1986 - Miller, Ziegler Score in Slinger Nationals' 75s

Winners in the first leg of the Slinger Nationals were John Ziegler (second from right) and Butch Miller (second from left). They are joined by promoter Wayne Erickson, Miss Slinger Speedway Nancy Burkhart, and trophy sponsor Jim Werner. – Al Fortner Photo

Slinger, Wis. (June 10, 1986) – John Ziegler won the first 75-lap feature, but Butch Miller captured the second to emerge as the overall point leader after Tuesday night’s opening round of the Slinger Speedway Nationals.

Ziegler started the first feature on the pole, vaulted into the lead at the green and paced all 75 circuits despite a pair of cautions.

Mike Miller, Mark Martin, Al Schill, and Joe Shear rounded out the top five, the only other drivers on the same lap as Ziegler. The Madison veteran had lapped both fast qualifier Tony Strupp and Rich Bickle Jr., while the pair were dicing for sixth place.

Polesitter Dick Trickle took the early lead in the nightcap with pressure from Bobby Dotter and Scott Hansen. A faulty ignition during a lap 36 caution sent Dotter to the pits, giving Shear second place ahead of Martin when action resumed.

Trickle sped to a four-car-length lead by lap 42 as Shear and Martin battled for second place. However, seven circuits later, Shear led Martin around Trickle in turn two with Miller lowering Trickle to fourth place on the next revolution.

With handling problems besetting Shear’s car, Martin grabbed the top spot on lap 53 and Miller took second on lap 59. Miller culminated his rise to the top by overtaking Martin on lap 60.

Despite the efforts of Martin, Miller led the remaining distance for the victory. Martin settled for second while Shear held on for third. Trickle and NASCAR star Bobby Allison rounded out the top-five finishers.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. John Ziegler, Madison
2. Butch Miller, Coopersville, Mich.
3. Mark Martin, Batesville, Ark.
4. Al Schill, Franklin
5. Joe Shear, Clinton
6. Rich Bickle Jr., Edgerton
7. Willie Goeden, Kewaskum
8. Tony Strup, Slinger
9. Scott Hansen, Green Bay
10.Lowell Bennett, Neenah


Feature #2 –

1. Butch Miller
2. Mark Martin
3. Joe Shear
4. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
5. Bobby Allison, Hueytown, Ala.
6. Rich Bickle Jr.
7. John Ziegler
8. Rich Somers, Stevens Point
9. Scott Hansen
10.Al Schill