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Behind The Scenes: Mid-American Series At Rockford
By Matt Panure
The Mid-American series began its new era with much success at the Rockford
Speedway April 1st and 2nd. A total of 28 Mid-American competitors entered the
weekend.
Unfortunately, Mark Storlie was the first victim of circumstance in the 2006
season as the 2005 Mid-American truck champion wrecked during Friday night’s
practice session. Storlie and crew worked hard Friday night and Saturday
morning to get the car back into racing condition. The hard work paid off in
qualifying as Storlie timed in third.
George Schultz and Dave Obermeyer were involved in an incident during Saturday
morning’s practice as Adam Mass spun in turn 2. Obermeyer’s damage was
mostly cosmetic while the Schultz’s crew went to work right away to repair
damage to the right front suspension. It is at times like these when one can
see what makes the Mid-American series so great as competitors gave aid to
Schultz and crew. The work paid off for Schultz too, as he placed fourth in
the feature.
James Swan also had his share of bad luck as he tapped the turn one wall
before he even took the green flag in qualifying. As a result Swan qualified
last and started the feature 25th. Swan charged hard through the field and
finished 6th which won him a $50 Certificate from Performance Unlimited (Denny
Norton). This certificate goes to the dice roll finisher. Swan’s former car
owner Kenny Joosten was drawn as the winner of $50 from Zander Radio.
Several drivers were unable to take the green flag in the 50-lap feature on
Sunday, bringing the field down to 25 starters. Jeff Tisler, Josh Higgins, and
Pat Broenneke lost engines during Saturday morning’s practice and Danny
Powell was unable to start his machine while in line for the feature.
Powell’s misfortune would earn him a $100 certificate for the Five Star hard
luck award.
Bill Prietzel picked up right where he left off last October by picking up
fast time on Saturday night. The defending Mid-American champion confessed
that he was caught completely off guard that he ran a 14.256, and was
surprised the time held as the fastest. Perhaps Prietzel used up all of his
luck during his qualifying effort as he rolled a six during pre-race
ceremonies, placing him deep within the feature field. The sour luck continued
for Prietzel as he and Jeremy Spoonmore tangled on lap 33, ripping the hood
off Prietzel’s machine.
The main overtone of the weekend was first time winners. Clifford Adee of
Lakeville, Minnesota won the first heat on Saturday night, it was the first
win for the 18 year old in Mid-American competition. Dave Obermeyer of
Slinger, Wisconsin won the second heat race. The win was the first in a
Mid-American style stock car for the former Slinger Stinger driver. However,
the third heat was won by a driver who is familiar with success in the
Mid-American series as Bobby Gutknecht found his way back to victory lane.
The biggest first time winner was a competitor who knows very well what it is
like to win. Lyle Nowak, a longtime late model ace, took off after seizing the
point on lap 11, and cruised to his first Mid-American feature win. A set of
Performance Friction brakes was awarded to Nowak, courtesy of Behling Race
Equipment.
Next on the schedule is the Grundy County Speedway in Morris, IL on Memorial
Day, May 29th. For the remainder of the schedule, or for more information, log
onto www.midamericanracing.com.
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