Column By John Ostermann
December 28th, 2004

The second year I drove a Pepsi Late Model I was going about 90 miles per hour down the back stretch trying to stay on Bob Iversons back bumper. I thought if I could follow him for a few laps I could find the fast line around the track. We were half way down the backstretch and I saw a car going slower than normal. Bob Iverson didn't "lift" off the gas pedal and neither did I. When I was going by the slower car it lost control and hit me hard in the drivers door and that hurt. Then I slid across the track and hit the barrier exiting the pit chute head on and that really hurt. On impact the car went airborne and spiraled landing roof first in turn 3. I remember how frantic I was watching racing fuel, water, and oil poor out of the front of the car and wondering if I was going to be able to get out in time. It wasn't easy but I got out. When I was in the ambulance the paramedic held up 4 fingers and asked me how many. But the bang of the wrecker guys flipping my car over distracted me and I gave the wrong answer. Then he asked me who the president was. I quickly responded shouting out KEN JOHNSON! At the same time the paramedic shook his head no. One of my crew guys who was listening told the paramedic I was alright just a little shook up. Ken Johnson was the president of the Dickinson County Racing Association from 1990- 1994. Ken who now owns Ken Johnson Chevrolet of Crystal Falls was one of my favorite presidents as he was tough but fair. The late Dennis Hansen is also a president that stands out as he lived the sport of stock car racing. All of the presidents that I have listed below have one thing in common they all wanted to do it! They all wanted to be the leader of our great organization.

When I became the president our track had fallen on hard times and I kind of felt like I had to do it. I knew it would be difficult to get people to commit when we were having so many problems then Bob Menor, Bruce White, Natalie and Leah Harrand, and Lisa Mattia felt the same way I did and had the same passion I did for the sport. It was difficult at times but also very rewarding as I have never seen our club so unified and determined to bring back the success that our club has experienced for over thirty years. I am sure all of the presidents listed below had great people working with them but I feel as a whole, our group was second to none. I want to thank the board, drivers, employee's, the daily press, sponsors, and anyone else that helped contribute to four of the best years in the Dickinson County Racing Association's history.

1968- Dennis Hansen
1969- Lloyd Duford
1970- Louie Krenn
1971- Louie Krenn
1972- Marvin Hansen
1973- Marvin Hansen
1974- Marvin Hansen
1975- Warren Unger
1976- Marvin Hansen
1977- Marvin Hansen
1978- Donn Oliver
1979- Donn Oliver
1980- Donn Oliver
1981- Donn Oliver
1982- Donn Oliver
1983- Donn Oliver
1984- Ken Clawson
1985- Donn Oliver
1986- Donn Oliver
1987- Terry Mott
1988- John Sorenson
1989- Dennis Hanson
1990- Ken Johnson
1991- Ken Johnson
1992- Ken Johnson
1993- Jeff DeRidder
1994- Jeff DeRidder
1995- Butch Lange
1996- Butch Lange
1997- Kathy Branz
1998- Kathy Branz
1999- Dave Philipps
2000- Dave Philipps
2001- John Ostermann
2002- John Ostermann
2003- John Ostermann
2004- John Ostermann