The historic Knoxville Speedway held it's 2nd annual Shootout race on Sunday, and a beautiful day for racing it was. The crowd in the huge grandstand appeared to be small, but the pits were filled with 119 race cars per my count. The pre-entry list was limited to 50 cars per each of the four classes, Modified, Stock Car, SportMod and Hobby Stock, all running IMCA type rules. None of the classes however, made that 50 car limit. Nebraska wiped up in the Modified and Stock Car classes while Iowa took the SportMod and Hobby Stock wins.
The SportMods ran a 15-lap feature. Des Moines driver, Austin Kaplan would lead this one all but the first lap, pulling away for an easy win. Glenn Gladson, Jr. finished in second a distance behind the leader. He held off the charges of Carter Vandenberg in third, who had started back in ninth position. Fourth went to Jack Housley, Des Moines, and rounding out the top five was Norwalk, Iowa's Jared Timmerman.
The Hobby Stocks also ran a 15-lap feature. Avoca, Iowa driver Corey Madden and Oskaloosa's Mike Hughes drew the lucky #1 and #2 pills to start on the front row. Hughes took away the point spot from Madden on lap two, but it was veteran Bill Bonnett who came calling shortly, as he shot to the lead. Bonnett chose the low line of the race track as he lead through the halfway mark, but Hughes wasn't done. Hughes stuck his nose under the leader in turn three, and shot past him, taking over the top spot. Hughes then pulled away in the closing laps and scored the win. Two Avoca, Iowa drivers made their trip over from western Iowa pay off---Corey Madden beating Chuck Madden, Jr., second and third. Fourth place went to hometown driver Kevin Fee and fifth place Eric Stanton came from starting back in the sixth row.
The Stock Cars went 20-laps for their main event. Joe Zadina, Corning and David Brandies, Atalissa battled it out lap after lap in this one; often in a near dead heat at the flagstand. Brandies was finally able to make the pass for the lead and put distance between himself and Zadina. Meanwhile, Beatrice, Nebraska driver Lance Borgman battled his way past Randy Killen to take over third, and was soon reeling in second place Zadina. Borgman then put the heat on Zadina, quickly taking over that second position. Now his sights were set on the leader Brandies, and he was soon on his heels. In the closing laps, Borgman was able to take over that top spot and motored home to the win. A good battle ensued between Zadina and Brandies for the runner up spot, Zadina just nabbing second over Brandies in third. Fourth place went to Shelby, Iowa racer Keith Knop, who had started 20th on the field and Sigourney, Iowa's hot shoe, Nathan Wood completed the top five.
The final feature was the 25-lapper for the Modifieds. Jacob Murray, who had started outside front row, was looking strong from the get go in this one, pulling away from the field. No doubt, the last thing he wanted to see was the yellow that flew at lap ten, bunching up the field behind him on the restart. In second at that point, was former IMCA National Champion and last year's winner of the Knoxville Shoot Out, Dylan Smith, Osceola, Nebraska, and another Nebraskan, Jordan Grabouski, was sitting in third. The restart was just what the two Nebraska drivers were wanting, as Smith flew to the lead and Grabouski came along in second. But now, making their appearance into the fray, were Jesse Sobbing, Glenwood, Iowa racer who has been having a very successful start to the season after jumping up from the SportMod class, and Josh Foster, as they pressured Grabouski. With ten laps to go, Sobbing took over second spot, and Foster tagged along to take third. The holes that had appeared numerous places in the corners, especially noticeable low in turn one, didn't seem to bother leader Smith much, as he bounced through them time after time, managing to put a good deal of distance between himself and second place. At the finish line, Smith took the easy win, finishing well ahead of second place Sobbing and third place Foster. Fourth place went to Gilman, Iowa's Richie Gustin who had started back in row six, and Todd Shute who had started along side Gustin, rode out the rough track to garner fifth place. Grabouski fell back to finish in sixth.
Since fellow Positively Racing cohort Jeff Broeg was busy, up in the tower last night with line ups and results, he commented that he did not really get to watch much of the racing action, and was relying on me for a synopsis of the racing. I can only say that this is the way we saw it, and know that others may have seen things differently---as we all do. Hope that this gives you a glimpse of what took place.
According to the weather forecast, Mother Nature isn't done with us yet! This coming week is not sounding great for racing...midweek or the weekend. We all know how it can change at the drop of a hat though, so maybe we will be able to eek out a race or two. Check the Positively Racing calendar on the home page for racing in the area, both weekly racing, as most tracks are now open, as well as any specials scheduled. Happy racing!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sponsler wins at the line, Anderson and Zehm repeat and Williams and Daniels score first victories
Has Spring finally arrived?! It sure felt more like it on Saturday when we headed to the Boone Speedway for another night of regular points racing. Several other area tracks were finally able to get their season underway as well, but with a car count of 138, there was little let down in racing action. Two classes found drivers returning to victory lane, another two classes had drivers that have not seen the checkers at Boone, at least in recent years, in the modifieds, the fans were treated to a thrilling finish at the line.
The MADCRA Mod Lites was one of the classes that found a repeat winner from last week, as Bryan Zehm surged past Joel Keenan with just two laps remaining, sealing the deal on his return to victory lane. Keenan had lead much of the race but twelfth place starter Zehm worked his way through the field quickly as the race went green to checkered. Zehm took the win, while Keenan held on to second place. Tim Hennigar, who had started along side the winner back in row six, took third. Fourth went to Travis Stensland and opening laps leader, Eric Hendrickson, was fifth.
The winner of the IMCA SportMod feature, is a new driver to us....Brandon Williams, who lists Des Moines as home. But with his skill level in a race car, we would say he has had some experience previously. He took the lead as soon as the green flag dropped and only late in the race was he challenged. That was by Cherokee, Iowa's Tim Rupp, who came from the fifth row to pester the leader the last couple of laps, but to no avail, and having to settle for second. Third was rookie Jonathan Logue, followed by Cory Rose and Eric Elliott in fourth and fifth. Earlier in the feature, a red flag brought racing to a halt when the #3 of Bradlee Clark put it on it's lid in corner two, ending his night. He was not hurt.
After seeing a thrilling finish in the Modified feature at Marshalltown on Friday night, it was nearly matched at Boone. Cale Sponsler grabbed the lead from Beau Kaplan just past the half way mark of the 20-lap event and put distance between himself and the rest of pack. However, in that pack coming there was all kinds of action taking place. Jimmy Gustin and Todd Shute had started beside each other back in row six, and they were on the hunt! As the white flag flew, Gustin had moved to the tail of Sponsler, Shute tagging along in third. Coming out of turn four for a run to the checkers, Gustin gave it his usual all, but fell just short, as Sponsler held on for the win. Gustin and Shute took second and third, followed by early leader Beau Kaplan in fourth and Randy Havlik was fifth.
The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars came next and this one too, had a red flag situation. Lap six saw veteran Wayne Gifford put it upside down, landing partially on Eric Brown's hood, and ending their night's run. Neither driver was injured. When racing got back underway, it was Lonnie Hodges and Craig Carlson upfront, as they had been from the opening laps. Behind them, it was a free for all with cars vying for positions and three and four wide racing entertaining the crowd. Carlson would lose the handle in corner four with just a few laps remaining, sending him back several positions. This made way for the fast approaching cars of Bob Daniels, and his son Josh Daniels (who was high-wheeling it in the corners in spectacular form) to make a bid for the lead. Bob Daniels was able to grab the point spot with just a lap to go, and took the checkers---his first that we can recall in recent memory at least, at the track. Lonnie Hodges held on for second, just ahead of Josh Daniels in third. Fourth and fifth went to guys who made late race surges coming from back in the starting field. Trent Murphy took that fourth spot from starting eleventh, and Jay Schmidt gained the most spots, as he started 17th on the field, and took fifth place.
Closing night's feature was the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stocks A main. Last week's "hero of the night", the 20T of Richard Yaw, II, who had helped pull fellow racer Danny Watson out of his burning car, was looking for more glory this week, leading the field. Yaw led through lap nine, but last week's winner, Shannon Anderson changed that up when he made the pass on the backstretch, taking over first place. Eric Stanton, followed up Anderson's pass on Yaw, to take over second place. Anderson pulled away from the field, and sealed his win for the second time in as many weeks at the speedway. Stanton took the runner up spot and Yaw held on to third. Tyler Pickett finished a close fourth over Matt McDonald in fifth.
Next week, the Boone Speedway will revert back to it's regular starting times.....hoping that nicer weather is now here to stay. Hot laps are 6:45 and racing at 7:30. The full results as well as more information can be found at www.raceboone.com. Happy racing!
The MADCRA Mod Lites was one of the classes that found a repeat winner from last week, as Bryan Zehm surged past Joel Keenan with just two laps remaining, sealing the deal on his return to victory lane. Keenan had lead much of the race but twelfth place starter Zehm worked his way through the field quickly as the race went green to checkered. Zehm took the win, while Keenan held on to second place. Tim Hennigar, who had started along side the winner back in row six, took third. Fourth went to Travis Stensland and opening laps leader, Eric Hendrickson, was fifth.
The winner of the IMCA SportMod feature, is a new driver to us....Brandon Williams, who lists Des Moines as home. But with his skill level in a race car, we would say he has had some experience previously. He took the lead as soon as the green flag dropped and only late in the race was he challenged. That was by Cherokee, Iowa's Tim Rupp, who came from the fifth row to pester the leader the last couple of laps, but to no avail, and having to settle for second. Third was rookie Jonathan Logue, followed by Cory Rose and Eric Elliott in fourth and fifth. Earlier in the feature, a red flag brought racing to a halt when the #3 of Bradlee Clark put it on it's lid in corner two, ending his night. He was not hurt.
After seeing a thrilling finish in the Modified feature at Marshalltown on Friday night, it was nearly matched at Boone. Cale Sponsler grabbed the lead from Beau Kaplan just past the half way mark of the 20-lap event and put distance between himself and the rest of pack. However, in that pack coming there was all kinds of action taking place. Jimmy Gustin and Todd Shute had started beside each other back in row six, and they were on the hunt! As the white flag flew, Gustin had moved to the tail of Sponsler, Shute tagging along in third. Coming out of turn four for a run to the checkers, Gustin gave it his usual all, but fell just short, as Sponsler held on for the win. Gustin and Shute took second and third, followed by early leader Beau Kaplan in fourth and Randy Havlik was fifth.
The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars came next and this one too, had a red flag situation. Lap six saw veteran Wayne Gifford put it upside down, landing partially on Eric Brown's hood, and ending their night's run. Neither driver was injured. When racing got back underway, it was Lonnie Hodges and Craig Carlson upfront, as they had been from the opening laps. Behind them, it was a free for all with cars vying for positions and three and four wide racing entertaining the crowd. Carlson would lose the handle in corner four with just a few laps remaining, sending him back several positions. This made way for the fast approaching cars of Bob Daniels, and his son Josh Daniels (who was high-wheeling it in the corners in spectacular form) to make a bid for the lead. Bob Daniels was able to grab the point spot with just a lap to go, and took the checkers---his first that we can recall in recent memory at least, at the track. Lonnie Hodges held on for second, just ahead of Josh Daniels in third. Fourth and fifth went to guys who made late race surges coming from back in the starting field. Trent Murphy took that fourth spot from starting eleventh, and Jay Schmidt gained the most spots, as he started 17th on the field, and took fifth place.
Closing night's feature was the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stocks A main. Last week's "hero of the night", the 20T of Richard Yaw, II, who had helped pull fellow racer Danny Watson out of his burning car, was looking for more glory this week, leading the field. Yaw led through lap nine, but last week's winner, Shannon Anderson changed that up when he made the pass on the backstretch, taking over first place. Eric Stanton, followed up Anderson's pass on Yaw, to take over second place. Anderson pulled away from the field, and sealed his win for the second time in as many weeks at the speedway. Stanton took the runner up spot and Yaw held on to third. Tyler Pickett finished a close fourth over Matt McDonald in fifth.
Next week, the Boone Speedway will revert back to it's regular starting times.....hoping that nicer weather is now here to stay. Hot laps are 6:45 and racing at 7:30. The full results as well as more information can be found at www.raceboone.com. Happy racing!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
It's Gustin's Times Two, and Murty Does it Again!
Friday night was called Marshalltown's grand re-opening! After two weeks of cancellations due to cold or wet weather since the Frostbuster back on April 5, it was finally a pleasant forecast. The season point's got underway for all six classes. The drivers and fans were hungry for some racing on the High-Banks!
The IMCA Sport Compacts fielded six cars. Cedar Rapids driver Adam Gates in his #007 would lead the entire race. Merv Chandler dropped to the rear for the start of the race, and although he garnered second place, he was no real threat to the winner. This would put a new name in the record books at the Marshalltown Speedway. Last year, Chandler dominated, winning all but three features. Third place was Dave Moorman, John Gill fourth and Nick West, fifth. Earlier in the heat race, the driver of the #11, Steve Miedke, took a wild roll in turn one, but was okay.
The MADCRA Mod Lites came next. Joel Huggins led the charge through lap 10 of the 15-lap race. But he had lots of company coming hard behind him. Andy Hennigar had made his way up to second after starting ninth on the field, and was pressuring Huggins. Hennigar made the pass with three laps to go, to take the lead and then the win. Huggins held on to second, Randy Bryan went third, fourth was Josh May and Tim Hennigar was fifth. Hennigar had ended the season last year with his only win at Marshalltown in 2012. In victory lane, he thanked both Jimmy and Josh May for building him a great new ride.
The IMCA SportMods ran an 18-lap feature. This one was nearly over at the drop of the green. Jenae Gustin sprang to the lead from starting on the outside front row, and left her competition in the dust. A couple of cautions were no bother to her, as she would pull away on the restarts. Joel Rust was the runner up, and Geoff Olson, Eric Elliott and Travis Petersen went third through fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks saw a nasty roll with a handful of laps in, by Frostbuster winner Nick Murty while he was challenging for second place. Murty was okay. When racing resumed, it was Andy Coffman holding the lead, with Mike Pruitt and Brandon Pruitt hot in pursuit. Brandon Pruitt would soon suffer a flat tire, ending his run. Mike Pruitt then took the lead from Coffman, holding the lead to the checkers. Coffman held on to second over Eric Stanton in third, Garrett Eilander in fourth and Aaron Rudolph in fifth. In victory lane, Mike Pruitt said he had decided to drop down from the SportMod class this year, as the Hobby Stock allowed him less time consuming maintenance.
The 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature found Frostbuster winner Steve Meyer and the "Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty on the front row. Murty, who has been sizzling hot so far this season, was sitting beside the only driver to have beaten him so far this season. The initial start of the race was called back, but when the green flag did fly, Murty had little trouble in keeping it at the point and took the win. Tracy Gienger made a late race charge, but had to settle for second. Third place went to Michael Murphy, Steve Meyer was fourth and Derick Reimer rounded out the top five. In the post race interview in victory lane, Murty said this made nine wins out of ten features so far this season....but now, planting will soon be calling him to the fields and slowing his racing. Probably much to the delight of fellow racers!
Hopefully, no one left and missed the final race of the night, as it was a real thriller! The IMCA 20-lap Modified feature was a dandy! Richie Gustin led the charge over Jon Snyder through lap eight, when a yellow flew. On the restart, Luke Wanninger made his presence known as he took over second, but that wasn't all, as now Jimmy Gustin and Ronn Lauritzen came into the picture. The final eight laps were one of those hold-your-breathe races, as they ran so close! Jimmy Gustin got to second with five laps to go and would pull Richie on the backstretch, only to have Richie surge to the front coming out of turn four. This would happen for the remaining laps, UNTIL..... that final charge to the checkers out of turn four. Jammin' Jimmy Gustin stuck his nose across the finish line first, snatching the win away from brother Richie. Following closely behind the top two were Luke Wanninger in third, and Ronn Lauritzen and Adam Larson came from starting in row six, to take fourth and fifth. It that was any indication as to how the season will be at the Marshalltown Speedway, the price of admission for just a race like that, will be well worth it!
More information about the track and it's 2013 schedule can be found at www.marshalltownspeedway.com.
Happy racing!
The IMCA Sport Compacts fielded six cars. Cedar Rapids driver Adam Gates in his #007 would lead the entire race. Merv Chandler dropped to the rear for the start of the race, and although he garnered second place, he was no real threat to the winner. This would put a new name in the record books at the Marshalltown Speedway. Last year, Chandler dominated, winning all but three features. Third place was Dave Moorman, John Gill fourth and Nick West, fifth. Earlier in the heat race, the driver of the #11, Steve Miedke, took a wild roll in turn one, but was okay.
The MADCRA Mod Lites came next. Joel Huggins led the charge through lap 10 of the 15-lap race. But he had lots of company coming hard behind him. Andy Hennigar had made his way up to second after starting ninth on the field, and was pressuring Huggins. Hennigar made the pass with three laps to go, to take the lead and then the win. Huggins held on to second, Randy Bryan went third, fourth was Josh May and Tim Hennigar was fifth. Hennigar had ended the season last year with his only win at Marshalltown in 2012. In victory lane, he thanked both Jimmy and Josh May for building him a great new ride.
The IMCA SportMods ran an 18-lap feature. This one was nearly over at the drop of the green. Jenae Gustin sprang to the lead from starting on the outside front row, and left her competition in the dust. A couple of cautions were no bother to her, as she would pull away on the restarts. Joel Rust was the runner up, and Geoff Olson, Eric Elliott and Travis Petersen went third through fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks saw a nasty roll with a handful of laps in, by Frostbuster winner Nick Murty while he was challenging for second place. Murty was okay. When racing resumed, it was Andy Coffman holding the lead, with Mike Pruitt and Brandon Pruitt hot in pursuit. Brandon Pruitt would soon suffer a flat tire, ending his run. Mike Pruitt then took the lead from Coffman, holding the lead to the checkers. Coffman held on to second over Eric Stanton in third, Garrett Eilander in fourth and Aaron Rudolph in fifth. In victory lane, Mike Pruitt said he had decided to drop down from the SportMod class this year, as the Hobby Stock allowed him less time consuming maintenance.
The 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature found Frostbuster winner Steve Meyer and the "Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty on the front row. Murty, who has been sizzling hot so far this season, was sitting beside the only driver to have beaten him so far this season. The initial start of the race was called back, but when the green flag did fly, Murty had little trouble in keeping it at the point and took the win. Tracy Gienger made a late race charge, but had to settle for second. Third place went to Michael Murphy, Steve Meyer was fourth and Derick Reimer rounded out the top five. In the post race interview in victory lane, Murty said this made nine wins out of ten features so far this season....but now, planting will soon be calling him to the fields and slowing his racing. Probably much to the delight of fellow racers!
Hopefully, no one left and missed the final race of the night, as it was a real thriller! The IMCA 20-lap Modified feature was a dandy! Richie Gustin led the charge over Jon Snyder through lap eight, when a yellow flew. On the restart, Luke Wanninger made his presence known as he took over second, but that wasn't all, as now Jimmy Gustin and Ronn Lauritzen came into the picture. The final eight laps were one of those hold-your-breathe races, as they ran so close! Jimmy Gustin got to second with five laps to go and would pull Richie on the backstretch, only to have Richie surge to the front coming out of turn four. This would happen for the remaining laps, UNTIL..... that final charge to the checkers out of turn four. Jammin' Jimmy Gustin stuck his nose across the finish line first, snatching the win away from brother Richie. Following closely behind the top two were Luke Wanninger in third, and Ronn Lauritzen and Adam Larson came from starting in row six, to take fourth and fifth. It that was any indication as to how the season will be at the Marshalltown Speedway, the price of admission for just a race like that, will be well worth it!
More information about the track and it's 2013 schedule can be found at www.marshalltownspeedway.com.
Happy racing!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Osky opener - Murty continues his season tear, Carter, VanDerWal, Griffiths and Whalen score as well
Finally! The Southern Iowa Speedway got to open it's doors on Wednesday night, and the season opener at the track got in the books. The five regular divisions were joined by the Iowa Sportsman Series, on a cool but better than usual night as our finicky Iowa Spring has been.
The IMCA Sport Compacts ran their 10-lap feature first. John Whalen led early until veteran Merv Chandler took over with Bill Whalen, Jr. in tow. Some spirited challenges between the two ensued, but Bill Whalen was the victor on this night. Whalen outdistanced Chandler as they finished one and two, followed by John Whalen in third, fourth went to Matt Moore and Alex Sampson was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks 14-lap feature started with a pair of #10's sitting on the front row--Dale Porter in his new ride this year, an old Dustin Griffiths car, and Dustin Griffiths, in his new ride! Griffiths took the lead at the drop of the green and had little trouble the remainder of the way home, leading a good distance over second place finisher Bill Bonnett. Porter finished in third ahead of Danny Thrasher and Craig Brown in fourth and fifth.
The IMCA SportMod feature was dominated by Curtis VanDerWal. VanDerWal came from starting sixth and led by lap three when a caution flag flew for a spinning car. VanDerWal had no trouble on that restart, or the caution at lap six, and pulled away from the field, for the comfortable win. Second went to Brett Lowry who ran down Ben Kates, the young Tongonoxie, Kansas driver who has plans to run the Monster Half-Mile weekly, Following third place Kates, was Carter VandenBerg for fourth and who had started well back in the starting field for a good run. Rounding out the top five was Jason Hall.
Looking at the starting line up for the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car A main event, we were thinking it was going to be a contest between the front row starters...Damon Murty, the "Chelsea Charger" and Nathan Wood. Wood led the first couple of laps, until Murty took the lead and once again, as we've seen over and over again this season, it turned into "Chase the Charger" the remainder of the race to the checkered flag. Woods kept second place, but the third place was only determined at the finish line, when Cory Stout, "from just over turn one" just nosed past Alan VanGorp as they went three and four. Tom Killen completed the top five. In Victory Lane, announcer Tony Paris asked Murty how his season had been going so far. Murty replied he had won 8 out of 9 times. What a season start!
We were pleased to see 18 cars competing in the IMCA Modified class. As the cars came to the track, we were keeping an eye on the radar as a storm front appeared to be moving ever closer. We had already heard earlier that hail and rain were falling in the Norwalk area, so we were hoping that Mother Nature would be kind tonight. Seventeen cars were able to start the main event, only Brandon Banks having to keep it in the pits due to mechanical issues. Cayden Carter wasted little time in getting to the lead in this one, leading by lap two. As the race wound down, Carter pulled away to a comfortable lead, but the #5 of Todd Shute was now pursuing "The Gasman". This race went caution free, and was appearing to end with Carter winning in dominating fashion. However, a late race charge by Shute didn't have him out of the contest yet!
It was just a little too late, as Shute made it a close finish at the flagstand, but had to settle for second. Third place was Jesse Sobbing, the Glenwood, Iowa driver who has jumped up into the A modified ranks from the SportMod division, fourth was Kyle Whalert, who came from mid-pack and fifth was Jacob Murray who came from starting near the tail.
We slipped out before the final 30-lap feature of the night, the Iowa Sportsman Series was completed.
Earlier, their heat race was won by a guy who has turned many laps at the track, Kris Walker.
Next week, all five classes will again be in competition BUT a big added attraction on the docket will be the IMCA Late Models. It's always entertaining to see this class run at the track, so make plans to attend. Hot laps are scheduled for 7 and racing at 7:30. More information can be found at www.oskyspeedway.com.
This weekend is sounding a lot better weather-wise, so we hope for a full weekend of racing. Sunday, we are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Shootout at Knoxville run on the famed half-mile. Modifieds, SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks will be competing with a 50-car limit for each class. Hot laps are 4:30, racing at 5. You can find more information as well as a pre-registered list at the track's website at www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
Happy racing!
The IMCA Sport Compacts ran their 10-lap feature first. John Whalen led early until veteran Merv Chandler took over with Bill Whalen, Jr. in tow. Some spirited challenges between the two ensued, but Bill Whalen was the victor on this night. Whalen outdistanced Chandler as they finished one and two, followed by John Whalen in third, fourth went to Matt Moore and Alex Sampson was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks 14-lap feature started with a pair of #10's sitting on the front row--Dale Porter in his new ride this year, an old Dustin Griffiths car, and Dustin Griffiths, in his new ride! Griffiths took the lead at the drop of the green and had little trouble the remainder of the way home, leading a good distance over second place finisher Bill Bonnett. Porter finished in third ahead of Danny Thrasher and Craig Brown in fourth and fifth.
The IMCA SportMod feature was dominated by Curtis VanDerWal. VanDerWal came from starting sixth and led by lap three when a caution flag flew for a spinning car. VanDerWal had no trouble on that restart, or the caution at lap six, and pulled away from the field, for the comfortable win. Second went to Brett Lowry who ran down Ben Kates, the young Tongonoxie, Kansas driver who has plans to run the Monster Half-Mile weekly, Following third place Kates, was Carter VandenBerg for fourth and who had started well back in the starting field for a good run. Rounding out the top five was Jason Hall.
Looking at the starting line up for the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car A main event, we were thinking it was going to be a contest between the front row starters...Damon Murty, the "Chelsea Charger" and Nathan Wood. Wood led the first couple of laps, until Murty took the lead and once again, as we've seen over and over again this season, it turned into "Chase the Charger" the remainder of the race to the checkered flag. Woods kept second place, but the third place was only determined at the finish line, when Cory Stout, "from just over turn one" just nosed past Alan VanGorp as they went three and four. Tom Killen completed the top five. In Victory Lane, announcer Tony Paris asked Murty how his season had been going so far. Murty replied he had won 8 out of 9 times. What a season start!
We were pleased to see 18 cars competing in the IMCA Modified class. As the cars came to the track, we were keeping an eye on the radar as a storm front appeared to be moving ever closer. We had already heard earlier that hail and rain were falling in the Norwalk area, so we were hoping that Mother Nature would be kind tonight. Seventeen cars were able to start the main event, only Brandon Banks having to keep it in the pits due to mechanical issues. Cayden Carter wasted little time in getting to the lead in this one, leading by lap two. As the race wound down, Carter pulled away to a comfortable lead, but the #5 of Todd Shute was now pursuing "The Gasman". This race went caution free, and was appearing to end with Carter winning in dominating fashion. However, a late race charge by Shute didn't have him out of the contest yet!
It was just a little too late, as Shute made it a close finish at the flagstand, but had to settle for second. Third place was Jesse Sobbing, the Glenwood, Iowa driver who has jumped up into the A modified ranks from the SportMod division, fourth was Kyle Whalert, who came from mid-pack and fifth was Jacob Murray who came from starting near the tail.
We slipped out before the final 30-lap feature of the night, the Iowa Sportsman Series was completed.
Earlier, their heat race was won by a guy who has turned many laps at the track, Kris Walker.
Next week, all five classes will again be in competition BUT a big added attraction on the docket will be the IMCA Late Models. It's always entertaining to see this class run at the track, so make plans to attend. Hot laps are scheduled for 7 and racing at 7:30. More information can be found at www.oskyspeedway.com.
This weekend is sounding a lot better weather-wise, so we hope for a full weekend of racing. Sunday, we are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Shootout at Knoxville run on the famed half-mile. Modifieds, SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks will be competing with a 50-car limit for each class. Hot laps are 4:30, racing at 5. You can find more information as well as a pre-registered list at the track's website at www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
Happy racing!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Osky 4-24-13
Unofficial results:
Modified Feature
1. 10C Cayden Carter
2. 5 Todd Shute
3. 99 Jesse Sobbing
4. 149 Kyle Wahlert
5. 48J Jacob Murray
6. 70 Jesse Dennis
7. 17 Tyler Groenendyke
8. 02 Andrew Schroeder
9. 99M Tim Murty
10. 8 Colt Mather
11. 1+ Bill Davis, Jr.
12. 38 Bill Gibson
13. 51 Tyler Vandekamp
14. 64 Casey Greubel
15. 71W Jeff Waterman
DNF: 17X Steve Pumphrey
40 Scott Dickey
DNS: 22 Brandon Banks
SportMod
1. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
2. 72 Brett Lowry
3. 23K Ben Kates
4. 7 Carter VandenBerg
5. 95J Jason Hall
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 10R Ryan Fullencamp
8. 8J AJ Johnson
9. 57 Tyler Gross
10. 42 Tyler Heckart
11. 9A Logan Anderson
12. 85 Jason McDaniel
13. 8T Tony Johnson
14. 10 Brayton Carter
15. 1 Rob Wilsey
DNF: Cory Van Zante
DNS: 29 Bill Livzey
Stock Car
1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 52 Nathan Wood
3. 94 Cory Stout
4. 19A Alan VanGorp
5. 1K Tom Killen
6. 81K Randy Killen
7. 73C Carl Yaw
DNF: 7S Jason Minnehan
22R Todd Reitzler
38 Rich Vogt
62 Brad Pinkerton
DNS: 7 Todd Phillips
19 Donnie Pearson
Hobby Stocks
1. 10G Dustin Griffiths
2. 19 Bill Bonnett
3. 10 Dale Porter
4. 84 Danny Thrasher
5. 69 Craig Brown
6. 2013 Jeff Greubel?
7. 57 Scott Schull
8. 96R Jamie Songer
9. 33 Justin Hook
10. 7A Jason Osweiler
11. 79S Jason See
12. 32T Bobby Greene
13. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 27C Cory Adams
2N Donavon Nunnikhoven
12 Mike Kincaid
Sport Compacts
1. 00 Bill Whalen, Jr.
2. 2 Merv Chandler
3. 77 John Whalen
4. 2M Matt Moore
5. 13 Alex Sampson
6. 04 Trent Orwig
7. 30 Shawn Cooney
Blog to follow.
Modified Feature
1. 10C Cayden Carter
2. 5 Todd Shute
3. 99 Jesse Sobbing
4. 149 Kyle Wahlert
5. 48J Jacob Murray
6. 70 Jesse Dennis
7. 17 Tyler Groenendyke
8. 02 Andrew Schroeder
9. 99M Tim Murty
10. 8 Colt Mather
11. 1+ Bill Davis, Jr.
12. 38 Bill Gibson
13. 51 Tyler Vandekamp
14. 64 Casey Greubel
15. 71W Jeff Waterman
DNF: 17X Steve Pumphrey
40 Scott Dickey
DNS: 22 Brandon Banks
SportMod
1. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
2. 72 Brett Lowry
3. 23K Ben Kates
4. 7 Carter VandenBerg
5. 95J Jason Hall
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 10R Ryan Fullencamp
8. 8J AJ Johnson
9. 57 Tyler Gross
10. 42 Tyler Heckart
11. 9A Logan Anderson
12. 85 Jason McDaniel
13. 8T Tony Johnson
14. 10 Brayton Carter
15. 1 Rob Wilsey
DNF: Cory Van Zante
DNS: 29 Bill Livzey
Stock Car
1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 52 Nathan Wood
3. 94 Cory Stout
4. 19A Alan VanGorp
5. 1K Tom Killen
6. 81K Randy Killen
7. 73C Carl Yaw
DNF: 7S Jason Minnehan
22R Todd Reitzler
38 Rich Vogt
62 Brad Pinkerton
DNS: 7 Todd Phillips
19 Donnie Pearson
Hobby Stocks
1. 10G Dustin Griffiths
2. 19 Bill Bonnett
3. 10 Dale Porter
4. 84 Danny Thrasher
5. 69 Craig Brown
6. 2013 Jeff Greubel?
7. 57 Scott Schull
8. 96R Jamie Songer
9. 33 Justin Hook
10. 7A Jason Osweiler
11. 79S Jason See
12. 32T Bobby Greene
13. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 27C Cory Adams
2N Donavon Nunnikhoven
12 Mike Kincaid
Sport Compacts
1. 00 Bill Whalen, Jr.
2. 2 Merv Chandler
3. 77 John Whalen
4. 2M Matt Moore
5. 13 Alex Sampson
6. 04 Trent Orwig
7. 30 Shawn Cooney
Blog to follow.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Murty doubles up at Vinton
The lure of double features pulled us to the Benton County Speedway in Vinton last night. The early start time also helped make the decision, plus 60 degree temperatures. However, we found the unrelenting strong southeasterly wind about 30 mph! Three make up features were on tap first thing, the IMCA SportMods, Stock Cars and Modifieds. Things got kicked off right at 5 p.m.
The Hobby Stocks came to the track first for their make up feature from last week. Last week's show had been called as the class was on the track, but persistent rain drops did them in, and the races were cancelled.
Shannon Anderson and Brian Happel were going at it for the lead. With two laps to go, Happel tried a nifty move low under Anderson coming out of corner two, but contact was made and the cars both went spinning. Both drivers retired to the pits after exchanging some "info" on the track. When racing resumed, Chris Luloff inherited the point position for the restart and would maintain it to the checkers. Luloff took the win over Kyle Parizek, Matt Brown, Nick Murty and Justin Stander.
The make up Modified feature came next, with Brandon Banks and Kyle Brown on the front row. This one never got started, as contact was made between the front row before they got to the starter's stand. Both drivers retired to the pits, Brown tagging after changing a tire, but later out with too much damage to continue. The green then flew with Joe Docekal and Patrick Flannagan at the point. A few laps in and the show was between the Angry Bird's car driven by Ronn Lauritzen and Gilman's Richie Gustin. What a show they put on. Gustin was trying everything to get around Lauritzen and one of those efforts resulted in Gustin spinning out at the bottom of turn one...in a cloud of steam. The race then restarted with a green-white-checkered situation. Lauritzen got the win, followed by Joe Docekal, JD Auringer, Troy Cordes and Vern Jackson.
The final make up feature was the IMCA Stock Cars. Damon Murty put his 99D out front at the drop of the flag and took the easy win over John Emerson. Third went to Rick Kriegel, fourth was Jerry Miles and Scott Pippert was fifth.
The first of the regular night's features came to the track before 7 p.m. The Sport Compacts saw Bill Whalen, Jr. and Nathan Chandler circle the track, lap after lap for the lead. Whalen was the victor on this night, staying just ahead of Chandler who took second. Third went to Merv Chandler, fourth to Steve Miedke and Travis Losenicky rounded out the top five. When asked in victory lane who Whalen wished to thank, he said, "well, Nathan Chandler".
The SportMod 15-lap feature came to the track. This one had at least four cautions as cars were spinning and going off the track. At the halfway mark, Danny Dvorak had put his 3R to the lead but on his tail and digging hard was Nick Roberts. Roberts had followed Dvorak up through the pack from their fourth row starting spots, and were both vying for that win. Robert's night would draw to a close, when he found himself in spin mode on the backstretch. Dvorak would then motor home to an easy victory from that last restart. Second went to Montezuma's Brett Lowry, Kurt Moeding hauled down from Mason City and scored a third place finish, fourth was Grinnell's Brad Iverson who came from well back in the starting field, and Joel Rust took the fifth spot.
The regular night's Hobby Stock feature had some spectacular incidents, one leaving one race car looking to be totaled. The first accident at lap five found the 18 of Chris Luloff rolling two times entering turn one. Luloff was announced to be okay thankfully. When the race restarted, Paul Nagle, a driver who has been absent from the racing scene for a few years, was leading the field with Shannon Anderson on his bumper. At lap ten, a bad looking flip in corner three by the 46 of Brian Happel had people concerned. Happel put it on it's nose on the track in spectacular fashion, bringing out the red flag. Thankfully, it was announced again, that the driver was okay. Not so much, the race car. Nagle seems to have not lost any of his driving skills over his absence, and completed the last five laps at the front, taking the checkers. Anderson held on to second and Justin Stander, Matt Brown and Justin Wacha finished third through fifth.
Twenty laps of IMCA Modified action found Richie Gustin once again trying to catch the leader as he had in the make up feature. Kyle Brown jumped to the lead at the drop of the green but Mike Burbridge would mount the challenge and take over that spot for a few laps. Brown managed to make the pass back past Burbridge and Gustin came calling and also passed Burbridge. The race was looking to go caution free, with Brown and Gustin making it a thrilling battle up front, as Gustin tried his hardest to make the pass. A yellow then came out on lap fifteen when JD Auringer ended up dead in the water at the bottom of turn four after spinning. On the restart, Brown was able to continue his momentum at the point, and capture his first win of the season. Gustin had to settle for runner up, despite some great attempts for the lead. Third place was Patrick Flannagan, fourth was rookie to the division, young Tyler Droste who jumped up from the SportMods, and fifth was veteran Troy Cordes.
The final racing action was the 15-lap Stock Car feature. This one turned into a yellow flag fest with a stoppage every few laps it seemed. Damon Murty however, had little trouble in getting his second win of the evening, getting to the lead at lap two. So far this season, it has turned into a "Catch the Charger" (as in the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty), in the IMCA Stock Car division most anywhere he goes. He did avoid the bullet however, when near the end of the race, he went spinning on the backstretch. Murty was able to keep the car fired and never stopped, but another car brought out the yellow. This allowed Murty to get his spot back as per the rules. Murty then went on to score his second win of the evening, which must be at least six or seven in this early season. Norm Chesmore took the second spot, and Jerry Miles was third. Fourth and fifth went to two guys who have jumped up from the Hobby Stock ranks---Scott Pippert and John Watson.
Racing was concluded a little after 8:30 p.m. and with the wind blowing at us and the chilly temperatures, we were more than happy to be finished before the temperatures dropped any further. When we left the track and headed back west, it wasn't long until raindrops hit our windshield. Before we arrived back in Grinnell, the rain was coming down more than hard enough to have stopped the races, had the cell moved far enough to the east.
Check the calendar on the www.positivelyracing.com homepage for the events coming up this week...both weekly track programs and special events. This Sunday, April 28, the Knoxville Raceway will hosts the 2nd annual Shootout at Knoxville with Modifieds, SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks all trying their hand at the famed half-mile. Hot laps are scheduled for 4:30 and racing at 5. Let's hope for nicer weather for sitting at a race track. Happy racing!
The Hobby Stocks came to the track first for their make up feature from last week. Last week's show had been called as the class was on the track, but persistent rain drops did them in, and the races were cancelled.
Shannon Anderson and Brian Happel were going at it for the lead. With two laps to go, Happel tried a nifty move low under Anderson coming out of corner two, but contact was made and the cars both went spinning. Both drivers retired to the pits after exchanging some "info" on the track. When racing resumed, Chris Luloff inherited the point position for the restart and would maintain it to the checkers. Luloff took the win over Kyle Parizek, Matt Brown, Nick Murty and Justin Stander.
The make up Modified feature came next, with Brandon Banks and Kyle Brown on the front row. This one never got started, as contact was made between the front row before they got to the starter's stand. Both drivers retired to the pits, Brown tagging after changing a tire, but later out with too much damage to continue. The green then flew with Joe Docekal and Patrick Flannagan at the point. A few laps in and the show was between the Angry Bird's car driven by Ronn Lauritzen and Gilman's Richie Gustin. What a show they put on. Gustin was trying everything to get around Lauritzen and one of those efforts resulted in Gustin spinning out at the bottom of turn one...in a cloud of steam. The race then restarted with a green-white-checkered situation. Lauritzen got the win, followed by Joe Docekal, JD Auringer, Troy Cordes and Vern Jackson.
The final make up feature was the IMCA Stock Cars. Damon Murty put his 99D out front at the drop of the flag and took the easy win over John Emerson. Third went to Rick Kriegel, fourth was Jerry Miles and Scott Pippert was fifth.
The first of the regular night's features came to the track before 7 p.m. The Sport Compacts saw Bill Whalen, Jr. and Nathan Chandler circle the track, lap after lap for the lead. Whalen was the victor on this night, staying just ahead of Chandler who took second. Third went to Merv Chandler, fourth to Steve Miedke and Travis Losenicky rounded out the top five. When asked in victory lane who Whalen wished to thank, he said, "well, Nathan Chandler".
The SportMod 15-lap feature came to the track. This one had at least four cautions as cars were spinning and going off the track. At the halfway mark, Danny Dvorak had put his 3R to the lead but on his tail and digging hard was Nick Roberts. Roberts had followed Dvorak up through the pack from their fourth row starting spots, and were both vying for that win. Robert's night would draw to a close, when he found himself in spin mode on the backstretch. Dvorak would then motor home to an easy victory from that last restart. Second went to Montezuma's Brett Lowry, Kurt Moeding hauled down from Mason City and scored a third place finish, fourth was Grinnell's Brad Iverson who came from well back in the starting field, and Joel Rust took the fifth spot.
The regular night's Hobby Stock feature had some spectacular incidents, one leaving one race car looking to be totaled. The first accident at lap five found the 18 of Chris Luloff rolling two times entering turn one. Luloff was announced to be okay thankfully. When the race restarted, Paul Nagle, a driver who has been absent from the racing scene for a few years, was leading the field with Shannon Anderson on his bumper. At lap ten, a bad looking flip in corner three by the 46 of Brian Happel had people concerned. Happel put it on it's nose on the track in spectacular fashion, bringing out the red flag. Thankfully, it was announced again, that the driver was okay. Not so much, the race car. Nagle seems to have not lost any of his driving skills over his absence, and completed the last five laps at the front, taking the checkers. Anderson held on to second and Justin Stander, Matt Brown and Justin Wacha finished third through fifth.
Twenty laps of IMCA Modified action found Richie Gustin once again trying to catch the leader as he had in the make up feature. Kyle Brown jumped to the lead at the drop of the green but Mike Burbridge would mount the challenge and take over that spot for a few laps. Brown managed to make the pass back past Burbridge and Gustin came calling and also passed Burbridge. The race was looking to go caution free, with Brown and Gustin making it a thrilling battle up front, as Gustin tried his hardest to make the pass. A yellow then came out on lap fifteen when JD Auringer ended up dead in the water at the bottom of turn four after spinning. On the restart, Brown was able to continue his momentum at the point, and capture his first win of the season. Gustin had to settle for runner up, despite some great attempts for the lead. Third place was Patrick Flannagan, fourth was rookie to the division, young Tyler Droste who jumped up from the SportMods, and fifth was veteran Troy Cordes.
The final racing action was the 15-lap Stock Car feature. This one turned into a yellow flag fest with a stoppage every few laps it seemed. Damon Murty however, had little trouble in getting his second win of the evening, getting to the lead at lap two. So far this season, it has turned into a "Catch the Charger" (as in the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty), in the IMCA Stock Car division most anywhere he goes. He did avoid the bullet however, when near the end of the race, he went spinning on the backstretch. Murty was able to keep the car fired and never stopped, but another car brought out the yellow. This allowed Murty to get his spot back as per the rules. Murty then went on to score his second win of the evening, which must be at least six or seven in this early season. Norm Chesmore took the second spot, and Jerry Miles was third. Fourth and fifth went to two guys who have jumped up from the Hobby Stock ranks---Scott Pippert and John Watson.
Racing was concluded a little after 8:30 p.m. and with the wind blowing at us and the chilly temperatures, we were more than happy to be finished before the temperatures dropped any further. When we left the track and headed back west, it wasn't long until raindrops hit our windshield. Before we arrived back in Grinnell, the rain was coming down more than hard enough to have stopped the races, had the cell moved far enough to the east.
Check the calendar on the www.positivelyracing.com homepage for the events coming up this week...both weekly track programs and special events. This Sunday, April 28, the Knoxville Raceway will hosts the 2nd annual Shootout at Knoxville with Modifieds, SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks all trying their hand at the famed half-mile. Hot laps are scheduled for 4:30 and racing at 5. Let's hope for nicer weather for sitting at a race track. Happy racing!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Brown wins at Boone, Murty nabs another stock car win
This is becoming old, when week in and week out, the list of cancelled races is a carbon copy of the the previous week. Once again, the only racing we found in Iowa on Saturday was the Boone Speedway and 34 Raceway in Burlington. Kudos to both on getting their facilities ready for racing. We headed to our usual Saturday night home in Boone. Yes, it was still cold, but it didn't keep 162 drivers away from firing up their rides for some Saturday night fun.
The Mod Lite feature was a shoot out between Bryan Zehm and Mike Morrill. Morrill held the advantage and was looking for the checkers. Zehm stuck it on the bottom on the final lap, made it work and snatched the win, leaving Morrill in second. Mike Kennedy had led the early race, but on this night, had to settle for third. Andy Hennigar, last week's winner, came from twelfth, to score fourth place, and Randy Bryan took fifth.
The IMCA SportMods had a field of 46 cars. They whittled the feature to it's 24-car starting field with two B mains. Steve Reetz made the haul from Arcadia, Iowa and won the first consy race, the second went to Eric Elliott. In the feature, Brian Miller was hungry for a win and flew to the lead instantly from his pole starting spot, and Randy Roberts, who had started right behind him, took over second. About lap seven, an ever so slight bobble by the leader allowed Roberts to slip into first with Tim Love seizing the chance to get by Miller as well, and take over the runner up spot. Now it was make up time for Miller, who swung to the topside as the laps clicked off, got back into second and was reeling in the leader. However, time ran out, and Roberts kept the lead, scoring the win, Miller taking second. Love finished third ahead of Daniel Tasler and Cory Rose.
The IMCA Modifieds ran their usual 20-lap feature. Kellogg, Iowa's David Brown sat on the front row alongside Humeston's Shay Woods. Brown got the jump at the drop of the green and took the point position. It wasn't long until Brown's son Kyle had made his way into second, coming from the third row, and setting up what could have been a possible one-two finish for them. That possibility ended when Kyle Brown suddenly found himself spun out at the bottom of turn one, slamming the door shut on a good finish. Unable to get the car re-fired in time to avoid the yellow coming out, this would bunch up the field for the restart. Brown wasn't deterred however, and maintained his lead in smooth fashion, scoring the win. Shay Woods followed him in second and third went to Jamaica, Iowa veteran racer, Denny Pittman. Fourth was Randy Havlik and Frostbuster winner Jimmy Gustin showed his usual finesse, coming from fourteenth to take fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars made everyone say, "Wow", again tonight. There were cars clustered in tight packs all over the track. They were going 3, 4, and 5-wide at times. This was all happening behind leader Jay Schmidt who wanted nothing more than a caution free race, letting the pack go at it and leaving him in the clear. Well, that wasn't to be, when a yellow flew at lap eleven. The restart put Frostbuster winner Wayne Gifford right on his rear bumper, and the rest of the hungry pack all looking for more. Gifford was able to make the pass on Schmidt within the next lap or so, but suddenly all eyes were not on the leaders, but on a car coming fast on the topside! Enter Damon Murty, into the picture. Murty was amazing to watch as he picked off car after car and with two laps remaining, made the pass into the lead. He scored the win, making it back-to-back victories at the track, padding his points lead nicely. Gifford finished in second, Schmidt held on to third. A much improved driver in our opinion, Kevin Balmer, who we have heard is driving an old Dusty Vis car, took the fourth spot, and "HotRod" Richards finished in fifth.
Stick around folks, for that final race of the night--the twelve lap IMCA Hobby Stocks! The green fell and in corner two, somehow, a real disaster was avoided when a bunch of cars were scattering and trying to regain control. They all continued however, no caution needed. Lap two was another story. Danny Watson rolled in turn one, the car soon bursting into flames. It was a few tense moments before it was announced that he was out of the car and was seen walking away. We heard that he was unconscious briefly, but with the aid of the emergency crew quickly on scene coming to his aid, they were able to get the driver out of the car safely. We understand the fuel filter was broken in half, which caused the scary fire. Scenes like that are always terrifying, and we are thankful when they turn out as well as this one did.
When the race was able to resume, Curt Reed and Andrew Burg were upfront and they were doing battle. They passed the flagstand once in a virtual tie. Caution number two came on lap seven at which time, defending IMCA Hobby Stock Champion Shannon Anderson had moved into second, and wanting more.
Anderson passed Burg within a lap or two to take over the lead. Anderson was not letting up and looking for the checkers after the white flag flew, when a caution flag came out, ending the race under yellow/checkered. Anderson scored another of his numerous wins, Andrew Burg took the runner up spot. Austin Luellen came from row six as he started along side Anderson, to score third, fourth was Tyler Pickett from row five and Curt Reed rounded out the top five.
Racing was finished before 9 p.m. thanks to the early starting times put in place for the entire month of April. That will also be the case next week, so remember, hot laps at 4, racing at 5. Happy racing!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Shute wins Boone season opener - track outwits Mother Nature
There wasn't much racing going on in the state of Iowa this past week. The cold and wet weather just seems to be planted on our racing state, and not wanting to move on. However, the Boone Speedway, with it's great drainage system and farming crew, opted to try and outwit old Mother Nature and go ahead with their season opener on Saturday. We heard that Boone and the 34 Raceway down in southeastern Iowa, were the only Iowa tracks running on Saturday. It wasn't until Friday that we learned of the decision that Boone was making some changes in their starting times, and although I am sure there were fans and even racers that did not like the early start times, or maybe didn't even KNOW about it, with a car count of 160 cars, the word must have gotten out. The remainder of April will have those earlier start times---the pit gates opening at 2, grandstand at 3, hot laps at 4, and races at 5.
This was the opener for regular points racing, and all five divisions of cars were in competition. The Mod Lites got their first taste of racing at the track this year, as they were not on the docket for last week's Frostbuster. They clicked their feature race off caution free, leaving little time for drivers to catch leader Andy Hennigar who led the entire race from the pole. Josh May, who started in row six, gave it a shot in attempting to catch the leader, but fell short and had to settle for second. Travis Stensland was third, fourth went to Bryan Zehm and Randy Bryan was fifth.
The IMCA SportMods came next and with 43 cars on hand, they had to run two B mains to pare down their starting field. Clint Luellen and rookie Brandon Brinton took those wins. Cody Knecht, who I believe runs regularly at the Algona Raceway, ventured "down south" and was looking determined to chalk up a win in the early going. Boone's Eric Elliot was having none of that, as he was on the hunt. At lap eight, a yellow flew, putting Elliott on the tail of leader Knecht. Four laps later, Elliott made the pass for the lead, and he then pulled away for the win--making it a great start for his new season. Joel Rust finished third, fourth was Geoff Olson and Ty Luellen was fifth.
Up next, the IMCA Modified 20-lap feature. A B main was required for the mods too, with Jacob Murray scoring that one. Todd Shute and Jon Snyder were the lucky recipients of the redraw, putting them on the front row at the start. At the drop of the green, Shute was gone, having little trouble in pulling away from his competitors even with a couple of restart situations. Jimmy Gustin took over second from Snyder with just a few laps remaining, but time ran out for any further advancement. Shute took the easy win, Gustin was second and Snyder third. Russ Dickerson made the biggest charge through the pack, coming from row eight and finishing in fourth. Mike "Wahoo" Albertsen, Audubon, Iowa, finished in fifth.
The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars ran their usual 18-lap feature. Cory Bushnell did battle in trying to hold off Frostbuster winner Wayne Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith in the opening laps. Enter Damon Murty, who by lap four moved into the runner up spot, coming from row five. By lap seven, Murty, who has already scored several wins in his 2013 season, took over the lead from Bushnell. Murty pulled the field, leaving Bushnell, who was fending off the battle behind him between Smith and Trent Murphy. The checkers flew with Murty scoring the win, Bushnell held on to second, Trent Murphy came from row six to grab third. Donavon Smith was scored in fourth, over fifth place Wayne Gifford.
Don't go home thinking the most exciting racing action is over by now. The finale was the IMCA Hobby Stock's 12-lap feature. This one was a dandy for the lead for most of those twelve laps between Austin Luellen, and Austin Hauswirth, another northwest Iowa driver who frequents the Algona Raceway. Those two swapped the lead several times as they ran side-by-side in a great race. Luellen was able to make the last effort surge to the front as they came to the checkers, scoring a victory. Hauswirth had to settle for second. Third went to always competitive Shannon Anderson, defending IMCA Hobby Stock Champion, fourth place was Mike Pruitt, who has switched from the SportMod class, back in the hobbies, and Matthew Sorenson finished in fifth.
The final checkered fell at 8:20 p.m., making for an early exit for fans and racers alike. The racing action started right at 5 p.m. and had it not been for a couple of incidents, and subsequent clean up time, one being the high and spectacular roll of Jerry Hinton's SportMod in turn four, the program could have been completed even earlier. We know these new starting times are a mixed bag of opinions, but for us who travel a good distance, it was nice to get home before 10 p.m.! The track broke up in the corners, leaving a rut we especially noticed high in turn four, causing problems for all the classes. Do remember if you should contemplate making a trip to the Boone Speedway during the month of April, those early starting times will continue. We hope for better weather in the coming weeks, so everyone can get their season's started, and we are all able to enjoy our racing fix in more comfortable environments! Happy racing!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Jammin' Jimmy Scores Boone Frostbuster Win
We headed to the Boone Speedway for their annual Frostbuster special on Saturday. Just a couple of miles before the track, raindrops began to fall. It was but a brief shower however, just Mother Nature providing a bit of natural watering for the track surface, and soon the sun was shining. Anxious fans were lined up at the ticket window, awaiting some racing action, that for many, would be their first in 2013. Right at 192 cars filled the pits, so racers and fans alike were ready for racing.
The IMCA SportMods ran their 20 lap feature first. With 41 cars checked in, it required a B main to whittle the starting lineup to 24 cars. That B main was won by Brandon Brinton. Brinton is only one of several drivers we have noticed changing classes, as he drove a hobby stock in the past.
Audubon driver Jared Hansen sat on the pole of the SportMod feature, but right behind was Madrid's Andy Tiernan. Hansen took the lead at the drop of the green, but he had Tiernan dogging him relentlessly from there. It wasn't until lap thirteen, that Tiernan was able to make the pass to the lead and then continue on to the checkers and the win. Hansen had to settle for a runner up spot, third went to Ty Luellen who had just won the previous night at the Marshalltown Speedway Frostbuster, fourth was Rockie Caudle, Ellsworth, Iowa and rounding out the top five was Boone's own Cory Rose.
They called the IMCA Modifieds next for their 25 lap feature. This was a qualifier for the 2013 Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot and $1,000 to win. Jay Noteboom and Missouri driver Hunter Marriott sat on the front row, but it was second row's Cale Sponsler taking the point, bringing Jimmy Gustin from row three along to tag behind him. Those two went at it for the next fourteen laps as Gustin peeked inside, then outside for a chance to get to the lead. The yellow would wave on that lap fourteen, when surprisingly, the third place runner, Jay Noteboom was found spinning out at the bottom of turn two. Sponsler still held the lead on the restart but it was a determined Jimmy Gustin that finally managed to get that number one spot at lap fifteen. Gustin then put distance between himself and second place, and motored home to the win..... Sponsler holding second. Third went to Horicon, Wisconsin driver, Jeremy Christians, who many will remember being in a bright neon orange stock cars from years past. Fourth place went to the "Flying Dutchman", Mike VanGenderen who initially got shuffled back in the pack from starting in tenth spot, only to make a good recovery and advancement. Fifth place was Minburn's Luke Wanninger.
The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars came next with their 20 lapper. This class always seems to be a crowd pleaser with their "get after it" actions. It was the case this time as well as there were cars battling three and four wide for positions all over the track. Craig Carlson, a veteran to the class and sporting what appeared to be a new red ride, took the early lead and was looking good at the point, when on lap ten, his car shut down. Dusty Vis was the guy inheriting the lead on the restart. Vis is back racing this year after taking some time off and has been looking strong. Cars were now scrambling three-wide at various points on the track, including Vis, Mike Goldsberry and Jerry Gifford passing the flagstand nearly in a dead heat.
Things would still get changed up as brother Wayne Gifford, though showing some smoke, had now gotten up to challenge as well. Wayne made it work at lap sixteen, taking the lead, with the smoke not appearing to be a hinderance to him, taking the win. Mike Goldsberry finished in second, third went to the winner's brother Jerry Gifford, fourth was Michael Murphy and fifth was Dusty Vis.
The night cap was the 15 lap Hobby Stocks. This one didn't even get started before it went red when the 27 car of Jason Kohl took a tumble off of turn three. It was announced he was okay. When things then did get underway, it was Edgerton, Minnesota's Trevor Holm scooting to the lead, followed by Lincoln, Nebraska driver Shane Slezak. With the race continuing on caution free, those two would finish 1-2, making it an out of state sweep up front. Third place went to Tyler Pickett from Boxholm, fourth was Shawn Slezak from Milligan, Nebraska...I'm guessing he is a brother to the winner, and fifth went to Pleasant Hill racer, Richard Yaw II.
Boone did their regular farming sessions, once after all the heats, then they ran the B mains and farmed again before the feature races. For the most part, the track stayed good for early season, and it showed with all the multi-wide racing we were treated to. Drivers from our north were anxious to get some racing in, as over two dozen Wisconsinites came to play. Other racers hauled from Texas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina (Kyle Strickler, the "Highside Tickler") as well as Canada.
The regular season will open for weekly points at the Boone Speedway next Saturday, April 13. Grandstands open at 6, hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30. Check www.raceboone.com for more information about the track. Also check out the racing calendar at www.positivelyracing.com and seek out a race you might like to attend. Happy racing!
Boone did their regular farming sessions, once after all the heats, then they ran the B mains and farmed again before the feature races. For the most part, the track stayed good for early season, and it showed with all the multi-wide racing we were treated to. Drivers from our north were anxious to get some racing in, as over two dozen Wisconsinites came to play. Other racers hauled from Texas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina (Kyle Strickler, the "Highside Tickler") as well as Canada.
The regular season will open for weekly points at the Boone Speedway next Saturday, April 13. Grandstands open at 6, hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30. Check www.raceboone.com for more information about the track. Also check out the racing calendar at www.positivelyracing.com and seek out a race you might like to attend. Happy racing!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Mills sails to his second Frostbuster win in as many nights
Friday night saw the Marshalltown Speedway with a full pit and big crowd on hand for the second night of Frostbuster racing for 2013. Yes, there was STILL a nip in the air and a good breeze blowing, but it didn't stop the fans or drivers from coming out for some long awaited racing on the High Banks. The track stayed smooth the entire night except for some minor dips in turn one, making for multi-wide racing the entire night.
Four classes of IMCA racing were on the docket this night, the Modifieds, SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks. Right at a total of 190 race cars took part.
The Hobby Stocks ran a 15-lap feature. Nick Murty showed he was back to race as he took the lead early and appeared to be taking the win with little challenge. However, a yellow flag with a lap to go, would set up a green-white-checkered finish..."bonus laps" we call them, and with Devin Smith tucked on his tail for the restart, it was looking to be a toss up! This night, Murty prevailed, taking his first win of the 2013 season and first visit to victory lane in a few years. Devin Smith held the second spot, Donovan Nunnikhoven came from the fifth row to score a third place finish, Eric Stanton was fourth and Aaron Rudolph took fifth.
The IMCA SportMods had a great field of cars on hand with six heats needed, plus two B features.
Their 20-lap feature was stopped before the first lap was scored, but from there on, the race went caution free. Ty Luellen took advantage of his pole starting position, jumping to the lead immediately, with brother Clint Luellen tucking in behind; the chase was on. The two brothers circled the track in that order the rest of the way home, Ty taking the win, Clint in second. Fifth row starter Tracy Wassenberg, who made the haul down from Wisconsin, was not able to get any closer than third place. Fourth went to Austin Kaplan, who came from starting back in 19th spot, holding on to the checkers only to have his machine come to a halt in turn four after the finish. Geoff Olson rounded out the top five.
The Stock Cars came next with a 20-lap feature that went green to checkered after the first lap was initially called back without a lap scored. Steve Meyer took the lead early on, chased by Wisconsin driver John Heinz and Grinnell's Todd Reitzler. The laps wound down without any changes in the leaders....Meyer scoring the victory, Heinz in second and Reitzler in third. The Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty, who had just scored the previous night's win at the Iowa State Fair Speedway for their Frostbuster, was fourth and Michael Jaennette moved up through the pack to take the fifth position.
Thirty laps awaited the IMCA Modifieds, and they were all looking for a $1,000 pay day that included a qualification for the IMCA Super Nationals Fast Shafts All-Star ballot. The pole sitter was Joren Boyce out of North Dakota...in his familiar neon green ride that you couldn't miss. Luke Wanninger sat to his outside.
Wanninger wasted no time in taking a substantial lead with the previous night's Des Moines Frostbuster winner, Jeremy Mills running in second by lap five. Running in third was Racer Hulin who jumped from the SportMod class, up to the A, and was running a smooth line in his debut in the class. Never count out the 7N of Jay Noteboom either, as he was quickly making headway and chasing down Hulin. Then came a yellow flag at lap 24. As the cars were being realigned, it was discovered that the leader Wanninger, had a left rear tire deflating rapidly. Before the cars were restarted, Wanninger was forced to leave the track as the tire was now on the rim. This put Mills to the point spot and he never wavered in the final six laps in the sprint to the finish. He held the lead, scoring his second victory in as many nights. Noteboom saw his chance, and moved up to score second place. Todd Shute suddenly appeared from no where to score third, Missouri driver, Hunter Marriott finished in fourth, and the rookie Hulin held on to take fifth in his initiation into the A mod ranks.
It was great to get back to the Marshalltown Speedway. We enjoyed some great racing and got to catch up with some racing friends and fans. Next week will be their regular season opener, so make plans to attend.
For additional information, you can check www.marshalltownspeedway.com. Let's hope for some warmer weather for a bit more comfort sitting in the grandstand as we all enjoy our passion of racing. Happy racing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)