Winning sounds good to Sportsman newcomer

INVERNESS -- Because driver Bill Oesterreicher doesn't race with a rearview mirror, it came down to listening to the final laps of Saturday night's 20-lap Sportsman feature at Citrus County Speedway to learn that rival Mike Veltman was stalking him.

"I could tell by the sound that he was real close, so I just concentrated on getting through the corners and trying to guess where he was going to try to get me," Oesterreicher said.

Fortunately for Oesterreicher, he guessed correctly, enabling him to hold off Veltman at the line to claim his third feature win of the season.

But for the 36-year-old from Ridge Manor, the feat offered more than just a winner's check and trophy.

It has been a battle of highs and lows for Oesterreicher, who's completing his first full season in the division. Though a solid runner-up to Veltman, who finished atop the points standings, Oesterreicher laments he wasn't able to give the champion a tougher fight.

"I gave up a couple of races I should have won because I got mad and frustrated and did stupid things," Oesterreicher said. "I guess a lot of that is part of learning process, but it's still disappointing."

Oesterreicher would like to think he has turned the corner on his fortunes. He is looking forward to returning next season with the experience he gained this year.

"We've had some good times, and I hope we can build on that," Oesterreicher said.

NEUMANN WINS: Defending Late Model champion Herb Neumann Jr. was the beneficiary of a late race spin that sent leader Raymond Lovelady to the rear of the field and put Neumann in position to capture the night's 30-lap feature victory. Neumann was running third when Lovelady was tapped from behind by Danny Johnson. Officials sent both drivers to the back of the field.

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