MULLEN VICTORIOUS IN MANITOWOC OPENER! By Bill Schlei

May 22, 2002; Manitowoc, WI - An enthusiastic crowd gathered to kick-off the inaugural season at the new Manitowoc Expo Speedway Wednesday night and they did not go away disappointed.

In the IMCA Modified feature, Scott Mullen of Seymour picked up a win using veteran savvy and nerves of steel. The rece was delayed by a caution period before the first lap was completed as Julie McDermid got together with Dan Musbach at the entrance to turn three and both ended up in the infield.

On the restart things got hairy in turn one as Joe White in the 11X car was hit by the 77 of Mike Wedelstock and the yellow came out again.

Dean Mauer got a jump on the field when the green returned and battled with Jared Siefert until lap 18 when Mullen, who had worked his way up from the middle of the pack, used a daring inside move and took over the lead for the final two go-rounds.

The IMCA Stock car feature was equally exciting as Jeremy Christians of Horicon took the checkered flag over Jamie Colwell of Green Leaf. Colwell had been gaining ground progressively on the leader but ran out of laps.

Street Stock was dominated by the 56c of Jason Czarapata of Pulaski who won both his heat and the feature in convincing fashion over Tom Leonhard and Von Eycheson.

The all-new Hobby Stock class was won by rookie Erik Wetenkamp of Manitowoc who overcame a six-car length lead by Jesse Klein of Adell.

The hobbies are similar to the "Chilton Challenger" or "Bay Bomber" cars in that they are bone stock automobiles that are stripped of their interior and have a roll cage and safety belts added. Track promoter Dave Gauger is hoping to see this class grow fast because of the low cost involved. "Most of the cars in this class cost about $500 to build making it possible for almost anyone to race with us."

The new Manitowoc Co. Expo Speedway will have racing every Wednesday night throughout the summer with specials including a Sprint Car show, a Grand National and Mini-Stock invitational and a two day Fall Open Invitational in September.

For more information log on to racingonline.com and click on the Expo Speedway icon.

MANITOWOC COUNTY EXPO RESULTS - May 22, 2002