By: Ashley Iwanski
(West Salem, WI – July 3, 2010) Mike Carlson used a strategic move to pop into the lead before the first turn of the 25-lap Kwik Trip Late Model feature race. He would stay there, but it was far from easy.

Both Carlson and Brent Kirchner, who were running one and two, had to fight their way around lap traffic for the last half of the race to make it to the finish line. Carlson was holding steady while Kirchner and third-place finisher Shawn Pfaff had to weave their way through traffic trying to make up any ground they could. As the white flag came out Kirchner started to catch Carlson, but came up short.

“By the time I hit turn one I was already past him,” said Carlson, who started on the outside of Row 1 next to pole-sitter Troy Rave. “”I kept driving smoothly, so I didn’t burn up my tires. I’ve got to use three of those tires next week.”

It was Mike Carlson’s first official feature win of the year. He took a checkered flag of June 12, but was disqualified in a post race inspection. Carlson has one win, two top-five and seven top-10 finishes in nine starts this year.

Kirchner, meanwhile, was fighting for third with Brad Powell. After taking the third position Kirchner made his move on Rave. Kirchner said it took him longer than anticipated to get around Rave, causing the gap between Carlson and himself to widen.

Pfaff was sticking with leaders, but was unable to catch up to Kirchner. He was followed across the finish line by Todd Korish and Tim Schendel.

Rookie Bill Martin won his first feature win the in North Country Contractors Sportsmen division Saturday. Martin started off strong on the pole and was able to hold onto the position when Rick Schermerhorn challenged for the lead multiple times. Schermerhorn may have had a chance to pass if a caution came out, but the race stayed green as Jonathan Eckelberg spun in turn four with only four laps to go. Schermerhorn finished second, followed by Jimmy Gilster.

Jesse Vian made a hard charge early in the race to win the United Auto Supply Thunderstox feature. Adam Gallagher took the lead early and held onto it while Vian waited for his chance to pass. Vian finally found the opportunity with five laps to go. Vain moved into the lead going three-wide through turn four. Gallagher fell back while Vian took the checkered flag. Josh Inglett finished second and Jason Bolster third. Gallagher finished fifteenth.

Friday, July 9th is another Friday Night Street Drags with more than 10 brackets in which to compete. Buddy Night is Saturday, July 10th. Buy one adult admission and get the second free with coupon. Join the fun on Friday, July 16th for a fair time special Friday Night Street Drags. For more information call the Speedway office at (608) 786-1525 or visit www.lacrossespeedway.com.

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