Strand's podium during the 'Prelude' highlights Seitz Memorial

By Spieker Promotions

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (September 17, 2021) – Dustin Strand headed into the 15th annual John Seitz Memorial weekend looking to put previous run-ins with bad luck behind him at the event he described as his “kryptonite.”

Strand’s weekend got off to a great start, as he won his heat race Thursday night during the ‘Prelude to the Johnny,’ which serves as the NLRA Late Model series’ season finale.

Strand redrew the third starting spot for the 25 lap main event, running in a podium spot through the first ten laps.

With ten laps remaining, Strand slipped back to as low as sixth in the running order, but a late race comeback saw Strand finish the night with a podium finish with a third place run.

Friday night kicked off Strand’s quest for what he views as the next race he really wants to win – The John Seitz Memorial.

Strand has been plagued by mechanical woes and wrecks in recent editions of the event, but this year, a poor draw for the heat race was the next hurdle to climb.

Strand started seventh in his 15 lap qualifying heat race, but stormed to fourth at the conclusion of the opening lap. Another pass in turn one on lap two saw Strand improve to third in the order.

Strand restarted second following a lap six caution, but went on to win the race. This earned him more than enough points to make the ‘Go Hard or Go Home’ pole dash, where he finished eighth.

Rolling off eighth in the 92-lap, $9,200-to-win main event on Saturday night, Strand ran in and around the top ten until the lap 32 fuel stop. Restarting 12th following the stoppage, the race went 60 laps caution free, with Strand finishing 13th.

Strand and the 71 team will take the weekend off, before a possible conclusion of their season at the Stock Car Stampede at Jamestown Speedway next weekend.

Dustin and the entire Strand Racing team would like to thank all of their sponsors for their continued support!

Walhalla Building Center, Carr's Grain Service, Keewatin Truck Service, Bemidji Welders Supply, Generations Salon, Q&Z Plumbing, Millenium Chassis, Naastad Acres, Double Deuce Bar & Grill, Shocks by Hammer, Forest Flying Service, Bemidji Marine, Shocker Hitch, Gorsuch Performance Solutions, Bob's Truck Accessories, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru, RHR Swag, Novacek Honey Farms, Wehrs Machine, Energy Release and Matt's Mobile Wash.

​2021 Stats:
Late Model:
Races: 22
Wins: 4
Top Fives: 12
Top Tens: 16
 
Modified:
Races: 9
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 5
Top Tens: 7
 
Midwest Mod:
Races: 2
Wins: 0
Top Fives: 2
Top Tens: 2