Bernhagen Captures Apollo Tools 50 At Dells Raceway Park

Monday, June 21st, 2021 -- 6:23 AM

(Wisconsin Dells WI) - Jesse Bernhagen of Willard made the most of an opportunity when race leader Mike Lichtfeld had ignition failure with just 8 laps remaining to capture his first win of the season in the UMA Late Model Apollo Tool 50 Saturday Night at Dells Raceway Park.  

The race began with Mauston's Larry Schotten and rookie of the year contender Braden Berge bringing the 24 car field to green and it was Schotten off to the lead early with a mirror full of Portage WI driver Mike Lichtfeld applying the pressure early and often. Lichtfeld would take the lead before the fifth lap was complete and set sail on a victory mission.

By the half way point of the event Lichtfeld was out front by a straight away leaving Nick Nolden of Sun Prairie and Bernhagen to battle for the second position with Pardeeville Pilot Jake Jump in fourth and the evenings fast qualifier Morgan Schissel round out the top five. Lichtfeld's victory looked certain as he was lapping cars at a rapid pace when without warning coming off of turn two Lichtfeld's ride lost power and coasted to a stop on the front stretch bringing out the caution with only 8 laps remaining.

On the restart it was Bernhagen and Nolden side by side and Bernhagen would take the point and never look back leaving Nolden having to settle for second while first time visitor this year Jacob Nottestad would get a podium finish in third with Jump and Schissel rounding out the top five.

Point Standings (top 10) 5 Events as of 6/19/2021
Late Models 2021 - Dells Raceway Park 
1 28J Bernhagen, Jesse Willard, WI 554
2 44L Lichtfeld, Mike Portage, WI 522
3 2B Bilderback, Michael Rockford, IL 479
4 67N Nolden, Nick Sun Prairie, WI 461
5 18E Ehde, Mike Praire du Chen, WI 437
6 19J* Jump, Jake Pardeeville, WI 431
7 12L Luck, Scott North Freedom, WI 430
8 5E* Eisenhower, Noah Freeport, IL 428
9 31S Schotten, Larry Mauston, WI 424
10 08B Borntreger, Mahlon Elroy, WI 423

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