1986 - Papini Rules in Rockford Lidlifter

 

Al Papini III won the late model season opener at Rockford Speedway. 

Rockford, Ill. (April 19, 1986) – Al Papini III led all 30 laps to win the late model feature, which highlighted Rockford Speedway’s 39th season-opening show Saturday night.

Papini built a commanding lead in the early laps but a yellow flag on lap 24 allowed 1984 track champion Bobby Hacker and defending titlist Jimmy Pierson to close in on the frontrunner.

However, Papini got the jump on his rivals when the green flag reappeared and withstood the challenges of Hacker and Pierson the rest of the way to score the victory.

Pierson overtook Hacker in the closing laps to take second while Hacker settled for third. Dennis Miller and Tim Melvin rounded out the top-five finishers.

Defending American Short Tracker champion Steve Erickson picked up where he left off in 1985, capturing the division’s trophy dash and feature. Fastest qualifier Bryan Young came in second in the feature with Steve Dickson, Sid Papini, and George Sparkman rounding out the top-five.

Don Duich was declared the winner of the roadrunner feature when apparent victor Chris McQuality was disqualified for weight infraction.


Results –


Late Model –

1. Al Papini III, Machesney Park
2. Jimmy Pierson, Milton, Wis.
3. Bobby Hacker, Loves Park
4. Dennis Miller, Beloit, Wis.
5. Tim Melvin, Machesney Park


American Short Tracker –

1. Steve Erickson, Roscoe
2. Bryan Young, Loves Park
3. Steve Dickson, Loves Park
4. Sid Papini, Loves Park
5. George Sparkman, Loves Park


Roadrunner –

1. Don Duich, Rockford
2. Glen Stout Jr., Beloit, Wis.
3. Bruce Tucker, Rockford