1970 – 14 straight feature wins; Derr victorious in Hawkeye 200

Ernie Derr wins Hawkeye 200 in Cedar Rapids. - Ernie Derr Collection

 

 

 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 26, 1970) – Ten-time IMCA stock car kingpin Ernie Derr raced his 1969 Dodge to his record 14th straight feature victory on Sunday afternoon in the prestigious Hawkeye 200 on the fast half-mile of the All Iowa Fairgrounds. The 14 feature wins dated back to late into the 1969 season.

The 48-year-old Keokuk, Iowa, veteran took the checkered flag three laps ahead of Mel Morris of West Liberty, Iowa, driving a 1970 Dodge. Derr completed the 200 laps in one hour and 31 seconds.

Ron Hutcherson was third in a 1969 Ford Torino followed by Fred Horn of Marion, Iowa, in a 1970 Plymouth. Derr’s 21-year-old son Mike, in a 1969 Dodge Charger, rounded out the top five.

Morris led for 83 of the first 100 laps and had built up a one and a half lap lead over Derr when he ran out of gas.

The victory was worth $800 for Derr plus $100 for being fast qualifier. He also collected a $100 appearance fee for being the defending champ. A crowd of 5,570 was on hand.

Results –

1. Ernie Derr
2. Mel Morris
3. Ron Hutcherson
4. Fred Horn
5. Mike Derr
6. Sandy Sandstrom
7. Stan Stover
8. Irv Janey
9. Bill Schwader
10. Bob Brown