The fifth day of the 9th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest saw a change in the lead in one of the divisions. The MDTR Speedway was fast today. A few entries arrived in each of the two divisions featured during the second week of the contest. We'll take a look at the newly expanded Super/Street/Stock Car Division first, as two powerhouse contestants were on hand today while one contestant fought an ill-handling entry. Then we'll finish up with the always popular Modified Division.
Kevin Mudrak was making his third appearance of the contest at MDTR today. It would be his final one, as he brought entries along in the hauler for both divisions. He pulled out his "Next to Duluth, We're Superior" Super1 stock car. Kevin had converted an old Howe Chassis into an acceptable roller for the expanded division this year. Using a trusty old motor, Kevin sped out on to the track to get a feel for how his entry would handle. After a bit of a slow start, Kevin found the quick line. Just past the halfway mark, Kevin's old Howe car developed a push in the turns. This caused Kevin to have to ease off the throttle a bit. As Kevin moved past Modchaser, there was slight contact. "Sorry about that John" remarked Kevin. He just could not get any more out of the old chassis, as he cruised past contest flagman Stan M to finish his run. Kevin posted a solid effort with a 31 point score, but it would not earn him a championship title.
Speaking of championship titles, the only champion the division has ever known arrived at the track today. Chris Stepan was gunning for his fourth straight title in the super stock division, but could he keep his string alive with the expansion of the division this year to include street stocks and stock cars? Fans would soon know the answer to that question, as Chris brought his Champs Sports Bar #11 super streeter stock trackside. Veteran MDTR fans knew that Tireguy would be in for a challenge. Chris did not disappoint. He ran high, low and just about anywhere he wanted to. Only three laps caused him some grief today. Chris flew past Stan M in his three-in-one contraption so quickly it blew the checkered flag right out of his hand. No worries though, Dirtfan51 was snapping pics today and ambled over to get the flag and toss it back up to Stan. Stan tossed Rick a cold one for consumption after the races. I think Rick got the better of that deal. Oh yes, Chris' score was an impressive 37 points. He'll back out with his mod entry tomorrow.
Our final super/streeter entry came from Roger Koth of Pierre, SD. Roger was back at MDTR today with his mod and super-street. Roger knew he had a very bad handling car, and trying to man-handle the beast with just one good arm was not the preferred method. In fact, Roger had to take his #36k Chevy Monte Carlo to the pits early. Our first DNF of the contest. Roger loaded up and headed home to Pierre, since he had already run his modified for the day. Thanks for making the long tow Roger!
In the modified ranks, Kevin Mudrak was on the track very early. It appeared there might even be a hint of frost on the top side still. That didn't matter for someone who hails from Superior, Wisconsin. Typical early season racing thought Kevin. Kevin was really concerned about the IMCA questions and photos. He figured he would have problems on those, but he did pretty good. Once Kevin had his Lens Auto Body/Great Northern Music Center Mod1 entry warmed up, he hit the MDTR high-banks at full throttle. But wait, in his haste Kevin had forgotten to put on extra tear-offs. This would haunt him during the second half of his race. The Mod1 entry moved quickly through the opening stages, but it was the pesky second half that proved to be his undoing. Kevin struggled to see out from his muddy visor on several laps. In fact, Kevin didn't even see Stan's checkers waving and nearly scared the "carp" out of Zimmy in turn 2 when Zimmy began to venture towards the edge of the track to pick up a musc CD that had fallen out of Kevin's car. With the completion of all four contest divisions now, Kevin had filled out his scorecard with a 32 point tally in the modified division.
Prior to making his ill-fated super stock attempt, Roger Koth had his Ba11s to the Wa11 Chassis #36k Chevy big block mod entry on the track. Roger (aka the "one armed bandit" this year) had a much easier time of it with his mod entry. By no means was it a Sunday afternoon drive, but Roger had the big block cranked up and kickin'. Our lone entrant from South Dakota so far this week, Roger wanted to hold up the tradition of South Dakotans running well in the contest. As his right rear Hoosier lost some air pressure, Roger's score was deflated a little bit. He still raced home with a fine 21 point effort despite not answering several Q&P.
Kevin Mudrak was the only contestant remaining to have a legitimate shot at Mark Schreiner for the Four Score Award. Mark, although disappointed to have lost the lead in the super/street/stock car class, was pleased to know he had the Four Score locked up. Congrats to Mark on that accomplishment and thanks to all of those who elected to participate in all four contest divisions. Tony Steuck and Ray Beste ran in both classes last week, so we will have to see if they can make it four for four this year. There's still a couple of days left to go, so stay tuned for tomorrow night's update. It sounds like CLSracer will have his mod entry in by then. Can Tireguy hold him off like he did in the late models last week or will Chris slip by for the lead? Could there also be another contender lurking out there waiting to steal a victory at the final moment?
Current Standings through Jan 31 (Day #5)
Super/Street/Stock Car Division:
1. Chris Stepan, St. Cloud MN = 37
2. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 36
3. Scott Paulson, Kimball MN = 34 ROY
4. Kevin Mudrak, Superior WI = 31
5. John Lackmann, Long Prairie MN = 24
6. Roger Koth, Pierre SD = 12 DNF (handling)
Modified Division:
1. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 36
2. John Lackmann, Long Prairie MN = 32
3. Kevin Mudrak, Superior WI = 32
4. Jason Richert, Cadott WI = 25 ROY
5. Renee Fehlen, Star Prairie WI = 21 ROY
6. Roger Koth, Pierre, SD = 21
*ROY denotes Victory Funding Connection Rookie of the Year contender.
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