Wisconsin International Raceway 07.19.2007

I was planning on going to WIR before I heard that Kyle Busch was racing there too. The track had planned having a 50 lap feature instead of the usual 30 lapper because it was the week of the white race - part of the red, white, and blue state championship series. They canceled the heat races in favor of longer features.

I missed half of the show according to the announcer - half of the show was qualifying. Kyle Busch came just 0.039 seconds short of the 19.228 seconds track record in his Super Late Model on the half mile track.

The first feature was the Super Stocks on the inner 1/4 mile track. Points leader Randy Van Roy had problems and ended the race early. They switched to the 1/2 mile track for the limited late models. One of the top drivers tried three wide in the corner, and several top cars hit foam barriers protecting the outside wall. Everyone fortunately was okay. The race was dominated by fast qualifier Kris Kelly who drove several hours down from the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. He passed through the field with ease for his 5th win of the season. He is running awaay with the points.

The super late model feature was next. Busch started 11th, and went through the field, and passed points leader Tim Rothe on a restart on lap 26. A lap later the caution came out because someone oiled up the track. They stopped the racing on the half mile to clean the entire track.

Since the track has an inner 1/4 mile track, they immediately started racing on the innner track. Next the started the 4 cylinder feature. There is always a lot of banging in the beginner 4 cylinder cars, and the drivers take the corners three or four wide to often. The outer track was still being cleaned up, so next came up my favorite division for action: the "wild and crazy" Figure-8 cars. They always put on a great show, even if someone runs away with a race. There is always great action at the crossing in the middle. This night was no different: there were several close calls, and several times where the cars slowed down from BOTH sides. Near the end of the figure-8 race the outside track was finally done. The Figure-8 winner celebrated by doing a high speed spinout. He must have puncture the radiator, and he dumped some water on the outside track. The crew quickly cleaned up the puddle, and it was time for continuing the super late model feature.

Busch pulled out to a quick lead on the restart after the cars rested for about 45 minutes. Busch pulled out to a commanding lead. The only car that could keep up with Busch was Rothe. There were 3 cautions in the final 3 laps. Busch held the lead on restart for the victory. He said in the post race interview that he loves giving back to the fans, and that this is one of his first late model victories in a while, so the win was special for him. Then he showed that he is a classy guy by partially climbing the fence (like Stewart did), and tossing the winner's trophy into the crowd gathered around the fence. I respect him a lot for doing something so nice.