A.J. Diemel (58) and Jake Redetzke (27) battle at Rice Lake.
What won the race: Sixth-starting A.J. Diemel of Elk Mound, Wis., swept past front-row starter Jake Redetzke of Eau Claire, Wis., on a lap-17 restart, then held off Redetzke for a $2,000 OneMain Financial WISSOTA Challenge Series victory at Rice Lake Speedway.
Key notes: Diemel, who had planned to compete with the Corn Belt Clash tour before a rainout in Darlington, Wis., earned his first series victory of the season and 12th career WCS triumph. ... Diemel's winning move came after Chuck Metzger's lap-17 spin. ... He also split the lapped cars of Steve Isenberg and Nate Beyenhof late in the race to help repel Jake Redetzke in the late stages. ... Jeff Wildung scratched from the pole position with battery probems, moving Jake Redetzke to the pole for the feature. ... Rice Lake held its first Late Model event since 2012 and first tour event since Joel Cryderman's 2008 victory. ... Rice Lake drew one of its biggest crowds in recent seasons.
On the move: Chad Mahder of Eau Claire, Wis., charged from his scheduled 10th starting spot to finish third.
Winner's sponsors: Diemel's MB Customs Race Car is sponsored by Beltline Body Shop, Bobcat of Morris, Mars Race Cars and Prestige Custom Cabinetry.
Points chase: Entering the tripleheader weekend, Lance Matthees of Winona, Minn., had 196 points to lead Jake Redetzke (192).
Car count: 25
Heat race winners: Jeff Wildung, Jake Redetzke, Jeff Provinzino, , , , ,
Next series race: August 18, I-94 Speedway (Fergus Falls, MN) $3,000