Late models title comes down to final race

PALMER — The chase for the late models title came down to the final day of racing on Alaska Raceway Park’s third-mile asphalt oval.

After battling with fellow driver Dana Pruhs throughout the year, Justin Creech in his No. 11 car was the first to cross the finish line Sept. 2 to win the late model NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at the Butte-area speedway. Creech and Pruhs were in a back-and-forth battle during the 50-lap race. But in lap 38, according to a press release issued by the speedway, Pruhs spun out and hit the wall going into the second turn. Creech was able to speed away for the victory.

John Klayum finished second in the race, followed by Rob Tirpak in third.

In other action, Kenny Howard raced to victory in the 20-lap feature race. Al Trettel was second, and Willie Creech finished third. Dan Detjens won the 20-lap feature race in the street stock class. Brenda Robson was second and Evan Townsend finished third.

In the 20-lap feature race of the baby grands class, William McDonald won the race, beating runner-up Alex Schwochert and Brad Generous, who finished third.

During action Saturday on the quarter-mile drag strip, Mike Mihalka, of Anchorage, captured the IHRA Ironman trophy. Mihalka emerged as the top driver after four rounds of elimination in a 16-car field.

Rain did spoil two days worth of scheduled action during the park’s four-day Labor Day. The top eliminator, pro-nostalgia and IHRA points races were all rained out.

For more information, see raceak.com.