The Left Turn
By: Ron Burt
The 54th Winchester 400 Weekend had something for all race fans including excitement. October 10th drivers, race teams and fans flooded the small community of Winchester Indiana, home to the historic speedway where racing legends have raced since the track was built. The high banked ½ mile paved track is the fastest track for its size in the world. It’s 37-45 degrees banking in the corners is steeper than NASCAR Super Speedway Talladega, which is 33 degrees. The speedway is also known for the wooden chairs nailed up in the trees on the back straightaway. Years ago, there was an orphanage near the track and some of the children nailed wooden chairs to trees overlooking the track. They could look over the wall and watch the races. You can still see a few of these remaining chairs in different trees, when you’re in the infield.
Several classes of cars raced over the weekend, but the ASA cars were the big draw. Wisconsin’s Ty Majeski dominated the 54th running of the historic event, leading 350 of the race’s 400 laps. He is no stranger to winning on Late Model racing’s biggest stages, with two Snowball Derby wins and five victories at both Oktoberfest and the Rattler 250 among his major wins. Don’t forget he’s a 6x NASCAR Truck winner and the 2024 NASCAR Series Truck Champion. Now, he adds the famed Winchester Rifle trophy to that collection. Majeski first trip to the Winchester 400 was in 2023, partnering with Michael Hinde Racing for the race during his pursuit of the ASA STARS National Tour championship that year and he finished 2nd but this year he put his car in victory lane. Rounding out the top 5 Dawson Sutton, Cole Butcher, Billy Van Meter, and Stephen Nasse. Cole Butcher is the 2025 ASA/CRA Super Series champion.
The Midwest Modified Tour wrapped up their 2025 season at Winchester. Trevor Berry won his first Winchester Rifle trophy as he dominated the Run for The Gun 50 lap feature. Berry took the lead on lap two and fought off challenges from former 5 time Run for The Gun winner, Kyle Purvis and 2 time series champion Matt Dimit, the last 48 laps. Finishing behind your winner, Matt Dimit, Brian Nester, Tim Burkett and Lonnie Saumier.
Following the CRA Street Stock race at Winchester, the No.15 of Lonnie Saumier failed post-race inspection. Colby Lane has been declared the winner. Chris Shannon held off a last lap charge from J.P. Crabtree to win the CRA Late Model Sportsman race.
Fremont Speedway officially announced their 2025 track champions, Cap Henry 410 Sprints, Shawn Valenti Dirt Trucks and Jamie Miller 310. The track wrapped up the 2025 season with several fun events featuring the Fremont Trucks against the Super Stocks. Most of the stock cars were from Oakshade Raceway. This year the bragging rights go to the Fremont Dirt Trucks on the home track. In his Dirt Truck, Shawn Valenti started 4th but soon had the lead and put his truck in victory lane. It was his 9th win of the season and his 91st career Fremont Speedway win. Jordon Conover and Kent Brewer made the podium. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!
