Thursday, June 13, 2024

1981 – Bjorge, Combs Fastest as I-70 Reopens


Dave Bjorge



Odessa, Mo. (June 13, 1981) – Rodney Combs was the fastest qualifier and Dave Bjorge was quickest in the feature as I-70 National Speedway reopened as a dirt track.

Acquired by Weld Enterprises earlier this year, the asphalt racing surface was covered with tons of dirt and Saturday’s action marked the start of a new era at the speedway.

Attesting to the track’s newly groomed dirt surface, Combs, from Lost Creek, W.Va., established a new record of 19.67 seconds in time trials.

However, in the end it was Bjorge, the racing veteran from Austin, Minn., who showed the rest of the field the fastest way around the half-mile, winning the 50-lapper by 10 car lengths.

Pete Parker of Kaukauna, Wis., now driving out of Walcott, Iowa, finished second, followed by Joe Merryfield of Des Moines. Curt Hansen of Dike, Iowa, and Ron Jackson of Burlington, Iowa, rounded out the top-five finishers.

Combs, Bill Martin of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Vic Bentlage of Jefferson City, Bjorge, and Rick Beebe of Overland, Kan., were heat winners.

Dhon Hauserman of Wichita, Kan., was the B-main victor.


Results –


1. Dave Bjorge, Austin, Minn.
2. Pete Parker, Walcott, Iowa
3. Joe Merryfield, Des Moines
4. Curt Hansen, Dike, Iowa
5. Ron Jackson, Burlington, Iowa
6. Joe Kosiski, Omaha
7. Bill Martin, Council Bluffs, Iowa
8. Galen Schaefer, Topeka, Kan.
9. Les Duellman, Fountain City, Wis.
10.Dhon Hauserman, Wichita, Kan.


No comments:

Post a Comment