The Left Turn
By: Ron Burt
WAUSEON, OH – June 20th, Jackson, Michigan’s Rusty Schlenk had his DIRTcar Late Model dialed in, and he put on a show Saturday night, leaving only 10 cars on the lead lap. He won his record setting 7th Barney Oldfield Race, and the $5,000 first place prize money. The win was during the annual stop for the American Late Model Series in Wauseon.
The 35-lap feature was only stopped once for a caution on lap two when Colin Shipley spun in turn two. After that caution flag, it was all Schlenk. He grabbed the lead from Colten Burdette at the start, and by the ninth trip around the track, Schlenk found himself at the tail end of the field. He was able to put his car anywhere he wanted, resulting in a win by 12.5 seconds over the 2nd place car and the current Oakshade point leader Steve Kester. Casey Noonan, Colten Burdette, and Terry Rushlow rounded out the Top 5.
In the Dominator Stock Class, Jake Rendel started deep in the field but was able to work his way through traffic and win the feature that had many caution flags. Mason Luttrell was 2nd, followed by Jeff Foks, Josh McNicol and JR Gooden. Holgate’s Ryan Okuley won the Sport Compact Feature, followed by Geoff Wasnick, James Stamper, Wesley Belkofer and Justin Newman.
Ohio Sprint Week for the All Star Circuit of Champions wrapped up on night number 7, at Wayne County Speedway. Two races were cancelled last week because of rain, Millstream and Eldora. Both tracks declined on make-up race dates. Atomic Speedway was to have the final race but didn’t meet expected ticket sales and the final was moved back to Wayne County Speedway. Saturday night had 4 drivers with a chance to be crowned Ohio Sprint Week Champion who were all battling at the front of the 35 lap feature. When the checked flag dropped and the dust was hanging in the air Zeth Sabo won his second feature of Ohio Sprint Week and $10,000. Darin Naida and Kalib Henry finished a close 2nd and 3rd. When the Series points were added up, Cap Henry in his 33w, was crowned the overall 2026 Ohio Sprint Week Champion. Cap has won the title 2 years in a row.
Butler Motor Speedway (Michigan) hosted the IRA Sprint Car Series that runs Outlaw 410 Winged Sprints. The podium for the IRA Sprint Series, 1st Brock Hallett, 2nd Travis Arenz, and 3rd Thomas Meseraull.
Angola Motorsport Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners Saturday. Modified A Main (Dave Nester Memorial) Jeremy Cooper, Late Model Sportsman Tanner Jack, Street Stock Rick Rinehart, FWD Chip Heintzelman, and Hornet Brett Ireland.
Montpelier Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners, Modifieds Dylan Woodling, Super Stocks Ervin Turner, Street Stocks James Headley, and Hornets James Headley.
More local tri-state racing news can be found on the Ohio Sports Blitz www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!
