Saturday, August 15, 2009

"Mopar" and Simatovich repeat at Marshalltown

It was a night that saw repeat winners in all divisions and a little added entertainment with the "cardboard cruisers" as the youngsters and even promoter Toby Kruse, foot raced down the track. This is always a fun time for participants and spectators alike.

Mike Morrill found himself back in Victory Lane in the Dwarf/Mod Lite feature. After a spectacular start to his season and going undefeated on his first seven outings at Marshalltown, it had now been several weeks until he finally visited the winner's circle again. He would make quick work of getting into the lead from starting around the eighth spot. Randy Bryan held the second position until being overtaken by Andy Hennigar. Hennigar made his way through the pack from starting deep in the field. At the finish line, it was Morrill taking the victory, Hennigar was runner-up, third went to James May who had remained consistently in the top runners throughout the race, fourth was Mike Kennedy, and fifth went to Matthew Goodin. As has been his tradition when he wins, Morrill gave his trophy to another lucky youngster. Those kids had started anticipating his victory well before the final flag flew as they waited near the fence.

Adam Shelman would lead early in the Northern SportMod A-Main until an unfortunate spin in turn four, found him then having to play catch up through out the remainder of the race. Inheriting the lead, was Grinnell's Brad Iverson. Incidents on the track caused multiple yellows to fly; one of which found Kevin Sather and Ryan Ashton hooked together in turn two. It appeared Sather was slowing dramatically on the track, and Ashton, right behind him, had no where to go. This would end the night for Sather. The 18J of Jake Strayer was making his way quickly through the field as was Scott Davis who chased him to the checkers. At the finish, it was Iverson taking his second win of the year at the track, Strayer was second, Davis was third, fourth went to Zack Rawlins and with a good run to take fifth, was Neil Follett.

The IMCA stock cars were up next on the program. Michael Johnston and veteran Tommy Thompson sat on the front row. Johnston would relinquish his early lead to Steve Meyer and then Michael Jaennette threw his hat into the ring. He passed Johnston as well, to take over the runner-up position. When a yellow flag flew, it was the familiar #85 of Dustin Smith, who was up to do battle with Meyer and Jaennette after the restart. After just a circuit or two, Smith took that point position and would go home to his ninth victory of the year at the Marshalltown Speedway. Chasing him across the line was Michael Jaennette, third went to Jeff Wollam who had moved up nicely from starting around the ninth position, fourth went to Tracy Gienger, and Michael Johnston held on for fifth spot.

The IMCA modifieds were racing for a $500 payday to the winner. Last week's winner, Scott Simatovich, started third, but took the lead early and would stretch that lead impressively through much of the race. Battling behind him were Jay Schmidt, Scott Hogan and Adam Larson. At the finish, it would be Simatovich taking his second win in as many weeks, as he put his "Mighty Mopar" back in victory lane. Jay Schmidt finished second with a good run on J & V Napa Night at the Speedway, Adam Larson was third as he got past Scott Hogan who finished fourth. Rounding out the top five was Mike O'Lear who had come from well back in the pack.

The hobby stocks saw a good run by front row sitter "Pistol" Pete Hutzel as he lead nearly the entire race. Nearly all however, was not good enough, as Devin Smith managed to lead about the last 30 yards to take the win. Hutzel had to settle for second, Terry Shaffar had a good run to come home in third, fourth went to Michael Murphy and fifth went to Jennifer Hulin.

So ended another of "What Friday Nights are Made For" at the Marshalltown Speedway. Next Friday will have the classic racecars of yesteryear on hand for Nostalgia Night. Before that however, the Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA late models will be rolling into town on Wednesday, August 19th. It was announced that hot laps will be scheduled for 6:15 and races to start at 7 p.m. The Deery Brothers will be appearing the previous night, August 18th, at the Iowa State Fair. Make plans to attend one or all of these races...we are. Happy racing!

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