Tom Hoffman launches his ’63 Plymouth (Matt Mothershed photo)

Tom Hoffman’s 0.012 light was too much for veteran Al Corda.

The closest race of round two was Steve Kuenster over 2012 Champion Russ Berens. Kuenster’s 0.040 light and 11.484 on an 11.50 index was just enough to win over Berens’ 0.060 and 9.984 on a 10.00 index. Cathey took a bye into round three, running a 10.52 on his 10.50 index.

The excitement level was high for round three, and the Victory combatants did not disappoint. Hoffman topped the always-tough Krueger with a 0.04 reaction. Cathey’s red light gave the win to Steve Kuenster’s big Chevy. Frees survived a 0.152 light when Series veteran Charlie Kuenster broke out by 0.004 in his 409 Chevy. Bob Lister and his ‘65 Pontiac took a bye into round 4.

The four remaining cars returned to the lanes in fifteen minutes and the fight was on. Hoffman continued his string of great lights, defeating Lister with a 0.031 reaction. Frees won a double red light race over fellow Wisconsin racer Steve Kuenster. Frees ran a 10.53 at 128 MPH while Kuenster ran 11.48 at 116 MPH.

The two finalists were given fifteen minutes to return to the lanes. With the capacity crowd standing and cheering, Minnesota’s Hoffman and Wisconsin’s Frees staged their two red Max Wedge Mopars. When the lights turned green, Frees took the advantage with a 0.021 to Hoffman’s 0.050 reaction. Hoffman’s 11.26 on his 11.25 index turned on the win light against Frees’ tire spinning 10.73 on his 10.50 index. Series newcomer and underdog Hoffman took out the points leader Frees!

It was very emotional in the winner’s circle for Hoffman and his wife. He survived five hard rounds of racing in four hours against some of the best racers in the country. He was rewarded with a plaque and check for $1,000. He will also receive a new pair of Mickey Thompson slicks care of Series Presenting Sponsor M/T Tires. Tom is a long time user of M/T tires and was very excited to hear that he won the slicks.

As if this wasn’t enough excitement for Hoffman, when he went to start his big red Plymouth in the winner’s circle, he had no fire! Tom believes someone was looking out for him and he is very grateful it started when it needed to. His win catapults him into second place in points.