For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Two familiar names – Jeff Weinfurter, Wisconsin Rapids, and Andrew Morrissey, Deerfield, were the big winners in CWRA Stars to Legends Tour competition June 1, at Marshfield Motor Speedway. Both drivers were victorious for the first time on Tour this year, taking wins in the two 30-lap Feature races.

Joey Pontbriand, Norway, MI, and Derrick Van Dreel, Kellner, paced the field from their front row starting spots in the first 30-lap main, with Pontbriand edging in front. Van Dreel kept the pressure on, however, taking the lead from Pontbriand on lap 5.

The two had to contend with Weinfurter, who was quickly moving to the front and up to third. In the blink of an eye, Weinfurter swooped by the leading duo grabbing the top spot on lap 11. Weinfurter stretched his lead, and although a caution for a spin slowed action, was able to hold off the field the last four laps and take the win.

Morrissey, who had started deep in the field moved into second position with two laps to go, but that was as far as he would get, placing second at the checkered flag. Van Dreel in his best run of the season placed third, and was followed by Darek Gress, Neillsville; Darren Jackson, Wisconsin Rapids; and Paul Paine, Mound, MN.

The second 30-lap Feature started with Mike Sievers, Wisconsin Rapids, and Hunter Stenson, Wisconsin Dells, leading the way. Sievers broke free and assumed the lead on lap three.

Jesse Pokszyk, Friendship, in his first Tour start of the year was moving up fast, grabbing the top spot on lap six. A caution for a pair of spins slowed action, but when the green flag waved it was once again Pokszyk out front. The field was tightly bunched behind Pokszyk, but Chad Butz, Green Bay, broke free and took over the second position. He made short work of Pokszyk, taking the lead on lap 10.

Butz built up a substantial lead, but a couple more cautions, including one that Found Darren Jackson on his roof, slowed action allowing Morrissey to move into the second position from well back in the field. Butz continued in front, but the Morrissey challenge proved to be too much as he motored in front with five laps left in the race.

 That’s how they would finish, with Morrissey taking the win followed by Butz, Weinfurter, Frank Nitzke, Berlin, Mark Mackesy, Wausau, and Darek Gress, the top six.

Next action for the CWRA Tour will be the Albert Getzloff Memorial race, June 14 at the Golden Sands Speedway, Plover.