July 07 2007

FEELING LUCKY AT WHISKEY LAKE

by Stephanie Olivier-Smith

Racing fans were feeling lucky to be at Whiskey Lake Raceway on 07/07/07.  Drivers of all ages were competing in auto races divided into four classes including B-Modified, Combined, Street Stock, and Quads.  Competition started with the Star Spangled Banner and ended with Rock and Roll over the radio system, reflecting the mood of the evening.

Quad class was the first feature of the night.  Earlier in the heat races four drivers’ switched bikes leaving one to be beaten  by one owns vehicle.  Quad competitors know how to entertain the crowd.  The feature began with Doug Mock #19 and #4 Ron Watson neck to neck.  Watson claims “I’ve been racing all my life and I can’t seem to quit”. Mock #19 came out in first place just like many other races before. In second place was #4 Watson.

Next feature race held the combined class.  Bo Fiest #57 started in the lead with # 17 Chris Rauch close behind until his back end started smoking.  Del Vinsonhaler #3rd took his place. While the second place struggle occurred Fiest passed them all for the second time.  First place went to Bo Fiest #57.  Second place went to lucky #7 Cory Limb who snuck in from the back.  Del Vinsonhaler #3^rd came in 3^rd.  Chris Rausch #7 in fourth.

The Street Stock feature followed and began with #31% in the front.  Bobby Fiest #57, Bo’s Dad, was in second place but #33 Josh Stevenson  and #7r Steve Albrecht were catching up fast.  Jeff Picking in #83 came around the third corner and went head first onto a concrete barrier.  The accident looked worse then it was.  Picking took off his helmet and stood outside his car.  Seeing this caused the audience to  cheer with relief.  Don Dale in #19 and Matt Norrid #15 also had complications.  On the first corner #19 hit the concrete guarding the audience.  He too was alright.  In the end #31% kept his strong lead in first place.  In second place was the determined Josh Stevenson #33. Third place was #57 Bobby Fiest of White City.  Fourth place belonged to the White City born Steve Albrecht #7r.  Dean May #13’s green beast  came in fifth.  Don Dale #19 in sixth.  Matt Norrid #15 in seventh.  Jeff Picking # 83 in eighth. Darin Willard #2^nd in ninth.

Finishing off the night were gritty and glitzy B-Modifieds.  Brandon Payne #50 showed fans that age doesn’t have to hinder ability.  This 16 year old soared off the starting line in the lead. Brad Morris #70 caught up quickly and the two battled nearly the entire race.  The checkered flag went to the fearless Brad Morris #70 black.  Not far behind was #50 Brandon Payne.  Brads father Don Morris #70 white came in third.  Troy Pearson #45 earned fourth place with the help of his son Aaron in the audience.  Fifth place held a youthfull smile to him as well. He is from Manhattan High School, 14 year old, Chase Junghans #18.  In sixth place was the always friendly Ed Muller #14m. Council Groves Greg  Gieswein #74 came in seventh.

July seventh brought luck, entertainment and patriotism to Whiskey Lake Raceway. 

Fort Riley fans will be happy to learn that the Urban Legends car show on July 28, 2007

 at the base will be giving away free tickets to the raceway. Everyone’s favorite drivers

will be waiting for them every Saturday at Whiskey Lake Raceway.