1972 – Gerber Grabs First Win at West Liberty

Jim Gerber of Davenport grabbed his first feature win of the season at West Liberty Raceway. – Dick Kleindolph Photo

West Liberty, Iowa (July 22, 1972) – Jim Gerber of Long Grove finally ran into some good luck at West Liberty Raceway as he copped his first feature win of the season in Mississippi Valley Speed Club action before an estimated 3,000 fans.

Last week, Gerber led going into the final lap when his car ran out of gas and finished fourth. Two other times this season, he held the lead in the last few laps only to suffer mechanical failure.

But Saturday night, Gerber grabbed the lead from Muscatine’s Bill Hop on the 22nd lap and held on for the win. Hopp settled for second while Lone Tree’s Ron Hemsted finished third.

Ed Mellecker of Iowa City turned in the fastest time in qualifying, with a time of 26.16 seconds around the half-mile. Gerber turned in the second fastest time at 26.22 seconds.

The trophy dash was won by Shorty Bennett of Moline, Ill. Ron Prymek of Iowa City, John Brumley of Iowa City, and Hopp were heat winners. Dean Yordi of West Liberty was the semi-main winner.


Results –


1. Jim Gerber, Long Grove
2. Bill Hop, Muscatine
3. Ron Hemsted, Lone Tree
4. Larry Jenkins, Wilton
5. Perry Beckler, Tiffin
6. Don Morgan, Muscatine
7. Dennis Diercks, Davenport
8. Shorty Bennett, East Moline, Ill.
9. Mark Colberg, Muscatine
10.Ron Prymek, Iowa City