Ralph and Dale
TOM_DRUAR RIP
STAFFORD SPEEDWAY – Buffalo, N.Y.’s Tom Druer made his premiere Stafford performance payoff to make the starting field for the 8th Annual Spring Sizzler. He took home $1,200 for winning the 50-lap Non-Qualifiers Race.
A relative unknown at Stafford, Druer started the feature in second position. Druer took over the lead from fellow N.Y.’er Don Howe on lap 28. Howe had inherited the lead from earlier lead Jim Shampine on lap 27.
Alan Whipple drew much of the fans’ attention as he made a valiant charge from his 22nd starting spot. Whipple had driven all night to participate in the day’s events after racing in Ashboro, N.C. the night before.
Tom Druer was $1,200 richer after winning the Non-Qualifiers event. Tom would later lose his life at Lancaster, N.Y. Speedway in 1989. He also lost his brother in law shortly after in a mod wreck Tony Jankoviak.(Mike Adaskaveg Photo)
Howe recaptured the lead briefly on lap 37 before Druer moved back in front on lap 40, never to be headed for the final 10 laps of the fifty lap feature.
Howe settled for second followed by Alan Whipple, Billy Knight and Dave Monaco who completed the top five.
