1965 – Freese Edges Richert for State Fair Crown

Dick Fries

Huron, S.D. (September 6, 1965) - Dick Fries of San Diego, who left the California racing circuit recently to compete in International Motor Contest Association ranks although holding the point lead in California, edged defending IMCA champ Jerry Richert of Forest Lake, Minn., in a hotly contested, battle to win the 15-lap speedway feature race at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds here Monday afternoon before some 7,500 fans.

Freese added the feature title to a special match dash crown he won earlier in the program. He had finished second in a heat race.

The California pilot had led the feature most of the way but on the 10th lap Richert, who was the feature winner here two years ago, began a challenge that saw him seize the lead on the 13th turn.

But Freese battled back to forge ahead by inches on the backstretch of the final lap and held off Richert's bid on the final turn to take the checkered flag first.

Richert, who couldn't get going in the heat competition, won the semi-main race of seven laps.

Don Guida of Moorhead, Minn., driving the Ernie Johnson Offenhauser that Richert piloted to victory here two years ago, and Ron Larson of Milton, Wis., were heat winners.

Richert had the best effort in the time trials with a 25.38 clocking followed by Sonny McDaniel, the Texas state champion, with a 25.60 mark and Freese with a 25.94 clocking.

A total of 15 cars, from throughout the nation, competed in the event. Cool, wet weather prevailed during the program but track officials, under the direction of Auto Racing, Inc., did an excellent job of having the track in top shape for the meet.

Results -

1.     Dick Fries, San Diego, Calif.

2.     Jerry Richert, Forest Lake, Minn.

3.     Sonny McDaniel, Pasadena, Tex.

4.     Don Guida, Moorhead, Minn.

5.     Ron Larson, Milton, Wis.