Back-to-Back for Nick Nolden; Defends Crown in NSTC Rottiger 68

2026-09-28

Photo courtesy of Roy Ophime Photography

Back-to-Back for Nick Nolden; Defends Crown in NSTC Rottiger 68

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin's Nick Nolden wrote his name into the history books once again Saturday night at Dells Raceway Park. Piloting the No. 67N, Nolden put on a masterclass in the Big 8 Late Model Series headliner, defending his title with another victory in the prestigious Dave Rottiger Memorial 68 at the National Short Track Championships.

The night got off to a rough start before the field had even settled in. On lap two, a multi-car crash collected Rose Borntreger, Joshua Lundy, Tanner Berge, Jon Reynolds Jr., Cody Houseweart and Russ Hansen. All six drivers were checked and reported okay.

Starting near the front of the 25-car field, Nolden wasted little time once the green flew again. With 58 laps to go, he worked past Guderski to take the lead, and from there the race belonged to the No. 67N.

The caution flag waved again with 46 to go when Mike Beyer spun off turn two, ending his night early. Just four laps later, with 42 remaining, Jake Gille and Michael Bilderback made contact, sending Gille to the pits for good.

Each restart gave the field another shot at the leader, but Nolden answered every time. Jesse Bernhagen mounted a hard late charge, closing in on the No. 67N, but Nolden held him off to cross the line first and claim back-to-back NSTC titles.

Bernhagen settled for second, followed by Randy Sargent in third, Evan Hassler in fourth and Jeremy Miller rounding out the top five.

The next and final race of the Big 8 Series season takes place on Saturday, October 10th at LaCrosse Speedway.