1985 – Hodges Withstands Pain, Kinser for First WoO Victory

Rocky Hodges scored his first career World of Outlaws victory at Fairmont. Denny Decheine presents the checkers. – Phil Dullinger Photo

Fairmont, Minn. (July 7, 1985) – Rocky Hodges, Des Moines, Iowa, entered his name in the record books Sunday night as he recorded his first career World of Outlaws sprint car feature win in the 25-lap main event at Fairmont Speedway.

Hodges’ victory came with the help of two people, 800 miles apart, who had never met each other.

Hodges’ win can be partly attributed to car owner Phoenix Gil Suiter and a Denver doctor who helped diagnosed a back problem suffered by the Hawkeye State veteran. Suiter kept the team of Hodges and crew chief John Leverenz together despite some early season problems while the Colorado doctor got Hodges on the right road to recovery for his back ailment that sidelined him for two WoO races. In spite of the help, Hodges was slow exiting his car in victory lane.

The rapid Fairmont high-banked half-mile, Hodges and his mount were really set up during the feature. Hodges came from his fourth starting position on the opening lap and advanced one position per lap until he took the lead for good on a fourth-lap restart. The defending Knoxville Raceway track champion collected $3,740 for the triumph.

Steve Kinser, Bloomington, Ind., came from his eighth starting position to finish second. He tried to close in on Hodges but never seriously challenged the eventual winner. Kinser settled for his fourth straight bridesmaid finish and took home $2,640.

Jeff Swindell, Memphis, Tenn., was third followed by Richard Lupo, Hanover, Penn., and Bobby Davis Jr., Memphis, Tenn.


Results –


1. Rocky Hodges
2. Steve Kinser
3. Jeff Swindell
4. Richard Lupo
5. Bobby Davis Jr.
6. Ron Shuman
7. Mark Kinser
8. Jeff Tuttle
9. Brad Doty
10.Bobby Allen