WILMOT, Wis. — A trio of first-time winners in 2024 highlighted Wilmot Raceway’s Independence Holiday Spectacular Car Load and Fireworks Night on Monday.
Ion Stear captured his first winged sprint car main leading flag to flag in the 20-lap LiftPro powered by Gandrud Chevrolet – Hepfner Racing Products Series 604 Engine Winged Sprint Car feature. It was not without a momentary scare for Stear.
With 13 laps remaining a tangle in turn two saw a red flag briefly come out which Stear saw and stopped in turn one. The race stayed yellow, with Stear receiving his front spot back as he had safely brought the car to a halt in turn two just prior to the incident scene.
A final caution five laps from the finish saw Stear able to fend off the late runs by Tommy Sexton, who came across second. Greg Olsen was third, followed by C.J. Malueg and Ellie Hensley.
“This means a lot because of all of the long hours and hard work by my family, crew, these fans who came out on a rescheduled week night, everyone,” said an emotional Stear in victory lane. “I knew Tommy (Sexton) was coming, but just stuck with my lines my coach had taught me to run. This is fantastic. I will enjoy the fireworks even more now.”
Scott Kuxhouse, a second-generation driver in his first full-season of Wisconsin AutoMeter Powered by Gandrud Performance/Wilmot Catalyst Exhibits WingLESS Sprints, captured his first 20-lap feature win and his second of his career in the series after having won at Angell Park Speedway on June 2.
Rick Zifko became the third different in as many outings for the Bandit four-cylinder stock cars at Wilmot this season.