Demke Wins at Woodburn and Resets Track Record

Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Photo courtesy of Aimee Maddern

Woodburn, Ore.  – Chris Demke and Maddern Racing did just about all they could do in winning the Woodburn Regional race this past weekend. They recaptured the track record, defeated a tough opponent, and won the race. The Sherriff and his posse have their swagger back and another trophy for the case. 

“This win is three in a row for us, and four finals in a row,” said Demke. “The final round was amazing with the number one and two in points going at it. Reclaiming the track record is just icing on the cake.”

The path to the victory took some interesting turns along the way. In the first round of qualifying Demke saw Jim Whiteley snatch his track record away that the Maddern Racing Team set at the previous Regional race at Woodburn. Demke’s 5.315/269.78 was good enough for the number two spot, but not the record. In the second qualifying session Demke experienced tire shake and wisely shut it down. The team then made the decision to sit out the final qualifying session and went into eliminations still in the second position. 

Sunday race day saw the Maddern Racing Team’s first round opponent Greg Lawrence not able to make the call to the line. Demke rocketed off the starting line in a planned half track “test run” but once again experienced tire shake, coasting to a 10.160/73.69. A bye awaited them in the Semi-finals and the Peen Rite / OSI / 801 Racing Team knew it was a chance to get lane choice in the finals. The car launched hard and streaked to a 5.283/268.25. That run not only gave Team Peen lane choice in the finals, but it tied the track record. 

When finals time came around, a familiar car was in the other lane. National points leader Jim Whiteley and current track record holder lay in wait. At the flash of the lights the cars left the starting line with Demke getting the advantage. The cars were wired together until about 1000ft when Whiteley faltered and Demke streaked to the finish line with a new track record 5.271/268.57 to Whiteley’s losing 5.418/217.49. Demke said he “heard a pop and was expecting to start slowing down” but the trouble was in the other lane. 

Crew chief Jerry Maddern, along with Kevin Watson, Michael Demke, Ronald Mann, and tuner/clutchguy Adam Rhoades had the tune-up and the plan in place. Having lane choice in the finals allowed the Maddern Team to place their opponent in an unfamiliar lane, and the victory gives them momentum for the rest of the year. 

"This win is a testament to the power of our team," said Adam Rhoades. "Jerry gives us the best parts, Chris did his job, and the crew worked together to make a great statement. It may not have looked like we were running well, but I knew we could outrun everyone. We proved it because our plan worked and it turned into a win."

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