Lagroon denies Schrader at Salina Speedway

By Dusty Wiegert

SALINA, Kan. (May 6) – For most of the feature event Friday night at Salina Speedway in the Long McArthur IMCA Modified division, it looked as if NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader would notch his first win at the track.

But he was inevitably denied with only a handful of laps left as Salina’s Corey Lagroon snuck past and powered away for the victory, his first of the season. The $1,000 victory put Lagroon on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational.

Schrader, who started from the pole after a lucky pill draw by one of the speedway’s younger fans, pushed up the track exiting turn three, allowing Lagroon the room to get by as he got the car to stick on the bottom side. Schrader finished second with Tyler Frye and Danny Morrison rounding out the top four.

Chad Sterling drove to a big win in the Coors Light IMCA Stock Car division. Defending champion Arnold Williams returned to finish second with Tanner Portenier and Scot Granzella following.

Dakota Sproul got his first taste of victory this season with a triumph from the outside pole in the M&H Motors IMCA Northern SportMod division. Veteran Rodger Peck made his debut count, finishing in the runner-up position. Rookie Brian Davidson finished third with Brenden Damon in fourth.

Another western Kansas driver to visit O’Reilly Auto Parts Victory Lane was Shay Simoneau, ending Mike Traskowsky’s streak in the Budweiser IMCA Hobby Stock division. Tony Slothower held off Traskowsky for second, while Eric Cross advanced 13 positions from his 17th starting spot to finish fourth.

The night’s presenting sponsor, Phillips Motor Sports, awarded a $100 bonus to the night’s hard charger amongst all divisions. Cross picked up the bonus for his 13-car shuffle.

The Bird Contracting IMCA Sport Compacts made their debut for the season with last year’s rookie of the year Ashlyn Bird picking up her first ever feature victory, working past Josh Howard late in the race. Howard finished second with Bailey Glavin third and Alison Bird fourth.