Tom Hearst won the late model feature at the West Liberty Fair. Joining
him is flagman Ed Otten. – Dick Kleindolph Photo
By Ruthann Smith
West Liberty, Iowa (July 29, 1978) – West Liberty Fair fans were treated to an action-packed evening of racing Saturday evening with some keen competition, several close finishes, a couple of spectacular spinouts, and wild and wooly action all night.
Defending track champion Tom Hearst of Wilton returned to the winner’s circle for the second time this season by copping the late model feature.
Pete Parker of Kaukauna, Wis., had the pole position and grabbed the lead early on. Hearst made hiss first big move on lap 10 when he edged into third place behind Parker and Johnny Johnson of Morning Sun.
After riding their bumpers and then getting alongside them, Hearst bounded into the lead a couple of laps later.
On the 17th lap, the action changed rapidly when Larry Jenkins of Wilton Junction and Johnny Johnson, battling for second place, got tangled up on the front straightaway with both cars badly damaged and scratched for the rest of the evening.
John Simenec of Rock Island, Ill., the “Flyin’ Fireman,” climbed into second and took up the challenge on Hearst, and although he made several good attempts, he couldn’t catch him.
At the checkers it was Hearst, Simenec, Phil Larson of Iowa City, Gary Webb of Davenport, and Dave Birkhofer of Muscatine.
Kenny Fenn of Washington continued his domination of the sportsman division, picking up his fourth feature win in a row. Rounding out the top-five was Ron Pallister of Wapello, Ron Becker of Norway, Denny Walker of Riverside, and Charlie Brockert of Muscatine.
Results –
Late Model –
Heat #1 – Johnny Johnson, Morning Sun
Heat #2 – Dave Dodder, Letts
Heat #3 – Tom Hearst, Wilton
Heat #4 – Pete Parker, Kaukauna, Wis.
Semi-main – Ken Walton, Viola
Feature –
1. Tom Hearst
2. John Simenec, Rock Island, Ill.
3. Phil Larson, Iowa City
4. Gary Webb, Davenport
5. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
6. Dave Dodder
7. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
8. Duane Steffe, East Moline, Ill.
9. Ken Walton
10.Steve Keppler, Marion
Sportsman –
1. Kenny Fenn, Washington
2. Ron Pallister, Wapello
3. Ron Becker, Norway
4. Denny Walker, Riverside
5. Charlie Brockert, Muscatine
6. Mark Keltner, Morning Sun
7. Mike Phillips, Columbus Junction
8. Ron Boyse, Kalona
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