WILMOT, Wis. — Scotty Thiel won the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Ass’n feature on the final night of racing this season at Wilmot Speedway.
It was his first victory of the season.
“Blake(Nimee) looked strong in the beginning, but when we caught traffic, he went high and I saw a spot down low so I went for it and it worked,” said Thiel, joined by his young son Wyatt climbing the top wing in victory lane. “I was getting a little concerned when the red flag came out at the end, what it was going to do with the tires on the restart. I’ve got a great team and family, and tonight they were all here. This track is special with all of its IRA history and to win here means a lot.”
Thiel’s move to the front came 10 laps into the main after Nimee led to that point including a caution five laps into the feature. Jake Blackhurst, who clinched the series championship, spun in turn two while battling for a top three spot with 13 laps to go. After the restart, one lap later, Blackhurst spun again, this time in turn four, bringing out a second caution which retired him to the pits.
With less than two laps to go, the red flag flew when Mike Decker flipped in turn three involving a couple of other cars.
Thiel was up to the challenge on the restart going on to the win. Mike Reinke of Howards Grove finished second. Scott Nietzel third, ahead of Danny Schlafter and Nimee.
Danny Schlafer of Gibson City fourth. Nimee ended up fifth.
Greg Olsen was the 11th different Wisconsin Wingless Sprints feature winner of the season.
“We finally did it this year,” said Olsen. “The track was fast and the car was hooked up. It feels great to get the win, even on the final night. I have to thank my crew, sponsors, the great fans who come out.”
John Kirk became the fifth different IRA Lightning Sprints feature winner at Wilmot this season taking top honors in the 20-lap main.
The finish:
Scott Thiel, Mike Reinke, Scott Neitzel, Danny Schlafer, Blake Nimee, Jeremy Schultz, Russel Borland, Jordan Goldesberry, Rob Pribnow, Jack Berger, Kyle Schuett, John Fahl, Kris Spitz, Chris Klemko, Dave Uttech, Hunter Custer, Kurt Davis, Jerome Schroeder, Scott Conger, Nick Daywalt, Michael Decker, Austin Hartmann, Jake Blackhurst, Ion Stear.