Fairbanks, Wilbern and Weinrick take Top Honors at Winston Speedway

Friday, June 7
Fairbanks, Wilbern and Weinrick take Top Honors at Winston Speedway

Winston Speedway’s annual “Kids Night” was the center of attention for all the youngsters and race fans at the beginning of the June 8th race program. By the end of the night it was the two and three abreast racing along with the close finishes that was all the rave as they headed to the exits at the for their trip home. The give away of Bicycles to over 60 youngsters along with other gifts and prizes make this event one of the most enjoyable to the drivers, crews, and fans of Winston Speedway. There is nothing more special than to see a smile and hear the laughter of children.

In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model division Jim Fairbanks and Rob Taylor had the fans on their feet for most of the race. Each driver had the lead on three different occasions. Taylor found the low line to his liking while Fairbanks cruised the high line the entire event. They raced side by side for almost the entire race. When the white flag was waved it was anybody’s guess of who was going to be the winner. As they headed down the backstretch Fairbanks held the advantage going into turn three. Fairbanks tried to slam the door coming out of turn four to not allow Taylor to his inside. As they went by the Flagstand for the win Fairbanks advantage was less than a foot. It was a great run for both drivers as their finishes were their best at Winston this season. Fairbanks has become a recent regular at Winston and has found it to his liking. Two and three abreast racing along with success will do that to you. The race for third was one by Tom Sprague Jr followed by Rich Neiser and Kevin Nelson. The consolation feature transfer spots went to Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell. Kevin Juusola was credited with the win. Heat races were won by Andy Chester, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor. Matt Pickard won the Dash. CJ Heskett was the quick qualifier.

The Modified division feature turned into a four car shootout. Greg Smith grabbed the early lead from the outside pole before giving way to Mike Wilbern on lap three. By lap five Andy Sprague and John McCaul were in the mix. These four drivers were the class of the field but it was Wilbern’s night to shine. A restart after a caution with seven laps to go had Wilbern hitting all his marks, as he was able to slightly pull away and take the win. Andy Sprague powered his way to the runner up spot ahead of Smith and McCaul. Dan Dykman completed the top five. Heat races were won by Wilbern and Tim Tuttle. Sprague took Dash Race honors. John McCaul was the fastest Modified in Time Trials.

The Sternberg brothers winning streak was finally halted in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. Chad Weinrick looked like he was going to let victory slip through his hands. After leading the first eighteen laps Weinrick let Ralph Sternberg make his way inside of him down the frontstrech for the lead. Weinrick drove his Chevy hard into turn one and was able to diamond the corner coming out of turn two to regain the lead. A lead Weinrick did not relinquish as he picked up his second Feature win of the season and increased his points lead. Ralph Sternberg settled for second followed by Jamie Gilmore, Mike Anderson and Rob Sternberg. Gilmore and Kyle Borgman were the Heat Race winners. Rob Sternberg won the Dash event.

Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. In the Bomber division Jamie Lorenze and Tony Weinrick raced side by side on the last lap. Entering turn three Weinrick had to have a smile on his face as rode the high line and was able to use a lapped car as a pick to gain the lead entering turn three. The only problem was that same lapped car would slide in his high line groove in turn four. Lorenze did not let the opportunity slip away as he charged to the inside of both cars and took the win. When Weinrick was finally able to get by the lapper he came up a half a car length short to finish second. Seventeen-year-old Justin Gilmore finished a season best third followed by Tim Epplett and Robert Erickson. Epplett captured a Heat race. Weinrick swept his Heat race and Dash race events.

Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock driver Don Keech pulled off a perfect night. Keech won every event including the Feature, Heat Race and Dash event. In the feature Randy Larabee was second followed by John Foss, Adam Spencer and Jerry Meyering.

Some of the same youngsters who were eligible for winning a bike were also putting their foot to the floor in their Young Guns cars. Seth Moody won the charge of these 13 to 15 year old drivers in their Feature event. Andrew Bartozsek was second followed by CJ Rector, Eric Harrald and Glen Parker. Bartozsek was the Dash winner. Parker was the Heat race winner.

On Friday Night June 15th look for some the fastest laps of the season. The Michigan Traditional Sprints will be on hand to add to the excitement of five other racing divisions. The Late Models will have the night off. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For complete results and news visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com