PRINT ADS

Shawn Pfaff of Sparta won the NASCAR Late Models feature at the La Crosse Speedway on Saturday, an emotional win in which he dedicated to his late father.

This was Pfaff’s second season in a row with a feature win, but it was his first feature win since his father’s passing in December.

Pfaff started in the fourth position, but still had to fight his way to the front. Tim Nelson (fourth) and Paul Proksch (10th) were side-by-side for the lead the entire first lap. Then, after a caution brought about by a spinning J. Herbst (20th), Pfaff was able to slide up behind Nelson to get in position to take the lead.

Meanwhile, cars were side-by-side and bumper-to-bumper behind the leaders. Emily Sue Steck put up a good fight, making it all the way up to third position before falling back into her fifth-place finish. Steve Carlson (sixth), who was hoping to get his 100th feature win, got stuck flip flopping with cars mid-pack and never broke the top five.

In the end Pfaff was able to hold off Tony Bagstad (second) to get the checkered.

Nick Clements, Rob Mason and Branden Berg fought each other tooth and nail all the way to the finish line in the North Country Contractors Sportsmen division feature. All three had been trading position and paint with each other the entire race. At one point Mason and Clements were side-by-side going into turn three and were dangerously close to taking each other out. But both were able to hold on and make it through the turn. Despite efforts by Mason and Berg, Clements was able to cross the line first for the win, followed by Mason, Berg, Matt Inglett and Aaron Hass.

The United Auto Supply Thunderstox feature had multiple cautions and lead changes. The first caution was brought out after a spin the backstretch involving Jake Krueger (23rd) and Bill Inglett (13th). Then, with two laps to go, Jason Stark, Harley Jankowski and Keith Larson had a similar incident in the same part of the track — only this caution caused a two-lap shootout for the win. On the last lap, Joey Johnson (first), Wayne Smith (second), Jamie Dummer (third) and Adam Moore (fourth) were practically stuck together as they crossed the finish line.

Jason Bolster won the Tuners feature. The eight-lap shootout produced an exciting finish. Bolster was challenged by Mike Peters about half way through. It looked as though Peters was going to be able to pass him, too, but Bolster was able to maneuver his car into the lead and beat Peters by inches.

The Skidders, who were supposed to race last week, brought new excitement to La Crosse fans. Ron Amann won the Skidders feature, but from the time the green flag dropped to the time the checkered waved it, was anyone’s race. The cars, which have metal plates welded onto the back tire rims, spun their way around the track resulting in multiple lead changes. Every time a car entered a corner, its back end spun around, sometimes giving the illusion that they were dancing. Mark Bornitz (second) was leading the last lap going into turn four when he spun into the barrier tires on the track and Amann was able to get around him.

Friday, May 9 is the first of many Friday Night Street Drags. Brackets include imports, domestics, pickups, motorcycles and more; plus, there’s a burnout contest. Admission into the grandstands is $5. Pit passes are also $5 and entry into each division is $5.

On Saturday, May 20, in celebration of Mother’s Day, all escorted ladies will get in free to see the NASCAR Late Models, Sportsmen and Thunderstox divisions. On Friday, May 16, La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway will welcome the USAC Midgets for a special night of racing, along with the Mid-American Stock Cars.

For more information about La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway visit www.lacrossespeed

way.com or call the office at (608) 786-1525.