May 6, 2005; Unity, WI. - Mother Nature did her job at Monster Hall Raceway in Unity, I on Friday, May 6. It was a gorgeous spring night. The track was in excellent racing condition. Hundreds of eager fans filled the stands to take in the first show of the 2005 racing year at the new and greatly renovated Monster Hall Raceway.

Photo Highlights

Randy Spacek (#22) and Paul Erickson (#4) do battle during the WISSOTA Super Stock feature contest. Jim Willner (#77) was in victory lane at the conclusion of the WISSOTA Super Stock main event on opening night at Monster Hall Raceway. Chris Oertel (#51) nabbed the victory in the WISSOTA Modified main event. Chris Oertel (#51) and Jeff Spacek (#22) do battle in their WISSOTA Modified during heat race action. Brian Fuchs (#34) was victorious in the new Pure Stock division feature contest. Jared Loos (#44) captured the WISSOTA Street Stock feature event. The battle for the win in the WISSOTA Street Stock division came down to this duel between Jared Loos (#44) and Dave Teatz (#36).

The stage was now set for this inaugural night of racing.

The action began with 65 cars showing in the heat races of five very competitive classes which included Pure Stock, Street Stock, Midwest Modified, Super Stock and Modified. The field of drivers came from as far away as Michigan, but the night belonged to the local drivers.

The first feature event of the night belonged to Brian Fuchs #34 in the Pure Stocks. Brian raced with a heavy heart because of the recent passing of his grandfather who provided the car. After holding off the late charge of Linder #72, Brian took the win while brushing up against the wall through the finish line. The fans roared for the young driver as he sat upon the new victory circle at Monster Hall Raceway. Brian stated "this feels great, just feels great" after his first win ever.

Shane Halopka won the Midwest Modified feature in the #3Jr car.

Halopka took the lead after a couple of laps, and pulled away from the field the rest of the way. Jared Loos #44 in the Street Stock division won the third feature of the night. Loos came from the middle the field to get the win. The Super Stock feature followed with many lead changes. Paul Erickson and Jim Willner battled late into the feature when the caution came out, setting up a five lap race to the end. Erickson started up front, but could not hold off Willner. Willner looked very strong and was determined to get the win. After the race, I asked Erickson what happened at the end? Erickson replied "I broke a rocker, I didn't need that last caution."

The final feature event in the Modified division was full of cautions. Chris Oertel #51 didn't let that get in the way of claiming the feature win. He never gave up the lead after starting on the outside pole. Other drivers in the Mod event that had a good show were Scott Duvall placing second, and Jed Moore placing third. The feature was stopped for about twenty minutes due to an emergency in the crowd which required the ambulance .

Next week at the Monster Hall Raceway the races will take place on Friday the 13th. Who knows what will happen? Any superstitions ? What better place to be on Friday 13th, than at Monster Hall Raceway? Thank you to the fans and drivers for making the opening night of racing a huge success. See you next time.