4/30/2018
Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
“Balog wins Badger midget opener at Beaver Dam Raceway” “Event first for Badger at the track since 2010”
Beaver Dam, WI, April 29---Bill Balog won the “Wipperfurth Triple Crown” 20-lap Zimbrick Chevrolet of Sun Prairie Badger Midget Racing Series feature Sunday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. The event kicked off the 82nd year of sanctioning midget auto racing for the organization, oldest in the country.
The which was the first at the track since September 4, 2010, got off to a “rocky start” with several restarts for randomly spun cars, and a flip by Kyle Koch. Former series champion David Budres paced the initial two laps, before a caution for a two-car spin. Budres pulled off the track with mechanical problems during the caution, giving Balog the lead.
On the restart Balog led fast qualifier Kevin Olson, and Scott Hatton. Hatton moved into second place one lap later. The next lap Olson re-passed Hatton for second, and then edged Balog at the start/finish line to lead lap 6. Balog regained the lead entering Turn One. Hatton then slowed due to mechanical problem and retired from the event.
Balog’s lead was a half straightway advantage at the midway over Olson. Tyler Baran passed Olson for second place three laps later. Balog running the high side of the track increased his lead each lap over the remainder of the distance.
Balog driving the RAB Racing owned Spike/Esslinger Ford-Duratech No. 57., finished 4.41 seconds ahead of Baran. Olson, Jeff Zelinski making his debut driving for Ray Racing, and Ryan Probst completed the top five. Olson won the Howard Law Cash Draw, a $100 bonus for a randomly selected feature finishing position.
“We lost the power steering on the third lap, I almost pulled into the pits, but stayed out. It worked out perfectly, Bill Ecker and the crew did a great job putting the engine which arrived Friday in the car”, commented Balog, who scored his fifth career Badger feature victory.
“ Were very happy getting a second our first time at this track, it’s tough to beat Balog here who has a ton of laps on this place” said Baran who also claimed the Advance Race Suspensions Passing award improving from his tenth place starting position. Balog holds a fourteen point advantage over Olson heading into the next Badger event on Saturday Night May 12 at the Sycamore (Ill.) Speedway.
SUMMARY
20-lap Feature: 1. Bill Balog; 2. Tyler Baron; 3. Kevin Olson; 4. Jeff Zelinski; 5. Ryan Probst; 6. Jack Routson; 7. Zach Boden; 8. Ryan Irwin; 9. Darren Ihrke; 10. Laura Smith; 11. Denny Smith; 12. Joe Ebben; 13. Pat Hensen; 14. Harrison Kleven; 15. Scott Hatton; 16. David Budres; 17. Jim Fuerst; 18. Shay Sassano; 19. Kyle Koch.
8-lap Engler Machine Heat Race Winner: L. Smith.
8-lap DMI Heat Race Winner: Hatton.
8-lap Quest Industrial Heat Race Winner: Balog.
Fast Time: Olson, 16.909 seconds.
Cars Present: 22 Feature Lap Leaders: Budres 1-2, Balog 3-5, Olson 6, Balog 7-20.
Article Credit: Bryan Gapinski