McBirnie, Smith, Pestotnik, Gifford and George See Checkers on Cold Night at Boone Speedway

April 20, 2024

Boone Speedway held its second weekly racing series on Saturday night, and despite the chilling temperatures, 140 drivers checked in for some racing action. We don't know how some of the fans in the stands withstood the freezing temperatures...yes it was freezing according to our thermometer on the vehicle when we left the track....but of course there is always that one who comes with a short sleeved t shirt and shorts.  Yep, he was sitting just down from our view in the VIP booth...which we were very thankful for last evening!

Jake McBirnie saw his first checkers of the 2024 season in the IMCA Friesen Performance Modified division.  It was Doug Smith going to Victory Lane in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car class.  Cory Pestotnik got the monkey off his back and took the win in the IMCA Friesen Performance Northern SportMods.  Veteran racer Wayne Gifford was the winner in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, and Ben George took the win in the IMCA Stealth STARS Mod Lites.

The Mod Lites, presented by Carquest Auto, Truck and Farm kicked off the feature racing with their 15 lap A Main.

When the race went green, pole sitter Ben George immediately jumped to the lead, and Chelsea Ladurini got a good start and tagged in to run second.  Unfortunately, her run was cut short very quickly when she took a tumble in corner 2, and her night ended just after lap one went into the books. Thankfully, she was not injured.

When the race restarted, George maintained his lead, and would then hold on to that top spot the remainder of the way to see the checkers fly.  Joe Glick started sixth, liked his run at the top of the track, and got by Austin Gray in the closing laps as they finished second and third respectively.  Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Mike Kennedy came from sixteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.

The IMCA SportMod 18 lap feature, presented by Elmquist Towing saw Cory Pestotnik lead all but the two opening laps on his way to victory. 

Pestotnik started eighth, weathered three cautions throughout the race, was never truly challenged and made his way to Victory Lane. Pestotnik's last time standing in the winner's circle at Boone came back in May of 2022 and he was a happy camper to get the monkey off his back. Eddyville, Iowa's Logan Anderson started thirteenth and was the runner up.  Finishing third was Ryan Leeman, Dylan VanWyk, Oskaloosa, Iowa started fourteenth, and finished in fourth, and Curtis Veber rounded out the top five.

The IMCA Modifieds, presented by D & E Outside Services went 20 laps for their feature event. 

It was appearing as if Nick Roberts would make his first appearance in Victory Lane as he shot off to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, and was looking strong as he led the field.  A caution flew at lap ten with Roberts still leading, and Cory Sauerman setting in second.  When the race restarted, it was still Roberts leading the troops but just two laps later his night would end in a puff of smoke.  This brought out a caution as he was unable to clear the track, and it was Jake McBirnie inheriting the lead.  McBirnie never relinquished that top spot, and drove it home to his first win of the 2024 season at the speedway.  Tim Ward got by Todd Shute in the closing circuits as they went second and third.  Cory Sauerman and Russ Dickerson completed the top five. 

Iowa's Action Track saw lots of action in the IMCA Stock Car 20 lap feature, presented by Boone Moose Lodge.  "The Class too Tough to Tame" saw a gaggle of cars vying through much of the race for position.  Early leader was Brian Snell, Coon Rapids,Iowa with Orient, Iowa's Todd VanEaton taking the top spot at lap four.  The two would swap back and forth for the lead the next couple of laps and it was Snell on top when a caution flew at lap six.  By this time, Doug Smith, who has switched from his previous SportMod class and into the Stock Car division this year, was sitting in third, and anxious for the restart.  When the race went green, Smith went to the topside, and flew around Snell to take the lead.  From then on it was all Smith as he was gone and went home to the easy win.  Todd VanEaton took second place, David Smith took his ride from twelfth starting spot to finish third, and Cody Gustoff and Bryan Snell rounded out the top five spots.  

The IMCA Hobby Stocks, presented by Pickett Salvage was the night cap in their 15 lap main event.

It was hometown veteran racer, Wayne Gifford taking the win after his absence in 2023.  He started eighth, took command at lap three, and never looked back.  He finished comfortably ahead of tenth place starter Seth Janssen. Tom Killen, Jr. was a close third, with Erik Knutson in fourth, and John Watson started fourteenth, and finished fifth.  After an initial no go at the start of the race, the rest of the race went caution free. 

It was a heavy, tacky track last night, which caused several cars to take a tumble when they "dug in", as well as a couple of drivers spit out their drive shaft.  We noted some drivers who often dominate at the track, did not do so last night.  

Next Saturday, April 27 will be another night of weekly series racing with the Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and Mod Lites on tap.  Pits open at 3:30, grandstands at 4:30, with hot laps at 5, and racing at 6.  

Find a track to support and keep the sport we all love....dirt track racing....alive and well.

  

Alvarado claims season opener, along with Opheim, Reimers, Smith, and Clem

Boone Speedway began its regular Saturday series of racing on Saturday night, marking the 57th consecutive year at Iowa's Action Track.  Out of state drivers claimed two of the opening points night victories, Colorado's Ricky Alvarado in the IMCA Modified, and Riley Clem, who hails from California in the IMCA STARS Mod Lites.  A veteran racer in the IMCA Stock Cars, Kevin Opheim found Victory Lane, as did Cam Reimers in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, and young Mike Smith continues to amaze in the IMCA Hobby Stocks.  One hundred fifty-two racers checked in for the fun filled night of racing.

Things kicked off with the IMCA Stealth STARS Mod Lites, presented by Car Quest Auto, Truck and Farm and their 15 lap main event.  As the race went green, it was Josh May holding down the top spot, but that didn't last long as Riley Clem, Bakersfield, California took over at lap three.  From there on, it was Clem's race as he raced home to the checkers with hardly a challenge.  There was a lot of action going on behind him however, as May, Bryan Zehm, Murfreesboro, Tennessee racer Jaedon McDowell, and Austin Gray were locked in a tight battle for position.  With just two laps remaining, May was suddenly off power and out of the challenge, leaving the others to battle it out.  As the checkers flew, it was Clem taking the easy win, Gray came home in second, third went to Bryan Zehm, McDowell was fourth, and Joe Glick came from eleventh starting spot, to claim third. In a post race interview with announcer Jerry Vansickel, Clem said he is now living most of the time in Tennessee.  

The IMCA Friesen Performance SportMods, presented by Elmquist Towing, went 18 laps for their A Main.  Cam Reimers started eleventh on the field, avoided some on track incidents, and reeled in then leader Hunter Longnecker, and took command with six laps to go.  Reimers hung out on the top of the track in the final circuits and pulled away to take the comfortable win.  Following a distant second place was Minot, North Dakota's Robby Rosselli.  Cole Fenske started eighth, and took third place.  Hunter Longnecker, Woodward, Iowa was third, followed by early leader Mitch Morris, St. Charles, Iowa in fifth. Reimers said in the post race interview he is really pleased with the performance of his car, calling it, "a rocket".  

It was looking as if Texas racer Tommy Fain, who hails from Abilene, was going to get a win in the IMCA Sunoco Stock car feature, presented by Boone Moose Lodge. Fain comes annually to race Super Nationals, but had yet to find Victory Lane.  He led through halfway of the 20 lap event, as he continued to hold off the hard charging Jeff Mueller.  Mueller was able to nab the lead at lap twelve just before a caution flew.  On the restart, cars got shuffled around as the race returned to green, Mueller holding the lead, and now veteran racer Kevin Opheim was on the scene, and running second.  Lap 15 saw Opheim take command and hold on the last handful of laps to see the checkers first.  David Smith, got by Mueller in the closing laps as they went second and third respectively.  Buck Schafroth, Orient, Iowa, was fourth, and Miciah Hidlebaugh, Menlo, Iowa came from thirteenth to finish fifth.  Opheim, Mason City, Iowa and who has been racing for numerous years but as of late, has not seen Victory Lane often said, "I'm getting way too old for this, but it sure was fun tonight".  

It was 20 laps of IMCA Friesen Performance Modified feature racing, presented by D & E Outside Services up next.

Jake McBirnie grabbed the lead on the start, holding off Hotchkiss, Colorado's Ricky Alvarado in his WW1 Weekend Warrior ride.  By the time lap two was in the books, Alvarado had the lead.  From there on to the finish, he would would ride the precariously thin line at the rim of the track, and come home to the win.  Tim Ward, started twelfth, chased the leader in the closing laps but had to settle for second place.  Third went to Boone's own Izac Mallicoat, fourth was Jake McBirnie, and "Jammin" Jimmy Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa completed the top five.  Alvarado, who is another regular Super Nationals racer at Boone, did double duty, also racing one of Tommy Fain's cars in the Stock Car class.

The night cap was 15 laps of IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock racing, presented by Pickett Salvage.  

Eric Stanton looked strong as he led from the get go, jumping to the immediate lead from starting on the outside front row.  Solomon Bennett chased the leader but by lap five it was twelfth place starter, Mike Smith making his presence known and on Bennett's tail.  At lap eight, Smith got around Bennett, and set his sights on the leader.  One more lap, and the lead was Smith's.  The final laps were all Smith as he sailed home to yet another of his numerous wins at the track.  Stanton took the runner up spot.  A distant third went to eleventh place starter Seth Butler, fourth to Seth Janssen, and Bennett fell back to finish fifth. Smith, who is the son of Stock Car racer David Smith, is the defending Super Nationals champion in the Hobby Stock division and continues to amaze with his driving skills. 

Many racers who had been in the area for the Marshalltown Speedway's two-night King of the High Banks stuck around and tried their hand at the Boone Speedway. Weekly racing continues next Saturday at the Boone Speedway with hot laps at 5 and racing at 6

It sure was great to have WARM weather for a race...temps getting into the low 80's...however the wind was still strong, but thankfully from the south and not coming at the grandstand.  What's with all this wind lately?  Not a fan!  

Find a race to support and keep dirt track racing alive and well!  

Shryock takes the crown at King of the High Banks

 April 12, 2024

Friday night was Night #2 of the King of the High Banks at the Karl Auto Group Marshalltown Speedway. One hundred seventy-one race cars checked into the pits for the night's racing that not only included the headlined IMCA Stock Car $5,000 to win show, but the IMCA Modifieds, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Mod Lites, and Sport Compacts were also competing for a bigger purse.

Ten of the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, presented by Drury Automotive, had locked themselves into the big show the previous night, and qualifying was completed through five Last Chance Qualifiers that took two each directly to the title race, and then it was filled in with two B Mains that took two each.  This completed the 24 car starting field for the 50 lap run to the checkers.

Veteran racer, Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa, who is starting his 40th year of racing, was the lucky pole starter, winning the draw over Dallon Murty who started in second.  They were the two top drivers in passing points from the previous night.  The 24 car starting field saluted the fans with a stirring 4-wide salute prior to the start of the 50 lap feature.

Kelly Shryock took the lead as the race went green, Murty falling in to run second.  Last year's King of the High Banks winner, Jeffrey Abbey, Boyd, Texas tagged on to run third.  Those three would run closely in the opening portion of the race, with Murty seeking high and low for a way around Shryock and Abbey just waiting for a bobble from either. 

At the halfway point of the race, it was still the same running order for the top three, but seventh place starter Cole Czarneski, Denmark, Wisconsin, had joined them and was giving chase. A yellow flew on lap thirty when David Brandies and Johnathon Logue tangled in turn four and a final caution at lap thirty-three when Todd Reitzler went for a loop, saw the top four remain in the same running order. 

When the race restarted after the final caution, Abbey was able to sneak by Murty to take over second place as Shryock stretched out his lead.  It was no contest for Shryock from then on, as he went home to the flying checkers and took the crown for the King of the High Banks.  Abbey took home second place, and Murty kept hold of third.  Ocheyedan, Iowa's Elijah Zevenbergen finished in fourth, and it was Damon Murty coming from twelfth starting spot to complete the top five.

 Shryock was happy to finally find his way to the winner's circle at the Marshalltown Speedway, a feat that has eluded him. Shryock's win also locked him into the 2024 B & B Chassis All Star race qualifier at the 2024 Super Nationals.  

The IMCA Friesen Performance Modifieds, presented by Tire Demon by Love Tap were running for a $1,500 payday, which would also put the winner on the ballot for the All-Star race for the division at the Super Nationals.

The 30 lap feature was a no contest for the previous night's winner Tom Berry.  Berry was the lucky recipient of the pole position and from there, he never looked back on his run to the flying checkers. Joel Rust started seventh and took home the runner up spot.  Third went to Todd Shute, Chase Weimer, Eldora, Iowa was fourth, and Cole Czarneski, Denmark, Wisconsin was fifth. Berry is now perfect at the Speedway having won the previous night as well as last week's Frostbuster.

The IMCA Friesen Performance Northern SportMods, presented by Rugged Radios ran a 25 lap feature and $1,000 to win.  Brayton Carter took the lead as the race started, with the previous night's winner Cam Reimers tucking into second.  Just past the halfway mark of the race, Dylan VanWyk had arrived on the scene and was pressuring Reimers for second.  It paid off at lap seventeen when VanWyk got by Reimers.  It was an exciting next few laps as the two Oskaloosa, Iowa racers went at it.  VanWyk made a slide attempt out of turn four that failed, but then was able to nose under Carter on the backstretch with just two laps left in the race.  He would then hold off Carter to get to the checkers first, Carter taking the runner up spot.  Third place went to another southern Iowa racer, Eddyville, Iowa's Logan Anderson, Reimers took fourth, and tenth place starter Tyler Inman, who was racing Carter VandenBerg's hotrod this weekend, was fifth.  This was redemption for VanWyk after losing power while leading the night before.

IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, presented by Big 8 Tire Center also raced for $1,000 to win in their 25 lap Main event. It was looking like "The Mayor" John Watson out of the capital city of Des Moines, was going to see victory lane as he led from the start and was looking strong.  But hold on!  Cody Williams, Minneapolis, Kansas thought otherwise about that.  Williams started eighth on the field, ran down Watson, and took command with ten laps to go.  It was William's race from there on as he went on to the win.  Watson had to be satisfied with second place on this night.  Third went to newcomer on the night, Eric Stanton, Carlisle, Iowa, who was the show of the race coming from twentieth starting spot.  Calvin Dhondt took fourth after a remarkable recovery from being spun out earlier.  Seth Butler, Scranton, Iowa rounded out the top five.

The IMCA STARS Mod Lites, presented by Knight Sanitation went 20 laps for their main event.  Kansas City's Dillon Raffurty would see Victory Lane in this one.  He led from lap five, and never gave it up as he raced home to the checkers flying.  Thursday night's winner, Jaedon McDowell, Murfreesboro, Tennessee raced from eleventh starting spot to take second place.  Early leader Riley Clem, Bakersfield, California was third, followed by Bryan Zehm in fourth, and Cory Sonner in fifth. 

The IMCA Mach-1 Sport Compacts, presented by Hy-Vee of Marshalltown was the final feature of the night.  They ran 15 laps and it was Mason City's Devin Jones taking home the win.  Tyler Thompson, Sioux City, Iowa finished as the runner up, third was Jeremy Williams, Oskaloosa, Iowa, fourth went to Cristian Grady, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and previous night's winner, Oliver Monson, Thornton, Iowa was fifth.

The weather was a bit more conducive to racing for the fans on Friday night as the winds died down from what they had to endured on Thursday night for Night #1 of the King of the High Banks.  Fingers crossed that Mother Nature may now give us some better racing weather.   

Find a race to support, and help keep the sport we all love....dirt track racing, alive and well.

King of the High Banks Night #1

April 11, 2024

Thursday night, April 11, Marshalltown Speedway held Night #1 of the King of the High Banks 2-night show. Drivers from all over the United States made their way to the fast quarter mile.  There were 150 cars in competition with 55 IMCA Stock Cars on hand to start qualifying for their $5,000 to win finale tomorrow night. Also on the docket were the IMCA Modifieds, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Mod Lites, and Sport Compacts. 

The IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars ran two sets of heat races as they tried to earn passing points for their big 50 lap feature coming up tomorrow.  Passing points were earned and the top 10 in passing points are locked in to tomorrow's race.  They are : Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa, Dallon Murty, Chelsea, Iowa, Jeffrey Abbey, Boyd, Texas, and last year's winner, Dylan Thornton, Orcutt, California, Elijah Zevenbergen,Ocheyedan, Iowa, Derek Green, Granada, Minnesota, Cole Czarneski, Denmark, Wisconsin, Joel Rust, Grundy Center, Iowa, Austin Kaplan, Collins, Iowa, and Jake McBirnie, Boone, Iowa. Last Chance Qualifying races Friday will complete the starting field for the $5,000 to win race which pays $500 to start. 

Feature racing kicked off with the STARS Mod Lites 15 lap A Main.

Jaedon McDowell, who lists his hometown as Murfreesboro, Tennessee made his run at the Speedway pay off as he would lead all laps on his way to victory.  Riley Clem, Bakersfield, California got by Josh May in the closing laps as they went second and third respectively.  Ben George, Altoona, Iowa finished fourth, and it was Nathan Wolfe, Holt Summit, Missouri completing the top five.

The IMCA Friesen Performance SportMods ran 20 laps for their feature.

Dylan Van Wyk led the troops through the first seven laps when a yellow flew.  When the race restarted, he was suddenly off power on the backstretch, which handed the lead over to Kelley, Iowa's Cam Reimers. It was all Reimers race from there on out as he led the remaining laps all the way to the flying checkers.  Oskaloosa's Brayton Carter chased Reimers for most of the race but on the final circuit, Logan Anderson, who started tenth, was able to make the pass to take second.  Carter had to be content with third, followed by eighth place starter Maguire DeJong in fourth, and ninth place starter, Shane Paris, Muscatine, Iowa in fifth.  

The IMCA Friesen Performance Modifieds came to the track next for their 20 lap feature.

Tom Berry was piloting his own car this week, after winning last week's Frostbuster in a borrowed car.  He kept his winning ways, starting on the pole, and leading all laps to see checkers for the second time in the early season at Marshalltown. He pulled away as the race drew on, and took the easy win.  Tim Ward started seventh, and took the runner up position.  Cody Overton, Thomson, Georgia finished third, fourth went to Camarillo, California's Trevor Fitz, and tenth place starter Todd Shute, Norwalk, Iowa, was fifth.  

It was 20 laps of feature racing for the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks.

Cody Williams, Minneapolis, Kansas took the lead as the race went green and he held the top spot through lap fifteen when a yellow flew.  By this time, it was Nathan Ballard, Marengo, Iowa who was happy to see the caution fly as he had worked his way into second place. It took him a couple of laps as the race restarted, but Ballard was able to get the lead with just three laps remaining and keep it to the checkers. Williams held on to finish second, with Dylan Nelson, Adel, Iowa taking third, John Watson was fourth, and the "Flying Fireman", Calvin Dhondt, Kellogg, Iowa hard charged his way from fifteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.

The night cap was 15 laps of IMCA Mach-1 Sport Compact racing.  

David Kimmel, New Virginia, Iowa started on the pole and grabbed the lead as the green flag flew. He was able to hang on to that top spot until lap ten when Oliver Monson, Thornton, Iowa took command.  He would then hold on to the lead the rest of the laps to take the win.  Mitchell Bunch, Des Moines, Iowa got around Kimmel on the final circuit as they finished second and third respectively.  Hometown driver, John Gill took fourth, and it was Jeremy Williams, Oskaloosa, Iowa taking fifth.  

Friday's races will also have complete shows for the IMCA Modifieds, ($1,500 to win) SportMods, ($1,000 to win) Hobby Stocks,($1,000 to win) Mod Lites, ($750 to win) and Sport Compacts ($500 to win). Grandstands open at 5:30, hot laps at 6:45, and racing to follow. 

Keep supporting the sport we all love....dirt track racing!

Braaksma, Richards, Carter, and Smith take Frostbuster wins at the Boone Speedway

 April 6, 2024

The Boone Speedway opened its doors for the 2024 season with the running of its Frostbuster special. The Frostbuster Series this year was to be a five night run, but the first scheduled night at the Independence Speedway last Wednesday was canceled due to weather, and the final night which was to be run at the Benton County Speedway in Vinton on Sunday, was also canceled.  Stuart Speedway got their Frostbuster in on Thursday, as did Marshalltown on Friday night, making Boone's the final night.   The IMCA Friesen Performance Modifieds, the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, the IMCA Friesen Performance Northern SportMods, and the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks were in competition.  

There were 187 cars checked in for what would be the final night of the annual IMCA Frostbuster Series in the area.  The hardy fans on hand had to endure the strong and gusty wind out of the east.  

The IMCA SportMods came to the track first for their 20 lap main event.  Forty-six cars competed on the night with the field being whittled down through two B Main to fill in the 24 car starting A Main.  

Brayton Carter, Oskaloosa, Iowa started on the outside front row, and took the immediate lead and never looked back.  Carter pulled away from the field, even after weathering two cautions and restarts. He would finish comfortably ahead of Taylor Kuehl who finished second.  Kuehl chased Carter the entire race, but had to be content with the runner up spot on this night.  Cole Suckow, Cresco, Iowa started sixth, and took third place.  Fourth went to Sioux City, Iowa's Geoff Olson, and rounding out the top five was Alec Fett, Burt, Iowa.

Carter matched his 2023 Frostbuster win at the Speedway, and won the Frostbuster the previous night at the Marshalltown Speedway.  

The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars ran a 25 lap feature, that saw 51 cars check in to compete.  They also ran two B main to set their 24 car starting field.

Veteran racer, Rod Richards, Madrid, Iowa started on the pole and would lead the entire 25 laps on his way to victory.  Richards was challenged in the closing laps by Devin Smith, who started thirteenth. Smith had worked his way skillfully through the pack to reach the leaders tail, but fell short and finished in second.  Third went to tenth place starter Buck Schafroth, Orient, Iowa, and Josh Daniels, Carlisle, Iowa started eleventh to take fourth.  Winterset's Ty Hill completed the top five.

It had been a while since Richards had visited Victory Lane at Boone.  He said a couple off years in his post race interview, but a look back at my unofficial records, shows July 13, 2019.  

The IMCA Modifieds ran a 25 lap feature, calling for a B main to get their 37 cars down to the 24 car starting field.  

Jerry Flippo, the Bakersfield, California native, who now calls Osage, Iowa homebase, drew the lucky #1 starting spot, with Todd Shute, Norwalk, Iowa setting along side.  

Flippo took the immediate lead, Shute in tow.  A red came out on lap six when cars got together on the front chute, and Dubuque, Iowa's Jed Freiburger found himself in a slow rollover. He was not injured and when the cleanup was completed, Flippo and Shute continued to lead the pack to green.

Meanwhile, Ethan Braaksma had worked his way to third place, and by lap seven had taken over the #2 spot.  Braaksma began giving Flippo fits, and was able to take over the lead on lap ten. 

Braaksma never gave up that lead the rest of the way to the flying checkers, and captured the win.  Dylan Thornton came from twelfth starting spot to work his way to a distant second place finish at the flag, followed by Todd Shute in third.  Camarillo, California native, Trevor Fitz took fourth, and Boone, Iowa's own Izac Mallicoat was fifth.  

Braaksma is off to great start for 2024.  We have heard he already had five wins in a row as of Friday night, with a total of seven with some out of state racing.  He missed a win at Marshalltown on Friday, taking second, but add Saturday nights win to his list, making eight already in the early 2024 season.  

The IMCA Hobby Stocks would complete the night's racing with the running of their 20 lap feature.  They needed three B mains to get their starting field whittled down from 53, to 24 cars.

Logan Andrews led the field to green and led the opening lap.  By lap two, Eric Knutson had taken over with John Watson dogging him.  By lap ten, Lake City's Mike Smith had thrown his hat into the ring and was riding in third.  A yellow came out on lap thirteen, just what Smith wanted.  When the race restarted, it didn't take long until he was riding the bumper of leader Knutson.  Smith searched low, and high for a way around, and plan paid off in the final circuit, as he nosed under Knutson on the backstretch and reached the checkers first to see victory.  Knutson had to be content with second place.  Third went to John Watson, Seth Janssen ran up front most of the race and finished fourth, and it was Seth Butler coming all the way from nineteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.

It was an incredibly windy night of racing at Boone.  Fans were bundled up and trying to avoid the strong easterly winds. Even walking was not easy! Trash, etc. was blowing in the air all night long, but the drivers seemed to ignore it, with a great night of racing to be had. By my account, racing was concluded at 9:13 p.m.    

Next Saturday night April 13 begins the regular weekly racing series at the Boone Speedway.  The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and Mod Lites will be in competition. Pits open at 3:30, Grandstand at 4:30, Hot laps at 5, and racing at 6.

Keep supporting the sport we all love...dirt track racing!

It's Berry, Murty, Carter, Graham, and Bunch taking Marshalltown Speedway Frostbuster wins

 April 5, 2024

April in Iowa, and it's time for some racing!  Last night was the first race of the season in our local area.

The Karl Auto Group Marshalltown Speedway held its first race of the season on Friday night, with the running of its Frostbuster special.  Sponsor of the night was H & H Tiling, Dozing, and Excavating.  Frostbuster was an appropriate title with fans bundling up before the final checkers flew. 

A huge field of entries spilled into and nearly filled the over-flow pits, 213 cars checking in.  

The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars brought 45 entries to test the High Banks at Marshalltown, and ran a 30 lap feature that paid $1,000.

Jimmy Gustin, changing things up this year, was piloting a stock car last evening instead of his usual Modified.  He held down the lead as lap one went into the books. By lap four, it was the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty taking command....never to give it up in the race that went flag to flag. Son Dallon Murty chased his dad much of the race, and drove his hot rod from tenth starting spot to claim second place.  Jimmy Gustin in his 2024 Stock Car debut was third.  Veteran racer Kelly Shryock, who was doing double duty last night, also racing in the Modified division, hard charged through the field to claim fourth, and Marshalltown's own Garrett Corn rounded out the top five.

Glad to see Dallon Murty show up with his Stock Car.  He had a BAD wreck not long ago while doing some racing out of state, and had to be cut out of his car.  

The IMCA Friesen Performance SportMods came to the track next for their 25 lap main event.  They had 38 cars checking in to race on the evening.

Drake Bohlmeyer, Beatrice, Nebraska was the early leader, but it didn't take long until Speedy Bray, Brayton Carter was hot on his tail after starting seventh.

On lap five, Carter took command of the race, and never looked back on his way to the checkers. He finished well ahead of second place Brayden Ahlers, Slayton, Minnesota who had started on the pole.  Regular competitor at the Speedway, Tony Olson finished third, fourth went to Dorchester, Nebraska's Tyler Nerud who started fourteenth, and early leader Drake Bohlmeyer was fifth.  Carter repeated his Frostbuster win from last year at the track.

The IMCA Friesen Performance Modifieds ran 30 laps for their main event with a $1,000 to the winner.  They brought 35 cars to compete at the Frostbuster.

Tom Berry, who now calls Des Moines, Iowa home, and who is no stranger to the track, started second, and had the immediate lead.  From there on out, he dominated the field, and took the win easily. Ethan Braaksma, who has had a great start to his 2024 season, was going for his sixth straight win of the year. He was hoping to match his win from the previous night's Frostbuster at the Stuart Speedway.  He started eighth, and closed at times on Berry, but on this night had to settle for the runner up spot. Jake McBirnie took home third place, fourth went to eleventh place starter, Dylan Thornton, and it was fourteenth place starter, Tripp Gaylord, rounding out the top five.

The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks took the prize for having the most cars entered....56 strong.  They ran a 20 lap feature.

Calvin Dhondt started on the pole and jumped to the lead and was looking strong.  That all ended for him on lap seven when an incident on lap seven put him out of the game and he brought out the yellow.

Joren Fisher inherited the lead when the race returned to green, but shortly it was Bradly Graham taking over as captain of the ship.  An incident on the backstretch coming out of turn two halted the action on lap eighteen. The two machines of Curt Reed and Eric Knutson got "welded" together, and there was a long delay before action returned. 

A green-white-checkered determined the finish of the race when action picked back up.  Graham held on to that #1 spot, and was a happy camper to match his previous night's Frostbuster win at Stuart.  Following him across the line in second place was hotshoe Dillon Richard out of Beatrice, Nebraska who had started fifteenth.  Seth Butler drove it from twelfth starting spot to capture position three, fourth went to Joe Doran, Paton, Iowa, and  Cedar Rapids, Iowa racer, Dave McCalla took fifth.

The IMCA Mach-1 Sport Compacts brought 38 cars to the High Banks on Friday.  

Things did not start off well for the Compact's 15 lap feature.  Curt Masterson started second, and rolled it off of the backstretch after getting up on the berm.  After the third roll he landed wheels down in the Martin Marietta property.  Thankfully he was not injured. Again, a delay to get things back to racing.  

When racing action returned, it was Oliver Monson, Thornton, Iowa leading the pack.  The race continued caution free the remainder of the way with Mitchell Bunch getting past Monson at lap ten, and then hanging on to take the feature win.  Monson held second place, Anthony Clark, Omaha, Nebraska was third, fourth went to eighth place starter Cristian Grady, and pole sitter Jake Paysen, Wall Lake, Iowa finished in fifth.  

Next week, the Marshalltown Speedway will be holding a two-night special with the running of the King of the Highbanks for IMCA Stock Cars, paying $5000 to the winner.  Also in competition will be the IMCA Modifieds, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Mod Lites, and Sport Compacts.  Night #1 is Thursday, April 11, and the final night on Friday April 12.  Hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30 both nights.  There will be a practice on Wednesday, April 10 at the track from 6:30-9:30 p.m. 

Tonight, Saturday April 6, will be another IMCA Frostbuster special.  It will be at the Boone Speedway, and will be the final night of the series.  Mother Nature canceled Night #1 that was to be at Independence Motor Speedway, and the final night that was scheduled for the Benton County Speedway. 

It's been a while since I've been back to writing on here, but with the racing season now starting off in our neck of the woods, look for our take on the racing action.  Find a race to support, and keep dirt track racing alive and well.  

 

 

Berry gets a Twofer, takes Modified and Stock Car wins on Night #2 of the World Nationals

 Marshalltown Speedway held its Night #2 of the World Nationals on Saturday night for the Local UAW 893 Cliff Chambers Memorial Saturday Night Spectacular.  Tom Berry, Jr. doubled up and won both the IMCA Friesen Performance Modified feature and the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature.  The IMCA Friesen Performance Northern SportMod feature went to Matt Avila, and Adam Wasserman took the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock title.  Blake Drisco took the honors in the IMCA MACH-1 Sport Compacts.

The IMCA Stock 30 feature, presented by Drury Automotive was a runaway after Tom Berry, Jr. grabbed the lead at lap three.  He never looked back and finished well ahead of second place, and last night's winner, Dallon Murty.  Kaden Reynolds crossed in third place but was docked two positions for a deck height infraction, handing him a fifth place finish.  This moved Damon Murty to finish in third place, and opening laps leader, Austin Kaplan was fourth.  The race paid $1,000 to the winner, and was a B & B Chassis All Star qualifier for next years Super Nationals.

The Northern SportMods, presented by Rugged Radios ran 25 laps for their main event, which was a $1,000 pay day to the winner.

Todd Dykema, Davenport, Iowa led the opening lap, Shane Paris, in the rent-a-ride hot rod normally driven by Carter VandenBerg took command at lap two, but it was Matt Avila getting the upper hand on lap ten and claiming the lead.  Avila would never give up that top spot from there on out, and in the closing laps, pulled away to the the easy win.  Paris took the runner up spot, twelfth place starter Brayton Carter....last night's winner....raced his way to a third place finish, Jenae Gustin limped her ride across the finish line in fourth place after what appeared to be a ball joint issue, and Logan Anderson was fifth. 

The ground pounding IMCA Modified 30 lap feature, presented by Tire Demon by Love Tap was led from start to finish by Tom Berry, Jr., claiming his second feature of the night.  Berry started on the pole, and was gone.  He finished easily ahead of second place Ethan Braaksma.  Braaksma was racing the car #12J, that I believe to be usually piloted by Jason O'Brien, and chased Berry most of the race.  Todd Shute finished in third place, Cody Laney was fourth, and it was Tripp Gaylord racing Zack VanderBeek's #33Z ride finishing in fifth.   The race was worth $2,000 to Berry, and was also a Fast Shafts All Star qualifier for next years Super Nationals.

The IMCA Sport Compacts, presented by Hy-Vee of Marshalltown ran a 15 lap main event.  The race would go flag to flag.  

Bryan Vannausdle, Glenwood, Iowa led the opening laps but it was last night's winner Cristian Grady snatching it away on lap three.  A few laps later, Dysart, Iowa's Blake Driscol was in second and up to challenge the leader.  Driscol harassed the leader for several laps before he was finally able to make the pass underneath with just three laps remaining, and then went on to hold it to the flying checkers and the win.  Grady had to be satisfied with the runner up spot this night.  Early leader Bryan Vannausdle took third place, Mark Smith was fourth, and Matt Miller rounded out the top five.

The finale of the night....and the finale of the 2023 season at the track, was 20 laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing, presented by Big 8 Tyre Center.

DaltonWeepie, led the first handful of laps but it was Fairbury, Nebraska's Adam Wasserman taking over at lap six.  Wasserman was then able to maintain that lead through the caution plagued race and claim the World Nationals Hobby Stock title.  Corey VanderWilt, Lynnville, Iowa finished as the runner up.  David McCalla, Cedar Rapids, Iowa started fourteenth, and took third place, fourth went to Solomon Bennett, and Quasqueton, Iowa's Trenton Neuhaus raced his ride all the way from seventeenth to finish fifth.  

The 2023 race season at the Marshalltown Speedway has drawn to a close.  Watch the track's Facebook and website for announcements for the upcoming awards banquet.  

Our racing season may have also come to a close as well.  Seems it just got started!  There are races still in the area however, so for those seeking to attend, check the calendar at Positively Racing.  We need to keep supporting the sport we all love....dirt track racing!