By: Ashley Iwanski
(West Salem, WI – August 15, 2009) Drivers often say “If only I had five more laps…” The Kwik Trip NASCAR Late Model drivers had those five extra laps Saturday night in the 30 lap feature. Still no one could catch fastest qualifier Steve Carlson. Carlson moved into the lead with ten laps to go and stayed there to capture his first feature win of the season.
When the green flag waved Brad Powell quickly moved up two spots to take the lead from Thor Anderson. Powell held onto the lead through two restarts. Jimmy Summerfield spun out on the second lap bringing out the first caution and six laps later Bill Niles and Todd Oliver were in the wall in turn two for the second caution of the race. After the second restart the top six were nose to tail and racing around lap traffic. Meanwhile Carlson was passing cars both high and low trying to catch Powell. With ten to go Carlson made a run on Powell in turn three and passed as they came around to the front stretch. After that Carlson put a large gap between himself and the rest of the field. Powell finished in the 2nd position, Todd Korish 3rd, Shawn Pfaff 4th and Matthew Henderson 5th.
Jimmy Gilster won the North Country Contractors Sportsmen division feature, but all eyes were on Rick Schermerhorn and Jess Tenner. The two were tied for the points lead entering the night. Both Schermerhorn and Tenner quickly moved into the top five and at times were racing each other for position. When the checkered flag waved Schermerhorn was in 2nd and Tenner in 4th. Unofficial points now have Schermerhorn three points ahead of Tenner in the standings. Randy Humfeld (3rd in the point standings) finished 3rd and Tony Leis 5th.
Adam Gallagher jumped into an early lead in the United Auto Supply Thunderstox feature. It wasn’t long before he had to fight off the cars on his tail and lap traffic while avoiding cars spinning across the track. Despite it all he was able to take the checkered flag followed by Henry Vian, Danielle Neary, Wayne Smith and Adam Moore.
The Thunderstox drivers also participated in two Second Over the Line Wins novelty races. Drivers race for six laps to see who can be the second person to cross the finish line when the checkered flag waves. As they came around turn four drivers put on their breaks and the first car across the line was pushed there by the rest of the field. Scott Geier managed to hold on to the second position to win the first heat. Jake Krueger walked away for the second heat with a win.
Saturday, August 22 is Kids Night at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Kids age 11 and under get in free to see a regular night of racing. Pre-race activities will include a Kids Penny Gold Rush. On Saturday, August 29 the Skidders will be back to accompany the Late Model, Sportsmen and Thunderstox divisions. For more information about La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway please visit www.lacrossespeedway.com or contact the office at (608) 786-1525 or lacrossespeedway@yahoo.com.
This article was posted to the website on August 15th, 2009
