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.
No comments:
Post a Comment