Eckrich wins Nationals, Mueller takes home another title

WEST BURLINGTON ? Ray Guss Jr. earned the pole start for Sunday?s $10,000 to win the Pepsi USA Late Model Nationals Deery Brothers Summer Series feature at 34 Raceway, while T.J. Criss put $750 in his pocket for winning the Ironman Challenge on Friday. But it was Andy Eckrich, Iowa City, taking home the $10,000.

Eckrich was 10 years old back in 1993 when Guss, who was driving for Andy?s father Larry, won the Pepsi USA Late Model Nationals. Eighteen years later ? Sunday, Sept. 4 ? Eckrich was the one holding the trophy and the $10,000 check and getting his name added the list of those who have won the prestigious Pepsi USA Nationals. The win put Eckrich to within six points of Deery Brothers Series point-leader Guss.

The Saturday show at West Burlington was rescheduled for Sunday after two inches of rain fell on the track Saturday afternoon. The distance for the feature was 99 laps, in memory of former track owner and promoter Johnny Johnson who died in February. Ninety-nine was Johnson?s number during his Late Model career.

The Weikert Iron and Metal Sport Mod Season Championship was also held Sunday evening with Scott Van Buskirk, Hedrick, getting the win. But it was New London?s Jeff Mueller getting the track championship, his second this year. Mueller also claimed track championship honors in the IMCA Stock Car division. Van Buskirk took the lead at the drop of the green and went on to take the checkered flag. Derek Coleman finished second.