1983 – 9,378 Watch J.J. Smith Win at WIR

 

J.J. Smith won the late model feature at Wisconsin International Raceway before a record crowd. - Keith Vercauteren Collection 

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (June 30, 1983) – Appleton’s J.J. Smith wheeled his 1983 Thunderbird to a 10-car-length win in the 20-lap late model feature Thursday before a record crowd of 9,378 on “Shopko Night” at Wisconsin International Raceway.

It was the largest crowd in Fox River Racing Club’s 33-year history. The previous record was 7,814 set at “Shopko Night” in 1981.

Smith, who won his first feature here two years ago, got a break early in the race on the third lap when several front runners tangled coming out of the second turn, allowing Smith to move into second place.

Dave Valentyne came off the front row to lead the first six laps of the main event on the paved half-mile oval. Smith dipped under Valentyne on the backstretch, then pulled to a big lead.

Terry Baldry, the fastest qualifier and defending track champion, moved inside of Valentyne for second position but was unable to catch the speedy Smith. Following Smith and Baldry to the finish line were Gene Coleman, Valentyne, and Bob Iverson.

Jeff Herrman, racing in the sportsman class for the third time at WIR, won the 20-lap feature on the quarter mile.

The 24-year-old driver won by less than a car length over Dennis Utke, followed by Randy Boegh, Bryce Spoehr, and Steve Geise.


Results –


Late Model –

1. J.J. Smith, Appleton
2. Terry Baldry, Omro
3. Gene Coleman, Menominee, Mich.
4. Dave Valentyne, Kimberly
5. Bob Iverson, Hyde, Mich.
6. Steve Arndt, Janesville


Sportsman –

1. Jeff Herrman, Branch
2. Dennis Utke, Kimberly
3. Randy Boegh, Appleton
4. Bryce Spoehr, Black Creek
5. Steve Geise, Appleton
6. Jim Duchow, Kaukauna

1979 - Dawley Cops Knoxville Mid-Season

Darryl Dawley

 

By Ken Sargeant

Knoxville, Iowa (June 30, 1979) – Darryl Dawley ended a four-year drought at Knoxville Raceway by winning the mid-season championship Saturday night.

Dawley started in the second row and chased polesitter John Stevenson for the first eight laps before Stevenson dropped out with a broken ring gear and pinion. Dawley inherited the lead but had it for only one lap before a yellow flew for a Bobby Brutto spinout in turn four.

On the restart, Dawley rebuild his lead over Tim Green and led the rest of the way, holding off a late charge by Green on the final two circuits. Fast timer, Roger Larson, was third followed by Gary Scott and Randy Smith in the top-five.

Heat races went to Mark Shaffer, Steve Hainline, Eddie Leavitt, Ralph Blackett, and Gary Scott. Blackett’s win was the only thing keeping Dawley from a clean sweep as he ran second to in the heat race after leading the 5-lap trophy dash green to checkered. Larson’s quick time during time trials was 20.630 seconds.

The 12-lap B-main went to Brutto with a late pass of Terry Taggart.

In addition to watching 41 sprint cars compete, the large crowd on hand also got to see many former drivers who were on hand for “Old Timers” night and the induction of the first 18 members of the Hall of Fame.

Those drivers inducted represented 158 feature victories at Knoxville and included Greg and Ken Weld, Kenny Crook, Dean Sylvester, Danny Richardson, Bud McCune, Gordon Woolley, Earl Wagner, Ken Gritz, Dick Sutcliffe, and Thad Dosher. Alson inducted were mechanics, Taylor “Pappy” Weld, Bob Trostle, Fred Kain, Wayne House, John Leverenz, and former promoter Marion Robinson.


Results –


Time trials – Roger Larson, Madison, S.D.
Trophy dash – Darryl Dawley, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Heat #1 – Mark Shaffer, Newton
Heat #2 – Steve Hainline, Bonaparte
Heat #3 – Eddie Leavitt, Kearney, Mo.
Heat #4 – Ralph Blackett, Des Moines
Heat #5 – Gary Scott, Holts Summit, Mo.
B-main – Bobby Brutto, San Jose, Calif.
Feature –
1. Darryl Dawley
2. Tim Green, Des Moines
3. Roger Larson
4. Gary Scott
5. Randy Smith, Norwalk
6. Eddie Leavitt
7. Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
8. Mackie Heimbaugh, Des Moines
9. Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln, Neb.
10.Johnny Anderson, Sacramento, Calif.

1970 – Dake Drives Off with Top Prize

 

Darrell Dake 

Davenport, Iowa (June 30, 1970) – Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, one of the top drivers in the state, showed a crowd of 2,000 why he’s among the point leaders Tuesday night at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds with an easy victory in the late model feature.

Taking home the first-place money of $500, Dake had things pretty much his own way in the 30-lap feature on the half-mile oval, finishing with a substantial margin over Stan Stover of Reinbeck.

Both Dake and Stover are among the leading drivers at the Des Moines and Waterloo tracks where they normally participate and the pair made it strictly a two-man affair for the majority of Tuesday’s feature race.

Following across the finish line were Bob Helm of Rochester, Skip Kennedy of Dubuque, and Bill McDonough of Cedar Rapids.

Dake, who was fourth fastest in time trials, and then later captured a heat race, moved into first on the third lap after Ron Weedon of Pleasant Valley and Stover had jockeyed for the lead on the first couple of laps.

Midway through the race, Dake, driving a 1969 Ford Torino, and Stover slowly began pulling away from the rest of the field with Stover encountering problems trying to gain on Dake with slower cars impeding his progress.

The real battle developed for third place with no less than five cars vying for that position. Finally, Helm and Kennedy, with Helm prevailing in the end by a couple of car lengths.

Despite having just 23 cars on hand, the time trials started late and, of course, the program itself was tardy getting started.

Davenport’s Ernie Speth had the fastest time in qualifying with a time of 28.53 seconds. In addition to Dake winning a heat, Helm and Weedon were also heat winners. Kennedy took the 10-lap semi-main, although he had to battle with Stover the entire race.


Results –


Time trials – Ernie Speth, Davenport
Heat #1- Bob Helm, Rochester
Heat #2 – Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
Heat #3 – Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
Semi-main – Skip Kennedy, Dubuque
Feature –
1. Darrell Dake
2. Stan Stover, Reinbeck
3. Bob Helm
4. Skip Kennedy
5. Bill McDonough, Cedar Rapids
6. Al Terrell, Peoria, Ill.
7. Ron Weedon
8. Bud Darting, Wilton Junction
9. Terry Ryan, Davenport
10.John Engelken, Morrison, Ill.

1989 - Red Flag Sparks Moyer to Victory

Iowa native Billy Moyer Jr. won the first leg of the '89 Iowa Firecracker Jamboree at 34 Raceway in Burlington. - Todd Healy Photo

West Burlington, Iowa (June 29, 1989) - The track Billy Moyer could not conquer is no more.

Two of racing's best-known late model drivers - Moyer of Batesville, Ark., and Scott Bloomquist of Knoxville, Tenn. - locked up in a two-man duel at the head of the pack last night, and when the dust had cleared Moyer had his first triumph at 34 Raceway after second place finishes the last two years.

Moyer was also clutching the $4,000 winner's check. The 31-year-old is the defending World of Outlaws national champion and the 1986 and 1987 USAC national champ.

Bloomquist crossed under the checkered flag 10 car lengths behind in the World of Outlaws-sanctioned Iowa Firecracker Jamboree opener last night.

What was billed as “the biggest dirt track race ever to hit eastern Iowa” lived up to it reputation, as 46 drivers (most of them nationally recognized) were on band from 16 states — Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming,

It was really a two-man race that was decided by a red flag, however. Bloomquist, the 25-year-old winner of last year's World 100, ran away from the field during the first 39 laps of the 50-circuit event and appeared well on his way to victory.

Then disaster struck.

John Gill of Bedford, Ind. had just passed Moyer, for second place in turn two, with Bloomquist well ahead of those two. However, Paul Shafer of Portage, Ind., last control on the backstretch, and his car flipped and eventually struck the turn three wall. That brought out a red flag and a halt to the proceedings. But instead of sitting back and resting, Moyer and his crew immediately jumped into action and began changing gears,

Moyer was late getting back onto the track due to the flurry of activity at the rear of his car, but the difference was immediately noticeable. At the drop of the green flag for lap 40, he pulled right up on Bloomquist's tail and then passed on the following circuit,

The rest was academic.

Moyer now leads the World of Outlaw standings with 1,016 points while Bloomquist stands second with 946.

“A guy wasn't able to lay down at all,” Bloomquist said afterward. “There were a lot of good cars coming from the back.”

Gill finished a distant third. Rick Egersdorf of St. Paul, Minn., was fourth, Larry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., wound up fifth and Mitch Johnson of Fargo, N.D., rounded out the top six finishers.

West Burlington's Jay Johnson (14th place), Montrose's Steve Fraise (16th) and Wapello's Johnny Johnson (17th) were the only three local racers to qualify for the feature.

Defending champion Willy Kraft spun on the backstretch during the very first lap and retired to the pits with a 24th-place finish.

The next 38 laps belonged to Bloomquist, with only lapped traffic and caution flags on laps 21 and 26 slowing him down. Meanwhile, Kraft, Gill and Phillips were in hot pursuit. Phillips quickly fell from second to fourth on the 16th lap, however, and Gill began stalking the new runner-up, Moyer.

Gill finally caught up and made the pass on the fateful 40th lap, but Shafer's incident forced the field to revert to its previous standing.

The evening's only other serious accident involved Doug Wiggs of Amarillo, Texas, who demolished his car when he hit the wall in nearly the same spot as Shafer on lap 2 of the semi-feature.

Moyer, Phillips, Mitch Johnson, and Jack Boggs of Webbville, Ky., were heat race winners, while Ray Guss Jr. of Milan, Ill., won the semi.

Bloomquist turned in the quickest qualifying time - 15.666 seconds around the 3/8-mile dirt oval.


Results –


1. Billy Moyer Jr.
2. Scott Bloomquist
3. John Gill
4. Rick Egersdorf
5. Larry Phillips
6. Mitch Johnson
7. Jim Curry
8. Kevin Gundaker
9. Charlie Sentman
10.Rick Aukland

 

1968 – Eaker Wins; Vander Wal Wins Fourth Straight

 

Carl Vander Wal dominated the sportsman division in Des Moines first year of weekly racing. 

Des Moines, Iowa (June 29, 1968) – Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids won his third late model stock car feature of the season Saturday night, and Carl Vander Wal of Ames captured his fourth consecutive sportsman main event at the State Fairgrounds.

The 4,430 spectators were treated to a record for fewest restarts in one program – three.

Eaker, driving a 1967 Dodge, started in the eighth row and it took 16 laps of the 25-lap feature to surge into the lead.

Bill Moyer of Des Moines, piloting a 1968 Corvette, had taken the lead on the first lap and had almost a half-lap lead by the time Eaker had moved into second place on lap 9.

Eaker chipped away at Moyer’s margin and powered past him as the duo entered turns three and four. From there, Eaker extended his lead and finished approximately 12 car lengths ahead of Moyer. Ole Brua of Albert Lea, Minn., took third in a 1968 Ford Torino.

Vander Wal, who competes in a 1956 Chevrolet, also started on the eighth row. He took the top spot on lap 9 and would have won easily if it hadn’t been for a late-race accident on lap 13.

Mike Brooks of Knoxville and Larry Wickersham of Des Moines were involved in the accident which caused the restart. Neither driver was hurt in the incident.


Results –


Sportsman -

Heat #1 – Denny Felt, Waukee
Heat #2 – Carl Vander Wal, Ames
Semi-main – Lynn Komrie, Van Meter
Feature –
1. Carl Vander Wal
2. Fred Knapp, Des Moines
3. Denny Felt
4. Lee Pinckney, Des Moines
5. Lynn Komrie
6. Chuck Berg, Des Moines
7. Bill Todd, Indianola
8. Slim Doonan, Brooklyn
9. Roger McWilliams, Des Moines
10.John Kyle, Des Moines


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Bill Moyer, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Dick Nesteby, Dubuque
Semi-main – Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker
2. Bill Moyer
3. Ole Brua, Albert Lea, Minn.
4. Lem Blankenship, Keokuk
5. Dick Nesteby
6. John Schlemmer, Cedar Rapids
7. John Connolly, Delhi
8. Matt Moro, Des Moines
9. Roland Wilson, Bedford
10.Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn.

1969 – Johnson Shows ‘Em How at Rockford

 

Eric Johnson takes a victory lap after winning the feature at Rockford Speedway. – Vince Mayer Photo

Rockford, Ill. (June 28, 1969) – Erik Johnson of Mundelein missed only fast time in what could have been a clean sweep of events in his first appearance at Rockford Speedway in the 1969 season.

Johnson, normally a Chicagoland competitor, won the trophy dash, his heat, and the 30-lap late model feature in his Chevrolet late model stock car.

Rockford Speedway champion Joe Shear of South Beloit was making a fast drive to catch Johnson when his 1969 Chevelle blew a tire and sent him skidding into the infield. Shear had set fast time in qualifying and started 14th in the 16-car field. Johnson had started ninth.

In the trophy dash, Rich Kleich of Chicago, a builder of limousines, realized good efforts from his work when his ’68 Oldsmobile spun out of control and hit the concrete wall in front of the grandstand with such force that it broke out a section measuring four feet. The wall is 10 inches thick. Kleich was not injured, which was a surprise to everyone who witnessed the accident. But the bigger surprise was he continued on in the race and came bac to finish fourth in the feature.

The great weather brought out one of the best crowds of the season at Rockford. Everyone enjoyed the close competition.


Results –


Time trials – Joe Shear, South Beloit (15.25)
Trophy dash – Erik Johnson, Mundelein
Heat #1 – Bob Zimmerman, Alden
Heat #2 – Gary Wroan, Bloomington
Heat #3 – Erik Johnson
Semi-main – Russ Love, Loves Park
Feature –
1. Erik Johnson
2. Jim Birks, Rockford
3. Don Leach, Beloit, Wis.
4. Rich Kleich, Chicago
5. Larry O’Brien, Harvard
6. Ron Wishard, Rockford
7. Danny Bellard, Beloit, Wis.
8. Paul Heitz, Chicago
9. Red Gates, Harvard
10.Lloyd Swartout, Janesville, Wis.

1987 – Trickle First at Bristol in NASCAR/ARTGO 200

 

Dick Trickle (99) and Rich Bickle Jr. (45) battle it out during the Rainbo Bread 200 at Bristol International Raceway. Trickle would win the contest and Bickle would take runner-up honors. – Keith Vercauteren Collection

Bristol, Tenn. (June 27, 1987) – Dick Trickle became the first winner in the Winston NASCAR/ARTGO Challenge Cup Series Saturday night, by capturing the Rainbo Bread 200 at Bristol International Raceway.

For his efforts, Trickle took home $4,800 from the $38,500 purse which was posted for the inaugural event in the new series for competition in the ARTGO Challenge Series and the NASCAR All-American Challenge Series.

Trickle, representing ARTGO, was followed to the finish line by Rich Bickle Jr., Bobby Allison, Bobby Dotter, and David Green.

Ronnie Sanders toured the half-mile oval in 15.627 seconds during time trials to nail down the pole position in the event’s 19-car field, but it was fellow front row starter Dave Mader III pacing the first 13 laps.

When a broken axle slowed Mader on the 14th circuit, Sanders took the lead followed by Mitch Fowler, Don Jenkins, Green, and Bruce Battle. Mader’s problem forced him into a lengthy pit stop but he eventually returned and finished tenth, completing 136 circuits.

Allison, who earlier in the day was qualifying for the NASCAR Winston Cup race at Michigan, arrived at Bristol after time trials and was forced to start at the rear of the field. However, that didn’t hinder the Hueytown, Ala., pilot as he battled his way into the top-five by lap 28 and then quickly closed in on Sanders.

On lap 44, Allison made a bid for the lead, ducking to the inside of Sanders in turn two. The pair exchanged paint and Allison lost several positions while battling to keep his car from spinning as a result of the incident.

Trickle posed the next serious threat to Sanders and moved into the top spot on lap 63. Allison, who recovered quickly from his near spin, took second from Sanders a short time later and then wrested first place from Trickle on the 72nd revolution.

The frontrunners pitted en masse during a yellow flag period on lap 87 with Allison returning to the track in time to retain first place.

The event’s final caution proved to be Allison’s downfall, as the pacesetter cut a tire from debris on the track. When Allison pitted for fresh rubber, Trickle took over the top spot on lap 131.

After action resumed, Bickle pressured Trickle but could not muster enough power to take the lead.

Trickle averaged 82.921 miles per hour in winning the event, which was slowed by seven caution flags for 40 laps.


Results –

1. Dick Trickle
2. Rich Bickle Jr.
3. Bobby Allison
4. Bobby Dotter
5. David Green
6. A. Arnold
7. Tim Nooner
8. Bruce Battle
9. Keith Waid
10.Dave Mader III
11.Clay Brown
12.Stanley Smith
13.Ronnie Sanders
14.Tiger Parsley
15.Mitch Fowler

1968 - Wagner Spears Modified Win at Newton

Earl Wagner, driving the Bob Trostle-built, Bill Moyer-owned super modified, scored a clean sweep at Newton Speedway. – Jeffrey Wagner Collection

By Dennis Carter

Newton, Iowa (June 27, 1968) – For the first time, super modifieds took to Newton Speedway on Friday night.

Capturing the 20-lap main event was Earl Wagner of Pleasantville, who also won the first heat and the Australian Pursuit race.

Hank Smith of Mt. Ayr copped the five-car, 5-lap match race. Bill Hudson of Montezuma was a double winner, scoring firsts in the second heat and the trophy dash. Phil Reece of Des Moines on the third heat.

Joe Saldana of Lincoln, Neb., set fast time in qualifying, with a 17.27 second clocking.

The only mishap of the evening occurred on the 11th lap of the main event when Phil Reece and Hank Smith tangled in the third turn, sending Reece’s car rolling over. No one was injured in the mishap.


Results –

Time Trials – Joe Saldana
Trophy dash – Bill Hudson
Heat #1 – Earl Wagner
Heat #2 – Bill Hudson
Heat #3 – Phil Reece
Australian Pursuit – Earl Wagner
Match race – Hank Smith
Feature –
1. Earl Wagner
2. Joe Saldana
3. Ralph Blackett
4. Lonnie Jensen
5. Hank Smith
6. Bill Hudson

1986 – Crawford, Noble Win at Howard County Fair

 

Gary Crawford won the 25-lap late model feature at the Howard County Fair. He’s joined in victory lane by race promoter Jerry Blue. – Bill Haglund Photo

By Bill Haglund

Cresco, Iowa (June 26, 1986) – Gary Crawford of Independence and Mark Noble of Blooming Prairie, Minn., won feature races Thursday night at the Howard County Fair before a near-capacity crowd.

Both Crawford, in the late model division, and Noble, competing in the IMCA modified class, started on the front row of their respective features.

The 25-lap late model finale was halted by numerous spins and crashes, the most serious with 10 laps down. Several cars spun in turn two and Ron Dake of Lincoln, Neb., found the track blocked in front of him. Dake turned his car sideways in an attempt to stop, but slammed broadside into one of the stalled cars and flipped over the top of the mess. Dake’s air filter caught fire as the dazed driver sat stunned in his car.

Crew members from cars pitted nearest to turn two quickly raced to the scene and pulled Dake from the car and the fire was quickly extinguished.

After that and other restarts, Crawford and Rick Wendling of Hazelton maintained the top two spots in the feature and Crawford was able to hold off Wendling by three-car-lengths at the checkered. A fierce battle for third waged much of the race with Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls claiming that spot over Ed Sanger of Waterloo. Curt Martin of Independence was fifth.

Noble led the 20-lap IMCA modified feature from start to finish and won comfortably over Greg Kastli of Waterloo. Denny Anderson of Rochester, Minn., Dennis Fink of Fairbank, and John Light of Wadena rounded out the top five.

At the end, Noble’s engine was claimed by Light, and he sold for the $300 claiming price.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Gary Crawford, Independence
Heat #2 – Rick Wendling, Hazelton
Feature –
1. Gary Crawford
2. Rick Wendling
3. Jeff Aikey, Cedar Falls
4. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
5. Curt Martin, Independence
6. Greg Hunter, Independence
7. Jim Moss, West Union
8. Greg Robinson, California, Mo.
9. Em Fretheim, Decorah
10.Wade Russell, Dunkerton


IMCA Modified –

Heat #1 – Dean Wagner, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
Feature –
1. Mark Noble
2. Greg Kastli, Waterloo
3. Denny Anderson, Rochester, Minn.
4. Dennis Fink, Fairbank
5. John Light, Wadena
6. Todd Jensen, Waterloo
7. Dean Wagner
8. Doug Hillson, Blooming Prairie, Minn.
9. Ed Thomas, Waterloo
10.Larry Hall, Rochester, Minn.

1955 – Langhorne 100-miler to Jimmy Bryan

 

Winner Jimmy Bryan receives congratulations from runner-up Bob Sweikert after the 100-miler at Langhorne.

Langhorne, Penn. (June 26, 1955) — Jimmy Bryan, Phoenix, successfully defended his 100-mile national AAA racing car championship yesterday winning the event over the Langhorne Speedway in 62 minutes and 40.71 seconds, about 10 seconds ahead of Bob Sweikert, the Indianapolis 500 champion.

The event began last week but was halted because of rain and continued yesterday with Bryan ahead in the 44th lap.

The Phoenix driver held the lead all the way, crossing the finish line about 200 yards in front of Sweikert, who was about the same distance in front of Don Freeland, Englewood, Calif.

Mike Magill, Haddonfield, N.J., was fourth, followed by Pat O'Connor, midwestern champion from Anderson, Ind.; Ed Elisian, Oakland, Calif., Eddie Russo, Crown Point, Ind., and Al Herman, Allentown, Pa.

A crowd of some 30,000 watched the racers vie for approximately $10,000 in purse money. There were no accidents.


Results –


1. Jimmy Bryan
2. Bob Sweikert
3. Don Freeland
4. Mike Magill
5. Pat O’Conner
6. Ed Elisian
7. Eddie Russo
8. Al Herman
9. Rodger Ward
10.Duane Carter

1972 – Droud Finds Winning Different Experience

 

By Randy York

Eagle, Neb. (June 25, 1972) – Someone suggested Don Droud should drive straight home, run into his living room, plop down on the couch, and pinch himself.

That way he would know it was for real. He would have had time for it all to soak in.

“I might do that, I’m serious,” Droud said after he won his first super modified feature race ever Sunday night before 2,700 fans at Eagle Raceway.

“This is absolutely the biggest thrill in my life,” added the 33-year-old Droud. “I’ve not only never won a feature; I’ve never even come close.”

“I counted every lap,” said Droud, after leading from start to finish in the 30-lap A-main. “But after I got the checkered, I ran one more lap just to be sure.”

“I’m no Lloyd Beckman, Roger Rager, or Lonnie Jensen, I know that” added Droud. “I own my own car, and it cost a ton of money to run it. For me to win a feature against this type of competition is unreal.”

“I don’t know if it was prophetic or what,” reflected Droud. “But when I was packing up this afternoon to come out here, I told the boys I thought might win the feature. Of course, I thought it was wishful thinking.”

A $500 check made it see more real. And so did the congratulatory gestures from Dick Sutcliffe, and Beckman. But the most important reward was the adulation heaped on him by his kids – Cindy, 15, Don Jr., 10, and Rod, 7.

A multi-car pileup on the first turn of the first lap of the feature, eliminated four cars and caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Lincoln’s Lonnie Jenesen, bidding to become the first driver to win three straight features at Eagle since the late Kenny Gritz did in 1969, was one of those four drivers forced out of competition. The others were Larry Upton, Mike Cecak, and Dan Holliman.

Such prominent drivers as Sutcliffe, Ray Lee Goodwin, Del Schmidt, and Eddie Leavitt couldn’t even crack the top-four as Keith Hightshoe of Ashland, Wayne Holz of Lincoln, and Beckman finished 2-3-4 behind the winner.


Results –


Time trials – Lonnie Jensen, Lincoln (16.78)
Trophy dash – Lonnie Jensen
Heat #1 – Dan Holliman, Lincoln
Heat #2 – Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln
Heat #3 – Wayne Holz, Lincoln
Consolation – Ray Lee Goodwin, Kansas City
Match race – Lloyd Beckman
B-main – Don Maxwell, Lincoln
A-main –
1. Don Droud, Lincoln
2. Keith Hightshoe, Ashland
3. Wayne Holz
4. Lloyd Beckman
5. Gerald Bruggeman, Hoskins

1989 - Wolfgang Tops Knoxville 'Outlaws' Main

Doug Wolfgang 

By Bob Wilson

Knoxville, Iowa (June 24, 1989) – Doug Wolfgang came home to the track in which he claimed four Knoxville National titles and came away the victor in the World of Outlaws sprint car feature at the Marion County Fairgrounds on Saturday night.

Wolfgang, who had claimed the preliminary feature just twenty-four hours earlier, started in the second row and took the lead on the 10th lap and never relinquished it during the 25-lap affair. The race paid the Sioux Falls, S.D. native $8,000 and it marked his 48th career feature win at the half-mile.

Dave Blaney jumped to the immediate lead and built a comfortable margin when Jeff Swindell, who was running third, lost a right rear tire on lap 5. Swindell was relegated to the rear and finished 12th.

On the restart, Blaney was able to fend off Wolfgang but as the duo entered turn two and lapped traffic on lap 10, Wolfie was able to slip by on the outside for the lead. Blaney was able to keep pace with the leader but could never mount a threat as the laps ran out.

Current Knoxville points leader Danny Lasoki finished third and Jac Haudenschild made a late lap pass of Bobby Davis Jr., to claim fourth.

Qualifying heats went to Joe Gaerte, Rick Hood, Rocky Hodges, and Cris Eash. Don Kreitz Jr. ended a night of frustration when he captured the B-main.


Results –

1. Doug Wolfgang, Sioux Falls, S.D.
2. Dave Blaney, Cortland, Ohio
3. Danny Lasoski, Dover, Mo.
4. Jac Haudenschild, Millersburg, Ohio
5. Bobby Davis Jr., Memphis, Tenn.
6. Randy Smith, Mt. Ayr
7. Andy Hillenburg, Broken Arrow, Okla.
8. Jerry Richert Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.
9. Ricky Hood, Boonville, Ind.
10.Joe Gaerte, Rochester, Ind.

1978 – Victory in Illiana Feature First in ARCA For Dotter

Bob Dotter and Bill Hahnlein pose with the winner’s trophy and checkered flag after dotter drove Hahnlein’s Chevelle to victory at Illiana Motor Speedway. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Schererville, Ind. (June 24, 1978) – Coming on strong in the second half of the race, Bob Dotter of Chicago won Saturday night’s Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) national championship stock car feature at Illiana Motor Speedway. It was Dotter’s first career ARCA Victory.

Sharing the spotlight with Dotter was Ray Young of Dolton, Ill., who won the track’s weekly 25-lap late model event.

Dotter started on the pole position after setting fast time with a 22.18-second clocking in qualifications. Then, after leading the first four circuits, Dotter yielded the lead to Marvin Smith and eventually dropped back to fourth place.

Moose Myers pressured Smith throughout much of the first half of the contest but dropped from contention when he was forced to the pit area to change a tire. Despite the unscheduled pit stop, Myers still managed a seventh-place finish.

Dotter recovered from his slow start near the event’s midpoint and grabbed the lead for good, passing Smith on the 68th circuit.

Ed Hoffman of Niles, Ill., also got around Smith in the last portion of the contest and pressured Dotter all the way to the checkered flag but had to be content with runner-up honors.

Plagued by mechanical issues late in the feature, Sith finished third, nearly one lap behind the winner. Bob Schact took fourth, ahead of Delmar Clark and ARCA point leader Bill Kimmel.

Young edged Lee Schuler and Chuck Acres to capture the 25-lap weekly late model feature.


Results -


1. Bobby Dotter
2. Ed Hoffman
3. Marvin Smith
4. Bob Schact
5. Delmar Clark
6. Bill Kimmel
7. Moose Myers
8. Larry Berwanger
9. Ned Tracy
10.Bill Clemons
11.Bill Green
12.Gary Sharp
13.Bob Slawinski
14.Darrell Basham
15.Chuck Weick

1988 - Essary Triumphs at White City

 

Missouri’s Ken Essary won the 40-lap PROS/OMP late model feature at Midstate Raceway. – Greg Stanek Photo

White City, Ill. (June 23, 1988) – Ken Essary took the lead with only five laps to go and went on to win the 40-lap PROS/UMP late model feature at Midstate Raceway on Thursday night.

Essary, of Bolivar, Mo., collected $3,000 for his victory against a stellar field.

Fast qualifier Billy Moyer Jr. dominated the feature race until he left with a broken tie rod after hitting an infield tire marker. Essary took over the lead and never relinquished it.

Jack Boggs finished a close second while last month’s PRO/UMP late model feature winner, Larry Phillips, wound up third.

The feature had 20 starters. Five each came from three heats and the semi-main.


Results –

Heat #1 – Billy Moyer Jr.
Heat #2 – Ken Essary
Heat #3 – Larry Phillips
Semi-Main – John Provenzano
Feature -
1. Ken Essary
2. Jack Boggs
3. Larry Phillips
4. Mike Wallace
5. Kevin Gundaker

1979 – Becker Cops Vinton Modified Main

 

Arlo Becker is joined in victory lane by his daughter Robin after winning the IMCA modified feature at Vinton Speedway. – Bill Haglund Photo

Vinton, Iowa (June 23, 1979) – Veteran Arlo Becker of Atkins won the International Motor Contest Association modified feature race Saturday night at Vinton Speedway.

Becker debuted his Gremlin-bodied modified and won a battle with Bernie Frieden of Norway in a Vega-bodied winged modified in the feature race.

Becker and Frieden fell out of contention in the heat race, Becker because of a flat tire, Frieden with no gas, as Ed Callan of Norway won the preliminary.

The roadrunner “400” feature was won by Dave Venenga of Grundy Center with fellow townsman LaVerne Hawn finishing second and Ron O’Brien of Cedar Rapids taking third.

Paul Sidebottom of Waterloo won the roadrunner “200” feature after also winning the first heat. Ron Fare of Cedar Rapids won the second heat and ran second to Sidebottom in the feature.

The roadrunner “200” event was red flagged at the start when Jim Jerome, a native of Bloomington, Minn., stationed with the U.S. Marines in Waterloo, was tapped from behind, got sideways, and was rammed by a car in the driver’s door. The impact knocked Jerome unconscious, and he was taken to an area hospital for observation. He would return to the track later with “a big bump on my head”.


Results –


IMCA Modified –

Heat – Ed Callan, Norway
Feature –
1. Arlo Becker Atkins
2. Bernie Frieden, Norway
3. Steve Krug, Vinton
4. Bill Haglund, Vinton
5. Mike Palmer, Waterloo


Roadrunner 200 –

Heat #1 – Paul Sidebottom, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Ron Fare, Cedar Rapids
Feature –
1. Paul Sidebottom
2. Ron Fare
3. Bill Tharp, Garrison
4. Darwin Foster, Waterloo
5. Cliff Tharp, Vinton


Roadrunner 400 –

Heat #1 – Ron O’Brien, Cedar Rapids
Heat #2 – LaVerne Hawn, Grundy Center
Feature –
1. Dave Venenga, Grundy Center
2. LaVerne Hawn
3. Bob Rider, Vinton
4. Steve Hendryx, Mt. Auburn
5. Mike Palmer, Waterloo

1974 – Jim Back Wins WIR ‘Red Race’

 

Jim Back

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (June 23, 1974) – Jim Back, driving a newly-built 1974 Camaro, grabbed the lead on the eighth lap of the 75-lap main event in the first race of the Red, White, and Blue State Championship Series at the Wisconsin International Raceway on Sunday afternoon, and wheeled to victory, some 10-car-lengths ahead of runner-up Larry Detjens.

The Vesper driver got the jump on the 24-car field as he passed Jim Sauter of Necedah on lap 8 as he breezed to victory. Beloit’s Don Leach paced the field for the first five laps before being passed by Sauter.

It was Back’s first win in the three-year-old series and was worth $750. Former champions Dick Trickle and Joe Shear were not threats in the race as Trickle dropped out on the sixth lap with transmission issues and Shear, after setting the afternoon’s fast time with a time of 21.1 seconds over the half-mile, was a non-factor and finished seventh.

Detjens was second followed by Tom Reffner of Rudolph. Tom Jones of Northbrook, Ill., and J.J. Smith of Appleton rounded out the top-five finishers. Reffner, Jones, and Smith waged a torrid duel for the third spot with Smith briefly holding that position only to be passed by both Reffner and Jones late in the race.

Semi-feature honors went to Al Schill of Franklin. Conrad Morgan of Dousman was the only double winner of the afternoon as he posted win in the first heat and the consolation. Gary Hemmerling of Beloit was the second heat winner and Bobby Wawak of Villa Park, Ill., won the third heat.


Results –

1. Jim Back, Vesper
2. Larry Detjens, Wausau
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Tom Jones, Northbrook, Ill.
5. J.J. Smith, Appleton
6. Jim Sauters, Necedah
7. Joe Shear, South Beloit, Ill.
8. Rich Somers, Stevens Point
9. Don Leach, Beloit
10.Bob Jusola, Burnsville, Minn.
11.Mike Miller, New Prague, Minn.
12.Jim Olson, Mazomanie
13.Tom Musgrave, Mundelein, Ill.
14.John Knaus, Rockford, Ill.
15.Tony Strupp, Slinger

1984 – Layne Dominates Lakeside IMCA Modified National

Bobby Layne of Kansas City won the IMCA Modified National Series event at Lakeside Speedway. Layne is joined by (l-r) pit steward Charlie Kraft, trophy girl and flagman Terry Wantland. – Bill Haglund Photo

by Bill Haglund
Kansas City, Mo. (June 22, 1984) – Most of the week-long rain, a continuation of a month-long monsoon in the Midwest, had drained to the low side of the track at Lakeside Speedway for the IMCA Modified National Series event.

And Bobby Layne of Kansas City didn’t fool with Mother Nature. The former sprint car driver reverted to form and drove through the muck and mud to win the 25-lap feature race.

Layne not only won but made a mockery of the event.

“There was no cushion, there was nothing up high,” Layne said of finding racing room for his fourth feature victory of the season at Lakeside’s half-mile track.

Layne won by almost a straightaway over Merv Chandler of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Chandler, however, maintained his first-place position on the IMCA Modified National Series point list. Bernie Juliar of Hudson, Iowa, finished sixth in the feature and holds on to second place in the point standings.

Layne started in the front row and immediately took possession of the racetrack. Chandler was always in second place but after a few laps, never contended for the lead.

“If you remember me when I drove sprint cars, you’ll remember that I always drove on the low side through the turns,” Layne said. “The tires always get more bite down there.”

In other events, Bobby Goulden III of Independence won for the third time in the NASCAR late model feature and Tom Charles of Bonner Springs, often the bridesmaid, finally caught the bouquet and scored his first street stock feature win of the season.


Results –


Heat #1 - Bobby Layne
Heat #2 – Merv Chandler
Heat #3 – Jim Whisler
Heat #4 – Bernie Juliar
B-main – Charlie Benedict
Feature –
1. Bobby Layne
2. Merv Chandler
3. Joe Cobb
4. J.L. Cooper
5. Ron Hartford
6. Bernie Juliar
7. Ron Lefholz
8. Jerry Nelson
9. Dennis Pittman
10. Monte Cotton

1979 - Zwanziger Wins Tunis Coke Special

 

Bill Zwanziger receives his trophy and congratulations from Judd Tunis after winning the annual Coco-Cola Special for late models at Tunis Speedway. – G & J Photo

Waterloo, Iowa (June 21, 1979) – Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo claimed the $1,000 prize in the third annual Coca-Cola Special on Thursday night at Tunis Speedway.

Actually, the 50-lap victory was worth more than $1,000 to the 25-year veteran as he earned $130 in lap money in heading the final 26 circuits in scoring the win.

Zwanziger started on the inside of the fourth row of the feature after finishing third in his heat race.

He was in third place by the end of the first lap, had second by lap 15, and was in first to stay on lap 24.

He wrestled the lead from another long-time racing veteran, Verlin Eaker of Mechanicsville, who had led from the start.

Eaker was forced to drop out on lap 47 with tire issues and Dan Nesteby of Waterloo took over his spot and finished second. Dick Schiltz of Waterloo was third with Council Bluffs’ Bill Martin taking fourth. Ed Sanger of Waterloo, driving the car he used in the 1978 season, rounded out the top-five.

Karl Sanger of Waterloo had earned the pole position with a decisive win in the first heat but dropped out on the first lap with mechanical difficulties.

Defending Coca-Cola Special champion Curt Hansen of Dike had bad luck on the draw for his heat, starting dead last. He had to qualify for the main event out of the consolation, where he finished second to Tom Bartholomew of Waterloo. Hansen, who won a 100-lapper in Des Moines on the night before, could only muster a ninth-place finish in the 50-lapper.

Dave Trower of New Hampton came out on top in the rough-and-tumble sportsman 25-lapper, outlasting Keith Braun of Cedar Falls.


Results –

Heat #1 – Karl Sanger, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Tom Fitzpatrick, Waterloo
Heat #3 – Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville
Consolation – Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
Feature –
1. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
2. Dan Nesteby, Waterloo
3. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
4. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
5. Ed Sanger, Waterloo
6. Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls
7. Leon Plank, Mondovi, Wis.
8. Tom Bartholomew
9. Curt Hansen, Dike
10.Rodney Combs, Cincinnati, Ohio

1969 - Platter Grabs First Win at Boone

 

Lyle Platter of Boone, brother-in-law of track promoter Vern Carman, didn’t use his “family ties” to win the super stock feature at Boone Speedway.

Boone, Iowa (June 21, 1969) – Lyle Platter of Boone captured the 25-lap super stock feature at Boone Speedway Saturday night, his first-ever feature win at the track.

Platter grabbed an early lead, but the red flag came out on lap 10, slowing traffic and paving the way for Gene Schattschneider of Algona, a four-time winner here, to close the gap. However, “Schatzy” would blow a clutch on lap 15 and Platter coasted from there.

Schattschneider set fast time, won the trophy dash, the handicap and also the consolation. Platter, Darwin Madden of Boone, and Ray Busch of Ogden were heat winners.


Results –

1. Lyle Platter, Boone
2. Del Stokke, Ames
3. Ray Busch, Odgen
4. Greg Davis, Boone
5. Arlo Dorenbush, Boone
6. Darwin Madden, Boone
7. Arnie Braland, Boone

1969 – Tattersall in Springfield Victory

 

Bob Tattersall, driving Jack Stroud’s #3, won the USAC midget 40-lapper at Joe Shaheen’s Springfield Speedway.

Springfield, Ill. (June 20, 1969) - Bob Tattersall of Streator won the 40-lap United States Auto Club midget feature at Joe Shaheen’s quarter-mile dirt track. With the victory, Tattersall took over the point lead in the USAC national midget point standings.

Tattersall took the lead on the seventh lap from Bob Wente of Normandy, Mo., and led the remainder of the way.

Arnie Knepper of Belleville was the feature’s first casualty as he was hit in heavy traffic and looped his ride in the first turn of the second lap. Don Vogler also brought out the yellow flag on lap 25 when he looped his car in the third turn.

The best race of the night was for second place with Wente, Jimmy Caruthers, Mike McGreevy, and Chuck Arnold finishing n that order.

Gary Bettenhausen of Tinley Park set fast time in qualifying with a 12.64 second clocking.

Caruthers took the trophy dash while Roger West, Larry Rice, Merle Bettenhausen, and Dave Strickland grabbed heat wins. The semi-main went to West.


Results –

1. Bob Tattersall
2. Bob Wente
3. Jimmy Varuthers
4. Mike McGreevy
5. Chuck Arnold
6. Les Scott
7. Bill Engelhart
8. Dave Strickland
9. Bill Renshaw
10.Gary Bettenhausen

1977 – Wolfgang Waltzes to North Starr Win

 

Doug Wolfgang made a clean sweep of the Midwest Sprint Association program at North Starr Speedway. 

Blaine, Minn. (June 19, 1977) – Doug Wolfgang of Des Moines, Iowa, swept the Midwest Sprint Association program Sunday at North Starr Speedway.

Wolfgang won the 30-lap feature, trophy dash, and second heat. The victory, Wolfgang’s second of the season at North Starr, ended Bob Geldner’s string of four consecutive victories.

Dennis Olson led the feature for three laps until Wolfgang got by him in the low groove coming out of the fourth turn. Wolfgang, who had started in the fifth row, opened a big lead once he got out front.

Bob Hop and John Stevenson waged a see-saw battle for second, with Stevenson finally winning the duel. Geldner came home fourth with Olson finishing fifth.

Stevenson won the first heat while Dave Heskins won the consolation.


Results –

1. Doug Wolfgang, Des Moines, Iowa
2. John Stevenson, St. Paul
3. Bob Hop, Mendota
4. Bob Geldner, St. Peter
5. Dennis Olson, Braham
6. Ron Wiuff, St. Paul

1988 – Olson Outruns Boorse in Angell USAC Main

Kevin Olson won the 50-lap USAC/BMARA Midget feature at Angell Park Speedway. Car owners Mark and Greg Wilke join Olson in victory lane. – Armin Krueger Photo

By Bryan Gapinski

Sun Prairie, Wis. (June 18, 1988) – Kevin Olson outdistanced Dan Boorse to win the 50-lap USAC National Midget Series/Badger Midget Auto Racing Association feature Saturday night at Angell Park Speedway.

Boorse charged out front from his pole position and quickly opened up a lead over Mel Kenyon while Olson started his charge to the front from his tenth starting position.

On lap 6, Steve Knepper spun, bringing out the yellow flag. One lap after the restart, Hans Lein flipped, suffering a bruised wrist in the mishap.

When the green flag returned again, Olson began to chase down Boorse. On the 10th lap, Olson managed to squeeze into the lead ahead of Boorse, but before the lap was completed, the yellow flew again, reverting the lead back to Boorse.

Olson was able to move around Boorse when the green flag waved again and wouldn’t relinquish it this time. Boorse held off a late charge from Kevin Koch to garner second with Koch third, Kevin Doty fourth and Joe Corrigan fifth.


Results –

1. Kevin Olson
2. Dan Boorse
3. Kevin Koch
4. Kevin Doty
5. Joe Corrigan
6. Dean Billings
7. Terry Wente
8. Mel Kenyon
9. Ed Loomis
10.Jim Bradford

1967 – Derr Victor in ‘Marred’ Gopher 100

 

Ernie Derr 

By Dave Anderson

Owatonna, Minn. (June 18, 1967) – Did Blooming Prairie’s Dave Noble receive a fair shake at the Steele County Fair’s International Motor Contest Association-sponsored new car late model races Sunday.

That’s the question a lot of southeastern Minnesota stock car fans were asking themselves. In most cases, the immediate answer was “no”.

Noble, who doesn’t carry a permanent (season-long) IMCA registration, was ruled ineligible on a technicality, and as things turned out, the whole situation turned out to be embarrassing for the promoting organization.

As expected, Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, won the Gopher 100, the 24-car feature event. The seven-time IMCA champion, and defending titlist, had a struggle on is hands, though. Lenny Funk, who drew the pole position, led for 61 laps before Derr overcame the Otis, Kan., wheat farmer.

Noble, familiar to most area racing fans because of his appearances at Minnesota Speedways, Inc., programs at Rochester, St. Charles, Kasson, and Chateau Raceways, is considered one of Minnesota’s best stock car drivers. Driving a 1965 Chevelle, the 33-year-old jockey has proven that time and time again this season. However, he wasn’t able to display his credentials on Sunday.

Noble arrived at the half-mile dirt track at 2 pm, a half-hour before the program was to start. But he was barred from competing because he failed to attend a driver’s meeting at 1:30.

When a large contingent of fans from Austin learned of Noble’s predicament, they raised a howl that silenced the track announcer. IMCA countered with the national anthem, quieting the grandstands.

Peace didn’t reign long. The Austin “delegation” rallied the grandstand behind its cause and the raucous crowd, numbering an estimated 3,000, again stilled the announcer, bringing an official explanation on Noble’s status.

“I’m disgusted with the whole thing,” Noble said, after the four-event car was completed. “They (IMCA) wouldn’t even talk to me. Apparently, the rules aren’t set up the same for everyone. I know of another car that raced, and it arrived way after me. There was a ’57 Ford’, and it was illegal (only cars 1963 or newer are allowed to compete) and it raced. Someone had a Mustang (from the compact speedway class) that was illegal, and it competed.”

“When I talked to a few of the drivers, they told me I could’ve raced had the field (27 cars) been smaller. I guess IMCA don’t want any outsiders around.”

Noble, who insists MSI drivers (like Rochester’s Paul Fitzpatrick and Ron Behne and Austin’s Gerhard Wollenberg) are the equal of IMCA’s best pilots, was surprised that there were so many “dogs” in the field. He didn’t elaborate, though.

Derr, driving a 1967 Dodge, covered the 50-mile feature in 49 minutes and 33 seconds, beating Funk by a quarter-lap. Albert Lea’s Ole Brua finished third.

1987 - Fischlein Takes 'Stroh's Nationals' at Marshalltown

 

Dale Fischlein hoists his trophy high after winning the “Stroh’s Nationals” at Marshalltown Speedway. The race, which was part of the IMCA Late Model Summer Series, was Fischlein’s second win in as many years. – Jerry Mackey Photo

Marshalltown, Iowa (June 17, 1987) – Dale Fischlein of Independence won his second straight Stroh’s Nationals in as many years Wednesday night at Marshalltown Speedway.

Fischlein took the lead from Darrel DeFrance on lap 31 of the 50-lap feature, which was part of the IMCA Late Model Summer Series.

The win was worth $2,400 to the young Fischlein.

It was evident early on that it was going to be a duel between Fischlein and the hometown favorite DeFrance. DeFrance had bested Fischlein in Tuesday night’s Race of Champions, Wednesday night’s trophy dash, and was sitting on the pole for the 50-lap feature.

Fischlein, on the other hand, had set fast time on Tuesday and was the defending champion of the event.

DeFrance took the lead from his front row starting position and fought off challenges from several different drivers. On about the 20th circuit around the quarter-mile oval, Fischlein really began putting pressure on DeFrance. He tried DeFrance several times on the low side but could do no better than pull even with him.

Then, coming out of turn four on the 30th lap, much to everyone’s surprise, Fischlein went high on the still tacky track and passed DeFrance in front of the grandstand. DeFrance would challenge several more times but would eventually fade back to third.

In one of the finest drives of the night, Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls would come all the way from the back to within a couple of car lengths of Fischlein at the finish. Aikey, winner of numerous features at Marshalltown this season, and the point leader of the Summer Series, finished second as the yellow flag he was waiting for never came out.

Another Marshalltown regular, Denny Osborn of Cedar Falls, drove a smooth race to finish fourth while Bob Hill of Story City worked his way from an early-race mishap to finish fifth in his first appearance at the track.

Other Stroh’s Nationals champions were Greg Kastli of Waterloo in the IMCA modifieds, Tommy Thompson of Marshalltown in the IMCA stock cars, and Ron Fenton of Des Moines in the thunder cars.


Results –

1. Dale Fischlein, Independence
2. Jeff Aikey, Cedar Falls
3. Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown
4. Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls
5. Bob Hill, Story City
6. Curt Martin, Independence
7. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
8. Johnny Johnson, Wapello
9. Craig Jacobs, Des Moines
10.Rick Wendling, Hazelton
11.Scott Sells, Waverly
12.Steve Watts, Jimtown
13.Red Dralle, Evansdale
14.Ted Pallister, Wapello
15.Danny Breuer, Wapello

1981 - Sauter, Martin Win 75s in ARTGO Raceway Card

 

Mark Martin is joined by ARTGO promoter John McKarns and announcer Wayne Adams after Martin won the overall championship in the twin 75’s at Raceway Park. – Stan Kalwasinski Photo

Blue Island, Ill. (June 16, 1981) – Finishing eighth and first in the twin 75-lap features and setting fast time during time trials gave Mark Martin of Batesville, Ark., the overall championship in the ARTGO Racing late model special at Raceway Park on Tuesday night.

Sharing feature wins honors with Jim Sauter of Necedah, Wis., Martin’s victory was his first in ARTGO competition this year and his first win since last October for the 22-year-old speedster.

A starting field of 20 pounded the asphalt at the drop of the green flag in the first feature race. Coming from his outside front row starting position, Tom Jones moved his Camaro into the lead.

Jones set sail, building a healthy margin between himself and his nearest competitor, Frank Gawlinski. Sauter, meanwhile, began slicing through traffic, taking over the third spot on lap 15, and quickly moving into second place on the 24th lap.

Lap after lap, Sauter cut down the distance between himself and Jones, with Sauter slipping past Jones on lap 42 for the lead. On the next circuit, Jones pulled out of the action, his mount suffering a broken water pump pulley.

With Sauter driving a seemingly effortless race, a real battle developed for positions three through seven between Leo Mens, Jerry Kemperman, Burt Weitemeyer, Larry Schuler, and Dick Trickle, with the five jockeys battling bumper-to-bumper.

With nine laps to go and Sauter about to lap Trickle, Mens’ mount suddenly lost all power coming off the second turn due to a spark plug short, causing a chain reaction crash involving Kemperman, Schuler, Weitemeyer, Trickle and Sauter, which brought out the red flag. All drivers escaped injury, with Kemperman and Schuler unable to continue.

On the restart, Sauter set the pace, with Mens dropping out of the race on lap 67 and second place Gawlinski losing two spots because of a bad right front tire.

Sauter’s win was his second in ARTGO action this season. Following were Weitemeyer, Trickle, Gawlinski and Woody Church.

The second 75-lapper saw Mens guide his Camaro into the lead at the start of the race. Mens, who started on the pole position, was in command on lap 8, when the yellow flag flew, as Bob Weltmeyer, current ARTGO point leader Larry Detjens, and Jim Weber tangled in turn one, putting all three out of the race. As the pack circled the quarter mile under yellow, Mens suddenly pulled into the pit area with ignition ills.

Inheriting the top spot, Martin quickly began to pull away from the rest of the field, with Gawlinski, Schuler, Sauter and Jones in pursuit. Schuler, with Sauter right behind him, moved into second place on lap 18. Sauter battled a stubborn Schuler for second place as Martin maintained his lead. Sauter finally rolled past Schuler on lap 34and began setting his sights on the leader.

Lap 58 saw the race’s second yellow as Trickle did a quick spin in turn three and was joined by Wayne Kullman and Dave Weitemeyer, with Sauter slamming into the tail of Martin’s car as the leading duo braked hard to avoid a clogged turn three. The accident Sauter, whose mount received differential damage to the pits.

Two additional caution flags slowed the action, as Trickle once again looped his Camaro in turn three on lap 61, and Ray Young came to a halt in turn two on the 66th circuit.

The final laps to starter Bill Gronley’s checkered flag saw Schuler put heat on Martin for the lead, with Jones riding in third place right behind the leaders. Following were Gawlinski, Weitemeyer and Trickle.


Results –

Feature #1 –

1. Jim Sauter, Necedah, Wis.
2. Burt Weitemeyer, Lansing
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
4. Frank Gawlinski, Lynwood
5. Woody Church, Palos Park
6. Pat Echlin, Calumet Park
7. Ray Young, Dolton
8. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
9. Wayne Kullman, Calumet City
10.Leo Mens, Chicago


Feature #2 –

1. Mark Martin
2. Larry Schuler, New Lenox
3. Tom Jones, Northbrook
4. Frank Gawlinski
5. Dave Weitemeyer, Harvey
6. Dick Trickle
7. Pat Echlin
8. Joe Shear, South Beloit
9. Woody Church
10.Wayne Kullman

1968 - Forbes Outduels Eaker at Speedbowl Park

 

Bill Forbes powered his Pontiac GTO to victory at Sterling Speedbowl Park. – Roger Meier Photo

Sterling, Ill. (June 16, 1968) – Bill Forbes of Rock Falls beat the best the Midwest had to offer Sunday at Speedbowl Park.

Forbes won his heat over Jim Baker of Peoria and Lloyd Ewing of Kewanee, then showed Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the fast way around the 1/3-mile track in the feature race.

Forbes, after a season in the cadet class in 1967, has demonstrated his skills in the late model division this season but Sunday night was his night. Following Forbes and Eaker to the finish line was Alan May of Peoria, Tom Hughes of Monticello, Iowa, and John Connolly of Delhi, Iowa.

Heat races were won by B.J. Higley of Sterling, Forbes, Dick Nesteby of Dubuque, Iowa, and Jerry Roedell of Peoria. Ewing took the trophy dash while Daehle Reitzel of Sterling took home the semi-feature win.


Results –

1. Bill Forbes, Rock Falls
2. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
3. Alan May, Peoria
4. Tom Hughes, Monticello, Iowa
5. John Connolly, Delhi, Iowa
6. Roger Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa
7. Jim Baker, Peoria
8. Lloyd Ewing, Kewanee
9. Biil McDonough, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 
10.Dick Nesteby, Dubuque, Iowa

1988 - Hood Tops Kokomo Klassic

 

Rick Hood receives congratulations from promoter Bill Lipkey after winning the 40-lap Kokomo Klassic sprint car race at Kokomo Speedway. – Jack Gladback Photo

Kokomo, Ind. (June 15, 1988) – Rick Hood became the first repeat winner in the 14-year history of the Kokomo Klassic sprint car event, Wednesday night at Kokomo Speedway.

Hood trailed 1987 winner Dave Darland throughout the 40-lap main event’s first 14 circuits before taking charge on the 15th time around.

Darland fell from contention on lap 29 when he slammed into the third turn wall after tangling with Terry Shepherd.

Steve Butler took over second place after all-out racing resumed, but Hood led the rest of the way despite a late spin. Butler came in second with Jack Hewitt, who had started 15th, finishing third to complete a clean sweep of former Klassic winners. Tony Elliott was fourth followed by Jeff Donelson.


Results –


1. Rick Hood
2. Steve Butler
3. Jack Hewitt
4. Tony Elliott
5. Jeff Donelson
6. Kurt Hawkins
7. Randy Woodling
8. Bob Kinser
9. Tim Bookmiller
10.Ray Kenes

1968 - Columbus Junction Honors to Prymek

 

Ron Prymek, driving John Mullink’s 1956 Mercury, won the Mississippi Valley Speed Club feature at Columbus Junction.

By Mary Ann Harris

Columbus Junction, Iowa (June 15, 1968) – Ron Prymek of Iowa City held off Mark Mosier of Washington for the last nine laps of the feature here Saturday night to score his first Mississippi Valley Speed Club victory of the season.

Stan Crooks of Muscatine had led the 20-lap feature for the first 11 circuits until a blown engine sent him to the sidelines. On the restart, Prymek jumped into the lead and was able to hold it the remainder of the way.

Mel Morris of West Liberty took fast time in time trials, circling the big half-mile in 27.40 seconds. Dan Robertson of Muscatine had second fastest time with 27.75 seconds.

The first event of the evening, the trophy dash, was won by Bob Helms of Rochester. Morris won the first heat while Mosier took honor in the second heat. John Moss of Iowa City was the third heat winner and Tom Harris of Iowa City picked up the checkered in the fourth heat.

On the 11th lap of the 15-lap B-main, Bill Douglas of West Liberty took a nasty tumble in the third and fourth turns. He wasn’t hurt but the top of his car was peeled back to look like a convertible. Byron Buchele of Muscatine was the winner of the event.


Results –

1. Ron Prymek, Iowa City
2. Mark Mosier, Washington
3. John Moss, Iowa City
4. Dan Robertson, Muscatine
5. Bud Darting, Wilton Junction
6. Byron Buchele, Muscatine
7. Bill Newman, Burlington
8. Larry Jenkins, Wilton Junction
9. Roy Stutzman, Lockridge
10.Richard Hamilton, Muscatine

1977 - Horn Outduels Zwanziger for Falstaff 100 Victory

 

Fred Horn won the annual Falstaff 100 late model stock car race at Hawkeye Downs. Joining Horn in victory lane is trophy girl Loydene Short, promoter Al Miller, and race sponsor Keith Fleck. – Earl Schwartz Photo

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (June 14, 1977) - Dueling Stock Cars. An old tune put to different lyrics.

And to say that the 28 cars that started the fifth annual Falstaff 100 Tuesday night at Hawkeye Downs dueled furiously and intensely is a vast understatement.

Marion's Fred Horn steered his sleek 1977 Camaro to the checkers abut a car length in front of Waterloo's Bill Zwanziger to put the finishing touches on a dazzling stock car program that delighted 6,500 race fans.

“I just wanted to run flat out and the car performed,” breathed Horn after outlasting Zwanziger's 1977 Nova in a heated battle that went bumper-to-bumper and side-by-side for the final 30 laps of the 100-lapper.

“This is probably my greatest racing win. I won the Iowa 300 IMCA race once, but this is probably the most prestigious, the top short track drivers in the Midwest, maybe the whole country, were here tonight.”

“I sure feels good to win and I'm telling you; I have to pay the highest tribute to Bill Zwanziger. We were right together through those last laps, and he didn't touch me once.”

Kalona's Mike Niffenegger won the pole position with a 24.76 lap in time trials, but Zwanziger, a former Falstaff winner, moved to front on the second lap.

That changed one lap later when defending champion Curt Hansen of Dike took over and led until Zwanziger took over on the 35th tour. And while the record crowd feasted on the front-running action, Roger Dolan of Lisbon and Bill Rice of Des Moines were steaming like there was no tomorrow.

Dolan started 16th but was running fifth on the 35th lap. That was just one lap before Waterloo's Ed Sanger, another former winner, went to the pits with engine problems. Sanger was driving his backup car.

Rice started even farther back, 19th on the grid, and he maneuvered relentlessly until finally moving into his eventual fourth-place finishing spot on the 94th lap.

Dolan opted for tile high groove from the beginning and had pedal to the metal until he went around Zwanziger on the 60th lap. The Lisbon veteran was making a run at Horn going into the second turn on the 69th lap when he spun out and lost six positions. He came back to finish sixth.

Horn picked up $1,600 for the win and confided later he loves longer races. “I've like to go 100 laps or more, it’s more appealing racing. It gives you a chance to really see what your car can do.”

“I’m driving a lighter car this year, but tonight I think we were about 2, 850 pounds because we added some weight. It was a good test for the Camaro. I want to give my brother Ed some hard-earned credit. He maintains the car and really had it set up right tonight.”

Rice was racing for the fifth straight day and arrived late Tuesday night after pulling almost 500 miles from Fargo, N.D., where he won $1,100 for winning a special Monday night.

“After we timed and had to run that heat race we seriously thought about loading up and heading for Des Moines,” said Rice. “We've been on the road constantly all weekend and everybody in the crew/w is really tired.”

Bill can temper his worn-out feeling when he totals up his earnings since last Friday night. In the money at Boone, Mason City, Des Moines, and Fargo and then in the Falstaff, his earnings total $2,930.

Mike Frieden won the 20-lap consolation and picked up $200.

Pit Stops: Lisbon's Roger Dolan wowed the crowd of course, with his brilliant drive from 16th and after cooling off with a beverage after the 100-lapper mused, facetiously, “That's what I get for driving so conservatively.” On the 59th lap, Dolan scraped the wall in the back stretch and sparks flew, but in the process passed Curt Hanson into second place behind Horn . . . Most observers were amazed that 10 cars all finished on the same lap, let alone go the entire 100 tours. “It was amazing,” said veteran race announcer Tony Dean, now of Huron, S.D., “that 21 of the 28 starters were still racing at the finish.” Dean got his start announcing races at various Eastern Iowa tracks.


Results -

1. Fred Horn, Marion
2. Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
3. Mike Niffenegger, Kalona
4. Bill Rice, Des Moines
5. Curt Hansen, Dike
6. Roger Dolan, Lisbon
7. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
8. Ken Walton, Viola
9. Karl Sanger, Waterloo
10. Duane Steffe, Colona, Ill.
11. Gary Crawford, Independence
12. Red Dralle, Evansdale
13. Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville
14. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
15. Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
16. Tom Hearst, Wilton
17. Dan Dickey, Packwood
18. Gail Brenner, Wilton Junction
19. Steve Keppler, Marion
20. Dave Chase, Council Bluffs
21. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
22. Larry Schulte, Delhi
23. Gary Webb, Davenport
24. Denny Osborn, Cedar Falls
25. John Engelkens, Morrison, Ill.