In racing, luck is sometimes more important than driving skill or a fast engine.

Super Late Model driver Jim Klingel, of Aurora, can attribute his latest victory at Sycamore Speedway to his good fortune. After recording the seventh-fastest lap in qualifying times, Klingel would earn the starting pole position for the feature event.

It didn’t take long for the pressure to be put on Klingel as Chris Thielsen, of Elgin, was all over his rear bumper. On lap two, Thielsen edged underneath Klingel but couldn’t keep his car from making contact, sending Thielsen into the infield and spinning Klingel sideways. Klingel regained composure and built a solid lead.

After a mid-race caution, fifth-place starter Johnny Heath, of Kingston, had moved up to second. Heath is a four-time past champion in the Super Late Model division at Sycamore. Saturday was his third runner-up finish.

“The car is getting closer but I’m not happy with it yet,” Heath said. “I haven’t been starting up front like everybody else though.”

Heath would challenge for the top spot but Klingel led flag-to-flag for his third Super Late Model victory this year.

Klingel, a former Late Model champion, knew that if he stayed focused he could capture the victory. “You can’t worry about what is behind you,” said Klingel, who entered the night seventh in the points standings. You have to worry about what is in front of you and give every effort to keep them from getting by you.”

Heath would hang on for second with trophy dash winner Jay Brendle, of Kirkland, third and Thielsen fourth. The semi-feature went to Jeff Lasage, of Elgin.

 

Other Results

Late Model: Joe Rasmussen, Gilberts, IL

Compact Combat: Austin Runge, Lake Zurich, IL

Powder Puff: Stacy Roach, Kingston, IL

Spectator: Tim Runge, Lake Zurich and Michael Brancecum, South Elgin, IL