1975 – Steuding Wins Late Model Invitational

 

Tom Steuding

Superior, Wis. (July 10, 1975) – Before a capacity crowd at Tri-State Speedway Thursday night, Tom Steuding of Altoona drove his 1973 Camaro to a 30-lap victory over Dave Bjorge of Austin, Minn., and Phil Prusak and Harold Mueller, both of Eau Claire in the annual Late Model Invitational. 

The feature was plagued by five restarts just on the first lap. Dave Morgan, Harold Mueller, Johnny Johnson, and John Jonesall seemed unable to make it around the track to complete the first lap. They all had trouble making the fourth turn, and with the big money at stake, stayed put until the red flag came out so they could restart in their original position.

Steuding took an early lead and held back the other top-four drivers for the entire 30 circuits. Phil Prusak passed Harold Mueller on the white flag lap to take over third place behind Dave Bjorge.

Bob Gherardi of Hibbing, Minn., drove his 1972 Monte Carlo to the top spot in the 15-lap semi-main, crossing the finish line a few feet ahead of Red Steffen and Joe Andrews.

Bjorge, Loren Pagel of Eveleth, Red Steffen of Eau Claire, and Brent Laursen of Cumberland were heat winners.


Results –


1. Tom Steuding, Altoona
2. Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
3. Phil Prusak, Eau Claire
4. Harold Mueller, Eau Claire
5. Riece Stewart, Thunder Bay, Ont.
6. John Jones, Thunder Bay, Ont.
7. Ernie Brookins, Fargo, N.D.
8. Johnny Johnson, Duluth, Minn.
9. Ron Goss, Eau Claire
10.Jerry Amundson, Rice Lake
11.Tom Nesbitt, Thunder Bay, Ont.
12.Don Roseen, Duluth, Minn.