River Cities Track Championship Night:

One BIG Night... it's for 
Big Gold in One Big Race

Grand Forks, ND ~ 8/23/2013 - The hint of fall is in the air as we all count down the number of race nights left on the schedule, and with the fall heat and cool mornings upon us we look at a new race week. This week brings us to the one race showdown on The Legendary Bullring called "The Season Championship Race".  Four premier classes, one winner from each to determine the Top Guns of River Cities Speedway. Later in this column we will break down the contenders and classes, as points have nothing to do with the crowning tonight's Track Champions. 

Wissota Street Stocks: First we look at the one class that almost anyone can win a heat in, and almost has. In previous articles there are 12 different heat race winners across 21 heats run, and only 3 A-Main winners so far in the 2013 season. A very competitive class with the points leader having not won a single main all season. This class is a crapshoot, anyone can win at anytime. Ryan Johnson (25) of Karlstad, MN is the current points leader. Complete Street points can be found HERE.

Wissota Midwest Modifieds: River Cities Speedway's largest class of cars averaging 27 cars every night this 2013 season with a high car count of 36 on July 26th. One of those dominant drivers has been Rich Pavlicek (17p) who last week was in a borrowed car that is owned by Mike Anderson (18) due to engine issues after sweeping the Midwest Modified class at The Legendary Bullring on August 9th. Anderson has yet to debut the car in competition at River Cities Speedway. Pavlicek (17p) is in a tie for the points lead with Tyler Peterson (1TPO) with Todd Johnson (21) in 3rd just 29 markers back. Pavlicek (17p) finished 2nd last night at Norman County Speedway in Ada, MN with Tyler Peterson (1TPO) the hard charger moving up 12 spots for 3rd.

Wissota Late Models: Lately there has been a battle for wins usually with Joey Pederson (7p) and Brad Seng (12s) usually involved with invaders such as Donny Schatz (15) and the "Double One Express" of Pat Doar (11d) from New Richmond, Wisconsin making the tow the last two weeks after winning the Wissota Amsoil Race of Champions Qualifier on August 9th. The big story is the competitiveness and with any one of 10 cars on any given day that could be in Victory Lane, This may be the one to watch. Pederson (7p) has the points lead so far, which is due to consistently finishing in the top 5. I wouldn't count out Brad Seng (12s) , Mike Balcaen (10), Dustin Strand (71s) or invaders Doar (11d) and John Kaanta (85) if they come to race. If I were a betting man, I wouldn't bet on an outcome it is too well matched to call.

NOSA Sprints: I saved the best for last... Wade Nygaard (9n) is a top of the points standings behind him a 2 way tie for 2nd between Chris Ranten (27) and Casey Mack (8) just 33 points behind Nygaard. Again, tonight's race is about the win, although points will come into play until mid September. Here is the way it breaks down: It isn't over for anyone because Mark Dobmeier (13) shows up. The way I see it by analyzing points and wins is it will be more challenging for someone other than Dobmeier (13) to get a win, but it's not out of the question or impossible that someone in the top 10 in points can steal a win tonight. 

Tickets are available at all advance ticket outlets and at the track. Hot laps at 6:30pm, Racing 7:30pm. The River Cities Speedway Family Fun Bus will be running tonight also.


Story By: Brian Spieker
Photo by: Rick Rea