Round four had Berens running a close 9.977 with a .05 light on his bye run into the finals. The next race was anti-climactic when Bax’s Pontiac gave way in the burnout, allowing Krueger a single into the final round. The two finalists are not only friends, but they ride to the races together! These two met in the semis at Gateway with Krueger coming out on top in a very close race. After having almost identical runs in round four, you knew this was going to be a classic final.

The two Mopars pulled to the lanes for the final time, with Berens seeking revenge for his defeat at Gateway. Both beautiful Super Stockers did their usual strong burnouts while many of the Victory participants were anxiously watching this run. When the green lights came on, Krueger took a .055 advantage and the cars were side by side at the finish line. Krueger once again came out with the victory, winning the double breakout with a 10.981 to a 9.942 for Berens.

Beren’s was the first of many Victory racers to congratulate the dominant Krueger in the Winner’s Circle. At 73 years old, Wally is showing that he still has what it takes to win. His win and #1 Qualifier gave him the maximum number of points, adding to his points lead.

(from left) Series Director Chris Schneider, runner-up Russ Berens and event winner Wally Krueger. Krueger's dominant weekend included winning the Muscle Motors #1 Qualifier.

The track staff and management were great to work with, allowing the Victory Group to work around their schedule to avoid imminent rain. The Victory Series looks forward to returning to the beautiful Tri State Raceway in 2015. We also must thank the sponsors that make this all possible:  Victory Performance Parts, DragRacingOnline.com, A&A Transmissions, Indy Cylinder Head, TTI Exhaust, Muscle Motors, M&M Transmissions, Gary Ball Interiors, Mancini Racing, Mega Parts, Englehart Performance, Clay Kossuth & Sons, Diamondback Engines and Tydo Race Cars.

The next race in the Victory Series will be at Iowa’s Eddyville Raceway on the July 4th weekend.

Points after Race 2 of 6:

  1. Wally Krueger - 174
  2. Russ Berens - 139
  3. Jeff Frees - 116
  4. Clay Kossuth - 101
  5. Tom Hoffman - 100
  6. Don Bruemmer - 87
  7. Rosie Kossuth - 84
  8. Steve Stahlschmidt - 76
  9. BJ Bax and Dennis Diepenbrock - 70