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A brief shower did not discourage a large turn out of UPIR race fans and drivers at the Luke Sanville and Ryan Harper memorial event held recently at the Upper Peninsula International Raceway. The Sanville and Harper families were both present as the Speedway honored two members of the UPIR racing family who lost their lives earlier this year. The Delta Bay Area Girl Scouts held the second annual "Race like a Girl" event. The female UPIR racers met with the Girl Scouts and explained the ins and outs of racing.

With extremely wet track conditions, UPIR officials and drivers worked hard to get the track prepared for another great night of racing. The night started out with a 4-cylinder race that was cancelled due to rain the week before. Randy Degrave won the event followed by Eric Lafreniere and Joe Ostermann of Norway. Justin Lauscher and Zack Jones rounded out the top five.

Rapid River's Dale Peterson won his second modified feature of the season edging out defending track champion, Matt Valiquette of DePere, Wisconsin. Peterson leads Valiquette by only one championship point going into the State Fair weekend. Mike Richer, Tyler Winling and John Ostermann rounded out the top five.

The future stars of UPIR feature was won by standout Jesse Liss. Ty Springer was a close second followed by Logon Getzloff and Joey Stankowicz.

Nick Pinar Jr. of Escanaba won his second feature of the year in the 600 winged sprint division. Josh Bartel had a strong run finishing second. Scott Degnan was third. Steven Miller won the 600-semi feature. Todd Belanger and Jeff Ives second followed Jason Irving.

In an ironic turn of events, the 650-sprint feature was won by Dave Hosking. Earlier in the race Dave's son, Paul Hosking, was involved in a spectacular crash in which his car flipped six times and he immerged from the racecar unhurt. Gary Dubord Jr. was second and Kyle Getchell was third. Kristy Peterson and Karen Degnan rounded out the top five.

Division point leader Joe Johnsen won the street stock feature over asphalt champion Ron Jenshak. Eric Mathieson held off Ron Borchert and Paul Wagner for third.

The 4/6 cylinder qualifier winners were Robbie Iverson of Hyde and Jeff Sullivan. Eric Lafreniere avoided a late race mishap with Adrian Ault to go on and win the main even. Jeff Sullivan was second and Randy Degrave was third.

This Saturday night racing will feature Battle at the Bay and the Bully Dog Event. As a participating Contingency Connection track, Bully Dog will award $6,000 in certificates to racers. Captain Ken Lee of Bay de Noc Charters and Captain Keith Wils of Walleye's Choice Fishing Charters are donating the boys and girls bikes to give away. The 50/50 raffle will go to the “Walleye Restoration” project for planting walleye in Little Bay de Noc.

Pit passes will be $7 instead of $15 to allow for the $8 fair admission. Pits open at noon. Admission to the grandstand is free. Racing begins at 7:00 PM EST. For more information go to www.upirracing.com.

By: John Ostermann

This article posted by Upper Peninsula International Raceway. Click here for more track information.