1972 – Trickle Captures MASCAR 300 at Odessa

 

Galen Doke, president of the Mid-American Stock Car Racing Association, congratulates Dick Trickle after the Wisconsin ace won the 300-lap late model stock car contest at I-70 Speedway. 

Odessa, Mo. (September 23, 1972) – Once again, Dick Trickle added to his monumental victory total on Saturday night by capturing the Mid-American Stock Car Racing Association (MASCAR) 300-lap feature for late models at I-70 Speedway.

For his efforts, the Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., driver pocketed more than $5,000 of the $25,015 purse. It was his 66th feature win of the season.

Trickle had his capable hands full during the early part of the race as NASCAR modified sportsman driver Red Farmer kept his Ford Torino right on the purple tail of Trickle’s 1970 Mustang. This was Trickle’s only serious challenge and last until lap 92 when Farmer pun and slammed into the wall.

Another Wisconsin pilot, Tom Reffner of Rudolph, was the only other driver in the field who seemed capable of staying with Trickle. Reffner turned in the fastest qualifying time of more than 60 entries the previous night.

Reffner’s luck in the race was not as good, however, as he was clipped by a slower car, while running third behind Trickle and Farmer.

Reffner’s 1970 Mustang then spun in the middle of the fourth turn, was hit by another car, touching off a 7-car pileup. Although Reffner’s mount did not appear to be seriously damaged, he retired for the evening.

With his two main competitors out of the picture, Trickle proceeded to run away from the rest of the field, cruising for the final 100 laps on the half-mile paved oval.

Finishing second was Joe Shear of South Beloit, Ill., in a 1972 Camaro, two laps down. Michigan supermodified and late model pilot Bob Senneker of Grand Rapids was third in his Chevelle. Terry Brumley and Bill Crane, both of Springfield, Mo., finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The best finish turned in by the Green Hornet team of Ed Howe and Tom Maier, netted a sixth-place finish by Maier.

IMCA national champion Ernie Derr of Keokuk, Iowa, came home in eighth place.


Results –


1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
2. Joe Shear, South Beloit, Ill.
3. Bob Senneker, Grand Rapids, Mich.
4. Terry Brumley, Springfield, Mo.
5. Bill Crane, Springfield, Mo.
6. Tom Maier, Midland, Mich.
7. Don Conner, Shawnee, Kan.
8. Ernie Derr, Keokuk, Iowa
9. Dave Goldsberry, Springfield, Mo.
10. Vance Cook, Jonesborough, Ark.

Two of the greatest short track drivers ever, Ernie Derr (1) and Dick Trickle (99), race each other during the MASCAR 300-lapper at I-70 Speedway. - Ivan Jackson Photo