Leahy, Edwards, Klinger, Morris and Krueger Also Winners
Zack Riddle won both 30 lap Late Model features giving him six wins this season and thirty-nine for his Late Model career at Madison making him one win short of tying the record of forty wins set by Rick Nelson. Evan Leahy and Dave Edwards (Dave’s White Rock MISfitz), Dylan Klinger and Josh Morris (Roto Rooter 6Shooters) and Kennedy Krueger (HSRA) also went home with checkered flags as part of Bobcat of Janesville Night at Madison.
Josh Lundy and Steve Rubeck led the twenty-three car field to the green flag. Rubeck and Lundy took turns being the leader as the front six rows raced side by side. Lundy slipped coming out of turn two allowing Rick Corso and Stephen Scheel to move up to second and third followed by Jesse Bernhagen and Will Rece as the top five started to get away from the pack. On lap 10 the caution flag waved when the cars of Lundy and Ryan Goldade got together.
Riddle Picks Up Wins Five and Six
Zack Riddle worked his way through the field in both features holding off a strong field of talented Late Model drivers.
Rubeck led the field back to the green in single file style followed by Stephen Scheel, Corso, Bernhagen, and Rece. Stephen Scheel wasted no time going after Rubeck and powered his way to the outside to take the lead. Bernhagen moved into third followed by Riddle just before the caution flag waved for a spin on lap 13.
Stephen Scheel continued to lead following the restart with Riddle passing Bernhagen for third on lap 14 and then pulled to the inside of Rubeck one lap later to take second. On the move was Shaun Scheel was charging up to third on lap 18. With ten laps to go Riddle was right there with Stephen Scheel battling for the lead when the caution came out on lap 21 for a spin.
This set up a double file restart with Stephen Scheel choosing the inside and Riddle the outside. Shaun Scheel and Bernhagen made up the second row with Bobby Wilberg and Weston Marthaler in row three. Riddle was able to take the lead on lap 8 while the Scheel brothers battled it out for second. That allowed Riddle to open up a multi car length advantage while Shaun Scheel was winning the battle for second with Wilberg getting by Stephen Scheel for third on lap 28.
But out front it was all Zack Riddle who picked up another checkered flag followed by Shaun Scheel, Wilberg, Stephen Scheel, and Marthaler.
“It was a tight field and everyone stayed clean at the start,” said Riddle.
It was Rick Corso and Jake Gille bringing the field to the green flag in the second thirty lap feature, but it took three attempts before a lap was completed as two caution flags were thrown before a single lap could be completed. On the third restart it was now Corso and Jesse Bernhagen in the front row.
Bernhagen jumped out to the lead followed by Stephen Scheel, Shaun Scheel, Bobby Wilberg, and Corso. On lap 4 Zack Riddle broke into the top five. On lap 10 Riddle passed Wilberg to take the fourth spot while the Scheel brothers were fighting it out for second behind Bernhagen. One lap later the caution came out for a spin. Bernhagen continued to lead followed by Stephen and Shaun Scheel, Riddle, and Wilberg. On lap 15 Shaun Scheel took second followed by Riddle as Bernhagen was increasing his lead out front. Bernhagen’s lead was down to a car length with ten laps to go with Riddle just a car length behind Shaun Scheel. With six laps to go Bernhagen and Scheel were side by side with Scheel taking the lead and Riddle moving up to second one lap later.
Now the top three were quickly closing in on lapped traffic. Scheel did a good job getting by some of the cars, but contact between him and a slower car allowed Riddle to take the lead with two laps to go. But things went from bad to worse for Scheel as he spun bringing out the caution flag and ending his hopes for a second feature win this season.
Now it was time for the cone and the restart which found Riddle choosing the inside, Bernhagen the outside followed by Will Rece and Stephen Scheel in the second row. Riddle wasted no time getting ahead of Bernhagen for the lead. However, a car into the wall on the frontstretch on the final lap brought out the caution and ended the race giving the win to Riddle who was followed by Bernhagen, Rece, Stephen Scheel, and Wilberg.
“It was a good effort by my guys getting the car ready for us this week,” said Riddle. It was his 42nd trip to victory lane as he also has two wins in the former Madison Late Models (Crate) and one win in the Trucks.
Zack Riddle was fast qualifier with a lap of 18.759 (95.954 mph)
Evan Leahy and Dave Edwards Win Thrillers in the MISfitz
Evan Leahy and Dave Edwards each won a 20 lap feature for the Dave’s White Rock MISfitz giving each driver their first win of the 2024 season at Madison.
Leahy and Anderson Put on a Show
It was one of the most exciting MISfitz features in Madison history in the first 20 lap main even as Evan Leahy and Kevin Anderson raced side by side the entire race with Leahy getting the win at the stripe on the final lap. It was Leahy’s first-ever win in only his second appearance at Madison.
The field of twelve cars was brought to the green flag by Kevin Anderson and Evan Leahy. The two raced side by side followed by Kyle Brick and Chris Wangrow. With the leaders still racing side by side, a battle for third was taking place between Wangrow and Dave Edwards who had caught the top two. With five laps to go Brady Liddle, who started eleventh, moved into third after passing Edwards.
On the final lap Liddle was up to challenge both Anderson and Leahy for the win, but in the end it was Leahy holding off the pair to pick up the victory.
“That was a good battle the two of us were having,” said Leahy from victory lane.
Edwards Back in Victory Lane
In the second twenty lap feature, Tim Wondrash and Kenny Storkson had the front row honors. A spin on the second lap brought out the caution flag. Storkson jumped back out to the lead followed by Dan Snyder and Dave Edwards. On lap 8 Snyder got by Storkson on the outside with Dave Edwards up to challenge Storkson for second. A spin on lap 9 brought out the second caution of the race.
Snyder paced the field back to the green closely followed by Edwards followed by Brady Liddle. The top three broke away from the field with Snyder and Edwards racing side by side for lap after lap. The caution flag waved with five laps to go when a car experienced mechanical issues.
The field came back to the green flag with Snyder and Edwards picking up where they left off with Edwards gaining a slight advantage at the line with three laps to go. The two made contact on the front shoot with two laps to go with Edwards still hanging on to the lead. Edwards led the rest of the way to pick up the win followed by Snyder, Storkson, Kevin Anderson, and Brian Ulrich.
“That was a very tough battle…it was fun,” said Edwards who pilots the only modified in the field.
Fast time was set by Brian Ulrich with a lap of 19.913 (90.393 mph)
Dylan Klinger and Josh Morris Best of the 6Shooters
Dylan Klinger and Josh Morris each picked up feature wins. It was the second win of the season for both drivers.
Dylan Klinger Returns to Victory Lane
Leading the way to the green flag were the cars of Matt Crowell and Kevin Turner. Crowell jumped out the lead with Gene Robbins and Jason Van Hise moving quickly up through the field. Robbins moved into second on lap three with Van Hise taking third one lap later. The caution flag came out on lap 11 when a wheel came rolling off one of the cars.
Following the restart, Crowell continued to lead while Van Hise powered up to second followed by Robbins, Dylan Klinger, and Trevor Chilson. On lap 8 Van Hise pulled to the outside of Crowell to take the lead while Klinger slid into second. Klinger took the lead from Van Hise with five laps to go and built a four car length lead with two laps to go and led the rest of the way to pick up the checkered flag. Van Hise, Crowell, Robbins, and Randy Grancorvitz completed the top five.
“It was a really good battle. I just love this class,” said Klinger during a post race interview.
Wire to Wire for Josh Morris
In the second 15 lap feature, Josh Morris took the early advantage with Nolan McNallie in second followed by Trevor Chilson. The top three broke away from the pack and started to catch up to slower traffic. Morris was running strong out front and was hoping that the race would stay green. Unfortunately with five laps to go a spin in turn one caused the yellow flag to wave.
Morris continued to lead after the green flag with Dylan Klinger getting by Chilson for the third spot with two laps to go. Nobody was going to catch Morris who held off McNallie for the win followed by Klinger, Chilson and Van Hise.
“My uncle helped me into this so now this is my car,” said Morris from victory lane.
Kennedy Krueger Sweeps the HSRA
Kennedy Krueger made the long trip from Sparta and swept both 15 lap features for the Finishline Towing High School Racing Association (HSRA) giving him three career wins at Madison.
In the first feature, Krueger and Charlie Thompson paced the field to the green flag. The pair raced side by side for the first two laps before Krueger took the lead. On lap 3 Gracie Flanagan pulled to the inside of Thompson to take the second spot. On lap 8 Thompson passed Flanagan for second and pulled to the outside of Krueger. With three laps to go Flanagan was on the inside of Thompson for second while Krueger had a car length lead out front. Krueger was able to maintain the lead and pick up the win.
Peyton Payne and Kayden Ellis led the field to the green flag in the second feature. The caution flag came out early when two cars got together on lap 2. Payne continued to lead with Ellis up to challenge who took the lead two laps later. Kennedy Krueger worked his way to the inside of Ellis to take the lead on lap 8 with Gracie Flanagan moving up to second. With two laps to Flanagan was doing everything she could to get by on the outside, but Krueger was able to hold her off for the win.
“I’ve learned you need to run down low on this track,” said Krueger who was representing Melrose Mindoro High School. He also won a gift card compliments of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Next Friday at Madison it’s Racers’ Reunion Night featuring the induction of the late Jim Back to the Hall of Fame and a reunion for former drivers. On-track action will include double features for the Late Models, Dave’s White Rock MISfitz, Roto Rooter 6Shooters, and the Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series. Fans 62 and over will receive a free gift at the gate.
Late Models Qualifying
1.14ZR-Zack Riddle, 18.7590; 2. 39RG-Ryan Goldade, 18.8930; 3. 8SS-Shaun Scheel, 18.9430; 4. 87BE-Brent Edmunds, 18.9770; 5. 28BW-Bobby Wilberg, 19.0080; 6. 15WR-William Rece, 19.0270; 7. 100WM-Weston Marthaler, 19.0820; 8. 28JB-Jesse Bernhagen, 19.1320; 9. 4SS-Stephen Scheel, 19.1450; 10. 88RC-Rick Corso, 19.2630; 11. 61SR-Steve Rubeck, 19.3280; 12. 11JL-Josh Lundy, 19.3340; 13. 214MF-Mathew Fairburn Jr, 19.3820; 14. 4CN-Carter Nilson, 19.4370; 15. 75MB-Mike Beyer, 19.4630; 16. 7JS-Jerry Stafford II, 19.5120; 17. 50JG-Jacob Gille, 19.5950; 18. 14KT-Kyle Taylor, 19.7900; 19. 18CR-Chase Randerson, 19.8760; 20. 13JM-Josh McGrath, 19.8800; 21. 32PD-Paul Dygon, 19.9300; 22. 70AS-Alan Shierling Jr, 20.4350; 23. 49MA-McKayla Adams, 20.5240
Late Models – Feature #1 30 Laps
1. 14ZR-Zack Riddle, Brooklyn, WI [11], 2. 8SS-Shaun Scheel, Lake Mills, WI [12], 3. 28BW-Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, WI [8], 4. 4SS-Stephen Scheel, Lake Mills, WI [4], 5. 100WM-Weston Marthaler, Glenwood, MN [6], 6. 28JB-Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, WI [5], 7. 15WR-William Rece, Stoughton, WI [7], 8. 50JG-Jacob Gille, Winnebago, IL [17], 9. 88RC-Rick Corso, McHenry, IL [3], 10. 4CN-Carter Nilson, Rockford, IL [14], 11. 61SR-Steve Rubeck, Rockford, IL [2], 12. 214MF-Mathew Fairburn Jr, Roscoe, IL [13], 13. 75MB-Mike Beyer, Machesney Park, IL [15], 14. 7JS-Jerry Stafford II, South Beloit, IL [16], 15. 18CR-Chase Randerson, Oshkosh, WI [19], 16. 14KT-Kyle Taylor, Stoughton, WI [18], 17. 32PD-Paul Dygon, Wind Lake, WI [21], 18. 49MA-McKayla Adams, Sun Prairie, WI [23], 19. 70AS-Alan Shierling Jr, Waupun, WI [22], 20. 13JM-Josh McGrath, Rockford, IL [20], 21. 39RG-Ryan Goldade, Edgerton, WI [10], 22. 87BE-Brent Edmunds, Brodhead, WI [9], 23. 11JL-Josh Lundy, Roscoe, IL [1]
Late Models – Feature #2 30 Laps
1. 14ZR-Zack Riddle, Brooklyn, WI [9], 2. 28JB-Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, WI [4], 3. 15WR-William Rece, Stoughton, WI [3], 4. 4SS-Stephen Scheel, Lake Mills, WI [6], 5. 28BW-Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, WI [7], 6. 39RG-Ryan Goldade, Edgerton, WI [21], 7. 100WM-Weston Marthaler, Glenwood, MN [5], 8. 88RC-Rick Corso, McHenry, IL [1], 9. 4CN-Carter Nilson, Rockford, IL [10], 10. 32PD-Paul Dygon, Wind Lake, WI [17], 11. 13JM-Josh McGrath, Rockford, IL [20], 12. 61SR-Steve Rubeck, Rockford, IL [11], 13. 8SS-Shaun Scheel, Lake Mills, WI [8], 14. 214MF-Mathew Fairburn Jr, Roscoe, IL [12], 15. 49MA-McKayla Adams, Sun Prairie, WI [18], 16. 70AS-Alan Shierling Jr, Waupun, WI [19], 17. 14KT-Kyle Taylor, Stoughton, WI [16], 18. 11JL-Josh Lundy, Roscoe, IL [23], 19. 75MB-Mike Beyer, Machesney Park, IL [13], 20. 18CR-Chase Randerson, Oshkosh, WI [15], 21. 7JS-Jerry Stafford II, South Beloit, IL [14], 22. 50JG-Jacob Gille, Winnebago, IL [2], 23. 87BE-Brent Edmunds, Brodhead, WI [22]
Dave’s White Rock Qualifying
1.23BU-Brian Ulrich, 19.9130; 2. 84TW-Tim Wondrash, 19.9170; 3. 7DS-Dan Snyder, 19.9230; 4. 5DE-Dave Edwards, 19.9850; 5. 54KS-Kenny Storkson, 20.0060; 6. 31CW-Chris Wangrow, 20.0150; 7. 67MH-Mason Hellenbrand, 20.0650; 8. 3KB-Kyle Brick, 20.0820; 9. 42KA-Kevin Anderson, 20.1030; 10. 6EL-Evan Leahy, 20.2020; 11. 4MT-Mike Taylor, 20.9520; 12. 5BL-Brady Liddle, 50.0000
MISfitz – Feature #1 20 Laps
1. 6EL-Evan Leahy, South Beloit, IL [2], 2. 42KA-Kevin Anderson, Cottage Grove, WI [3], 3. 5BL-Brady Liddle, Oregon, WI [12], 4. 5DE-Dave Edwards, Salem, WI [7], 5. 31CW-Chris Wangrow, Avalon, WI [5], 6. 7DS-Dan Snyder, Stoughton, WI [8], 7. 67MH-Mason Hellenbrand, Verona, WI [11], 8. 54KS-Kenny Storkson, Rockton, IL [6], 9. 23BU-Brian Ulrich, Racine, WI [10], 10. 84TW-Tim Wondrash, Brooklyn, WI [9], 11. 3KB-Kyle Brick, Joliet, IL [4], 12. 4MT-Mike Taylor, Stoughton, WI
MISfitz – Feature #2 20 Laps
1. 5DE-Dave Edwards, Salem, WI [7], 2. 7DS-Dan Snyder, Stoughton, WI [5], 3. 54KS-Kenny Storkson, Rockton, IL [3], 4. 42KA-Kevin Anderson, Cottage Grove, WI [9], 5. 23BU-Brian Ulrich, Racine, WI [2], 6. 4MT-Mike Taylor, Stoughton, WI [12], 7. 3KB-Kyle Brick, Joliet, IL [11], 8. 84TW-Tim Wondrash, Brooklyn, WI [1], 9. 6EL-Evan Leahy, South Beloit, IL [10], 10. 5BL-Brady Liddle, Oregon, WI [8], 11. 31CW-Chris Wangrow, Avalon, WI [6], 12. 67MH-Mason Hellenbrand, Verona, WI [4]
6Shooters – Feature #1 18 Laps
1. 1DK-Dylan Klinger, Albany, WI [11], 2. 74MC-Matt Crowell, Lodi, WI [1], 3. 4GR-Gene Robbins, Evansville, WI [6], 4. 33RG-Randy Grancorvitz, Fort Atkinson, WI [7], 5. 101TC-Trevor Chilson, Middleton, WI [12], 6. 24KM-Kenny Morris, Windsor, WI [9], 7. 99NM-Nolan McNallie, Verona, WI [14], 8. 10CS-Caleb Richards, South Beloit, IL [8], 9. 12JB-Jacob Beard, Loves Park, IL [4], 10. 3JM-Josh Morris, Stoughton, WI [13], 11. 11TK-Todd Klinger, Madison, WI [3], 12. 76JM-Jason Morgan, Evansville, WI [5], 13. 10KT-Kevin Turner, Juda, WI [2], 14. 24DL-Dominic Lynch, Waterloo, WI [15], 15. 71JVH-Jason VanHise, Roscoe, IL [10]
6Shooters – Feature #2 18 Laps
1. 3JM-Josh Morris, Stoughton, WI [2], 2. 99NM-Nolan McNallie, Verona, WI [5], 3. 1DK-Dylan Klinger, Albany, WI [12], 4. 101TC-Trevor Chilson, Middleton, WI [7], 5. 33RG-Randy Grancorvitz, Fort Atkinson, WI [8], 6. 10CS-Caleb Richards, South Beloit, IL [4], 7. 12JB-Jacob Beard, Loves Park, IL [3], 8. 4GR-Gene Robbins, Evansville, WI [9], 9. 24KM-Kenny Morris, Windsor, WI [6], 10. 74MC-Matt Crowell, Lodi, WI [10], 11. 10KT-Kevin Turner, Juda, WI [14], 12. 76JM-Jason Morgan, Evansville, WI [13], 13. 11TK-Todd Klinger, Madison, WI [1], 14. 24DL-Dominic Lynch, Waterloo, WI [15], 15. 71JVH-Jason VanHise, Roscoe, IL [11]
HSRA – Feature #1 15 Laps
1.34KK-Kennedy Krueger, Sparta, WI [1], 2. 73GF-Gracie Flanagan, Oregon, WI [3], 3. 95CT-Charlie Thompson, Hixton, WI [2], 4. 17KE-Kayden Ellis, South Beloit, IL [5], 5. 19PP-Peyton Payne, Elroy, WI [6], 6. 17CR-Chase Richards, South Beloit, IL [4]
HSRA – Feature #2 15 Laps
1. 34KK-Kennedy Krueger, Sparta, WI [5], 2. 73GF-Gracie Flanagan, Oregon, WI [4], 3. 17KE-Kayden Ellis, South Beloit, IL [2], 4. 19PP-Peyton Payne, Elroy, WI [1], 5. 17CR-Chase Richards, South Beloit, IL [6], 6. 95CT-Charlie Thompson, Hixton, WI [3]