1977 Winchester 400

The eighth annual Dri-Power 400 was held under American Speed Association sanction on October 2, 1977, at the Winchester Speedway.

The 1977 “Dri-Power 400” marked yet another comeback victory for Bob Senneker, as he rolled to an unprecedented fourth straight win in the biggest event of the ASA season. Former Sprint Car driver Dave Roahrig of Plymouth, Indiana looked to be on his way to breaking Senneker’s (Dorr, Michigan) win streak, but suffered a broken A-arm while leading, allowing Senneker to catch and pass him for the lead an the win with just 6 laps to go.

Setting fast time in qualifying for the second straight year, Senneker grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and was pulling away from the field until a broken hood pin forced him to make an unscheduled pit stop on lap 39. Jerry Makara then assumed the lead for the first time in his career and would hold it until blistered right-side tires slowed his pace. Bob Sensiba was the next first-time leader as he blew past Makara on lap 59 and would hold the position until he pitted for fresh tires on lap 105.

Working steadily forward from his 12th starting position, Roahrig would become the third first-time leader of the event and would lead all but one of the next 113 laps. Roahrig pitted on lap 218 giving the lead to 1976 ASA Champion Mike Eddy. Proving to be a force to be reckoned with, Roahrig retook the lead on lap 259 and would hold it until being blocked in the pits under caution on lap 308. That handed the lead to race rookie Mark Martin. Fresh off a win in the National Short Track Championships at Rockford, Illinois, the 18-year-old Arkansas youngster appeared to be headed for his second consecutive win in as many weeks as he built a one-lap lead over the field. Soon after, Martin’s engine began to sour, giving up the lead to Roahrig on lap 321 before retiring on lap 374.

The final caution period waved with 20 laps remaining setting up a late dash between Roahrig and Senneker. Back under green, Roahrig pulled away and appeared ready for victory, but began trailing a shower of sparks from his machine as a front A-arm began to fail. Senneker passed the slowing Roahrig on lap 393 and pulled away for a half-lap winning margin. Roahrig limped home to take second with Michigan drivers, Eddy, Sensiba, and Makara rounding out the top five. Senneker collected $6,835 for his fourth-straight win in the fall classic.

External links

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