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Sernett Flies at Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI (Sep 22,06): Re-scheduling a date due to rain is more often
than not, a loosing proposition at best for promoters but the staff at the
Oshkosh Speedzone were undaunted in their intent to make up the rescheduled
Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series show from June 9th. On Friday
night (Sep 22), it looked as if Mother Nature was dead set on putting an end
to the sprint race in Oshkosh, until the sun finally broke through late in the
afternoon. Perseverance had paid off and the Outlaw sprinters would run,
and thanks to their efforts, to a much larger than anticipated crowd.
Through it all, several new faces emerged up front and at the end of it all,
John Sernett found his way back to victory lane after a very long
absence. “It’s been a couple years and we haven’t been very good
at all. We made a lot of changes in our program and this feels
great. We’ve got so many great people that have stuck with us.
It’s been way too long!” commented an exuberant Sernett in victory lane.
In all, thirty-two Outlaw Sprinters turned out for the rescheduled
date. Even with threatening clouds, the track was ready to go near the
scheduled start time and Todd King emerged as the night’s fast timer as the
16th car out with a lap of 13.13 seconds. King then went on to win his
heat race in an effort to sweep the night’s activities. Joining King
as heat race winners were Scott Uttech (qualified 18th), Scott Young
(qualified 11th) and John Sernett. (qualified 4th). John Haeni won the
B-Main over Todd Hepfner, who is wheeling the #48H after his #28 was destroyed
in an accident this past Saturday night at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.
Pulling the #2 pill, King put himself in the best possible position for
the start of the A-Main, outside of row #2. Of course, any place toward
the front is better than starting in the back, usually. At the drop of
the green on the 25 lap A-Main, Mike Reinke lost the handle on his #02 in turn
two. As the field attempted to bypass the helpless Reinke, the
inevitable occurred and Reinke was eventually collected by Haeni and then
subsequently by Jim Melis, who was driving in his first 410 sprint race since
retiring at the end of 2005. Melis’ #80 was disabled and finished for
the night, but Reinke and Haeni would restart after a brief period in the work
area.
The restart was not much better. As the field roared into turn
one again, Tim Sernett’s #91T would begin to spin and as Tim tried to save
the spinning car, was collected by a helpless Dave Uttech, brining out the red
flag once again. Both would continue on, however Uttech would pull off
later in the race after his weakened wing collapsed.
After two restarts, pole sitter John Sernett had plenty of time to
calculate his approach to the third attempt and when Scotty Neitzel went to
the top of the track again, Sernett anticipated it and stayed high as well,
forcing Neitzel out of his preferred line. This gave Sernett the
advantage he needed as he lead the field into turn three. The race would
stay green only for one lap though as Ryan Irwin’s #49 came to a stop on the
backstretch.
On the restart, Sernett and Neitzel wasted little time putting some
distance between themselves and the field and soon found themselves working
traffic. Shortly after half way, Sernett found himself working to try
and get by a lapped car, when Neitzel tried to capitalize. Sernett was
able to dispose of the traffic with enough time to stay in front of Neitzel
and as the race entered the closing stages, a three way battle for third
ensued between King, Hepfner and Whitney. King was able to stay smooth
and worked traffic to his advantage and quickly set his sights on Neitzel.
King was able to get by Neitzel for second when a final yellow came out to set
up a green/white/checkered finish. On the restart, Sernett once again
got the advantage and King, would secure second while Travis Whitney fought
his way to third. At the checkered flag, Neitzel followed Whitney across
the line while Hepfner rounded out the top five. Billy Warren garnished
the DMI Hard Charger award f!
or the second straight week, finishing 9th after starting 19th.
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will make it’s final
stop of the 2006 racing season at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds on
Saturday, September 30th for the annual Frank Filskov Fall Classic.
Typically, this race determines the season champion and this season is no
different. Entering the race, Whitney was able to use the Oshkosh show
to extend his points lead over local favorite and second place in points, Mike
Reinke. The race for second however is tighter than ever as two-time and
defending IRA champion Scotty Neitzel sits just 43 points behind Reinke.
Joining the IRA Sprints on the card will be the WDLMA Late Models in a show
for over $1500 to win. For complete details, please contact the track
office.
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Oshkosh Speedzone – September 22, 2006
Osborn & Son Trucking Time Trials: Todd King (Kristie
Hartman/Century 21 #97) 13.103 seconds
Weld Heat Race: Todd King (Kristie Hartman/Century 21 #97)
Lane Automotive Heat Race: Scott Uttech (Trinity Racing #7)
MPD Race Products Heat: Scott Young (Oddesy Batteries #3)
VMAC Racing Heat Race: John Sernett (MCI Paint & Drywall #91)
Behling Race Equipment B-Main: John Haeni (Jim’s Welding & Repair
#21J)
Bumper to Bumper A-Main (25 laps): John Sernett (MCI Paint & Drywall
#91), Todd King, Travis Whitney, Scotty Neitzel, Todd Hepfner, Scott Young,
Steve Meyer, Brian Kristan, Billy Warren, Joe Symoens, Tommy Sexton, Ty Bartz,
John Haeni, Bill Wirth, Kim Mock, Tim Sernett, Scott Biertzer, Mike Reinke,
Ryan Irwin, Dave Uttech, Scott Uttech, Jim Melis
DMI Hard Charger: Billy Warren (Bob Warren Automotive #95) +10
Lap Leaders: John Sernett 1-25
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