Sippel masters Richter Memorial Opener
May 14, 1999, Chilton, WI - Scott
Sippel drove his way to victory lane in the season opening feature
at the Calumet County Speedway. Opening night was was dedicated to Ric Richter of
Glenbeaulah, the top engine builder and good friend to the WIMSA mini-sprint
organization. Ric passed away last winter and in his honor and memory the night was an
opportunity to salute his contribution
to the WIMSA series and remember his dedication and friendship.
 |
The top five feature finishers gather in
victory lane on Ric Richter Memorial Night at Calumute County Fairgrounds Speedway.
Ric Richter built many of the motors in the WIMSA Mini-Sprint division. He passed away during the off season. The top five feature finishers in the Mini-Sprint feature (from right) Scott Sippel; Tim Frerichs; Mike Emme; Dan Kreuger and Russ Wetencamp gather with Linda Richter in a post race ceremony. |
Scott Sippel was a close friend of Ric and his wife Linda so the victory
proved extra special.
The feature started with Jeff Charno on the pole until the first caution came out on lap 6
for a three car tangle in turn 4. Kevin Eggert #98 of Appleton got the worst of it. Along
for the ride were Luke Griesbach, #25 and Jeff Harder, #57. All three cars were done for
the evening. On the restart, Charno held off a hard charging Dean Lukey #3 until Charno
slid up out of the groove on lap 9 and scuffed the backstretch wall.
| Open wheel battle! Dean Lukey (#3), holds a slim lead over Jeff Charno (#18) and Scott Sippel (#5) in the WIMSA Mini-Sprint feature race. Sippel would make the pass and score the victory. |  |
Suspension damage forced him to retire and Lukey took command. Dean had
his hands full with persistent pressure from Sippel who had now worked his way to the
second slot. Hard racing was going on in the back of the pack as the leaders drove into
lapped traffic on lap 11. Lap 13 proved
unluckey for Craig Gravatt #32 as he drove into the pits with an expired motor. On the
track Sippel passed Lukey and pulled away as Lukey faded. Dan Bartz #77 went for a ride
into the turn 2 fence on lap 14 forcing the red flag/caution and again tightened the pack.
Lukey pulled in during this period with a sticking throttle problem. Last years series champion, Scott Uttech #1 fell victim to motor problems and exited for the evening. Sippel, leading on the restart with time running out, held off a determined charge from Tim Frerichs #7 to finish with the win.
Frerichs finished second followed by Mike Emme #88, Dan Krueger, #39s and
Russ Wetenkamp #8. The series is back in action again at Chilton on Friday night, 5/21
with races scheduled in June at Angell Park Speedway, 6/6 and two appearances at the
Hales Corners Speedway, 6/9 and 6/22.
Results: Chilton, WI - May 14, 1999
HEAT #1