Jeff Mueller's first trip to the Fall Nationals was a memorable one last year, making the nearly nine-hour trip from New London, Iowa, worthwhile.

Mueller won the stock car feature and is planning to return this year to defend his title. This year's winner of the stock car feature Saturday will earn $3,000.

Jason Schoenberger of Gorham, who finished second in the IMCA national standings this year, won the stock car event in 2007, followed by Mike Nichols of Harlan, Iowa, in 2008 and Colby's Dustin Daniels in 2009.

"It's always fun racing against Schoenberger, but I'm not sure Nichols will be there," Mueller said. "And Daniels and some of the other guys from Kansas are all pretty good. When you get a chance to race against them, you can see how comparable everyone is."

Tyler Frye has won both Northern sport mod features and will look to make it three in a row this year and take home the $2,000 payout. (See page A8). The $1,000 hobby stock payout will be up for grabs as well, along with a $300 payout Thursday night for the winner of the sport compact feature.

* NICK SCHWIEN, HDN