Forum: Minnesota Dirt Track Racing Forum (go)
Moderators: StanM

The sixth day of the 10th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest saw a number of contestants testing and tuning up for a green-white-checker run to the finish. There were three additional entries however with a bid for the lead in the Open Wheel Division taking place once again. Morning fog at MDTR gave way to sunny afternoon skies, so contestants could get on the track. Action for Day #6 follows.

The first contestant to make an attempt is no stranger to MDTR. Terry Slinger from Missouri happened upon the contest way back in 2001 on Stan's Minnesota Dirt Track Racing website. Terry entered the 2nd Annual contest just for fun, and he has been back a total of seven times now. Terry hails from somewhere in Missouri, as contest promoter GRP knows very little about him other than he just simply enjoys giving the contest a try. Terry traditionally makes the long haul north to compete in the late model division, but this year he needed to "beef up" on several other stock car classes as well. Rolling his Super Mudslinger "Show Me The Money" Chassis from his modest enclosed trailer, Terry hopped in and fired the beast up. It coughed and sputtered a bit, not having made any laps at MDTR since the 2006 contest. Terry came trackside to test the high banks. His ill-handling ride gave him fits in the early going, but he managed to find a line on the track and gained momentum. With a hand wave to the crowd as he passed under Stan's double checkers, Terry had surprisingly turned in his career-best contest performance at MDTR with a 19 point tally. Terry was happy with his run, and thanked GRP for once again having something fun to do in the winter. The mystery man from Missouri then disappeared into the pits.

Pulling his Open Wheel entry out from the top rack in his big Modchaser Motorsports stacker trailer, John Lackmann was ready for his second day of action at MDTR. This year John brought a Raleigh Sandberg tribute car with him for contest action. The blue #17 RJS sprinter roared to life on the steep banking. Modchaser has made many attempts in the sprint car division in past years. After getting upside down in his first attempt at the open wheelers in the 3rd contest, John has steadily improved his performance. No extra excitement this year for Colin sitting over in turn two, as John would outdo his previous best score by a considerable margin. The Modchaser Motorsports entry turned in a fine 34 point run, finishing on the lead lap! This perennial fan favorite had now completed his tour of duty at MDTR for 2009. John was ready to go t-shirt hunting with his Sharpie marker in hand.

Our final contestant of the day was a first time visitor to the trivia contest and the MDTR Speedway. Kourtney Pederson from Worthington, MN towed his open wheel entry north to see how he would fare against some pretty stout competition in this division. Kourtney unveiled a sparkling #91 Schnee with Graham Tire sponsorship. This rookie definitely knew what he was doing. With some expert setup advice, Kourtney was fast. MDTR fans quickly took note of this, as he turned some super quick laps. It soon appeared that an upset might be in the making. Kourtney closed in on the leaders as the laps clicked by. With Stan M waving the white flag, Kourtney could see first place was in sight. Could he overtake the trio up front? Rocketing past Stan to take the checkered flag, Kourtney completed his run with a tremendous 47 point effort. Yes, he had tied the lead trio but earliest entry tiebreaker rules placed him in 4th in the current standings. Kourtney definitely took over the lead in the Rookie of the Year standings for the time being, but that award will comprise scores from both divisions so things could change before Saturday night.

At last a long day at MDTR had come to an end with a thrilling bid for the lead in the Open Wheel Division. There are still a number of heavy hitters who are lurking out there, fine tuning their mounts for a possible late run at the title in either division or for the over all Grand Champion of the 10th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest. Stay tuned as we get ready for the final two laps (days) of action this year. Based on past contests, things usually heat up on Friday and Saturday with some contestants waiting to gain any possible advantage in their search for the correct answers in order to give them a shot at the top of the victory podium. For now, Wisconsin and Minnesota fans still have their favorites in first place.

Current Standings January 22 (Day #6):

Stock Car Division:

1. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 46

2. Scott Paulson, Kimball MN = 42

3. Nikki Ellis, Fargo ND = 39 ROY

4. Chris Hecht, Somerset WI = 35 ROY

5. John Lackmann, Long Prairie MN = 34

6. Terry Slinger, Missouri = 19

Open Wheel Division:

1. Michael Pietrowski, Edgerton WI = 47

2. Shane Trondson, St. Paul MN = 47

3. Todd Boots, Tea SD = 47

4. Kourtney Pederson, Worthington MN = 47 ROY

5. Chris Timmerman, Tea SD = 45

6. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 43

7. Kristi Hoffman, Dell Rapids SD = 43

8. Mark Toews, Spirit Lake IA = 38

9. John Lackmann, Long Prairie MN = 34

Grand Champion Standings:

1. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 89

2. John Lackmann, Long Prairie MN = 68

Note: ROY denotes Rookie of the Year contender.

Current Rookie of the Year Standings:

1. Kourtney Pederson, Worthington MN = 47

2. Nikki Ellis, Fargo ND = 39

3. Chris Hecht, Somerset WI = 35

Note: Combined scores will comprise the final standings for this award.

Current Fastest Female Award leader: Nikki Ellis, Fargo ND

Thanks for posting GRP. It's fun to watch the action as the later stages of the race unfold. Pretty soon Stan M will be giving the two to go signal and we'll see if there any dramatic passes during the last couple of laps. Have you noticed how the contest mirrors real racing? Some of the fast drivers eight seasons ago are still on their game and putting in a good showing. I'm expecting some stout competitors to break out of the pack and make a last lap charge. It's going to be an interesting finish...

Stan Meissner