Shiverfest wraps up 2013 racing season in Iowa

The final chance for local fans to see a 2013 race in Iowa was Saturday night at the Lee County Speedway. Mike VanGenderen and crew hosted the season ending spectacle.  The race that is billed as "Shiverfest" certainly proved to be an appropriate name this year....though through the years we have been in shirtsleeves at times during the traditional race. Hay rack rides for the kids and then trick or treating the participating drivers on the front stretch was a traditional fun time.  Five classes of cars ran on the racy track and put on quite the show in every division for the spectators. What a way to close out the season!

The Sport Compacts had a full field of 24 cars competing.  Polesitter Austen Becerra was looking to be the man to beat as he leaped to the immediate lead.  A red flag flew early in the 14-lap event when Scott Smith took a tumble in turn two---he was okay--- bunching up the cars on the restart.  Becerra was still in easy command but the #69 of William Michel was working his way up to be a contender after having started back in 10th starting spot.  Michel caught Becerra and put the pressure on the leader for most of the last half of the race, with Becerra keeping the upper hand as they took the white flag.  As often happens, that final corner four was Becerra's undoing, as Michel made the pass and took the checkers first. The #27 of Darin Smith crossed in third but a check of the results shows that he was disqualified....thus handing third over to veteran Merv Chandler.  Kimberly Abbot took fourth and John Whalen was fifth.

The Hobby Stocks ran a 15-lap feature, not getting off to a very good start.  A caution flew before the cars made it out of turn two and the race was re-racked and re-stacked, minus a car or two.  Dustin Griffiths quickly made his way to the front from starting in row three as Cody Cleghorn rode in second.  By lap seven, Mike Hughes had flown through the pack to take over third after tagging the field at the initial yellow flag.  Racing by this time was three-wide as the norm over most of the track.  Hughes made his way into second place and was now on the hunt to run down leader Griffiths.  It wasn't to be on this night though, as Griffiths kept the advantage and took the win.  Hughes had to settle for the runner up spot, third was Marengo, Iowa racer Jacob Keiser, Cody Cleghorn was fourth, and track champion Jason See completed the top five.

The SportMods went 20-laps for their main event.  Logan Anderson, a driver that we have seen make leaps and bounds of improvement over the year, sat on the pole.  Anderson took the lead at the drop of the green.  Curtis VanDerWal started third, and spent less than a handful of laps as NOT the leader, taking over the point and driving off.  Anderson was still battling in second with Carter VanDenBerg, but he would lose the handle in turn two, ending his great run.  VanDerWal maintained his lead to the checkers, chalking up another of his numerous wins on the season in easy fashion.  VanDenBerg finished as the runner up, third went to Ionia, Iowa racer Brian Mahlstedt who had started in tenth spot, fourth was Brett Lowry and Derek St. Clair, who had to qualify through the B main, finished in fifth. 

The 20-lap Stock Car feature went to Jim Lynch, but not without some challenges by Corey Stout, Abe Huls and Jason Cook.  Stout was on Lynch's bumper when the leader nudged a barrier tire in turn two and sent it rolling, causing a caution and realignment.  Lynch kept the command, Stout giving it his all when with just two laps remaining, Stout too would hit one of the track tires, bringing out the yellow and setting up the two lap shoot out to the finish.  Lynch wasn't to be denied and raced to the checkers flying, taking the win. After a bit of "tire burning" celebrating at the flagstand, the smoke rolling into the stands, Lynch went to victory lane.  Stout took the runner up spot, followed by Jason Cook in third, who had started twelfth, fourth was Abe Huls, coming from ninth starting spot, and rounding out the top five was John Oliver, Jr., who had started in ninth.

One more race lay ahead before the 2013 racing season would be over.....the 20-lap Modified main event. Jammin' Jimmy Gustin had made his way down from Marshalltown, Iowa and was the lucky recipient of the redraw #1 pill.  Gustin rocketed to the lead immediately but Kyle Brown quickly got to second from his third row starting spot, and then the race was on!  The two drove side by side for lap after lap putting on quite the show for the fans. Not to be outdone, Brown's starting partner from row three came into the picture---Jeff Waterman!  As the race continued under green, lap traffic drew into the equation, as the front runners maneuvered their way through the dicey situation. Brown briefly got the advantage but Gustin fought back.  Still fighting lap traffic, Gustin regained the lead, Waterman working the inside of the traffic and taking over second.  Gustin sailed to the win, Waterman a close second and Brown right there in third.  Cayden Carter came from eighth to take fourth and the Fall Extravaganza winner at the track from two weeks ago, Ronn Lauritzen, completed the top five.  The race was a fitting way to end the season with the exciting race that went flag to flag!

It certainly was a great way to end the 2013 racing season.  Great racing by great racers on a night when the track was in great shape!  We enjoyed our night tremendously as we spent it with fellow racing fanatics Warren and Carol Busse as well as Jeff Broeg and Ryan Clark....our cohorts at Positively Racing.  Look for Jeff and Ryan's blogs, for their take of the action last night. Everyone sees it differently you know!  Thanks to Mike VanGenderen and staff for the hospitality and for giving the fans a great last gasp of racing for the season!  It was a bitter sweet night knowing that racing was done, but we look forward to the 2014 racing season!    

Ronn Lauritzen and his "Angry Bird" ride takes Lee County Speedway Fall Extravaganza

We opted to head southeast on Saturday and take in the second night of the Lee County Speedway's Fall Extravaganza.  The first night had already qualified eight cars from each of the five classes participating, the rest of the field for the main events being filled in last night through B's and last chance races.  The racing for those final spots was intense in some instances, and as announcer Tony Paris said, "are they already racing for all the marbles"?

The Sport Compact 18-lap feature was pretty much a snoozer for the winner Adam Gates.  Gates started on the pole, and walked away to the feature win.  John Whalen took the runner up spot, ahead of Chuck Fullencamp, Austen Beccera (who had started back in 16th spot) and the #25 car of John Richardson. Gates also won the Fall Extravaganza last year.

The Hobby Stocks went 20-laps in their $1,000 to win feature.  This race found most of the drivers racing a thin line at the top of the track.  The front row starters, Mike Hughes and Dustin Griffiths, led the pack through the entire race; Griffiths getting the advantage.  Disaster almost happened when a lap car spun right in front of the leaders, both getting involved.  The lap was called back however, and only the spinning car penalized, giving Griffiths and Hughes their positions back at the front of the pack. On the restart, all cars quickly made their way back to the top of the track save for a couple of brave souls digging for something lower on the track.  As the laps wound down, Griffiths distanced himself from the competition, and won going away.  Hughes finished in second, third was Bill Bonnett, fourth went to Bill Richards who made the long haul over from Audubon, Iowa, and track champion Jason See rounded out the top five.  Griffiths also won this race for the second time in a row.

The Stock Car 25-lap feature, was a good one!  The cars were running closely and seeking lines all over the track.  The early leader, Louis Lynch had John Oliver, Jr. reeling him in quickly, Oliver taking the helm at lap two.  Oliver who is a regular at the Lee County Speedway, soon had company in Todd Reitzler, Abe Huls and Cayden Carter. Huls nabbed the lead with nine laps to go and Huls remained the leader as those behind him were seeking something in a different line. Huls stayed firmly planted on the bottom of the track letting his competitors vie it out behind him. The final laps of the race were exciting as second, third and fourth were swapping positions. Huls claimed the checkers and the $1,500 pay day, Reitzler finished as the runner up, Oliver took third, Cayden Carter was fourth in his Roger Kelderman orange machine, and Les Blakley rounded out the top five.  In the post race interview on track, Huls said he loved the dry slick race track.

The SportMods went 22-laps for their A main and the run for their $1,500 pay off.  Each of the classes had earlier run a dash for the previous night's top 8 in points, the results of the dash determining the starting line up.  Curtis VanDerWal took the pole position, Brett Lowry sitting along side.  VanDerWal established the lead immediately, Lowry tucking in behind, and Bobby Landers and Jim Gillenwater falling in line.  With only five laps in the books, there was a red flag situation, halting the action.  The mayhem began when Lowry got booted from behind sending him into a spin out of turn four, but putting his foot into it and keeping his machine going.  The cars behind seeing that situation however, ended up checking up and a big pile up just past the flagstand found at least six cars involved, bringing out the red flag.  The carnage eliminated at least a handful of cars, some being towed off with rear ends dangling----the #6 of Bobby Six getting the worst of it. As racing resumed, VanDerWal kept his easy lead at the front, but it was Tony Dunker who had now made his way to the runner up spot around Lowry.  After the fourth yellow had flown, the restart was put in single file mode, but the yellow rag was still not done flying.  Another yellow at five to go and then the final one with two to go, set up a green-white-checkered finish.  VanDerWal had no trouble in keeping his top spot, and raced home to the checkers first.  Dunker took second, Lowry was third, fourth went to Jim Gillenwater, and Rodger Dresden was fifth.  VanDerWal was pleased with his $1,500 win adding to his $1,000 win last Saturday at the Southern Iowa Speedway's Fall Challenge.  The hard charger of the race was Logan Anderson, who shot through the field from starting dead last, to take sixth.

The modified A main went 25-laps.  The front row starters of this one were Scott Hogan and Ronn Lauritzen.  Lauritzen, in his Angry Bird themed car, went to the point position at the drop of the green, Hogan in hot pursuit and Jeff Mueller tucked into third.  As the two front runners fought it out, Lauritzen keeping command, Kyle Brown worked his way into third, bringing Cayden Carter with him.  A yellow flew at twelve laps remaining, and again with eleven laps remaining, causing the racing rhythm to suffer.  When things did get back underway, the race would go the remaining distance caution free.  There was a three car breakaway at the front of the field, Lauritzen running the low side in the lead, Hogan seeking traction at the top of the track in second, and Brown tucking in low in third.  The fans got their money's worth in the closing laps as the three put on a show....and never touching!  Hogan did find something in the final two laps and was gaining some momentum but the checkers flew before any further success.  Lauritzen took the win, Hogan had to settle for second and Brown was third.  Jimmy Gustin finished fourth and Brandon Rothzen completed the top five.  It was an emotional win for the Angry Bird Laurtizen crew, with ups and downs during the season, it was good to see this one end on a high note.

Thanks to promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew for a great night of racing and by all accounts of the majority of the drivers, a fun race track was provided. The show was run in a timely manner and the races quickly restarted after cautions.  Racing isn't quite finished yet in the area.  Next week, there is a Friday/Saturday show at Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Missouri.  Practice is scheduled for Thursday night from 7-10 and then racing on Friday October 18 will have hot laps starting at 7 and Saturday's action on October 19 will have hot laps at 6 p.m. with racing to follow.  The IMCA classes of Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts will all be in action.  Then on Saturday October 26, the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson will hold their annual Shiverfest race.  This just possibly could be the last chance to see racing in the state of Iowa in 2013.  Hope you can catch some more of the great dirt racing in our area before the season is done.  Happy racing!

Wanninger, Pinkerton, VanDerWal, Anderson---all winners at the Fall Challenge

When the first of two nights of the 27th Annual Musco Lighting Fall Challenge was dashed by Mother Nature on Friday night, many thoughts turned to how the track and pit conditions would pan out.  No worries!  Mike VanGenderen and crew had the track in top condition and the pits were fine as well.  Drivers from far and wide came to try their hand at the famed Monster Half-Mile....some conquered....others didn't.  By my unofficial count, 145 cars filled the pits.  With a 1-day show, the pay out was revised, with $1,000 going to the winners of the Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks.

The Sport Compacts had 12 cars compete.  Adam Gates led from the drop of the green.  It didn't take long until the familiar #2 of Merv Chandler was up to challenge.  Try as he might, Chandler didn't have it on this night, and Gates took the win, leading from start to finish.  Kassidy Kirkpatrick finished in third, followed by Kevin Kirkpatrick and John Whalen in fourth and fifth.
Gates told announcer Tony Paris in victory lane that although he drives a bright green car...green known as bad luck for a race car...for him it was good luck as he scored his 21st win of the season.

SportMods came next for their 20-lap feature.  Before lap two was scored, Ryan Fullencamp ended up backing his ride into the front stretch inside guard rail, halting the action.  After a big tug to get the car yanked from the railing, the cars were realigned and it was back to racing. Brett Lowry, was the leader of the pack but then at lap three,  Eric Flander took a nasty barrel roll in corner four when it appeared the rear end broke, and the race was red flagged.  Thankfully, Flander walked away.  On the restart, Lowry maintained his lead, looking strong, but he had company quickly reeling him in.  Curtis VanDerWal, the local driver who has had much success this year at the track, was doing it once again.  After taking over second, he pestered Lowry for several laps until  making the pass on the backstretch of lap ten, and taking the lead.  Another driver who has had much success lately, Carter VanDenBerg, worked his way from his twelfth starting spot, up to third.  With three laps to go, VanDenBerg had gotten to second around Lowry and was on the hunt to catch VanDerWal.  When a yellow flew with a lap remaining, no doubt it was exactly what VanDenBerg was hoping for.  This set up a green-white-checkered shoot out, but the front cars all remained the same---VanDerWal took the win, VanDenBerg had to settle for runner up and Lowry took third.  Fourth place went to Glenn Gladson, Jr. and Mitch VanEngen from Doon, rounded out the top five.  VanDerWal said in victory lane that this was his 10th victory of the year.

The Modifieds came next. The two front row starters, Todd Shute and Luke Wanninger put the show on for the fans most of the 20-laps---Wanninger with the advantage, Shute dogging him.  When the checkers flew, it was Wanninger taking the win, leading the entire race.  Shute had to be content with second.  Jeremy Mills was third, fourth went to Cayden Carter and Scott Dickey moved up from starting eleventh, to take fifth.

The Hobby Stocks also ran 20-laps for their feature.  Dustin Griffiths led the opening laps of the race with Jacob Keiser challenging.  It wasn't long until the familiar #78 of Shannon Anderson was joining in and at lap six, flew to the lead around Griffiths.  Anderson had pretty much clean sailing from there on out, taking the win in the flag-to-flag feature.  Griffiths was second, third was Eric Stanton, who started twelfth, Jacob Keiser was fourth and Mike Hughes rounded out the top five.

The Stock Cars ran 25-laps in their feature.  Local favorite Brad Pinkerton, and Derrick Agee, Moberly, Missouri, sat on the front row.  The two would battle it out much of the race, but Pinkerton never gave up that number one spot, and took the popular win.  Agee finished in second.  Third went to Cayden Carter, who has shown his skill in jumping into a full-fendered ride, fourth was Damon Murty, who started in tenth spot, and Nebraska racer Doug Adamy beat out Waterloo's John Emerson as they went fifth and sixth. Pinkerton showed his enthusiasm about his win by doing a spectacular burn out on the front stretch.

The Iowa Sportsman Series also ran.  We opted for an early exit and did not see their main event.  We did hear that the feature went to Kris Walker followed by Gene Tish.

Thanks to Mike VanGenderen and crew for putting on a show that was run in quick and efficient time, allowing travelers an early start home.  The regular show was completed by 9:40 and the final Sportsmen feature we heard went flag-to-flag, finishing before 10 p.m.  The track did turn slick and shiny but stayed smooth all night long.  Mother Nature did NOT win this round.

There was a California movie production crew at the track last night, filming clips for an upcoming movie. The movie is titled Man versus Snake.  We look forward to seeing that when it is released as there should be many of the local race cars in the film.

There are still some specials floating around the area.  We hope to catch some of those before we call it a season.  Maybe we will see you at one of them.  Happy racing!

Osky Fall Challenge - 10-5-13

Unofficial results:

Modified:

1. 20 Luke Wanninger
2.  5 Todd Shute
3. 10M Jeremy Mills
4. 10C Cayden Carter
5. 40 Scott Dickey
6. 21K Kyle Brown
7. 19G Richie Gustin
8. 9 Dakota Hayden
9. 7W Jerry Pilcher
10. 22 Brandon Banks
11. 71W Jeff Waterman
12. 64 Casey Greubel
13. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
14. 33D Scott Hogan
15. 47 Josh Truman
16. 21x Levi Layman
DNF: 7 Keith Haislip
        02 Andrew Schroeder
        1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
DNS: 11X Dugan Thye

Stock Car

1. 62 Brad Pinkerton
2. 14 Derrick Agee
3. 10cc Cayden Carter
4. 99D Damon Murty
5. 87x John Emerson
6. 93 Doug Adamy
7. 71 David Brandies
8. 94 Corey Stout
9. 52 Nathan Wood
10. 22R Todd Reitzler
11. 60 Shane Weller
12. 18 Kris Walker
13. 46 Michael McClure
14. 9W Scott Walker
15. 31 Josh Wood
16. 43 Jeremiah Jones
17. 19A Alan VanGorp
18. 45 Matt Deaton
DNF: 7M Jason Minnehan
         05 John Oliver, Jr.
         8M Sam McClure
        27J Jason Cook
        14J Michael Johnston
        25 Cody Agee

SportMods

1. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
2. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
3. 72 Brett Lowry
4. 71 Glenn Gladson, Jr.
5. 9 Mitch VanEngen
6. 6 Jim Gillenwater
7. 8B Brad Iverson
8. 9A Logan Anderson
9. 2+ Bill Wears
10. 10 Brayton Carter
11. 42 Tyler Heckert
12. 8J AJ Johnson
13. 8T Tony Johnson
14. 19G Gatlin Leythem
15. J7B Jon Braathun
16. 13T Taylor Musselman
17. 1 Rodger Dresden
DNF: 7202 Andrew Schroeder
         29 Brad Pinkerton
         19 Jason Wiggins
         99 Charlie Weber
         10R Ryan Fullencamp
         77 Rick Gladson
         12 Eric Flander

Hobby Stock

1. 78 Shannon Anderson
2. 10G Dustin Griffiths
3. 7B Eric Stanton
4. 07 Jacob Keiser
5. 11 Mike Hughes
6. 33 Justin Hook
7. 19 Bill Bonnett
8. 79s Jason See
9. 69 Craig Brown
10. 4W John Watson
11. 20 Andrew Husted
12. 78B Andrew Burg
13. 85 Doug Sylvester
14. 31 Adam Bonnett
15. 66 Brandon Cox
16. 7A Aaron Osweiler
17. 42T Tyson Overton
18. 05 Dustin Tapp
19. 74T   Chad Taylor
20. 224 Gina Greubel
21. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 84 Danny Thrasher
         32T Bobby Greene
         76 Jeremy Wagner

Sport Compact

1. 007 Adam Gates
2. 2 Merv Chandler
3. 27 Kassidy Kirkpatrick
4. 92 Kevin Kirkpatrick
5. 77 John Whalen
6. 9D Jason DeLarossa  sp?
7. 21ZC Cody Cleghorn
8. 4 Larry Hopkins
9. 04 Trent Orwig
10. 52 Steve Williams, Jr.
11. 26 Jimmy Garrett
DNF: 2M Matt Moore

Sportsmen Series also ran but did not get results

Blog to follow tomorrow

Hartford Hustler takes home the $10,000!

It was round two of the World Nationals at the Marshalltown Speedway on Saturday night.  The grandstands were packed with fans eager for the racing action. The pits were full as well with 190 cars. Some drivers did not return but others replaced them from the previous night. My very unoffical count was 8 new in the SportMods, 9 in the Stock Cars and 5 in the Hobby Stocks and all Modifieds returned with no new ones.  The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks joined in the fun for the night with a complete show along with the SportMods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks and of course, the 50-lap main attraction---the $10,000 Modified show for open motors.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks ran their feature first.  They went 12-laps for their A main which was also the final race of the season for the series.  It would also decide their championship which was a battle between brothers Bret and Brad Moyer. Bret Moyer took the lead from Pat Fagen at lap two and never looked back in this one.  Moyer scored the victory over Fagen in second.  Third was Rick Clark, fourth went to the #05 (sorry, didn't catch the name) and fifth was veteran racer who turned many laps back in the day in a Hobby Stock, Bryan Nevins, Sr. Bret Moyer with his win, is the series champion for 2013.

IMCA Hobby Stocks came next.  They ran 15-laps.  Austin Luellen was the class of the field in this feature as he led comfortably from start to finish.  Last night's winner Jamie Songer, John Watson and Bill Bonnett put up a good battle behind Luellen and then Eric Stanton joined them, making it even more interesting. Luellen captured the win, taking home $500 but it was anyone's guess on second until they crossed the finish line.  Songer won out, taking the runner up spot, Watson finished third ahead of Eric Stanton and Bill Bonnett as they finished fourth and fifth in that order.

The Northern SportMods ran 20-laps.  Geoff Olson was the guy at the helm in the early going while he fended off the advances of Matt Lettow and Tony Dunker.  At lap thirteen, Dunker nabbed the lead and soon pulled to a comfortable lead.  A yellow flew at lap seventeen, bunching the field and again at lap eighteen.  This set up a green-white-checkered finish.  Dunker was still in command, but now it was the #12 of Doug Smith sitting in the runner up spot, coming from starting eleventh on the field.  With that scenario set up, you just knew it was going to be shoot out.  Dunker didn't let it bother him however,  even after Smith showed him his car as they were under yellow.  Dunker drove to the checkers first, Smith having to settle for second.  Third place was Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow, early leader Geoff Olson was fourth and last night's winner Carter VanDenBerg, finished fifth after starting in row seven.  Dunker, who hails from Quincy, Illinois has taken a liking to the Marshalltown Speedway as he repeated his win from last year's Havoc on the High Banks.

The always entertaining "Class too Tough to Tame", the IMCA Stock Cars, was next.  It was basically a two-car show up front the entire way.  Damon Murty, the pole sitter, and the the driver out of Beatrice, Nebraska who sat directly behind him on the start, Kyle Vanover, put a show on for the fans.  Another Beatrice, Nebraska driver, Jordan Grabouski (who did double duty, also racing in the Modified division) was running in third, opting for the top of the track as the leaders chose the low line.  This race went the entire distance without a caution, making for lots of action on the track back in the field.  Vanover gained the advantage over Murty at lap seven and though the two battled closely most of the distance home, Vanover was the victor, taking home the $1,000.  Murty took the runner up spot.  John Heinz, who made the trip down from Wisconsin finished in third, fourth was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith who started in row six, and Trent Murphy, rounded out the top five.

The Modifieds had ten drivers qualify by points the previous night....their starting positions decided by a "hat draw" on the front stretch earlier. Ames, Iowa racer Adam Larson was the lucky recipient of the pole. Five last chance heats were run, taking the top two finishers directly to the A main and a "Final Four" race for those finishing 3-5 in the heats completed the last four places at the tail of the feature.

The biggest race in Marshalltown Speedway's racing history (well....as far as I know anyway) was lying ahead....a 50-lap battle for $10,000 to win.  A unique situation for the 50-lapper was implemented.  Since the race was to go non-stop without a break/mandatory pit stop, each time a caution flew, the cars were halted and realigned to conserve both fuel and tires.  Announcer Jerry VanSickle announced that the car's fuel cells varied from 16-gallon up to 32-gallon.  Would this play into the outcome of the race?  Seldom do you see a race of this length go without a mandatory pit stop for refueling.

Adam Larson enjoyed his pole starting positions in the early laps, but Jake Murray, who calls Hartford, Iowa his home, was pressuring him for the lead.  When a yellow flew at lap sixteen, Larson was still leading, Murray running second and Wisconsin's Shawn Kilgore was in third.  When the race restarted, it was still the Larson/Murray show up front.  Murray snatched the lead at lap 20 and set sail on the topside in his own built Murray chassis car, normally driven by Casey Greubel.  As Murray enjoyed his comfortable ride around the rim of the track, a real battle was developing behind him.  Larson, Darin Duffy, Jeremy Mills and Brian Mullens were jousting for position. The final yellow flew at lap 24, and on the restart, it was all Murray as he pulled away. Murray, on a rail at the top of the track, flew home to the $10,000 checkers.  Jeremy Mills made it up to the runner up, ahead of Duffy, who had started 14th on the field, in third.  Fourth went to Brian Mullens and Adam Larson completed the top five.  Congratulations to Jake Murray, "The Hartford Hustler", on his great win in a car he had built himself...and with a 16-gallon fuel cell!

Thanks to Toby Kruse and crew at the Marshalltown Speedway for putting on the great show and for keeping things moving along the entire time.  There are still some races left for us on the horizon. Check out the calendar at Positively Racing for a race you may want to catch.  Happy racing!      

World Nationals - Night One

The Marshalltown Speedway sprung back into action last night as the first night of the World Nationals---formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks, now sponsored by World Products, got underway. By our count there were 60 Modifieds, 56 SportMods, 39 Stock Cars and 38 Hobby Stocks for a total of 193 cars.  There was a bunch of racing for sure with a complete show being run for the SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks.  Those classes will do it all over again tonight with a full show and will be joined by the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks.  The Modifieds....all running non-claimer motors....ran eight heats and were awarded points for their finishes. First received 15, second 14, etc. At the end of the evening a second set of heats were run in reverse of their original starting line up, and points awarded in the same manner as they finished.

The SportMods ran their feature first---a 20-lapper.  With just a handful of laps in the books, the young man from Oskaloosa, Carter VanDenBerg had snatched the lead from Eric Elliott.  He set sail and was pulling away when the first yellow flew at lap sixteen.  By that time, the #7P of Tim Current, that I believe to be an eastern Iowa promoter, was up to second,  and no doubt happy to see the field get bunched up when the yellow rag flew.  The final four laps were not easy getting into the books as there was a restart situation called back on that sixteenth lap.  Then on lap eighteen another yellow, and it again took two tries to get the race completed.  VanDenBerg had maintained his lead, flying along on the topside, but Current was challenging on a lower line.  VanDenBerg kept his cool and his lead and flew home to the victory and the $1,000 pay off.  Current crossed in second, but we noted in the results that he was disqualified for an infraction, but do not know why.  This handed second over to regular weekly racer at the track, Travis Peterson.  Third went to Doug Smith who just got by Brian Efkamp who was scored fourth.  Justin Medler in car #75 out of Minot, North Dakota, was fifth.

The Hobby Stocks went 15-laps for their A main.  The show up front for much of the race was between Eric Stanton, Devin Smith and the 2013 car piloted by Jamie Songer.  An incident on the front stretch near the flagstand halted action at lap twelve, a red sitatuion needed for clean up. This resulted in veteran racer Randy Embrey, Gene Nicklas and Jason Kohl, who had made the long haul over from Missouri Valley, to have to retire to the pits.  As the race restarted, Songer had just gained the lead after battling on the back with Smith and Stanton. Songer showed his determination and outdistanced his competitors to the checkers and scored the $500 win.  It was an excited Songer in victory lane!  Eric Stanton took the runner up spot, John Watson came from mid starting field to capture third, fourth was Benji Irvine and Devin Smith completed the top five.

The final feature for the night was the Stock Car 20-lap main.  The drivers were running for $1,000 pay off in this one too.  A yellow flew at lap two, Todd Reitzler leading the race at that point, over veteran Robert Stofer.  When racing was about ready to get back underway, Reitzler suddenly exited the track and into the pits. This handed the lead over to Stofer, Donavon Smith running second.  A couple of laps later, Smith made the pass and into the lead.  By the halfway mark, Smith was pulling away from the field, and Beatrice, Nebraska racer Jordan Grabouski (who did double duty last night, also racing in the Modified division) had made his way into second place. and fellow Beatrice driver, Kyle Vanover was in third.  Smith was comfortable running low while his competitors were searching both high and low in hopes of gaining more momentum.  It wasn't to be however, as Smith took the checkers first, and scored the win.  Grabouski was the runner up, Brian Irvine made an impressive run to get to third after starting 11th, Vanover fell to fourth, and Damon Murty, who started 12th, took the fifth spot.

There were eight final heat races run for the Modifieds, their heats just reversed in starting order for the line ups.  The drivers accumulated points in both of their heats and we understand that those top point getters did qualify for the A main $10,000 to win race tonight.  What we found were the following qualified drivers that will probably be drawing for their starting positions tonight:
99M Mike Mullens, 64 Jacob Murray, 2L Adam Larson, 62 Hunter Marriott, 90K Shawn Kilgore, J41 Ryan Ruter, 10M Jeremy Mills, 72M Brian Mullens, 19G Richie Gustin and 21K Kyle Brown.
There are five last chance heats scheduled for tonight with two qualifying from those and then B or B's to qualify the last four drivers.

There got to be a nip in the air last night...football season weather.  A coat was welcomed by the end of the evening, as I am sure it will be tonight.  Don't forget one!  We plan to be back in Marshalltown for the finale tonight.  Hope to see you there!  Happy racing!

Carter and VanDenBerg outrace a pair of "aces"

Wednesday night was season championship night at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  The track champions were crowned, some determined before the night was started.  On track introductions gave the fans an up close glimpse of the drivers and a well earned round of applause. Racing was done in its usual format as the drivers raced heats to earn their invert/starting spots for their features.

In the IMCA Sport Compact division, it was veteran Merv Chandler snatching the track championship and the night's feature as well.  Following Chandler across the line were John Whalen and Bill Whalen, Jr.

The IMCA Hobby Stock feature had Aaron Osweiler leading the first part of the 15-lap race.  Danny Thrasher came calling by lap ten and grabbed the lead, bringing Doug Sylvester along in tow in the runner up spot.  Thrasher was able to maintain the lead to the checkers and score the victory.  Sylvester kept second, third was Craig Brown and Mike Hughes and Justin Hook rounded out the top five.  Veteran Bill Bonnett, who suffered a flat in the feature, went into the night with the track championship already wrapped up, leading his nearest competitor by 41 points.

The Modified's had an exciting conclusion to their 16-lap A main.  Billy Davis, Jr. in his #1+ car, looked poised to repeat his win from last week as he jumped to the immediate lead and pulled away from the field.  A yellow flew at lap five, bunching the field, but Davis had no trouble in pulling away again.  Meanwhile, it was Cayden Carter taking over second place and he began reeling in the leader.  As the laps wound down Carter continued his quest and Davis began to loose momentum.....a right front tire was slowly going down!  Carter seized the moment and flew around Davis on the white flag lap to secure the win, Davis crossing in second with the tire nearly flat. Third place was Andrew Schroeder, fourth went to Tyler Groenendyk and fifth was the track champion, Jacob Murray.

The IMCA Northern SportMods also went 16-laps for their feature event.  Cory VanZante and Logan Anderson started on the front row.  Anderson led through lap four when a caution waved. That restart situation was all that Curtis VanDerWal needed as he had quickly raced through the field from his ninth starting position and swept to the lead the following lap.  VanDerWal, in his #1V, was looking strong as he led the field, but Carter VanDenBerg was not to be counted out!  He had been battling with Anderson and Tyler Heckert for second place, was able to take that runner up spot and now had his sights set on the leader!  VanDenBerg smoothly reeled in VanDerWal, made the impressive  pass with two laps to go, and pulled away to the win.  VanDerWal was second, third place went to visiting driver from Swea City, Matt Looft, fourth went to Tyler Heckert and Brett Lowry rounded out the top five.  Curtis VanDerWal is the track champion for 2013.

The final racing of the evening was the 18-lap Stock Car A main.  This feature did not start off well!  A pile up in corner four before one lap was scored, eliminated a handful of cars. Several others that were involved would have to retire to the pits shortly with damage.  Those cars included Alan VanGorp, Damon Murty, Randy Killen, Kris Walker, Nathan Wood, Mike Johnston, Jason Cook, newcomer Russ Hall (we understand to be a sprint car racer) and Donovan Nunnikhoven!  Brad Pinkerton was the guy at the helm by lap five, and Corey "from just across the street" Stout was tailing him in second.  Just a couple of laps later, there was a real battle going on for second as Todd Reitzler and Cayden Carter joined in the fray.  Yes....Cayden Carter.  Carter hopped in one of Roger Kelderman's stock cars, sporting a bright orange ride that we usually see being piloted by Zack VanderBeek. Carter in the #10cc car looked to be no rookie in the division as he went at it with the other experienced drivers in the class.  In the closing laps, Reitzler gained the runner up advantage and gave it a shot at challenging the leader but would fall short at the checkers.  Pinkerton took the win, his third of the season, Reitzler having to settle for second.  Carter took third in an impressive debut in the full-fendered class, besting Corey Stout in fourth and Jason Minnehan in fifth.

So concluded another season of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  The racing just continued to get better all season long.  Thanks to promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew for providing the drivers and fans with the long-standing Wednesday night show.  The track is not silent quite yet however.  Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday October 4th and 5th, for the annual Fall Challenge.  Check www.raceosky.com for more information on this long-standing annual tradition.

Our plans are for the two-night World Nationals (formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks) at the Marshalltown Speedway scheduled for this weekend, September 20-21.  Should be some great racing.  Friday, there will be a full program for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, plus qualifying for the Modifieds.  The Modifieds are all non-claimer motors.  Then on Saturday, another full show for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and Dirt Trucks will be on tap. The main event will be the $10,000 to win Modified feature.  Check www.marshalltownspeedway.com for more details. Happy racing!

Osky- 9-18-13 Season Championship

Unofficial results:

Modified:

1. 10c Cayden Carter
2. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr. -
3. 02 Andrew Schroeder
4. 17 Tyler Groenendyk
5. 48J Jacob Murray - Track Champion
6. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF:  22 Brandon Banks
           64 Casey Greubel
           40 Scott Dickey

Stock Car

1. 62 Brad Pinkerton
2. 22R Todd Reitzler
3. 10cc Cayden Carter (driving a Kelderman car)
4. 94 Corey Stout
5. 7M Jason Minnehan
6. 38 Rich Vogt
DNF: 2N Donovan Nunnikhoven
         18C Russ Hall
         27J Jason Cook
         14J Mike Johnston
         52 Nathan Wood - Track Champion
         18 Kris Walker
         81X Randy Killen
         99D Damon Murty
         19A Alan VanGorp

SportMod

1. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
2. 1V Curtis VanDerWal - Track Champion
3. 9 Matt Looft - Swea City, IA
4. 42 Tyler Heckert
5. 72 Brett Lowry
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 9A Logan Anderson
8. 8T Tony Johnson
9. 34Z Cory VanZante
10. 10 Brayton Carter
11. 99 Charley Webber
12. 3J Jim Blazina
13. 198 Sam Wieben - Dysart, IA
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
         29 Bill Livezey

Hobby Stock

1. 84 Danny Thrasher
2. 85 Doug Sylvester
3. 69 Craig Brown
4. 11 Mike Hughes
5. 33 Justin Hook
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 7A Aaron Osweiler
8. 3s Steve Allen
9. 224 Gina Greubel
10. 55 Jared Stephens
11. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 12 Mike Kincaid
         19 Bill Bonnett - Track Champion
         32T Bobby Greene

Sport Compact

1. 2 Merv Chandler - Track Champion
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.

Blog to follow tomorrow

Davis, AJ Johnson, and Stout capture first 2013 wins at Osky

It was back to the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa on Wednesday for another night of regular season racing.  After two weeks off, it was back to business and a good night of racing it was!

The Sport Compacts feature went to veteran racer Merv Chandler....driving yet a different car on his way to the victory.  Chandler outdistanced brothers John Whalen and Bill Whalen, Jr. in second and third, and Matt Moore took fourth.  

The IMCA SportMod 16-lap feature was appearing to have Brayton Carter on his way to his first victory at Osky.  That is until turn two rose up and bit him---sending him into a dreaded spin mode.  Carter had led from the drop of the green and was looking strong while AJ Johnson, Carter VanDenBerg, and  Curtis VanDerWal were duking it out behind him for position.  Lap twelve would be Carter's undoing, as his "blip" in turn two sent him spinning, bringing out the yellow, and ending his great run. AJ Johnson would inherit the lead on the restart and was able to maintain it the remaining four laps to the checkers and score the win. Carter VanDenBerg, who had just come off winning the IMCA SportMod Super Nationals, took the runner up position.  Curtis VanDerWal, Eric Flander and Corey VanZante completed the top five.  This was Johnson's first win at Osky this year.  

The IMCA Hobby Stocks went 15-laps in their main event and what an exciting finish!  Justin Hook was the man at the helm from lap one and he pulled away to a comfortable lead letting the field jockeying for position behind him.  Bill Bonnett and Mike Hughes were battling for second place while a short distance behind them, Aaron Osweiler and Steve Allen were going at it for fourth.  Hook had clean air in front of him and was sailing along comfortably---UNTIL the closing laps.  Bonnett and Hughes had caught the leader and were hungry for more.  The final lap was the deciding factor when Bonnett was able to make the pass on leader Hook on the backstretch and Hughes did the same.  Veteran Bonnett took the checkers and the win.  Mike Hughes took the runner up spot and Hook had to be content with a third place finish.  Steve Allen and Aaron Osweiler rounded out the top five.  Bonnett scored for the fourth time this year and with a 41 point lead, has wrapped up the track championship.

The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars ran their 18-lap feature next.  They showed their style by going three-wide several times, trying to get the advantage on the Monster Half-Mile.  Corey "from just across the street" Stout led from the get go.  Kris Walker was challenging for the lead by lap seven and then Zack VanderBeek had his bright orange hot rod sniffing at the heels of Walker. Not to be outdone, Nathan Wood joined in the fray as did Brad Pinkerton, who had suddenly caught the front of the pack.  Stout was the victor on this night as he secured the win, his first of the season at Osky.  VanderBeek took the runner up spot, Walker finished third, Wood was fourth, and Pinkerton, who had been involved in an earlier incident, having to tag the field, made up ground to finish in fifth.  Stout became the ninth different Stock Car feature winner at the Southern Iowa Speedway this year.  

In the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, Billy Davis, Jr. was the class of the field sailing along comfortably until unlucky lap #13 when he jumped the cushion in turn two, made contact with second running Scott Dickey and had his nice lead disappear when the yellow flew.  Unfortunately, Dickey's night ended there, but who should be in that runner up position on the restart but Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing.  Sobbing, who is trying to wrap up an IMCA National Championship, was hungry for a win, his 55th race (the magic # in IMCA on the year) and a win would have helped secure it  from what we heard. Davis however, was strong up front and kept the lead on the restart.  A final yellow at lap fifteen, had Sobbing giving it a shot on the backstretch, but he would fall short.  Davis took the win, Sobbing having to settle for second.  Cayden Carter dogged Sobbing in the final laps, taking a third place finish.  Fourth went to Brandon Banks and Jacob Murray completed the top five.  Billy Davis, Jr. won for the first time at Osky....one of ten different winners on the year. We believe we understood Davis to say this was his final year of racing, making the win special, but bitter sweet. 

Next Wednesday night will be season championship night at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  Then, on Friday and Saturday, October 4-5, it will be the 27th Annual Musco Lighting Fall Challenge.  Check www.oskyspeedway for more details on this great event.  Happy racing!  

 

  

Osky - 9-11-13

Unofficial results:

Modified

1. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
2. 99 Jesse Sobbing
3. 10c Cayden Carter
4. 22 Brandon Banks
5. 48J Jacob Murray
6. 17 Tyler Groendyke
DNF: 66 Jeff Joldersma
         40 Scott Dickey
         64 Casey Greubel
         42 Johnathan Husted
DNS: 9 Luke Cochran, Springfield, NE
         02 Andrew Schroeder

Stock Car

1. 94 Corey Stout
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 18 Kris Walker
4. 52 Nathan Wood
5. 62 Brad Pinkerton
6. 38 Rich Vogt
7. 75 Curt Hook
DNF: 27J Jason Cook
DNS: 19A Alan VanGorp
          77T Trent Jeanes
          57 Keith Kuder

SportMod

1. 8J AJ Johnson
2. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
3. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
4. 12 Eric Flander
5. 34Z Cory VanZante
6. 72 Brett Lowry
7. GT1 Brian Efkamp
8. 95J (in the 8B car) Jason Hall
9. 10 Brayton Carter
10. 3J Jim Blazina, Blair, NE
11. 99 Charlie Weber
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
          8T Tony Johnson
          9A Logan Anderson
          29 Bill Livezey

Hobby Stock

1. 19 Bill Bonnett
2. 11 Mike Hughes
3. 33 Justin Hook
4. 3s Steve Allen
5. 7A Aaron Osweiler
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 69 Craig Brown
8. 85 Doug Sylvester
9. 32T Bobby Greene
10. 224 Gina Greubel
11. Jared Stephens
12. 17 Andy Peck
DNF: 24X Austin Wolfgram, Webster City, IA
         84 Danny Thrasher

Sport Compact

1. 2 Merv Chandler
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
4. 2M Matt Moore

Sportsman Series

Feature - 18 Kris Walker

Check----Super Nationals 2013 in the books!

The spectacle that is the Super Nationals is over.  2013 was just as crazy as ever, with over 800 cars on hand, but what a fun time!  We will try and hit on just a few of the highlights that WE know of, but ask anyone that attended and I'm sure they will have other tales to tell.

One big bonus this year was NO rain.  Well, not to speak of anyway.  One night we had a few sprinkles that popped up smack dab over Boone, Iowa but a quick, very quick, farming session which probably delayed things no more than ten minutes, took care of that, and then it was back to racing.  Still, the nights were all late.  Much was due to that yellow rag flying often and a few red flag situations as well.

Monday there was a complete show for.the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models.  No stranger to a winner's circle, Jeff Aikey put his familiar #77 back into victory lane, taking home the hardware and the Super National's Championship prize for the third time.  Ray Guss, Jr. was second followed by Justin Kay, Todd Cooney, and Joel Callahan.  Racing ended at 1:45 a.m.

Tuesday, the IMCA Sport Compacts had a record 63 entrants and ran their complete show.  The winner was Jacob Ellithorpe, the driver out of Maquoketa, Iowa who also set a record by being a repeat winner from last year's Super Nationals.  No one could catch Ellithorpe....not even the Chandler gang.  Nathan Chandler, Brad Chandler and Merv Chandler finished second, third and fourth.  Mitch Bolton completed the top five. The 25-lap feature went flag to flag....unlike any other feature race during the six-day run.  Racing ended at 1:04 a.m.

Wednesday was the first day for the IMCA Modifieds.  You can tell by the size of the crowd that this is what most come to see.  The ground pounding Modifieds were often in the "push the cush" mode as announcers Jerry VanSickle, Ryan Clark and Chet Christner would often exclaim.  It's always great to see the cars that come from far and wide.  An example of that was heat 28 when there were seven states plus Canada represented in the 8-car heat.  The "Hillbilly wrecker" (Boone's version utilized with a John Deere tractor) was busy most every night, damage done to a lot of cars over the course of the six-nights, but as far as we heard, no injury to a driver.  The races concluded on this night at 1:50 a.m.

Thursday dawned another scorching day.  This was the hottest Super Nationals we can ever recall in all of our 26 years in attendance.  Often, it is winter coat nights, but not this year as even in the wee hours of the morning, some people were even sans a sweatshirt.  The day was deemed "Throwback Thursday" and people were encouraged to wear their oldest racing attire.  Even the officials donned vintage shirts ranging from the early 90's on.  Several former Super Nationals Modified champions were on hand to greet fans in the Fan Zone tent out behind the grandstand.  Those we saw were Wayne Larson, Randy Havlik, Todd Shute, Wayne Graybeal, Ron Pople, Kevin Stoa, and last year's winner Jeff Taylor.  Racing ended at 2:08 a.m.

Friday, we saw one of the best races ever in the All-Star Invitational 30-lap feature.  We were not the only ones that we heard saying the same thing!  After the pomp and circumstances preparation, the drivers voted into the prestigious event strapped into their cars and saluted the crowd in a three-wide parade lap, each driver holding their respective state flag plus a Canadian flag flown by Aaron Turnbull.  Todd Shute quickly got to the front from his middle of the fifth row starting position. The closing laps saw him and Chris Abelson duking it out lap after lap in one of the most exciting conclusions we have ever witnessed!  Shute was the victor of this one at the end of the 30 laps.  An emotional Shute exclaimed in victory lane that, "I hope you enjoyed it, 'cause it was fun where I was sitting"!  The racing finished up at 2:51 a.m.

Then it was Saturday!  Time flew quickly even with the late nights.  There was final last chance qualifying  for the Modifieds plus the Race of Champion features for the four classes.  The Hobby Stock winner was veteran Randy Embrey, SportMod winner was Bobby Anders, Stock Car winner was Donavon Smith and Modified winner was Dustin Smith.

The first of the Super National championship features was the Hobby Stocks.  Brandon Pruitt led this one all 30-laps from the pole; start to finish.  Chris Luloff made a late race pass on David Rieks as they went second and third.  Fourth was veteran Bill Bonnett and Cory Ganson came from the last row to finish fifth.

The IMCA Northern SportMod feature was also 30-laps. Yellows plagued this contest but Carter VanDenBerg had no trouble in keeping his lead from start to finish and took the championship by a comfortable margin.  Doug Smith finished a distant second, followed by Clint Luellen (who came from row five) Brett Lowry, and Kyle Prauner.

The 30-lap IMCA Stock Car feature saw the track change as the groove moved to mid-track part way through.  Mike Nichols was looking strong as he took the lead by lap one from starting in row four and Jay Schmidt followed him through the mass of cars from his fifth row start, to take second.  Much of the race was the #63 of Nichols with the #19J of Schmidt in that running order with the #33C of Brandon Czarapata running a distant third.  Things really tightened up when a yellow flew at lap 20 and on the restart, Czarapata was able to get the advantage and take over the lead.  Brian Irvine was now in the hunt as well and Donavon Smith was looking for a top five finish as he ran fourth, Schmidt having dropped to fifth.  When a yellow flew at lap 28, it set the scene for a green-white-checkered shoot out.  Nichols was the bad luck guy when he had to exit with mechanical issues, sending him out the quest for a top finish.  When racing resumed, Irvine slipped off the top of turn three, also out of the game, but Czarapata had no issues in taking home the win and the Super Nationals crown.  Jay Schmidt worked his way back to the runner up spot, Damon Murty came from starting back in row six to claim third place, fourth was Beatrice, Nebraska driver Kyle Vanover, and Donavon Smith completed the top five.

The grand finale was the 40-lap main event for the IMCA Modifieds.  The guy claiming the pole position for their 3-wide start was first timer Ricky Thornton, Jr. from Chandler, Arizona.  Dylan Smith from Osceola, Nebraska started in the middle and outside front row starter was Sioux City's Chris Mills.  Chris Mills got the advantage when the green fell, and Dylan Smith tucked in behind as he ran second.  Smith was able to take over the lead with ten laps remaining, and Texas driver Keith White and local Ames, Iowa racer Jon Snyder were not done in their pursuit of the golden ring as they ran second and third.  This race also would find a green-white-checkered shoot out when a yellow flew at lap 38.  Smith wasn't to be denied though and maintained his lead, and taking the win.  Snyder got around White as they went second and third. Wisconsinite Shawn Kilgore came from row five to finish fourth and Boone's own Kelly Lyons finished in fifth.

We were more than happy that so many of our local weekly track racers made their respective "Big Dance".  From the Marshalltown Speedway, Boone Speedway, and Southern Iowa Speedway, they were well represented.  Congratulations to those that I can remember, and forgive me for those I may have missed.  It is not intentional.  Bill Bonnett, Austin Luellen, and Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks.  In the SportMod division, winner Carter VanDenBerg did the local racing scene proud and took home the crown.  He was joined in their feature by Clint Luellen, Brett Lowry, Eric Elliott, Geoff Olson, Eric Flander, Johnathon Logue, Tim Love, Jerry Hinton and Paul Nagle.  In the IMCA Stock Cars, Jay Schmidt gave it a shot but fell just short, claiming second place.  Also in the feature were Damon Murty, Nathan Wood, Bob Daniels, Wayne Gifford, Jason Cook, Todd Reitzler, Trent Murphy, Steve Meyer and Michael Jaennette. There was no lack of locals in the Modified feature either.  Jon Snyder gave it a shot for the win in the feature but fell short and took second.  Also racing was Kelly Lyons, Kyle Brown, Jacob Murray, Matthew Meinecke, Scott Davis, Adam Larson and Jimmy Gustin.

So ended another marathon Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway.  We had a great time.  Not only was the racing great, but it made it all the more enjoyable by seeing old friends, some but once a year at the Super Nationals, and making new ones from across the United States, and sharing the times with them all. Regular weekly Boone announcer Jerry VanSickle was joined for the Super Nationals gig by Ryan Clark and Chet Christner.  They kept the crowd informed and well entertained through out the entire six-day run.

You can find more detailed information about the racing at www.raceboone.com and www.imca.com.

Our racing season isn't quite over yet with a few more races we have on the horizon.  Next up for us will be the Southern Iowa Speedway this Wednesday night, September 11, as they continue their regular season of racing. Happy racing!  

Season Championship time at Boone---then on to the Super Nationals

There was evidence of the madness already beginning at Boone on Saturday night.  The pits were already looking pretty full with a steady stream of Super Nationals entrance arriving all during the night.  There were tents in the pits and grandstand area and campers were springing up in abundance.  But before the craziness of the 31st Super Nationals begins on Monday, it was back to regular weekly racing and the season championships.  No new drivers were allowed to race on season championship night, with the top 20 in points locked into the features.  Only one B main was needed, that being in the SportMod division, to fill in the final four cars in their A main.  Each class was brought to the frontstetch with the drivers being introduced to the fans.  Always a nice opportunity for the fans to see the drivers as well as the drivers receiving a well earned round of applause.

All classes ran extra laps in their season championship mains.  The Mod Lites started things off with their 18-lap feature.  Bryan Zehm led from the drop of the green with Josh May in tow.  The race was red flagged at lap nine when Joe Glick rolled his ride as he came out of turn two.  He was okay.  When things resumed, it was still Zehm at the helm, but May was beginning to put on the pressure.  At lap fifteen, May decided it was time to take over that top spot and flew into the lead.  He would then motor home to another feature win, his fifth on the year, as well as being crowned the 2013 track champion.  Zehm finished as the runner up, third was Dusty Masolini and Randy Bryan and Terry Brown completed the top five.

It was fifteen laps in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature.  Eric Stanton jumped to the lead immediately, while he was happy to see the cars duking it out behind for second.  Shannon Anderson, Aaron Rudolph, Tyler Pickett and Matt Hudspeth seemed content on mounting the challenge for position and the possible victory.  Those cars would swap positions several times, with Anderson finally establishing second place.  As the laps were winding down, Anderson put his foot in it and was able to make the pass on the leader with a lap to go.  He would take it home to the checkers first and put another win in the books at Boone.  Stanton took the runner up spot, but was still a winner on the night as he took the track championship.  Third place was Tyler Pickett, Aaron Rudolph was fourth and Matt Hudspeth  rounded out the top five.

The only class that ran a last chance race to complete their starting grid in the main was the IMCA Northern SportMod class.  Curt Moeding was the winner in that consy race.  Going into the race, Eric Elliott held a commanding lead in the points battle, and showed the reason why in the main event.  Elliott took command from the drop of the green, never to look back.  Tim Love, sporting his new snazzy looking PINK wrapped car....just one of many cars that will be sporting a themed charity/cause for a contest at the Super Nationals....held down second spot for much of the race.  Tara Longnecker, who has had a great season, was able to make the pass on Love with a lap remaining, and took the runner up spot, Love falling to third.  Rounding out the top five was Randy Roberts and Johnathon Logue, Jr.

The IMCA Stock Cars went 20-laps and it was Jay Schmidt sending his "Black Betty" ride to the immediate lead.  Schmidt put her up top and circled the track contentedly while the pack behind him dug for position.  Michael Murphy held second place much of the race but wasn't having an easy time fighting with Donavon Smith and the brothers Gifford...Wayne and Jerry.  Veteran racer Robert Stofer joined the fray as well, giving the crowd their money's worth.  Smith took over second with less than a handful of laps remaining, relentlessly challenging Schmidt and finally making the pass with one lap to go.  Smith took the checkers, his third at Boone this year, Schmidt finishing as the runner up.  Third place was Trent Murphy followed by Robert Stofer and Jerry Gifford.  Murphy is the track champion.

The grand finale was the 25-lap Modified feature and it was a "Jim Dandy"!  Front row starters Jimmy Gustin and "Downtown" Kyle Brown were the show for much of the race.  Brown chose the topside and sent his Ford powered ride consistently like a rocket off of turn two....pulling Gustin each time. Scott Davis, Randy Havlik and Russ Dickerson were battling it out behind the two leaders and now it was also noted that Mike VanGenderen, and Mark Elliott, both who had started near the tail of the field, were flying through the pack.  Elliott's night would end with a miscue and nearly going over the edge, but VanGenderen put the hammer down and continued his quest.  Davis was also shortly out of the running when his motor appeared to let loose. Brown and Gustin were still going at it, Brown holding the advantage when it was at lap twenty-one when Gustin also jumped the cushion in turn four, bringing out the yellow and putting him out of the running for a top finish.  On the restart, it was Russ Dickerson behind leader Brown with the high hopes of getting more.  It wasn't to be on this night however, as Brown took the win, his first at Boone this year, and Dickerson was the bridesmaid.  Mike VanGenderen came from starting fifteenth to take a third place finish, fourth was Tony Cox and Chris Webb was fifth.  Jimmy Gustin is the track champion for 2013.

A few notes on the night.  There is a new "winner's ramped platform" in the infield, awaiting all of the Super Nationals winners.  It was not a good night for more than one driver going into Super Nationals week. I know there were others but among them that we can recall were Scott Davis puffing a motor, but one of the worst was Stock Car driver Damon Murty taking a nasty barrel roll AFTER the feature, tumbling about four times and landing on his wheels in turn two.  Incidents like this right before running for the Big Dance is never a good thing.  We know how much work goes into just preparing for weekly races, let alone a marathon week of racing.

We will be attending the entire week of Super Nationals again.....our 26th straight and every one at Boone.
We are hoping we won't be seeing the sun rise this year as we did last year when the first night of racing was finally completed at 5:50 a.m.  That was due to a 4 1/2 hour delay in start time thanks to Mother Nature and if I recall correctly...a blown up jet dryer.  Several other rain storms during the week made for more headaches.  Please Mother Nature, though much of the state is needing rain desperately, hold off until the Super Nationals are completed.  We look forward to our Racin' Vacation again, meeting up with friends and racers we see each year and joining everyone in the organized chaos that is the spectacle of Super Nationals! Happy racing!        

Season championship night winners and track champions crowned at Marshalltown

The final night of regular season racing at the Marshalltown Speedway was completed last night---and a hot night of racing it was.  With temperatures soaring in recent days---more like a mid July heat wave than the end of August---the racing program consisted of the top twelve in points being locked in to their features and with any additional cars running last chance races to fill in the field if need be.  Only the Stock Cars and SportMods had that requirement.  All classes had driver introductions on the frontstretch, giving fans a chance to see their favorite driver out of the car and sans helmet.

The first feature was the IMCA Sport Compacts.  John Gill led this one the entire distance, scoring the feature win.  Chad Larson was second  and Adam Gates---who completed the final circuits minus a left rear wheel--- was third. Josh Keller was fourth and Merv Chandler was fifth.  In the post race interview, you could hear the emotion in Gill's voice as he explained his excitement in scoring his first ever career win.   Always great to witness one of those moments.  Merv Chandler is the track champion for 2013.

The MADCRA Mod Lites came next.  After the on track introductions, the front row starters were offered a challenge for extra money IF they would go to the tail and try to win.  Five extra laps would be added to the feature race.  Josh May the pole sitter and point leader, accepted that challenge, while Mike Morrill, his front row partner, opted out.  Randy Bryan inherited the pole position start when May retired to the rear, and led the first handful of laps. Dusty Masolini came calling and swept into the lead shortly, eventually distancing himself from the field.  Meanwhile, all eyes were on the #99 of Josh May, as the fans watched his movement through the pack.  May caught second running Bryan, making the pass into the runner up spot by lap twelve, and now on the hunt to catch Masolini.  It wasn't in the cards for May however, as Masolini kept his lead and took the win, May coming home in second.  Bryan finished in third, fourth was Charlie Brown and Mike Morrill rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag.  This was Masolini's second win of the season at Marshalltown.  Josh May is the track champion for 2013.

The Hobby Stocks went the distance in their feature without a caution as well.  After pole sitter Bill Bonnett took the challenge of getting the possible bonus money by going to the tail---with five laps added to their usual 12-lap main, things were set.  Eric Stanton had no trouble in scoring the feature win in this one....leading from the drop of the green, to the checkers.  Eric Larson took the runner up spot, Garrett Eilander was third, followed by Gary Pfantz and Scott Durlin in fourth and fifth.  Stanton won for the fifth time this season, Bill Bonnett taking the track championship.

In the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Joel Rust had the eyes of the crowd on his quest for the win, as he accepted the back row challenge in a run for the extra money.  Jenae Gustin led much of this race, Travis Peterson getting to the runner up spot and the two passing the flagstand nearly side-by-side lap after lap. Peterson took the lead on lap fourteen, Gustin was still in the hunt in second, when she was suddenly off power, her night ended.  As the laps wound down, Joel Rust was continuing his run from the back, picking off car after car, and getting into second with a lap remaining.  That would be where the exciting run would end, as he had to settle for second behind winner Peterson.  Third was Jayme Duinink, the Pella, Iowa driver who had an excellent run to score a third place finish, fourth was Eric Elliott and Johnathon Logue completed the top five. Peterson scored a feature win for the fourth time this year.   Eric Elliott is the 2013 track champion.

Only six points separated Jay Schmidt and Steve Meyer in determining the track championship in the IMCA Stock Car class.  Neither driver took the chance by going to the tail for the extra money, starting the regular 18-lap A main side-by-side on the front row.  Schmidt led the opening laps.  Damon Murty came calling by lap five, taking the helm as he held off Meyer and Schmidt.  Meanwhile, making his way through the field from starting thirteenth, was the bright green #26 ride of "Flyin'" Brian Irvine, flying through in his usual form and getting to third by lap ten.  Irvine made the pass into second around Schmidt and was now dogging Murty.  Irvine nosed under Murty with just two laps remaining, taking over the top spot and flew home to the win.  Murty took the runner up spot, Schmidt and his "Black Betty" ride taking third.  Fourth was Steve Meyer and Derek Reimer rounded out the top five.  This was Irvine's first win at the track this year.  Jay Schmidt also came out a winner tonight, taking the track championship title for the first time in his career.

Twelve IMCA Modifieds were on hand for the season championship.  This was a race that was going to determine the track championship as well.  Going into the race, Ronn Lauritzen held a one point advantage over Jon Snyder.  When asked if either would take the challenge by going to the rear---sponsor money upping their payday to $1,050 on the night for the win--- the discussion was among the two popular drivers.  BOTH drivers agreed to do it for the fans, taking the challenge and starting at the tail, a decision welcomed by the enthusiastic response of the crowd.  The start of the race sent third place in points, Racer Hulin to the pole position, a lead he would hold through lap five.  Luke Wanninger, who had started back in row five, made his presence known by taking the lead by lap seven.  Wanninger was looking comfortable in his lead, but Jon Snyder was flying, getting to second and mounted a challenge on the leader in the closing laps.  Meanwhile, Ronn Lauritzen was digging on the bottom and challenging Richie Gustin.  Gustin, who had started on the last row was running in third, holding off Lauritzen.  Wanninger never wavered, keeping his top spot to the checkers and the win.  Snyder kept second place, as he spewed water all over the track after taking the checkers.  Gustin took the third spot over Lauritzen in fourth.  Fifth went to Clay Christianson in the #44 Sky Rocket house car. Wanninger won for the first time at the speedway this year.  The race determined the track championship, Snyder winning it by one point over Lauritzen.  An interview after the race by announcer Jerry VanSickle with Snyder and Lauritzen was a congenial exchange, each driver saying it was a decision to "shoot it out" between the two for the championship and deciding it was all for the fans.  Thank you to the two drivers for giving the fans what they wanted to see.

So ends another season at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Of course, there will still be the big $10,000 to win for Modifieds, the World Nationals---formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks.  The race will be a two night show on September 20 and 21.  Thursday night, September 19 will be a practice night.  For more details, check www.marshalltownspeedway.com.

We will be off to the Boone Speedway tonight....where I am sure the craziness has already begun with the looming 31st running of the IMCA Super Nationals slated to start on Monday, September 2.  Tonight is season championship at the track.  The top 20 in points are locked into the features, with the field being filled in by last chance races for any driver being eligible to run if they have points on the books this year at the track.

Monday, we will be back at Boone for the Super Nationals.....our 26th straight year at America's Racin' Vacation.  It can be madness, but what a great time. It is great to see all of the drivers from far and wide that come to race----some just to check it off of their bucket list, plus catching up with racing family we see but once a year.  If you haven't been to see the organized chaos of hundreds and hundreds of race cars, and race after race, you should experience it just once.  Hope to cross paths with some of you, please stop and say "Hi".   Happy racing!

Carter takes the checkers at Boone

It must be getting close to Super Nationals time at Boone.  The camping area is already sprouting RV's and the race cars are flocking in.  By my count last night, there were 188 scheduled to run heats---beating out last week's count by 15.  New winners were abundant too, as new names were added to the winner's column in the Modified, SportMod, and TWO in the Hobby Stock.  That's right, for the first time this year, two Hobby Stock features were run.  The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks were also back in town, throw in a Stock Car King of the Hill, plus bike races for the youngsters and a big bike giveaway sponsored by the local Walmart, it made for a night packed full of entertainment.  It was a late one with the final checkers falling at 12:15 a.m.   Just gearing up for the Super Nationals!  

The Mod Lite feature went to Bryan Zehm.  Zehm, who scored for the third time this year, took over the lead after fighting it out with Cory Dennis and Travis Stensland.  Zehm took the checkers, Dennis scored as the runner up.  Dusty Masolini got in the hunt the second half of the race and finished third.  Fourth went to Travis Stensland and pole sitter Luke Payton was fifth.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks ran a 15-lap A main.  Bret Moyer led the opening laps until his father, Carl Moyer took the lead before a handful of laps was in the books.  His comfortable lead vanished when a yellow flew at lap thirteen, setting up a two lap shootout to the checkers.  Ed Nelson had moved in to second place for the restart and was looking to sneak by Moyer.  It didn't happen however, as Moyer got to the checkers first, Nelson having to settle for second.  Third went to Pat Fagen, early leader Bret Moyer finished fourth and Rick Clark rounded out the top five.

Racer Nate Whitehurst from Mason City, put his mark on the track, scoring a win in only his second time at the track.  This wasn't before two pile up incidents in turn four would eliminate or send cars to the tail to restart.  The first incident saw Eric Flander, who had jumped to the lead immediately from his second row starting position, lose the handle as they approached the flagstand to score the first lap.  Carnage was everywhere and the entire track was blocked in turn four.  No injuries occurred, but the cars were a different story.  When the race did get started, it was but a few laps later when turn four reared it's ugly head again, and another red stopped the cars in order to clear the mess.  Meanwhile, it was Nate Whitehurst at the helm with the company of Randy Roberts, and Johnathon Logue giving chase.  After a final yellow flew at lap seven, the race continued caution free---Whitehurst keeping command and scoring the win by a comfortable margin.  Logue slipped by Roberts in the closing laps, as they took second and third.  Fourth place finisher, Tim Love, came from starting seventeenth and fifth was Curt Moeding.  Moeding, also from Mason City like the winner, started nineteenth after winning a B.

In the 20-lap Modified feature, it was Cayden Carter zipping off to the lead from his pole starting position as soon as the green was shown.  Carter took flight on the topside looking very comfortable, while some cars behind him chose the lower route, bouncing through a hole low in corner two.  Jon Snyder, who is the usual "Top Side Terror" chose to begin working his way up through the pack by hugging the bottom.  This proved to be a near disaster in one instance, as he bounced through the corner two hole, bringing both front wheels off the ground and nearly losing the handle. Meanwhile, it was Kyle Krampe and Mike VanGenderen fighting for second and third, soon to be joined by Todd Shute and Jammin' Jimmy Gustin.  It was four deep coming out of turn four, and cars would soon be shuffled around.  Nothing deterred Carter however, as he enjoyed his comfortable ride on the rim and scored the easy win.  Late in the race, Russ Dickerson made a move around Kyle Krampe---the two finishing second and third.  Gustin, who was sporting a new unlettered ride, came from twelfth and finished fourth and added to his huge point lead.  Todd Shute started tenth and took the fifth position.  This was Carter's first win at the track this season.

Clumps of cars were passing the start-finish line for the first couple of laps in the Stock Car 18-lap feature, nearly impossible to score as they were so close.  Finally things got sorted out, the result being Jeff Deal pulling away from the glued-together cars behind him.  Jerry Gifford had worked his way to the second spot but last week's winner Jay Schmidt was coming on strong and running third.  Schmidt flirted with disaster on a restart, flying to the topside immediately, only to slip off the cushion of turn one.  Schmidt, who kept his machine going, but loosing positions, was saved when another car sat dead in the water, bringing out the yellow. Deal still led the troops, Gifford in second and Schmidt in third. The last few laps saw Jerry Gifford getting the advantage and taking over the lead, Schmidt slipping by as well.  The race would end with a yellow/checkered when a car sat dangerously in corner two after the leaders had taken the white flag.  Gifford scored the win, his second this year, Schmidt took the runner up spot.  Third was Jeff Deal, who hails from Ft. Dodge, fourth was Michael Jaennette who started along side Schmidt in row six, and Wayne Gifford came from starting eleventh to complete the top five.

Earlier, a King of the Hill for the Stock Cars was held.  Round one was Jerry Gifford beating Mike Goldsberry, Michael Jaennette eliminated Robert Stofer, Wayne Gifford beat Lonnie Hodges and Jay Schmidt won over Jeff Deal.  Round two was Jaennette besting Jerry Gifford and Schmidt beat the other Gifford brother, Wayne.  The final round pitted Schmidt against Jaennette.  Schmidt took the win and the crown.

For the first time this season, there were TWO Hobby Stock features---both of which went flag to flag. After the yellow had been out frequently all night long previously, it was a welcome finale for the night.

The first Hobby feature was led flag to flag by Cody Gustoff.  He had a lot of pressure from Cory Roe and Tim Barber however.  Gustoff and Barber made contact as they approached the checkers, Gustoff holding on to his car and scoring the victory.  Barber and Roe finished second and third.  Dustin Lynch took fourth and veteran Randy Embrey made his first trip to the track in the regular season, and finished fifth.  Gustoff won for the first time at the track this year.

Hobby Feature #2 was Mike Smith leading over two guys jousting for second---Matt Hudspeth and Marengo, Iowa's Jacob Keiser.  Hudspeth and Keiser had escaped a four-wide battle behind Smith and were on the hunt.  The two reeled in Smith, Keiser getting the number one spot with just a couple of laps remaining and Hudspeth came along and tagged in second.  Keiser held the #1 position and scored his first win at the track, Hudspeth taking the runner up spot.  Point leader Eric Stanton finished third over Craig Graham and earlier leader Mike Smith held on for fifth.

Only one more week of regular season racing at the Boone Speedway.  Next Saturday will be Season Championship night.  It is our understanding that the top 20 in points in each class will be locked into the feature, with the last four spots being filled in by a last change race.  Only those having points during the season will be eligible.  Then on Sunday, things get started for the 31st running of the IMCA Super Nationals.  No racing will be held, but a lot of hot lapping, check in and teching will be done.  Labor Day Monday, September 2 is the real kick off for the Super Nationals.  The Deery Brothers Summer Series, Hobby Stocks, and Northern SportMods will be competition.  The Late Models will have a complete show, the Hobbies will qualify the inside and middle row of eight as will the SportMods.  For much more information, check out www.raceboone.com and click on the Super Nationals tab at the top.  Happy racing!  

Youth prevails at Marshalltown - Droste and Wieben nab wins

The youngsters showed how to get it done at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night, taking wins in the Modified and SportMod divisions.  A King of the Hill for the Modifieds and an Australian Pursuit for the Stock Cars were added entertainment for the fans.

Merv Chandler took the win again in the IMCA Sport Compact class.  He took the lead away from David Moorman at lap four, never to look back.  Moorman held the runner up spot, third was John Gill, Chad Larson was fourth and Duayne Herb finished fifth.  Chandler, still in a borrowed car, scored win #10 at Marshalltown.

The MADCRA Mod Lites clicked their 15-lap feature off without a caution.  Charlie Brown led the troops nearly the entire distance, but was having the pressure applied by Josh May the last few laps. May snatched the lead away on lap fourteen and motored home to the checkers first.  Brown held the runner up spot, third was Randy Bryan, Mike Morrill finished fourth and the winner's dad, Jimmy May, was fifth.  May won for the seventh time at the speedway this season.

The Hobby Stock feature was a wild one at the end!  It appeared that Kevin Fee was going to be taking home all the marbles in this 12-lap affair.  Fee was well ahead of his competitors, when lap traffic would enter the picture.  The lap car got crossed up in front of Fee, resulting in both cars going in spin mode, and taking Fee out of the running.  Brice Udelhoven had been running a good distance behind Fee in second place, and now took over the lead.....but with a lot of company.  Udelhoven had been holding off Eric Stanton and Eric Larson, and a pack of other cars breathing down their tailpipes.  The final lap was a free for all and with cars bumping, pushing and shoving, the inevitable disastrous contact among them was made. Cars went spinning everywhere as the checkers was shown in the distance, the lucky one escaping the chaos being Eric Larson.  Larson made it to the checkers first.  Eric Stanton took the runner up spot and third through fifth was a real shake up as many cars didn't make it to the finish line.  Visitor Benji Irvine was scored in third, fourth went to Bill Bonnett and Austin Luellen took fifth.  Larson went home with his third win under his belt.

Things were mixed up a bit in the running order last evening due to the special events on the docket, as the Modifieds came to the track next for their 20-lap feature.  David Brown led the opening laps, but the action quickly drew to a halt when Luke Wanninger got crossed up in turn one, collecting several cars in the process.  Wanninger's car was disabled which took quite some time to get hooked up and towed off.  It put Adam Larson out with a mangled car and Ronn Lauritzen was also involved, but was able to continue but having to tag the tail on the restart.  When things finally got back underway, young Tyler Droste, grandson of the legendary Red Droste, took command and was soon to be dogged by Cayden Carter.  The two circled the track lap after lap in that order while behind them, visitor Randy Havlik was coming on strong and Ronn Lauritzen had worked his way back through the field and into the fourth spot.  Droste would hold off Carter to take the checkers, his first of the year at the track, Carter having to settle for second.  Ronn Lauritzen put the move on Havlik near the end as they went third and fourth.  Rounding out the top five was another visiting driver from Clarence, Iowa---"The Flying Embalmer", Dan Chapman.

The IMCA Stock Cars had tight packs of cars fighting for position during much of the race.  Steve Meyer got to the lead by lap five after passing Derek Reimer but soon getting into the mix was two visiting hot shoes, Donavon Smith from Lake City, and Oelwein, Iowa's Brian Irvine.  The latter two had started in row six and were both showing their muscle.  Smith snatched the lead from Meyer at lap nine, Irvine passing for second a short time later.  Smith held the top position to the checkers and the win, Irvine coming home in second.  Meyer finished in third, followed by Derek Reimer in fourth and the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty in fifth.  This was Smith's first regular season win at the track this year, having taken the Stock Car Shoot Out win back on July 2.

Young Sam Wieben stole the spotlight in the SportMod feature.  Wieben, who was making only his second appearance in as many weeks at Marshalltown, put his #198 machine to the front by lap two.  Paul Nagle pressured Wieben later, only to lose the handle in turn one and putting himself out of contention.  Wieben took the checkers, putting win #1 in the books.  Shawn Albers got by Jared VanDeest late in the contest, as they went second and third.  Ben Kates finished fourth over Joel Rust in fifth.  Earlier, Rust Racing was on the track recognizing a member of their crew who has been fighting cancer.  They have been raising money to go toward the costly treatment.  Just another instance of racing family sticking together. Wieben, who is just back after having hip surgery back in May, scored his first win, thanking many sponsors for their help and support.

The night ended with two fun contests---the IMCA Modified King of the Hill and a Stock Car Australian Pursuit.  The Modifieds had qualified through their heat races----two being unable to start, Adam Larson and Luke Wanninger with too much damage.  First round saw Cayden Carter eliminate Tyler Droste at the finish line, Kyle Brown beat Dan Chapman and Ronn Lauritzen beat out Randy Havlik.  Carter beat Brown in round two, setting up the final round of Carter and Lauritzen.  Lauritzen took the glory in this one and was crowned King of the Hill.

The Stock Car Australian Pursuit is not something we often see anywhere now.  Six cars started the race, Curt Hook, Brian Irvine, Michael Jeannette, Scott Pippert, Damon Murty and Steve Meyer.  After an initial bad start----nose to tail guys!---- the show was all Irvine who immediately eliminated Hook.  Irvine took home the $100, Murty and Meyer the only others left standing.

They season is quickly drawing to a close.  Next week will be Season Championship night.  The top twelve in points in each division will be locked into the feature, filled in by any that can qualify through a last chance race. The track is silent until the big finale, the 7th Annual World Nationals (previously the Havoc on the Highbanks) on September 20 and 21.  Get out and find a race to attend as the season winds down.  Happy racing!

Double D takes Late Model win at Osky

It was finally time to get back to some regular racing at the big old Monster Half Mile.  After being silent on Wednesday nights since back on July 31, due to Sprint week at nearby Knoxville the first week of August and the State Fair being on the following week, things sprung back into action at the Southern Iowa Speedway last night.  The IMCA Late Models joined the other classes on the program.

There were some surprising drivers in attendance, one of them making a long haul from his home state of Oklahoma and his first time ever at the track.  Three drivers would add to their wins at the track this year, while there were first time winners in the Modified, SportMod and Late Model divisions.

There were only three Sport Compacts in attendance last night.  Bill Whalen, Jr. led the entire eight laps, finishing ahead of veteran Merv Chandler....sporting a rent a ride #57...and Trent Orwig finished third.  This was Whalen's third feature win at the track in 2013.

The Hobby Stock winner had a hot car last night....really...as an oil fire sprung up under the hood as he sat in victory lane.  That driver would be Mike Hughes, who has made a habit of taking the checkers at Osky this year.  Hughes took the lead from Aaron Osweiler at lap eight with a power move down the backstretch.  A lap later, a red flag came out when Travis Bunnell took a hard shot into the frontstretch wall.  He was not injured.  When things got back underway, the race would go the rest of the distance caution free, Hughes in command to the checkers.  Danny Thrasher followed the leader to take second, third went to track point leader Bill Bonnett, Osweiler hung around the front and scored fourth and Justin Hook rounded out the top five.  Hughes, who had started in row five, captured his sixth win of the year.

The IMCA Northern SportMods went 16-laps in their A feature.  AJ Johnson was the guy in command from the drop of the green.  It didn't take Carter VanDenBerg long to come calling though, getting to the leaders rear bumper by lap seven after winning the battle for position with Logan Anderson and Brett Lowry. VanDenBerg made the pass to the lead by lap eight and another driver coming on strong was Curtis VanDerWal who had started tenth and by lap ten was getting in the hunt.  An incident in turn one would end VanDerWal's run.  VanDerWal gathered his machine under him, continuing on and keeping the race green, but lost many positions.  VanDenBerg would then pull away from his competitors and take the comfortable win.  AJ Johnson finished as the runner up, third was Brett Lowry.  Logan Anderson took the fourth place and Eric Flander rounded out the top five. This was VanDenBerg's first win at the track this year.  He has been having a good run as of late, taking the win at the Bloomfield Speedway last Friday night, and a top 5 finish at the Boone Speedway on Saturday.

The IMCA Stock Cars always get after it and last night's 18-lap feature continued to follow the theme.  Brad Pinkerton leaped to the lead when the green flag dropped and pulled out to a good lead.  However, there was action galore behind him, the cars racing in clumps and going three and four wide.  When things got sorted out a bit---Pinkerton still with a commanding lead---it was the unmistakable orange car of Zack VanderBeek and the Chelsea Charger's 99D that had broken away from the rest of the field.  There was still a great battle going on for fourth place, among Rich Vogt, Todd Reitzler, Kris Walker and visitor from the western part of the state, Bill Osbahr from Avoca.  With the laps winding down, VanderBeek reeled in the leader and was able to make the pass into the lead with a lap to go.  VanderBeek took the checkers, his fifth of the year, and Pinkerton had to be content with second.  Third place was Damon Murty, by a bumper over Todd Reitzler in fourth and Bill Osbahr, who had won the Iowa State Fair race recently, took fifth.

The IMCA Late Models made their fifth appearance at Osky this year.  With just one lap in the books, the 33G of Mt. Ayr's Paul Glendenning was on the spin cycle on the frontstretch, bringing out the yellow.  Glendenning, though suffering damage and rear end issues, tagged the field when the racing resumed.  The Ironman, Darrel DeFrance from Marshalltown, Iowa had led from the start, Nick Marolf running in second.  A yellow at lap thirteen of the 20-lapper, still had DeFrance in command, but Marolf was now being challenged by Todd Cooney. On the restart, Cooney made the pass into second.  The race would end with DeFrance taking the checkers, Cooney was the runner up, Marolf was third, and Spencer Diercks and Paul Glendenning completed the top five.  DeFrance won for the first time at Osky this year, the wins previously shared by Diercks and Marolf.

The night ended with the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature.  A familiar name, Colt Mather, but in an unfamiliar car #4+4 (but scored as his usual #8) started back in row four but was in the lead at lap four, and sailed off into the sunset with an easy win.  Mather, who took the checkers by a good margin, was followed by Tyler Groenendyk and Jesse Sobbing in second and third.  Fourth place went to Cayden Carter, and another visiting driver, Nick Deal from Walnut, Iowa, finished fifth.  Mather won for the first time this year at the Southern Iowa Speedway.

A few notes on the night.  Not only did Jesse Sobbing make a return visit to the track last night, but a real surprise was seeing the #60 of William Gould!  Gould, who hails from Calera, Oklahoma and does much of his racing in the state of Texas, is going neck and neck for the IMCA Modified National Championship with Jesse Sobbing.  We are not quite sure WHY Gould was out of his region racing, but heard him tell announcer Tony Paris in a pre-race interview, that he was going to be in the area until Monday.  We expect to see his name at other tracks over the weekend.

It was another enjoyable night of sitting in the stands with racing friends.  The Positively Racing posse was in full force last night.  Head honcho Jeff Broeg joined us "bench sitting" as did Ryan Clark who made his way over from Vinton, Iowa for the first time this year.  Check and see if there aren't some of their thoughts about last night at www.backstretch32.blogspot.com and www.instaging.blogspot.com.  Also enjoying the night's racing were Eric Arnold (www.hawkeyeovals.blogspot.com) who we often see on his way to his usual watching spot in the stands toward our east.  In the infield, fellow blogger Brian Neal made his first visit to the Southern Iowa Speedway (www.midwestracingnews.blogspot.com), snapping pictures along with Barry Johnson, who captures photos most every Wednesday night at Osky.

The Southern Iowa Speedway will fall silent again until September 11 when the Iowa Sportsman Series joins the regular classes.  Season Championship will be the following week, September 18.  The 27th Annual Fall Challenge will close out action for the year on October 4 and 5.

Racing programs are still out there.  Find one to enjoy and support our great sport.  Happy racing!

Osky - 8-21-13

Unofficial results:

Late Model:

1. 99D Darrel DeFrance
2. 30 Todd Cooney
3. 33 Nick Marolf
4. 29 Spencer Diercks
5. 33G Paul Glendenning
6. 15C Curt Schroeder
DNF: B00K Dylan Book
         45 Tommy Elston
DNS: 5X Jeremy Grady

Modified -

1. 4+4 (Scored as #8) - Colt Mather
2. 17 Tyler Groenendyk
3. 99 Jesse Sobbing - tagged and came through field after an early flat
4. 10C Cayden Carter
5. 55D Nick Deal
6. 66 Jeff Joldersma
7. 9 Dakota Hayden
8. 60 William Gould - Oklahoma and current IMCA Nat'l pt. leader
9. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
10. 64 Casey Greubel
11. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF: 22 Brandon Banks
         02 Andrew Schroeder
         38 Bill Gibson
         48J Jacob Murray
         77 Jim Lynch
         17X Steve Pumphrey - blew up
DNS: 40 Scott Dickey

Stock Car

1. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
2. 62 Brad Pinkerton
3. 99D Damon Murty - coasted across line
4. 22R Todd Reitzler
5. 88 Bill Osbahr - Avoca, Iowa
6. 38 Rich Vogt
7. 18 Kris Walker
8. 52 Nathan Wood
9. 19 Donnie Pearson
10. 94 Corey Stout
11. 26 Greg Harsch - Bloomfield
DNF: 7 Todd Phillips
         19A Alan VanGorp
         2N Donovan Nunnikhoven
         27J Jason Cook

SportMod

1. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
2. 8J AJ Johnson
3. 72 Brett Lowry
4. 9A Logan Anderson
5. 12 Eric Flander
6. 42 Tyler Heckart
7. 8T Tony Johnson
8. 34Z Cory VanZante
9. 49G Leroy Groenendyk
10. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
12. 53 Greg Strohman - Webster
DNF: 29 Bill Livezey

Hobby Stock

1. 11 Mike Hughes
2. 84 Danny Thrasher
3. 19 Bill Bonnett
4. 7A Aaron Osweiler
5. 33 Justin Hook
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 32T Bobby Greene
8. 55 Jared Stephens
DNF: 31 Adam Bonnett
          3S Steve Allen
          79S Jason See
          3 Travis Bunnell

Sport  Compact

1. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
2. 2 (in car #57) Merv Chandler
3. 04 Trent Orwig

Also ran a "Battle of the Classes" - Won by Hobby Stock 33 Justin Hook

Blog to follow tomorrow