WILMOT, Wis. — Labor Day weekend racing at Wilmot Raceway saw a variety of accomplishments.
Mark Heinert scored his fifth Wilmot 11-75 Sports Complex IRA Lightning Sprints championship due to a bizarre series of events in the closing laps of the 25-lap feature.
Mike Neau took the initial lead, holding the top spot until the closing laps. Brian Strane Jr., 15-year-old who held the point lead going into the night, appeared headed toward his story book ending taking the lead from Neau with four laps to go as the pair worked lapped traffic.
Strane’s journey from ninth starting spot appeared complete until suddenly with three laps to go he coasted off the track in turn one exiting to the pits with what turned out to be a broken clutch.
Neau retook the top spot and went on to become the third different main event winner for the Lightning Sprints in four outings due to rain cancelling a bulk of their season. Jacob Irwin scored a career best second place finish with a quick closing Heinert taking third after starting seventh.
Chad Stouthamer, who earlier won his first career heat race at Wilmot, had a best ever fourth place finish. Nick Petska, who earlier posted quick time of the 23-car field, came from tenth to finish fifth. Petska ended up second in the final Wilmot points. Strane dropped from the lead to third in the final tallies.
“I didn’t know what happened to Brian,” said Neau, referring to losing the lead as the pair maneuvered traffic. “I was concentrating on the lapped cars and almost didn’t notice him go off. It’s a big win for our team. We had several of our sponsors here for an appreciation night and it’s fun winning with them here. My wife is recovering from surgery and the boys are at home with her, but this win and the trophy will be nice to bring them home. Looking forward to being back here for the Fall Festival on Friday, September 20.”
“I never would have thought when I was sitting in the stands that I would have five (Wilmot championships) of these,” said Heinert, showing a little emotion. “I didn’t see Brian leave at first, so I didn’t know what was going on when I pulled into the pits. I have to thank my wife, my girls who cheer me on from the stands, my crew and sponsors, everyone who puts this all together so we can run here at Wilmot, and to the Kenosha County Fair Association for having us. It’s really special with everyone who has been a part. It means a lot.”
Rob Olson scored his first main event win at Wilmot since 2000 ending a 24-year drought by taking the checkered flag in the 20-lap Unified Street Stock feature.
Tommy “Mr. Excitement” Sexton overtook early leader Dan Wade to win the 20-lap LiftPro Powered by Gandrud Chevrolet Hepfner Racing Products Wings feature.
Steve Mueller topped the modified main event.