By Scott Hammer
WAUSEON, Ohio — 1991 Late Model Track Champion Matt Miller was the big winner in Oakshade Raceway's Butch Wildermuth Memorial American Late Model Series event that featured an incredible night of racing excitement.
Oakshade had its largest Late Model car count of the year so far with 61Late Models all vying for a chance at the $3,000 check going to the winner of the 40-lap Butch Wildermuth ALMS feature.
After three consolation events and two provisionals were taken, the 23-car starting line up was set with Rusty Schlenk and Matt Miller occupying the front row.
Miller initially pulled away from Schlenk in the first couple laps, but Schlenk was able to reel in the 7 car of Miller and began to put the pressure on. The two cars continued a battle for the lead with Miller holding off the challenge from Schlenk even after they caught the tail of the field and began to lap slower cars.
The first caution flag came out on lap 18 when Ron Miller spun in turn two as the leaders were closing in. Rick Delong made made some minor contact with Ron Miller's car, but continued on.
Once again, Matt Miller was better on the restarts and pulled away from Schlenk until Schlenk could build up some heat in his tires. Schlenk then closed back to within striking distance, but could not snatch the lead away from Miller.
Ronnie Perrine Jr. smacked the front stretch wall and ended up wrecked in turn one just as the white flag was about to fly. The yellow flag came out instead setting up a two lap shootout to the finish with Matt Miller leading Rusty Schlenk and Duane Chamberlain.
Miller was once again dominant on the restart and went on to win with Schlenk settling for second.
The biggest mover in the race was Casey Noonan who started 18th and ended up edging out Duane Chamberlain at the finish for third. Illinois driver Ryan Dauber finished fifth.