Last-Lap Jockeying Gives Hansen Win at Ventura Raceway

Rob Hansen of Simi Valley used his pole position and a lot of aggressive maneuvering on the final lap to drive to a narrow victory in the U. S. Auto Club Western States series three-quarter midget main event at Ventura Raceway on Saturday.

Hansen had opened a half-lap lead on the field when Cal Smith of Monrovia stalled on the front straightaway on Lap 25, bringing out a yellow flag and bunching the field.

Steve Kellick of Ventura tried to take advantage by pressuring Hansen for the next four laps before making his bid to overtake Hansen on the 30th and final lap.

After moving into the lead, then being passed, Kellick made what appeared to be a successful final bid in Turn 3, shooting underneath Hansen. But Hansen turned on a final blast of power to beat Kellick by a half-car length.

Gary Schroeder of Burbank was third and Cory Kruseman of Ventura fourth.

“I know Steve usually goes high and I go low on the track, so I went high in Turn 3 to take his route away from him,” Hansen said.

It was the second USAC main-event win of the season for Hansen, who moved up to ninth in the Western States points standings.

Jay Drake of Valencia, the season points leader, finished 10th.

Kara Hendrick of Upland led in the 12-lap semi-main event, leading a four-car contingent into the main event. Also advancing were Wiley Miller of Buena Park, Walt Johnson of Sun Valley and Smith.

Ten-lap heat-race winners were Drake, Hansen, Jason Gibb of Long Beach, and J.J. Ercse of Bellflower.

Schroeder drove to victory in the five-lap trophy dash and Drake set the one-lap fast-qualifying time at 13.965 seconds.