Dehanke/Widdis Combo Looking Good

06/01/03
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Don Erickson
WiddisRacing.com

SANDS, MI. - After watching Jeff Dehanke of Dehanke Racing and Bret Widdis of Widdis Racing earlier this afternoon communicate up at Sands, Michigan, your humble correspondent began to wonder if the two were teammates! The chemistry between the two drivers is absolutely magnificent. The two teams are able to share knowledge and assist each other in any way possible.

Just one short week after a possible track closing, Thunder Valley Raceway came back strong this week with a breathtaking car count! A very competitive late model class thrilled the stands as it did many years ago. An, also, very competitive 4-cylinder class dazzled the crowd with great side-by-side racing all day long.

Both, Dehanke Racing and Widdis Racing, teams had fantastic race days at Thunder Valley Raceway. Dehanke would pick up two full tenths of a second off of his qualifying speed last week. Pete Widdis had this to say about the triumph: "In all seriousness, Jeff, that is quite an accomplishment!" Jeff would have an unfortunate accident during his feature race that would end the day for Jeff, but his spirits were not dampened. "I don't think people are supposed to have this much fun!" said Dehanke after coming off the track with a smile stretched from ear to ear. On the final lap of the feature race Jeff was racing the number 55 car into turn 1 when the 55 appeared to blow its engine spewing oil all over the track. Dehanke was unable to retreat causing him to spin around before officially hitting turn 1.

After the day was finished the Widdis Racing team would be able to boast one more checkered flag for the young driver of the number 15 Oldsmobile. Bret Widdis accepted his checkered flag after he dominated his feature race. Bret would start on the outside of row one due to failures on the number 03 car previously destined for the spot. Widdis would gain a tremendous jump on the number 1 car of Walt Racine into turn 1 allowing Bret to take the lead on the back straightaway. From that moment on Widdis would be untouchable allowing him to lead every single lap of the 20 lap feature race!

Widdisracing.com salutes Bret on his feature win and Jeff Dehanke for his consistent determination to make his car and his skill better each week he attends the races. We are proud of both drivers for their accomplishments and hope to see more weekends that compare to this one!