Fred Linder went the distance in 4 minutes and 11 seconds as compared to the former record of 4 minutes and 48 seconds which was set by Jerry Richert 10 years ago.


Results –


1. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
2. Dick Sutcliffe, Kansas City
3. J.D. Leas, Winterville, Ohio
4. Don Hewitt, Troy
5. Rick Ferkel, Shillington, Penn.
6. Jay Woodside, Kansas City
7. Chuck Lynch, Springfield, Ill.
8. George Arbor, Huntington, W.Va.
9. Junior Smalley, Waverly
10.Sheldon Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.

1982 -Green Wins Stoneking Memorial

Tim Green won the fourth annual Dick Stoneking Memorial sprint car race at 34 Raceway. Green (center) is joined by promoter Larry Kemp (far left) trophy girl Leslye Krieger, and Duane Stoneking, father of the late Dick Stoneking. – Dennis Krieger Imagery

Burlington, Iowa (May 9, 1982) – Native Californian Tim Green, driving the Bob Trostle sprinter out of Des Moines, flew to victory in the 20-lap main event during the fourth annual Dick Stoneking Memorial on Sunday at 34 Raceway.

The sprint car main started out on the wrong foot as Ned Fry of Burlington ran high coming out of turn four and hit the front straightaway wall hard, putting him out of action for the evening.

On the second restart, Green, starting inside of row two, dove to the inside and grabbed the lead in turn one. Tom Corbin of Carrollton, Mo., tucked himself behind Green and would follow him the remainder of the race.

Galen Martin of Fairfield, the trophy dash winner, finished third, defending champion Cliff Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., took fourth and Jim Hetrick of Gladstone, Ill., was scored in fifth.


Results –

Time trials – Tim Green, Carmichael, Calif.
Trophy dash – Galen Martin, Fairfield
Heat #1 – Mike Thomas, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
Feature –
1. Tim Green
2. Tom Corbin
3. Galen Martin
4. Cliff Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
5. Jim Hetrick, Gladstone, Ill.
6. Bill Hetrick, Carmen, Ill.
7. Bobby Ensminger, Burlington
8. Mike Thomas
9. Larry Wilson, Industry, Ill.
10.Randy Plath, Burlington

1987 – Kinser Outruns Shuman in WoO Santa Fe Main

 

Steve Kinser displays the victory banner after winning the 30-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature at Santa Fe Speedway. – Al Graf Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (May 8, 1987) – Steve Kinser shot past Ron Shuman in turn two of lap 27 and went on to claim the 30-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature Friday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

Craig Keel took the initial lead, but Shuman powered in front on round four. Shuman led until the first caution of the contest flew on lap 8 when Tony Armstrong and Bob Robel spun in turn three.

When the green returned, Mark Kinser and Andy Stapp collided in turn two forcing another delay. When the race resumed, Shuman retained the lead using the track’s high groove.

The two other cautions of the feature came when Armstrong spun in turn one on lap 21 and on lap 22 when Johnny Herrera and Robel tangled.

Steve Kinser closed in on the leader using the low side of the track for much of the feature. Kinser managed to nose ahead of Shuman at the start/finish line of lap 25 but Shuman was able to regain the lead in turn two of lap 26.

One lap later, Kinser managed to slide ahead of Shuman to regain the top spot for good. Once in front, Kinser shifted to the high groove to hold off Shuman for the victory.

The victory was Kinser’s ninth of the season and 177th of his career. Steve Butler, who was the fastest qualifier of the night, placed third followed by Brady Doty and Craig Keel.


Results –

1. Steve Kinser
2. Ron Shuman
3. Steve Butler
4. Brad Doty
5. Craig Keel
6. Keith Kauffman
7. Danny Smith
8. Dave Blaney
9. Jac Haudenschild
10.Tim Gee

1989 - Herbst Outruns Baldry, Wins WIR's Spring Classic

 

Doug Herbst is congratulated by Miss WIR, Debbie Ashauer, after winning the 100-lap late model feature that highlighted the annual Budweiser Spring Classic 100 at Wisconsin International Raceway. - Dan Lewis Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 7, 1989) – Doug Herbst, a 27-year-old charger from Wausau, scored the biggest win of his short racing career with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the Budweiser Spring Classic 100-lap late model stock car race Sunday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway.

With 4,048 watching the action, Herbst had a hood pin break at the start of the race, and he dropped to the rear of the 20-car starting field with a portion of his fiberglass hood flapping in the breeze. A caution on lap 9 allowed Herbst to duck into the pit area where his crew was quick to make repairs.

At that point, Herbst had no idea he would end up in victory lane with his first-ever special event win at the track and take home the $2,000 first-prize.

“The hood pin came out and I couldn’t see,” said an excited Herbst after the race which saw three lead changes in the final five circuits.

Al Laufer took the lead at the start, but he and second-running Dennis Lampman clipped one another coming off the fourth turn sending Laufer into a wild spin, necessitating a yellow flag. Laufer was sent to the rear of the pack for the restart as Lampman inherited the top spot with three-time WIR champion Terry Baldry on his rear bumper.

After another caution lap 16, Baldry raced outside of Lampman on the restart and four-time track champion Scott Hansen powered by Lampman into second position a lap later.

Baldry, Hansen, and J.J. Smith waged a three-way battle for the top spot until lap 46 when Herbst and Rich Somers tangled on the frontstretch, sending Somers whirling in a cloud of smoke.

Smith, the winner of the event last year, dropped out of the race while running in third on lap 70, when his right rear tire began rubbing on the body of his car after an encounter with a slower car.

Hansen, after trying for more than 50 laps, finally slipped around Baldry for the lead on lap 73. Herbst, meanwhile, had worked his way into third place and roared around Baldry for second on lap 89. Baldry, in a truly determined drive, fought back around Herbst for second on lap 93 with Hansen just three-car-lengths ahead.

Looking for his first special event win at the D-shaped Kaukauna oval, Hansen appeared to have things in hand only to have a carburetor cap on his engine loosen up, resulting in a flooded and sputtering motor. Hansen slowed dramatically and dropped down to the lower apron of the track on lap 95 as Baldry and Herbst raced past him.

Baldry had Herbst on his rear bumper until the 97th circuit when he drifted a little high going into the first turn and Herbst immediately jumped at the opportunity, putting the nose of his racer inside of Baldry’s. The two drivers raced side-by-side the final three laps with Herbst winning by less than a car-length.

Steve Holzhausen finished a distant third with Allen Check edging a hard-charging Laufer for fourth and Lampman coming home in sixth.

Hansen led the 53-car late model lineup in qualifying with a 19.713-second clocking.


Results –

1. Doug Herbst, Wausau
2. Terry Baldry, Omro
3. Teve Holzhausen, Bangor
4. Allen Check, Stevens Point
5. Al Laufer, Hartford
6. Dennis Lampman, Racine
7. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
8. Tod Kropf, Watertown
9. Lowell Bennett, Neenah
10.Scott Hansen, Green Bay
11.Kevin Servais, New Franken
12.Rich Somers, Stevens Point
13.J.J. Smith, Appleton
14.Kevin Cywinski, Mosinee
15.Pete Berken, Appleton

1956 - White Wins 100-Miler; Track Record Erased

 

Don White is presented his trophy by country and western star Johnny Horton after winning the Cotton Belt Stock Car Championship at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds.

Shreveport, La. (May 6, 1956) – Don White blistered the Louisiana State Fair’s half-mile track on Sunday afternoon to take the biggest share of the $2,500 purse and the second annual 100-mile Cotton Belt Stock Car Championship.

White encountered constant pressure. He clocked 31.01 seconds in time trials, but it was bettered by Sonny Morgan of Beaumont, Tex., driving a 1956 Chevrolet. Morgan set a new local track record by qualifying in 30.62 seconds and followed it up by taking second place in the first 50 miles of the Cotton Belt.

Morgan’s grip on the record was a short one for the mark and shattered four times during the first 100 laps. White shattered the record twice on laps of 30.18, and then 30.05 seconds. Two other record smashers were Johnny Beauchamp of Harlan, Iowa, whose 30 seconds flat on the 56th lap is the new accepted mark. Roxy Dancy of Shreveport churned out a 30.11 second lap on 86th go-round.

Beauchamp led the first 50 miles followed by Dancey, Lennie Funk of Otis, Kan., and Dick Jepson of Hoxie, Kan. White encountered trouble when he was briefly forced out of the first 50-miler with a broke axle on the 84th lap.

The second 50-miler was copped by White in the time of 52 minutes and 47 seconds to qualify for the Cotton Belt. Close on White’s heels were Morgan, Funk, Bill Burdick of Omaha, Neb., and Les McClune of What Cheer, Iowa.

Les Dykes of Davenport, Iowa, driver of a ’56 Pontiac, escaped injury in what was one of the most exciting mishaps of the race. Dyke’s car threw a wheel and almost flipped while he was driving on the straightaway in front of the grandstand. The accident occurred on the 48th lap.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
2. Roxy Dancey, Shreveport
3. Lennie Funk, Otis, Kan.
4. Dick Jepson, Hoxie, Kan.


Feature #2 –

1. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Sonny Morgan, Beaumont, Tex.
3. Lennie Funk
4. Bill Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
5. Les McClune, What Cheer, Iowa
6. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
7. Ralph Dyer, Shreveport
8. Johnny Beauchamp
9. Les Dykes, Davenport, Iowa
10.Roxy Dancey

1979 – Fitzpatrick Wins at Independence Opener

Tom Fitzpatrick receives congratulations from promoter Vern Weber after winning the late model season opener at Independence. – Earl Schwartz Photo

 

By Jayne Chapman

Independence, Iowa (May 5, 1979) – Gilbertville’s Tom Fitzpatrick had himself a night like he hasn’t seen in quite some time as Independence Speedway opened his 15th season of racing on Saturday.

Claiming the first checkered flag of 1979 in the late model first heat, Fitzpatrick then accelerated into the lead at the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap feature and held on with no trouble until the checkered flag.

Independence drivers Glen Martin and Gary Crawford finished second and third, respectively. Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo and Rick Wendling of Hazelton rounded out the top-five.

Due to an early season shortage of sportsman and roadrunner competitors, the two classes were combined and Duane White of Vinton, a sportsman driver, won both his heat and the feature. Gary Kaune of Waterloo, a regular roadrunner competitor, won the second heat and finished second in the feature.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Tom Fitzpatrick, Gilbertville
Heat #2 – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
Heat #3 – Jim Burbridge, Delhi
Semi-main – Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
Feature –
1. Tom Fitzpatrick
2. Glen Martin, Independence
3. Gary Crawford, Independence
4. Bill Zwanziger
5. Rick Wendling, Hazelton


Sportsman/Roadrunner –

Heat #1 – Duane White, Vinton
Heat #2 – Gary Kaune, Waterloo
Feature –
1. Duane White
2. Gary Kaune
3. Rodney Brandt, Hazelton
4. Jim Sands, Cedar Falls

1973 – Saldana Wins Wet Hulman Classic

 

Joe Saldana enjoys the spoils of victory after winning the Tony Hulman Classic at Terre Haute. - John Mahoney Photo

Terre Haute, Ind. (May 5, 1973) - Joe Saldana, overlooked by most observers before the start of the feature, won the third annual Tony Hulman Classic sprint car race, which was plagued by a clay surface made muddy by man, at the Action Track.

Saldana joined other former winners George Snider (1971) and Bruce Walkup (1972), in the now-world famous sprint car race.

For a while things looked dim for the day’s festivities as track conditions were far from good at race time. All available equipment was put on the track in an effort to dry it out after officials had saturated the surface with too much moisture.

Time played a key role in the program as the entire show was to be televised before a national audience via the American Broadcasting Company’s “Wide World of Sports”.

According to assistant track director Bill Hill, “ABC was able to capture the entire main event for its television audience as things shaped up, with the help of rescheduling, with three minutes to spare.”

ABC’s unit manager, Les Lessuk, went on to say…” both ABC and the Action Track learned a lesson here today.” The broadcasting company does plan to leave it’s towers and announcing booth up for next year’s race, according to Lessuk.

Originally the first heat race was to start at 3 p.m. and the second heat at 3:15 with an aero acrobatics show between the second and third heats. Track conditions were such, however, that 3 and 3:30 came and there was still no indication of the start of a race.

Following the air show, drivers met to determine what, if anything, they could do to get the show on the road as well as national television.

The drivers and USAC officials decided the best thing for everyone concerned was to run that feature first so it could be televised and then run the heats later. The agenda was a little out of the ordinary because usually a driver must place high in the heat events in order to qualify for the feature.

To solve this problem every driver (28 in all) was allowed to compete in the main event with only the top 20 receiving points and prize money.

Finally, with most of the problems as well as the track ironed out, the feature began much to the liking to the several thousand fans on hand. Saldana started on the outside of the first row and grabbed the lead from the start. Although he was never headed, it was a tough race for Saldana as he could be seen fighting his car through the turns of the half-mile dirt oval.

Of the 28 cars that started the race, only seven completed the 40 laps of the feature event. The big problem for most of the cars was the mud, which was kicked up in the radiators causing the engines to overheat.

Charlie Masters was the first to go with overheating problems as he failed to make one lap. Others leaving the race with the same problems were Bill Puterbaugh (8th lap), Billy Shuman (9th lap), Greg Weld (16th lap), Sheldon Kinser (22nd lap) and A.J. Foyt (25th lap).

Ralph Liquori left the race with a brake problem and Jerry Nemire went out with an oil line problem on the second and third laps, respectively.

Rollie Beale of Toledo, Ohio, made several charges at Saldana for the lead but had to settle for second place. Beale went the final five laps with smoke trailing from his engine but still managed to finish only two seconds off the pace.

Don Nordhorn of Wadesville, Ind., and defending Hulman Classic champion Bruce Walkup of St. Paul, Ind., finished third and fourth, well behind the leaders.


Results –


1. Joe Saldana
2. Rollie Beale
3. Don Nordhorn
4. Bruce Walkup
5. Sam Sessions
6. John Toth
7. Lee Kunzman
8. Tony Simon
9. Jerry Poland
10.Johnny Parsons Jr.
11.Fred Linder
12.Bob Kinser
13.Rich Leavell
14.Chuck Booth
15.Jim McElreath
16.Mel Cornett
17.Larry Dickson
18.Bill Cassella
19.Larry Cannon
20.Duane Carter Jr.

1979 – Bahr, Hoffman Win ‘Spring Bonanza’

 

Butch Bahr won the sprint car feature at the “Spring Bonanza” at Shelby County Speedway. 

By Bill Haglund

Harlan, Iowa (May 4-5, 1979) – After being rained out the previous weekend, the Spring Bonanza at Shelby County Speedway took place over Friday and Saturday. Butch Bahr of Grand Island, Neb., and Don Hoffman of Des Moines took home the winner’s share of the $8,500 total purse.

Bahr captured both the trophy dash and feature in sprint car competition on Friday night and took home a large chunk of the $3,500 purse.

“I was going to sleep in my van tonight, but I think I can afford a motel room now,” said a happy Bahr. “The track was nice and smooth. I was able to run the top or bottom.”

Bahr had already run seven or eight races prior to Friday night but hadn’t finished much better than 12th. “We’ve had problems, so we spent the week tearing the car apart and spent a bunch of time on it,” he explained. “We came here hoping the “bugs’ had been ironed out.”

The sparse crowd was treated to some exciting action as they witnessed Gene Brudigan coming out of the fourth turn with flames shooting from the motor, caused by a crankshaft breaking and “coming right down out of the bottom of the pan,” Brudigan, from Norfolk, Neb., said.

Fans also witnessed Don Weyrich, another Norfolk, Neb., driver, in a spectacular end-over-end flip. He removed himself from the car and calmly lit a cigarette. Weyrich returned to action and finished second in the third heat and second in the semi-main.

Don Hoffman won the late model portion of the “Spring Bonanza” at Shelby County Speedway. He’s joined by promoter John Beaman (left), trophy girl Lisa Leinen, and flagman Roger Fiscus. 

In the late model card on Saturday, Hoffman would pass Dan Rabbass of Bellevue, Neb., on the eighth lap and lead the rest of the way to pocket the top prize in the late model main event.

Rabbass grabbed the lead at the drop of the green but was no match for Hoffman, who collected $800 for his victory. Following Hoffman and Rabbass to the finish line were Joe Merryfield of Des Moines, Glen Robey and Jerry Wancewicz, both of Omaha, Neb.

Hoffman also won the trophy dash and the third heat, making him the night’s only triple winner.


Results –


Sprint Car –

Trophy dash – Butch Bahr, Grand Island, Neb.
Heat #1 – Roger Larson, Madison, S.D.
Heat #2 – Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.
Heat #3 – Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln, Neb.
Semi-main – Bob Williams, Independence, Mo.
Feature –
1. Butch Bahr
2. Tim Green, Columbus, Neb.
3. Sonny Smyser
4. Roger Larson
5. Jerry Potter, Grandview, Mo.
6. Victor Chudy, Plattsmouth, Neb.
7. Lloyd Beckman
8. Randy Droescher, Norfolk, Neb.
9. Jim Goettsche, Grand Island, Neb.
10.Lenard McCarl, Des Moines


Late Model –

Trophy dash – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Heat #1 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
Heat #3 – Don Hoffman
Consolation – Bill Kirk, Salix
Feature –
1. Don Hoffman
2. Dan Rabbass, Bellevue, Neb.
3. Joe Merryfield
4. Glen Robey, Omaha, Neb.
5. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha, Neb.
6. Bob Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
7. Al Druesdow, Omaha, Neb.
8. Bill Martin
9. Bill Kirk
10.Duane Errett, Harlan
11.Paul Zdan, Omaha, Neb.
12.Bill Leithoff, Omaha, Neb.
13.Keith Mander, Omaha, Neb.
14.Corky Bailey
15.Rob Taylor, Fremont, Neb.

1968 - Off Go the Beards After Houge Win

 

Scragglier times: the feature winner at Boone, Curt Houge (center), along with car owners Jim Twedt (left) and Chuck Larson, would be clean-shaven when they next appeared at Boone.

Boone, Iowa (May 4, 1968) – Driver Curt Houge and car owners (and builders) Jim Twedt and Chuck Larson vowed they’d never shave until Curt tasted victory in the weekly super stock races at Boone.

The beards went down the drain Saturday as Houge won the feature on the high-banked, quarter-mile track.

Curt took the lead from George Barton, who started on the pole, on the first lap of the 15-lap feature and you could almost see a broad grin through dark, fuzzy beard as Houge took the checkered flag moments later.

Curt, Jim, and Chuck first made unofficial vows not to shave last February when they started working on their 1957 Chevy with a 327 cubic-inch engine. Curt’s car is also one of two cars equipped with power steering at Boone Speedway. The other car belongs to George Barton.

So, the Houge racing team shaved off their beards and now there’s a rumor floating around the pits, says track manager Vern Carman, “The Houge success story might start a trend among the normally superstitious drivers.”


Results –

1. Curt Houge, Ames
2. George Barton, Des Moines
3. Joel Rasmussen, Ames
4. Gene Schattschneider, Algona
5. Ray Busch, Ogden

1970 - Pokey West is Tipton Winner

 

Pokey West 

Tipton, Iowa (May 3, 1970) – Pokey West of West Chester and Don Seedorf of Marion were feature winners Sunday night at the Cedar County Fairgrounds.

West won the 20-lap modified feature while Seedorf grabbed the 15-lap street stock main event.

West got into the lead of the modified feature and led all the way. Seedorf started on the pole but fell back early in the race but stormed back in the late stages of the race to earn a hard-fought win.

Pat Blake of Clarence led the modified semi-main until the final lap, went wide on the final turn, allowing Ted Wanerus of Marion to shoot by and grab the checkers. Dick Bragg of Hiawatha won the first modified heat and Cliff Norberg of Clarence won the second heat.

Heat winners in the street stock class were Andy Anderson of Cedar Rapids and Rich Reihman of Oxford.


Results –


Modified –

Heat #1 – Dick Bragg, Hiawatha
Heat #2 – Cliff Norberg, Clarence
Semi-main – Ted Wanerus, Marion
Feature –
1. Pokey West, West Chester
2. Duane Steffe, East Moline, Ill.
3. Pat Blake, Clarence
4. Ron Perdock, Washington
5. Ted Wanerus
6. Jack Meng, Maquoketa


Street Stock –

Heat #1- Andy Anderson, Cedar Rapids
Heat #2 – Rich Reihman, Oxford
Feature –
1. Don Seedorf, Marion
2. Jerry Dake, Lost Nation
3. Rich Reihman
4. Bob Bollman, Cedar Rapids
5. Robert Peterson, Morley
6. Ray Potter, Hale

1969 – Wagner Conquers Kirksville

 

By Ida May Van Genderen

Kirksville, Mo. (May 2, 1969) – Earl Wagner came and conquered the opening super modified races held by the Northeast Missouri Racing Association in Kirksville on Friday.

The Pleasantville, Iowa, driver found the quarter-mile to his liking as he captured the third heat and the 20-lap feature. He also started the program off by setting fast time at 17.26 seconds.

He took starter Bob Findling’s green flag and jumped into the lead immediately. He would never relinquish the top spot although he was pressed by Jerry Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., and Tom Corbin of Carrollton in the early going.

Chasing those three drivers were Lonnie Jensen of Lincoln, Neb., and Gary “Boscoe” Roberts of Lancaster.

Don Walton of Quincy, Ill., provided some excitement when he rolled coming out of turn four midway through the feature. Don was uninjured but his car sustained heavy damage.

Jerry Blundy was the winner of the 5-lap trophy dash. Joe Saldana of Lincoln, Neb., won the first heat, passing local Junior Sweet on the last lap. Cliff Powell of Hannibal held off Johnny Babb of Ottumwa, Iowa, to win the second heat.

In the stock car division, Truman McDowell of Fort Madison, Iowa, was the big winner, grabbing the lead on lap 2 and holding it to the checkered.


Results –


1. Earl Wagner, Pleasantville, Iowa
2. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
3. Tom Corbin, Carrollton
4. Lonnie Jensen, Lincoln, Neb.
5. Boscoe Roberts, Lancaster
6. George Lasoski, Dover
7. Sonny Smyser, Glenwood
8. Johnny Babb, Ottumwa, Iowa
9. Junior Sweet, Kirksville
10.Joe Saldana, Lincoln, Neb.

1981 - 12,000 Watch Merryfield Win at Des Moines

 

Joe Merryfield is surrounded by a bevy of beauties after winning the late model season opener at the Iowa State Fair Speedway. Promoter Lefty Robinson presents the checkers. – Dean Malone Photo

Des Moines, Iowa (May 1, 1981) – Joe Merryfield of Des Moines moved from his 14th starting position to win the late model feature race Friday night at the Iowa State Fairgrounds as a whopping 12,000 race fans looked on.

The opening night special offered a $5,000 purse for the drivers and a free grandstand for the fans. The fans responded by filling the vast Iowa State Fair grandstand.

Merryfield finished ahead of Don Hoffman of Des Moines in the late model race, while Dennis Hovinga of Pocahontas wound up third and defending point champion Darrell Sells of Waverly was fourth.

Scott Sells, Darrell’s son, captured the 15-lap sportsman feature. Rocky Hodges, who was the busiest driver at the Fairgrounds on Friday, finished second and Steve Shannon of Norwalk was third.

Hodges also competed in the late model division, finishing fourth in the Australian Pursuit and 15th in the feature.

Hodges also nipped Mike Thomas of Des Moines in a special grudge match featuring a late model up against a sprint car. Hodges received a handicap lead at the start and held off Thomas in the 5-lap dash by just a whisker at the finish.

There were four leaders in the late model feature. Dave Farren of Des Moines led the first lap, Dave Bjorge of Austin, Minn., led laps 2-10, Hovinga then took over for laps 11-19 with Merryfield taking over for good on lap 20 and leading to the finish. His win earned him $750.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
2. Don Hoffman, Des Moines
3. Denny Hovinga, Pocahontas
4. Darrell Sells, Waverly
5. Dave Chase, Council Bluffs
6. Kenny Fenn, Washington
7. Dave Farren, Des Moines
8. Danny Wallace, Des Moines
9. Dan Nesteby, Waterloo
10.Curt Hansen, Dike
11.Billy Moyer Jr., Des Moines
12.Martin Bennett, Des Moines
13.Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
14.Curt Hogue, Ames
15.Rocky Hodges, Des Moines

1988 - Egersdorf Notches 'Spring National' Win

 

Rick Egersdorf won the open late model feature during the “Spring Nationals” at Cedar Lake Speedway. – Jerry Mackey Photo

By Todd Narveson

Somerset, Wis. (April 30, 1988) – Over 100 cars were on hand to compete on the second night of the “Spring Nationals” at Cedar Lake Speedway, and once again, the competitors put on a great show for the near-capacity crowd.

Twenty-three late models were on hand and put on a great show.

As the green flag flew for the 50-lap headliner, Leon Plank and Joel Cryderman were side-by-side for the lead through the first set of turns while Rick Aukland and Don Swearingen were door handle to door handle for the third spot.

On lap 2, Willy Kraft charged to the inside of Swearingen and Tom Nesbitt going three-wide out of turn two. Lap 3 saw Plank and Cryderman side-by-side with Cryderman edging out into the lead. Kraft slipped past Aukland to take over third on lap 4.

Steve Laursen brought out the yellow on lap 4 as he spun in turn two. At the caution, Cryderman led with Plank, Kraft, and Aukland right on his bumper.

As the green came back out, Plank moved to the high side of Cryderman in turn one, and with Kraft glued to his rear bumper. Plank moved by Cryderman to take the lead on lap 6. On lap 7, Cryderman and Kraft battled for second when another caution flag waved.

On lap 10, Kraft moved to the inside of Cryderman and closed quickly on Plank. N lap 12, Kraft dove to the inside of Plank in turn three and the pair touched, with both drivers getting sideways but still maintaining control. With Plank and Kraft battling for the top spot, Steve Fegers spun on lap 13, bringing out another caution.

On the restart, Plank and Kraft were side-by-side, Kraft low, and Plank high. On lap 15, Kraft charged past Plank to take over the lead. Kraft held off Plank as Egersdorf moved into fourth. On lap 24, Charlie Doyle spun, bring out another caution.

At the hallway mark, it was Kraft, Plank, Cryderman, Egersdorf, and Nesbitt.

It looked as though Kraft was going to sail away to an easy win but on lap 31, Kraft’s car came to a stop in turn two with a sour powerplant. This moved Plank back into the lead with Cryderman second and Egersdorf third.

On lap 34, Egersdorf got around Cryderman for second. Plank was cruising at this point. With Cryderman and Nesbitt battling for third, Egersdorf set out to track down Plank and on lap 48, he found himself challenging for the lead spot.

As the white flag waved, Plank and Egersdorf were side-by-side coming down the frontstretch. Egersdorf charge by Plank entering turn one and held off Plank to score the victory. Nesbitt got around Cryderman to finish third with Don Swearingen fifth.

In other action, Leroy Nelson of Wyoming won the CLS late model feature, Mike Kelley Jr. of St. Paul, Minn., won the outlaw modified main event, and Scott Meeds of St. Croix was the bomber winner.


Results –

1. Rick Egersdorf, St. Paul, Minn.
2. Leon Plank, Eau Claire
3. Joel Cryderman, Thunder Bay, Ont.
4. Tom Nesbitt, Thunder Bay, Ont.
5. Don Swearingen, St. Paul, Minn.
6. Tom Steuding, Altoona
7. Rick Aukland, Fargo, N.D.
8. Jeff Hinkemeyer, St. Paul, Minn.
9. Steve Egersdorf, St. Paul, Minn.
10.Steve Laursen, Comstock

1961 – Jones Flagged – Foyt is Winner

 

A.J. Foyt is surrounded by his fans after he won the 30-lap USAC sprint car feature at Salem Speedway. – Tom Easterling Photo

Salem, Ind. (April 30, 1961) – National champion A.J. Foyt breezed to victory in the season’s first 30-lap sprint car race at Salem Speedway Sunday afternoon after defending Midwest champion Parnelli Jones was waved from the track after leading the race for the first 23 laps.

Jones, the Torrance, Calif., sprint sensation of last year who appeared safely headed for his third straight Salem win, was “black-flagged” when his Chevrolet-powered car began spewing oil.

Foyt, the 26-year-old Houston, Tex., driver had run second behind Jones the entire race after starting on the front row alongside Jones.

Jones, the fastest qualifier, had roared into the lead from his pole position starting spot. Jones’ qualifying time for the half-mile lap was 19 seconds flat, while Foyt qualified in 19.24 seconds.

That appeared to be just about the difference between the two before race steward Russ Clendenen of the United States Auto Club, which sanctioned the race, waved Jones into the pits.

Foyt, third in the Midwest standings last year, was booed by part of the 4,286 in attendance as he pulled into the winner’s circle. The 27-year-old Jones, unhappy by USAC’s decision to pull him in, was credited with an 11th place finish. He had no plans to protest.

Starter Ken Fowler agreed with Clendenen that Jones should have been waved off the track. Foyt had called Fowler’s attention to the oil leak by pointing to it several times while trailing Jones on the main stretch.

Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., was second followed by Don Branson of Champaign, Ill. Leon Clum of Wapakoneta, Ohio, was fourth and A.J. Shepherd of Mitchell, Ind., rounded out the top-five.

Foyt’s time for the 15 minutes was 9 minutes and 55.24 seconds. He collected $882.60 for his efforts.


Results –

1. A.J. Foyt
2. Roger McCluskey
3. Don Branson
4. Leon Clum
5. A.J. Shepherd
6. Al Miller
7. Bud Tingelstad
8. Chuck Hulse
9. Jack Rounds
10.Rex Easton
11.Parnelli Jones
12.Bob Wente
13.Ronnie Duman
14.Allen Crowe

1967 – Shear Cops Rockford Opener

 

Joe Shear won the late model stock car season opener at Rockford Speedway. – Dean Bentley Collection

Rockford, Ill. (April 29, 1967) – Joe Shear, the 23-year-old youngster from South Beloit, won the late model feature during the Rockford Speedway season opener on Saturday night.

Shear, who will turn 24 on May 8, led the final eight circuits of the 30-lap feature before more than 2,300 fans. Shear was the second fastest qualifier, circling the high-banked, quarter-mile 15.46 seconds.

Rain had washed out the previously scheduled season opener on April 16, and the April 23 event was snowed out. Saturday night, a steady drizzle began falling after the trophy dash and first heat had concluded.

The rain stopped as the feature was shifted from the last event on the program to the third but up started again just as cars were getting lined up for the second heat and the rest of the program was cancelled.

Sal Tovella, a United States Auto Club stock car veteran, finished second in the feature and Vaughn Gerke of Beloit, Wis., was third.

An accident on the frontstretch on the first lap forced a complete restart. Gene Wood and John Lighthart spun in the middle of the pack after the first lap, causing a multi-car pileup. No one was injured and on the cars of Wood and Lighthart were lost for the 30-lap headliner.

Don Leach of Beloit, Wis., was the night’s fastest qualifier with a time of 15.42 seconds.


Results –

1. Joe Shear, South Beloit
2. Sal Tovella, Addison
3. Vaughn Gerke, Beloit, Wis.
4. Roger Shear, Beloit, Wis.
5. Ron Wishard, Rockford

1978 – Hawkeye Downs’ Opener to Sanger

 

Ed Sanger receives congratulations from new Hawkeye Downs race promoter Al Frieden after Sanger won the late model season opener on Friday night. Flagman Engel DeKock presents the checkered flag to Sanger in victory lane.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 28, 1978) – Hawkeye Downs first race of the year went smoothly under the new direction of Al Frieden and Jim Brown.

The track and infield showed a fresh new look with the side walls painted white and grass on the infield. New scales were installed see that all cars met the 2,800-pound minimum requirement.

The Friday night opener hosted 24 late models, 19 sportsman, and 11 street stocks.

Ed Sanger of Waterloo won the late model feature, taking the lead on lap 18 when Don Hoffman of Des Moines lost his driveshaft and was forced to drop out of the race. Polesitter Lem Blankenship of Keokuk and Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids were in close contention during the entire 25-lapper, and finished second and third, respectively.

It was Sanger’s second feature win of the week, having won at Oskaloosa on Wednesday night. Noticeably absent was defending point champion Curt Hansen of Dike, whose car was not yet ready for competition.

Late model heats were won by Blankenship, Hoffman, and Dr. A.E. Mayner of Winthrop. Fred Horn of Marion won the semi-main.

Jim Stodola of Shellsburg led the entire sportsman feature. Larry Schulte of Cedar Rapids was second followed by Bob Jaeger of Dubuque.

Jerry Naylor of Scotch Grove won the street stock feature with Duane White and Smoke Wilson close behind.

Promoter Al Frieden, when asked how he felt about the first night of racing said, “I feel fine now that it’s over.”


Results –


Late Model –

1. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
2. Lem Blankenship, Keokuk
3. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
4. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
5. Bill Rice, Des Moines
6. Gary Crawford, Independence
7. Mike Frieden, Cedar Rapids
8. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
9. Bill Beckman, Lisbon
10.Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
11.Ken Walton, Viola
12.Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville


Sportsman –

1. Jim Stodola, Shellsburg
2. Larry Schulte, Cedar Rapids
3. Bob Jaeger, Dubuque
4. Mark Liebfried, Rickardsville
5. Greg Kastli, Waterloo


Street Stock –

1. Jerry Naylor, Scotch Grove
2. Duane White
3. Smoke Wilson, Cedar Rapids
4. Randy Mills
5. Dave Wilson

1968 - 5,000 Watch Blundy Bank Top $$$ at Knoxville

 

Jerry Blundy was all smiles after winning the 25-lap super modified main at the Knoxville Raceway season opener.

Knoxville, Iowa (April 27, 1968) – Jerry Blundy and Dick Sutcliffe shared the spotlight at the Marion County Fairgrounds Saturday night. This was the largest field of cars for an opening night in Knoxville’s history with 31 super modifieds timing in to compete. Those drivers represented seven states.

Jerry Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., won the first super modified main of the season before a crowd of 5,000 to take home his share of the guaranteed $2,500 purse. Blundy picked up a total of $576 for his night’s work in winning the trophy dash ($30), third place in his heat ($25) and winning the feature ($500).

Dick Sutcliffe of Kansas City set a new record of 21.39 seconds for the lightning fast half-mile. This broke the old record of 21.45 seconds held by Joe Saldana of Lincoln, Neb.

Blundy also took home the trophy for the 7-lap dash. Bill Hill of Sioux Falls, S.D., was the first heat winner while Bob Williams of Kansas City won the second heat. Thad Dosher of Topeka, Kans., won a very fast third heat and J.L. Cooper of Kansas City won the 10-lap consolation.

In the main event, Blundy fought off challenges from Joe Saldana in the late stages of the main event to put himself in victory lane. It was virtually a side-by-side race the last four laps with Blundy holding onto the lead. Bob Williams was third across with Sutcliffe fourth. Lee Kunzman of Guttenberg rounded out the top-five finishers,


Results –

1. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
2. Joe Saldana, Lincoln, Neb.
3. Bob Williams, Kansas City
4. Dick Sutcliffe, Kansas City
5. Lee Kunzman, Guttenberg
6. Harold Leep, Wichita, Kan.
7. Jerry Richert, Forest Lake, Minn.
8. Del Schmidt, Topeka, Kan.
9. Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln, Neb.
10.James Bond, Edwardsville, Kan.