The season at the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta, Iowa officially got things kicked off last night (Wednesday) with their season opener. Roughly seventy-five cars checked into the pit area among the six classes to weather the windy and chilly conditions. However, promoter Jeff Herrig and his great staff had a perfectly prepped race track in store for all competitors.
The return of the BVR bombers was the first feature of the night. Only five cars were present with Jess Bieret taking the lead away from Nick Smith with three laps remaining as he went on to score the win. Cory Flanigan used his pole-position start to cruise to the lead early on in the IMCA sport compact feature before Kyle Hill made a late race charge. Flanigan had just enough to hold back Hill at the line for the win.
Twenty IMCA hobby stocks were then set to duke it out for the season opening checkers. Devin Smith charged to the lead from the outside front row, but defending IMCA National Champion Shannon Anderson was following close behind. A bit further back John Briggs and Drew Barglof raced side by side momentarily for the fifth spot before Briggs would snatch it away. Anderson would duck to the inside of Smith and slide up the banking, making contact with Smith's left door panel. The action was getting fierce for the lead when the caution flag on lap seven seemed to ease the tension. After showing Smith the inside groove, Smith would change his line entering turn one on the restart and hug the tires. Anderson saw this and darted to the outside, inching out front exiting turn two for the lead. Smith tried to return the bump from earlier, but was unable to keep pace with the leader as Anderson took home the win. Smith settled for second, Briggs maneuvered his way to third, Michael Murphy fourth, and Justin Nehring fifth.
After the dogfight for the lead in that one, the IMCA sportmods hit the track with fifteen cars. Chris Grothe shot to the lead from the pole, but fellow front row starter Zach Norgaard powered his machine on the cushion to hold the advantage on lap two. Those two were followed closely by Tim Rupp and Brett Moffitt before Moffitt made his move around Rupp and Grothe for second. While the action up front was going on, Doug Smith was making his way to the front. Smith, who spun out in his heat race and went to the pits, started twelfth on the grid and found himself in the top five by lap four. Moffitt would get by Norgaard for the lead just prior to the midpoint of the race while Smith advanced another position around Grothe. But the night belonged to youngster Brett Moffitt, as he scored the win in his first-ever appearance at the track. Norgaard settled for second, Tim Rupp was third, Doug Smith fourth, and Chris Grothe rounded out the top five.
One of the biggest reasons I enjoy going to BVR is the IMCA stock car class. Last year the stock cars put on some of the best races I was able to see all year. While only twelve cars saw the green flag, the battle at the front more then made up for it. Second row starter Dustin Smith took control early on while brother David settled in behind. Brian Blessington, Chris Ullrich, and Stefan Sybesma raced three-wide briefly for the third spot with Blessington getting the position. Donavon Smith put his name into the mix as he climbed to fourth place on the third circuit. The field was running single file primarily at the halfway point of the race when Blessington began to challenge David Smith for the runner up spot. A late restart doubled up the field, allowing Blessington to gas it up on the outside to inch in front of David Smith. Smith would not back down, however, as he would make contact with Blessington's door panel for a couple laps in turn four. That fierce battle for second allowed Dustin Smith to take the checkered flag and the win. Blessington edged out David Smith for second, Donavon Smith was fourth, and Trent Murphy completed the top five.
The final event of the night saw twelve IMCA modifieds take the green flag. Outside front row starter Justin Sackett pedaled to the early lead. After an early restart, Luke Wanninger looked to be a serious contender for Sackett's lead as the two separated from the field. The battle for third was up for grabs as Jim Thies and Chris Abelson raced side by side for several laps. Thies appeared to have it secured, but Abelson was able to get by late in the race. Wanninger closed in on Sackett in the closing laps, but Sackett was able to fend him off for the win. Ableson was third, Thies fourth, and Bob Moore rounded out the top five.
Another thing I enjoy about my trips to Alta is the concession food. I purchased my "traditional" supper: hamburger, cheese balls, and a drink. Man I LOVE those cheese balls!!
It was also nice to see some friends I hadn't seen yet this year. While I don't plan to make many trips to Alta, I will try my best to get up there once a month or so.
Speaking of friends, two of my buddies that happen to be photographers were in attendance last night. For photos from last night's action, check out Jim Zimmerline's photos at www.zippsphotos.com or check out Chad Ebel's www.racedayprints.com website.
While the racing was good, the trip home took a lot out of me. The 2 1/2 hour drive home saw me pull in the driveway at 2am. Rather then writing my blog when I got home (like I usually do), I opted for the bed.
For more information and complete results from last night's races, check out www.buenavistaraceway.net. I'd like to thank Jeff Herrig and his friendly staff for their hospitality last night and I can't wait to make another trip up to "The Beaver"!!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
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