1978 - Ohlmann Triumphs in International 500

 

Glenn Ohlmann

Louisville, Ky. (August 5, 1978) – Glenn Ohlman of Elizabeth, Ind., put his Chevy Nova into the lead for the last time on lap 396 and went on to win the grueling International 500 at Fairgrounds Motor speedway on Saturday night.

Ohlmann won by two laps over Andy Vertrees’ Ford Granada and Vern Schrock’s Chevelle by three circuits after 3 hours, 5 minutes and 12 seconds of racing around a third-mile paved track.

The annual event, sanctioned by the American Speed Association’s Limited Late Model Series, a newly formed, iron-manifold, low-buck tire division, saw 44 hopefuls from six states vying for a starting spot in the 32-car field.

Much of the early race action was dominated by polesitter Preston Ford and fellow front-row starter Wayne Lensing, with Lensing finally unleashing his potent Granada on lap 74 to lead until pitting on lap 148.

Ohlmann then started his first tenure in the lead, but Lensing returned to run him down on lap 340.

Lensing appeared unstoppable until he broke a right front spindle coming off of turn four on lap 393 and slid down the front chute against the wall, ending a spectacular drive that had him two laps ahead of his closest pursuer.

At that point, Jerry Makara, in relief for Preston Ford, put their Chevelle into the lead but was forced to pit for fuel after only two laps. At the stop, Ford re-entered the race, but the driver switch dropped the pair four laps off the pace. They finally worked their car back to fourth place at the finish.

Ohlmann, who went the entire distance without relief, was the co-winner of the race last year when he teamed with Ford. Vertrees and Schrock also went the “ironman” route and drove solo.

Ohlmann, a former ASA rookie of the year, earned $1,745 from a $9,070 purse.


Results –


1. Glenn Ohlmann
2. Andy Vertrees
3. Vern Schrock
4. Preston Ford/Jerry Makara
5. Dave Kulmer
6. Bob Lovell/Dave Sorg
7. Benny Olson
8. Tom Brown
9. Ken Hinzpeter
10.Wayne Swartout/Bob Banet