1988 – Kosiski is Lakeside ‘Busch’ Winner

 

Joe Kosiski won the Busch All-Star Tour 50-lapper at Lakeside Speedway. - Jerry Adams Photo

By Jim Conaway

Kansas City, Kan. (May 28, 1988) – Omaha’s Joe Kosiski won a little more than a showdown in the 50-lap Winston/Busch All-Star Tour feature against Willy Kraft Saturday night at Lakeside Speedway.

Taking advantage of lapped traffic, Kosiski, the winner of the second qualifying 20-lapper on Friday, passed Kraft, the first 20-lap qualifying feature winner, on the 34th circuit, and edged the Lakefield, Minn., driver by a car length at the checkered to highlight the fifth annual Memorial Day classic.

The victory, worth $4,000, was Kosiski’s 43rd career victory at the half-mile dirt oval, and allowed him to move past Gene Claxton, who scored his 42nd career feature win here on May 13.

Kosiski was able to put his car in front of Kraft, who has attracted a lot of attention in the new World of Outlaws late model circuit, when a lapped car went low as the duo headed into turn one.

“I think I had an advantage over Willy with the lapped cars,” said Kosiski, the 1987 Winston Racing Series national champion, who also claimed the Lakeside points title as well that year.

Tom Heart of Wilton, Iowa, the polesitter, beat Johnny Johnson of Wapello, Iowa, to the first turn and held the early lead until Kraft passed him on the backstretch of lap 11. By lap 24, Kraft had opened up a six-car-length lead over Kosiski. Kosiski, however, used lapped traffic and smoother maneuvering to pull within bumper range of Krafft by the 30th circuit.

The 50-lap affair was conducted without a single interruption, as Hearst, Steve Kosiski, and Jeff Hinkemeyer rounded out the top-five.

Bobby Layne won the 15-lap NASCAR modified feature, keeping his 1988 record perfect on the Lakeside oval. Layne is now six of six and ranks third on the all-time wins list with 41 career victories.


Results –

1. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
2. Willy Kraft, Lakefield, Minn.
3. Tom Hearst, Wilton, Iowa
4. Steve Kosiski, Omaha
5. Jeff Hinkemeyer, St. Cloud, Minn.
6. Terry Phillips. Springfield, Mo.
7. Rick Beebe, Meriam
8. Johnny Johnson, Wapello, Iowa
9. Steve Fraise, Montrose, Iowa
10.Bill LaFollette, Kansas City
11.Terry Liebentritt, Omaha
12.Joe Cobb, Kansas City
13.Shelby McQuinn, Kansas City
14.Steve Adams, Topeka
15.Chuck Rankin, Kansas City

1961 – Foyt Wins IRP 30-Lapper

 

A.J. Foyt in perfect form at Indianapolis Raceway Park. This was when the Clermont, Indiana 5/8-mile was still dirt. Foyt would win the 30-lap USAC feature held two days before that year's 500, which A.J. would also win. - Robin Miller photo collection.

Clermont, Ind. (May 28, 1961) - A. J. Foyt of Houston, Tex. won a prelude Sunday to his big Memorial Day ride when he took the 30-lap feature race at Raceway Park.

Foyt’s victory came after a day of numerous spinouts and a flip by another 500-mile starter, Roger McCluskey of Tucson, Ariz., McCluskey's HOW Special bounced high into the air on the second lap of the first heat and finally landed upside down. But the freshman driver, who is in the 500 for the first time this year, walked away unhurt.

The only other driver in the Raceway program also scheduled to start Tuesday's Memorial Day Classic was Jim Hurtubise of Lennox, Cal. Hurtubise didn't drive, however, and his auto was piloted by Bob Cleberg, Tucson, Ariz., who finished third behind Chuck Hulse of Downey, Cal.

The yellow caution flag was out most of the feature event because of the numerous spinouts.

But of the 18 starters, 17 finished. Mickey Shaw of Cleveland, Ohio, grabbed fourth place followed by Elmer George, Indianapolis; Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.; Joe Barzda, New Brunswick, N. J., and Bob Wente of St. Louis.

Allen Crowe had one of the autos that spun along the 5/8-mile clay track but he came back to finish in ninth just ahead of Hal Rettberg, Colonie, N. Y. The Raceway Park track, part of a just completed $500,000 auto racing facility, will eventually be asphalt.

Russ Congdon, Puyallup, Wash., won a 10-lap consolation race.

Foyt's share of the $5,700 purse was $819. Hulse won $625; Cleberg took home $487.

The three heat winners were A.J. Shepherd of Gardenia, Calif., Foyt and Blundy. Because of the yellow flag, time was kept only in the second heat where Foyt toured the eight laps in 3 minutes and 59 seconds.


Results –


1. A.J. Foyt
2. Chuck Hulse
3. Bob Cleburg
4. Mickey Shaw
5. Elmer George
6. Jerry Blundy
7. Joe Barzda
8. Bob Wente
9. Allen Crowe
10.Hal Rettberg
11.Ronnie Duman
12.Red Renner
13.Rex Easton
14.Duke Hindahl
15.Bill Earl
16.Johnny White
17.Bud Sterrett
18.A.J. Shepherd

1989 - First ARTGO Victory for Campbell at Berlin

 

Fred Campbell smiles during post-race ceremonies following his first career ARTGO Challenge Series feature win at Berlin Raceway. – Mike Dunn Photo

Berlin, Mich. (May 27, 1989) – Fred Campbell took the lead on the 10th lap and then withstood seven caution periods to edge Bob Senneker to win the WMUS American Cancer Society Benefit 100 for ARTGO Challenge Series late models Saturday night at Berlin Raceway.

For Campbell, one of the top weekly drivers at the tricky 7/16-mile paved oval, it was his first-ever ARTGO victory. Cambell became the 36th different winner in the 15-year history of the touring series.

“The cautions came just right for me,” Campbell reported after the marathon event. After my tires cooled down, they came back really well each time.”

Scott Hansen won the heated battle for third over Terry Baldry. Steve Holzhausen, early leader Jim Weber, Steve Holzhausen, Dick Harrington, and Jack Landis were the top nine that finished the contest’s full 100 laps.

Two of the caution periods involved small engine compartment fires in the Landis and Holzhausen cars, when tire rubber on the track was thrown up on one their headers.

Local favorite Bruce VanderLaan never made it past hot laps as his car lost oil pressure and ARTGO point leader Joe Shear was sidelined in his heat race with major engine problems after timing second quickest in the 34-car field.

The race was completely restarted after fast qualifier Bryan Reffner, in his first trip to Berlin, spun on the first lap.

Gledius Frye paced the opening three laps before Weber took over. Campbell breezed into the lead on the 10th circuit and four laps later, Senneker took over the second spot. Local point leader Johnny Benson Jr became the first feature runner to be sidelined with mechanical trouble after just 17 laps.

With the field tightly bunched, the main event went 45 rounds before the first car was lapped. The most serious caution period came with only 17 laps to go when Jack Gritter blew a tire and skidded into the first turn wall.

The largest crowd of the young season watched the action snuggly wrapped in blankets for protection from the cool Memorial Day Weekend evening weather.


Results –


1. Fred Campbell, Battle Creek
2. Bob Senneker, Dorr
3. Scott Hansen, Green Bay, Wis.
4. Terry Baldry, Omro, Wis.
5. Steve Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
6. Jim Weber, Roseville, Minn.
7. Steve Holzhausen, Bangor, Wis.
8. Dick Harrington, Otsego
9. Jack Landis, Angola, Ind.
10.Dennis Berry, Flint
11.Tim Fedewa, Holt
12.Jeff Finley, Lansing
13.George Prziborowski, Apple Valley, Minn.
14.Tom Carlson, La Crosse, Wis.
15.Jack Gritter, Wyoming

1978 - First Late Model Win for Birkhofer

 

Dave Birkhofer scored the first-ever late model feature win of his career at West Liberty Raceway. – Dick Kleindolph Photo

By Ruth Smith

West Liberty, Iowa (May 27, 1978) – “Wild and wooly” is the only way to describe the action at West Liberty Raceway on Saturday night. The level of excitement from the stands mirrored the level of competition on the half-mile and it helped everyone forget the turbulent skies and potential threat for rain.

It was especially exciting for Dave Birkhofer of Muscatine who won a hard-fought late model event, marred with a number of accidents and restarts. For Birkhofer, it was his first career late model win in four years of racing in the division.

A multi-car pileup in the second turn of the first lap caused an original restart. On the third lap, after yet another restart, Birkhofer, who started in the third row, took command and never looked back.

For the last 10 laps, Birkhofer was briefly challenged by Roger Dolan of Lisbon and Jim Burbridge of Delhi but neither driver had anything for Birkhofer, and they finished 1-2-3 with less than a couple of car lengths separating the trio.

The first thrill of the evening came in the second heat of the sportsman division with a photo finish between Gail Brenner and Jess Erwin.

Late model heat winners were Mel Morris of West Liberty, Dolan, Burbridge, and Byron Buchele of Muscatine. Tom Hearst of Wilton won the semi.

In the sportsman class, the three-week domination of Mark Keltner came to an end when Ron Boyse of Kalona grabbed the feature win.

Sportsman heat winners Brenner, Boyse, and Dick Vitosh with Mike Haller taking the consolation.

Over 60 cars were in Saturday’s competition at West Liberty.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Dave Birkhofer
2. Roger Dolan
3. Jim Burbridge
4. Gary Webb
5. Dave Dodder
6. John Simenec
7. L.B. O’Brien
8. Butch Cassidy
9. Mel Morris
10.Tom Hearst


Sportsman –

1. Ron Boyse
2. Gail Brenner
3. Mark Keltner
4. Mike Klinkkammer
5. John Brumley
6. Charlie Brockert

1985 – Riddle Repeats at Little 500

 

Frank Riddle was all smiles in victory lane after winning his second consecutive Little 500.

Anderson, Ind. (May 26, 1985) – Frank Riddle did it again Saturday night in the 37th annual Little 500.

The 57-year-old Riddle won his second straight Little 500 sprint car race, leading the last 155 circuits of the 500-lap classic on the high-banked, quarter-mile asphalt oval.

Riddle, from Tampa, Fla., took the lead on lap 345 from Bob Frey and held it to the end. Frey, forced by fuel problems to pit late in the race, was a lap down with less than 50 laps to go. He picked up the first lap quickly and set out after Riddle but ran out of laps.

The victory was worth $10,500 to Riddle while Frey collected $5,000 for his runner-up finish. Third-place finisher Stan Butler took home $3,000.

Riddle set 1- and 4-lap records in qualifying on Friday. Once in the race, he ran away from the field t lead the first 174 laps. Frey, Butler and Bill Roynon traded the lead back and forth until lap 345, when Riddle took command for good.


Results –

1. Frank Riddle
2. Bob Frey
3. Stan Butler
4. Bill Roynon
5. Jeff Palms
6. Jimmy Alvis
7. Ron Koehler
8. Dave Durnwald
9. King Kramer
10.Robbie Smith
11.Jeff Nish
12.Ronnie Smith
13.Jeff Ball
14.Sport Allen
15.Mike Bore
16.Jimmy White
17.Troy House
18.Robert Smith
19.David Smith
20.Chuck Mynette

1987 – Smith Tops Winged Sprints at Eldon

 

Randy Smith won the special sprint car program at Eldon Raceway. Promoter Larry Kemp makes the trophy presentation. – Roger Goode Photo

Eldon, Iowa (May 25, 1987) – Randy Smith of Mt. Ayr made the second night of the open wheel spectacular just as impressive as Andy Hillenberg did the first night at Donnellson, Monday night at Eldon Raceway.

Smith emerged as the victor in the 20-lap feature after swapping the lead with Danny “The Dude” Lasoski several times.

Jeff Tuttle set fast time in qualifying for the second straight night. Heat race winners were Larry Ball Jr, Hillenberg, and Australia’s Jaymie Moyle, while smith won the trophy dash.


Results –

Time Trials – Jeff Tuttle, West Des Moines
Trophy Dash – Randy Smith, Mt. Ayr
Heat #1 – Larry Ball Jr., Des Moines
Heat #2 – Andy Hillenberg, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Heat #3 – Jayme Moyle, Bridgewater, Australia
Feature –
1. Randy Smith
2. Danny Lasoski, Dover, Mo.
3. Andy Hillenberg
4. Terry McCarl, Des Moines
5. Kenny Haynes, Bourbonnais, Ill.
6. T.J. Giddings, Kansas City
7. Bruce Drottz, Des Moines
8. Larry Ball Jr.
9. Jaymie Moyler
10.Jeff Tuttle
11.Jimmy Bell
12.Larry Webb, Des Moines
13.Greg Helms, Kansas City
14.Larry Sylvester, Blakesburg
15.Tom Whiting, Marion

1981 – Detjens Wins Pepsi 100 at Capital

 

Wausau's Larry Detjens swept the ARTGO Racing action at Capital Super Speedway. 

Oregon, Wis. (May 25, 1981) – Larry Detjens of Wausau won both 50-lap features during ARTGO Racing’s Pepsi 100 late model stock car race at Capital Super Speedway on Monday afternoon.

Detjens, driving a 1981 Camaro, took the lead from Joe Shear of South Beloit, Ill., on lap 37. Jim Sauter of Necedah finished second with Shear taking third.

It was Detjens and Shear battling again in the second 50-lapper with Detjens squeezing past Shear on lap 48 to take the win.

“I couldn’t wait any long,” Detjens said of his second victory. “He (Shear) found something to make him run faster in the second race. I had to take a chance, and it paid off.”

Dick Trickle of Wisconsin Rapids, the day’s second fastest qualifier, failed to finish the first feature, blowing an engine on lap 37. Trickle’s pit crew attempted to change engines for the second contest but was unable to make the starting field.

Tom Reffner of Rudolph also experienced engine woes on Monday. He was the first car out of the running in the first feature after leading several laps. Reffner came back to start the second feature but completed only three laps before retiring for good.

Detjens collected over $1,800 for his two wins.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Larry Detjens
2. Jim Sauter
3. Joe Shear
4. Mark Martin
5. Jim Pierson
6. Kevin Stepan
7. Pat Schauer
8. Dennis Vogel
9. Tom Jones
10.Mark Lamoreaux


Feature #2 –

1. Larry Detjens
2. Joe Shear
3. Mark Martin
4. Pat Schauer
5. John Knaus
6. Kevin Stepan
7. Jim Pierson
8. Tom Jones
9. Larry Schuler
10.Wayne Lensing

1987 – Boorse Breezes to Flag in Angell Park Midgets

 

Dan Boorse (second from right) is interviewed by announcer Harvey Konkel after winning the Old Style 50 at Angell Park Speedway. – Mike Dunn Photo

Sun Prairie, Wis. (May 24, 1987) – Dan Boorse breezed to victory in the 50-lap Badger Midget Auto Racing Association/USAC Midget Series feature Sunday night at Angell Park Speedway.

Dale Hurd led the first four circuits of the main event, only to yield the top spot to Robby Flock on the fifth lap. Two laps later, Kevin Olson took command.

Olson maintained the front-running position until the 22nd round when Boorse got his first taste of the top spot. Olson regained the lead on lap 20 but lost it back to Boorse for good on lap 37.

On the same circuit, Bob Schneider flipped several times in turn three forcing a caution. When the race resumed, Olson and Rich Vogler then tangled, forcing another delay.

After green flag racing returned, Boorse again took the lead and had an easy time of it for the remainder of the race as he took the checkered flag well in front of Flock. Vogler edged Olson at the finish for third while Davy Ray rounded out the top five.


Results –

1. Dan Boorse, Milwaukee
2. Robby Flock, City of Industry, Calif.
3. Rich Vogler, Indianapolis
4. Kevin Olson, Rockford, Ill.
5. Davy Ray, Davenport, Iowa
6. Terry Wente, St. Peters, Mo.
7. Don Carter Jr., Joliet, Ill.
8. Bill Kojis, Milwaukee
9. Dean Billings, West Allis
10.Marty Davis, Racine

Dan Boorse (1) and Kevin Olson (11) battle it out for the lead during the Old Style 50 midget feature at Angell Park. – Dave Olson Photo

1979 - Moyer Back-to-Back at Marshalltown

 

Billy Moyer Jr.

Marshalltown, Iowa (May 24 & 27, 1979) – Billy Moyer Jr. of Des Moines won late model features Friday and Monday at Marshalltown Speedway.

Moyer beat Glenn Woodard of Des Moines Friday night to score the victory and held off Ken Davidson of Indianola to grab the win on Monday.

In sportsman action, Larry DeFrance of Albion won Friday’s feature while Earl Pruitt of Marshalltown won Monday’s main.

Terry Crosser of Marshalltown won both fun class features.


Friday –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Billy Moyer Jr., Des Moines
Heat #2 – Craig Jacobs, Des Moines
Semi-main – Dave Allison, Des Moines
Feature –
1. Billy Moyer Jr.
2. Glen Woodard, Des Moines
3. Leonard Woodard, Des Moines
4. Del McDowell, Ames
5. Jim Anderson, Des Moines
6. Dan Wallace, Des Moines
7. Dave Allison


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Dave Jones, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Larry DeFrance, Albion
Australian Pursuit – Earl Pruitt, Marshalltown
Feature –
1. Larry DeFrance
2. Dave Jones
3. Darrell DeFrance, Marshalltown
4. Larry Opperman, Green Mountain
5. Earl Pruitt
6. Arvid Borchers, Marshalltown
7. Del McDowell
8. Barry Nuese, Marshalltown


Monday –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Billy Moyer Jr.
Heat #2 – Dan Wallace
Semi-main – Wendell Folkerts, Albia
Australian Pursuit – Leonard Woodard
Feature –
1. Bill Moyer Jr.
2. Ken Davidson, Indianola
3. Glen Woodard
4. Dave Allison
5. Wendell Folkerts
6. Dan Wallace
7. Martin Bennett, Des Moines
8. Denny Grabenbauer, Marshalltown
9. Leonard Woodard
10.Jim Anderson


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Arvid Borchers
Heat #2 – Dave Jones
Semi-main – Larry Opperman
Feature –
1. Earl Pruitt
2. Arvid Borchers
3. Darrell DeFrance
4. Dave Jones
5. Del McDowell
6. Larry DeFrance
7. Larry Opperman
8. Kevin Dennis, Des Moines

1969 – Stokke Captures Algona Season Opener

 

Del Stokke takes a victory lap after winning the season opener at Algona. 

By Sharon Hiscocks

Algona, Iowa (May 23, 1969) – Del Stokke of Ames won the A-main at Algona’s super stock season opener on Friday night.

The feature was a real heartbreaker for Don “Shiny” Hilbert of Algona as he had led throughout only to drop out on the last lap of the race with mechanical problems.

Gene Schattschneider of Algona, the defending track champion, was also forced out of the race with mechanical issues.

Darreld Bunkofske of Algona finished second to Stokke in the feature with Roy Jo Peltz of Humboldt taking third and Jon Hiscocks of Britt in fourth.

Larry Magee of Mason City won the B-main after Orie Shipley of Wesley, who led early on, had to pull out with car trouble. Steve Brody of Nevada was second followed by LaVern Lindgren of Ogden.

Don Hiscocks of Britt, brother of Jon, won the trophy and the honor of the first to win the newly established handicap race. Dennis Hovinga of Laurens, a newcomer to the Algona track, finished second.

The third heat was one of the most exciting races of the night. Before the green flag came out, Ron Schwartz of Boone and Dick Simpson of Irvington tangled and were scratched for the night.

Darreld Bunkofske of Algona took the lead with Schattschneider right on his tail. It was nip and tuck the entire way and on the white flag lap, “Schatzy” made his move and powered by Bunkofske coming out of the final set of turns to grab the win.

Butch Householder of Algona came from the rear of the pack to take the win in the second heat when early leader John Nesbitt of Laverne slid off of turn one. Householder took the win over Jon Hiscocks and Paul Messerly of Fort Dodge.

The trophy dash was another crowd pleaser that saw Shiny Hilbert take the win after a hard-fought battle with Schattschneider.


Results –


1. Del Stokke, Ames
2. Darreld Bunkofske, Algona
3. Roy Jo Peltz, Humboldt
4. Jon Hiscocks, Britt
5. Buggy Vincent, Nevada
6. Butch Householder, Algona

1984 – Al Sweeney Dead at 78

 

Al Sweeney (right) turns over the presidency of National Speedways to Gene Van Winkle of Lincoln, Neb. Starting in 1935, Sweeney promoted IMCA races throughout the Midwest and started the successful “Hawkeye Futurity” for sprint cars and the “Iowa 300” for the stock car division.

Tampa, Fla. (May 21, 1984) – Al Sweeney, 78, nationally-known as one of the top auto racing promoters from 1935 until the early 1970’s, died Monday of an apparent heart attack in Tampa.

Apparently, Sweeney was traveling from his home to a Tampa hospital when stricken. He was involved in a minor traffic accident, but he died before he could be taken to the hospital. Sweeney’s wife, Brunch, is hospitalized after suffering a stroke and he was on his way to visit her.

Sweeney resigned as president of National Speedways in 1972. He stayed on in an advisory role until he got out of auto racing altogether in 1976.

Sweeney was originally from Ottawa, Canada, but resided in Chicago for 50 years until moving to Tampa in 1959. Sweeney’s career began in the 1930’s as a boxing promoter but he soon followed in the footsteps of legendary racing promoter J. Alex Sloan, “The Grandaddy of Dirt Track Racing.”

Sweeney promoted many IMCA races throughout the Midwest. In Iowa, he also started the highly successful “Hawkeye Futurity” for sprint cars and the “Iowa International (Iowa 300)” for stock cars, annual mid-summer events at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. At one time, during the height of National Speedway’s involvement in promoting IMCA events, Sweeney, and Van Winkle, working with two separate teams, presented 125 races in 17 states and four Canadian provinces.

In addition to his automobile racing endeavors, Sweeney was past president of the Showman’s League of America, an organization in which he remained active until his death.

1956 - Burdick Tops Field in Cornbelt 200

 

All-Iowa Fair secretary Andy Hanson presents the Cornbelt trophy to Bob Burdick after he won the 200-lap feature at Hawkeye Downs. In the middle is promoter Frank Winkley. – Les Burianek Photo

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (May 20, 1956) – Bud Burdick, driving the last 20 laps with a bent wheel, captured the Corn Belt trophy and cash at Hawkeye Downs in the season’s first 200-lap late model stock car test.

A crowd estimated at 9,500 saw Burdick take the lead on the 130th lap, when Darrell Dake of Cedar Rapids was forced into the pits, then rolled his Chevrolet to the final 70 laps to victory.

Dake, who led the from the 61st to the 130th lap, was one of the hard luck drivers in Sunday’s field. He rallied late and drew within 50 yards of Burdick in the closing laps, only to have his car forced into the pits again and wound up fourth in the final standings.

Defending International Motor Contest Association stock car champion Don White of Keokuk had his share of troubles. He grabbed the lead briefly in the early laps but was then forced to the sidelines when his fan broke through his radiator.

John Beauchamp of Harlan had the best qualifying time with a clocking of 29.99 seconds, but he lost the lead early to Sonny Morgan of Beaumont, Tex. Both had their share of car troubles, with Morgan finishing second and Beauchamp credited with fifth. Bob Burdick, brother of the winner, started last and finished an impressive third.

Beauchamp led the first two laps, then lost it to Morgan. Morgan the led the parade until lap 7 when White grabbed it briefly. Morgan took it back when White went to the sidelines. Dake and Morgan then dueled for the top spot until lap 61, when Morgan got jammed up in the first turn.

He plowed into a fence, losing the lead to Dake. He came out of the mishap with a 15-foot plank protruding from under his left front fender, and it took several crewmen to remove the board and get Morgan back on the track.

Dake then led the way until he pitted on the 130th lap and Burdick took over for good.


Results –


1. Bud Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
2. Sonny Morgan, Beaumont, Tex.
3. Bob Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
4. Darrell Dake, Cedar Rapids
5. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan
6. Roxy Dancy, Shreveport, La.
7. Tubby Harrison, Topeka, Kan.
8. Frank Richards, Marion
9. Lee McClunk, What Cheer
10.Les Dykes, Davenport
11.Ted Zieman, Mason City
12.Doc Narber, Cedar Rapids
13.Bob Chauncy, Mason City
14.Burton Ramsey
15.Glen Strellner, Cedar Rapids

1967 - Droste Continues Mastery; Takes Monticello Opener

 

By Carol Krafka

Monticello, Iowa (May 19, 1967) – Airview Speedway began its season Friday night with Red Droste of Waterloo picking up the feature win and completing a clean sweep for the evening.

Droste won the first heat, A-semi, and the 20-lap feature. He was a quarter of a lap ahead in both the A-semi and feature when the checkers dropped. He easily outdistanced the field with Tom Hughes of Monticello and Cal Swanson of Reinbeck having the real duel as they fought for second place money.

Swanson picked up two checkered flags for the evening, winning the second heat and the B-semi.

Ed Sanger of Waterloo, driving his new blue GTO, won the third heat, finished second in the B-semi, and was fourth in the feature.

The novice feature was won by Fred Potter over Bob Lenstra and John Martin.


Results –


Heat #1 – Red Droste, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Cal Swanson, Reinbeck
Heat #3 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo
A-semi – Red Droste
B-semi – Cal Swanson
Feature –
1. Red Droste
2. Tom Hughes, Monticello
3. Cal Swanson
4. Ed Sanger
5. Larry Curley, Oxford Junction
6. Bob Hartman, Cedar Rapids
7. Curt Hansen, Dike
8. Dick Nesteby, Dubuque

1986 - Schedule Change Pays Off for Ziegler

 

John Ziegler won the Budweiser Spring Classic at Wisconsin International Raceway. Joining Ziegler in victory lane are Debbie Ashauer and Busch Beer representative Roger Brink. – Al Graf Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 18, 1986) – John Ziegler avoided a wild wreck on the25th circuit and went on to win the Budweiser Spring Classic 50-lap late model feature Sunday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway before a crowd of 4,614.

Ironically, Ziegler wasn’t scheduled to compete in Kaukauna.

“We were thinking about going to the ASA show in Kalamazoo (Mich.) but with all of the rain they were getting, we decided to come here instead,” he said.

It was the first win for Ziegler at WIR since 1981 Thursday night checkered flag and his first special event victory since 1975 when he won the overall title in the Red, White, and Blue State Championship Series.

Ziegler started off the afternoon by leading the 48-car field with a 20.134-second clocking in time trials.

Doug Herbst came off the front row to lead the opening round in the main event. Steve Arndt took over on the second lap and led until Tom Reffner pulled up on Arndt’s bumper and then wedged inside for the lead on lap 16. Bob Iverson shot past Arndt on lap 23 to take second.

The caution flew on lap 25 when Scott Hansen and Ziegler bumped while dicing for fifth position. Hansen’s car got sideways, and Terry Baldry went flying over the top of Hansen’s mount in the fourth turn. Baldry’s car turned on its side in mid-air and nearly flipped over.

Reffner’s seven-car-length lead was erased by the restart, and Iverson used the outer groove to take the lead from Reffner on lap 27.

Meanwhile, Ziegler continued his drive to the front. He went around Arndt for fourth position on lap 26 and passed Jim Weber for third on the 28th round. He motored past Reffner on lap 29 to move up to the runner-up spot.

Ziegler quickly closed up on Iverson and grabbed the lead on lap 32 along the front stretch. The veteran Madison driver opened up an eight-car-length margin over the final 18 circuits.

“You can never get too far ahead,” Ziegler commented. “I wasn’t really pushing hard.”

Iverson settled for second followed by Reffner, Jim Back, and Dave Watson.


Results –


1. John Ziegler, Madison
2. Bob Iverson, Escanaba, Mich.
3. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
4. Jim Back, Vesper
5. Dave Watson, Milton
6. Terry Baldry, Omro
7. Steve Arndt, Edgerton
8. Bill Oas, St. Paul, Minn.
9. Tom Musgrave, Half Day, Ill.
10.Perry Redeker, Wausau

1970 - 4,000 Watch Kosiski Win Sunset Opener

 

Bob Kosiski 

By Mark Woods

Omaha, Neb. (May 17, 1970) – Bob Kosiski of Omaha, starting from far back in the field, won the stock car feature Sunday evening at Sunset Speedway before a season opening crowd of 4,000.

The 36-year-old king of late model racing brought his 1969 Chevelle from its 15th starting position in the field of 16 to roar into the lead on the 17th circuit on the newly remodeled half-mile dirt oval.

Kosiski came on strong midway through the chase to take the lead from Rex Baller of Oakland, Iowa, and Don Christensen of Harlan, Iowa.

Jim Wyman of Fremont, driving a 1968 Ford Torino, was the sole survivor of a nose-to-tail battle among three cars (Christensen, Bud Burdick, and John Beamon) for second place.

As Kosiski zoomed to the checkered flag, most of the crowd gave their hero a deafening cheer. He collected $500 for the victory and 500 points to become the current point leader. Kosiski also won at Whitehead Speedway on Saturday night in Nebraska City.

Phil Reeves of Omaha finished in front of Darwin turner of Omaha in the B-main.

Going down to the wire, Wyman won the 6-lap trophy dash over Kosiski by a half-a-car-length. Heat winners were Wyman, Kosiski, and Neil Holling of Omaha.

Twenty-nine cars showed with many other drivers still working on their cars.

Bill Wrich of Kennard, the 1969 season champion, will have his ’69 Chevelle ready for Memorial Day Weekend. Dick Brosseau will have his ’69 Dodge Charger ready next Sunday night.

As for the new track improvements, everyone was impressed with the emphasis on safety.

“It’s almost like daylight,” Kosiski said, referring to the new lighting system installed.


Results –


Heat #1 – Jim Wyman, Fremont
Heat #2 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha
Heat #3 – Neil Holling, Omaha
Trophy dash – Jim Wyman
Speed dash – Rex Baller, Oakland, Iowa
B-main – Phil Reeves, Omaha
Feature –
1. Bob Kosiski
2. Jim Wyman
3. Don Christensen, Harlan, Iowa
4. Bud Burdick, Omaha
5. John Beaman, Omaha
6. Rex Baller
7. Paul Zdan, Omaha
8. Jack Golder, Hooper
9. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
10.Neil Holling

1979 – Hoffman, Stewart Win Oskaloosa Season Opener

 

Tony Stewart won the sportsman feature during the season opener at Southern Iowa Speedway. Congratulating Stewart on the win is Paul Van Zee and flagman Joe Ranse.

By Ida Mae Van Genderen

Oskaloosa, Iowa (May 16, 1979) – Don Hoffman and Tony Stewart captured season opening features Wednesday night at Southern Iowa Speedway.

Hoffman, of Des Moines, fresh from feature wins in Omaha and Kansas City last weekend, overtook early leader Ken Walton of Cedar Rapids and rushed on to victory. There was about six seconds separating the two drivers at the checkers. Picking up third and fourth were Joe Merryfield of Des Moines and Dick Schiltz of Waterloo.

Heat wins went to Ed Sanger of Waterloo, Walton, and Merryfield. Hoffman won the Australian Pursuit and Steve Keppler of Marion was the consolation winner.

Stewart, of Washington, led the full distance in the sportsman feature. Stewart, fresh from a feature win at Eldon last Saturday, also won his heat race.

Chasing the winner were Ron Pallister of Wapello, Jim Anderson of Des Moines, and Steve Shannon of Norwalk.

Making his first appearance there, Bruce Hanford of Davenport won the sportsman consolation.


Results -


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Ed Sanger, Waterloo
Heat #2 – Ken Walton, Cedar Rapids
Heat #3 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Australian Pursuit – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Consolation – Steve Keppler, Marion
Feature –
1. Don Hoffman
2. Ken Walton
3. Joe Merryfield
4. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
5. Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
6. Curt Hansen, Dike
7. Steve Keppler
8. Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids
9. Bill Rice, Des Moines
10.Ed Sanger


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Tony Stewart, Washington
Heat #2 - Ron Pallister, Wapello
Consolation – Bruce Hanford, Davenport
Feature –
1. Tony Stewart
2. Ron Pallister
3. Jim Anderson, Des Moines
4. Steve Shannon, Norwalk
5. Wendell Folkerts, Albia
6. Paul Carr, Ottumwa

1988 – Kraft Tops I-44 USAC Stox

 

Lebanon, Mo. (May 14, 1988) – Willy Kraft notched his third straight USAC late model feature win as he topped the 40-lap main event Saturday night at I-44 Speedway.

Kraft gained the lead on the initial lap, but Delbert Smith took over the second time around. Smith’s lead would be short-lived, however, as Kraft took over for good on lap 5.

Kraft outdistanced Ray Godsey and Smith to take the checkered flag. Ray Guss Jr. and Billy Moyer Jr. rounded out the top-five finishers.


Results –


Time Trials – Ken Essary (17.056)
Heat #1 – Ken Essary
Heat #2 -Billy Moyer Jr.
Heat #3 – Willy Kraft
Heat #4 – Johnny Stokes
Last Chance – Delbert Smith
Feature –
1. Willy Kraft
2. Ray Godsey
3. Delbert Smith
4. Ray Guss Jr.
5. Billy Moyer Jr.
6. Larry Phillips
7. Johnny Stokes
8. T.J. Pauschert
9. Terry Phillips
10.Ken Essary

1978 - Double Features to Hovinga

 

Promoter Don Cryder holds the checkered flag for Denny Hovinga after the Pocahontas driver won both late model features at the Hamilton County Speedway. - Margaret Gardner Photo

By Donna Post

Webster City, Iowa (May 13, 1978) – After being rained out the week before, Denny Hovinga of Pocahontas captured both late model features Saturday night at the Hamilton County Speedway.

Hovinga started on the outside of the second row during the first 20-lap feature and grabbed the lead from Roger Klingfus of Waterloo on lap 7 and held it to the finish.

In the second feature, Hovinga started on the pole and stayed there for the entire 25 laps. He found the groove on the track right away and did a superb job of staying there. He was threatened numerous times by Bob Hill of Randall, who finished second in both features.

Bob Shryock of Estherville, who was a consistent winner here last year, ran right up there with the leaders in the second feature only to suffer a flat tire. He changed the tire and moved back up into a contending position but lost a wheel and was done for the night.

There were two sportsman features as well. Wayne Larson of Ames won the first feature while Al Urhammer of Radcliffe took the win in the second feature.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Denny Hovinga, Pocahontas
Heat #2 – Bob Hill, Randall
Heat #3 – Bob Shryock, Estherville
Trophy dash – Bob Shryock
Semi-main – Darrell Sells, Waverly
Feature #1 –
1. Denny Hovinga
2. Bob Hill, Randall
3. Roger Klingfus, Waterloo

Feature #2 –

1. Denny Hovinga
2. Bob Hill
3. Ted Zieman, Mason City


Sportsman –

Heat #1 – Al Urhammer, Radcliffe
Heat #2 – Wayne Larson, Ames
Trophy dash – Steve Coe, Ames
Semi-main – Bill Pruisman, Webster City
Feature #1 –
1. Wayne Larson
2. Mike Carlberg, Iowa Falls
3. Al Urhammer

Feature #2 –

1. Al Urhammer
2. Mike Carlberg
3. Howard Claude, Woolstock

1973 – Cale Yarborough Wins Music City 420

 

Music City 420 winner Cale Yarborough is interviewed by local sports anchor Paul Eells in victory lane. 

Nashville, Tenn. (May 12, 1973) – Steady Cale Yarborough lead nearly all the way in winning NASCAR’s Music City 420 for Grand National drivers Saturday night at Nashville’s Fairgrounds Speedway.

Yarborough, from Timmonsville, S.C., started on the pole and led all but one or two laps in his red and white Chevelle. The victory earned Yarborough $5,255 and 125 championship points.

The only other leader was Cecil Gordon, who assumed the lead briefly a third of the way through the race when Yarborough and Richard Petty, running second at the time, pitted simultaneously for gas and tires.

Gordon finished fourth and Petty, who went out on lap 400 when “something burned out up front,” finished 12th.

Benny Parsons, who needed to complete only the first lap to assure himself of the point title in the first leg of the Winston Cup Series, earned $10,000 for his first lap. He finished the race in second place driving a Chevrolet.

Buddy Baker survived a lost tire on lap 106 and charged back to place third.

Petty, who had won at Fairgrounds Speedways’ 5/8-mile track seven times previously, ran second much of the race after starting seventh.

Bobby Allison, who with Petty was one of the pre-race favorites, was in the pits often and spun out on lap 221. He would finish fifth.

Twenty-eight starters would divide the $43,000 purse. Eighteen cars were still on the track when Yarborough took the checkered.


Results –

1. Cale Yarborough
2. Benny Parson
3. Buddy Baker
4. Cecil Gordon
5. Bobby Allison
6. Coo Coo Marlin
7. Bobby Isaac
8. David Sisco
9. J.D. McDuffie
10.Vic Parsons
11.Dave Marcis
12.James Hylton
13.Richard Petty
14.Buddy Arrington
15.Dean Dalton
16.Rick Newsom
17.Elmo Langley
18.Jabe Thomas
19.Robert Brown
20.Frank Warren
21.Charlie Roberts
22.Walter Ballard
23.Richard Childress
24.Darrell Waltrip
25.Henley Grey
26.Alton Jones
27.Ed Negre
28.Bobby Poole

1968 - Lane Nips Niffenegger For Win at Burlington

Bob Lane, driving his famous “Schiltz Wagon” takes a victory lap after winning the semi-super modified feature at 34 Race Ways Park. – Roger Meier Photo

Burlington, Iowa (May 11, 1968) – Bob Lane, seeking revenge from having his track record broken earlier in the evening, edged Mike Niffenegger of Kalona to cop the semi-super modified feature at 34 Race Ways Park on Saturday night.

Despite leading start to finish, Lane never had the feature event cinched, with the “Flying Dutchman” nipping at the heels the entire way.

“I could feel him right behind me,” said the popular Lane, “all I could do was hold on.”

Niffenegger started the program by breaking the track record on the 3/8-mile dirt oval. Niffenegger, whose car has been troubled the past few weeks with drive line issues, putting his semi-super on the lightning-fast track and touring the course in 17.48 seconds. That surpassed the old mark of 17.57 seconds set by Lane in June of 1967.

Niffenegger went on to win his heat race, starting at the rear of the pack, moving to third by lap 5, then getting by Gene Williamson and Jim Ball to grab the victory. Lane easily won the second heat with Bob Ensminger winning the match race. Allen Tee won the consolation.

George Fielty scored his second straight feature win in the cadet division. Wayne Hummer, last year’s cadet champion, set the pace in the early going with Larry Reighard and Fielty in tow. Hummer would collide with Gary Miller on the backstretch of lap 8, losing a wheel and eliminating himself from competition.

Reighard would inherit the top spot but unfortunately, would only hold on to that spot for one lap when he spun off of turn four, giving Fielty the lead. Fielty expertly guided his car through lap traffic for the remainder of the race to earn a hard-fought win.


Results –


Semi-Super –

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

Cadet –

1. George Fielty
2. Bill Carder
3. Ken Reighard
4. Ralph Parish
5. Ed Haaman

1970 – World IMCA Marks Fall at Tri-County Speedway

Jerry Blundy

West Chester, Ohio (May 10, 1970) - Jerry Blundy came out on top after a fantastic dual with Dick Sutcliffe in the 40-lap International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car feature on a world record breaking Sunday night at Tri-County Speedway. Sutcliffe managed second place, and J.D. Leas ran a close third.

Blundy continues to lead the IMCA point standings.

The superfast half-mile banked dirt track saw IMCA records broken four times. Only a yellow flag in the feature allowed Jim McWhithey's 16-year-old 20-mile mark to remain on the books as new records were established for six laps, 12 laps and 10 laps twice.

Dick Sutcliffe grabbed the early lead from the outside front row slot in the inverted-six starting field. By the third lap, fast qualifier Blundy had maneuvered into second and set his sights on the catbird seat.

For the next 30 laps it was Sutcliffe and Blundy side to side and nose to tail with Leas running a few car lengths back in third. Blundy pulled even on the 13th lap, ran next to Sutcliffe through 18 and 19 and zoomed low to the edge into a slim lead in the third turn of the 25th circuit. But each time Sutcliffe repulsed the charge.

Hopes for a 40-lap mark were dashed when Mark Caldwell brushed the back chute wall and tore off a wheel, calling out the yellow flag. When the green flag reappeared, Blundy and Sutcliffe resumed her battle. Blundy deathblow through the third turn on the 33rd lap, then took command down the back chute of the 34th.

The outcome was decided one lap later when Sutcliffe nearly spun trying to recapture the lead and fell several car lengths off the pace. Leas almost pulled by him, but Sutcliffe straightened out in time to rescue the runner-up spot.

Don Hewitt slipped by Rick Ferkel on the 34th lap to gain fourth with Ferkel fifth.

Caldwell won the first heat with the next to producing world records. Eddie Leavitt snapped his own IMCA 10-lap mark for a semi-banked half-mile dirt track with a time of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Leavitt's record lasted only until the third heat when Dick Gaines lowered it by almost two seconds at 3 minutes and 28 seconds.

Another record fell in a six-lap match race as Sutcliffe covered the distance in 2 minutes and 4 seconds, which was almost 15 seconds faster than the mark set by Red Amick in 1963.

And a final mark fell in the 12-lap semi as Fred Linder went the distance in 4 minutes and 11 seconds as compared to the former record of 4 minutes and 48 seconds which was set by Jerry Richert 10 years ago.


Results –


1. Jerry Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
2. Dick Sutcliffe, Kansas City
3. J.D. Leas, Winterville, Ohio
4. Don Hewitt, Troy
5. Rick Ferkel, Shillington, Penn.
6. Jay Woodside, Kansas City
7. Chuck Lynch, Springfield, Ill.
8. George Arbor, Huntington, W.Va.
9. Junior Smalley, Waverly
10.Sheldon Kinser, Bloomington, Ind.

1982 -Green Wins Stoneking Memorial

Tim Green won the fourth annual Dick Stoneking Memorial sprint car race at 34 Raceway. Green (center) is joined by promoter Larry Kemp (far left) trophy girl Leslye Krieger, and Duane Stoneking, father of the late Dick Stoneking. – Dennis Krieger Imagery

Burlington, Iowa (May 9, 1982) – Native Californian Tim Green, driving the Bob Trostle sprinter out of Des Moines, flew to victory in the 20-lap main event during the fourth annual Dick Stoneking Memorial on Sunday at 34 Raceway.

The sprint car main started out on the wrong foot as Ned Fry of Burlington ran high coming out of turn four and hit the front straightaway wall hard, putting him out of action for the evening.

On the second restart, Green, starting inside of row two, dove to the inside and grabbed the lead in turn one. Tom Corbin of Carrollton, Mo., tucked himself behind Green and would follow him the remainder of the race.

Galen Martin of Fairfield, the trophy dash winner, finished third, defending champion Cliff Blundy of Galesburg, Ill., took fourth and Jim Hetrick of Gladstone, Ill., was scored in fifth.


Results –

Time trials – Tim Green, Carmichael, Calif.
Trophy dash – Galen Martin, Fairfield
Heat #1 – Mike Thomas, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Tom Corbin, Carrollton, Mo.
Feature –
1. Tim Green
2. Tom Corbin
3. Galen Martin
4. Cliff Blundy, Galesburg, Ill.
5. Jim Hetrick, Gladstone, Ill.
6. Bill Hetrick, Carmen, Ill.
7. Bobby Ensminger, Burlington
8. Mike Thomas
9. Larry Wilson, Industry, Ill.
10.Randy Plath, Burlington

1987 – Kinser Outruns Shuman in WoO Santa Fe Main

 

Steve Kinser displays the victory banner after winning the 30-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature at Santa Fe Speedway. – Al Graf Photo

Willow Springs, Ill. (May 8, 1987) – Steve Kinser shot past Ron Shuman in turn two of lap 27 and went on to claim the 30-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature Friday night at Santa Fe Speedway.

Craig Keel took the initial lead, but Shuman powered in front on round four. Shuman led until the first caution of the contest flew on lap 8 when Tony Armstrong and Bob Robel spun in turn three.

When the green returned, Mark Kinser and Andy Stapp collided in turn two forcing another delay. When the race resumed, Shuman retained the lead using the track’s high groove.

The two other cautions of the feature came when Armstrong spun in turn one on lap 21 and on lap 22 when Johnny Herrera and Robel tangled.

Steve Kinser closed in on the leader using the low side of the track for much of the feature. Kinser managed to nose ahead of Shuman at the start/finish line of lap 25 but Shuman was able to regain the lead in turn two of lap 26.

One lap later, Kinser managed to slide ahead of Shuman to regain the top spot for good. Once in front, Kinser shifted to the high groove to hold off Shuman for the victory.

The victory was Kinser’s ninth of the season and 177th of his career. Steve Butler, who was the fastest qualifier of the night, placed third followed by Brady Doty and Craig Keel.


Results –

1. Steve Kinser
2. Ron Shuman
3. Steve Butler
4. Brad Doty
5. Craig Keel
6. Keith Kauffman
7. Danny Smith
8. Dave Blaney
9. Jac Haudenschild
10.Tim Gee

1989 - Herbst Outruns Baldry, Wins WIR's Spring Classic

 

Doug Herbst is congratulated by Miss WIR, Debbie Ashauer, after winning the 100-lap late model feature that highlighted the annual Budweiser Spring Classic 100 at Wisconsin International Raceway. - Dan Lewis Photo

By Gary Vercauteren

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 7, 1989) – Doug Herbst, a 27-year-old charger from Wausau, scored the biggest win of his short racing career with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the Budweiser Spring Classic 100-lap late model stock car race Sunday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway.

With 4,048 watching the action, Herbst had a hood pin break at the start of the race, and he dropped to the rear of the 20-car starting field with a portion of his fiberglass hood flapping in the breeze. A caution on lap 9 allowed Herbst to duck into the pit area where his crew was quick to make repairs.

At that point, Herbst had no idea he would end up in victory lane with his first-ever special event win at the track and take home the $2,000 first-prize.

“The hood pin came out and I couldn’t see,” said an excited Herbst after the race which saw three lead changes in the final five circuits.

Al Laufer took the lead at the start, but he and second-running Dennis Lampman clipped one another coming off the fourth turn sending Laufer into a wild spin, necessitating a yellow flag. Laufer was sent to the rear of the pack for the restart as Lampman inherited the top spot with three-time WIR champion Terry Baldry on his rear bumper.

After another caution lap 16, Baldry raced outside of Lampman on the restart and four-time track champion Scott Hansen powered by Lampman into second position a lap later.

Baldry, Hansen, and J.J. Smith waged a three-way battle for the top spot until lap 46 when Herbst and Rich Somers tangled on the frontstretch, sending Somers whirling in a cloud of smoke.

Smith, the winner of the event last year, dropped out of the race while running in third on lap 70, when his right rear tire began rubbing on the body of his car after an encounter with a slower car.

Hansen, after trying for more than 50 laps, finally slipped around Baldry for the lead on lap 73. Herbst, meanwhile, had worked his way into third place and roared around Baldry for second on lap 89. Baldry, in a truly determined drive, fought back around Herbst for second on lap 93 with Hansen just three-car-lengths ahead.

Looking for his first special event win at the D-shaped Kaukauna oval, Hansen appeared to have things in hand only to have a carburetor cap on his engine loosen up, resulting in a flooded and sputtering motor. Hansen slowed dramatically and dropped down to the lower apron of the track on lap 95 as Baldry and Herbst raced past him.

Baldry had Herbst on his rear bumper until the 97th circuit when he drifted a little high going into the first turn and Herbst immediately jumped at the opportunity, putting the nose of his racer inside of Baldry’s. The two drivers raced side-by-side the final three laps with Herbst winning by less than a car-length.

Steve Holzhausen finished a distant third with Allen Check edging a hard-charging Laufer for fourth and Lampman coming home in sixth.

Hansen led the 53-car late model lineup in qualifying with a 19.713-second clocking.


Results –

1. Doug Herbst, Wausau
2. Terry Baldry, Omro
3. Teve Holzhausen, Bangor
4. Allen Check, Stevens Point
5. Al Laufer, Hartford
6. Dennis Lampman, Racine
7. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
8. Tod Kropf, Watertown
9. Lowell Bennett, Neenah
10.Scott Hansen, Green Bay
11.Kevin Servais, New Franken
12.Rich Somers, Stevens Point
13.J.J. Smith, Appleton
14.Kevin Cywinski, Mosinee
15.Pete Berken, Appleton

1956 - White Wins 100-Miler; Track Record Erased

 

Don White is presented his trophy by country and western star Johnny Horton after winning the Cotton Belt Stock Car Championship at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds.

Shreveport, La. (May 6, 1956) – Don White blistered the Louisiana State Fair’s half-mile track on Sunday afternoon to take the biggest share of the $2,500 purse and the second annual 100-mile Cotton Belt Stock Car Championship.

White encountered constant pressure. He clocked 31.01 seconds in time trials, but it was bettered by Sonny Morgan of Beaumont, Tex., driving a 1956 Chevrolet. Morgan set a new local track record by qualifying in 30.62 seconds and followed it up by taking second place in the first 50 miles of the Cotton Belt.

Morgan’s grip on the record was a short one for the mark and shattered four times during the first 100 laps. White shattered the record twice on laps of 30.18, and then 30.05 seconds. Two other record smashers were Johnny Beauchamp of Harlan, Iowa, whose 30 seconds flat on the 56th lap is the new accepted mark. Roxy Dancy of Shreveport churned out a 30.11 second lap on 86th go-round.

Beauchamp led the first 50 miles followed by Dancey, Lennie Funk of Otis, Kan., and Dick Jepson of Hoxie, Kan. White encountered trouble when he was briefly forced out of the first 50-miler with a broke axle on the 84th lap.

The second 50-miler was copped by White in the time of 52 minutes and 47 seconds to qualify for the Cotton Belt. Close on White’s heels were Morgan, Funk, Bill Burdick of Omaha, Neb., and Les McClune of What Cheer, Iowa.

Les Dykes of Davenport, Iowa, driver of a ’56 Pontiac, escaped injury in what was one of the most exciting mishaps of the race. Dyke’s car threw a wheel and almost flipped while he was driving on the straightaway in front of the grandstand. The accident occurred on the 48th lap.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Johnny Beauchamp, Harlan, Iowa
2. Roxy Dancey, Shreveport
3. Lennie Funk, Otis, Kan.
4. Dick Jepson, Hoxie, Kan.


Feature #2 –

1. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
2. Sonny Morgan, Beaumont, Tex.
3. Lennie Funk
4. Bill Burdick, Omaha, Neb.
5. Les McClune, What Cheer, Iowa
6. Newt Bartholomew, Carlisle, Iowa
7. Ralph Dyer, Shreveport
8. Johnny Beauchamp
9. Les Dykes, Davenport, Iowa
10.Roxy Dancey

1979 – Fitzpatrick Wins at Independence Opener

Tom Fitzpatrick receives congratulations from promoter Vern Weber after winning the late model season opener at Independence. – Earl Schwartz Photo

 

By Jayne Chapman

Independence, Iowa (May 5, 1979) – Gilbertville’s Tom Fitzpatrick had himself a night like he hasn’t seen in quite some time as Independence Speedway opened his 15th season of racing on Saturday.

Claiming the first checkered flag of 1979 in the late model first heat, Fitzpatrick then accelerated into the lead at the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap feature and held on with no trouble until the checkered flag.

Independence drivers Glen Martin and Gary Crawford finished second and third, respectively. Bill Zwanziger of Waterloo and Rick Wendling of Hazelton rounded out the top-five.

Due to an early season shortage of sportsman and roadrunner competitors, the two classes were combined and Duane White of Vinton, a sportsman driver, won both his heat and the feature. Gary Kaune of Waterloo, a regular roadrunner competitor, won the second heat and finished second in the feature.


Results –


Late Model –

Heat #1 – Tom Fitzpatrick, Gilbertville
Heat #2 – Bill Zwanziger, Waterloo
Heat #3 – Jim Burbridge, Delhi
Semi-main – Roger Bruggeman, Dubuque
Feature –
1. Tom Fitzpatrick
2. Glen Martin, Independence
3. Gary Crawford, Independence
4. Bill Zwanziger
5. Rick Wendling, Hazelton


Sportsman/Roadrunner –

Heat #1 – Duane White, Vinton
Heat #2 – Gary Kaune, Waterloo
Feature –
1. Duane White
2. Gary Kaune
3. Rodney Brandt, Hazelton
4. Jim Sands, Cedar Falls

1973 – Saldana Wins Wet Hulman Classic

 

Joe Saldana enjoys the spoils of victory after winning the Tony Hulman Classic at Terre Haute. - John Mahoney Photo

Terre Haute, Ind. (May 5, 1973) - Joe Saldana, overlooked by most observers before the start of the feature, won the third annual Tony Hulman Classic sprint car race, which was plagued by a clay surface made muddy by man, at the Action Track.

Saldana joined other former winners George Snider (1971) and Bruce Walkup (1972), in the now-world famous sprint car race.

For a while things looked dim for the day’s festivities as track conditions were far from good at race time. All available equipment was put on the track in an effort to dry it out after officials had saturated the surface with too much moisture.

Time played a key role in the program as the entire show was to be televised before a national audience via the American Broadcasting Company’s “Wide World of Sports”.

According to assistant track director Bill Hill, “ABC was able to capture the entire main event for its television audience as things shaped up, with the help of rescheduling, with three minutes to spare.”

ABC’s unit manager, Les Lessuk, went on to say…” both ABC and the Action Track learned a lesson here today.” The broadcasting company does plan to leave it’s towers and announcing booth up for next year’s race, according to Lessuk.

Originally the first heat race was to start at 3 p.m. and the second heat at 3:15 with an aero acrobatics show between the second and third heats. Track conditions were such, however, that 3 and 3:30 came and there was still no indication of the start of a race.

Following the air show, drivers met to determine what, if anything, they could do to get the show on the road as well as national television.

The drivers and USAC officials decided the best thing for everyone concerned was to run that feature first so it could be televised and then run the heats later. The agenda was a little out of the ordinary because usually a driver must place high in the heat events in order to qualify for the feature.

To solve this problem every driver (28 in all) was allowed to compete in the main event with only the top 20 receiving points and prize money.

Finally, with most of the problems as well as the track ironed out, the feature began much to the liking to the several thousand fans on hand. Saldana started on the outside of the first row and grabbed the lead from the start. Although he was never headed, it was a tough race for Saldana as he could be seen fighting his car through the turns of the half-mile dirt oval.

Of the 28 cars that started the race, only seven completed the 40 laps of the feature event. The big problem for most of the cars was the mud, which was kicked up in the radiators causing the engines to overheat.

Charlie Masters was the first to go with overheating problems as he failed to make one lap. Others leaving the race with the same problems were Bill Puterbaugh (8th lap), Billy Shuman (9th lap), Greg Weld (16th lap), Sheldon Kinser (22nd lap) and A.J. Foyt (25th lap).

Ralph Liquori left the race with a brake problem and Jerry Nemire went out with an oil line problem on the second and third laps, respectively.

Rollie Beale of Toledo, Ohio, made several charges at Saldana for the lead but had to settle for second place. Beale went the final five laps with smoke trailing from his engine but still managed to finish only two seconds off the pace.

Don Nordhorn of Wadesville, Ind., and defending Hulman Classic champion Bruce Walkup of St. Paul, Ind., finished third and fourth, well behind the leaders.


Results –


1. Joe Saldana
2. Rollie Beale
3. Don Nordhorn
4. Bruce Walkup
5. Sam Sessions
6. John Toth
7. Lee Kunzman
8. Tony Simon
9. Jerry Poland
10.Johnny Parsons Jr.
11.Fred Linder
12.Bob Kinser
13.Rich Leavell
14.Chuck Booth
15.Jim McElreath
16.Mel Cornett
17.Larry Dickson
18.Bill Cassella
19.Larry Cannon
20.Duane Carter Jr.

1979 – Bahr, Hoffman Win ‘Spring Bonanza’

 

Butch Bahr won the sprint car feature at the “Spring Bonanza” at Shelby County Speedway. 

By Bill Haglund

Harlan, Iowa (May 4-5, 1979) – After being rained out the previous weekend, the Spring Bonanza at Shelby County Speedway took place over Friday and Saturday. Butch Bahr of Grand Island, Neb., and Don Hoffman of Des Moines took home the winner’s share of the $8,500 total purse.

Bahr captured both the trophy dash and feature in sprint car competition on Friday night and took home a large chunk of the $3,500 purse.

“I was going to sleep in my van tonight, but I think I can afford a motel room now,” said a happy Bahr. “The track was nice and smooth. I was able to run the top or bottom.”

Bahr had already run seven or eight races prior to Friday night but hadn’t finished much better than 12th. “We’ve had problems, so we spent the week tearing the car apart and spent a bunch of time on it,” he explained. “We came here hoping the “bugs’ had been ironed out.”

The sparse crowd was treated to some exciting action as they witnessed Gene Brudigan coming out of the fourth turn with flames shooting from the motor, caused by a crankshaft breaking and “coming right down out of the bottom of the pan,” Brudigan, from Norfolk, Neb., said.

Fans also witnessed Don Weyrich, another Norfolk, Neb., driver, in a spectacular end-over-end flip. He removed himself from the car and calmly lit a cigarette. Weyrich returned to action and finished second in the third heat and second in the semi-main.

Don Hoffman won the late model portion of the “Spring Bonanza” at Shelby County Speedway. He’s joined by promoter John Beaman (left), trophy girl Lisa Leinen, and flagman Roger Fiscus. 

In the late model card on Saturday, Hoffman would pass Dan Rabbass of Bellevue, Neb., on the eighth lap and lead the rest of the way to pocket the top prize in the late model main event.

Rabbass grabbed the lead at the drop of the green but was no match for Hoffman, who collected $800 for his victory. Following Hoffman and Rabbass to the finish line were Joe Merryfield of Des Moines, Glen Robey and Jerry Wancewicz, both of Omaha, Neb.

Hoffman also won the trophy dash and the third heat, making him the night’s only triple winner.


Results –


Sprint Car –

Trophy dash – Butch Bahr, Grand Island, Neb.
Heat #1 – Roger Larson, Madison, S.D.
Heat #2 – Sonny Smyser, Lancaster, Mo.
Heat #3 – Lloyd Beckman, Lincoln, Neb.
Semi-main – Bob Williams, Independence, Mo.
Feature –
1. Butch Bahr
2. Tim Green, Columbus, Neb.
3. Sonny Smyser
4. Roger Larson
5. Jerry Potter, Grandview, Mo.
6. Victor Chudy, Plattsmouth, Neb.
7. Lloyd Beckman
8. Randy Droescher, Norfolk, Neb.
9. Jim Goettsche, Grand Island, Neb.
10.Lenard McCarl, Des Moines


Late Model –

Trophy dash – Don Hoffman, Des Moines
Heat #1 – Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
Heat #2 – Bill Martin, Council Bluffs
Heat #3 – Don Hoffman
Consolation – Bill Kirk, Salix
Feature –
1. Don Hoffman
2. Dan Rabbass, Bellevue, Neb.
3. Joe Merryfield
4. Glen Robey, Omaha, Neb.
5. Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha, Neb.
6. Bob Kosiski, Omaha, Neb.
7. Al Druesdow, Omaha, Neb.
8. Bill Martin
9. Bill Kirk
10.Duane Errett, Harlan
11.Paul Zdan, Omaha, Neb.
12.Bill Leithoff, Omaha, Neb.
13.Keith Mander, Omaha, Neb.
14.Corky Bailey
15.Rob Taylor, Fremont, Neb.