Friday, August 1. 200
Sprague, McCaul, Weinrick, May and Near take wins at Winston Speedway
It was Fan Appreciation Night at Winston Speedway on Friday August 1st. Fans were treated to lowered ticket prices, free ticket giveaways and a driver autograph session on the front stretch at the beginning of the night. JD BYRIDER was the sponsor of the night’s activities. Once racing started the action was fast and furious. A packed house was treated to two and three abreast racing the entire night.
Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model driver Andy Sprague only took three laps to work his way to the front from his fifth place starting position in their main event. Up until six laps to go Sprague was on a Sunday cruise. Heavy lapped traffic and pressure from point’s leader Rich Neiser were the final two battles Sprague had to endure. Sprague did so with flying colors masterfully staying out front to pick up his first win of the season at Winston. Neiser was second followed by Matt Pickard, Kevin Juusola, and Bob Finlay. Heat Races were won by Neiser, John McDonald, and Sprague. The top transfer spot in the “B” Feature was garnered by Tim Stott.
In the Modified division it does not matter where John McCaul starts the main event. Fans are witnessing history every time he takes to the track. Never in Winston’s history has a driver been this dominant this far into the season. All eyes turn to McCaul when the feature starts. McCaul's ability to stay out of trouble and work his way to the front with his aggressive style makes him one of Winston’s top attractions. McCaul did it again tonight starting from the eleventh spot. McCaul made his last pass of the night with twelve laps to go getting to the inside of veteran Daryl Woodring. The win was McCaul’s eleventh win in twelve nights of racing at Winston. Strong runs by Woodring and Chad Wilson earned them the second and third spots. Mike Wilbern and Steve McClees completed the top ten. Heats were won by Derek Poland and Dan Dykman.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be one of the most competitive at Winston. Chad Weinrick made at statement tonight. Third in the standings at the beginning of the night Weinrick, had one of his best nights of the season. Starting third Weinrick found the bottom of the track to his liking and used that groove to pick up the win and keep him in the hunt for a track championship. The Sportsman “Hard Charger” of the night went to Mike Lynn. Starting dead last after problems in his Heat Race Lynn was able to nip Dan Wilson on the last lap to take the runner-up spot. Kody Weisner and Rob Sternberg rounded out the top five. Heat Race winners were Tim Tuttle and Ralph Sternberg.
A couple of longtime veteran racers showed the youngsters in the Factory Stocks how it is done. Scott Erickson and Bill May had the crowd on their feet as they swapped the lead back and forth in the final five laps. Erickson was trying to hold onto his pole starting position while May had to work his way to the front from his seventh place starting position. May did not waste time as he raced to second on lap four. After three decades of racing May has not lost his touch. With three laps to go May was able to clear Erickson on the back stretch and maintain the point. The win for May was his first of the season at Winston. Erickson’s runner-up spot after a ten year layoff from racing proved that he also has not missed a beat. Jerry Fairchild, Robby Sternberg and Bill Delong rounded out the top five. Bill Delong, Kendal Marlink, and Derek Passenier were Heat Race winners. The top transfer spot in the “B” feature was won by Justin Gilland.
Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock drivers had to cringe when they saw Luke Near placed on the front row after the inversion draw. Out front Near has been unstoppable. It was no different tonight as Near led every lap. CJ Rector was the best of the rest followed by Brandon Tramper, April Spriggs and Andrew Bartoszek. Heat race winners were Near and Mark Farber. The “Dash for Cash’ event was won by Farber.
The racing action continues next Friday August 8th with the Paul Vanderstelt Factory Stock Memorial race. Vanderstelt recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. The “Tire Man” as known to by many, Vanderstelt was well known around the West Michigan race scene for his willingness to help area racers with his tire business. All five divisions of racing will again be in action. If you have not made your way to Winston this summer, you are missing out. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
