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!!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Winston (MO) and Marshalltown Recaps

First off I want to apologize for not getting a blog typed up from my trip Thursday night to Winston, Missouri for the USMTS Hunt for the Championship event. It was 3:30am when I got home and opted for a few hours of shut eye before hopping out of bed shortly after 6am for work. Then upon getting home I cleaned up and headed to Marshalltown last night. So here is the recap from Thursday night.

After making the three-plus hour trek down Interstate 35 I arrived at the I-35 Speedway for my second-ever visit to the facility. My previous time was also a USMTS show roughly ten to twelve years ago. While that memory is a bit sketchy, I wanted a refresher and took in this event. Besides the USMTS modifieds, Ironman Challenge stock cars and bmods were on the slate.

Right about twenty-nine cars in the bmods and USMTS with eighteen stock cars were on hand. First up for feature action would be the Iron Man Challenge series for USRA stock cars. Todd Staley would lead the first couple of laps after starting on the pole. Steve Jackson, Jason Minnehan, and Mike VanGenderen raced three-wide for the runner up position with Jackson prevailing prior to the caution waving on lap three for Nathan Wood as he suffered a flat tire. Two laps after the green came back out, Jackson used the middle groove to motor around Staley for the lead. VanGenderen would sneak under Staley to grab the second position away before getting sideways in turn three and diving towards the infield. Fortunately for him he was able to keep momentum and only lose a few positions as he fell back to fourth. Justin Temeyer would then overtake Staley for second using the high line while VanGenderen again used the low side to work under Staley for third. The caution waved on lap ten, and under caution Staley went to the pits to give up fourth. He would return prior to going back racing, but tagged the tail of the field. VanGenderen would get a good restart and take back second place as he got by Temeyer before closing in on Jackson late in the race. With five laps remaining contact between the two front runners occurred in turn two, but it wasn't enough to deter either's momentum. Steve Jackson would hold on to pick up the win ahead of Mike VanGenderen. Justin Temeyer finished third, Jason Minnehan was fourth, and Jeff Joldersma rounded out the top five.

Up next would be the Iron Man Challenge series for bmods. Twenty-three starters took the green flag with Bobby Penney taking control from his outside front row starting spot. An early caution on lap two slowed things down, but the restart proved to be exciting as Carter VanDenBerg got a great jump to advance from eighth to fourth in a lap. Meanwhile Mike Higley used the outside groove to motor by Penney for the lead on lap three. VanDenBerg worked his way up to third and both he and Cayden Carter found their way around Penney for second and third, respectively. A lot of slicing and dicing went on in the next lap or two, but the end result was Cayden Carter slowing in turn four to bring out the caution flag on lap six. Higley would continue to lead, but VanDenBerg pressured him on the inside. Mike Higley would go on to take the win ahead of Carter VanDenBerg, Gene Claxton, Truman Asher, and Brett Shields.

It was now time for the forty-lap USMTS modified finale. Johnny Scott and Kelly Shryock sat on the front row. Shryock, currently second in the points standings, was looking to make a big dent in the points gap as points leader Ryan Gustin suffered problems in the heat race and had to advance out of a b-main to qualify. With Gustin starting nineteenth, Shryock was looking to capitalize.

Johnny Scott would seize command of the race at the drop of the green flag with Dustin Boney and Shryock behind him. Minnesota drivers Tommy Myer and Lucas Schott waged a battle for fifth as they sea-sawed back and forth. The front five drivers were all utilizing the bottom side while the guys running midpack were using both lanes. The first caution of the race came on lap sixteen, and at the point Ryan Gustin had moved up to eleventh. On the restart Shryock would work his way around Boney using the middle groove. Schott used the same line to get by Jon Tesch for fourth. The yellow flag waved again five laps later. Scott was able to drive away from Shryock following this restart. Ryan Gustin was flying on the top side but had to slow down as Tommy Myer wasn't going in to the corners nearly as fast as Gustin had been. Gustin may have gotten a little impatient after following Myer for two laps and ducked to the middle of a three-wide battle entering turn three. Gustin skated up and made contact with Myer resulting in Myer spinning to a stop. Officials sent both Myer and Gustin to the tail for the incident with fifteen laps remaining.

On the restart Jason Krohn used the cushion to get by Lucas Schott for fourth before catching Dustin Boney. Krohn and Boney raced side by side before Krohn overtook the third spot. But up front the night belonged to Johnny Scott as he picked up the win. Kelly Shryock finished second and shaved some points off Gustin's lead. Dustin Boney was third, Jason Krohn fourth, and Zack VanderBeek completed the top five.

All in all I enjoyed my night at Winston, Missouri. I got to talk to the Calhoon (hope I spelled that right) couple from the Kansas City area that I met a few years back when I was able to do more traveling. The only downfall of the evening was the later then advertised start time and the lengthy trip back home.

For more results and current point standings, check out the USMTS and USRA websites.


Now on to Friday night. I made my first trip back to the Marshalltown Speedway since their frostbuster back on April 1. It was good catching up with friends that I hadn't seen in quite some time.

The dwarf car feature was the second feature on the track following the micro sprint feature. Tim Hennigar grabbed the lead on lap two and never looked back as he picked up the win. Josh May picked up second ahead of Joel Huggins, James May, and Andy Hennigar.

Next up would be the IMCA hobby stocks. Randy Embrey took command from the start while points leader Michael Murphy worked his way quickly up to seventh by lap two. Murphy steadily worked his way up the ranks as he moved into fourth after getting by Eric Knutson. Clint Nelson was within striking distance to Embrey until Embrey cleared a lapped car and left both machines in his dust. Embrey picked up the win ahead of Clint Nelson, Jake Nelson, Michael Murphy, and Eric Knutson. Murphy's good run along with a DNF for Kevin Fee has all but solidified the track title for Murphy.

The IMCA sportmods were out next and outside front row starter Jayme Duinink would lead the opening couple of laps. A caution came out on lap three and Zack Rawlins worked under his father Tom for second. Jake Strayer would follow Zack Rawlins to third while Rawlins marched under Duinink for the lead. Strayer would again follow to second and brought along Tyler Droste to third. Following another restart just past the halfway point, Strayer used the low groove to work past Rawlins for the lead. Rawlins would keep the pressure on as he powered his machine on the top side, but Strayer was too strong on the bottom as he picked up the win. Tyler Droste also worked his way around Rawlins to finish second and third, respectively, with Racer Hulin and Scott Davis rounding out the top five. Davis holds a 13-point advantage over Cayden Carter entering next week's season finale.

The IMCA stock cars put on a great show for the fans as they normally do. Trevor Titus used his front row starting spot to snag the lead with Lauren Vis and Steve Meyer chasing behind him. Todd Reitzler used the inside line and the right side of his car to work under Meyer for the second position. Meyer rebounded to take the third spot away from Vis before perhaps returning the favor to Reitzler in turn four. Reitzler received some contact and would spin toward the bottom of the track and all heck broke lose, including Lauren Vis going for a roll and ending up on the driver's side door. Fortunately she would be ok. When the green came back out Meyer would utilize the bottom side to get by Titus for the lead. Titus would battle back on the outside and take the lead back for a few laps, but eyes were focusing in on points leader Trent Murphy as he worked his way up to fourth after getting by Jeff Wollam. Titus would secure the lead, but Murphy drove his machine deep into the bottom side of turns one and two and overtake the lead. Damon Murty was working his way forward as well as he got by Jay Schmidt for fourth. Meyer would bodyslam Trevor Titus entering turn one resulting in Titus going for a spin. Titus was able to keep his car moving and avoid contact from other machines. Trent Murphy would take the win ahead of Damon Murty, Donavon Smith, Jay Schmidt, and Steve Meyer. Murphy takes a commanding point lead into next week's finale.

The final event of the night was the IMCA modifieds. A bit short on cars as only thirteen had checked in for the evening. Duane Peterson grabbed the lead at the start while Ronn Lauritzen slowed in turn one. While Lauritzen was trying to get to the inside and eventually pull to the infield, Jimmy Gustin got caught up behind him and lost considerable time to the rest of the pack. Adam Larson and Jon Snyder quickly found their way to second and third while Todd Conrad was running fourth and was the first guy to run the bottom side of the speedway. Conrad methodically worked his way into third as he passed Snyder before taking over the second position from Larson. However the caution flag waved and officials put Larson back up to second. Conrad would continue his strong run on the inside as he again passed Larson and then later took over the lead from Peterson. Peterson changed his line entering turn one and thumped Conrad, sending both drivers into a spin. Apparently Peterson was told to go to the pits over the raceceiver as no black flag was displayed, yet he exited the track. That handed the race lead over to Jon Snyder, and from there it was smooth sailing as he picked up another win. Josh Gilman finished second, Adam Larson third, Andrew Kinser fourth, and Kyle Krampe completed the top five. Jimmy Gustin was up to third, but exited to the infield with a lap or two to go for a fire. Snyder takes the point lead into next week's season finale.

While the racing was good for the most part last night, there were a few questionable incidents in which I thought drivers should have been disciplined. I realize rubbing is racing, but bodyslamming others is not part of that equation.

For complete results and updated point standings, check out the Marshalltown Speedway website.

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

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Shryock Takes Win on Familiar Turf

After more then a week away from the races, I was more then excited to head to the Hamilton County Speedway Saturday night (Aug 20) for the USMTS Hunt for the Championship event. Coming into the night Ryan Gustin held a solid lead over nine-time series champion Kelly Shryock and looked to widen the gap as he returned to the track in which he started his young career. But Shryock has a ton of laps at the historic half-mile as well.

A good field of cars in all divisions were on hand with over 100 cars in four divisions filling the pits, including 28 USMTS cars. USRA stock cars and USRA bmods were running under the Iron Man Challenge series while the hobby stocks were unsanctioned.

First up for their feature were the USRA Iron Man Challenge bmods. Pole sitter Blake Conant held a slim lead at the completion of lap one, but Jeremy Embrey powered his machine off the cushion of turn two to take the lead down the back stretch on the next circuit. Cayden Carter looked to the inside of Josh Bonnstetter for the fourth position. These two would race side by side for a couple laps with Bonnstetter getting the edge later. Bryon Weyer used the high side to pass Conant for second before challenging Embrey for the lead on lap eight. Prior to that Conant spun in turn two in front of most of the field and was somehow able to not only avoid contact from the other machines, but kept his foot in the gas and kept his machine moving to avoid a yellow flag. Cayden Carter managed to get by Bonnstetter for third before a caution flag came out on lap ten. Carter ducked to the inside of Weyer on the restart to take over the runner up spot while Carter VanDenBerg worked the inside of Matt Lettow for fourth. The second and final yellow flag came out two laps later when Bonnstetter spun and came to a stop. In the closing laps Carter hounded Embrey and took advantage when Embrey pushed up in turn two. Carter dashed inside and pulled even down the back stretch before using a slidejob to overtake the lead with three laps to go. Carter would go on to pick up the win ahead of Jeremy Embrey, Bryon Weyer, Carter VanDenBerg, and Matt Lettow. According to results that I've been able to find, that was Carter's 25th win of the season.

Next up would be the USRA Iron Man Challenge for stock cars. After a first lap caution, Reid Keller grabbed the lead from the pole position. Steve Jackson and Mark Elliott tangled on the front stretch and eventually brought out the caution on lap two. Wayne Crimmins used the inside line to get by Jason Wagoner while Mike VanGenderen powered his machine up on the top side to pick a couple cars off and advanced to third. Keller would slow going down the back stretch to bring out another caution. Following the restart Tory Reicks shot through the middle of Nathan Wood and Dennis Plain for the fourth position as the top three drivers (Crimmins, VanGenderen, Kevin Donlan) separated from the pack. A yellow flag would bunch the field back up again and allowed Donlan to use the inside line to get by VanGenderen for second. Unfortunately another caution came out again, and at that time officials decided to cut the laps from twenty-five to sixteen. A green/white/checkered would be in store for the competitors and Crimmins was able to fend off a strong charge by VanGenderen to pick up the win. Kevin Donlan was third, Nathan Wood fourth, and Mark Elliott charged back through the field to round out the top five. Elliott restarted in the 21st position after his early incident.

The hobby stocks made their way to the track with Adam Gebel and Pete McWherter sitting on the front row. Early on McWherter went on the spin cycle and collected about five cars, including Randy Embrey among others. When the green flag came back out Brad Ratcliff took command out front while Austin Wolfgram moved into second past Bobby Dilley. Another caution flew on lap four, but the green light didn't stay out long as Dilley spun and stopped. Drew Barglof apparently was sent to the tail for questionable driving. On the ensuing restart Embrey dove to the inside of Gebel to take over the third position. Yet another caution waved and officials decided to once again cut the number of laps, this time taking three laps off. The race would actually end under yellow/checkered with Brad Ratcliff taking the win, Austin Wolfgram second, Randy Embrey third, Matt Hudspeth fourth, and Adam Gebel fifth.

The finale of the evening was now set to take center stage as the USMTS feature left the staging area. The ever-popular pre-race ceremonies with the American flags and "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood playing over the PA graced the pack grandstand as the crowd got to their feet.

Dereck Ramirez and Kelly Shryock sat on the front row as the field took the green flag. Shryock got the advantage on the start and led the first couple of circuits prior to an early caution flag on lap two. On the restart Ramirez made his car stick on the bottom side of turns three and four to take over the race lead. Meanwhile local Mark Elliott worked his way around Zack VanderBeek utilizing to cushion to advance to third. Shryock would regain the lead on lap six as he dialed in his marks running the mid-to-upper grooves of the track. Dustin Boney made his way by VanderBeek using the cushion while Elliott charged by Ramirez for the runner up spot. The yellow flag waved again on lap twelve, which was the break that Boney capitalized on. He powered his machine to the top side and drove by both VanderBeek and Ramirez to settle into the third spot on lap eighteen of the thirty-lap race. Ramirez would continue to run the inside line and battle back to regain the third spot from Boney just prior to Boney slowing to a stop to bring out the third caution of the race. The top eight drivers at this point in the race were Shryock, Elliott, Ramirez, Jason Hughes, VanderBeek, Tommy Myer, Rodney Sanders, and Ryan Gustin. Sanders and Gustin finished first and second, respectively, in the bmain and started seventeenth and eighteenth, respectively.

Ramirez used the low groove once again to get by Elliott for second while Rodney Sanders powered up his machine to the top side to race past VanderBeek for fourth. Elliott would slow and bring out the caution with five laps remaining. Sanders again got a good restart and jumped ahead of Ramirez after the restart for second. His night would get cut short, however, as he apparently got a flat tire and made heavy contact with the wall in turn three for yet another yellow flag. The outside line again proved to be the quick line on the restart as Jason Hughes drove by Ramirez for second. Behind them Tommy Myer used the top side to get by VanderBeek for fourth while Ryan Gustin followed in fifth. Hughes would run out of laps as Kelly Shryock picked up his first win of the Hunt, but tenth overall this season. Jason Hughes was second, Dereck Ramirez third, Tommy Myer fourth, and Ryan Gustin rounded out the top five.

Ryan Gustin is trying to accomplish what Jason Hughes managed to achieve last year. Thus far in the seven Hunt races, Gustin has accumulated all top five finishes. Last year Hughes proved consistency pays off in the end as he racked up 16 top five finishes in the 18 Hunt races. With Gustin's stellar performance thus far, his lead over Shryock now stands at 87 going into tonight's action in Worthington, Minnesota. Following the race in Worthington, the road warriors will have a few days off before another three-race swing beginning on Thursday in Winston, Missouri. To keep tabs on the USMTS, be sure to click on their website. And for information regarding the USRA Iron Man Challenge series, check out this website.

I'd like to thank the Hamilton County fair board for their hospitality all season long at the Hamilton County Speedway. I can't wait to hear next year's plans. But before that, the speedway will host a couple more racing events. Check out the Hamilton County Speedway website for details.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Mahlberg Wins Rain-Shortened Night in Harlan

A beautiful, yet hot day was in store for a couple of my buddies and I as we ventured west to the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, Iowa. It would be the first time my friends had been to Harlan. We arrived probably an hour before hot laps, and while sitting in the stands the sun was beating down on us without mercy. Sweat pouring from our arms and foreheads.

As the hot laps and heat races got going a cloud arrived and cooled things off to a more comfortable situation. Later on that cloud turned into a few more clouds and lightning was seen off to the north as the skies darkened. I thought it appeared it would stay to the north and we'd be in good shape to get the races in. Apparently I need to go to weather school because that wasn't the case later.

The IMCA sport compacts made their way to the track with eight cars taking the green flag. Taylor Griffin would hold down the lead in the opening laps, but he would get passed on the inside by Jason Kroeger on lap three. Kroeger's time out front was short-lived as well as Caine Mahlberg got by two laps later. Mahlberg would continue on to pick up the win. He was followed across the line by Jamie Mahlberg, Jason Kroeger, Tom Summerfield, and Jesse Totten. I believe I got the Mahlberg's in correct order, but if not I apologize as even the announcer was caught off guard by the duo switching cars apparently.



During that feature my friends and I were paying more attention to the skies rather then the racing. It appeared clouds were starting from the ground and moving up before taking off in different directions. None of us had ever seen anything like it. The IMCA hobby stock feature rolled out onto the track and may have made one pace lap before the flagman yelled out "Get out of here!!" As we exited the grandstands a fireman outside the front gate mentioned the possibility of a tornado. We sprinted towards the car and headed out of town. We never heard if a tornado was indeed spotted, but a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect. Fortunately we only ran across a brief downpour until we got up towards Denison.

Despite the unfortunate weather bumming us out, my friends really enjoyed their first trip to the Shelby County Speedway. The track was lightning fast as usual and would have provided some great racing action if it could have continued. Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making the trip back next week as we have other plans, but if you're in the area be sure to get your money's worth as they'll have double features in most classes I'm sure. For more information, be sure to log on to the Shelby County Speedway website.

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

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Abelson Scores Alta Checkers

Wednesday night marked the inaugural visit of the Hawkeye Dirt Tour to the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta. The HDT has only managed one visit west of I-35 with last year's event at the Hancock County Speedway in Britt, so this event was definitely one the fans were looking forward to. And the fans that wanted to see it made their voices heard loudly as the stands were packed full last night! The BVR weekly show would also be held for the IMCA stock cars, IMCA hobby stocks, IMCA sportmods, and IMCA sport compacts along with the BVR bombers.

Speaking of which, the BVR bombers were the first feature to roll onto the speedway. Mike Draper would hold down the lead from his outside front row start while Keith Demey stayed close in second. Following a lap two caution Demey ducked under Draper for the lead. A late caution came out and following the green flag coming back out, Draper would suffer a flat tire with two laps remaining. Keith Demey would take the win ahead of Lucas Vote and Mike Draper, who finished on his flat tire. These three were the only ones left running at the completion of the race.

Twelve IMCA sport compacts made their way to the track, but the green flag didn't stay out very long as a couple cars went too high in turns three and four and went over the banking to bring out the caution. The first lap was scored complete and Cory Flanigan would be the leader. A yellow flag came out for Randy Cass when his motor expired with five laps to go, allowing Merv Chandler to restart on Flanigan's rear bumper. Chandler honked the chrome horn and harrassed Flanigan, but was unable to muster up enough momentum to make the pass as Flanigan took the win. Chandler finished second, Jeff Roemen was third, Gregory Brunelle fourth, and Darin Lorenzen completed the top five.

The IMCA hobby stocks had a rough time keeping the green flag out for much of their feature. In fact, three caution periods were thrown before lap five, and then another couple before the next lap could be scored complete. Joe Menke would hold the top spot through much of the chaos, but when the green flag came out following the final lap five restart Devin Smith dove to the bottom in turn one and exited turn two with the lead. Brandon Nielson and Cody Nielsen gave chase with Cody slipping under Brandon for the second position. Michael Murphy charged to the front as well as he used the low groove to also get by Brandon Nielsen for third. Devin Smith would steadily pull away and take home his sixth win of the season at BVR, which also happened to be his 30th IMCA win as well. Cody Nielsen finished second, Michael Murphy third, Kyle Robinson fourth, and Brandon Nielson rounded out the top five.

Next on the track would be the IMCA sportmods. Outside front row starter Logan Scott looked smooth on lap one to assume command, but Tim Rupp dove inside of Scott in turn four to overtake the lead. Zach Norgaard would be next to pass Scott for second while a few laps later Doug Smith and Jesse Sobbing made Scott the meat of their sandwich as they passed him on both sides. A caution with five laps remaining bunched the field up, and it was at this point that I realized that the BVR staff had resorted back to the "old" Delaware double file restart in which the leader is out front by himself. Earlier in the year restarts were "NASCAR style" with the front two cars side by side. At any rate, Sobbing made quick work of Norgaard as Sobbing powered his machine up on the cushion once again to take over the second position. Smith would keep pace as he ducked low to maneuver around Norgaard for third, but with three laps remaining Sobbing became the final race leader as he picked up his 35th win of the season. Tim Rupp finished second, Doug Smith was third, Zach Norgaard fourth, and Tim Wilcox rounded out the apparent top five. In looking at results on the website, Norgaard was disqualified in post-race tech apparently, thus advancing Doug Bartels to fifth.

The IMCA stock cars may be low in number at BVR, but most times they put on the best show of the night. Despite all drivers attempting to hug the tires on the low side, there was passing going on throughout the race. Pole sitter Randy Brands held the top spot from the start, but Stefan Sybesma quickly moved up to second after passing Adam Klocke. After starting at the tail (11th), Brian Blessington was on the charge early as he made his way to fourth with a pass on Klocke, who had given up the third spot to Donavon Smith earlier. Sybesma saw the door open as Brands gave up the inside line, allowing Sybesma to capitalize and take the race lead. Donavon Smith followed to second while Blessington continued forward. Blessington found a lane inside of both Brands and Donavon Smith to nab the runner up spot, but that was as far as he'd get as Stefan Sybesma picked up the win. Blessington was second, Donavon Smith third, Randy Brands fourth, and David Smith completed the top five.

The finale of the evening was the twenty-five lap feature for the JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour. Outside front row starter Kurt Krauskopf looked strong in the early running as he held down the lead, but following a quick caution Nebraska driver Dylan Smith made his way to second and tried to chase down the lead car. Chris Abelson worked his way to third and then later motored by Smith on the outside to take the second position away. The front two cars were checked out by themselves while Dustin Smith patiently worked his way to fourth. Smith got a good run on Dylan Smith going into turn one and slid up, making contact with the Nebraska driver and causing him to lose several positions. For whatever reason Krauskopf changed his line from the top to the bottom entering turn one with eleven laps remaining, and that was all Abelson needed as he exited turn two with momentum and the lead. A yellow flag with nine to go bunched the field tight, and the lack of experience at BVR cost Krauskopf as he drove in to turn one a little deep and overshot the cushion and banking, giving up a lot of positions. Dustin Smith and Jay Noteboom sea sawed for the runner up position with Smith winning out, but he was no match for Chris Abelson as the Sioux City driver pocketed the big check for the win. Dustin Smith finished second, Jay Noteboom third, Mike Jergens made a late surge to finish fourth, and Clayton Christensen rounded out the top five. Series point leaders Ryan Dolan and Mark Elliott struggled throughout the night and finished 13th and 17th, respectively.

Despite a little bit of dust as the night progressed, I thought the track remained in good shape throughout the course of the night. Heard one driver complain it was dark entering turn three, but I guess I didn't notice that from the stands. It's hard to believe that next Wednesday, August 10, is season championship night for the Buena Vista Raceway. It was brought to my attention that the October special from last year will not be run this year, so next Wednesday will be the final race of the year. Be sure to get out and support the track!

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