Friday, May 30, 2007
Nelson Leads the Way at Winston Speedway
Winston Motor Speedway fans were treated to a trip down memory lane Friday June 1st. Veteran Late Model drivers Kevin Nelson and John Grega have battled each other on West Michigan racetracks since the early 80’s. It was dejavu for many fans as these two drivers found them selves at the front of the pack battling door to door for the win in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs 25 lap Late Model Feature.
In the early going of the Late Model feature it looked like Kevin Nelson Jr was going to lead every lap from his pole starting position. Nelson Jr was on cruise control until a drive train mechanical problem brought his car to a stop on the backstretch with eleven laps to go. The lead was handed over to Points Leader Tom Sprague Jr. who had raced his way to Nelson Jr’s bumper before his demise. John Grega was second for the restart followed by Kevin Nelson, Rob Taylor and Tom Dusen. With the high side groove the place to be Nelson was able to make his way around Grega for the second spot one lap later. With nine laps to go Nelson pulled even with Sprague Jr down the front stretch. As they entered turn one Nelson and Sprague battled for the high groove. Contact resulted in Nelson going over the embankment bringing out the caution. Sprague was subsequently put to the rear while Nelson was placed at the point. One lap later it was Tom Dusen losing grip and spinning off turn two from his third place in the running order. For the next nine laps and two more caution restarts long time West Michigan race fans could do nothing but grin. Nelson and Grega had been through this scenario many times over the last 25 years. Both of them showed they still can turn the wheel with the best of them. Nelson raced the high line with Grega to his inside. Grega could pull even to Nelson’s door going into turns one and three but Nelson pulled away coming out of turns two and four. When the checkered flag was waved Nelson was the winner. Grega was second followed by Rob Taylor and Matt Pickard. The fifth spot went to a man on a mission. After being placed in the rear of the field Sprague Jr charged from 20th to fifth in 10 laps to round out the top five. In Heat race action Roger Brooks, Scott Wenell, and Rob Taylor were winners. The Consolation feature saw Brooks and Latch transfer. Eddie Reyes was credited with the Consolation Feature win. Nelson took Dash event honors. Bob Finlay was the quick qualifier.
It took until lap eight for Fast Qualifier John McCaul to make his way to the lead in the Modified main event. Once McCaul was up front there was no stopping him. Not even a broken tie rod on the left front with one lap to go could slow McCaul. The win for McCaul was his second in as many weeks. Mike Wilbern earned the runner-up spot over Andy Sprague, Tim Tuttle, and Derek Poland. Fran Couch and Wilbern were the Heat race winners. Rich Neiser won the Dash event.
Sportsman driver Rob Sternberg continues to be the hottest driver at Winston Motor Speedway. Sternberg started up front in Port City Racing 20 lap Sportsman feature and stayed there. The win was Sternberg’s third of the season. The closet challenger was Kyle Borgman who edged Chad Weinrick for the runner-up position. Kurt Woodard was fourth. Jamie Gilmore was fifth. Sportsman heat race winners were Stan Dodds and Jared Guinn. Borgman took Dash event honors.
The Bomber division saw a hard charging Tony Weinrick come up a little bit short in his attempt to take the win from pole sitter Jamie Lorenz. The win for Lorenz was no fluke as he visited victory circle for the third time this season. While Weinrick was putting on a show for the fans moving through the field it was Lorenz who was hitting all of his marks and making no mistakes. Tim Epplett, Bill Delonge, and Derek Passeneir completed the top five. Epplett and Lorenze were Heat race winners. Robert Erickson won the Dash race.
Mini Stock driver Carl McCann returned after taking a week off and dominated the night’s events for the four-cylinder class. McCann swept all three events taking wins in the Feature, Heat, and Dash events. Don Keech was second in the main event followed by Jerry Meyering, Kurt Hulett and Nate Tarte.
The Young Gun drivers continue to get laps under their belt. This 12-15 year old class gets better each week. Seth Moody was the Feature winner followed by Andrew Bartoszek, Eric Harrald, CJ Rector, and Glen Parker. Bartoszek won the Heat Race. Harrald took Dash event honors.
June 8th will be the “Kids Night” at Winston Speedway. This annual event has become one of the most popular among fans. There is something very special about bringing a smile to a youngsters face. Six classes of racing will also entertain the fans. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
McCaul Claims “Integra Racing Shocks & Springs”
Friday, May 23
McCaul Claims “Integra Racing Shocks & Springs” Invitational Title
The Integra Racing Shocks & Springs UMP Modified Invitational highlighted a great night of racing on Friday, May 25th at Winston Speedway. A couple of former Michigan Modified track and state champions proved that they are still the drivers to beat in this open wheeled division on the 3/8ths clay oval of Winston. 2006 champion Mike Wilbern and 2005 champion John McCaul had the fans on their feet with their efforts to take home the $750 winners share from Integra. It was thirty laps of white knuckle racing as these two drivers put on a great show.
Modified driver Derek Poland earned the right to draw for the inversion after being the fastest in qualifying. Poland’s lap of 16.81 seconds also earned him a contingency award for a new set of racing springs from Integra. Poland’s inversion draw put Wilbern on the pole and himself on the outside of the front row. At the start it looked as Wilbern was going to run away from the field as he gained a ten-car advantage over Poland by lap four. A caution for a spinning car on lap five tightened the field. On the restart all eyes were drawn to John McCaul who had his car hooked up and flying on the outside groove. By lap eight McCaul had cleared Poland and was running side by side with Wilbern as they passed the flagstand. For the next three laps McCaul and Wilbern raced side by side. McCaul led for the first time on lap eleven by a foot. At the half way point McCaul started working his way through lapped traffic. With just three laps to go McCaul was running three abreast with lapped cars when a caution was waved for Andy Sprague spinning off the backstretch. Starting single file from the second position Mike Wilbern made great move on the restart getting under McCaul to take the apparent lead. Wilbern’s pass was nullified as Jeremy Holman and Steve McCleese tangled in turn three before a lap was completed. Wilbern had showed his hand and McCaul was not going to let it happen again. McCaul moved down from the high side groove and hugged the inside of the track for the last three laps to take the win. In Wilbern’s efforts to get by McCaul he jumped to the high side losing a spot to runner-up Rich Neiser who was waiting in the wings for McCaul or Wilbern to make a mistake. Greg Smith and Poland completed the top five. Dave Baker, Steve Hilliker, Tim Tuttle, Jeremy Holman and Eddie Reyes made up the rest of the top ten. Dan Dykman and Julie Taylor earned the transfer spot from the Consolation feature. Randy Whitten was credited with the Consolation Feature win. Heat Race winners were won by Taylor, Ricky Whipple, and Tuttle. The Dash event was won by Poland.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model Division Kevin Nelson Jr picked up his second feature win of the season. Starting in the third spot Nelson Jr made his way by pole sitter Jim Fairbanks on lap four and never looked back. By lap seven Nelson Jr was putting on a clinic of how to get through lapped traffic. Nelson Jr was able to put his car in the high and low grooves as he maneuvered his way through the 21-car field. Nelson’s final two laps were the toughest. Nelson could not breath a sigh of relief until the checkered flag was waved. Hard charging Points leader Tom Sprague made his way to his bumper and drove it as hard as he could on the last lap but came up three foot short to finish in second place. Fairbanks, Matt Pickard, and Kevin Nelson completed the top five. Heat Race honors went to Bob Findlay and Fairbanks. Nelson won the Time Trial and Dash Events.
The Sternberg brothers continue to share the winner’s circle in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. This week it was Rob Sternberg. Not only did Rob Sternberg win the Dash and Heat Race, he came from his eighth place starting position in the main event to take the win. Rob Sternberg win was hard earned as he and Chad Weinrick raced each other hard and clean lap after lap door to door before Rob Sternberg edged his way to the lead. The win was Rob Sternberg’s third main event win of the season. Weinrick held onto second over Ralph Sternberg, Kyle Borgman and Mike Anderson. Borgman was the other Heat race winner.
Port City Racing Factory Stock driver Tim Epplett has found victory lane to his liking. After picking up his first feature win in 31 years of racing last week Epplett retuned to victory circle this week. For most of the race Points leader Robert Erickson looked like he had things well under control pacing the field. It was not until the white flag lap that Erickson realized Epplett was to his outside and determined not to finish second. As they crossed the finish line Epplett held the advantage by less than two feet. Jamie Lorenze, Devin Vanderstelt, and Tony Weinrick made up the rest of the top five. Bill Delonge and Erickson garnered heat race wins. Weinrick too Dash event honors.
Nathon Walton made the best of his return visit in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Walton has taken his talents to the asphalt of Berlin recently but could not pass up the opportunity to drive the 2006 Track Championship car of Carl McCann. Walton showed his diversity as he led every lap taking the win in this four-cylinder division. Hard charger Mark Farber finished second followed by Don Keech, Adam Spencer, and Hullett. Farber won the Dash and Heat race events earlier in the evening.
Young Gun Driver Eric Harrald led the way in the main event and heat race leading every lap to take the wins. In the Main event Andrew Bartoszek was second followed by Seth Moody, Moorman and Glen Parker. Moody took Dash honors.
Next Friday night Winston Speedway returns with six classes of racing. The weather is getting hot and so is the racing action at Winston. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday, May 16, 2006
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Repeat main event winners headlined the racing action Friday May 18th at Winston Motor Speedway. The Late Model, Modified and Sportsman division all saw their first repeat winners of the season. The weather was great and so was the racing action.In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs late models Matt Pickard drove his #55 Late Model to his second win in the past three weeks. Pickard made his way from his sixth place starting position to the front by working the low groove of the track. Once Pickard made his way by then leader Kevin Nelson on lap eight he pulled away from the field. Tom Sprague Jr battled his way from eighth to finish in the runner-up spot. The battle for third was exciting as Dale Sheehy, Nelson, and Rich Neiser raced three abreast for the majority of the last three laps. Sheehy earned third position as he nipped Neiser and Nelson who completed the top five. Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell earned the transfer spots from the Consolation Feature while Bill McCormick was credited with the win. Wenell and Mick Latch won heat races. Sprague Jr swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
Modified Fast Qualifier Randy Whitten drew a two chip that put Andy Sprague on the pole for the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified feature. Sprague led every lap to take his second win of the season. It was not easy as John McCaul put on the pressure until lapped traffic came into play. With seven to go Sprague and McCaul were left guessing which way to get around a lapped car. Sprague guessed right and was able to pull away while McCaul was left bottlenecked and settling for second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Brandon Gunia and Rich Neiser. Sprague won the Dash.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be to the liking of the Sternberg family. This week it was Ralph Sternberg leading every lap to take the win over his brother Rob Sternberg. Ralph’s win backed up his brothers win last week and was his second of the season. Mike Welch claimed the third spot. Chad Weinrick held on to the fourth spot after contact with a spinning Stand Dodds and Kyle Borgman. Dodds was credited with the fourth spot while Borgman was placed as the last finisher on the lead lap. Jared Guinn won his first race of the season claiming a Heat Race win along with Weinrick. Ralph Sternberg won the Dash.
Jamie Lorenze garnered the win in the Port City Racing Bomber Division. Lorenze went from fifth to first in two laps and held off a hard charging Tony Weinrick. Devin Vanderstelt was third followed by Robert Erickson and Dave Sayas. Heats were won by Weinrick and Erickson. Lorenze also won the Dash event.
The return of Mark Farber to the Spragues Auto Parts Mini Stock class did not go unnoticed. Farber swept every event of the night for the four-cylinder class claiming the Dash, Heat and Main events. Don Keech chased Farber to a second place in the feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Jason Hullett.Young Gun Driver Seth Moody topped a four-car field picking up his second feature win of the season. Moody also won the Heat race. Glen Parker took the checkered flag in the Dash event.
Next week Integra Racing Shocks & Springs will be sponsoring a $750 to win UMP Modified Invitational to headline the night’s event. Combine this with five other classes of racing an Winston Speedway will be the place to be for all of your racing action. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Repeat main event winners headlined the racing action Friday May 18th at Winston Motor Speedway. The Late Model, Modified and Sportsman division all saw their first repeat winners of the season. The weather was great and so was the racing action.In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs late models Matt Pickard drove his #55 Late Model to his second win in the past three weeks. Pickard made his way from his sixth place starting position to the front by working the low groove of the track. Once Pickard made his way by then leader Kevin Nelson on lap eight he pulled away from the field. Tom Sprague Jr battled his way from eighth to finish in the runner-up spot. The battle for third was exciting as Dale Sheehy, Nelson, and Rich Neiser raced three abreast for the majority of the last three laps. Sheehy earned third position as he nipped Neiser and Nelson who completed the top five. Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell earned the transfer spots from the Consolation Feature while Bill McCormick was credited with the win. Wenell and Mick Latch won heat races. Sprague Jr swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
Modified Fast Qualifier Randy Whitten drew a two chip that put Andy Sprague on the pole for the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified feature. Sprague led every lap to take his second win of the season. It was not easy as John McCaul put on the pressure until lapped traffic came into play. With seven to go Sprague and McCaul were left guessing which way to get around a lapped car. Sprague guessed right and was able to pull away while McCaul was left bottlenecked and settling for second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Brandon Gunia and Rich Neiser. Sprague won the Dash.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be to the liking of the Sternberg family. This week it was Ralph Sternberg leading every lap to take the win over his brother Rob Sternberg. Ralph’s win backed up his brothers win last week and was his second of the season. Mike Welch claimed the third spot. Chad Weinrick held on to the fourth spot after contact with a spinning Stand Dodds and Kyle Borgman. Dodds was credited with the fourth spot while Borgman was placed as the last finisher on the lead lap. Jared Guinn won his first race of the season claiming a Heat Race win along with Weinrick. Ralph Sternberg won the Dash.
Jamie Lorenze garnered the win in the Port City Racing Bomber Division. Lorenze went from fifth to first in two laps and held off a hard charging Tony Weinrick. Devin Vanderstelt was third followed by Robert Erickson and Dave Sayas. Heats were won by Weinrick and Erickson. Lorenze also won the Dash event.
The return of Mark Farber to the Spragues Auto Parts Mini Stock class did not go unnoticed. Farber swept every event of the night for the four-cylinder class claiming the Dash, Heat and Main events. Don Keech chased Farber to a second place in the feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Jason Hullett.Young Gun Driver Seth Moody topped a four-car field picking up his second feature win of the season. Moody also won the Heat race. Glen Parker took the checkered flag in the Dash event.
Next week Integra Racing Shocks & Springs will be sponsoring a $750 to win UMP Modified Invitational to headline the night’s event. Combine this with five other classes of racing an Winston Speedway will be the place to be for all of your racing action. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Dusen “Wows” them at Winston Speedway
Friday, May 11
Dusen “Wows” them at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to the best Late Model race of the season and possibly the best race ever at Winston. The Late Model Main event saw a driver go from his sixteenth position starting spot to take lead and the win in the last 100 feet. There was not a fan in the stands that was not on their feet. The last three laps of this race were worth the price of admission.With the father/son tandem of Kevin Nelson and Kevin Nelson Jr on the front row for the start of the Late Model main event, not many fans gave anyone else a chance for the win. The Nelson’s have a lot of laps around Winston with a lot of success. At the start of the race they did not disappoint as they raced side-by-side swapping the lead 4 times in the first 12 laps. While the Nelson’s battled up front Matt Pickard and Elex Leyton were also in a heated battle for third. Leyton managed to get to the third spot on lap 10 and found himself in second after Nelson Jr slid off the top of the track in turn two. Nelson Jr would exit the track a lap later. Leyton continued his charge to the front taking the lead from Nelson with three to go. What Nelson and Leyton did not know was their toughest challenge of the night was yet to come. The fans that focused their attention on Tom Dusen saw one of the best efforts ever in a Late Model. After starting sixteenth Dusen skillfully worked the high side groove. With three laps to go you could have thrown a blanket over Leyton, Nelson and Dusen. With two laps to go Dusen edged his way by Nelson at the line. When the white flag waved for Leyton, little did he know when he was going to finish third. Dusen made his final move of the night coming off from turn two when he pulled even with Leyton. As they entered turn three Dusen made his final pass of the night. Dusen would lead one lap; the most important one. Nelson followed Dusen in tow and edged Leyton by a bumper. Dusen’s win was very rewarding. He spent the first three weeks of the season racing a car that he had passed down to his son because he blew a motor during test and tune. Tonight Dusen was very happy to be back in his own car, and boy did it show. Matt Pickard and Bob Finley rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by Roger Brooks, Dusen and Nelson Jr. The transfer spots in the “B” feature were earned by Dean Huizenga and Wagner. Ken Lynn would be credited with the “B” Main win. Nelson was the Quick Qualifier on the night in a time of 16.242 seconds.
The Modified division saw a rookie driver make his way to victory lane. It only took Greg Smith four weeks to show that he will be a force to be reckoned with in this open wheel division. Smith is a five-time track champion of the Sportsman division and is proving early that he belongs in the ultra tough modified class. Smith used his inside starting position in the second row to make early passes of Scott Presley and Derek Poland. From lap four until the checkered flag was waved Smith used the low line hitting all of his marks to lead the rest of the way. Rich Neiser charged his way to the second spot followed by Andy Sprague, John McCaul and Dan Dykman. Neiser and Dykman earned Heat race wins. John McCaul swept the Dash and Time Trial events.
The Sportsman division continues to be a brotherly affair. Rob and Ralph Sternberg were the stars of the night in this division. Early in the evening it was Ralph who shined winning the Dash and a Heat race. In the Sportsman main event Ralph led early but it was brother Rob who garnered top honors at the end of the night. With seven laps to go Rob Sternberg used a great restart after a caution to make his way by Jamie Gilmore and his brother to take the top spot. Once out front Rob Sternberg pulled away to take the win and even the score with his brother for feature wins. They both now have one. Gilmore also had a great race as he was able to edge Heat race winner Mike Welch and Ralph Sternberg for the second spot. Chad Weinrick completed the top five.
The Bomber division saw veteran driver Tim Epplett make his way to the front on lap four and never look back. Epplett’s win was by almost half the track after starting from the sixth position. Jamie Lorenze, Devin Vanderstelt, Robert Erickson, and Joe Ferrier rounded out the top five. Erickson won both the Dash and Heat race events.Luke Near earned his second feature win of the season in the Mini Stock division. Near drove his way to the lead on lap four of their twelve-lap event and never relinquished it. Carl McCann and Don Keech battled each other hard the whole race before McCann had the final say on the last lap. Nate Tarte and Aprill Spriggs completed the top five.
In the Young Gun Division Glen Parker swept the feature and heat race events. Seth Moody won the Dash.Friday May 18th Winston Speedway will return with six classes of exciting racing. Saturday May 19th Mudd Drags will entertain area fans and then on Sunday May 20th Mudd Boggs will make their way to Winston. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Dusen “Wows” them at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to the best Late Model race of the season and possibly the best race ever at Winston. The Late Model Main event saw a driver go from his sixteenth position starting spot to take lead and the win in the last 100 feet. There was not a fan in the stands that was not on their feet. The last three laps of this race were worth the price of admission.With the father/son tandem of Kevin Nelson and Kevin Nelson Jr on the front row for the start of the Late Model main event, not many fans gave anyone else a chance for the win. The Nelson’s have a lot of laps around Winston with a lot of success. At the start of the race they did not disappoint as they raced side-by-side swapping the lead 4 times in the first 12 laps. While the Nelson’s battled up front Matt Pickard and Elex Leyton were also in a heated battle for third. Leyton managed to get to the third spot on lap 10 and found himself in second after Nelson Jr slid off the top of the track in turn two. Nelson Jr would exit the track a lap later. Leyton continued his charge to the front taking the lead from Nelson with three to go. What Nelson and Leyton did not know was their toughest challenge of the night was yet to come. The fans that focused their attention on Tom Dusen saw one of the best efforts ever in a Late Model. After starting sixteenth Dusen skillfully worked the high side groove. With three laps to go you could have thrown a blanket over Leyton, Nelson and Dusen. With two laps to go Dusen edged his way by Nelson at the line. When the white flag waved for Leyton, little did he know when he was going to finish third. Dusen made his final move of the night coming off from turn two when he pulled even with Leyton. As they entered turn three Dusen made his final pass of the night. Dusen would lead one lap; the most important one. Nelson followed Dusen in tow and edged Leyton by a bumper. Dusen’s win was very rewarding. He spent the first three weeks of the season racing a car that he had passed down to his son because he blew a motor during test and tune. Tonight Dusen was very happy to be back in his own car, and boy did it show. Matt Pickard and Bob Finley rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by Roger Brooks, Dusen and Nelson Jr. The transfer spots in the “B” feature were earned by Dean Huizenga and Wagner. Ken Lynn would be credited with the “B” Main win. Nelson was the Quick Qualifier on the night in a time of 16.242 seconds.
The Modified division saw a rookie driver make his way to victory lane. It only took Greg Smith four weeks to show that he will be a force to be reckoned with in this open wheel division. Smith is a five-time track champion of the Sportsman division and is proving early that he belongs in the ultra tough modified class. Smith used his inside starting position in the second row to make early passes of Scott Presley and Derek Poland. From lap four until the checkered flag was waved Smith used the low line hitting all of his marks to lead the rest of the way. Rich Neiser charged his way to the second spot followed by Andy Sprague, John McCaul and Dan Dykman. Neiser and Dykman earned Heat race wins. John McCaul swept the Dash and Time Trial events.
The Sportsman division continues to be a brotherly affair. Rob and Ralph Sternberg were the stars of the night in this division. Early in the evening it was Ralph who shined winning the Dash and a Heat race. In the Sportsman main event Ralph led early but it was brother Rob who garnered top honors at the end of the night. With seven laps to go Rob Sternberg used a great restart after a caution to make his way by Jamie Gilmore and his brother to take the top spot. Once out front Rob Sternberg pulled away to take the win and even the score with his brother for feature wins. They both now have one. Gilmore also had a great race as he was able to edge Heat race winner Mike Welch and Ralph Sternberg for the second spot. Chad Weinrick completed the top five.
The Bomber division saw veteran driver Tim Epplett make his way to the front on lap four and never look back. Epplett’s win was by almost half the track after starting from the sixth position. Jamie Lorenze, Devin Vanderstelt, Robert Erickson, and Joe Ferrier rounded out the top five. Erickson won both the Dash and Heat race events.Luke Near earned his second feature win of the season in the Mini Stock division. Near drove his way to the lead on lap four of their twelve-lap event and never relinquished it. Carl McCann and Don Keech battled each other hard the whole race before McCann had the final say on the last lap. Nate Tarte and Aprill Spriggs completed the top five.
In the Young Gun Division Glen Parker swept the feature and heat race events. Seth Moody won the Dash.Friday May 18th Winston Speedway will return with six classes of exciting racing. Saturday May 19th Mudd Drags will entertain area fans and then on Sunday May 20th Mudd Boggs will make their way to Winston. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Matt Pickard Garners Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday, May 4
Matt Pickard Garners Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday May 4th Winston Speedway fans witnessed the coming of age by a Late Model driver who has been around the race scene since he was a toddler. The racing was great as much of the night saw two and three abreast battles all over the track. Fans were also treated to double features in the Bomber, Mini Stock and Young Gun division.
The Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model division started 20 cars for their 25 lap main event. Front row starter Rich Neiser was the early leader. Nesier’s reign up front was challenged many times in the early going by the father/son duo of Kevin Nelson Jr and Kevin Nelson Sr. Neiser used the high line of the racetrack while the Nelson’s altered between the high and low lines swapping positions with each other many times throughout the event. It appeared that one of these three drivers would win, but somebody forgot to tell Matt Pickard that he was not experienced enough to pass these three veterans of the Late Model Division. Pickard started in the eighth position and committed himself to the bottom of the track. Pickard's patience found himself on the bumper of all three with seven laps to go. Nelson Jr was the first to see the rear of Pickard's Bumper. By lap five Pickard had moved his way by 2006 Track Champion Nelson Sr. and the 2005 Track Champion Neiser to take the top spot. Pickard maintained his lead up front after a late race caution and picked up his first Feature win of the season. Neiser was able to hold off Nelson Sr and Nelson Jr for the second spot after racing through turns three and four three abreast on the last lap. Shawn Reed rounded out the top five. Mick Latch and Nelson Sr took Heat race wins. Tom Sprague Jr was the Fast Qualifier of the night.
Fans of Winston Speedway and Thunderbird Race Park have watched Matt Pickard grow up. Pickard has been around the West Michigan race scene doing everything from selling racing papers in the stands to crewing for his father Mike and being a tag along crew member with Matt Sprague’s racing team. From the first time he jumped in a Bomber car fans new that Matt was going to be a great driver, they just did not know how soon it was going to be. Matt Pickard proved tonight that he has the ability to challenge for the 2007 Track championship. It is ironic it will be at the same track he was this little boy who was always asking questions and the first one who wanted to grab a wrench whether he new what he was doing or not. Look for more feature wins from Pickard this season.
The UMP Integra Shocks & Springs Modified division saw the return to victory lane by 2006 Modified Track Champion Mike Wilbern. An impressive run was made by Ninth place starter Rich Neiser. Neiser made his way to the front running the low line. Neiser was even able to lead lap fourteen before coming up on a lapped car that slowed his pace and took away his opportunity to challenge for the win. Wilbern consistently hit his marks throughout the event even under the heated pressure of Neiser to make his way to victory lane. John McCaul, Greg Smith and Andy Sprague completed the top five. Heat races were won by Julie Taylor and Neiser. Steve McClees was the Quick Qualifier of the night.
The Port City Racing Sportsman Division had a first lap caution that saw a five car pile up in turn two before they got one lap in the record books. Pole sitter and last weeks winner Kyle Borgman was part of the melee that took out David Flannery and Stan Dodds. On the complete restart it was very apparent that Borgman’s car was not the same as outside front row starter Ralph Sternberg pulled away from the field and cars stacked up behind Borgman. Once out front Sternberg was not going to be caught. Mike Welch battled to the second spot but was never able to seriously challenge Sternberg for the win. Chad Weinrick garnered the third spot. Borgman found a groove that his car liked to finish fourth. Mike Anderson rounded out the top five. Brothers, Rob Sterberg and Ralph Sternberg were the winners of the Heat races.
Not too many drivers can say they won two feature events in one night. Port City Racing Bomber driver Robert Erickson can now make that claim. In the make-up feature event from April 27th Erickson started on the outside pole and led every lap to take the win. Tony Weinrick chased him to a second place finish over Justin Gilland, Tim Epplett and Joe Ferrier. In tonight’s main event Erickson repeated his early evening feat again by leading every lap from his pole position to take the win. Jamie Lorenze showed his driving talents as he charged his way two second from the rear of the field. Tim Epplett, Derek Passenier, and Devin Vanderstelt completed the top five for the Bombers second main event of the night. Chad DeHaan and fourteen year old Justin Gilland picked up their first checkered flags of their career in the Heat races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stocks and Young Guns also had double features. The make up Mini Stock main event was won by Adam Spencer over Amanda Roland, Jerry Meyering, and Nate Tarte. Their second Feature was taken by April Spriggs. Spencer came home second followed by Meyering, Roland and Tarte. The Heat race was won by Spriggs. Young Gun Driver Seth Moody was able to take both main event wins for this 13 to 15 year old division. Moody beat Glen Parker, Eric Harrald and Andrew Bartoszek to the line to win their make up feature. Later Moody would do the same edging Harrld, Parker, Kiley Kenndy and Bartoszek for his second feature win of the night. Kiley Kennedy won the heat race.
Fans can look forward to another exciting night of racing on Friday May 11th. Winston Speedway’s six divisions will be back in full force providing the nights excitement. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Matt Pickard Garners Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday May 4th Winston Speedway fans witnessed the coming of age by a Late Model driver who has been around the race scene since he was a toddler. The racing was great as much of the night saw two and three abreast battles all over the track. Fans were also treated to double features in the Bomber, Mini Stock and Young Gun division.
The Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model division started 20 cars for their 25 lap main event. Front row starter Rich Neiser was the early leader. Nesier’s reign up front was challenged many times in the early going by the father/son duo of Kevin Nelson Jr and Kevin Nelson Sr. Neiser used the high line of the racetrack while the Nelson’s altered between the high and low lines swapping positions with each other many times throughout the event. It appeared that one of these three drivers would win, but somebody forgot to tell Matt Pickard that he was not experienced enough to pass these three veterans of the Late Model Division. Pickard started in the eighth position and committed himself to the bottom of the track. Pickard's patience found himself on the bumper of all three with seven laps to go. Nelson Jr was the first to see the rear of Pickard's Bumper. By lap five Pickard had moved his way by 2006 Track Champion Nelson Sr. and the 2005 Track Champion Neiser to take the top spot. Pickard maintained his lead up front after a late race caution and picked up his first Feature win of the season. Neiser was able to hold off Nelson Sr and Nelson Jr for the second spot after racing through turns three and four three abreast on the last lap. Shawn Reed rounded out the top five. Mick Latch and Nelson Sr took Heat race wins. Tom Sprague Jr was the Fast Qualifier of the night.
Fans of Winston Speedway and Thunderbird Race Park have watched Matt Pickard grow up. Pickard has been around the West Michigan race scene doing everything from selling racing papers in the stands to crewing for his father Mike and being a tag along crew member with Matt Sprague’s racing team. From the first time he jumped in a Bomber car fans new that Matt was going to be a great driver, they just did not know how soon it was going to be. Matt Pickard proved tonight that he has the ability to challenge for the 2007 Track championship. It is ironic it will be at the same track he was this little boy who was always asking questions and the first one who wanted to grab a wrench whether he new what he was doing or not. Look for more feature wins from Pickard this season.
The UMP Integra Shocks & Springs Modified division saw the return to victory lane by 2006 Modified Track Champion Mike Wilbern. An impressive run was made by Ninth place starter Rich Neiser. Neiser made his way to the front running the low line. Neiser was even able to lead lap fourteen before coming up on a lapped car that slowed his pace and took away his opportunity to challenge for the win. Wilbern consistently hit his marks throughout the event even under the heated pressure of Neiser to make his way to victory lane. John McCaul, Greg Smith and Andy Sprague completed the top five. Heat races were won by Julie Taylor and Neiser. Steve McClees was the Quick Qualifier of the night.
The Port City Racing Sportsman Division had a first lap caution that saw a five car pile up in turn two before they got one lap in the record books. Pole sitter and last weeks winner Kyle Borgman was part of the melee that took out David Flannery and Stan Dodds. On the complete restart it was very apparent that Borgman’s car was not the same as outside front row starter Ralph Sternberg pulled away from the field and cars stacked up behind Borgman. Once out front Sternberg was not going to be caught. Mike Welch battled to the second spot but was never able to seriously challenge Sternberg for the win. Chad Weinrick garnered the third spot. Borgman found a groove that his car liked to finish fourth. Mike Anderson rounded out the top five. Brothers, Rob Sterberg and Ralph Sternberg were the winners of the Heat races.
Not too many drivers can say they won two feature events in one night. Port City Racing Bomber driver Robert Erickson can now make that claim. In the make-up feature event from April 27th Erickson started on the outside pole and led every lap to take the win. Tony Weinrick chased him to a second place finish over Justin Gilland, Tim Epplett and Joe Ferrier. In tonight’s main event Erickson repeated his early evening feat again by leading every lap from his pole position to take the win. Jamie Lorenze showed his driving talents as he charged his way two second from the rear of the field. Tim Epplett, Derek Passenier, and Devin Vanderstelt completed the top five for the Bombers second main event of the night. Chad DeHaan and fourteen year old Justin Gilland picked up their first checkered flags of their career in the Heat races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stocks and Young Guns also had double features. The make up Mini Stock main event was won by Adam Spencer over Amanda Roland, Jerry Meyering, and Nate Tarte. Their second Feature was taken by April Spriggs. Spencer came home second followed by Meyering, Roland and Tarte. The Heat race was won by Spriggs. Young Gun Driver Seth Moody was able to take both main event wins for this 13 to 15 year old division. Moody beat Glen Parker, Eric Harrald and Andrew Bartoszek to the line to win their make up feature. Later Moody would do the same edging Harrld, Parker, Kiley Kenndy and Bartoszek for his second feature win of the night. Kiley Kennedy won the heat race.
Fans can look forward to another exciting night of racing on Friday May 11th. Winston Speedway’s six divisions will be back in full force providing the nights excitement. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
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