WILMOT RACEWAY FALL CLASSIC NIGHT TWO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
(Wilmot, Wis., Friday, September 20, 2024)–Brian Kristan of Zion, IL became the fifth different 20-lap feature winner for the Lift Pro powered by Gandrud Chevrolet – Hepfner Racing Products Wings 604 Winged Sprints on Wilmot Raceway’s Second Night of the inaugural Fall Classic Friday, September 20.
Kristan’s victory was dedicated to the memory of former Wilmot, Modified Racing Association and Interstate Racing Association driver Larry Vandervere who passed away earlier in the day. The elder Vandervere’s son, Matt Vandervere of Burlington chose to compete in honor of his father. A special pre-race tribute by drivers, fans and officials, along with Vandervere leading the field alone in front as they did their four-wide salute prior to the feature. After finishing second to Kristan, Vandervere, who earlier posted fast time and qualifying and won his heat, joined him in victory lane.
Nick Petska of Spring Grove, IL became the fourth different 11-75 Sports Park IRA Lightning Sprints feature winner of the season at Wilmot. For the second main event in a row, Brian Strane Jr. of Paris had the lead until mechanical woes forced him to an early exit eight laps from the checkered. Petska took over the lead at that point, going on to the win in the 25-lapper.
In their only Wilmot appearance of the season, Cascade’s Brandon Berth had just enough fuel to make it to the infield after taking the checkered flag in the 25-lap feature. Berth’s win was not easy following four lengthy caution periods. Berth’s win came after inheriting the lead when Boltonville’s Bill Taylor had his car bog down while taking the initial white flag with unavoidable contact from Berth.
“Racer Joe” Hueneheld of Freeport, 2019 Wilmot modified champion, made his second start of the season worthwhile by taking the win in the 20 lap main event.
Salem’s Brandon Mertes won his third 20-lap Unified Street Stock feature of the.
Salem’s Ryan Johnson followed up his close win on Classic opening night by dominating to a 20-lap B&L Office Furniture powered by American Tire and Auto Repair 4-cylinder Bandits by winning with a margin of over five seconds.
Brannam Racing and Dream Chaser Racing gave a boys and a girls bike away to a youngster in the grandstands along with a Junior Mechanic Tool Box.
Wilmot Raceway closes out the Classic and its 74th season on Saturday, September 21 with the crowning of a 410 Winged Outlaw Sprint Car Track Champion. Classic series using points from all three nights will determine trophy winners in each of the 604 Winge Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bandits divisions.
Grandstands open an hour earlier than normal at 4 p.m. with on track activity at 5 pm and racing slated for 5:30 p.m. Grandstand admission is $15 for everyone ages 13 and over, while all youth ages 12 and under are admitted free. Pits open at 1 p.m. with all pit passes being $30.00.
For updates and information phone track side race line 262-862-2090, check the track website wilmotraceway.com or official Facebook page, or contact Jenny Hesse, fair and raceway manager, at 262-731-3592 or the fair office 262-862-6121.
Submitted by Michael H. Babicz.
