Mid-American History Made in Francis Creek Frenzy at 141

Topics:  Crystal Wood

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
June 28, 2008

(Francis Creek, WI) June 28, 2008 – Crystal Wood put her name in the record books again Saturday night as the first female driver to win a Mid-American Stock Car Series event. Wood, who is also the first female to win a track championship in Wisconsin state history, led from the drop of the green of the Francis Creek Frenzy presented by Tisler Salvage. Several late challenges from Andy Casavant fell short as the 141 Speedway produced another first time winner. “This year has been really bad. I’m just happy that we finally won,” said Wood, who has multiple feature wins racing weekly at 141.

Husband and wife led the field to the drop of the green with Don Wood starting on the outside of Crystal. Don led the first lap on the dreaded outside line of 141. The two raced side by side for the first three laps with Crystal officially taking the lead on lap two. She finally secured the lead the following lap when Don began to back-track on the outside.

In the early going Lyle Nowak started to charge to the front. He moved around Don Wood on lap four while following Mike Oswald, who was glued to the inside lane. A caution on lap eight placed Nowak on the outside line with an open lane on Crystal Wood. When the green flew, Nowak rocketed to the outside of Wood and seemed to be gaining ground on the outside. However, for the second race in a row, Nowak suffered engine problems and had to exit on lap 11. “I think we would have had them covered tonight,” said Nowak. “This was the best car I’ve had in a long time.”

Nowak was not the only top Mid-American driver to suffer hardships at 141. In hot laps, James Swan lost the engine in his car. He jumped into Ryan Manthei’s car for the evening and qualified fifth. An incident between Swan and Travis Rodewald on lap 21 proved to be bad for Bill Prietzel, who was leading Mid-American points coming into the event. Swan and Rodewald touched in turn four, sending Rodewald into the spin cycle. Prietzel was unable to make an evasive maneuver and clipped Rodewald. Those two were unable to continue and Swan was put to the back of the field.

Continuing with the hard luck theme for Mid-American front runners, Kyle Shear spun on lap 24 and was unable to continue due to mechanical issues. After the restart, Brett Piontek started to flex his muscle. Piontek had started 20th as he was unable to qualify and accepted a provisional. By lap 26, he had moved into a top five spot.

The final caution of the evening, caused by an Errol Berry spin, set up a shootout between Crystal Wood and Casavant. Kenny Smart started on the outside of the second row, but could not find enough grip to hang with the top two after the restart. Crystal hugged the inside line as Casavant waited patiently for her to slide up the track. “I was worried because my brakes started to fade and I was pushing up in the turns. I was hoping he was having the same problems,” said Crystal.

There was no significant slip by Crystal as she held on to win. Piontek picked off two more spots before the checkered for a third place finish, Oswald hung on for fourth and Daryl Gerke rounded out the top five.

The highest finishing Mid-American regulars were Smart, Bobby Gutknecht and Swan. The trio finished seventh, eighth and ninth. For his efforts, Swan is now tied with Bill Prietzel for the point lead as the two three-time champions look to be the first to be crowned for the fourth time.

Mid-American’s next stop is next Saturday, July 5th at the Marshfield Super Speedway for the Freedom 40. The Marshfield Super Speedway is located three miles west of Marshfield on County Trunk H. For more information please visit www.marshfieldspeedway.com .

For more information about the Mid-American Series including results, current 2008 standings, the remaining 2008 schedule and driver info please visit www.midamericanracing.com.