Mike Volkart's big bad Chevelle took the Iowa Speed & Supply #1 GM Award.

Mike Volkart’s yellow Chevelle defeated Tom Gaines’ red Dodge. Kevin Miller’s strong .03 light was too much for Clay Kossuth to overcome. Bob Lantero put an end to Don Bruemmer’s big weekend. Dennis Spurgeon continued his winning ways, defeating Randy Vanhook. Russ Berens ran a 9.983 on his 10.00 Index on his bye run.

In Round Four, Lantero ended Volkart’s day. Russ Berens defeated Kevin Miller in a double break-out race. Spurgeon posted a stout .004 reaction on his bye run.

The semifinals had one series veteran and past champion with two series freshmen. Lantero got the bye into the finals while Berens and Spurgeon duked it out in the closest match of Eliminations.

Russ Berens en route to a very close victory over Dennis Spurgeon.

Berens’ .098 light and 9.994 barely edged out Spurgeon’s .089 reaction and 10.230. With a lot on line, the 67 Plymouth of Berens and the ’66 Dodge of Lantero rolled into the beams. Everyone watched as the two gladiators left with virtually identical reactions. As the two raced down track, the experience of Berens paid off as he forced Lantero to go too fast, giving the win to Russ in the double break-out finish.

Bob Lantero congratulates Russ Berens in the Gateway Winners Circle.

Both racers were greeted in the Winners Circle by many of their fellow participants. Beren’s win vaulted him into the lead of the Points Series. Mike Volkart and Dan Beale are only one round behind and they are closely followed by Don Bruemmer.