It was round two of the World Nationals at the Marshalltown Speedway on Saturday night. The grandstands were packed with fans eager for the racing action. The pits were full as well with 190 cars. Some drivers did not return but others replaced them from the previous night. My very unoffical count was 8 new in the SportMods, 9 in the Stock Cars and 5 in the Hobby Stocks and all Modifieds returned with no new ones. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks joined in the fun for the night with a complete show along with the SportMods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks and of course, the 50-lap main attraction---the $10,000 Modified show for open motors.
The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks ran their feature first. They went 12-laps for their A main which was also the final race of the season for the series. It would also decide their championship which was a battle between brothers Bret and Brad Moyer. Bret Moyer took the lead from Pat Fagen at lap two and never looked back in this one. Moyer scored the victory over Fagen in second. Third was Rick Clark, fourth went to the #05 (sorry, didn't catch the name) and fifth was veteran racer who turned many laps back in the day in a Hobby Stock, Bryan Nevins, Sr. Bret Moyer with his win, is the series champion for 2013.
IMCA Hobby Stocks came next. They ran 15-laps. Austin Luellen was the class of the field in this feature as he led comfortably from start to finish. Last night's winner Jamie Songer, John Watson and Bill Bonnett put up a good battle behind Luellen and then Eric Stanton joined them, making it even more interesting. Luellen captured the win, taking home $500 but it was anyone's guess on second until they crossed the finish line. Songer won out, taking the runner up spot, Watson finished third ahead of Eric Stanton and Bill Bonnett as they finished fourth and fifth in that order.
The Northern SportMods ran 20-laps. Geoff Olson was the guy at the helm in the early going while he fended off the advances of Matt Lettow and Tony Dunker. At lap thirteen, Dunker nabbed the lead and soon pulled to a comfortable lead. A yellow flew at lap seventeen, bunching the field and again at lap eighteen. This set up a green-white-checkered finish. Dunker was still in command, but now it was the #12 of Doug Smith sitting in the runner up spot, coming from starting eleventh on the field. With that scenario set up, you just knew it was going to be shoot out. Dunker didn't let it bother him however, even after Smith showed him his car as they were under yellow. Dunker drove to the checkers first, Smith having to settle for second. Third place was Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow, early leader Geoff Olson was fourth and last night's winner Carter VanDenBerg, finished fifth after starting in row seven. Dunker, who hails from Quincy, Illinois has taken a liking to the Marshalltown Speedway as he repeated his win from last year's Havoc on the High Banks.
The always entertaining "Class too Tough to Tame", the IMCA Stock Cars, was next. It was basically a two-car show up front the entire way. Damon Murty, the pole sitter, and the the driver out of Beatrice, Nebraska who sat directly behind him on the start, Kyle Vanover, put a show on for the fans. Another Beatrice, Nebraska driver, Jordan Grabouski (who did double duty, also racing in the Modified division) was running in third, opting for the top of the track as the leaders chose the low line. This race went the entire distance without a caution, making for lots of action on the track back in the field. Vanover gained the advantage over Murty at lap seven and though the two battled closely most of the distance home, Vanover was the victor, taking home the $1,000. Murty took the runner up spot. John Heinz, who made the trip down from Wisconsin finished in third, fourth was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith who started in row six, and Trent Murphy, rounded out the top five.
The Modifieds had ten drivers qualify by points the previous night....their starting positions decided by a "hat draw" on the front stretch earlier. Ames, Iowa racer Adam Larson was the lucky recipient of the pole. Five last chance heats were run, taking the top two finishers directly to the A main and a "Final Four" race for those finishing 3-5 in the heats completed the last four places at the tail of the feature.
The biggest race in Marshalltown Speedway's racing history (well....as far as I know anyway) was lying ahead....a 50-lap battle for $10,000 to win. A unique situation for the 50-lapper was implemented. Since the race was to go non-stop without a break/mandatory pit stop, each time a caution flew, the cars were halted and realigned to conserve both fuel and tires. Announcer Jerry VanSickle announced that the car's fuel cells varied from 16-gallon up to 32-gallon. Would this play into the outcome of the race? Seldom do you see a race of this length go without a mandatory pit stop for refueling.
Adam Larson enjoyed his pole starting positions in the early laps, but Jake Murray, who calls Hartford, Iowa his home, was pressuring him for the lead. When a yellow flew at lap sixteen, Larson was still leading, Murray running second and Wisconsin's Shawn Kilgore was in third. When the race restarted, it was still the Larson/Murray show up front. Murray snatched the lead at lap 20 and set sail on the topside in his own built Murray chassis car, normally driven by Casey Greubel. As Murray enjoyed his comfortable ride around the rim of the track, a real battle was developing behind him. Larson, Darin Duffy, Jeremy Mills and Brian Mullens were jousting for position. The final yellow flew at lap 24, and on the restart, it was all Murray as he pulled away. Murray, on a rail at the top of the track, flew home to the $10,000 checkers. Jeremy Mills made it up to the runner up, ahead of Duffy, who had started 14th on the field, in third. Fourth went to Brian Mullens and Adam Larson completed the top five. Congratulations to Jake Murray, "The Hartford Hustler", on his great win in a car he had built himself...and with a 16-gallon fuel cell!
Thanks to Toby Kruse and crew at the Marshalltown Speedway for putting on the great show and for keeping things moving along the entire time. There are still some races left for us on the horizon. Check out the calendar at Positively Racing for a race you may want to catch. Happy racing!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
World Nationals - Night One
The Marshalltown Speedway sprung back into action last night as the first night of the World Nationals---formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks, now sponsored by World Products, got underway. By our count there were 60 Modifieds, 56 SportMods, 39 Stock Cars and 38 Hobby Stocks for a total of 193 cars. There was a bunch of racing for sure with a complete show being run for the SportMods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks. Those classes will do it all over again tonight with a full show and will be joined by the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks. The Modifieds....all running non-claimer motors....ran eight heats and were awarded points for their finishes. First received 15, second 14, etc. At the end of the evening a second set of heats were run in reverse of their original starting line up, and points awarded in the same manner as they finished.
The SportMods ran their feature first---a 20-lapper. With just a handful of laps in the books, the young man from Oskaloosa, Carter VanDenBerg had snatched the lead from Eric Elliott. He set sail and was pulling away when the first yellow flew at lap sixteen. By that time, the #7P of Tim Current, that I believe to be an eastern Iowa promoter, was up to second, and no doubt happy to see the field get bunched up when the yellow rag flew. The final four laps were not easy getting into the books as there was a restart situation called back on that sixteenth lap. Then on lap eighteen another yellow, and it again took two tries to get the race completed. VanDenBerg had maintained his lead, flying along on the topside, but Current was challenging on a lower line. VanDenBerg kept his cool and his lead and flew home to the victory and the $1,000 pay off. Current crossed in second, but we noted in the results that he was disqualified for an infraction, but do not know why. This handed second over to regular weekly racer at the track, Travis Peterson. Third went to Doug Smith who just got by Brian Efkamp who was scored fourth. Justin Medler in car #75 out of Minot, North Dakota, was fifth.
The Hobby Stocks went 15-laps for their A main. The show up front for much of the race was between Eric Stanton, Devin Smith and the 2013 car piloted by Jamie Songer. An incident on the front stretch near the flagstand halted action at lap twelve, a red sitatuion needed for clean up. This resulted in veteran racer Randy Embrey, Gene Nicklas and Jason Kohl, who had made the long haul over from Missouri Valley, to have to retire to the pits. As the race restarted, Songer had just gained the lead after battling on the back with Smith and Stanton. Songer showed his determination and outdistanced his competitors to the checkers and scored the $500 win. It was an excited Songer in victory lane! Eric Stanton took the runner up spot, John Watson came from mid starting field to capture third, fourth was Benji Irvine and Devin Smith completed the top five.
The final feature for the night was the Stock Car 20-lap main. The drivers were running for $1,000 pay off in this one too. A yellow flew at lap two, Todd Reitzler leading the race at that point, over veteran Robert Stofer. When racing was about ready to get back underway, Reitzler suddenly exited the track and into the pits. This handed the lead over to Stofer, Donavon Smith running second. A couple of laps later, Smith made the pass and into the lead. By the halfway mark, Smith was pulling away from the field, and Beatrice, Nebraska racer Jordan Grabouski (who did double duty last night, also racing in the Modified division) had made his way into second place. and fellow Beatrice driver, Kyle Vanover was in third. Smith was comfortable running low while his competitors were searching both high and low in hopes of gaining more momentum. It wasn't to be however, as Smith took the checkers first, and scored the win. Grabouski was the runner up, Brian Irvine made an impressive run to get to third after starting 11th, Vanover fell to fourth, and Damon Murty, who started 12th, took the fifth spot.
There were eight final heat races run for the Modifieds, their heats just reversed in starting order for the line ups. The drivers accumulated points in both of their heats and we understand that those top point getters did qualify for the A main $10,000 to win race tonight. What we found were the following qualified drivers that will probably be drawing for their starting positions tonight:
99M Mike Mullens, 64 Jacob Murray, 2L Adam Larson, 62 Hunter Marriott, 90K Shawn Kilgore, J41 Ryan Ruter, 10M Jeremy Mills, 72M Brian Mullens, 19G Richie Gustin and 21K Kyle Brown.
There are five last chance heats scheduled for tonight with two qualifying from those and then B or B's to qualify the last four drivers.
There got to be a nip in the air last night...football season weather. A coat was welcomed by the end of the evening, as I am sure it will be tonight. Don't forget one! We plan to be back in Marshalltown for the finale tonight. Hope to see you there! Happy racing!
The SportMods ran their feature first---a 20-lapper. With just a handful of laps in the books, the young man from Oskaloosa, Carter VanDenBerg had snatched the lead from Eric Elliott. He set sail and was pulling away when the first yellow flew at lap sixteen. By that time, the #7P of Tim Current, that I believe to be an eastern Iowa promoter, was up to second, and no doubt happy to see the field get bunched up when the yellow rag flew. The final four laps were not easy getting into the books as there was a restart situation called back on that sixteenth lap. Then on lap eighteen another yellow, and it again took two tries to get the race completed. VanDenBerg had maintained his lead, flying along on the topside, but Current was challenging on a lower line. VanDenBerg kept his cool and his lead and flew home to the victory and the $1,000 pay off. Current crossed in second, but we noted in the results that he was disqualified for an infraction, but do not know why. This handed second over to regular weekly racer at the track, Travis Peterson. Third went to Doug Smith who just got by Brian Efkamp who was scored fourth. Justin Medler in car #75 out of Minot, North Dakota, was fifth.
The Hobby Stocks went 15-laps for their A main. The show up front for much of the race was between Eric Stanton, Devin Smith and the 2013 car piloted by Jamie Songer. An incident on the front stretch near the flagstand halted action at lap twelve, a red sitatuion needed for clean up. This resulted in veteran racer Randy Embrey, Gene Nicklas and Jason Kohl, who had made the long haul over from Missouri Valley, to have to retire to the pits. As the race restarted, Songer had just gained the lead after battling on the back with Smith and Stanton. Songer showed his determination and outdistanced his competitors to the checkers and scored the $500 win. It was an excited Songer in victory lane! Eric Stanton took the runner up spot, John Watson came from mid starting field to capture third, fourth was Benji Irvine and Devin Smith completed the top five.
The final feature for the night was the Stock Car 20-lap main. The drivers were running for $1,000 pay off in this one too. A yellow flew at lap two, Todd Reitzler leading the race at that point, over veteran Robert Stofer. When racing was about ready to get back underway, Reitzler suddenly exited the track and into the pits. This handed the lead over to Stofer, Donavon Smith running second. A couple of laps later, Smith made the pass and into the lead. By the halfway mark, Smith was pulling away from the field, and Beatrice, Nebraska racer Jordan Grabouski (who did double duty last night, also racing in the Modified division) had made his way into second place. and fellow Beatrice driver, Kyle Vanover was in third. Smith was comfortable running low while his competitors were searching both high and low in hopes of gaining more momentum. It wasn't to be however, as Smith took the checkers first, and scored the win. Grabouski was the runner up, Brian Irvine made an impressive run to get to third after starting 11th, Vanover fell to fourth, and Damon Murty, who started 12th, took the fifth spot.
There were eight final heat races run for the Modifieds, their heats just reversed in starting order for the line ups. The drivers accumulated points in both of their heats and we understand that those top point getters did qualify for the A main $10,000 to win race tonight. What we found were the following qualified drivers that will probably be drawing for their starting positions tonight:
99M Mike Mullens, 64 Jacob Murray, 2L Adam Larson, 62 Hunter Marriott, 90K Shawn Kilgore, J41 Ryan Ruter, 10M Jeremy Mills, 72M Brian Mullens, 19G Richie Gustin and 21K Kyle Brown.
There are five last chance heats scheduled for tonight with two qualifying from those and then B or B's to qualify the last four drivers.
There got to be a nip in the air last night...football season weather. A coat was welcomed by the end of the evening, as I am sure it will be tonight. Don't forget one! We plan to be back in Marshalltown for the finale tonight. Hope to see you there! Happy racing!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Carter and VanDenBerg outrace a pair of "aces"
Wednesday night was season championship night at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The track champions were crowned, some determined before the night was started. On track introductions gave the fans an up close glimpse of the drivers and a well earned round of applause. Racing was done in its usual format as the drivers raced heats to earn their invert/starting spots for their features.
In the IMCA Sport Compact division, it was veteran Merv Chandler snatching the track championship and the night's feature as well. Following Chandler across the line were John Whalen and Bill Whalen, Jr.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature had Aaron Osweiler leading the first part of the 15-lap race. Danny Thrasher came calling by lap ten and grabbed the lead, bringing Doug Sylvester along in tow in the runner up spot. Thrasher was able to maintain the lead to the checkers and score the victory. Sylvester kept second, third was Craig Brown and Mike Hughes and Justin Hook rounded out the top five. Veteran Bill Bonnett, who suffered a flat in the feature, went into the night with the track championship already wrapped up, leading his nearest competitor by 41 points.
The Modified's had an exciting conclusion to their 16-lap A main. Billy Davis, Jr. in his #1+ car, looked poised to repeat his win from last week as he jumped to the immediate lead and pulled away from the field. A yellow flew at lap five, bunching the field, but Davis had no trouble in pulling away again. Meanwhile, it was Cayden Carter taking over second place and he began reeling in the leader. As the laps wound down Carter continued his quest and Davis began to loose momentum.....a right front tire was slowly going down! Carter seized the moment and flew around Davis on the white flag lap to secure the win, Davis crossing in second with the tire nearly flat. Third place was Andrew Schroeder, fourth went to Tyler Groenendyk and fifth was the track champion, Jacob Murray.
The IMCA Northern SportMods also went 16-laps for their feature event. Cory VanZante and Logan Anderson started on the front row. Anderson led through lap four when a caution waved. That restart situation was all that Curtis VanDerWal needed as he had quickly raced through the field from his ninth starting position and swept to the lead the following lap. VanDerWal, in his #1V, was looking strong as he led the field, but Carter VanDenBerg was not to be counted out! He had been battling with Anderson and Tyler Heckert for second place, was able to take that runner up spot and now had his sights set on the leader! VanDenBerg smoothly reeled in VanDerWal, made the impressive pass with two laps to go, and pulled away to the win. VanDerWal was second, third place went to visiting driver from Swea City, Matt Looft, fourth went to Tyler Heckert and Brett Lowry rounded out the top five. Curtis VanDerWal is the track champion for 2013.
The final racing of the evening was the 18-lap Stock Car A main. This feature did not start off well! A pile up in corner four before one lap was scored, eliminated a handful of cars. Several others that were involved would have to retire to the pits shortly with damage. Those cars included Alan VanGorp, Damon Murty, Randy Killen, Kris Walker, Nathan Wood, Mike Johnston, Jason Cook, newcomer Russ Hall (we understand to be a sprint car racer) and Donovan Nunnikhoven! Brad Pinkerton was the guy at the helm by lap five, and Corey "from just across the street" Stout was tailing him in second. Just a couple of laps later, there was a real battle going on for second as Todd Reitzler and Cayden Carter joined in the fray. Yes....Cayden Carter. Carter hopped in one of Roger Kelderman's stock cars, sporting a bright orange ride that we usually see being piloted by Zack VanderBeek. Carter in the #10cc car looked to be no rookie in the division as he went at it with the other experienced drivers in the class. In the closing laps, Reitzler gained the runner up advantage and gave it a shot at challenging the leader but would fall short at the checkers. Pinkerton took the win, his third of the season, Reitzler having to settle for second. Carter took third in an impressive debut in the full-fendered class, besting Corey Stout in fourth and Jason Minnehan in fifth.
So concluded another season of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The racing just continued to get better all season long. Thanks to promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew for providing the drivers and fans with the long-standing Wednesday night show. The track is not silent quite yet however. Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday October 4th and 5th, for the annual Fall Challenge. Check www.raceosky.com for more information on this long-standing annual tradition.
Our plans are for the two-night World Nationals (formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks) at the Marshalltown Speedway scheduled for this weekend, September 20-21. Should be some great racing. Friday, there will be a full program for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, plus qualifying for the Modifieds. The Modifieds are all non-claimer motors. Then on Saturday, another full show for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and Dirt Trucks will be on tap. The main event will be the $10,000 to win Modified feature. Check www.marshalltownspeedway.com for more details. Happy racing!
In the IMCA Sport Compact division, it was veteran Merv Chandler snatching the track championship and the night's feature as well. Following Chandler across the line were John Whalen and Bill Whalen, Jr.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature had Aaron Osweiler leading the first part of the 15-lap race. Danny Thrasher came calling by lap ten and grabbed the lead, bringing Doug Sylvester along in tow in the runner up spot. Thrasher was able to maintain the lead to the checkers and score the victory. Sylvester kept second, third was Craig Brown and Mike Hughes and Justin Hook rounded out the top five. Veteran Bill Bonnett, who suffered a flat in the feature, went into the night with the track championship already wrapped up, leading his nearest competitor by 41 points.
The Modified's had an exciting conclusion to their 16-lap A main. Billy Davis, Jr. in his #1+ car, looked poised to repeat his win from last week as he jumped to the immediate lead and pulled away from the field. A yellow flew at lap five, bunching the field, but Davis had no trouble in pulling away again. Meanwhile, it was Cayden Carter taking over second place and he began reeling in the leader. As the laps wound down Carter continued his quest and Davis began to loose momentum.....a right front tire was slowly going down! Carter seized the moment and flew around Davis on the white flag lap to secure the win, Davis crossing in second with the tire nearly flat. Third place was Andrew Schroeder, fourth went to Tyler Groenendyk and fifth was the track champion, Jacob Murray.
The IMCA Northern SportMods also went 16-laps for their feature event. Cory VanZante and Logan Anderson started on the front row. Anderson led through lap four when a caution waved. That restart situation was all that Curtis VanDerWal needed as he had quickly raced through the field from his ninth starting position and swept to the lead the following lap. VanDerWal, in his #1V, was looking strong as he led the field, but Carter VanDenBerg was not to be counted out! He had been battling with Anderson and Tyler Heckert for second place, was able to take that runner up spot and now had his sights set on the leader! VanDenBerg smoothly reeled in VanDerWal, made the impressive pass with two laps to go, and pulled away to the win. VanDerWal was second, third place went to visiting driver from Swea City, Matt Looft, fourth went to Tyler Heckert and Brett Lowry rounded out the top five. Curtis VanDerWal is the track champion for 2013.
The final racing of the evening was the 18-lap Stock Car A main. This feature did not start off well! A pile up in corner four before one lap was scored, eliminated a handful of cars. Several others that were involved would have to retire to the pits shortly with damage. Those cars included Alan VanGorp, Damon Murty, Randy Killen, Kris Walker, Nathan Wood, Mike Johnston, Jason Cook, newcomer Russ Hall (we understand to be a sprint car racer) and Donovan Nunnikhoven! Brad Pinkerton was the guy at the helm by lap five, and Corey "from just across the street" Stout was tailing him in second. Just a couple of laps later, there was a real battle going on for second as Todd Reitzler and Cayden Carter joined in the fray. Yes....Cayden Carter. Carter hopped in one of Roger Kelderman's stock cars, sporting a bright orange ride that we usually see being piloted by Zack VanderBeek. Carter in the #10cc car looked to be no rookie in the division as he went at it with the other experienced drivers in the class. In the closing laps, Reitzler gained the runner up advantage and gave it a shot at challenging the leader but would fall short at the checkers. Pinkerton took the win, his third of the season, Reitzler having to settle for second. Carter took third in an impressive debut in the full-fendered class, besting Corey Stout in fourth and Jason Minnehan in fifth.
So concluded another season of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The racing just continued to get better all season long. Thanks to promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew for providing the drivers and fans with the long-standing Wednesday night show. The track is not silent quite yet however. Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday October 4th and 5th, for the annual Fall Challenge. Check www.raceosky.com for more information on this long-standing annual tradition.
Our plans are for the two-night World Nationals (formerly the Havoc on the Highbanks) at the Marshalltown Speedway scheduled for this weekend, September 20-21. Should be some great racing. Friday, there will be a full program for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, plus qualifying for the Modifieds. The Modifieds are all non-claimer motors. Then on Saturday, another full show for the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and Dirt Trucks will be on tap. The main event will be the $10,000 to win Modified feature. Check www.marshalltownspeedway.com for more details. Happy racing!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Osky- 9-18-13 Season Championship
Unofficial results:
Modified:
1. 10c Cayden Carter
2. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr. -
3. 02 Andrew Schroeder
4. 17 Tyler Groenendyk
5. 48J Jacob Murray - Track Champion
6. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF: 22 Brandon Banks
64 Casey Greubel
40 Scott Dickey
Stock Car
1. 62 Brad Pinkerton
2. 22R Todd Reitzler
3. 10cc Cayden Carter (driving a Kelderman car)
4. 94 Corey Stout
5. 7M Jason Minnehan
6. 38 Rich Vogt
DNF: 2N Donovan Nunnikhoven
18C Russ Hall
27J Jason Cook
14J Mike Johnston
52 Nathan Wood - Track Champion
18 Kris Walker
81X Randy Killen
99D Damon Murty
19A Alan VanGorp
SportMod
1. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
2. 1V Curtis VanDerWal - Track Champion
3. 9 Matt Looft - Swea City, IA
4. 42 Tyler Heckert
5. 72 Brett Lowry
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 9A Logan Anderson
8. 8T Tony Johnson
9. 34Z Cory VanZante
10. 10 Brayton Carter
11. 99 Charley Webber
12. 3J Jim Blazina
13. 198 Sam Wieben - Dysart, IA
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
29 Bill Livezey
Hobby Stock
1. 84 Danny Thrasher
2. 85 Doug Sylvester
3. 69 Craig Brown
4. 11 Mike Hughes
5. 33 Justin Hook
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 7A Aaron Osweiler
8. 3s Steve Allen
9. 224 Gina Greubel
10. 55 Jared Stephens
11. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 12 Mike Kincaid
19 Bill Bonnett - Track Champion
32T Bobby Greene
Sport Compact
1. 2 Merv Chandler - Track Champion
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
Blog to follow tomorrow
Modified:
1. 10c Cayden Carter
2. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr. -
3. 02 Andrew Schroeder
4. 17 Tyler Groenendyk
5. 48J Jacob Murray - Track Champion
6. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF: 22 Brandon Banks
64 Casey Greubel
40 Scott Dickey
Stock Car
1. 62 Brad Pinkerton
2. 22R Todd Reitzler
3. 10cc Cayden Carter (driving a Kelderman car)
4. 94 Corey Stout
5. 7M Jason Minnehan
6. 38 Rich Vogt
DNF: 2N Donovan Nunnikhoven
18C Russ Hall
27J Jason Cook
14J Mike Johnston
52 Nathan Wood - Track Champion
18 Kris Walker
81X Randy Killen
99D Damon Murty
19A Alan VanGorp
SportMod
1. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
2. 1V Curtis VanDerWal - Track Champion
3. 9 Matt Looft - Swea City, IA
4. 42 Tyler Heckert
5. 72 Brett Lowry
6. 12 Eric Flander
7. 9A Logan Anderson
8. 8T Tony Johnson
9. 34Z Cory VanZante
10. 10 Brayton Carter
11. 99 Charley Webber
12. 3J Jim Blazina
13. 198 Sam Wieben - Dysart, IA
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
29 Bill Livezey
Hobby Stock
1. 84 Danny Thrasher
2. 85 Doug Sylvester
3. 69 Craig Brown
4. 11 Mike Hughes
5. 33 Justin Hook
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 7A Aaron Osweiler
8. 3s Steve Allen
9. 224 Gina Greubel
10. 55 Jared Stephens
11. 3 Travis Bunnell
DNF: 12 Mike Kincaid
19 Bill Bonnett - Track Champion
32T Bobby Greene
Sport Compact
1. 2 Merv Chandler - Track Champion
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
Blog to follow tomorrow
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Davis, AJ Johnson, and Stout capture first 2013 wins at Osky
It was back to the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa on Wednesday for another night of regular season racing. After two weeks off, it was back to business and a good night of racing it was!
The Sport Compacts feature went to veteran racer Merv Chandler....driving yet a different car on his way to the victory. Chandler outdistanced brothers John Whalen and Bill Whalen, Jr. in second and third, and Matt Moore took fourth.
The IMCA SportMod 16-lap feature was appearing to have Brayton Carter on his way to his first victory at Osky. That is until turn two rose up and bit him---sending him into a dreaded spin mode. Carter had led from the drop of the green and was looking strong while AJ Johnson, Carter VanDenBerg, and Curtis VanDerWal were duking it out behind him for position. Lap twelve would be Carter's undoing, as his "blip" in turn two sent him spinning, bringing out the yellow, and ending his great run. AJ Johnson would inherit the lead on the restart and was able to maintain it the remaining four laps to the checkers and score the win. Carter VanDenBerg, who had just come off winning the IMCA SportMod Super Nationals, took the runner up position. Curtis VanDerWal, Eric Flander and Corey VanZante completed the top five. This was Johnson's first win at Osky this year.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks went 15-laps in their main event and what an exciting finish! Justin Hook was the man at the helm from lap one and he pulled away to a comfortable lead letting the field jockeying for position behind him. Bill Bonnett and Mike Hughes were battling for second place while a short distance behind them, Aaron Osweiler and Steve Allen were going at it for fourth. Hook had clean air in front of him and was sailing along comfortably---UNTIL the closing laps. Bonnett and Hughes had caught the leader and were hungry for more. The final lap was the deciding factor when Bonnett was able to make the pass on leader Hook on the backstretch and Hughes did the same. Veteran Bonnett took the checkers and the win. Mike Hughes took the runner up spot and Hook had to be content with a third place finish. Steve Allen and Aaron Osweiler rounded out the top five. Bonnett scored for the fourth time this year and with a 41 point lead, has wrapped up the track championship.
The always entertaining IMCA Stock Cars ran their 18-lap feature next. They showed their style by going three-wide several times, trying to get the advantage on the Monster Half-Mile. Corey "from just across the street" Stout led from the get go. Kris Walker was challenging for the lead by lap seven and then Zack VanderBeek had his bright orange hot rod sniffing at the heels of Walker. Not to be outdone, Nathan Wood joined in the fray as did Brad Pinkerton, who had suddenly caught the front of the pack. Stout was the victor on this night as he secured the win, his first of the season at Osky. VanderBeek took the runner up spot, Walker finished third, Wood was fourth, and Pinkerton, who had been involved in an earlier incident, having to tag the field, made up ground to finish in fifth. Stout became the ninth different Stock Car feature winner at the Southern Iowa Speedway this year.
In the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, Billy Davis, Jr. was the class of the field sailing along comfortably until unlucky lap #13 when he jumped the cushion in turn two, made contact with second running Scott Dickey and had his nice lead disappear when the yellow flew. Unfortunately, Dickey's night ended there, but who should be in that runner up position on the restart but Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing. Sobbing, who is trying to wrap up an IMCA National Championship, was hungry for a win, his 55th race (the magic # in IMCA on the year) and a win would have helped secure it from what we heard. Davis however, was strong up front and kept the lead on the restart. A final yellow at lap fifteen, had Sobbing giving it a shot on the backstretch, but he would fall short. Davis took the win, Sobbing having to settle for second. Cayden Carter dogged Sobbing in the final laps, taking a third place finish. Fourth went to Brandon Banks and Jacob Murray completed the top five. Billy Davis, Jr. won for the first time at Osky....one of ten different winners on the year. We believe we understood Davis to say this was his final year of racing, making the win special, but bitter sweet.
Next Wednesday night will be season championship night at the Southern Iowa Speedway. Then, on Friday and Saturday, October 4-5, it will be the 27th Annual Musco Lighting Fall Challenge. Check www.oskyspeedway for more details on this great event. Happy racing!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Osky - 9-11-13
Unofficial results:
Modified
1. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
2. 99 Jesse Sobbing
3. 10c Cayden Carter
4. 22 Brandon Banks
5. 48J Jacob Murray
6. 17 Tyler Groendyke
DNF: 66 Jeff Joldersma
40 Scott Dickey
64 Casey Greubel
42 Johnathan Husted
DNS: 9 Luke Cochran, Springfield, NE
02 Andrew Schroeder
Stock Car
1. 94 Corey Stout
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 18 Kris Walker
4. 52 Nathan Wood
5. 62 Brad Pinkerton
6. 38 Rich Vogt
7. 75 Curt Hook
DNF: 27J Jason Cook
DNS: 19A Alan VanGorp
77T Trent Jeanes
57 Keith Kuder
SportMod
1. 8J AJ Johnson
2. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
3. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
4. 12 Eric Flander
5. 34Z Cory VanZante
6. 72 Brett Lowry
7. GT1 Brian Efkamp
8. 95J (in the 8B car) Jason Hall
9. 10 Brayton Carter
10. 3J Jim Blazina, Blair, NE
11. 99 Charlie Weber
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
8T Tony Johnson
9A Logan Anderson
29 Bill Livezey
Hobby Stock
1. 19 Bill Bonnett
2. 11 Mike Hughes
3. 33 Justin Hook
4. 3s Steve Allen
5. 7A Aaron Osweiler
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 69 Craig Brown
8. 85 Doug Sylvester
9. 32T Bobby Greene
10. 224 Gina Greubel
11. Jared Stephens
12. 17 Andy Peck
DNF: 24X Austin Wolfgram, Webster City, IA
84 Danny Thrasher
Sport Compact
1. 2 Merv Chandler
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
4. 2M Matt Moore
Sportsman Series
Feature - 18 Kris Walker
Modified
1. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
2. 99 Jesse Sobbing
3. 10c Cayden Carter
4. 22 Brandon Banks
5. 48J Jacob Murray
6. 17 Tyler Groendyke
DNF: 66 Jeff Joldersma
40 Scott Dickey
64 Casey Greubel
42 Johnathan Husted
DNS: 9 Luke Cochran, Springfield, NE
02 Andrew Schroeder
Stock Car
1. 94 Corey Stout
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 18 Kris Walker
4. 52 Nathan Wood
5. 62 Brad Pinkerton
6. 38 Rich Vogt
7. 75 Curt Hook
DNF: 27J Jason Cook
DNS: 19A Alan VanGorp
77T Trent Jeanes
57 Keith Kuder
SportMod
1. 8J AJ Johnson
2. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
3. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
4. 12 Eric Flander
5. 34Z Cory VanZante
6. 72 Brett Lowry
7. GT1 Brian Efkamp
8. 95J (in the 8B car) Jason Hall
9. 10 Brayton Carter
10. 3J Jim Blazina, Blair, NE
11. 99 Charlie Weber
DNF: 85 Jason McDaniel
8T Tony Johnson
9A Logan Anderson
29 Bill Livezey
Hobby Stock
1. 19 Bill Bonnett
2. 11 Mike Hughes
3. 33 Justin Hook
4. 3s Steve Allen
5. 7A Aaron Osweiler
6. 10G Dustin Griffiths
7. 69 Craig Brown
8. 85 Doug Sylvester
9. 32T Bobby Greene
10. 224 Gina Greubel
11. Jared Stephens
12. 17 Andy Peck
DNF: 24X Austin Wolfgram, Webster City, IA
84 Danny Thrasher
Sport Compact
1. 2 Merv Chandler
2. 77 John Whalen
3. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
4. 2M Matt Moore
Sportsman Series
Feature - 18 Kris Walker
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Check----Super Nationals 2013 in the books!
The spectacle that is the Super Nationals is over. 2013 was just as crazy as ever, with over 800 cars on hand, but what a fun time! We will try and hit on just a few of the highlights that WE know of, but ask anyone that attended and I'm sure they will have other tales to tell.
One big bonus this year was NO rain. Well, not to speak of anyway. One night we had a few sprinkles that popped up smack dab over Boone, Iowa but a quick, very quick, farming session which probably delayed things no more than ten minutes, took care of that, and then it was back to racing. Still, the nights were all late. Much was due to that yellow rag flying often and a few red flag situations as well.
Monday there was a complete show for.the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models. No stranger to a winner's circle, Jeff Aikey put his familiar #77 back into victory lane, taking home the hardware and the Super National's Championship prize for the third time. Ray Guss, Jr. was second followed by Justin Kay, Todd Cooney, and Joel Callahan. Racing ended at 1:45 a.m.
Tuesday, the IMCA Sport Compacts had a record 63 entrants and ran their complete show. The winner was Jacob Ellithorpe, the driver out of Maquoketa, Iowa who also set a record by being a repeat winner from last year's Super Nationals. No one could catch Ellithorpe....not even the Chandler gang. Nathan Chandler, Brad Chandler and Merv Chandler finished second, third and fourth. Mitch Bolton completed the top five. The 25-lap feature went flag to flag....unlike any other feature race during the six-day run. Racing ended at 1:04 a.m.
Wednesday was the first day for the IMCA Modifieds. You can tell by the size of the crowd that this is what most come to see. The ground pounding Modifieds were often in the "push the cush" mode as announcers Jerry VanSickle, Ryan Clark and Chet Christner would often exclaim. It's always great to see the cars that come from far and wide. An example of that was heat 28 when there were seven states plus Canada represented in the 8-car heat. The "Hillbilly wrecker" (Boone's version utilized with a John Deere tractor) was busy most every night, damage done to a lot of cars over the course of the six-nights, but as far as we heard, no injury to a driver. The races concluded on this night at 1:50 a.m.
Thursday dawned another scorching day. This was the hottest Super Nationals we can ever recall in all of our 26 years in attendance. Often, it is winter coat nights, but not this year as even in the wee hours of the morning, some people were even sans a sweatshirt. The day was deemed "Throwback Thursday" and people were encouraged to wear their oldest racing attire. Even the officials donned vintage shirts ranging from the early 90's on. Several former Super Nationals Modified champions were on hand to greet fans in the Fan Zone tent out behind the grandstand. Those we saw were Wayne Larson, Randy Havlik, Todd Shute, Wayne Graybeal, Ron Pople, Kevin Stoa, and last year's winner Jeff Taylor. Racing ended at 2:08 a.m.
Friday, we saw one of the best races ever in the All-Star Invitational 30-lap feature. We were not the only ones that we heard saying the same thing! After the pomp and circumstances preparation, the drivers voted into the prestigious event strapped into their cars and saluted the crowd in a three-wide parade lap, each driver holding their respective state flag plus a Canadian flag flown by Aaron Turnbull. Todd Shute quickly got to the front from his middle of the fifth row starting position. The closing laps saw him and Chris Abelson duking it out lap after lap in one of the most exciting conclusions we have ever witnessed! Shute was the victor of this one at the end of the 30 laps. An emotional Shute exclaimed in victory lane that, "I hope you enjoyed it, 'cause it was fun where I was sitting"! The racing finished up at 2:51 a.m.
Then it was Saturday! Time flew quickly even with the late nights. There was final last chance qualifying for the Modifieds plus the Race of Champion features for the four classes. The Hobby Stock winner was veteran Randy Embrey, SportMod winner was Bobby Anders, Stock Car winner was Donavon Smith and Modified winner was Dustin Smith.
The first of the Super National championship features was the Hobby Stocks. Brandon Pruitt led this one all 30-laps from the pole; start to finish. Chris Luloff made a late race pass on David Rieks as they went second and third. Fourth was veteran Bill Bonnett and Cory Ganson came from the last row to finish fifth.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature was also 30-laps. Yellows plagued this contest but Carter VanDenBerg had no trouble in keeping his lead from start to finish and took the championship by a comfortable margin. Doug Smith finished a distant second, followed by Clint Luellen (who came from row five) Brett Lowry, and Kyle Prauner.
The 30-lap IMCA Stock Car feature saw the track change as the groove moved to mid-track part way through. Mike Nichols was looking strong as he took the lead by lap one from starting in row four and Jay Schmidt followed him through the mass of cars from his fifth row start, to take second. Much of the race was the #63 of Nichols with the #19J of Schmidt in that running order with the #33C of Brandon Czarapata running a distant third. Things really tightened up when a yellow flew at lap 20 and on the restart, Czarapata was able to get the advantage and take over the lead. Brian Irvine was now in the hunt as well and Donavon Smith was looking for a top five finish as he ran fourth, Schmidt having dropped to fifth. When a yellow flew at lap 28, it set the scene for a green-white-checkered shoot out. Nichols was the bad luck guy when he had to exit with mechanical issues, sending him out the quest for a top finish. When racing resumed, Irvine slipped off the top of turn three, also out of the game, but Czarapata had no issues in taking home the win and the Super Nationals crown. Jay Schmidt worked his way back to the runner up spot, Damon Murty came from starting back in row six to claim third place, fourth was Beatrice, Nebraska driver Kyle Vanover, and Donavon Smith completed the top five.
The grand finale was the 40-lap main event for the IMCA Modifieds. The guy claiming the pole position for their 3-wide start was first timer Ricky Thornton, Jr. from Chandler, Arizona. Dylan Smith from Osceola, Nebraska started in the middle and outside front row starter was Sioux City's Chris Mills. Chris Mills got the advantage when the green fell, and Dylan Smith tucked in behind as he ran second. Smith was able to take over the lead with ten laps remaining, and Texas driver Keith White and local Ames, Iowa racer Jon Snyder were not done in their pursuit of the golden ring as they ran second and third. This race also would find a green-white-checkered shoot out when a yellow flew at lap 38. Smith wasn't to be denied though and maintained his lead, and taking the win. Snyder got around White as they went second and third. Wisconsinite Shawn Kilgore came from row five to finish fourth and Boone's own Kelly Lyons finished in fifth.
We were more than happy that so many of our local weekly track racers made their respective "Big Dance". From the Marshalltown Speedway, Boone Speedway, and Southern Iowa Speedway, they were well represented. Congratulations to those that I can remember, and forgive me for those I may have missed. It is not intentional. Bill Bonnett, Austin Luellen, and Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. In the SportMod division, winner Carter VanDenBerg did the local racing scene proud and took home the crown. He was joined in their feature by Clint Luellen, Brett Lowry, Eric Elliott, Geoff Olson, Eric Flander, Johnathon Logue, Tim Love, Jerry Hinton and Paul Nagle. In the IMCA Stock Cars, Jay Schmidt gave it a shot but fell just short, claiming second place. Also in the feature were Damon Murty, Nathan Wood, Bob Daniels, Wayne Gifford, Jason Cook, Todd Reitzler, Trent Murphy, Steve Meyer and Michael Jaennette. There was no lack of locals in the Modified feature either. Jon Snyder gave it a shot for the win in the feature but fell short and took second. Also racing was Kelly Lyons, Kyle Brown, Jacob Murray, Matthew Meinecke, Scott Davis, Adam Larson and Jimmy Gustin.
So ended another marathon Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway. We had a great time. Not only was the racing great, but it made it all the more enjoyable by seeing old friends, some but once a year at the Super Nationals, and making new ones from across the United States, and sharing the times with them all. Regular weekly Boone announcer Jerry VanSickle was joined for the Super Nationals gig by Ryan Clark and Chet Christner. They kept the crowd informed and well entertained through out the entire six-day run.
You can find more detailed information about the racing at www.raceboone.com and www.imca.com.
Our racing season isn't quite over yet with a few more races we have on the horizon. Next up for us will be the Southern Iowa Speedway this Wednesday night, September 11, as they continue their regular season of racing. Happy racing!
One big bonus this year was NO rain. Well, not to speak of anyway. One night we had a few sprinkles that popped up smack dab over Boone, Iowa but a quick, very quick, farming session which probably delayed things no more than ten minutes, took care of that, and then it was back to racing. Still, the nights were all late. Much was due to that yellow rag flying often and a few red flag situations as well.
Monday there was a complete show for.the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models. No stranger to a winner's circle, Jeff Aikey put his familiar #77 back into victory lane, taking home the hardware and the Super National's Championship prize for the third time. Ray Guss, Jr. was second followed by Justin Kay, Todd Cooney, and Joel Callahan. Racing ended at 1:45 a.m.
Tuesday, the IMCA Sport Compacts had a record 63 entrants and ran their complete show. The winner was Jacob Ellithorpe, the driver out of Maquoketa, Iowa who also set a record by being a repeat winner from last year's Super Nationals. No one could catch Ellithorpe....not even the Chandler gang. Nathan Chandler, Brad Chandler and Merv Chandler finished second, third and fourth. Mitch Bolton completed the top five. The 25-lap feature went flag to flag....unlike any other feature race during the six-day run. Racing ended at 1:04 a.m.
Wednesday was the first day for the IMCA Modifieds. You can tell by the size of the crowd that this is what most come to see. The ground pounding Modifieds were often in the "push the cush" mode as announcers Jerry VanSickle, Ryan Clark and Chet Christner would often exclaim. It's always great to see the cars that come from far and wide. An example of that was heat 28 when there were seven states plus Canada represented in the 8-car heat. The "Hillbilly wrecker" (Boone's version utilized with a John Deere tractor) was busy most every night, damage done to a lot of cars over the course of the six-nights, but as far as we heard, no injury to a driver. The races concluded on this night at 1:50 a.m.
Thursday dawned another scorching day. This was the hottest Super Nationals we can ever recall in all of our 26 years in attendance. Often, it is winter coat nights, but not this year as even in the wee hours of the morning, some people were even sans a sweatshirt. The day was deemed "Throwback Thursday" and people were encouraged to wear their oldest racing attire. Even the officials donned vintage shirts ranging from the early 90's on. Several former Super Nationals Modified champions were on hand to greet fans in the Fan Zone tent out behind the grandstand. Those we saw were Wayne Larson, Randy Havlik, Todd Shute, Wayne Graybeal, Ron Pople, Kevin Stoa, and last year's winner Jeff Taylor. Racing ended at 2:08 a.m.
Friday, we saw one of the best races ever in the All-Star Invitational 30-lap feature. We were not the only ones that we heard saying the same thing! After the pomp and circumstances preparation, the drivers voted into the prestigious event strapped into their cars and saluted the crowd in a three-wide parade lap, each driver holding their respective state flag plus a Canadian flag flown by Aaron Turnbull. Todd Shute quickly got to the front from his middle of the fifth row starting position. The closing laps saw him and Chris Abelson duking it out lap after lap in one of the most exciting conclusions we have ever witnessed! Shute was the victor of this one at the end of the 30 laps. An emotional Shute exclaimed in victory lane that, "I hope you enjoyed it, 'cause it was fun where I was sitting"! The racing finished up at 2:51 a.m.
Then it was Saturday! Time flew quickly even with the late nights. There was final last chance qualifying for the Modifieds plus the Race of Champion features for the four classes. The Hobby Stock winner was veteran Randy Embrey, SportMod winner was Bobby Anders, Stock Car winner was Donavon Smith and Modified winner was Dustin Smith.
The first of the Super National championship features was the Hobby Stocks. Brandon Pruitt led this one all 30-laps from the pole; start to finish. Chris Luloff made a late race pass on David Rieks as they went second and third. Fourth was veteran Bill Bonnett and Cory Ganson came from the last row to finish fifth.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature was also 30-laps. Yellows plagued this contest but Carter VanDenBerg had no trouble in keeping his lead from start to finish and took the championship by a comfortable margin. Doug Smith finished a distant second, followed by Clint Luellen (who came from row five) Brett Lowry, and Kyle Prauner.
The 30-lap IMCA Stock Car feature saw the track change as the groove moved to mid-track part way through. Mike Nichols was looking strong as he took the lead by lap one from starting in row four and Jay Schmidt followed him through the mass of cars from his fifth row start, to take second. Much of the race was the #63 of Nichols with the #19J of Schmidt in that running order with the #33C of Brandon Czarapata running a distant third. Things really tightened up when a yellow flew at lap 20 and on the restart, Czarapata was able to get the advantage and take over the lead. Brian Irvine was now in the hunt as well and Donavon Smith was looking for a top five finish as he ran fourth, Schmidt having dropped to fifth. When a yellow flew at lap 28, it set the scene for a green-white-checkered shoot out. Nichols was the bad luck guy when he had to exit with mechanical issues, sending him out the quest for a top finish. When racing resumed, Irvine slipped off the top of turn three, also out of the game, but Czarapata had no issues in taking home the win and the Super Nationals crown. Jay Schmidt worked his way back to the runner up spot, Damon Murty came from starting back in row six to claim third place, fourth was Beatrice, Nebraska driver Kyle Vanover, and Donavon Smith completed the top five.
The grand finale was the 40-lap main event for the IMCA Modifieds. The guy claiming the pole position for their 3-wide start was first timer Ricky Thornton, Jr. from Chandler, Arizona. Dylan Smith from Osceola, Nebraska started in the middle and outside front row starter was Sioux City's Chris Mills. Chris Mills got the advantage when the green fell, and Dylan Smith tucked in behind as he ran second. Smith was able to take over the lead with ten laps remaining, and Texas driver Keith White and local Ames, Iowa racer Jon Snyder were not done in their pursuit of the golden ring as they ran second and third. This race also would find a green-white-checkered shoot out when a yellow flew at lap 38. Smith wasn't to be denied though and maintained his lead, and taking the win. Snyder got around White as they went second and third. Wisconsinite Shawn Kilgore came from row five to finish fourth and Boone's own Kelly Lyons finished in fifth.
We were more than happy that so many of our local weekly track racers made their respective "Big Dance". From the Marshalltown Speedway, Boone Speedway, and Southern Iowa Speedway, they were well represented. Congratulations to those that I can remember, and forgive me for those I may have missed. It is not intentional. Bill Bonnett, Austin Luellen, and Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. In the SportMod division, winner Carter VanDenBerg did the local racing scene proud and took home the crown. He was joined in their feature by Clint Luellen, Brett Lowry, Eric Elliott, Geoff Olson, Eric Flander, Johnathon Logue, Tim Love, Jerry Hinton and Paul Nagle. In the IMCA Stock Cars, Jay Schmidt gave it a shot but fell just short, claiming second place. Also in the feature were Damon Murty, Nathan Wood, Bob Daniels, Wayne Gifford, Jason Cook, Todd Reitzler, Trent Murphy, Steve Meyer and Michael Jaennette. There was no lack of locals in the Modified feature either. Jon Snyder gave it a shot for the win in the feature but fell short and took second. Also racing was Kelly Lyons, Kyle Brown, Jacob Murray, Matthew Meinecke, Scott Davis, Adam Larson and Jimmy Gustin.
So ended another marathon Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway. We had a great time. Not only was the racing great, but it made it all the more enjoyable by seeing old friends, some but once a year at the Super Nationals, and making new ones from across the United States, and sharing the times with them all. Regular weekly Boone announcer Jerry VanSickle was joined for the Super Nationals gig by Ryan Clark and Chet Christner. They kept the crowd informed and well entertained through out the entire six-day run.
You can find more detailed information about the racing at www.raceboone.com and www.imca.com.
Our racing season isn't quite over yet with a few more races we have on the horizon. Next up for us will be the Southern Iowa Speedway this Wednesday night, September 11, as they continue their regular season of racing. Happy racing!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Season Championship time at Boone---then on to the Super Nationals
There was evidence of the madness already beginning at Boone on Saturday night. The pits were already looking pretty full with a steady stream of Super Nationals entrance arriving all during the night. There were tents in the pits and grandstand area and campers were springing up in abundance. But before the craziness of the 31st Super Nationals begins on Monday, it was back to regular weekly racing and the season championships. No new drivers were allowed to race on season championship night, with the top 20 in points locked into the features. Only one B main was needed, that being in the SportMod division, to fill in the final four cars in their A main. Each class was brought to the frontstetch with the drivers being introduced to the fans. Always a nice opportunity for the fans to see the drivers as well as the drivers receiving a well earned round of applause.
All classes ran extra laps in their season championship mains. The Mod Lites started things off with their 18-lap feature. Bryan Zehm led from the drop of the green with Josh May in tow. The race was red flagged at lap nine when Joe Glick rolled his ride as he came out of turn two. He was okay. When things resumed, it was still Zehm at the helm, but May was beginning to put on the pressure. At lap fifteen, May decided it was time to take over that top spot and flew into the lead. He would then motor home to another feature win, his fifth on the year, as well as being crowned the 2013 track champion. Zehm finished as the runner up, third was Dusty Masolini and Randy Bryan and Terry Brown completed the top five.
It was fifteen laps in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Eric Stanton jumped to the lead immediately, while he was happy to see the cars duking it out behind for second. Shannon Anderson, Aaron Rudolph, Tyler Pickett and Matt Hudspeth seemed content on mounting the challenge for position and the possible victory. Those cars would swap positions several times, with Anderson finally establishing second place. As the laps were winding down, Anderson put his foot in it and was able to make the pass on the leader with a lap to go. He would take it home to the checkers first and put another win in the books at Boone. Stanton took the runner up spot, but was still a winner on the night as he took the track championship. Third place was Tyler Pickett, Aaron Rudolph was fourth and Matt Hudspeth rounded out the top five.
The only class that ran a last chance race to complete their starting grid in the main was the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Curt Moeding was the winner in that consy race. Going into the race, Eric Elliott held a commanding lead in the points battle, and showed the reason why in the main event. Elliott took command from the drop of the green, never to look back. Tim Love, sporting his new snazzy looking PINK wrapped car....just one of many cars that will be sporting a themed charity/cause for a contest at the Super Nationals....held down second spot for much of the race. Tara Longnecker, who has had a great season, was able to make the pass on Love with a lap remaining, and took the runner up spot, Love falling to third. Rounding out the top five was Randy Roberts and Johnathon Logue, Jr.
The IMCA Stock Cars went 20-laps and it was Jay Schmidt sending his "Black Betty" ride to the immediate lead. Schmidt put her up top and circled the track contentedly while the pack behind him dug for position. Michael Murphy held second place much of the race but wasn't having an easy time fighting with Donavon Smith and the brothers Gifford...Wayne and Jerry. Veteran racer Robert Stofer joined the fray as well, giving the crowd their money's worth. Smith took over second with less than a handful of laps remaining, relentlessly challenging Schmidt and finally making the pass with one lap to go. Smith took the checkers, his third at Boone this year, Schmidt finishing as the runner up. Third place was Trent Murphy followed by Robert Stofer and Jerry Gifford. Murphy is the track champion.
The grand finale was the 25-lap Modified feature and it was a "Jim Dandy"! Front row starters Jimmy Gustin and "Downtown" Kyle Brown were the show for much of the race. Brown chose the topside and sent his Ford powered ride consistently like a rocket off of turn two....pulling Gustin each time. Scott Davis, Randy Havlik and Russ Dickerson were battling it out behind the two leaders and now it was also noted that Mike VanGenderen, and Mark Elliott, both who had started near the tail of the field, were flying through the pack. Elliott's night would end with a miscue and nearly going over the edge, but VanGenderen put the hammer down and continued his quest. Davis was also shortly out of the running when his motor appeared to let loose. Brown and Gustin were still going at it, Brown holding the advantage when it was at lap twenty-one when Gustin also jumped the cushion in turn four, bringing out the yellow and putting him out of the running for a top finish. On the restart, it was Russ Dickerson behind leader Brown with the high hopes of getting more. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Brown took the win, his first at Boone this year, and Dickerson was the bridesmaid. Mike VanGenderen came from starting fifteenth to take a third place finish, fourth was Tony Cox and Chris Webb was fifth. Jimmy Gustin is the track champion for 2013.
A few notes on the night. There is a new "winner's ramped platform" in the infield, awaiting all of the Super Nationals winners. It was not a good night for more than one driver going into Super Nationals week. I know there were others but among them that we can recall were Scott Davis puffing a motor, but one of the worst was Stock Car driver Damon Murty taking a nasty barrel roll AFTER the feature, tumbling about four times and landing on his wheels in turn two. Incidents like this right before running for the Big Dance is never a good thing. We know how much work goes into just preparing for weekly races, let alone a marathon week of racing.
We will be attending the entire week of Super Nationals again.....our 26th straight and every one at Boone.
We are hoping we won't be seeing the sun rise this year as we did last year when the first night of racing was finally completed at 5:50 a.m. That was due to a 4 1/2 hour delay in start time thanks to Mother Nature and if I recall correctly...a blown up jet dryer. Several other rain storms during the week made for more headaches. Please Mother Nature, though much of the state is needing rain desperately, hold off until the Super Nationals are completed. We look forward to our Racin' Vacation again, meeting up with friends and racers we see each year and joining everyone in the organized chaos that is the spectacle of Super Nationals! Happy racing!
All classes ran extra laps in their season championship mains. The Mod Lites started things off with their 18-lap feature. Bryan Zehm led from the drop of the green with Josh May in tow. The race was red flagged at lap nine when Joe Glick rolled his ride as he came out of turn two. He was okay. When things resumed, it was still Zehm at the helm, but May was beginning to put on the pressure. At lap fifteen, May decided it was time to take over that top spot and flew into the lead. He would then motor home to another feature win, his fifth on the year, as well as being crowned the 2013 track champion. Zehm finished as the runner up, third was Dusty Masolini and Randy Bryan and Terry Brown completed the top five.
It was fifteen laps in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Eric Stanton jumped to the lead immediately, while he was happy to see the cars duking it out behind for second. Shannon Anderson, Aaron Rudolph, Tyler Pickett and Matt Hudspeth seemed content on mounting the challenge for position and the possible victory. Those cars would swap positions several times, with Anderson finally establishing second place. As the laps were winding down, Anderson put his foot in it and was able to make the pass on the leader with a lap to go. He would take it home to the checkers first and put another win in the books at Boone. Stanton took the runner up spot, but was still a winner on the night as he took the track championship. Third place was Tyler Pickett, Aaron Rudolph was fourth and Matt Hudspeth rounded out the top five.
The only class that ran a last chance race to complete their starting grid in the main was the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Curt Moeding was the winner in that consy race. Going into the race, Eric Elliott held a commanding lead in the points battle, and showed the reason why in the main event. Elliott took command from the drop of the green, never to look back. Tim Love, sporting his new snazzy looking PINK wrapped car....just one of many cars that will be sporting a themed charity/cause for a contest at the Super Nationals....held down second spot for much of the race. Tara Longnecker, who has had a great season, was able to make the pass on Love with a lap remaining, and took the runner up spot, Love falling to third. Rounding out the top five was Randy Roberts and Johnathon Logue, Jr.
The IMCA Stock Cars went 20-laps and it was Jay Schmidt sending his "Black Betty" ride to the immediate lead. Schmidt put her up top and circled the track contentedly while the pack behind him dug for position. Michael Murphy held second place much of the race but wasn't having an easy time fighting with Donavon Smith and the brothers Gifford...Wayne and Jerry. Veteran racer Robert Stofer joined the fray as well, giving the crowd their money's worth. Smith took over second with less than a handful of laps remaining, relentlessly challenging Schmidt and finally making the pass with one lap to go. Smith took the checkers, his third at Boone this year, Schmidt finishing as the runner up. Third place was Trent Murphy followed by Robert Stofer and Jerry Gifford. Murphy is the track champion.
The grand finale was the 25-lap Modified feature and it was a "Jim Dandy"! Front row starters Jimmy Gustin and "Downtown" Kyle Brown were the show for much of the race. Brown chose the topside and sent his Ford powered ride consistently like a rocket off of turn two....pulling Gustin each time. Scott Davis, Randy Havlik and Russ Dickerson were battling it out behind the two leaders and now it was also noted that Mike VanGenderen, and Mark Elliott, both who had started near the tail of the field, were flying through the pack. Elliott's night would end with a miscue and nearly going over the edge, but VanGenderen put the hammer down and continued his quest. Davis was also shortly out of the running when his motor appeared to let loose. Brown and Gustin were still going at it, Brown holding the advantage when it was at lap twenty-one when Gustin also jumped the cushion in turn four, bringing out the yellow and putting him out of the running for a top finish. On the restart, it was Russ Dickerson behind leader Brown with the high hopes of getting more. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Brown took the win, his first at Boone this year, and Dickerson was the bridesmaid. Mike VanGenderen came from starting fifteenth to take a third place finish, fourth was Tony Cox and Chris Webb was fifth. Jimmy Gustin is the track champion for 2013.
A few notes on the night. There is a new "winner's ramped platform" in the infield, awaiting all of the Super Nationals winners. It was not a good night for more than one driver going into Super Nationals week. I know there were others but among them that we can recall were Scott Davis puffing a motor, but one of the worst was Stock Car driver Damon Murty taking a nasty barrel roll AFTER the feature, tumbling about four times and landing on his wheels in turn two. Incidents like this right before running for the Big Dance is never a good thing. We know how much work goes into just preparing for weekly races, let alone a marathon week of racing.
We will be attending the entire week of Super Nationals again.....our 26th straight and every one at Boone.
We are hoping we won't be seeing the sun rise this year as we did last year when the first night of racing was finally completed at 5:50 a.m. That was due to a 4 1/2 hour delay in start time thanks to Mother Nature and if I recall correctly...a blown up jet dryer. Several other rain storms during the week made for more headaches. Please Mother Nature, though much of the state is needing rain desperately, hold off until the Super Nationals are completed. We look forward to our Racin' Vacation again, meeting up with friends and racers we see each year and joining everyone in the organized chaos that is the spectacle of Super Nationals! Happy racing!
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