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The Stan Yee Memorial 150 at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night was one of those events people will be talking about for a long time. I have been going to Flat Rock for more than 20 years and I can't remember when the buzz of excitement was ever as high. It was tough to even find a spot in the grandstand as the huge crowd saw Mike Luberda Jr. take the checker over one of the finest fields of 40 plus Super Late Models I have ever seen.

Stan Yee was the popular car owner of the potent No. 33 cars for several decades. His cars were a staple at Flat Rock and many of the other tracks throughout the Midwest with such storied drivers as Joe Ruttman, John Anderson, Chuck Roumell, Danny Byrd and others, including most recently, his son Stan Yee Jr. Unfortunately, the racing world lost Stan last year, but as a tribute Flat Rock renamed the annual race after him.

Ron Drager and Scott Schultz did a fantastic job of honoring him by inviting many of the former drivers who once raced for "Stanley". Joy Fair, Danny Byrd, Chuck Roumell, Harold Cook, Art Sommers, Fran Harden, and Bud Pingston were in attendance. Following an invitation from Stan Yee Jr., Joe Ruttman came up from his home in Franklin, Tenn., for the privilege of racing the famed yellow No. 33. Joe, who got his start racing at Flat Rock, raced at the quarter mile for the first time since 1995. Stan's widow, Ann, served as the Grand Marshal of the event.

Considering the impressive lineup of top teams in the pits, just making this feature was an accomplishment. Notable drivers in the field also included Ron Allen, Dave Sensiba, Chad Finley, Mike Root, Dennis Strickland, Harold Fair Jr., and many others. Ruttman raced his way in via the last chance race, but unfortunately Stan Yee Jr. was not so lucky. Some may disagree, but in my opinion, Stan Jr. should have been allowed a provisional on this special night.

Dave Kuhlman, several time track champion, started on the pole in his blue No. 24 with fast qualifier Luberda Jr. starting deep in the field in 12th. In a heartbreaker, last year's winner Justin Schroeder, was forced to relinquish his starting spot due to an ignition problem. Kuhlman, in his first race of the season, took off at the green and was able to lead the first half of the event while Luberda Jr. in his No. 40 methodically moved up through the field. Other early movers were Finley, Fair Jr. , Root, Steve Cronenwett Jr., and Ruttman. The racing for position throughout the entire field was intense, but there were no major incidents and everyone raced each other hard but clean. Luberda Jr., after picking off spots throughout the first half, was finally able to dispose of Kuhlman and take the top spot on lap 98. Mike was able to lead the rest of the way, but last year's track champion, Eric Lee, put on a spirited charge in his No. 5 to chase him down. Lee gained several positions throughout the last 50 laps, and was able to get right to the bumper of Luberda, but ran out of laps and settled for 2nd.

The 36 yr. old Mike Luberda Jr., from Au Gres, Mich., winning in his first time at Flat Rock, used a rear end gear borrowed from 2nd place finisher Eric Lee! In victory lane, an ecstatic Luberda thanked his car owner Tony LeClair, saying "Unbelievable, My car owner is based in Sault St. Marie, they tow a long way. I sure hope we put on a good show today. That felt great! What a fabulous night." As Mike was presented the trophy by Ann Yee, he said "I never met Stan, but anyone involved in motorsports that long has to be a good person." 

Eric Lee said, "Congratulations to Mike, he earned it. I set my car up loose at the start, and it came to me later in the race. I just needed a few more laps."

Following the Late Models was the 25 lap Street Stock A Main. Dennis Strickland, after finishing 5th in the 150, jumped right into the No. 3 and led the entire way. Dennis is filling in for regular driver Danny Slater, who was injured earlier in the season after a hard crash. Derek Wiley made a great move to get by Strickland, but a caution for an incident negated the pass, and Dennis was able to hold him off the rest of the way. James Rae was able to repeat last week's win in the B Main event.

The last race of the evening was the Figure 8 event as the "Rebel" Dennis Whisman was able to win his first race of the season. Dennis made a great move to get past leader Gary Cronenwett and cruised to the checker avoiding a few close calls at the crossover.

cws