1975 – Martin Nabs Spring Invitational

Omaha, Neb. (April 26, 1975) – Bill Martin of Council Bluffs, Iowa, started the season exactly like he finished it at Sunset Speedway – by winning a title race – this time the third annual $5,000 Spring Invitational.

Last year he grabbed the $8,000 Cornhusker-Hawkeye Challenge.

With 52 late models, 22 survived the four qualifying heats and two consolation events to enter the 75-lap feature.

Martin jumped into the lead from his front row starting position and fought off Bob Kosiski for 27 laps before the 23-year veteran took command.

With 23 laps remaining, Kosiski’s axle broke giving Martin clear sailing and eventually a $1,000 payday before a crowd of 2,135.

Martin’s victory was a boost to local stock car racing as the win came over some of the best dirt track drivers in the Midwest.

Results –

Heat #1 – Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Heat #2 – Joe Wallace, Kansas City

Heat #3 – Bob Kosiski, Omaha

Heat #4 – Karl Sanger, Waterloo, Iowa

Trophy Dash – Bob Kosiski

Consolation #1 – Ed Morris, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Consolation #2 – Denny Hovinga, Laurens, Iowa

Feature –

1.     Bill Martin

2.     Don Hoffman, Des Moines

3.     Karl Sanger

4.     Jerry Wancewicz, Omaha

5.     Ed Morris

6.     Dave Knott, Minneapolis

7.     Joe Wallace

8.     Mike Dibben, Morris, Minn.

9.     Ferris Collier, Liberty, Mo.

10.  Chuck Bosselman, Grand Island, Neb.