The LA Raceway in La Monte, Missouri finally got their chance to host the USMTS on Friday, June 26. The event had been cancelled on several occasions, but last night the weather was warm and the crowd was plentiful. Forty-four USMTS drivers checked in to the backgate for their chance to win the $2,000 top prize.
Before that could happen, a handful of support classes ran their feature events. Galen Hassler took the lead early on in the bmod race, but Gary Lewis was dusting off the top side trying to make his way to the front. Lewis would grab the lead on lap two, but Hassler would take it back the following lap. Pole sitter Colt Cheevers would make his way to the top spot on lap four and never look back as he took home the win. Gary Lewis was second, Mike Higley third, Galen Hassler fourth, and Joe Harris rounded out the top five.
Hobby stocks were next to hit the track. These hobby stocks are equivalent to Iowa's hornet class. Fourteen cars were on hand last night, and it would be Danny Everts setting the pace early on his way to the win. Tanny Young came home second, Miranda Arnold was third, Jeremy Gordon fourth, and Harold Dump rounded out the top five.
Up next would be the twelve-car street stock feature. Troy Reasoner would grab the slight edge at the line at the completion of the first lap as Dean Wille followed closely behind. Wille would duck low after a restart to try to get by Reasoner's machine, but he didn't have enough speed to complete the pass. The two battled side by side for two laps before Wille made it stick on the bottom for the winning pass. Dean Wille took home the win followed by Troy Reasoner in second, Kevin Perkins third, Brian Eckhoff fourth, and Cody Frazon completed the top five.
Nine 305 sprint cars took the green flag for their fifteen lap finale. Tom McGarry used his pole start to take the lead early on, but his persistence to run the high line was his downfall as Ryan Schlender made the pass on the bottom side on lap three. From there Schlender would extend his lead on his way to the easy win. Tom McGarry was second, Tyler Utz third, Timothy Wheeler fourth, and Mike Schouten rounded out the top five.
The USMTS modifieds would run their thirty-five lap finale as the nightcap of the evening. Chad Wheeler and Rodney Sanders paced the field to the green flag. Sanders edged out Wheeler for the lead the first couple of laps while the battle for third heated up behind them. Jim Moody and Jason Krohn went at it side by side for the spot before Moody would get the nod. Just behind them, Jason Hughes was slowly making his way forward as the Oklahoma hotshoe started seventh and made his way by Dereck Ramirez for fifth. Krohn would get by Moody a few laps later for third while Hughes followed him to fourth.
Up front Sanders was putting some distance between him and the rest of the field. At one point he had nearly a straight away lead on the second place driver Wheeler. Hughes would take his car to the outside of Krohn to move into third place and would later use the same maneuver to take the runner up spot away from Wheeler.
By this time, Sanders was catching slower traffic that allowed Hughes to slowly make up ground. While eyes were focused on the front two cars, Zach VanderBeek was making some noise of his own as he moved into sixth place after winning a bmain and started thirteenth. VanderBeek would not be done clicking off spots as he got by Krohn for fourth. Hughes closed in on the rear bumper of Sanders late in the race, and actually got a wheeler under Sanders' left rear tire coming out of turn two on the final lap, but Rodney Sanders made his car wide enough to hold him off at the line for the win. Jason Hughes finished a close second, Zach VanderBeek got by Chad Wheeler at the line for third and fourth, and Jason Krohn rounded out the top five.
Four of the five features were run without a caution. The track was a little dusty in the heat races, but the cars put down enough rubber throughout the night that the dust went away for the most part in the features. The track was in great shape all night, although a few small holes did emerge in the middle of turns one and two.
It was nice to finally meet Alan Brown face to face. Brown is the man behind the Speedway Directory, a composite list of every race track across the country. It was nice getting a chance to talk to him both before and during the races. He pointed out that the leader of the hobby stock (aka hornet) feature ran a lap that was only .5 seconds slower then what the street stock leader ran.
The USMTS series travels to the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri on Saturday for their final event before a three-week layoff. After having visited the Lucas Oil Speedway earlier for the Diamond Dirt Nationals late model race, I quickly put this USMTS visit on my schedule. The facility is one of the best, if not THE best, in the country while the racing was top notch as well. I look forward to seeing the USMTS in action along with the Show-Me late model series.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Jeremy Mills Pockets Big Payday in Spencer
Thursday marked the first of three races promoted by Joe Ringsdorf at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Iowa. The night's racing card would include hobby stocks, bmods, IMCA stock cars, and IMCA modifieds. The modifieds were racing for a top prize of $1,000 as well as a spot on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational race at the IMCA Supernationals in Boone later on in September.
When I first arrived at the track, the inside half of the backstretch and the inside of turns one and two appeared to be a muddy mess as well as a spot coming out of turn four on the inside. However, the sunshine and a few trips around by the grader during intermission helped widen the track out for the features.
Perenial contender Andy Boeckman redrew the pole position for the hobby stock feature, but he quickly backslided a few spots on the start. Instead it would be Tim Sidles grabbing the lead from the outside front row while Drew Barglof settled in behind him. After a caution, Boeckman and Devin Smith made their way to the front and waged war for the lead. Boeckman would power his machine to the lead, but Smith didn't give up very easy. Smith tried to get around Boeckman on the low side, but couldn't keep his momentum enough to complete the pass. Behind them five cars were battling for the third spot, with Tim Sidles getting the better of the bunch. But up front, it would be Andy Boeckman racing his way to victory lane. Devin Smith was second, Tim Sidles third, Dustin Larson fourth, and Corey Gronewald rounded out the top five.
Randy Joynt grabbed the lead from his pole redraw position in the bmod feature. Brandon Ostwald and Bruce Wickman made their way to second and third before Ostwald slipped up high to allow Wickman by on the low side. Tad Reutzel made his move to the front as he settled in to the fourth spot. With two laps to go Bruce Wickman was gaining on Randy Joynt for the lead, but he slipped off the track a bit on the backstretch to allow Joynt to take home the win. Bruce Wickman was second, Brandon Ostwald was third, Jake Simpson fourth, and Tad Reutzel completed the top five.
The IMCA stock cars were up next for their fifteen lap main event. Twenty-two cars took the green flag, but David Wickman's night would end before making it to the flagstand as he and Jack Byers got together that resulted in Wickman's car hitting the concrete barrier in front of the temporary flagstand. When racing resumed, pole sitter Donovan Smith would take the lead as his brother David got by Calvin Lange for second. Mike Jergens would catch Lange and challenge him for his spot, but Lange was able to hold him at bay for the remainder of the race. Lapped cars allowed David Smith to close in on his brother Donovan for the lead, but once Donovan cleared traffic he was able to increase his lead on his way to the win. David Smith was second, Calvin Lange was third, Mike Jergens fourth, and Elijah Zevenbergen rounded out the top five.
Seventeen IMCA modifieds took the green for a chance at the $1,000 top prize. Chris Abelson tried to keep the string going as up to that point, every winner had started on the pole. Abelson jumped out front early on as excitement behind him happened. Jay Noteboom got crossed up coming out of turn four and looked to be headed straight for the concrete barriers and the flagstand. He was able to slow his car down enough to swerve right and drive between the outside wall and the flagstand and barriers and continue back onto the racing surface. Fortunately for him, he only lost a few positions on the track.
With Abelson leading and Stacey Mills running second, a battled shaped up for third as Josh Meyer tried to hold off Jeremy Mills and Eric Dailey. Mills was able to get by Meyer at the halfway point of the race before a caution came out that involved race leader Chris Abelson. Apparently the slower car of Dwaine Hanson was trying to exit the track and Abelson had to lock up the brakes to avoid hitting him and came to a stop. This handed the lead over to Stacey Mills, but behind him Dailey would get by Meyer for third. Stacey hit a rut entering turn three that pushed his car up the track, allowing his brother Jeremy passed to take the top spot away. Two laps later, a backpedaling Josh Meyer would slide up to allow Reese Coffee to get by for fourth.
Eric Dailey's run would come up three laps short as he pulled into the infield before the end of the race. But the night belonged to Jeremy Mills as he took home the $1,000 payday followed by his brother Stacey in second. Reese Coffee, Josh Meyer, and Clayton Christensen rounded out the top five.
With all the rain Iowa has received in the past several days, the track had its share of ruts and soft spots. Promoter Joe Ringsdorf graded the track during intermission and made it better for the features. The next race on the schedule at the Clay County Fairgrounds is set for Thursday, July 23rd.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
When I first arrived at the track, the inside half of the backstretch and the inside of turns one and two appeared to be a muddy mess as well as a spot coming out of turn four on the inside. However, the sunshine and a few trips around by the grader during intermission helped widen the track out for the features.
Perenial contender Andy Boeckman redrew the pole position for the hobby stock feature, but he quickly backslided a few spots on the start. Instead it would be Tim Sidles grabbing the lead from the outside front row while Drew Barglof settled in behind him. After a caution, Boeckman and Devin Smith made their way to the front and waged war for the lead. Boeckman would power his machine to the lead, but Smith didn't give up very easy. Smith tried to get around Boeckman on the low side, but couldn't keep his momentum enough to complete the pass. Behind them five cars were battling for the third spot, with Tim Sidles getting the better of the bunch. But up front, it would be Andy Boeckman racing his way to victory lane. Devin Smith was second, Tim Sidles third, Dustin Larson fourth, and Corey Gronewald rounded out the top five.
Randy Joynt grabbed the lead from his pole redraw position in the bmod feature. Brandon Ostwald and Bruce Wickman made their way to second and third before Ostwald slipped up high to allow Wickman by on the low side. Tad Reutzel made his move to the front as he settled in to the fourth spot. With two laps to go Bruce Wickman was gaining on Randy Joynt for the lead, but he slipped off the track a bit on the backstretch to allow Joynt to take home the win. Bruce Wickman was second, Brandon Ostwald was third, Jake Simpson fourth, and Tad Reutzel completed the top five.
The IMCA stock cars were up next for their fifteen lap main event. Twenty-two cars took the green flag, but David Wickman's night would end before making it to the flagstand as he and Jack Byers got together that resulted in Wickman's car hitting the concrete barrier in front of the temporary flagstand. When racing resumed, pole sitter Donovan Smith would take the lead as his brother David got by Calvin Lange for second. Mike Jergens would catch Lange and challenge him for his spot, but Lange was able to hold him at bay for the remainder of the race. Lapped cars allowed David Smith to close in on his brother Donovan for the lead, but once Donovan cleared traffic he was able to increase his lead on his way to the win. David Smith was second, Calvin Lange was third, Mike Jergens fourth, and Elijah Zevenbergen rounded out the top five.
Seventeen IMCA modifieds took the green for a chance at the $1,000 top prize. Chris Abelson tried to keep the string going as up to that point, every winner had started on the pole. Abelson jumped out front early on as excitement behind him happened. Jay Noteboom got crossed up coming out of turn four and looked to be headed straight for the concrete barriers and the flagstand. He was able to slow his car down enough to swerve right and drive between the outside wall and the flagstand and barriers and continue back onto the racing surface. Fortunately for him, he only lost a few positions on the track.
With Abelson leading and Stacey Mills running second, a battled shaped up for third as Josh Meyer tried to hold off Jeremy Mills and Eric Dailey. Mills was able to get by Meyer at the halfway point of the race before a caution came out that involved race leader Chris Abelson. Apparently the slower car of Dwaine Hanson was trying to exit the track and Abelson had to lock up the brakes to avoid hitting him and came to a stop. This handed the lead over to Stacey Mills, but behind him Dailey would get by Meyer for third. Stacey hit a rut entering turn three that pushed his car up the track, allowing his brother Jeremy passed to take the top spot away. Two laps later, a backpedaling Josh Meyer would slide up to allow Reese Coffee to get by for fourth.
Eric Dailey's run would come up three laps short as he pulled into the infield before the end of the race. But the night belonged to Jeremy Mills as he took home the $1,000 payday followed by his brother Stacey in second. Reese Coffee, Josh Meyer, and Clayton Christensen rounded out the top five.
With all the rain Iowa has received in the past several days, the track had its share of ruts and soft spots. Promoter Joe Ringsdorf graded the track during intermission and made it better for the features. The next race on the schedule at the Clay County Fairgrounds is set for Thursday, July 23rd.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Ruter Dominates Inaugural I-35 USMTS Visit
History was made Wednesday night as the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) made their first-ever appearance at the fast half-mile speedplant known as the I-35 Speedway in Mason City, Iowa. The highly anticipated show also included the Midwest 305 sprint cars.
The features kicked off with a fifteen lap finale for the Midwest 305 sprint cars. Austin Johnson bolted to the lead from his outside front row start and never looked back. Randy Reinhard passed a couple cars to move into second place, but he was no serious threat to Johnson for the win as Austin Johnson took home the trophy. Randy Reinhard was second and Ryan Voss rounded out the podium finish.
Twenty-five laps would be the distance for the USMTS finale of the night. A couple of area drivers, Dan Bohr and Ryan Ruter, sat on the front row when the green flag dropped. Ruter grabbed the lead as his home-track knowledge would allow him to have a great setup under the car the entire night. A few early cautions slowed the action, but Ruter was able to pull away from the field on every restart. Steve Wetstein and Dan Bohr battled it out for second in the early going before Bohr would suffer a left rear flat tire.
Mark Elliott started fourteenth in his Harris chassis, but he quickly made his way to the front as he found himself in the fourth spot. Behind him Kelly Shryock was also making significant strides to the front as he started inside Elliott in thirteenth and was up to seventh a handful of laps into the race. Nascar start Kenny Wallace would make his presence known as he got by Mark Elliott for third just before a caution came out on lap ten. Wallace used the restart to get by Steve Wetstein for second as he powered up his Jegs.com car on the outside in turns one and two.
Kelly Shryock and Jason Hughes waged a battle for the fifth spot in the closing laps, but Shryock was unable to make the pass. Up front, nobody had anything for Ryan Ruter as he took the win by a full straight away at the checkers. Kenny Wallace came home second, Steve Wetstein third, Mark Elliott fourth, and Jason Hughes rounded out the top five.
Rain earlier in the day as well as the day before made for a tacky track. Horsepower was definitely a necessity last night on the big half-mile track, something the local fans are not used to seeing very often. The sprint cars and the USMTS drew a great crowd, and hopefully promoter Joe Ringsdorf and USMTS promoter Todd Staley can get together and bring the series back again next year.
The USMTS is off Thursday night before traveling down to La Monte and Wheatland, Missouri for a Friday-Saturday doubleheader. After that, they will take a few weeks off and come back to Iowa as they visit the Fayette County Speedway in West Union on July 23rd.
The I-35 Speedway will again host their weekly racing action on Sunday. That night will be the Skip Rose Memorial race. Skip was a vital part of racing in North Iowa. He was always at the race track in some way. I didn't know Skip, but his son Rob races the #123 Sidebitter chassis every week. Hot laps get underway at 6:00 Sunday evening with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
The features kicked off with a fifteen lap finale for the Midwest 305 sprint cars. Austin Johnson bolted to the lead from his outside front row start and never looked back. Randy Reinhard passed a couple cars to move into second place, but he was no serious threat to Johnson for the win as Austin Johnson took home the trophy. Randy Reinhard was second and Ryan Voss rounded out the podium finish.
Twenty-five laps would be the distance for the USMTS finale of the night. A couple of area drivers, Dan Bohr and Ryan Ruter, sat on the front row when the green flag dropped. Ruter grabbed the lead as his home-track knowledge would allow him to have a great setup under the car the entire night. A few early cautions slowed the action, but Ruter was able to pull away from the field on every restart. Steve Wetstein and Dan Bohr battled it out for second in the early going before Bohr would suffer a left rear flat tire.
Mark Elliott started fourteenth in his Harris chassis, but he quickly made his way to the front as he found himself in the fourth spot. Behind him Kelly Shryock was also making significant strides to the front as he started inside Elliott in thirteenth and was up to seventh a handful of laps into the race. Nascar start Kenny Wallace would make his presence known as he got by Mark Elliott for third just before a caution came out on lap ten. Wallace used the restart to get by Steve Wetstein for second as he powered up his Jegs.com car on the outside in turns one and two.
Kelly Shryock and Jason Hughes waged a battle for the fifth spot in the closing laps, but Shryock was unable to make the pass. Up front, nobody had anything for Ryan Ruter as he took the win by a full straight away at the checkers. Kenny Wallace came home second, Steve Wetstein third, Mark Elliott fourth, and Jason Hughes rounded out the top five.
Rain earlier in the day as well as the day before made for a tacky track. Horsepower was definitely a necessity last night on the big half-mile track, something the local fans are not used to seeing very often. The sprint cars and the USMTS drew a great crowd, and hopefully promoter Joe Ringsdorf and USMTS promoter Todd Staley can get together and bring the series back again next year.
The USMTS is off Thursday night before traveling down to La Monte and Wheatland, Missouri for a Friday-Saturday doubleheader. After that, they will take a few weeks off and come back to Iowa as they visit the Fayette County Speedway in West Union on July 23rd.
The I-35 Speedway will again host their weekly racing action on Sunday. That night will be the Skip Rose Memorial race. Skip was a vital part of racing in North Iowa. He was always at the race track in some way. I didn't know Skip, but his son Rob races the #123 Sidebitter chassis every week. Hot laps get underway at 6:00 Sunday evening with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hughes Returns to Iowa, Takes Home Des Moines Checkers
Jason Hughes took a little time off from the upper Midwest portion of the USMTS tour recently, but he made sure people didn't forget who he was as he took home the $2,000 pay day tonight at the Iowa State Fair Speedway in Des Moines. The man who has dominated the series thus far this season continued his "hot" streak tonight as temperatures soared into the mid 90's.
Colt Mather jumped out front in the early going of the thirty-lap feature. A lap six caution bunched the field back up, but Mather's car slid up the track to allow both Jason Hughes and Ryan Gustin to get by. Gustin's car would get loose in turn two, allowing his brother Richie Gustin to get by on the outside. Kelly Shryock quickly made his way up to fourth behind the Gustin's after he started fourteenth.
The top four cars spread themselves out until the Gustin's went at it for second. Ryan's car would tag the outside wall coming out of turn four that ended his good run with just five laps to go. Kelly Shryock would get by Richie Gustin on the restart for second while Zach VanderBeek was making headway up to fourth around Steven Pfeifer. A late caution set up a green/white/checkered finish. Shryock chose the outside, but it would be Gustin getting the edge on the bottom side to secure the second place finish. Zach VanderBeek would get by Kelly Shryock to take the third and fourth spots, respectively, while North Dakota driver Steven Pfeifer rounded out the top five. Only twelve cars were left running when the checkers waved.
Eighteen stock cars were on hand tonight and they put on a good show for the fans. Steve Jackson led early, but it didn't take long before Todd Inman made his way to the front. Inman found the top side to his liking as he made his way to second, and eventually the lead on the same lap. Jackson's night would come to an end early as his car went up in smoke a few laps later. Nathan Wood and Richie Gustin got by Pat Rachels to move up a spot. As the leaders were going down the front stretch, the track lights went out. I haven't been counting, but I think this was at least the third time this year it's happened at a track I've been at, so of course people around me were blaming me for it. :)
When the lights came back on, Richie Gustin would retire to the pits before the green flag waved. Tory Reicks made his way up to third after starting shotgun on the field while Wood snuck under Inman for the lead. As Reicks began to close in on the top two, Inman would regain the lead. Inman's car slid up the banking in turn four, giving Reicks the opening he needed to seize the lead. Reicks and Inman made contact coming out of the corner and continued it down the front stretch, resulting in both drivers crashing into the front straight wall. A yellow and checkered finish was scored and Nathan Wood took home the win. I believe Brian Mitrisin was scored second, but not sure after that as the wreck also took out another top five driver in Kyle Harwood.
Eleven Karl Chevrolet trucks took the green flag that saw Carl Moyer take the lead early. Brett Moyer had his truck slide up in the corner that allowed Ed Nelson and Rick Clark to motor by. Nelson started to close in on Moyer's truck, but it would be Moyer taking home the win by only a slim margin. Ed Nelson was second, Rick Clark third, Brett Moyer fourth, and Lou Sipolt rounded out the top five.
Shannon Anderson dominated the IMCA hobby stock feature as he took home the convincing win. Rob Allison came in second, Ray Stock Jr was third, Alan VanGorp was fourth, and Kenny Loftus rounded out the top five. This race also ended under a yellow and checkered situation. Loftus was involved in a caution before a green flag lap was completed and made it back up to fifth for an impressive run. Twenty-two hobby stocks were on hand tonight.
Jesse Sobbing took a narrow lead in the IMCA sportmod feature on the first lap, but Austin Kaplan would snag the lead away a few laps later. Sobbing would regain the lead after Kaplan's left front suspension broke. Kaplan stayed out until the next yellow, which also was the end of Tyler Gross' night as he suffered a left rear flat tire. With the second and third place cars out of the race, Sobbing received pressure from Bryon Weyer on the inside with two laps remaining. Sobbing would take the win by a mere 1/2 car length over Bryon Weyer. Tommy Killen Jr was third, I believe Gary Stajcar was fourth, and Jack Myer rounded out the top five. I could be wrong on the fourth place finisher as there were at least three cars that had a number 2 on the side.
The track was a bit on the rough side, as evident by the number of cars that failed to finish each race. I was somewhat happy to hear that tonight's surface was the worst it has been all year, although the drivers tonight I'm sure did not care to hear. Hopefully track personnel will get it ironed back in after all the rain recently and get it smooth for Friday night's mid-season championship night. One other thing I was disappointed in was the fact that the normal track announcer didn't have lineups for the mid-season championship features for the hobby stocks and sportmods. Was frustrating not knowing the driver names or even the car numbers before the races started.
The USMTS series moves north to the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge on Tuesday night. Bmods and stock cars will also be in action on the fast half-mile track as hot laps will get underway at 6:45 with racing to follow. Kenny Wallace will again be on hand at this event after posting a ninth place finish in Des Moines tonight.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Colt Mather jumped out front in the early going of the thirty-lap feature. A lap six caution bunched the field back up, but Mather's car slid up the track to allow both Jason Hughes and Ryan Gustin to get by. Gustin's car would get loose in turn two, allowing his brother Richie Gustin to get by on the outside. Kelly Shryock quickly made his way up to fourth behind the Gustin's after he started fourteenth.
The top four cars spread themselves out until the Gustin's went at it for second. Ryan's car would tag the outside wall coming out of turn four that ended his good run with just five laps to go. Kelly Shryock would get by Richie Gustin on the restart for second while Zach VanderBeek was making headway up to fourth around Steven Pfeifer. A late caution set up a green/white/checkered finish. Shryock chose the outside, but it would be Gustin getting the edge on the bottom side to secure the second place finish. Zach VanderBeek would get by Kelly Shryock to take the third and fourth spots, respectively, while North Dakota driver Steven Pfeifer rounded out the top five. Only twelve cars were left running when the checkers waved.
Eighteen stock cars were on hand tonight and they put on a good show for the fans. Steve Jackson led early, but it didn't take long before Todd Inman made his way to the front. Inman found the top side to his liking as he made his way to second, and eventually the lead on the same lap. Jackson's night would come to an end early as his car went up in smoke a few laps later. Nathan Wood and Richie Gustin got by Pat Rachels to move up a spot. As the leaders were going down the front stretch, the track lights went out. I haven't been counting, but I think this was at least the third time this year it's happened at a track I've been at, so of course people around me were blaming me for it. :)
When the lights came back on, Richie Gustin would retire to the pits before the green flag waved. Tory Reicks made his way up to third after starting shotgun on the field while Wood snuck under Inman for the lead. As Reicks began to close in on the top two, Inman would regain the lead. Inman's car slid up the banking in turn four, giving Reicks the opening he needed to seize the lead. Reicks and Inman made contact coming out of the corner and continued it down the front stretch, resulting in both drivers crashing into the front straight wall. A yellow and checkered finish was scored and Nathan Wood took home the win. I believe Brian Mitrisin was scored second, but not sure after that as the wreck also took out another top five driver in Kyle Harwood.
Eleven Karl Chevrolet trucks took the green flag that saw Carl Moyer take the lead early. Brett Moyer had his truck slide up in the corner that allowed Ed Nelson and Rick Clark to motor by. Nelson started to close in on Moyer's truck, but it would be Moyer taking home the win by only a slim margin. Ed Nelson was second, Rick Clark third, Brett Moyer fourth, and Lou Sipolt rounded out the top five.
Shannon Anderson dominated the IMCA hobby stock feature as he took home the convincing win. Rob Allison came in second, Ray Stock Jr was third, Alan VanGorp was fourth, and Kenny Loftus rounded out the top five. This race also ended under a yellow and checkered situation. Loftus was involved in a caution before a green flag lap was completed and made it back up to fifth for an impressive run. Twenty-two hobby stocks were on hand tonight.
Jesse Sobbing took a narrow lead in the IMCA sportmod feature on the first lap, but Austin Kaplan would snag the lead away a few laps later. Sobbing would regain the lead after Kaplan's left front suspension broke. Kaplan stayed out until the next yellow, which also was the end of Tyler Gross' night as he suffered a left rear flat tire. With the second and third place cars out of the race, Sobbing received pressure from Bryon Weyer on the inside with two laps remaining. Sobbing would take the win by a mere 1/2 car length over Bryon Weyer. Tommy Killen Jr was third, I believe Gary Stajcar was fourth, and Jack Myer rounded out the top five. I could be wrong on the fourth place finisher as there were at least three cars that had a number 2 on the side.
The track was a bit on the rough side, as evident by the number of cars that failed to finish each race. I was somewhat happy to hear that tonight's surface was the worst it has been all year, although the drivers tonight I'm sure did not care to hear. Hopefully track personnel will get it ironed back in after all the rain recently and get it smooth for Friday night's mid-season championship night. One other thing I was disappointed in was the fact that the normal track announcer didn't have lineups for the mid-season championship features for the hobby stocks and sportmods. Was frustrating not knowing the driver names or even the car numbers before the races started.
The USMTS series moves north to the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge on Tuesday night. Bmods and stock cars will also be in action on the fast half-mile track as hot laps will get underway at 6:45 with racing to follow. Kenny Wallace will again be on hand at this event after posting a ninth place finish in Des Moines tonight.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mother Nature Shortens Mason City Races
Even though it was Father's Day on Sunday, Mother Nature was the one making all the noise. She made her presence known at around 6:45 between bmod heats, resulting in a lengthy delay before track officials and drivers worked the track back into racing condition. The heat races were run and three features were completed before she reared her ugly head again to postpone the rest of the show until next week.
Ken Winkowitsch started at the tail of the eleven-car junior hornet feature, but he quickly made his way to the front and won the race in convincing fashion. Gary Stahl made it look easy in the eight-car pro hornet feature.
Scott Dobel grabbed the lead early on in the hobby stock feature, but it didn't take Stac Schroeder long to get by on the outside. From there Schroeder had to hold off Mick Meyers on his way to the checkers. Scott Dobel was third, Terry Litwiler fourth, and Heath Tulp rounded out the top five.
The bmods, IMCA stock cars, and IMCA modifieds will run their features next week along with another complete show to follow. That will not be the next event, however, as this Wednesday the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) will be on hand for their inaugural stop at the big half-mile. Midwest 305 sprint cars are also scheduled for action, and things get kicked off with hot laps slated for 7pm. Be sure to check it out if you're in the area. Drivers like Kelly Shryock, Ryan Gustin, Al Hejna, and several others will be on hand to try to find their way to victory lane.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Ken Winkowitsch started at the tail of the eleven-car junior hornet feature, but he quickly made his way to the front and won the race in convincing fashion. Gary Stahl made it look easy in the eight-car pro hornet feature.
Scott Dobel grabbed the lead early on in the hobby stock feature, but it didn't take Stac Schroeder long to get by on the outside. From there Schroeder had to hold off Mick Meyers on his way to the checkers. Scott Dobel was third, Terry Litwiler fourth, and Heath Tulp rounded out the top five.
The bmods, IMCA stock cars, and IMCA modifieds will run their features next week along with another complete show to follow. That will not be the next event, however, as this Wednesday the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) will be on hand for their inaugural stop at the big half-mile. Midwest 305 sprint cars are also scheduled for action, and things get kicked off with hot laps slated for 7pm. Be sure to check it out if you're in the area. Drivers like Kelly Shryock, Ryan Gustin, Al Hejna, and several others will be on hand to try to find their way to victory lane.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Hejna Continues Winning Ways in Decorah
As of late, Al Hejna has been one of the hottest modified drivers in the upper Midwest. He has only had one DNF in his string of top five's in the past several races that also includes three wins. That was, until he found victory lane again at the USMTS race at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah Saturday night.
Zach VanderBeek used his pole to jump out to the early lead of the forty-lap feature while Ryan Dolan and Steve Wetstein followed in his tire tracks. Dolan would later take the second spot away from Wetstein before the caution came out as Ryan Gustin looped his Skyrocket in turn two. Gustin wasted no time making up the ground as he passed seven cars in two laps after the restart as he rode the cushion.
Up front Al Hejna began his quest towards the front as he too used the high side to grab third. VanderBeek separated himself by several car lengths while Hejna, Dolan, and Tesch were grouped together fighting it out for second. Hejna would get around Dolan for second just before Steve Wetstein's car came to a stop to bring out a caution. The restart was just what Hejna needed as he went to the outside of VanderBeek to take the lead. Dolan and Tesch would also get by VanderBeek the next couple laps as Hejna appeared to have things in hand until a caution came out with just two laps remaining. During the caution, Ryan Gustin's run back to the front came to an end as he went pitside. He had made his way back up to sixth before being sidelined.
Tesch went to the outside on the restart to see if he could muscle up a run on Hejna, but he came up a little short as Al Hejna took home his fourth win in six races with the USMTS. Jon Tesch finished a close second, Zach VanderBeek got back by Dolan for third and fourth (respectively), and Darrin Walch rounded out the top five. Only twenty-two cars were on hand tonight, and Layne Meyer was unable to start the feature.
Just before the USMTS cars hit the track, the USRA stock cars put on one of the best races I've seen all year. Jake Ludeking jumped out front early as Mitch Hovden fell into line behind him. Cars were three-wide for third and one of those cars, Austin Curtin, used the cushion to his advantage to grab the lead. Seven cars were all in the lead pack, bunched up in rows of two just like the parade lap. This pack remained in tact for a good portion of the race until a yellow came out when Ludeking's car got loose and Hovden had no place to go. Ludeking's great run came to an end while Hovden was able to continue. The outcome came right down to the line as Kurt Krauskopf took home the win followed by Austin Curtin, Tory Reicks, Kyle Falck, and Brian Gjere. As I said, definitely one of the better races I've seen all year!!
Twenty USRA hobby stocks were on hand last night, and it would be Danny Sacquintne taking the early lead. Scott Spilde would get by Sacquintne, but the caution flag negated the pass. Several cautions later, track officials decided to make the restart a single-file formation rather then double-file. That move helped a lot as no more cautions waved the rest of the race. Spilde would grab the lead away on the inside groove and Kyle Anderson would follow him to second. Steve Larson got by Sacquintne for third while Mark Lewis would also get by as Sacquintne continued to backslide. But up front it was Scott Spilde taking home the win. Kyle Anderson was second, Mark Lewis third, Steve Larson fourth, and Troy Hovey fifth.
Brian Schrage took command early on in the USRA bmod feature, but Matt Jones was working his way through the field on the top side to get into the top five. A caution came out, and Jones wasted no time as he found himself in second on the next circuit. Jones made slight contact with Schrage to get his loose coming out of turn four, but Jones tapped the brakes to allow Schrage to straighten up and continue on. Jones would make a clean pass on the backstretch going into turn three to snag the lead away, but a caution came out before the pass would count and handing the lead back to Schrage.
Jones again looked to the inside of Schrage on the restart and snatched the lead away, but Greg Mitchell was using the high line to make his way to the front as he got by Schrage. Mitchell and Jones battled side by side for several laps before Mitchell's momentum off the top side gave him the advantage for good with three laps to go. Greg Mitchell would go on to take the win as Matt Jones settled for second. Eric Vertheim was third, Junior Boyer fourth, and Brian Mahlstedt rounded out the top five.
While the night's races were some of the best I've seen all year, there was another added attraction on this night. During intermission, a concrete company poured the Victory Lane pad while track officials graded the track from top to bottom. The process only took two trucks as one truck had the ingredients and mixed it together before pouring it into a "boom truck" that sent it to the location of the pad. The process actually took less time then the grading of the track did because of the new technology of the "mixer" truck.
The grading of the track was definitely for the better. It widen out the track as cars were racing three and sometimes four-wide in the corners. I can definitely see why there was a capacity crowd on hand last night after what I witnessed last night. If you get the chance, be sure to check out a show at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah.
The USMTS was scheduled to race in Worthington, Minnesota tonight (Sunday). However, that show has been cancelled already. So they will make the trip to the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway in Des Moines on Monday night and follow that up with stops at the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday they move north to the I-35 Speedway in Mason City for their inaugural appearance on that fast half-mile track.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Zach VanderBeek used his pole to jump out to the early lead of the forty-lap feature while Ryan Dolan and Steve Wetstein followed in his tire tracks. Dolan would later take the second spot away from Wetstein before the caution came out as Ryan Gustin looped his Skyrocket in turn two. Gustin wasted no time making up the ground as he passed seven cars in two laps after the restart as he rode the cushion.
Up front Al Hejna began his quest towards the front as he too used the high side to grab third. VanderBeek separated himself by several car lengths while Hejna, Dolan, and Tesch were grouped together fighting it out for second. Hejna would get around Dolan for second just before Steve Wetstein's car came to a stop to bring out a caution. The restart was just what Hejna needed as he went to the outside of VanderBeek to take the lead. Dolan and Tesch would also get by VanderBeek the next couple laps as Hejna appeared to have things in hand until a caution came out with just two laps remaining. During the caution, Ryan Gustin's run back to the front came to an end as he went pitside. He had made his way back up to sixth before being sidelined.
Tesch went to the outside on the restart to see if he could muscle up a run on Hejna, but he came up a little short as Al Hejna took home his fourth win in six races with the USMTS. Jon Tesch finished a close second, Zach VanderBeek got back by Dolan for third and fourth (respectively), and Darrin Walch rounded out the top five. Only twenty-two cars were on hand tonight, and Layne Meyer was unable to start the feature.
Just before the USMTS cars hit the track, the USRA stock cars put on one of the best races I've seen all year. Jake Ludeking jumped out front early as Mitch Hovden fell into line behind him. Cars were three-wide for third and one of those cars, Austin Curtin, used the cushion to his advantage to grab the lead. Seven cars were all in the lead pack, bunched up in rows of two just like the parade lap. This pack remained in tact for a good portion of the race until a yellow came out when Ludeking's car got loose and Hovden had no place to go. Ludeking's great run came to an end while Hovden was able to continue. The outcome came right down to the line as Kurt Krauskopf took home the win followed by Austin Curtin, Tory Reicks, Kyle Falck, and Brian Gjere. As I said, definitely one of the better races I've seen all year!!
Twenty USRA hobby stocks were on hand last night, and it would be Danny Sacquintne taking the early lead. Scott Spilde would get by Sacquintne, but the caution flag negated the pass. Several cautions later, track officials decided to make the restart a single-file formation rather then double-file. That move helped a lot as no more cautions waved the rest of the race. Spilde would grab the lead away on the inside groove and Kyle Anderson would follow him to second. Steve Larson got by Sacquintne for third while Mark Lewis would also get by as Sacquintne continued to backslide. But up front it was Scott Spilde taking home the win. Kyle Anderson was second, Mark Lewis third, Steve Larson fourth, and Troy Hovey fifth.
Brian Schrage took command early on in the USRA bmod feature, but Matt Jones was working his way through the field on the top side to get into the top five. A caution came out, and Jones wasted no time as he found himself in second on the next circuit. Jones made slight contact with Schrage to get his loose coming out of turn four, but Jones tapped the brakes to allow Schrage to straighten up and continue on. Jones would make a clean pass on the backstretch going into turn three to snag the lead away, but a caution came out before the pass would count and handing the lead back to Schrage.
Jones again looked to the inside of Schrage on the restart and snatched the lead away, but Greg Mitchell was using the high line to make his way to the front as he got by Schrage. Mitchell and Jones battled side by side for several laps before Mitchell's momentum off the top side gave him the advantage for good with three laps to go. Greg Mitchell would go on to take the win as Matt Jones settled for second. Eric Vertheim was third, Junior Boyer fourth, and Brian Mahlstedt rounded out the top five.
While the night's races were some of the best I've seen all year, there was another added attraction on this night. During intermission, a concrete company poured the Victory Lane pad while track officials graded the track from top to bottom. The process only took two trucks as one truck had the ingredients and mixed it together before pouring it into a "boom truck" that sent it to the location of the pad. The process actually took less time then the grading of the track did because of the new technology of the "mixer" truck.
The grading of the track was definitely for the better. It widen out the track as cars were racing three and sometimes four-wide in the corners. I can definitely see why there was a capacity crowd on hand last night after what I witnessed last night. If you get the chance, be sure to check out a show at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah.
The USMTS was scheduled to race in Worthington, Minnesota tonight (Sunday). However, that show has been cancelled already. So they will make the trip to the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway in Des Moines on Monday night and follow that up with stops at the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday they move north to the I-35 Speedway in Mason City for their inaugural appearance on that fast half-mile track.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Mills Flies High To The Checkers
After spending three days in South Dakota, it was nice to finally come home. Well, at least for a little while. I received a text message alert notifying me that Marshalltown had cancelled for last night, so I quickly called some friends and asked if Britt was racing. Sure enough, they were still on. So after being home for a mere 30 minutes, I changed clothes and hopped back in the car and headed back north to the Hancock County Speedway.
The list of events offered a little more then their normal weekly show as the Midwest 305 sprint cars were on hand. A modified king of the hill event would also be run.
Blake Cole took home the win in the junior hornet feature while Matt Baker dominated the senior hornets.
Next on to the track would be the hobby stocks. Fourteen cars took the green flag that saw Cody Knecht take the early lead from the pole. Knecht's car would push up coming out of turn four on lap three and Nick Meyer would take advantage and race to the lead. Behind him Chad Gentz put his car on the top side of the track and starting chasing down the front runners as he found his way up second just before the halfway point of the race. A caution would come out, allowing Gentz to restart on Meyer's rear bumper. Gentz tried to maneuver his car to the inside to make the pass on Meyer, but Meyer had the momentum off the middle groove to stay out front. Gentz tried about all he could think of, but it wasn't enough as Nick Meyer found victory lane. Chad Gentz was second, Mike Schadendorf third, Randy Hadacek fourth, and Roger Haupt Jr rounded out the top five.
Twenty-nine bmods were on hand last night, but only twenty-four started the feature. Thomas Buns grabbed the early lead, but all eyes were on Scott Davis as he threaded the needle midpack to move up to third in just a couple of laps. He didn't stop there, though, as he went to the inside of Todd Hildman for second and would snag the lead away from Buns at the the halfway point of the twelve lap race. A caution bunched the field back up, but Scott Davis would not be challenged the rest of the way as he took home the trophy. Adam Ackerman and Mike Carlson both got by Thomas Buns late in the race to garner second, third, and fourth place finishes (respectively) and Matt Hoeft completed the top five.
One of the more entertaining races of the night would be the IMCA stock cars. Jared Dirks got to the lead first from his pole start, but behind him Kevin Opheim began his march to the front as he found himself battling Calvin Lange for second. Lange and Opheim not only swapped positions back and forth, but they changed lanes on each other a few times in the process. This intense battle allowed Dirks to open up a sizeable advantage. Lange's car would get a bit loose in the corner that cost him several positions until a caution waved with five laps to go.
A three-car battle emerged as Dirks, Opheim, and Palmer all set their sights on the prize. Palmer got inside of Opheim, but couldn't make it stick. Opheim would try the same move the next lap on Dirks, but he had no luck either. Palmer was able to get enough momentum to get by Opheim as the field crossed the stripe with two laps to go. Dirks opened up a comfortable margin while Opheim closed in on Palmer. Opheim dove to the inside of Palmer in turn three, but his car slid up and made contact with Palmer resulting in a flat left front tire on Palmer's machine. Jared Dirks would take home the win as Kevin Opheim, John Campbell, and Jeff Dolphin followed him across the line. Chad Palmer was able to limp his car across for fifth. However, officials penalized Opheim for rough driving and would later penalize Palmer after he rear-ended Opheim leaving the track. So that moved everybody up accordingly at the pay window.
Seventeen IMCA modifieds checked into the pits tonight to run a twenty lap feature. J.J. Wise grabbed the lead from the pole as Ryan Watnem got by T.J. Stalker for second. After a yellow flag slowed the field, Watnem challenged Wise on the inside while Jeremy Mills set sail on the top side to challenge Rob Hughes. Mills would later use the high side again to his advantage as he got by Watnem for second. Watnem would not back down though as he pressured Mills for several laps. Mills dove to the inside of Wise after a restart and would make it stick to grab the lead. Behind him, Adam Larson was making his way to the front as he took over the third spot with five laps to go. Larson's car would jump the cushion in turn two to allow Watnem to get by momentarily, but Larson regrouped and one lap later make the pass back. But tonight belonged to Jeremy Mills as he took home the checkers. J.J. Wise finished second, Adam Larson third, Rob Hughes fourth, and Ryan Watnem rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the twenty lap Midwest 305 sprint car feature. The race had a tough time getting started as four cautions and a red flag were thrown prior to three laps being completed. Bruce Anderson took the command early and looked to have things well in hand, but he jumped the cushion in turn one and found himself on the outside of the track. He kept his foot on the gas and returned to the speedway after giving up several spots as the caution flag waved again. Randy Reinhard would inherit the lead after Anderson's misfortunes, but he would receive a challenge from Gordy Vogelaar's machine. The two battled side by side for a couple laps before Vogelaar grabbed the advantage. Meanwhile Anderson was making his way up through the field again as he raced back up to third by using the top side. He would have to settle for second though as Gordy Vogelaar beat him to the checkers. Bruce Anderson was second, Marty Stephenson third, Randy Reinhard fourth, and Matt Stephenson rounded out the top five.
It was a great night of racing last night in Britt. The track held moisture and stayed in good shape throughout the night. Plenty of side by side racing in all classes. It was definitely worth the trip back. Had a few travelers show up as the Marshalltown Speedway had cancelled earlier in the afternoon, so it was great to see Adam Larson, Scott Davis, Paul Nagle, and Jared Timmerman make the tow up.
-Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
The list of events offered a little more then their normal weekly show as the Midwest 305 sprint cars were on hand. A modified king of the hill event would also be run.
Blake Cole took home the win in the junior hornet feature while Matt Baker dominated the senior hornets.
Next on to the track would be the hobby stocks. Fourteen cars took the green flag that saw Cody Knecht take the early lead from the pole. Knecht's car would push up coming out of turn four on lap three and Nick Meyer would take advantage and race to the lead. Behind him Chad Gentz put his car on the top side of the track and starting chasing down the front runners as he found his way up second just before the halfway point of the race. A caution would come out, allowing Gentz to restart on Meyer's rear bumper. Gentz tried to maneuver his car to the inside to make the pass on Meyer, but Meyer had the momentum off the middle groove to stay out front. Gentz tried about all he could think of, but it wasn't enough as Nick Meyer found victory lane. Chad Gentz was second, Mike Schadendorf third, Randy Hadacek fourth, and Roger Haupt Jr rounded out the top five.
Twenty-nine bmods were on hand last night, but only twenty-four started the feature. Thomas Buns grabbed the early lead, but all eyes were on Scott Davis as he threaded the needle midpack to move up to third in just a couple of laps. He didn't stop there, though, as he went to the inside of Todd Hildman for second and would snag the lead away from Buns at the the halfway point of the twelve lap race. A caution bunched the field back up, but Scott Davis would not be challenged the rest of the way as he took home the trophy. Adam Ackerman and Mike Carlson both got by Thomas Buns late in the race to garner second, third, and fourth place finishes (respectively) and Matt Hoeft completed the top five.
One of the more entertaining races of the night would be the IMCA stock cars. Jared Dirks got to the lead first from his pole start, but behind him Kevin Opheim began his march to the front as he found himself battling Calvin Lange for second. Lange and Opheim not only swapped positions back and forth, but they changed lanes on each other a few times in the process. This intense battle allowed Dirks to open up a sizeable advantage. Lange's car would get a bit loose in the corner that cost him several positions until a caution waved with five laps to go.
A three-car battle emerged as Dirks, Opheim, and Palmer all set their sights on the prize. Palmer got inside of Opheim, but couldn't make it stick. Opheim would try the same move the next lap on Dirks, but he had no luck either. Palmer was able to get enough momentum to get by Opheim as the field crossed the stripe with two laps to go. Dirks opened up a comfortable margin while Opheim closed in on Palmer. Opheim dove to the inside of Palmer in turn three, but his car slid up and made contact with Palmer resulting in a flat left front tire on Palmer's machine. Jared Dirks would take home the win as Kevin Opheim, John Campbell, and Jeff Dolphin followed him across the line. Chad Palmer was able to limp his car across for fifth. However, officials penalized Opheim for rough driving and would later penalize Palmer after he rear-ended Opheim leaving the track. So that moved everybody up accordingly at the pay window.
Seventeen IMCA modifieds checked into the pits tonight to run a twenty lap feature. J.J. Wise grabbed the lead from the pole as Ryan Watnem got by T.J. Stalker for second. After a yellow flag slowed the field, Watnem challenged Wise on the inside while Jeremy Mills set sail on the top side to challenge Rob Hughes. Mills would later use the high side again to his advantage as he got by Watnem for second. Watnem would not back down though as he pressured Mills for several laps. Mills dove to the inside of Wise after a restart and would make it stick to grab the lead. Behind him, Adam Larson was making his way to the front as he took over the third spot with five laps to go. Larson's car would jump the cushion in turn two to allow Watnem to get by momentarily, but Larson regrouped and one lap later make the pass back. But tonight belonged to Jeremy Mills as he took home the checkers. J.J. Wise finished second, Adam Larson third, Rob Hughes fourth, and Ryan Watnem rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the twenty lap Midwest 305 sprint car feature. The race had a tough time getting started as four cautions and a red flag were thrown prior to three laps being completed. Bruce Anderson took the command early and looked to have things well in hand, but he jumped the cushion in turn one and found himself on the outside of the track. He kept his foot on the gas and returned to the speedway after giving up several spots as the caution flag waved again. Randy Reinhard would inherit the lead after Anderson's misfortunes, but he would receive a challenge from Gordy Vogelaar's machine. The two battled side by side for a couple laps before Vogelaar grabbed the advantage. Meanwhile Anderson was making his way up through the field again as he raced back up to third by using the top side. He would have to settle for second though as Gordy Vogelaar beat him to the checkers. Bruce Anderson was second, Marty Stephenson third, Randy Reinhard fourth, and Matt Stephenson rounded out the top five.
It was a great night of racing last night in Britt. The track held moisture and stayed in good shape throughout the night. Plenty of side by side racing in all classes. It was definitely worth the trip back. Had a few travelers show up as the Marshalltown Speedway had cancelled earlier in the afternoon, so it was great to see Adam Larson, Scott Davis, Paul Nagle, and Jared Timmerman make the tow up.
-Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Krohn Edges Shryock At Huset's
Thursday night the plan was to head back closer to home and take in the races at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer. However, those plans quickly changed as I received a text message stating the races there were postponed until next Thursday. That being said, it gave me the opportunity to watch the USMTS series at the famous Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota.
I arrived at the track early in the afternoon to check things out for the first time. After walking along the outside of the pit area, I glanced up at the grandstand area. First thoughts were "they look like they go on and on forever." The grandstands are raised up due to a concrete wall, so fans are looking down upon the cars as the race around the track.
Tonight's card would include USRA hobby stocks and USRA bmods along with the USMTS. Fifteen USRA hobby stocks hit the track first for their twelve lap feature. Denny Lottman would take the lead on the first lap before a caution flag quickly slowed the pace down. Chad Kuhnert worked his way inside of Craig Hanisch and Sean Taylor on the ensuing restart to take over the second spot. Hanisch would get his rthym back and set his car on the cushion to get back around Kuhnert for the runner up spot. Hanisch would use the next caution to his advantage as he dove to the inside of Lottman and slid up in front of him for the top spot. A late caution came out, but that didn't stop Craig Hanisch from taking the checkers first. Denny Lottman was second, Sean Taylor third, Chad Kuhnert fourth, and Jim Ross rounded out the top five.
Colter Deutsch grabbed the lead from his outside front row start in the twelve lap USRA bmod feature.
I arrived at the track early in the afternoon to check things out for the first time. After walking along the outside of the pit area, I glanced up at the grandstand area. First thoughts were "they look like they go on and on forever." The grandstands are raised up due to a concrete wall, so fans are looking down upon the cars as the race around the track.
Tonight's card would include USRA hobby stocks and USRA bmods along with the USMTS. Fifteen USRA hobby stocks hit the track first for their twelve lap feature. Denny Lottman would take the lead on the first lap before a caution flag quickly slowed the pace down. Chad Kuhnert worked his way inside of Craig Hanisch and Sean Taylor on the ensuing restart to take over the second spot. Hanisch would get his rthym back and set his car on the cushion to get back around Kuhnert for the runner up spot. Hanisch would use the next caution to his advantage as he dove to the inside of Lottman and slid up in front of him for the top spot. A late caution came out, but that didn't stop Craig Hanisch from taking the checkers first. Denny Lottman was second, Sean Taylor third, Chad Kuhnert fourth, and Jim Ross rounded out the top five.
Colter Deutsch grabbed the lead from his outside front row start in the twelve lap USRA bmod feature.
Hejna Cashes In With Casino Checkers
A couple years ago, Al Hejna let a win slip right through his fingers at the Casino Speedway in Watertown, South Dakota as hometown driver Jon Tesch snatched the win away on the last lap. With that in the back of his mind, Hejna would leave no doubt as to who the man to beat was on this night.
Before the USMTS feature took the green, out of car introductions were presented to the fans. At that time the president of USMTS Todd Staley allowed the rambunctious crowd to vote to see if the road warriors would run forty or fifty laps. Fans voted for fifty, thus making it the first fifty-lap feature held at the Casino Speedway.
The feature event saw three caution flags before the completion of the first lap. Kelly Shryock was involved the third as several cars were involved in a chain reaction from a car checking up in front of them. What appeared to be a simple flat tire, Shryock would not return to the track and would be seen on the back end of a tow truck at the end of the event. Not sure what the damage was, but obviously it was serious enough not to risk further damage.
Pole sitter Grant Junghans paced the field early on, but Al Hejna was right in his tire tracks and made a move to the inside coming out of turn four on the second lap for the lead. Unfortunately for him, the caution flag would negate his pass and shuffle him back to second on the restart. Hejna would use the same move on the restart to grab the lead while Dereck Ramirez pulled the same move on Mike Hansen for third. Yet another caution flag would wave to set up the restart in which Hansen got under Junghans to take over the runner up position. Fourteenth starter Corey Dripps found his machine up to the fifth spot, but his luck would not last long as a left rear tire would go flat later in the run.
Hometown driver Jon Tesch had to transfer out of a bmain, but that didn't stop him from putting on a show for the fans. Tesch found himself up to sixth before the halfway point of the race while race leader Hejna was leaving the field in his dust. Hejna caught lapped traffic and got lucky as a car in front of him spun around in turn two. Hejna was able to avoid making contact and keep the lead. Tesch soon made his way up to fourth and battle Mike Hansen and Dereck Ramirez. Hansen got by Ramirez, but Tesch used the middle groove of the track to pull even with Ramirez for third. The two swapped the position for a couple laps before Tesch drifted a bit as he tried to ride the cushion in lapped traffic. Nobody was able to keep pace with Hejna as he went on to take the easy win. Mike Hansen finished where he started as he wound up second, Dereck Ramirez was third, Jon Tesch fourth, and Mike Lineberry rounded out the top five.
Wissota street stocks were also on hand tonight as Tony Konold held the slight advantage of a three-wide battle for the lead on the first lap. Track points leader Wade Tirrel grabbed the lead away on the third circuit as Jason Marko was advancing his machine through the field to sixth. Marko started shotgun on the field (13th) after suffering problems in his heat. Marko's good run was spoiled as he got into the left rear of Trevor Anderson, sending Marko's car into a spin in turn two. Konold and Tirrel exchanged the lead for a couple laps before Konold's car slid up the track in turn two. That was all Wade Tirrel would need as he went on to take the win. Tony Konold took home second while Lance Haskell held off David Orr and Trevor Anderson for third through fifth, respectively.
Casino Speedway is truly a unique track, at least in my experience. The track sits near an airport as a FedEx plane was spotted in the distance outside turn two. This track is also the first one I've seen a pickup with a water tank in the back act as the water truck. Hey, whatever works I guess! A candy toss also took place during intermission, and when I say candy TOSS, I mean candy TOSS. A couple people literally threw candy in the air in the grass along the frontstretch to kids.
The racing surface held up pretty nicely throughout the night. The USMTS feature did get a little one-groove towards the end, but Jon Tesch and others made a second groove work the first part of the race. It was kinda different going to a track that didn't have hamburgers offered in the concession stand.
The USMTS series heads back south to Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota on Thursday night before a night off Friday. They don't get much of a rest, however, as they head east to Decorah (Iowa) Saturday to start off another five-day swing.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Before the USMTS feature took the green, out of car introductions were presented to the fans. At that time the president of USMTS Todd Staley allowed the rambunctious crowd to vote to see if the road warriors would run forty or fifty laps. Fans voted for fifty, thus making it the first fifty-lap feature held at the Casino Speedway.
The feature event saw three caution flags before the completion of the first lap. Kelly Shryock was involved the third as several cars were involved in a chain reaction from a car checking up in front of them. What appeared to be a simple flat tire, Shryock would not return to the track and would be seen on the back end of a tow truck at the end of the event. Not sure what the damage was, but obviously it was serious enough not to risk further damage.
Pole sitter Grant Junghans paced the field early on, but Al Hejna was right in his tire tracks and made a move to the inside coming out of turn four on the second lap for the lead. Unfortunately for him, the caution flag would negate his pass and shuffle him back to second on the restart. Hejna would use the same move on the restart to grab the lead while Dereck Ramirez pulled the same move on Mike Hansen for third. Yet another caution flag would wave to set up the restart in which Hansen got under Junghans to take over the runner up position. Fourteenth starter Corey Dripps found his machine up to the fifth spot, but his luck would not last long as a left rear tire would go flat later in the run.
Hometown driver Jon Tesch had to transfer out of a bmain, but that didn't stop him from putting on a show for the fans. Tesch found himself up to sixth before the halfway point of the race while race leader Hejna was leaving the field in his dust. Hejna caught lapped traffic and got lucky as a car in front of him spun around in turn two. Hejna was able to avoid making contact and keep the lead. Tesch soon made his way up to fourth and battle Mike Hansen and Dereck Ramirez. Hansen got by Ramirez, but Tesch used the middle groove of the track to pull even with Ramirez for third. The two swapped the position for a couple laps before Tesch drifted a bit as he tried to ride the cushion in lapped traffic. Nobody was able to keep pace with Hejna as he went on to take the easy win. Mike Hansen finished where he started as he wound up second, Dereck Ramirez was third, Jon Tesch fourth, and Mike Lineberry rounded out the top five.
Wissota street stocks were also on hand tonight as Tony Konold held the slight advantage of a three-wide battle for the lead on the first lap. Track points leader Wade Tirrel grabbed the lead away on the third circuit as Jason Marko was advancing his machine through the field to sixth. Marko started shotgun on the field (13th) after suffering problems in his heat. Marko's good run was spoiled as he got into the left rear of Trevor Anderson, sending Marko's car into a spin in turn two. Konold and Tirrel exchanged the lead for a couple laps before Konold's car slid up the track in turn two. That was all Wade Tirrel would need as he went on to take the win. Tony Konold took home second while Lance Haskell held off David Orr and Trevor Anderson for third through fifth, respectively.
Casino Speedway is truly a unique track, at least in my experience. The track sits near an airport as a FedEx plane was spotted in the distance outside turn two. This track is also the first one I've seen a pickup with a water tank in the back act as the water truck. Hey, whatever works I guess! A candy toss also took place during intermission, and when I say candy TOSS, I mean candy TOSS. A couple people literally threw candy in the air in the grass along the frontstretch to kids.
The racing surface held up pretty nicely throughout the night. The USMTS feature did get a little one-groove towards the end, but Jon Tesch and others made a second groove work the first part of the race. It was kinda different going to a track that didn't have hamburgers offered in the concession stand.
The USMTS series heads back south to Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota on Thursday night before a night off Friday. They don't get much of a rest, however, as they head east to Decorah (Iowa) Saturday to start off another five-day swing.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tesch Claims Park Jefferson Win in Dominating Fashion
On Tuesday, June 16th, the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) made their way to the Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, South Dakota. Perhaps nobody was as excited as South Dakota driver Jon Tesch. Tesch was celebrating a birthday tonight as the USMTS begins a three-day swing through South Dakota.
Before the USMTS feature hit the track, two support classes ran their features as the eleven hornets and eleven bmods checked into action.
Kyle Davis grabbed the early lead in the twelve lap hornet feature, but he soon gave way to Zach Ankrum on lap two. Just behind the new leader the action heated up momentarily as three cars battled door handle to door handle on the backstretch. A few laps later Chuck Rose settled into the second spot, but that would soon change as Tim Cass charged his way to the front. Cass put his car on the bottom groove and raced by Rose for second, but he would not stop there. Cass immediately put pressure on Ankrum and the two swapped the lead a time or two. Ankrum looked to have things under control until the final set of corners when Cass set his car on the cushion and powered his machine to the exciting win. Ankrum was second, Rose, third, Michael Denney fourth, and Randy Cass rounded out the top five.
Eleven bmods hit the track next and Kirk Beatty jumped out to the lead early from his outside front row start. Harvey Vande Weerd started his march to the front by sneaking to the inside of Greg Golden just before the halfway point of the sixteen lap race. He would soon zone in on the race leader until a caution waved on lap ten. Jesse Sobbing made a move to the inside of Golden for third, but didn't have enough speed to keep the position at the line. Vande Weerd remained on the rear bumper of Golden until he jumped the cushion with just two laps to go. Kirk Beatty went on to take the easy win followed by Greg Golden in second, Jesse Sobbing third, Harvey Vande Weerd slipped back to fourth, and Darin Roepke rounded out the top five.
- I hope I got the winner and second place drivers' names correct. Didn't hear the announcer when they were mentioned. Winner was #21 red car and second place was one of the #20 cars.
After a few moment to do the top eight redraw in the pit area with threatening weather moving in, the USMTS finale hit the track for their thirty-five laps of action. Jay Noteboom used the high line to grab the lead in the early going, but Chris Abelson didn't let him get too far out front. Abelson challenged Noteboom several times on the inside, but didn't have the exit speed out of the corner to take over the top spot. Behind them, South Dakota driver Jon Tesch was making his move to the front as he had moved up to fourth on lap six. NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace made his presence felt as he challenged Chris Abelson for the runner up spot. Noteboom's luck would turn sour as he cut down a left rear tire on lap eight and exited the track. Abelson inherited the lead, but Tesch quickly made up ground thanks to a few cautions and crossed the line just before a caution came out again. Once Tesch got to the front, nothing was going to prevent him from taking home the birthday win. Tesch set sail and toasted the competition as he won by a half-lap.
While the top spot was never in doubt, the battle for second was an exciting one. Chris Abelson's motor made a popping noise down the front stretch and would retire to the pit area on the backstretch. Kenny Wallace, Al Hejna, and Mike Hansen were in a pack for second that saw Hejna dive to the inside of Wallace. Wallace had the momentum off the cushion to keep him in control, but Hejna would soon be on the other end of pressure as Mike Hansen tried Hejna's move on him. Hansen had the spot for a lap before Hejna powered back by. Wallace would use that battle to his advantage as he took home second by a few car lengths. Hansen would eventually get the position for good to finish third, Hejna settled for fourth, and Bob Moore completed the top five.
The Sioux City area had its share of rain the last couple of days, but the track crew did an outstanding job in getting the track ready to go for tonight's show. The track was smooth, and even with all the rain, it appeared to be slick throughout the night. Tire smoke could be seen on just about every USMTS modified at one point or another throughout the night. But the track had multiple grooves of racing to give the fans an exciting show. Few cautions kept the show moving as a quick pace, which turned out to be a blessing as a short time later the rain came again.
The USMTS heads north tomorrow (Wednesday) as they visit the Casino Speedway in Watertown, South Dakota. Hometown driver Jon Tesch looks to repeat as he heads back to his territory while drivers like Kelly Shryock look to dethrone him. Shryock is looking to break a 50-race winless streak that dates back to August of last year.
-Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Before the USMTS feature hit the track, two support classes ran their features as the eleven hornets and eleven bmods checked into action.
Kyle Davis grabbed the early lead in the twelve lap hornet feature, but he soon gave way to Zach Ankrum on lap two. Just behind the new leader the action heated up momentarily as three cars battled door handle to door handle on the backstretch. A few laps later Chuck Rose settled into the second spot, but that would soon change as Tim Cass charged his way to the front. Cass put his car on the bottom groove and raced by Rose for second, but he would not stop there. Cass immediately put pressure on Ankrum and the two swapped the lead a time or two. Ankrum looked to have things under control until the final set of corners when Cass set his car on the cushion and powered his machine to the exciting win. Ankrum was second, Rose, third, Michael Denney fourth, and Randy Cass rounded out the top five.
Eleven bmods hit the track next and Kirk Beatty jumped out to the lead early from his outside front row start. Harvey Vande Weerd started his march to the front by sneaking to the inside of Greg Golden just before the halfway point of the sixteen lap race. He would soon zone in on the race leader until a caution waved on lap ten. Jesse Sobbing made a move to the inside of Golden for third, but didn't have enough speed to keep the position at the line. Vande Weerd remained on the rear bumper of Golden until he jumped the cushion with just two laps to go. Kirk Beatty went on to take the easy win followed by Greg Golden in second, Jesse Sobbing third, Harvey Vande Weerd slipped back to fourth, and Darin Roepke rounded out the top five.
- I hope I got the winner and second place drivers' names correct. Didn't hear the announcer when they were mentioned. Winner was #21 red car and second place was one of the #20 cars.
After a few moment to do the top eight redraw in the pit area with threatening weather moving in, the USMTS finale hit the track for their thirty-five laps of action. Jay Noteboom used the high line to grab the lead in the early going, but Chris Abelson didn't let him get too far out front. Abelson challenged Noteboom several times on the inside, but didn't have the exit speed out of the corner to take over the top spot. Behind them, South Dakota driver Jon Tesch was making his move to the front as he had moved up to fourth on lap six. NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace made his presence felt as he challenged Chris Abelson for the runner up spot. Noteboom's luck would turn sour as he cut down a left rear tire on lap eight and exited the track. Abelson inherited the lead, but Tesch quickly made up ground thanks to a few cautions and crossed the line just before a caution came out again. Once Tesch got to the front, nothing was going to prevent him from taking home the birthday win. Tesch set sail and toasted the competition as he won by a half-lap.
While the top spot was never in doubt, the battle for second was an exciting one. Chris Abelson's motor made a popping noise down the front stretch and would retire to the pit area on the backstretch. Kenny Wallace, Al Hejna, and Mike Hansen were in a pack for second that saw Hejna dive to the inside of Wallace. Wallace had the momentum off the cushion to keep him in control, but Hejna would soon be on the other end of pressure as Mike Hansen tried Hejna's move on him. Hansen had the spot for a lap before Hejna powered back by. Wallace would use that battle to his advantage as he took home second by a few car lengths. Hansen would eventually get the position for good to finish third, Hejna settled for fourth, and Bob Moore completed the top five.
The Sioux City area had its share of rain the last couple of days, but the track crew did an outstanding job in getting the track ready to go for tonight's show. The track was smooth, and even with all the rain, it appeared to be slick throughout the night. Tire smoke could be seen on just about every USMTS modified at one point or another throughout the night. But the track had multiple grooves of racing to give the fans an exciting show. Few cautions kept the show moving as a quick pace, which turned out to be a blessing as a short time later the rain came again.
The USMTS heads north tomorrow (Wednesday) as they visit the Casino Speedway in Watertown, South Dakota. Hometown driver Jon Tesch looks to repeat as he heads back to his territory while drivers like Kelly Shryock look to dethrone him. Shryock is looking to break a 50-race winless streak that dates back to August of last year.
-Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Portis and Schroeder Double Up at I-35 Speedway
Sunday night's racing action at the I-35 Speedway in Mason City was double the fun for fans as double features would be run on account of Mother Nature not cooperating last week. To be more precise, double features and two extra heat races would be in store for those in attendance tonight.
After the two modified heat races were run, the makeup features hit the track soon thereafter. Blake Cole grabbed the early command in the junior hornets and drove away for the easy win in the first feature while Jesse Harang did the same in the hornet feature.
The lead changed hands on the first two laps of the hobby stock feature until Stac Schroeder took over the top spot on lap four. Schroeder used the inside line to get by Scott Dobel and would never seriously be challenged. Behind him Cory Gansen and Chad Gentz went to work on Dobel as both drivers were able to slip by on the inside with two laps to go. Stac Schroeder took home the win followed by Cory Gansen, Chad Gentz, Scott Doble, and Heath Tulp.
Mike Jaeger used his pole start to grab the lead in the early going of the 360 (bmod) makeup feature, but he would soon receive heavy pressure from Adam Ackerman. Ackerman started outside row four, but quickly used the high side to his advantage as he found himself up to second at the completion of the first lap. The top two cars separated themselves from the pack while Bob Sutherland went to work on Matt Hoeft back in fourth. Sutherland would take the spot just before a caution, and the top three pulled away on the restart. Ackerman's car slid up the track, opening the door for Sutherland to scoot by under him. Sutherland was not satisfied with second as he quickly grabbed the top spot away from Jaeger on the next set of corners with three lap remaining. Ackerman hit his marks and got by Jaeger before the checkers waved, but Sutherland beat the field to the apparent win. Unfortunately, Sutherland's car did not make weight during post-race activities, which handed the win over to Adam Ackerman. Mike Jaeger, Matt Hoeft, Nate Chodur, and Dan Tenold rounded out the top five.
Fifteen IMCA stock cars answered the bell for their makeup feature event in which Larry Portis grabbed the lead from the pole. Bert McDaniel followed him through to settle in for second. After an early caution, Travis Hoeft made a great move to the inside to get by two cars to advance his way up to third. Points leader Kevin Opheim worked his way to the inside of Jared Dirks for fifth on lap nine as the caution flag waved. The field stayed single file from that point on as Larry Portis took home the win. Bert McDaniel finished second, Travis Hoeft, third, Kevin Opheim fourth, and Jared Dirks rounded out the top five.
Terrance Prochaska raced to the early lead in the IMCA modified makeup feature, but Rich Lewerke stayed hot on his heals throughout the early laps. Jeremy Mills went in a little too hard in turn three that resulted in his right front tire getting into the left rear tire and rear quarter panel of Ty Mennenga's machine. Mills car was unable to get going to bring out the caution. A few laps later, both Todd Stinhart and Ryan Ruter got by Mennenga to move up a spot before both also made a pass on Alex Yohn after his machine pushed up the track. Lewerke got to the inside of Prochaska at the halfway point of the race, but Prochaska motored back to the lead as Ruter settled in to third place several car lengths back.
With a mere four laps to go, race leader Prochaska had his motor let go just as he got to the flagstand to bring out the caution. Lewerke inherited the lead, but Ryan Ruter jumped to the outside on the ensuing restart to get alongside of Lewerke. Ruter's car made contact with the outside retaining wall, but that didn't slow down the hotshoe. The contact with the wall caused his rear decklid to pop off in turn one to bring out the caution, slowing Ruter's attempt at the pass. That was all Rich Lewerke needed as he went on to take the win. Ryan Ruter crossed the line in second, but failed to make the weight requirement and thus disqualified. Todd Stinehart would get credited for a second place finish, Jeremy Mills third, Alex Yohn fourth, and J.J. Wise in fifth.
A lot of excitement already taking place, things were just getting started as heat races for the regular show were run immediately following the modified makeup feature. The junior hornet feature came out with twelve cars that saw Blake Cole take home his second win of the night. Mike Blowers set sail and was never challenged in the hornet race.
A solid group of twenty hobby stocks took the green flag for their ten lap nightcap. Travis Johnson took control early on with Terry Litwiler on his rear bumper, but that didn't last long as Stac Schroeder dove to the inside to make the pass coming out of turn two on the third lap. Johnson's car would get sideways in turn four that bunched up a few cars behind him in a chain reaction. Schroeder would pull away from the field as the battle for second heated up among Johnson, Litwiler, and Chad Gentz. Gentz was able to get by both cars to nail down the second spot as Litwiler and Robert Black got by Johnson as well. But nobody could stop Stac Schroeder tonight as he bagged his second feature win on the night. Chad Gentz finished second, Terry Litwiler was third, Robert Black fourth, and Cory Gansen completed the top five.
Thirty-some 360's (bmods) checked in for the normal show, but the feature field started with twenty-four. Shane Swanson jumped to the early lead before a caution quickly slowed the field down after the first lap was in the books. Another couple of yellows allowed Matt Hoeft to challenge Swanson on a restart and edge him out at the line before yet another caution flag waved. Hoeft took over the top spot and looked to put some distance between him and Swanson, but a four-car pileup closed the gap. Adam Ackerman swung his car to the outside groove to make two passes to advance to the third spot, but it wasn't enough to catch Matt Hoeft. Hoeft took home the win followed by Shane Swanson, Adam Ackerman, Nick West, and Dan Tenold.
IMCA stock cars hit the track next as Larry Portis again led the field at the drop of the green flag. Three cars battled side by side for the third spot as Kevin Opheim jumped to the inside of Joe Willier and Bert McDaniel. Opheim would take that spot while Willier and McDaniel battled it out for fourth for several laps. With five laps remaining, Mike Jergens and Kevin Opheim both made their way by Portis. Opheim got into the back of Jergens in turn two a lap later, causing both cars to spin out and bring out the yellow. Jergens went to the pits while Opheim tagged the tail of the field. This handed the reigns back over to Portis, and Portis would cash in as he took home his second win of the night. Portis has now won three features in a row in Mason City. Joe Willier finished second, Bert McDaniel third, Ken Tietz finished fourth after starting eleventh, and Travis Hoeft rounded out the top five.
The final race of the night was the IMCA modifieds. Twenty-three cars took the green flag and Levi Nielsen set the pace early on. Rich Lewerke slid his car from the bottom groove to the outside groove coming out of turn four. He pushed his luck a little too far as he tagged the wall hard, sending his car back down and collected Alex Yohn, Jeremy Mills, and Troy Swearingen. All cars finished the night in the pits. When racing resumed, Al Hejna took his Harris modified to the top side of the speedway and found a lot of grip as picked off cars one by one to take over the third spot. Nate Caruth used the same line to make his way to the front as he found himelf up to fifth after starting sixteenth. A caution bunched the field back up, allowing Hejna to use the high line again to snag the top spot away a few laps later. Caruth took advantage of a bobble by Nielsen to grab the second spot away.
Shane Monson started picking off cars each lap as he made his way up to third. A caution came out with three laps to go, and Monson would get under Caruth coming out of turn four to take over second. Caruth's luck ran out as his car spun to the inside of turn four to end his night as Monson tried one last attempt to get by Hejna coming to the checkers. Al Hejna used the momentum off the high side to take home the narrow victory. Shane Monson finished a close second, T.J. Stalker was third, Jesse Hoeft fourth, and J.J. Wise rounded out the top five.
Tonight's show was pretty good considering all the races that had to be run. The track surface stayed racy all night providing drivers with a couple different lines to choose from. Hopefully the track will be in the same condition next week as hot laps will get underway at 6pm with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
After the two modified heat races were run, the makeup features hit the track soon thereafter. Blake Cole grabbed the early command in the junior hornets and drove away for the easy win in the first feature while Jesse Harang did the same in the hornet feature.
The lead changed hands on the first two laps of the hobby stock feature until Stac Schroeder took over the top spot on lap four. Schroeder used the inside line to get by Scott Dobel and would never seriously be challenged. Behind him Cory Gansen and Chad Gentz went to work on Dobel as both drivers were able to slip by on the inside with two laps to go. Stac Schroeder took home the win followed by Cory Gansen, Chad Gentz, Scott Doble, and Heath Tulp.
Mike Jaeger used his pole start to grab the lead in the early going of the 360 (bmod) makeup feature, but he would soon receive heavy pressure from Adam Ackerman. Ackerman started outside row four, but quickly used the high side to his advantage as he found himself up to second at the completion of the first lap. The top two cars separated themselves from the pack while Bob Sutherland went to work on Matt Hoeft back in fourth. Sutherland would take the spot just before a caution, and the top three pulled away on the restart. Ackerman's car slid up the track, opening the door for Sutherland to scoot by under him. Sutherland was not satisfied with second as he quickly grabbed the top spot away from Jaeger on the next set of corners with three lap remaining. Ackerman hit his marks and got by Jaeger before the checkers waved, but Sutherland beat the field to the apparent win. Unfortunately, Sutherland's car did not make weight during post-race activities, which handed the win over to Adam Ackerman. Mike Jaeger, Matt Hoeft, Nate Chodur, and Dan Tenold rounded out the top five.
Fifteen IMCA stock cars answered the bell for their makeup feature event in which Larry Portis grabbed the lead from the pole. Bert McDaniel followed him through to settle in for second. After an early caution, Travis Hoeft made a great move to the inside to get by two cars to advance his way up to third. Points leader Kevin Opheim worked his way to the inside of Jared Dirks for fifth on lap nine as the caution flag waved. The field stayed single file from that point on as Larry Portis took home the win. Bert McDaniel finished second, Travis Hoeft, third, Kevin Opheim fourth, and Jared Dirks rounded out the top five.
Terrance Prochaska raced to the early lead in the IMCA modified makeup feature, but Rich Lewerke stayed hot on his heals throughout the early laps. Jeremy Mills went in a little too hard in turn three that resulted in his right front tire getting into the left rear tire and rear quarter panel of Ty Mennenga's machine. Mills car was unable to get going to bring out the caution. A few laps later, both Todd Stinhart and Ryan Ruter got by Mennenga to move up a spot before both also made a pass on Alex Yohn after his machine pushed up the track. Lewerke got to the inside of Prochaska at the halfway point of the race, but Prochaska motored back to the lead as Ruter settled in to third place several car lengths back.
With a mere four laps to go, race leader Prochaska had his motor let go just as he got to the flagstand to bring out the caution. Lewerke inherited the lead, but Ryan Ruter jumped to the outside on the ensuing restart to get alongside of Lewerke. Ruter's car made contact with the outside retaining wall, but that didn't slow down the hotshoe. The contact with the wall caused his rear decklid to pop off in turn one to bring out the caution, slowing Ruter's attempt at the pass. That was all Rich Lewerke needed as he went on to take the win. Ryan Ruter crossed the line in second, but failed to make the weight requirement and thus disqualified. Todd Stinehart would get credited for a second place finish, Jeremy Mills third, Alex Yohn fourth, and J.J. Wise in fifth.
A lot of excitement already taking place, things were just getting started as heat races for the regular show were run immediately following the modified makeup feature. The junior hornet feature came out with twelve cars that saw Blake Cole take home his second win of the night. Mike Blowers set sail and was never challenged in the hornet race.
A solid group of twenty hobby stocks took the green flag for their ten lap nightcap. Travis Johnson took control early on with Terry Litwiler on his rear bumper, but that didn't last long as Stac Schroeder dove to the inside to make the pass coming out of turn two on the third lap. Johnson's car would get sideways in turn four that bunched up a few cars behind him in a chain reaction. Schroeder would pull away from the field as the battle for second heated up among Johnson, Litwiler, and Chad Gentz. Gentz was able to get by both cars to nail down the second spot as Litwiler and Robert Black got by Johnson as well. But nobody could stop Stac Schroeder tonight as he bagged his second feature win on the night. Chad Gentz finished second, Terry Litwiler was third, Robert Black fourth, and Cory Gansen completed the top five.
Thirty-some 360's (bmods) checked in for the normal show, but the feature field started with twenty-four. Shane Swanson jumped to the early lead before a caution quickly slowed the field down after the first lap was in the books. Another couple of yellows allowed Matt Hoeft to challenge Swanson on a restart and edge him out at the line before yet another caution flag waved. Hoeft took over the top spot and looked to put some distance between him and Swanson, but a four-car pileup closed the gap. Adam Ackerman swung his car to the outside groove to make two passes to advance to the third spot, but it wasn't enough to catch Matt Hoeft. Hoeft took home the win followed by Shane Swanson, Adam Ackerman, Nick West, and Dan Tenold.
IMCA stock cars hit the track next as Larry Portis again led the field at the drop of the green flag. Three cars battled side by side for the third spot as Kevin Opheim jumped to the inside of Joe Willier and Bert McDaniel. Opheim would take that spot while Willier and McDaniel battled it out for fourth for several laps. With five laps remaining, Mike Jergens and Kevin Opheim both made their way by Portis. Opheim got into the back of Jergens in turn two a lap later, causing both cars to spin out and bring out the yellow. Jergens went to the pits while Opheim tagged the tail of the field. This handed the reigns back over to Portis, and Portis would cash in as he took home his second win of the night. Portis has now won three features in a row in Mason City. Joe Willier finished second, Bert McDaniel third, Ken Tietz finished fourth after starting eleventh, and Travis Hoeft rounded out the top five.
The final race of the night was the IMCA modifieds. Twenty-three cars took the green flag and Levi Nielsen set the pace early on. Rich Lewerke slid his car from the bottom groove to the outside groove coming out of turn four. He pushed his luck a little too far as he tagged the wall hard, sending his car back down and collected Alex Yohn, Jeremy Mills, and Troy Swearingen. All cars finished the night in the pits. When racing resumed, Al Hejna took his Harris modified to the top side of the speedway and found a lot of grip as picked off cars one by one to take over the third spot. Nate Caruth used the same line to make his way to the front as he found himelf up to fifth after starting sixteenth. A caution bunched the field back up, allowing Hejna to use the high line again to snag the top spot away a few laps later. Caruth took advantage of a bobble by Nielsen to grab the second spot away.
Shane Monson started picking off cars each lap as he made his way up to third. A caution came out with three laps to go, and Monson would get under Caruth coming out of turn four to take over second. Caruth's luck ran out as his car spun to the inside of turn four to end his night as Monson tried one last attempt to get by Hejna coming to the checkers. Al Hejna used the momentum off the high side to take home the narrow victory. Shane Monson finished a close second, T.J. Stalker was third, Jesse Hoeft fourth, and J.J. Wise rounded out the top five.
Tonight's show was pretty good considering all the races that had to be run. The track surface stayed racy all night providing drivers with a couple different lines to choose from. Hopefully the track will be in the same condition next week as hot laps will get underway at 6pm with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Mason City Double Features Results
Makeup Features
Hobby Stocks
1. 51 Stac Schroeder
2. 6 Cory Gansen
3. 15 Chad Gentz
4. 83 Scott Dobel
5. 50 Heath Tulp
6. 6JR Mick Meyers
7. 22D Daniel Hilsabeck
8. 18z Zac Smith
9. 71 Terry Litwiler
10. 15J Travis Johnson
11. 17 Matt Stading
12. 51P Daniel Porter
13. 65 Gary Fransiscus
14. 32 Robert Black
15. 3R Adam Rodamaker
360's (bmods)
1. 5 Adam Ackerman
2. 18J Mike Jaeger
3. 21H Matt Hoeft
4. 88 Nate Chodur
5. 86 Dan Tenold
6. 64 John Warrington
7. 2 Nick West
8. 55 Shane Swanson
9. 74 Ben Schultze
10. 69 Kyle Germundson
11. 6 Ben Kraus
12. 88K Tracy Kleckner
13. 17 Tyler Heetland
14. 49 Nate Whitehurst
15. 29T Tyler Wirtjes
16. 40rd Bob Sutherland
IMCA Stock Cars
1. 59 Larry Portis
2. 81 Bert McDaniel
3. 21 Travis Hoeft
4. 44K Kevin Opheim
5. 51 Jared Dirks
6. 37 Merlyn Hegland
7. 37x Mike Jergens
8. 96 Joe Willier
9. 7I Andrew Inman
10. 43 Calvin Lange
11. 87 Travis Shipman
12. 7III Ryan Hiscocks
13. 32JR Laura Curry
14. 21T Travis Prochaska
15. 3B Andy Bruggeman
16. 5 Luke Sathoff
IMCA Modifieds
1. 97 Rich Lewerke
2. 7s Todd Stinehart
3. 10 Jeremy Mills
4. 11x Alex Yohn
5. 68 J.J. Wise
6. 73 Troy Swearingen
7. 45 Levi Nielsen
8. 111 Ty Mennenga
9. 123 Rob Rose
10. 25$ Shane Monson
11. 58 Curt Badker
12. 23w Robert Whalen
13. 1 T.J. Stalker
14. 20 Terrance Prochaska
15. 11 Alex Hanson
16. 555 Ryan Ruter
Regular Features
Hobby Stocks
1. 51 Stac Schroeder
2. 15 Chad Gentz
3. 71 Terry Litwiler
4. 32 Robert Black
5. 6 Cory Gansen
6. 20 Jeremy Solberg
7. 15J Travis Johnson
8. 65 Gary Fransiscus
9. 99 Carl Runge
10. 17 Matt Stading
11. 18z Zac Smith
12. 82 Coby Bangusser
13. 33M Matt McBride
14. 38 Dusti Showalter
15. 14 Todd Hillman
16. 2D Dan Deets
17. 22D Daniel Hilsabeck
18. 50 Heath Tulp
19. 6JR Mick Meyers
20. 83 Scott Dobel
21. 17K Kenny O'Leary
22. 51P Daniel Porter
360's (bmods)
1. 21H Matt Hoeft
2. 55 Shane Swanson
3. 5 Adam Ackerman
4. 2 Nick West
5. 86 Dan Tenold
6. 40rd Bob Sutherland
7. 41 Jeremy Embrey
8. 32z Alex Zwanziger
9. 88 Nate Chodur
10. 18J Mike Jaeger
11. 64 John Warrington
12. 3w Shawn Wilson
13. 22 Craig Klouse
14. 69 Kyle Germundson
15. 88K Tracy Kleckner
16. 10x Kaleb Bentley
17. 6 Ben Kraus
18. 30 Josh Ruby
19. 74 Ben Schultze
20. 85T Brandon Toftee
21. 17 Tyler Heetland
22. 04 Tim Marzen
23. 49 Nate Whitehurst
24. 03M Marcus Mutschler
IMCA Stock Cars
1. 59 Larry Portis
2. 96 Joe Willier
3. 81 Bert McDaniel
4. 110 Ken Tietz
5. 21 Travis Hoeft
6. 62 Aaron Haggerty
7. 97 Adam Silvey
8. 37 Merlyn Hegland
9. 7I Andrew Inman
10. 44K Kevin Opheim
11. 43 Calvin Lange
12. K20 Kevin Paca
13. 32JR Laura Curry
14. 38c Kellie Schmit
15. 37x Mike Jergens
16. 7III Ryan Hiscocks
17. 77 Kevin Hoeft
18. 21T Travis Prochaska
19. 51 Jared Dirks
20. 87 Travis Shipman
21. 3B Andy Bruggeman
IMCA Modifieds
1. 7 Al Hejna
2. 25$ Shane Monson
3. 1 T.J. Stalker
4. 21 Jesse Hoeft
5. 68 J.J. Wise
6. 22 Jeff Ignaszewski
7. 123 Rob Rose
8. 8x Scott Olson
9. 45 Levi Nielsen
10. 111 Ty Mennenga
11. 58 Curt Badker
12. 20 Terrance Prochaska
13. 23w Robert Whalen
14. 47 Christian Wagler
15. 7c Nate Caruth
16. 78 Doug Bunkofske
17. 8 Jeff Coon
18. 7s Todd Stinehart
19. 97 Rich Lewerke
20. 10 Jeremy Mills
21. 73 Troy Swearingen
22. 11x Alex Yohn
23. 555 Ryan Ruter
24. 11 Alex Hanson
Hobby Stocks
1. 51 Stac Schroeder
2. 6 Cory Gansen
3. 15 Chad Gentz
4. 83 Scott Dobel
5. 50 Heath Tulp
6. 6JR Mick Meyers
7. 22D Daniel Hilsabeck
8. 18z Zac Smith
9. 71 Terry Litwiler
10. 15J Travis Johnson
11. 17 Matt Stading
12. 51P Daniel Porter
13. 65 Gary Fransiscus
14. 32 Robert Black
15. 3R Adam Rodamaker
360's (bmods)
1. 5 Adam Ackerman
2. 18J Mike Jaeger
3. 21H Matt Hoeft
4. 88 Nate Chodur
5. 86 Dan Tenold
6. 64 John Warrington
7. 2 Nick West
8. 55 Shane Swanson
9. 74 Ben Schultze
10. 69 Kyle Germundson
11. 6 Ben Kraus
12. 88K Tracy Kleckner
13. 17 Tyler Heetland
14. 49 Nate Whitehurst
15. 29T Tyler Wirtjes
16. 40rd Bob Sutherland
IMCA Stock Cars
1. 59 Larry Portis
2. 81 Bert McDaniel
3. 21 Travis Hoeft
4. 44K Kevin Opheim
5. 51 Jared Dirks
6. 37 Merlyn Hegland
7. 37x Mike Jergens
8. 96 Joe Willier
9. 7I Andrew Inman
10. 43 Calvin Lange
11. 87 Travis Shipman
12. 7III Ryan Hiscocks
13. 32JR Laura Curry
14. 21T Travis Prochaska
15. 3B Andy Bruggeman
16. 5 Luke Sathoff
IMCA Modifieds
1. 97 Rich Lewerke
2. 7s Todd Stinehart
3. 10 Jeremy Mills
4. 11x Alex Yohn
5. 68 J.J. Wise
6. 73 Troy Swearingen
7. 45 Levi Nielsen
8. 111 Ty Mennenga
9. 123 Rob Rose
10. 25$ Shane Monson
11. 58 Curt Badker
12. 23w Robert Whalen
13. 1 T.J. Stalker
14. 20 Terrance Prochaska
15. 11 Alex Hanson
16. 555 Ryan Ruter
Regular Features
Hobby Stocks
1. 51 Stac Schroeder
2. 15 Chad Gentz
3. 71 Terry Litwiler
4. 32 Robert Black
5. 6 Cory Gansen
6. 20 Jeremy Solberg
7. 15J Travis Johnson
8. 65 Gary Fransiscus
9. 99 Carl Runge
10. 17 Matt Stading
11. 18z Zac Smith
12. 82 Coby Bangusser
13. 33M Matt McBride
14. 38 Dusti Showalter
15. 14 Todd Hillman
16. 2D Dan Deets
17. 22D Daniel Hilsabeck
18. 50 Heath Tulp
19. 6JR Mick Meyers
20. 83 Scott Dobel
21. 17K Kenny O'Leary
22. 51P Daniel Porter
360's (bmods)
1. 21H Matt Hoeft
2. 55 Shane Swanson
3. 5 Adam Ackerman
4. 2 Nick West
5. 86 Dan Tenold
6. 40rd Bob Sutherland
7. 41 Jeremy Embrey
8. 32z Alex Zwanziger
9. 88 Nate Chodur
10. 18J Mike Jaeger
11. 64 John Warrington
12. 3w Shawn Wilson
13. 22 Craig Klouse
14. 69 Kyle Germundson
15. 88K Tracy Kleckner
16. 10x Kaleb Bentley
17. 6 Ben Kraus
18. 30 Josh Ruby
19. 74 Ben Schultze
20. 85T Brandon Toftee
21. 17 Tyler Heetland
22. 04 Tim Marzen
23. 49 Nate Whitehurst
24. 03M Marcus Mutschler
IMCA Stock Cars
1. 59 Larry Portis
2. 96 Joe Willier
3. 81 Bert McDaniel
4. 110 Ken Tietz
5. 21 Travis Hoeft
6. 62 Aaron Haggerty
7. 97 Adam Silvey
8. 37 Merlyn Hegland
9. 7I Andrew Inman
10. 44K Kevin Opheim
11. 43 Calvin Lange
12. K20 Kevin Paca
13. 32JR Laura Curry
14. 38c Kellie Schmit
15. 37x Mike Jergens
16. 7III Ryan Hiscocks
17. 77 Kevin Hoeft
18. 21T Travis Prochaska
19. 51 Jared Dirks
20. 87 Travis Shipman
21. 3B Andy Bruggeman
IMCA Modifieds
1. 7 Al Hejna
2. 25$ Shane Monson
3. 1 T.J. Stalker
4. 21 Jesse Hoeft
5. 68 J.J. Wise
6. 22 Jeff Ignaszewski
7. 123 Rob Rose
8. 8x Scott Olson
9. 45 Levi Nielsen
10. 111 Ty Mennenga
11. 58 Curt Badker
12. 20 Terrance Prochaska
13. 23w Robert Whalen
14. 47 Christian Wagler
15. 7c Nate Caruth
16. 78 Doug Bunkofske
17. 8 Jeff Coon
18. 7s Todd Stinehart
19. 97 Rich Lewerke
20. 10 Jeremy Mills
21. 73 Troy Swearingen
22. 11x Alex Yohn
23. 555 Ryan Ruter
24. 11 Alex Hanson
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Stacey Mills Grabs Checkers in Algona
For those of you that follow my blog, you know that I have criss-crossed the state earlier this week as I have been to Oskaloosa, Sioux Center, and Donnellson in consecutive days. Saturday night I kept that trend going as I made my way northwest to the Algona Raceway for the first time this season. Algona is a very competitive 3/8 mile track, and tonight would be no different.
Joe Devries dominated the junior hornet feature from the start as he cruised to the easy win. Tim Doocy took control of the pro hornet feature on lap two and never looked back on his way to the checkers. And Peg Lewis and Heather Pesicka took home top honors in the cruiser feature. Not many tracks run the cruisers anymore, so it was kinda cool seeing them run again.
A full field of hobby stocks took to the track next, but things would not get underway in a good way as a pileup occurred before some cars got to the flagstand to take the green. After cleanup was completed, Kurt Fothergill paced the field while Drew Barglof kept the pressure on right behind. Behind them, Chad Gentz was the man on the move as he originally started eleventh but found himself up to third within the first three laps. He would improve upon that a short time later as he took the second spot away from Barglof and set his sights on the race lead. The top four cars were soon battling it out until Nick Meyer's machine spun on the inside of turn one to bring out the caution, allowing both fans and drivers to catch their breath.
When action resumed, Gentz tried to power his machine to the top side of Fothergill for the lead, but Fothergill's car was too strong on the low groove. After another caution Gentz again tried the same move on the outside, but Fothergill hit his marks every lap to maintain the lead. On the final circuit Gentz tried the low groove to get by, but it wasn't enough as Kurt Fothergill reached the checkers first. Chad Gentz was second, Drew Barglof third, and Cory Weishaar was fourth. Kyle Ricke came home fifth.
Twenty-eight 360 modifieds checked into the back gate tonight, but only twenty-four of them were allowed to start the feature. Jake Simpson was shot out of a cannon as he raced to the lead from his seventh starting spot. Doug Cook settled in right behind Simpson as the two swapped the top spot a couple times in the early stages of the race. Matt Hoeft was making headway as he powered his way through the field up to third after starting ninth. Hoeft would soon make it three-wide for the lead momentarily, but Hoeft backed off a bit in the corner to prevent contact with the other two front runners. A caution came out with five laps to go, and that was all Simpson needed to remain in control the rest of the race. Doug Cook settled for second, Matt Hoeft edged out a strong run by Dan Hanselman at the line for third and fourth, respectively, while Brandon Toftee rounded out the top five. Toftee is a regular competitor at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, but that track fell victim to wet conditions earlier in the afternoon.
Pole sitter Calvin Lange got the jump on the field to lead the first lap of the IMCA stock car feature, but his front row mate Aaron Haggerty wasn't going to let him get too far out front. Haggerty continued his pursuit until lap three when Lange's car pushed up the track in turn two that opened the door for Haggerty to slip by on the low groove. Travis Shipman would later get by Lange as well and would apply pressure to the new leader until the caution flag waved on lap five.
The restart would not be too kind to Calvin Lange as his car would once again push up the track, allowing both Dave Wickman and Kevin Opheim to motor by. Shipman would hound Haggerty up front until a little miscue in turn two resulted in Shipman's car making contact with Haggerty's left rear corner. Haggerty would suffer from a flat tire to bring out the caution, but Shipman was able to continue and take over the race lead. Chad Palmer tucked in behind Shipman on the restart, but Palmer would lose the position as Opheim got under him coming out of turn four coming to the checkers. Travis Shipman took home the win, Opheim second, Palmer third, Wickman fourth, and Cory Oftedahl rounded out the top five. Points leader David Smith appeared to struggle all night with speed as he finished seventh.
Stacey Mills used the pole position to his advantage as he grabbed the lead early in the IMCA modified feature. Rob Hughes made his way to second and remained in Mills' tire tracks until the caution waved on lap five. Clayton Christensen tried the top line of the track as most cars were using the bottom. Things didn't work out well for him as Randy Brands got by him on the low side. Brands would continue his march to the front as he got inside of Hughes for second a few laps later. Hughes would lose a couple more spots as Christensen and Ryan Watnem got by. Brands appeared to cut into the lead in the closing laps, but the gap was too big as Stacy Mills grabbed the checkers first. Randy Brands was second, Clayton Christensen third, Eric Dailey jumped up to grab fourth, and Ryan Ruter completed the top five.
Normally this would conclude the night's racing in Algona, but tonight mechanic's races were held. A few of the cars even appeared to be going faster then what the regular driver was going earlier in the night.
Promoter Joe Ringsdorf kept the show moving along at a quick pace. A 360 modified bmain was scheduled to take place, but beings a few drivers didn't answer the call, the cars that did make their way to the track filled up the allotted cars to transfer to the feature. No laps were run and they were lined up accordingly. The only "downtime" was during driver interviews.
I had a fun time in Algona. Got to see racers that I don't normally get to see race on a track that I don't get to very often. I'm hopeful to make a return sometime before the end of the season.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Joe Devries dominated the junior hornet feature from the start as he cruised to the easy win. Tim Doocy took control of the pro hornet feature on lap two and never looked back on his way to the checkers. And Peg Lewis and Heather Pesicka took home top honors in the cruiser feature. Not many tracks run the cruisers anymore, so it was kinda cool seeing them run again.
A full field of hobby stocks took to the track next, but things would not get underway in a good way as a pileup occurred before some cars got to the flagstand to take the green. After cleanup was completed, Kurt Fothergill paced the field while Drew Barglof kept the pressure on right behind. Behind them, Chad Gentz was the man on the move as he originally started eleventh but found himself up to third within the first three laps. He would improve upon that a short time later as he took the second spot away from Barglof and set his sights on the race lead. The top four cars were soon battling it out until Nick Meyer's machine spun on the inside of turn one to bring out the caution, allowing both fans and drivers to catch their breath.
When action resumed, Gentz tried to power his machine to the top side of Fothergill for the lead, but Fothergill's car was too strong on the low groove. After another caution Gentz again tried the same move on the outside, but Fothergill hit his marks every lap to maintain the lead. On the final circuit Gentz tried the low groove to get by, but it wasn't enough as Kurt Fothergill reached the checkers first. Chad Gentz was second, Drew Barglof third, and Cory Weishaar was fourth. Kyle Ricke came home fifth.
Twenty-eight 360 modifieds checked into the back gate tonight, but only twenty-four of them were allowed to start the feature. Jake Simpson was shot out of a cannon as he raced to the lead from his seventh starting spot. Doug Cook settled in right behind Simpson as the two swapped the top spot a couple times in the early stages of the race. Matt Hoeft was making headway as he powered his way through the field up to third after starting ninth. Hoeft would soon make it three-wide for the lead momentarily, but Hoeft backed off a bit in the corner to prevent contact with the other two front runners. A caution came out with five laps to go, and that was all Simpson needed to remain in control the rest of the race. Doug Cook settled for second, Matt Hoeft edged out a strong run by Dan Hanselman at the line for third and fourth, respectively, while Brandon Toftee rounded out the top five. Toftee is a regular competitor at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, but that track fell victim to wet conditions earlier in the afternoon.
Pole sitter Calvin Lange got the jump on the field to lead the first lap of the IMCA stock car feature, but his front row mate Aaron Haggerty wasn't going to let him get too far out front. Haggerty continued his pursuit until lap three when Lange's car pushed up the track in turn two that opened the door for Haggerty to slip by on the low groove. Travis Shipman would later get by Lange as well and would apply pressure to the new leader until the caution flag waved on lap five.
The restart would not be too kind to Calvin Lange as his car would once again push up the track, allowing both Dave Wickman and Kevin Opheim to motor by. Shipman would hound Haggerty up front until a little miscue in turn two resulted in Shipman's car making contact with Haggerty's left rear corner. Haggerty would suffer from a flat tire to bring out the caution, but Shipman was able to continue and take over the race lead. Chad Palmer tucked in behind Shipman on the restart, but Palmer would lose the position as Opheim got under him coming out of turn four coming to the checkers. Travis Shipman took home the win, Opheim second, Palmer third, Wickman fourth, and Cory Oftedahl rounded out the top five. Points leader David Smith appeared to struggle all night with speed as he finished seventh.
Stacey Mills used the pole position to his advantage as he grabbed the lead early in the IMCA modified feature. Rob Hughes made his way to second and remained in Mills' tire tracks until the caution waved on lap five. Clayton Christensen tried the top line of the track as most cars were using the bottom. Things didn't work out well for him as Randy Brands got by him on the low side. Brands would continue his march to the front as he got inside of Hughes for second a few laps later. Hughes would lose a couple more spots as Christensen and Ryan Watnem got by. Brands appeared to cut into the lead in the closing laps, but the gap was too big as Stacy Mills grabbed the checkers first. Randy Brands was second, Clayton Christensen third, Eric Dailey jumped up to grab fourth, and Ryan Ruter completed the top five.
Normally this would conclude the night's racing in Algona, but tonight mechanic's races were held. A few of the cars even appeared to be going faster then what the regular driver was going earlier in the night.
Promoter Joe Ringsdorf kept the show moving along at a quick pace. A 360 modified bmain was scheduled to take place, but beings a few drivers didn't answer the call, the cars that did make their way to the track filled up the allotted cars to transfer to the feature. No laps were run and they were lined up accordingly. The only "downtime" was during driver interviews.
I had a fun time in Algona. Got to see racers that I don't normally get to see race on a track that I don't get to very often. I'm hopeful to make a return sometime before the end of the season.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Donnellson Avoids Mother Nature, Aikey Takes Top Prize
My plan for Friday night was to go to Marshalltown as I hadn't been there since the USMTS show back on May 20th. Unfortunately the weather didn't look too promising, so I made a last minute decision (literally) and made the long tow south to Donnellson. After going 4 1/2 hours to the northwest the previous night, Friday's night trip would amount to about 3 1/2 hours to the southeast. Take about a trip across the state! Turns out the racing action would be top notch as the track stayed in great shape throughout the night. Tonight's action also included the IMCA late models, which would be my first time seeing them on the fast 3/8 mile track.
The IMCA late models would be the first feature to hit the track as twenty-three cars set to do battle. Thad Trump redrew the pole position to pace the field to the green and would take the early lead. Justin Reed and Adam Helmick battled it out behind him for second in the early going with Reed securing the spot a couple laps later. Jeff Aikey soon made his way to the front as he challenged Reed for his second spot, but he soon disposed of Reed and set his sights on Trump. Aikey ripped the lead away on lap seven while Reed followed him to second, bumping Trump back to third. Two laps later Boone McLaughlin continued his charge to the front as he took the third position away from Trump. Another strong contender everywhere he goes, Mark Burgtorf had his car working well on the top side as he worked his way up to fourth around Trump at the halfway point of the race.
Aikey would slowly pull away from Reed and the rest of the pack, but Reed received pressure from McLaughlin as McLaughlin grabbed second away with ten laps to go. Reed would later lose another spot as Burgtorf took over the third spot three laps later. In the end, however, nobody had enough to challenge Jeff Aikey as he motored to the win. Boone McLaughlin took home second, Denny Woodworth snuck up through the field to get third, Mark Burgtorf was fourth, and Justin Reed rounded out the top five. I hadn't noticed Woodworth's progress throughout the race as I assumed he was a lapped car.
Up next would be the IMCA stock cars. A good field of nineteen cars were on hand tonight as they battled it out for fifteen laps. The battle started right at the drop of the green flag as a multi-car pileup occurred before a lap could be completed. None of the cars received major damage and would be able to continue. When the green flag waved, cars battled three wide for about the fifth spot in turn two before they completed the first lap, proving what great condition the track was in. Four laps into the race, Corey Strothman got into the back of John Oliver Jr. coming out of turn four to bring out the caution flag. Both drivers were solidly in the top five, but unfortunately Strothman's night would end there as he couldn't make repairs in time to make it back out.
Jeff Mueller was determined to make his way to the front as he powered his car from the tenth starting spot up to third in just five quick laps. He wouldn't stop there as he passed both cars ahead of him to take over the race lead two laps later as he clung to the bottom side of the track in turn two to make the pass. Ironically race leader Chris Wibbell had been running the bottom groove at the time, but moved up for reason to the top side the following lap that enabled Mueller to make his pass. Jason Cook was also on the move towards the front as he took over the fourth spot with six laps to go. Nobody was able to challenge Jeff Mueller in the end though as he took home the trophy. Abe Huls finished second, Jason Cook got by Chris Wibbell for third and fourth, respectively, and Doug Huls rounded out the top five.
A strong field of twenty-five IMCA modifieds were on hand to put on a show for the fans. Lonnie Heap jumped out front from the pole with Rob Kirchner right behind him. Brandon Rothzen was quickly on the prowl as he motored up to third three laps in. Behind him Michael Long maneuvered his machine from eleventh up to fourth. Unfortunately both Long and Rothzen would later suffer mechanical problems and be forced out of the race. Heap would continue to lead until Wyatt Lantz set sail on the top side to get around Heap for the lead. Perennial contender Rich Smith would also get by Heap for second, but would soon lose that position to Josh Foster as Foster found the high side to his liking. Another driver making his way through the pack was Tyler Cale. Cale started sixteenth, but found himself up in fourth with four laps to go. He would gain two more spots late in the race as Foster clipped the turn two wall that forced Heap to hit the brakes behind him. But up front Wyatt Lantz went home with the win. Cale was second, Foster third, Heap fourth, and Adam Birck rounded out the top five.
The hobby stocks had a rough start to their fifteen lap feature. Jeremy Pundt looked as though he would grab the lead on the first lap, but his car snapped lose in turn three. Before he could regain control, the field was on top of him resulting in a nine-car incident. The restart also provided more havoc as Dean Kratzer's machine got sideways coming out of turn two that also collected three cars. Beings no laps had been completed yet, track officials decided to have the field start in single file formation.
Pundt would take advantage of this situation to grab the lead early, but Matt Tucker quickly snagged the top spot away on the next circuit. Behind him Dan Wenig made his way up to second after starting eighth and set his sights on the leader. Point leader Derek St. Clair started twelfth and quickly powered his car up to the third spot at the half way point. With five laps to go, race leader Matt Tucker had his car get a little loose coming out of turn four . Dan Wenig had nowhere to go and made just enough contact to make Tucker's car spin towards the infield. To Tucker's credit, he kept the car moving as to not bring out the caution, but it also enabled Wenig to take home the checkers. Derek St. Clair followed him across the line in second, Jim Lynch was third, Jeremy Pundt fourth, and Jim Oliver Jr. rounded out the top five. Wenig was very classy in his post race interview as he quickly apologized to Matt Tucker for the contact.
IMCA sportmods took to the track next for their fifteen lap main event. Rod Staats took the lead early, but Paul Lawson would stay within striking distance. Lawson mounted a charge for the lead, but drifted high in turn three to lose ground. Jason Cook made his way up to fourth at the midway point of the race as Rodger Dresden battled Higdon for second with five laps to go. Lawson would keep Dresden at bay and close in on the race leader once again, but it was Rod Staats taking home the win in a close finish. Paul Lawson was second, Rodger Dresden third, Jason Cook fourth, and Phillip Cossel rounded out the top five.
The wild thing four cylinder cars finished the night off with a twelve lap feature. Chris Loring Jr took command of the race on lap two and never looked back as he took home the win. I was amazed that they had nineteen of these cars as "back home" we rarely see even a field of ten cars.
While the show did run a bit long, the racing action more then made up for it. I told fellow PositivelyRacing.com blogger Jeff Broeg that I wish the Donnellson track was a lot closer as every time I've been to that track, I've always gone home knowing I had seen a good show. It was also nice to hear his voice as he announced some of the racing action. I'd like to thank him and promoter Terry Hoenig for their hospitality.
Sounds like next week's show will be another good one as it will be the Doug Townsend Memorial race. The IMCA modifieds will be racing for a top prize of $1,000. If you're in the area, you won't be disappointed in what you see at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
The IMCA late models would be the first feature to hit the track as twenty-three cars set to do battle. Thad Trump redrew the pole position to pace the field to the green and would take the early lead. Justin Reed and Adam Helmick battled it out behind him for second in the early going with Reed securing the spot a couple laps later. Jeff Aikey soon made his way to the front as he challenged Reed for his second spot, but he soon disposed of Reed and set his sights on Trump. Aikey ripped the lead away on lap seven while Reed followed him to second, bumping Trump back to third. Two laps later Boone McLaughlin continued his charge to the front as he took the third position away from Trump. Another strong contender everywhere he goes, Mark Burgtorf had his car working well on the top side as he worked his way up to fourth around Trump at the halfway point of the race.
Aikey would slowly pull away from Reed and the rest of the pack, but Reed received pressure from McLaughlin as McLaughlin grabbed second away with ten laps to go. Reed would later lose another spot as Burgtorf took over the third spot three laps later. In the end, however, nobody had enough to challenge Jeff Aikey as he motored to the win. Boone McLaughlin took home second, Denny Woodworth snuck up through the field to get third, Mark Burgtorf was fourth, and Justin Reed rounded out the top five. I hadn't noticed Woodworth's progress throughout the race as I assumed he was a lapped car.
Up next would be the IMCA stock cars. A good field of nineteen cars were on hand tonight as they battled it out for fifteen laps. The battle started right at the drop of the green flag as a multi-car pileup occurred before a lap could be completed. None of the cars received major damage and would be able to continue. When the green flag waved, cars battled three wide for about the fifth spot in turn two before they completed the first lap, proving what great condition the track was in. Four laps into the race, Corey Strothman got into the back of John Oliver Jr. coming out of turn four to bring out the caution flag. Both drivers were solidly in the top five, but unfortunately Strothman's night would end there as he couldn't make repairs in time to make it back out.
Jeff Mueller was determined to make his way to the front as he powered his car from the tenth starting spot up to third in just five quick laps. He wouldn't stop there as he passed both cars ahead of him to take over the race lead two laps later as he clung to the bottom side of the track in turn two to make the pass. Ironically race leader Chris Wibbell had been running the bottom groove at the time, but moved up for reason to the top side the following lap that enabled Mueller to make his pass. Jason Cook was also on the move towards the front as he took over the fourth spot with six laps to go. Nobody was able to challenge Jeff Mueller in the end though as he took home the trophy. Abe Huls finished second, Jason Cook got by Chris Wibbell for third and fourth, respectively, and Doug Huls rounded out the top five.
A strong field of twenty-five IMCA modifieds were on hand to put on a show for the fans. Lonnie Heap jumped out front from the pole with Rob Kirchner right behind him. Brandon Rothzen was quickly on the prowl as he motored up to third three laps in. Behind him Michael Long maneuvered his machine from eleventh up to fourth. Unfortunately both Long and Rothzen would later suffer mechanical problems and be forced out of the race. Heap would continue to lead until Wyatt Lantz set sail on the top side to get around Heap for the lead. Perennial contender Rich Smith would also get by Heap for second, but would soon lose that position to Josh Foster as Foster found the high side to his liking. Another driver making his way through the pack was Tyler Cale. Cale started sixteenth, but found himself up in fourth with four laps to go. He would gain two more spots late in the race as Foster clipped the turn two wall that forced Heap to hit the brakes behind him. But up front Wyatt Lantz went home with the win. Cale was second, Foster third, Heap fourth, and Adam Birck rounded out the top five.
The hobby stocks had a rough start to their fifteen lap feature. Jeremy Pundt looked as though he would grab the lead on the first lap, but his car snapped lose in turn three. Before he could regain control, the field was on top of him resulting in a nine-car incident. The restart also provided more havoc as Dean Kratzer's machine got sideways coming out of turn two that also collected three cars. Beings no laps had been completed yet, track officials decided to have the field start in single file formation.
Pundt would take advantage of this situation to grab the lead early, but Matt Tucker quickly snagged the top spot away on the next circuit. Behind him Dan Wenig made his way up to second after starting eighth and set his sights on the leader. Point leader Derek St. Clair started twelfth and quickly powered his car up to the third spot at the half way point. With five laps to go, race leader Matt Tucker had his car get a little loose coming out of turn four . Dan Wenig had nowhere to go and made just enough contact to make Tucker's car spin towards the infield. To Tucker's credit, he kept the car moving as to not bring out the caution, but it also enabled Wenig to take home the checkers. Derek St. Clair followed him across the line in second, Jim Lynch was third, Jeremy Pundt fourth, and Jim Oliver Jr. rounded out the top five. Wenig was very classy in his post race interview as he quickly apologized to Matt Tucker for the contact.
IMCA sportmods took to the track next for their fifteen lap main event. Rod Staats took the lead early, but Paul Lawson would stay within striking distance. Lawson mounted a charge for the lead, but drifted high in turn three to lose ground. Jason Cook made his way up to fourth at the midway point of the race as Rodger Dresden battled Higdon for second with five laps to go. Lawson would keep Dresden at bay and close in on the race leader once again, but it was Rod Staats taking home the win in a close finish. Paul Lawson was second, Rodger Dresden third, Jason Cook fourth, and Phillip Cossel rounded out the top five.
The wild thing four cylinder cars finished the night off with a twelve lap feature. Chris Loring Jr took command of the race on lap two and never looked back as he took home the win. I was amazed that they had nineteen of these cars as "back home" we rarely see even a field of ten cars.
While the show did run a bit long, the racing action more then made up for it. I told fellow PositivelyRacing.com blogger Jeff Broeg that I wish the Donnellson track was a lot closer as every time I've been to that track, I've always gone home knowing I had seen a good show. It was also nice to hear his voice as he announced some of the racing action. I'd like to thank him and promoter Terry Hoenig for their hospitality.
Sounds like next week's show will be another good one as it will be the Doug Townsend Memorial race. The IMCA modifieds will be racing for a top prize of $1,000. If you're in the area, you won't be disappointed in what you see at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Simpson and Boeckman Take Wins at Sioux Speedway Opener
On Thursday night, June 11th, I made the lengthy trip up to the Sioux Speedway in Sioux Center, Iowa. The four and a half hour trip each way resulted in a pretty good turn out of cars for the "9:1 Nationals", highlighted by bmods and hobbies stocks. Stock cars would also be on the card.
Upon arrival I noticed a new building on the fairgrounds. I went to the facility's last race back in September, so this building is new since then. It is a big improvement for the ticket booth as well as concession stand for the track. I'm sure it will be used for other things as the building is good sized.
A field of thirty-one hobby stocks were narrowed down to twenty-four for the feature that saw Andy Boeckman jump out to the lead early on from his outside front row start. Rusty Montagne followed suit right behind Boeckman, keeping pace with the leader. A few laps into the race, third place driver Kyle Robinson jumped the cushion in turn three that allowed both Chad Krug and Justin Nehring to slip by.
Robinson's luck would get worse as he got high again coming out of turn four and smacked the tires outside of turn four, thrusting his car to the inside and would eventually start to roll. Cars behind him had nowhere to go, including Merle Bass and Josh Peters. Bass would come to a stop next to Robinson's car. Robinson's impact with the tires was so forceful that the entire rearend of his car came out and was sitting next to the car. Fortunately all drivers walked away.
After the lengthy red flag was removed and the caution came back out, Rusty Montagne's car would not refire and would be pushed to the pits. He would later get it refired just before the restart, but had to tag the tail. This put Chad Krug on Boeckman's rear bumper, but Boeckman had no problems holding him at bay the rest of the race on his way to the checkers. Justin Nehring got by Krug on the last lap to take second and third, respectively. Justin Luinenburg and Paul Wenzlaff rounded out the top five.
Next up would be the thirteen car stock car feature. The tires in turn four would get another visit as three cars were involved in another violent accident on the first lap. Troy Woelber, Derrick Barglof, and Mike Jergens found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time as both Barglof's and Jergens' cars wound up rolling down the front stretch. Jergens' car appeared to take the heaviest impact, but fortunately all drivers again walked away.
When the green flag came back out, Tom McKenzie took command from the pole. He would receive constant pressure from Jeff Larson and Elijah Zevenbergen the rest of the race. But McKenzie was able to hold them off as he took the win by about three car lengths at the finish. Larson was second, Zevenbergen third, Curt Van Beek fourth, and Chris Palsrock rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the bmods. Youngster Tyler Olson set the pace early from his outside front row start, but Jake Simpson quickly closed the gap to reach his rear bumper. Simpson tried to make a move several times, but Olson was able to keep his car out front until just passed the half way mark when his car slid up the banking in turn three. Simpson didn't hesitate and darted to the inside to grab the lead. Simpson slowly pulled away to take home the final checkers of the night. Olson finished second, Tim Wilcox was third, Mark Vanden Top fourth, and Harvey Vande Weerd rounded out the top five. Vande Weerd appeared to have won heat race number three, but apparently was a little light at the scales and had to start shotgun on the field.
It was good to see a good car count for last night's show. I attended two nights of racing last year at Sioux Speedway and the car count wasn't as good. Unfortunately there were a lot of torn up cars. I'm just glad that all drivers came out okay and no injuries were reported. One thing I didn't like was the fact that apparently the announcers weren't given lineups for the heat races. They tried to give out driver names after seeing cars on the track, and some of the time had trouble seeing the numbers. Hopefully next time the scorers or other track officials can get them the lineups so they don't have to rely on their eyes to see who's out there as they come out on the track.
The lengthy trip home was a bit difficult at times, but I finally made it home right about 3:30am. I didn't have enough energy to write my blog when I got home like I normally do. Sioux Speedway's next race will be July 15th during the Sioux County Youth Fair. Be sure to get out and support the track if you're from that area.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Upon arrival I noticed a new building on the fairgrounds. I went to the facility's last race back in September, so this building is new since then. It is a big improvement for the ticket booth as well as concession stand for the track. I'm sure it will be used for other things as the building is good sized.
A field of thirty-one hobby stocks were narrowed down to twenty-four for the feature that saw Andy Boeckman jump out to the lead early on from his outside front row start. Rusty Montagne followed suit right behind Boeckman, keeping pace with the leader. A few laps into the race, third place driver Kyle Robinson jumped the cushion in turn three that allowed both Chad Krug and Justin Nehring to slip by.
Robinson's luck would get worse as he got high again coming out of turn four and smacked the tires outside of turn four, thrusting his car to the inside and would eventually start to roll. Cars behind him had nowhere to go, including Merle Bass and Josh Peters. Bass would come to a stop next to Robinson's car. Robinson's impact with the tires was so forceful that the entire rearend of his car came out and was sitting next to the car. Fortunately all drivers walked away.
After the lengthy red flag was removed and the caution came back out, Rusty Montagne's car would not refire and would be pushed to the pits. He would later get it refired just before the restart, but had to tag the tail. This put Chad Krug on Boeckman's rear bumper, but Boeckman had no problems holding him at bay the rest of the race on his way to the checkers. Justin Nehring got by Krug on the last lap to take second and third, respectively. Justin Luinenburg and Paul Wenzlaff rounded out the top five.
Next up would be the thirteen car stock car feature. The tires in turn four would get another visit as three cars were involved in another violent accident on the first lap. Troy Woelber, Derrick Barglof, and Mike Jergens found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time as both Barglof's and Jergens' cars wound up rolling down the front stretch. Jergens' car appeared to take the heaviest impact, but fortunately all drivers again walked away.
When the green flag came back out, Tom McKenzie took command from the pole. He would receive constant pressure from Jeff Larson and Elijah Zevenbergen the rest of the race. But McKenzie was able to hold them off as he took the win by about three car lengths at the finish. Larson was second, Zevenbergen third, Curt Van Beek fourth, and Chris Palsrock rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the bmods. Youngster Tyler Olson set the pace early from his outside front row start, but Jake Simpson quickly closed the gap to reach his rear bumper. Simpson tried to make a move several times, but Olson was able to keep his car out front until just passed the half way mark when his car slid up the banking in turn three. Simpson didn't hesitate and darted to the inside to grab the lead. Simpson slowly pulled away to take home the final checkers of the night. Olson finished second, Tim Wilcox was third, Mark Vanden Top fourth, and Harvey Vande Weerd rounded out the top five. Vande Weerd appeared to have won heat race number three, but apparently was a little light at the scales and had to start shotgun on the field.
It was good to see a good car count for last night's show. I attended two nights of racing last year at Sioux Speedway and the car count wasn't as good. Unfortunately there were a lot of torn up cars. I'm just glad that all drivers came out okay and no injuries were reported. One thing I didn't like was the fact that apparently the announcers weren't given lineups for the heat races. They tried to give out driver names after seeing cars on the track, and some of the time had trouble seeing the numbers. Hopefully next time the scorers or other track officials can get them the lineups so they don't have to rely on their eyes to see who's out there as they come out on the track.
The lengthy trip home was a bit difficult at times, but I finally made it home right about 3:30am. I didn't have enough energy to write my blog when I got home like I normally do. Sioux Speedway's next race will be July 15th during the Sioux County Youth Fair. Be sure to get out and support the track if you're from that area.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Carter Takes Home Bmod Special Honors
Wednesday, June 10th, marked the second trip to Oskaloosa for me this season. Tonight's action would be highlighted by the bmod class as they raced for a $700 top prize. Tonight would also be kids' night, so kids were able to ride with their favorite hobby stock or stock car drivers around the track before the races and then picked up some candy and money during intermission. Overcast skies and very little wind meant the track would stay tacky all night long, providing a lot of fierce racing competition.
The first feature to hit the track would be the USRA hobby stocks. Nineteen cars made the call, but a couple early cautions prevented the field from completing many laps. When the green stayed out, Kris Walker grabbed the early advantage while Steve Allen settled in behind in his new hotrod. Nathan Wood, last week's feature winner, started tenth on the grid and quickly made a charge towards the front as he passed three cars in two laps to take over the runner up spot. He would not stay there very long as he set his sights on Walker. The two exchanged the lead for a few short laps before Wood grabbed the lead with four laps to go. Wood distanced himself from the pack as he took home the win. Donovan Nunnikhoven was driving Mark Moor's car and would finish in second as both he and Dale Porter got by Kris Walker on the last corner coming to the checkers. Walker finished in fourth and Steve Allen rounded out the top five. Bobby Greene was involved in one of the early cautions and battled his way back up to finish sixth.
Thirteen USRA modifieds checked in tonight a shot at taking home a trophy. Josh Truman set the pace early on from outside the front row. After an early restart, Truman's car slid up the track in turn one that allowed Zach VanderBeek to get under him to take over the lead. Brad Pinkerton found the high side to his liking as he powered his car to the outside of Truman to make the pass for second on the next circuit. Last week's feature winner Steve Stewart made heavy contact with the turn one fence on lap five that halted action momentarily. Stewart would be okay. On the ensuing restart, Colt Mather muscled his machine to the inside of Truman off turn four and made contact. Both cars were sideways at one point, but Mather regained control and kept his position on the track. Truman was not so fortunate as he dropped several spots and would eventually retire to the pits. The race up front remained the same, but Mather reeled in Scott Dickey for third place and made a slidejob work in his favor. Ron VerBeek would later get by Dickey to secure the fourth spot, but tonight belonged to Zach VanderBeek. Pinkerton, Mather, VerBeek, and Dickey rounded out the top five.
Shane Weller used his outside front row start to take the early lead in the USRA stock car feature. He and Brian Mitrisin were pulling away from the rest of the eleven car field until the caution flag waved on lap eight. On the restart, Mitrisin apparently dropped his drive shaft and coincidentally Mike VanGenderen ran over it and smacked the wall hard in turn one. VanGenderen had no where to go as he was lined up right behind Mitrisin on the double-file restart alignment, but both cars would be retired for the night. From there Shane Weller made it look easy as he took home the checkers. Matt Greiner, Zach VanderBeek, and Corey Stout finished second through fourth, respectively. Matt Fox crossed the line in fifth, but apparently was disqualified for an illegal carburetor. Those five were the only ones left running at the finish, so not sure who finished fifth officially.
The finale of the night would be the eighteen lap USRA bmod feature. Only twenty of the twenty-four cars were able to take the green flag, but that didn't stop Drew Lawson from grabbing the lead early from his pole start. A couple early cautions slowed the event, and it would be one restart too many for Lawson as he went into turn one a little too fast and jumped the cushion. To his credit, he never slowed down as the car hit the wall. He basically "rode the wall" the entire way around turn two, but his machine would come to a stop on the exit of turn four to end his night. Cayden Carter would inherit the lead and close the book soon thereafter as he pulled away for the convincing win. Kevin Fee and Tyler Groenendyk battled for the second spot with Fee getting the edge at the finish. Carter VandenBerg and Andrew Schroeder rounded out the top five.
It was a pretty good night of racing tonight in Oskaloosa. There were a few more cars torn up then I'm used to seeing, but that's part of the game when the track is tacky as it was tonight. It should be noted that Cayden Carter is merely 14 years old. Carter seems to step up his game every time extra money is on the line at the Southern Iowa Speedway, and tonight was no different. I think it's safe to say that the sport is in good hands with youngsters like him, Carter VandenBerg, and Andrew Schroeder.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
The first feature to hit the track would be the USRA hobby stocks. Nineteen cars made the call, but a couple early cautions prevented the field from completing many laps. When the green stayed out, Kris Walker grabbed the early advantage while Steve Allen settled in behind in his new hotrod. Nathan Wood, last week's feature winner, started tenth on the grid and quickly made a charge towards the front as he passed three cars in two laps to take over the runner up spot. He would not stay there very long as he set his sights on Walker. The two exchanged the lead for a few short laps before Wood grabbed the lead with four laps to go. Wood distanced himself from the pack as he took home the win. Donovan Nunnikhoven was driving Mark Moor's car and would finish in second as both he and Dale Porter got by Kris Walker on the last corner coming to the checkers. Walker finished in fourth and Steve Allen rounded out the top five. Bobby Greene was involved in one of the early cautions and battled his way back up to finish sixth.
Thirteen USRA modifieds checked in tonight a shot at taking home a trophy. Josh Truman set the pace early on from outside the front row. After an early restart, Truman's car slid up the track in turn one that allowed Zach VanderBeek to get under him to take over the lead. Brad Pinkerton found the high side to his liking as he powered his car to the outside of Truman to make the pass for second on the next circuit. Last week's feature winner Steve Stewart made heavy contact with the turn one fence on lap five that halted action momentarily. Stewart would be okay. On the ensuing restart, Colt Mather muscled his machine to the inside of Truman off turn four and made contact. Both cars were sideways at one point, but Mather regained control and kept his position on the track. Truman was not so fortunate as he dropped several spots and would eventually retire to the pits. The race up front remained the same, but Mather reeled in Scott Dickey for third place and made a slidejob work in his favor. Ron VerBeek would later get by Dickey to secure the fourth spot, but tonight belonged to Zach VanderBeek. Pinkerton, Mather, VerBeek, and Dickey rounded out the top five.
Shane Weller used his outside front row start to take the early lead in the USRA stock car feature. He and Brian Mitrisin were pulling away from the rest of the eleven car field until the caution flag waved on lap eight. On the restart, Mitrisin apparently dropped his drive shaft and coincidentally Mike VanGenderen ran over it and smacked the wall hard in turn one. VanGenderen had no where to go as he was lined up right behind Mitrisin on the double-file restart alignment, but both cars would be retired for the night. From there Shane Weller made it look easy as he took home the checkers. Matt Greiner, Zach VanderBeek, and Corey Stout finished second through fourth, respectively. Matt Fox crossed the line in fifth, but apparently was disqualified for an illegal carburetor. Those five were the only ones left running at the finish, so not sure who finished fifth officially.
The finale of the night would be the eighteen lap USRA bmod feature. Only twenty of the twenty-four cars were able to take the green flag, but that didn't stop Drew Lawson from grabbing the lead early from his pole start. A couple early cautions slowed the event, and it would be one restart too many for Lawson as he went into turn one a little too fast and jumped the cushion. To his credit, he never slowed down as the car hit the wall. He basically "rode the wall" the entire way around turn two, but his machine would come to a stop on the exit of turn four to end his night. Cayden Carter would inherit the lead and close the book soon thereafter as he pulled away for the convincing win. Kevin Fee and Tyler Groenendyk battled for the second spot with Fee getting the edge at the finish. Carter VandenBerg and Andrew Schroeder rounded out the top five.
It was a pretty good night of racing tonight in Oskaloosa. There were a few more cars torn up then I'm used to seeing, but that's part of the game when the track is tacky as it was tonight. It should be noted that Cayden Carter is merely 14 years old. Carter seems to step up his game every time extra money is on the line at the Southern Iowa Speedway, and tonight was no different. I think it's safe to say that the sport is in good hands with youngsters like him, Carter VandenBerg, and Andrew Schroeder.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Hahne Wins Second Feature in as Many Weeks
With rain forecasted for much of the day on Saturday, June 6th, things looked dismal to find a race to attend tonight. However, things looked okay for the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, so I made the venture that way for kids' night. Kids' night is one thing I wish they would have had back when I was growing up. Would have been cool to get to ride with my favorite driver, but that's not the point of this blog. Haha.
I think the overcast skies and threat of rain kept some drivers away, but the field of cars that did show up put on a good show for the fans on a very tacky racetrack. Gary Carlson paced the field of four IMCA sport compacts on the first lap, but Gary Peiffer would take the top spot away with two laps to go to take home the win.
Roger Haupt Jr set the pace early on in the IMCA hobby stock feature. One of Haupt's sponsors, Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion, was the title sponsor of the night. Haupt Jr's lead disappeared when T.J. Mortenson caught him and passed him in a matter of a split second. Mortenson's car was definitely on a rail tonight as he continually extended his lead every lap. Behind him three cars battled for the third spot as Justin Ades, Andy Jones, and Matt Bonin tried to keep pace. Ades would take command of the third spot just after the halfway point and set his sights on Haupt Jr for second. Haupt Jr. was able to hold him off at the end as both drivers could barely see the race winner Mortenson. Andy Jones was fourth and Matt Bonin rounded out the top five.
Dave Hubbard took command of the stock car feature at the drop of the green flag. Mike Weimann and Jeremy Ades battled it out for the runner up spot early on while Reid Keller would join the pack four laps into the race. Weimann would nail down the second spot while Keller also made the pass by Ades to move into third. A short time later Ades slipped back another spot as Curt Hook motored by. Keller would not settle for third as he mounted a charge at Weimann and made the pass on lap six. Keller slowly began to close in on the race leader Hubbard as the laps were winding down. Behind the front two cars, Curt Hook challenged Weimann for the third spot and would eventually take it away. But it would be Dave Hubbard leading all fifteen laps on his way to victory lane. Keller finished a strong second, Hook was third, Weimann fourth, and Jason Minnehan rounded out the top five.
Up next would be the IMCA sportmods. Kevin Sather grabbed the lead away from Greg Simmons on lap two and immediately began to distance himself from the rest of the field. Matt Lettow made his way up to challenge Simmons for second four laps in, but that battle went on for several laps. While that battle was taking place, Sather was able to put it on cruise control to take home the win by nearly a straight away. Lettow got by Simmons with six laps to go to take home second, Simmons finished third, Bob Sutherland was fourth, and Brandon Toftee rounded out the top five.
Only five IMCA modifieds checked into tonight's racing action. I'm not really sure as to why the count has been dropping as of late, but hopefully things turn around in the near future. Scott Olson jumped out to the early lead as Mark Elliott fell in line behind him. Olson's car would slide up the banking in turn two, allowing Elliott to sneak by under him and grab the top spot away. From that point on, Elliott had as easy time on his way to the win. Justin Sackett made his first appearance at the speedway and came home with a solid second place run. Mike Bennett, Scott Olson, and Jim Hoyle rounded out the field.
A pair of rookies paced the field of IMCA late models to the green flag. Carey Umbarger and Scott Anderson set the pace early, but a four-car pileup behind them in turn four occurred before a lap could be completed. That incident took out point leader Todd Cooney along with Kyle Wahlert and Mike Pederson. Scott Anderson would grab the lead on lap one before another major accident happened in turn two. Craig Robert's car spun towards the inside, collecting Darrel DeFrance's machine and also sent Riley Larson's car into a rollover. Fortunately all drivers were okay, but their cars suffered a lot of damage.
Jason Hahne took advantage of the restart as he powered his car to the outside of Anderson to take command of the race. One lap later Al Johnson would also get by Anderson to move into second place. After a caution on lap eight, Hahne and Johnson separated themselves from the pack to make it a two-horse race for the lead. The leaders caught lapped traffic late in the race as Hahne had to slow up coming out of turn two with three laps to go that appeared to give Johnson the lead. Hahne would hit his marks on the outside groove though and retake the lead as they came to the white flag. Hahne opened up a comfortable lead on the last lap to take home the hard-fought win. Johnson settled for second, Ben Nading got by Scott Anderson on the last lap to snag third while Craig Roberts completed the top five.
Mother Nature held off for the night as races were done just before 10:00. Kids' car rides to start the night off delayed the start of the races, but things moved along at a quick pace the rest of the night. A twenty minute intermission was used to have a candy and nickel toss for the kids as well. The first four features were run without a caution, so that helped speed the show along as well.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
I think the overcast skies and threat of rain kept some drivers away, but the field of cars that did show up put on a good show for the fans on a very tacky racetrack. Gary Carlson paced the field of four IMCA sport compacts on the first lap, but Gary Peiffer would take the top spot away with two laps to go to take home the win.
Roger Haupt Jr set the pace early on in the IMCA hobby stock feature. One of Haupt's sponsors, Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion, was the title sponsor of the night. Haupt Jr's lead disappeared when T.J. Mortenson caught him and passed him in a matter of a split second. Mortenson's car was definitely on a rail tonight as he continually extended his lead every lap. Behind him three cars battled for the third spot as Justin Ades, Andy Jones, and Matt Bonin tried to keep pace. Ades would take command of the third spot just after the halfway point and set his sights on Haupt Jr for second. Haupt Jr. was able to hold him off at the end as both drivers could barely see the race winner Mortenson. Andy Jones was fourth and Matt Bonin rounded out the top five.
Dave Hubbard took command of the stock car feature at the drop of the green flag. Mike Weimann and Jeremy Ades battled it out for the runner up spot early on while Reid Keller would join the pack four laps into the race. Weimann would nail down the second spot while Keller also made the pass by Ades to move into third. A short time later Ades slipped back another spot as Curt Hook motored by. Keller would not settle for third as he mounted a charge at Weimann and made the pass on lap six. Keller slowly began to close in on the race leader Hubbard as the laps were winding down. Behind the front two cars, Curt Hook challenged Weimann for the third spot and would eventually take it away. But it would be Dave Hubbard leading all fifteen laps on his way to victory lane. Keller finished a strong second, Hook was third, Weimann fourth, and Jason Minnehan rounded out the top five.
Up next would be the IMCA sportmods. Kevin Sather grabbed the lead away from Greg Simmons on lap two and immediately began to distance himself from the rest of the field. Matt Lettow made his way up to challenge Simmons for second four laps in, but that battle went on for several laps. While that battle was taking place, Sather was able to put it on cruise control to take home the win by nearly a straight away. Lettow got by Simmons with six laps to go to take home second, Simmons finished third, Bob Sutherland was fourth, and Brandon Toftee rounded out the top five.
Only five IMCA modifieds checked into tonight's racing action. I'm not really sure as to why the count has been dropping as of late, but hopefully things turn around in the near future. Scott Olson jumped out to the early lead as Mark Elliott fell in line behind him. Olson's car would slide up the banking in turn two, allowing Elliott to sneak by under him and grab the top spot away. From that point on, Elliott had as easy time on his way to the win. Justin Sackett made his first appearance at the speedway and came home with a solid second place run. Mike Bennett, Scott Olson, and Jim Hoyle rounded out the field.
A pair of rookies paced the field of IMCA late models to the green flag. Carey Umbarger and Scott Anderson set the pace early, but a four-car pileup behind them in turn four occurred before a lap could be completed. That incident took out point leader Todd Cooney along with Kyle Wahlert and Mike Pederson. Scott Anderson would grab the lead on lap one before another major accident happened in turn two. Craig Robert's car spun towards the inside, collecting Darrel DeFrance's machine and also sent Riley Larson's car into a rollover. Fortunately all drivers were okay, but their cars suffered a lot of damage.
Jason Hahne took advantage of the restart as he powered his car to the outside of Anderson to take command of the race. One lap later Al Johnson would also get by Anderson to move into second place. After a caution on lap eight, Hahne and Johnson separated themselves from the pack to make it a two-horse race for the lead. The leaders caught lapped traffic late in the race as Hahne had to slow up coming out of turn two with three laps to go that appeared to give Johnson the lead. Hahne would hit his marks on the outside groove though and retake the lead as they came to the white flag. Hahne opened up a comfortable lead on the last lap to take home the hard-fought win. Johnson settled for second, Ben Nading got by Scott Anderson on the last lap to snag third while Craig Roberts completed the top five.
Mother Nature held off for the night as races were done just before 10:00. Kids' car rides to start the night off delayed the start of the races, but things moved along at a quick pace the rest of the night. A twenty minute intermission was used to have a candy and nickel toss for the kids as well. The first four features were run without a caution, so that helped speed the show along as well.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Roberts Sails to Easy Win in Late Model Action at Fort Dodge
Friday night, June 5th, marked the 30th different track I've visited so far this year as I made my way to the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge. Tonight's racing action had a special treat as the IMCA late models made an appearance.
The feature action started off with the hornet class. Nine cars made the call for the green flag that saw Dustin Haggard grab the lead early and stroll to the easy win. Six econo stocks were next as Adam Suhrbier jumped out front in the early going. He would soon be challenged by Josh Niemand as Niemand powered his #2EZ machine to the outside on lap three. A late caution bunched the field up, but Niemand held the competition at bay as he took home top honors.
The hobby stocks got off to a slow start as the caution flag waved a couple times before the first lap could be completed. The third time was the charm for Andy Jones as he raced to the lead. Jones originally started eighth, but the early cautions involved some of the drivers starting up front. Jones would receive heavy pressure from traveler Jeremy Auten and Brad Ratcliff. Ratcliff tried to maneuver his car to the inside, but his car pushed up the track in turn three and barely grazed the left side of Auten's car, resulting in Ratcliff's machine spinning around. No caution flag was thrown, but the contact slowed Auten's attempt at the race lead as Andy Jones went home with the trophy. Jeremy Auten was second, Jeff Lyon was third, Kevin Berger fourth, and Kevin Schmauss rounded out the top five.
After watching Andy Jones lead wire to wire, Doug Bartles would try to do the same in the bmod feature as he jumped out front early on. He saw his lead increase every lap over Scott Forbes and Brandon Leeman until the caution came out as the field was coming to the white flag. Forbes tried to make a move, but he efforts came up short as Doug Bartles grabbed the checkers first. Scott Forbes finished second from the pole, Brandon Leeman finished third, Eric Puhrmann was fourth, and Bob Sutherland charged up to fifth after starting twelfth.
Only ten stock cars were on hand tonight, but their feature was one of the two more entertaining for the fans. Randy Biederman would lead the first lap, but Dave Hubbard and Matt Mundt were glued to his rear bumper from the start. Jason Minnehan quickly joined the top three and made it three-wide for the second spot momentarily. Mundt would pull ahead to secure the second spot for the time being, but a lap later he ducked to the inside of Biederman to take over the top spot. Soon six cars were on top of each other up front that saw Minnehan advance to second and Jeff Deal to third. Mundt's car would later slide up the banking in turn three that allowed Minnehan to dart to the inside for the lead. Behind him Deal powered his machine past Mundt for second and challenge Minnehan for the lead on the last lap. Minnehan's car was too strong off turn four as he took home the hard-fought win. Jeff Deal would finish second, Matt Mundt third, Wayne Crimmins was fourth, and Dave Hubbard slipped back to fifth.
The modifieds also provided a lot of racing action for the fans. Shane Demay darted to the front from outside the front row, but Bill Crimmins would snatch it away just a few laps later. Defending track champion Dave Doughty soon caught Crimmins and challenged him on the inside while Tyler Pemble made his way to third after starting eighth. After Doughty's failed attempt on the inside for the lead, he tried the outside and this time made it stick as he took over the lead. While Pemble was inching his way closer to the top two, he positioned his car on the bottom to get by Crimmins with five laps to go. Unfortunately for him, the caution flag came out before the lap was completed, negating the pass. On the restart, Crimmins took the advantage back while Pemble followed him to grab second, sliding Doughty back to third with two laps to go. Crimmins would extend his lead the last couple of laps as he went on to take the win. Pemble came home second, Doughty was third, Brad Williams finished fourth, and Scott Williams rounded out the top five.
The IMCA late models was the final event of the night. Fourteen cars took the green flag as Craig Roberts took the bull by the horns to snag the lead early on from the pole. Roberts would appear to extend his lead as the laps clicked off. The rest of the field got spread out and Roberts would encounter lapped traffic that allowed Jason Hahne to briefly reel in the race leader. But Roberts quickly disposed of the lapped cars and cruised to a convincing win. Hahne finished second, Todd Cooney third, Al Johnson was fourth, and Josh Most completed the top five.
Overall the racing was pretty good. The stock cars and modifieds were by far the best action of the night. I'm sure some fans were unhappy about the amount of dust in the air, but that's all part of dirt track racing. Races were done by 10:25, so the program was moved right along with the exception of the intermission. After seeing the action tonight, I can't wait to see the heart-pounding action of the USMTS as they come to town on Tuesday, June 23rd.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
The feature action started off with the hornet class. Nine cars made the call for the green flag that saw Dustin Haggard grab the lead early and stroll to the easy win. Six econo stocks were next as Adam Suhrbier jumped out front in the early going. He would soon be challenged by Josh Niemand as Niemand powered his #2EZ machine to the outside on lap three. A late caution bunched the field up, but Niemand held the competition at bay as he took home top honors.
The hobby stocks got off to a slow start as the caution flag waved a couple times before the first lap could be completed. The third time was the charm for Andy Jones as he raced to the lead. Jones originally started eighth, but the early cautions involved some of the drivers starting up front. Jones would receive heavy pressure from traveler Jeremy Auten and Brad Ratcliff. Ratcliff tried to maneuver his car to the inside, but his car pushed up the track in turn three and barely grazed the left side of Auten's car, resulting in Ratcliff's machine spinning around. No caution flag was thrown, but the contact slowed Auten's attempt at the race lead as Andy Jones went home with the trophy. Jeremy Auten was second, Jeff Lyon was third, Kevin Berger fourth, and Kevin Schmauss rounded out the top five.
After watching Andy Jones lead wire to wire, Doug Bartles would try to do the same in the bmod feature as he jumped out front early on. He saw his lead increase every lap over Scott Forbes and Brandon Leeman until the caution came out as the field was coming to the white flag. Forbes tried to make a move, but he efforts came up short as Doug Bartles grabbed the checkers first. Scott Forbes finished second from the pole, Brandon Leeman finished third, Eric Puhrmann was fourth, and Bob Sutherland charged up to fifth after starting twelfth.
Only ten stock cars were on hand tonight, but their feature was one of the two more entertaining for the fans. Randy Biederman would lead the first lap, but Dave Hubbard and Matt Mundt were glued to his rear bumper from the start. Jason Minnehan quickly joined the top three and made it three-wide for the second spot momentarily. Mundt would pull ahead to secure the second spot for the time being, but a lap later he ducked to the inside of Biederman to take over the top spot. Soon six cars were on top of each other up front that saw Minnehan advance to second and Jeff Deal to third. Mundt's car would later slide up the banking in turn three that allowed Minnehan to dart to the inside for the lead. Behind him Deal powered his machine past Mundt for second and challenge Minnehan for the lead on the last lap. Minnehan's car was too strong off turn four as he took home the hard-fought win. Jeff Deal would finish second, Matt Mundt third, Wayne Crimmins was fourth, and Dave Hubbard slipped back to fifth.
The modifieds also provided a lot of racing action for the fans. Shane Demay darted to the front from outside the front row, but Bill Crimmins would snatch it away just a few laps later. Defending track champion Dave Doughty soon caught Crimmins and challenged him on the inside while Tyler Pemble made his way to third after starting eighth. After Doughty's failed attempt on the inside for the lead, he tried the outside and this time made it stick as he took over the lead. While Pemble was inching his way closer to the top two, he positioned his car on the bottom to get by Crimmins with five laps to go. Unfortunately for him, the caution flag came out before the lap was completed, negating the pass. On the restart, Crimmins took the advantage back while Pemble followed him to grab second, sliding Doughty back to third with two laps to go. Crimmins would extend his lead the last couple of laps as he went on to take the win. Pemble came home second, Doughty was third, Brad Williams finished fourth, and Scott Williams rounded out the top five.
The IMCA late models was the final event of the night. Fourteen cars took the green flag as Craig Roberts took the bull by the horns to snag the lead early on from the pole. Roberts would appear to extend his lead as the laps clicked off. The rest of the field got spread out and Roberts would encounter lapped traffic that allowed Jason Hahne to briefly reel in the race leader. But Roberts quickly disposed of the lapped cars and cruised to a convincing win. Hahne finished second, Todd Cooney third, Al Johnson was fourth, and Josh Most completed the top five.
Overall the racing was pretty good. The stock cars and modifieds were by far the best action of the night. I'm sure some fans were unhappy about the amount of dust in the air, but that's all part of dirt track racing. Races were done by 10:25, so the program was moved right along with the exception of the intermission. After seeing the action tonight, I can't wait to see the heart-pounding action of the USMTS as they come to town on Tuesday, June 23rd.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Hejna Finds Victory Lane in Alta
The United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) made their first of two scheduled stops at the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta Thursday night as the third stop on the swing through the upper Midwest. The regular weekly classes were also on hand for a point night of racing action.
On my way towards the track, I received a phone call from fellow PositivelyRacing.com bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. They informed me they were making the long tow up from Grinnell to take in the action later on that evening. It was fun sitting with them and catching up on racing news and happenings. Also in the parking lot was another southern Iowa gentlemen by the name of Gary Storey. Gary is from Oskaloosa and decided to make the trip up as well. Hope to meet up with these great friends again in the near future.
Things got kicked off with the IMCA sport compact feature. Five cars were checked in and it would be Cory Flanigan taking the lead on lap two and taking the easy win.
Shannon Anderson jumped out front early on in the IMCA hobby stock feature, but he would soon be pressured by Craig Brotherton. Brotherton dove to the inside in turns one and two and tried to make a slidejob stick, but Anderson cut inside of him coming out of turn two to maintain the top spot. Andy Boeckman was driving a borrowed race car, but he looked to be very comfortable behind the wheel as he drove the car up to the third spot despite what appeared to be a broken left rear shock. It didn't slow him down much, but had to be hard controlling it in the corners. Devin Smith would later catch and pass Boeckman coming to the white flag, but it would be Shannon Anderson taking home the top prize. Brotherton was second, Smith third, Boeckman fourth, and pole-sitter Kyle Robinson rounded out the top five.
At the start of the hobby stock feature, there was a big pileup in turn one on the first lap that involved some eleven cars. I don't recall what happened to start the chain reaction, but one driver apparently was seriously injured. Shawn Halder was cut out of his car and transported to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries were not known. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
The IMCA sportmods hit the track next for their fifteen lap event. Doug Smith bolted to the lead from outside the front row as he set the pace. Brett Meyer, driving a number 22 car tonight in memory of Charlie Clark, drove his machine to the second spot and set his sights on Smith. Meyer was closing in on Smith as the laps counted down, but a lapped car got loose in front of Meyer coming out of turn two with two laps to go to slow his momentum. Smith pulled away and went on to take the win. Meyer settled for second, Tony Pogeler was third, Chris Grothe fourth, and Tanner Powers charged up to fifth after starting fourteenth and was involved in an early incident.
As mentioned, Brett Meyer had his car looking like Charlie Clark's owned 22 ride driven by Steve Kosiski. Clark unfortunately passed away after suffering a heart attack a few weeks ago at the Beatrice Speedway. Meyer did a reverse victory lap during intermission to honor Clark. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Clark family and friends as well.
Seventeen IMCA stock cars were led to the green flag by Trent Murphy and Chris Ulrich. Murphy would grab the advantage early on, but Dustin Smith made a charge to the front and challenge for second on the inside of Ulrich. Smith would take over the spot as his brother Donovan followed right behind to go to the third spot. Dustin Smith would not be satisfied with second as he quickly reeled in Murphy and got by him on the inside groove. Again brother Donovan would follow suit and advance his way to second. Donovan tried to get under Dustin on the last lap, but didn't have enough at the line as Dustin Smith took home the trophy. Donovan Smith was second, Trent Murphy settled for third, Chris Ulrich backed up to fourth, and David Smith rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the thirty-five lap feature for the USMTS modifieds. Dereck Ramirez and teammate Jon Tesch sat on the front row to lead the field to the green flag. Two cautions would come out before the completion of the first lap, but that set up for a great start on the third attempt. On the exit of turn two on the start, the field was 5-wide for the top spot and Jake Neal would take the early advantage at the line. That lead did not last long, however, as Corey Dripps powered up his machine to take over the top spot. Another quick yellow allowed Kelly Shryock to use the restart to his advantage and moved into second place while Dereck Ramirez and Al Hejna followed closely behind. Two laps later another caution set up a restart that saw Hejna get by Ramirez for third, but Jon Tesch tried widening the track out as he battled with Hejna on the top side of the track.
After yet another caution, Hejna bolted to the lead on a restart and would pull away from the field until caution flags slowed him down. Tommy Myer would began to pressure Shryock for the second spot after twenty laps, but Shryock would maintain the advantage. After the final yellow came out with seven laps to go Corey Dripps, Tommy Myer, and Jon Tesch waged a war for third. Dripps would eventually get the better of the bunch, but nobody had anything for Hejna as he motored away for the win in his Harris chassis. Kelly Shryock once again finished up in the bridesmaid spot, Corey Dripps finished third, Tommy Myer fourth, and Jon Tesch rounded out the top five. Twenty-four cars started the feature, but only ten were running at the end. Hejna's last USMTS win was last year at the then Tri-Oval Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin on August 15th.
During intermission, USMTS drivers were invited to the grandstand to sign autographs. This also gave track announcer Jerry Vansickel time to interview some of the drivers while track officials threw out tshirts. There was a great crowd on hand as the 50/50 money was $565. All in all, a lot of good racing throughout the night. Kudos to promoter Jeff Herrig and his staff on preparing a great track. Also a big thanks to Herrig and Eric Blum for their hospitality. Very much appreciated!!
The USMTS modified series moves north to the Murray County Speedway in Slayton, Minnesota on Friday night. The Buena Vista Raceway returns to it's normal night of racing next Wednesday night for another great night of racing action that will feature the IMCA sportmod King of the Hill race.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
On my way towards the track, I received a phone call from fellow PositivelyRacing.com bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. They informed me they were making the long tow up from Grinnell to take in the action later on that evening. It was fun sitting with them and catching up on racing news and happenings. Also in the parking lot was another southern Iowa gentlemen by the name of Gary Storey. Gary is from Oskaloosa and decided to make the trip up as well. Hope to meet up with these great friends again in the near future.
Things got kicked off with the IMCA sport compact feature. Five cars were checked in and it would be Cory Flanigan taking the lead on lap two and taking the easy win.
Shannon Anderson jumped out front early on in the IMCA hobby stock feature, but he would soon be pressured by Craig Brotherton. Brotherton dove to the inside in turns one and two and tried to make a slidejob stick, but Anderson cut inside of him coming out of turn two to maintain the top spot. Andy Boeckman was driving a borrowed race car, but he looked to be very comfortable behind the wheel as he drove the car up to the third spot despite what appeared to be a broken left rear shock. It didn't slow him down much, but had to be hard controlling it in the corners. Devin Smith would later catch and pass Boeckman coming to the white flag, but it would be Shannon Anderson taking home the top prize. Brotherton was second, Smith third, Boeckman fourth, and pole-sitter Kyle Robinson rounded out the top five.
At the start of the hobby stock feature, there was a big pileup in turn one on the first lap that involved some eleven cars. I don't recall what happened to start the chain reaction, but one driver apparently was seriously injured. Shawn Halder was cut out of his car and transported to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries were not known. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
The IMCA sportmods hit the track next for their fifteen lap event. Doug Smith bolted to the lead from outside the front row as he set the pace. Brett Meyer, driving a number 22 car tonight in memory of Charlie Clark, drove his machine to the second spot and set his sights on Smith. Meyer was closing in on Smith as the laps counted down, but a lapped car got loose in front of Meyer coming out of turn two with two laps to go to slow his momentum. Smith pulled away and went on to take the win. Meyer settled for second, Tony Pogeler was third, Chris Grothe fourth, and Tanner Powers charged up to fifth after starting fourteenth and was involved in an early incident.
As mentioned, Brett Meyer had his car looking like Charlie Clark's owned 22 ride driven by Steve Kosiski. Clark unfortunately passed away after suffering a heart attack a few weeks ago at the Beatrice Speedway. Meyer did a reverse victory lap during intermission to honor Clark. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Clark family and friends as well.
Seventeen IMCA stock cars were led to the green flag by Trent Murphy and Chris Ulrich. Murphy would grab the advantage early on, but Dustin Smith made a charge to the front and challenge for second on the inside of Ulrich. Smith would take over the spot as his brother Donovan followed right behind to go to the third spot. Dustin Smith would not be satisfied with second as he quickly reeled in Murphy and got by him on the inside groove. Again brother Donovan would follow suit and advance his way to second. Donovan tried to get under Dustin on the last lap, but didn't have enough at the line as Dustin Smith took home the trophy. Donovan Smith was second, Trent Murphy settled for third, Chris Ulrich backed up to fourth, and David Smith rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the thirty-five lap feature for the USMTS modifieds. Dereck Ramirez and teammate Jon Tesch sat on the front row to lead the field to the green flag. Two cautions would come out before the completion of the first lap, but that set up for a great start on the third attempt. On the exit of turn two on the start, the field was 5-wide for the top spot and Jake Neal would take the early advantage at the line. That lead did not last long, however, as Corey Dripps powered up his machine to take over the top spot. Another quick yellow allowed Kelly Shryock to use the restart to his advantage and moved into second place while Dereck Ramirez and Al Hejna followed closely behind. Two laps later another caution set up a restart that saw Hejna get by Ramirez for third, but Jon Tesch tried widening the track out as he battled with Hejna on the top side of the track.
After yet another caution, Hejna bolted to the lead on a restart and would pull away from the field until caution flags slowed him down. Tommy Myer would began to pressure Shryock for the second spot after twenty laps, but Shryock would maintain the advantage. After the final yellow came out with seven laps to go Corey Dripps, Tommy Myer, and Jon Tesch waged a war for third. Dripps would eventually get the better of the bunch, but nobody had anything for Hejna as he motored away for the win in his Harris chassis. Kelly Shryock once again finished up in the bridesmaid spot, Corey Dripps finished third, Tommy Myer fourth, and Jon Tesch rounded out the top five. Twenty-four cars started the feature, but only ten were running at the end. Hejna's last USMTS win was last year at the then Tri-Oval Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin on August 15th.
During intermission, USMTS drivers were invited to the grandstand to sign autographs. This also gave track announcer Jerry Vansickel time to interview some of the drivers while track officials threw out tshirts. There was a great crowd on hand as the 50/50 money was $565. All in all, a lot of good racing throughout the night. Kudos to promoter Jeff Herrig and his staff on preparing a great track. Also a big thanks to Herrig and Eric Blum for their hospitality. Very much appreciated!!
The USMTS modified series moves north to the Murray County Speedway in Slayton, Minnesota on Friday night. The Buena Vista Raceway returns to it's normal night of racing next Wednesday night for another great night of racing action that will feature the IMCA sportmod King of the Hill race.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
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