Race Reports and Photos of the Season 2006

May 21, 2006

Reuvers runs away with win

By Corey Butler Jr.

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Donny Reuvers returned to Victory Lane Sunday at Raceway Park for the 75-lap ASA Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series race.

Reuvers found himself catching the rear of the Country Joe Home Late Model field with 13 laps left in the contest, having to use the outside line to get around the slower cars.  This allowed Benny Van Cleve, who ran most of the race shadowing Reuvers, to slowly inch closer to Reuvers' rear bumper.  However, Reuvers was never seriously threatened and cruised to the win, with Van Cleve claiming second and Jake Ryan rounding out the top three.

Reuvers, who started third, had worked himself into second a few laps into the race, trailing the leader, James Leffler.  However,  Leffler was black flagged for leaking fluid.  When Leffler exited the track, everyone following him had to check up, ensuing mayhem behind him.  Jon Lemke was worst for wear, as he was spun around and hit by both Mark Anderson and Jason Schneider.  Lemke and Schneider were both able to continue after visits to the pits.  When racing resumed, Reuvers lead and never relinquished the spot.

Steve “Skinny” Marschall also returned to Victory Lane, after winning opening night two weeks ago in the Turtle's Bar & Grill Hobby Stocks.  Marschall, who started outside the first row, worked around rookie Terry Krupich and built a lead throughout the caution free race.  Krupich was able to hold on to second successfully, holding off a challenge from Lucas Grosinger.

Paul Haeg won his first feature of the year in Coca-Cola Short Trackers.  Haeg held off a late charge from Joe Neisius, who worked his way through traffic to put himself in position to challenge for the win.  However, it was Haeg that was able to hold on for the win, with Neisius settling for second and Nate Nordrum rounding out the top three.

For the better part of the 15-lap Lupient Chevrolet of Belle Plaine Bomber feature, eventual winner, Jamie Schoaf, and second place finisher, Eric Montour, ran side-by-side.  The same side-by-side action was also going on for third place, as Allen Eldred and Zach Kersting battled for position.  It was Schoaf on the outside edging Montour out at the line for the win, with Eldred on the inside lane beating Kersting out for third.

Rick Martin used a little lady luck and a good car to get another win in the Miller Lite Figure 8's.  Martin had settled into third with five laps to go, trailing Troy Tuma and then leader, Steve Dehler.  It appeared that Dehler had the win solidified with a comfortable lead.  However, the ever dangerous “X” got the best of him, as he and Mitch Olson made hard contact in the “Crossroads of Doom,” mangling both cars.  After the red flag, Martin took the lead over Tuma.  They finished that way with Adam Radiske following in third.

In the second of two features, J.R. Gesswein dominated the race, with Matt Dickey working his way to second and Ricky Martin moving up to third.

Join us next week for an action pack Sunday at Raceway Park.  A special 25-lap Lupient Chevrolet of Belle Plaine Bomber feature will highlight the night that will also feature the Country Joe Home Late Models, Turtle's Bar & Grill Hobby Stocks, Coca-Cola Short Trackers, Miller Lite Figure 8's and the Great North Legends!



© Photos provided by mhc-media

back