Wisconsin International Raceway report

Cywinski tops field in Oneida Casino 300 at WIR

Kaukauna, WI. (June 9, 2002) -- Wisconsin native Kevin Cywinski made it three-for-three in ASA at the Wisconsin International Raceway with his first win of 2002 in the Oneida Casino & Bingo 300. Cywinski had won the two most recent ASA appearances at WIR in 1996 and '97, the same seasons he copped Rookie of the Year and Championship honors in the series. He had posted four podium finishes in the first six races this season prior to the win. The victory proved popular with the Badger State race fans.

After starting from the third position, just behind his pole winning teammate Dan Fredrickson, Kevin Cywinski was strong early and often. He took the lead for the first of three occasions on lap 24 and held it until a round of pit stops allowed Steve Carlson to grab the point.

Carlson tore up the WIR .54-mile oval going unchallenged for 51 laps until Cywinski caught him at lap 158. The Wausau native was the frontrunner until Carlson again took over on lap 212. In all six different drivers led the race with Kevin Cywinski making the deciding pass on lap 251. Before securing the victory, he had to hold off series point's leader Joey Clanton who eventually finished second in the 33-car field.

"We constantly worked on the shocks and springs as this track takes the perfect set-up to get the right rhythm," said Cywinski. "Our last pit stop was the best with both time and some final adjustments the guys made. It was a awesome."

David Stremme of Indiana filled out the podium with Cywinski and Clanton. Race leaders Steve Carlson and Robbie Pyle rounded out the top-five finishers.

Cywinski's win, his tenth in 98 career starts, ties him with Johnny Sauter for 11th place on the all-time ASA win list. Sauter recorded all of his ten wins during the 2001 season.

The 2002 ASA Racing Series returns to action on Sunday, June 16 at Elko Speedway in Elko (MN). The Minnesota Governor's Cup 300 presented by Coca Cola will take the green flag at 1 p.m. (Central) and will be telecast live on TNN. For information call 1-888-ASA-1020.

-asa-