The TACK and SPOON SHOW at STATE PARK SPEEDWAY

Topics:  Rick Tackman, Jeremy Spoonmore

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
July 5, 2012

Wausau, WI (7-5-2012)

With record temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, Veteran Rick Tackman, Waukesha, WI, put himself in the record books turning in his first Mid-Am quick time in his Ford powered number 74 at Mid-American’s debut at State Park Speedway, Wausau, WI. Brad Keith, West Bend, WI, Frank Slabenak, Palos Park, IL and Lyle Nowak, Wausau, WI won their respective heat races.

Marv Flick of Stevens Point, WI in his third ever Mid-American feature start set the pace for 19 cars starting the Kim Parsons Memorial 50, Thursday night at State Park Speedway. Jeremy Spoonmore, Somonauk, IL winner of several Mid-American features starting outside front row had a slight edge over Flick as they completed the first lap. However, Flick with the preferred line and more experience at the facility took the lead on lap 2 and kept his sights on the goal for the next 15 circuits. Spoonmore worked his magic to complete the pass for the lead with his fierce competitors chewing at his heals.

Point leader and multi champ James Swan of Genoa City, WI was putting everything on the table to secure his position near the front hoping for that number one spot. Starting on the outside of row two handed him the disadvantage but after 12 laps was able to secure third from Jacob Finney from Sycamore, IL, another Mid-American multi-feature winner.

Riding in his 5th place starting position was the local favorite Lyle Nowak. The 2010 Mid-American Champion and multi feature winner also brought the experience of 16 State Park Speedway Championships to the table. The tenacious Nowak took over 4th position from Finney on lap 18, Swan labored his way around Flick, finally securing the 2nd spot on lap 27.

Approaching halfway still held plenty of side by side racing but saw the night’s fast qualifier Rick Tackman Jr. Waukesha, WI advance from his 9th place starting position to 5th.

Spoonmore’s comfortable lead quickly vanished as the single caution of the night came on lap 33 for a slowing Claire Decker, Eagle River, WI. Unfortunately, this incident also collected the 8th place Mike Lange of West Allis, WI and lead rookie, Ryan Farrell, of East Troy, WI. Lange retired for the evening while Farrell was able to continue.

Using the cone to reset the field, Spoonmore, going low, knew his focus had to be precise with Swan taking the high side. His rear view boasted Nowak and Tackman close behind. The restart also awarded Dave Verhagen Jr. from Green Bay, WI (Go Packers!) the Lucky Doug, putting him back on the tail of the lead lap.

While the laps ticked away Nowak was able to follow Spoonmore past Swan and begin his quest to capture that number one spot. When the white flag flew Nowak gave all he had but a wiggle in turn two caused him to slow and gather it up to settle for third. Tackman at the ready took advantage of the space and followed Spoonmore across the finish line. Swan finished fourth and Finney brought home fifth.

Mid-American takes a three week hiatus before moving to Grundy County Fairgrounds in Morris, IL for the “Morris Mid-Summer Meltdown” on Friday, July 27th. For more information on Grundy County Fairgrounds, go to their website at http://www.grundycountyspeedwayonline.com/. Follow the Mid-American Stock Car Series on www.midamericanracing@compufort.com. You can contact Mid-American at 920-723-9831.