I was hoping to have one more racing recap blog to write about at this time, but Mother Nature decided my race season was over when she forced the cancellation of the annual Thanksgiving race in Springfield, Missouri on Saturday. While I may not be terribly upset of the cancellation, it would have provided one more day/night of racing adrenaline, fumes, and excitement at the dirt track before the gloomy weather arrives for winter.
That does, however, give me an opportunity to provide a wrap-up of my 2011 season. I see Jeff Broeg already beat me to it at the "Backstretch", but here are my final stats.
I attended 73 races this year, at 25 different tracks, in 6 different states. Those states included Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Nevada. Among the 25 different tracks, I ventured to four new tracks (Grain Valley MO, Columbus Junction IA, Worthington MN, and The Dirt Track at Las Vegas NV). Those four brings my career total up to an even 100 different tracks in which I've watched races!
My season started back on March 12 with a visit to the Humboldt Speedway for USMTS action and concluded November 12 with the Duel in the Desert event out in Las Vegas. Along the way I took in 13 USMTS shows, 3 Deery Brothers Summer Series events, 5 Hawkeye Dirt Tour modified shows, and 31 nights of weekly competition. I managed to do something this year that I have not done in several years, and that is to attend every weekly show at one track. I witnessed every event held this year at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, IA.
The 73 events is my lowest total since 2007.
At the Duel in the Desert race in Las Vegas, I was asked by Brett Root of IMCA if I would be willing to help post Facebook updates for the IMCA page. I told him I would be glad to, but when I arrived at the track that Thursday he informed me of a different plan. Rather then use Facebook, it had been arranged that Modfury.com chat updates would be the alternate plan. So along with Virginia Root, I helped provide updates to those unable to attend the show some of the action that was on the track. On Friday and Saturday audio and video was provided at the same website, along with the live chat updates. I'll be the first to admit that it was frustrating at times trying to keep up with both the action on the track as well as the comments and questions on the chat, but in retrospect I must say it was a lot of fun too! I have a feeling that kinda of media coverage (Modfury.com among others) will pop up a little bit more in 2012!
While its only late November and I have since stuffed myself full of Thanksgiving dinner, I have come up with a few ideas for my plans for next year. While they may or may not become reality, I'd like to travel north and northwest a little bit to witness some Wissota racing. After trying to compile racing stats for the top five drivers in different sanction body national points, I've decided that I want to see the drivers that I've been looking up.
If the above plan doesn't happen, a friend of mine told me he wants to attend every track in the state of Iowa. I told him that might be a challenge considering how far away some Friday night tracks are and the time I get off work, but that might be something to set as a goal.
Only time will tell what 2012 will have in store for us as race fans. Hopefully you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. And Happy Holidays to you and yours as Christmas and New Year's quickly approach.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Viva Las Vegas!!
Thank you Mike VanGenderen. Why do I start off with that, you may ask. I start off with that thank you because Mike VanGenderen invited me go to to Las Vegas for the IMCA Duel in the Desert. Mike was given the opportunity to take his car out when a spot became available in the Bob Moore hauler. Side note - thank you to Bob and Denny Moore as well! It was nice meeting you both.
Mike had three crew members on board along with me, and there were some others that were in the hauler prior to us meeting up with them. We arrived in Las Vegas early Sunday afternoon and spent the first part of the week exploring Las Vegas and The Strip. Mike, Jimmy, Mike, CJ, and I walked up and down the strip Sunday and Monday before getting a rental vehicle on Tuesday. Tuesday and Wednesday we explored more of the town before heading to the track for practice.
Upon arrival at the track cars were already lined up for pre-tech. We unloaded both modifieds and the crew went to work on making sure everything was in tact. Cars were able to take as many practice sessions as they wanted Wednesday.
Thursday rolled around and the atmosphere got much more serious. Roughly 240 modifieds were on hand to take their best shot at taking the opening night checkers. Twenty heat races and ten B-mains were held, and qualifying drivers advanced into one of two feature events for the night.
The first A-main saw Darin Duffy take the early lead from the pole position. Duffy opened up a straight away lead and appeared to be on his way to the dominating victory, but his car slowed entering turn one on lap ten to end his night. From there Dylan Smith and Terry Phillips engaged in a heated battle for the top spot. Smith was able to fend off Phillips to record the win while Justin Yeager and Jacob Murray also advanced into Saturday's main event.
The second A-main again saw the pole sitter, Dominic Ursetta, jet out to a commanding lead. While the rest of the field duked it out, Ursetta blew away the competition on his way to the win. John Hansen, Randy Hall, and Bobby Hogge also advanced to Saturday's big show.
Friday night saw the same format used for the IMCA modifieds, while the IMCA sportmods were added to the card. Both Northern and Southern sportmods were allowed to race at this unique event. Sixteen sportmods showed up and Matt Mueller took home the win on Friday night. Jesse Sobbing had taken control of the race at the halfway point after starting tenth, but a flat left rear tire changed the outcome of the race. Mueller took the win ahead of Shane Helton, Jason Mallicoat, Matt Ruf, and Wayne Dotson.
In the first modified feature Justin O'Brien marched to the front of the field early on with Matt Brack giving chase. O'Brien was able to keep all challengers behind him as he took home the victory. Matt Brack finished second, Justin Radcliff was third, and Kevin Stoa rounded out the qualifiers.
Mike Jergens took the early lead in the second feature after starting on the pole. His time up front soon ended when he suffered a flat tire. That handed the race lead over to Ryan McDaniel. During a caution flag on lap seven, McDaniel would also suffer a flat tire and handed the reigns over to Ricky Alvarado. Several guys would experience flat tires from the rough terrain, but Ricky Alvarado managed his tires well enough to take the win. Jason Pike finished second, Jeff Taylor was third, and Will Brack rounded out the night's qualifiers.
Saturday finally arrived and people were eager to see what the outcome would be later on that night. The format to get the remainder of the field were be twelve last chance races, with the winner only moving on to the show. That meant a lot of high caliber race teams would be watching from the sidelines.
Before the main event, a few other races would be held. The first feature to hit the track was the Wild West Modified Tour North/South shootout. Cory Sample took the checkers in that event followed by Ryan Cottrell.
The Young Gun Shootout would follow. This race was for those drivers were are younger then 18. Fifteen drivers participated and Riley Emmel from Canada emerged victorious ahead of Riley Simmons.
A Senior Shootout was then held for the older generation of drivers. Robert Heffer took the checkered flag first in that event.
The finale for the IMCA sportmods were next to hit the track. Again sixteen cars made the call with Matt Mueller taking the lead after starting on the pole. Two early cautions kept the excitement level down, but it soon picked up around the halfway point when Jesse Sobbing drove to the outside and passed Mueller for the lead. From that point on Sobbing pulled away and collected his 55th feature win of the season. Mueller, Friday night's winner, finished second ahead of Kenneth Graves, Jason Mallicoat, and Josh Modde. Sobbing collected $777 for his efforts.
The stage was now set for the twenty-eight car field of IMCA modifieds. Outside front row starter Ricky Alvarado took the lead at the start with Dylan Smith and Dominic Ursetta following in his tire tracks. Caution flags on lap two and five kept the pace down, but action picked up on the restart. Ursetta worked under Smith to wrestle the second position away while deeper in the field Darin Duffy was on the prowl. After starting twenty-third, Duffy found himself up to eleventh at the completion of lap thirteen. Meanwhile up front Terry Phillips found another groove above where everybody else was running and began to work his way forward. Phillips passed Smith and Ursetta before setting his sights on the leader Alvarado.
Just passed the halfway point a caution flag waved. Upon the restart Phillips used his outside line to pass Alvarado for the lead while Ursetta received heavy pressure from Matt Brack for the third spot. Ursetta would fall back to fourth before being passed on the outside by Jeff Taylor. Alvarado would push up in turn four and tag the concrete wall, ending his hopes of a strong run.
With eleven laps remaining, the front of the field consisted of Phillips, Brack, Ursetta, Taylor, and Smith. Ursetta ducked to the inside of Brack to take over the second position. Brack would lose another spot to Taylor as the Arkansas driver advanced into the third spot. A bit further back in the field Duffy continued his impressive run as he worked his way into the sixth spot with eight laps remaining. Phillips and Ursetta raced door to door the last couple of laps with Ursetta edging out front in turn three. Phillips used the momentum off the top side to win the drag race to the line and pocked his second Duel in the Desert title in as many years. Ursetta finished a close second, Dylan Smith was third, Jeff Taylor fourth, and Darin Duffy completed the top five.
All in all it was a very enjoyable time out in Las Vegas. While I'm not accustomed to the casinos and big city life, I must say I enjoyed walking on The Strip and the other activities in which we participated. Once again, I must thank Mike VanGenderen for inviting me!
There is another person, or group of people, I must thank as well. That would be Brett Root and the folks at IMCA. Brett asked me if I would help out by doing facebook updates for IMCA. I agreed and arrangements were made accordingly. Once Thursday rolled around, however, plans had changed. It was decided that facebook updates would not be used as it would "blow up" people's pages. Instead of facebook, Modfury.com held a live chat update throughout the night and the entire weekend. I was asked to help out with that among a few other people. While it prevented me from watching some of the racing action, it was a lot of fun being able to inform those unable to attend. It also opened my eyes to everything that goes on behind the scenes in the "control tower" during a race as well as all the preparation that goes on in organizing an event of this size. Once again, thank you Brett Root and all the IMCA staff that made me feel welcome up in the tower!!
I arrived home at 8:30AM Monday morning. We opted to drive home following the races Saturday night and decided to drive through the "short route" into Wyoming. Gusty winds blowing snow off the mountains along with icy road conditions slowed our trip, but we made it home in good shape.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Mike had three crew members on board along with me, and there were some others that were in the hauler prior to us meeting up with them. We arrived in Las Vegas early Sunday afternoon and spent the first part of the week exploring Las Vegas and The Strip. Mike, Jimmy, Mike, CJ, and I walked up and down the strip Sunday and Monday before getting a rental vehicle on Tuesday. Tuesday and Wednesday we explored more of the town before heading to the track for practice.
Upon arrival at the track cars were already lined up for pre-tech. We unloaded both modifieds and the crew went to work on making sure everything was in tact. Cars were able to take as many practice sessions as they wanted Wednesday.
Thursday rolled around and the atmosphere got much more serious. Roughly 240 modifieds were on hand to take their best shot at taking the opening night checkers. Twenty heat races and ten B-mains were held, and qualifying drivers advanced into one of two feature events for the night.
The first A-main saw Darin Duffy take the early lead from the pole position. Duffy opened up a straight away lead and appeared to be on his way to the dominating victory, but his car slowed entering turn one on lap ten to end his night. From there Dylan Smith and Terry Phillips engaged in a heated battle for the top spot. Smith was able to fend off Phillips to record the win while Justin Yeager and Jacob Murray also advanced into Saturday's main event.
The second A-main again saw the pole sitter, Dominic Ursetta, jet out to a commanding lead. While the rest of the field duked it out, Ursetta blew away the competition on his way to the win. John Hansen, Randy Hall, and Bobby Hogge also advanced to Saturday's big show.
Friday night saw the same format used for the IMCA modifieds, while the IMCA sportmods were added to the card. Both Northern and Southern sportmods were allowed to race at this unique event. Sixteen sportmods showed up and Matt Mueller took home the win on Friday night. Jesse Sobbing had taken control of the race at the halfway point after starting tenth, but a flat left rear tire changed the outcome of the race. Mueller took the win ahead of Shane Helton, Jason Mallicoat, Matt Ruf, and Wayne Dotson.
In the first modified feature Justin O'Brien marched to the front of the field early on with Matt Brack giving chase. O'Brien was able to keep all challengers behind him as he took home the victory. Matt Brack finished second, Justin Radcliff was third, and Kevin Stoa rounded out the qualifiers.
Mike Jergens took the early lead in the second feature after starting on the pole. His time up front soon ended when he suffered a flat tire. That handed the race lead over to Ryan McDaniel. During a caution flag on lap seven, McDaniel would also suffer a flat tire and handed the reigns over to Ricky Alvarado. Several guys would experience flat tires from the rough terrain, but Ricky Alvarado managed his tires well enough to take the win. Jason Pike finished second, Jeff Taylor was third, and Will Brack rounded out the night's qualifiers.
Saturday finally arrived and people were eager to see what the outcome would be later on that night. The format to get the remainder of the field were be twelve last chance races, with the winner only moving on to the show. That meant a lot of high caliber race teams would be watching from the sidelines.
Before the main event, a few other races would be held. The first feature to hit the track was the Wild West Modified Tour North/South shootout. Cory Sample took the checkers in that event followed by Ryan Cottrell.
The Young Gun Shootout would follow. This race was for those drivers were are younger then 18. Fifteen drivers participated and Riley Emmel from Canada emerged victorious ahead of Riley Simmons.
A Senior Shootout was then held for the older generation of drivers. Robert Heffer took the checkered flag first in that event.
The finale for the IMCA sportmods were next to hit the track. Again sixteen cars made the call with Matt Mueller taking the lead after starting on the pole. Two early cautions kept the excitement level down, but it soon picked up around the halfway point when Jesse Sobbing drove to the outside and passed Mueller for the lead. From that point on Sobbing pulled away and collected his 55th feature win of the season. Mueller, Friday night's winner, finished second ahead of Kenneth Graves, Jason Mallicoat, and Josh Modde. Sobbing collected $777 for his efforts.
The stage was now set for the twenty-eight car field of IMCA modifieds. Outside front row starter Ricky Alvarado took the lead at the start with Dylan Smith and Dominic Ursetta following in his tire tracks. Caution flags on lap two and five kept the pace down, but action picked up on the restart. Ursetta worked under Smith to wrestle the second position away while deeper in the field Darin Duffy was on the prowl. After starting twenty-third, Duffy found himself up to eleventh at the completion of lap thirteen. Meanwhile up front Terry Phillips found another groove above where everybody else was running and began to work his way forward. Phillips passed Smith and Ursetta before setting his sights on the leader Alvarado.
Just passed the halfway point a caution flag waved. Upon the restart Phillips used his outside line to pass Alvarado for the lead while Ursetta received heavy pressure from Matt Brack for the third spot. Ursetta would fall back to fourth before being passed on the outside by Jeff Taylor. Alvarado would push up in turn four and tag the concrete wall, ending his hopes of a strong run.
With eleven laps remaining, the front of the field consisted of Phillips, Brack, Ursetta, Taylor, and Smith. Ursetta ducked to the inside of Brack to take over the second position. Brack would lose another spot to Taylor as the Arkansas driver advanced into the third spot. A bit further back in the field Duffy continued his impressive run as he worked his way into the sixth spot with eight laps remaining. Phillips and Ursetta raced door to door the last couple of laps with Ursetta edging out front in turn three. Phillips used the momentum off the top side to win the drag race to the line and pocked his second Duel in the Desert title in as many years. Ursetta finished a close second, Dylan Smith was third, Jeff Taylor fourth, and Darin Duffy completed the top five.
All in all it was a very enjoyable time out in Las Vegas. While I'm not accustomed to the casinos and big city life, I must say I enjoyed walking on The Strip and the other activities in which we participated. Once again, I must thank Mike VanGenderen for inviting me!
There is another person, or group of people, I must thank as well. That would be Brett Root and the folks at IMCA. Brett asked me if I would help out by doing facebook updates for IMCA. I agreed and arrangements were made accordingly. Once Thursday rolled around, however, plans had changed. It was decided that facebook updates would not be used as it would "blow up" people's pages. Instead of facebook, Modfury.com held a live chat update throughout the night and the entire weekend. I was asked to help out with that among a few other people. While it prevented me from watching some of the racing action, it was a lot of fun being able to inform those unable to attend. It also opened my eyes to everything that goes on behind the scenes in the "control tower" during a race as well as all the preparation that goes on in organizing an event of this size. Once again, thank you Brett Root and all the IMCA staff that made me feel welcome up in the tower!!
I arrived home at 8:30AM Monday morning. We opted to drive home following the races Saturday night and decided to drive through the "short route" into Wyoming. Gusty winds blowing snow off the mountains along with icy road conditions slowed our trip, but we made it home in good shape.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Barb Nunnenkamp Memorial at Junction Motor Speedway
After attending the USMTS King of America Modified Nationals in Humboldt (KS) on Friday and Saturday, my friend Brett and I took a little detour on our way back home. Sunday we ventured to the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction (NE) for the Barb Nunnenkamp Memorial race. I've tried to attend the early Spring USMTS shows that JMS tries to put on, but sometimes weather doesn't allow for it. That was the case this season, although the events were rescheduled to early June. I was unable to make it and was disappointed, so as I looked at my scheduled I decided I was going to make it out there yet this year.
Once we arrived we picked out our seats, but we didn't stay there long. I found a buddy of mine, Ed Reichert from Wisconsin, sitting a few rows back and opted to go sit with him. We had seen Ed down at Humboldt, but was unable to chat with him. It was good catching up with him and seeing what other races he had left on his calendar. Ed writes a column for several media outlets, one of which is Hawkeye Racing News.
As the racing action got going, it was surprising that not a lot of Iowa guys had made the trip as in years past. Heat races and b-mains (if necessary) would be run to narrow the starting fields down, and after a short break it was time for feature action.
Hobby stocks would be up first. Kyle Bond would set the early pace as he got the jump, but the caution flag would negate the lap being scored. Three cars got tangled up in turn three, including Jason Wilkinson who finished third in IMCA national points this season. When action resumed Lonnie Greuter held down the top spot with Bond giving chase. After transferring out of a B-main, Jeremy Auten was slowly marching forward as he advanced to seventh in just two laps. Anthony Martin used the middle groove to power by Mallet Meyer and Keith Dragoo to move into the third position. Following a debris caution, race leader Greuter would suffer a flat tire and exit the speedway. That handed the reigns over to Kyle Bond, and from that point on he remained out front as he picked up the feature win. He was followed across the line by Brandon Johnsen, Jeremy Auten, R J Macku, and Anthony Martin. Jason Wilkinson rebounded from the early caution to finish sixth.
Up next would be the stock cars. Pole sitter Kyle Dumpert grabbed the early race lead with outside front row mate Jeff Whiting following closely behind. Herb Slough would use the bottom groove to slip under Whiting for second before Andy Wilkinson passed both cars to take over the runner up spot. Five caution flags would plague the race, but Cory Dumpert was able to dissect the field. After starting twelfth, Cory Dumpert found his way to fourth and eventually third after passing Whiting. He was on the rear bumper of Wilkinson as they both chased Kyle Dumpert, but were unable to make a move as Kyle Dumpert took the flag to flag victory. Andy Wilkinson finished second, Cory Dumpert was third, Jeff Whiting fourth, and Justin Bertschinger rounded out the top five.
B-mods would be next up for their feature event. I was looking forward to seeing Tyler Frye and Jesse Sobbing race against each other as they challenged for the IMCA northern sportmod national championship this season. Unfortunately track conditions didn't allow for a whole lot of racing. Pole sitter Max Harder, who had a solid season of his own, took control at the point with Jeremy Leiting just behind. Harder would open up a straight away advantage at the halfway point as he picked up the dominating win. Tony Rost would finish second, Jeremy Leiting was third, Tyler Frye finished fourth, and South Dakota driver Kyle Nordquist rounded out the top five. Sobbing finished sixth after starting twelfth. His win on Saturday was his amazing 54th victory!
The four-cylinder class would come out next. I didn't keep notes on this race as I needed to use the facilities. Michael Boehle would take the win ahead of Kevin Zeitner, who the announcer said is the next up and coming member of the family. Shannon Pospisil finished third, Cameron Meyer fourth, and Scott Spellmeyer rounded out the top five. Forty-one cars had checked in for action on Sunday in this division!
Modifieds would be up next and outside front row starter Tyler Iverson got the quick jump on the field to snare the top spot. While the track appeared to be locked down, Kyle Berck was able to find some racing room as he advanced from tenth to fifth with seven laps remaining. He wasn't done, however, as he passed Shane Hiatt for fourth. That was the brunt of the passing that I saw, though, as Iverson picked up the impressive win. Scott Smith finished second, Jared Hoefelman was third, Kyle Berck fourth, and Dylan Smith fifth.
The finale of the evening was the late model feature. Outside front row starter Les Siebert took the point early on with Josh Krug settling in behind him in second. Following an early restart, Marc Peters dove to the inside of Tad Pospisil for the fourth position. Pospisil would lose another spot as Matt Buller snuck by as well. Jacob Brown used the inside groove to pass Krug for second with eight laps remaining. A late caution bunched the field back up, but it wouldn't make a difference as Les Siebert stayed out front and picked up the win. Jacob Brown was second, Matt Buller third, Josh Krug was fourth, and Marc Peters rounded out the top five.
That concluded the racing action at the Junction Motor Speedway for the 2011 race season, and also put an end to my three-race weekend. I'd like to thank announcer Wayne Dake for the shoutout. I simply went and asked him where the "junior flagman" was that normally sits above the walkway to the grandstands, and he proceeded to inform me that the young man now does some announcing duties for the track. He also writes the highlights for the website as well as runs a video camera for promoter Delmar Friesen. I enjoyed a nice conversation with the young man and wish him the best of luck in the future.
Despite the lengthy trip home and late hour climbing into bed, I'm pretty sure my friend had just as much fun as I did. In fact, he may have had more as he had never been to either track. He's already hoping he can make it to both next year!
While sitting in the grandstands about midway through the evening, I received a text message on my phone. It was a friend of mine, a stock car driver. To make a long story short, he invited me to ride with him out to Las Vegas for the Duel in the Desert race. He said he was driving someone else's toter home out while hauling two cars and said I could join him. Needless to say I was excited as I have heard many great things about that facility and event. I'm currently trying to nail things down in order to make it happen.
Racing action in the upper Midwest may have come to a close, but there are still a few events just south of here left on the calendar. This upcoming weekend, the ASCS sprint cars will be in Little Rock, Arkansas for a three-day affair (Thur-Sat). If that's too far for ya to drive, Springfield (MO) has a special on Saturday that includes a late model challenge race between the ULMA and Show-Me series along with modifieds, b-modifieds, and a few other classes. I had planned on going to Springfield, but my plans will likely change with the invitation mentioned above.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Once we arrived we picked out our seats, but we didn't stay there long. I found a buddy of mine, Ed Reichert from Wisconsin, sitting a few rows back and opted to go sit with him. We had seen Ed down at Humboldt, but was unable to chat with him. It was good catching up with him and seeing what other races he had left on his calendar. Ed writes a column for several media outlets, one of which is Hawkeye Racing News.
As the racing action got going, it was surprising that not a lot of Iowa guys had made the trip as in years past. Heat races and b-mains (if necessary) would be run to narrow the starting fields down, and after a short break it was time for feature action.
Hobby stocks would be up first. Kyle Bond would set the early pace as he got the jump, but the caution flag would negate the lap being scored. Three cars got tangled up in turn three, including Jason Wilkinson who finished third in IMCA national points this season. When action resumed Lonnie Greuter held down the top spot with Bond giving chase. After transferring out of a B-main, Jeremy Auten was slowly marching forward as he advanced to seventh in just two laps. Anthony Martin used the middle groove to power by Mallet Meyer and Keith Dragoo to move into the third position. Following a debris caution, race leader Greuter would suffer a flat tire and exit the speedway. That handed the reigns over to Kyle Bond, and from that point on he remained out front as he picked up the feature win. He was followed across the line by Brandon Johnsen, Jeremy Auten, R J Macku, and Anthony Martin. Jason Wilkinson rebounded from the early caution to finish sixth.
Up next would be the stock cars. Pole sitter Kyle Dumpert grabbed the early race lead with outside front row mate Jeff Whiting following closely behind. Herb Slough would use the bottom groove to slip under Whiting for second before Andy Wilkinson passed both cars to take over the runner up spot. Five caution flags would plague the race, but Cory Dumpert was able to dissect the field. After starting twelfth, Cory Dumpert found his way to fourth and eventually third after passing Whiting. He was on the rear bumper of Wilkinson as they both chased Kyle Dumpert, but were unable to make a move as Kyle Dumpert took the flag to flag victory. Andy Wilkinson finished second, Cory Dumpert was third, Jeff Whiting fourth, and Justin Bertschinger rounded out the top five.
B-mods would be next up for their feature event. I was looking forward to seeing Tyler Frye and Jesse Sobbing race against each other as they challenged for the IMCA northern sportmod national championship this season. Unfortunately track conditions didn't allow for a whole lot of racing. Pole sitter Max Harder, who had a solid season of his own, took control at the point with Jeremy Leiting just behind. Harder would open up a straight away advantage at the halfway point as he picked up the dominating win. Tony Rost would finish second, Jeremy Leiting was third, Tyler Frye finished fourth, and South Dakota driver Kyle Nordquist rounded out the top five. Sobbing finished sixth after starting twelfth. His win on Saturday was his amazing 54th victory!
The four-cylinder class would come out next. I didn't keep notes on this race as I needed to use the facilities. Michael Boehle would take the win ahead of Kevin Zeitner, who the announcer said is the next up and coming member of the family. Shannon Pospisil finished third, Cameron Meyer fourth, and Scott Spellmeyer rounded out the top five. Forty-one cars had checked in for action on Sunday in this division!
Modifieds would be up next and outside front row starter Tyler Iverson got the quick jump on the field to snare the top spot. While the track appeared to be locked down, Kyle Berck was able to find some racing room as he advanced from tenth to fifth with seven laps remaining. He wasn't done, however, as he passed Shane Hiatt for fourth. That was the brunt of the passing that I saw, though, as Iverson picked up the impressive win. Scott Smith finished second, Jared Hoefelman was third, Kyle Berck fourth, and Dylan Smith fifth.
The finale of the evening was the late model feature. Outside front row starter Les Siebert took the point early on with Josh Krug settling in behind him in second. Following an early restart, Marc Peters dove to the inside of Tad Pospisil for the fourth position. Pospisil would lose another spot as Matt Buller snuck by as well. Jacob Brown used the inside groove to pass Krug for second with eight laps remaining. A late caution bunched the field back up, but it wouldn't make a difference as Les Siebert stayed out front and picked up the win. Jacob Brown was second, Matt Buller third, Josh Krug was fourth, and Marc Peters rounded out the top five.
That concluded the racing action at the Junction Motor Speedway for the 2011 race season, and also put an end to my three-race weekend. I'd like to thank announcer Wayne Dake for the shoutout. I simply went and asked him where the "junior flagman" was that normally sits above the walkway to the grandstands, and he proceeded to inform me that the young man now does some announcing duties for the track. He also writes the highlights for the website as well as runs a video camera for promoter Delmar Friesen. I enjoyed a nice conversation with the young man and wish him the best of luck in the future.
Despite the lengthy trip home and late hour climbing into bed, I'm pretty sure my friend had just as much fun as I did. In fact, he may have had more as he had never been to either track. He's already hoping he can make it to both next year!
While sitting in the grandstands about midway through the evening, I received a text message on my phone. It was a friend of mine, a stock car driver. To make a long story short, he invited me to ride with him out to Las Vegas for the Duel in the Desert race. He said he was driving someone else's toter home out while hauling two cars and said I could join him. Needless to say I was excited as I have heard many great things about that facility and event. I'm currently trying to nail things down in order to make it happen.
Racing action in the upper Midwest may have come to a close, but there are still a few events just south of here left on the calendar. This upcoming weekend, the ASCS sprint cars will be in Little Rock, Arkansas for a three-day affair (Thur-Sat). If that's too far for ya to drive, Springfield (MO) has a special on Saturday that includes a late model challenge race between the ULMA and Show-Me series along with modifieds, b-modifieds, and a few other classes. I had planned on going to Springfield, but my plans will likely change with the invitation mentioned above.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
King of America Modified Nationals at Humboldt (KS)
My weekend travels took me south to the Humboldt Speedway in Kansas. A friend of mine, Brett McCollough, and I woke up early Friday and made the nearly six hour trip to southern Kansas for the final two nights of the inaugural King of America Modified Nationals. The United States Modified Touring Series was putting this event on and attracted some of the best drivers in the country. While the car count fell short of what I was expecting, the racing action made up for it!
After reading that Ryan Gustin and Johnny Scott had won from the 12th starting positions on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, I had high hopes for this event to possibly be one of the best of the year. Friday night saw fifty drivers race heat races, b-mains, and the feature along with a complete show for the b-mods. Twenty-nine b-mods were hand for the third of four nights for them.
As the qualifying events were completed, the b-mods came to the track for their feature. Nine cars had been eliminated for the starting field of twenty. Pole sitter Jeremy Chambers grabbed the early lead, but he quickly received pressure from fellow front row starter Nick Newton. As the two raced side by side, Newton would take the advantage on lap three prior to an early caution. Long time modified veteran Gary Clark used the restart to motor by Chambers for second while recently-crowned IMCA Northern Sportmod National Champion Bryan LaRiviere worked his way through the field to fourth after starting tenth. Up front Clark would work under Newton and regain the lead as the white flag was displayed. Newton would not be intimidated as he powered his machine around the top side of turns three and four and squeak out the win at the line. Gary Clark had to settle for second, Jeremy Chambers was third, Bryan LaRiviere fourth, and Mike Striegle completed the top five. Iowa driver Cayden Carter started fourteenth and finished sixth.
After the field was narrowed down to twenty-four starters, Mark Dotson and Brian Bolin brought them to the green flag of the thirty-five lap qualifier. Dotson would set the early pace with Bolin, Johnny Fennewald, and Tommy Weder giving chase. Nine-time USMTS national champion Kelly Shryock was making fast work on his way to the front as he climbed into fourth following a pass on Weder. Shryock, who started seventh, would continue climbing the leaderboard as he passed Fennewald for third on lap seven. However, the caution flag would come out at that time and Fennewald would line up third on the restart.
Shryock would again use the low side to slide by Fennewald for third while Bolin used the same line to pass Dotson up front for the lead. Steve Whiteaker Jr climbed the banking and made the pass on Fennewald for fourth as Shryock clicked off another in passing Dotson for second. Whiteaker Jr followed Shryock into the third position as the top four cars wound up by themselves with five laps to go while encountering lapped traffic. As the white flag came out Shryock went to the top side and passed Bolin for the lead, but a caution prior to the checkers meant a two-lap shootout. Shryock was able to hold on for the win while Steve Whiteaker Jr pulled out a second place finish. Brian Bolin, Mark Dotson, and Johnny Fennewald rounded out the top five.
Shyrock's late race pass for the win meant that all three qualifying nights provided a late pass for the win. As the evening concluded I couldn't help but get excited to see what the big 75-lap finale had in store on Saturday evening.
Fan count for the first three days seemed to be far less then expected, but it was evident upon arrival on Saturday that the fans wanted to see the finale. As we pulled into the track we parked further back then any of the previous handful of times I've been at the Humboldt Speedway. By the time racing action kicked off the grandstand was close to capacity with many people standing as well.
The USMTS staff along with the track officials did a great job of intertwining the b-mods and the USMTS "alphabet soup" throughout the night, keeping the show going as smoothly as could be expected. The alphabet soup consisted of an "E", "D", "C", and a "B" as drivers looked to secure a starting position in the thirty-car starting field. Meanwhile thirty-three b-mods had checked in for action as well and had to narrow their field to twenty.
After a lengthy farming session, the b-mods would be up first for their finale. Nick Newton, who had picked up wins on Thursday and Friday night, sat on the pole alongside long-time veteran modified hotshoe Scott Drake. While I expected Newton to bolt to the front, I was surprised that it was Drake blasting to the lead with Levi McGowen giving chase. An early caution realigned the field and Newton used it to his advantage as he swung to the inside of McGowen for the second position. Another caution flag came out and following the restart Newton began to fade, giving up two spots to McGowen and Tim VanGotten. Jeremy Chambers later passed Newton to climb into the fourth spot while VanGotten slowed and exited the track to end his night. Two more cautions would fly, but none of them distracted Scott Drake as he picked up the wire to wire win. Levi McGowen finished second, Jeremy Chambers was third, Nick Newton fourth, and Jimmy Davis completed the top five.
Perennial contenders Bryan LaRiviere and Cayden Carter both failed to finish. I made a statement to people sitting around me that it's rare to see two drivers in the same race with 30+ feature wins to their credit on the year as both drivers had incredible seasons!
The stage was now set for the big 75-lap USMTS feature. Pre-race ceremonies included drivers walking from the ends of the grandstand towards the center and using a spotlight in the dark. Once all drivers had been introduced, an "event photo" was taken in front of the "King's thrown" as fireworks went off in the background. As drivers strapped in and began to roll off, the ever-popular "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood hit the PA and fans rose to their feet. A parade lap and then the four-wide salute to the fans followed as the fans waved to their favorite driver(s).
Mark Dotson and Kelly Shryock brought the field to the green flag with Dotson setting the early pace. Brian Bolin and Steve Whiteaker Jr battled side by side for the fourth spot for a few laps, but the caution flag on lap nine halted that action temporarily. Two more quick yellows came out, but after the lap nine restart the green flag would come out and the green light stayed on for 47 laps as the drivers put on a great show for the fans!
Jon Tesch found the top side to his liking as he passed Shryock for second. Terry Phillips used the low line to make his move on Bolin for fifth as Tesch took the lead away from Dotson on lap thirteen. Dotson and Shryock raced wheel to wheel for the runner up spot as Tesch began to pull away. Shryock would eventually get the better of Dotson and snare the second spot while Phillips found the quick way around Whiteaker for fourth. He didn't keep that position for long, however, as Johnny Scott made the pass. Scott was driving Jason Hughes' backup car this past weekend.
Tesch would find himself making significant contact with the turn four wall and slowed his momentum, allowing Shryock to close in as they encountered lapped traffic. Dotson and Scott chased down the front two cars as well to make it a four-way battle for the top spot. With Tesch continuing to run the top side, Shryock ducked inside and took over the lead around lap thirty-six. Tesch would regain the lead a few short laps later while Dotson and Scott ran door to door for third. Dotson would get the position and pull alongside Shryock for second as the two made contact on the front straightaway, lifting Shryock's back tires off the dirt. Both cars were unharmed and continued on.
Scott and Phillips took advantage of the mishap and got by Dotson for third and fourth place, respectively. Tesch, Shryock, Scott, and Phillips again would work lapped traffic while being closely bunched together. Shryock would again take over the top spot while Scott later worked his way by Tesch for second. Phillips would also get by Tesch as the caution flag waved on lap fifty-eight as Dotson and Ryan Gustin spun in turn three. A single file restart was used, but no passes would be seen at the front of the pack during the remainder of the race as Kelly Shryock was crowned "King of America" and pocketed the lute that went with it. Johnny Scott finished second, Terry Phillips was third, Jon Tesch fourth, and Steve Whiteaker rounded out the top five.
With as much action that was seen in the first fifty-some odd laps, I was disappointed that the track didn't allow for it late in the race. However, I came away satisfied seeing the pack work through lapped traffic with little to no contact made on the tight quarter-mile speedplant.
USMTS officials announced Saturday night that the event would be held in late March in 2012. I'm sure those in attendance have already marked it on their calendars, and this race fan will be doing so as well.
I'd like to thank the USMTS staff, namely Todd and Janet Staley along with Jeff Nun, for their continued hospitality throughout the 2011 racing season. These three people were always willing to take the time to talk with me and ask my opinions on what I had witnessed each night. Hopefully next year I can schedule a few more shows into my plans.
For a rundown from each of the four nights at Humboldt this past weekend, check out the USMTS website. For those of you who may be able to travel, the USMTS series has three more shows left on their schedule. They will head to the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas on November 17-19. Formerly known as Houston Raceway Park, the state-of-the-art facility just east of Houston provides a great view for fans as I rate it in my top five of best facilities I've ever attended. If you get the chance, I'd highly recommend checking it out!!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
After reading that Ryan Gustin and Johnny Scott had won from the 12th starting positions on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, I had high hopes for this event to possibly be one of the best of the year. Friday night saw fifty drivers race heat races, b-mains, and the feature along with a complete show for the b-mods. Twenty-nine b-mods were hand for the third of four nights for them.
As the qualifying events were completed, the b-mods came to the track for their feature. Nine cars had been eliminated for the starting field of twenty. Pole sitter Jeremy Chambers grabbed the early lead, but he quickly received pressure from fellow front row starter Nick Newton. As the two raced side by side, Newton would take the advantage on lap three prior to an early caution. Long time modified veteran Gary Clark used the restart to motor by Chambers for second while recently-crowned IMCA Northern Sportmod National Champion Bryan LaRiviere worked his way through the field to fourth after starting tenth. Up front Clark would work under Newton and regain the lead as the white flag was displayed. Newton would not be intimidated as he powered his machine around the top side of turns three and four and squeak out the win at the line. Gary Clark had to settle for second, Jeremy Chambers was third, Bryan LaRiviere fourth, and Mike Striegle completed the top five. Iowa driver Cayden Carter started fourteenth and finished sixth.
After the field was narrowed down to twenty-four starters, Mark Dotson and Brian Bolin brought them to the green flag of the thirty-five lap qualifier. Dotson would set the early pace with Bolin, Johnny Fennewald, and Tommy Weder giving chase. Nine-time USMTS national champion Kelly Shryock was making fast work on his way to the front as he climbed into fourth following a pass on Weder. Shryock, who started seventh, would continue climbing the leaderboard as he passed Fennewald for third on lap seven. However, the caution flag would come out at that time and Fennewald would line up third on the restart.
Shryock would again use the low side to slide by Fennewald for third while Bolin used the same line to pass Dotson up front for the lead. Steve Whiteaker Jr climbed the banking and made the pass on Fennewald for fourth as Shryock clicked off another in passing Dotson for second. Whiteaker Jr followed Shryock into the third position as the top four cars wound up by themselves with five laps to go while encountering lapped traffic. As the white flag came out Shryock went to the top side and passed Bolin for the lead, but a caution prior to the checkers meant a two-lap shootout. Shryock was able to hold on for the win while Steve Whiteaker Jr pulled out a second place finish. Brian Bolin, Mark Dotson, and Johnny Fennewald rounded out the top five.
Shyrock's late race pass for the win meant that all three qualifying nights provided a late pass for the win. As the evening concluded I couldn't help but get excited to see what the big 75-lap finale had in store on Saturday evening.
Fan count for the first three days seemed to be far less then expected, but it was evident upon arrival on Saturday that the fans wanted to see the finale. As we pulled into the track we parked further back then any of the previous handful of times I've been at the Humboldt Speedway. By the time racing action kicked off the grandstand was close to capacity with many people standing as well.
The USMTS staff along with the track officials did a great job of intertwining the b-mods and the USMTS "alphabet soup" throughout the night, keeping the show going as smoothly as could be expected. The alphabet soup consisted of an "E", "D", "C", and a "B" as drivers looked to secure a starting position in the thirty-car starting field. Meanwhile thirty-three b-mods had checked in for action as well and had to narrow their field to twenty.
After a lengthy farming session, the b-mods would be up first for their finale. Nick Newton, who had picked up wins on Thursday and Friday night, sat on the pole alongside long-time veteran modified hotshoe Scott Drake. While I expected Newton to bolt to the front, I was surprised that it was Drake blasting to the lead with Levi McGowen giving chase. An early caution realigned the field and Newton used it to his advantage as he swung to the inside of McGowen for the second position. Another caution flag came out and following the restart Newton began to fade, giving up two spots to McGowen and Tim VanGotten. Jeremy Chambers later passed Newton to climb into the fourth spot while VanGotten slowed and exited the track to end his night. Two more cautions would fly, but none of them distracted Scott Drake as he picked up the wire to wire win. Levi McGowen finished second, Jeremy Chambers was third, Nick Newton fourth, and Jimmy Davis completed the top five.
Perennial contenders Bryan LaRiviere and Cayden Carter both failed to finish. I made a statement to people sitting around me that it's rare to see two drivers in the same race with 30+ feature wins to their credit on the year as both drivers had incredible seasons!
The stage was now set for the big 75-lap USMTS feature. Pre-race ceremonies included drivers walking from the ends of the grandstand towards the center and using a spotlight in the dark. Once all drivers had been introduced, an "event photo" was taken in front of the "King's thrown" as fireworks went off in the background. As drivers strapped in and began to roll off, the ever-popular "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood hit the PA and fans rose to their feet. A parade lap and then the four-wide salute to the fans followed as the fans waved to their favorite driver(s).
Mark Dotson and Kelly Shryock brought the field to the green flag with Dotson setting the early pace. Brian Bolin and Steve Whiteaker Jr battled side by side for the fourth spot for a few laps, but the caution flag on lap nine halted that action temporarily. Two more quick yellows came out, but after the lap nine restart the green flag would come out and the green light stayed on for 47 laps as the drivers put on a great show for the fans!
Jon Tesch found the top side to his liking as he passed Shryock for second. Terry Phillips used the low line to make his move on Bolin for fifth as Tesch took the lead away from Dotson on lap thirteen. Dotson and Shryock raced wheel to wheel for the runner up spot as Tesch began to pull away. Shryock would eventually get the better of Dotson and snare the second spot while Phillips found the quick way around Whiteaker for fourth. He didn't keep that position for long, however, as Johnny Scott made the pass. Scott was driving Jason Hughes' backup car this past weekend.
Tesch would find himself making significant contact with the turn four wall and slowed his momentum, allowing Shryock to close in as they encountered lapped traffic. Dotson and Scott chased down the front two cars as well to make it a four-way battle for the top spot. With Tesch continuing to run the top side, Shryock ducked inside and took over the lead around lap thirty-six. Tesch would regain the lead a few short laps later while Dotson and Scott ran door to door for third. Dotson would get the position and pull alongside Shryock for second as the two made contact on the front straightaway, lifting Shryock's back tires off the dirt. Both cars were unharmed and continued on.
Scott and Phillips took advantage of the mishap and got by Dotson for third and fourth place, respectively. Tesch, Shryock, Scott, and Phillips again would work lapped traffic while being closely bunched together. Shryock would again take over the top spot while Scott later worked his way by Tesch for second. Phillips would also get by Tesch as the caution flag waved on lap fifty-eight as Dotson and Ryan Gustin spun in turn three. A single file restart was used, but no passes would be seen at the front of the pack during the remainder of the race as Kelly Shryock was crowned "King of America" and pocketed the lute that went with it. Johnny Scott finished second, Terry Phillips was third, Jon Tesch fourth, and Steve Whiteaker rounded out the top five.
With as much action that was seen in the first fifty-some odd laps, I was disappointed that the track didn't allow for it late in the race. However, I came away satisfied seeing the pack work through lapped traffic with little to no contact made on the tight quarter-mile speedplant.
USMTS officials announced Saturday night that the event would be held in late March in 2012. I'm sure those in attendance have already marked it on their calendars, and this race fan will be doing so as well.
I'd like to thank the USMTS staff, namely Todd and Janet Staley along with Jeff Nun, for their continued hospitality throughout the 2011 racing season. These three people were always willing to take the time to talk with me and ask my opinions on what I had witnessed each night. Hopefully next year I can schedule a few more shows into my plans.
For a rundown from each of the four nights at Humboldt this past weekend, check out the USMTS website. For those of you who may be able to travel, the USMTS series has three more shows left on their schedule. They will head to the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas on November 17-19. Formerly known as Houston Raceway Park, the state-of-the-art facility just east of Houston provides a great view for fans as I rate it in my top five of best facilities I've ever attended. If you get the chance, I'd highly recommend checking it out!!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Carter and Bonnett Repeat Osky Checkers
Another great fall day was in store for a great crowd at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa on Saturday. The temperature felt at least ten degrees warmer as the wind wasn't blowing nearly as strong as it was on Friday night. With a great crowd on hand Friday night, I believe there were more people in the stands on Saturday.
While the format was two complete shows, the top eight in Friday night's features were locked into Saturday night's a-mains. That is unless a driver opted to take a chance on pocketing some big money out of an envelope. Ron VerBeek, Steve Jackson, and Jared Timmerman took their chances and forfeited their starting spot. Last chance heat races and last chance qualifiers would be run to fill out the remainder of each starting field.
The first feature to make their way to the track would be the USRA hobby stocks. After pinning down the pole position due to his win Friday night, Bill Bonnett jumped out to the early lead ahead of a trio of Northeast Iowa drivers in Adam Cline, Steve Larson, and Danny Sacquitne. Local racer Donoven Nunnikhoven would enter the mix as he climbed the banking to make the pass on Sacquitne for fourth on the second lap. He continued to run the top side of the speedway and made the pass on Larson for third while Bonnett paced the field utilizing the bottom side. Nunnikhoven steadily made up ground on second place driver Adam Cline before taking over the position. Nunnikhoven would inch closer to Bonnett and eventually took over the top spot on lap fifteen of the twenty-five lap race. Clayton Crump was also making steady progress through the field as he marched into the second spot after passing Bonnett as well. With seven laps to go the top four cars (Nunnikhoven, Crump, Bonnett, and Cline) were out front by themselves. Crump and Bonnett raced side by side for several laps for the runner up spot, but Bonnett found some traction on the low side and pulled even with Nunnikhoven for the lead with two laps remaining. Bonnett would get the lead as the white flag was displayed and go on to take the win by a good five-car length advantage. Donoven Nunnikhoven finished second, Adam Cline was third, Steve Larson fourth, and Chris Hovden completed the top five in the green-to-checkers main event! Clayton Crump crossed the line in third, but was later disqualified in post-race technical inspection.
After that thrilling finish, the USRA modifieds would try to follow it up as Colt Mather and Zack VanderBeek brought the field to the green flag. VanderBeek would get the edge from the start as the top side appeared to be the preferred line in the early going. Mather settled in to second with Bob Timm and track champion Steven Blattler giving chase. VanderBeek would set a fast pace as he encountered lapped traffic by the sixth circuit. The red flag would come out on lap fifteen as apparently somebody in the infield had been injured and needed to be transferred to a medical facility. On the restart Timm would get a little too high in turn two and lose a couple spots. The caution flag would wave a bit later as Mather tagged the guardrail to end his great run. That put Ron VerBeek and Blattler on VanderBeek's rear bumper on the restart. The outside line got the advantage when racing resumed as Blattler got by VerBeek and Kurt Kile made the pass on Bob Timm for fourth. Nobody had anything for VanderBeek though as he motored home to the win by a straight away. Steven Blattler finished second, Ron VerBeek was third, Kurt Kile finished fourth, and Bob Timm secured the fifth spot.
Cayden Carter and Bryon Weyer paced the field of USRA b-mods to the green flag. The green flag didn't stay out long, however, as Carter VanDenBerg appeared to make contact with a big implement tire on the inside of turn two and sent him into a wild rollover. Thankfully he was able to walk away under his own power. Cayden Carter would grab the advantage on the complete restart while Weyer, Jake Timm, and Jason Mallicoat gave chase. Mallicoat would slip past Timm for third while Curtis VanDerWal and Jared Timmerman raced side by side for the fifth position. VanDerWal continued using the inside line and made the pass on Timm for fourth, but Timm would later regain that position a lap later. Carter and Weyer pulled out to a commanding lead by lap six, but the caution flag came out on lap ten to bunch the field back up.
VanDerWal, Timm, and Timmerman would race three-wide momentarily before Timmerman took the fourth position ahead of Timm and VanDerWal. Weyer again would keep pace with Carter as the two broke away from the field. The yellow flag would come out twice more within the final five laps of the race, setting up a sprint to the checkers. Cayden Carter would fend off Bryon Weyer to pick up his 31st win of the season. Jason Mallicoat finished third, Jake Timm fourth, and Jared Timmerman completed the top five.
After the show the USRA stock cars put on Friday night, I was happy to hear they would be the final event of the night. Shane Weller and Nathan Wood paced the field to the green flag with Wood getting the early advantage. Following an early caution, Bryan Webb used the top side to get by Matt Jones for the fourth position, but Jones was able to regain the position a bit later. Steve Jackson, the driver who gave up his outside front row starting spot for a money envelope, started eighth but made the pass on Webb for fifth as the top five drivers used the top line of the track. Behind them, however, was a different story as they were racing two and sometimes three-wide. Shane Weller used the inside line to get by Shay Curtin for second with nine laps remaining. A caution would come out and on the restart Curtin and Jackson made contact with each other, resulting in a flat tire for Curtin to end his strong run. That propelled Jackson to the third spot while Matt Greiner advanced to fourth. Wood, Weller, and Jackson were nose to tail the final circuits, but nobody was able to make a late move as Nathan Wood picked up the win. Shane Weller finished second, Steve Jackson was third, Matt Greiner fourth, and Mike VanGenderen rounded out the top five. Wood told me after the races that he had won a feature event every year that Todd and Janet Staley have promoted at Osky, but he had to wait til the final event of the season to do so this year.
For a full field rundown of Night 2 at Oskaloosa, check out the USRA website.
It was a good night of racing to cap off the Staley era at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The show did get a bit of a late start and the track wasn't quite as good Saturday as Friday was, in my opinion. But the drivers reduced the number of caution flags and kept the show moving all night long.
I wish the Mahaska County fairboard good luck in their search for a promoter for the future. I hope they find somebody that fits their goals and are able to continue racing for years to come.
As for Todd and Janet Staley, they have a few more races to oversee yet this year. The King of America Modified Nationals is their next event that will be held at the Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kansas. This unique format is the same one used at the Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota back in late July. Things kick off Wednesday and runs through Saturday. I'll be making the trip down for Friday and Saturday to see who gets crowned the winner and pockets the big $15,000 check. For more information on this event, check out the USMTS website.
While the format was two complete shows, the top eight in Friday night's features were locked into Saturday night's a-mains. That is unless a driver opted to take a chance on pocketing some big money out of an envelope. Ron VerBeek, Steve Jackson, and Jared Timmerman took their chances and forfeited their starting spot. Last chance heat races and last chance qualifiers would be run to fill out the remainder of each starting field.
The first feature to make their way to the track would be the USRA hobby stocks. After pinning down the pole position due to his win Friday night, Bill Bonnett jumped out to the early lead ahead of a trio of Northeast Iowa drivers in Adam Cline, Steve Larson, and Danny Sacquitne. Local racer Donoven Nunnikhoven would enter the mix as he climbed the banking to make the pass on Sacquitne for fourth on the second lap. He continued to run the top side of the speedway and made the pass on Larson for third while Bonnett paced the field utilizing the bottom side. Nunnikhoven steadily made up ground on second place driver Adam Cline before taking over the position. Nunnikhoven would inch closer to Bonnett and eventually took over the top spot on lap fifteen of the twenty-five lap race. Clayton Crump was also making steady progress through the field as he marched into the second spot after passing Bonnett as well. With seven laps to go the top four cars (Nunnikhoven, Crump, Bonnett, and Cline) were out front by themselves. Crump and Bonnett raced side by side for several laps for the runner up spot, but Bonnett found some traction on the low side and pulled even with Nunnikhoven for the lead with two laps remaining. Bonnett would get the lead as the white flag was displayed and go on to take the win by a good five-car length advantage. Donoven Nunnikhoven finished second, Adam Cline was third, Steve Larson fourth, and Chris Hovden completed the top five in the green-to-checkers main event! Clayton Crump crossed the line in third, but was later disqualified in post-race technical inspection.
After that thrilling finish, the USRA modifieds would try to follow it up as Colt Mather and Zack VanderBeek brought the field to the green flag. VanderBeek would get the edge from the start as the top side appeared to be the preferred line in the early going. Mather settled in to second with Bob Timm and track champion Steven Blattler giving chase. VanderBeek would set a fast pace as he encountered lapped traffic by the sixth circuit. The red flag would come out on lap fifteen as apparently somebody in the infield had been injured and needed to be transferred to a medical facility. On the restart Timm would get a little too high in turn two and lose a couple spots. The caution flag would wave a bit later as Mather tagged the guardrail to end his great run. That put Ron VerBeek and Blattler on VanderBeek's rear bumper on the restart. The outside line got the advantage when racing resumed as Blattler got by VerBeek and Kurt Kile made the pass on Bob Timm for fourth. Nobody had anything for VanderBeek though as he motored home to the win by a straight away. Steven Blattler finished second, Ron VerBeek was third, Kurt Kile finished fourth, and Bob Timm secured the fifth spot.
Cayden Carter and Bryon Weyer paced the field of USRA b-mods to the green flag. The green flag didn't stay out long, however, as Carter VanDenBerg appeared to make contact with a big implement tire on the inside of turn two and sent him into a wild rollover. Thankfully he was able to walk away under his own power. Cayden Carter would grab the advantage on the complete restart while Weyer, Jake Timm, and Jason Mallicoat gave chase. Mallicoat would slip past Timm for third while Curtis VanDerWal and Jared Timmerman raced side by side for the fifth position. VanDerWal continued using the inside line and made the pass on Timm for fourth, but Timm would later regain that position a lap later. Carter and Weyer pulled out to a commanding lead by lap six, but the caution flag came out on lap ten to bunch the field back up.
VanDerWal, Timm, and Timmerman would race three-wide momentarily before Timmerman took the fourth position ahead of Timm and VanDerWal. Weyer again would keep pace with Carter as the two broke away from the field. The yellow flag would come out twice more within the final five laps of the race, setting up a sprint to the checkers. Cayden Carter would fend off Bryon Weyer to pick up his 31st win of the season. Jason Mallicoat finished third, Jake Timm fourth, and Jared Timmerman completed the top five.
After the show the USRA stock cars put on Friday night, I was happy to hear they would be the final event of the night. Shane Weller and Nathan Wood paced the field to the green flag with Wood getting the early advantage. Following an early caution, Bryan Webb used the top side to get by Matt Jones for the fourth position, but Jones was able to regain the position a bit later. Steve Jackson, the driver who gave up his outside front row starting spot for a money envelope, started eighth but made the pass on Webb for fifth as the top five drivers used the top line of the track. Behind them, however, was a different story as they were racing two and sometimes three-wide. Shane Weller used the inside line to get by Shay Curtin for second with nine laps remaining. A caution would come out and on the restart Curtin and Jackson made contact with each other, resulting in a flat tire for Curtin to end his strong run. That propelled Jackson to the third spot while Matt Greiner advanced to fourth. Wood, Weller, and Jackson were nose to tail the final circuits, but nobody was able to make a late move as Nathan Wood picked up the win. Shane Weller finished second, Steve Jackson was third, Matt Greiner fourth, and Mike VanGenderen rounded out the top five. Wood told me after the races that he had won a feature event every year that Todd and Janet Staley have promoted at Osky, but he had to wait til the final event of the season to do so this year.
For a full field rundown of Night 2 at Oskaloosa, check out the USRA website.
It was a good night of racing to cap off the Staley era at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The show did get a bit of a late start and the track wasn't quite as good Saturday as Friday was, in my opinion. But the drivers reduced the number of caution flags and kept the show moving all night long.
I wish the Mahaska County fairboard good luck in their search for a promoter for the future. I hope they find somebody that fits their goals and are able to continue racing for years to come.
As for Todd and Janet Staley, they have a few more races to oversee yet this year. The King of America Modified Nationals is their next event that will be held at the Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kansas. This unique format is the same one used at the Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota back in late July. Things kick off Wednesday and runs through Saturday. I'll be making the trip down for Friday and Saturday to see who gets crowned the winner and pockets the big $15,000 check. For more information on this event, check out the USMTS website.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Big Field of Cars Pack Osky for Fall Challenge
The first night of the 25th Annual Musco Lighting Fall Challenge is in the books. The curtain closer at the Southern Iowa Speedway saw more then 160 race teams pack the infield as the last weekend of racing in the state of Iowa draws a closure to the season.
A different format was used on Friday night as the feature events in all four USRA-sanctioned classes only started eighteen cars. Drivers were given the option to keep their finishing position if they finished in the top eight, or they could elect to draw an envelope that had money inside. From my understanding three drivers opted for the money rather then their starting position, so we shall see on Saturday how that shakes out.
The first feature of the night was the USRA b-mods. Right around fifty cars had checked into the pits with only the top two from the heats transferring on to the feature. Then another four cars from each of two b-mains advanced setting up the eighteen-car feature. Pole-sitter Cayden Carter wasted no time in taking a commanding lead. An early caution on the second circuit slowed the action, but from there the race was clean. Tracy Johnson made the pull from South Dakota and was on the move in the early part of the race as he advanced to fourth after passing Eric Flander. But Johnson would fade as the race went on while Cayden Carter opened up a half-lap lead on the pack. Carter would take the easy win ahead of Jared Timmerman, Bryon Weyer, Carter VanDenBerg, and Jason Mallicoat.
Next up would be the USRA stock cars. Forty cars were on hand but again the starting field would only be eighteen. Outside front row starter Steve Jackson grabbed the early lead with Shane Weller and Lance Deal following behind. Deal looked to the inside of Weller to make the pass for second while Matt Jones used the same low side to pass Mike VanGenderen for fourth. Jones continued his march towards the front as he passed Weller and Deal to find himself in the runner up position. A caution would come out and bunch the field back up. Nathan Wood used the inside lane to make his way up to fourth. Jones would use the bottom side to make the pass on Jackson for the lead, but Jackson was able to take it back a few laps later. Jackson would bobble exiting turn two to allow both Jones and Weller to scoot by below. Weller was able to pass Jones in turn four to take over the race lead with three laps to go as he picked up the win. Jackson rebounded for second, Nathan Wood was third, Matt Jones fourth, and Shay Curtin rounded out the top five. It is my understanding that Steve Jackson was one of the drivers electing to take the money instead of his position, so therefore he will have to re-qualify on Saturday in order to make the feature.
Fifty USRA hobby stocks filled the pit area for the last weekend of racing in Iowa. Eighteen drivers made the call for their feature with Dan Hovden getting the early advantage. A lap two caution saw Adam Cline spin to a stop in turn three. Following the restart Austin Wolfgram used the top side to pass Donoven Nunnikhoven for second. Behind them the field raced two and three-wide. Another caution came out when Dustin Griffiths and John Watson tangled and made heavy contact with the inside guard rail in front of the flagstand. For Griffiths it was even more bad luck as he spun in his heat race and wound up rolling one time on the front stretch. Bill Bonnett, driving the #7B car normally driven by Eric Stanton, got a great restart and advanced four spots to climb to second. Meanwhile Adam Cline was on a tear behind him. Cline was involved in the first yellow flag and restarted eighth on the second restart, but he quickly jumped into the third position. Up front Bonnett made the bottom side work in his favor as he took over the race lead from Wolfgram prior to another yellow flag being displayed. As the field took the white flag Wolfgram suffered what was believed to be a right front flat tire and ended his good run. The field came around for the checkered flag with Bill Bonnett taking the win. He was followed by Adam Cline, Danny Sacquitne, Donoven Nunnikhoven, and Steve Larson.
The final event of the night belonged to the USRA modifieds. Twenty-six cars were narrowed down to eighteen once again, and pole sitter Steven Blattler shot out to the early lead. Colt Mather was on the move early as he used the outside groove to power by Minnesota hotshoe Bob Timm and local driver Ron VerBeek for third and second, respectively. Mather then set his sights on Blattler for the lead, but quickly put him in his rear view mirror as well. Mark Elliott ducked inside of VerBeek to take the fourth position away while Zack VanderBeek followed Elliott to fifth. VanderBeek used the same line to get by Elliott for fourth when the caution flag was thrown with just four laps remaining. Lining up fourth on the restart, VanderBeek managed to sneak under Timm for third before also making the pass on Blattler for second. By that time the white flag was being displayed to the field and Colt Mather had opened up a ten car length advantage to take home the win. VanderBeek finished second, Blattler third, Bob Timm fourth, and Mark Elliott rounded out the top five.
A great crowd was on hand to witness some great racing action, especially in the stock car and hobby stock divisions. Those two features were well worth the price of admission in my opinion! Only the top eight cars in each class are locked in to Saturday night's feature, so qualifying should be exciting come Saturday. Action starts an hour earlier with things getting underway at 6pm. It was not known if hot laps would be held or if they would just go into the heat races right away, so be sure you are there before six o'clock to get a good seat!
For a full rundown of cars in attendance, I noticed results were posted on the USMTS website. I'll be heading back to Oskaloosa to take in some more "Monster" half-mile action!
A different format was used on Friday night as the feature events in all four USRA-sanctioned classes only started eighteen cars. Drivers were given the option to keep their finishing position if they finished in the top eight, or they could elect to draw an envelope that had money inside. From my understanding three drivers opted for the money rather then their starting position, so we shall see on Saturday how that shakes out.
The first feature of the night was the USRA b-mods. Right around fifty cars had checked into the pits with only the top two from the heats transferring on to the feature. Then another four cars from each of two b-mains advanced setting up the eighteen-car feature. Pole-sitter Cayden Carter wasted no time in taking a commanding lead. An early caution on the second circuit slowed the action, but from there the race was clean. Tracy Johnson made the pull from South Dakota and was on the move in the early part of the race as he advanced to fourth after passing Eric Flander. But Johnson would fade as the race went on while Cayden Carter opened up a half-lap lead on the pack. Carter would take the easy win ahead of Jared Timmerman, Bryon Weyer, Carter VanDenBerg, and Jason Mallicoat.
Next up would be the USRA stock cars. Forty cars were on hand but again the starting field would only be eighteen. Outside front row starter Steve Jackson grabbed the early lead with Shane Weller and Lance Deal following behind. Deal looked to the inside of Weller to make the pass for second while Matt Jones used the same low side to pass Mike VanGenderen for fourth. Jones continued his march towards the front as he passed Weller and Deal to find himself in the runner up position. A caution would come out and bunch the field back up. Nathan Wood used the inside lane to make his way up to fourth. Jones would use the bottom side to make the pass on Jackson for the lead, but Jackson was able to take it back a few laps later. Jackson would bobble exiting turn two to allow both Jones and Weller to scoot by below. Weller was able to pass Jones in turn four to take over the race lead with three laps to go as he picked up the win. Jackson rebounded for second, Nathan Wood was third, Matt Jones fourth, and Shay Curtin rounded out the top five. It is my understanding that Steve Jackson was one of the drivers electing to take the money instead of his position, so therefore he will have to re-qualify on Saturday in order to make the feature.
Fifty USRA hobby stocks filled the pit area for the last weekend of racing in Iowa. Eighteen drivers made the call for their feature with Dan Hovden getting the early advantage. A lap two caution saw Adam Cline spin to a stop in turn three. Following the restart Austin Wolfgram used the top side to pass Donoven Nunnikhoven for second. Behind them the field raced two and three-wide. Another caution came out when Dustin Griffiths and John Watson tangled and made heavy contact with the inside guard rail in front of the flagstand. For Griffiths it was even more bad luck as he spun in his heat race and wound up rolling one time on the front stretch. Bill Bonnett, driving the #7B car normally driven by Eric Stanton, got a great restart and advanced four spots to climb to second. Meanwhile Adam Cline was on a tear behind him. Cline was involved in the first yellow flag and restarted eighth on the second restart, but he quickly jumped into the third position. Up front Bonnett made the bottom side work in his favor as he took over the race lead from Wolfgram prior to another yellow flag being displayed. As the field took the white flag Wolfgram suffered what was believed to be a right front flat tire and ended his good run. The field came around for the checkered flag with Bill Bonnett taking the win. He was followed by Adam Cline, Danny Sacquitne, Donoven Nunnikhoven, and Steve Larson.
The final event of the night belonged to the USRA modifieds. Twenty-six cars were narrowed down to eighteen once again, and pole sitter Steven Blattler shot out to the early lead. Colt Mather was on the move early as he used the outside groove to power by Minnesota hotshoe Bob Timm and local driver Ron VerBeek for third and second, respectively. Mather then set his sights on Blattler for the lead, but quickly put him in his rear view mirror as well. Mark Elliott ducked inside of VerBeek to take the fourth position away while Zack VanderBeek followed Elliott to fifth. VanderBeek used the same line to get by Elliott for fourth when the caution flag was thrown with just four laps remaining. Lining up fourth on the restart, VanderBeek managed to sneak under Timm for third before also making the pass on Blattler for second. By that time the white flag was being displayed to the field and Colt Mather had opened up a ten car length advantage to take home the win. VanderBeek finished second, Blattler third, Bob Timm fourth, and Mark Elliott rounded out the top five.
A great crowd was on hand to witness some great racing action, especially in the stock car and hobby stock divisions. Those two features were well worth the price of admission in my opinion! Only the top eight cars in each class are locked in to Saturday night's feature, so qualifying should be exciting come Saturday. Action starts an hour earlier with things getting underway at 6pm. It was not known if hot laps would be held or if they would just go into the heat races right away, so be sure you are there before six o'clock to get a good seat!
For a full rundown of cars in attendance, I noticed results were posted on the USMTS website. I'll be heading back to Oskaloosa to take in some more "Monster" half-mile action!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Griffith Takes Top Prize at Hamilton County Speedway Fall Challenge
A beautiful Saturday afternoon was the backdrop for the final event of the 2011 season at the Hamilton County Speedway as they held their annual Fall Challenge. 182 race teams packed the infield and outside of turns one and two. Perhaps the staff at HCS was unprepared for the amount of teams that showed up as a lot of time was spent directing traffic once a session of hot laps had concluded. Cars wanting to enter the track from outside turn one, cars wanting to leave the track to go back to their trailer outside turn one, and cars turning to the infield made it quite congested on the back stretch.
Once the heat races had concluded, I was a bit surprised the staff didn't take time to water the top side as drivers made it obvious they were going to run down along the bottom of the track. But the B-mains were run directly after the heats and then the water truck came out around the very top of the speedway.
The first feature of the night would be the hornets. Fourteen cars were scheduled to start the race, but a few of them were unable to make the call. Dustin Haggard took control early on before the caution flag waved on lap two. Following the restart Daniel Ayers was able to sneak inside of Haggard for the lead while Haggard would lose the second position a short time later to track champion Adam Strunk. Strunk would chase down Ayers and pull even with him at the line when the white flag was displayed. Both drivers drove into turn one and contact was made, forcing Ayers to push up the track. Strunk would cruise to the victory from there as Ayers settled for second. Dustin Haggard finished third, Megan Lappegard was fourth, and Paul Atchison finished fifth.
The IMCA late models made their way to the track for the second feature of the night. Scott Badker and Ryan Griffith paced the field to the green with Griffith getting the early nod out front. Badker would hold down the second position ahead of Todd Cooney for much of the race, but Griffith was walking away from the entire field as he began to put slower cars a lap down. Cooney would get by Badker with about five laps to go, but Griffith would take home the dominating victory on this night. Cooney finished second, Badker third, Jason Hahne was fourth, and Dean Wagner III rounded out the top five. It was nice to see Vic Lovejoy, Jeff French, Corey Zeitner, Lavern Carey, Paul Glendenning, and Kelly Pestka make their first trip to the speedway this year.
Up next would be the IMCA hobby stock feature. Thirty-two cars were dwindled down to twenty-four starters, with IMCA Supernationals champion Cody Nielsen leading the field to the green flag. Second row starter Andy Boeckman had problems in turn one and went for a spin, but was able to get his machine refired as to not bring out the caution flag. That allowed his fellow row two starting mate Devin Smith to slip into second and later made the pass on Nielsen for the lead on lap five using the middle lane. Josh Niemand, who apparently bought Nick Meyer's car, was running fifth before he passed Des Moines driver George Hood for fourth. The race would go green to checkers and Devin Smith picked up yet another win on his incredible 2011 campaign. Cody Nielsen was second, John Watson was third, Josh Niemand finished fourth, and George Hood rounded out the top five.
Thirty-nine stock cars checked in for action on Saturday with the starting field narrowed down to twenty-four. Dan Trimble and Ryan Leeman paced the field to the green flag, but the field was three and four-wide in the corners on the first lap. Trimble would emerge with the lead, but a caution flag would follow. Steve Meyer and Leeman lined up behind Trimble when the green flag came back out, but Mike VanGenderen found some momentum on the top side in turns one and two and made the pass on both of them. Once he got by down the back stretch VanGenderen changed lanes as the bottom lane was the preferred groove in turns three and four. VanGenderen would make the pass on Trimble using the same line at the halfway point while Meyer faded back several spots. Leeman's night would change for the worse as he stopped in turn three to bring out the caution on lap eight. With VanGenderen out front, Steve Jackson used the low line to take away the top spot. A series of caution flags plagued the finish of the race with several positions changing hands, but the outcome was still the same as Steve Jackson took the win. Lance Deal finished second after starting seventeenth, Mike VanGenderen was third, Kevin Opheim was fourth after starting nineteenth, and Ken Tietz was fifth after starting twentieth. This was the best feature of the night hands down in my opinion!
A stellar 49 IMCA sportmods made their way to the speedway, but again only twenty-four were able to start the feature. Track champion Joel Rust and perennial contender Cayden Carter redrew the front row, and it would be Carter grabbing the early lead. Bryon Weyer found his way to second with Alex Zwanziger in third as Rust faded to fourth in the early going. Ryan Ruter, piloting the #53 car normally driven by Travis Woodbeck, found the top side to his liking in turns one and two and made the pass on Rust for fourth. With Carter and Weyer distancing themselves out front, Ruter got by Zwanziger and began to reel in the top two. Ruter looked to the outside of Zwanziger for second, but his car spun to a stop to bring out the only caution of the race with five laps remaining. From that point on Carter pulled away and picked up the apparent victory. However, he was later disqualified in post-race inspection and the win was awarded to Bryon Weyer. Alex Zwanziger finished second Joel Rust third, Jason Mallicoat was fourth, and Greg Sidles completed the top five.
The final event of the night would be the IMCA modifieds. A nice field of thirty-two cars checked in for action. Chris Abelson got the early nod on pole sitter Levi Nielson to jump out front, but a quick caution on the second circuit slowed the action. Bill Crimmins used the restart to his advantage as he worked under both Nielson and JD Auringer to move into the third position behind Keith Schmitz. Mark Elliott and Jay Noteboom began working the next lane up off the bottom and moving forward. Elliott made passes on both Auringer and Crimmins to slide into the third position while Abelson motored away from the field. Elliott got by Schmitz while Noteboom soon followed as well. Elliott reeled in Abelson and was in his rear bumper with five laps remaining before taking the lead away with a pass on the inside. A caution came out a lap later, allowing both Abelson and Noteboom a chance to cool their tires and make a run at Elliott. It was not to be as Mark Elliott took home the final checkered flag of the night. Noteboom would finish second, Abelson slipped to third, Keith Schmitz finished fourth, and JD Auringer rounded out the top five.
While a lot of negative vibes are being expressed on the Internet, and I'll admit I came away disappointed, I will point out that I was impressed with the car count. A lot of drivers showed up for what could be the final time in 2011 to enjoy a picture-perfect October day. Unfortunately for the Hamilton County Speedway, the negatives far outweighed the positives on Saturday. I won't go into detail on them as they have been documented on the Internet message boards, but hopefully the HCS staff learned a few things and will improve upon them for next year.
I would like to mention that I attended every weekly event along with the Fall Challenge. I thought the season was a success and for the most part the racing was good. Saturday's race may have left a sour taste in many driver's mouths, but hopefully they'll give HCS another opportunity at some point next season.
I'd like to thank the Hamilton County fair board for giving me great hospitality throughout the season! It was very much appreciated.
For official results, check out the Hamilton County Speedway website or click on Speednetdirect as well.
The final racing weekend in Iowa, as far as I know, will be this upcoming weekend. The annual Fall Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa will be running Friday and Saturday, and then on Saturday alone the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson holds its annual Shiverfest race. Ironically, both events will be the final event for the respective promoters, Todd and Janet Staley at Oskaloosa, and Terry and Jenni Hoenig at Donnellson. So I urge you to get out and support these events next weekend!
Once the heat races had concluded, I was a bit surprised the staff didn't take time to water the top side as drivers made it obvious they were going to run down along the bottom of the track. But the B-mains were run directly after the heats and then the water truck came out around the very top of the speedway.
The first feature of the night would be the hornets. Fourteen cars were scheduled to start the race, but a few of them were unable to make the call. Dustin Haggard took control early on before the caution flag waved on lap two. Following the restart Daniel Ayers was able to sneak inside of Haggard for the lead while Haggard would lose the second position a short time later to track champion Adam Strunk. Strunk would chase down Ayers and pull even with him at the line when the white flag was displayed. Both drivers drove into turn one and contact was made, forcing Ayers to push up the track. Strunk would cruise to the victory from there as Ayers settled for second. Dustin Haggard finished third, Megan Lappegard was fourth, and Paul Atchison finished fifth.
The IMCA late models made their way to the track for the second feature of the night. Scott Badker and Ryan Griffith paced the field to the green with Griffith getting the early nod out front. Badker would hold down the second position ahead of Todd Cooney for much of the race, but Griffith was walking away from the entire field as he began to put slower cars a lap down. Cooney would get by Badker with about five laps to go, but Griffith would take home the dominating victory on this night. Cooney finished second, Badker third, Jason Hahne was fourth, and Dean Wagner III rounded out the top five. It was nice to see Vic Lovejoy, Jeff French, Corey Zeitner, Lavern Carey, Paul Glendenning, and Kelly Pestka make their first trip to the speedway this year.
Up next would be the IMCA hobby stock feature. Thirty-two cars were dwindled down to twenty-four starters, with IMCA Supernationals champion Cody Nielsen leading the field to the green flag. Second row starter Andy Boeckman had problems in turn one and went for a spin, but was able to get his machine refired as to not bring out the caution flag. That allowed his fellow row two starting mate Devin Smith to slip into second and later made the pass on Nielsen for the lead on lap five using the middle lane. Josh Niemand, who apparently bought Nick Meyer's car, was running fifth before he passed Des Moines driver George Hood for fourth. The race would go green to checkers and Devin Smith picked up yet another win on his incredible 2011 campaign. Cody Nielsen was second, John Watson was third, Josh Niemand finished fourth, and George Hood rounded out the top five.
Thirty-nine stock cars checked in for action on Saturday with the starting field narrowed down to twenty-four. Dan Trimble and Ryan Leeman paced the field to the green flag, but the field was three and four-wide in the corners on the first lap. Trimble would emerge with the lead, but a caution flag would follow. Steve Meyer and Leeman lined up behind Trimble when the green flag came back out, but Mike VanGenderen found some momentum on the top side in turns one and two and made the pass on both of them. Once he got by down the back stretch VanGenderen changed lanes as the bottom lane was the preferred groove in turns three and four. VanGenderen would make the pass on Trimble using the same line at the halfway point while Meyer faded back several spots. Leeman's night would change for the worse as he stopped in turn three to bring out the caution on lap eight. With VanGenderen out front, Steve Jackson used the low line to take away the top spot. A series of caution flags plagued the finish of the race with several positions changing hands, but the outcome was still the same as Steve Jackson took the win. Lance Deal finished second after starting seventeenth, Mike VanGenderen was third, Kevin Opheim was fourth after starting nineteenth, and Ken Tietz was fifth after starting twentieth. This was the best feature of the night hands down in my opinion!
A stellar 49 IMCA sportmods made their way to the speedway, but again only twenty-four were able to start the feature. Track champion Joel Rust and perennial contender Cayden Carter redrew the front row, and it would be Carter grabbing the early lead. Bryon Weyer found his way to second with Alex Zwanziger in third as Rust faded to fourth in the early going. Ryan Ruter, piloting the #53 car normally driven by Travis Woodbeck, found the top side to his liking in turns one and two and made the pass on Rust for fourth. With Carter and Weyer distancing themselves out front, Ruter got by Zwanziger and began to reel in the top two. Ruter looked to the outside of Zwanziger for second, but his car spun to a stop to bring out the only caution of the race with five laps remaining. From that point on Carter pulled away and picked up the apparent victory. However, he was later disqualified in post-race inspection and the win was awarded to Bryon Weyer. Alex Zwanziger finished second Joel Rust third, Jason Mallicoat was fourth, and Greg Sidles completed the top five.
The final event of the night would be the IMCA modifieds. A nice field of thirty-two cars checked in for action. Chris Abelson got the early nod on pole sitter Levi Nielson to jump out front, but a quick caution on the second circuit slowed the action. Bill Crimmins used the restart to his advantage as he worked under both Nielson and JD Auringer to move into the third position behind Keith Schmitz. Mark Elliott and Jay Noteboom began working the next lane up off the bottom and moving forward. Elliott made passes on both Auringer and Crimmins to slide into the third position while Abelson motored away from the field. Elliott got by Schmitz while Noteboom soon followed as well. Elliott reeled in Abelson and was in his rear bumper with five laps remaining before taking the lead away with a pass on the inside. A caution came out a lap later, allowing both Abelson and Noteboom a chance to cool their tires and make a run at Elliott. It was not to be as Mark Elliott took home the final checkered flag of the night. Noteboom would finish second, Abelson slipped to third, Keith Schmitz finished fourth, and JD Auringer rounded out the top five.
While a lot of negative vibes are being expressed on the Internet, and I'll admit I came away disappointed, I will point out that I was impressed with the car count. A lot of drivers showed up for what could be the final time in 2011 to enjoy a picture-perfect October day. Unfortunately for the Hamilton County Speedway, the negatives far outweighed the positives on Saturday. I won't go into detail on them as they have been documented on the Internet message boards, but hopefully the HCS staff learned a few things and will improve upon them for next year.
I would like to mention that I attended every weekly event along with the Fall Challenge. I thought the season was a success and for the most part the racing was good. Saturday's race may have left a sour taste in many driver's mouths, but hopefully they'll give HCS another opportunity at some point next season.
I'd like to thank the Hamilton County fair board for giving me great hospitality throughout the season! It was very much appreciated.
For official results, check out the Hamilton County Speedway website or click on Speednetdirect as well.
The final racing weekend in Iowa, as far as I know, will be this upcoming weekend. The annual Fall Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa will be running Friday and Saturday, and then on Saturday alone the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson holds its annual Shiverfest race. Ironically, both events will be the final event for the respective promoters, Todd and Janet Staley at Oskaloosa, and Terry and Jenni Hoenig at Donnellson. So I urge you to get out and support these events next weekend!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Elston and Stewart Top Tipton
Sunday morning I made the trek towards the southeast to take in the Dlouhy Memorial. After taking in three nights at Knoxville, this trip would be my fourth consecutive night of racing. This is the first time I can say I've done that all season long! Late models, modifieds, stock cars, b-modifieds, hobby stocks, and four-cylinders were on the slate for the mid-afternoon show. It was announced that more then 130 race teams were packed into the pits.
Six hobby stocks showed up to race. Randy Butterbrodt would hold down the lead early, but Joe Grant would take over the lead around lap four. Butterbrodt would regain the lead using the low groove, but when they encountered lapped traffic Matt Short was able to find the fast way around to take the lead. He would hold on to take the win ahead of Jeremy Cambell, Butterboldt, Nate Yoerger, and Joe Grant. Bruce Yoerge rounded out the field.
Track champion Roy Pestka led the twenty-two car field of b-modifieds to the green flag. He would continue to set the pace throughout the race as he picked up the feature win. Brant Hubler finished second, Jarrett Franzen was third, Dakota Hayden fourth, and Kevin Schroeder rounded out the top five.
Twenty-six four-cylinder cars showed up on Sunday to race. The field was narrowed down for the feature to 24 starters. The lead swapped several times in the early going as Chuck Fullerkamp, Ricky Kay, and Jacob Ellithorpe exchanged times at the front of the pack. When the checkered flag waved it was Ellithorpe taking the win. Shane Evans finished second, Fullerkamp third, Gene Potter fourth, and Bryce Bailey rounded out the top five after starting last as he transferred out of the B-main.
Terry Rittmer paced the field of stock cars early on, but Tim Current was on the move from the drop of the green flag. Following a second caution flag Current maneuvered his machine to the inside of Rittmer's to take the lead away. Deeper in the field Matt Greiner was making his way forward and he moved into fourth around lap six. Greiner picked up a couple more positions and was on Current's rear bumper following a late restart. Current was able to drive away for the victory. Greiner finished second, Mike Schmidtz was third, Joe Bonney fourth, and Jeremy Marquette completed the top five.
After winning the fast dash, Tommy Elston sat on the pole for the late model feature. With Jake Meier in a borrowed car flanking him to the outside, the two paced the field to the green flag. However it was third starter Ray Guss Jr. that bolted to the lead. Guss Jr appeared to be the class of the field until a caution flag came out. Lapped cars ahead of Guss Jr spun in turn four, and Guss Jr had to spin to avoid serious contact with them. While he did not stop, officials decided he was part of the caution (perhaps he bumped somebody, I don't know). Thus he was sent to the tail of the field, but he opted to go to the pits before the restart. That handed the reigns over to Tommy Elston, and from there on Elston motored to the victory. Matt Ryan finished second, Jake Meier was third, Kevin Kile fourth, and Gary Webb finished fifth after starting seventeenth.
Thirty-eight modifieds were narrowed to a starting field of twenty-six for the $2,000 to win top prize. Pole sitter Brian Webb held the top spot on lap one, but Brandon Durbin snagged it away on lap two. Steve Stewart had his car working great and took over the lead from Durbin about six laps in to the thirty-five lap event. With the bottom side the only lane that was working, Stewart was able to open up a straight away advantage by the halfway point. Several cautions plagued the remainder of the race, including one for a pileup that included eleven cars. As the laps clicked off the white flag was displayed to the leaders. A caution flag would soon follow, and the crowd thought the race was over as in previous times if the leader took the white the race was over.
However, it was announced that the white flag was inadvertently thrown on lap 28, with seven laps remaining. Thus the field was realigned and went back racing. Two more yellow flags would fly, but that didn't distract Steve Stewart as he picked up the big prize for his efforts. Ryan Dolan finished second, Mark Schulte third, Kevin Kile fourth, and John Bull rounded out the top five.
I was extremely happy with the car count on Sunday. With a day race I can understand the track becoming a one-laner, but drivers were still able to make their way to the front. The only thing I wished they would have done differently was use single file restarts instead of double file. That way the guys on the outside didn't lose four spots on most restarts, as was the case on several occasions.
I'd like to thank Kathy Dlouhy for the great hospitality and the invite. Although the program did run a bit long in my opinion, I enjoyed myself.
Six hobby stocks showed up to race. Randy Butterbrodt would hold down the lead early, but Joe Grant would take over the lead around lap four. Butterbrodt would regain the lead using the low groove, but when they encountered lapped traffic Matt Short was able to find the fast way around to take the lead. He would hold on to take the win ahead of Jeremy Cambell, Butterboldt, Nate Yoerger, and Joe Grant. Bruce Yoerge rounded out the field.
Track champion Roy Pestka led the twenty-two car field of b-modifieds to the green flag. He would continue to set the pace throughout the race as he picked up the feature win. Brant Hubler finished second, Jarrett Franzen was third, Dakota Hayden fourth, and Kevin Schroeder rounded out the top five.
Twenty-six four-cylinder cars showed up on Sunday to race. The field was narrowed down for the feature to 24 starters. The lead swapped several times in the early going as Chuck Fullerkamp, Ricky Kay, and Jacob Ellithorpe exchanged times at the front of the pack. When the checkered flag waved it was Ellithorpe taking the win. Shane Evans finished second, Fullerkamp third, Gene Potter fourth, and Bryce Bailey rounded out the top five after starting last as he transferred out of the B-main.
Terry Rittmer paced the field of stock cars early on, but Tim Current was on the move from the drop of the green flag. Following a second caution flag Current maneuvered his machine to the inside of Rittmer's to take the lead away. Deeper in the field Matt Greiner was making his way forward and he moved into fourth around lap six. Greiner picked up a couple more positions and was on Current's rear bumper following a late restart. Current was able to drive away for the victory. Greiner finished second, Mike Schmidtz was third, Joe Bonney fourth, and Jeremy Marquette completed the top five.
After winning the fast dash, Tommy Elston sat on the pole for the late model feature. With Jake Meier in a borrowed car flanking him to the outside, the two paced the field to the green flag. However it was third starter Ray Guss Jr. that bolted to the lead. Guss Jr appeared to be the class of the field until a caution flag came out. Lapped cars ahead of Guss Jr spun in turn four, and Guss Jr had to spin to avoid serious contact with them. While he did not stop, officials decided he was part of the caution (perhaps he bumped somebody, I don't know). Thus he was sent to the tail of the field, but he opted to go to the pits before the restart. That handed the reigns over to Tommy Elston, and from there on Elston motored to the victory. Matt Ryan finished second, Jake Meier was third, Kevin Kile fourth, and Gary Webb finished fifth after starting seventeenth.
Thirty-eight modifieds were narrowed to a starting field of twenty-six for the $2,000 to win top prize. Pole sitter Brian Webb held the top spot on lap one, but Brandon Durbin snagged it away on lap two. Steve Stewart had his car working great and took over the lead from Durbin about six laps in to the thirty-five lap event. With the bottom side the only lane that was working, Stewart was able to open up a straight away advantage by the halfway point. Several cautions plagued the remainder of the race, including one for a pileup that included eleven cars. As the laps clicked off the white flag was displayed to the leaders. A caution flag would soon follow, and the crowd thought the race was over as in previous times if the leader took the white the race was over.
However, it was announced that the white flag was inadvertently thrown on lap 28, with seven laps remaining. Thus the field was realigned and went back racing. Two more yellow flags would fly, but that didn't distract Steve Stewart as he picked up the big prize for his efforts. Ryan Dolan finished second, Mark Schulte third, Kevin Kile fourth, and John Bull rounded out the top five.
I was extremely happy with the car count on Sunday. With a day race I can understand the track becoming a one-laner, but drivers were still able to make their way to the front. The only thing I wished they would have done differently was use single file restarts instead of double file. That way the guys on the outside didn't lose four spots on most restarts, as was the case on several occasions.
I'd like to thank Kathy Dlouhy for the great hospitality and the invite. Although the program did run a bit long in my opinion, I enjoyed myself.
O'Neal Captures Knoxville Title
First off, I'm going to apologize for this blog entry being a little late. Once again I opted not to write this when I returned home Saturday night, and then another race on Sunday meant no time for a recap. So here it goes.
The Knoxville Late Model Nationals held its finale on Saturday evening in front of perhaps the largest crowd for a late model show. I'm sure the weather helped sway many people as it was beautiful during the day. IMCA modifieds were also on hand Saturday night to provide a "fill-in" while the late models were making changes from one race to another.
Modified heat races started off the night as Jon Snyder, Josh Gilman, Michael Long, and Luke Wanninger took those wins. A passing points system was used in the heat races and I believe the top sixteen were locked into the A-main from the heats. Following the C-main for the late models (in which Kevin Sather, Matt Furman, Tim Lance, and Jay Johnson advanced to the back of the B-main), the modifieds would run two B-mains and take the top four from each to the feature.
The late model B-main took the top six drivers to the 100-lap finale for the evening. The IMCA modified feature would take place first with Luke Wanninger and Jerry King setting the pace for the twenty-five lap affair. Wanninger got the early advantage while Michael Long and JD Auringer swapped the runner up position a few times. Long would have his night end early as he brought out the caution flag on lap four. Following the restart both Richie Gustin and Eric Dailey improved their positions by one spot as the top side became the preferred line. With ten laps to go Wanninger extended his lead to a straight away advantage, but soon after that Jon Snyder began to reel in the leader. Snyder was able to drive deeper into the corners then Wanninger, and that was the case when they entered turn three and Snyder made contact with the left rear of Wanninger's machine. Wanninger's car got lose, but by the time he got a handle on it Snyder had already made the pass under him for the lead. The caution would come out with three laps remaining, and while under caution Wanninger expressed his displeasure towards Snyder. That was as close as he would get during the remainder of the race though as Snyder left the pack to pick up the win. Wanninger would suffer a flat tire late in the race. Eric Dailey would finish second, JD Auringer was third, Richie Gustin fourth, and Jacob Murray rounded out the top five after starting fifteenth.
Following out-of-car introductions, it was now time for the big finale. Brian Birkhofer and Austin Hubbard sat on the front row with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points contenders Scott Bloomquist starting third and Jimmy Owens starting fifth. Hubbard would grab the early lead with Birky settling in second. Bloomquist made an early pass on Darrell Lanigan for third as Hubbard opened up a big lead by lap five. The front runners were all using the inside groove while drivers deeper in the pack were using the entire track. Lapped traffic came into play on lap eight and a few laps later Don O'Neal began making strides towards the front. He would passed Lanigan for fourth before passing Bloomquist for third and Birkhofer for second all within six laps.
The first caution flag waved on lap twenty-four when Chris Simpson slowed to a stop. O'Neal had taken the lead prior to the yellow and would restart out front. Jimmy Owens used the restart to get by teammate Bloomquist for fourth before both Hubbard and Owens got by Birkhofer using the top side of the speedway. Following those passes, it was then noticed that Jimmy Mars was on the move. Mars passed his teammate Birkhofer to take over the fourth position after starting 22nd. Mars continued moving forward as he passed Owens for third. A string of six yellow flags within fifteen laps kept the pace down, but there was several moves being made when the green flag was out. Brady Smith was charging up through the field to eighth after starting 26th and actually got to sixth after a pass on Billy Moyer. Bloomquist brought out the caution on lap forty-five, and soon after that Owens began his quest for the lead. Owens hugged the inside line to capture third before sneaking by Hubbard and O'Neal for the lead with about forty laps to go.
Within ten laps Owens opened up a straight away advantage while Hubbard and O'Neal battled it out for second. With just twelve laps remaining Jimmy Mars' excellent run came to an end when he came a stop in turn one. At that point only eight drivers were on the lead lap. Two more cautions would plague the finish of the race, including one that negated a pass for O'Neal to wrestle the lead away from Owens with seven laps remaining. With Owens back up front, he appeared to be the favorite to finish up front. That was until he bobbled exiting turn two to allow O'Neal, Steve Francis, and Birkhofer to motor by. O'Neal was able to hold on for the win in his first ever weekend to Knoxville! Steve Francis finished second, Brian Birkhofer was third, Tyler Reddick was fourth, Jimmy Owens fifth, and Billy Moyer sixth.
Despite the abundance of caution flags, I still feel as though the racing was okay. The track was tricky exiting turn four as it seemed a lot of drivers were having to feather the throttle. I was pleased with the racing and cannot wait until next year's show.
The Knoxville Late Model Nationals held its finale on Saturday evening in front of perhaps the largest crowd for a late model show. I'm sure the weather helped sway many people as it was beautiful during the day. IMCA modifieds were also on hand Saturday night to provide a "fill-in" while the late models were making changes from one race to another.
Modified heat races started off the night as Jon Snyder, Josh Gilman, Michael Long, and Luke Wanninger took those wins. A passing points system was used in the heat races and I believe the top sixteen were locked into the A-main from the heats. Following the C-main for the late models (in which Kevin Sather, Matt Furman, Tim Lance, and Jay Johnson advanced to the back of the B-main), the modifieds would run two B-mains and take the top four from each to the feature.
The late model B-main took the top six drivers to the 100-lap finale for the evening. The IMCA modified feature would take place first with Luke Wanninger and Jerry King setting the pace for the twenty-five lap affair. Wanninger got the early advantage while Michael Long and JD Auringer swapped the runner up position a few times. Long would have his night end early as he brought out the caution flag on lap four. Following the restart both Richie Gustin and Eric Dailey improved their positions by one spot as the top side became the preferred line. With ten laps to go Wanninger extended his lead to a straight away advantage, but soon after that Jon Snyder began to reel in the leader. Snyder was able to drive deeper into the corners then Wanninger, and that was the case when they entered turn three and Snyder made contact with the left rear of Wanninger's machine. Wanninger's car got lose, but by the time he got a handle on it Snyder had already made the pass under him for the lead. The caution would come out with three laps remaining, and while under caution Wanninger expressed his displeasure towards Snyder. That was as close as he would get during the remainder of the race though as Snyder left the pack to pick up the win. Wanninger would suffer a flat tire late in the race. Eric Dailey would finish second, JD Auringer was third, Richie Gustin fourth, and Jacob Murray rounded out the top five after starting fifteenth.
Following out-of-car introductions, it was now time for the big finale. Brian Birkhofer and Austin Hubbard sat on the front row with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points contenders Scott Bloomquist starting third and Jimmy Owens starting fifth. Hubbard would grab the early lead with Birky settling in second. Bloomquist made an early pass on Darrell Lanigan for third as Hubbard opened up a big lead by lap five. The front runners were all using the inside groove while drivers deeper in the pack were using the entire track. Lapped traffic came into play on lap eight and a few laps later Don O'Neal began making strides towards the front. He would passed Lanigan for fourth before passing Bloomquist for third and Birkhofer for second all within six laps.
The first caution flag waved on lap twenty-four when Chris Simpson slowed to a stop. O'Neal had taken the lead prior to the yellow and would restart out front. Jimmy Owens used the restart to get by teammate Bloomquist for fourth before both Hubbard and Owens got by Birkhofer using the top side of the speedway. Following those passes, it was then noticed that Jimmy Mars was on the move. Mars passed his teammate Birkhofer to take over the fourth position after starting 22nd. Mars continued moving forward as he passed Owens for third. A string of six yellow flags within fifteen laps kept the pace down, but there was several moves being made when the green flag was out. Brady Smith was charging up through the field to eighth after starting 26th and actually got to sixth after a pass on Billy Moyer. Bloomquist brought out the caution on lap forty-five, and soon after that Owens began his quest for the lead. Owens hugged the inside line to capture third before sneaking by Hubbard and O'Neal for the lead with about forty laps to go.
Within ten laps Owens opened up a straight away advantage while Hubbard and O'Neal battled it out for second. With just twelve laps remaining Jimmy Mars' excellent run came to an end when he came a stop in turn one. At that point only eight drivers were on the lead lap. Two more cautions would plague the finish of the race, including one that negated a pass for O'Neal to wrestle the lead away from Owens with seven laps remaining. With Owens back up front, he appeared to be the favorite to finish up front. That was until he bobbled exiting turn two to allow O'Neal, Steve Francis, and Birkhofer to motor by. O'Neal was able to hold on for the win in his first ever weekend to Knoxville! Steve Francis finished second, Brian Birkhofer was third, Tyler Reddick was fourth, Jimmy Owens fifth, and Billy Moyer sixth.
Despite the abundance of caution flags, I still feel as though the racing was okay. The track was tricky exiting turn four as it seemed a lot of drivers were having to feather the throttle. I was pleased with the racing and cannot wait until next year's show.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Birkhofer Victorious on Second Night of Knoxville LMN
Friday night marked the second night of the Knoxville Late Model Nationals, but it started off much the same way Thursday night did. Scott Bloomquist drew the lucky #1 for time trials, and his time would stand above all others as he once again set quick time for the night.
Once again five heat races would be in store for the night, but they didn't provide quite as much excitement as the previous night. When the first heat was announced, many people could only shake their head. Dan Schlieper, Tim McCreadie, Steve Casebolt, Brady Smith, Scott James, Jason Rauen, Jimmy Mars, Tyler Reddick, Jimmy Owens, Scott Bloomquist, and three other drivers comprised of that first heat. A lot of tracks would love that for their feature, let alone a heat race. And the biggest surprise of the night, perhaps, was Jason Rauen pulling off the upset win. That began the streak of three consecutive heat race victories by drivers from the state of Iowa as the Simpson brothers (Chris and Chad, respectively) followed right behind with wins. Illinois driver Frank Hackenast Jr broke up the sweep as he took top honors in heat four, but another Iowan Brian Birkhofer made it four for five for the Hawkeye state.
Jimmy Owens, Thursday night's feature win, fared poorly in that first heat race mentioned above and was scheduled to run the C-main. However he apparently didn't want to race or had issues as he failed to make the call. Following the B-main event, the feature would slowly begin to assemble on the front stretch with Iowa representing the front row in Rob Moss and Jason Rauen.
Rauen would get the early advantage while Brian Birkhofer slipped into second. Darrell Lanigan used the high side to motor by Moss for third prior to the only caution of the race coming out on lap three when Jared Landers hit the wall in turn two. Shortly after the green flag waved on the restart, Birkhofer dove to the inside of Rauen to grab the top spot away. On lap seven I looked through the field and saw that Don O'Neal was making great progress after starting tail of the field as he had worked his way up to eleventh already. His momentum fizzled as the race went on, only able to advance two more positions to finish ninth.
Meanwhile Lanigan ducked to the bottom of the track in turn four to get the second position away from Rauen, but as Lanigan skated up the track upon exit of the corner that allowed Will Vaught to sneak past both machines to snare the runner up spot. Vaught and Lanigan would race each other for that second position for most of the remainder of the twenty-five lapper, but neither one could muster up the horsepower to chase down Brian Birkhofer as he picked up night two top honors. Lanigan finished second, Vaught third, Scott Bloomquist was fourth, and Jason Rauen completed the top five. Billy Moyer finished with a solid sixth place finish after transferring out of the B-main.
Saturday's action will be nothing less then spectacular. C and B-mains will be run with six cars advancing out of the B to join the top twenty-four cars in points to fill up the thirty-car starting field for the 100-lap finale. A full program of IMCA modifieds will also join the card on Saturday night as I believe somewhere around forty were invited to this prestigious event. Be sure to get out to the Knoxville Raceway if you're in the area!
Once again five heat races would be in store for the night, but they didn't provide quite as much excitement as the previous night. When the first heat was announced, many people could only shake their head. Dan Schlieper, Tim McCreadie, Steve Casebolt, Brady Smith, Scott James, Jason Rauen, Jimmy Mars, Tyler Reddick, Jimmy Owens, Scott Bloomquist, and three other drivers comprised of that first heat. A lot of tracks would love that for their feature, let alone a heat race. And the biggest surprise of the night, perhaps, was Jason Rauen pulling off the upset win. That began the streak of three consecutive heat race victories by drivers from the state of Iowa as the Simpson brothers (Chris and Chad, respectively) followed right behind with wins. Illinois driver Frank Hackenast Jr broke up the sweep as he took top honors in heat four, but another Iowan Brian Birkhofer made it four for five for the Hawkeye state.
Jimmy Owens, Thursday night's feature win, fared poorly in that first heat race mentioned above and was scheduled to run the C-main. However he apparently didn't want to race or had issues as he failed to make the call. Following the B-main event, the feature would slowly begin to assemble on the front stretch with Iowa representing the front row in Rob Moss and Jason Rauen.
Rauen would get the early advantage while Brian Birkhofer slipped into second. Darrell Lanigan used the high side to motor by Moss for third prior to the only caution of the race coming out on lap three when Jared Landers hit the wall in turn two. Shortly after the green flag waved on the restart, Birkhofer dove to the inside of Rauen to grab the top spot away. On lap seven I looked through the field and saw that Don O'Neal was making great progress after starting tail of the field as he had worked his way up to eleventh already. His momentum fizzled as the race went on, only able to advance two more positions to finish ninth.
Meanwhile Lanigan ducked to the bottom of the track in turn four to get the second position away from Rauen, but as Lanigan skated up the track upon exit of the corner that allowed Will Vaught to sneak past both machines to snare the runner up spot. Vaught and Lanigan would race each other for that second position for most of the remainder of the twenty-five lapper, but neither one could muster up the horsepower to chase down Brian Birkhofer as he picked up night two top honors. Lanigan finished second, Vaught third, Scott Bloomquist was fourth, and Jason Rauen completed the top five. Billy Moyer finished with a solid sixth place finish after transferring out of the B-main.
Saturday's action will be nothing less then spectacular. C and B-mains will be run with six cars advancing out of the B to join the top twenty-four cars in points to fill up the thirty-car starting field for the 100-lap finale. A full program of IMCA modifieds will also join the card on Saturday night as I believe somewhere around forty were invited to this prestigious event. Be sure to get out to the Knoxville Raceway if you're in the area!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Jimmy Owens Scores First Victory at Knoxville
Jimmy Owens has won a lot of marquee events in the late model ranks over the years. In fact, this year alone he's won the Show-Me 100, North/South 100, and the World 100. But one thing that has eluded him has been a victory at the famed Knoxville Raceway. That is, until Thursday night.
Following hot laps, time trials would start the evening off. Groups of three would speed up the process and Scott Bloomquist, the only two-time winner of this event, would set fast-time. He edged out Iowa driver Brian Birkhofer and the other 62 entrants.
From that point, five heat races would be lined up with ten cars being inverted from their time-trial times. That meant the fast guys would start in the fifth row. That wasn't an issue for the first four heats as Bloomquist, Birkhofer, Austin Hubbard, and Steve Francis all won from the tenth starting position! Jimmy Mars won the fifth and final heat after starting fourth. The tenth starting car in that one, Don O'Neal, suffered mechanical issues.
After the C and B-mains were completed, the twenty-four car field was set for twenty-five laps of feature racing. Chad Simpson and Darrell Lanigan, who was piloting the car normally driven by Josh Richards, sat on the front row and paced the field to the green flag. Lanigan would get the advantage on the start as Simpson settled in behind, but Jimmy Owens quickly took over the second position with a pass on the low side. Steve Francis also used the bottom side to slip by Simpson to take over the third spot while Scott Bloomquist faded back to the eleventh position after starting eighth. The first of two caution flags came out on lap seven when Steve Francis slowed down the front stretch and was unable to make it to the infield.
With a single file restart, it only took Owens a couple laps to overtake Lanigan for the lead after powering his machine around the cushion. Lanigan would fight back and regain the top spot a lap later as the top four cars broke away from the pack as Austin Hubbard and Brian Birkhofer gave chase. Owens would pass Lanigan again for the lead near the halfway point prior to the second yellow flag on lap thirteen. Shannon Babb used the inside line to sneak under Birkhofer for the fourth position following the restart, but he would lose the spot a few laps later when his car pushed in turn one to allow Birkhofer to reclaim the position. Owens would open up a straight away advantage with five laps to go as he cruised to the win. Darrell Lanigan was second, Austin Hubbard was third, Brian Birkhofer fourth, and Shannon Babb finished fifth. The hard charger of the race had to be youngster Tyler Reddick, as he was a B-main transfer and started 23rd and finished twelfth.
All in all it was a good night of racing. The heat races were exciting as I mentioned the fast guys in time trials made their way to the front of their respective heat races. By feature time though the bottom side was the preferred groove in the second half of the race. If you can't make it to Knoxville, be sure to log on to their website and keep updated on the happenings throughout the night!
Following hot laps, time trials would start the evening off. Groups of three would speed up the process and Scott Bloomquist, the only two-time winner of this event, would set fast-time. He edged out Iowa driver Brian Birkhofer and the other 62 entrants.
From that point, five heat races would be lined up with ten cars being inverted from their time-trial times. That meant the fast guys would start in the fifth row. That wasn't an issue for the first four heats as Bloomquist, Birkhofer, Austin Hubbard, and Steve Francis all won from the tenth starting position! Jimmy Mars won the fifth and final heat after starting fourth. The tenth starting car in that one, Don O'Neal, suffered mechanical issues.
After the C and B-mains were completed, the twenty-four car field was set for twenty-five laps of feature racing. Chad Simpson and Darrell Lanigan, who was piloting the car normally driven by Josh Richards, sat on the front row and paced the field to the green flag. Lanigan would get the advantage on the start as Simpson settled in behind, but Jimmy Owens quickly took over the second position with a pass on the low side. Steve Francis also used the bottom side to slip by Simpson to take over the third spot while Scott Bloomquist faded back to the eleventh position after starting eighth. The first of two caution flags came out on lap seven when Steve Francis slowed down the front stretch and was unable to make it to the infield.
With a single file restart, it only took Owens a couple laps to overtake Lanigan for the lead after powering his machine around the cushion. Lanigan would fight back and regain the top spot a lap later as the top four cars broke away from the pack as Austin Hubbard and Brian Birkhofer gave chase. Owens would pass Lanigan again for the lead near the halfway point prior to the second yellow flag on lap thirteen. Shannon Babb used the inside line to sneak under Birkhofer for the fourth position following the restart, but he would lose the spot a few laps later when his car pushed in turn one to allow Birkhofer to reclaim the position. Owens would open up a straight away advantage with five laps to go as he cruised to the win. Darrell Lanigan was second, Austin Hubbard was third, Brian Birkhofer fourth, and Shannon Babb finished fifth. The hard charger of the race had to be youngster Tyler Reddick, as he was a B-main transfer and started 23rd and finished twelfth.
All in all it was a good night of racing. The heat races were exciting as I mentioned the fast guys in time trials made their way to the front of their respective heat races. By feature time though the bottom side was the preferred groove in the second half of the race. If you can't make it to Knoxville, be sure to log on to their website and keep updated on the happenings throughout the night!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Terry Phillips Scores Fall Jamboree Finale
Last year Terry Phillips enjoyed a lot of success at the Fall Jamboree at the Deer Creek Speedway in southern Minnesota. He scored wins on the preliminary nights (Thursday and the rain delayed Sunday shows). This year, he sat on the front row of the finale on Saturday and marched his way into victory lane at the end of the fifty-lap race.
Once again the Wissota midwest modifieds opened the feature action with their twenty-five lapper in which Hansen Tire Services upped the payoff. They added another $200 on top of the purse, making it now $700 to win. After scoring wins on the first two nights of action, Dustin Scott was looking to sweep the weekend much like Brandon Davis did last year on his way to the Wissota midwest modified national championship. He quickly moved into the runner-up position following an early restart only to lose it a lap later when his machine pushed in turn four. He would right the ship and get back by for second prior to another caution flag and took over the race lead on the restart. Scott would put a straight away between him and his nearest competitor before cautions late in the race bunched the field back up. It wouldn't matter, however, as Scott drove to his third win of the weekend and fifth in a row at the speedway.
The next race on the track would be the non-qualifier event. Drivers who finished in positions five through ten in their respective b-mains would redraw for their starting position in this feature-caliber event. Bob Timm and Greg Jensen sat on the front row of the thirty-car field of the twenty-five lap, $2,000 to win race. Timm would set the pace early on while Tennessee driver Lucas Lee got by Jensen for second. Following an early restart, Lee would exit to the infield with mechanical issues and Bryan Rowland ducked to the inside of Jensen to take over the second position. The caution flag would come out two more times, on lap six and lap nine, to keep the field close but the action would pick up throughout the remainder of the race. Rowland took the lead away from Timm following the lap six yellow while Eric Dailey moved into the top five after passing Jensen. Keith Foss used the low line to sneak by Timm for third, but Timm rebounded following the third and final restart to snare the second position back. Dailey continued his strong run as he passed Foss for third. Rowland appeared to be on his way to victory, but Timm chased him down in the final laps and overpowered him on the last lap to score the win. Rowland settled for second, Dailey finished third, Foss was fourth, and Jacob Dahle rounded out the top five.
After pre-race ceremonies to introduce the drivers and conduct the redraw, the front row of the three-wide USMTS feature would consist of Brandon Beckendorf, Brad Waits, and Terry Phillips. Phillips would secure the top spot after using momentum off the cushion while Waits settled into the second position. An early caution slowed the action momentarily, but following the restart Jason Hughes passed Nate Wasmund for the third spot. With Phillips pulling away, Jon Tesch would also power by Wasmund on the top side for the fourth position. Yellows on lap eight and nine kept things at a slower pace, but the action would resume and the green light would stay on for the duration of the fifty-lapper.
Brad Waits would get by Wasmund for the fifth spot as he tried to make up ground after brushing the concrete wall earlier in the race. Phillips would enter lapped traffic on lap twenty-one, allowing Hughes to close the gap. I noticed at one point that Jeremy Payne was working his way forward and made it up to the sixth spot after starting in the middle of row six. Up front Hughes would pull even with Phillips with about five laps to go, but Phillips used his momentum off the top side to maintain the lead. Jon Tesch would use the top side to close in on the front runners as the laps were winding down, but he simply ran out of time as Terry Phillips took home the $9,000 top prize thanks to Hanson Tire Services, who again put an extra $3,000 on top of the original payout. Jason Hughes finished second, Jon Tesch was third, Brandon Davis finished fourth, and Brad Waits rounded out the top five.
It was another great night of racing at the Fall Jamboree and the drivers put on a heck of a show for the fans. I would like to give a big shout out to the track prep crew as they provided an excellent race surface both nights I was in attendance and allowed the drivers to put on a great show for the fans. Drivers raced three, four, and sometimes five-wide on the wide speedway.
This upcoming week/weekend looks to be a busy one for me. I'm hoping to make my first visit to the LaSalle Speedway in Illinois on Tuesday for the rescheduled Lucas Oil Late Model series visit. Following that I plan to take in at least a couple days, if not all three, of the Knoxville Late Model Nationals. I'll then finish up the weekend at the Cedar County Raceway in Tipton on Sunday. If these events don't fit your schedule, be sure to make it out to a race you can make before the season ends!!
Once again the Wissota midwest modifieds opened the feature action with their twenty-five lapper in which Hansen Tire Services upped the payoff. They added another $200 on top of the purse, making it now $700 to win. After scoring wins on the first two nights of action, Dustin Scott was looking to sweep the weekend much like Brandon Davis did last year on his way to the Wissota midwest modified national championship. He quickly moved into the runner-up position following an early restart only to lose it a lap later when his machine pushed in turn four. He would right the ship and get back by for second prior to another caution flag and took over the race lead on the restart. Scott would put a straight away between him and his nearest competitor before cautions late in the race bunched the field back up. It wouldn't matter, however, as Scott drove to his third win of the weekend and fifth in a row at the speedway.
The next race on the track would be the non-qualifier event. Drivers who finished in positions five through ten in their respective b-mains would redraw for their starting position in this feature-caliber event. Bob Timm and Greg Jensen sat on the front row of the thirty-car field of the twenty-five lap, $2,000 to win race. Timm would set the pace early on while Tennessee driver Lucas Lee got by Jensen for second. Following an early restart, Lee would exit to the infield with mechanical issues and Bryan Rowland ducked to the inside of Jensen to take over the second position. The caution flag would come out two more times, on lap six and lap nine, to keep the field close but the action would pick up throughout the remainder of the race. Rowland took the lead away from Timm following the lap six yellow while Eric Dailey moved into the top five after passing Jensen. Keith Foss used the low line to sneak by Timm for third, but Timm rebounded following the third and final restart to snare the second position back. Dailey continued his strong run as he passed Foss for third. Rowland appeared to be on his way to victory, but Timm chased him down in the final laps and overpowered him on the last lap to score the win. Rowland settled for second, Dailey finished third, Foss was fourth, and Jacob Dahle rounded out the top five.
After pre-race ceremonies to introduce the drivers and conduct the redraw, the front row of the three-wide USMTS feature would consist of Brandon Beckendorf, Brad Waits, and Terry Phillips. Phillips would secure the top spot after using momentum off the cushion while Waits settled into the second position. An early caution slowed the action momentarily, but following the restart Jason Hughes passed Nate Wasmund for the third spot. With Phillips pulling away, Jon Tesch would also power by Wasmund on the top side for the fourth position. Yellows on lap eight and nine kept things at a slower pace, but the action would resume and the green light would stay on for the duration of the fifty-lapper.
Brad Waits would get by Wasmund for the fifth spot as he tried to make up ground after brushing the concrete wall earlier in the race. Phillips would enter lapped traffic on lap twenty-one, allowing Hughes to close the gap. I noticed at one point that Jeremy Payne was working his way forward and made it up to the sixth spot after starting in the middle of row six. Up front Hughes would pull even with Phillips with about five laps to go, but Phillips used his momentum off the top side to maintain the lead. Jon Tesch would use the top side to close in on the front runners as the laps were winding down, but he simply ran out of time as Terry Phillips took home the $9,000 top prize thanks to Hanson Tire Services, who again put an extra $3,000 on top of the original payout. Jason Hughes finished second, Jon Tesch was third, Brandon Davis finished fourth, and Brad Waits rounded out the top five.
It was another great night of racing at the Fall Jamboree and the drivers put on a heck of a show for the fans. I would like to give a big shout out to the track prep crew as they provided an excellent race surface both nights I was in attendance and allowed the drivers to put on a great show for the fans. Drivers raced three, four, and sometimes five-wide on the wide speedway.
This upcoming week/weekend looks to be a busy one for me. I'm hoping to make my first visit to the LaSalle Speedway in Illinois on Tuesday for the rescheduled Lucas Oil Late Model series visit. Following that I plan to take in at least a couple days, if not all three, of the Knoxville Late Model Nationals. I'll then finish up the weekend at the Cedar County Raceway in Tipton on Sunday. If these events don't fit your schedule, be sure to make it out to a race you can make before the season ends!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Deer Creek Night 1, Marshalltown Night 1
Once again I find myself a little behind schedule in regards to writing my blog. I got home late Thursday night (Friday morning) and opted to hold off writing my blog from the Fall Jamboree at the Deer Creek Speedway. Then I ventured down to the Marshalltown Speedway Friday night for the first night of the Havoc on the Highbanks. So here it is at 1:20am late Friday night and I'm gonna write both recaps.
103 USMTS modifieds along with 41 Wissota Midwest modifieds were on hand for opening night of the 13th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree held at the Deer Creek Speedway just north of Spring Valley, Minnesota. Four heats of the midwest mods were run first before eight USMTS heats hit the track. Two b-mains for the Wissota cars and five last chance races for USMTS would round out the qualifying events and set the stage for the features. Dustin Scott would take home top honors in the Wissota Midwest Modified feature. I have to apologize as I'm not familiar with driver names in this division, although I did take notes with car numbers. It was a good race for second on back with the 07 and 16 mixing it up. Kylie Kath started deep in the field after transferring out of a b-main to finish fourth.
Thirty-one USMTS cars were then ready to duke it out for the $3,000 top prize. Terry Phillips and Johnny Scott sat on the front row when the green flag came out for the thirty-lap finale. Phillips would get the edge on the start while Scott followed in second. After starting seventh, Brad Waits wasted no time in slicing his way forward as he quickly advanced to third in just two laps. Two laps later he passed Johnny Scott on the inside to slide into the runner up spot. Meanwhile USMTS national points leader Ryan Gustin was also making his way through traffic. After starting thirteenth, he worked his way up to sixth by lap five. On lap eight Waits took command of the race when he passed Phillips on the inside. Rodney Sanders worked his way under Scott for the third spot while Gustin worked the top side to get by Steve Wetstein for fifth. Scott, Gustin, and Jason Cummins were racing fiercely for the third position before the caution waved with three laps to go. Terry Phillips made contact with Josh Angst, who was about to go a lap down, and spun him around. Phillips was sent to the tail as it was decided it was rough driving, but Phillips exited the track before the restart. Not even the yellow flag could slow down Brad Waits as he picked up another impressive win in limited seat time in the modified. Rodney Sanders finished second, Johnny Scott was third, Ryan Gustin was fourth, and Jason Cummins rounded out the top five.
By virtue of his fourth place run, coupled with Kelly Shryock's bad luck in taking a provisional and finishing deeper in the pack, Ryan Gustin merely will be crowned the 2011 USMTS national champion. Shryock sits second with Jason Hughes behind him. Hughes struggled Thursday night as well.
Friday night I made the trip back to the Marshalltown Speedway for the first night of the Havoc on the Highbanks in conjunction with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds. A great field of cars were on hand in all divisions as I believe I heard 158 total cars packed in the pits.
Mod-lites were first up for their feature event as sixteen cars were ready to rumble. Bryan Zehm took control from the start while the rest of the pack mixed it up. Josh May was on the moved and quickly worked his way to briefly take the lead, but while under caution he would exit the track as smoke bellowed from the left rear of his machine. Zehm would resume with the lead followed by Tim Hennigar and Joel Huggins next in line. Zehm would distance himself on his way to victory lane ahead of Tim Hennigar, Colby Oberembt, Joel Huggins, and James May.
IMCA hobby stocks were up next. All but one car was able to make the call for the feature and Scott Pippert would lead the first lap prior to the caution being waved on lap two. On the restart Devin Smith split the first full row on the double file restart from his fifth-place restart position to grab the lead. Smith would open up a straight away lead as the field battled it out behind him. A late restart would put Kevin Fee on Smith's rear bumper, allowing him to keep pace momentarily. But Smith would go on to pick up his 39th IMCA victory of the season. Kevin Fee finished second, Scott Pippert was third, Brandon Britton was fourth, and Austin Luellen rounded out the top five.
Next up would be the IMCA sportmods. I believe I heard 41 were on hand, and the front row would consist of Tyler Droste and Jared VanDeest. However it would be Cayden Carter snagging the top spot after he took his third-place starting machine to the outside and built up momentum from the cushion. Former national champion Austin Kaplan used the same line to get by Droste for second prior to the caution flag waving on lap three. Jenae Gustin would take advantage on the restart as she took her machine from seventh to fifth after passing Carter VanDenBerg. Four more yellow flags would wave throughout the race, but nobody was able to keep pace with Cayden Carter as he picked up his 28th win of the season. Austin Kaplan finished second, Doug Smith had a great run to finish third after starting 23rd, Jenae Gustin was fourth, and Tyler Droste rounded out the top five.
Perhaps the most exciting race of the night was about to begin as the IMCA stock cars hit the track. The front row would find Brian Irvine and Damon Murty in the catbird seats, and they put on a heck of a show for the fans! Murty ran the high side to set the early pace, but Irvine kept digging on the inside line around the tires to track him down. Murty changed lanes going into turn one and made contact with Irvine's car, but both were able to continue on without any significant damage. Irvine would diamond turns one and two to sneak under Murty exiting turn two to take the top spot away. That turned out to be the winning pass as the race went green to checkered and Irvine picked up the win. Murty settled for second, Donavon Smith was third, Jay Schmidt finished fourth, and Steve Meyer completed the top five.
The stage was now set for the thirty-lap finale for the JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds. Scott Hogan and Richie Gustin had the luck of the draw on their sides as they sat on the front row. Hogan would push in turn four coming to complete the first lap, allowing Richie Gustin to take the lead. Todd Hansen would settle into second prior to the caution flag waving on lap two. On the restart both Jon Snyder and Luke Wanninger bolted to the bottom side of the speedway and picked off a couple cars each with Snyder advancing to second and Wanninger to fourth, respectively. Wanninger would later sneak by Jeff Waterman for third before Hansen spun his machine in turn two. Darin Duffy would also get collected and have to restart at the tail of the field.
Joe Docekal made a great move to the inside on the restart to pick up the fourth position after restarting sixth. Yet another caution waved on lap nineteen when Jimmy Gustin lost a motor and was unable to exit the track completely. Vern Jackson found the inside line to his liking on the restart as he picked off Adam Larson and Docekal to move into the fourth position. Meanwhile Wanninger was fading as Jackson and Ronn Lauritzen both got by to pick up positions. With three laps remaining Snyder would bring out the caution as a radiator hose broke exiting turn four. With Jackson and Lauritzen lined up behind Richie Gustin, the three raced three-wide exiting turn two after the restart. Lauritzen would edge out Gustin at the line and exiting turn two the next lap by, but Gustin was able to find some bite on the top side of turn four to regain the lead at the white flag before fending them off for the win. Lauritzen finished second, Jackson was third, Darin Duffy rebounded nice to finish fourth, and Jacob Murray rounded out the top five. Milo Veloz started twenty-second on the grid and finished sixth.
The racing was exciting in all divisions! The only bad thing was the number of caution flags throughout the night. Kudos to the staff for keeping the action moving as quickly as they could.
Saturday I'm heading back up to the Deer Creek Speedway for the final night of the Fall Jamboree. Then Sunday I'm going to make the journey over to the Quad City Raceway in East Moline to take in the IMCA Deery Brothers late model series final event. Be sure to get out and support this fine sport of ours before the season comes to an end!!
103 USMTS modifieds along with 41 Wissota Midwest modifieds were on hand for opening night of the 13th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree held at the Deer Creek Speedway just north of Spring Valley, Minnesota. Four heats of the midwest mods were run first before eight USMTS heats hit the track. Two b-mains for the Wissota cars and five last chance races for USMTS would round out the qualifying events and set the stage for the features. Dustin Scott would take home top honors in the Wissota Midwest Modified feature. I have to apologize as I'm not familiar with driver names in this division, although I did take notes with car numbers. It was a good race for second on back with the 07 and 16 mixing it up. Kylie Kath started deep in the field after transferring out of a b-main to finish fourth.
Thirty-one USMTS cars were then ready to duke it out for the $3,000 top prize. Terry Phillips and Johnny Scott sat on the front row when the green flag came out for the thirty-lap finale. Phillips would get the edge on the start while Scott followed in second. After starting seventh, Brad Waits wasted no time in slicing his way forward as he quickly advanced to third in just two laps. Two laps later he passed Johnny Scott on the inside to slide into the runner up spot. Meanwhile USMTS national points leader Ryan Gustin was also making his way through traffic. After starting thirteenth, he worked his way up to sixth by lap five. On lap eight Waits took command of the race when he passed Phillips on the inside. Rodney Sanders worked his way under Scott for the third spot while Gustin worked the top side to get by Steve Wetstein for fifth. Scott, Gustin, and Jason Cummins were racing fiercely for the third position before the caution waved with three laps to go. Terry Phillips made contact with Josh Angst, who was about to go a lap down, and spun him around. Phillips was sent to the tail as it was decided it was rough driving, but Phillips exited the track before the restart. Not even the yellow flag could slow down Brad Waits as he picked up another impressive win in limited seat time in the modified. Rodney Sanders finished second, Johnny Scott was third, Ryan Gustin was fourth, and Jason Cummins rounded out the top five.
By virtue of his fourth place run, coupled with Kelly Shryock's bad luck in taking a provisional and finishing deeper in the pack, Ryan Gustin merely will be crowned the 2011 USMTS national champion. Shryock sits second with Jason Hughes behind him. Hughes struggled Thursday night as well.
Friday night I made the trip back to the Marshalltown Speedway for the first night of the Havoc on the Highbanks in conjunction with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds. A great field of cars were on hand in all divisions as I believe I heard 158 total cars packed in the pits.
Mod-lites were first up for their feature event as sixteen cars were ready to rumble. Bryan Zehm took control from the start while the rest of the pack mixed it up. Josh May was on the moved and quickly worked his way to briefly take the lead, but while under caution he would exit the track as smoke bellowed from the left rear of his machine. Zehm would resume with the lead followed by Tim Hennigar and Joel Huggins next in line. Zehm would distance himself on his way to victory lane ahead of Tim Hennigar, Colby Oberembt, Joel Huggins, and James May.
IMCA hobby stocks were up next. All but one car was able to make the call for the feature and Scott Pippert would lead the first lap prior to the caution being waved on lap two. On the restart Devin Smith split the first full row on the double file restart from his fifth-place restart position to grab the lead. Smith would open up a straight away lead as the field battled it out behind him. A late restart would put Kevin Fee on Smith's rear bumper, allowing him to keep pace momentarily. But Smith would go on to pick up his 39th IMCA victory of the season. Kevin Fee finished second, Scott Pippert was third, Brandon Britton was fourth, and Austin Luellen rounded out the top five.
Next up would be the IMCA sportmods. I believe I heard 41 were on hand, and the front row would consist of Tyler Droste and Jared VanDeest. However it would be Cayden Carter snagging the top spot after he took his third-place starting machine to the outside and built up momentum from the cushion. Former national champion Austin Kaplan used the same line to get by Droste for second prior to the caution flag waving on lap three. Jenae Gustin would take advantage on the restart as she took her machine from seventh to fifth after passing Carter VanDenBerg. Four more yellow flags would wave throughout the race, but nobody was able to keep pace with Cayden Carter as he picked up his 28th win of the season. Austin Kaplan finished second, Doug Smith had a great run to finish third after starting 23rd, Jenae Gustin was fourth, and Tyler Droste rounded out the top five.
Perhaps the most exciting race of the night was about to begin as the IMCA stock cars hit the track. The front row would find Brian Irvine and Damon Murty in the catbird seats, and they put on a heck of a show for the fans! Murty ran the high side to set the early pace, but Irvine kept digging on the inside line around the tires to track him down. Murty changed lanes going into turn one and made contact with Irvine's car, but both were able to continue on without any significant damage. Irvine would diamond turns one and two to sneak under Murty exiting turn two to take the top spot away. That turned out to be the winning pass as the race went green to checkered and Irvine picked up the win. Murty settled for second, Donavon Smith was third, Jay Schmidt finished fourth, and Steve Meyer completed the top five.
The stage was now set for the thirty-lap finale for the JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds. Scott Hogan and Richie Gustin had the luck of the draw on their sides as they sat on the front row. Hogan would push in turn four coming to complete the first lap, allowing Richie Gustin to take the lead. Todd Hansen would settle into second prior to the caution flag waving on lap two. On the restart both Jon Snyder and Luke Wanninger bolted to the bottom side of the speedway and picked off a couple cars each with Snyder advancing to second and Wanninger to fourth, respectively. Wanninger would later sneak by Jeff Waterman for third before Hansen spun his machine in turn two. Darin Duffy would also get collected and have to restart at the tail of the field.
Joe Docekal made a great move to the inside on the restart to pick up the fourth position after restarting sixth. Yet another caution waved on lap nineteen when Jimmy Gustin lost a motor and was unable to exit the track completely. Vern Jackson found the inside line to his liking on the restart as he picked off Adam Larson and Docekal to move into the fourth position. Meanwhile Wanninger was fading as Jackson and Ronn Lauritzen both got by to pick up positions. With three laps remaining Snyder would bring out the caution as a radiator hose broke exiting turn four. With Jackson and Lauritzen lined up behind Richie Gustin, the three raced three-wide exiting turn two after the restart. Lauritzen would edge out Gustin at the line and exiting turn two the next lap by, but Gustin was able to find some bite on the top side of turn four to regain the lead at the white flag before fending them off for the win. Lauritzen finished second, Jackson was third, Darin Duffy rebounded nice to finish fourth, and Jacob Murray rounded out the top five. Milo Veloz started twenty-second on the grid and finished sixth.
The racing was exciting in all divisions! The only bad thing was the number of caution flags throughout the night. Kudos to the staff for keeping the action moving as quickly as they could.
Saturday I'm heading back up to the Deer Creek Speedway for the final night of the Fall Jamboree. Then Sunday I'm going to make the journey over to the Quad City Raceway in East Moline to take in the IMCA Deery Brothers late model series final event. Be sure to get out and support this fine sport of ours before the season comes to an end!!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Yankee / Tiny Lund Weekend
Even though my race schedule has been limited this year, I've still managed to do quite a bit of traveling throughout the course of the season. Part of that "crazy" side of me showed up this past weekend in my racing adventures!
Last Friday I headed east on Highway 20 to the Farley Speedway and night #3 of the 34th Annual Yankee Dirt Track Classic. On the slate was the qualifying for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds, the Deery Brothers IMCA late model series, and the open late models. I believe 27 modifieds, 47 Deery Brothers late models, and 28 open late models were in attendance.
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour modifieds ran three heat races with the top five I believe securing a spot for Saturday night's feature. Richie Gustin would win the first heat, Josh Foster the second heat, and Mark Schulte snared the third heat. Ryan Dolan, the series point leader, was not in attendance. I heard in the pits afterwards that his car owner had sold the car and he didn't have another one ready to go.
The Deery Brothers late models ran five heats along with two b-main events. The top two in each heat qualified while the top four in each of the two b-mains advanced to Saturday's main event. Heat winners were Andy Eckrich, Jeff Guengerich, Denny Eckrich, Tyler Bruening, and Terry Neal. B-main winners were Joel Callahan and Ray Guss Jr.
The open late models saw four heat races. I remember them running two b-mains, but unsure as to how many they took via passing points. Andy Eckrich won the first heat, heat two went to Justin Kay, Dave Eckrich won heat three, and heat four went to Denny Eckrich.
Following all the heats and b-mains, the Deery Brothers late models ran a "feature" that involved the past IMCA national champions and the past Deery Brothers series champions to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the IMCA late models. Twelve starters made the call as Jeff Aikey opted not to race it and Todd Cooney was not in attendance. Layne Meyer was there, but not racing.
Terry Neal used his outside front row starting spot to beat Mark Burgtorf to turn one and secure the early lead. Jay Johnson would settle into the third position while Terry Schlipman passed Jeremy Grady for the fourth position. Schlipman was driving Justin Reed's 1st car while Grady was behind the wheel of T.J. Criss's 12J machine. The top four would get strung out as they worked the top side of the speedway with the only car making significant moves being Ray Guss Jr. Guss Jr started last of the twelve-car starting field, but he worked his way up to sixth after passing Jeff French on lap eight of the twenty-lap sprint. Guss Jr would only advance one more position as he finished fifth, but the win would go to Terry Neal.
1. 28c Terry Neal
2. 7B Mark Burgtorf
3. 93 Jay Johnson
4. 1st Terry Schlipman
5. 58 Ray Guss Jr
6. 12J Jeremy Grady
7. 99D Darrel DeFrance
8. 1 Jeff French
9. 14 Boone McLaughlin
10. 45 Curt Martin
11. 37 Mike Smith (driving Clint Wendel's car)
12. 72 Denny Osborn (assume he was driving the 60 car of Dean Wagoner, but had different body panels on for Osborn)
It was fun catching up with Jeremy Grady after the races. Once a weekly competitor at both Des Moines and Webster City as well as a former Deery Series champion, he has been away from the sport for a few years. In fact, he told me he had only been to two races since his last stint behind the wheel. I think after this past weekend the fire still burns deep inside him and hopefully things will work out to where he can make a return to the sport!
After returning home in the wee hours in the morning Saturday, I was back up and ready again for another night of racing. This time, I opted to travel in the opposite direction and headed to the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, Iowa. It would be the championship night of the two-day Tiny Lund Memorial. Five classes would run last chance races along with their feature events Saturday night while also having to deal with Mother Nature. A steady mist throughout the beginning of the last chance races would plague the track conditions, and officials decided to stop the action and get out the farm equipment to work in the track. The decision turned out to be a good one as the track was lightning fast the rest of the night and the skies would cooperate as well.
Feature action would get started with the IMCA hobby stocks. With Shannon Anderson starting on the outside front row, I fully expected him to run away with the feature win. However, that would not be the case. Dustin Griffiths would keep pace with Anderson in the early going before losing the second position around the halfway point to Andy Boeckman, who won one of the last chance races. Boeckman, who started fourteenth, caught Anderson but was unable to find a way around the former Supernationals and National champion. A caution came out as they entered lapped traffic, yet Boeckman still was unable to seriously challenge for the lead as Shannon Anderson took home the win. Andy Boeckman was second, Dustin Griffiths was third, Blain Peterson fourth, and fifth went to Dusty Van Horn.
Up next would be the IMCA sportmod feature event. A spin in the early going forced early contenders to the tail as Doug Smith and Dylan Book got caught up in the wreckage. After starting ninth, Jesse Sobbing worked the top side of the speedway and took the lead. From there he ran away from the competition as he won by nearly a straight away ahead of youngster Tyler Droste. Jared Hansen was third, Doug Smith rebounded to fourth, and Randy Archer completed the top five.
IMCA stock cars were next to hit the track. A lot of position swapping would go on throughout this race as drivers jockeyed for track position. Keith Knop took the lead from his outside front row start while the guys behind him engaged in battle. While most guys preferred the top side, Donavon Smith and Brian Blessington tried to work their machines on the inside line. It worked out well for Smith as he finished second behind Knop for the win. Chris Ullrich finished third, Clay Christian was fourth, and Blessington rounded out the top five.
The IMCA late models kept the pattern going in their feature event. Outside front row starter Jason Hahne jumped out to the early lead and built up nearly a straight away advantage over the competition. Todd Cooney would make his way to second and begin to chase down Hahne, but several caution flags would break his momentum as Hahne opened up some room on every restart. Hahne would go on to pick up the big payday ahead of Todd Cooney, Al Zeitner, Barry Sorensen, and Corey Zeitner.
The finale of the evening would be the IMCA modifieds as they embarked on the $5,000 to win feature. Pole sitter Luke Wanninger wasted no time in taking the lead while outside front row starter J.J. Wise struggled with the handling on his machine. Despite several caution laps, Wanninger was able to maintain a good lead while the field behind him swapped positions. Former national champion Dylan Smith from Nebraska ran the low line the entire race and made it pay off with a second place finish after starting seventeenth. Bob Zoubek finished third ahead of Wisconsin drivers Brian Mullen and Benji LaCrosse.
It was a good night of racing considering the way things started off with the persistent mist. Kudos to the track crew for their hard work as I had doubts whether they'd get it in or not.
This upcoming weekend is FULL of race specials. As of the time I'm writing this, my schedule will consist of the following:
Thursday - Deer Creek (MN) for the USMTS Fall Jamboree
Friday - Marshalltown for the Havoc on the Highbanks (Hawkeye Dirt Tour)
Saturday - Fort Dodge for the Bruce Sommerfeld Memorial
Sunday - East Moline for the IMCA Deery Brothers late model finale
I guess you could say my "crazy" traveling tour is getting started back up again. Be sure to get out and support a track near you this weekend!!
Last Friday I headed east on Highway 20 to the Farley Speedway and night #3 of the 34th Annual Yankee Dirt Track Classic. On the slate was the qualifying for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA modifieds, the Deery Brothers IMCA late model series, and the open late models. I believe 27 modifieds, 47 Deery Brothers late models, and 28 open late models were in attendance.
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour modifieds ran three heat races with the top five I believe securing a spot for Saturday night's feature. Richie Gustin would win the first heat, Josh Foster the second heat, and Mark Schulte snared the third heat. Ryan Dolan, the series point leader, was not in attendance. I heard in the pits afterwards that his car owner had sold the car and he didn't have another one ready to go.
The Deery Brothers late models ran five heats along with two b-main events. The top two in each heat qualified while the top four in each of the two b-mains advanced to Saturday's main event. Heat winners were Andy Eckrich, Jeff Guengerich, Denny Eckrich, Tyler Bruening, and Terry Neal. B-main winners were Joel Callahan and Ray Guss Jr.
The open late models saw four heat races. I remember them running two b-mains, but unsure as to how many they took via passing points. Andy Eckrich won the first heat, heat two went to Justin Kay, Dave Eckrich won heat three, and heat four went to Denny Eckrich.
Following all the heats and b-mains, the Deery Brothers late models ran a "feature" that involved the past IMCA national champions and the past Deery Brothers series champions to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the IMCA late models. Twelve starters made the call as Jeff Aikey opted not to race it and Todd Cooney was not in attendance. Layne Meyer was there, but not racing.
Terry Neal used his outside front row starting spot to beat Mark Burgtorf to turn one and secure the early lead. Jay Johnson would settle into the third position while Terry Schlipman passed Jeremy Grady for the fourth position. Schlipman was driving Justin Reed's 1st car while Grady was behind the wheel of T.J. Criss's 12J machine. The top four would get strung out as they worked the top side of the speedway with the only car making significant moves being Ray Guss Jr. Guss Jr started last of the twelve-car starting field, but he worked his way up to sixth after passing Jeff French on lap eight of the twenty-lap sprint. Guss Jr would only advance one more position as he finished fifth, but the win would go to Terry Neal.
1. 28c Terry Neal
2. 7B Mark Burgtorf
3. 93 Jay Johnson
4. 1st Terry Schlipman
5. 58 Ray Guss Jr
6. 12J Jeremy Grady
7. 99D Darrel DeFrance
8. 1 Jeff French
9. 14 Boone McLaughlin
10. 45 Curt Martin
11. 37 Mike Smith (driving Clint Wendel's car)
12. 72 Denny Osborn (assume he was driving the 60 car of Dean Wagoner, but had different body panels on for Osborn)
It was fun catching up with Jeremy Grady after the races. Once a weekly competitor at both Des Moines and Webster City as well as a former Deery Series champion, he has been away from the sport for a few years. In fact, he told me he had only been to two races since his last stint behind the wheel. I think after this past weekend the fire still burns deep inside him and hopefully things will work out to where he can make a return to the sport!
After returning home in the wee hours in the morning Saturday, I was back up and ready again for another night of racing. This time, I opted to travel in the opposite direction and headed to the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, Iowa. It would be the championship night of the two-day Tiny Lund Memorial. Five classes would run last chance races along with their feature events Saturday night while also having to deal with Mother Nature. A steady mist throughout the beginning of the last chance races would plague the track conditions, and officials decided to stop the action and get out the farm equipment to work in the track. The decision turned out to be a good one as the track was lightning fast the rest of the night and the skies would cooperate as well.
Feature action would get started with the IMCA hobby stocks. With Shannon Anderson starting on the outside front row, I fully expected him to run away with the feature win. However, that would not be the case. Dustin Griffiths would keep pace with Anderson in the early going before losing the second position around the halfway point to Andy Boeckman, who won one of the last chance races. Boeckman, who started fourteenth, caught Anderson but was unable to find a way around the former Supernationals and National champion. A caution came out as they entered lapped traffic, yet Boeckman still was unable to seriously challenge for the lead as Shannon Anderson took home the win. Andy Boeckman was second, Dustin Griffiths was third, Blain Peterson fourth, and fifth went to Dusty Van Horn.
Up next would be the IMCA sportmod feature event. A spin in the early going forced early contenders to the tail as Doug Smith and Dylan Book got caught up in the wreckage. After starting ninth, Jesse Sobbing worked the top side of the speedway and took the lead. From there he ran away from the competition as he won by nearly a straight away ahead of youngster Tyler Droste. Jared Hansen was third, Doug Smith rebounded to fourth, and Randy Archer completed the top five.
IMCA stock cars were next to hit the track. A lot of position swapping would go on throughout this race as drivers jockeyed for track position. Keith Knop took the lead from his outside front row start while the guys behind him engaged in battle. While most guys preferred the top side, Donavon Smith and Brian Blessington tried to work their machines on the inside line. It worked out well for Smith as he finished second behind Knop for the win. Chris Ullrich finished third, Clay Christian was fourth, and Blessington rounded out the top five.
The IMCA late models kept the pattern going in their feature event. Outside front row starter Jason Hahne jumped out to the early lead and built up nearly a straight away advantage over the competition. Todd Cooney would make his way to second and begin to chase down Hahne, but several caution flags would break his momentum as Hahne opened up some room on every restart. Hahne would go on to pick up the big payday ahead of Todd Cooney, Al Zeitner, Barry Sorensen, and Corey Zeitner.
The finale of the evening would be the IMCA modifieds as they embarked on the $5,000 to win feature. Pole sitter Luke Wanninger wasted no time in taking the lead while outside front row starter J.J. Wise struggled with the handling on his machine. Despite several caution laps, Wanninger was able to maintain a good lead while the field behind him swapped positions. Former national champion Dylan Smith from Nebraska ran the low line the entire race and made it pay off with a second place finish after starting seventeenth. Bob Zoubek finished third ahead of Wisconsin drivers Brian Mullen and Benji LaCrosse.
It was a good night of racing considering the way things started off with the persistent mist. Kudos to the track crew for their hard work as I had doubts whether they'd get it in or not.
This upcoming weekend is FULL of race specials. As of the time I'm writing this, my schedule will consist of the following:
Thursday - Deer Creek (MN) for the USMTS Fall Jamboree
Friday - Marshalltown for the Havoc on the Highbanks (Hawkeye Dirt Tour)
Saturday - Fort Dodge for the Bruce Sommerfeld Memorial
Sunday - East Moline for the IMCA Deery Brothers late model finale
I guess you could say my "crazy" traveling tour is getting started back up again. Be sure to get out and support a track near you this weekend!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thoughts on IMCA Supernationals
I realize this is quite a bit late, but I thought I'd give my thoughts on the IMCA Supernationals held at the Boone Speedway last week. Over the past several years I've tried to make it as many nights as I could for the six-day "racing vacation", but this year I opted to only go the final three nights. I will be the first to tell ya I felt out of the loop of what had happened earlier in the week, but that was my own fault as I made it a point NOT to look at results or to even see who had shown up.
In the three days I was there I enjoyed a lot of good racing action. Obviously the highlight of my three days there was the Saturday main event for the IMCA sportmods as Scott Davis narrowly beat Jesse Sobbing to earn the crown. Youngsters Tyler Droste and Cayden Carter were hounding Davis throughout the race and appeared ready to take the lead, but a late caution set up a restart that had Carter on the inside of the first full row and Sobbing on the outside. Sobbing found some traction and put Carter in his dust before focusing on the leader. Davis and Sobbing both ran a clean race and had the crowd on its feet as they crossed the finish line!
Earlier in the evening on Saturday the Race of Champions races were run for each of the divisions. While not getting to see many of the qualifying events for these races, I noticed something rather unique as the starting grid made their way to the track. Webster City track champions qualified for the IMCA hobby stock, sportmod, and modified Race of Champions (the stock cars are not IMCA at Webster City). Brad Ratcliff finished ninth in the hobby stock ROC, Joel Rust was third in the sportmod ROC, and Richie Gustin finished fifth in the modified ROC. The Boone Speedway also had all of its track champions qualify for the Race of Champions races (Michael Murphy, Donovan Smith, Scott Davis, and Russ Dickerson).
Of course you know by now that Richie Gustin pulled off the win in the IMCA modifieds at the IMCA Supernationals. He started on the pole and led every lap en route to capturing the richest grand prize in event history to date. Gustin was challenged by older brother Jimmy at one point before Jimmy's car slowed and exited the track. From that point on Richie Gustin had to fend off challenges from Mike VanGenderen and Darin Duffy for the victory.
While it's always nice to see the amount of racing in one night at the IMCA Supernationals, it can tend to get a bit lengthy as the night goes on. One issue many fans noticed was the time spent realigning cars under caution. Hopefully they can get the bugs worked out in the raceceiver and transponder department to where the show can move along a bit smoother.
One major change I noticed this year was the addition of an announcer. Chet Christner from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was on hand to help out with the announcing along with Ryan Clark and Johnny Tharp. I'm not a big fan of Tharp, but Clark and Christner were fun to listen to. I realize it's not ever going to be the same as when Denny Grabenbauer and Toby Kruse were on the mic, but it seems the information about the drivers has taken a backseat to a comedy show of jokes. I guess as a fan I have the opportunity to go meet the drivers and find out first-hand a few tidbits, so that along with the lack of time between races can justify the means.
Congratulations to all the Supernationals Champions that were crowned throughout the week. And thanks to all the drivers for putting on the best show they could for all the fans that showed up. With the state the economy is in, Supernationals boasted its biggest total car count thus far.
As the season winds down the calendar is filled with special events. Be sure to get out and support the sport as much as you can before the doors close on the tracks for the 2011 season!
In the three days I was there I enjoyed a lot of good racing action. Obviously the highlight of my three days there was the Saturday main event for the IMCA sportmods as Scott Davis narrowly beat Jesse Sobbing to earn the crown. Youngsters Tyler Droste and Cayden Carter were hounding Davis throughout the race and appeared ready to take the lead, but a late caution set up a restart that had Carter on the inside of the first full row and Sobbing on the outside. Sobbing found some traction and put Carter in his dust before focusing on the leader. Davis and Sobbing both ran a clean race and had the crowd on its feet as they crossed the finish line!
Earlier in the evening on Saturday the Race of Champions races were run for each of the divisions. While not getting to see many of the qualifying events for these races, I noticed something rather unique as the starting grid made their way to the track. Webster City track champions qualified for the IMCA hobby stock, sportmod, and modified Race of Champions (the stock cars are not IMCA at Webster City). Brad Ratcliff finished ninth in the hobby stock ROC, Joel Rust was third in the sportmod ROC, and Richie Gustin finished fifth in the modified ROC. The Boone Speedway also had all of its track champions qualify for the Race of Champions races (Michael Murphy, Donovan Smith, Scott Davis, and Russ Dickerson).
Of course you know by now that Richie Gustin pulled off the win in the IMCA modifieds at the IMCA Supernationals. He started on the pole and led every lap en route to capturing the richest grand prize in event history to date. Gustin was challenged by older brother Jimmy at one point before Jimmy's car slowed and exited the track. From that point on Richie Gustin had to fend off challenges from Mike VanGenderen and Darin Duffy for the victory.
While it's always nice to see the amount of racing in one night at the IMCA Supernationals, it can tend to get a bit lengthy as the night goes on. One issue many fans noticed was the time spent realigning cars under caution. Hopefully they can get the bugs worked out in the raceceiver and transponder department to where the show can move along a bit smoother.
One major change I noticed this year was the addition of an announcer. Chet Christner from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was on hand to help out with the announcing along with Ryan Clark and Johnny Tharp. I'm not a big fan of Tharp, but Clark and Christner were fun to listen to. I realize it's not ever going to be the same as when Denny Grabenbauer and Toby Kruse were on the mic, but it seems the information about the drivers has taken a backseat to a comedy show of jokes. I guess as a fan I have the opportunity to go meet the drivers and find out first-hand a few tidbits, so that along with the lack of time between races can justify the means.
Congratulations to all the Supernationals Champions that were crowned throughout the week. And thanks to all the drivers for putting on the best show they could for all the fans that showed up. With the state the economy is in, Supernationals boasted its biggest total car count thus far.
As the season winds down the calendar is filled with special events. Be sure to get out and support the sport as much as you can before the doors close on the tracks for the 2011 season!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Badker, Opheim, Chodur, and Schroeder Visit I-35 Victory Lane
Sunday night I made the trip back up to the I-35 Speedway in Mason City. Ironically, this would be the second trip to "an" I-35 Speedway in four days as I had visited the Winston, Missouri track back on Thursday. Anyway, this Mason City trip was the first time back since mid-June. I had decided not to venture back up lately as it seemed the racing was always on the bottom with little passing. Tonight, however, Joe Ringsdorf made me put my foot in my mouth for the most part as he had the track in great shape.
Lisa Cole would get the early lead in the novice hornet division and hold on to pick up the win. Kelly Miller tried to duplicate Cole's efforts and appeared to do so, but was apparently disqualified in post-race tech after he had been leaking fuel throughout the race. That handed the win over to Blake Cole.
There was a lot of buzz in store for the IMCA hobby stock feature after an altercation at the Hancock County Speedway in Britt on Thursday. Apparently Stac Schroeder and Heath Tulp had a little incident that flaired some tempers and people were ready for it to boil over into Sunday night's feature event. It would be outside front row starter Cory Gansen taking the early lead while Andy Borchardt and Scott Dobel raced side by side for the runner up position. The caution came out on lap two, and after restarting fourth Stac Schroeder quickly passed both Dobel and Borchardt to snare the second spot away. Following another yellow flag on lap four, Schroeder used the high line to motor by Gansen for the lead. Dobel would spin his machine in turn three and collect Borchardt and Chris Wiltsie to bring out the third caution of the race. Heath Tulp took advantage of the restart as he powered by Gansen on the top side to secure the second spot. Another yellow with two to go kept the pack together, but Stac Schroeder was able to fend off the pack to pick up the win. Heath Tulp finished second, Cory Gansen was third, Bernie Adams fourth, and Scott Dobel rounded out the top five. No drama ever took place between Tulp and Schroeder other then perhaps a few head games during the parade laps.
Next up would be the IMCA sportmod feature. A solid field of nineteen had checked in with one unable to start the feature. Travis Greenfield took command from the drop of the green flag while pole sitter John Warrington followed in second. Warrington's time in second was short-lived as Nate Whitehurst used the inside groove to slip past. Perennial contenders Nate Chodur and Adam Ackerman were on the charge from mid-pack as they moved into the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, by lap three. Chodur found the cushion to be the fast way around for his machine as he passed Dan Tenold and Warrington to take over the third spot. Ackerman would follow Chodur's marks and snag the fourth position as the crossed flags were displayed for the midpoint of the race. The caution flag waved for the only time shortly afterwards, and on the restart Chodur powered his way by Whitehurst for second before taking the top spot away from Greenfield. Ackerman would keep pace with Chodur as he maneuvered his machine around the top side of Greenfield and began to close in on Chodur. Nate Chodur would fend off Ackerman for the win as the two finished one-two ahead of Travis Greenfield, Nate Whitehurst, and Alex Zwanziger.
Next to hit the track was the IMCA stock cars. Although only twelve cars were on hand, this was probably the most exciting race of the night. Kevin Opheim took command in the early going while Travis Shipman and Ryan Goergen raced side by side for second. With those two battling it out John Campbell and Larry Portis were locked in a battle for fourth with Portis using the high line to take the spot. Shipman eventually secured the second spot ahead of Goergen using the low groove while Portis later used the high line to get by him for third. Portis maintained his momentum in passing Shipman for second and slowly began to close the gap to Opheim. After the field took the white flag it was replaced with the yellow flag as Merlyn Hegland came to a stop on the backstretch to set up a green-white-checkered finish. That was exactly what Portis didn't need, as he bobbled on the restart and fell back to fourth. Shipman and Derek Green made their way by the veteran from Nora Springs before Portis regained traction and passed Green back for third. In the end it was Kevin Opheim taking home the win ahead of Travis Shipman, Larry Portis, Derek Green, and John Campbell.
After seeing both grooves being used in the previous features, I was excited to see what the IMCA modifieds could display with their talents. Curt Badker grabbed the lead after starting on the pole with Parker Brumm maintaining his starting position of second. Once the race clicked off a few laps, everybody began to run the top side and get a little strung out. Badker opened up a good lead ahead of Brumm, who had a ten car-length advantage over the battle for third among Keith Schmitz, Roger Nielsen, and JJ Wise. The laps clicked away and the white flag was displayed, but Levi Nielsen spun in turn four to bring out the caution and force another green-white-checkered restart. Schmitz took advantage of the restart as he powered by Brumm on the top side for second. Brumm would fall back through the ranks. Schmitz would try his hand on the bottom side but couldn't make his attempts stick as Curt Badker picked up the win. Keith Schmitz was second, Roger Nielsen was third, Alex Hanson fourth, and Parker Brumm finished fifth.
I walked out of the grandstands pleased that I had made the trip. Not only was it good to see and chat with racing friends I hadn't seen in awhile, but the racing was better then I had remembered. It should also be noted that it was announced that Joe Ringsdorf will promote the Hancock County Speedway in Britt on Friday nights next year along with Algona on Saturdays and Mason City on Sundays. He will not be back in Fairmont, thus the move for Britt to Friday.
I'd like to thank track announcer Jerry VanSickel for the nice Positivelyracing plug tonight. I haven't been to many tracks lately in which Jerry announces, but the man knows his racing and offers up some good jokes along the way.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Lisa Cole would get the early lead in the novice hornet division and hold on to pick up the win. Kelly Miller tried to duplicate Cole's efforts and appeared to do so, but was apparently disqualified in post-race tech after he had been leaking fuel throughout the race. That handed the win over to Blake Cole.
There was a lot of buzz in store for the IMCA hobby stock feature after an altercation at the Hancock County Speedway in Britt on Thursday. Apparently Stac Schroeder and Heath Tulp had a little incident that flaired some tempers and people were ready for it to boil over into Sunday night's feature event. It would be outside front row starter Cory Gansen taking the early lead while Andy Borchardt and Scott Dobel raced side by side for the runner up position. The caution came out on lap two, and after restarting fourth Stac Schroeder quickly passed both Dobel and Borchardt to snare the second spot away. Following another yellow flag on lap four, Schroeder used the high line to motor by Gansen for the lead. Dobel would spin his machine in turn three and collect Borchardt and Chris Wiltsie to bring out the third caution of the race. Heath Tulp took advantage of the restart as he powered by Gansen on the top side to secure the second spot. Another yellow with two to go kept the pack together, but Stac Schroeder was able to fend off the pack to pick up the win. Heath Tulp finished second, Cory Gansen was third, Bernie Adams fourth, and Scott Dobel rounded out the top five. No drama ever took place between Tulp and Schroeder other then perhaps a few head games during the parade laps.
Next up would be the IMCA sportmod feature. A solid field of nineteen had checked in with one unable to start the feature. Travis Greenfield took command from the drop of the green flag while pole sitter John Warrington followed in second. Warrington's time in second was short-lived as Nate Whitehurst used the inside groove to slip past. Perennial contenders Nate Chodur and Adam Ackerman were on the charge from mid-pack as they moved into the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, by lap three. Chodur found the cushion to be the fast way around for his machine as he passed Dan Tenold and Warrington to take over the third spot. Ackerman would follow Chodur's marks and snag the fourth position as the crossed flags were displayed for the midpoint of the race. The caution flag waved for the only time shortly afterwards, and on the restart Chodur powered his way by Whitehurst for second before taking the top spot away from Greenfield. Ackerman would keep pace with Chodur as he maneuvered his machine around the top side of Greenfield and began to close in on Chodur. Nate Chodur would fend off Ackerman for the win as the two finished one-two ahead of Travis Greenfield, Nate Whitehurst, and Alex Zwanziger.
Next to hit the track was the IMCA stock cars. Although only twelve cars were on hand, this was probably the most exciting race of the night. Kevin Opheim took command in the early going while Travis Shipman and Ryan Goergen raced side by side for second. With those two battling it out John Campbell and Larry Portis were locked in a battle for fourth with Portis using the high line to take the spot. Shipman eventually secured the second spot ahead of Goergen using the low groove while Portis later used the high line to get by him for third. Portis maintained his momentum in passing Shipman for second and slowly began to close the gap to Opheim. After the field took the white flag it was replaced with the yellow flag as Merlyn Hegland came to a stop on the backstretch to set up a green-white-checkered finish. That was exactly what Portis didn't need, as he bobbled on the restart and fell back to fourth. Shipman and Derek Green made their way by the veteran from Nora Springs before Portis regained traction and passed Green back for third. In the end it was Kevin Opheim taking home the win ahead of Travis Shipman, Larry Portis, Derek Green, and John Campbell.
After seeing both grooves being used in the previous features, I was excited to see what the IMCA modifieds could display with their talents. Curt Badker grabbed the lead after starting on the pole with Parker Brumm maintaining his starting position of second. Once the race clicked off a few laps, everybody began to run the top side and get a little strung out. Badker opened up a good lead ahead of Brumm, who had a ten car-length advantage over the battle for third among Keith Schmitz, Roger Nielsen, and JJ Wise. The laps clicked away and the white flag was displayed, but Levi Nielsen spun in turn four to bring out the caution and force another green-white-checkered restart. Schmitz took advantage of the restart as he powered by Brumm on the top side for second. Brumm would fall back through the ranks. Schmitz would try his hand on the bottom side but couldn't make his attempts stick as Curt Badker picked up the win. Keith Schmitz was second, Roger Nielsen was third, Alex Hanson fourth, and Parker Brumm finished fifth.
I walked out of the grandstands pleased that I had made the trip. Not only was it good to see and chat with racing friends I hadn't seen in awhile, but the racing was better then I had remembered. It should also be noted that it was announced that Joe Ringsdorf will promote the Hancock County Speedway in Britt on Friday nights next year along with Algona on Saturdays and Mason City on Sundays. He will not be back in Fairmont, thus the move for Britt to Friday.
I'd like to thank track announcer Jerry VanSickel for the nice Positivelyracing plug tonight. I haven't been to many tracks lately in which Jerry announces, but the man knows his racing and offers up some good jokes along the way.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
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