From:
'Speedway Ziggy'
Track owner/operator Herschel Benkert once again proved that he is indeed
a master of track preparation as the 160 plus competitors were treated to
another flawless racing surface. The hard packed clay track was perfectly
smooth and dust free requiring no watering during the entire night of racing.
As the night progressed, a wide blue groove developed lending to spectacular
action!
Line up for the Handicap Main Event was as follows:
0 yard line:
Herschel Benkert (inside)
Al Lowe (outside)
20 yard line:
Nick Humle (inside)
Marty Spellman (outside)
50 yard line:
Patrick Reynolds
As the gate went up in the four lap event, Humle and Spellman quickly moved under the 0 yard liners with Reynolds in tow. Exiting turn two, Reynolds split Humle and Spellman and took a look to the outside as he followed Humle into turn three. Reynolds then squared the corner and gently moved Humle off his racing line as they entered turn one on the second lap. Spellman followed Reynolds through relegating Humle to third position. Reynolds then set out on a two and one half lap exibition of straight away long wheelies and head nods much to the delight of the ever present "back stretch party animals". At the line, it was Western Hills Honda, Barnacle Bill's Leathers, Brant Engineering, Crafts by Robinette, Justa Bro. Rotor Wing Mechanics sponsored Patrick Reynolds by a straight away. Speedway Veteran Marty "The Maniac" Spellman of Portland, Oregon, finished a strong second in his first appearance at the L.M.S. facility. Spellman was later heard to say: "this is the most incredible track I've ever riden in all my years of Speedway"!!!!
A Bon Fire/Tail Gate Party followed the nights action where many reunions took place after a long winter of no action. Open practice was held on Saturday and Sunday following Friday night's action.