July 14
Kansas State Fairgrounds,
Hutchinson, KS
Sanction: National Championship Racing Association (Hutchinson Grand Nationals) - $1,000
Information provided by: Various reports (last updated July 16, 3:13 am)
Kratzer goes back-to-back at Hutch Nationals
Hutchinson Grand Nationals
- Chris Kratzer
- Delbert Smith
- Dusty Leonard
- Kip Hughes
- Brandon Givens
- Jimmy Segraves
- Loren Dauer
- Damian Patocka
- Adam Popp
- Dustin Bolster
- Jeremy Petty
- Jeremy Bishop
- Rob Day
- Dan Smith
What won the race: Defending race champion Chris Kratzer of Wichita, Kan., started on the outside front row and went on to win the Late Model portion of the 61st annual Hutchinson Grand Nationals at the Kansas State Fairgrounds for his second straight win in the event. Kratzer, who won one of his two qualifying heat races, finished in front of Delbert Smith, also of Wichita. He earned $1,000 for the victory in the event that was contested over two days.
Key notes: Kratzer’s triumph snapped a three-race win streak by Delbert Smith, who had won every NCRA race held this season. … Polesitter Dan Smith of Beloit, Kan., was the first retiree and finished 14th. … During Friday's preliminary action, Dusty Leonard of Marysville, Kan., and Dan Smith of Beloit, Kan., were winners of the first set of Late Model heats, while Delbert Smith and Chris Kratzer picked up wins in the second set of heats. ... The 61st annual event was sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts and presented by Midwest Superstore. … The Late Model portion of the Hutchinson Grand Nationals began in 1974. … Previous winners of the event include Larry Phillips, Billy Moyer, Larry McDaniels, Doug Ingalls, Al Purkey, Delbert Smith and Lonnie Smith. … In 1996 the Kansas State Fairgrounds installed permanent lighting to its speedway and the Hutchinson Grand Nationals have been contested under the lights ever since.
On the move: After starting 13th, Jimmy Segraves of Wichita, Kan., rallied to finish sixth.
Winner's sponsors: Kratzer’s Barry Wright Race Car is sponsored by O’Hara & O’Hara Attorneys at Law, Wichita Tire & Alignment, Todd Plank, Crone Quarter Horses, J and A Sunflower Trucking, Hooterbuilt, Kratzer Industries, Molm Contruction and Spastic Stickers.
Points chase: Entering the event, Delbert Smith (900 points) of Wichita, Kan., leads Chris Kratzer (865) of of Wichita, Kan.
Car count: 14
Polesitter: Dan Smith
Heat race winners: Dusty Leonard, Dan Smith, Delbert Smith, Chris Kratzer
Next series race: July 22, Thunder Hill Speedway (Mayetta, KS) $1,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.