1971 – Records fall as Householder cleans sweeps Fairmont

Fairmont, Minn. (June 18, 1971) - Butch Householder of Algona became the first late model triple winner of the season, winning the main feature, first heat and trophy dash. Householder outlasted the field with early pace setters Ray Forsythe of Mankato, Bob Jusola of Burnsville and Bob Shryock of Estherville dropping out because of engine problems.

A total of four cars broke the former time trial record of 24.75 set the opening night of racing May 14 by Mert Williams of Rochester. The top mark of 24.65 on the ½-mile track was turned in by Householder. Ray Forsythe was next in 24.70 while Paul Fitzpatrick of Rochester was third in 24.75 and Bob Weber of Lone Rock, Iowa, was fourth in 24.99.

Late model action saw Butch Householder of Algona come from the last row outside to edge Paul Fitzpatrick of Rochester by two car lengths in the first heat. Fitzpatrick took the lead on the third lap with Householder slipping past in front of the grandstand at the start of the final lap.

In the second heat Ray Forsythe of Mankato outlasted Bob Shryock of Estherville for the win while Jim Edgington of Fairmont edged Jack Piver of Mason City for third place. Forsythe started in back of the pack and edged into the lead on the third lap, taking the lead from Piver. Shryock moved into second on the fifth lap and Edgington moved to third on the sixth lap.

The trophy dash saw Householder and Fitzpatrick run one-two with Householder winning by several car lengths. Skuza took third place by a length.

In the consolation race for late model stocks, Bob Jusola of Burnville nipped Bob Weber of Lone Rock, by just six inches at the finish to bring a crowd of 3,000 to their feet.