Marshalltown Speedway had a good soaking early Friday morning, right at 2.5 inches according to promoter Toby Kruse. But by the time for racing, the huge lake that had appeared in the infield had nearly drained, (but gooey enough that the infield was not used) and the track was packed and ready for the night's racing. An added attraction for the night was the Spectator Eliminator competition.
The MADCRA Mod Lites ran their usual 15-lap feature. Josh May didn't let three cautions interrupt his run at the front after taking the helm from Mike Kennedy at lap two. He took the win, his second of the year at Marshalltown, by a comfortable margin over Charlie Brown in second. Point leader Andy Hennigar finished third after starting ninth, James May was fourth and Eric Hendrickson finished fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw Eric Stanton back in victory lane, repeating his win from last week. Stanton had to work to get to the front, as a good battle brewed between him, John Watson, and Brice Udelhoven. Stanton finally got the lead with two laps remaining, getting by Udelhoven. Stanton took the win, Udelhoven kept second, and John Watson was third. The rest of the pack was a distance behind at the checkers, but it was Garrett Eilander winning out over Jason See for fourth and fifth places. This was Stanton's fourth win at the Speedway this year.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature came next. Jenae Gustin, who has been having a tough go of it lately with mechanical problems, upon mechanical problems, was immediately to the lead at the drop of the green. From there on, it was a case of who would get second! Gustin maneuvered through lap cars, effortlessly it seemed, and still increased her lead over her closest competitors. The race went green-to-checkered, Gustin winning a good distance ahead of second place Clint Luellen. Third was Sam Wieben, fourth went to Jared VanDeest who had won the two previous races, and Jake McBirnie rounded out the top five. Jenae Gustin told announcer Jerry VanSickle in victory lane, that she is hoping that her bad luck is now all behind her. This is her third win at Marshalltown this year, the last coming back at the end of May.
Michael Jaennette put his ride to the front in the opening laps of the 18-lap Stock Car feature, after starting sixth. He looked destined to repeat his win from last week, getting a good lead on the pack. That all melted away when a yellow flew at lap ten for Trent Murphy who was off power. On the restart, it was Donavon Smith sitting in second and loving that caution that had flown---Jaennette, not so much! It was two laps later when Smith got under Jaennette and took the lead. From there on, Smith motored home comfortably to the win. Jaennette had to settle for second. Third went to Tracy Gienger who seems not to have missed a beat after just returning to racing a couple of weeks ago. Fourth was veteran Robert Stofer and Robbie Merkle was scored fifth. As a note, Jay Schmidt did cross in fourth places, but from what we heard, was penalized for some questionable contact during the race. Winner Donavon Smith made last night's win his sixth of the year, and adds to his track point lead.
The racing portion of the night finished up with the Modified 20-lap feature. Action was immediately fast and frantic in the field. But it was polesitter Jake Strayer putting his ride to the point, and pulling away from the pack. Strayer was looking smooth and confident, and content to let them fight it out behind him for position. Two of those duking it out were Joel Rust and Richie Gustin. Gustin, who had started twelfth, was fighting tooth and nail for the runner up spot, getting it with a handful of laps remaining. Point leader Ronn Lauritzen had been making headway as well, and was up to third after starting eleventh just a lap or so later. In the final laps, it was all eyes on the top three runners, Strayer, Gustin and Lauritzen. Just after lap seventeen was scored, Gustin got around Strayer on the backstretch, and took over the lead. Lauritzen followed up with his pass on Strayer as well, and was doing his best to catch leader Gustin. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Gustin held the lead to the flying checkers and the win....his second in as many weeks. Lauritzen finished as the runner up, and Strayer had a great run, but had to be content with third place. Fourth was Joel Rust and Adam Larson finished fifth after starting tenth. Gustin can now claim three wins at Marshalltown this year.
The evening's festivities ended with the annual Spectator Eliminator competition. When it was all said and done, a little silver Mitsubishi got all the glory---winning out over a black pickup in the final round. Others competing were a silver Subaru and an older Cadillac "grocery getter".
Still a lot of racing left in the season. Get out and find a race to attend and help support the dirt track racing we all love. Thanks for reading and happy racing!
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