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

I'll use this message to update fans during the course of the afternoon and evening on the current status of the standings. Further posts to follow.

Here it is race fans! The final standings in the 10th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest. I will still double-check everything on Sunday January 25 to make sure all scores have been properly calculated. Stan M will have the answers posted later on today. Many thanks to all those who participated, all those who followed along on the message boards (MDTR or 20/20), and to those who have contributed photos. A full report of the final day's activity will be out some time on Sunday afternoon. There is a lot of action recap from MDTR on Saturday, and I simply have not had enough time to complete the report at this late hour.

Congratulations to Chris Stepan from St Cloud, MN on claiming the Grand Championship in the 10th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest as well as winning the Stock Car Division title. Congrats to Michael Pietrowski from Edgerton, WI on winning the Open Wheel Division crown. Here's a breakdown of the prize winners in the contest.

Grand Champion Standings:

1. Chris Stepan, St Cloud MN = 91 $200

2. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 89 $125

3. Ron Haugstad, Brandon SD = 85 $100

4. Kevin Mudrak, Superior WI = 84 $75

5. Scott Paulson, Kimball MN = 76 $50

6. Chris Hecht, Somerset WI = 75 $25

Open Wheel Division:

1. Michael Pietrowski, Edgerton WI = 47 $100

2. Shane Trondson, St. Paul MN = 47 $50

3. Todd Boots, Tea SD = 47 $25

Stock Car Division:

1. Chris Stepan, St Cloud MN = 48 $100

2. Mark Schreiner, Hutchinson MN = 46 $50

3. Scott Paulson, Kimball MN = 42 $25

Rookie of the Year:

1. Chris Hecht, Somerset WI = 75 Grand Champion $25

2. Kourtney Pederson, Worthington MN = 47 Open Wheel $25

3. Nikki Ellis, Fargo ND = 39 Stock Car $25

Here's the Stock Division Report from the final day. The Open Wheel report will be ready a bit later on. I went out ice fishing this morning and quite honestly slept a fair share of the afternoon when I got back home. Seems like those late hours at night can finally catch up with a person.

OPEN WHEEL DIVISION

Activity on the final day in the Open Wheel Division got underway in a big way, as Chris Stepan was attempting to put up a solid score in order to overtake his friend and fellow competitor, Mark Schreiner, for the lead in the Grand Champion standings. Chris knew that his two previous contest efforts in the sprint car division had yielded less than desirable results. With a determination that the CLSracer team is noted for, Chris worked hard to prepare an entry that would earn enough points to accomplish his goal. The CLSracer midget-sprint was a compact piece of work. Sleek and aerodynamic, Chris was hoping to propel this new creation around the high banks of MDTR in quick order. The large crowd knew almost immediately that Chris would have a very good chance at doing just that. Chris' run started out strong and he never really faded to any great degree. Even surprising himself just a little bit, Chris zipped past Stan M in the flagstand with a 43 point score. He had done it! Chris' combined score of 91 points had moved him in front of Mark. He could finally feel some relief from the stress of worrying about that open wheel entry.

After having appeared on the third day of the contest earlier in the week, Scott Paulson made his return to MDTR on Saturday to field his first-ever attempt in the Open Wheel Division. Scott did not have a great deal of time to spend prepping his sprinter, but he brought out a well seasoned car rumored to have been driven by Modchaser in the first contest. We all know the fate of that machine, so Scott had his work cut out for him. Drawing upon a wealth of racing knowledge, Scott put a great setup in the old fire-breathing dragon and turned up the wick. Near the three quarters mark of his run, an injector fire developed but did not impede his progress. Blazing past Stan's checkers, Scott turned in a strong 34 point effort in his first attempt with a wing. The MDTR fire truck, staffed by Modman91, quickly was upon the scene and extinguished the injector fire. One wise guy in the stands was heard to say, "must have had some of those chili nachos in that beast." Keith and Sally in the concession stand were not amused. Scott would end up in the money in the Grand Champion standings with a combined score of 76 points.

The "Superior Slingshot" Kevin Mudrak brought his Sprint Car 1 entry trackside next. Kevin has competed in several sprint car contests in past years, so he certainly knows his way around MDTR in the winged wonders. In fact, Kevin surprised the open wheel faithful in the 8th Annual contest with a fourth place finish in the sprints. As usual, Kevin was smooth and consistent on his laps. A little slip or a slight bobble here and there did add up, but when Kevin wheeled home with his score, it was exactly the same as in the stock cars. Kevin's twin 42 point efforts produced a Grand Champion score of 84 points. This would eventually land him in fourth place over all. Kevin was satisfied with his two efforts, but he was looking forward to a return to the usual contest format next year. Kevin is confident he can run up front in the stock car classes in 2010, as he continues to gain experience each year.

Young Nick Lusk, formerly from Jackson and now residing in Columbia Heights, got a late start on the contest this year. His Lusk Racing #22 Lightning Chassis had proven itself well in several previous contest appearances. In a rush to get his entry prepped, Nick knew that his effort would likely not place him up near the front. Nick loves to compete, so he still wanted to make an appearance for his MDTR fans. The fans took note of a new bright neon color scheme on the machine, so Nick was readily visible no matter whether he was on the track or in the pits. Nick stabbed and jabbed at the muddy cushion on the treacherous top side to try and gain the needed momentum. Even with limited time to work on his entry this year, Nick still turned in a very respectable 33 point score. Nick had survived and vowed to return to the 2010 contest with more prep time in an effort to run up front.

After completing her stock car run, Renee Fehlen unveiled a sprint car for the first time. Renee, who enjoys competing at MDTR, was wondering if her venture into the open wheel ranks would work out. Well race fans, her first attempt in the division certainly showed this young lady has some hidden talent. Utilizing the high line, as compared with cutting through the infield, Renee quickly got that hang of how to handle a winged warrior. Flat out! Renee thrilled the large crowd and occasionally caused them to gasp, but when the curtain fell on her first effort she had bettered her stock car score by six points. A 27 point score in her first try was a solid run for the "Star of the Prairie" race team. Renee is planning to be back next year, and who knows she may bring that sprint car along again.

The five time champion in the sprint car division in past contests was about to head trackside. The concession stands quickly emptied, as all fans were in the stands to watch Ron Haugstad from Brandon, South Dakota make a bid for the lead. Ron generally arrives during the latter stages of the contest each year with an incredibly stout RHS Enterprises car. This year his Maxim was typically strong and well prepped. Ron set about his task with a determination that comes from a champion. Ron worked the high, middle and low lines to near perfection. A slight slip on laps 16 & 21 kept him up on the wheel and focused. Ron closed in on the lead pack of five cars. He knew that darn midget photo #17 could be his downfall, and sure enough, it was. Ron rolled past the finish line in a six wide finish for the lead with a 47 point score, but it was not enough to overtake Michael P from Edgerton, WI. The Badger State fans howled while the South Dakota fans scowled a bit. Yes race fans, some of those pesky midget photos and questions had gotten the better of the multi-time champion. Oh if it could only have been an all sprint car race, but no worries as Ron will return next year to make a bid for his 6th title. A huge crowd gathered around the RHS hauler in the pits after the races to purchase new t-shirts and obtain autographs. Yep, John Lackmann was first in line again.

No sooner had Ron completed his run, the Urban Assault Vehicle racing team of Tyler Urban from Lennox, South Dakota pulled through the turn two entry and brought his sharp looking sprinter trackside. The "Lennox Lightning" was making his third contest appearance at MDTR. Tyler got off to a slow start, but he got quicker as the laps clicked by. Tyler moved up top near the end of his run and found better traction. The Urban Assault Vehicle sailed past the finish line with a 27 point score. As usual, his hauler draws a large crowd after the races with lots of cool stuff available.

In the waning hours of the contest, Chris Hecht brought out his sprint car entry for Open Wheel Division action. Chris was making a bid for the over all Rookie of the Year Award. Chris rolled out an awesome looking #27 Maxim by Mars much to the surprise of many MDTR fans. It was real news to find out the Mars was tinkering with sprint cars now. After the initial surprise subsided, Chris tackled the task at hand. The Whiplash Graphics sponsored sprinter sprang to life at the drop of the green. For a rookie, this kid was hauling quipped several veteran MDTR observers. The more laps he got under his belt, the faster the Maxim went. Turning in an outstanding run with a 40 point score, Chris easily breezed to the top of the Rookie of the Year Standings. Chris' combined score of 75 points knocked Modchaser out of the last money spot in the Grand Champion standings. John was nowhere to been seen in the Hecht Motorsports pits following the races. I guess his t-shirt collection will be short one shirt. Congrats to Chris on a fine effort in his rookie season at MDTR.

As mentioned earlier, our last contestant in the 10th Annual contest just made it to the track in time. Kris Harms had travelled a long distance, from Manteno, Illinois to compete at MDTR with his "In Harms Way" race team. The big stacker trailer had entries for both divisions. Kris had not had a lot of time to prepare his sprinter, but he wanted to gain valuable experience for a possible return to the track in 2010. Kris had heard about the tough competition during the contest, so any track time as good time as far as he was concerned. Following his tour of duty in the stock car, Kris jumped into his sprinter and sped on to the track. A spin on lap 3 slowed his pace, but he restarted and began to put together several solid laps. Just shortly before the close of the contest, Kris slapped the frontstretch wall. With a wobbler on the right rear, Kris was able to bring his ride across the finish line with an 18 point score. Contest promoter GRP was pleased that Kris had made a long haul north, and he was awarded the Long Tow Award. Kris is also the first contestant ever from the state of Illinois to compete in the contest. Many thanks to Kris for participating. He will now have enough money to buy a t-shirt when he heads to Florida next month. Hey, got any room in that hauler for Lackmann? Just think of the time John would have buying new t-shirts at all those Florida races!

The conclusion of the 10th Annual GRP Racing Trivia Contest had now arrived. As fans filed out of the stands, many were headed pitside to visit with their favorites, a number headed back to the campgrounds, while many piled into their vehicles to head back home. GRP wants each and every one of them to know that he appreciates their attendance at the event. Many thanks to all the contestants and to those how followed along on the message boards. A HUGE thanks to Stan M. Without his help, there would be no contest. Take care everybody and have a super enjoyable 2009 racing season (the real one ya know).

I will be contacting prize winners on Monday night via email to confirm or obtain their mailing addresses.  Prizes will be in the mail throughout this week pending confirmations.

In an awesome gesture, 2009 Open Wheel Division Champion Michael Pietrowski from Edgerton, Wisconsin has elected to donate his first place prize money to a bonus at the Jerry Richert Memorial IRA vs Knoxville Challenge race this coming September at the Cedar Lake Speedway. GRP will have a special $100 prize, going to one of the IRA sprint car drivers, in honor of Michael. Cool stuff! Thanks Michael.

Thanks Michael.

Stan Meissner

Thanks. I may not make the Richert this year with the questionable economic outlook, so it would have been part of the money I would have spent there anyway.

Besides, tying Ron is not as cool as actually beating him...Didn't feel like a real win since so many of us tied. Would rather win outright by one than tie and win by default.

I missed the '84 Husets Rookie win, The Toepper Memorial (again) and the USAC one about Chad Boat. Which was stupid-I talked to the kid at Angell Park like a couple of months after that Hagerstown win and congratulated him on what he accomplished.

Kinda nervous about this summer, I celebrate 30 years of Sprint Car Racing this season and I might have as much money to spend as I did when I was six...That sucks.