RAY DOMINATES FIREMAN'S NATIONAL

Sun Prairie, Wis, August 31, 2003--Davey Ray finished off his Badger Midget Series Championship season in form Sunday Night, capturing the 22nd annual Fireman's Nationals presented by Coca-Cola at Angell Park Speedway. Ray became the first driver in the events history the lead all 50-laps. Ray jumped into the lead from his pole position, and was followed by Wilke Racing teammate Tracy Hines. After a third lap restart for a spun car the pair quickly pulled away from the field. Ray began lapping the tail of the field on the 12th lap, and held a two second advantage over Hines at the midway point. Great wheel to wheel battles were occuring throughout the event while Ray, and Hines stretched their lead over the field.
Defending series champion Aaron Fike was driving a brillant race, and appeared in the top five after starting in 20th place. Hines trailing Ray by three seconds retired with a wheel vibration, due to excessive mud on the 38th lap, giving Ray a half lap lead over Cory Kruseman. At this point only four cars remained on the lead lap due to Rays torrid pace.
Craig Carey stalled with six laps remaining, bunching up the field. Ray used the advantage of six lapped cars between himself and Kruseman on the restart, and cruised unchallenged to a 5.62 second victory, driving the Rajo/Wilke-PAK RAcing Stealth Sesco-Mopar . Fike continued his charge, and on the final lap passed Kruseman for second place. Scott Hatton, and Aaron Fiscus rounded out the top five.
Earlier in the night Brandon Waelti captured the first annual Dave Schulenberg Memorial trophy dash in honor of his late sponsor. Ray finished 301 points ahead of Dan Boorse to win his first driving title. Scott Hatton, Chad DeSelle, and Aaron Fiscus completed the top five in points.