5/2/2026
USRA
Fitzpatrick, Kruse clinch opening-night victories in Hartford
HARTFORD, South Dakota (May 2, 2026) - The season opener at I-90 Speedway took place Saturday night in Hartford with 86 race teams filling the pit area for an exciting night of competition. Of those 86 entries, 44 were USRA-sanctioned competitors split between the PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain USRA B-Mods and the QuickCar Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks.
The QuickCar Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks were the first division to hit the speedway for feature action, and it was Logan Fitzpatrick leading the field to green from the pole position. Fitzpatrick held strong throughout the main event but had his hands full late in the race as Tyler Schlumbohm charged through the field from the 12th starting position to battle for the lead. Despite the pressure, Fitzpatrick stayed smooth and consistent to secure the season-opening victory.
Schlumbohm’s impressive run from deep in the field earned him a runner-up finish, while Jason Bradley crossed the stripe in third. Landon Krohn picked up a fourth-place finish, and Nick Brady rounded out the top five.
In the PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain USRA B-Mod feature, Dustin Kruse put together a dominant performance. Starting from the pole position, Kruse led all 15 laps of the A-Main and never relinquished the top spot despite heavy pressure throughout the event.
Dave Kennedy chased Kruse to the checkered flag in second, while Adam Chernotik completed the podium in third. Clint Erickson made one of the strongest drives of the night, advancing from the 10th starting position to finish fourth. Tyler Tesch rounded out the top five finishers in the highly competitive B-Mod division.
The strong opening-night car count and close racing action proved once again why fans continue to pack the grandstands at I-90 Speedway for exciting weekly racing action.
Submitted By: Ryne Staley
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