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
     

Prochaska snatches Modified win, Schmidt's "Black Betty" Stock Car sits in victory lane again

Super Nationals must be getting close.  One of the largest crowds of the season as well as a huge car count...173 total, came for fun Saturday night at the Boone Speedway.  Breaking the car count down, it was 30 Mod Lites, 35 Hobby Stocks, 37 SportMods, 35 Stock Cars and 36 Modifieds.  This required a lot of B mains to complete 24 car starting fields!  Over a dozen new Modified drivers were on hand, some that have now finished their season at other tracks.  Other classes found drivers coming out for the first time this year, and gearing up for the Super Nationals.

The Mod Lite feature ran first.  It was refreshing to see it go flag to flag....something that has been far and few between in any class as of late.  Travis Stensland and Mike Kennedy duked it out in the early going, Stensland holding the advantage.  It didn't take long for Andy Hennigar to make his way through the pack, reeling in the leaders.  Hennigar took over the helm with three laps to go with a pass on the backstretch, stretched out his lead on those final laps, and took the win ahead of Stensland in second.  Third went to Terry Brown, sporting a new ride and looking his best of the season, Mike Kennedy took fourth and Bryan Zehm was fifth.  Hennigar scored his third win at the track this year.

The SportMods went their usual 18-laps in their feature.  Brandon Williams, a driver who just showed up this year, but clearly showing that he had experience behind the wheel, took the lead from his front row starting spot immediately.  Michael Murphy, his front row starting partner, tucked in behind him, Johnathan Logue tagging him in third. Paul Nagle, who came on strong, took the runner up spot, getting around both Logue and Murphy---Murphy falling back to fourth.   A yellow at lap eight, "saved" Logue who had bobbled, losing precious positions, but was realigned in his third spot for the restart, now behind Paul Nagle.  As the laps wound down, it was appearing as if the running order would remain, until suddenly the 05 of Nagle exited off of turn one and into the pits.  This handed the runner up spot over to Logue.  The final lap saw Williams pull away from the field, taking the checkers by a comfortable margin over Logue in second.  Third went to Michael Murphy, Cory Rose finished fourth and Carter VanDenBerg came from row six to finish in fifth.  Williams, who moved to Des Moines this year from the St. Joe, Missouri area, scored his third feature at Boone this year.

The SportMods ran a King of the Hill competition after their heats were completed.  It pitted the top two of each of the four heats against each other...drawing for their starting positions.  The final round was a popular win for Tara Longnecker as she beat out Johnathan Logue for title of "Queen of the Hill".

The Modifieds had just gotten started when racing was halted by a yellow flag.  Kyle Krampe had led the field, lost the handle in one, and second place runner Mike VanGenderen had no place to go.  This sent the two front runners to the back of the pack to restart.  The lead was then handed over to Travis Prochaska, the Iowa Falls driver who had made his first appearance last week.  Billy Davis, Jr. worked his way into the runner up spot after starting in row four, and this would be the way they would ride the remainder of the way to the checkers.  Shay Woods followed them to score third.  Matthew Meinecke is still in search of that elusive win, taking fourth place on this night.  Jon Snyder, the only driver who took a chance by getting off of the topside chain, dug his way to finish fifth.  Prochaska took his first win ever at Boone.

The always fun to watch Stock Cars were up next.  Fans leaving before this race is run, are usually missing out on some of the best action of the night.  These drivers were jousting for position all through the pack, going three and four wide. Hot Rod Richards puts his 23HR ride to the front by lap five as meanwhile, Jay Schmidt had begun sending "Black Betty" sailing on the top of the track, getting to third after starting tenth. A yellow at lap six, halted the action, Richards still in front, but Schmidt now breathing down his tail pipes.  The restart was what Schmidt was looking for, as he flew to the lead.  Schmidt would continue that point spot to the checkers, winning for the fifth time at Boone this year.  Wayne Gifford took the topside route and finished in second.  Third went to Donovan Smith, who chose to be a bottom feeder, Damon Murty finished fourth after starting along side winner Schmidt in row five, and Rod Richards rounded out the top five.

The night ended with the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature.  Adel driver, Andrew Burg took the early lead, but Eric Stanton closed in quickly.  Meanwhile, multi-time National and Super National's champion Shannon Anderson, though running near the front was being black flagged for "questionable driving" after helping a car around earlier.  Anderson did not exit the track after repeatedly being black flagged and with his number showing on the scoreboard.  Burg....who races the #78B car, took the feature win, Anderson crossed the line in second, but was shown as the last place in the finish, and Eric Stanton was scored as the runner up.  Third went to Matt Hudspeth, Marengo, Iowa's  Nathan Ballard who made his first trip to Boone this year and who started back in eighteenth, took fourth and John Watson, back in a Hobby Stock after piloting a Stock Car earlier this season, rounded out the top five. Stanton now takes over the point lead at the track.

As a note, Shannon Anderson had been leading points over Eric Stanton by one point going into the night, making the black flag situation a BIG factor in what will pan out for the track championship and the run for the Natiional Championship this year. Time will tell.

The next race on our schedule is the Southern Iowa Speedway this coming Wednesday night, August 21.  It will be "Support American Farmer's" night at the races.  The IMCA Late Models will also be running, joining the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts.  Hot laps are 7 and racing at 7:30.  Happy racing!

Jenae Gustin outshines the guys in SportMod win

It was a beautiful night for racing Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway.  There were 110 cars on hand to compete and more than a dozen new drivers.  Some of this stems from other tracks done for the season and maybe, just maybe, some trying to get in a few laps at the high banks in preparation for the big season ending special on September 20-21---the World Nationals.  Two drivers scored their first win at the track in 2013 and an added bonus on the night was the Stock Car King of the Hill.

IMCA Sport Compacts saw a new car win....but not a new winner.  The four car field found John Gill leading the first handful of laps, but Merv Chandler took over the helm at lap six and drove the #57 to victory.  Chandler, in a new car this week, scored his ninth win at the speedway this year.  John Gill was the runner up, Chad Larson was third and new driver Daniel Webster, was fourth.

The Mod Lites ran their usual 15-lap feature.  Charlie Brown got past Mike Kennedy at lap three and Dusty Masolini followed him to take over the runner up spot.  Things were looking good for Brown until he went into spin mode in turn one, and Masolini took over the top spot.  Josh May hustled through the pack to get into second, while Randy Bryan and Andy Hennigar fought it out for third.  May challenged the leader but was unable to make it work, Masolini keeping the top spot and taking the win, May having to settle for second.  Third was Andy Hennigar and Randy Bryan was fourth.  Mike Kennedy, the early leader, rounded out the top five.  This was Masolini's first win at the track this year.  

Jennifer Hulin led the first two laps of the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature when a red flag situation halted all the action.  The two car incident in turn two between Jonathan Juitt and Keith Miner was the cause of the situation.  Miner, the racer who is fighting ALS, was transported via ambulance to be checked out.  We wish him the best.  As action resumed, it was still Hulin holding off Eric Larson, but not for long.  Larson took over the helm, only to have Eric Stanton soon sniffing at his rear bumper.  A flat tire a couple of laps later, ended Larson's quest for the win, as Stanton was now at the helm.  Stanton had little trouble in keeping the lead to the checkers and scored the win.  Second went to John Watson, the driver who is now back in a Hobby Stock after trying a stint in the Stock Car division this year.  Bill Bonnett took third over Kevin Fee and Jennifer Hulin who were fourth and fifth. Stanton scored his fourth win at the track this year.  

Things got mixed up a bit last night as the Stock Cars took the track for their 18-lap feature next.  With a Stock Car King of the Hill contest looming, they ran their main event earlier than usual, giving those qualified for the contest time to get ready.  The feature saw more than the normal amount of yellows flying early, while Justin Temeyer maintained his lead.  Meanwhile, Damon Murty had worked his way into second after starting tenth on the field, and was looking for more.  Murty nosed under Temeyer, taking over the lead at lap eight.  Two more yellows would fly before lap nine was scored, Murty still in command.  Jay Schmidt in the meantime, had been moving "Black Betty" steadily through the field and took over second place and on the prowl in an attempt to catch Murty.  Another yellow flew at lap fifteen, setting up a shoot out for the finish.  Murty took flight on the topside in turns three and four diving to the bottom in one and two, while Schmidt dug hard on the bottom to make headway.  Murty kept the advantage this time, taking the checkers and the win---Schmidt in his #19J having to settle for second.  Third went to  Derek Reimer, fourth was Jeff Wollam---two drivers who had run up front all evening.  Justin Temeyer worked his way back up after being involved in a yellow earlier, and scored fifth place.  Murty won for the fourth time this year, but with a drought since back on May 31.  

The SportMod feature winner scored a popular win with the audience.  The race found another 19J finding the comfort zone down low.  This time it was Jenae Gustin showing the boys how it's done.  Gustin took the lead at lap seven, after starting ninth on the field, and took the win going away.  Paul Nagle got past Brandon Brinton in the latter portion of the race, scoring second and third respectively.  Fourth went to Jayme Duinink, who had hung toward the front all race long, and visitor Matt Lettow from Roland, came from the tail of the starting field, to finish fifth.  This was Gustin's first win of the season at Marshalltown, and a popular one it was, as attested to the cheers from the stands. Gustin was in a new ride last night as she stated in her interview with announcer Jerry VanSickle, and "it's about time", was her comment.  According to my unofficial records, her last win came on August 24 of last year.  

The 20-lap Modified feature was a "no go" on the initial green, with a bad start called back.  When things got going, Scott Simatovich led the pack from his pole starting spot.  Ronn Lauritzen had started ninth on the field, and by lap five was on the leaders tail.  When a yellow flew before another lap could be scored, it was Lauritzen taking advantage on the restart, taking the lead by lap six.  As Lauritzen kept his usual spot on the bottom of the track, here came the "Top Side Terror" of Jon Snyder flying on the top.  Just past the halfway mark, Snyder took the lead, keeping it to the checkers flying, and scoring another win.  Lauritzen and his Angry Bird ride finished as the runner up.  Cayden Carter had a good run to finish third, fourth went to Simatovich and Kyle Krampe kept his #K1 toward the front all night and rounded out the top five.  Snyder, who had started along side Lauritzen in row five, scored his fifth win at Marshalltown in 2013.

There was still one more event to be run as the top two qualifiers from the four Stock Car heats were set to do battle for title of King of the Hill.  Two cars, the 94 of Steve Meyer and the 75 of visitor Curt Hook, were unable to start.  Round one saw Damon Murty beating Jeff Wollam, Jay Schmidt defeated Robbie Merkle, and Justin Temeyer besting Derek Reimer.  Murty beat Jay Schmidt in round two and the final round pitted Murty against Temeyer.  Murty was the winner, and crowned King of the Hill.  Murty had a successful night with the feature win and the King title to boot.  

It was great to see Chet Christner at the track last night as he spent most of his evening up in the announcer's tower.  Christner, who hails from Las Vegas, has been back in Iowa enjoying a racing vacation.  He will be returning again in two weeks to help announce the IMCA Super Nationals in Boone, as he has done the last couple of years.  He will be joining Jerry VanSickle, and Ryan Clark on the mic.  Clark, a partner in crime at PR was also in attendence last night. Check Positively Racing at "In Staging" to see if he shared his views from the infield last night.  Perhaps he was only there to plot some upcoming entertainment with Jerry and Chet.  Look for them and their "antics" as well as informational announcing at the Super Nationals.   

Weekly racing season is quickly winding down....how can that be?  It seems it just got started!  There's still plenty of racing to be found though.  Check out the racing calendar at www.positivelyracing.com and find a race to enjoy.  Happy Racing!

Utter posts first ever Marshalltown Speedway Corn Belt Clash win

After a night of racing on Monday at the Iowa State Fair, we opted to head to Marshalltown on Tuesday night for another round of racing.  They were hosting the first ever appearance at the track of the open Late Model Series---the Corn Belt Clash.  They also had SportMods and Mod Lites on the program.  It was a quick show with only three classes.

Mod Lites ran first for their 15-lapper.  Veteran Jimmy May led this one through lap ten as Andy Hennigar and Dusty Masolini fought tooth and nail behind him.  Hennigar snatched the lead away at lap eleven and held it the rest of the way to the checkers.  May held off Masolini at the line as they finished second and third.  Fourth went to Jeff Stensland in the 01 car usually piloted by David Schmalzried and Mike Morrill completed the top five.

Support class #2 was the SportMods.  They ran a 20-lap feature.  Jenae Gustin was looking strong and leading the way through lap six, when a yellow flew.  Shortly after the restart, Lake City's Doug Smith made his move around Gustin and took over the lead.  Joel Rust and Osky's Curtis VanDerWal were soon up to challenge the leaders and were looking for more.  Rust got around Gustin after a restart at lap eleven as did VanDerWal and this would be the ending sequence.  Smith took the checkers, Rust was the runner up followed by VanDerWal and Gustin in third and fourth.  Fifth went to Carter VanDenBerg who came from starting back in row five.

Now it was time for the big boys to show their stuff for the 50-lap Corn Belt Clash Late Model feature. A "quick 6" dash pitted the top two out of the heats, to determine their starting positions in the feature. Chad Simpson and Jason Jaggers were the lucky front row starters.

The initial green of the feature was called back when Charlie McKenna didn't get to turn two, bringing out the yellow.  When things did get going, Chad Simpson led the pack with Jason Utter in second.  Those two remained in that order through out much of the race. meanwhile, Jason Jaggers the driver out of Illinois was riding along in third and the #50 of Denny Eckrich had made his way into fourth by running the top of the track, unlike most of the rest of the field.  Lap traffic entered into the picture and at lap 38, Utter made his move around the outside of Simpson and took over the lead.  A short while later, Denny Eckrich slipped off of turn two, ending his run on the topside, re-entered the track, though losing many positions.  Lap traffic was still in the picture as the race wound down, but it did not deter Utter's race to the checkers.  Chad Simpson kept the runner up spot, third went  to Dave Eckrich, fourth was Chris Simpson and Justin Mitchell rounded out the top five.  Jason Jaggers, Andy Eckrich, veteran racer Pete Parker, Marshalltown's Darrel DeFrance, and Jake Meier were sixth through tenth in that order.

The races were complete at 9:38 p.m., making for an early exit for fans on a week night.  It was an enjoyable night as we once again shared it with friends in the stands. Happy racing!

A day at the Iowa State Fair and some racing to end it

We had a long day at the Iowa State Fair, arriving just before 8:30 a.m. yesterday morning.  We had a great time roaming the fairgrounds with family, taking in about as much as we could stand.  It has been tradition for many, many years to head to the grandstand in the late afternoon for the Iowa State Fair races, and that is just what we did once again. A lot of other people had the same idea, as there was a good crowd in attendance. The show consisted of the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models, Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and the Dirt Trucks.

The SportMods ran their 15-lap feature race first.  Tony Johnson led the opening laps, but a bobble in turn one sent him spinning, causing a yellow and his chances dashed for a run up front.  The hot shoe, Nick Roberts inherited the lead and from there on had no trouble in keeping it to the checkers.  Austin Kaplan moved through the field well, starting in the sixth row, and taking the runner up spot, though a good distance behind the winner.  Matt Webb finished a distant third, followed by Paul Nagle and Glenn Gladson.

It was a rather nostalgic and bitter sweet Hobby Stock feature as longtime announcer Tim Trier made his final race call, heading off into retirement from the mic.  He did manage to get in a couple of his famous "if he wants it, he's going to have to come and get it" calls, and "hey, hey, that was a good one".  Thanks for all the memories, Tim!

The Hobby Stock feature had a few yellows fly throughout the race.  However, the leader from the drop of the green, Kenny Champ, Clarinda, Iowa, never gave up that lead, holding it to the checkers and the win.  It wasn't without a couple of challenges however, as it was the familiar #78 of Shannon Anderson knocking at the door, bumper, and quarter panel!  Longtime second generation racer, Randy Embrey got in the mix late in the race, and was able to make the move around Anderson.  Champ scored the win, Embrey taking the runner up spot, and Anderson in third.  Dustin Griffiths challenged those front runners at times, but had to settle for fourth over Bill Dawson in fifth.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks ran a 15-lap feature.  It was led from start to finish by the 2M of Tony Moro.  Ed Nelson passed Pat Fagen as the laps wound down, as they went second and third.  Fourth went to Bret Moyer, and Billy Allen was fifth.

There was a good field of Stock Cars on hand, their class being the only one requiring a B main.  That B main was won by Justin Temeyer.  Their feature was also a 15-lap event.  Grinnell's Todd Reitzler was really looking strong, taking the lead immediately from his outside front row starting spot, and pulling away to a lengthy lead.  Fighting behind him for position were Bill Osbahr the Avoca, Iowa racer, Damon Murty and Randy Killen, as they went three-wide.  Reitzler continued his lead through several cautions and subsequent restart situations, but he was getting pressured hard by Randy Killen and Osbahr.  One more of those fateful restart situations would be Reitzler's nemesis when Killen, who was now in second,took his opportunity when the leader slightly bobbled, and took over the first spot.  It was a hard fought battle late in the race between Randy Killen, Osbahr and Reitzler, Killen having gotten into second.  At the finish, it was Osbahr the victor and Iowa State Fair champion, Killen going second, and Reitzler was third.  Fourth went to Atalissa, Iowa racer David Brandies and multi-time IMCA National Stock Car Champion, Jeff Anderson rounded out the top five.  A check back at my notes from last year, shows Osbahr finished second at the Fair race in 2012, getting the elusive win this year.

The finale of the evening was the 35-lap Deery Brothers Late Model feature.  The lucky front row starters were Joel Callahan and Jeff Aikey.  It was no surprise that Aikey took the lead immediately, and had no real challenge the entire 35-laps.  Aikey led the entire race with Joel Callahan trying to catch him most of the way.  Justin Kay took advantage of a restart situation, and flew into second, but could get no closer than to score second place.  Callahan fought back to try and recapture second, but had to settle for third.  Fourth went to Brian Harris in the #15R and local racer Todd Cooney was fifth.

Another Iowa State Fair race is in the books.  It's always a nostalgic race to us, having attended Fair races from way back when.  It is a beautiful sight to see the race cars on the track, the grandstands full, and the midway lights glowing off of turn one.  It was a pleasure to share the evening with lots of racing friends as an added bonus.

Tonight, we will be off to the Marshalltown Speedway for the first ever Corn Belt Clash Series for Late Models at the track. This is an open Late Model series that is based in the upper Midwest.  IMCA SportMods and the MADCRA Mod Lites are also on the docket.  The Dirt Trucks originally slated for an appearance, will not be racing, according to what we heard last night.  Hot laps are 7:15 with racing to follow.  Maybe we will see you there.  Happy racing!

Kates earns victory #1 in SportMods, Bushore wins tough Modified feature

Boone Speedway was like a carnival on Saturday night...sometimes in more ways than one!  Not only were there fun carnival games, face painting, Ditzy the Clown, and balloon animals, in the grandstand area, the racing provide some interesting entertainment as well.  The pits were packed with 149 cars, with quite a few first timers.  We noticed several cars that usually run Webster City---their season being done as of last week---as well as a couple of traveling racers.  Things look to be gearing up for the fast approaching Super Nationals.

Josh May continued his winning ways by nabbing the 15-lap MADCRA Mod Lite feature.  May, who leads points, raced his way from starting in twelfth, and into the lead by lap five.  He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Ed Zehm.  Chargin' Charlie Brown was third, followed by Jimmy May, dad of the winner, and Dusty Masolini completed the top five.

The SportMod feature saw cars going three-wide down the back chute.  They got lap one in the books, when the yellow flew.  The restart had Bill Wears in command, which he held through lap eight.  He had been tormented for a while by Taylor Musselman, Ben Kates and Michael Murphy.  Kates seized an opportunity and was in the lead by lap nine.  Kates put distance between himself and his opponents, and sailed home to his first win at the Boone Speedway.  Point leader Eric Elliott, who started alongside Kates in the fifth row, took the runner up spot.  Third was Tara Longnecker, fourth went to early leader Bill Wears, and Tim Love was fifth.

It was looking as if Matthew Meinecke was finally going to get that elusive win in the IMCA Modified feature.  He led from the drop of the green, and pulled away.  Jon Snyder took over second by lap five and now had the task of trying to catch the leader.  A yellow at lap ten caused a halt in the action, something that the leader did NOT want to see.  The restart had Snyder, and Shay Woods chomping at the bit for more. Russ Dickerson, last week's winner joined in the frey as did Joel Bushore.  Woods got to second and closed in on Meinecke.  Hard racing down the front, found Woods nearly wheel jumping on top of Meinecke as they raced to corner one.  Woods came out the better on that one, taking over the helm.  A yellow flew with two laps remaining, which set up a green-white-checkered finish.  Under yellow, Russ Dickerson had to exit when his car started sputtering, his night's hope of a repeat win dashed.  When the green waved, there was a mad scramble for position, Bushore getting the advantage this time, and sweeping into the lead.  Bushore took the white flag as Woods and Meinecke struggled for position, still hoping for a chance at the win.  As the cars entered turn one, Woods was too high as he tried getting around Meinecke, slipped off the bank, and tipped over---and a red was thrown.  Since the leaders had taken the white, the race was scored complete.  Bushore got the victory, Meinecke had to settle for another bridesmaid spot.  Jimmy Gustin, added to his point lead by racing from the sixth row to nab the third spot.  Fourth went to Kelly Lyons and Scott Davis was fifth.

The Stock Cars ran next, as this week things got back to their regular running order.  It seemed to us as if every class was really getting after it last night....guess Super Nationals is getting near....and the Stock Cars continued that theme.  It was the brothers Gifford, Jerry and Wayne, getting the crowd's interest at the front for much of the race.  They raced closely for lap after lap.  Meanwhile, behind the there was frantic jousting for position.  Not surprisingly, two of those Jay Schmidt and Damon Murty.  Contact between the two resulted with both getting flats, ending hopes for either of them visiting victory lane. After a final yellow flew at lap eleven when Craig Carlson came to a stop near the flagstand, Jerry Gifford was still leading brother Wayne with a pair of #25s, Josh Daniels and Trent Murphy drooling for more.  Wayne Gifford gave it a shot by going upstairs, quickly found that was not the best place, loosing several spots before dropping back to the bottom.  The rest of the way went green, Jerry Gifford stretching his lead and taking the win.  Josh Daniels took the runner up spot over Trent Murphy in third.  Fourth went to "HotRod" Richards, fifth was Donavon Smith and Wayne Gifford fell to sixth.  Trent Murphy holds on to a nice lead for the points race.

In the final race of the night, the IMCA Hobby Stock 12-lapper, it was the 78X of David Rieks from Eldora showing some muscle as he led the early laps.  However, by lap two, another #78 was on the hunt.  Shannon Anderson, who started in eleventh, was already up to second.  By lap four, Anderson had taken the point, and from there on the race was for second.  Anderson took the win, repeating from last week, second went to Eric Stanton, who going into the night was tied for points with Anderson, thus now one point behind. Third was Rieks, Ray Stock, Jr. finished in fourth and Matt Hudsputh took fifth.

We will be catching our breath tonight, taking a night off from the racing road.  Tomorrow, bright and early, we plan for a fun day at the Iowa State Fair with family.  Tomorrow night, the plan is to catch the Deery Brothers Late Model race at the Fair.  Hot laps are scheduled for 5:30 with racing to follow.  Joining the Late Models are the IMCA Stock Cars, SportMods, and Hobby Stocks, as well as the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks.  There is no prettier sight than sitting in the grandstand, cars on the track and the Midway lights glowing over turn one.  Hope to see you there!  Happy racing!

Bushore scores Mod win and Black Betty's back in Stock Cars

It was back to the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night.  The nostalgia cars were on hand for another appearance, but they weren't the only nostalgic thing going on by night's end.  There was a new winner in the Modified division while the other classes saw repeat winners from earlier in the season...two taking their seventh win of the year.

The vintage/nostalgia car feature was won by Jim Anderson in his black 1959 Ford Fairlane. He kept ahead of the 1957 Chevy of John Schroyer, who was scored in second.

Only three IMCA Sport Compacts were in attendance last night.  John Gill led the first lap, but Dave Moorman put his #6m to the lead by lap two and motored the rest of the way to the checkers.  Gill took second over Chad Larson in third.  This was Moorman's second win of the season at Marshalltown.

It was looking as if the familiar #99 of Josh May was going to be visiting victory lane again in the MADCRA Mod Lite A main.  He had grabbed the lead from Mike Kennedy at lap three and drove off.  That is, until Andy Hennigar began to reel him in after getting to second.  May kept his momentum up on the topside, while Hennigar began to slowly close the distance as he dug on the bottom.  As they approached the white flag, Hennigar seized the moment and snatched the lead---May bobbled then in turn one, ending his chance for any revenge.  Hennigar captured his seventh win of the season, now one win ahead of May.  Third place went to Dusty Masolini, fourth was Jimmy May and Travis Brandt, the pole sitter, rounded out the top five.

Eric Larson grabbed the early lead in the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature while cars battled four-wide behind him.  Shannon Anderson was able to weave his way through the bunch, taking second place by lap nine.  On the restart, Larson didn't waiver and took the checkers first, managing to stay just a bumper ahead of the 78 at the checkers.  Anderson had to settle for runner up on this night.  Third was Nick Murty, who had started back in nineteenth place, fourth was point leader Bill Bonnett and John Watson was back in a Hobby Stock last night..switching from Stock Car, and was scored in fifth.  Larson nabbed his second feature win at Marshalltown this year.

It was hard getting the SportMod feature underway.  Two yellows flew before the first lap was scored.  With lap two finally scored, yet another yellow flew, Jason Hall at the helm at that time.  This restart was also called back, and we were beginning to wonder if any sort of consecutive laps would get in the books!  Liking the restarts however, was the black #26J driven by Joel Rust...still in a "rent-a-ride" car while his is being put together, as he had scooted into second place.  He took over the point shortly after that restart, only to have another yellow fly at lap eight.  That lap eight must have been the magic number, as the cars raced on to the finish under green.  Rust held the front position but was dogged by "Little E" Eric Elliott the rest of the way.  Rust took the win, Elliott in second, as they finished a distance ahead of the rest.  Third went to Andy Tiernan, fourth was Jayme Duinink and Brandon Brinton hung around the front all race, to score fifth.  This was Rust's third win at Marshalltown this year.

The IMCA 18-lap Stock Car feature did not get off to a good start.  As the cars took the green, there was a pack racing down the backstretch...when suddenly Dave Atcher took a nasty looking barrel roll near turn three.  Thankfully, he climbed from the car unhurt, but was not happy, expressing his displeasure at another driver.  We thought it was just hard, tight racing, and many trying to win it on the first lap.  The yellows continued to fly in this race too.  We were searching the sky to see if the full moon was shining, but it wasn't!  Steve Meyer and Scott Pippert dueled it out in the first handful of laps or so, swapping leads back and forth.  Jay Schmidt and Damon Murty entered the picture shortly.  Schmidt set sail on the topside with "Black Betty", reeled in the leader and claimed the top spot.  Meyer and Pippert were battling for second and Murty doing everything to catch them.  At the final 18th lap, it was once again, Jay, "All the Way" Schmidt, claiming the win comfortably over Meyer in second.  Pippert took the third spot over Murty in fourth and Kevin Balmer had a good run to complete the top five positions. Murty came back through the pack after a lap seven incident sent him spinning out, and having to tag the tail on the restart.   Schmidt took win #7 at Marshalltown and we believe that makes #11 total on the year.

The dust was really rolling by the time the Modifieds came to the track for their 20-lap feature.  Joel Bushore took over the top spot from Kyle Krampe by lap two and from there on never looked back.  Bushore would finish the winner, a comfortable distance ahead of Krampe who finished in second.  Luke Wanninger got around Scott Simatovich on the final lap as they were scored third and fourth. Ronn Lauritzen in his Angry Bird #10K finished a close fifth. Bushore scored his first win at the speedway in the green to checkers feature.

That final race brought back some voices of the past as Denny Grabenbauer and Toby Kruse got back to their days of the "Denny and Toby Show", sharing the mic for the call of the race.  Great to hear them doing that again.

We are looking at a lot of racing still ahead.  We will be back at the Boone Speedway tonight for our usual Saturday night venue.  Monday we are planning for the Deery Brothers show at the Iowa State Fair, and Tuesday we hope to be back at the Marshalltown Speedway for the Corn Belt Clash.  We hope you can catch some racing in your neck of the woods too.  Happy racing!

Lanigan repeats in WoO Late Models, Duffy takes win #2 in HDT

It was a rather "iffy" looking sky most of Monday, and we had heard that Independence had a good soaking that morning...2 inches plus.  We were hoping that nothing more would fall as it was the big and anticipated World of Outlaws Late Model race along with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds coming to town at the Independence Motor Speedway.  Thanks to some great track work, what was a muddy mess of a track when we arrived and an infield that was pure mud, the night proceeded with no more than just a teasing sprinkle out of a passing cloud.  No doubt, two guys that were more than happy that it happened last night were Darrell Lanigan and Darin Duffy.  The two "D's" enjoyed their second victories in their respective series by the end of the night.

The World of Outlaws ran quick...and I mean quick, time trials.  Sending out three cars at a time, makes for a quick and efficient time trial session.  The series lines their heats up by putting the fastest cars to the front, unlike most racing we see, where the fast cars have to earn their way to the front.  All four heat race winners began on the pole and finished there.  Shane Clanton (#25) from Fayetteville, Georgia, Jason Feger (#25) from Bloomington, Illinois, Chad Simpson (#25) local favorite from Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and Gregg Saterlee (#22) from Rochester Mills, PA.  Those three #25's had me trying to figure out who was who all night long...not being familiar with their cars.  Thanks to input from our bleacher partners, I finally got it figured out!

After a redraw of their starting positions, the top finishing drivers in their heats, were established in the line up for the 50-lap feature.  Chad Simpson was a popular recipient of pill #1, Don O'Neal got #2.  Chad Simpson took advantage of that pole starting spot, leaping to the lead at the drop of the green.  O'Neal was hanging in second when shortly, he had a flat and had to retire to the pits for a tire change, tagging the field for the restart.  Now it was two #25's up front....Chad Simpson holding tight to the lead, but Shane Clanton planted on his tail and last year's winner, Darrel Lanigan now putting in his two cents worth as he dogged Clanton. A restart after a yellow at lap fourteen, was to Clanton's liking, as he made the move into the lead, shortly followed by Lanigan who also got around Simpson.  Those three cars were the show at the front of the pack as they ran comfortably ahead of the field.  Lanigan wasn't done however, as he seized an opportunity that had been eluding him for lap after lap, finally getting under Clanton and taking the top position away.  Lanigan would persevere the remainder of the way to the checkers...taking the race for the second year in a row at Independence.  Clanton remained in second, and Simpson was third.  Fourth went to Satterlee, who had hung toward the front all night, and making a great comeback from suffering an early flat tire and tagging the field, was veteran Don O'Neal in fifth.

A nice field of 31 Hawkeye Dirt Tour Modifieds were in attendance.  They ran four heats with those wins going to Darin Duffy, Tyler Droste, Jason O'Brien and Jeff Waterman.  They ran 30-laps for their main event, and Jason O'Brien and Troy Cordes were the lucky redraw drivers getting the front row.  O'Brien held the point on lap one but Cordes took over the following lap.  Cordes kept command as a yellow flew at lap seven, which now found "The Flying Dutchman", Mike VanGenderen holding down second.  Two yellows flew with but a couple of laps getting in, the restart situation then being to Darin Duffy's liking as he got by VanGenderen.  Ronn Lauritzen in his Angry Bird car was pressuring VanGenderen as he ran in fourth.  By lap twenty-one, Cordes and Duffy passed the flagstand side-by-side, as did VanGenderen and Lauritzen.  It was getting good!  Duffy managed to find his way around Cordes and take the lead on the following lap as the three cars behind were dueling it out now.  When the white flew, Duffy seemed well in command and he would sail home to the win...his second in the HDT series this year.  Cordes outlasted VanGenderen at the checkers as they went second and third and Ronn Lauritzen was right there in fourth.  Young Tyler Droste finished fifth after he started in row six just behind Lauritzen and winner Duffy who had started in row five.  Lauritzen continues to hold the point lead, eight points ahead of VanGenderen.

A few notes on the night.  There were 32 WoO Late Models and they came from far and wide.  We noticed drivers from West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Texas,  Mississippi, and Florida, joined by some of our local Iowa racers. Even with the great job the track crew did in getting the surface ready to race, there was some pretty rough going, especially in turns one and two that we noticed.  There was a HUGE crowd on hand...the weather didn't scare many away!  There were some that we noticed leaving immediately after the Late Model feature, but it was nice to see many staying to support and watch our local Modified drivers.  We enjoyed a great night of racing and it was the best as we shared it with racing family, friends and fellow Positively Racing cronie Jeff Broeg.  Be sure and check his take of the night in more depth at www.backstretch32.blogspot.com and HDT announcer for the night, Ryan Clark should have another view at www.instaging.blogspot.com.  Thank you Mother Nature for allowing this event to happen, making a whole lot of people happy.  Happy racing!

Musselman scores first win at Boone

There were a lot of things going on at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night besides the regular racing.  That alone was plenty enough as 152 cars filled the pits.  The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks made their first ever appearance at the track, there was a chassis challenge race, some fun things for the youngsters to partake in, prizes for the fans, plus STEAK SANDWICHES.  It was billed as a "Pre-Super Nationals Blowout".  The nice crowd on hand got to witness two first time winners at the track this year, and all while enjoying a beautiful night at the track.

Before any heat races were begun, the Victory Chassis versus Harris Auto Special Modified challenge was held.  There were five Victory and five Harris cars pitted against one another.  The chosen participating drivers were called to the frontstretch and a "pick your starting spot frisbee" determined their starting position in the 10-lap shoot out.  There was $1,000 waiting for the winner of the race with each lap leader getting the money raised for that lap in addition.  Randy Havlik got the jump from outside the front row at the drop of the green and from there on, started counting the money. Jimmy Gustin gave it a good shot trying to overtake Havlik but fell short.  Havlik, according to my calculations and jotting down the amount announced for each lap, should have earned Havlik a total of $1,360.  Not bad for a quick 10-lap run.

They ran the Hobby Stock feature first as they have done for the last few weeks. It went the distance caution free.  Michael Powell from Norwalk was the driver in charge for the first eight laps.  He was holding back Andy Coffman, his front row starting partner.  It wasn't long until Shannon Anderson came into the picture...moving quickly up from his sixth row starting spot.  Anderson got to second and pressured the leader, and then soon took over the helm at lap nine.  Anderson then motored off, putting a good distance between himself and second place.  Anderson scored the easy win, his seventh of the year.  Last week's winner, Matt Sorenson made a late race rally, coming from sixteenth to score the runner up spot.  Powell held on to take third place, Andy Coffman was fourth and Eric Stanton was fifth.  It appears that Anderson and Stanton are now tied for the point lead, if my unofficial calculations are correct.

The MADCRA Mod Lites looked to be having a new winner as Joel Keenan led the troops after getting around Travis Stensland at lap seven.  Don't count out Josh May though.  May raced through the field from starting twelfth to take over the runner up spot with just three laps to go.  May peeked to the outside those last three laps, and as the cars approached the checkers, he made it stick---snatching the win at the flagstand by mere inches.  Third place finisher was Bryan Zehm, who had started along side the winner back in row six, Stensland held on to score fourth and Randy Bryan took the fifth spot. May added to his comfortable point lead.

Eleven of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks ran a 15-lap feature.  This was the first time ever for the Trucks being on the Boone Speedway.  They are scheduled for another appearance on August 24.  Bret Moyer got the drop on Pat Fagen as the green flew, taking the lead.  Fagen fought back and secured the top spot at lap three, but then a slip allowed Moyer to get back around for the lead, Brad Moyer and Rick Clark doing the same.  Moyer had little trouble in going the rest of the distance for the checkers.  His brother Brad Moyer was scored in second, third was Clark, Pat Fagen held on for fourth and Tony Moro was fifth.  The rest of the field was Carl Knight, Carl Moyer, Ed Nelson, Lou Sipolt, Bryan Nevins, Jr., and Allen Govig.

Michael Murphy held the lead for much of the 18-laps of the IMCA Northern SportMod feature.  He withstood a couple of yellow flag restarts that found Randy Roberts knocking at the door in second.  Roberts peeked inside for a way around the leader but it was with just two laps remaining that things got all changed up.  The leaders came upon a lap car that lost control of his ride, and in doing so, collected both Murphy and Roberts in the process. On the restart, it was Tyler Musselman that had inherited the lead.  Musselman held tight to that lead and scored the win...his first at Boone this season, and what may have been his first ever win at the track.  Cody Hennings, who just two weeks ago was involved in a scary roll over that totaled his car, was back at the wheel in his old car, and took the runner up spot.  Johnathon Logue put his 69jr car in the third spot, fourth was Eric Elliott, who had started eleventh, and rounding out the top five was Paul Nagle.  Elliott holds a comfortable lead in the point standings.

The Modifieds got right after it in their 20-lapper.  Three cars thrilled the crowd in the first half of the race as they fought for the lead.  Kelly Lyons, Russ Dickerson, and Jake Durbin circled the track in a tight bunch.  Lyons was the leader except for a brief moment when Durbin took the helm, only to have Lyons regain it again.  Meanwhile, Dickerson had chosen the high road, and was intent on making up ground with his momentum "upstairs".  Things were changing quickly as Durbin got the lead back at lap thirteen, only to have Dickerson make that topside work and snatch it from him a bit later.  Meanwhile, the #87 of Joel Bushore was up to challenge, and took over second after starting dead last in twentieth spot, Durbin settled in to third and Kelly Lyons dropped to the infield and out of the race.  Dickerson liked riding the rim and sailed home to the checkers first,  Bushore could do no better than second on this night, and Durbin held on to score third. Jimmy Gustin, after having a flat and going to the pits for a tire change, came charging back through the field in his usual form and beat out Kyle Brown at the checkers as they went fourth and fifth. This was Dickerson's first win at the track in 2013.    Gustin still maintains a comfortable point lead over Dickerson.

The night concluded with the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature.  This one had several yellows flying throughout the race.  Early leader Andy Bryant was off the pace at lap two, handing the front spot over to Gary Bass.  He was holding back Butch Bass (not sure of the relationship but would guess brothers.  Anyone?) and Mike Goldsberry.  A final yellow at lap fourteen for debris would be the ticket for Goldsberry as he grabbed the lead on the restart.  Goldsberry stretched his lead and went home to the checkers flying first.  Things got changed up behind him a bit as Josh Daniel gunned it by Bass in the final couple of laps to score a runner up finish, and Trent Murphy did the same to take third after starting fourteenth.  Gary Bass held on to score fourth and Jay Schmidt's "Black Betty" had to settle for fifth tonight after starting back in twelfth.  This was Goldsberry's second win at Boone this year.  A check of the points shows that Trent Murphy continues to hold a nice lead over Donavon Smith in the points chase.

I'm more than a little blurry eyed this morning after a late night.  Races were completed at five minutes before the bewitching hour and with our drive home and doing a recap, I hit the bed just before 3:30 this morning!  Can't complain though as we enjoyed another night of racing and the weather was great,----as were the steak sandwiches! We are taking tonight off and then head to the Independence Motor Speedway on Monday for the World of Outlaws Late Models as they join the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds.  Fingers are crossed that Mother Nature doesn't throw a fit and spoil the fun.  Find a race somewhere to enjoy to support our shared interest in the great sport of dirt track racing.  Happy racing!  

Four in a row for Snyder and Black Betty shines again!

We had to wait out a couple of pesky showers on Friday at the Marshalltown Speedway, but then they moved on---probably to ruin someone else's party.  The cars hit the track and racing began only about 12 minutes late.  A driver scored for the fourth time in a row, one got his first win ever at Marshalltown, and a class finally got a different driver in victory lane.

Merv Chandler was piloting his son's car again last night, and once again ended up in the winner's circle.  Chandler outdistanced John Gill in second.  Chad Larson took third and Josh Keller was fourth.  Chandler said in his post race interview, he is getting closer to having his own ride ready to go.  This was his eighth win at Marshalltown this year.

In the Mod Lite division, there was finally someone besides Andy Hennigar or Josh May---the only two drivers who had won so far in 2013---being interviewed as the winner. Chargin' Charlie Brown secured the top spot early in the feature and though he was challenged by Josh May in the closing laps, he was able to fend him off and take his first win of the season.  May---with a last ditch try as they approached the checkers, fell just short, but sent a shower of sparks up as he scraped the outside wall.  Following runner up May was Dusty Masolini in third, fourth was Andy Hennigar and Travis Brandt, who had led the opening laps, finished in fifth.

A driver who has been a multi-time IMCA National Champion and with numerous track championships in the Hobby Stock class was a happy camper last night when he FINALLY got his first ever win at the speedway.  It didn't take long for Shannon Anderson to move from his tenth starting position and snap up the lead at lap four.  From there on, it was like a drive in the park for Anderson, securing his win by a good margin over second place Eric Larson.  Jennifer "The Wild Woman" Hulin, and mother to Modified driver Racer Hulin, was happy with her third place finish as she held off point leader Bill Bonnett who was fourth.  Rounding out the top five was the previous two week's winner, Eric Stanton.  Anderson told announcer Jerry VanSickle he was happy to finally get a win at the track after his numerous runs at various times that had always ended in bad luck.  Bill Bonnett continues to hold his point lead.

The IMCA Northern SportMods got after it next for their 18-lap main.  The early going had veteran Bill Hildreth and Tom Rawlins going at it, Rawlins leading initially and then Hildreth at the point.  Suddenly, it was eighth place starter Brad Iverson in the picture and he was soon to take over the helm.  As the race progressed, he had a fight on his hands with Joel Rust and Brandon Brinton.  The three put on a show for the fans, Rust getting to the lead but Iverson and Brinton not quite finished with him yet.  Rust held control with a lap to go but it was Iverson snatching the win as the checkers flew.  The dogfight out of corner four was a good one for second and third, and Brinton got that advantage as he took the runner up spot over Rust in third.  Fourth was Eric Elliott, who came all the way from starting 20th, to take fourth, and fifth was Pella racer, Jayme Duinink.  Elliott continues to hold the point lead.

It was another dandy Stock Car race.  I say that quite often it seems.  It was a hard one to get going for more than a lap or two at a time however!  Four cautions...one a red, by seven was not good.  The start of the race saw a heated contest immediately.  Veteran and so called "Dean of the Stock Cars", Jeff Wollam had just taken the lead from Tracy Gienger, when the two got together in turn one, Gienger putting his car over the hood of Wollam's.  The two joined the field at the rear of the pack, Wollam minus a front left fender and hood.  It was but a lap later that Wollam found himself in another precarious situation, as his car laid on it's side in turn four, with the red flag coming out this time.  Wollam was not hurt, his car was righted, and this time--- less even more sheet metal,---he had to call it a night. Okay, now we are ready for a restart at lap three.  By this time, it was Jay Schmidt and Damon Murty up front after flying through the pack from starting eighth and ninth respectively.  Oops...another yellow at lap four.  This is NOT the usual path for the Stock Cars, but on this night, it was getting annoying!  On the restart, it was still Schmidt and Murty going at each other, Dave Atcher was riding along in third and Steve Meyer had suddenly made himself known as he rode along in fourth.  Meyer had started in 22nd spot!  Dang!  Another yellow at lap seven for debris.  Finally, after that restart, the cars got their rhythm going and we got more than a couple of laps in a row going!  It was still Schmidt and Murty up front making for the interesting scenario, Meyer had made his way into third, but a distance behind.  Hoping the race would go green to the checkers was all for naught, when ANOTHER yellow flew at lap fifteen.  Schmidt held the lead, Murty in second and Meyer in third.  Murty opted for the bottom on the restart, knowing how good Meyer can be on the bottom of the track, but this time, may not have been the thing to do.  Murty lost ground on this one, Meyer taking over second and Atcher tagging along to take third.  There was no stopping Schmidt's "Black Betty" on this night however, as she has taken a liking to Victory Lane, and secured win #6 at the track this year and win #10 over all.  Meyer finished as the runner up, Atcher took third, Murty fell back a bit to take fourth and Robbie Merkle hung toward the front all night long, and finished in fifth.  Schmidt celebrated his victory with a few doughnuts on the frontstretch....but may be minus a clutch!  Meyer continues his point lead in the Stock Car class.

The IMCA Modified feature was the finale of the evening.  Kyle Krampe and Joel Bushore led this one in the opening laps as they circled the topside of the High Banks.  Enter "the Angry Bird" of Ronn Lauritzen from his eighth place starting position.  Lauritzen took over the runner up spot, Bushore was suddenly off power and into the infield, and it was Scott Simatovich riding in third.  Cayden Carter had moved up from row four to take fourth and "The Topside Terror" Jon Snyder had started in row five, to take over fifth.  Lauritzen took over the helm shortly, and it was looking as if he could be on his way to adding another victory to his successful year.  Behind him, Krampe and Simatovich exited the track at the top of turn three and four after contact, and this would bring out the yellow.  This would set up a green-white-checkers finish, not what Lauritzen was wanting to see.  Behind him at this point was Carter and Snyder, and they were on the hunt and drooling for the restart.  When the cars took the white flag, it was Snyder in command, taking advantage of that restart situation, and swept the win for the fourth time in a row.  Carter also found the restart to his liking, made the pass and took second over Lauritzen in third.  Fourth was Racer Hulin who made up ground from his eleventh place starting spot, and Josh Truman completed the top five.

A few notes on the night.  Dang yellows were more than plentiful last night.  The Mod Lites and the Sport Compacts were the only classes keeping it going without a caution.  We also noticed a rather unnerving situation in corner four when a driver was out of the race, his car just off of the inside apron of the track by about three feet...and he exited the vehicle,--- helmet removed--- and went around to the passenger side of the car to check for damage we assume, and then had to scramble to get away from the cars racing out of corner three!  Please, do not risk getting out of your disabled race car if you are near the racing surface and the race is still under way.  That about gave me a heart attack!

It's off to Boone Speedway tonight for our weekly stop.   We will be taking Sunday off and then it will be the big show at the Independence Motor Speedway on Monday, August 5.  That's when the "Big Boys", the World of Outlaws Late Models will come to town.  They will join the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds in what looks to be a great show.  Hot laps are scheduled for 6:45 and racing to follow.  Happy racing!  

Dickey the class of the field in Modified win at Osky

There was a nice crowd on hand at the Southern Iowa Speedway last night and it was nice to see new drivers for the first time at the track.  A special promotion, letting drivers in free if they had not run there this year brought some new faces to test the waters at the big ole "Monster Half-Mile".  There was also a bit of testing done after races...more on that later. There were also some fun entertainment during intermission when drivers ran a wheelbarrow race.

The Sport Compacts were missing a couple of staple racers last night when Merv Chandler and Bill Whalen, Jr. did not race.  With only four cars participating last night, and with two of them dropping out of the feature early, it was a two-man race.  John Whalen out ran Shawn Cooney for the win.  Matt Moore was third and Trent Orwig fourth.

The IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lapper came next.  Steve Allen led the charge through the early laps until Dustin Griffiths, who started eighth, was in the lead by lap six.  Veteran Bill Bonnett was right there for the challenge as well and Mike Hughes came along to join in.  It was a close race with Griffiths, Bonnett, Hughes and Allen.  Bonnett made his way into the runner up spot right on leader Griffiths tail when a slide up the track sent him back a couple of spots.  It was now Hughes putting the pressure on Griffiths, who was able to make it work and take over the lead with just three laps remaining.  Hughes went on to triumph in this one, with Griffiths holding on to second.  Bonnett recovered a bit to take the third place over Allen in fourth.  Aaron Osweiler rounded out the top five.  This was the fifth win for Hughes this season.

Brayton Carter led the early laps in the 16-lap SportMod feature.  He held off his cousin, Carter VanDenBerg until lap ten.  Carter, who was still working hard to try and regain that top spot, got a bit too low in corner two, hit the tractor tire, and rolled his ride over.  Thankfully, he was okay.  When the race resumed, it was Curtis VanDerWal tucked in directly behind the leader....perhaps thankful for the restart situation.  It was but a couple of laps later that VanDerWal was able to take over the lead, and hold off VanDenBerg as they finished 1-2.  Brett Lowry crossed the line in third, fourth was Eric Flander and fifth went to Tyler Heckart.  We heard later that Lowry was disqualified for a chip infraction...moving all those behind him up a position.  Fifth then went to AJ Johnson.  VanDerWal took his eighth win at the track.

The IMCA Stock Cars put on their typical competitive 16-lap feature.  It was looking as if local favorite Brad Pinkerton was going to take home another victory as he maintained a comfortable lead over the pack through lap thirteen.  That would be when a yellow flag came out when a scary situation occurred on the frontstretch when rookie to the class Donovan Nunnikhoven got crossed up, but controlling his ride and continuing on. We understand the yellow was called immediately to deter any serious accident happening as it had earlier in the season in the same spot.  On the restart, it was the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty looking for another win as he sat in the runner up spot and not to be outdone, Zack VanderBeek was also knocking on the door as he rode in third.  When racing got back underway, Murty made his move into first but it was a 3-wide free for all down the backstretch among the three drivers.  A couple of laps later, it was VanderBeek riding in first with Murty giving chase, and that would be how the contest would end.  Third place behind winner VanderBeek and second place Murty was Jason Cook fourth, who scrambled by Pinkerton, late in the race.  Corey Stout....the guy from "just across the street", took fifth.  This was VanderBeek's fourth win this year at the speedway.

The 20-lap IMCA Modified feature was a "no go" at the initial green when several cars piled it up in corner one.  When the race did get underway, Scott Dickey "threaded the needle" between the front row starters of Brandon Banks and Bill Davis, Jr. and had the lead by turn one.  It was really no contest from there on as Dickey maintained a sizable lead all the way to the checkers.  Spread a comfortable distance apart for second and third were Todd Shute and Cayden Carter.  Fourth place was Brandon Banks and Bill Davis, Jr. rounded out the top five.  Dickey claimed win #3 at Osky this year.

There were King of the Hill races run in the Stock Car and Modified classes last night.  As long as you kept winning, you stayed in the quest.  In the Stock Cars, it was Zack VanderBeek by a bumper over Damon Murty.  Bill Davis, Jr. never lost on his way to taking the Modified portion of the challenge....winning in five straight head-to-head meets.

A few notes on the evening.  A fun wheelbarrow race was run during intermission....no spills this year, though flagman Ryan Bergeson nearly got dumped by promoter Mike VanGenderen before ever starting.  Victorious among all the contests was the team of Brayton Carter and Scott Dickey....winning over Todd Shute and Rich Vogt.

After the features for the SportMods, Stock Cars and Modifieds, tech guru Ray Hill marked the tires/axle on the winning car, sent them out for a lap or two, and then checked to see if there was difference in "evenness" as he looked for illegal rear ends.  Refreshing to know that they all passed.

Remember, there will be no racing at Osky the next two Wednesday nights.  Next Monday and Tuesday will be the Front Row Challenge and the Ultimate Challenge for sprint cars.  Due to the Knoxville Nationals running down the road, Osky will take that week off.  The following week will also be silent due to the State Fair.  The next regular night of racing will be August 21 and then not again until September 11.  Check www.oskyspeedway.com for more details....and to make sure I have all that right!  Happy racing!