Verlin Eaker accepts his trophy for winning the 50-lap mid-season
championship at Davenport. Making the presentation is promoter Homer Melton
while starter Obie Beals presents the checkers. -Larry Hergert Photo
Davenport, Iowa (July 14, 1967) – Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids passed up the favored pole position to start from the outside spot in the front row for the 50-lap Mid-Season Championship on Friday night, but it didn’t make much difference.
The point champion from the first half of stock car racing at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, led almost the entire way to capture the checkered flag against an outstanding field, going the grueling distance.
Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill., held the second position throughout most of the race and crossed the finish line behind Eaker. Davenport’s Jim Gerber finished third and Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, took fourth. Dake had started the race from the pole position.
Except for the 19th lap, when Dake was slightly out front as they passed the flag stand, Eaker led the entire feature run. Gerber and Bohlander battled with each other the entire 50 laps for the runner-up spot, as Dake faded after his brief lead.
More than 5,000 witnessed a wild night of racing, especially in the novice division. There were four serious crashes including one that sent Dale Whitsell to the hospital. Jim Engleton of Davenport was the feature winner.
Jack Henson, Stronghurst, Ill., Hank Strube, Peoria, and Bill McDonough of Cedar Rapids were heat winners. Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn., who races here on a limited basis, outran Dake to win the semi-main.
Results –
Heat #1 – Jack Henson, Stronghurst, Ill.
Heat #2 – Hank Strube, Peoria, Ill.
Heat #3 – Bill McDonough, Cedar Rapids
Semi-main – Mert Williams, Rochester, Minn.
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
2. Don Bohlander, Peoria, Ill.
3. Jim Gerber, Davenport
4. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
5. Bill McDonough
6. John Connolly, Delhi
7. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
8. John Beauchamp, Atlantic
9. Ben Hofer, Rock Island, Ill.
10.Dean Montgomery, Rock Island, Ill.
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