On a typical hot and steamy July evening, the Carpet Land Nebraska 360 Sprints were back in action at Albion Speedway during the Boone County Fair, along with the SLMR late models. There was a really good crowd when factoring in the oppressive heat and the 19 sprint cars that were entered made sure the crowd went home delighted they came.
Winners of the 3 heats were; Billy Alley, Jack Dover and John Klabunde. Klabunde had the highest passing points in route to his victory and pulled the 2 pill, starting the A Feature on the outside of row one, alongside Trevor Grossenbacher. At the start of the race Klabunde raced to the point and held the position throughout the first 17 laps. Given there were no race stoppages, there was lots of racing action all over the track with lapped cars becoming a major part of the racing action.
On lap 18, while entering turn 1, Klabunde attempted to pass a lapped car by charging to the bottom only to to be slowed enough for Grossenbacher to drive hard into turn 2 and take the lead on the highside. Trevor held on the remaining two laps for his first victory of 2013 season followed closely to the Fuse Weekly Winner Circle by Klabunde, Alley, Tyler Drueke and Dover. At the conclusion of the winner's presentation, Grossenbacher pulled the 2 pill and John Klabunde was the winner of the Electrical Systems Inc. Podium Challenge, pulling in an additional $300 to his total for the eveining. The race was shortened 5 laps because of impending weather and just as the checkered flag flew, the rain started to come down.
Considering there were 50 laps (3-10 lap heat races and a 20 lap A Feature) with no yellow flags is remarkable and a reflection of the caliber of drivers that are competing with the Carpet Land Nebraska 360 Sprints. All of the drivers should be commended for this remarkable feat considering the tight racing action that occurred at the fast Albion 1/3 mile track.
- Dennis Parker on Jul 09, 2013
- Article Date: 7/9/2013 by Randy Palmer