Posted by Mid Am Stock Car Series on 6/27/2005, 1:57 pm
Board Administrator

GERKE SCORES FIRST MID-AM SERIES WIN June 25, 2005 - Francis Creek, WI Most of the time, a stock car driver isn't surprised by the fact that he's won a race. He gets the news courtesy of the flagman, who waves the checkered flag boldly at him as he crosses the finish line first with all of his competitors behind him. For Daryl Gerke, the news came in a little different fashion. Bad news for Jesse Fuller turned into great news for Gerke as the local point leader scored his first career Mid-American Stock Car series win Saturday night at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wisconsin. Despite a sparkling drive to the point, it appeared Gerke would have to settle for runner-up honors in the 60 lap feature honoring 141 Speedway founder Dick Grall. Ahead of Gerke at the stripe was fellow 141 regular Fuller, who withstood repeated challenges from series point leader Bill Prietzel to cross the line first. Fuller moved out early, grabbing the lead from pole sitter Jason Taghikhani at the drop of the green. Prietzel used the outside line to pass Taghikhani and rookie Kevin Damrow, moving into second on the 16th lap. Over the course of the next 30 laps, Prietzel used no less than three outside attempts, and one inside, to try to take the measure of Fuller, but each move was blocked. As the lead duo diced for the top spot, Gerke established the outside line and began to push steadily forward from his fifth row starting spot. With six to go, he made his move on Prietzel as the leaders worked their way through lapped traffic. He managed to edge his way into second, but ran out of time before he could mount a serious run at Fuller. Fuller crossed the line first, only to have the victory stripped away in the tech line due to an upper control arm that was ruled too long for Mid-Am standards. Gerke received the news that he was declared the winner well after the final flag flew, while standing in the tech building. A host of local drivers followed Gerke and Prietzel to the line. 2004 141 champ Bob Schultz was the next in order. Like Gerke, Schultz was able to gain some footing on the tough 141 outside line, passing several cars en route to his podium third place finish. Todd Mott registered his best night as a Mid-Am racer, capturing fourth as well as fast qualifying honors. The 60 lap headliner was run completely caution free. Andy Jirik's broken wheel was as close to a yellow as the race would see. The series regular, starting in the 13th spot, had quickly advanced into the top ten until the incident caused him to slow dramatically in the middle of heavy traffic. After a dominating heat win, it appeared Jirik had found the set-up to match the confines of the tight quarter mile. The ensuing green flag pit stop dropped him several laps down. The next series stop in Saturday night July 2 at the Elko Speedway in Elko, MN. There's also a return trip to 141 on the schedule, as the series will be back September 3rd. For more information, visit the series web site at www.asl-midamracing.com. Mid-American Stock Car Results 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, WI 60Lap Dick Grall Memorial Feature 1-10) Daryl Gerke, Whitelaw, WI: Bill Prietzel, Franklin, WI: Bob Schultz, Reedsville, WI: Todd Mott, Manitowoc, WI: Andy Casavant, Two Rivers, WI: Dennis Rabas, Maribel, WI: Brett Piontek, Green Bay, WI: Travis Groelle, Manitowoc, WI: Jason Taghikhani, Franklin, WI: Monte Strouf, Menchalville, WI 11-18) Jeff Tisler, Reedsville, WI: Scott Null, Lake Mills, WI: Kevin Damrow, Manitowoc, WI: Lyle Nowak, Wausau, WI: Gary Tisler, Cato, WI: Rod Dart, Luxemburg, WI: Andy Jirik, Lonsdale, MN: Jesse Fuller, Manitowoc, WI (DQ) Last Chance Qualifier Gary Tisler: Dart: Jeff Tisler: Mike Oswald, Manitowoc, WI: Greg Marks, Maribel, WI: Jimmy Wilson, Appleton, WI Heat 1: Oswald, Gary Tisler, Null, Dart Heat 2: Jeff Tisler, Fuller, Strouf, Casavant Heat 3: Jirik, Gerke, Damrow, Mott Fast Qualifier: Mott (12.507)