1976 – Schuler Snaps Record, Win Double Features

 

Larry Schuler

Morris, Ill. (June 4, 1976) – Larry Schuler shattered the one-lap late model record Friday night at the Grundy County Speedway, then went on to win both ends of the twin 25-lap features.

Schuler’s sizzling time of 15.95 seconds in time trials was nearly a half-second faster than the next fastest qualifier. That lap erased Bob Senneker’s one-month-old mark of 16 seconds flat around Grundy’s 1/3-mile paved oval.

Schuler took the feature lead from Tom Musgrave on lap 15 of the first feature and raced home to the victory. Musgrave finished second followed by Jerry Kemperman, Tom Jones, and Ray Young.

Jones spoiled Schuler’s chances for a complete clean sweep by winning the 6-lap trophy dash and then nearly took the second 25-lapper as the Northbrook driver took the lead on the outside from Dave Evans on the 11th circuit.

Jones held a commanding lead on the 16th lap of the second feature when the yellow waved for Al Weinreich. Schuler was third on the restart and passed Jones with six laps to go to score the win.

Jones finished second followed by Kemperman, Musgrave, and Young.

Tony Hertko, last season’s hobby stock champion, carried his first late model checkered flag by winning the 15-lap B-main.

Kirk Fure won the 15-lap hobby stock main after taking the lead from Jerry Tondini in the closing laps.


Results –


Time trials – Larry Schuler, Lockport (15.95)
Trophy dash – Tom Jones, Northbrook
Heat #1 – Butch Ledy, Matheson
Heat #2 – Bob Dotter, Chicago
Heat #3 – Larry Schuler
B-main – Tony Hertko, Joliet

Feature #1 –
1. Larry Schuler
2. Tom Musgrave, Friendship, Wis.
3. Jerry Kemperman, Blue Island
4. Tom Jones
5. Ray Young, Dolton
6. Bob Strait, Flossmoor
7. Bob Dotter
8. Al Weinreich, Seneca

Feature #2 –
1. Larry Schuler
2. Tom Jones
3. Jerry Kemperman
4. Tom Musgrave
5. Ray Young
6. Bob Dotter
7. Dave Evans, Crystal Lake
8. Bob Weltmeyer, Harvey