Matzdorf,Wohlers, Estey, Provinzino and Barsness top the field

Grand Rapids Mn 6-9-2011

By Randy Murray

While the season has taken off to a slow start at many race tracks Tom Clusiau Grand Rapids Speedway has set it's fourth race of the season in the books.

With mostly cloudy skies keeping the hot sun off the clay things were looking good from the get go this week. with help from event sponsors, Northern Belt & Conveyor and Figgins Truck & Trailer Repair, the 5 classes put on a very strong night of racing.

The Rapids Ford Wissota Midwest Modified fired off a Great feature Race with plenty of passing, side by side duals and sometimes blasting four abreast out of the corners.

Willie Thompson blasted to an early lead from the second row to quickly be joined by fourth row starters Don Smith and Dan Ebert. The trio fought tooth and nail for the lead with Ebert getting the edge then opening a gap.

Thompson held off the challenges of Skeeter Estey and Bill Matzdorf as long as he could but Matzdorf used the tricks of experience and found a hole to get by. Estey took advantage of the hole and followed Matzdorf to fourth.

A mid-race caution saw Smith headed pitside though he rejoined in time for the green to fly but was still sent to the back for being in the pits area. Matzdorf used the restart to apply pressure to Ebert creating a good race for the lead with Estey, Thompson and Charlie Castle embroiled in a battle for 3-5th. Lots of  two and three wide challenges  were the norm for the last 5 circuits but Matzdorf remained strong out front with Ebert holding off Estey and Castle getting by Thompson to finish 4th.

Travis Budoslavich and Jay Kintner brought out the WISSOTA Late Models and led the 13 car feature to green. Budoslavich got the early lap but Kintner fired a shot on the high line and that changed that. Kevin Carlson regained his footing, after a brief slip, getting past Kyle Peterlin, Tim Carlson and Budoslavich. Kintner, Poised to tbe the class of the field, had a solid lead until caution flew. Tom waseleski was tagged with Peterlin going pit side unable to continue. Kintner stood his ground as another caution saw T. Carlson facing the wrong way in 3-4. The cautions cause some shifting about through the field as now Jeff Provinzino(started 8th) and (13th stater) Harry hanson were side by side behind Kintner. Kintner Stayed the course and smoothly handles all the pressure Provinzino applied as the duo got a little breathing room out front, not much but few car lengths. Provinzino keep looking inside kintner but Jay held up to the challenge until a bobble on Kintner gave Provinzino the little bit he needed and took the lead. Kintner fired back but was denied at every chance as Provinzino took the checkers, Kintner, Hanson, K Carlson and Budoslavich top five.

The Kelly and Ryan show was set for another episode as George Simmens Jr and Ryan Aho brought the Broking Transport WISSOTA Modifieds to the track. Estey took charge right away as he shot past the lead duo and the Battle was on. Aho stayed on Estey like he was hooked to him with a chain. Through a series of Restarts Estey maintained with Aho choosing a Different starting spot each time the Delaware alignment was set. Third Runner Dan Ebert was getting some serious study time on the leaders as he was never far from the pair. 4th row racers Jeff Hart and Jeff Wood went to work on each other while working forward into third and fourth respectively. Dustin Nelson rounded out the top five when Estey took the checkers over Aho, Hart and wood.

Tom Clusiau Wissota Super Stocks Came to entertain next as Mike Procopio and Donnie Frider led the them to green. Procopio showed power early as he took the lead on a field that went four wide into turn one behind him. Zack Wohlers Ripped the hi-side to gain the lead and 8th Starting Jeff Tardy powered his way to second.

Cauton flew as Donnie Friders' Driveshaft made a violent exit from under the 32. Kevin Burdick started to maked a run up through the field slowly working teh bottom and gaining ground. Tardy and Wohlers out front with Tardy looking for that little extra when Burdick ran the low line in to second. Wohlers had what it took and held off the cahrging Burdick. Tardy, Andy Davey and Bobby Carlson rounding out the top 5

The Pure Stocks had Todd Heinle and Jerry Ramey on the point while second row starter Mitch Meyer took to a quick lead. Heavy Pressure from Jake Barsness and Kevin Perkovich saw Meyer Shuffled back to 3rd. A series of restarts and some pretty wild action knocked several cars from competition. Chris Miller Had moved up to the third spot and was trying for second but heavy contact saw him getting the call and send tail back. Barsness was up to the task as held off the Perkovich wagon and picked up the checkers. Meyer, Keith Koski and Monte Jensen rounding out the top five.

Lots of good racing on a multi lane surface made for a good night. Thursday June 16th is Wes' Plumbing and Heating/ Portable John Night with kids klub activities before the show kicks off. The Two Seater late Model will be on hand for a lucky fan so make sure you get into the drawing. For more information on schedule and up coming events visit www.grandrapidsspeedway.net and we'll see you at the speedway!

Wissota late models

Feature

Provinzino,Kintner,Hanson, K Carlson, Budoslavich, Heinle,Ogston,T Carlson, Jorgenson,Ferris,PaoloDNF waseleski, peterlin

Heat One; Tom Waseleski, Kevin Carlson, Jeff Provinzino,Travis Budoslavich, Gregg Ferris
Heat Two;Peterlin,Paolo,Kintner, Tim Carlson, Ogston

Broking Transport Wissota Modified
Feature
Estey,Aho,Hart, Wood,Nelson,Ebert,Simmens Jr, B. Broking, Schultz,Olson, J. Broking, Champlin, Mostoller, Nelson, PerprunerDNF Schulke
Heat One; Aho, Ebert,Simmens Jr, Wood Champlin
Heat Two; Hart,Estey,Schultz,Nelson,Mostoller

Tom Clusiau Wissota Super Stock
Feature: Wohlers, Burdick, Tardy, Davey, B. Carlson, Lofdahl,Arens, Procopio,D. Carlson DNF Roepke,Troumble,Fink,Frider
Heat One; Tardy, Wohlers, Davey, Frider,D. Carlson
Heat two: Lofdahl,B Carlson, Burdick, Procopio,Fink

Rapids Ford Midwest Modified
Feature: Matzdorf,Ebert,Estey,Castle,Thompson,Leek,Johnson,Bourquin,German,laulier,Anderson,Nelson,Miller,PaoloDNFOssachuk, D. Smith, Castle Jr
Heat One: Matzdorf, Thompson,German, Castle Jr, Johnson
Heat two: Estey, Castle. Ebert, Smith, Leek

Pure Stock
Feature; Barsness, Perkovich, Meyer,Koski,M. Jensen, Baumgarner,MacAdams,Ramey,Nadeau,B. Jensen,Heinle,Palkki,MillerDNFSyverson,Greene,JerryDNSFeltus,Nikstad
Heat One:Ramey,Heinle,Perovich,Feltus,Nadeau
Heat Two:Barsness,Meyer,B. Jensen,Miller, Koski