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Steenbergen Wins Semi-Pro INEX Legends Dirt Regional Qualifier

Beaver Dam, WI
Saturday, July 5, 2008

The largest car count of the year (28) came to Charter Raceway park tonight for the Inex Nationals Regional Qualifier, including Warren Ropp from Iowa and Kara Clarke from Charlotte NC.

In the second of four heat races Jeff Steenbergen started fourth but fell back on the start after a being slowed by the car in front. Jeff quickly went to the high line and began working his way to the front. On the restart of the first and only caution a missed shift slowed Jeff’s charge to the front but he was able to rally back in the closing laps to a close third place finish and a starting spot in the night feature event.

Jeff started the feature in the sixth position and once again moved to outside groove passing several cars and battling for position. After some intense side by side racing with the lead group of masters class drivers Jeff rode in fifth position through lap 20 of the 30 lap main event. On lap 20 contact with fellow semi-pro driver Robert Lever sent Steenbergen for a spin and relegated both cars to the rear of the field on the restart. Restarting 17th Steenbergen charged through the field in the final laps. With two laps remaining Steenbergen made a daring three wide pass into turn one and made it stick to take over the ninth position. At the checkers Steenbergen held on to the ninth position and claimed top honors in the semi-pro division. The win guarantees Steenbergen a starting position in the Legends Dirt Nationals feature Sept. 10-11 Big Diamond Raceway in Forestville, PA.

As of 7-4-08:
1 Eric Barth 871
2 Joe Johnson 797
3 Kevin Brill 764
4 Greg Hartlaub 716
5 George Geisen 704
6 Mike Mueller 689
7 Robert Lever 646
8 Jeff Steenbergen 644
9 Tom Fraiser 632
10 Brad Weber 627