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ECKRICH WRAPS UP DUBUQUE SEASON IN VICTORY LANEDUBUQUE SPEEDWAY Denny Eckrich closed out the 2001 racing season at the Dubuque Speedway by placing his NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model in victory lane for the fifth time. Duane Coulson took the early lead in the 35 lap event after starting in the fourth spot, battling Mark Merfeld just prior to a lap three caution. Merfeld took over when racing resumed while Eckrich was threading his way through traffic from the eleventh starting position on the bottom of the racetrack. Four laps later, Eckrich had the lead, extending his advantage each of the remaining 27 laps. Gary Webb was able to dispose of Merfeld late in the race for the second position, securing his third straight Points Championship in the process. Matt Furman rebounded from a lap 22 pileup involving at least 8 cars to finish in the third spot, ahead of Darren Miller and Merfeld. Jason Schueller dominated Modified action after taking the lead away from Mel Saffran on the fifth lap, cruising to his fourth win of the season. Ron Barker and Jed Hurst thrilled fans with a fierce battle for the runner up position, with Barker occupying the spot until five laps to go when Hurst slid underneath. Barker crossed under the checkers third ahead of Steve Wetter and Scott Nesteby. Drama played out all evening in the season long points battle, with Ryan Dolan leading Barker by only 6 points going into the Season Championships. Dolan thought his chances were over when he coasted in to the pits with mechanical trouble, his car unrepairable. Bob Dominacki came to Dolan's rescue by loaning him his car. Forced to start at the rear of the field due to switching cars, Dolan fought his way up to finish sixth. Sixth place was enough to tie Barker in points. The first tie-breaker is of no use as each driver finished the season with five victories. The second tie-breaker of second place finishes will be determined with the unofficial advantage going to Dolan. Jim Brokus led every lap enroute to his fourth Pro Stock feature win of the season, beating Jeff Tharp, Brian Culbertson, Ty Kleiner and Rich Pica to the checkers. Tharp became the points champion, overtaking Dan Shelliam when his tire packed with mud, necessitating a pit stop late in the race and taking him out of position to clinch the championship. Duane Ahmann posted his fifth Hobby Stock feature win ahead of Jeff Reinert and Larry Benn. Jerry Merkes secured the points championship by finishing seventh. Lance Mish topped the Fun Cars, beating Kelly Welter and Brian Hubbard to the line. Chad Hallahan kept his slim points lead intact by finishing sixth and clinching the points championship. Racing action at the Dubuque Speedway has concluded for the 2001 season as Simmons Promotions turns it's attention to the 24th Annual Yankee Dirt Track Classic at the Farley Speedway on September 12th to 15th and the 5th Annual Liberty 100 on the West Liberty Raceway on September 21st and 22nd. For more information, contact Simmons Promotions at 563-744-3620 or online at www.simmonspromotionsinc.com LATE MODELS MODIFIEDS DNS PRO STOCKS BOMBERS FUN CARS DNS |
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