Clay County Fair Speedway
Chad Simpson rides WDRL hot streak to victory
From series reports
SPENCER, Iowa (July 4) — Following two top-five victories over the Fourth of July swing, Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa, broke through with a World Dirt Racing League victory at Clay County Speedway to earn $5,000. Simpson led all 50 caution-plagued laps for his second career series victory and first since May 2007 at Dubuque, Iowa.
“My little brother (Chris) said, 'I suppose you're going to run the cushion' ” said the older Simpson, who started outside the front row and rode the top shelf to victory. “I like to run there, but it's more about running were the track is fast, and tonight, it was going to be tough to pass anyone on the bottom."
WDRL series points leader John Kaanta of Elk Mound, Wis., finished second after battling polesitter Denny Eckrich of Tiffin, Iowa, and Jason Utter of Columbus Junction, Iowa, throughout the race. Eckrich and Utter ended up wrecking while fighting for the same piece of real estate, and neither was around at the finish. Chris Simpson of Oxford, Iowa, was third followed by Eric Pember of Pittsville, Wis., and Chris Spieker of Massena, Iowa, in the first-ever WDRL race at Spencer.
“I have got to thank my crew,” winner Chad Simpson said after his third straight top-five finish. “It's been a great three days for us. This car is awesome! They've worked their butts off setting this car up, and it paid off big tonight.”
WDRL @ Clay County: (1) Chad Simpson, (2) John Kaanta, (3) Chris Simpson, (4) Eric Pember, (5) Chris Spieker, (6) Rick Hanestad, (7) Dave Eckrich, (8) Matt Furman, (9) Dennis Hillson, (10) Jeremy Grady, (11) Curt Martin, (12) Randy Rosenbloom, (13) Gary Webb, (14) Alonzo Grosse, (15) Andrew McKay, (16) Jason O'Brien, (17) Denny Eckrich, (18) Jason Utter, (19) Frank Heckenast Jr, (20) Rob Moss, (21) Skip Frey. Heat race winners (among 21 cars): De. Eckrich, McKay, Martin. Dash winner: De. Eckrich.
