Darrell
Dake won the 50-lap feature for thee “Six-in-One Championships” At the Mississippi
Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport. Promoter Homer Melton, left, makes the trophy
presentation. – Dick Kleindolph Photo
Davenport, Iowa (August 26, 1977) – Darrell Dake rolled into victory lane Friday night but only after confusion ruled supreme at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds at the conclusion of the $7,000 “Six-in-One” late model stock car special event.
The veteran Cedar Rapids driver who only two years ago seemed to be at the end of his career following a near-fatal racing accident, took the checkered flag with the remainder of the field nearly a dozen car lengths behind.
Despite the wide gap at the finish, it was not an easy victory for the driver of the 1976 Nova. For a few moments after a three-car pileup on lap 36 of the 50-lap contest, it looked like Dake was going to be shoved from the lead position to the rear of the field.
Following a long meeting of the minds among officials, with Mike Niffenegger voicing support of Dake, it was ruled that on judge had been too hasty when he decided that the Cedar Rapids competitor would have to go to the rear of the field for taking too long with repairs on his car.
Apparently, most of the 4,500 thought Dake had been involved in the three-car in the second turn and that was the reason for him being sent to the back of the field.
“Actually, we didn’t cover the ruling in our session with the drivers before the start of the program. We ruled that one pit member could help his driver during a restart. We did not stipulate the rule for the apron or pit area,” said an Iowa Auto Racing Association official.
Dake’s crew made a radiator hose change on his car, and he wasn’t ready when the field was ready to restart. But he did have his car on the track before they rolled away, so technically he was ready to go. One judge just got too hasty.”
If Dake had gone to the rear of the field, the front position would have gone to Mike Niffenegger. The Kalona competitor and a few other drivers sided with Dake in the argument and helped clear up the matter, although most of the fans voiced their disapproval with the decision.
Niffenegger was scheduled to restart alongside Dake, but his Camaro wouldn’t re-fire and he was pushed to the pts for the remainder of the night.
Duane Steffe of Colona, Ill., came on strong at the end of the race to overtake Tom Hearst of Wilton for the runner-up spot and Ray Guss of Milan, Ill., finished fourth. John Simenec of Rock Island, Ill., rounded out the top-five.
Beside the $1,000payoff for winning the race, Dake picked up nearly $800 in lap money, plus he won the night’s opening event, the trophy dash.
The semi-feature went to Steve Keppler of Burlington.
Results –
1. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
2. Duane Steffe, Colona, Ill.
3. Tom Hearst, Wilton
4. Ray Guss, Milan, Ill.
5. John Simenec, Rock Island, Ill.
6. Ed Howe, Beaverton, Mich.
7. Jim Gerber, Davenport
8. Dave Birkhofer, Muscatine
9. Bobby Toland, Davenport
10.Steve Keppler, Burlington
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