As the headline indicates, I caught my first racing action on a half-mile track this season by attending the season opener at the I-35 Speedway in Mason City Sunday night. Joe Ringsdorf had his Sunday night track looking in tip-top shape, and I noticed the banking in turns one and two appeared to be higher then last year. Either that or my eyes were deceiving me.
I checked in and roamed the pit area, chatting with drivers that I saw race in Algona last night or asking guys if they had raced elsewhere. Had good conversations with a lot of different people, but the time soon came to get the motors running.
The heat races were run in an efficient manner as always. Ten junior hornets then made their way to the track. It would be Alan Aird taking home the win while Gary Stahl picked up the hornet victory. Stahl indicated he'd try to come back down from his hometown of Kasson, Minnesota as much as he could, but he plans to run at his hometown track located three blocks from his house. Don't blame him there!
Thirteen IMCA hobby stocks were ready to do battle next as outside front row starter, and Algona feature winner, Chad Gentz took the early lead. Pole sitter Kyle Schmauss lost the handle on his machine, handing the second spot over to Heath Tulp. Tulp would get under Gentz for the lead on lap three while Stac Schroeder followed right behind. Schroeder would use the only restart of the race to sneak inside of Tulp to grab the reigns away. A bit further behind, Dustin Wannarka was making big strides to the front. Wannarka started at the tail of the field, but had advanced to the third spot by passing Gentz on the outside. But Stac Schroeder was fastest on this night as he took home the win. He was followed across the line by Heath Tulp, Dustin Wannarka, Cory Gansen, and Chad Gentz. Gansen was driving an unfamiliar #71c car rather then his usual #6 car.
Up next would be the IMCA sportmod feature event with twenty cars making the call. Pole sitter Geoff Olson took advantage of his great starting spot by racing to the lead. He would pull away from the field before the caution came out that involved Adam Ackerman's car coming to a stop. That put Nate Chodur on Olson's rear bumper, but he was unable to get any closer as Olson again distanced himself. Shane Swanson got by Chad Louk for the third spot and quickly closed the gap to Chodur. Olson was able to take home the win followed by Nate Chodur, Shane Swanson, Matt Looft, and Chad Louk.
Only nine IMCA stock cars were on hand for opening night. Chris Adams dashed to the front of the field at the drop of the green flag, but that didn't last long as Larry Portis took the lead away on lap three. Adams would lose the runner up spot to Merlyn Hegland a short time later before the caution waved for Kevin Opheim, whose car spun in turn three. A double-file restart bunched the field back up, and Travis Shipman took full advantage of that as he motored by on the outside to advance from fourth to second within the first green flag lap. Hegland's night ended sooner then expected when he slowed exiting turn two. Just when it appeared that Portis had things well in hand with a lap to go, the transmission gave way as he took the white flag. Travis Shipman was in the right place at the right time as he would take home the unexpected win followed by Randy Killen, Joe Willier, Chris Adams, and Andrew Inman.
(Edit) - Apparently Randy Killen was disqualified, moving everybody else behind him up a spot.
Fourteen IMCA modifieds closed out the night's racing activities with a twenty lap feature. With Ryan Ruter and Jeremy Mills on the front row, everybody knew it was going to be a heck of a race. Ruter got the edge early on for the lead, but Mills stayed within striking distance. Terrance Prochaska entered into the battle as well, but Ruter and Mills separated themselves later in the race despite a couple yellow flags. Levi Nielsen and rookie Dustin Brown made heavy contact with each other as Nielsen spun and Brown had nowhere to go. Nielsen walked away while Brown was checked over in the pit area. I believe he was okay, just a little sore. Unfortunately his Skyrocket's front end can't say the same. When racing resumed, Mills applied pressure to Ruter in the closing laps, but Ryan Ruter was able to hold him off to take the win. Mills was second, Terrance Prochaska third, Shane Monson fourth, and Rob Rose rounded out the top five.
A very efficient program saw the final checkered flag wave before 8:30. Hopefully as the weeks go by the car count will pick up. I was very surprised to see only nine stock cars on hand.
Once again I'd like to thank Joe Ringsdorf for his hospitality tonight.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Algona Hosts My First Racing Action in Iowa
All week long I pondered my options on where to go come Saturday night. Several options were available including Boone, Webster City, Algona, Deer Creek, and Burlington. After working a couple hours Saturday morning, I finally made the decision to check out Joe Ringsdorf's Algona Raceway.
Upon arrival my friends and I met up with good friends Jerry Vansickel and Grant Oskvig. Jerry is one of the voices of the track while Grant waves the flags every week. After spending a couple minutes catching up on things from the winter, it was time to go check in and get settled in. When checking in at the pitshack, a woman noticed who I was and immediately knew my name. She was very friendly and thanked me for coming. My goal for my next visit to Algona is to figure out her name and thank her for being a follower of my blog.
By my count there were 83 total cars on hand. Classes in competition included IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA sportmods, IMCA hobby stocks, cruisers, and two divisions of hornets. This is the first year that Ringsdorf has sanctioned with IMCA on the hobby stocks and sportmods. Naturally I wanted to see how drivers made the transition from last year to this, but it appears it may have been easier then I anticipated. Twenty-one IMCA hobby stocks and eighteen IMCA sportmods were on hand; definitely a good count for both in my opinion. I noticed in the heat races that several sportmods were dealing with tight race cars, a direct result likely from the rear spoiler. I'm sure drivers will get things figured out as the year progresses.
Nine junior hornets were the first feature to hit the track. It would be Ross Hingson taking the win after Joe Devries crossed the line first, but was later docked two spots for jumping the initial start. Dan Potts was second.
Patrick Barrett, Tim Doocy, and Jay Devries all battled it out in the seven-car hornet feature for the top prize. In the end it would be Devries holding off Doocy at the line for the win.
Six cruisers were on hand for their opening night as Peg Lewis and Heather Pesicka came home with the win. They are the defending track champions.
IMCA hobby stocks have been dubbed the "wild things" at other tracks in the Midwest. That tagline carried over to the Algona Raceway last night as twenty cars made the starting call. Outside front row started Chad Krug led the opening laps of the twelve-lap feature until the caution came out when Devin Smith looped his machine in turn four. Smith had been running fifth, but was relegated to the tail of the field. The caution would fly again when Kyle Ricke spun his machine to the inside of the corner, but happened to be a big break for Cody Knecht. Knecht was running third, but would be docked two spots for jumping the first restart.
More madness would follow as the following restart was called off because of the second-place car passing the leader before the flagstand. Unfortunately that didn't help Drew Barglof as he lost a right rear tire in the process to end his night. As if things couldn't get more hectic then that, the top three drivers made contact with each other when racing resumed and all spun to some degree thereafter. The caution came out for that incident, handing the reigns over to Nick Meyer. Alan Ricke would later spin his machine to the infield to bring out yet another caution, setting up a restart with Meyer, Heath Tulp, Chad Gentz, Derrick Barglof, and Cody Knecht the top five. However, before the green flag could wave Tulp was forced to the infield with a flat right rear tire. Meyer's machine slowed exiting turn four, causing drivers behind him to take evasive action. Devin Smith tried to changed lanes, but Barglof was there and wouldn't let him through. Barglof was black flagged for questionable driving on Smith as all three cars got together hard. After all the excitement, the final restart proved to be rather calm as Chad Gentz held off the rest of the field to pick up the win. Cody Knecht and Dustin Wannarka battled for second with Knecht getting the upper hand at the end. Micah Lavrenz and Kyle Ricke rounded out the rest of the top five.
Wheeew... time to catch my breath. Ok, now on to the IMCA sportmods. This feature would prove to be much different as no caution flags were thrown. Outside front row starter Mike Carlson grabbed the lead from the drop of the green flag, but Brett Meyer was charging through the field at a high pace further back. Meyer started sixth on the grid, but quickly moved to second by the third circuit. Meyer dove to the inside of Carlson in turn three to take the lead, but in doing so Carlson spun his machine to the bottom of turn four. He kept the engine running and fell back to ninth. The battle of the "5" cars was a good one to watch at Friday night's winner in Fairmont, Tad Reutzel, and Jake Simpson were also moving forward. They passed George Nordman to climb to third and fourth, respectively while Meyer opened up a straight away lead. Reutzel would dispose of Denny Penning for the runner up spot, but was unable to make up ground as Brett Meyer took home the win. Jake Simpson got by both Penning and Reutzel late in the race to snare second, Reutzel was third, Penning fourth, and Matt Hoeft completed the top five.
Nineteen IMCA stock cars hit the track next and sophomore Josh Hohensee was quick on the trigger to take the lead. Kevin Opheim quickly made his way to second while perennial contender David Smith worked his way to fourth. He then ducked inside of Andrew Inman for the third spot before the caution came out. A Delaware double-file restart was used, giving the leader a row to himself with the field doubled up behind him. Jared Dirks used this to his advantage as he shot to the outside and picked off a couple cars to advance up to third. Chad Palmer would get back by Dirks for third, and a bit later Opheim went entered turn three carrying a little too much momentum and slid up the track a couple car widths, allowing Palmer to get that position at the halfway point of the race. Dirks would battle with Opheim and take the third spot away just before the caution waved again for Laura Curry and Craig Berhow. Both drivers wound up hitting the frontstretch wall with Curry's car getting the worst of it. Tough luck for Curry as earlier she won the best appearing stock car award at the car show. After the restart, Dirks would find himself spinning in front of traffic to the inside of turn four. Luckily everybody missed him, but that ended his night. Palmer closed in on Hohensee late in the race, but it wasn't enough as Hohensee took the win. Palmer was second, Dave Smith third, Kevin Opheim fourth, and Calvin Lange rounded out the top five.
Only thirteen IMCA modifieds were on hand for opening night, which was kind of disappointing. Ricky Stephan used his pole starting spot to take control the race early on. Clayton Christensen's machine would slow to a stop atop turn four to bring out the caution. Jeremy Mills was running second when he used the outside groove to pass Stephan for the lead. Eric Dailey and Austin Wolf engaged in a battle for third while all eyes were watching Matt Gilbertson towards the middle of the pack. Gilbertson was fast in his heat and started tenth on the grid, but people were noticing his hot orange brakes on his rear wheels. Gilbertson kept slowing advancing positions as he climbed inside the top five with the orange colored glow. He got by Austin Wolf for fourth before getting black flagged for sparks falling from his right rear brakes. At that time parts flew off in turn three to bring out the caution flag, setting up a double-file restart with four laps to go. Restarting in fifth, Ryan Watnem made the outside lane work to his liking as he climbed to the runner up spot with two laps to go. But he would not catch Jeremy Mills as he went on take the win. Watnem was second, Eric Dailey third, Ricky Stephan fourth, and Austin Wolf fifth.
All in all it was a good night of racing at Algona. The show moved along at a quick pace all night, or at least when the caution flag wasn't being thrown. There were quite a few black flags thrown, something I rarely see at a season opening event. But they were all good calls made by the officials, at least in my opinion.
I'd like to thank Joe Ringsdorf for his hospitality and look forward to making a return trip to Algona in the future. Tonight I'll make the trip to his Sunday night home, the I-35 Speedway in Mason City for their season opener. Hot laps get underway at 6pm with racing action to follow.
I'd like to take this time to wish all of you a Happy Easter!!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Upon arrival my friends and I met up with good friends Jerry Vansickel and Grant Oskvig. Jerry is one of the voices of the track while Grant waves the flags every week. After spending a couple minutes catching up on things from the winter, it was time to go check in and get settled in. When checking in at the pitshack, a woman noticed who I was and immediately knew my name. She was very friendly and thanked me for coming. My goal for my next visit to Algona is to figure out her name and thank her for being a follower of my blog.
By my count there were 83 total cars on hand. Classes in competition included IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA sportmods, IMCA hobby stocks, cruisers, and two divisions of hornets. This is the first year that Ringsdorf has sanctioned with IMCA on the hobby stocks and sportmods. Naturally I wanted to see how drivers made the transition from last year to this, but it appears it may have been easier then I anticipated. Twenty-one IMCA hobby stocks and eighteen IMCA sportmods were on hand; definitely a good count for both in my opinion. I noticed in the heat races that several sportmods were dealing with tight race cars, a direct result likely from the rear spoiler. I'm sure drivers will get things figured out as the year progresses.
Nine junior hornets were the first feature to hit the track. It would be Ross Hingson taking the win after Joe Devries crossed the line first, but was later docked two spots for jumping the initial start. Dan Potts was second.
Patrick Barrett, Tim Doocy, and Jay Devries all battled it out in the seven-car hornet feature for the top prize. In the end it would be Devries holding off Doocy at the line for the win.
Six cruisers were on hand for their opening night as Peg Lewis and Heather Pesicka came home with the win. They are the defending track champions.
IMCA hobby stocks have been dubbed the "wild things" at other tracks in the Midwest. That tagline carried over to the Algona Raceway last night as twenty cars made the starting call. Outside front row started Chad Krug led the opening laps of the twelve-lap feature until the caution came out when Devin Smith looped his machine in turn four. Smith had been running fifth, but was relegated to the tail of the field. The caution would fly again when Kyle Ricke spun his machine to the inside of the corner, but happened to be a big break for Cody Knecht. Knecht was running third, but would be docked two spots for jumping the first restart.
More madness would follow as the following restart was called off because of the second-place car passing the leader before the flagstand. Unfortunately that didn't help Drew Barglof as he lost a right rear tire in the process to end his night. As if things couldn't get more hectic then that, the top three drivers made contact with each other when racing resumed and all spun to some degree thereafter. The caution came out for that incident, handing the reigns over to Nick Meyer. Alan Ricke would later spin his machine to the infield to bring out yet another caution, setting up a restart with Meyer, Heath Tulp, Chad Gentz, Derrick Barglof, and Cody Knecht the top five. However, before the green flag could wave Tulp was forced to the infield with a flat right rear tire. Meyer's machine slowed exiting turn four, causing drivers behind him to take evasive action. Devin Smith tried to changed lanes, but Barglof was there and wouldn't let him through. Barglof was black flagged for questionable driving on Smith as all three cars got together hard. After all the excitement, the final restart proved to be rather calm as Chad Gentz held off the rest of the field to pick up the win. Cody Knecht and Dustin Wannarka battled for second with Knecht getting the upper hand at the end. Micah Lavrenz and Kyle Ricke rounded out the rest of the top five.
Wheeew... time to catch my breath. Ok, now on to the IMCA sportmods. This feature would prove to be much different as no caution flags were thrown. Outside front row starter Mike Carlson grabbed the lead from the drop of the green flag, but Brett Meyer was charging through the field at a high pace further back. Meyer started sixth on the grid, but quickly moved to second by the third circuit. Meyer dove to the inside of Carlson in turn three to take the lead, but in doing so Carlson spun his machine to the bottom of turn four. He kept the engine running and fell back to ninth. The battle of the "5" cars was a good one to watch at Friday night's winner in Fairmont, Tad Reutzel, and Jake Simpson were also moving forward. They passed George Nordman to climb to third and fourth, respectively while Meyer opened up a straight away lead. Reutzel would dispose of Denny Penning for the runner up spot, but was unable to make up ground as Brett Meyer took home the win. Jake Simpson got by both Penning and Reutzel late in the race to snare second, Reutzel was third, Penning fourth, and Matt Hoeft completed the top five.
Nineteen IMCA stock cars hit the track next and sophomore Josh Hohensee was quick on the trigger to take the lead. Kevin Opheim quickly made his way to second while perennial contender David Smith worked his way to fourth. He then ducked inside of Andrew Inman for the third spot before the caution came out. A Delaware double-file restart was used, giving the leader a row to himself with the field doubled up behind him. Jared Dirks used this to his advantage as he shot to the outside and picked off a couple cars to advance up to third. Chad Palmer would get back by Dirks for third, and a bit later Opheim went entered turn three carrying a little too much momentum and slid up the track a couple car widths, allowing Palmer to get that position at the halfway point of the race. Dirks would battle with Opheim and take the third spot away just before the caution waved again for Laura Curry and Craig Berhow. Both drivers wound up hitting the frontstretch wall with Curry's car getting the worst of it. Tough luck for Curry as earlier she won the best appearing stock car award at the car show. After the restart, Dirks would find himself spinning in front of traffic to the inside of turn four. Luckily everybody missed him, but that ended his night. Palmer closed in on Hohensee late in the race, but it wasn't enough as Hohensee took the win. Palmer was second, Dave Smith third, Kevin Opheim fourth, and Calvin Lange rounded out the top five.
Only thirteen IMCA modifieds were on hand for opening night, which was kind of disappointing. Ricky Stephan used his pole starting spot to take control the race early on. Clayton Christensen's machine would slow to a stop atop turn four to bring out the caution. Jeremy Mills was running second when he used the outside groove to pass Stephan for the lead. Eric Dailey and Austin Wolf engaged in a battle for third while all eyes were watching Matt Gilbertson towards the middle of the pack. Gilbertson was fast in his heat and started tenth on the grid, but people were noticing his hot orange brakes on his rear wheels. Gilbertson kept slowing advancing positions as he climbed inside the top five with the orange colored glow. He got by Austin Wolf for fourth before getting black flagged for sparks falling from his right rear brakes. At that time parts flew off in turn three to bring out the caution flag, setting up a double-file restart with four laps to go. Restarting in fifth, Ryan Watnem made the outside lane work to his liking as he climbed to the runner up spot with two laps to go. But he would not catch Jeremy Mills as he went on take the win. Watnem was second, Eric Dailey third, Ricky Stephan fourth, and Austin Wolf fifth.
All in all it was a good night of racing at Algona. The show moved along at a quick pace all night, or at least when the caution flag wasn't being thrown. There were quite a few black flags thrown, something I rarely see at a season opening event. But they were all good calls made by the officials, at least in my opinion.
I'd like to thank Joe Ringsdorf for his hospitality and look forward to making a return trip to Algona in the future. Tonight I'll make the trip to his Sunday night home, the I-35 Speedway in Mason City for their season opener. Hot laps get underway at 6pm with racing action to follow.
I'd like to take this time to wish all of you a Happy Easter!!
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Gustin Wins Second Night in New Car
The USMTS series kicked off the Great Plains region in "cool"er temperatures at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska on Friday night. A diverse field of 45 modifieds packed the pits along with 24 stock cars. Cruisers were also on the docket for the evening.
Two drivers who earned the most passing points in the heat races, Jon Tesch and Ryan Gustin, redrew the front row with Gustin on the pole. Before a lap could be completed, the caution flag waved twice. The first was for a spin in turn one, but the second yellow proved to be "the big one." Scott Dickey made contact with the wall exiting turn two and made contact with another car, causing a chain reaction behind them. Half of the field was involved in some shape or form, but nine calling it a night as a result.
When green flag racing resumed, Gustin inched forward to grab the lead. Gustin pushed high in turn four, making contact with Jon Tesch. Tesch had to hit the brakes to avoid brushing the concrete wall, losing a spot in the process. The caution flew again shortly thereafter. On lap four, Tommy Myer used the inside lane to get by Mike Wedelstadt to take over the third spot. At this time, most of the cars remaining were running the top side of the speedway. Gustin's machine bobbled on the exit of turn four, allowing Tesch to reel in the leader. The top three (Gustin, Tesch, and Myer) had distanced themselves out front by a straight away.
By lap twelve, many cars began searching for other lines to run. Tesch found the inside line to his liking in turns three and four, keeping pace and pulling to the inside of Gustin. Six laps later, fourth-place running Wedelstadt saw his night come to a premature end as his motor blew up entering turn three. During the caution, Tommy Myer (was running 3rd) made a visit to the work area. He would return and have a good finish.
With five laps to go, Tesch was hot on Gustin's heels for the lead. Gustin continued to run the top side on both ends of the race track while Tesch continually used the low line in turns three and four. With two laps to go, Gustin was able to put some distance on Tesch exiting turn two and went on to take the h0tly contested win. Jon Tesch would finish second, Tommy Myer third, Josh Reisch fourth, and Zack VanderBeek fifth. Only thirteen cars finished out of twenty-six that had started. Kelly Shryock crossed the line in third after starting 17th, but was later disqualified for being some 14 pounds light at the scale.
At the start of the 2010 racing season, Ryan Gustin informed me his plans for the year. "Pretty much the same as last year, two regions and the Hunt." Little did he know he would receive a phone call from Ed Gressel, a car owner out of Wichita, Kansas. Gressel fields the car for Scott Green, a former rookie of the year winner. Gustin has spent the last two weeks working with Gressel and the rest of the team. He entered the Southern Series race at Outlaw Motor Speedway last Friday night. After getting a feel for the car, Gustin went to work on making changes to the "basic" setup to accommodate his driving style. After seeing his victory Friday night at Junction Motor Speedway, I think he's found the sweet spot.
In stock car action a driver from Sioux Falls, South Dakota took home the easy win. Newton, Iowa's Mike VanGenderen finished second while Fort Dodge area driver Matt Fox was fourth. I caught VanGenderen as he was leaving the track, and he joked that he won the "stock car" feature, but finished second in the race. I got a chuckle out of that. Apparently he thought the winner's car was a bit "modified" compared to the rest of the field.
The doubleheader at Junction Motor Speedway is scheduled to kick off Saturday afternoon with hot laps set for 2pm and racing to follow. Rain is in the forecast, but officials have reserved Sunday for a raindate if necessary.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
Two drivers who earned the most passing points in the heat races, Jon Tesch and Ryan Gustin, redrew the front row with Gustin on the pole. Before a lap could be completed, the caution flag waved twice. The first was for a spin in turn one, but the second yellow proved to be "the big one." Scott Dickey made contact with the wall exiting turn two and made contact with another car, causing a chain reaction behind them. Half of the field was involved in some shape or form, but nine calling it a night as a result.
When green flag racing resumed, Gustin inched forward to grab the lead. Gustin pushed high in turn four, making contact with Jon Tesch. Tesch had to hit the brakes to avoid brushing the concrete wall, losing a spot in the process. The caution flew again shortly thereafter. On lap four, Tommy Myer used the inside lane to get by Mike Wedelstadt to take over the third spot. At this time, most of the cars remaining were running the top side of the speedway. Gustin's machine bobbled on the exit of turn four, allowing Tesch to reel in the leader. The top three (Gustin, Tesch, and Myer) had distanced themselves out front by a straight away.
By lap twelve, many cars began searching for other lines to run. Tesch found the inside line to his liking in turns three and four, keeping pace and pulling to the inside of Gustin. Six laps later, fourth-place running Wedelstadt saw his night come to a premature end as his motor blew up entering turn three. During the caution, Tommy Myer (was running 3rd) made a visit to the work area. He would return and have a good finish.
With five laps to go, Tesch was hot on Gustin's heels for the lead. Gustin continued to run the top side on both ends of the race track while Tesch continually used the low line in turns three and four. With two laps to go, Gustin was able to put some distance on Tesch exiting turn two and went on to take the h0tly contested win. Jon Tesch would finish second, Tommy Myer third, Josh Reisch fourth, and Zack VanderBeek fifth. Only thirteen cars finished out of twenty-six that had started. Kelly Shryock crossed the line in third after starting 17th, but was later disqualified for being some 14 pounds light at the scale.
At the start of the 2010 racing season, Ryan Gustin informed me his plans for the year. "Pretty much the same as last year, two regions and the Hunt." Little did he know he would receive a phone call from Ed Gressel, a car owner out of Wichita, Kansas. Gressel fields the car for Scott Green, a former rookie of the year winner. Gustin has spent the last two weeks working with Gressel and the rest of the team. He entered the Southern Series race at Outlaw Motor Speedway last Friday night. After getting a feel for the car, Gustin went to work on making changes to the "basic" setup to accommodate his driving style. After seeing his victory Friday night at Junction Motor Speedway, I think he's found the sweet spot.
In stock car action a driver from Sioux Falls, South Dakota took home the easy win. Newton, Iowa's Mike VanGenderen finished second while Fort Dodge area driver Matt Fox was fourth. I caught VanGenderen as he was leaving the track, and he joked that he won the "stock car" feature, but finished second in the race. I got a chuckle out of that. Apparently he thought the winner's car was a bit "modified" compared to the rest of the field.
The doubleheader at Junction Motor Speedway is scheduled to kick off Saturday afternoon with hot laps set for 2pm and racing to follow. Rain is in the forecast, but officials have reserved Sunday for a raindate if necessary.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!
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