Bob Kosiski won the National Sweepstakes race at the Nebraska State Fair. - Lee Ackerman Collection
Lincoln, Neb. (September 1, 1972) – Bob Kosiski of Omaha led for all but one lap of the 16-lap National Speedways Sweepstakes at Nebraska State Fairgrounds Friday to triumph in the Nebraska State Fair Modified Championships.
Kosiski, who was the leader for the initial 10 laps, momentarily lost the lead to fellow Omahan Mike Dizona on the ensuing lap after a restart shortened Kosiski’s advantage.
But Kosiski regained the lead on the following lap when he swerved past Dizona on the final turn. Kosiski’s claim to first place was never again seriously threatened.
Dizona settled for second with Marv Hilger of David City placing third and John Harlow of Lincoln fourth as only 11 of the original 28 starters finished.
Kosiski pocketed $400 of the total $2,250 prize money for the feature triumph.
The scheduled six-event program was delayed 61 minutes because of a light rain shower, which continued for the duration of the event. The threatening weather did force National Speedways officials to cancel the semi-feature event.
Then the two worse mishaps of the afternoon were the result of a misunderstanding between race drivers and officials.
In the second and third heats, the starter displayed the red flag, which the drivers were unable to see of overlooked. The results of the miscommunications resulted in multi-car pileups in both heats which sidelined two drivers.
Joe Wade of Lincoln completely dominated the field in the first heat before his car experienced engine trouble on the third turn of the final lap. Wade was forced out of competition at the head of the frontstretch, just moments away from victory.
Hilger, Kosiski, Dizona, and Lyle Ekberg of Wakefield captured heat wins. Ekberg, in contention at the time, was forced out of the feature because of mechanical difficulties on the second lap.
Results –
Heat #1 – Marv Hilger, David City
Heat #2 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha
Heat #3 – Mike Dizona, Omaha
Heat #4 – Lyle Ekberg, Wakefield
Feature –
1. Bob Kosiski
2. Mike Dizona
3. Marv Hilger
4. John Harlow, Lincoln
5. Bob Engel, Lincoln
6. Wayne Huntley, Hastings
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