1976 - Reffner takes Skogen's Go at La Crosse

Tom Reffner won two of three features in claiming the Skogen IGA 150 at La Crosse. - Kurt Luoma Photo

West Salem, Wis. (July 11, 1976) – In the past two years, Tom Reffner of Rudolph has won every special event at La Crosse Interstate Speedway. Sunday afternoon’s Skogen IGA 150 was no exception as the 1974 AMC Javelin driver roared to victory in the second 20-lap feature and the 36-lap finale to top all competitors. Fast qualifier Dave Watson of Milton took the win in the first 20-lapper.

Bill Oas passed Tom Jones for the lead on the third lap of the first 20 but was soon challenged by John Ziegler and Watson. Both took turns trying to get by the Minnesota ace, before Watson was able to accomplish this on lap 11. Ziegler was able to pass Oas and settle for third followed by Marv Marzofka and Tom Jones.

The second 20 saw Don Grant build up a large lead before Reffner took second on lap 12. Quickly closing the gap, Reffner was in the lead by lap 14. Mike Miller dropped Grant back to third three laps later. Jim Back was fourth and Jim Sauter took fifth

The third feature started the two finishers from the first two. Larry Nipple of Albany was the early leader from the outside of the front row until several cars spun in the fourth turn on lap 9, resulting in a caution period.

Once under green,, Jerry Eckhardt showed the way for two laps before Dick Trickle, driving Jim Bohmsach’s 1972 Nova, took over. Engine trouble eliminated Trickle on lap 15 with Reffner moving out front. Sauter was second briefly but Marzofka took that spot on lap 18.

With Reffner long gone, Ziegler tried to take second from Marzofka but had to settle for third at the finish. Watson, who had pitted during the caution, worked his way back up to finish fourth while Ray Young took fifth after surviving an earlier spinout.


Results –


Feature #1-

1. Dave Watson, Milton
2. Bill Oas, Bloomington, Minn.
3. John Ziegler, Madison
4. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
5. Tom Jones, Northbrook, Ill.
6. Ray Young, Dolton, Ill.

Feature #2 –

1. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
2. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
3. Don Grant, La Crosse
4. Jim Back, Vesper
5. Jim Sauter, Necedah
6. Axel Dahlberg, Mauston

Feature #3 –

1. Tom Reffner
2. Marv Marzofka, Nekoosa
3. John Ziegler
4. Dave Watson
5. Ray Young
6. Mike Miller