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.

1970 – Davis Tops Boone Opener

Starter Floyd Mitchell holds the checkered flag over Greg Davis after he won the main event for super stocks at Boone Speedway. – AMA Photo

Boone, Iowa (April 26, 1970) – A strong field of 49 cars in the super stock and sportsman classes were on hand to open the 1970 racing season Sunday afternoon at Boone Speedway.

Greg Davis of Boone won the super stock feature after a good battle with Bob Bonzer of Liscomb and Dave Bryant of Albia.

Dick Oldham of Des Moines showed the troops the way in time trials, posting a time of 19.37 seconds on the high-banked quarter-mile.

Buggy Vincent of Nevada, Joel Rasmussen of Ames, and Gene Schattschneider of Algona were heat winners. Bozer won the trophy dash and Dave Kepley Jr. of Ames won the B-feature.

Jody Stephenson of Des Moines showed the way in the sportsman main while Jim Duke of Des Moines took second and Jerry Peterson of Ames placed third.


Results –


Super Stocks –


Trophy dash – Bob Bonzer, Liscomb
Heat #1 – Buggy Vincent, Nevada
Heat #2 – Joel Rasmussen, Ames
Heat #3 – Gene Schattschneider, Algona
B-feature – Dave Kepley Jr., Ames
A-feature –
1. Greg Davis, Boone
2. Bob Bonzer
3. David Bryant, Albia
4. Dick Oldham, Des Moines
5. Paul Uhlenberg, Garwin
6. Gene Schattschneider
7. Arlo Dorenbush, Boone
8. Lynn Warden, Marshalltown

 

Bob Bonzer proudly holds his trophy after winning the dash at Boone Speedway. He would win the super stock feature at Webster City the following night. - AMA Photo

1987 - Ungar Tops Eldora USAC Winged Sprints

 

Rick Ungar made history by winning the first-ever USAC winged sprint car feature at Eldora Speedway. – Ken Coles Photo

Rossburg, Ohio (April 25, 1987) – History was made when the powerful United States Auto Club sprint cars raced Saturday night at Eldora Speedway. It was the first time that winged sprint cars were sanctioned by USAC.

Rick Ungar of Memphis, Tenn., took the lead on the 27th lap and went on to make USAC sprint car history. It was his first win ever at Eldora.

Following Ungar to the finish line were Warren Mockler, Ron Milton, Kelly Kinser, and Tray House.

The race was stopped on lap 22 when Todd Kane blew a tire coming out of turn two and Rich Vogler had no place to go. Both drivers came away uninjured.

The yellow flew again on lap 23 when Robbie Stanley ran over Jack Hewitt’s right rear tire, causing Hewitt to get airborne and flip several times. Hewitt was unhurt but his car was badly damaged.


Results –

1. Rick Ungar
2. Warren Mockler
3. Ron Milton
4. Kelly Kinser
5. Tray House
6. Robbie Staley
7. Bobby Adkins
8. Todd Vance
9. Steve Morehead
10.Bill Bailey

1975 – Zwanziger Takes Davenport Opener

 

Bill Zwanziger

Davenport, Iowa (April 25, 1975) – It was a chilly opening for the first night out at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on Friday night.

Many cars and fans braved the weather for one of the best nights of racing on the half-mile in quite some time.

The late model feature was a tossup as Ed Sanger and Bill Zwanziger, both of Waterloo, Iowa, raced side-by-side for good portion of the 25-lapper.

On lap 20, Sanger would drift high, allowing Zwanziger to take the lead and command of the race. Sanger would give chase but come up short at the checkers and would settle for second.

Larry Jenkins of Wilton, Iowa, would finish third with Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in fourth. Jim Strube of Peoria, Ill., rounded out the top five.

The semi-main was won by Dan Bennett of Peoria, Ill., while heat winners were Ron Weedon of Pleasant Valley, Iowa, Roger Dolan of Lisbon, Iowa, and Sam Reakes of Rockford, Ill.


Results –

Heat #1 – Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley, Iowa
Heat #2 – Roger Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa
Heat #3 – Sam Reakes, Rockford, Ill.
Semi-Main – Dan Bennett, Peoria, Ill.
Feature –
1. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo, Iowa
2. Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
3. Larry Jenkins, Wilton, Iowa
4. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5. Jim Strube, Peoria, Ill.
6. Ken Walton, Viola, Iowa
7. Duane Steffe, Colona, Ill.
8. Ron Weedon
9. Al Terno
10. Red Steffen, Eau Claire, Wis.

1960 – ‘Old’ Late Model Still Derr’s Pet

 

Ernie Derr

Hutchinson, Kan. (April 4, 1960) – Ernie Derr, the red-hot stocker from Keokuk, Iowa, milked another big win from his 1957 Pontiac in the Jayhawk 100 late model stock car race on Sunday afternoon.

With a new 1960 Pontiac in his garage at home awaiting the heavy fair season, Derr is still grabbing top money in his ’57.

During Sunday’s 100-lapper on the Kansas State Fairgrounds’ half-mile, Derr took the lead from Bob Kosiskie on lap 83 after trailing the Omahan’s Thunderbird for 64 laps. Kosiskie would finish a close second.

A spin on the third lap eliminated three pre-race favorites, Dick Hutcherson (’57 Pontiac), Ramo Stott (’60 Ford) and Darrell Dake (’60 Chevy). Ralph Wilhelm of Milwaukee had just lost the lead to Kosiskie and spun going in to hard, causing the pileup.

Derr set a qualifying record of 29.11 seconds and won the first 15-lap heat in a record breaking 7 minutes and 7 seconds. Kosiskie took the second preliminary.


Results –

1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Bob Kosiskie, Omaha, Neb.
3. Lenny Funk, Otis
4. Herb Shannon, Peoria, Ill.
5. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
6. Gerry Harrison, Topeka
7. Phil Cronin, Houston, Tex.
8. Ralph Wilhelm, Milwaukee, Wis.
9. Art Brady, Peoria, Ill.
10.Wayne Lee, Keokuk, Iowa
11.Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
12.Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
13. Dick Hendershot
14.Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
15.Buzz McCann, St. Paul, Minn.

1988 - Miller's Grundy Triumph Ends ARTGO Dry Spell

 

Butch Miller is all smiles after winning the ARTGO-sanctioned Chicagoland Opening Day 100 at Grundy County Speedway. – Don Thies Photo

Morris, Ill. (April 23, 1988) – Butch Miller roared from his tenth starting position to beat Tracy Schuler and Joe Shear to the finish line and win the seventh annual ARTGO-sanctioned Chicagoland Opening Day 100 Saturday night at Grundy County Speedway.

Miller passed Schuler on the high side during lap 64 to take the lead for good in an action-packed event which needed a red flag on the opening circuit for a major mix-up and saw leader Rich Bickle Jr., and Joe Shear sent to the rear of the field after a lap 52 encounter. A final caution was needed with three laps remaining as Bob Senneker, Steve Carlson, and Bickle collided.

Shear shot back around most of the pack for third-place money followed by Dick Trickle and Ted Musgrave.

Each of the top 11 finished the entire 100-lap distance as the race was completed as scheduled on a windy, cloudy, threatening 40-degree night. A field of 48 late models competed. Two bonus events were added to accommodate the large field.

Miller jumped into the ARTGO point lead with the victory, which was his first on the circuit since July 4 of last year and the 24th win of his ARTGO career. During his eight-race winless streak, the crafty Michigan veteran had posted seven runner-up finishes.

A fourth turn spin by Tom Carlson triggered the big fender bender at the end of the opening lap which eliminated both Jim Weber and Rick Wateski. Ted Musgrave was also involved but returned minus most of his right-side body work.

The restart saw Rich Bickle Jr. jump into the lead with Carlson, Schuler, and Shear in hot pursuit. On the 28th lap, Schuler ducked inside of Carlson for second and nine laps later, raced inside of Bickle to take command.

A yellow appeared on the 40th circuit and on the restart, Bickle and Shear were able to pass Schuler as the see-saw battle continued.

At the halfway mark, the three leaders held a sizeable margin over the trio of Bob Senneker, Miller, and Trickle.

Bickle’s third turn spin two laps later after a bump by Shear led to a lengthy yellow as Shear disputed the official’s decision to send him to the rear of the field for the infraction. Shear eventually did restart at the back but quickly charged back to finish third.

Drivers shaved a full second off of last year’s qualifying times due, in part, to the resurfaced third-mile paved track. Many drivers discovered a second, higher groove, which formerly seemed reserved for brave drivers such as Miller, Trickle, and Holzhausen.


Results –

1. Butch Miller, Coopersville, Mich.
2. Tracy Schuler, Lockport
3. Joe Shear, Clinton, Wis.
4. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
5. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh, Wis.
6. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
7. Terry Baldry, Omro, Wis.
8. Tom Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
9. Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.
10.Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
11.Steve Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
12.Burt Weitemeyer, Lansing
13.Craig Peterson, Minneapolis, Minn.
14.Jack Gritter, Wyoming, Mich.
15.Tom Jones, Northbrook

1977 - Hearst Wins at West Liberty Before 5,000 Fans

 

Tom Hearst won the late model feature at West Liberty Raceway season opener. Co-promoter Norton Gegner (right) and starter Ed Otten join Hearst in victory lane. – Dick Kleindolph Photo

West Liberty, Iowa (April 23, 1977) – Tom Hearst, Wilton, and Kenny Fenn, Washington, each scored a clean sweep in their respective divisions before a crowd of over 5,000 at the first point race of the season at the West Liberty Fairgrounds on Saturday night.

Both drivers won their heats and went on to claim the feature events, Hearst in late models and Fenn in the sportsman class.

On hand for the evening were 38 late models and 25 sportsman drivers, vying for a purse of $4,000 offered by Super Stocks, Inc.

The late model feature started with Mike Niffenegger, Kalona, in the pole position, with Hearst right beside him. Right after the drop of the green, Hearst nabbed the lead. He repeated his jump into the number one spot after a red flag required an original restart.

Hearst displayed extreme driving proficiency behind the wheel of his 1977 Camaro, never relinquishing the lead, despite powerful challenges from both Niffenegger and Red Dralle, Evansdale, who roared at his heels for the full 25 laps.

While this threesome battled at the head of the pack, another skirmish, just as hot, was going on right behind the lead trio. Last week’s winner, Duane Steffe, Moline, Ill., and fellow Quad Citian, Ron Weedon, wheeled side-by-side around the half-mile battling for fourth place.

Midway through the contest, Steffe finally took command, drawing cheers from the crowd, who were not only witnessing a racing struggle but the dedication of a racing crew.

The previous night in Davenport, Steffe rammed hard into the wall, badly damaging the front end of his car. Steffe’s crew worked feverishly through the night and all the next day to get his car back in shape for the race at West Liberty.

Niffenegger, the 1976-point champion, seemingly had handling issues with his new Camaro in the feature. The veteran went high several times, barley skimming the wall on two occasions and causing him to lose ground to Dralle.

Fenn repeated his sportsman feature win of last week, by outdueling Darrell Walker, Wapello, who held the pole position. Walker took the lead on the first lap and held for half the race. It took Fenn, who started in the third row, nine laps to overtake the rookie pilot. Earlier in the evening, Walker, in his first year of racing, earned his first trophy by winning the heat.


Results –

Late Model -

Heat #1 – Mike Niffenegger, Kalona
Heat #2 – Tom Hearst, Wilton
Heat #3 – John Connolly, Delhi
Heat #4 – Red Dralle, Evansdale
Semi-main – Jack Hall, Muscatine
Feature –
1. Tom Hearst
2. Red Dralle
3. Mike Niffenegger
4. Duane Steffe, Moline, Ill.
5. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
6. Jim Burbridge, Delhi
7. Gary Crawford, Independence
8. Ken Walton, Cedar Rapids
9. Bob Kinsella, Dubuque
10.Steve Keppler, Marion


Sportsman -

Heat #1 – Charley Brockert, Muscatine
Heat #2 – Darrell Walker, Wapello
Heat #3 – Kenny Fenn, Washington
Semi-main – Mike Elliot, Muscatine
Feature –
1. Kenny Fenn
2. Darrell Walker
3. Ron Pallister, Wapello
4. Ron Boyse, Wellman
5. Steve Becker, Atkins
6. Jerry Brumley, Iowa City
7. Walt Carney, West Branch
8. Johnny Johnson, Morning Sun

1979 - Shuman 'Outlaws' Winner at Hartford

 

Ron Shuman en route to winning the World of Outlaws sprint car feature at Hartford. - Tom Savage Collection. 

By Ruby Sorenson

Hartford, S.D. (April 22, 1979) – Ron Shuman of Mesa, Ariz., came to South Dakota and took home $2,000 for his feature win in the World of Outlaws special at Hartford Speedway on Sunday night.

Shuman started in the third row and survived five restarts to claim victory.

Steve Kinser of Bloomington, Ind., and Shuman battled for the lead with Kinser leading from the 18th lap to the 23rd when he suddenly dropped out with a flat tire.

Roger Larson of Madison finished second with Shane Carson of Oklahoma City taking third. Twenty-two cars started with only nine finishing.

Sammy Swindell, winner the night before in Knoxville, Iowa, set fast time with a record-breaking run of 17.709 seconds, an average of 102 miles per hour. The track record was broken 17 times after a brief shower delayed the start of time trials.

Swindell won the B-main but was sidelined for the feature.

Heat winners were Jim Linder of Fremont, Ohio, Jerry Potter of Kansas City, Rick Ferkel of Tiffin, Ohio, and Jerry Stone of Wichita, Kan.


Results –

1. Ron Shuman, Mesa, Ariz.
2. Roger Larson, Madison
3. Shane Carson, Oklahoma City, Okla.
4. Bobby Marshall, Dallas, Tex.
5. Jack Hewitt, Troy, Ohio
6. Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux Falls
7. Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln, Neb.
8. Don Weyrich, Norfolk, Neb.
9. Denny Houseman, Estherville, Iowa
10.Doug Wolfgang, Lincoln, Neb.
11.Darryl Dawley, Sioux Falls
12.Steve Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.
13.Don Mack, East Grand Forks, Minn.
14.Rick Ferkel, Tiffin, Ohio
15.Sammy Swindell, Memphis, Tenn.

1989 – Kosiski Wins All-Star Tour Opener

 

Joe Kosiski Won the NASCAR All-Star Tour series opener at Davenport Speedway. Joining Kosiski in victory lane is flagman Johnny Oberthien. – Fred Ensminger Photo

By Pete Pistone

Davenport, Iowa (April 21, 1989) – 1988 NASCAR All-Star Tour champion Joe Kosiski picked up where he left off by winning the series-opening event Friday at Davenport Speedway.

The Omaha, Neb., veteran fought off his brother, 1987 All-Star Tour champion Steve Kosiski, and hometown favorite Gary Webb for the victory in the curfew-shortened 30-lap main event.

A field of 26 cars started the feature, shortened to 30 laps because of the 10 p.m. city curfew. Kosiski quickly established a lead over Jim O’Conner and Webb. Holding a three-car-length lead, the first yellow flew when Bob Hill spun in the second turn, bunching the field behind Kosiski for the restart.

On the restart, Webb maneuvered his way into second past O’Conner and set his sights on Kosiski, much to the delight of the large hometown crowd.

Kosiski, though, began to stretch his lead as Webb found himself in a battle with Steve Kosiski for second. As the field completed lap 17, Dave Birkhofer stunned the crowd when he flipped and came to a rest entering turn one. The Muscatine driver was uninjured, but his battered race car suffered heavy damage.

With the wreckage cleared, the green flew again and Kosiski again increased his lead as the laps wore down. Steve Kosiski got by Webb for second and mounted a short challenge, but it was clear the defending champion was going to be too much.

When the checkered flew, it was Joe Kosiski and Steve Kosiski, first and second, with Gary Webb, Rollie Frink of Davenport, and O’Conner. The victory was worth $3,000 to Kosiski, who assumed the series point lead.

“This was a tough drive tonight, but the car was really hooked up,” the winner said in victory lane. The opening series event drew 39 late models representing nine states.

Frink set fast time, touring the half-mile in 22.87 seconds. Frink also captured the “Race of Champions” race open to the six fastest qualifiers. Steve Kosiski and Frink won qualifying features, and Frink also won the semi-feature.

In other action, Davenport’s Bruce Hanford bested the modified field to claim the $500 top prize.


Results -


NASCAR Late Model -

1. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
2. Steve Kosiski, Omaha
3. Gary Webb, Davenport
4. Rollie Frink, Davenport
5. Jim O’Conner, Kankakee, Ill.
6. Jay Johnson, West Burlington
7. Jeff Hinkemeyer, St. Cloud, Minn.
8. Mitch Johnson, Fargo, N.D.
9. Junior Shickel, Bloomington, Ill.
10.Bob Helm, Milan, Ill.
11.Steve Fraise, Montrose
12.Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
13.Jim Swank, Hamilton, Ill.
14.Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha
15.Ted Beaman, Council Bluffs


Modified –

1. Bruce Hanford, Davenport
2. Carl Severson, Dubuque
3. Rich Smith, Davenport
4. Jack Lueth, Davenport
5. Rayn Dolan, Lisbon
6. Terry Ryan, Davenport
7. Jeff Jones, Davenport
8. Mike Schulte, Norway
9. Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
10.Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.

1968 – Ron Olson Cops Elko Feature

 

Ron Olson, the 1967 state asphalt champion, won the season opener at Elko Speedway before a large crowd.

By Bob Utecht

Elko, Minn. (April 21, 1968) – Ron Olson of Bloomington, the 1967 Minnesota State Asphalt Champion, first surprised, then amazed nearly 3,500 fans at Elko Speedway on Sunday, moving from his 18th starting position to first place in the 25-lap late model stock car feature.

Olson edged Norm Setran on the 16th lap to accomplish the impressive feat.

It was a mighty victory for the cowboy-hatted Olson, whose 1959 Ford ran away from the pack at Raceway Park last year. Race fans said, “Just wait until he tangles with the gang at Elko.”

On Sunday, he did just that and quickly served notice that his machine, a gem of car building, is fully capable of beating any field of cars on any track.

Meanwhile, Olson’s ability at the wheel appears to be even sharper than a year ago.

The hard-driving “Swede” also won the late model consolation to take home a healthy share of the record $2,560 paid in Elko’s biggest date ever outside of a holiday or championship affair.

In another virtual upset, Bon Uhlir of Montgomery wheeled home the winner of the sportsman hobby feature to signal new power in that already competitive division. His exhibition of driving was every bit as good as what fans would see in July.

Other area drivers who showed well in the sportsman hobby feature were Greg Arenson of Edina, Bob Arbuckle of Chaska, Wally Pedersen of Bloomington, Gene Krueger of Burnsville, Steve Wood of Northfield, Vern Erickson of Bloomington, Herb Hyland of Bloomington, and Hank Oldenburg of Prior Lake.

Bloomington’s Jim Johnson along with Dan Prziborowski of Savage, Larry Behrens of Northfield, Dick Kessler of Savage, Don Bauman of Minneapolis, and Charlie Hanson of Lakeville were additional late model drivers finishing in the money.

The most excited was owner Phil Stewart who noted records falling by the wayside. First, the huge crowd certainly set a spring record for the state as did the $2,560 driver payoff built through 60% of the gross receipts. In addition, Elko signed in a record 111 cars which bodes well for the car building pace that has been going on since last fall.

1985 – Dickey, Noble, Hetrick Tops at 34 Raceway

 

Al Lamb failed post-race inspection, giving Jim Hetrick the super modified feature win during 34 Raceway’s Spring Championship. – Kathy Root Photo

Burlington, Iowa (April 20, 1985) – Dan Dickey made his first appearance in five years at 34 Raceway a profitable one as he took home the top prize at the Spring Championships on Saturday night.

Wayne Noble continued his ho streak from last season, winning the street stock main and Jim Hetrick debuted his super modified in fine fashion by claiming the feature win in that class.

Mark Keltner shot to the early lead in the 35-lap late model headliner. After a caution flag bunched the field up on the leader, Dickey broke from the pack to put pressure on Keltner. Making a move to the inside, the traveler from Packwood took over on lap 21. Keltner was not about to give up, though, as he set his sights on the leader. Seeing his chance on lap 28, Keltner dove to the inside of Dickey in the first turn but could not get the adequate grip on the now-slick surface.

The yellow flew for Kelter’s spinout and once again bunched the field with seven laps to go.

On the restart, Jay Johnson and Bill Breuer challenged Dickey for the lead but neither could get around the veteran. Dickey took home the victory with Johnson taking second, followed by Breuer, Ron Schreiner, and Steve Mullahy.

Wayne Noble won the street stock feature during the Spring Championship at 34 Raceway. Promoter Larry Kemp makes the trophy presentation. – Kathy Root Photo

With his car still sporting battle scars from last season, Wayne Noble grabbed the early lead in the street stock main event. Randy Samberg powered his new ride past Noble for the lead on lap 2. After several caution periods, it was still Samberg’s race to win but lapped traffic slowed the leader down, allowing Noble to sail by on the high side for the lead and the win. Samberg settled for second with Dave Warth finishing third.

After getting upside down during practice the night before, Al Lamb showed no signs of damage and led from start to finish in the super modified feature. Unfortunately, Lamb failed post-race inspection, thus giving the victory to long-time sprint car driver/owner Jim Hetrick.


Results –

Late Model –

1. Dan Dickey, Packwood
2. Jay Johnson, Wapello
3. Bill Breuer, Wapello
4. Ron Schreiner, Eleva, Wis.
5. Steve Mullahy, Burlington
6. Bryan Wanner, Winfield
7. Dan Ludwig, Keokuk
8. Jim Burbridge, Delhi
9. Mark Keltner, Morning Sun
10.Jerry Nigh, Eldridge


Street Stock –

1. Wayne Noble, Morning Sun
2. Randy Samberg, Burlington
3. Dave Warth, Danville
4. Dennis LaVeine, Burlington
5. Leonard Ford, Mt. Pleasant
6. Corrie Stott, Keokuk
7. Joe Dopler, Burlington
8. Darrell Tarrence, Mt. Pleasant
9. Rod Smith, Monmouth, Ill.
10.Bill Foxall, Macomb, Ill.


Super Modified –

1. Jim Hetrick, Gladstone, Ull.
2. Donn Crear, Burlington
3. Larry Beck, Danville
4. Tony Roland, Burlington
5. Dave Newcomb, Morning Sun

1964 – Derr Take Big Money in Pelican 200

 

Ernie Derr is joined by Auto Racing, Inc., promoter Frank Winkley after winning the Pelican 200 in Shreveport. 

Shreveport, Lou. (April 19, 1964) – “It’s wonderful. I think we’re going to have a great season,” commented driver Ernie Derr, after the Keokuk, Iowa, speedster piloted his 1964 Dodge to victory in the 11th annual Pelican 200 classic before a record crowd of 10,582 at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds Speedway.

Derr’s victory was somewhat like nursing a baby for his crew chief, Andy Anderson of Oklahoma City.

As the race neared the finish, Anderson was constantly nervous, giving signals to his driver.

“I was nervous because I recalled one time when we lost a race on the last lap,” said Anderson, a former modified driver.

“Those guys in the 18-car field drove like crazy early on in the race but they seemed to loosen up in the late stages,” Derr remarked.

Derr was supposed to enter a 1964 Plymouth but said the factory delayed its delivery. Derr drove the same car he recently piloted to a second-place finish in a Daytona Beach contest, and it was the same machine he set a new track record in Houston several weeks ago.

Dick Hutcherson, a member of the Holman-Moody racing team and who is defending his 1963 International Motor Contest Association championship had a bad day. He showed up here following a series of new records on the NASCAR circuit and was favored to win on Sunday.

Hutcherson led the race for 48 laps before being forced to the pits to repair an air cleaner. Derr took over the top spot and stayed ahead for the rest of the contest.

The Pelican was a hard affair for the field who made the first 100 laps in 49 minutes and 57 seconds.

Derr’s winning time was 1 hour, 40 minutes and 37 seconds.

Ramo Stott, a fellow Keokuk, Iowa, driver took second while Hutcherson settled for third.

Hutcherson, however, did set a new one-lap record in time trials, touring the half-mile dirt oval in 26.08 seconds.


Results –

1. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Ramo Stott, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Dick Hutcherson, Keokuk, Iowa
4. Lenny Funk, Otis, Kan.
5. Bill Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
6. Roland Wilson, Bedford, Iowa
7. Phil Cronin, Houston, Tex.
8. Pat Henry, Beaumont, Tex.
9. Dave Stephens, Minneapolis, Minn.
10.Ralph Wilhelm, Milwaukee, Wis.
11.Gil Haugen, Sioux Falls, S.D.
12.H.B. Bailey, Houston, Tex.
13.Bob Jusola, Mound, Minn.
14.Bill Gibson, Kansas City, Kan.
15.Eddie Harrow, Corpus Christi, Tex.

1987 – Beaman Notches ‘Hap’s’ National Win

 

Ted Beaman of Council Bluffs won the IMCA Modified National Series race at Boone Speedway. He’s flanked by trophy girls Tawni Antil (left) and Penni Fredrickson. At left is IMCA executive secretary Bill Haglund. – Margaret Gardner Photo

Boone, Iowa (April 18, 1987) – Ted Beaman of Council Bluffs held off a stellar field of IMCA modifieds Saturday night to win the “Hap’s Auto Supply” IMCA Modified National Series race at the high-banked quarter-mile Boone Speedway.

Beaman, the 1986 National Series rookie-of-the-year, held off a late-race challenge from Curt Hutchens, a Muskogee, Okla., native now living in Herndon, Iowa. The victory was the first-ever in the National Series for the second-generation driver.

However, it was almost one lap too many for Beaman. As he crossed the start/finish line, to pick up the white flag on the 24th circuit, sparks were showing from the front end of Beaman’s car. By the time he took the checkered flag, the left front tire was completely folded under the front end – the result of a broken ball joint and upper A-frame.

“I’m really glad this thing wasn’t 30 laps,” Beaman said, after his car smacked the rear stretch guardrail after he took the checkered. His car was towed to the front stretch for the victory lane ceremonies.

The victory vaulted Beaman into the IMCA Modified National Series point lead. Previous leader Ray Cox Jr. of Walcott lost his transmission at the start of the feature, and he was relegated to a creeping pace around the inside of the track en route to a 12th place finish.

Beaman and Hutchens were followed to the finish line by 1986 national champion Dave Farren of Des Moines, Kevin Tasler of Jefferson, and Kevin Larkins of Waverly, Neb.

Beaman, Ray Cox Jr. Hutchens, Larry Grafton of Des Moines, and Wayne Larson of Ames were heat winners. Tasler and Ron Becker of Tama won their respective B-mains.

A field of 46 modifieds from six states participated in the Boone event, which drew the largest crowd in five years to the Central Iowa facility.

In the companion IMCA stock car feature, Richard Simpson of Algona topped the field of 21 cars. Greg DeFrance of Albion was second followed by Doug Smith of Albion. Rick Gustin and Steve Jackson, both of Des Moines, finished fourth and fifth respectively.


Results –


IMCA Modified –

1. Ted Beaman, Council Bluffs
2. Curt Hutchens, Herndon
3. Dave Farren, Des Moines
4. Kevin Tasler, Jefferson
5. Kevin Larkins, Waverly, Neb.
6. Martin Bennett, Des Moines
7. Tom Herbert, Silvis, Ill.
8. Ron Becker, Tama
9. Jeff Ross, Ames
10.Dave Dvorak, Ridgeway


IMCA Stock Car –

1. Richard Simpson, Algona
2. Greg DeFrance, Albion
3. Doug Smith, Albion
4. Rick Gustin, Des Moines
5. Steve Jackson, Des Moines
6. Rod Eighmy, Jefferson
7. Dave Botts, Marshalltown
8. Jeff Havlik, Madrid
9. Billy Devilbiss, Perry
10.Jerry Silbaugh, Jefferson

1971 - Morris A Winner in West Liberty Opener

 

Mel Morris "gave em' hell" at the Mississippi Valley Speed Club season opener at West Liberty. - Ron Thruman Collection

West Liberty, Iowa (April 17, 1971) – It was the opening night of racing for the Mississippi Valley Speed Club at West Liberty Raceway on Saturday night, but Mel Morris had his Dodge Charger in mid-season form.

He started out the night by recording the quickest time in qualifying, then added a win in the third heat. But his big win came in the feature event when h lapped 13 of the 19 cars en route to victory.

Finishing second in the feature was Byron Buchele, who held off a steady challenge from Dean Montgomery and Ron Prymek. Mark Mosier had some handling problems but finished fifth. The rest of the top 10 places went to Bob Helm, Ron Perdock, Bill Newman, Bud Darting and Stan Crooks.

Pokey West, John Moss and Ron Hemsted, three of last season’s frontrunners, weren’t around at the finish of the feature. All three had mechanical troubles and were forced into the pits early.

In time trials, Morris turned the half-mile oval in 25.56 seconds with Moss, Montgomery and West tied for second quickest at 25.68 seconds.

Helm took the first trophy dash win of the season starting from a running start for the first time in MVSC history. Larry Jenkins, Ron Prymek, Mel Morris and Pokey West were heat winners while Bill Schwader, a newcomer to MVSC this year, won the semi-main.

Over 7,000 race fans jammed the stands at West Liberty with late arrivals finding standing room only.


Results –


Time trials – Mel Morris (25.56)
Trophy dash – Bob Helm
Heat #1 – Larry Jenkins
Heat #2 – Ron Prymek
Heat #3 – Mel Morris
Heat #4 – Pokey West
Semi-main – Bill Schwader
Feature –
1. Mel Morris
2. Byron Buchele
3. Dean Montgomery
4. Ron Prymek
5. Mark Mosier
6. Bob Helm
7. Ron Perdock
8. Bill Newman
9. Bud Darting
10.Stan Crooks

1988 – Smith, Richert Jr. Top ‘Open Wheel Spectaculars’

 

Randy Smith won the winged sprint car feature at the Open Wheel Spectacular at Davenport Speedway. Joining Smith in victory lane is promoter Larry Kemp. – John Vass Photo

Burlington, Iowa (April 15-16, 1988) – Danny Smith of Danville and Jerry Richert Jr. of Forest Lake, Minn. were victorious in the two-day Open Wheel Spectacular, held Friday at Davenport Speedway and Saturday at 34 Raceway Park.

A rash of yellows left the program racing against the 10:30 curfew at Davenport Speedway but not before Smith won the 25-lap sprint car main event.

Smith, from Mt. Ayr, had mechanical issues earlier in the evening but the Bob Trostle crew hung in and had the car running smoothly come feature time. John Hadjuk of Niles, Ill., held the lead early after starting on the pole. Early challenges came from Bruce Moore of Moline, Ill., and Jerry Richert Jr. before Moore shredded a tire and Richert spun.

Next to pressure Hadjuk was the duo of Smith and Marlon Jones of Sioux Falls, S.D. Smith found a bite on the cushion and grabbed the lead with four laps remaining for the win. Jones took over second place a lap later but gave it back to Hadjuk as he jumped the cushion in turn four on the white flag lap. Terry McCarl of Des Moines came from his 13th starting position to nab fourth place.

Richert, Hadjuk, and Smith were heat winners.

In other action, Scott Williams of Davenport led wire-to-wire in the IMCA modified feature, fending off Shane Davis of Rock Island, Ill., for the victory. Jeff Nehring of New London was the super modified feature winner.

Jerry Richert Jr. won the winged sprint car feature at 34 Raceway Park during the Open Wheel Spectacular. Promoter Larry Kemp makes the trophy presentation. – John Vass Photo

The next night at Burlington, Richert bested a stellar field of 34 sprinters to grab the victory.

Tom Corbin of Carrollton, Mo., opened up a comfortable lead early on before a pair of yellow flags bunched up the field. Randy Smith used the cushion on the restart to get by Corbin on lap 15 to take over the lead.

Yellows once again kept the field tight and on the next restart, Richert wheeled by Smith on lap 20. Marlon Jones followed Richert past Smith into second and kept the heat on for the final five laps but couldn’t get by the second-generation racer. Jeff Tuttle of West Des Moines got around Smith on the final lap to secure third place.

Ray Lipsey of Lincoln, Neb., Bruce Moore, Tuttle, and Jones were heat winners while Terry McCarl won the semi-main.

In preliminary races, Sonny Smyser of Lancaster, Mo., won the IMCA modified feature while Al Lamb of Galesburg, Ill., won the super modified feature.


Results –


Davenport –

1. Randy Smith, Mt. Ayr
2. John Hadjuk, Niles, Ill.
3. Marlon Jones, Sioux Falls, S.D.
4. Terry McCarl, Des Moines
5. Brian Tobin
6. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
7. Ray Lipsey, Lincoln, Neb.
8. T.J. Giddings, Kansas City
9. Dwight Snodgrass, Indianola
10.Danny Young, Des Moines


Burlington –

1. Jerry Richert Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.
2. Marlon Jones
3. Jeff Tuttle, West Des Moines
4. Randy Smith
5. Terry McCarl
6. Bruce Moore, Moline, Ill.
7. Mark Shafer, Newton
8. Jimmy Grafton, Des Moines
9. Ray Lipsey
10.T.J. Giddings

1978 – First Eldon Feature to Shryock

Bob Shryock won the late model feature at the Eldon Raceway season opener. - Ken Starkweather Photo

By Jeanne Niner

Eldon, Iowa (April 15, 1978) – The weather wasn’t as warm as the fans would have liked it but a large field of cars with anxious drivers made for an exciting season opener Saturday night before a capacity crowd at Eldon Raceway.

Bob Shryock of Estherville won the late model feature in a hard-fought battle for 25 laps. Only on the fourth turn of the last lap was Shryock out front, passing race-long leader Bill Beckman of Lisbon to take the victory.

So competitive was the late model field, for the first 15 laps, not one -car-length between the first and sixth-place car. The game of bumper tag was played out completely when Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo slipped out of line to attempt a pass, and caught the rear bumper of another car, ripping it off.

Beckman would end up with second while Denny Osborn of Cedar Falls was third.

Denny Rosenberg of Des Moines led all 15 laps to win the sportsman feature with Truman McDowell of Fort Madison a close second.

Beckman, Osborn, Lem Blankenship of Keokuk were late model heat winners while Shryock was also the semi-main winner. Rosenberg, Ed Pilcher of Bloomfield and McDowell were sportsman heat winners with Kenny Fenn of Washington the semi-main winner.


Results –

Late Model –

1. Bob Shryock, Estherville
2. Bill Beckman, Lisbon
3. Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls
4. Bill Rice, Des Moines
5. Ron Jackson, Burlington
6. Bob McCall, Ottumwa

Sportsman –

1. Denny Rosenberg, Des Moines
2. Truman McDowell, Fort Madison
3. Craig Jenkins, Des Moines
4. Steve Myers,
5. Larry Hanna, Batavia
6. Corrie Stott, Keokuk

1985 – Senneker Opens ASA Season with Victory at Queen City

 

Bob Senneker won the American Speed Association series opener at Queen City Speedway. – Gary Ponzani Photo

West Chester, Ohio (April 14, 1985) – A turn-away crowd for the American Speed Association series opener, the Ford Ranger 200, at Queen City Speedway saw Bob Senneker cross the finish line two-car-lengths ahead of Mark Martin.

Most of the race involved a furious battle among Senneker, Martin, and polesitter Dick Trickle.

While those three drivers were officially credited with leading the 200-lap, 100-mile race, the top eight finishers in the 32-car field were all on the lead lap at the finish.

After a Mark Malcuit spinout caused a complete restart, Trickle led the way with second-fastest qualifier Alan Kulwicki following closely behind. Martin aggressively closed on Kulwicki and, following 10 laps of tire-smoking and fender-rubbing, muscled his mount into second on lap 37.

Continuing his charge, Martin passed Trickle for the lead on lap 62 but only eight laps later nearly half the field were pits-bound when a spin by Dave Jackson necessitated a caution flag.

As virtually with all the leaders, Marrtin’s crew sent him on his way first and the three-time ASA champion was back on track without relinquishing the lead.

Noted for his layback strategy, Senneker started his charge by taking second away from Trickle on lap 65, then blasted under Martin on lap 95 for the lead.

Many were questioning his strategy, however, when a short caution on lap 144 found many of his pursuers electing to pit again, looking for a faster set-up for the final quarter of the race.

With Senneker staying out, Trickle, Martin, Butch Miller, and Mike Eddy all went pit side for fresh rubber.

After the final pit stop, Trickle went all-out for Senneker, pulling even with his rear bumper but was unable to complete the pass. The heroics were costly on his car and he faded in the final 20 laps.

Miller got by Trickle in the waning laps to claim third with the “White Knight” fourth ahead of Kulwicki.

Senneker’s victory, his 57th career ASA score, netted him $7,450 from a total purse of $50,095.


Results –

1. Bob Senneker
2. Mark Martin
3. Butch Miller
4. Dick Trickle
5. Alan Kulwicki
6. Bob Dotter
7. Mike Eddy
8. Buddy Schrock
9. Russ Urlin
10.Rich Bickle Jr.
11.Tom Jones
12.John Ziegler
13.Randy Slack
14.Jim Sauter
15.Kent Stauffer

1989 – Hewitt Hustles to Granite City Gold

 

Jack Hewitt 

Granite City, Ill. (April 12, 1989) – Jack Hewitt of Troy, Ohio, captured the first sprint car checkered of his 1989 campaign Wednesday night at Tri-City Speedway.

Hewitt slipped around early leader Bobby Davis Jr. halfway through the 35-lapper and continued to ride the rim all the way to a $5,000 triumph.

Davis, a runner-up in his last two visits to Tri-City, powered away from Danny Lasoski at the drop of the green. Fourth starting Hewitt soon slid in front of Lasoski and began his pursuit of the lead. When Davis stayed on the cushion, Hewitt could do nothing with him, but when Davis dropped down to lap Terry McCarl, Hewitt seized his opportunity to take command.

Mark Kinser, heading home from a race in Arizona, clocked the fastest time trial before getting flipped in a heat accident. Repaired in plenty of time for the B-main, he drove under Lasoski, then Kinser on two separate entries, to achieve second place.

Joey Allen, a $5,000 All-Star winner here in April, was on the tail of the lead lap but used the final six circuits to advance his stock. Allen caught the bottom of turn two in one quick burst to dispose of Lasoski and Davis and finish third.


Results –


1. Jack Hewitt
2. Mark Kinser
3. Joey Allen
4. Bobby Davis Jr.
5. Danny Lasoski
6. Craig Keel
7. Ronnie Daniels
8. Danny Smith
9. Lee Brewer Jr.
10.Rocky Hodges

1979 – Former Racing Great, Johnny Gerber, Dies

 

By Larry Sullivan

Thomson, Ill. (April 11, 1979) – Auto racing lost one of its greatest all-time dirt track drivers and race car builders Wednesday when John Gerber of Davenport, was called to the “Golden Speedway”.

Born in West Morganville, Kan., in 1896, he moved to Meriden, Kan., at an early age where he lived until moving to Stanwood, Iowa, in 1928. He lived there for several years before moving to Davenport, Iowa, in 1935. Mechanically minded at a young age, while attending college in Texas, and working at garages in Oklahoma and Kansas, Gerber built himself up a Chevy speedster.

Johnny and a “buddy” went to a county fair auto race in the fall of 1921 in Missouri and after viewing the race car field, John commented, “If these are race cars, so is mine.” He found the promoter and was allowed to compete in the races. He finished second in the feature event and collected $500 in his try.

In 1922-23, Johnny, with his 490 Chevy, with reworked heads, campaigned the independent dirt tracks of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and during the winter of 1923-24 reworked a four-port Oldsmobile rocker arm head for his 490 Chevy block which ran up until the mid-season of 1928 when he changed to an Art Chevrolet R.A. head for a 490 Chevy block. This head not being satisfactory, Gerber obtained some obsolete rocker arm patterns from Jack Gallivan and reworked them to Gerber’s specifications cast and machined new heads which were used through 1929 to 1931 with great success on Midwestern dirt tracks.

Gerber next obtained some single overhead cam patterns that were once Jack Gallivan’s, reworked and changed, built and machined new heads and came out with a brand-new Gerber Special in mid-summer of 1932 which now made him two cars. To Johnny Gerber and this writer, the “Golden Years of Auto Racing” were in the 20’s and 30’s when garage mechanics built their own various types of machines with an assortment of different cylinder heads and motor blocks.

Gerber’s new second machine was driven by the legendary Maynard “Hungry” Clark of Milan, Ill., who had driven for Johnny for four years through 1935. In 1932, Johnny and Maynard ran independent with a few IMCA races sprinkled in there throughout the Midwest and gave a great account of themselves, winning numerous feature events, including a few 100-milers.

In 1933, Clark and Gerber invaded the Eastern dirt tracks such as Woodbridge, N.J., Langhorne, Penn., and Flemington, N.J., and the Hankinson Fair circuit running AAA at many county and state fairs with their two Gerber Specials competing against factory-built Millers, Offys, D.O. Cragars, D.O. Hals, and D.O. McDowells.

When Gerber and Clark first invaded the East, the two drivers had their tents set up in the Woodbridge infield and had as mascots, two pigs and were known as the “Two Iowa Farmers”, a publicity stunt set up by promoter Jack Curley. Johnny himself retired as an active driver at the end of the 1933 racing season.

During 1934 and through the winter of 1934-35, Gerber built up two complete motors of his own design, casting his own block, how own crankshaft, connecting rods, etc. One block as a “220” and the other was a “246”. He also built another complete new car to start the 1935 season.

Gerber, after retiring from driving himself at one time or another had these star drivers as his chauffeurs. The listing looks like a “Who’s Who” in racing – Maynard Clark, Ken Fowler, “Buster” Warke, “Buddy” Rusch, Billy DeVore, Tommie Hinnershitz, Otis Stine, and Cecil Burnaugh. Also, Jimmie Snyder, Bill Winn, Rex Mays, Ronnie Householder, Frankie Bailey, Bob Sall, Floyd Davis, Paul Russo, Dave Randolph, and Freddie Winai.

The Gerber cars were last raced in Davenport, Iowa, in June of 1942, just before the closing of racing due to World War II. The #15 Gerber O.H.C. is still owned by the Gerber household and is one of the few all-original race cars in the country today. The #14 Gerber Special, the “246” was sold to a California sportsman in 1948 and ran West coast tracks for several years and is now owned by Joe Gesma and is one of the most beautifully restored sprint cars in the country.

So, as I write this, I am wondering who has the pole position for the 50-lap feature event on the “Golden Speedway” with the line-up of Gus Schrader, Johnny Gerber, “Dutch” Baumann, Bert Ficken, George Souders, Sam Hoffman, Glenn Heitt, Johnnie Krieger, Vern McCombs, Pat Cunningham, Leonard Krebs, and “Howdy” Wilcox, all driving stars of yesteryear with whom Johnny competed against and who have gone on before.

To his loving wife Rose and two sons, Jim and John Jr., this writer, and all of the racing fraternity offer their condolences.

1982 – Wolfgang Sweeps at I-70

Doug Wolfgang

Odessa, Mo. (April 10, 1982) - Doug Wolfgang of Sioux Falls, S.D., was scheduled to race in Eldora, Ohio, this weekend but the weatherman didn’t realize that sprint cars run on dirt and not snow. With snow at Eldora, Wolfgang and several other top World of Outlaw stars headed for Odessa and the 1-70 National Speedway’s Saturday night sprint car race, much to the delight of the 3,186 race fans.

During the hot laps Wolfgang’s sprinter developed a problem in the rear end, so while the other cars were timing in, Wolfgang and his crew were changing the rear end.

Danny Smith of Memphis, Tenn., driving Kenny Rogers’ Gambler sprinter set fast time with a time of 17.08 seconds…or so he thought. The track officials let Wolfgang qualify after the first heat had been run and he responded with a lap of 16.97 seconds on the half-mile track.

T.J. Giddings of Kansas City, Kan., looked like a sure winner in the 10-lap semi-feature as he jumped out to an early lead and was pulling away from the rest of the cars until his car started slowing down on the seventh lap. This enabled Terry Smith of Kansas City to pass Giddings on lap 9 for the win. Giddings held on to finish second ahead of Pat McKeehan of Windsor, Mo.

The feature saw Ron Shuman of Mesa, Ariz., lead the 24-car field into turn one and the first lap lead followed by Bobby Davis, Jr, of Memphis, Tenn., Randy Smith. Des Moines, and Wolfgang.

The red flag came out twice on the third lap. The first red was for Rick Howard who hooked a rut in turn one causing him to roll end over end. On the restart, former Outlaw champ, Steve Kinser of Bloomington, Ind., completely destroyed his sprinter as he did a series of hard flips in turn three. Both drivers escaped injury in the accidents.

Shuman kept the lead for one more lap after the green reappeared before being passed by Wolfgang. From that point on the only thing that slowed Wolfgang down were two yellow flags that came out as a result of car failure.

At the end of the 30-lap feature Wolfgang had a half-lap lead over Davis and Mike Pinckney, Des Moines, who finished third as Shuman dropped out on lap 25 with a blown engine.

Wolfgang said that his car vibrated the whole race from a bent axle housing but that “the car was solid as a rock, and I just avoided the lapped cars.”

The heat races were won by Jack Hewitt, Troy, Ohio; Kinser, Wolfgang and Pinckney.


Results –


1. Doug Wolfgang
2. Bobby Davis Jr.
3. Mike Pinckney
4. Terry Smith
5. Bobby Layne
6. Glen Hughes Jr.
7. Cliff Woodward
8. T.J. Giddings
9. Ron Shuman
10. Terry Doss
11. Tim Gee
12. Gary Scott