1989 - Hovey Takes IMCA 'Clash for Cash'

 

Tom Hovey won the 50-lap IMCA hobby stock “Clash for Cash” at Independence Motor Speedway. From left to right, promoter Jerry Blue, Hovey, IMCA’s Rick Haefner, and official Gary Henderson. – Keith Knaack Photo

By Les Houser

Independence, Iowa (September 30, 1989) -Tom Hovey has not raced on a regular basis this season after becoming promoter at Nordic Speedway in Decorah but Saturday night he found the fit behind the wheel very comfortable as he came out of the final last chance race and a ninth row start to win the $2,000 first prize on the IMCA hobby stock “Clash for Cash” at Independence Motor Speedway.

Thirty cars started the race and by virtue of the redraw, Craig Coventry of Dyersville started on the pole and led the first four laps before Bill Bonnett of Knoxville charged out front with Ken Irvine of Oelwein and Randy Irvine of Hazelton following in second and third.

A restart on lap 13 gave a hard-charging Tom Hovey the third spot but he couldn’t get around Ken Irvine who was able to get close enough on Bonnett on lap 18 to give him a nudge. Irvine became glued to Bonnett’s rear bumper, and it stayed Bonnett, Irvine, and Hovey until lap 28 when Irvine got sideways in turn two and was missed by everyone except brother Randy who nailed him hard from his trailing position. Needless to say, both cars were eliminated.

This gave Hovey some room to operate and he trailed Bonnett for the next 15 laps and as the duo got into lapped traffic Hovey made an attempt to get by Bonnett held him off.

On lap 46, Hovey grabbed the lead, but Bonnett wasn’t giving up yet and quickly got caught back up and they were side-by-side for the next couple of laps. The two became locked together on the white flag lap and at the finish it was Hovey by inches in a near photo finish.

Following Hovey and Bonnett to the finish line were Lon Gadow of Maynard, Steve Holthaus of Decorah, and Dan Banker of Granger.

Over 70 cars and many track champions took part from four states.


Results –

Heat #1 – Mark Kramer, West Point
Heat #2 – Randy Irvine, Hazelton
Heat #3 – Andy Davis, Keosauqua
Heat #4 – Bob Maschmann, Malcolm
Heat #5 – Rob Anderson, Ridgeway
Heat #6 – Ken Irvine, Oelwein
Heat #7 – Jeff Anderson, Atlantic
Last Chance #1 – Rick Johnson, Independence
Last Chance #2 – Jerry Luloff, Rowley
Last Chance #3 – Tom Hovey, Decorah
Feature –
1. Tom Hovey
2. Bill Bonnett, Knoxville
3. Lon Gadow, Maynard
4. Steve Holthaus, Decorah
5. Dan Banker, Granger
6. Bob Maschmann
7. Rob Anderson
8. Marlin Voss, Fostoria
9. Rodney Reed, Webster City
10.Gary Tadmack, Omaha, Neb.

1978 - Sells is Tri-State Winner

 

Darrell Sells won the Tri-State Championships at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport. – B.E. Tappa Photo

Davenport, Iowa (September 30 ,1978) – Darrell Sells of Waverly made his first trip to Davenport and won the 40-lap Tri-States Championship stock car race Saturday night.

Sells also won his heat race along with Tom Hearst of Wilton and Verlin Eaker of Mechanicsville.

Hearst led the first half of the feature until he was passed by Sells, then faded back to fourth.

Hearst was later black-flagged for a loose roof, stopped to make repairs, and ended up finishing ninth.


Results –


Heat #1 – Darrell Sells, Waverly
Heat #2 – Tom Hearst, Wilton
Heat #3 – Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville
Semi-main – Terry Huizel, Freeport, Ill.
Feature –
1. Darrell Sells
2. John Moss, Iowa City
3. Gary Webb, Davenport
4. Ron Weedon, Pleasant Valley
5. John Connolly, Delhi
6. Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
7. Jim Burbridge, Delhi
8. Phil Larson, Iowa City
9. Tom Hearst
10.Jim Guthrie, Freeport

1967 – Stoneking, Parish, are 34 Champs

 

Dick Stoneking receives his trophy and free trip to Florida from Dick Auge, a representative of Wynn’s Friction Proofing, after winning the season championship at 34 Raceways Park. – Beetle Bailey Photo

Burlington, Iowa (September 30, 1967) – 34 Raceways Park wrapped up their regular season of racing Saturday night. The evening was the typical cool, crisp autumn night and drew a nice crowd of 2,000 who turned out for the grand finale on the 3/8-mile oval.

The purse had been fattened with the semi-super modified winner receiving an additional $200 and $100 to the cadet feature winner. In addition to the money bonuses, Wynn’s Friction Proofing gave away a free trip to Florida to the modified champion.

After being a “bridesmaid” for the 1966 season, Ron Jackson of Burlington was declared point champion for the semi-super modified division, racking up 255 points for the season. Wayne Hummer was top point man for the cadet class.

Jackson and points runner-up Bob Lane started on the front row, and it was Lane out front quickly at the drop of the green flag. Lane was sporting a good lead by lap 5 but a lap later, lost control of his machine and spun into the infield, losing valuable ground.

Duane Stoneking, running a close second behind Lane, took over the lead role with Mike Niffenegger of Kalona taking over second and right on “Stoney’s” bumper with Dick McClure right behind in third.

This pace continued throughout the race and on lap 26, Stoneking slipped a little high on the corner, allowing Niffenegger to dive under for the lead. The maneuver didn’t last long as Jim Ball spun his car just as the lead change was taking place.

On the restart, Niffenegger was put back into second position where he was running on the previous lap. With only four laps remaining, this gave Stoneking a breather he needed and on the restart, there was nothing to hold him back as he charged for the checkered flag. Niffenegger, who gave it all he had, rolled past the finish line in second, one-car-length behind Stoneking.

“This is the one I wanted to win,” said Stoneking, as he accepted his trophy and gift certificate.

When asked how he felt throughout the race, he replied, “My arms got numb during the last part of the race but after that restart my arms loosened up a bit.”

Ralph Parrish won an exciting cadet season championship.

The cadet feature was equally exciting as Don Goble held the lead for most of their feature and despite five cautions, Goble maintained his lead throughout. Larry Reighard, driving a great race, chased Goble much of the way.

In third place was Ralph Parish and on the 23rd lap, began to make his move. He passed Reighard and on lap 26 moved close to Goble. Goble miscued on the fourth corner and that’s all Parish needed and he quickly grabbed the lead.

Parish tore to the finish line with seemingly renewed energy. Reighard also got by Goble to take second place.

“I knew if I could get by Goble I’d have it made,” Parish said, as he accepted his Wynn’s jacket and championship trophy.


Results –


Modified –

1. Duane Stoneking
2. Mike Niffenegger
3. Dick McClure
4. Bob Ensminger
5. Ron Jackson


Cadet –

1. Ralph Parish
2. Larry Reighard
3. Don Goble
4. Doak Allen
5. Denny Fry

Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum to Honor 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Algona, Iowa – The Iowa Hall of Fame is honored to announce that the 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame during our 8th Annual Induction Ceremony in November. 

 The 2026 Inductees include Rock Carzoli of Des Moines, Dale Coffman of Eldon, Kent Davenport of Huxley, Darrell DeFrance of Marshalltown, Craig Jacobs of Urbandale, Jim Majors of Ankeny, Mark Mosier of Washington, Mark Noble of Bloomington, MN, Donovan Nokes, of Webster City, Denny Rosenberg of Grimes, Karl Sanger of Waterloo, Denny Stoneburner of Boone and two individuals being inducted posthumously are Hershel Roberts and Earl Tice. 

 Also being inducted this year are the Hughes Family including Tom and Aletha Hughes (deceased) and Gus Hughes of Monticello. These Hall of Famers were selected from over 120 nomination forms submitted by the public and represent drivers, owners, builders, car sponsors, promoters, motorcycle and drag racers and are well known in the racing community. Congratulations to all this year’s inductees for their outstanding racing accomplishments and contributions to the sport of racing in the State of Iowa!

The 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, November 14th at the Briggs Woods Conference Center in Webster City, Iowa. Social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the program.

The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum is connected to the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum located at 800 E Fair Street in Algona. Our museum gives race fans access to an amazing collection of one-of-a-kind Iowa racing memorabilia and historical archives. The museum is currently open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and open by appointment for group and individual tours.

For more information on Hall of Fame members, nomination forms or the museum, you can visit the website at www.iowaracingmuseum.com or find us on Facebook. The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to honor Iowa’s racing legends and to preserve Iowa’s racing history for future generations.

1974 - Izzo Triumphs at National Clay Track Championship

Tony Izzo claimed the 200-lap National Clay Track Championship at Santa Fe Speedway. Joining Izzo in victory lane is Jim Hyland of Carling Black Label, sponsor of the event, Izzo, Miss Carling Diane Pyrz, and announcer Jan Gabriel. – Vince Mayer Photo

Hinsdale, Ill. (September 29, 1974) – The pits were full of colorful late models piloted by such stars as Iowa’s Ron Weedon, Wisconsin’s Jim Bozeman of IRA modified fame, and Frank Smith, the ’74 Hales Corner Speedway champion, Indiana’s Ronnie Orr and Michigan’s Ron Snow. The Wisconsin state champion Leon Plank was there, too, as was defending National Clay Track champion Earl Hubert of Aroma Park, Ill., along with Illiana star Rich Sundling and USAC regular Art Bormet.

The 30-car field took the green with old foes, Tony Izzo and Jim O’Conner, starting on the front row with Ken Widdes and Billy Kuhn starting right behind them. Ken Pohlman started on the inside of third row and alongside him was the winningest driver on Santa Fe’s half-mile, Al Johnson.

Tony Izzo roared into the lead as the field crossed the line, completing the first lap. Izzo continued to lead, pulling away from the rest of the pack as serious lapping began on the seventh lap.

The next seven cars continued to run nose-to-tail while threading the needle through traffic in this order: Al Johnson, Jim O’Conner, Billy Kuhn, Ken Widdes, Rich Clements, and Bill Bottoms. They all waged their private battles en route to what they hoped would be the big victory; the National Clay Track Championship.

Traffic thinned and by lap 70 Johnson was challenging Izzo. Izzo was able to hold off Johnson, but Bill Bottoms was pressuring both of them as the first 100 laps drew to a close. A six-minute mandatory pit stop was held on the frontstretch.

At the end of the 50 miles, only nine cars were on the same lap – Izzo, Johnson, Bottoms, O’Conner, Don Waldvogel, Rich Clements, Bob Kelly, Leon Plank, and John Kennedy. As the buzzer sounded and the cars circled the clay oval, it took only one lap before Bottoms got around Johnson for second and on the 104th lap, got by Izzo.

Bottoms and Izzo were running strong and pulled away from the rest of the field. On lap 158, Izzo began to regain real estate and challenged Bottoms. They ran in what could have been described as a superspeedway draft pattern as Tony repeatedly tried to slingshot past Bottoms.

Twenty-three laps later, lap 181, coming out of turn three, Izzo, now operating without brakes, got deep into the corner and tagged Bottoms on the left rear quarter panel. Bottoms spun into the infield as Izzo came to a stop in an effort to give him a chance to recover, but Bottoms required assistance to restart.

The green came out again with Bottoms a lap down as Izzo piloted his pony car the remaining 19 laps to his ninth feature win of the season and the National Clay Track Championship title.


Results –

1. Tony Izzo, Bridgeview
2. Jim O’Conner, Kankakee
3. Bob Kelly, Wheaton
4. Al Johnson, Justice
5. Bill Bottoms, Bridgeview
6. Rich Clements, Villa Park
7. John Kennedy, Villa Park
8. Billy Kuhn, Blue Island
9. Eddie Farrell, Clarendon Hills
10.Leon Plank, Eau Claire, Wis.

1968 – Clement Brings Down Curtain with Mo’ Town Title

 

Dan Clement takes a victory lap after winning the Marshalltown Speedway season championship. 

Marshalltown, Iowa (September 28, 1968) – Dan Clement of Rhodes became the season champion at Marshalltown Speedway when he won the 30-lap feature on Saturday night, bring the 1968 racing season to a close.

Joel Rasmussen of Gilbert led the entire race until Clement passed him on the 43rd lap.

Mike Keen of Marshalltown was holding down second until he spun and dropped back to seventh. As the race progressed, Keen worked his way back third place, and on the 48th circuit passed Rasmussen and finished in the runner-up slot behind Clement.

Darrel Butler of Marshalltown won the 20-lap hobby stock season championship event becoming the point champion for that division.

On the seventh lap of the 20-lapper, Jim Sharp of Marshalltown rolled his car three times down the straightaway after his car had spun and began sliding sideways.


Results –


Super Stocks –

Heat #1 – Dale DeFrance, Marshalltown
Heat #2 – Bob Bonzer, Liscomb
Heat #3 – Jerry LeCroy, Des Moines
Consolation – Roger Koniceck, Toledo
Feature –
1. Dan Clement, Rhodes
2. Mike Keen, Marshalltown
3. Joel Rasmussen, Gilbert
4. Larry DeFrance, Marshalltown
5. Paul Uhlenberg, Garwin
6. Del Stokke, Ames
7. Archie Ergenbright, Newton
8. Bob Eurom, Marshalltown
9. Merle Leonard, Marshalltown
10.Dale DeFrance

Hobby Stock –

1. Darrel Butler, Marshalltown
2. Carroll Menter, Marshalltown
3. Jim Perin, Haverhill
4. Larry Baker, Albion
5. John Mottet, Newton
6. Ron Witte, Marshalltown

1987 - Smith Tops Sioux Falls 'Cheater's Day'

Randy Smith won the annual “Cheaters Day” race at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. It was Smith’s second career win in the annual event. – Phil Dullinger Photo

Sioux Falls, S.D. (September 27, 1987) – With the running of the 24th annual “National Cheater’s Day,” the racing season came to a close Sunday.

Cheater’s Day, held before a full grandstand at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, brought 43 drivers from seven states to compete this year.

The 25-lap feature saw first and second heat winners, Tommy James of Meadow Vista, Calif., and Gary DeWall of Jackson, Minn., on the front row and they battled for the lead as they entered the first turn. But it was second row starter and fourth heat winner Randy Smith of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, passed both drivers in turn two and pulled away.

DeWall would lose his position shortly thereafter with a flat tire, allowing James to move into the runner-up spot. Smith was lapping one car after the other when a yellow came out, bunching the field for the restart. But with the power he had already shown, it was easy for Smith to put some distance between himself and the rest of the field.

By this time, Jerry Richert, who had won the Cheater’s Night feature at Jackson, Minn., the night before, had dropped out with a blown motor and the rest of the field was in a “follow the leader” mode.

On lap 21, another yellow wave and another restart was necessary but once again, Smith was up to the task and quickly separated himself from the competition. Tim Monson of Lakefield, Minn., was in second with John Sernett of Minneapolis, Minn., third.

On the white flag lap, Monson’s engine was smoking badly but he managed to push his car across the finish line ahead of Sernett. Marlon Jones of Sioux Falls was fourth wit Tommy James fifth.

Smith joined an elite group of drivers by winning the Cheater’s Day race, making him only the second driver to win the event two times. Smith’s other victory came in 1981. Bob Williams of Kansas City won the race twice, back-to-back, in 1967 and ’68.

Results –

Heat #1 – Tommy James, Meadow Vista, Calif.
Heat #2 – Gary DeWall, Jackson, Minn.
Heat #3 – Tim Monson, Lakefield, Minn.
Heat #4 - Randy Smith, Mt. Ayr, Iowa
Consolation – Jon Barger, Wentworth, S.D.
Feature –
1. Randy Smith
2. Tim Monson
3. John Sernett, Minneapolis
4. Marlon Jones, Sioux Falls
5. Tommy James
6. Gary Zitterich, Sioux Falls
7. Rich Brahmer, Wisner, Neb.
8. Denny Fredrickson, Anoka, Minn.
9. Rick Dump, Brandon, S.D.
10.Jerry Beeck Jr., Eagle, Neb.
11.Dave Eckern, Flandreau, S.D.
12.Danny Lasoski, Dover, Mo.
13.Jon Barger
14.Jim Lindberg, Sioux Falls, S.D.
15.Todd Wessels, Worthington, Minn.

1969 - Buchele Tops WL Finale, Morris MVSC Champ

 

Byron Buchele won the Mississippi Valley Speed Club's 50-lap season championship at West Liberty. - Ron Thruman Collection 

By Mary Ann Harris

West Liberty, Iowa (September 27, 1969) – Byron Buchele of Muscatine picked up the checkered flag in the 50-lap feature event here Saturday night and won the second of two season championship races for the Mississippi Valley Speed Club.

Mel Morris of West Liberty went into the evening’s program with 269.5 points. He led the race for 25 laps when he developed rear-end problems and had to pull into the pits. On the same lap, Bob Helm of Rochester, who was running third, blew his engine. Bud Darting of Wilton Junction was running second behind Morris and inherited the lead.

Fourteen laps later, Darting blew the engine on his car, and this put Buchele in the top spot. John Moss of Iowa City was running fourth when Helm blew and Moss’s windshield was covered in oily water and he couldn’t see. He quickly pulled into the pits, got his windshield cleaned, and got back on the track to finish second.

Earlier in the evening, Morris had set fast time of 25.22 seconds. Buechele was second fastest at 25.40 seconds, and Helm turned the half-mile in 25.62 seconds.

Dan Robertson of Muscatine picked up the checkers in the trophy dash. Heat wins went to Larry Jenkins of Wilton Junction, Mark Mosier of Washington, Don Morgan of Muscatine, and Del Abney of Muscatine. Bill Newman of Burlington was the semi-main winner.

Despite his poor finish in the feature, Mel Morris accumulated enough points to win the 1969 Mississippi Valley Speed Club championship with 275 points. John Moss was second with 246 points and Pokey West of West Chester finished third with 206 points.


Results –

1. Byron Buchele, Muscatine
2. John Moss, Iowa City
3. Pokey West, West Chester
4. Don Morgan, Muscatine
5. Ron Perdock, Washington
6. Bill Hopp, Muscatine
7. Gary Redlinger, Keota
8. Dan Robertson, Muscatine
9. Del Abney, Muscatine
10.Mark Colberg, Muscatine

1987 - Dominacki Wins IMCA 'Series' Final Race

 

Bob Dominacki won the IMCA Modified National Series feature at 34 Raceway Park. Joining Dominacki in victory lane is promoter Larry Kemp. – Dick Kleindolph Photo

Burlington, Iowa (September 26, 1987) – Bob Dominacki of Bettendorf won the battle, and Ray Cox Jr. of Davenport won the war Saturday night as the IMCA Modified National Series concluded its 21-race 1987 schedule at 34 Raceway Park.

Dominacki prevailed through several caution periods as he won the 25-lap feature race over a field of 63 IMCA modifieds.

Cox Jr., however, captured the National Series point title over Martin Bennett of Des Moines. Cox Jr. had a 40-point lead going into the finale and stretched that as he qualified for the feature and Bennett did not.

It was striking similar to last year when Dude Thompson of Huxley defeated Steve Streeter of Bloomfield for the title. However, in that one, it was Thompson sitting I the pits not qualified, while Streeter made the feature and tried to overtake him.

The series this year took drivers to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Dominacki was chased across the finish line by Terry Ryan of Davenport, Sonny Smyser of Lancaster, Mo., Dave Farren of Des Moines, and Steve Johnson of Camanche.

IMCA modified heat races were won by Ryan, Larry Grafton of Des Moines, Farren, Dr. Kent Kaplan of Ankeny, Danny Allen of Danville, Ill., and Smyser. Bruce Hanford and Jack Lueth, both of Davenport, and Jim Anderson of Des Moines won B-features.

In the sportsman division, Terry Schlipman of Mendon, Ill., captured the feature race over Jim Hollenbeck of Burlington.


Results –

1. Bob Dominacki, Bettendorf
2. Terry Ryan, Davenport
3. Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.
4. Dave Farren, Des Moines
5. Steve Johnson, Camanche
6. Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
7. Danny Allen, Danville, Ill.
8. Bruce Hanford, Davenport
9. Denny Banks, Washington
10.Rick Cox, Davenport
11.Rick Hixson, Coal Valley, Ill.
12.Scott Smith, Davenport
13.Randy Schroeder, Sigourney
14.John Brumley, Riverside
15.Jack Lueth, Davenport

1982 – Leslie Overwhelms Foes in Santa Fe’s Clay 200

 

Brian Leslie is joined in victory lane by Miss Old Style after winning the National Clay Track championship 200 at Santa Fe Speedway. – Dorothy & Vince Mayer Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (September 26, 1982) – Brian Leslie led from start to finish to win Santa Fe Speedway’s 200-lap National Clay Track Championship for late models on Sunday afternoon.

Tony Izzo and Denny Falkos, the only drivers in addition to Leslie to complete the contest’s full 200 circuits, placed second and third, respectively, Mike Melius came in fourth, one lap down, with Jim Partipilo, fifth, two circuits down.

Leslie, who placed second in last year’s running of the annual event, won the pole position by recording the day’s fastest qualifying lap, an 18.19-second tour of the speedway’s longer dirt oval.

Leslie put his number one starting assignment to good use, vaulting into the lead over Ken Pohlman at the drop of the green.

Gary Webb was running third early, but his mount suffered a flat tire on lap 29, accounting for the first caution flag of the afternoon and allowing Jim O’Conner to inherit the third spot. Webb later suffered another yellow-producing flat tire and eventually finished 13th.

A former winner of the event, O’Conner, was sidelined by a broken axle on the 50th revolution, handing third place over to John Provenzano.

Provenzano climbed to second place when Pohlman’s car sustained a flat tire, bringing the caution flag out again on lap 94.

At the mandatory pit stop halfway through the battle, Leslie was followed by Provenzano, Izzo, Melius, and Falkos. The next five were Tom Rients, Ted Dolhun, Al Johnson, Jim Partipilo, and Ed Sanger, all on the lead lap.

Izzo replaced Provenzano in second place nine laps after action resumed and Provenzano’s day ended at the 153-lap mark when his engine expired, which prompted another caution flag.

Provenzano’s exit handed third to Falkos, who was trailed by Melius, Dolhun, and Rients.

Moments after the green had returned, Dolhun looped his racer in turn four, triggering another yellow flag.

Rients dropped out of contention a dozen circuits from the checkered, thanks to a broken tie rod, leaving only Izzo and Falkos on the same lap as front-running Leslie.

The order of the top three remained unchanged in the final laps as Leslie held off the former track champion, Izzo, and Falkos to ice the victory.


Results –

1. Brian Leslie, Gurnee
2. Tony Izzo, Bridgeview
3. Denny Falkos, Aurora
4. Mike Melius, Adell, Wis.
5. Jim Partipilo, Berkley
6. Fred Lofgren, Bensenville
7. Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
8. Dick Taylor, Springfield
9. Darrell Marmor, Northlake
10.Larry Jackson, Lyons
11.Dennis Marcelle, Darien
12.Ed Carlson, Lemont
13.Gary Webb, Davenport, Iowa
14.Tom Rients, Streator
15.Jim Boehles, Hales Corner, Wis.
16.Ted Dolhun, Brookfield, Wis.
17.Dennis Erb, Carpentersville
18.Al Johnson, Justice
19.John Provenzano, Wheaton
20.Arnie Gardner, Batavia

1954 – Harrison Wins by 12 Laps in ‘500’

 

Jack Harrison

Dayton, Ohio (September 26, 1954) – Jack Harrison, a brash 24-year-old from Indianapolis, stole the show and the money from the veterans of the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC) circuit Sunday at Dayton Speedway.

Harrison, taking permanent command of the second annual Dayton 500 for late model stock cars on the 230th lap, zoomed to a 12-lap triumph over his closest competitor, leaving little for the 12,000 spectators in attendance to cheer about.

Once the former thrill show driver grabbed the lead, only Jimmy Ward of Chicago had any chance to catch his flashily painted 1954 Ford. Instead, Ward found himself taking a long ride to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where he was treated for cuts on his elbow and released.

On the 321st lap, Ward threw his right front wheel heading down the backstretch and came to a rest in the middle of the track. Tom Boyd of Millbury, Ohio, with nowhere to go, whacked into him. It was one of several accidents that Boyd was involved in during the afternoon.

It became obvious early in the race that the defending race winner of the race, Iggy Katona of Milan, Mich., could not make the grade and repeat. On the 105th lap he had a blowout but would have been okay had Lloyd Moore of Frewsburg, N.Y., not clobbered him. Moore, driving Fonty Flock’s car at the time, after his own car failed to make it around even one lap after tangling with Don Oldenburg of Highland, Ind.

Flock turned his car over to Moore on the 101st lap and he, in turn, gave thee car to Oldenburg on the 227th circuit. Oldenberg, the victim of the tough luck on the first lap, finished ninth.

Harrison and Ward had a real duel going until the time of the accident. After Katona went to the pits on the 40th lap, Ward took over the lead. He held it until he made his first pit stop for tires and fuel on the 280th lap. Harrison jumped into the lead and piled up five laps while Ward was out of the running. Then, as Ward moved back on the track, Harrison made his first pit stop. His crew worked a little faster and when he came back onto the track, he was still a full lap plus 18 seconds ahead of Ward. Ward was closing the gap when he went out for good.

Harry Ranier of Prestonsburg, Ky., then moved into the second spot but relinquished that to Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, on lap 340. By the time Harrison had completed 380 laps, Derr was a full 10 laps behind the leader.

Harrison collected $2,000 in prize money from a $10,000 purse plus another $600 in lap money. Ward collected the other $400 in lap money.


Results –

1. Jack Harrison, Indianapolis
2. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
3. Red Duvall, Hammond, Ind.
4. Jim Romine, Youngstown
5. Bobby Hunter, Indianapolis
6. Briar Johnson, Richmond
7. June Osborne, Winchester, Ky.
8. Russ Hepier, Clarion, Penn.
9. Don Oldenberg, Highland, Ind.
10.Bucky Sager, Toledo
11.Ken Netzel, Chicago
12.Harry Ranier, Prestonsburg, Ky.
13.Bill Brown, Chicago
14.Bryant Tucker, Oak Park, Ill.
15.Phil Rouse, Columbus, Ind.
16.Mason Bright, Detroit
17.Tommy Thompson, Louisville, Ky.
18.Iggy Katona, Milan, Mich.

1988 – Miller Tops Missouri 300

Butch Miller poses with his trophy, Miss Missouri 300, Karla Hornbuckle (left), and Miss I-70, Kimberly Wiley, after winning the ASA Racing Series Missouri 300 at I-70 Speedway. – Don Thies Photo

Odessa, Mo. (September 25, 1988) – Butch Miller won his third straight ASA Racing Series event Sunday afternoon, by capturing the rain-delayed Missouri 300 before a crowd of 4,892 at I-70 Speedway.

The event had been rained out on its originally scheduled date one week earlier.

In ASA’s first race here since 1980, Miller took control when previous leader Dave Jackson pitted on lap 219 and went on to a half-lap victory over Dick Trickle.

Miller, who averaged 76.616 miles per hour, earned $8,175 in prize money and awards for his fifth win of the year on the circuit. The race, which included 1 caution periods of 65 laps, featured five lead changes among five drivers.

“This is a tough track, but the car ran excellent through the entire race,” Miller said.

Polesitter Trickle led the first 109 laps before Miller, who started in row two, took over prior to a round of pit stops. Harold Fair took over on lap 124 and remained on top until the next flurry of pit stops which concluded with Tony Raines taking charge on lap 155. Miller was in third at that point.

Jackson ended Raines’ reign on the 186th revolution, but pitted on lap 219, allowing Miller to take over for good.

Trickle faltered in the late stages when a bad tire stagger hampered his efforts, but he still managed to pass Bob Senneker for second place, 28 laps from the finish. Senneker finished third, rounding out the lead lap finishers.


Results –


1. Butch Miller
2. Dick Trickle
3. Bob Senneker
4. Tom Jones
5. Dave Jackson
6. Tony Raines
7. Lonnie Rush Jr.
8. Mike Garvey
9. Ted Musgrave
10.Harold Fair
11.J.M. Kurkowski
12.John Wilson
13.Dennis Vogel
14.Bobby Dotter
15.Tim Olson

 

1955 – Sweikert Wins Auto Racing’s Triple Crown

 

Bob Sweikert was the man to beat in auto racing in 1955. 

Salem, Ind. (September 25, 1955)- Bob Sweikert clinched the Midwest AAA sprint car championship Sunday by winning the 25-mile feature at Salem Speedway. He became the first driver ever to win this title, the AAA national big-car championship, and the Indianapolis 500-mile race in the same year.

Sweikert’s winning time was 17 minutes and 22.15 seconds, breaking the old mark of 17 minutes and 35.04 seconds set by Pat O’Conner in 1954.

Sweikert, automatically the last AAA champion because the American Automobile Association is withdrawing from auto racing after this year, said John Zink of Tulsa, Okla., is building him a new racer for the 1956 Indianapolis race.


Results –

1. Bob Sweikert, Speedway
2. Eddie Sachs, Allentown, Penn.
3. Pat O’Conner, North Vernon
4. Bob Veith, Oakland, Calif.
5. Don Freeland, Redondo Beach, Calif.
6. Jimmy Daywalt, Indianapolis

1988 - Steve Kosiski Wins Sunset 'Tour'

 

Steve Kosiski won the NASCAR Busch All-Star Tour race at his hometown track of Sunset Speedway in Omaha. He’s joined by trophy girl Cathy Bartunek and Roger Smith of Capital Liquors, the program’s sponsor. – Jerry Mackey Photo

By Jim Brennan

Omaha, Neb. (September 24, 1988) – The “Flyin' Kosiski Brothers,” Steve, Joe, and Ed, showed 37 other drivers Saturday night why it's so tough to beat them on their home turf as Sunset Speedway closed out the season with the Winston Busch All-Star Tour program.

The way the night started out left a lot of people in attendance whether the Kosiski’s or anyone else could keep up with newly crowned NASCAR Winston Racing Series Central Region champion Dale Fischlein of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fischlein edged Steve Kosiski for fast time with a time of 19.48 seconds.

Fischlein then nearly lapped the entire field in the first of two 20-lap qualifiers.

The second 20-lap qualifier saw Steve Kosiski involved in an early accident that tore up the front fenders on his car. Steve ducked into the pits so his crew could inspect the damage. After removing some sheet metal, he returned in time to join the rear of the 20-car field. Steve then proceeded to sail past some pretty stiff competition in 20 laps to finish second behind Rollie Frink of Davenport, Iowa.

In the 50-lapper, Steve’s brother Joe took the initial lead, beating Frink to the first set of turns. Ed and Steve moved into third and fourth-place by lap 2. On lap 5, Ed took second from Frink and closed in on Joe.

On lap 7, Steve moved into third on the dry-slick racing surface and four laps later, powered by Ed to take over second. For the next five circuits, Joe and Steve raced side-by-side with Steve finally taking command on lap 16. From there, he stretched his advantage and was never seriously threatened.

At the checkers, Steve won by a quarter of a lap over Joe with Rollie Frink taking third, Dale Fischlein in fourth, and Bill Martin of Council Bluffs rounding out the top-five.

In the companion bronco feature, John Kinney Jr. of Omaha continued his dominance of the division by winning his ninth feature of the season over Dennis Cook of Missouri Valley, Iowa.


Results –


1. Steve Kosiski, Omaha
2. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
3. Rollie Frink, Davenport, Iowa
4. Dale Fischlein, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
6. Steve Fraise, Montrose, Iowa
7. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha
8. Randy Sterner, Blair
9. Ed Kosiski, Omaha
10.Lee Gardner, Neola, Iowa
11.Tom Svoboda, David City
12.Gene Claxton, Kansas City
13.Kyle Berck, Marquette
14.Terry Gallaher, New London, Mo.
15.Keith Leithoff, Omaha

1967 – Nashville IMCA Sprint Go to Gaines

 

Dick Gaines accepts his trophy from Nashville mayor Beverly Briley after winning the 30-lap IMCA sprint car feature at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. 

Nashville, Tenn. (September 24, 1967) – Dick Gaines hung on for the first 10 laps watching the two favorites to fall and then roared through the last 20 to post a 30-lap feature win in Sunday’s final event of the IMCA sprint car championship races at the Fairgrounds Speedway.

Gaines, who just Saturday night set a track record qualifying time of 19.76 seconds, held on to third -place long enough to see the two front-runners, Jerry Richert and Karl Busson, leave before 10 laps were completed, but had to fight off the late charge by Charlie Masters.

Busson, the current point leader and Saturday night’s victor, was leading until his engine blew on lap 9.

“I had some trouble with it during the second heat and had to drop out. So, we brought it in and tore it down, but we couldn’t see anything wrong,” said Busson.

Busson, who came back to set a new 10-lap record of 3 minutes and 4 seconds in the fifth heat before the feature, did not lose any of his point lead as Jerry Richert left the feature on the eighth lap when he spun into the wall on the second turn.

“I’ve just about got the point title sewn up,” said Busson. “I’ve got enough of a lead over Jerry with only two races left that all I have to do is finish.”

This would be Busson’s first IMCA crown since he started racing the circuit four years ago. Richert has been the defending titlist for the past three seasons.

An estimated 3,000 fans were in attendance.


Results –

Heat #1 – Cy Fairchild
Heat #2 – Benny Rapp
Heat #3 – Jim Moughan
Heat #4 – Jerry Richert
Heat #5 – Karl Busson
Feature –
1. Dick Gaines
2. Charlie Masters
3. Jon Backlund
4. Dave Weir
5. Jerry Blundy
6. Benny Rapp
7. Duke Cook
8. Al Murie
9. Jim Smith
10.Buzz Gregory

1989 - Haines Posts Fall Challenge Victory

 

Rookie Jeff Haines won the IMCA modified feature at the annual Fall Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway. – Rick Haefner Photo

Oskaloosa, Iowa (September 23, 1989) – Rookie Jeff Haines of Oskaloosa won the IMCA modified feature Saturday night during the third annual Fall Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway. Bob Hayes of Ottumwa was the IMCA stock car winner and Kevin Kaller of Ottumwa was the surprise winner in the IMCA hobby stock feature.

Haines, who finished seventh in Friday night’s feature, held off Dave Farren of Des Moines and Kelly Shryock of Story City to claim victory in the MCA modified finale. Haines, who competed last year in the IMCA stock car division, won the Southern Iowa Speedway season point title this year.

In the IMCA stock car contest, Hayes took the win over Randy Harter of Jefferson and Mark Mundell of Ottumwa.

In the hobby stock main, Bill Bonnett of Knoxville crossed the finish line first but refused the claim and had to forfeit the win. That elevated Terry Winn of Ollie to the top spot, but he too refused the claim, so Kaller was declared the winner. Second went to Bud Maschmann of Malcolm and Kim Ostrander of Eldon was third.

Friday’s stock car winner was Terry Schroeder of Sigourney while Terry Winn won the hobby stock event.


Results –

IMCA Modified –

1. Jeff Haines, Oskaloosa
2. Dave Farren, Des Moines
3. Kelly Shryock, Story City
4. Ken Davidson, Stuart
5. R.D. Flaws, Johnston
6. Denny Banks, Washington
7. Randy Schroeder, Sigourney
8. Terry Shaw, Albia
9. Steve Ruepke, Russell
10.Martin Bennett, Des Moines

IMCA Stock Car –

1. Bob Hayes, Ottumwa
2. Randy Harter, Jefferson
3. Mark Mundell, Ottumwa
4. Jim Hughes, Beacon
5. Chris Jensen, Des Moines
6. Larry Hopkins, Ottumwa
7. Kim Spees, Selma
8. Jeff Gruebel, Lacona
9. Terry Schroeder, Sigourney
10.Jim Hall, Ottumwa

Hobby Stock –

1. Kevin Kaller, Ottumwa
2. Bud Maschmann, Malcolm
3. Kim Ostrander, Eldon
4. Roy Winkleman, Eldon
5. Jim Reynolds, Des Moines
6. Greg Cook, Ottumwa
7. Brad Benge, Eldon
8. Rick Ebelheiser, Ottumwa
9. Mark Cooling, Victor
10.Jeremy Miller, Eldon

Bob “Gabby” Hayes was the IMCA stock car feature winner at the Oskaloosa’s Fall Challenge. – Rick Haefner Photo

1972 – Skari, Roseen Cop Wins in Laursen Classic

 

Don Roseen proudly holds his trophy after winning the late model championship at the second annual Russ Laursen Classic at Tri-State Fairgrounds. – Scott Christman Collection

Superior, Wis. (September 23, 1972) – A chilly night at the Tri-State Fairgrounds found over 2,000 racing fans on hand to witness the second annual Russ Laursen Memorial Classic.

Dave Skari of Grand Forks, N.D., repeated his big victory from the Mid-Canada Invitational in Thunder Bay, Ont., the previous weekend as he outdrove his competitors to take home the big trophy and prize money.

Twenty-two out of the 30 modifieds entered ran in the feature event in which the caution flag came out numerous times as several drivers spun out.

Barry Kettering held the lead for half the race until he was forced to the sidelines with mechanical issues. Skari was right there to take over and held his lead over Al Jacobson and Jim Peterson to take the checkered flag.

The fans were on the edge of their seats during the late model feature as Phil Prusak, Don Roseen, and Kenny Mann exchanged the lead several times as they wove their way through the 31-car field.

A little over halfway through the 35-lap main event, Prusak pulled up lame and retired to the infield. A hole, the size of a farmer’s match, was found in his radiator.

A little later, Kenny Mann dropped back as his car started to overheat.

That left Roseen out front with Tom Nesbitt mounting a challenge late in the race. Nesbitt, however, was unable to catch Roseen and Don became the defending champion for the late model class.


Results –


Modified –

1. Dave Skari
2. Al Jacobson
3. Jim Peterson
4. John Albertson
5. Bob Geldner
6. Joe Demko
7. Jerry Frantsen
8. Ron Carlson
9. Harry Johnson
10.Dick Kelly



Late Model –

1. Don Roseen
2. Tom Nesbitt
3. Kenny Mann
4. Ray Henningsen
5. Brent Laursen
6. Jerry Amundson
7. Bob Root
8. Bruce Niemi
9. Loren Pagel
10.Bill Niemi

1974 – Trickle in Dual Wins at I-70

 

Dick Trickle

Odessa, Mo. (September 22, 1974) – Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., driving his purple 1970 Mustang, stormed to victory in the first and third 100-lap features in I-70 Speedway’s Triple Crown Championship. Bob Senneker of Dorr, Mich., was the first to the checkered flag in the second 100-lapper.

The races were run on an odd and even basis. Fastest qualifiers timing in with first, third, fifth fastest times, etc., competed in the first 100-lapper. The second, fourth, and sixth fastest times, etc., competed in the second 100-lapper. The top finishers in the first two 100-lappers earned the privilege of running in the third and final 100-lap contest.

Trickle clocked in third fastest (Tom Maier was the top qualifier with a time of 18.02 seconds) and started the first feature on the outside of the front row. Maier assumed the lead at the start, followed by Larry Phillips, Springfield, Mo., and then Trickle. Those three drivers maintained the same order until lap 14 when Trickle slipped by Phillips into seconds.

Trickle, not one to give up, stayed right on Maier’s bumper waiting for his opportunity to pass. He tried continuously but to no avail. Then, on lap 78, Maier got tied up in slower traffic and Trickle charged past him, holding the top spot until the checkered.

Senneker, the second fastest qualifier with an 18.06 second lap, started the second 100-lapper on the pole. Tom Reffner, Rudolph, Wis., beat him into the first turn but held the lead for only two laps when Senneker roared by him. David Goldsberry, Bolivar, Mo., also got by Reffner on the next lap.

Senneker would extend his lead to 15-car-lengths with Goldsberry still in second and now followed closely by Joe Shear, Beloit, Wis., who also got by Reffner. Shear would get by Goldsberry on lap 60 but Goldsberry would stay on Shear’s bumper and stalked him for the remainder of the race. As Senneker sailed to an easy victory, Shear beat Goldsberry by half-a-car-length at the finish.

The third and final 100-lapper saw Tom Maier on the pole, Senneker right next to him, with Trickle and Phillips right behind them in the second row.

Maier took the lead and held it for the first 31 circuits until Trickle made it by him in heavy traffic. Maier became the pursuer and pressured Trickle until lap 57 when Trickle got caught up in heavy traffic and Maier made his move to regain the lead. The duo raced side-by-side with Trickle nosing his Mustang ahead on lap 78. The next lap later, Maier regained the lead again, only to lose it back to Trickle on lap 80. Then, a few laps later, Maier made another bid and got by Trickle again.

Finally, on lap 93, Trickle outmaneuvered Maier between turns one and two, and as the crowd roared its approval, took the lead which he would hold to the finish.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
2. Tom Maier, Midland, Mich.
3. Terry Brumley, Springfield
4. Dave Watson, Milton, Wis.
5. Fred Whisler, Independence


Feature #2 –

1. Bob Senneker, Dorr, Mich.
2. Joe Shear, Beloit, Wis.
3. Dave Goldsberry, Bolivar,
4. Terry Bivins, Shawnee
5. Tom Reffner, Rudolph, Wis.


Feature #3 –

1. Dick Trickle
2. Tom Maier
3. Bob Senneker
4. Larry Phillips, Springfield
5. Tom Reffner

1962 – Hofer is Illinois State Champ

 

Rock Island’s Benny Hofer (right) hoists his 5-foot tall trophy after winning the Illinois State Championship at Peoria Speedway.

Peoria, Ill. (September 22, 1962) – Ben Hofer of Rock Island forced his 1957 Chevrolet into the lead on the 41st lap and went on to take an easy victory in the Illinois State Championships at Peoria Speedway on Saturday night.

Some 10,000 fans turned out to see Hofer run away from a talented field. Peorian Les Peterson finished second to Hofer with Bill Starr of Moline third.

Hofer only managed to finish third in his qualifying heat but turned on the steam in the 25-mile finale.

Jim Havill of LeClaire, Iowa, won the 25-lap semi-main.


Results –


Heat #1 – Jim Strube, Peoria
Heat #2 – Bill Starr, Moline
Heat #3 – Shorty Bennett, Davenport
Consolation – Al Terrell, Peoria
Semi – Jim Havill, LeClaire, Iowa
Feature –
1. Ben Hofer, Rock Island
2. Les Peterson, Peoria
3. Bill Starr

1975 – Merryfield Captures Eldora’s ‘World 100’

 

Joe Merryfield hoists his trophy after winning the World 100 for late models at Eldora Speedway. – Dean Malone Photo

Rossburg, Ohio (September 21, 1975) – Joe Merryfield, who had little confidence in his chances of winning, raced to victory Sunday afternoon in the World 100 late model stock car race at Eldora Speedway.

“I really wasn’t too enthused about coming down here,” the 27-year-old Des Moines, Iowa, driver said. “I had won only one other feature this season.”

That first win netted him $500 but Sunday’s was worth more than $8,500, including lap money. But he didn’t gain it without a bit of controversy.

Merryfield, who moved into the lead on the 43rd lap, lost the hood off his 1974 Chevelle with just seven laps remaining to bring out the fifth - and final – yellow caution flag of the race.

A few laps earlier, a hood on Bill Beckman’s car had also flown off. To most observers, it appeared that track officials order Beckman to the rear of the field for the restart.

Merryfield, who kept his car under control, was allowed to stay in front, though, and held off a hard-charging Ed Sanger in the final laps.

Sanger, the 1974 World 100 winner from Waterloo, Iowa, said he wasn’t complaining about the decision but wasn’t pleased.

“They told us in the driver’s meeting what whoever is the cause of the yellow flag has to go to the rear of the field,” he said. “And they specifically said they wanted hoods and trunk lids fastened down. In fact, the promoter (Earl Baltes) said, “We will not tolerate it. We will black flag you.’

“The judges have to call ‘em. The right way out isn’t necessarily the easiest road.”

Merryfield said he was “glad the hood came off.”

“It had been flapping,” the full-time plumber said. “They would’ve black-flagged me the next lap.”

Baltes said, Beckaman, another Iowa who led the first 17 laps of the race, wasn’t black-flagged because of his hood.

“He came into the pits down by turn one, then left by the entrance on turn four. We can’t let him do that,” Baltes said. “If the scorer doesn’t see him do it he picks up a lap.”

“There’s a thin line on something like a hood coming off. That rule will be clarified for next year’s race, that’s for sure.”

Merryfield and Sanger were the only drivers on the same lap at the end of the race. Rounding out the top were Verlin Eaker, Danny Eichler, and Dave Yobe.

Beckman, who wound up ninth, battled Eaker and Georgia’s Doug Kenimer for the lead in the early going. Kenimer moved his Camaro into the lead on the 18th lap coming off of turn four.

But Merryfield soon began to make his charge, moving into second place on lap 25 and into the lead on the 43rd circuit when the track began to get dusty and rutty.

“My car was running really hot the first 10 or 15 laps,” said Merryfield, who started on the outside of the fifth row. “It was spitting water out. But I eased off a little and it cooled down.”


Results –


1. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines, Iowa
2. Ed Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa
3. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
4. Danny Eichler, Cincinnati
5. Dave Yobe, Hubbard
6. Don Gregory, Columbus
7. Don Hoffman, Des Moines, Iowa
8. Roger Regeth, Kimberly, Wis.
9. Bill Beckman, Lisbon, Iowa
10.Doug Kenimer, Dahlonega, Ga.
11.Chick Hale, Lewisburg
12.Jim Strube, Peoria, Ill.
13.Rodney Combs, Mason
14.Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
15.Vern LeFever, Deer Park
16.Neal Sceva, Urbana
17.Roger Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa
18.Billy Teegarden, Independence, Ky.
19.Jim Hurtubise, Indianapolis
20.Floyd Gilbert, Lockland
21.Jim Dunn, Roseville
22.Tom Helfrich, Haubstadt, Ind.

1969 – Dake Wins Farley Opener

 

Darrell Dake poses with his trophy after becoming the first-ever feature winner at the new Farley Speedway. – R.J. Dawson Photo

By Jayne Chapman

Farley, Iowa (September 21, 1969) – The “King of the Road,” Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids, has the distinction of going on record as the first heat winner but more importantly, the first feature winner on the new half-mile speedway here on Sunday afternoon. His reminder is the $700 and two trophies he carried home.

Dake had little to no trouble winning the 25-lap main event. Dubuque’s Dick Nesteby ran second to Dake until lap 17 when he appeared to have some mechanical issues and dropped off the pace.

Crossing the finish line behind Dake were Dr. Al Mayner of Winthrop and John Connolly of Delhi.

Heat wins went to Dake, Reinbeck’s Cal Swanson, and Connolly. Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo won the consolation.

Track officials did have their headaches to deal with, the biggest was keeping the track watered. As fast as the track was getting watered, the wind and sun would dry it out even faster.

Time trials were dispensed and drivers drew for positions.


Results –

Heat #1 – Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
Heat #2 – Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
Heat #3 – John Connolly, Delhi
Consolation – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
Feature –
1. Darrell Dake
2. Al Mayner, Winthrop
3. John Connolly
4. Mike Brooks, Knoxville
5. John Curwen, Hazel Green, Wis.
6. Don Hoffman, Des Moines

1963 – Michigan Driver Steals Show at Allentown

 

Johnny White 

By Dave DeLong

Allentown, Penn. (September 21, 1963) – A heavy-footed Midwesterner stole the show at the Greater Allentown Fair on Saturday afternoon when he ran away from all competition in both his qualifying heat and the 30-lap feature on the final day of automobile racing at this year’s exposition.

His name is John White of Warren, Mich., and he was definitely the class of the field.

A comparative newcomer to the East, White gained the pole position by turning in a time o 25.96 seconds, which was tied by Jim McElreath of Arlington, Tex. However, McElreath never got into the feature as his engine conked out in his heat race and had to be scratched.

In the first qualifying heat, which was witnessed by 8,000 spectators, White and A.J. Foyt, an Indianapolis entry several times and a former star here in Fair races, finished 1-2. White was being pressed by McElreath until the latter’s motor failed on the last lap, enabling Foyt to slip in for second place.

Chuck Arnold of Stamford, Conn., won the second qualifying heat with Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., second and Don Branson of Champaign, Ill., was the winner in the third qualifying heat with Milt Brown of Danville, Ill., taking second.

Bob Mathouser of Omaha, Neb., started on the pole of the 10-lap consolation and led the entire way. Arnold was second and Bobby Marshman of Pottstown was third.

In the 30-lap feature, White started on the pole and took full advantage of his favorable position, staying out front throughout. Only one challenger appeared, in the person of Foyt, who chased White all the way but was never able to get within three-car-lengths.

The race did not run the full 30 laps, ending at 29 laps because Steve Stapp’s car, which had spun earlier, did it again and compelled the caution flag to be used.

McCluskey finished third and Bob Harkey of Charlotte, N.C., was fourth. Chuck Arnold rounded out the top five finishers.


Results –

1. Johnny White, Warren, Mich.
2. A.J. Foyt, Houston, Tex.
3. Roger McCluskey, Tucson, Ariz.
4. Bob Harkey, Charlotte, N.C.
5. Chuck Arnold, Stamford, Conn.
6. Jim Maguire, Dunellen, N.J.
7. Jiggs Peters, Atlantic Station, N.J.
8. Don Branson, Champaign, Ill.
9. Jim Hurtubise, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
10.Bob Mathouser, Omaha, Neb.

1982 - Sauter Wins at Dells, Earns ARTGO Crown

 

Jim Sauter notched his second consecutive ARTGO Racing title after winning the Midwest Championships at Dells Motor Speedway. ARTGO president John McKarns congratulates Sauter on his achievement. – Don Thies Photo

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (September 19, 1982) – Dick Trickle and Jim Sauter each snared 75-lap feature victories at Dells Motor speedway on Sunday afternoon, with Sauter, who also won a 50-lap main on Saturday night, taking the overall title in the track’s two-day ARTGO-sanctioned 11th annual Midwest Championships.

The victory in the Sunday’s 75-lap nightcap enabled Sauter to clinch his second straight ARTGO Racing season title as he bested his nearest rival, Joe Shear, by 755 markers in the point standings.

Trickle, a three-time ARTGO champion and winningest driver of all-time on the tour, scored his first main event win of the season on the circuit in the first 75-lapper on Sunday. Trickle wheeled his 1982 Camaro to a two-car-length margin of victory over Shear, who was trailed by Tom Reffner, Mike Miller, and Jim Back.

Sauter, whose point margin over Shear was cut to 255 markers as a result of his spinning and hitting the wall on lap 70 of the first 75, roared back to win the day’s second feature.

Pushing his battered 1982 Firebird, Sauter held off stiff challenges of Trickle to record his ninth ARTGO feature win of the season. Trailing Sauter at the checkers was Trickle, Reffner, Miller, and John Ziegler.

Sauter captured Saturday’s 50-lap contest over Dave Watson, fast qualifier Jim Back, Reffner, and Shear.

An all-time ARTGO record field of 68 entries were on hand for the event.


Results –

Friday - 

Feature #1 –

1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
2. Joe Shear, Beloit
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
5. Jim Back, Vesper
6. Ted Musgrave, Grand Marsh
7. Steve Burgess, Eau Claire
8. Dick Stang, Prior Lake, Minn.
9. Tom Musgrave, Glenview, Ill.
10.Kevin Stepan, Mosinee


Feature #2 –

1. Jim Sauter, Necedah
2. Dick Trickle
3. Tom Reffner
4. Mike Miller
5. John Ziegler, Madison
6. Joe Shear
7. Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
8. Jim Back
9. Kevin Stepan
10.Dick Stang


Saturday –

1. Jim Sauter
2. Dave Watson, Milton
3. Jim Back
4. Tom Reffner
5. Joe Shear
6. Mike Miller
7. Ted Musgrave
8. Dick Stang
9. Steve Moll, Wisconsin Rapids
10.Tom Musgrave

1988 - Ziegler Nets Rockford NSTC Win

 

John Ziegler won the 303-lap National Short Track Championship feature at Rockford Speedway. He was joined by Winston Racing team manager Rancy Chapel and promoter Jody Deery for post-race ceremonies. – Russ Lake Photo

Rockford, Ill. (September 18, 1988) – Johnny Ziegler held off Scott Hansen and Rich Bickle Jr. to win the 303-lap National Short Track Championships late model feature Sunday afternoon at Rockford Speedway.

Ziegler took home a ARTGO record $11,814 for his win in the event co-sanctioned by ARTGO and NASCAR. Hansen, Bickle, Tom Carlson, and Steve Carlson trailed the Madison, Wis., chauffeur to the checkered, which was interrupted by rain in the closing circuits.

“This was our greatest racing day,” said Ziegler, a veteran oof more than 20 years of racing. “Those last 15 laps were tough after the rain delay because the engines were shut down and the tires had cooled down. Our tires were almost gone so the delay probably helped us. I just tried to keep Scott (Hansen) and Rich (Bickle) in my rear-view mirror.”

Ziegler also won the overall title of the three-race NASCAR/ARTGO Challenge Series over Bickle, Steve Holzhausen, Stanley Smith, and Hansen, which netted Ziegler an additional $5,000 bonus.

Don Jenkins established a one-lap track record of 13.212 seconds on the quarter-mile during Saturday’s time trials, but since the 12 fastest qualifiers were gridded at the front of the 30-car field, George Prziborowski opened the event on the pole with Ziegler starting alongside him.

Ziegler grabbed the top spot on the opening green with Hansen, Dave Mader III, David Green, and Jim Weber behind him. Mader tried to move around Hansen on the backstretch on lap 29 and the two exchanged paint before Mader slid into the infield and ended up against the retaining wall.

Bickle, who started 11th, moved up to second by lap 86 and then made several unsuccessful attempts to get around Ziegler before finally taking the top spot on lap 119. Bickle was still in front when the mandatory 20-minute pit stop occurred on lap 155. By then, only six cars remained on the lead lap.

After the break, Bickle opened up a huge lead over runner-up Green who was followed by Hansen, Steve Carlson, Ziegler, and Tom Carlson. Hansen, who had problems with his car’s fire extinguisher earlier, took second from Green on lap 234.

After relinquishing the lead to Hansen, Green found himself locked in a side-by-side battle with Ziegler.

Bickle appeared to have the race in his possession until Pete Moore spun in turns three and four, triggering a caution-producing incident which also eliminated Don Jenkins. As the caution flag waved, Bickle, Hansen, and Green spun to avoid Moore and Jenkins. Ziegler moved low in the turn, avoided the mishap, and emerged as the new leader. Green recovered to take second ahead of Hansen and Bickle.

As the remaining laps wound down, threatening weather which had been in the area all weekend, moved in and produced a 36-minute rain delay.

When action resumed, Ziegler was on top, followed by Green, Hansen, Bickle, Tom Carlson, and Steve Carlson, who rounded out the drivers still on the lead lap.

The event’s final caution came on lap 296 when Green had a left rear tire go down, sending him spinning into the infield. He pitted for new tires and rejoined the field at the rear.

Since the caution extended through lap 301 and the event’s rules required the final two circuits be contested under the green, the race was extended to 303 laps. That proved little problem for Ziegler, however, as he hung on for the victory.


Results –

1. Johnny Ziegler, Madison, Wis.
2. Scott Hanen, Green Bay, Wis.
3. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
4. Tom Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
5. Steve Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
6. Al Schill, Franklin, Wis.
7. Robbie Reiser, Allenton, Wis.
8. Mark Green, Owensboro, Ky.
9. David Green, Madison, Tenn.
10.Lee Faulk, Crossville, Tenn.
11.Stanley Smith, Chelsea, Ala.
12.John Olson, Stoughton, Wis.
13.Mark Day, Clarksville, Tenn.
14.Jerry Wood, Sun Prairie, Wis.
15.Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
16.Don Jenkins, Antioch, Tenn.
17.Dave Mader III, Homewood, Ala
18.Pete Moore, McFarland, Wis.
19.Pete Berken, Appleton, Wis.
20.Dennis Lampman, Racine, Wis.

1970 - Montgomery Wins Davenport Open

Dean Montgomery won the 30-lap late model feature at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. – Roger Meier Photo

By Charlotte Reinhart

Davenport, Iowa (September 18, 1970) – Dean Montgomery of Milan, Ill., won the 30-lap open late model feature on the half mile in a warmup for next week’s National Dirt Track Championships.

Montgomery grabbed the win over Fred Horn of Marion, Bob Helm of Rochester. Larry Fabris of Sycamore, Ill., and Jim Gerber of Mt. Joy, rounded out the top-five finishers.

Montgomery also set fast time in time trials with a clocking of 26.85 seconds.

Helm won the trophy dash with heat wins going to Stan Crooks of Muscatine, Roger Dolan of Lisbon, and Skip Kennedy of Dubuque. Ray Guss of Milan won the semi-main.


Results –


Time trials – Dean Montgomery, Milan, Ill. (26.85)
Trophy dash – Bob Helm, Rochester
Heat #1 – Stan Crooks, Muscatine
Heat #2 – Roger Dolan, Lisbon
Heat #3 – Skip Kennedy, Dubuque
Semi – Ray Guss, Milan, Ill.
Feature –
1. Dean Montgomery
2. Fred Horn, Marion
3. Bob Helm
4. Larry Fabris, Sycamore, Ill.
5. Jim Gerber
6. Skip Kennedy
7. Ray Guss
8. Roger Dolan
9. Terry Ryan, Davenport
10.Jim Strube, Peoria, Ill.