Neillsville driver takes win in CWRA Stars to Legends Tour
For Hub City Times
WISCONSIN DELLS – Neillsville area driver, Darek Gress took first in a 55-lap Feature in the CWRA Stars to Legends Tour, Lyle Nabbefeldt Memorial race held May 26 at Dells Raceway Park, Wisconsin Dells.
Thayran Rezin, Tomah, took the other 55-lap Feature of the night.
The second 55-lap Feature was shortened to 30 laps, due to area curfew and time constraints with Mike Reichenberger, Appleton, setting the early pace. His lead was short lived, however. By lap two, Mitch Stankowski, Wausau, a Rookie of the Year candidate, took the lead.
Rapidly moving from his sixth starting spot, was Gress, moving in front by the third go round. Chad Butz, Green Bay, was right behind Gress and looking to challenge for the lead. The two raced nose to tail and side-by-side for a number of laps before Gress secured the position for good.
St. Paul, MN, driver, Paul Paine in his first tour race, grabbed the third position on the 27th lap, and although fast, was no match for the two front runners settling into that position.
Jesse Bernhagen, Neillsville started all the way back in 12th position, but was steadily moving toward the front. Advancing into the second spot, it appeared Bernhagen had a chance to catch Gress for the win. A spin, all by himself, in turn three ended those chances.
Rounding out the top finishers in the race were Gress in first, followed by Butz; Paine; Reichenberger; Jeff Weinfurter, Wisconsin Rapids; and Darren Jackson, Wisconsin Rapids.
Next up is the CWRA Stars to Legends Tour action, on June 1st at Marshfield Motor Speedway, where the Salute to America, twin 30-lap Features will be held.