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Lemke, Schultz Not Affected By The Long Winter Wait At Elko
(Elko, MN) Jon Lemke and Steve Schultz didn’t allow the long winter
months to affect their performance at Elko Speedway. The two defending
champions picked up right where they left off in 2004. Lemke started
from outside the front to claim a hard fought win in the Budweiser Super Late
Model Belzer’s Dodge 50 while Schultz worked through traffic to claim the
win in the Mid-Am/GhostRiders Sportsmen 50. A determined Ted Reuvers
took the checkers in the Coca-Cola Thunder Car 25 while Chase Weber headed for
victory lane for the ACDelco Power Stocks.
Lemke’s front row start didn’t make the ride to victory a breeze for the
veteran. Brian Johnson was able to get around Conrad Jorgensen on the
third circuit, bringing Benny Van Cleve along as both drivers would pressure
Lemke throughout the race. The battle was tightened as a result of three
cautions, including one caused by a broken spindle on contender Jake Ryan’s
ride, relegating the 2004 Rookie of the Year to the pit area. The final
29 laps were contested under green as a hearty crowd watched Jamie Farrell
make his way through the field toward the front while Lemke and Johnson ran
side by side. Farrell was able to use the high side to get around
Jorgensen for 3rd with 13 laps to go and caught the two wide lead battle with
just a couple of circuits left. “We definitely had the fastest car at
the end,” said Farrell. “If only this was a 55 lap feature, who
knows?” Lemke was able to edge Johnson for the win with Farrell,
Jorgensen and Donny Reuvers following.
It looked for a long time like it might be Greg Bieber’s night to head for
victory lane in the Mid-Am/GhostRiders 50. After a complete field
restart at the beginning of the race, Bieber was able to lead the first 36
circuits before getting caught in lapped traffic and giving up the top spots
to Paul Neisius and Schultz. Just one lap later Bieber sustained front
end damage attempting to avoid a back straight spin, relegating him to the
pits. Schultz took the point on the restart with Neisius in
pursuit. Mid American ace Bill Preitzel worked up to the third slot in
front of Jonathan Eilen and Lyle Nowak. Post race inspection found an
infraction on the Neisius ride, moving Preitzel to second, Eilen to third,
Nowak to fourth and rookie GhostRiders Sportsmen challenger Kevin Lutz to
fifth.
Ted Reuvers made a steady run to the front in the Coca-Cola Thunder Car
25. Reuvers battled traffic from his 8th starting spot, finally grabbing
the lead and ultimately the win with just 4 laps to go. David Sellner,
Jr. drove away to a sizeable lead from the start. The races only caution
on lap 20 allowed Reuvers to mount the final charge. Sellner finished a
solid second followed by defending division champion Matt Carlander, Keith
Barta and Jerry Thomsen.
The ACDelco Power Stock 20 saw only one early caution that allowed Chase Weber
to close up his pursuit of Steve Klose and Joe Fierst. Weber grabbed the
lead on the 10th circuit and never looked back. Chad Tuma was able to
move his mount into second and was followed across the line by Dustin Tuma,
Jeff Partington and Brock Weber.
This Saturday night (May 7) will be Fan Appreciation Night at Elko
Speedway. Among other activities, Rosacker’s Floral of Minneapolis
will be giving out flowers to the first 500 Mom’s coming through the front
gate. Gates will open at 5:30 with the first Green flag of the night
scheduled for 7. The races will feature the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series
divisions along with the Cruisers. For more information, contact the
speedway office at 952-461-RACE (7223).
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