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Droud Wins Wingless Feature at Eagle
From Eagle Raceway - Lincoln, Nebraska
Despite a reported 3 inches of rain on Friday, coupled with off and on rain showers throughout the afternoon, Student Breakout Night presented by Stereo West Auto Toys brought a really good crowd out to America’s Race Track Eagle Raceway to see the return of a regular wingless sprint show to the high banks for the first time in recent memory.
A rain shower just as hot laps were running put the evening’s festivities in jeopardy, but the Eagle track prep staff saved the day along with the dedicated racers who remained on the track long enough to bring the racing surface back.
Even with that slight delay, racing kicked off at 7 P.M. First up were 2 heats of the Budweiser Wingless 360 sprints. The month-long wait after a rainout on the first attempt with the class was quickly forgotten. Drivers from as far away as Phoenix, Arizona and Minnesota raced alongside local sprint car pilots in a long awaited return to Eagle’s past.
There was plenty of excitement in the other classes also, including a breathtaking series of rolls by the 11AA of Doctor Ed Raines in the 3rd heat of the Monster Energy Drink IMCA Modifieds. The 00 of Barry Kinnersley also silenced the crowd as he nearly duplicated Raines’ rolls just past the flag stand on the 4th lap of the Stereo West Auto Toys IMCA Sport Compact B Feature. Thankfully, both drivers walked away; with Kinnersley’s car being driven back to his pit stall.
The first A-Main event saw the Budweiser Wingless 360 Sprints on the track. A local celebrity, Don Droud Jr. in the family-owned #2, jumped from his outside front row position into the lead followed by the 57 of Rik Forbes. As the race progressed, he stretched his advantage to nearly a half-lap cushion. He kept that advantage until Jeff Lowrey’s #45 spun to the infield with only 5 laps left. Droud again jumped ahead of his competitors and won by nearly a straightaway.
“This was really cool” Droud Jr. stated. “I wish we could run the wingless sprints more often than just once a month. I want to tell Roger thank you for giving us this chance,” he added. “I am so excited right now!” he finished. Droud Jr.’s sponsors include Schmeiding concrete, Hoppe’s Hauling, Erickson Chiropractic and Lincoln Drywall. “I do want to thank my dad, and a special thank you to my sisters; Monica and Donna for their support”.
June 2nd, 2007 Race Results
Bud Light Wingless Sprints
A Feature:
1) 2 Don Droud Jr.
2) 51 Doug Martens
3) 57 Rik Forbes
4) 77 John Klabunde
5) 19j Jay Jordan
6) 7x Adam Wirth
7) 21 Ryan Kitchen
8) 17a Andy Anderson
9) 45 Jeff Lowery
10)7 Bob Ruisinger
11)54 Bob Pingeon
12)07 Matt Hasara
13)5x Jody Wirth
14)4 Eric Shulz
15)1d Don Dawson Sr
16) 21x John Kaiser
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