Race Reports
and Photos of the Season 2006
July 14, 2006
SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Dan Fredrickson led the final 93 laps of the 150-lap NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, in convincing fashion for his first win in the series Sunday at Raceway Park.
The Lakeville, Minn., native took the lead on the 58th circuit from early dominator Tim Schendel of Sparta, Wis. The two raced nose-to-tail for three laps following a restart on lap 55, before Fredrickson used his nose to move Schendel up a groove exiting turn four. The two drag-raced down the front straight to turn one, where Fredrickson, on the low line, prevailed. Schendel settled in behind Fredrickson, where he raced for the remainder of the event. Two more cautions slowed the field, but Schendel was never able to mount a serious challenge. Mark Kraus, who started 18th after an admitted poor effort in qualifying, moved toward the front early and remained there the entire race. Kraus lingered around the top five most of the race, following Fredrickson, Schendel and Brent Kirchner in third. On lap 106, Kraus used his front end to scoot Kirchner out of the way and claimed third. Kirchner fell back many spots as Bruce Yackey and Steve Carlson moved into fourth and fifth, respectively. The final 50 laps were ran under green, which created many dramatic moments at the front of the pack as the leaders worked through lapped traffic. With less than 20 laps to go, Fredrickson was attempting to put Bryan Roach a lap down when Roach made contact with Fredrickson’s left rear in turn three. Fredrickson made a brilliant save and went on to win by a straight away over Schendel. Kraus finished a strong third with Carlson moving by Yackey late in the race for fourth.
A first lap skid through turns one and two by outside pole sitter AJ Rhoads sent the 22 cars behind him scattering through the tight turn on the ¼-mile track. Josh Vadnais, who is promoting himself for the competition, “Racin’ For A Livin’,” received what appeared to be minor damage, but was forced to retire early due to overheating. Vadnais came into the event as the points leader, winning the first event at Colorado National Speedway in June.
The next event for the AutoZone Elite Midwest Series is at Music City Motorplex in Nashville, Tenn. This will be a combined show for the Midwest and Southeast Series.
And don’t forget to join us Sunday, July 16, at the “Action Attraction.” Spam Racing & Miller Lite present “Party in the Park” with the “Eagle River Band.” In addition to the regular events, the Figure 8’s will have two 20-lap features and an Oval School Bus Race will cap the night off!
Flag Pole Race
Heats: Dennis Barta; Dan McCarthy
Feature: 1. J.R. Gesswein 2. Dennis Barta 3. Steve Motley