Jan Opperman drove the Bogar Special to victory in the 40-lap USAC sprint car feature at Eldora Speedway. - John Mahoney Photo
Rossburg, Ohio (March 31, 1974) – Jan Opperman of Beaver Crossing, Neb., roared into the lead from his third starting slot and went on to win the 40-lap United States Auto Club sprint car feature at the half-mile, high-banked Eldora Speedway.
Opperman led for the first 23 laps until George Snider, driving last year’s second place point winner Lee Kunzman’s car, took the lead when Opperman drifted high in turn three. The hard-charging Opperman recaptured the lead again on the same turn three laps later.
Midway through the race, Opperman was hit by a flying rock on the upper lip. The blow loosened some teeth and split his lip, but the injury failed to slow him.
The race was run in front of approximately 6,500 fans that braved the 40-degree temperatures. Hot laps and qualifications were delayed three hours because of the track. Rains and heavy snow flurries caused the track to be on the muddy side and caused the track crew to work from 7am to 3pm before any of the cars were able to get on the track.
The damp conditions caused the track to be rough in spots with the roughest section on turn two where several cars lost their belly pans and various other parts.
However, much to the credit of the track crew and the drivers, there were no yellow flags for accidents.
Opperman owned the day, however. The relative newcomer to the USAC circuit grabbed the season point lead upping his total to 81 points.
Results –
1. Jan Opperman
2. George Snider
3. Bruce Walkup
4. Lee Osborne
5. Duane Carter
6. Sam Sessions
7. Jerry Nemire
8. Rollie Beale
9. Johnnie Parsons
10.John Toth
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