Late Lead Change Decides Gopher 50 Auto Race

A late lead change decided Saturday's Gopher 50 late model charity stock car race at Deercreek Speedway. A bit of controversy was involved.

Chris Madden of Gary Court, S.C., caught up to race leader Devin Moran with about seven laps to go in the main feature. The cars collided and Madden spun out. Race officials ruled that Moran had driven into Madden's path and was put at the back of the field, according to a report in the Rochester Post Bulletin, which also states Moran protested the ruling until he was threatened with a black flag disqualification.

Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., finished second. Mike Marlar was third. Points leader Brandon Sheppard finished fourth. The late model race was a stop on the World of Outlaws series.

The night also included a USRA modified event. Rodney Sanders of Happy, Texas, who was on the pole for the late model feature and ended up sixth, won the modified feature. Jason Cummins from New Richmond, Minn., was second. Zack Vanderbeek of New Sharon, Iowa, took third, followed by Cory Mahder of Eau Claire, Wis., and Keith Foss from Winona.

Deercreek Speedway in Spring Valley has hosted the race for several years. Saturday's running with the 38th annual Gopher 50, which had run at the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatonna for many years.