Race Reports and Photos of the Season 2006

May 14, 2006

Schneider strikes back at Raceway Park
By Corey Butler Jr.

SHAKOPEE, Minn. -- Jason Schneider used grace and fortitude to capture his first feature win of 2006 in the Country Joe Homes Late Models.

Schneider, who methodically worked his way through the field, found himself in position to pounce on then leader, Harm Alken, before overtaking the lead right before a caution slowed the field at the mid-point. When racing resumed, a dynamic duo in Donny Reuvers and Jon Lemke worked their way through the field, battling for second. Reuvers attempted many times to get under Lemke, while Schneider inched away. The race for second abruptly came to an end when Reuvers made contact with Lemke's left rear, sending him around in turn four. Both were placed in the back. With a handful of laps left, Schneider padded his lead when racing resumed. Rookie, Matt Goede, found himself in second, as Jon Lemke work his way back through the field, crossing the line third at the finish. However, Lemke failed post-race inspection, forfeiting the position. Schneider, focused recently in a story for the Star Tribune, grinned ear-to-ear following the win, exclaiming his excitement to be back at Raceway Park.

Jeremy Wolff lead every lap in the caution free Turtle's Bar and Grill Hobby Stock feature. While Wolff stayed out front the entire time, the cars behind him switched positions fast and often. Two-thousand five champion, Bill Woodworth, was the big mover, utilizing the outside groove to work around cars. Woodworth was able to get by Bryan Turtle for second and his nose to the door of Wolff, before slipping a little in the last few laps. However, he was able to hold on for second, with Turtle claiming third.

The Coca-Cola Short Trackers also saw only one leader, as Andy Benhardus was able to fend off all challengers. The best racing was for second through fifth, as the cars battled side-by-side for many laps. Late in the race in a bizarre incident, Charlie Pehrson and Joe Neisius made contact down the front stretch, with Pehrson colliding with Terry Larson, who had moved his car into the infield. A green-white-checker was in effect, as Benhardus held off 2005 champion, Mike Dimmick. Nate Nordrum rounded out the top three.

The trend didn't stop there, as Todd Eberhardy went green flag to checkered flag in the number one spot in the Lupient Chevrolet of Belle Plaine Bombers. However, he had to hold off last week's winner, Jamie Schoaf, for the majority of the race. As the two checked out from the field, Schoaf never seriously challenged Eberhardy, only being able to follow his bumper. Zack Kersting made a late race pass to take the third spot.

In the first of two 20-lap features for the Miller Lite Figure 8's, Troy Tuma built a sizable lead, before seeing it diminish midway through the race as he had to slow for traffic. John Lebens and Adam Radiske made up ground and had a three-wide race for the lead, with Lebens taking the top spot. The race heated up late, as Ricky Martin joined the battle for the lead. However, Lebens held on for the win, with Radiske and Martin finishing second and third, respectively.

In round two of the Miller Lite Figure 8's, Rick Martin was the man to beat, as he won the 20-lap affair. He did so by holding off his son, Ricky, for the majority of the race. Dennis Barta made it a three car race, but settled for third.

Seventeen Great North Legends tackled the "Action Attraction," providing great racing front to back, in the caution-free affair. Rick Dubay made a late race pass to take home the winning honors.

Friday, May 19, will be the makeup date for the first Friday Night Destruction. On hand will be Enduro Figure 8's, Flat Track Motorcycles, Dukes Jump, Great North Legends and more! Also, on Sunday, May 21, the ASA Minnesota Late Model Challenge series comes to Raceway Park for the first of six races. Also in action will be the Turtle's Bar and Grill Hobby Stocks, Coca-Cola Short Trackers, Lupient Chevrolet of Belle Plaine Bombers and the Miller Lite Figure 8's

© Photos provided by mhc-media

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