1968 – Eaker Wins Burlington Feature

Verlin Eaker

Burlington, Iowa (June 7, 1968) – Verlin Eaker of Cedar Rapids pulled the surprise of the IMCA late model stock car racing season on Wednesday by whipping Keokuk’s duo of Ernie Derr and Ramo Stott in the 25-lap feature event at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. 

Eaker qualified fastest in his 1967 Dodge Charger, turning the half-mile dirt oval in 26.92 seconds. Derr in a 1968 Dodge Charger was second fastest at 27 seconds flat and Stott in a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner was third at 27.21 seconds.

In the feature Stott was leading on the 19th lap when a spin out in the third turn slowed the field under the caution flag. For some unexplained reason Stott’s engine blew. Ole Brua of Albert Lea, Minn., took the lead temporarily then Eaker charged in front to keep it.

Derr never led in the race and was running fourth behind Stott, Brua and Eaker at the time of Stott’s trouble.

Stott won the STP trophy dash matching the six fastest qualifiers followed by Eaker and Derr. Derr won the third heat. Brua, Wally Christensen, and Blaine Morrow were the other heat winners. 


Results –


Time trials – Verlin Eaker, Cedar Rapids (26.92)
STP Trophy Dash – Ramo Stott, Keokuk
Heat #1 – Ole Brua, Albert Lea, Minn.
Heat #2 – Wally Christensen, Minneapolis
Heat #3 – Ernie Derr, Keokuk
Heat #4 – Blaine Morrow, Mt. Joy, Ill.
Feature –
1. Verlin Eaker
2. Ole Brua
3. Ernie Derr
4. Blaine Morrow
5. Dale Keeling, Dixon, Mo.
6. Butch Hall, Russell, Minn.
7. Bill Schwader, McCausland
8. Lewis Taylor, Shawnee Mission, Kan.
9. Chuck Janey, Cedar Rapids
10.Karl Stauffer, Independence, Mo.