1979 - Nesbitt, Christman, Hop Win Laursen Memorial

 

By Jamie Thomas

Superior, Wis. (September 8-9, 1979) – Tom Nesbitt, Dick Christman, and Bob Hop took top honors in the ninth annual Russ Laursen Classic at Tri-State Speedway. Over 97 cars were on hand to compete for the top prizes in each class.

Tom Nesbitt held on to the lead for the last five laps over Red Steffen to win his 26th feature of the year.

The feature was a battle for the lead between Nesbitt, Phil Prusak, and Steffen. Prusak went by Nesbit to take the lead. Steffen then raced by Prusak to take over the top spot and held it until the last five laps when Nesbitt went by and held it to the checkers.

Steffen settled for second with Prusak in third. Brent Laursen was fourth followed by John Jones, who drove an impressive race after starting 23rd.

Dick Christman led the super stock feature from start to finish with Ron Jones finishing a car-length behind. Don Roseen and Rick Popovich finished third and fourth, respectively.

Bob Hop outdistanced Gordy Lamb on a very dry-slick racetrack to capture the sprint car main event.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Tom Nesbitt, Thunder Bay, Ont.
2. Red Steffen, Eau Claire
3. Phil Prusak, Eau Claire
4. Brent Laursen, Cameron
5. John Jones, Thunder Bay, Ont.
6. Tom Steuding, Altoona
7. Punky Manor, Altoona
8. Jim Bruggeman White Bear Lake, Minn.
9. Rick Schutte, Thunder Bay, Ont.
10.Bob Gherardi, Kelly Lake, Minn.


Super Stock –

1. Dick Christman, Superior
2. Ron Jones, Zimmerman, Minn.
3. Don Roseem Duluth, Minn.
4. Rick Popovich, Duluth, Minn.
5. Steve Rudiger, Menomonie, Wis.
6. Jim Miller, Thunder Bay, Ont.
7. Bill Nelson, Duluth, Minn.
8. Rick Gulbranson, Hermantown, Minn.
9. Dave Gillette, Esko, Minn.
10.Gary Grierson, Virginia, Minn.


Sprint Car –

1. Bob Hop, Mendota, Minn.
2. Gordy Lamb, Fargo, N.D.
3. Dan Shearer, White Bear, Minn.
4. Greg Cole, Grand Rapids, Minn.
5. Dave Heskin, Monticello, Minn.
6. Lyn McIntosh, Thunder Bay, Ont.
7. Al Hargrave, Oakdale, Minn.
8. John Sernett, Minneapolis, Minn.
9. Harry Johnson, Oakdale, Minn.
10.Lynn Franklin, Little Canada, Minn.