Limaland Motorsports Park

Schroeder goes flag-to-flag in Sprints at Limaland

5/8/2015

Limaland Motorsports Park

Schroeder goes flag-to-flag in Sprints at Limaland

(5/8/15) – The warmest evening of the spring season meant the high-banked ¼-mile Limaland Motorsports Park oval would gradually lose its moisture and result in slicker racing conditions than previously this season. It produced some thrilling slides on the dirt and also a few predictable collisions.

The night of racing also saw veteran Butch Schroeder return to the winner’s circle after a few years absence. Schroeder, from Leipsic, Ohio, made the most of his pole starting position for the 25-lap K & L Ready Mix NRA Sprint Invaders feature. He led from start to finish, but constantly fought of a primary challenge from Elida’s Max Stambaugh.

Schroeder chose a middle to bottom racing line as it seemed risky hovering too close to the outside wall with a fast drying, slick racing surface. By the event mid-point both Schroeder and Stambaugh were carefully slicing through lapped traffic. With five laps remaining, Max Stambaugh was right on Schroeder’s tail trying to inch around on the inside.

Three separate restarts, following caution periods during the final five laps, gave Stambaugh additional opportunities to get around Schroeder. One of the yellow flags came out as point’s leader Jared Horstman’s #17 machine became flipped on its side on the bottom in turn four. Through the various caution delays, Schroeder showed his experience in holding on to the lead position despite the heavy pressure applied from behind by Stambaugh.

“This car was working excellent on a nice smooth track,” said a jubilant Schroeder. “(Crew Chief) Tyson (Schroeder) brought the car here tonight with a little bit different set-up. He told me to just drive it like I wanted. It’s great to be back on the front stretch (winner’s circle) here at Limaland.” It was Schroeder’s fourth career win at the track. Stambaugh will likely take over the points lead with the runner-up finish.

The K & N UMP Modifieds 20-lap final was the next test for Todd Sherman as he looked to continue his dominance of the division. Sherman had posted feature wins the previous two weeks, after missing the main event on opening night.

Lima’s Jeff Koz, concentrating full-time this season on his Modified program after considerable success in the Thunderstock division, took the lead at the start from his front row position. Koz held the point through the first eight laps, but Sherman was noticeably moving well through traffic. By the fifth circuit Sherman was locked on Koz’s rear bumper, looking to make a move on either side for a possible pass. Finally, Todd Sherman took over race leadership with a clean pass through turn number two on the inside.

From that point, Sherman continued to carry his familiar #65 entry using higher grooves in turns 3 & 4, while sticking low when rolling through turns 1 & 2. It worked flawlessly as he fought off a handful of late race cautions and subsequent restarts to post a third consecutive triumph in the division.

“It’s awesome anytime you can win, especially for us as we were behind in points after the first week,” remarked the Indiana ace following career win number 43. “I’ve been racing all out and I usually don’t race that way early in the season. It was a little slick and dusty tonight, not like usual. My car was good and I was able to get out of turn four real well.”

It appears Sherman is building towards a showdown with NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader, who will be competing in the Modifieds division next week at Limaland Motorsports Park. “I’m up for the challenge and I think I can give him a run for his money,” said Sherman, who recalled Schrader having usually been a winner at the track.

The Budweiser Thunderstocks closed the evening’s festivities with their 15-lap feature. The division has had a different winner each of the first three weeks of the new season and this evening would prove to be no different.

UNOH Racers athletic motorsports team driver Jared Spalding started on the pole and looked to be comfortable as he led the field through the first seven trips around. A restart on lap number 3 saw the previous week’s winner Jordan Conover stay close behind Spalding. Also mid-pack starter Dean Pitts and UNOH Racer Jordon Lawrence were roaring through the field and moving into contention.

Pitts found himself on Spalding’s tail and executed a clean inside pass for the lead in turn two on lap seven. After a restart on lap eight, Pitts quickly carved out a couple of car lengths margin over Lawrence and Spalding. It also was the beginning of a series of mishaps that produced numerous caution flags and time-consuming cleanup efforts for track safety crews.

Following a multi-car collision on the front straight, officials decided to wave the checkered flag with a few laps still remaining in the scheduled 15-lapper. Pitts was able to claim his first career win and the abbreviated feature didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. “This car was great tonight and my crew worked hard on it. I’m really looking forward to the rest of season.”

The Botkins, Ohio driver also humbly noted a loss that his family had suffered. “This race is for my 6-year old niece (Caroline) who lost her life this year. She was an angel.”

Limaland Motorsports Park returns to action on Friday, May 15, with the 80th Anniversary Race including NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader in the K & N Filters UMP Modifieds. Also the K & L Ready Mix NRA Sprint Invaders and Budweiser Thunderstocks will compete. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. Racing begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Ohio Logistics 27th Annual Brad Doty Classic presented by Racing Optics, July 15, featuring the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, are on sale now. Call 419-998-3199.

All the latest news and information about America’s premier quarter-mile dirt track can be found at www.limaland.com.

Limaland Motorsports Park - 5/8/2015
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