On Friday, April 24th I made my first trip ever to the Cedar County Raceway in Tipton, Iowa for a regular weekly show. This 1/4 mile racetrack is a rather unique one in that the flagman waves the flags from the inside of the track. The only other tracks I've been to that does this is the quarter mile track at Davenport and at the Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa, Iowa. Another unique tidbit is that the track faces west, as only 34 Raceway in West Burlington is the only other track I've been to that has that characteristic.
Upon arrival, I scoped out the concession stand before the action got started and found that their hamburgers are one of the best I've had at any track. When the scheduled time for hot laps came, the announcer let everyone know that there would be a delay as the fire department had been called out and the track would have to wait until they returned. After about a twenty minute delay, hot laps were underway as the fire vehicle was seen arriving at the track. Another unique characterstic this track has that I've only seen at the IMCA Supernationals in Boone, is that a photographer takes a picture of each heat race winner in the infield.
Okay, on to race action. Six "cruisers" took to the track first for their feature event. Chad Paup would wind up taking the checkers as only three cars finished the race. In fact, the race ended under the dreaded yellow/checkered.
Bmods were up next as thirteen drivers set to do battle. Tim Current, who originally started eight, slid off the banking in turn one on the initial start to bring out the first of many caution flags. Thanks to all the caution flags, he was able to work his way back up through the field and would battle with Roy Petska and Jesse Smith. For a couple of laps the three competitors were running 3-wide around the racetrack. Eventually Current would gain command and cross the finish line first. Pestka would take home second, Smith third, Nick Hixson fourth, and Jason Spears rounded out the top five.
Nineteen four cylinders were next onto the track. I noticed that the "1st" car of Brandon Becker was fast during his heat race, so noted that he started the feature in twelfth. It didn't take him long to get to the front as he took the top spot by lap three. This race was also slowed dramatically by several caution flags. Becker led the rest of the laps, picking up the win.
Stock cars were the next class to hit the track. Only thirteen cars were on hand, but they put on a good show for the fans. Wayne Hora jumped out to the lead early and held off challenges from several competitors for the hardware.
Modifieds capped off the evening with a twenty-five lap main event. Dusty Kraklio and Jeff Morris paced the field to the green flag with Kraklio taking the top spot early on. Fourth row starters Ryan Dolan and Mark Schulte made their way through traffic to challenge Kraklio with Dolan pulling even several times at the line. However, Kraklio utilized the preferred bottom side of the track to his advantage in taking home the victory. Dolan and Schulte raced door handle to door handle for several laps, but doing that helped Noah Coppess and Jeff Morris pull up behind them. Dolan would claim the second spot at the finish followed by Coppess, Schulte, and Morris.
Races were done by 10:35. It was also noted that this track has a different way of lining up cars after caution flags in which I'm not familiar. That being said, I can't be too critical as I'm sure the realignment procedure varies from track to track.
Plan right now for Saturday is Adrian, Missouri. They are scheduled to host an MLRA late model show along with street stocks and hobby stocks. Hopefully the weather cooperates as I received word that the weather wasn't too good back home.
- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!
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