Mitch Johnson has won a lot of big races during his long career.
His latest win ranks as the best.
Johnson captured Friday night's John Seitz Memorial Late Model Invitational 50-lap feature before nearly 6,000 fans at River Cities Speedway. The Hickson, N.D., driver grabbed the lead with 33 laps to go, then held off another veteran Steve Laursen for the win.
"This one is on top," Johnson said in victory lane. "It's as simple as that. Everyone who came here to race knew John and his family. This was a big deal. The money wasn't the main thing. It's being here because of John.
"I'll never forget this one. I'll probably be quitting in a few years so this means a lot. I hardly save any trophies, but I'll keep this one."
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Seitz, one of the more popular drivers at RCS, died last winter at age 36 during a snowmobile trip to Idaho. After his death, his friends and family put together the John Seitz Memorial Late Model Invitational.
The field included more than 50 late models. The crowd was believed to be the largest to ever watch a late-model race at RCS.
Johnson started third. He passed Joel Cryderman for the top spot 17 laps into the race. Johnson then had to survive two close calls.
Terry Casey was on Johnson's bumper with 16 laps to go in turn 4. There was contact and Johnson spun out. The incident took out Cryderman as well.
Casey was sent to the back of the field after the incident, and Johnson retained the lead.
"That's racing," Johnson said.
Late in the race, Laursen made his move. The 27-year race veteran from Cumberland, Wis., was on Johnson's bumper with two laps to go. However, he couldn't make the pass.
"I wasn't content with second, but I wasn't going to dirty Mitch, either," said Laursen, who started eighth. "I was in the hunt. I wanted to win."
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Laursen's second-place finish was worth $5,000. Johnson took home $9,200.
Pat Doar finished third, followed by Brent Larson of Lake Elmo, Minn., and Joey Pederson of East Grand Forks, the top local finisher. Pederson started on the pole.
Wade Nygaard captured the 25-lap sprint feature, holding off Lou Kennedy Jr. for the win. Mark Dobmeier, shooting for his 20th overall feature win of the season, finished third, followed by Greg Nikitenko of Minot and Bob Martin.
Jordan Graham survived a wild flip off of turn 2 late in the race.
On the restart, Nygaard managed to hang on for his 218th career win.
Dustin Strand continued his dominating season. He won Midwest modifieds feature, his 32nd overall win of the season. Bobby Eckerdt was second.
The streets feature was cut four laps short after numerous caution flags.
Jim Geringer took the win, followed by Jason VandeKamp and Steffen Snare.
