Sunday, September 7, 2008
Fall Spectacular Concludes Winston Speedway's Season
Winston Speedway concluded their racing season on September5th and 6th with their annual “Fall Spectacular.” The event was sponsored by Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs. This annual event is turning out to be one of the best year end gathering of race fans and drivers from all over the state of Michigan. Owner’s Tom and Lois Sprague would like to thank the employees, drivers, crew members and fans for their support of Winston Speedway. The economy has been tough but the support of Winston Speedway has been great. The Sprague’s are looking forward to the 2009 season.
After running Heat races in the hot afternoon sun, drivers had to make big adjustments to run in the cool evening. The drivers who made the correct changes were the drivers who were able to make their way to the front. The track was dry and slick during the afternoon while the evening saw a track that was tacky and fast.
The 30 lap Late Model Feature event came down to 2007 Winston Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr and former IMCA Modified National champion Rick Stout. Sprague started on the front row and made his way to the point early. Youngster Kyle Borgman was the first to give Sprague a run for his money getting under Sprague only to see Sprague pull away coming out of turns two and four. By the half way mark Stout had charged his way to second from his eighth place starting position. With five laps to go fans could see that Stout was gaining on Sprague. Getting to him was one thing, passing him was going to be another. Stout made a valiant effort at the finish diamonding both ends of the track on the last lap. Stout was able to dive under Sprague coming out of both turns, but Sprague showed why he has the most wins at Winston in his Late Model. Sprague held his line, stayed in the throttle and picked up his 7th win and a check for $1200. Stout’s second place run was admirable as it was his first visit to Winston this season. Andy Sprague, Borgman, Jim Fairbanks and Tim Stott completed the top five. Heat races were won by Brian McQueen, Stout, and Mike Nichols. The top transfer spot from the Consolation feature was won by Kevin Juusola.
The entire season of Modified racing at Winston Speedway can be summed up in one name. “John McCaul” Only John Grega’s dominance in the Late Model division in the early 1990’s can compare to McCaul’s efforts this season. McCaul left no question of who is the top Modified driver in the State of Michigan. Starting from the fourth position McCaul made quick work of his competitors and left everyone else running for second. McCaul's win was his 27th of the season around the state of Michigan. Track Championships at Winston Speedway, Thunderbird Race Park and the UMP State title will be added to his resume. The National title is still within reach for McCaul. Jacob Poel was second edging Rich Robinson, Derek Poland, and Jeff Erickson. Heat race winners included Nate Bostrom, Mike Wilbern and Poel.The Sportsman division saw a non Winston Speedway regular take top honors.
Mick Latch has spent this summer trying to get a handle on his Modified. When he was asked to drive a Sportsman car at the “Fall Spectacular” he jumped at the chance. Latch is well known in West Michigan racing circles for his ability in a stock car. Latch and Rob Sternberg swapped the lead at the Flag stand two different times midway through the race. Ultimately Latch’s high groove turned out to be the place to be as he cruised to the win and earned $500 for his efforts. Mike Lynn used the same line as Latch to edge Sternberg for second. Troy Marcinaik and Chad Weinrick completed the top five. Heat races were won by Mike Epplett and Bean Falbe.
If Factory stock driver Bill May was a baseball player he would be a hall of famer. Running in only ten events this summer May was able to win five. May took only eight laps to get to the front and stay there. May’s pass of Tony Weinrick earned him “Top Gun Challenge” bonus money bumping his earnings for the night to over $500. Bill Delong did his best to get by May at the finish line only to come up short by a front fender. Mike Pickard, Mark Ransom and Weinrick completed the top five. Pickard, Weinrick and May were Heat Race winners. Loren Peterson won the top transfer spot out of the consolation feature.
If anything could ever make a driver mad it would be being turned around on the last lap while looking for the checkered flag. Winning Mini stock driver Luke Near must have the temperament of a saint as he never retaliated or spoke a harsh word in the pits. Near was spun out twice while leading by the same driver. The first time came early in the event and the last was on final lap. Both times Near was able to resume racing and get his top spot back. His nemesis had their scoring card pulled for their actions. Near ended up leading every lap of the 25 lap event and picked up his ninth win at Winston. Carl McCann was the best of the rest as he beat Mark Farber, Mike Horton, and April Spriggs to the line. Heat races were won by McCann and Randy Whitten.
Mark your calendars for Saturday December 6th. Winston Speedway will hold their 2008 Awards Banquet at the VFW on Apple Avenue in Muskegon. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
