Tomlinson Tops In Cherry Bomb 50
by Andrew Schaller
7/4/2008
Andy Tomlinson of Poynette got to the front
late in the race to take the win in the
Cherry Bomb 50 lap Late Model feature at
Columbus 151 Speedway. Zeke Bishofberger
dominated most of the race, taking the early
lead on the first lap with last week's
winner, Jeff Falbe, following into second.
The first of three cautions flew on lap five
when quick qualifier Al Weishoff went around
in turn four. When the green returned,
Tomlinson made his first appearance in the
top five, moving to fourth on lap 15.
Another caution period slowed the field on
lap 18, and Tomlinson used the restart to
launch his bid for the top spot. Tomlinson
took his first look at the lead, but
Bishofberger reclaimed sole possession a lap
later. Tomlinson began to fade a little,
falling into a battle for third when Falbe
moved back into second. On lap 33, Tomlinson
remounted his challenge, moving back to the
outside of Falbe. Tomlinson charged up
alongside Bishofberger once again just as
the final caution waved on lap 44, setting
up a six lap shootout for the win. The
restart saw Don Gaserude join the fight up
front, but Gaserude was unable to make it
work on the outside, slipping back and
allowing Tomlinson to try the high lane once
again.
Tomlinson pulled even with Bishofberger with
two laps remaining, and the duo traveled
under the white flag side by side. As the
battled on the final lap, Tomlinson appeared
to hold the slight advantage and was able to
hold that lead as they crossed the stripe
under the checkers.
It was Tomlinson for the close victory with
Bishofberger second.
Rounding out the top five were Falbe,
Gaserude and Ron Bishofberger.
June 27, 2008; Columbus, WI.
- Beaver Dam's Jeff Falbe won an
intense battle with defending champion Dean
Schultz to take the victory in the 35 lap
Late Model feature at Columbus 151 Speedway
last Friday. Starting inside Zeke
Bishofberger at the drop of the green flag,
Falbe grabbed the early lead with Schultz
rocketing into second. Schultz immediately
began the race long battle for the lead by
moving to the high side and pulling even
with Falbe on lap four.
The duo began to separate themselves from
the rest of the field as they fought for the
top spot. Schultz stayed in the outside
lane, gaining momentum each lap until he
held the slight advantage at the line. The
first of three cautions flew on lap 23, and
Falbe crossed the line just ahead of Schultz
to restart out front.
But Schultz returned to the outside as
the green flew again. Back to back cautions
on lap 31 slowed the pack again with Falbe
in the lead. Once again, Schultz tried to
make it work in the high groove on the
restart, but Falbe managed to hold him off
and take the checkers for his first feature
win of the season. Schultz grabbed second
with Zeke Bishofberger, Bobbi Bishofberger
and Jerry Eckhart rounding out the top five.
Ron Bishofberger set the pace in qualifying
with a lap of
13.473 while heat winners included Al
Weishoff and Justin Schultz. |
