BEMIDJI — Once a year Bemidji Speedway plays host to the mighty Wissota Late Models. This year with an impressive $1,500 purse, a great field of some of the top Late Model drivers in the region brought their cars to the track for a great night of racing on the 3/8-mile oval. The event was sponsored by Higginbotham Well Drilling.
Mod Fours and Modifieds had the night off. Cool overcast skies and a north wind did not deter the fans from showing up for the big event. A total of 84 cars with 19 Wissota Late Models filled the pits.
Next Sunday at 5 p.m. the track will host the Visit Bemidji-sponsored "Babes Border Battle.
" U.S. and Canadian drivers will compete for bragging rights.
The first 10 Canadian drivers will receive free gate admission. Also, the first 10 Canadian fans will likewise get free admission to the grandstands. The initial feature of the night was the Bemidji Mini Stocks with 13 cars on hand.
Justin Honer and Gabriel Espe led the pack to the green flag. Hayden Engen from his second-row starting position came out in front with Espe, Conrad Schwinn, Gordon Hunter and Nick McCann trailing. Schwinn moved down low and into second with McCann following.
Schwinn stayed on the gas down the front straight taking the lead. McCann and Engen dueled side by side with McCann taking over the backup spot behind Schwinn. Schwinn picked up the win and a clean sweep with McCann, Engen, Hunter, and Ashton Schwinn in the top five.
A total of 19 Wissota Pure stocks signed in at the .
