Elko Speedway
Wendling rules Elko, bags first Corn Belt Clash victory
Winner Rick Wendling (78) gets the jump on Adam Hensel (33) at Elko. (Redline Graphics)
ELKO, Minn. (May 11) — Rebounding from an accident earlier in the week, Rick Wendling of Hazleton, Iowa, raced to a $3,000 payday Saturday night at Elko Speedway, earning for his first-ever victory on the Corn Belt Clash tour.
The polesitting Wendling controlled the entire distance as the 3/8-mile oval hosted its only Dirt Late Model event of the season. Dave Eckrich of Cosgrove, Iowa, followed Wendling across the finish line with Jeff Provinzino of Hibbing, Minn., third. Adam Hensel of Barron, Wis., and Tim Isenberg of Marshfield, Wis., rounded out the top five finishers on a chilly night.
Wendling had rollover accident in another car Wednesday in Deery Brothers Summer Series action at Dubuque (Iowa) Speedway, but brought out his open-competition car to grab the victory at Elko. He led all 35 laps with Eckrich and Hensel in pursuit the first half of the race. Provinzino and Isenberg worked their way into the top five amid a flurry of cautions.
Notes: Wendling’s Mastersbilt entry is powered by Halabuilt Competition Engines and sponsored by Superior Cleaning, Burco Sales, Tarpy Trucking, RJS Welding, Checkered Flag Lounge, Vern’s True Value, CVS Motorsports, Legendary Motors, Legend Seed from Mark Keyser and Seegy’s Race Products. ... Series stalwarts Chad and Chris Simpson were not in attendance at Elko. ... Corn Belt Clash competitors head to Davenport (Iowa) Speedway on May 17 for a $3,000-to-win event.
Corn Belt Clash @ Elko: (1) Rick Wendling, (2) Dave Eckrich, (3) Jeff Provinzino, (4) Adam Hensel, (5) Tim Isenberg, (6) Eric Breeschoten, (7) Mark Rose, (8) Bruson Behning, (9) Doug Herrick, (10) Kevin Sather, (11) Dennis Hillson, (12) Doug Blashe, (13) Andrew McKay, (14) Roger Herrick. Heat winners (among 14 cars): Provinzino, Breeschoten. Dash winner: Wendling.
