New Track Record 'Back'ed with a Win in Dells Duel One

Topics:  Brian Back, Dells Duel

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
May 30, 2009

Wisconsin Dells, WI (May 30, 2009) – Brian Back went where no other Mid-American Stock Car Series competitor dared on Saturday night, the high groove at Dells Raceway Park. With 20 laps remaining in the Dells Duel Part One, Back jumped out of the freight train on the inside lane and took his machine into the high line where he stormed past the competition and into victory lane.

The night started out well for the Bac-Kar racing entry as Back set fast time and a new Dells Raceway Park Mid-American track record. His time of 14.470 seconds bested a lap of 14.499 set by Kyle Shear last July. An incredible day at the track could not have come at a better time for Back who was disappointed with his effort from one week ago at his home track in Plover, WI.

“I think I had the home track ‘disadvantage’ at Golden Sands,” claimed the former Golden Sands Speedway Superstock champion. “I brought the same set up that always worked and wasn’t willing to change anything, and it just didn’t work. [At Dells Raceway Park], I am willing to try new stuff.”

After several cautions early in the Dells Duel Part One, it seemed as though Back and the rest of the Mid-American contingent would be racing for second behind DRP standout Mike Lichtfeld. Lichtfeld snatched the lead from Matt Pyburn on lap two of the 50 lap event, as Pyburn struggled to keep control of his Monte Carlo.

Control seemed to be in the hands of Lichtfeld as he survived two separate restarts with Tom McClintock and Kyle Shear breathing down his neck. After a caution for a tangle between Pyburn and Bill Prietzel on the front straight, the outside line was not a feasible option for Shear. The inaugural Mid-American winner at DRP in 2007 retreated further in the field until retiring with four laps remaining due to overheating.

For an unfortunate end to his evening, Kyle Shear was deemed the Wehrs Machine Hard Luck award winner.

Lacking a stout challenge from the high line, McClintock remained in line behind Lichtfeld, waiting for the current Mid-American/Superstock point leader at DRP to make a mistake. Unfortunately for McClintock, that opportunity never arose as Lichtfeld solidly held his line from lap ten until the checkered flew on lap 50.

During that point Back decided to make his move. With the field single file in front of him for approximately 20 laps, the Rudolph, WI racer knew he had to take a chance.

“Everyone was racing single file in line on the bottom,” said the second-year MASCS driver in victory lane. “I wasn’t sure if the move was going to work, but I knew I was ready to try it.”

Back was running just outside of the top five when he took the plunge to the high groove and picked off one car per lap to take the top spot with 13 laps left in the Dells Duel Part One.

After Back made his move to the outside, Justin Neisius decided to mimic his move. Neisius found enough grip up top to move his machine into second with seven laps remaining. Although he was catching Back in the waning laps, enough real estate had been established to keep Back out front when the checkered flag dropped.

“I knew he was coming,” said Back of Justin Neisius. “I think we would have had enough in the tank to hold on, but thankfully we didn’t have to find out.”

Neisius sailed to a second place finish, McClintock swapped spots with Lichtfeld in the closing laps for third and Mike Beyer rounded out the top five.

Earlier in the evening Tim Schmitt won the 15 lap last chance race and transferred into the Dells Duel Part One. Mark Pluer, who transferred in the second spot, was able to race his way to seventh in the feature event. He was not the hardest charger, however, as Jake Finney blasted from 21st to ninth in the Dells Duel Part One.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series will enter a month long break in preparation for their return to the Norway Speedway in Norway, MI on Friday, June 26th. The next evening Mid-American is scheduled to run the Vercauteren Memorial at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI.

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series including results, the current 2009 standings, the 2009 schedule and driver info please visit www.midamericanracing.com.