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.
Friday, May 11, 2007
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.
Friday, April 27, 2007
New Track Record
New Track Records - April 27th, 2007
The Late Model record of 13.982 set in August of 2002 by John Grega now belongs to Curt Spalding at 13.889 or 97.199 MPH The Modified record of 15.374 set in July of 2002 by Andy Sprague was shattered by John McCaul at 14.946 or 90.325 MPH
Congratulations Curt and John!
The Late Model record of 13.982 set in August of 2002 by John Grega now belongs to Curt Spalding at 13.889 or 97.199 MPH The Modified record of 15.374 set in July of 2002 by Andy Sprague was shattered by John McCaul at 14.946 or 90.325 MPH
Congratulations Curt and John!
Van Wormer Wins “Player Hater 50” at Winston Speedway
Friday, April 27 2007
Van Wormer Wins “Player Hater 50” at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans witnessed some of the fastest laps ever turned in a Late Model Friday April 27th, 2007. The Integra Shocks & Springs” Player Hater” 50 Late Model Invitational was the highlight of the night’s events. Although top Late Model drivers across the state made up a 31 car field, there was clearly one Late Model driver who was the class of the field.Twenty four late models started the main event with a bang; literally. Five cautions in the first five laps saw eight cars leave the field. The most damaging in the early going was a 13 car pile up on the front stretch that took out 2006 Winston Speedway track champion Kevin Nelson and former Thunderbird Track Champion Eddie Reyes. The Red Flag was waved and clean up took just over 20 minutes. When racing resumed there was not doubt who was the driver to beat.When you looked over the star studded Late Model field you would never have envisioned such a dominating performance by one driver. With names like Grega, Spangler, Seaver, Olger, etc., no fans envisioned what they witnessed on this night. Jeep Van Wormer out of Pinconning, MI not only dominated the 50 lap event, he embarrassed the field. When the checkered flag was waved Van Wormer had lapped everyone in the field up to 4th place finisher Kurt Spalding. Spalding’s “Fast Qualifying” honors earlier in the evening are a good indication just how good Van Wormer was on this night. Van Wormer started on the pole position and led all 50 laps. Van Wormer’s 5th place qualifying time was a little misleading. Van Wormer was the last Late Model driver to arrive at Winston and turned his Qualifying laps after only a couple of hot laps. It would be his only misfortune of the night. The race for second was won by Rusty Seaver over Eric Spangler. Spalding and Tom Sprague Jr rounded out the top five. The second half of the top ten was made up of by Dave Hilliker, Troy Vanderveen, Kevin Nelson Jr, Rob Taylor and Rich Neiser. Heat Races were won by Neiser, Hilliker, Nelson, and Ricky Whipple. The transfer spots in the “B-Main was earned by Nelson Jr and Steve Zakarajsek. Elex Leyton was credited with the B- Main win. Spalding tripped the clock with a new Late Model track record of 13.889 to earn the $100 bonus from Integra Shocks & Springs.VanWormer not only did himself proud, he did Integra Racing Shocks proud. Van Wormer’s $1500 winners check was not the only one he received for his efforts. Because Van wormer was racing with “Integra Racing Shocks” he claimed additional bonuses of $500 for winning, $100 for leading half way and also received a brand new set of racing shocks from Integra.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs UMP Modified division Andy Sprague and John McCaul battled from start to finish. Sprague was able top earn top honors after making a high side pass of McCaul on lap five after a restart. McCaul was relentless in his pursuit to gain back the lead but Sprague hit all his marks and went on to win the 20 lap main event. Dan Dykman, Steve Hilliker and Tim Tuttle rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by Brandon Tailpulus, Mike Wilbern, and Rich Neiser. The “B” Main transfer spots were earned by Randy Whitten, Fran couch, and Daryl Woodring. Brian Keister was credited with the win for the “B”Feature. Sprague won the Dash event and McCaul took Fast time honors with a Modified track record 14.496 second trip around Winston’s 3/8ths mile oval.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division it was Oakridge High School senior Kyle Borgman taking his first win of the season. Borgman used his outside front row position to the fullest. After completing a pass of Mike Anderson on lap one, Borgman held off the charges of second place finisher Chad Weinrick and third place finisher Ralph Sternberg to take the win. Bud Steinman and Sadie Klien rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Steiman and Weinrick. Dash honors were also claimed by Weinrick.
The Port City Racing Bomber, Sprague Auto Parts Mini Stock and Young Gun division features were all delayed until next Friday because of Winston’s curfew. They will be running double features next week. These divisions did get their dash and heat race events in on the night. In the Bombers Jamie Lorenze and Robert Erickson were heat race winners. Tony Weinrick won the Dash event.
The Mini Stock heat race was won by Nate Tarte and their Dash event was won by Adam Spencer. Seth Moody picked up the Heat race win for the Young Guns and Eric Harrald took Dash honors.
Next weekend Friday May 4th will see all six divisions of Winston Speedway hit the track for more exciting racing. On Saturday May 5th fans will be treated to the first Lakeshore Demolition Derby of the season. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Van Wormer Wins “Player Hater 50” at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans witnessed some of the fastest laps ever turned in a Late Model Friday April 27th, 2007. The Integra Shocks & Springs” Player Hater” 50 Late Model Invitational was the highlight of the night’s events. Although top Late Model drivers across the state made up a 31 car field, there was clearly one Late Model driver who was the class of the field.Twenty four late models started the main event with a bang; literally. Five cautions in the first five laps saw eight cars leave the field. The most damaging in the early going was a 13 car pile up on the front stretch that took out 2006 Winston Speedway track champion Kevin Nelson and former Thunderbird Track Champion Eddie Reyes. The Red Flag was waved and clean up took just over 20 minutes. When racing resumed there was not doubt who was the driver to beat.When you looked over the star studded Late Model field you would never have envisioned such a dominating performance by one driver. With names like Grega, Spangler, Seaver, Olger, etc., no fans envisioned what they witnessed on this night. Jeep Van Wormer out of Pinconning, MI not only dominated the 50 lap event, he embarrassed the field. When the checkered flag was waved Van Wormer had lapped everyone in the field up to 4th place finisher Kurt Spalding. Spalding’s “Fast Qualifying” honors earlier in the evening are a good indication just how good Van Wormer was on this night. Van Wormer started on the pole position and led all 50 laps. Van Wormer’s 5th place qualifying time was a little misleading. Van Wormer was the last Late Model driver to arrive at Winston and turned his Qualifying laps after only a couple of hot laps. It would be his only misfortune of the night. The race for second was won by Rusty Seaver over Eric Spangler. Spalding and Tom Sprague Jr rounded out the top five. The second half of the top ten was made up of by Dave Hilliker, Troy Vanderveen, Kevin Nelson Jr, Rob Taylor and Rich Neiser. Heat Races were won by Neiser, Hilliker, Nelson, and Ricky Whipple. The transfer spots in the “B-Main was earned by Nelson Jr and Steve Zakarajsek. Elex Leyton was credited with the B- Main win. Spalding tripped the clock with a new Late Model track record of 13.889 to earn the $100 bonus from Integra Shocks & Springs.VanWormer not only did himself proud, he did Integra Racing Shocks proud. Van Wormer’s $1500 winners check was not the only one he received for his efforts. Because Van wormer was racing with “Integra Racing Shocks” he claimed additional bonuses of $500 for winning, $100 for leading half way and also received a brand new set of racing shocks from Integra.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs UMP Modified division Andy Sprague and John McCaul battled from start to finish. Sprague was able top earn top honors after making a high side pass of McCaul on lap five after a restart. McCaul was relentless in his pursuit to gain back the lead but Sprague hit all his marks and went on to win the 20 lap main event. Dan Dykman, Steve Hilliker and Tim Tuttle rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by Brandon Tailpulus, Mike Wilbern, and Rich Neiser. The “B” Main transfer spots were earned by Randy Whitten, Fran couch, and Daryl Woodring. Brian Keister was credited with the win for the “B”Feature. Sprague won the Dash event and McCaul took Fast time honors with a Modified track record 14.496 second trip around Winston’s 3/8ths mile oval.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division it was Oakridge High School senior Kyle Borgman taking his first win of the season. Borgman used his outside front row position to the fullest. After completing a pass of Mike Anderson on lap one, Borgman held off the charges of second place finisher Chad Weinrick and third place finisher Ralph Sternberg to take the win. Bud Steinman and Sadie Klien rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Steiman and Weinrick. Dash honors were also claimed by Weinrick.
The Port City Racing Bomber, Sprague Auto Parts Mini Stock and Young Gun division features were all delayed until next Friday because of Winston’s curfew. They will be running double features next week. These divisions did get their dash and heat race events in on the night. In the Bombers Jamie Lorenze and Robert Erickson were heat race winners. Tony Weinrick won the Dash event.
The Mini Stock heat race was won by Nate Tarte and their Dash event was won by Adam Spencer. Seth Moody picked up the Heat race win for the Young Guns and Eric Harrald took Dash honors.
Next weekend Friday May 4th will see all six divisions of Winston Speedway hit the track for more exciting racing. On Saturday May 5th fans will be treated to the first Lakeshore Demolition Derby of the season. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Weinrick’s Claim top Honors at Winston Speedway on Opening Night
Winston Speedway opened the 2007 season on Friday April 20th. Mother nature finally smiled upon West Michigan and at the end of opening night new owners Tom and Lois Sprague were all smiles. After spending the last three months working day and night they finally breathed a sigh of relief when the last checkered flag was waved at the end of the night. Not only were the fans treated to great weather they were treated to a spruced up facility and some great racing. A couple of brothers highlighted the night by visiting victory lane for their feature events.In the Intregra Shocks and Springs Late Model division Kevin Nelson Jr started out the season exactly where he ended it; in victory lane. Nelson Jr proved his win at the Fall Spectacular in 2006 was no fluke. Fast Qualifier Dean Huizenga, lost the lead to Tom Sprague Jr on the backstretch who would also lose his lead to Nelson Jr on the front stretch. Once Nelson Jr was out front he was able to work his way through lapped traffic and take home the win. Sprague Jr finished second over Eddie Reyes, Kevin Nelson and rookie Mick Latch. In heat races Keven Juusola and Nelson Jr were winners. Bill McCormick won the “Glamour Car” award for the best-looking Late Model.
If you would have seen Tim Tuttle’s UMP Modified earlier in the week you would have said he would never make it to Winston for their opening night. A viscous wreck the previous Saturday at Thunderbird Race Park left his car in pieces. Tuttle wrenched on his car all week and proved everybody wrong. Not only was he ready, Tuttle’s car was a rocket. Using the low line Tuttle went from seventh to first on lap twelve of their twenty lap main event. Mike Wilbern chased Tuttle to the runner-up spot. Dan Dykman edged Randy Whitten for third. Jacob Poel’s fifth place finish was impressive after he started dead last in the twenty-two car field after a spin in qualifying. Heats were won by Poel and Derek Poland. Greg Smith was voted the Integra Shocks and Springs Glamour car for the Modified Division.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division driver Chad Weinrick proved he does not want to be a bridesmaid this season. After finishing second in the standings last year to five time Sportsman Champion Greg Smith last season, Weinrick came out and made a statement. Weinrick made it perfectly clear that he is the man to beat this year. Weinrick dominated the evening by winning his heat race and leading every lap of the feature event. Kyle Borgman finished second ahead of Bud Steinman, Ralph Sternberg and Mike Anderson. The Glamour car Sportsman winner was Mike Epplett.
Bragging rights became a family affair for the Weinrick family. Bomber Driver Tony Weinrick could not let his brother out do him on opening night. Tony matched his brother’s efforts by leading every lap to take home the feature win in the Port City Racing Bomber division and was voted the Glamour Car award winner. Tim Epplett, Jamie Lorenze, Chad Dehaan and Mitch Smith chased Weinrick across the finish line. Lorenze and Bill Delong were heat race winners.
2006 Mini Stock Track Champion Carl McCann showed why he earned those honors. McCann won the Sprague’s Auto Parts main event in convincing fashion over April Spriggs, Nate Tarte, Adam Spencer and Amanda Roland. Luke Near won the Heat race. Jerry Meyering took home Glamour Car honors.Young Gun driver Eric Harrald was smiling from ear to ear in victory lane as he earned the checkered flag for Sprague’s Auto Parts feature. Coming for the checkered flag it looked like Kiley Kennedy might be celebrating in victory lane but contact between Harrald and Kennedy left Harrald spinning and Kennedy being placed to the rear. Harrald’s sophomore season at Winston looks to be a good one as he was placed at the point and held off Seth Moody for the win. Kennedy drove her way back to third ahead of Glenn Parker and Heat race winner Andrew Bartoszek. Kennedy was selected as the Glamour Car award winner.
Next week Friday April 27th will be the Integra Shocks and Springs “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational. Bonus money for the Fast Qualifier, Half Way leader as well as racers who use Integra Shocks are all part of this exciting event. This event is combined with five other divisions of exciting racing. For the best in Family entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
Weinrick’s Claim top Honors at Winston Speedway on Opening Night
Winston Speedway opened the 2007 season on Friday April 20th. Mother nature finally smiled upon West Michigan and at the end of opening night new owners Tom and Lois Sprague were all smiles. After spending the last three months working day and night they finally breathed a sigh of relief when the last checkered flag was waved at the end of the night. Not only were the fans treated to great weather they were treated to a spruced up facility and some great racing. A couple of brothers highlighted the night by visiting victory lane for their feature events.In the Intregra Shocks and Springs Late Model division Kevin Nelson Jr started out the season exactly where he ended it; in victory lane. Nelson Jr proved his win at the Fall Spectacular in 2006 was no fluke. Fast Qualifier Dean Huizenga, lost the lead to Tom Sprague Jr on the backstretch who would also lose his lead to Nelson Jr on the front stretch. Once Nelson Jr was out front he was able to work his way through lapped traffic and take home the win. Sprague Jr finished second over Eddie Reyes, Kevin Nelson and rookie Mick Latch. In heat races Keven Juusola and Nelson Jr were winners. Bill McCormick won the “Glamour Car” award for the best-looking Late Model.
If you would have seen Tim Tuttle’s UMP Modified earlier in the week you would have said he would never make it to Winston for their opening night. A viscous wreck the previous Saturday at Thunderbird Race Park left his car in pieces. Tuttle wrenched on his car all week and proved everybody wrong. Not only was he ready, Tuttle’s car was a rocket. Using the low line Tuttle went from seventh to first on lap twelve of their twenty lap main event. Mike Wilbern chased Tuttle to the runner-up spot. Dan Dykman edged Randy Whitten for third. Jacob Poel’s fifth place finish was impressive after he started dead last in the twenty-two car field after a spin in qualifying. Heats were won by Poel and Derek Poland. Greg Smith was voted the Integra Shocks and Springs Glamour car for the Modified Division.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division driver Chad Weinrick proved he does not want to be a bridesmaid this season. After finishing second in the standings last year to five time Sportsman Champion Greg Smith last season, Weinrick came out and made a statement. Weinrick made it perfectly clear that he is the man to beat this year. Weinrick dominated the evening by winning his heat race and leading every lap of the feature event. Kyle Borgman finished second ahead of Bud Steinman, Ralph Sternberg and Mike Anderson. The Glamour car Sportsman winner was Mike Epplett.
Bragging rights became a family affair for the Weinrick family. Bomber Driver Tony Weinrick could not let his brother out do him on opening night. Tony matched his brother’s efforts by leading every lap to take home the feature win in the Port City Racing Bomber division and was voted the Glamour Car award winner. Tim Epplett, Jamie Lorenze, Chad Dehaan and Mitch Smith chased Weinrick across the finish line. Lorenze and Bill Delong were heat race winners.
2006 Mini Stock Track Champion Carl McCann showed why he earned those honors. McCann won the Sprague’s Auto Parts main event in convincing fashion over April Spriggs, Nate Tarte, Adam Spencer and Amanda Roland. Luke Near won the Heat race. Jerry Meyering took home Glamour Car honors.Young Gun driver Eric Harrald was smiling from ear to ear in victory lane as he earned the checkered flag for Sprague’s Auto Parts feature. Coming for the checkered flag it looked like Kiley Kennedy might be celebrating in victory lane but contact between Harrald and Kennedy left Harrald spinning and Kennedy being placed to the rear. Harrald’s sophomore season at Winston looks to be a good one as he was placed at the point and held off Seth Moody for the win. Kennedy drove her way back to third ahead of Glenn Parker and Heat race winner Andrew Bartoszek. Kennedy was selected as the Glamour Car award winner.
Next week Friday April 27th will be the Integra Shocks and Springs “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational. Bonus money for the Fast Qualifier, Half Way leader as well as racers who use Integra Shocks are all part of this exciting event. This event is combined with five other divisions of exciting racing. For the best in Family entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)