1978 Winchester 400

The ninth annual Dri-Power 400 was held under American Speed Association sanction on October 1, 1978, at the Winchester Speedway.

The 1978 “Dri-Power 400” marked the most thrilling race in the short history of the event, as Michigan short-track legends Mike Eddy and Bob Senneker engaged in a race-long battle over the 400-lap distance on the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.” Despite Eddy’s best efforts, Senneker (Dorr, Michigan) once again came out on top as he won the fall-classic for the FIFTH consecutive year.

Senneker served notice early that he was a threat to win again as he set fast time in qualifying for the third straight year. At the green, fellow front-row starter Bob Sensiba shot to the lead, but suffered early tire problems giving the lead to Mike Eddy on lap nine. Although followed closely by Senneker and Sensiba most of the time, the Midland, Michigan veteran dominated the first half event, as he would lead all the way until lap 234 when he pitted for tires. Sensiba won the race off pit road and would pace the field until Eddy again took over the top spot on lap 257.

Despite starting from the pole, Senneker grabbed the lead for the first time on lap 305 when Eddy took advantage of a caution to make his final pit stop. Once the green flag reappeared, the battle began between race leaders Senneker and Eddy. The two leaders dueled through lapped traffic as Eddy attempted to retake the lead in quest of his first Dri-Power 400 win. Sensiba who, was desperately attempting to regain a lost lap, joined the lead duo as they sliced through traffic. Sensiba was able to work his way past Senneker on two occasions, but the caution never came out and Senneker was able to move back around and keep his rival down a lap. At the finish, Senneker was able to hold off Eddy for his fifth-straight win and collect $8,035 for his efforts. Eddy settled for second on the lead lap followed by Sensiba, rookie Ed Cooper, and Terry Bivins.

External links

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