Friday, April 30, 2010

Murphy, Mother Nature Repeat in Marshalltown

With showers and overcast skies all Friday morning, I was hesitant to believe that I would be attending any races later in the night. Fortunately for me the sun came out in the afternoon, and along with a steady breeze allowed for some drying time for the Marshalltown Speedway to get their show rolling. Mother Nature would rear her ugly head once again before the end of the night, forcing the final two features to be rescheduled until next week.

The Mod-Lites/Dwarf car feature was the first feature on the track. Joel Huggins darted to the lead from his inside second row starting spot, but the man on the move was Mike Morrill. Morrill quickly raced his way into fourth after starting eighth, in just two laps. A caution flag slowed the pace, but it didn't slow Morrill as he used the inside lane to get by both Colby Oberembt and James May to slide up to second. Another yellow bunched the field back up, but this time Tim Hennigar was the man to watch as he powered to the outside of Morrill to make the pass for second. Josh May, who had gone off turn one earlier in the night, got things put back together and made the pass on James May for the fourth spot with three laps remaining. Up front Hennigar pressured Huggins and dove to the inside exiting turn four to snag the lead away as they took the white flag. Hennigar slid up the track in front of Huggins exiting turn two to secure the win. Mike Morrill got by Huggins on the last lap to take second, Huggins third, Josh May fourth, and James May fifth.

(13 cars started feature)
1. 57 Tim Hennigar
2. 6 Mike Morrill
3. x50 Joel Huggins
4. 99 Josh May
5. 88 James May
6. 95 Mike Kennedy
7. 8 Dusty Masolini

Up next would be the IMCA sportmods. The first lap saw several drivers struggling with the rough terrain of the track, but Shawn Hunter would take command on the first circuit. Soon after a lap three yellow, Cayden Carter made his way around Hunter to assume the lead position. Behind Carter, Jake Strayer battled Hunter for the runner up spot for a couple laps with Strayer securing the position. Lap six saw the caution flag wave, but this time nearly half the field was involved in a turn four pileup. Point leader Eric Elliott, who restarted fourth, slowly advanced forward as he used the inside groove to better Hunter for third. Elliott then gased it up on the cushion to get by Strayer for second before attempting to chase down the leader Carter. Elliott was unable to do so, however, as Cayden Carter captured his first Marshalltown Speedway feature win. Elliott was second, Strayer third, Scott Davis fourth, and Shawn Hunter fifth.

(23 cars started, 2 b-mains narrowed the field)
1. 10 Cayden Carter
2. 9E Eric Elliott
3. 18J Jake Strayer
4. 81D Scott Davis
5. 91 Shawn Hunter
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 2z Zach Rawlins
8. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
9. 92 Tyler Droste
10. 3s Adam Shelman
11. 21 Kyle Brown
12. 21L Matt Lettow
13. 80 Jared VanDeest
14. 19F Fred Leytham

The always thrilling IMCA stock cars were up next for their finale. Clay Deppe raced to the lead from his outside front row start. There was exciting three and four-wide racing throughout the pack in the early stages of the race! A quick caution set up a restart that saw Trent Murphy use the inside lane to advance to fourth. Michael Jaennette would get by Deppe to take over the race lead while Murphy continued to pick cars off, taking over the runner up spot. Point leader Dustin Smith got in on the action up front as he climbed his way to fourth by lap seven. After challenging Jaennette for a couple laps, Murphy would make his way by for the lead while Smith followed in his tire tracks to second. Smith closed in on Murphy's rear bumper, but he ran out of time as Trent Murphy scored back-to-back wins at the Marshalltown Speedway. Smith settled for second, Jaennette third, Deppe fourth, and Damon Murty completed the top five.

(16 cars started)
1. 25 Trent Murphy
2. 85 Dustin Smith
3. 93 Michael Jaennette
4. Clay Deppe
5. 99D Damon Murty
6. 3w Jeff Wollam
7. 52 Nathan Wood
8. 94 Steve Meyer
9. 54 Robbie Merkle
10. 77 Andy Bryant (blew on last lap, was running 6th)
11. 287 John Emerson

IMCA modifieds hit the track immediately at the conclusion of the stock car feature as lightning was spotted off in the distance. Pole-sitter Joel Bushore took the top spot early, but only a handful of laps were completed before flagman Jerry Vansickel was forced to throw the caution for the rain. The skies opened up and a downpour soon followed, putting a wet damper on the rest of the night. The remainder of the IMCA modified feature, along with the IMCA hobby stock feature, will be made up next Friday night. Hot laps are set for 6:45 with racing at 7:15. Racing action will start approximately fifteen minutes earlier then normal because of the added races. For more information, check out the website at www.marshalltownspeedway.com.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Upcoming Season Openers, Clarification From Past Blog

I'd like to clear something up from my previous blog from the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City. I received an email from Mark Lettow regarding the Matt Lettow tshirt trivia/giveaway:

"We gave Berg (Ryan Bergeson, track announcer) a coupon for a drawing to add into the collection of giveaway items off the lucky number programs. Whoever wins the coupon receives a free tshirt (go to trailer after the races and select a size they need). However, if Matt is fortunate enough to win the feature that night, the prize gets upgraded to a $25 Cenex fueling card (if they would prefer instead). We look at it as a way to give our sponsor a little recognition as well as giving something to the race fan."

I just wanted to clear that part of my blog up. I was unsure what the scenario was once I heard two different prizes as I was talking with some friends that night. I'd like to thank Mark Lettow for emailing me once he read my blog on Positivelyracing.com.



Season opening events are what fans wait for all winter long. A couple of tracks will be opening in the next couple of weeks, providing for more choices for fans and drivers.

First off, the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge is set to open up Friday night, April 30th. The schedule boasts 19 weekly shows, including season championship night on September 3rd. Also on the slate is the return of the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) with a June 22nd date. The season will end in grand style with the annual Bruce Sommerfeld Memorial on September 24-25.

The Mineral City Speedway runs six exciting classes of competition. Hornets, econo stocks, hobby stocks, stock cars, b-mods, and modifieds are on the slate all season long. Defending track champions include Austin Reicks (econo stocks), Justin Nehring (hobby stocks), Mike McFarland (hornets), Brandon Leeman (limited modifieds), Tyler Pemble (modifieds), and Jason Minnehan (stock cars). I could be wrong, but I don't believe Pemble will return to defend his track championship as I noticed his car listed on the Harris Auto Racing website as being for sale.

Be sure to check out the fast half-mile on Friday nights when the gates swing open at 5pm, hot laps beginning at 6:45, and racing set to start at 7:30. I plan to make the trip Friday night to take in the season opener. Maybe I'll see YOU there!! For more information, check out the track website at www.fdspeed.com.


Saturday, May 1st, marks the opening event for the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah, Iowa. After carrying the USRA sanction the past couple of seasons, the speedway will not have a sanctioning this year. In fact, both USRA and IMCA rules will be allowed to compete at the unique 1/3 mile oval.

Classes in action on Saturday night's in Decorah include hobby stocks, limited modifieds, stock cars, and hornets. The schedule comprises of 16 weekly events with season championships set for August 28th. Two noteworthy events not included in that tally are the Winneshiek County Fair races on Thursday, July 8th while the inaugural season of the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds makes its first visit to the speedway on Wednesday, July 28th. For more information on the Upper Iowa Speedway, check out www.upperiowaspeedway.com.


Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I've kinda been missing my "midweek" racing. Fortunately for me, the month of May turns up the wick on midweeek racing when the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta, Iowa opens their gates on Wednesday, May 5th. Thirteen weekly races highlight the schedule with season championships scheduled for August 11th. Two specials during the season along with a fall special are also on the card. The United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) makes another stop at "The Beaver" on Wednesday, June 16th. The IMCA Stock Car Shootout also returns to the 3/8 mile speedplant as part of the Kyle Suter Memorial race on Tuesday, June 29th. The season will come to a close October 15-16 with the "Going Topless at the Beaver" event.

The Buena Vista Raceway will boast exciting racing action in six classes this year as the bomber class is brought back. They will join the IMCA sport compacts, IMCA hobby stocks, IMCA sportmods, IMCA stock cars, and IMCA modifieds. During my ten visits or so to the speedway last year, the IMCA stock cars put on some of the best races I would see all year!! Defending track champions in Alta include Jeremy Mills (modifieds), Dustin Smith (stock cars), Brett Meyer (sportmods), Shannon Anderson (hobby stocks), and Cory Flanigan (sport compacts). More information about the season can be found by clicking on www.buenavistaraceway.net. I look forward to making my first trip to Alta for opening night next Wednesday!!


Not to be outdone, the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa will open their gates a couple weeks later on Wednesday, May 19th. Seventeen total dates are on the schedule this year, including a couple stops for the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) along with the return of the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model series. The USMTS dates are May 26th and September 1 while the Deery Brothers Late Models will run Wednesday, July 21st during the Southern Iowa Fair. Something a little different for fans this year is the addition of another late model race. The MARS DIRTcar Series will invade the "Monster Half-mile" on Wedneday, August 4th for the first time ever.

The Southern Iowa Speedway will run four classes of competition once again this year. USRA modifieds, USRA stock cars, USRA limited modifieds, and USRA hobby stocks will entertain the crowd every Wednesday night this season. Last year's track champions were Nathan Wood (hobby stocks), Tyler Groenendyk (limited modifieds), Matt Greiner (stock cars), and Brad Pinkerton (modifieds). For all the updates on things associated with the Southern Iowa Speedway, check out www.rlpromotions.com/oskaloosa.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Cooney Claims Late Model Season Opener at Webster City

With threatening skies all around and several tracks cancelling, I made the decision to head to the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City Saturday night. I had already made up my mind earlier in the week that Webster City would be my destination as tonight was the season opening event for the IMCA late models. Over the years the late model class has caught my attention, mainly in large part because I got to know a lot of the drivers.

Hot laps got underway and before I knew it the night was off and running. Heat races were done in good time, setting the night up for feature action. Four hornets took to the track, but Daniel Ayers was the man up front for the entire race as he took the checkered flag first.

Ten of the eleven IMCA hobby stocks made the call for their feature event. While the quantity of cars were lacking, they made up for it with a thrilling finish. Ryan Caquelin assumed command from the drop of the green flag with Ryan Darling tucked in behind. After starting eighth, Joel Tigges had passed half the cars ahead of him to slide into fourth by lap two. Tigges would move into third on lap six as the field ran single file on the top side most of the race. The caution flag waved with two laps remaining, and on the restart Caquelin's night came to an abrupt end as smoke bellowed from his machine.

With two to go, Ryan Darling took over the race lead with Tigges closing in. On the final set of corners Tigges drove it in deep on the bottom and drifted up, making contact with Darling's car. Darling had to get out of the throttle while Tigges kept his foot in it exiting turn four. That contact allowed Curt Graham and Roger Haupt Jr to close in fast to make it a four-car dash to the finish line. Tigges was able to inch out the win ahead of Darling, Graham, and Haupt Jr as they were four-wide at the stripe. Graham and Haupt Jr may be swapped as it was that close. Have to wait until complete results are posted for the official word.

A solid field of sixteen IMCA sportmods were up next. After a couple of starts were called back, pole-sitter Josh Sherbon was sent to the tail for jumping the starts. That put Dustin West on the pole, and he used it to take the early lead. Chad Louk made the pass on West a couple laps later to snare the lead away. Meanwhile, Bob Sutherland and Matt Lettow were on the move from the middle of the pack. Sutherland powered his Ford-powered machine into second after using the inside groove past West. West would lose two more spots as Lettow and Rocky Caudle slipped by underneath him.

A caution on lap seven bunched the field up, allowing both Sutherland and Lettow to scoot by Louk for the top two spots. Another yellow came out a lap later, and on the restart Sutherland had something break in the right rear as he spun exiting turn two. That handed the lead over to Matt Lettow, who went on to take the win. Rocky Caudle, Chad Louk, Rodney Slagle, and Beau Kaplan rounded out the top five.

Scott Bloemke took command of the stock car feature as again the top side was the place to be. Pole-sitter Adam Silvey coasted his machine to the infield on lap two, ending his night in disappointing fashion. Dave Hubbard was running fourth before entering turn one a little too hot, drifting up the track and losing two spots to sixth. A lap later, Hubbard's luck turned worse as he lost the right front tire, ending his night.

Something new this year is the double file restart. Track announcer Ryan Bergeson announced that the double file restarts would be used for the stock cars, modifieds, and late models this year. With the field doubled up behind race leader Bloemke, Reid Keller and Jason Wagoner found it beneficial as they both advanced spots on the first green flag lap when racing resumed. For much of the race, Wagoner was the only car on the bottom side as he moved to the front. Wagoner got a really good bite in turns one and two, allowing him to make the pass on both Keller and Bloemke to take the lead as they received the white flag. Wagoner held on for the win followed by Keller, Bloemke, Mark Haglund, and Jim Mitchell.

Ryan Ruter and Scott Olson sat on the front row for the twenty lap IMCA modified feature. Ruter raced out to the early lead as he used the bottom lane while Olson set his car up on the cushion of the track. Olson changed his line on lap five, deciding to follow Ruter on the bottom groove. Just after the midpoint of the race, the two front runners caught the lapped car of Scott Sturm on the front stretch. That allowed Olson the advantage he needed to enter turn one before Ruter, thus handing him the lead. Ruter stayed within striking distance, but was unable to regain the lead as Olson went on to take the win. Ruter was second, David Brown third, Chris Snyder fourth, and Scott Sturm fifth.

The IMCA late model would conclude the night with a twenty-five lap event. Pole-sitter Ben Nading jumped out front and opened up a comfortable lead on the field. Defending track champion Todd Cooney was charging through the field at a quick pace, advancing from his ninth starting spot up to third by lap seven. Cooney was utilizing the top side, a place that he has been known for the last couple of years, to get by Ryan Giles for the runner up spot two laps later.

Johnson would slide to the inside of Giles for third before giving the spot up to rookie Kevin Sather. Sather, fresh off a great fifth place finish in last week's Cornbelt Clash opener in southern Minnesota, was also making his way to the front as he closed in on the leaders. Cooney would take the lead away from Nading just prior to the halfway mark. "The Ironman" Darrel DeFrance was methodically maneuvering traffic as he followed Sather, as they both passed Nading for second and third, respectively.

After suffering a flat tire, Randy Faux attempted to exit the track on the backstretch on lap seventeen. Unfortunately Nading and Al Johnson were following closely behind and had to take evasive action, making heavy contact with each other to bring out the caution. All three cars would retire from the race. Sather elected the outside line on the double file restart, allowing DeFrance to make the pass when the green flag waved. That set up yet another Cooney/DeFrance duel at the "historic half-mile". DeFrance used the bottom groove every lap, but was unable to muster enough power to make the pass. Cooney would take the win ahead of DeFrance, Kevin Sather, Jason Hahne, and Kelly Tapper. Hahne started tenth while Tapper started fourteenth out of the field of fifteen.

Racing action concluded just before 9:00. I must say I witnessed something tonight that I'd never seen before. Matt Lettow is doing a little "Matt Lettow trivia challenge" in which a question is asked pertaining to Lettow. The person who comes up with the correction answer is given a certificate, if you will, that may be used for a free tshirt if he wins the IMCA sportmod feature. I believe a $25 gas card is also part of the prize. I happened to be walking towards announcer Ryan Bergeson at the time the question was asked and answered the question correctly. Bergeson, who will also be the flagman at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson on Friday nights this year, proceeded to conduct a little interview with me on the microphone discussing my 2009 racing season. While the "mic time" was fun, don't expect to hear me on another one anytime soon!

For more complete results and other information pertaining to the Hamilton County Speedway, check out their website at www.hamiltoncountyspeedway.com. Hopefully the car counts will increase over the next couple weeks and bring in some fans as well. One thing that I'm sure of is that the late model class will be very competitive this year.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Portis and Ackerman Repeat Winners at I-35

Familiar faces in familiar places was the unofficial slogan for Sunday night's action at the I-35 Speedway in Mason City. Four drivers scored a repeat visit to victory lane while two other drivers found it for the first time this season.

Tyler Trappe made it two-for-two on the young season as he picked up the win in the junior hornet feature. Kelly Miller backed up his performance from last week by winning the hornet feature again Sunday night.

IMCA hobby stocks were up next for their main event. Fifteen cars made the call with Kory Adams setting the early pace. The battle for second heated up as Zac Smith held it until Cody Knecht and Mick Meyers both slipped by on the low side. Knecht then took over the race lead from Adams using the same line while Cory Gansen was quickly making his way to the front. Gansen climbed inside the top five and within a couple laps advanced to second before using the inside groove to snare the lead away from Knecht with two laps to go. Cory Gansen would go on to take the win ahead of Cody Knecht, Kory Adams, Mick Meyers, and Heath Tulp.

A few things to note with the IMCA hobby stock race. I believe Cory Gansen's car slowed in hot laps and perhaps lost a drive shaft, so he started eleventh on the grid before slicing through traffic. Many who may follow my blog may wonder how Heath Tulp was able to race after refusing a motor claim last week. It was determined that Stac Schroeder's claim attempt last week was "null in void" due to him refusing a claim from Tulp dating back to last year. While Mason City did not sanction the hobby stocks last year, the track rule states that upon refusing a claim that driver cannot claim for twelve calendar months. Therefore, Tulp was back in action Sunday night while Schroeder never took to the track.

Rocky Caudle set the tone early on in the IMCA sportmod feature as he raced from his outside front row starting spot. Unfortunately his great run would not last as his car slowed exiting turn four, handing the lead over to Bob Sutherland on lap four. A caution flag bunched the field back up, which gave runner up Adam Ackerman the opportunity to make a move on Sutherland for the lead. Ackerman sped to the outside and made it stick to secure the lead while Nate Chodur moved into the third spot. Following another yellow, Chodur snuck under Sutherland for the runner up spot, but Adam Ackerman found his way to victory lane for a second consecutive week. Chodur finished second, Sutherland third, John Warrington fourth, and Shane Swanson rounded out the top five.

In a rare turn of events, the IMCA modifieds would be next onto the track for their twenty lap feature. Seventeen cars graced the racing surface and JJ Wise assumed command from the drop of the green flag. Nate Caruth set sail on the outside and made the pass for the lead on lap two. Meanwhile defending track champion Jeremy Mills was marching his way through the field as he ducked low of Shane Monson to grab fourth. Dave Kuykendall, who had been running third at the time, lost the handle on his machine and lost six spots in the running order. That allowed Mills to close the gap and eventually get under Wise for the runner up spot on the sixth circuit before the caution came out. Caruth and Mills separated themselves from the rest of the field with Mills on Caruth's rear bumper. Mills tried everything within his power to rattle the youngster, but Caruth did not falter as he found his way to victory lane. Mills settled for second, Ryan Ruter finished third, JJ Wise fourth, and Alex Yohn capped off the top five.

Twelve IMCA stock cars were ready to close out the night's action. It was a three-way battle up front at the completion of the first lap as Larry Portis, Andrew Inman, and Chris Adams crossed the line three abreast. Portis would get the advantage entering turn one. Merlyn Hegland lost the handle on his machine and Laura Curry had nowhere to go, slamming into Hegland hard. Curry just got her car repaired from another incident a couple weeks ago in Algona. Hopefully her luck will turn around sooner rather then later.

Travis Shipman used the double file restart to his advantage as he advanced two spots to settle into second place. Chris Adams and Kevin Opheim then engaged in a battle for third, swapping the position several times throughout the next handful of laps. Larry Portis would find his way to victory lane for the second consecutive week as he finished ahead of Travis Shipman, Kevin Opheim, Chris Adams, and Joe Willier. Portis seems to have figured out his new Adams Racing Chassis already early in the season, which could be trouble for the rest of the competition.

The races were completed right around the 8:45 mark once again. Promoter Joe Ringsdorf and his staff provided a great racing surface for the drivers to put on a good show for the fans. I also appreciate the scorers printing me off a copy of the results!! Be sure to be on hand next week as hot laps get underway at 6pm with races to follow. For more information, check out www.i-35speedway.com.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Michael Long Cashes in at Modified Smackdown

The IMCA modifieds were the focal point of racing action at the Lee County Speedway Saturday night as the first annual Modified Smackdown was on the slate. A good field of thirty-seven modifieds were on hand for the lofty payday while support class numbers were solid despite it not being a points race.

Upon arrival I met up with Positivelyracing.com's Jeff Broeg. Jeff welcomed me as we did a little catching up before I walked through the pit area. While walking the pits I noticed a few guys that I hadn't expected to see, some of which included Sean Jerovetz from Wisconsin and Corey Dripps, a regular on the USMTS tour.

I made my way to the stands and sat with fellow race fan Brad Sayre. This would be Brad's first trip to the Lee County Speedway. Hopefully he enjoyed it despite the chilly temperatures.

Hobby stocks were first to grace the track with twenty-one cars set to do battle. Pole sitter Jeremy Pundt set the pace early before a quick caution waved on lap four. The green flag didn't wave for long when another car didn't come up to speed on the restart and eventually came to a rest. When racing did resume, Jake Wenig and Jim Lynch engaged in a battle for the third spot while Derek Kirkland used the high side to take over the race lead from Pundt. Another caution waved, and Dan Wenig had a superb restart as he passed two cars to snare the runner up position. Jake Wenig and Jeremy Pundt made contact with Pundt ending up nose-first into the frontstretch wall to bring out the final caution. Derek Kirland was able to keep his machine out front with the two-lap shootout to lay claim to the win. He was followed across the line by Jim Lynch, Andy Coleman, Dale Porter, and Jake Wenig.

Fifteen "Wild Things", also known as hornets or front-wheel drives, were up next. James Oliver III dominated the first half the race, opening up a sizeable lead until the caution waved. He then had to hold off challenges from John Helenthal and Jerry Ostby for the win. Ostby got by Helenthal late for the second position.

After a consilation race narrowed the field down, twenty-four IMCA sportmods took the track for their feature event. They had a rough time getting started as the first two attempts failed. In fact, the second attempt saw roughly nine cars involved in a pileup in turn three before a lap could be counted. Officials made the call for a single file start the next time as Michael Bliven held down the top spot. Phillip Cossel used the inside lane to snare the lead away on lap three while Eric Flander moved into the third spot. Flander's night would end prematurely when his machine hit an implement tire. With three laps to go, Bliven's car bobbled in turn two allowing Jim Gillenwater to slip by underneath for the second position. But the night belonged to Phillip Cossel as he collected the bigger payday for his efforts. Not only did he win the $500 advertised winner's share, but he also received a $200 bonus for running a GM Performance Crate Engine that he purchased from Shottenkirk. Gillenwater crossed the line in second, but was later disqualified in post-race tech. That bumped up Michael Bliven to second, Kurt Hogan in third, Cayden Carter to fourth, and Thad Gaylord to complete the top five.

The final event of the night would be the Discount Tire and Service IMCA modified Smackdown thirty-five lap feature. Rich Smith set the pace early on from the pole while Mark Elliott followed closely behind. Michael Long and Josh Foster swapped the third spot for several laps before Long took it for good. Following a caution, Long went to work on the top side and passed Elliott for second. Another quick yellow came out, which allowed Foster and Scott Hogan to slip under Elliott for third and fourth, respectively. Elliott would challenge Hogan, but didn't have enough as most of the cars were hugging the inside lane. Richie Gustin then cracked the top five when he snuck in under Elliott.

Up front Long used the high groove to pass Smith for the lead around the lap twenty mark. Following a caution, Long was able to pull away from Smith and claim the $2,000 top prize. Lap money was also on the line from different sponsors, so he likely went home with around $2,400. Rich Smith garnered second place, but also picked up his fair share of lap money. Josh Foster was third, Scott Hogan fourth, and Mark Elliott got back by Richie Gustin for fifth. Nate Caruth, Troy Cordes, Max Corporan, and Andy Krieger finished out the top ten.

It was an entertaining night of racing at the Lee County Speedway. The track did have a few ruts surface in the modified feature, but for the most part I think it held up rather nicely. I'd like to thank promoter Terry Hoenig and his staff, along with Jeff Broeg, for their hospitality. It's very much appreciated.

The Lee County Speedway will kick their season points schedule off next Friday night as the IMCA Late Model "Drive for Five" will also be in action. Late models have roughly ten dates on the schedule at the tricky oval in Donnellson. For more information and full results from last night, be sure to check out the track website: www.leecountyspeedway.com

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Murphy and Moffitt Claim Last Lap Victories

A cool and windy night graced the Marshalltown Speedway fans Friday night as racing action was set for Elliott Racing Night. Another solid field of cars were on hand to try their luck in hopes of beating the competition.

Fifteen Mod-Lite/Dwarf Cars were the first feature to hit the track. Randy Bryant held a slim advantage over Dusty Masolini early on before Masolini took command on the second circuit. An early caution kept the field close as the action picked up behind the leaders. Mike Morrill was the man on the move as he dashed to the inside and passed four cars within a handful of laps to snare the runner up spot. From that point on he tried to chase down Masolini, but his efforts weren't enough as Dusty Masolini picked up his first-ever win at the Marshalltown Speedway. Mike Morrill, Eric Hendrickson, Tim Hennigar, and Randy Bryant rounded out the top five.

IMCA sportmods were up next with outsider front row starter Cayden Carter getting the jump on the field. Carter would continue to set the quick pace while Brett Moffitt was lurking deeper in the field. Moffitt methodically charged through the field as he passed Jake Strayer on the outside to third and then later dove to the inside of Kyle Brown for second. Moffitt closed the gap on Carter's lead and on the final lap drove it deep into turn one and let the car slide up the banking. Carter saw it, hit the brakes, and appeared to be ready to charge back to the inside. Unfortunately the car didn't respond that way and got sideways, leaving Eric Flander nowhere to go as he wheel-hopped Carter's machine. Moffitt went on to take the win followed by Scott Davis, Jake Strayer, Eric Elliott, and Chad Louk. Carter, after leading the first 14 laps, finished in tenth.

The IMCA stock cars have always been one of my favorite classes over the years. Dubbed as "the class too tough to tame", Friday night was no exception to that moto. Clay Deppe assumed command early on in the eighteen lap main event, but perennial contender Dustin Smith was quickly slicing his way through the field. After starting eight, Smith had worked his way into third in just two laps. Another driver was also making his way through traffic as Brian Irvine joined the lead pack after starting tenth. Smith and Trent Murphy got by Deppe to take over the top two spots while Irvine would later utilize both lanes to pass both Deppe and Murphy. Irvine chased down Smith with seven laps to go to set up a dogfight to the finish. Irvine passed Smith on the outside with four to go, but Smith battled back and leaned on Irvine to snare the lead back. Irvine returned the favor the following lap to take the lead away before the final caution came out. Smith would again make contact with Irvine's car late in the race, allowing Trent Murphy to reel in the front runners. On the final set of corners, Murphy went to the outside while Irvine and Smith rubbed door handles. Murphy would inch out the win ahead of Smith, Irvine, Steve Meyer, and Clay Deppe. The finish had the crowd on their feet while Smith and Irvine had a heated discussion later in the infield.

Twenty-three IMCA modifieds were now ready for their shootout with Adam Larson setting the pace early. Mike O'Lear and Richie Gusin swapped the second position with Gustin getting the advantage. Gustin closed in on Larson's lead before brother Jimmy Gustin came to a stop outside turn two. Gustin would find a groove on the top side to race by Larson at the midpoint of the race while Vern Jackson steadily charged to the front. Jackson, who started eleventh, slipped through the field to the fourth spot before engaging a great battle with Jon Snyder. Those two swapped positions for a couple laps before Snyder took it for good. Up front there was no stopping Richie Gustin as he laid claim to his third feature win of the young season. Adam Larson was second, Mike O'Lear third, Jon Snyder fourth, and Vern Jackson completed the top five.

The IMCA hobby stocks were set to close out the night's action. In a weird turn of events, six cars who had qualified out of their respective heat races failed to make the call. All four qualifiers from the b-main were on the track, so only 18 cars took the green flag. Nick Murty set the pace from the start until Dustin Elliott applied the pressure. Elliott tried everything he could, but Murty was able to hold him off for the win. Elliott was second, Eric Knutson third, Devin Smith fourth, and Calvin Dhondt completed the top five.

It was another exciting night at the Marshalltown Speedway. The IMCA stock car feature was a thriller and a last lap pass in the IMCA sportmods highlighted the evening.

Things get kicked off next Friday night with hot laps scheduled for 6:45 with races slated for 7:30. For more information, check out the track website at www.marshalltownspeedway.com.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Badker Blasts Off to Victory

Another great weather day turned into another good night at the I-35 Speedway in Mason City Sunday night. A few more cars were on hand this week, making things a little more interesting. The show was still run very efficiently, despite one red flag when Ryan Harris found himself tumbling down the frontstretch wall and into the catchfence. He would get out of the car under his own power and be okay.

The two hornet divisions were won by Tyler Trappe and Kelly Miller. Trappe noted in the post-race interview with announcer Jerry Vansickel that it was only his second night in the car. Sounds like he figured out things very quickly in his machine.

What turned out to be the "drama" portion of the show would be the IMCA hobby stocks. Mick Meyers took command of the race at the drop of the green while positions were up for grabs behind him. Scott Dobel found himself in second early on before opening night winner Chad Gentz and Heath Tulp scooted by under him. Tulp continued his momentum as he dove to the inside of Gentz to snare the second spot away. Gentz would lose his position to Cory Gansen at the midpoint of the race as Meyers continued to keep a comfortable lead up front. Mick Meyers would see the checkered flag first followed across the line by Heath Tulp, Cory Gansen, Chad Gentz, and Scott Dobel. However, Stac Schroeder attempted to claim Heath Tulp's engine. After some deliberation, Tulp denied the claim and drove away. So that bumped everybody up a spot from second on back.

Twenty-two IMCA sportmods would then hit the track next for their feature event. Pole-sitter Adam Ackerman wasted no time in assuming the lead, leaving the rest of the field to battle it out. Travis Greenfield held down the second position until he pushed up the track in turn four, allowing three competitors to advance a position. A caution flag bunched the field back up with only four laps down, but Ackerman was able to pull away once again. The top four remained unchanged the rest of the way as Adam Ackerman scored the win followed by Shane Swanson, Chad Louk, Geoff Olson, and Nate Chodur.

IMCA stock cars saw a field of eleven start the feature. Larry Portis used the outside front row starting spot to grab the lead early on. Coming to the completion of the first lap Canadian driver Ryan Harris went for a wild ride on the fronstretch. Harris' car went airborne and snagged part of the catchfence, but landed on all four wheels. He would exit his car under his own power and appeared to be okay. When racing resumed, a fierce battle for second ensued as Merlyn Hegland and Joe Willier slipped under Kevin Opheim as Opheim's car pushed up the corner. Portis would extend his lead as Opheim would later get back around Willier for third. But the night belonged to Larry Portis as he laid claim to the top prize. Hegland was second, Opheim third, Willier fourth, and Andrew Inman rounded out the top five.

The final event of the night would be the twenty-lap IMCA modified feature. Again the front row was the place to be as Curt Badker raced to the lead. Badker would open up a huge lead over Shane Monson as the lapped clicked off while three drivers duked it out for positions four, five, and six. Terrance Prochaska led that pack ahead of Jeremy Mills and Ryan Ruter for the time being, but Ruter got under Mills in turn one to take the spot away. Monson had a solid grip on second place until he lost the handle exiting turn two, allowing Rob Rose to make the pass. Ruter worked the inside lane on Prochaska later in the race to snare the fourth spot while Monson exited the track. There was no catching Curt Badker on this night, however, as he took home the win by nearly half a lap. Rob Rose was second, Ryan Ruter third, Terrance Prochaska fourth, and Jeremy Mills rounded out the top five.

Once again Joe Ringsdorf and his staff ran an efficient program. Races were completed by 8:45, a definite breath of fresh air for me considering my other races attended this weekend. For more information about the I-35 Speedway, check out their website at www.i-35speedway.com.

As mentioned, I did attend races on Friday and Saturday night. Due to the lengthy shows each night, I was unable to find time to write about them. Marshalltown had the unusual circumstances of a transformer blowing in the infield, thus no power or PA system for over an hour. Racing concluded there just before the midnight hour as did the action at 34 Raceway in Burlington on Saturday night. The IMCA Deery Brothers late model series got their season kicked off in grand style with the Slocum 50 in which Mark Burgtorf captured the $3,000 top prize with a late race pass on Nate Bueseling. For information regarding the Marshalltown races, check out Ryan Clark's blog on www.positivelyracing.com. For Burlington info you can check out Jeff Broeg's and Ryan Clark's writings.

Before I conclude, I must thank Blake Anderson for the couple of plus for PositivelyRacing Friday night in Marshalltown. Blake is an energetic personality on the mic and I look forward to listening to him each and every Friday night.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

First Half-Mile Track Visit in 2010

As the headline indicates, I caught my first racing action on a half-mile track this season by attending the season opener at the I-35 Speedway in Mason City Sunday night. Joe Ringsdorf had his Sunday night track looking in tip-top shape, and I noticed the banking in turns one and two appeared to be higher then last year. Either that or my eyes were deceiving me.

I checked in and roamed the pit area, chatting with drivers that I saw race in Algona last night or asking guys if they had raced elsewhere. Had good conversations with a lot of different people, but the time soon came to get the motors running.

The heat races were run in an efficient manner as always. Ten junior hornets then made their way to the track. It would be Alan Aird taking home the win while Gary Stahl picked up the hornet victory. Stahl indicated he'd try to come back down from his hometown of Kasson, Minnesota as much as he could, but he plans to run at his hometown track located three blocks from his house. Don't blame him there!

Thirteen IMCA hobby stocks were ready to do battle next as outside front row starter, and Algona feature winner, Chad Gentz took the early lead. Pole sitter Kyle Schmauss lost the handle on his machine, handing the second spot over to Heath Tulp. Tulp would get under Gentz for the lead on lap three while Stac Schroeder followed right behind. Schroeder would use the only restart of the race to sneak inside of Tulp to grab the reigns away. A bit further behind, Dustin Wannarka was making big strides to the front. Wannarka started at the tail of the field, but had advanced to the third spot by passing Gentz on the outside. But Stac Schroeder was fastest on this night as he took home the win. He was followed across the line by Heath Tulp, Dustin Wannarka, Cory Gansen, and Chad Gentz. Gansen was driving an unfamiliar #71c car rather then his usual #6 car.

Up next would be the IMCA sportmod feature event with twenty cars making the call. Pole sitter Geoff Olson took advantage of his great starting spot by racing to the lead. He would pull away from the field before the caution came out that involved Adam Ackerman's car coming to a stop. That put Nate Chodur on Olson's rear bumper, but he was unable to get any closer as Olson again distanced himself. Shane Swanson got by Chad Louk for the third spot and quickly closed the gap to Chodur. Olson was able to take home the win followed by Nate Chodur, Shane Swanson, Matt Looft, and Chad Louk.

Only nine IMCA stock cars were on hand for opening night. Chris Adams dashed to the front of the field at the drop of the green flag, but that didn't last long as Larry Portis took the lead away on lap three. Adams would lose the runner up spot to Merlyn Hegland a short time later before the caution waved for Kevin Opheim, whose car spun in turn three. A double-file restart bunched the field back up, and Travis Shipman took full advantage of that as he motored by on the outside to advance from fourth to second within the first green flag lap. Hegland's night ended sooner then expected when he slowed exiting turn two. Just when it appeared that Portis had things well in hand with a lap to go, the transmission gave way as he took the white flag. Travis Shipman was in the right place at the right time as he would take home the unexpected win followed by Randy Killen, Joe Willier, Chris Adams, and Andrew Inman.

(Edit) - Apparently Randy Killen was disqualified, moving everybody else behind him up a spot.

Fourteen IMCA modifieds closed out the night's racing activities with a twenty lap feature. With Ryan Ruter and Jeremy Mills on the front row, everybody knew it was going to be a heck of a race. Ruter got the edge early on for the lead, but Mills stayed within striking distance. Terrance Prochaska entered into the battle as well, but Ruter and Mills separated themselves later in the race despite a couple yellow flags. Levi Nielsen and rookie Dustin Brown made heavy contact with each other as Nielsen spun and Brown had nowhere to go. Nielsen walked away while Brown was checked over in the pit area. I believe he was okay, just a little sore. Unfortunately his Skyrocket's front end can't say the same. When racing resumed, Mills applied pressure to Ruter in the closing laps, but Ryan Ruter was able to hold him off to take the win. Mills was second, Terrance Prochaska third, Shane Monson fourth, and Rob Rose rounded out the top five.

A very efficient program saw the final checkered flag wave before 8:30. Hopefully as the weeks go by the car count will pick up. I was very surprised to see only nine stock cars on hand.

Once again I'd like to thank Joe Ringsdorf for his hospitality tonight.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!

Algona Hosts My First Racing Action in Iowa

All week long I pondered my options on where to go come Saturday night. Several options were available including Boone, Webster City, Algona, Deer Creek, and Burlington. After working a couple hours Saturday morning, I finally made the decision to check out Joe Ringsdorf's Algona Raceway.

Upon arrival my friends and I met up with good friends Jerry Vansickel and Grant Oskvig. Jerry is one of the voices of the track while Grant waves the flags every week. After spending a couple minutes catching up on things from the winter, it was time to go check in and get settled in. When checking in at the pitshack, a woman noticed who I was and immediately knew my name. She was very friendly and thanked me for coming. My goal for my next visit to Algona is to figure out her name and thank her for being a follower of my blog.

By my count there were 83 total cars on hand. Classes in competition included IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA sportmods, IMCA hobby stocks, cruisers, and two divisions of hornets. This is the first year that Ringsdorf has sanctioned with IMCA on the hobby stocks and sportmods. Naturally I wanted to see how drivers made the transition from last year to this, but it appears it may have been easier then I anticipated. Twenty-one IMCA hobby stocks and eighteen IMCA sportmods were on hand; definitely a good count for both in my opinion. I noticed in the heat races that several sportmods were dealing with tight race cars, a direct result likely from the rear spoiler. I'm sure drivers will get things figured out as the year progresses.

Nine junior hornets were the first feature to hit the track. It would be Ross Hingson taking the win after Joe Devries crossed the line first, but was later docked two spots for jumping the initial start. Dan Potts was second.

Patrick Barrett, Tim Doocy, and Jay Devries all battled it out in the seven-car hornet feature for the top prize. In the end it would be Devries holding off Doocy at the line for the win.

Six cruisers were on hand for their opening night as Peg Lewis and Heather Pesicka came home with the win. They are the defending track champions.

IMCA hobby stocks have been dubbed the "wild things" at other tracks in the Midwest. That tagline carried over to the Algona Raceway last night as twenty cars made the starting call. Outside front row started Chad Krug led the opening laps of the twelve-lap feature until the caution came out when Devin Smith looped his machine in turn four. Smith had been running fifth, but was relegated to the tail of the field. The caution would fly again when Kyle Ricke spun his machine to the inside of the corner, but happened to be a big break for Cody Knecht. Knecht was running third, but would be docked two spots for jumping the first restart.

More madness would follow as the following restart was called off because of the second-place car passing the leader before the flagstand. Unfortunately that didn't help Drew Barglof as he lost a right rear tire in the process to end his night. As if things couldn't get more hectic then that, the top three drivers made contact with each other when racing resumed and all spun to some degree thereafter. The caution came out for that incident, handing the reigns over to Nick Meyer. Alan Ricke would later spin his machine to the infield to bring out yet another caution, setting up a restart with Meyer, Heath Tulp, Chad Gentz, Derrick Barglof, and Cody Knecht the top five. However, before the green flag could wave Tulp was forced to the infield with a flat right rear tire. Meyer's machine slowed exiting turn four, causing drivers behind him to take evasive action. Devin Smith tried to changed lanes, but Barglof was there and wouldn't let him through. Barglof was black flagged for questionable driving on Smith as all three cars got together hard. After all the excitement, the final restart proved to be rather calm as Chad Gentz held off the rest of the field to pick up the win. Cody Knecht and Dustin Wannarka battled for second with Knecht getting the upper hand at the end. Micah Lavrenz and Kyle Ricke rounded out the rest of the top five.

Wheeew... time to catch my breath. Ok, now on to the IMCA sportmods. This feature would prove to be much different as no caution flags were thrown. Outside front row starter Mike Carlson grabbed the lead from the drop of the green flag, but Brett Meyer was charging through the field at a high pace further back. Meyer started sixth on the grid, but quickly moved to second by the third circuit. Meyer dove to the inside of Carlson in turn three to take the lead, but in doing so Carlson spun his machine to the bottom of turn four. He kept the engine running and fell back to ninth. The battle of the "5" cars was a good one to watch at Friday night's winner in Fairmont, Tad Reutzel, and Jake Simpson were also moving forward. They passed George Nordman to climb to third and fourth, respectively while Meyer opened up a straight away lead. Reutzel would dispose of Denny Penning for the runner up spot, but was unable to make up ground as Brett Meyer took home the win. Jake Simpson got by both Penning and Reutzel late in the race to snare second, Reutzel was third, Penning fourth, and Matt Hoeft completed the top five.

Nineteen IMCA stock cars hit the track next and sophomore Josh Hohensee was quick on the trigger to take the lead. Kevin Opheim quickly made his way to second while perennial contender David Smith worked his way to fourth. He then ducked inside of Andrew Inman for the third spot before the caution came out. A Delaware double-file restart was used, giving the leader a row to himself with the field doubled up behind him. Jared Dirks used this to his advantage as he shot to the outside and picked off a couple cars to advance up to third. Chad Palmer would get back by Dirks for third, and a bit later Opheim went entered turn three carrying a little too much momentum and slid up the track a couple car widths, allowing Palmer to get that position at the halfway point of the race. Dirks would battle with Opheim and take the third spot away just before the caution waved again for Laura Curry and Craig Berhow. Both drivers wound up hitting the frontstretch wall with Curry's car getting the worst of it. Tough luck for Curry as earlier she won the best appearing stock car award at the car show. After the restart, Dirks would find himself spinning in front of traffic to the inside of turn four. Luckily everybody missed him, but that ended his night. Palmer closed in on Hohensee late in the race, but it wasn't enough as Hohensee took the win. Palmer was second, Dave Smith third, Kevin Opheim fourth, and Calvin Lange rounded out the top five.

Only thirteen IMCA modifieds were on hand for opening night, which was kind of disappointing. Ricky Stephan used his pole starting spot to take control the race early on. Clayton Christensen's machine would slow to a stop atop turn four to bring out the caution. Jeremy Mills was running second when he used the outside groove to pass Stephan for the lead. Eric Dailey and Austin Wolf engaged in a battle for third while all eyes were watching Matt Gilbertson towards the middle of the pack. Gilbertson was fast in his heat and started tenth on the grid, but people were noticing his hot orange brakes on his rear wheels. Gilbertson kept slowing advancing positions as he climbed inside the top five with the orange colored glow. He got by Austin Wolf for fourth before getting black flagged for sparks falling from his right rear brakes. At that time parts flew off in turn three to bring out the caution flag, setting up a double-file restart with four laps to go. Restarting in fifth, Ryan Watnem made the outside lane work to his liking as he climbed to the runner up spot with two laps to go. But he would not catch Jeremy Mills as he went on take the win. Watnem was second, Eric Dailey third, Ricky Stephan fourth, and Austin Wolf fifth.

All in all it was a good night of racing at Algona. The show moved along at a quick pace all night, or at least when the caution flag wasn't being thrown. There were quite a few black flags thrown, something I rarely see at a season opening event. But they were all good calls made by the officials, at least in my opinion.

I'd like to thank Joe Ringsdorf for his hospitality and look forward to making a return trip to Algona in the future. Tonight I'll make the trip to his Sunday night home, the I-35 Speedway in Mason City for their season opener. Hot laps get underway at 6pm with racing action to follow.

I'd like to take this time to wish all of you a Happy Easter!!

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!