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Mathees, Lemke, Shaw, Bayer and VandeKamp 2007 Classic at Viking

Alexandria, Mn (October 7, 2007) - Lance Mathees endured a late race surge from Joel Cryderman to score his first WISSOTA Late Model feature win of the season Saturday night at Viking Speedway during night two of its annual Viking Fall Classic. The $4,000 win did not come easy as Mathees endured pressure from Jeff Wildung and Cryderman during the duration of the forty lap event. Jamie Lemke danced side by side with Craig Thatcher for 27 laps before being declared the winner in the WISSOTA Modified division while Don Shaw scored the win in the WISSOTA Super Stocks. Danny Bayer, who started 20th, endured a late race challenge from Ron Saurer to score the win in the WISSOTA Midwest Modified finale while Jason VandeKamp scored his second Viking Speedway victory of the season in the WISSOTA Streets. The fifth Annual Viking Fall Classic proved to be a great one with drivers from all over WISSOTA country taking part in the sanctioning bodies final weekend of racing in 2007. Saturday's portion of the program was comprised of B-main's for all five divisions as well as the aforementioned feature events.

Saturday's program began with two WISSOTA Midwest Modified B-main events. The top two from each would transfer on to the night's A-main while the rest would load their machines onto the trailer for the final time in 2007. The first WISSOTA Midwest Modified B-main was dominated by Kensington, Mn mudslinger Korey Krafthefer. Krafthefer, fresh off a great weekend at the Western 100, cruised on to the win relatively unchallenged. The battle for the second spot was a good one between Zach Schultz, Brandon Nelson and Dan Menk. Schultz, however, was able to hold the position and stole the final transfer spot in the process. Nelson, Menk and Rusty Kollman rounded out the top five behind Krafthefer.

Like the first WISSOTA Midwest Modified B-main, the leader went relatively unchallenged. Morris, Mn driver Buddy Thorstad checked out on the field early on which left the second and final transfer spot up for grabs between Jason Hoffman and Shane Sabraski. On the final trip around the speedway, Hoffman and Sabraski made contact out of turn four with Sabraski ultimately being awarded the transfer spot. Jeremy Kerzman started 15th and finished fourth ahead of fifth place finishing Danny Vang.

Like the Midwest Modified division, the WISSOTA Street Stocks held two B-mains with the top three in each transferring on to the A-feature event. Row six starter Mike Jans proved once again why he is one of the best in the business picking up the win in the first B-main. Jans worked the extreme top side of the speedway passing a bevy of cars on his way to victory. Hanley Falls, Mn driver Brandon Jacobson followed Jans to the front and came home second while Aaron Leininger picked up the final transfer spot just ahead of Jason Long and Jerome Guyout.

Princeton Speedway regular Rod Debernardeaux scored the win in B-main number two. Debernardeaux, who rarely visits the Viking Speedway, has a great history at the Fall Classic and once again locked himself into another A-main with his win in B-main two. 2006 Viking Fall Classic WISSOTA Street Stock champion Keith Tourville worked his way through traffic after starting midpack finishing a strong second behind "Rodney D." Andrew Bangsund, Travis Berends and Justin Pogones were also members of the top five in B-main two for the WISSOTA Streets.

The WISSOTA Super Stocks were next to roll out onto the racing surface with four more drivers looking to lock themself into Saturday night's 30-lap A-main. Brainerd, Mn ace Tim Johnson scored the victory in B-main number one behind the wheel of DJ Dondelinger's #8. Johnson, however, looked as smooth as usual as he cruised on to victory. Local product Jeff Kluver finished a strong second behind Johnson putting on his dancing shoes in the process. Grand Meadow, Mn driver Ryan Siegle narrowly missed a transfer spot in third while Roger Host and Dale Gangl rounded out the top five.

Speedway regulars Jon Stepan and Jason Blascyk were able to go dancing as well as they finished one-two in B-main two. Blascyk's transfer spot did not come easy, however, as he endured heavy pressure from Forrest Lake, Mn driver Jim Gullikson. Gullikson, however, promoted clean racing and never made contact with Blascyk during the event. Jeff Hapala and Jason Thoennes were each members of the top five as well in Super Stock B-main 2.

Scott Tofte grabbed the early lead in WISSOTA Modified B-main 1. Tofte led early before looping his machine in turn four bringing out the yellow. Tofte would not stay in the back for long, however as he powered around the high side of the speedway. After going back to fourteenth, Tofte staired a transfer spot right in the rear bumper with three laps remaining. Tofte continued to slam the cushion around the speedway as he closed in on second place Mark Froehlich for the second and final transfer spot. On the final trip around the speedway, Tofte made a bonzai run for the cushion in turn three. Froehlich, however, held the groove and picked up the final transfer spot in fine form. Out front it was all Scott Gilbertson picking up the win in B-main 1.

Morris, Mn driver Dave Storck dominated action in WISSOTA Modified B-main 2. While Storck cruised to a sizable advantage out front, Dennis Bitzan closed in on Shane Sabraski for the second and final transfer spot. With two laps remaining, Bitzan had successfully caught the back side of Sabraski. On the final lap, Bitzan loaded his Specialty Fabricating machine one last time as the duo raced out of turn four. Sabraski was able to hold his line and went on to score the final transfer spot. Storck picked up the win while Rick Delaine and Joe Bean rounded out the top five.

After Proctor Speedway rained out, New Richmond, WI legend Pat Doar made his way to Viking Speedway for Saturday's portion of the program. Because Doar did not run a heat race that meant he would start Saturday's B-main in the thirteenth position. With the top two drivers moving on to the A-main, Doar had his work cut out for him. Cody Skytland grabbed the early lead but not before enduring pressure from Canby, Mn driver Corey Nelson. Doar steadily moved his way forward from the back finding himself in the top five with six laps remaining. Doar rocketed around the top side of the multi-grooved speedway and moved into third with just three laps remaining. Doar was able to cruise by Nelson for the second and final transfer spot with two laps to go and set out after Skytland for the lead. On the final lap, Doar made a bonzai run for the bottom of the track in turn three. Skytland, however, held his line and cruised on to the mighty impressive B-main victory. Doar had the near capacity crowd on its collective feet several times finishing an astonishing run in second with Corey Nelson third, Ed Turnbull fourth and Brad Jensen fifth.

Local product Shaun Peterson took the early lead in B-main two behind the wheel of his brand new Rocket Race Car. Peterson seemed to have a good handle on his new machine during the weekend ultimately finishing second to Dave Mass in the second and final B-main. Dave Zimmerman did his best to pass Peterson for the second and final transfer spot but never mounted a serious challenge. Zimmerman, however, would receive a provisional for the highest finisher from the year before. Mass went on to score the win ahead of Peterson, Zimmmerman, Ardy Eilers and Jon Henkemeyer.

With all the qualifying events in the books, it was now feature time. As customary at Viking Speedway, the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds rolled out onto the speedway for their 20-lap, $1,000 to win main event. A four wide salute to the fans was aligned before order was restored and action commenced on the big half mile. With the speedway sporting two beautiful grooves for racing, the green flag waved. Second generation drivers Marshal Tofte and Travis Saurer shared the front row starting duties with Tofte grabbing the early lead. Tofte worked the high side of the speedway while sixth starter Bryan Dyrdahl worked his way forward. Dyrdahl stole the second spot from Saurer early on and proved he would be a factor in the final outcome of the event. Dyrdahl overtook Tofte for the lead on lap seven while many hard charging efforts could be found on the speedway. Twentieth starting Bayer was already flirting with the top ten when the first yellow flag waved ten laps in. On the restart it was still Dyrdahl out front with Tofte in second. Row six starter Pete Loecken entered the top five with eight laps remaining as Bayer continued his spirited march toward the front. One by one Bayer stalked his foes before moving into second with six laps remaining. Dyrdahl continued to impress however and seemed to have an answer for Bayer's moves early on. A plethora of cautions halted action in the ladder stages of the event which would play into Bayer's hands. With four laps remaining, Bayer used a power move in turn three to dispose of Dyrdahl for the lead. The story of the race, however, was yet to be told. Thirteenth starter Ron Saurer had found the extreme high side of the speedway to his liking with five laps remaining as he moved into third past Tofte. Saurer quickly moved by Dyrdahl for the second spot when the final caution of the event waved with two laps remaining. On the restart, Bayer continued to work the middle groove with Saurer up on the ledge. On the final trip around the speedway, Saurer closed in on Bayer for one last run in turns three and four. Bayer, however, held his line, didn't make any mistakes and went on to score the biggest win of his young career. Saurer ended a great run in second ahead of Dyrdahl, Troy Berends and Tofte. Berends, who started fifteenth, was awarded third later on after Dyrdahl was light at the scales. Bayer not only picked up the win but was awarded the hard charger as well.
Cambridge, Mn driver Jason VandeKamp took the early lead during action in the 20-lap WISSOTA Street Stock finale. Row eight starters Dave Rohweder and Tim Johnson proved that they would be factors early on passing cars and nearing the top ten just a few laps into the event. Row five starter Cory Rosen made a bevy of moves on his way to the front and was scored in the second spot with twelve laps remaining. VandeKamp and Rosen, who have went door to door many times, put on a good old fashion slobber-knocker during the remainder of the event going side by side several times. Tenth starter Shawn Wageman worked his way into fourth early on while the battle for the lead ignited once again. With seven laps remaining, Rosen tried an inside move once again which was fought off by Vandy. Rosen was left to regroup while some drivers from the back began to move forward. Jamestown Speedway regulars Rohweder and Spencer Johnson each moved up several positions and each finished just outside the top five in sixth and seventh respectively. Rosen would throw everything but the kitchen sink at VandeKamp in the remaining laps but it was not enough as Vandy cruised on to the win. Rosen had another great run in second with Ryan Buer third, Wageman fourth and Cory Tammen fifth. Scott Horn picked up the hard charger award starting the event in 25th and finishing 9th.

With track conditions perfect, speedway officials decided that the WISSOTA Late Models would be next. Long time racing veterans Troy Olson and Jeff Hinkemeyer shared row one as the green flag dropped. Fourth starter Lance Mathees put his Rocket Race Car up on the shelf early on and was scored the leader at the conclusion of lap two. Hinkemeyer and Olson battled for second early on before Jeff Wildung moved from his row four starting spot to do battle with Troy and Jeff. Wildung moved into second just eight laps into the race while Mathees had stretched his advantage considerably out front. Thirteenth starter Joel Cryderman found himself in the eighth spot ten laps into the event while Pat Doar began to march through the field. After starting 23rd, Doar entered the top ten just eighteen laps into the contest. As the laps wore down, Wildung began to creep closer and closer to Mathees. Zach Johnson disposed of both Olson and Hinkemeyer for the fourth spot near the midway point of the race while Cryderman and Olson battled for position.

The yellow flag waved with seventeen laps remaining which would bunch up the field double file behind race leading Mathees. On the restart, Cryderman got a great jump on his competitors and entered the top five behind Johnson while Wildung pressured Mathees out front. Doar, like Cryderman, used a great jump to advance a few positions locking himself in a duel with Olson for the sixth spot. Olson rode the rim with Doar on the bottom.

The yellow flag waved once again with eleven laps remaining which would once again bunch things up behind Mathees. On the restart, Cryderman made a bonzai run for the bottom of the track in turn one. He overtook Johnson for the third spot and began to pressure Wildung for the second spot. Mathees stretched his lead out front while Doar entered the top five with six laps remaining. Wildung began to pull away from Cryderman when the yellow flag once again waved with four laps remaining. Now it was Mathees out front with Wildung, Cryderman, Johnson and Doar lined up single file behind. On the restart, Cryderman once again headed for the ditch in turn one.

He overtook Wildung for the second spot as he closed in on Mathees for the lead down the backstretch. On the final trip around the speedway, Mathees and Cryderman dueled door to door down the backstretch. Mathees, however, used his top groove momentum to pick up the win by a half of a car length ahead of seventh row starting Cryderman. Wildung had a great run in third with Johnson and Doar rounding out the top five.

Doar picked up the hard charger award starting 23rd and finishing fifth. Between his B-main and the A-main, Doar passed a gaughty 29 cars over the weekend. The win was Mathees' first on the season, which netted him $4,000 in the process.

Hutchinson, Mn driver Jamie Lemke took the early lead on the opening circuit of the 35-lap WISSOTA Modified A-main. Sixth starter Scot Danzeisen made an unbelievable move ducking under four of his fellow competitors grabbing the second spot as the field raced out of turn two. Lemke was scored the leader at the conclusion of the first lap while Danzeisen settled into second. Fourth starter Craig Thatcher quickly moved into third and didn't waste any time applying pressure to the backside of Danzeisen. Danzeisen worked the cushion with Thatcher in the ditch. Thatcher moved his way by Danzeisen for the second spot on lap seven while Lemke stretched his advantage out front. Back in the pack "Mr. Modified" Jay McDonald began a spirited march toward the front as he worked the cushion past several of his competitors. Long time racing veteran Dave Storck did the same moving up eight positions in the first eight laps after starting 22nd.

With twenty-three laps remaining, Thatcher closed in on the backside of Lemke as the duo began to race side by side for the lead. Lemke man-handled his machine around the cushion while Thatcher worked the ditch. Dave Cain and Mike Anderson looked as if they might be a factor as each competitor worked the extreme high side of the speedway. Cain, after moving into the top five, would retire off the backstretch with a flat tire. Mark Noble too look as if he might be a factor near the midway point of the race, but he too had to retire pitside with mechanical failure. Row nine starter Jason Thoennes found the extreme high side of the speedway to his liking. Thoennes cracked the top five with six laps remaining while smoke began pour out the backside of Lemke's #17L. The final caution of the event waved with five laps remaining which would put Thatcher on Lemke's bumper for the restart.

Lemke once again climbed the hill in turn one, slammed the right rear on the cushion, and blasted off to a nice lead down the backchute. Thatcher was poised for Lemke to make a mistake as he stayed a close distance, but the mistake would never come as Lemke cruised on to his biggest win of his great career. Thatcher tried everything during the duration of the race but had to settle for second ahead of Danzeisen, Don Eischens and Thoennes. Storck and McDonald each passed 14 cars during the event each picking up a hard charger award in the process. Lemke was very excited in victory lane as he shared hugs with his loved ones and a big smile for the camera. It was found out later that a rear axle tube had busted and that was the reasoning behind the smoke.

The WISSOTA Super Stocks owned the final event of the 2007 season and after the A-mains the fans had seen in the other four division's, they had a tough act to follow. Mike Peterson and Zach Schultz shared row one as the green dropped over the field. Schultz grabbed the opening lap advantage while Scott Brown quickly moved into third. Todd Carter looked as if he might be the victor early on as he battled door to door with Schultz for the lead. Brown, however, disposed of Carter for the second spot on the bottom of the track in turn four and immediately set off to catch Schultz. Schultz would lead until lap ten when Brown blasted by on the bottom for the top spot. The double file restarts really seem to help Don Shaw, who cracked the top four near the midway point of the race. Shaw moved into third two laps later and quickly began to pressure the backside of Schultz for second. Shaw went to the bottom in turn three and disposed of Schultz for the second spot while Brown still held the lead out front. Shaw, with the help of another restart, closed in on the backside of Brown with eleven laps remaining. Shaw was able to make the pass for the lead stick one lap later. Brown, however, battled back and the casual fan was still unsure as to who would be the victor. After falling back a few spots early on, 21st starter Tim Johnson began to work his way through the field. Johnson worked the extreme top side of the speedway while most cars ran middle to bottom. On the final trip around the speedway, Johnson worked his way past Carter for the seventh spot. On the final trip around, the best battle on the speedway was for the fourth spot between Dave Mass, Mike Anderson and Scott Lawrence. Mass would ultimately win the battle and ended a nice run in the spot. Out front it was Shaw scoring his second Viking Fall Classic WISSOTA Super Stock triumph in as many years. Scott Brown really turned some heads over the weekend ending a great run in second with Schultz third, Mass fourth and Anderson fifth. Johnson picked up the hard charger award starting 21st and finishing seventh.

All in all it was a great weekend at the Viking Speedway. FYE Motorsports and Viking Speedway would like to thank all the fans, drivers, sponsors and race related people that made this weekend a sucessful one. Without all the help received by the aformentioned people, a show of this magnitude could not go on. We hope to make 2008's version of the Viking Fall Classic even more special.
SUMMARY:

WISSOTA Late Models:
Feature- Lance Mathees, Joel Cryderman, Jeff Wildung, Zach Johnson, Pat Doar, Jeff Hinkemeyer, Troy Olson, Don Shaw, Matt Aukland, Andy Simonson, Brad Seng, Brent Larson, Rick Nelson, Paul Mueller, Shaun Peterson, Dave Mass, Dave Tyrchniewicz, Ricky Weiss, Jeremy Keller, Cody Skytland, Blake Jegtvig, Dave Zimmerman, Mitch Johnson, Ben Mickelson, Chad Corbett
B-main 1- C. Skytland, Doar, Corey Nelson, Ed Turnbull, Jensen
B-main 2- Mass, Peterson, Zimmerman, Eilers, Henkemeyer
WISSOTA Modifieds:
Feature- Jamie Lemke, Craig Thatcher, Scot Danzeisen, Don Eischens, Jason Thoennes, Jay McDonald, Jason Miller, Dave Storck, Jay Richardson, Scott Gilbertson, Shane Sabraski, Mark Froehlich, Ken Hron, Kent Wilms, John Corell, Terry Engebretson, Mike Anderson, Dave Cain, Chad Nieland, Bill Mooney, Jason Voigt, Blake Jegtvig, Mark Noble, Joey Jensen, Mike Bruns
B-main 1- Scott Gilbertson, Froehlich, Tofte, Jegtvig, Matt Gilbertson
B-main 2- Dave Storck, Sabraski, Bitzan, Delaine, Bean
WISSOTA Super Stocks:
Feature- Don Shaw, Dr. Scott Brown, Zach Schultz, Dave Mass, Mike Anderson, Scott Lawrence, Tim Johnson, Todd Carter, Jeff Kluver, Curt Myers, Cory Tammen, Larry Lund, Corky Thomas, Irvin Cook, Tim Borgeson, Scott Baker, Jon Stepan, Dennis Charles, Jason Blascyk, Mike Peterson, Jeff Flaten, Jason Thoennes, Kevin Robertson, Al Cleveland, Joel Collins
B-main 1- Johnson, Kluver, Siegle, Host, Gangl
B-main 2- Stepan, Blascyk, Gullikson, Hapala, Thoennes
WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds:
Feature- Danny Bayer, Ron Saurer, Troy Berends, Marshal Tofte, Pete Loecken, Brian Haben, Shane Sabraski, Travis Saurer, Kyle Reents, Dan Greeley, Brooke Hellerman, Randy Vezina, Brett Hoium, Korey Krafthefer, Kyle Krafthefer, Zach Schultz, Terry Merten, Ross Romdalvik, Kenny Klaudt, Ryan Restad, Josh Thoennes, Buddy Thorstad, Nate Barber, Ryan Studanski, Jon Henkemeyer, Bryan Dyrdahl
B-main 1- Korey Krafthefer, Schultz, Nelson, Menk, Kollman
B-main 2- Thorstad, Sabraski, Hoffman, Kerzman, Vang
WISSOTA Street Stocks:
Feature- Jason VandeKamp, Cory Rosen, Ryan Buer, Shawn Wageman, Cory Tammen, Dave Rohweder, Spencer Johnson, Rusty Kollman, Scott Horn, Mike Jans, Keith Tourville, Tim Johnson, Devin Neske, Chanda Fjorden-Nord, Levi Babcock, Scott Huston, James Tandeski, Adam Burrows, Rick Sahli, Jim Williams, Justin Vogel, Brandon Jacobson, Ryan Schroeder, Rod Debernardeaux, Cory Crapser
B-main 1- Jans, Jacobson, Leininger, Long, Guyot
B-main 2- Debernardeaux, Tourville, Bangsund, Berends, PogonesHeat races kick off 5th Annual Viking Fall ClassicBy Ray Beste
Alexandria, Mn (October 6th) - FYE Motorsports and Viking Speedway teamed up for the fifth consecutive year this past weekend hosting the 5th Annual Viking Fall Classic year end invitational. A gaughty 262 competitors checked in for battle in the five WISSOTA sanctioned divisions offered for the weekend. Friday's program was comprised of heat races for all five WISSOTA sanctioned divisions. Competitors in the WISSOTA Late Models, WISSOTA Modifieds, WISSOTA Super Stocks, WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds and WISSOTA Street Stocks all took part in Friday's portion of the program which seen high speeds and great racing despite some damp weather.
With over 70 WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds in attendance, the competitors were split into seven heat races with the top three competitors from each locking themselves into Saturday nights $1,000 to win A-main. Heat race number one was dominated by outside pole-sitter Brett Hoium of Villard, Mn. Hoium got the early jump and was never seriously challenged during the 10-lap affair. Iron Range racer Randy Vezina raced hard during the duration of the event and ended a great run in second ahead of division rookie Troy Berends. Joining the aformentioned drivers in the top five finishing order was speedway regulars Korey Krafthefer and Todd Berg.

After a hard wreck temporarily haulted her season back in early September, Parkers Prairie, Mn driver Brook Hellerman made her return to the division in heat race two. Hellerman took the lead from the get go and quickly endured pressure from Ryan Studanski. Brian Haben made some stellar moves to make his way into third late in the race and He joined the fray with Hellerman and Studanski. On the final trip around the speedway, Studanski loaded up his machine on the high side for one final attempt. Hellerman, however, held the groove and went on to score the heat race win, much to the delight of the near capacity crowd. Matt Smith and Charlie Mass were each members of the top five as well in heat race two.

Heat number three was dominated by Bismarck, ND driver Kenny Klaudt. The second year pilot grabbed the early advantage and rode the middle groove to victory. Second row starter Ryan Restad moved up a couple positions during the 10-lap event to finish second with Ross Romdalvik stealing the final transfer position. Perennial WISSOTA Street Stock front runner Jason VandeKamp finished fourth in Alan Bohlman's car while Benson, Mn driver Scott Huston finished fifth.

Heat race four featured two racing names that have competed at Viking Speedway for quite some time. 40+ year racing veteran Terry Merten battled door to door with second year driver Josh Thoennes during the duration of heat four. Merten worked the middle groove while Thoennes tried to duck under Terry several times. Merten made few mistakes during the contest and went on to score the win. Thoennes finished a close second ahead of the final transferer, Jon Henkemeyer. Buddy Thorstad finished fourth ahead of long time racing veteran Alan Olafson.

WISSOTA Midwest Modified heat race five was dominated early on by Litchfield, Mn driver Pee Wee Kuhnau. Kuhnau would lead until lap four when a breakdown would end his great run. That handed the lead to Madison, Mn driver Marshal Tofte. From there on out it was Tofte pedaling his Perfect Chassis machine to victory ahead of a hard charging Pete Loecken. Speedway regular Dan Greeley stole the final transfer spot ahead of Bemidji's Matt Sparby and Donnelly's Joe Schmidt.

Dalton, Mn father and son duo Travis and Ron Saurer shared row one for heat race six. Travis grabbed the early lead ahead of the elder Saurer while fourth row starter Danny Bayer quickly moved his way to the front. Brandon Nelson looked as if he might be a factor in the outcome early on before contact with the fronstretch wall halted his forward momentum considerably. Bayer moved into third with three laps remaining and closed the gap considerably on Ron for second. In the end it was Travis picking up the heat race win ahead of his father, Ron. Bayer earned the final transfer spot finishing a great run in third ahead of Randy Schumm and "The Franklin Flyer" Dan Menk.

The seventh and final WISSOTA Midwest Modified heat race was dominated by first time visitor Bryan Dyrdahl. Dyrdahl dominated the event from start to finish while fifth starter Nate Barber moved up three positions to finish a great run in second. Speedway regular Kyle Reents made a couple of nice maneuvers in the final laps to grab the final transfer spot while Nick Kipka and Shane Sabraski each finished in the top five finishing order as well.

After the seventh and final WISSOTA Midwest Modified heat race was completed, the speedway welcomed the WISSOTA Street Stocks out onto the speedway for their qualifying events. Each qualifier featured nine cars with ten laps being the distance for each heat. Red River Valley Speedway regular Levi Babcock earned the victory in heat race one. Row four starters Devin Neske and Tim Johnson did their best to work there way to the front while Babcock was on cruise control out front. Hancock, Mn driver Ryan Schroeder finished second while the aformentioned drivers, Neske and Johnson, each locked themselves into Saturday night's A-main with top four finishes. Hanley Falls, Mn driver Brandon Jacobson finished fifth.

After Brooke Hellerman had already scored a heat race win in the WISSOTA Midwest Modified division, one might've thought it was ladies night when Luck, WI driver Chanda Fjorden-Nord took the early lead in heat race two. Fjorden-Nord held the lead until lap six when Western 100 Street Stock champion Cory Tammen overtook her for the lead with a power move in turn three. Fjorden-Nord, however, held strong and finished the race in second which would lock her into Saturday night's $1,000 to win A-main. Scott Huston pedaled his Evolution Chassis machine to a very impressive third place finish while speedway regular Rick Sahli finished fourth. Travis "Trapper" Berends was the final member of the top five.

Outside pole-sitter Jason VandeKamp dissappeared off into the night during action in heat number three for the WISSOTA Streets. Montana WISSOTA Street Stock pilot Adam Burrows looked very strong during the event holding on to a strong second place finish ahead of James Tandeski and a hard charging Rusty Kollman. Kollman started the event tail end and worked his way into the final transfer spot with Harold Peters in fifth.

"Nitro" Jimmy Williams, after taking a year off, made his return to racing in heat race four. Williams would endure heavy pressure early on from Cory Rosen before picking up the hard fought heat race win. Rosen, a perennial Street Stock national front runner, settle for second and locked himself into the A-main. Jamestown, ND driver Spencer Johnson had a great run in his second career visit to Viking finishing third while 2007 WISSOTA Street Stock national champion Cory Crapser finished fourth. Rod Debernardeaux finished fifth.

Ryan Buer and Shawn Wageman battled for the top spot early and often during the fifth and final WISSOTA Street Stock heat race. Buer and Wageman, however, were joined by Dave Rohweder by lap five and the top three competitors battled for the top spot. Rohweder did everything in his power to overtake Wageman for the second spot but had to settle for third in the end. Out front it was all Buer picking up the heat race win. Wageman, Rohweder, Justin Vogel and Mark Blom each were members of the top five as well.
A very stout field of 52 WISSOTA Super Stocks were next on the docket with five big heat races being scheduled for the full fendered machines. Heat number one was dominated by Dr. Scott Brown of Winnipeg, MB. Superior, WI driver Scott Lawrence moved from tail end to pressure Brown in the ladder stages of the event. Lawrence, in only his second ever appearance at the speedway, looked right at home motoring around the top side of the speedway. Dennis Charles and Tim Borgeson each garnered transfer spots in heat race one with Deer Creek Speedway regular Chris Quast also in the top five finishing order.

Lisbon, ND ace Todd Carter was able to score the win in heat race two. Dave Mass, a past winner of the event, steadily moved forward during the ten lap event finishing a close second behind Carter. Speedway regulars Irvin Cook, Corky Thomas and Jon Stepan joined the aformentioned drivers in the top five.

Ever since purchasing a Brunette Chassis in early August, Grove City, Mn driver Zach Schultz has been very steady behind the wheel of his new Super Stock. Heat race three proved to be another successful venture as he scored the win despite some heavy hitters nipping at his heels. Mike Anderson, fresh off a win at the Red Clay Classic, finished a strong second behind Schultz while Joel Collins and Jeff Flaten each picked up transfer spots during the duration of the event as well. Brainerd, Mn ace Tim Johnson finished fifth in heat three.

Speedway regular Mike Peterson did what many have struggled to do at Viking Fall Classic's in the past, thats keep Don Shaw out of the top spot. After starting in row three, Shaw steadily worked his way forward ending a nice run in second behind Peterson. Long time racing veterans Scott Baker and Al Cleveland each picked up transfer spots with Valley City, ND driver Tim Compson finishing up his qualifying effort in the fifth spot.

The fifth and final heat race was dominated by Marshfield, WI driver Curt Myers. The surprise of the event, however, was division rookie Cory Tammen. Tammen, who started the event in row four, steadily worked his way to the front using the extreme top side of the speedway in the process. Once Tammen overtook second he worked the backside of Myers before settling for a hard fought second place finish. Enderlin, ND driver Kevin Robertson finished a strong third with Larry Lund taking home the final transfer spot. Roger Host, in a former Scot Danzeisen Fegers machine, finished the qualifier in the fifth spot.

The high powered WISSOTA Modifieds were next to do battle with five heat race scheduled for the open wheeled machines. The top four from each heat race would lock themselves into Saturday night's 35-lap A-main. Heat race one featured a close battle for the lead between Jamie Lemke and Scot Danzeisen. The top line seemed to be the preferred groove and each competitor tried there best to make it work. Danzeisen pressured Lemke several times but was never able to overtake him for the lead. Back in traffic, ninth starter Scott Tofte moved up four positions during the event ending a nice run in fifth. Out front it was Lemke scoring the heat race win followed by Danzeisen, Bill Mooney, Kent Wilms and the aformentioned Tofte.

Fargo, ND veteran Mike Bruns got the jump on the field in heat race two and never looked back on his way to a mighty impressive heat race win. The battle for the second spot proved to be a good one with Don Eischens ultimately sneaking by John Corell for position in turn three. Jason Thoennes made a late race surge by Joe Bean for the final transfer spot with Bruns cruised on to victory out front. Eischens, Corell, Thoennes and Bean were also members of the top five finishing order.
Outside pole-sitter Mike Anderson grabbed the early lead in heat race three but not without enduring pressure from the #V2 of Joey Jensen. Anderson, however, stretched his lead to three car lengths while row four starter Dave Cain began to pressure Jensen for the second spot. Cain pulled even with Jensen a few times but was never able to make the pass as Jensen held on to the second spot. Out front it was all "Dirt Digger" as Anderson picked up the heat race triumph. Jensen, Cain, Jay Richardson and Mark Trautner were each top fivers as well.

Terry Engebretson checked out on his fellow competitors in heat race four. Engebretson took the lead from the get go while Chad Nieland and Jason Voigt were left to do battle for the second spot. Voigt would venture to the cushion in turn three with four laps remaining overtaking Nieland for the second spot while Nashwauk, Mn driver Ken Hron grabbed the final transfer spot in fourth. Engebretson was followed to the line by Voigt, Nieland, Hron and Dave Storck.

Two of the best Modified drivers to ever strap into a car shared the front row for the fifth and final heat race. Knapp, WI's Craig Thatcher and Blooming Prairie, Mn's Mark Noble were aligned on the front row as head flagman Mike Commerford dropped the green. The red #91of Thatcher slammed the right rear tire on the cushion in turn one and blasted off to the early lead while Noble settled into second. Row three starter Jason Miller quickly moved into third while Noble tried to keep pace with Thatcher. Thatcher continued to run the rim while Noble began to experiment with the bottom. Miller closed in on Noble for the second spot while Thatcher began to stretch his advantage out front. In the end it was all Thatcher picking up the heat win ahead of Noble, Miller, Jay McDonald and Scott Gilbertson.

With the other four division's heat races already in the books, it was now time for a little WISSOTA Late Model qualifying action. 40+ Late Models packed the pit gates with some of WISSOTA's top runners on hand. Lance Mathees used his outside row one starting position to dominate heat race one. Mathees, who traditionally works near the inside tire barrier, had his machine "cowboyed up" on the cushion and cruised on to a relatively easy heat race win. Fargo, ND driver Troy Olson finished a very strong second with Ricky Weiss and Joel Cryderman garnering the final two transfer positions. Bismarck, ND driver Jeremy Keller finished fifth.

Matt Aukland took the lead early on in heat race two while the action behind him was hot and heavy. Fourth row starter Brad Seng used a plethora of moves to work his way to the front disposing of some tough competition in the process. Seng would ultimately find himself in the third spot with two laps remaining as he worked the backside of Dave Tyrchniewicz for second. Seng would pull along side of Tyrchniewicz a couple times but was never able to comindeer the position. Out front it was all Aukland picking up the heat race win. Tyrchniewicz, Seng, Brent Larson and Ryan Corbett were each members of the top five as well.

Heat race three featured the top two runners in WISSOTA national points for the season. Speedway regulars Jeff Wildung and Zach Johnson had the near capacity crowd on their feet as they ignited a battle for the lead in heat three. Wildung moved out front early on after starting in the second row. Third row starter Johnson followed Wildung to the front and began to close in as the laps wore off. Johnson moved to within a car length on the final trip around the speedway but was never able to overtake Wildung for the lead. Blake Jegtvig and Paul Mueller were able to transfer to Saturday night's A-main while Mitch Johnson finished fifth.

Heat race four proved to be the best race of the night for the WISSOTA Late Models. Rick Nelson raced out to an early advantage from his outside row one starting spot while second row starter Jeff Hinkemeyer closed in to do battle on lap four. Hinkemeyer pressured the backside of Nelson during the duration of the ten lap event before briefly taking the lead with three laps remaining. Hinkemeyer bolted by Nelson in turn one with three laps remaining. Nelson, however, returned the favor and ducked back under Hinkemeyer for the top spot as the duo drag raced down the backstretch. From there on out it was Nelson picking up the heat race win. Hinkemeyer had a great run in second ahead of Don Shaw, Andy Simonson and Ben Mickelson.

With all the heat races in the books, Saturday's program was set to run off without a hitch. B-main's would be held in each division to fill out the field in each division as well as Saturday night's Viking Fall Classic A-main events.
SUMMARY:

WISSOTA Late Models:
Heat 1- Mathees, Olson, Weiss, Cryderman, Keller, Dyrdahl, Corey Nelson, Turnbull, Jeff Pritchard, Mass, R. Corbett
Heat 2- Aukland, Tyrchniewicz, Seng, Larson, Corbett, Zimmerman, Huizenga, Scott Lehn, Miller, Chris Lehn, Jon Henkemeyer
Heat 3- Wildung, Zach Johnson, Jegtvig, Mueller, Mitch Johnson, C. Skytland, Jensen, Kirwin, Mike Bruns, Malsam
Heat 4- Nelson, Hinkemeyer, Shaw, Simonson, Mickelson, Peterson, Eilers, Jason Weis, David Vennard, Greer
WISSOTA Modifieds:
Heat 1- Lemke, Danzeisen, Mooney, Wilms, Tofte, Bitzan, Eddington, Tim Thomas, Muzik, Ed Turnbull, M. Storck
Heat 2- Bruns, Eischens, Corell, Thoennes, Bean, Froehlich, Delaine, Esala, Nystrom, Malmlov
Heat 3- Mike Anderson, Jensen, Cain, Richardson, Mark Trautner, Sabraski, Jegtvig, Sexton, Williamson, Wieberdink
Heat 4- Engebretson, Voigt, Nieland, Hron, D. Storck, Jamie Trautner, Mathison, C. Thomas, Alexander, Matt Gilbertson
Heat 5- Thatcher, Noble, Miller, McDonald, Scott Gilbertson, Blue, Jacobson, Pritchard, Engels, Ohnstadt
WISSOTA Super Stocks:
Heat 1- Brown, Lawrence, Charles, Borgeson, Quast, Blascyk, Chambliss, Dave Jacobson, Veert, Hellerman, Arnold Witt
Heat 2- Carter, Mass, Cook, Thomas, Stepan, Johnson, Thoennes, Gullikson, Hauer, Siegle, Read
Heat 3- Schultz, Anderson, Collins, Flaten, Johnson, Halstrom, Kluver, Pellersels, Rolfson, Kropuenske
Heat 4- Peterson, Shaw, Baker, Cleveland, Compson, Jensen, Sparby, Thieschafer, Gangl, Sauby
Heat 5- Myers, Tammen, Robertson, Lund, Host, Hapala, Thompson, Urseth, Balcaen, Miller
WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds:
Heat 1- Hoium, Vezina, Berends, Korey Krafthefer, Berg, Sertich, Young, Kollman, Eberhardt, Mensen
Heat 2- Hellerman, Studanski, Haben, Smith, Charlie Mass, Kahout, Hoffman, Matt Dickie, Wildman, Truesdell
Heat 3- Klaudt, Restad, Romdalvik, VandeKamp, Huston, Schultz, Kyle Krafthefer, Dave Peterson, Deering, Koehntop
Heat 4- Merten, Thoennes, Henkemeyer, Thorstad, Alan Olafson, Czech, Shawn Davis, Vang, Ben Johnson, Don Shaw
Heat 5- Tofte, Loecken, Greeley, Sparby, Schmidt, Zenner, Kuhnau, Ryan Stall, Limoges, Mikkelson
Heat 6- Travis Saurer, Ron Saurer, Bayer, Schumm, Menk, Nelson, Myers, Lund, Zimmerman
Heat 7- Dyrdahl, Barber, Reents, Kipka, Sabraski, Swanson, Possehl, Schroeder, Mohrman
WISSOTA Street Stocks:
Heat 1- Levi Babcock, Schroeder, Neske, Johnson, Jacobson, Christiansen, Jerome Guyot, Laage, Scott Walker
Heat 2- Tammen, Fjorden-Nord, Huston, Sahli, Travis Berends, Podratz, Wall, Carlson, Voigt, Brandon Hilliard
Heat 3- VandeKamp, Burrows, Tandeski, Kollman, Peters, Bangsund, Horn, Justin Pogones, Tim Rhode
Heat 4- Williams, Rosen, Johnson, Crapser, Debernardeaux, Leininger, Sorrell, Jans, Long
Heat 5- Buer, Wageman, Rohweder, Vogel, Blom, Tourville, Hagel, Jim DeRosier, Miller

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