Bergakker “Tunes-Up” for the Klash With a Victory


Bergakker “Tunes-Up” for the Klash With a Victory

Kalamazoo Speedway 13_04_06

Just four days before the biggest event of the season Brian Bergakker picked up the victory in Saturday night’s Kalamazoo Klash Tune-Up at Kalamazoo Speedway and gained more points on point leader Mike “Bubba” Brooks.  Todd Harrington finished a solid second ahead of Billy Shannon, Luke Krick and Brooks.  Scott Rugg led the second half of the top ten over Dave Simpson, Steve Dolphin, Tim Rugg and Matt Corliss.  Bergakker also set quick time while Corliss and Brooks won the Australian Pursuit races.

Buddy Head drove from deep in the field to pick up the win in the 35 lap Super Stock feature.  Ryan Wheeler had another impressive run with a second place finish ahead of Rodney Smith, Rob Hardy and Chris Shannon.  Kelli Jo Hofacker came home sixth ahead of Tyler Hufford, Matt Krywosinski, Kurt Russell and Lindsey Katz.  Defending champion Kenny Head entered the night as the point leader but was involved an in early accident and finished a disappointing 11th.  Kenny did manage to set quick time while his brother Buddy and Jim Sternaman won the Australian Pursuit races.

A thrilling finish to the Pro Stock feature saw Toby Montgomery beat Brent Hook to the line by just 0.025 seconds.  Brad VanAvery had the best seat in the house to watch the finish as he came home third ahead of point leader John Foote and Bud Hybels.  Last week’s winner Zack Cook brought his #66 machine home in sixth ahead of Greg Brown, Matt Corliss, Keith Wilfong and Jim Leonard.  Montgomery was also quick time while Foote and Hook won the Australian Pursuits.

A solid field of Mini Stocks saw Jerime Damron come out on top of the feature event over Billy Bussema.  Point leader Dave Long finished third ahead of Shane Clark and Andrew Brest, who started last.  The second half of the top ten was led by Noah Gallandt over defending champion Frank Stager, Curtis Towne, Matt Gross and Rick Mann Sr.  Stager set quick time while Damron and Long won the pursuits.

The Cyber Stocks ran 20 laps without a caution with Jerry Jansen III emerging victorious.  Jack Cook finished second ahead of Barry Jenkins, defending champion Jerry Jansen Jr. and Walter Nielson IV.  The second half of the top ten was led by Felecia Meade ahead of Dale Leonard, Walter Neilson III, Brian Gregersen and Allie Hufford.  Jansen Jr. set quick time while Nielson IV and Meade won the pursuit races.

Next up is the biggest event of the season at Kalamazoo Speedway, with the running of the 21st annual Kalamazoo Klash Presented by Boyne Machine and Enterprise Iron & Metal.  With over 40 Outlaw Super Late Model drivers already registered this event promises to be a “can’t miss” for any race fan.  In addition to the 150 lap Outlaw Super Late Model special paying $10,000 to the winner there will also be a 100 lap $7,500 to win Template Late Model race, the Boyne Machine Shootout Presented by Enterprise Iron & Metal.  This will be the third time the template cars have completed at the Klash and if the first two events are any indication, you won’t want to miss this!  Among the drivers competing in both events is Ross Kenseth, the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth.

Practice for both events kicks off Tuesday night at 5:30.  Grandstand admission will be FREE for Tuesday night’s practice. Then on Wednesday practice kicks off at 2:30 with racing at 7:00 sharp.

For more information on Kalamazoo Klash XXI Presented by Boyne Machine and Enterprise Iron & Metal, the Boyne Machine Shootout Presented by Enterprise Iron & Metal and all things Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

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