Scott Owen, Leader Columnist
Travis Van Straten has been the class of the field in the IMCA Stock Cars division for over two years now. Not only is Van Straten the two-time defending champion at the Shawano Speedway, but he is also the defending national champion in the class.
This being the case, it makes Vern Stedjee’s win Saturday night all the more impressive. Stedjee, who scored his first-ever Shawano Speedway feature in the ultra-competitive class, had no easy task on his way to victory lane.
Stedjee had to fend off charges from perennial front-runner Mike Schmidt as well as Van Straten. Things got a bit interesting after a caution flag flew after 18 laps, bringing about a two-lap shootout to end the race.
Stedjee was perfect on the last restart and held off a last-lap challenge from Van Straten to win the race.
Stedjee was certainly all smiles in victory lane as he was joined by his two sons, Kyle and Dylan, who make up a majority of his pit crew. After the night’s races were complete, I got a chance to congratulate Stedjee on his win. He was still all smiles as one person after another came to shake his hand or seek an autograph after the win.
He mentioned to me that the roof of his car had a few dents from the inside as he could hardly contain his excitement after the checkered flag flew. The win follows years of hard work for the Nichols native.
When Stedjee got started in the late 2000s, he did it the hard way and built his own car. I can certainly appreciate a racer who builds his own car.
Nowadays, Stedjee drives a car built by former race Kraig Gretz, of Kewaunee. Stedjee and family have poured hours into getting his No. 35 car to the winner’s circle.
Stedjee has joined a string of first-time winners this season at Shawano. Jason Hopinka, Lucas Hacker, Jason Ebert, Kyle Raddant, Konnor Wilinski and Robby Bunkelman have each scored their first Shawano Speedway feature win this season.
Much like any sport, one cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any race. With only six nights of racing left this season, who will be the next first-time winner?
In light of all the first-time winners thus far in 2016, I am fairly certain that we will see more of them. IMCA Modifieds racer Kevin Feck, IMCA Stock Cars racer Trent Nolan and Mighty Fours racer Travis Welch are at the top of my list.
See you at the speedway.