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Jason Weinkauf Captures Season Finale, Eswein Takes Another Tile in Lates,
Plowman Powers to Win at Title In Super Stocks!
By Amy Kolo |
September 3, 2004;
Plover, WI - A huge
turnout of driver sand fans turned out to watch the 2004 Golden Sands Speedway Season
Championship races. Nearly perfect weather greeted those in attendance for an action
packed night of racing at Central Wisconsin's Power Playground..
In Super Late Model action, it was Jason Weinkauf who worked
his way past hard charging rookie Keith Bohmsach late in the 50 lap main event and then
holding onto the lead to the finish to capture his fourth feature victory of the 2004
season. Jason would also earn the overall End of Season Championships title for his
efforts on the evening. However it was Mark Eswein of Wisconsin Rapids who would come away
with his fifth career division title, by edging Jason Weinkauf by 33 markers in the final
standings. Jason in turn edged his brother Chris for the runner-up spot.
Though the Weinkauf brothers captured four of the last five features run this
season at the high banked third mile oval, Eswein's steady performances were enough to
earn him his third straight championship.
In the closest point battle of the evening, Tim Plowman put the icing
on the cake, as he captured his fourth feature win of the 2004 season in convincing
fashion. Plowman had been chased by Tim Hintz and Shawn Stelzer in the late season
point battle, but his victory cast aside any doubt in the title chase. Plowman's
championship was the first of his career and he captured the title by a 25 point margin
over defending champion Stelzer. Hintz would finish an additional two points back in
third.
The Pure Stock division saw Eric Nelson, successfully defend his
championship in Pure Stock action, while Jim Robinson made his way to the winner's circle
in Pure Stock feature action, taking his second main event of the 2004 season. Finally
wrapping up the program, Mike Oehmichen captured the season's final 4 cylinder contest,
comfortably taking the division title this season.
The 50 lap Late Model main event, would see 17 cars take the green
flag. Keith Bohmsach and Brandon Selle would square off at the drop of the green
flag, with Bohmsach hugging the low line and setting the early pace. Selle stuck in
the outside groove would lose several spots over the opening rounds of the contest.
Brian Back would move into the runner-up spot by the end of lap two.
Bohmsach and Back would then thrill the fans with a torrid battle for the lead.
Bohmsach running a slightly higher line, would open up the bottom of the track for
Back to use. On several occasions the pair would end up door to door, but the
momentum of the outside line would carry Bohmsach back ahead on every lap. Joe
Krzykowski would reach the third spot on lap six and attempt to close on the lead duo.
A spin by Rene Scheinoha on lap eight would tighten up the field with
Bohmsach, Back, Krzykowski, Eswein and Check holding the top five spots. On the
restart Back again went to work on Bohmsach for the lead. Eswein had just made a
pass on Krzykowski for third with Check attempting to follow on lap 12, when Krzykowski
and Check made slight contact. As a result Krzykowski went spinning wildly in turn
one, collecting several cars in the process including Monte Gress, and Chris Weinkauf.
Several others avoided direct contact, but some drivers headed to the pits to
straighten fenders and check over their equipment. Krzykowski was unable to return,
and Check would restart the contest from the tail of the field.
However during the remaining laps of the race Check would but on an
exceptional passing display working quickly through the pack.
Underway again the running order was posted with Bohmsach leading,
Back second with Eswein, Jason Weinkauf and Dean LaPointe following.
Eswein would work under Brian Back for second on lap 16, and he then
set out after Bohmsach. Jason Weinkauf was next to drop Back a position working to
third on lap 23. Our front Eswein made several attempts to secure the lead position
from Bohmsach who had managed to repel his challenges.
Weinkauf meanwhile went to work on Eswein seeking a way by. He
found an opening at the bottom of the track with 19 laps to go. Weinkauf then pulled
alongside Bohmsach, in the same fashion as Back had earlier in the contest.
Bohmsach's preferred outside line did not work this time however as Weinkauf slowly
inched ahead using the inside groove.
With 14 laps to go in the contest Weinkauf became the new leader.
Form there to the finish Weinkauf was able to set a pace which allowed him to slowly pull
away from the field. Eswein, seeking one pore position would end up in a wheel to
wheel duel with Bohmsach over the closing laps. On the final lap Eswein would nose
ahead by a matter of a couple feet to secure second. Bohmsach settled for third
after a solid run. Check, charged back up to fourth at the finish, besting Lapointe
and fast qualifier Mark Mackesy.
Brad Scholze would burst into the initial lead of the contest with
Scott Hamel filtering into the second spot. Sam Anderson a regular at the LaCrosse
Fairgrounds worked his way into third by the fifth circuit and began to close on the lead
duo. Meanwhile the point title contenders were working through the traffic with
Plowman and Hintz maneuvering toward the front. Stelzer however was mired in traffic
near the tail of the field, preventing his progress forward.
Wes Coon, would loop his ride on lap seven forcing the first caution
of the contest. The leaders would line up with Scholze setting the pace followed by
Hamel, Anderson, Dave Neitzke, Plowman and Hintz in the top six positions.
Scholze again set the pace with Hamel giving chase.
Plowman worked to the outside groove with Hintz in tow. Plowman quickly
dispatched Neitzke and Anderson to reach third on lap 11. Just two laps later
Plowman made his way past Hamel for the runner-up spot, with Hintz following in his tire
tracks to maneuver into third.
The battle for the top spot was just beginning to heat up, when the
caution appeared a second time as Dan Gollen slipped off the top of the track on the
frontstretch, tagging the safety barrels and coming to a stop.
When racing resumed Scholze was under immediate pressure from Plowman
who would reach the lead position on lap 16. Once out front Plowman quickly
established a comfortable margin over Scholze. Further back, Hintz was continuing
his charge trying to work the outside of Scholze for second. Hintz would secure the
runner-up spot with 12 laps to go in the contest.
Attention now focused on Stelzer who had finally managed to work by
the tight pack of cars deep in the field. For Stelzer it would be imperative to pass
as many cars as possible to be able to fend off Hintz for runner-up in the final
standings. During the closing laps Stelzer worked his way into the sixth position
but was having difficulty going any further toward the front.
Over the final laps Hintz managed to close the gap on Plowman, but he
was never able to seriously challenge for the lead. As a result Plowman would take
the checkered flag and the season title. Hintz would settle for second in the race.
Scholze turned in a solid showing hanging onto third, followed by Hamel, Neitzke
and Stelzer. Stelzer's sixth place effort was enough to give him the runner-up position in
the final standings by a mere two points.
The Pure Stock main event would be a 25 lap main event, and aside
from a couple quick cautions the race progressed swiftly. Bob Cook would set the
initial pace before turning the lead over to Dean Aschbacher. Aschbacher in turn
paced several laps before hard charging Jim Robinson burst into the lead after a daring
three wide maneuver.
The evening's fast qualifier and newly crowned champion Eric Nelson
would reach the runner-up spot by the halfway point and managed to close within two car
lengths of the leader. However as the laps wound down it became apparent that
Robinson would have the speed to reach the finish line first, taking the win. Nelson
claimed a close second followed by Frank Calabrese, Andrew Hintz and Scott Strigel, who
had borrowed the car of Keith Wosick after his own machine was damaged last week, making
up the top five runners.
The 4 Cylinder event, was Mike Oehmichen secure the top spot from
Nathan Morris near the midway portion of the contest. Oehmichen ten sprinted to the
finish for the victory without a serious challenge. Morris would fend off Jenny
Nitzsche for second. Jenny Nitzsche, Torey Nitzsche and Kevin Teske completed the
top five runners.
Though this was the final weekly point program of the 2004 season,
Golden Sands Speedway will host one more event during the 2004 season. Next Friday
evening, September 10th, will be the annual Eve of Devastation. In addition to all
kinds of metal mangling mayhem, and novelty racing events including bus races, roll over
contest, Dupes of Hazzard Jump,
forward/backwards race, paint ball massacre, Draco the Dragon and much, much more!
There will be a points title decided on during the evening as the
2-Man Cruisers will be on hand for their championship racing events.
Spectator gates will open at 4:30pm; The 2-Man Cruisers will qualify at 6:30 p.m., and the show
will begin at 7:45 p.m.
Track owners Darrell and Sheila Bassuener will be celebrating their
10th season of ownership next year, when the 2005 racing season begin.
Golden Sands Speedway "Central Wisconsin's Power Playground" is located
between Wisconsin Rapids and Plover, Wisconsin on Highway 54. For additional
information please call (715) 423-4660 or consult the track website at www.goldensandsspeedway.com
For
complete RACESTAT Race Results Click Here!
Late Models
50 Lap Feature: 1.) Jason Weinkauf; 2.)
Mark Eswein; 3.) Keith Bohmsach ; 4.) Allen Check ; 5.) Dean Lapointe; 6.) Mark Mackesy;
7.) Greg Back; 8.) Jeff Weinfurter; 9.) Monte Gress; 10.) Chris Weinkauf; 11.) BRandon
Selle; 12.) Brian Back
20 Lap Semi-Feature: 1.) G. Back; 2.) Eugene Gregorich Jr.; 3.)
Benjamin Brinkman; 4.) Mark Van; 5.) Kurt Guralski; 6.) Burton Brown
15 Lap Consolation: 1.) Steve Gress; 2.) Joel Schulz; 3.) Elliott
Weiler; 4.) Josh Bell;
First 12 Lap Heat: 1.) Wayne Cottrell; 2.) Weiler; 3.) S. Gress
Second 12 Lap Heat: 1.) Lepak; 2.) Nicholas Anderson; 3.) Judd
Brandl
Third 12 Lap Heat: 1.) Gregorich Jr.; 2.) Frank Nitzke; 3.)
Brinkman
Fourth 12 Lap Heat: 1.) Joe Krzykowski; 2.) Eswein; 3.) Weinfurter
Fast Qualifier: Mackesy, 12.141 Seconds
Super Stocks
35 Lap Feature: 1.) Tim Plowman; 2.)
Tim Gintz; 3.) Brad Scholze; 4.) Scott Hamel; 5.) Dave Neitzke; 6.) Shawn Stelzer; 7.)
Randy Storlie; 8.) Dan Gilster; 9.) Brian Schmutzer; 10.) Wally Kallman
15 Lap Semi-Feature: 1.) Gilster; 2.) Collin Wilcott; 3.) Mike
Brooks; 4.) Jason Blenker; 5.) Dan Linnehan
10 Lap Consolation: 1.) Matt Raykowski; 2.) Dale Robinson; 3.)
Matthew Cournoyer; 4.) Marc Baldwin
First 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Raykowski; 2.) Duane Robinson; 3.) Baldwin
Second 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Ken Soyka; 2.) Dennis Crass; 3.) Jordan
Hess
Third 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Scholze; 2.) Hamel; 3.) Storlie
Fourth 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Anderson; 2.) Kallman; 3.) Neitzke
Fast Qualifier: Hintz, 13.587 Seconds
Pure Stocks
25 Lap Feature: 1.) Jim Robinson; 2.)
Eric Nelson; 3.) Frank Calabrese; 4.) Andrew Hintz; 5.) Scott Strigel; 6.) dean
Aschbacher; 7.) Michael Gwidt; 8.) Troy Engman
First 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Dan Breitsprecher; 2.) Bib Cook; 3.)
Christopher Rindfleisch
Second 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Engman; 2.) Robinson; 3.) Calabrese
Fast Qualifier: Nelson, 15.082 Seconds
4 Cylinder
20 Lap Feature: 1.) Mike Oehmichen; 2.)
Nathan Morris; 3.) Jenny Nitzsche; 4.) Torey Nitzsche; 5.) Kevin Teske; 6.) Randy
Polansky; 7.) Matt Hansen; 8.) Nicholas Boldt
First 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Morris; 2.) J. Nitzsche; 3.) Boldt
Second 10 Lap Heat: 1.) Oehmichen; 2.) Jeff Cormack; 3.) Hansen
Fast Qualifier: T. Nitzsche, 15.435 Seconds |