The United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) made their first of two scheduled stops at the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta Thursday night as the third stop on the swing through the upper Midwest. The regular weekly classes were also on hand for a point night of racing action.
On my way towards the track, I received a phone call from fellow PositivelyRacing.com bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. They informed me they were making the long tow up from Grinnell to take in the action later on that evening. It was fun sitting with them and catching up on racing news and happenings. Also in the parking lot was another southern Iowa gentlemen by the name of Gary Storey. Gary is from Oskaloosa and decided to make the trip up as well. Hope to meet up with these great friends again in the near future.
Things got kicked off with the IMCA sport compact feature. Five cars were checked in and it would be Cory Flanigan taking the lead on lap two and taking the easy win.
Shannon Anderson jumped out front early on in the IMCA hobby stock feature, but he would soon be pressured by Craig Brotherton. Brotherton dove to the inside in turns one and two and tried to make a slidejob stick, but Anderson cut inside of him coming out of turn two to maintain the top spot. Andy Boeckman was driving a borrowed race car, but he looked to be very comfortable behind the wheel as he drove the car up to the third spot despite what appeared to be a broken left rear shock. It didn't slow him down much, but had to be hard controlling it in the corners. Devin Smith would later catch and pass Boeckman coming to the white flag, but it would be Shannon Anderson taking home the top prize. Brotherton was second, Smith third, Boeckman fourth, and pole-sitter Kyle Robinson rounded out the top five.
At the start of the hobby stock feature, there was a big pileup in turn one on the first lap that involved some eleven cars. I don't recall what happened to start the chain reaction, but one driver apparently was seriously injured. Shawn Halder was cut out of his car and transported to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries were not known. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
The IMCA sportmods hit the track next for their fifteen lap event. Doug Smith bolted to the lead from outside the front row as he set the pace. Brett Meyer, driving a number 22 car tonight in memory of Charlie Clark, drove his machine to the second spot and set his sights on Smith. Meyer was closing in on Smith as the laps counted down, but a lapped car got loose in front of Meyer coming out of turn two with two laps to go to slow his momentum. Smith pulled away and went on to take the win. Meyer settled for second, Tony Pogeler was third, Chris Grothe fourth, and Tanner Powers charged up to fifth after starting fourteenth and was involved in an early incident.
As mentioned, Brett Meyer had his car looking like Charlie Clark's owned 22 ride driven by Steve Kosiski. Clark unfortunately passed away after suffering a heart attack a few weeks ago at the Beatrice Speedway. Meyer did a reverse victory lap during intermission to honor Clark. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Clark family and friends as well.
Seventeen IMCA stock cars were led to the green flag by Trent Murphy and Chris Ulrich. Murphy would grab the advantage early on, but Dustin Smith made a charge to the front and challenge for second on the inside of Ulrich. Smith would take over the spot as his brother Donovan followed right behind to go to the third spot. Dustin Smith would not be satisfied with second as he quickly reeled in Murphy and got by him on the inside groove. Again brother Donovan would follow suit and advance his way to second. Donovan tried to get under Dustin on the last lap, but didn't have enough at the line as Dustin Smith took home the trophy. Donovan Smith was second, Trent Murphy settled for third, Chris Ulrich backed up to fourth, and David Smith rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night would be the thirty-five lap feature for the USMTS modifieds. Dereck Ramirez and teammate Jon Tesch sat on the front row to lead the field to the green flag. Two cautions would come out before the completion of the first lap, but that set up for a great start on the third attempt. On the exit of turn two on the start, the field was 5-wide for the top spot and Jake Neal would take the early advantage at the line. That lead did not last long, however, as Corey Dripps powered up his machine to take over the top spot. Another quick yellow allowed Kelly Shryock to use the restart to his advantage and moved into second place while Dereck Ramirez and Al Hejna followed closely behind. Two laps later another caution set up a restart that saw Hejna get by Ramirez for third, but Jon Tesch tried widening the track out as he battled with Hejna on the top side of the track.
After yet another caution, Hejna bolted to the lead on a restart and would pull away from the field until caution flags slowed him down. Tommy Myer would began to pressure Shryock for the second spot after twenty laps, but Shryock would maintain the advantage. After the final yellow came out with seven laps to go Corey Dripps, Tommy Myer, and Jon Tesch waged a war for third. Dripps would eventually get the better of the bunch, but nobody had anything for Hejna as he motored away for the win in his Harris chassis. Kelly Shryock once again finished up in the bridesmaid spot, Corey Dripps finished third, Tommy Myer fourth, and Jon Tesch rounded out the top five. Twenty-four cars started the feature, but only ten were running at the end. Hejna's last USMTS win was last year at the then Tri-Oval Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin on August 15th.
During intermission, USMTS drivers were invited to the grandstand to sign autographs. This also gave track announcer Jerry Vansickel time to interview some of the drivers while track officials threw out tshirts. There was a great crowd on hand as the 50/50 money was $565. All in all, a lot of good racing throughout the night. Kudos to promoter Jeff Herrig and his staff on preparing a great track. Also a big thanks to Herrig and Eric Blum for their hospitality. Very much appreciated!!
The USMTS modified series moves north to the Murray County Speedway in Slayton, Minnesota on Friday night. The Buena Vista Raceway returns to it's normal night of racing next Wednesday night for another great night of racing action that will feature the IMCA sportmod King of the Hill race.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tesch Cruises to Win at Allison
The Highway 3 Raceway in Allison held their second event of the season on Wednesday night, June 3rd. Tonight's event would feature the stars of the USMTS series along with stock cars, bmods, hobby stocks, and hornets. The show was moved along at a quick pace with the exception of a delay while the fire and rescue team responded to a local call. The track crew also took time to water the track after the first feature of the night to help keep the dust down to a minimum.
First up on the night would be the stock car feature. Ten cars took the green flag as Dave Sires led the first lap, but Gary Rotenberger took the top spot away on the next circuit. A five car pileup on lap three slowed the action, but luckily all cars were able to continue. When the green flag waved again, Mitch Hovden took his car to the inside of Rotenberger to take command of the race. Mike Weimann made his way to second, but Hovden's car was too strong as he took home the checkers. Weimann finished second, Rotenberger was third, Jake Ludeking fourth, and Dan Christopher rounded out the top five.
Sixteen bmods took to the track next for what was scheduled to be a fifteen lap feature. Bob Sutherland jumped out front early on to set the pace, but Jimmy Broszeit and Curtis Engen stayed within striking distance closely behind. Engen settled into the second spot as the caution flag flew on lap six. The Highway 3 Raceway has a unique rule that if a feature has more then 3 cautions, they start taking laps off the race. Therefore, the race was shortened to twelve laps. Sutherland distanced himself from Engen and the rest of the field as he powered his way to the checkers. Engen was second, Broszeit third, Dan Tenold fourth, and Kaleb Bentley rounded out the top five.
Probably the best feature of the night would be the hobby stocks. Shane Barnett grabbed the lead early on, but Chris Hovden started his quest to the front as he found himself in second on lap two. After an early caution, Brandon Hare joined in as all three cars were battling for the top spot. Hare would get the better of the them as he took over the race lead. A few laps later, Barnett's car would spin while running third. Barnett was able to keep his car moving, preventing the caution from coming out. Hovden tried to track down Hare, but it wasn't enough. Hovden took home second, Troy Hovey was third, Kurt George fourth, and Mark Lewis rounded out the top five.
Twenty-four USMTS modifieds took to the track for their thirty lap feature event. Kelly Shryock redrew the pole looking to break his lengthy winless streak. Shryock last found victory lane back on August 31st of last year at Kasson, Minnesota. Shryock would lead the first lap by the narrowest of margins as Jon Tesch slid to his inside down the front stretch. Tesch found the bottom side of the track to his liking as he pulled ahead of Shryock down the backstretch and into the lead. Shryock would have his hands full as Ryan Dolan challenged for the second spot throughout much of the race. Al Hejna also tried to join in on that battle, but just wasn't quick enough to keep up at the end. Jon Tesch maneuvered through lapped traffic late in the race flawlessly as he took home the checkers in convincing fashion. Shryock held off Dolan for second and third, respectively. Hejna finished with a solid fourth place run and Michael Long rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night was the hornets. Bill Whalen had the field covered from the start as he took home the win. Irv Fosaaen was second, Ken Winkowitsch third, Blake Cole fourth, Neil Nabholz, and Bob Swenson rounded out the field.
The racetrack held up very well throughout the night. Track officials should be commended as the track was smooth all night long. After the races I got to chat with Todd Staley and his family. They have been friendly every time I see them at the races. The USMTS will journey towards the west as they invade the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta tomorrow night (Thursday) before finishing up the week with stops in Slayton (MN) Friday and at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah on Saturday. I'm looking forward to the racing action in Alta. Their weekly show ranks right up there as far as competition goes. Hot laps are scheduled to get under way at 6:45 with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
First up on the night would be the stock car feature. Ten cars took the green flag as Dave Sires led the first lap, but Gary Rotenberger took the top spot away on the next circuit. A five car pileup on lap three slowed the action, but luckily all cars were able to continue. When the green flag waved again, Mitch Hovden took his car to the inside of Rotenberger to take command of the race. Mike Weimann made his way to second, but Hovden's car was too strong as he took home the checkers. Weimann finished second, Rotenberger was third, Jake Ludeking fourth, and Dan Christopher rounded out the top five.
Sixteen bmods took to the track next for what was scheduled to be a fifteen lap feature. Bob Sutherland jumped out front early on to set the pace, but Jimmy Broszeit and Curtis Engen stayed within striking distance closely behind. Engen settled into the second spot as the caution flag flew on lap six. The Highway 3 Raceway has a unique rule that if a feature has more then 3 cautions, they start taking laps off the race. Therefore, the race was shortened to twelve laps. Sutherland distanced himself from Engen and the rest of the field as he powered his way to the checkers. Engen was second, Broszeit third, Dan Tenold fourth, and Kaleb Bentley rounded out the top five.
Probably the best feature of the night would be the hobby stocks. Shane Barnett grabbed the lead early on, but Chris Hovden started his quest to the front as he found himself in second on lap two. After an early caution, Brandon Hare joined in as all three cars were battling for the top spot. Hare would get the better of the them as he took over the race lead. A few laps later, Barnett's car would spin while running third. Barnett was able to keep his car moving, preventing the caution from coming out. Hovden tried to track down Hare, but it wasn't enough. Hovden took home second, Troy Hovey was third, Kurt George fourth, and Mark Lewis rounded out the top five.
Twenty-four USMTS modifieds took to the track for their thirty lap feature event. Kelly Shryock redrew the pole looking to break his lengthy winless streak. Shryock last found victory lane back on August 31st of last year at Kasson, Minnesota. Shryock would lead the first lap by the narrowest of margins as Jon Tesch slid to his inside down the front stretch. Tesch found the bottom side of the track to his liking as he pulled ahead of Shryock down the backstretch and into the lead. Shryock would have his hands full as Ryan Dolan challenged for the second spot throughout much of the race. Al Hejna also tried to join in on that battle, but just wasn't quick enough to keep up at the end. Jon Tesch maneuvered through lapped traffic late in the race flawlessly as he took home the checkers in convincing fashion. Shryock held off Dolan for second and third, respectively. Hejna finished with a solid fourth place run and Michael Long rounded out the top five.
The final event of the night was the hornets. Bill Whalen had the field covered from the start as he took home the win. Irv Fosaaen was second, Ken Winkowitsch third, Blake Cole fourth, Neil Nabholz, and Bob Swenson rounded out the field.
The racetrack held up very well throughout the night. Track officials should be commended as the track was smooth all night long. After the races I got to chat with Todd Staley and his family. They have been friendly every time I see them at the races. The USMTS will journey towards the west as they invade the Buena Vista Raceway in Alta tomorrow night (Thursday) before finishing up the week with stops in Slayton (MN) Friday and at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah on Saturday. I'm looking forward to the racing action in Alta. Their weekly show ranks right up there as far as competition goes. Hot laps are scheduled to get under way at 6:45 with racing to follow.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Donlinger Tops Field at Britt
The rugged road warriors of the USMTS made their way to the Hancock County Speedway on Tuesday, June 2nd. After having their show in Des Moines Monday get cancelled, drivers were ready to go tonight along with hobby stocks and stock cars. Unfortunately the car count was less then expected for this show, but the racing action was well worth it for the fans.
While the track was on the dry side (dusty coming off turn 4), the racing was pretty good throughout the night. The hobby stocks kicked off the feature lineup with their fourteen car field. Chris Hovden didn't waste any time in finding the top spot from his row two start as he grabbed the lead using the bottom groove of the track in turn two on the first lap. An early caution allowed Brandon Hare to improve a couple positions on the restart and found himself just behind Hovden. Hovden and Hare were pulling away from the field while Stac Schroeder moved his way forward to take the third spot. A caution with three laps to go bunched the field up, allowing Schroeder to slip past Hare for second. Schroeder tried to run down Hovden, but it wasn't meant to be at Hovden finds victory lane at yet another track. Schroeder wound up second, Brandon Hare third, Chad Gentz fourth, and Dustin Wannarka rounded out the top five. I believe Hovden has now won features at about six different tracks so far this season.
Up next would be the eighteen lap stock car feature. Chad Palmer and Mike Jergens led the field of thirteen to the green flag, but it would be Ryan Hiscocks emerging with the early lead after he slipped past both cars on the bottom groove. Mike Jergens used the high side to his liking as he took the lead away from Hiscocks and began to distance himself. A caution on lap six allowed Jeff Dolphin to get by Hiscocks on the top side, and Dolphin would soon set his sights on the leader. Dolphin tried to power his machine to the lead on the bottom side in turn four, but would wind up giving up a lot of distance to Jergens. Jergens took advantage of this and took home the top prize. Dolphin finished second, Kurt Krauskopf battled his way up to third after starting ninth, Kevin Paca was fourth, and Chad Palmer rounded out the top five.
The thirty-five lap USMTS finale was up next. Jon Tesch and Rich Lewerke led the field to the start, but Lewerke's luck would end right there as he slid off the banking in turn one on the first corner. He kept his machine rolling though, so no caution flag was thrown. Ryan Gustin settled into the second spot before receiving pressure from Steve Wetstein. The first caution of the race would occur on lap 8 for debris, but Wetstein used this to his advantage. Lined up on the inside of the double file restart, he powered his machine under Tesch for the top spot. Wetstein and Tesch would swap the lead for several laps as Tim Donlinger was making his march towards the front. Donlinger would get by Wetstein on the next restart and had the cross hairs set on Tesch. Donlinger would get past Tesch after a caution in which Kelly Shryock suffered a left rear flat tire. Al Hejna made his way up to third after getting past Wetstein, but up front Jon Tesch was inching closer to Tim Donlinger for the lead as the laps were winding down. The leaders caught some lapped cars with two laps to go, allowing Tesch to close in and made a last-ditch effort to make the winning pass on the top side. But it would be Donlinger holding him off at the stripe in a close finish. Tesch settled for second, Al Hejna was third, Steve Wetstein fourth, and Zach VanderBeek was fifth.
While the dust made it difficult for the fans, the racing was pretty good. There was passing as Dean Mahlstedt started 20th and finished 6th. I was a little disappointed in the car count in all three classes, but realize that not everybody can get off work during the week to race. Several regular USMTS drivers were not on hand either as Jason Hughes and Rodney Sanders were not in attendance. Hats off to promoter John Pletcher and crew for a well-run show.
The USMTS series will travel to the southeast as they invade the Highway 3 Raceway in Allison on Wednesday night, June 3rd. Hot laps are set to get underway at 6:30 with racing at 7:00. Also racing will be bmods, stock cars, hobby stocks, and hornets. If you're in the area, check out the racing action at one of the fastest half-mile tracks in Iowa.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
While the track was on the dry side (dusty coming off turn 4), the racing was pretty good throughout the night. The hobby stocks kicked off the feature lineup with their fourteen car field. Chris Hovden didn't waste any time in finding the top spot from his row two start as he grabbed the lead using the bottom groove of the track in turn two on the first lap. An early caution allowed Brandon Hare to improve a couple positions on the restart and found himself just behind Hovden. Hovden and Hare were pulling away from the field while Stac Schroeder moved his way forward to take the third spot. A caution with three laps to go bunched the field up, allowing Schroeder to slip past Hare for second. Schroeder tried to run down Hovden, but it wasn't meant to be at Hovden finds victory lane at yet another track. Schroeder wound up second, Brandon Hare third, Chad Gentz fourth, and Dustin Wannarka rounded out the top five. I believe Hovden has now won features at about six different tracks so far this season.
Up next would be the eighteen lap stock car feature. Chad Palmer and Mike Jergens led the field of thirteen to the green flag, but it would be Ryan Hiscocks emerging with the early lead after he slipped past both cars on the bottom groove. Mike Jergens used the high side to his liking as he took the lead away from Hiscocks and began to distance himself. A caution on lap six allowed Jeff Dolphin to get by Hiscocks on the top side, and Dolphin would soon set his sights on the leader. Dolphin tried to power his machine to the lead on the bottom side in turn four, but would wind up giving up a lot of distance to Jergens. Jergens took advantage of this and took home the top prize. Dolphin finished second, Kurt Krauskopf battled his way up to third after starting ninth, Kevin Paca was fourth, and Chad Palmer rounded out the top five.
The thirty-five lap USMTS finale was up next. Jon Tesch and Rich Lewerke led the field to the start, but Lewerke's luck would end right there as he slid off the banking in turn one on the first corner. He kept his machine rolling though, so no caution flag was thrown. Ryan Gustin settled into the second spot before receiving pressure from Steve Wetstein. The first caution of the race would occur on lap 8 for debris, but Wetstein used this to his advantage. Lined up on the inside of the double file restart, he powered his machine under Tesch for the top spot. Wetstein and Tesch would swap the lead for several laps as Tim Donlinger was making his march towards the front. Donlinger would get by Wetstein on the next restart and had the cross hairs set on Tesch. Donlinger would get past Tesch after a caution in which Kelly Shryock suffered a left rear flat tire. Al Hejna made his way up to third after getting past Wetstein, but up front Jon Tesch was inching closer to Tim Donlinger for the lead as the laps were winding down. The leaders caught some lapped cars with two laps to go, allowing Tesch to close in and made a last-ditch effort to make the winning pass on the top side. But it would be Donlinger holding him off at the stripe in a close finish. Tesch settled for second, Al Hejna was third, Steve Wetstein fourth, and Zach VanderBeek was fifth.
While the dust made it difficult for the fans, the racing was pretty good. There was passing as Dean Mahlstedt started 20th and finished 6th. I was a little disappointed in the car count in all three classes, but realize that not everybody can get off work during the week to race. Several regular USMTS drivers were not on hand either as Jason Hughes and Rodney Sanders were not in attendance. Hats off to promoter John Pletcher and crew for a well-run show.
The USMTS series will travel to the southeast as they invade the Highway 3 Raceway in Allison on Wednesday night, June 3rd. Hot laps are set to get underway at 6:30 with racing at 7:00. Also racing will be bmods, stock cars, hobby stocks, and hornets. If you're in the area, check out the racing action at one of the fastest half-mile tracks in Iowa.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
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