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