Race Reports
and Photos of the Season 2006
September 4, 2006
The unofficial last day of summer, and fantastic weather, packed the stands with racefans of all ages for the Miller Lite Labor Day Enduro at Raceway Park in Shakopee. Enduro racing requires drivers avoid spinning cars, breakdowns and debris on the track, while battling to be the first one at the finish line.
A new format added to the excitement in the 4-cylinder enduro division, as drivers participated in heat races to determine the starting order for the 40-lap event. Over 54 cars took to the track for the main action. Fast racing, with no major crashes made for a close finish, with #71 Mike Kawell of Elko driving hard to catch the leader, and eventual winner, Jerry Schoepke in the #20 out of Corcoran. The #44 Brad Bockwitz of Moundsview finished third, with Eden Prairie’s Rob Asselstine finishing fourth.
In 8-cylinder Miller Lite Enduro action, over 58 competitors ran for 200-laps of full speed racing. The action was stopped only a couple times during the event for large debris on the track and a few minor crashes blocking the way. At the finish, less than half a lap separated the top 2 places, with #98 Richard Johnston of Stacy taking the checkers ahead of the Brooklyn Park’s James Schoepke driving the #48.
The Spectator Drag Season Championship added to the excitement on Labor Day, as 26 “daily drivers” came to see who brought the fastest car to the track. After narrowing the field through several close finishes, it came down to Shakopee’s Chevy Miller, driving a new 2006 Pontiac GTO, going up against earlier winner Mike Sellner of Farmington, piloting his quick and fast 1979 Camaro. Sellner grabbed the first win of what was intended to be a best two-out-of-three, but during the second run, Miller slid up the racing surface in turn three, putting his new GTO into the side of the Camaro. To avoid turning a big dent in the front fender into costly major wreck, Miller let up on gas, giving Sellner room to take win and the Spectator Drag season championship.
Up next at Raceway Park, on Sunday, September 10, the regular Sunday night action wraps up for the season, with the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series season championships. Featuring Short Trackers, Hobby Stocks, Late Models, Bombers, and the Wild’n’Crazy Figure-8’s. It’s the third and final race of the Dodge Challenge Series, and the Great North Legends will be in action as well. Gates open at 4:30 with hotlaps, fast lap qualifying at 5:30, with NASCAR action beginning at 6:00. For more information, call the Raceway Park Hotline at 952-445-2257.