By: Ashley Iwanski
Fans were out full force Saturday night to witness Jeff Baker and Kevin Nuttleman battle side by side for the Kwik Trip NASCAR Late Model checkered flag. When they crossed the finish line Baker was a half a car length ahead of Nuttleman.
As soon as the green flag waved cars were bumping and banging. On lap one the two leaders, Baker and Bill Niles, almost got together but were able to correct themselves and continue. Three laps later the first caution came out when Todd Oliver spun out on the backstretch. On the restart Nuttleman slowly began to make his way into the top five. Meanwhile Mike Carlson was on the bumper of Baker looking for and opening to pass, but he never found one. At the half way point Nuttleman caught up to Carlson and passed him on the outside in turn three for 2nd.
From then on it was a three way battle for the lead. Carlson was looking high and low for a chance to retake the 2nd position. Nuttleman was able to hold his position while waiting for Baker to make the smallest mistake. Baker never did. As much as Nuttleman tried he couldn’t get around Baker, but walked away with 2nd. Carlson finished in the 3rd position.
For many drivers in the North Country Contractors Sportsmen division the race was over before it started. On the last lap before the green flag cars got together and piled up in turn one. It started at the front of the pack and when it was over eleven cars were involved. Jerrod Loging, Greg Scheck, Jerry Aylsworth, Jeff Bagstad, and Rick Johnson took the blunt of it. When the wreck was cleared and the green flag waved Steve Bachman and Nick Clements were battling back and forth for the win. Like magnets they never separated from each other. When the checkered flag waved, Bachman walked away with the win and Clements finished 2nd.
The United Auto Supply Thunderstox drivers did their shave of bumping and banging too. Cars were spinning left and right. With only six to go leader, Henry Vian, spun and was forced to the back of the field. On the same lap Chris Weber also spun bringing out a caution. On the restart Charles Vian Sr. took the lead followed by Kaleb Miller. Then on the last lap Miller spun out and finished 19th. Vian Sr. went on to take the checkered.
The night finished with a bang. Dare devil Ben Allen participated in a T-bone crash that had the fans on their feet cheering. On Allen’s first run he psyched the crowd by driving past the ramp he was supposed to jump. On his second run Allen didn’t disappoint. He hit the ramp, flew through the air, slammed into his target, and flipped onto his roof as he slid down the front stretch. The fans were amazed as Allen climbed out of his car un-fazed.
Saturday, May 30th the NASCAR Late Model, Sportsmen, and Thunderstox divisions will accompany La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway’s first ever Boat Races. The Boat Races consists of cars pulling boats around the track trailer-free to see who can cross the finish line first. On Saturday, June 5th the Skidders will be back to accompany the regular racing divisions. Friday, June 12th is the first of many Friday Night Street Drags, brought to you by Unique Edge Customizing, Monster Energy Drink and the U.S. Army, to take place throughout the season. Multiple brackets will be open for any drivers who wish to join in on the fun. 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 May 23rd, 2009
