Hansen begins title defense with Outagamie checkers

Defending track champion Travis Hansen led every lap in winning the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod season opener at Outagamie Speedway. (Photo courtesy of www.danlewisphoto.net)

By Edward Anschutz

SEYMOUR, Wis. (May 20) – One hundred and twenty-nine cars checked in to do battle for the first point night of the season Sunday at Outagamie Speedway.

Defending champion Travis Hansen dominated the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod feature, leading every lap en route to the victory. Lucas Lamberies was second and Robby Thiel placed third.

Josh Long paced the IMCA Modified field until Mike Mullen took the top spot away on lap eight. Long’s hope to regain the lead went up in smoke as his car broke and coasted to the infield. Mul­len pulled away, capturing the win with a clean sweep of the night. Benji LaCrosse had to settle for second while Brian Mullen was third.

Eric Arneson led the caution-slowed IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature until Mike Coel slipped by down low on lap 10 to secure the top spot. Coel withstood heavy pressure the remainder of the event but stood strong collecting the win. Arneson was second and Rod Snellenberger took third.

There were 32 IMCA Modifieds, 32 IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, 28 Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods, and 17 Mach-1 Sport Compacts on hand for the lidlifter.