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