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Dale's love is his streetstock. Maybe when he gets the modified figured out he will give up the streetstock but for now, he still likes it better. I guess he's still more "comfortable" in it and when you're used to running up front, it's hard to settle for the back or middle of the pack. Dale's had a lot of good luck in the streetstock and it's been good to him in the past.
Winchell Captures First Winter Nationals Crown
By CHERYL LICKLIDER
News and Eagle staff
Enid Speedway second half street stock champion, Dale Winchell of Medicine Lodge
displayed his winning style with a dazzling victory in the street stock main event during
racing action Saturday afternoon which secured him his first Winter Nationals
championship.
Winchell aboard the Norman's Racing Engine/T & W Tire sponsored ride marched from a
ninth starting spot and claimed the advantage from pacesetter Bryce Olson in lap 16.
Winchell skillfully powered into the lead and never looked back. Olson clung to second
trailed by Earl Whitley, Buddy Anderson, and Link Shelton.
"We just tracked him down... it was good driving and good handling." said Winchell.
Robert Elliott of Clinton pulled out all the stops as he posted the win and claimed the
factory stock Winter Nationals championship. Elliott marched from the middle of the field
and entered a heated duel with outside polesetter Steve Chronister of Davis. Elliott's
persistence paid off in lap 13 as he sailed into the lead lap to the winners circle.
Chronister held onto a solid second followed by Jeff Clements, Danny Chronister, and
Todd Decker.
It was survival of the fittest tn the caution riddled mini stock "A" feature. Calvin Bradford
thrilled the hometown crowd as he outlasted the field and captured the victory and Winter
National crown.
Scott Coffey, Myron Lutzville, Roger Pappan, and Andy McElfresh rounded out the top
five.
The second lap was red flagged for a violent roll over by Tony Bookout in turn one.
Bookout was transported and admitted to a local hospital where he is being treated for a
leg injury.
It was an all Lonnie Smiths day in the late model division as the Wichita driver won his
heat and the "A" feature qualifying him for the pole position in todays main event.
Smith wasted no time as he piloted The Wellington Quality Meats/PPI/Leon Dewitt
Engines sponsored GRT chassis off the outside pole and led the 15-lapper flag to flag. Al
Perky made insistent challenges but finally settled for second trailed by Darren Beckhman,
Larry McDaniels, and Delbert Smith.
"The key to success today was a lot of horsepower" said Smith
The grand finale of the Budweiser sponsored 3lst annual Winter Nationals will begin today
at 1 p.m. The card will include feature races for the sleek low slung late models, open
wheeled IMCA modifieds, super powered pro stocks and shin'/bashin' cruisers.
Winchell Comes From Far to Race
MONDAY, JULY 15
Enid News & Eagle
Many stock car drivers travel a good number of miles to battle on Enid Speedway's 3/8
mile high banked oval. Dale Winchell has been making a 220 mile round trip from
Medicine Lodge in his quest for the checkered flag in the street stock division for three
years.
Winchell became smitten with the sport through family ties. "My uncle raced many years
back," said Winchell. "One day we sold our dune buggies and decided to go racing."
Though it would be much closer for Winchell and the "Circle C Racing Team" to chase
points at the Wichita track, they are faithful to Enid. "We have met a lot of friends here in
Enid," said Winchell. "The camaraderie in the pits is great. I want to give special thanks to
Gary and Chris Clift, Harold and Paula Shaw, and Steve and John Hoetzel. They have all
taught us a lot about racing."
The first season Winchell competed in the sport he boasted a large pit crew, composed of
family and friends. However they have all built cars of their own and his crew is now
comprised of immediate family. 'We started down here with about five people every
night," he said. "Now my crew consists of my wife Caren and son Todd"
Winchell's fast No.47 racing machine is a Chessmen built car powered by a Chevy engine.
Jerry Derr did a great building the car" stated Winchell.
Sponsors of the hot ride include Norm's Welding of Helena (engine builder), T & W Tire
of Enid'. Forbe's Auto Supply of Medicine Lodge, Fincher's Findings, Bowe Chevrolet,
Boyter Tire, and Tharpe Liquor.
Winchell plans to continue in the popular sport.' We're down here to have fun," he said. "I
set my goals higher every year, but when the fun is done, I'll sell it"
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