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