Friday, April 18
Wing, McCaul and Anderson Take Opening Night Honors at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway started the 2008 season in fine fashion. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague’s hard work is paying off. One hundred eighteen race-cars made their way to Rothbury to open the season. It was one of the largest opening night car counts in recent history. Combine that with a near capacity crowd and great weather and it made for a great start to the 2008 race season at Winston Speedway. Thirty-two Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Models battled on the night. The class of cars and drivers was outstanding. Just how good? 2007 Late Model Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr had to transfer to the “A” main by placing in the top spot of the “B” feature along with former track champion Rich Neiser. In the Late Model Main event race it was two drivers sporting the number 55 on the sides of their cars who battled for the win. Veteran Roger Wing and young gun Matt Pickard both did a great job to make their way to the front. Wing started racing before Pickard was born but don’t let his age fool you, Wing has not lost his edge. Starting in the eighth position Wing made his way to the point charging through the field. Wing's outside move of leader Mike Wilbern took place on lap five. As Wing paced the field for the next 15 laps Pickard was also on the move. With laps winding down Wing had to make his way through lap traffic. Because of this Pickard was able to close the gap. With two laps to go Pickard was within a car length and had fans on the edge of their seat. But when the checkered flag was waved, Wing was the driver who would celebrate in the Port City Racing Victory Lane. Pickard settled for second while Wilbern held onto third. Zack Ogler made his way from 12th to finish in the fourth position. Andy Sprague in his first race since moving up from the Modifieds completed the top five. In Heat race action Kevin Nelson, Tim Stott, Danny Knowles, and Pickard earned wins. Goentz was picked as the 2008 Late Model Glamour car award winner.
Wing, McCaul and Anderson Take Opening Night Honors at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway started the 2008 season in fine fashion. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague’s hard work is paying off. One hundred eighteen race-cars made their way to Rothbury to open the season. It was one of the largest opening night car counts in recent history. Combine that with a near capacity crowd and great weather and it made for a great start to the 2008 race season at Winston Speedway. Thirty-two Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Models battled on the night. The class of cars and drivers was outstanding. Just how good? 2007 Late Model Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr had to transfer to the “A” main by placing in the top spot of the “B” feature along with former track champion Rich Neiser. In the Late Model Main event race it was two drivers sporting the number 55 on the sides of their cars who battled for the win. Veteran Roger Wing and young gun Matt Pickard both did a great job to make their way to the front. Wing started racing before Pickard was born but don’t let his age fool you, Wing has not lost his edge. Starting in the eighth position Wing made his way to the point charging through the field. Wing's outside move of leader Mike Wilbern took place on lap five. As Wing paced the field for the next 15 laps Pickard was also on the move. With laps winding down Wing had to make his way through lap traffic. Because of this Pickard was able to close the gap. With two laps to go Pickard was within a car length and had fans on the edge of their seat. But when the checkered flag was waved, Wing was the driver who would celebrate in the Port City Racing Victory Lane. Pickard settled for second while Wilbern held onto third. Zack Ogler made his way from 12th to finish in the fourth position. Andy Sprague in his first race since moving up from the Modifieds completed the top five. In Heat race action Kevin Nelson, Tim Stott, Danny Knowles, and Pickard earned wins. Goentz was picked as the 2008 Late Model Glamour car award winner.
In the Modified division John McCaul let everyone know he is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2008. McCaul was the class of the 29 Modified who made their way to Winston. In the Modified Main event McCaul moved to first from his fourth place starting position on lap 3 and never looked back. Glamour car award winner Randy Whitten was the best of the rest finishing a strong second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by McCaul, Poland, and Whitten.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman Division fans were treated to a very popular win. Mike Anderson did not start racing till his early fifties. The last two years he has proven he is just not out there trying to recapture his youth, but to compete for the win every night. After winning his first Main Event in 2007 at the ripe age of 55 he has made a habit of getting his photo taken in victory lane. Anderson was able to avoid early race cautions while charging to the front from his fifth place starting position. The brother team of Rob and Ralph Sternberg did not make it easy on Anderson as they were glued to his bumper in the second and third positions. Bean Falbe’s charge from last resulted with a strong fourth place finish. Tim Tuttle was fifth. The Heat race was won by Rob Sternberg. The Glamour Car award winner was Chad Weinrick.
The Factory Stock Main season started more like a demolition derby. Four cautions in the first two laps had drivers scrambling for position and track officials trying to get the track cleared as quickly as possible. The race had to be shortened because of curfew. Tony Weinrick's early race moves resulted with him taking opening night honors. Scott Erickson chased him to take the runner-up position. Dave Hronek, Derek Passenier, and Mitch Smith rounded out the top five. Heat race winners included Weinrick, Erickson, Bill Delong and Joe Ferrier. The Glamour car award for best looking Factory Stock went to Frank Harris. The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division will have double features next Friday. Due to the 11:30pm curfew they will start off the April 25th program with their 12 lap main event. Heat races were won by Luke Near and Carl McCann. Glen Parker received the Glamour car award.
Friday April 25th all five classes will be back in action. Mark your calendars also for Friday May 2nd. The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model “Player Hater 50” will be the center of attention as the some of the best Late Model Drivers in the State and Midwest will be on hand to take their shot at the $2500 winners share. If tonight was any indication of what is to come, look for Winston Speedway as the place to be on Friday nights. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
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