It was a great weekend at the famous Eagle Raceway near Lincoln, NB after 24 SCRA stars traveled 1600 miles to put on a fabulous show this past weekend. Two nights of stellar action on the 1/3 mile high banked track had pretty much the same script. Cory Kruseman won the JE Pistons Passing Masters Dash to start on the pole each night and Richard Griffin chased him down and ran side by side with him for many laps before sweeping the Eagle clay clean in both main events. For much of the 60 laps, in the two features, the action showcased Griffin on the top groove and Kruseman on the bottom one, with a few other players getting into the mix to make it a barnburner two days.

Terry's first group of pics from Eagle are up!

Terry's 2nd group from Eagle is here!

Richard, driving the Arizona Race Mart, Circle C Marketing, Madera Produce, # 50 JB chassis, spent both nights coming from the third row. He ran almost exclusively on the top of the wide track each night reeling in the leaders. He used great concentration and patience to get to the front while the two grooves were practically equal both nights. Richard would not be denied and was hooked up and running away at the end of both nights. The large crowds were pleased as the SCRA now moves on to Wichita and beyond to continue the NWWC Tour.

The SCRA point leader, Cory Kruseman, was hard on the gas both nights finishing on the podium in third place twice. He battled the winner and several others to complete his outstanding weekend. Friday he had the fastest line early, until the top really came in, and then he didn't have a rear view mirror to see what the crowd knew was coming. It was the Gasman, so he didn't move up in time to stop the expected charge. Cory, Driving the Omni-Turn CNC Lathes, TCR, Del Mar Wire, # 45 racer of Harlan Willis, worked the track again the second night to lead early before Mike Kirby swept by on a monster pass that had the crowd cheering loudly. Cory went off to Angel Park to run a Midget/Sprint double header on Sunday.

Mike Kirby, driving Geurin's Mobile Home Service, State Wide Towing, Barberie Mold # 5, had a great weekend as he was 2nd on Friday and 5th Saturday, after leading early in the $5,000 to win event. Mike was his old "watch out for me" self as he diced with the leaders and put on a show of is own. He looked like the winner on Friday until a late yellow gave Griffin another shot at him that he took advantage of.

Perhaps the best performance of the weekend, behind Griffin's amazing sweep, was Rip Williams Saturday night rush from row 10 to get 2nd at the end. If the race had been the "rumored" 40 laps, Rip had something for Richard! The Ripper was hooked up better than any other race this year, so the rest of the tour looks rosy for the Vista Paint, John Jory Corp, AMA Plastics, black # 3.

Bruce Bromme Jr took an unexpected trip to the hospital on Saturday before the race, but was only kept overnight for observation after having an uneasy feeling that was worrisome to the whole crew. Later, when car owner, Ron Chaffin, called him after Richard's 2nd win in a row, he asked Bruce where to leave his bags, as they didn't need him anymore! Hah, that can't happen, but it was funny. Richard actually is in some back pain from a work incident this past week, but had a big smile after his thrilling sweep.

Another trip to the hospital happened when Bob Ream Jr had a wheel bang his shoulder in the car, but early reports were back and he was fine, but just needed them to quit poking him and let him go! When the ambulance left, most thought it was for Charles Davis JR after his nasty looking flip. Charlie said it only looked bad, as he was fine and the car actually will need minimum repair, considering.

As always, there are plenty of great stories in SCRA, and especially when they are on the road. Second year driver Lance Gremett got his best SCRA finish with an 8th place on Saturday night, and that after having to stop to avoid a serious looking flip by Charles Davis Jr, who was fine. Lance restarted at the back to run the top like a veteran and get in the top ten. Troy Rutherford almost parked his Gardner Sled on Saturday, but was able to get it off the wall and spin to a stop. From there, he ran it back up from the tail to 6th with some heady driving himself. Mike English found the bottom to his liking and grabbed a great 4th pulling Kirby at the flag in the Saturday night special, for a great end to his weekend.

Speedy Bill Smith, local well-known auto racing leader, was in the house both nights and when I asked about the new museum's progress, he commented it was an even bigger job than he thought. It would probably take two more years, unless we go to help, that was his estimate and he said it with a smile on his face. His "old" museum was a very special place and the new one should be bigger and better, and will be open to the public on a regular schedule.

Turns out Craig Cormack, the promoter of Eagle Raceway, is a big fan himself and goes the extra mile to make everybody happy. He was working hard both nights, but managed to have time to see the racing at times, too! He laid out the red carpet for the SCRA and the many others who are part of making this a big show. Looks like the SCRA will return there next year again.

Allan Holland, A.K.A. Hosehead, was one of those who came to see the top flite event, and vowed to come see the non-wingers in California very soon. The man, who grew up near Williams Groove Raceway in PA, seemed to like this different style of action. He put live updates up on his website both nights. He also made it possible for me to share his phone line to get the 1 AM results up as soon as I got the official results from Freddie Sachs, our SCRA scorer.

Don't forget the SCRA officials who come on tour, the races could not get on without them. They work hard and take a lot of abuse, yet keep on smiling. Also, the tour money continues to come in, so look for me, we have a little over $6400 now, but….. Coming up is 81 Speedway in Wichita, then Tri-Cities in Granite City, IL, and finally two days at Lakeside Speedway in K.C., KS June 15/16. Points: Kruseman - 1116, Griffin - 918, Rutherford - 880, Kirby - 824, Scott - 778, Ostling - 761, Williams - 740,, Jones - 710, English - 678, Gaunt - 582.