1975 - Fast Time, Twin Victories for Reffner in Dells Opener

Tom Reffner

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (May 10, 1975) – Tom Reffner extended his domination of central Wisconsin late model racing to the Dells Motor Speedway Saturday night as he set fast time and took both of the 50-lap features on the third mile banked paved oval.

The show was the first of the season, as two previous attempts had been rained out.

Driving his “Blue Knight” 1974 AMC Javelin, Reffner did not take the lead in the first 50-lapper until lap 42. Bill Retallick of Marshall took the early lead in the event, only to lose it to Madison’s Bobby Gunn on lap 12.

Once ahead, Gunn kept his ex-Dick Trickle 1970 Mustang out front, increasing his margin with nearly every lap.

Meanwhile, Reffner was working his way through the field and was near the front when John Reimer and Rich Somers tangled on the front straightaway, bringing out the caution flag.

The field bunched and when the green flag dropped on lap 42, Reffner shot by Gunn for the top spot. Reffner then built up his own cushion and finished well ahead of Gunn, Dick Trickle, Dave Watson, and Joe Shear.

The second 50-lapper followed the script of the first with some of the cast changed.

Jim Pierson of Milton took an early lead in his 1975 Camaro but lost it to Marv Marzofka of Nekoosa on lap 12. Marzofka then built up an impressive lead as, once again, Reffner steadily worked his way from the back of the pack.

On lap 25, a caution flag flew when Reimer and Trickle’s mounts started spilling oil on the racing surface. Both were done for the evening.

Marzofka kept Reffner at bay on the restart, but the caution flag came out again on lap 43 when Gunn’s mount started spilling oil.

Gunn pitted while the track was cleaned up and returned to the race, only to oil the surface again. The track was cleaned again, and Gunn was finished for the night.

On the restart, Reffner charged past Marzofka into the lead and held it to the finish. Marzofka settled for second, followed by Mike Miller, John Ziegler, and Larry Detjens.


Results –


Time trials – Tom Reffner, Rudolph (14.482)
Semi-main – Mike Waddell, Madison
Consolation – Pat Riley, Osseo, Minn.
Feature #1 –
1. Tom Reffner
2. Bob Gunn, Madison
3. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Dave Watson, Milton
5. Joe Shear, Beloit


Feature #2 –

1. Tom Reffner
2. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
3. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
4. John Zeigler, Madison
5. Larry Detjens, Wausau