1977 – Capital City 150 Features Taken by Trickle, Reffner

Tom Reffner (left) and Dick Trickle 

Oregon, Wis. (September 18, 1977) – Wisconsin Rapids’ Dick Trickle had an almost perfect Sunday afternoon at the Capital Super Speedway. He won two of the three 50-lap late model features and set fast time in the Capital City 150 program that ended the season for the half-mile, high-banked, paved oval.

The only event that escaped his grasp was the trophy dash, which was claimed by Steve Arndt. Trickle could only enter two of the three 50-lappers, leaving the other half-century to Rudolph’s Tom Reffner.

In the initial 50, for the even-number qualifiers, the engine in Jerry Eckhardt’s mount let go on lap 9, causing Reffner and Ken Smith to spin. Reffner was able to restart at the rear of the field. On lap 18, Ray Kreyer’s engine blew, bringing out another yellow flag.

When action resumed, Reffner continued his march to the front which was completed on lap 28 when he took the lead. Once ahead, he built up a sizeable margin which he held to the finish. Following him across the finish line were Gary Hemmerling, Non Jusola, Arndt, and Richie Bickle.

In the second 50 for odd-numbered qualifiers, USAC star Ramo Stott started up front and took the early lead.

The yellow flag was unfurled when Rick Husted’s engine blew. When the green returned, Stott remained in front until lap 18 when he retired with mechanical issues in the Arnie christen car he was driving.

Trickle inherited the lead and held it to the finish ahead of Larry Detjens, Mike Miller, Terry Senneker, and Billy Kuhn.

In the final 50, Reffner grabbed the lead on lap 7. Ken Lund dropped oil on the track at about the same time and the yellow came out. Reffner didn’t last long after the green returned, as he dropped out on lap 12.

Arndt’s engine let go on lap 21, bringing out the yellow for the final time.

On the restart, Senneker took the lead. On lap 27, Trickle and Detjens both overhauled Senneker, and three laps later, Hemmerling and Miller also passed the Grand Rapids, Mich., driver.

That was the way they remained with Trickle, Detjens, Miller, Hemmerling, and Senneker rounding out the top five.


Results –


Feature #1 –

1. Tom Reffner, Rudolph
2. Rich Bickle, Edgerton
3. Garry Hemmerling, Janesville
4. Bob Jusola, Mound, Minn.
5. Steve Arndt, Janesville


Feature #2 –

1. Dick Trickle, Wisconsin Rapids
2. Larry Detjens, Wausau
3. Mike Miller, Wisconsin Rapids
4. Terry Senneker, Grand Rapids, Mich.
5. Billy Kuhn, Blue Island, Ill.


Feature #3 –

1. Dick Trickle
2. Larry Detjens
3. Mike Miller
4. Gary Hemmerling
5. Terry Senneker