April 21, 2002
Cedar Lake

Sitting here looking at 4 inches of snow on the ground (and still snowing), it doesn't seem like I should be writing a race report. (Wasn't it 90 degrees just a few short days ago?) Here I am, though, back from Cedar Lake Speedway and our first night of the 2002 season.

31 sprints made the trek to New Richmond, Wisconsin for the event. The grandstands were reasonablely full of brave souls daring the 30-40 degree weather and the predicted onslaught of a spring snowstorm. It was, however, clear and sunny as we waited to check in the pit gate.

CLS was not prepared for the 192 cars (all classes). The check-in process delayed the show from its intended 6pm start till way after 7. There were so many competitors, some had to pit high on the hill behind the track (a good 1/4 mile away from all facilities).

For our deal, we landed a mid pack start in the 11 car first heat. Our heads and our program weren't up to the challenge. The super slick conditions were more then a match for our set-up. All I could muster was a 5th place finish. The top 7 earned a A-main spot, meaning I at least qualified for the A, but would start deep in the pack.

Whether over zealous or rusty, the mighty sprints couldn't get the 25 A-main started. We had a red flag right off the bat for Mike Sargent. (Mike was disappointed but uninjured in the rollover.) Then we followed that up with a series of spins and the companion yellow flags. Starting 13th and inside of Roger Rager, I managed to only pick up a few spots. The event was shortened to 15 laps due to the delays and the late hour. We finished 9th with the car intact, a respectable top 10, but not much to brag on. Tony Norem charged out for the win. Tony was followed by Jake Peters, Bill Boles, brother Joe Kouba, Jerry Richert Jr., Lou Kennedy Jr., Roger Rager, John Nelson, our humble selves, and Alan Gilbertson.

Next up is Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo, ND on Friday, April 26th. (That is, if the snow melts by then.)

Stay tuned,
Jimmy