Widdis Rocks Bay Mills

11/10/02
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Don Erickson
WiddisRacing.com

BRIMLEY, MI. - Yesterday marked a milestone for the Widdis Racing Team, as it was the last time the Widdis' would be leaving a Kinross Speedway awards banquet with trophies in hand.

Bret accepted his 6th place trophy for his Late Model efforts, and accepted his 1st place trophy for his Pure Stock runs. In his Pure Stock Buick Regal Widdis was the fast qualifier 8 times and saw 6 checkered flags throughout the 2002 season. Widdis obtained his 2 beautiful trophies at the luxurious banquet held inside Bay Mills Casino in Brimley, Michigan.

"Nothing has really changed for us," said Bret Widdis in an exclusive, candid interview late last night. "We haven't left Kinross totally! We still plan on attending a few nights to cheer [Jeff] Dehanke on!" Widdis, then, added with a smile, "And hopefully get to race the late model."

Shortly after the winning 2002 season was complete Jeff Dehanke purchased both Widdis Racing Pure Stocks. The No. 16 car, (once driven by, now, crew chief Boyd Widdis, but later by Bret Widdis) and the No. 6 car (once driven by rookie Bret Widdis) were both sold to Dehanke with the prospect of keeping the cars right where they belong: Kinross Speedway.

"My son, Dan, and I have never raced before, but we do hope to be competitive. I believe race fans pay to watch a show and they should get just that, a good show," said Dehanke in a written statement.
Dehanke, also, stated that he would be piloting the No. 23 Buick Regal and his son, Dan, would be racing the No. 8 Monte Carlo just as Boyd and Bret once did. The cars are tentatively set to be black with yellow lettering. The Dehanke's primary sponsor will be Dehanke Construction, while other sponsors will consist of Michigan Wholesale Sign of Wixom, Michigan, Steve's Tire of Manistique, Michigan, Auto Value of Manistique, Michigan, and others that haven't officially been named yet.

When asked whether he thought Dehanke Racing would be a threat in the 2003 season he commented, "We don't plan to just ride around, we bought these cars from Widdis' to have fun and do the best we can." These are humble words from a humble man. We here at WiddisRacing.com salute Jeff and son Dan for their perseverance, and hope each time they grace the track they are safe and leading the pack!
If you would like to contact Jeff with any questions or comments concerning Dehanke Racing you may contact him at jdehanke@uplogon.com.