Posted-May 2nd, 2011 4:31 pm
May 2, 2011 - 17 year-old, Ross Kenseth won the 3rd Annual “Joe Shear Classic” at Madison International Speedway this afternoon. This event was the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality season opener.
Twenty-eight cars started the 136-lap event. Bryan Reffner of Wisconsin Rapids, WI was the fast qualifier. However, with the inversion, Kenseth started on the pole. He did not remain there for the entire event however. Another young driver, Michael Bilderback was able to take over the top spot and remained there for much of the remaining first segment. Kenseth took the lead back prior to the lap 100 break.
Last year’s winner and 2010 ASAMT Champion, Steve Carlson did not start out his season as well as the last. Carlson was involved in the first caution of the afternoon, sending him to the pit area for repairs. He did return and continued, but was struggling from that point forward and eventually pulled off, finishing 92 of the 136 laps.
The first thirteen laps of the event carried with them, five caution flags. A lot of great cars were involved, including; Tim Schendel, Carlson, Kyle Calmes, and Chris Weinkauf. Most were able to return and Schendel pulled out an eighth place finish, missing his hood and all.
The ASA Midwest Touring Stars had a great showing this afternoon. At one point in the race, fourteen out of the top seventeen were all Touring Stars. The top eight finishers were all ASA Midwest Touring Stars.
The “Joe Shear Classic” is a unique event as it has a break after 100 laps and a 36 lap shootout for the victory. During the ten-minute break, teams can make minor adjustments on their cars. Cars line-up as they completed the first segment.
Ross maintained his lead while the #2 of Michael Bilderback and the #39 of Andrew Morrissey fought for second. The final laps of the event saw a lot of great battles. Griffin McGrath and Nick Murgic battled for fifth as Wimmer followed. Nathan Haseleu was waiting patiently for things to shake out.
Michael Bilderback finished second followed by Andrew Morrissey, Jacob Goede and Nathan Haseleu who had a tire going down on the last lap.
The ASA Midwest SCAG Truck Tour also opened its season at MIS. Bobby Wilberg took home the victory after a dominating performance. He was followed by John Wood and Scott Hansen.
Chris Marek won the ASA Midwest Sunoco Sportsman Tour event. Eric Melby and Scott Null rounded out the top three.
