PLENTY LEFT IN BICKETT’S TANK

 

 

 

   HARTFORD, S.D. — A tongue-in-cheek headstone that reads “R.I.P.” adorns Don Bickett’s number 17 Late Model Street Stock this year, signifying the final season of a 40-year racing career.  The Ramona, South Dakota, driver showed that there’s still plenty left in the tank on Saturday night as Bickett led the last 11 laps to win the Express Copy and Printing Late Model Street Stock feature.  Dan Jensen led the first four laps and hung around to make several attempts at regaining the lead, but Bickett was unyielding in the race to the checkered flag. 

   Rain started to fall just a couple of laps into what turned out to be the evening’s final feature.  Points leader Gary Brown Jr., came from 11th and passed Jensen on the final lap to finish second.  Craig Hanisch also turned in a strong performance by going from 13th to fourth.

   Due to the rain, the Hard Core Speed Shop 360 Sprint Car feature was postponed and will be made up next Saturday night as double features for the division will highlight the Memorial Day weekend show which also includes the classics of the Central Vintage Racing Association.

   In other action, Tyler Johnson led all 15 laps to win the USRA B-Modified feature.  Former Wissota Midwest Modified ace Dan Wheeler came all the way from Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and raced from 13th to second.  Tracy Johnson, just days away from collar bone surgery, climbed back into his race car after a week away and gained five positions resulting in a gutsy third place finish.

   Derek Baartman spent much of the 12 lap Hobby Stock feature chasing eventual winner Don Brady, Jr.  Brady did lead all 12 laps as Baartman faded to fourth.  Behind them, the field raced in two and three-wide clusters for the entire length of the A-Main.  Travis Schreurs and Tim Waltner came in second and third respectively.

   Laura Ebbesen held off Dusty Seachris to win her second Fast Auto Wash Super Chargers feature in 2012.  Harley Bauman, Joe Blake and Jessica Brandt were also in contention for the win late in the race.

 

 

360 SPRINT CARS

   Heat Winners:  Terry Chester, Randy Droescher, Ryan Bickett

LATE MODEL STREET STOCKS

   A Feature:  1. Don Bickett, 2. Gary Brown, Jr., 3. Dan Jensen, 4. Craig Hanisch, 5. Cory Yeigh, 6. Dale Furby, 7. Eric Moser, 8. Matt Steuerwald, 9. Jim Hoing, 10. Brandon Ferguson, 11. Brylee Gough, 12. Kipp De Groot, 13. Jesse Akkerman, 14. Howard Baartman, 15. Fred Konechne, 16. Terry Prouty, 17. Zach Van Voorst, 18. Brett Larsen, 19. Billy Prouty, 20. Scott Borkowski, 21. David Kuchta

   Heat Winners:  Don Bickett, Scott Borkowski, Matt Steuerwald

USRA B-MODIFIEDS

   A Feature:  1. Tyler Johnson, 2. Dan Wheeler, 3. Tracy Johnson, 4. Brock Hess, 5. Cameron Vande Weerd, 6. Tim Dann, 7. Dave Kennedy, 8. Harvey Vande Weerd, 9. Devon McMartin, 10. Tyler Tesch, 11. Michael Powell, 12. Devon Schlumbohm, 13. Mark DeBoer, 14. Danny Harmon, 15. Craig Hanisch

   Heat Winners:  Craig Hanisch, Tyler Johnson

HOBBY STOCKS

   A Feature:  1. Don Brady Jr., 2. Travis Schreurs, 3. Tim Waltner, 4. Derek Baartman, 5. Paul Hartley, 6. Mike Hanson, 7. Dylan Fitzpatrick, 8. Zach Olivier, 9. Dustin Gulbrandson, 10. Mike Kiggins, 11. Derrick Scott, 12. Aaron Van Voorst, 13. Rick Korthals, 14. Derek Gramstad, 15. Brad Hallem, 16. Mike Chaney, 17. Justin Smith, 18. Terry Larsen, 19. Kermit Rose, 20. Jordan Kott

   Heat Winners:  Don Brady Jr., Travis Schreurs, Tim Waltner

SUPER CHARGERS

   A Feature:  1. Laura Ebbesen, 2. Dusty Seachris, 3. Harley Bauman, 4. Jessica Brandt, 5. Tyler Snyder, 6. Joe Blake, 7. Pam Rose, 8. Michael Pechous, 9. Justin Peterson

   Heat Winner:  Harley Bauman