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 MADISON,
IL (May 5) -- After two attempts to complete the April 17th regular season
opener at Rockford only to have inclement weather postpone the event to the end
of the season on October 19th, the NASCAR RE/MAX Challenge Series season
finally began with Ryan Hemphill capturing quasi-opener at Gateway
International Raceway Sunday afternoon. The win was Hemphill's first-ever in
the series which now boasts 71 different winners in the 28-year history of the
series. Hemphill earned $9,600 for the win.
A 35-car field took the green
flag on the 1.25-mile Gateway International Raceway Sunday afternoon. Eddie
Hoffman started on the pole with Paul Menard alongside. Hoffman quickly
assumed the race lead from the outset. Justin Diercks then took over the race
lead on lap 22. On lap 44, the defending series champion, Steve Carlson, took a turn
out front. The turning point in the race came on lap 52 when, the top
four drivers (Carlson, Diercks, Tim Schendel and Ryan Hanson) came into the
pits during a caution period for servicing. All four were penalized one lap for
passing the pace truck. As a result, Dale Nottestad, who had started 18th, was
awarded the race lead. His lead would last 13 circuits before 19th starter Ryan Hemphill moved into the lead. From there, Hemphill would not be
denied his first-ever series win--leading the remaining 36 laps. Pole sitter Eddie
Hoffman took second place and collected $6,283. Charging back from his one
lap penalty was Tim Schendel who finished in third place. Schendel pocketed
$5,458 for the final podium spot. A total of 15 cars finished the 101-lap
race on the lead lap. The next race for the NASCAR RE/MAX Challenge
Series is Friday, May 17th at Elko Speedway in Elko, MN. Hoosier Racing Tire
Corp. is proud to be the exclusive tire manufacturer for the NASCAR RE/MAX
Challenge Series during the 2002 racing season.
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