Dan Schlieper at Tri-City Speedway. (Mike Ruefer)

DirtCar Summer Nationals: Schlieper Slides to Tri-City DIRTcar Summer Nationals Victory 

Kellen Burns 

PONTOON BEACH, Ill. - June 24.  Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, Wis., proved to be quite the 'Wildman' powering to his first DirtCar Summer Nationals win, worth $10,000 at Tri-City Speedway Friday night.

Schlieper moved passed race leader Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Mich., near the midpoint the feature event, and held dirt late model hall of fame driver Billy Moyer at bay to claim his first Summer Nationals 'Hell Tour' win. The

Billy Moyer races by Iowa's Jason Rauen on his way to second, where he pursued Schlieper for the final circuits. (Mike Ruefer)

Two-time winner Scott James gave way to #18 Shannon Babb, who advanced to a third place showing at Tri-City Speedway. (Mike Ruefer)

victory serves as redemption for Schlieper after he was outdueled at home state Cedar Lake Speedway by point leader Scott James of Lawrenceburg, Ind., during the tour's second night of racing.

Moyer, of Batesville, Ark., would finish in the runner up spot ahead of long-time teammate Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., while Van Wormer slid to fourth. Whitehouse, Ohio driver Matt Miller would climb two spots up from his seventh place starting spot to round out the top five.

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals will return to action Saturday, June 25 at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Ill.

Mid-field action between #7 Mark Burgtorf, #25 Steve Lance, Jr., and #99 Frank Heckenast, Jr. (Mike Ruefer)

Brian Birkhofer lost a wheel before the start of the race and had to tag the rear of the field after pitting for a replacement. (Mike Ruefer)

	June 24 - DIRTcar Summer Nationals - Tri-City Speedway 1. Dan Schlieper, 2. Billy Moyer, 3. Shannon Babb, 4. Jeep Van Wormer, 5. Matt Miller, 6. Jason Rauen, 7. Terry Phillips, 8. Steve Lance Jr. 9. Brandon Sheppard, 10. Jason Feger (prov.), 11. Scott James, 12. Ryan Unzicker (prov.), 13. Steve Casebolt, 14. Frank Heckenast Jr., 15. Dennis Erb Jr. (prov.), 16. Brian Shirley, 17. Will Vaught, 18. Craig Smith, 19. Brian Birkhofer, 20. Mark Burgtorf, 21. Dewayne Keifer (prov.), 22. Chad Simpson. Fast Time:( 52 entries): Schlieper, 15.104 seconds. Heat winners: Schlieper, Sheppard, Birkhofer, Van Wormer. B-Main winner: Shirley.
Mike Ruefer photo