1975 Winchester 400

The sixth annual Dri-Power 400 was held under American Speed Association sanction on September 28, 1975, at the Winchester Speedway.

Bob Senneker of Dorr, Michigan became the first driver to win the “Dri-Power 400” in consecutive years. He grabbed the lead for the third and final time on lap 262 from southern standout Harry Gant. Art Sommers finished in the second position with Randy Sweet, Tom Maier, and Carl Smith rounding out the top-five finishers.

Larry Moore of Dayton, Ohio was the fastest competitor in qualifying as he turned a lap of 17.272 seconds (104.155 MPH). Moore leaped out to the early lead in the 200-mile event with Senneker close behind followed by Maier, Vern Schrock, and Rodney Combs.

Senneker ducked past Moore for the lead following the first of the 13 caution periods that would slow the race. On the 50th lap, front-running Roger Herp spun collecting Rick Knotts, Bruce Gould, and the second-place running machine of Moore. Senneker was able to squeeze through the incident, but lost the lead to Maier with Sweet moving into the runner-up spot. Sweet passed Maier on lap 88 to take the lead, but immediately dropped off the pace the next lap putting Maier back in front. Gant took the race lead for the first time on lap 95.

Gant would opt for fresh tires during a caution on lap 114, giving the lead to Sommers. Senneker moved back in front on the 142nd lap and would hold the position until making his second stop on lap 237. The handed the lead back to Gant, but all eyes were on Senneker as he charged back to the lead on lap 262 and pulled away from all competitors. At the checkers, Senneker was five laps ahead of second-place finisher Sommers. Sweet was another lap back in third with Tom Maier receiving relief help from Moore to take fourth and Carl Smith in fifth. Senneker collected nearly $8,000 for his second-straight win in the fall classic.

External links

* [http://www.winchesterspeedway.com/ Winchester Speedway website]
* [http://www.craracing.net/ Official CRA Website]