1979 - Schiltz Wins Pepsi Special

 

Dick Schiltz won the 35-lap late model feature during the Pepsi-Mountain Dew Special at the Wapello County Fairgrounds. Schiltz is joined by sportsman feature winner Jack Dunne and trophy girl Candi Niner. – G&J Photo

By Jeanne Niner

Eldon, Iowa (June 30, 1979) – Dick Schiltz of Waterloo really fought hard all 35 laps to take the checkered ahead of a great field of late models to win the Pepsi-Mountain Dew Special at Eldon Raceway on Saturday night.

Polesitter Mike Niffenegger of Kalona, setting a blistering pace, leading the first five circuits before losing power in his car momentarily and dropping back to third. At this point, Lem Blankenship of Keokuk inherited the top spot followed closely by Schiltz.

Just before the halfway point, Blankenship, who was far out ahead of the field, suddenly lost all power and steered his car to the pit area.

Schiltz was in the right place at the right time and took over the lead with Roger Dolan of Lisbon a car-length behind. With new life for both drivers, Schiltz and Dolan would fight side-by-side, bumper-to-bumper for the remaining 15 laps with Schiltz crossing the finish line with Dolan hooked to his rear fender as the checkered flag waved over them.

The sportsman feature winner was Jack Dunne of Keokuk. Dunne brought the fans to their feet, starting mid-pack and earning a hard-fought win over Tony Stewart of Washington, a multiple feature winner this season at the “Super Half-Mile.”

Late model heat wins went to Niffenegger, Schiltz, and Dan Ludwig of Keokuk. Don Hoffman of Des Moines was the consolation winner. Sportsman heat winners were Jim Dorothy of Keokuk, Tony Stewart, and George Koontz of Memphis, Mo. Mel Messer of Ottumwa won the consolation.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Dick Schiltz, Waterloo
2. Roger Dolan, Lisbon
3. Dan Dickey, Packwood
4. Mike Niffenegger, Kalona
5. Denny Banks, Washington
6. Jim Brown, Ottumwa
7. Ron Boyse, Kalona
8. Tom Bartholomew, Waterloo
9. Verlin Eaker, Mechanicsville
10.Johnny Babb, Ottumwa


Sportsman –

1. Jack Dunne, Keokuk
2. Tony Stewart, Washington
3. Jim Dorothy, Keokuk
4. George Koontz, Memphis, Mo.
5. Larry Hanna, Batavia