Briggs First to Win in 2007
By Greg Clemons

URICH, MO (Jan. 9, 2006) - Grand River Speedway ends it's Fall Racing Series each year by racing on New Year's Day if at all possible. The rain, snow and thaw postponed the event a week but GRS still was able to lay claim to hosting Missouri's first Stock Car race in 2007, Sunday afternoon. The 41 degree day made Lebanon's, Wes Briggs crack a smile in victory lane as he climbed from his GM, crate motored Late Model! Behind him at the finish was Rick Leigh of Cleveland, Mo. in 2nd and Gary Wise of Pleasant Hill in 3rd. Three other divisions provided New Year winners as well.

Jerry Schmidt, a 2006 Fall Series GRS Champion from Independence, claimed the Street Stock win. Scott Mohlfeild of Liberal, Mo. lead the feature until he spun but he did manage to better Mark Selsor's third place finish.

Aaron Keeney, 17, of Creighton, made his 4cyl. Hobby Stock debut and won his first ever race in a hard fought 15 lap battle against veteren driver, Al Guthrie. Guthrie did manage to win in the Bomber Division over his own grandson, Sheldon. Female drivers, Vicky Meeker and Linda Leigh made their GRS debuts, Vicky got a broken tie rod but saved the car. Linda finished second to Dave Moffitt in the non-sexist, Mechanics Puff race!

A few GRS drivers and GRS officials will be involved in upcoming indoor races in DuQuoin, Illinois, Jan 19-20 and Feb 3-4 in Springfeild, Mo. The Jan. Humansville event has fallen off the 2007 GRS Schedule, but racing will return to the GRS hometrack in Urich, Mo on Feb. 26th and again for the Fitzpatrick Memorial on Mar. 25 2007. See www.grandriverspeedway.net  for complete details.