8/26/2011
"Rocketman" Kevin Bradwell Blasts Off To Second TSCS Win
"Rocketman" Kevin Bradwell Blasts To Second TSCS Sprint Feature Win
St. Croix Falls, WI
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director
After winning the first-ever UMSS Traditional Sprint Car Series (TSCS) race back in May at Ogilvie, Kevin Bradwell from Luck, Wisconsin topped an exciting three-car battle to win his second feature of the season and his first on his home track on Friday night August 26 at the St. Croix Valley Raceway. Bradwell has sat in victory lane at the St. Croix Falls track on numerous occasions in years past in the hornet and pure stock divisions, so it was only fitting that he would find his way their once again in the fourth TSCS race at the recently reopened 1/4 mile oval. Bradwell blasted by race leader and inaugural St. Croix Valley Raceway winner Rob Caho, Jr. on lap 12 in the 15 lap feature. The top three cars ran a good share of the race close together with the final outcome in doubt right up to the checkers during the special Kids Night "Thunder in the Valley" program.
Caho, who had earlier won the heat race, drew the zero pill for a straight up feature race start from the heat race finish. This put Caho on the pole with 2010 UMSS Champion Cody Hahn, driving in just his second TSCS race ever in the Jeff Pellersels owned #1 nonwinged sprinter, outside on the front row with veteran racer Jack Clark and Bradwell in row two ahead of rookie Aaron Wisch. The two Reactor Racing sprinters were not able to be on hand, so this left the top prize of $200 from GRP Motorsports up for grabs between a couple of drivers who had one win so far this season and three drivers who were looking for their first victory in the exhibition style program during the first year for this new series. Jalen Morris and Adam Taubert were also not able to be on hand, as five of the nine cars who have participated so far this season took the green flag for the feature.
Caho grabbed the early lead over Clark. Bradwell moved up one spot to third on the opening lap and drove around Clark on lap two for second. Hahn also recovered from an opening lap bobble and settled into third behind the lead duo. As the laps clicked off in quick fashion under the green, the top three cars ran close together with the drivers searching for the fast way around. From cushion to bottom lane, the top three remained close and constant over the next nine laps. Completing lap eleven, Bradwell pulled alongside Caho at the finish line and then ducked under him for the lead in turn one. Bradwell held off Caho and Hahn for a popular win at his home track. Hahn was able to edge under Caho on the final circuit for second. Clark and Wisch completed the top five in a nonstop run to the finish.
Commenting after his win, the "Rocketman" reminded UMSS Media Director Greg Parent of what he told him before the races. "I'm going to get after it tonight and win your top prize money." Bradwell certainly backed up that statement. Continuing with his post-race assessment, Bradwell stated "these cars are a blast to drive, and I've been learning each race. My crew worked hard this week to make repairs from the Hibbing accident, and the car felt great tonight. My Mora Motorworks engine has been steady all year long. It's awesome to win one at my home track! This series is definitely starting to take off and next year there are going to be several more cars to race against. I would have liked to beat those Reactor Racing cars tonight, but we'll see if we can get them at the next show here."
Traditional sprint car fans can follow the growth of the UMSS TSCS series throughout the course of its initial season on the UMSS website at www.umsprints.com by clicking on the blue logo to enter the TSCS home page. TSCS news and results will also be on the UMSS Facebook page. The new series, featuring an affordable means of open wheel racing, will return to St. Croix Valley Raceway next Friday night September 2.
UMSS TSCS Race Results - St. Croix Valley Raceway August 26, 2011 (Race #10):
SprintSource.com Ultimate Exhibition Heat Race (8 laps): Rob Caho Jr, Wyoming MN, Cody Hahn, Minneapolis MN, Jack Clark, Knapp WI, Kevin Bradwell Luck, WI, Aaron Wisch, Arlington MN.
Mora Motorworks/GRP Motorsports Exhibition A Main (15 laps): Bradwell #95, Hahn #1, Caho #78, Clark #41s, Wisch #73.
Lap Leaders: Caho 1-11, Bradwell 12-15.
No Cautions.
Victory Lane Photo courtesy of Stan Meissner at Minnesota Dirt Track Racing.
Article Credit: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director