09.04.14 Happy Harry's Wissota Midwest Modified Recap

Tyler Peterson edges out Dale Kraling for the closest finish in River Cities Speedway history.

Tyler Peterson celebrates his victory. Photo by Rick Rea.

By Mike Spieker

GRAND FORKS, ND (September 4) - The 25 car, $325-to-win Wissota Midwest Modified feature was led to the green by Jeremy Lizakowski and Les Schoon of Watertown, SD.

On the opening lap, Dale Kraling peaked his nose under Lizakowski's #96, but Lizakowski's momentum carried him around to lead the lap. Kraling's second attempt to steal the top spot fell short on lap two, but he prevailed down the back stretch of lap three and put the Pit Stop Bar #7K in the lead. 

Tyler Peterson moved into second on lap four and harassed Kraling's rear bumper for the next 15 laps, to no avail. The fifth and final caution flew with one lap to go and Peterson had one more shot at the victory on the green-white-checkered restart. 

The race got back underway and Kraling dove to the inside of turn one, while Peterson tried to get his Northwest Truck & Trailer #1TPO wound up one car length off the bottom. The leaders took the white flag and Kraling had only a half car length lead over the current RCS Midwest Modified points leader. Peterson moved up to the middle of the track in turns on in two and pulled even with Kraling's machine down the back stretch. 


The two drivers were wheel to wheel as the exited turn four and headed towards the checkers. As they crossed the line, some thought Kraling won but when RCS officials went to electronic scoring, it was concluded that Peterson won by a mere 0.011 seconds; the closest finish in River Cities Speedway history.