It was season championship night at the Boone Speedway on Saturday. Five track champions were crowned, ending the regular season. But things were already beginning to sprout signs of the 32nd Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals that starts on Labor Day.
The top 20 in points were locked into the mains, with B mains run if needed, to fill in the starting field. Only drivers that had points previously were allowed to participate in the B's. The Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks had the consolations, the Mod Lites and the Modifieds not needed. Extra laps were added to all of the A mains. All features were lined up according to points, brought to the frontstretch of the grandstand and drivers were introduced. This is always a nice way for the crowd getting to acknowledge the drivers for their year-long efforts.
The Mod Lites saw Bryan Zehm make it to corner one first, taking the lead from point leader James May. Behind them, a couple of brothers were duking it out---Charlie and Terry Brown. Zehm continued his ride at the front, looking pretty comfortable until smoke began to rise from a wheel with just a couple of laps remaining. The wheel then began to glow, and Zehm was shown the black flag for safety reasons, and he exited the race. This handed first place over to James May, who then went the distance to the checkers and the win. Charlie Brown and Terry Brown finished second and third in that order, Randy Bryan was fourth and Joel Keenan completed the top five. James May is also the 2014 track champion in the Mod Lite division.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 20-lap feature. Ben Kates led the opening laps with Johnathon Logue in hot pursuit. Logue kept hounding Kates, peeking to the outside, and at lap five made it payoff with a pass into the lead. Logue continued his ride at the front the remaining way to the win. Kates held down the runner up spot, with Tara Longnecker a close third place. Tim Love and Doug Smith, who started eleventh on the field, rounded out the five top spots. Ben Kates is the 2014 track champion in the SportMod class.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks went 15-laps in their main event. Eric Stanton got the drop on John Watson as the race went green. From there on, Stanton never gave up that point position, and drove it home to the checkers. Watson held down second place, third went to Andrew Burg and Tyler Pickett was fourth. Finishing a distance behind in fifth place, was Ross Marshall. John Watson is the track champion for 2014. After he was awarded his trophy, he presented it to a young fan in the grandstand. A classy gesture.
The IMCA Modified 25-lap feature was the most exciting of the evening. Point leader Jimmy Gustin leaped to the lead as the race went green, Kyle Brown tagging in second. With just one lap in the books, Gustin experienced trouble with his machine, and exited into the pits. This handed the lead over to Kyle Brown in his new wrap, with Scott Davis hot on his heels. By lap six, Mike VanGenderen had pushed his new wrapped car from seventh, into the third spot, and wanting more. At about the halfway mark of the race, Brown appeared to jump the cushion as he entered turn one, thus allowing both Davis and VanGenderen to slip by him. The show was now between Davis and VanGenderen. The two ran closely, side-by-side, door handle to door handle for many laps while Brown lingered a distance in third. Davis and VanGenderen fought back and forth, with VanGenderen finally get an edge as lap 24 was scored. Just after that lap was scored, the yellow flew when Brown's machine came to a halt just out of turn four, the left side wheel protruding from a broken axle. The race was called over and yellow/checkered. VanGenderen took the win, Davis was second and Russ Dickerson finished third. Fourth went to Matthew Meinecke and Joel Bushore came from starting eleventh, to finish fifth. Even with his bad luck on the evening, Jimmy Gustin held on to the track championship.
Finishing the evening's racing was the 20-lap Stock Car main. Jerry Gifford led Donavon Smith to the first corner and the lead while Jay Schmidt and Wayne Gifford tagged into third and fourth. Gifford, Smith and Schmidt had quite the battle going for a while, until lap eleven when Smith made his run on the inside of the track work, taking the lead. From there on, Smith pulled away from the competition and won by half a straight away. Jerry Gifford held on to the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford got past Jay Schmidt in the closing laps as they went third and fourth respectively, and Mike Goldsberry rounded out the top five. Jerry Gifford is the Stock Car track champion.
Another season of racing at the Boone Speedway wound up. Amazingly, all 20 nights of racing were completed without a cancellation. Add to that, the Memorial Day Deery Brothers Late Model special. The only blip on the radar the entire year was the opening Frostbuster on April 12th when just one feature was completed. The remaining features were made up the following week on opening night.
Let the craziness begin! Now it's time for the IMCA Super Nationals at Boone. We plan to be there for all six days/nights of the amazing racing marathon that begins tomorrow, September 1. We look forward to meeting up with drivers, friends and fans who share this crazy love of dirt track racing. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Sanders continues his roll in USMTS - locals win USRA Stock Car and B Mods at Marshalltown
It's been a few years since the United States Modified Touring Series has been to the high-banks at Marshalltown. The race, originally scheduled back in June, was rained out and rescheduled for Wednesday night---but Mother Nature looked to throw a wrench into it. Thankfully, the rain that was forecast, didn't happen at the Marshalltown Speedway and the USMTS and the USRA Stock Cars and B Mods put on the show as scheduled.
The USRA B Mods raced their 20-lap feature caution free. The current USRA point leader in the Iron Man Challenge,DanWheeler from Savage, Minnesota, leaped to the lead immediately from his pole starting spot. He was soon to have two local drivers hot on his trail though---Jared VanDeest and Jenae Gustin. With a handful of laps in the books, those three drivers would make it three-wide racing for the lead. Things got sorted out by lap seven, and who should be in the lead, but the "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin. Gustin was letting no one stand in her way on this night, defending her home turf and showing the boys how it's done! Gustin made it look easy in winning her first USRA B Mod race, a $600 win, and thanked her many sponsors and fans in her post-race interview with announcer Lon Olke. USRA regular, Jacob Bleess from Chatfield, Minnesota, took the runner up position. Third went to Joey Schaefer, fourth was another Marshalltown regular, Jared VanDeest, and USRA regular Cory Crapser from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin completed the top five. Wheeler finished sixth, and after taking a look at the current points in the Iron Man Challenge series, it appears that he now sits second in points to Cory Crapser.
Another local driver defended the home turf in the USRA Stock Car 25-lap feature. Damon Murty, who had barely made his heat race due to having to change from his usual 2-barrel carburetor, to the USRA required 4-barrel, was the lucky recipient of the pole position, thanks to his son Dallon's draw. The early laps, Murty was challenged by another Marshalltown regular, Steve Meyer, as they both swung to the topside. In the final five laps, Murty stretched his lead, but now Meyer was having to contend with Decorah's Mitch Hovden. Hovden made the pass into second on the back stretch before lap 22 was scored, taking the highroad around Meyer who had now been running the lowside. Murty took the checkers, and the $750 payoff, Hovden finished as the runner up, and Steve Meyer held on to third. Fourth went to Tom Schmitt and Dillon Anderson was fifth.
It was a 40-lap feature for the USMTS A main. Young Cade Dillard out of Robeline, Louisiana got the jump on pole-sitter Joe Duvall from Claremore, Oklahoma as soon as the race went green. A caution flew at lap four when two local drivers, Derek Riemer and Zach Rawlins got together in turn one. Dillard was still holding down the point position, Duvall was second and Stormy Scott was sitting in third place. As the race restarted, things did not go so well for Duvall and Scott as Scott ended up in the outside frontstretch wall just before the flagstand when the two got together. The restart sent Duvall to the tail for the restart while Scott had to retire to the pits. An area regular who runs the USMTS circuit, Zack VanderBeek from New Sharon, was now sitting in second place and readying for a chance to challenge the leader when the race went green. Dillard however, was hanging tough and still leading when another yellow flew at lap twenty. VanderBeek was still lurking in second but it was the #20 of Rodney Sanders up to third place. Sanders has been hot lately, well on his way to defending his USMTS National title, after starting ninth. Another yellow flew just a few laps later when local driver Richie Gustin dropped his driveshaft, leaving him dead in the water. On the restart, Sanders got a tremendous jump and was about to take over the lead, only to have it called back for yet another yellow for the car #77 of Joe Beal from Milan, Illinois. Leader Dillard was not about to let Sanders get the jump on this restart, but he had made his way into second place around VanderBeek and was in hot pursuit of the leader. It was fight for the lead between Dillard and Sanders as they flew down the backstretch after lap 29 had been scored, and this time, Sanders got the upper hand, scored the leader at lap 30. From there on, Sanders was never really challenged but the race behind him was intense. Dillard, VanderBeek and area racer Brad Dierks were locked into a battle. Sanders took the checkers, marking his 24th feature win of the year in the USMTS, Dillard held the runner up spot, Dierks slipped by VanderBeek in the closing moments to score the third spot, VanderBeek going fourth, and multiple times USMTS champion, Kelly Shryock completed the top five.
It was fun watching the USMTS on the Marshalltown high-banks, an enjoyable mid-week round of racing. The series was suppose to have a five-night run, but already the second night scheduled for Webster City has been canceled due to the rain. The series is now scheduled for Lansing, Minnesota on Friday, Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota on Saturday, and Cresco on Sunday---all at Mother Nature's mercy.
The USRA B Mods raced their 20-lap feature caution free. The current USRA point leader in the Iron Man Challenge,DanWheeler from Savage, Minnesota, leaped to the lead immediately from his pole starting spot. He was soon to have two local drivers hot on his trail though---Jared VanDeest and Jenae Gustin. With a handful of laps in the books, those three drivers would make it three-wide racing for the lead. Things got sorted out by lap seven, and who should be in the lead, but the "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin. Gustin was letting no one stand in her way on this night, defending her home turf and showing the boys how it's done! Gustin made it look easy in winning her first USRA B Mod race, a $600 win, and thanked her many sponsors and fans in her post-race interview with announcer Lon Olke. USRA regular, Jacob Bleess from Chatfield, Minnesota, took the runner up position. Third went to Joey Schaefer, fourth was another Marshalltown regular, Jared VanDeest, and USRA regular Cory Crapser from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin completed the top five. Wheeler finished sixth, and after taking a look at the current points in the Iron Man Challenge series, it appears that he now sits second in points to Cory Crapser.
Another local driver defended the home turf in the USRA Stock Car 25-lap feature. Damon Murty, who had barely made his heat race due to having to change from his usual 2-barrel carburetor, to the USRA required 4-barrel, was the lucky recipient of the pole position, thanks to his son Dallon's draw. The early laps, Murty was challenged by another Marshalltown regular, Steve Meyer, as they both swung to the topside. In the final five laps, Murty stretched his lead, but now Meyer was having to contend with Decorah's Mitch Hovden. Hovden made the pass into second on the back stretch before lap 22 was scored, taking the highroad around Meyer who had now been running the lowside. Murty took the checkers, and the $750 payoff, Hovden finished as the runner up, and Steve Meyer held on to third. Fourth went to Tom Schmitt and Dillon Anderson was fifth.
It was a 40-lap feature for the USMTS A main. Young Cade Dillard out of Robeline, Louisiana got the jump on pole-sitter Joe Duvall from Claremore, Oklahoma as soon as the race went green. A caution flew at lap four when two local drivers, Derek Riemer and Zach Rawlins got together in turn one. Dillard was still holding down the point position, Duvall was second and Stormy Scott was sitting in third place. As the race restarted, things did not go so well for Duvall and Scott as Scott ended up in the outside frontstretch wall just before the flagstand when the two got together. The restart sent Duvall to the tail for the restart while Scott had to retire to the pits. An area regular who runs the USMTS circuit, Zack VanderBeek from New Sharon, was now sitting in second place and readying for a chance to challenge the leader when the race went green. Dillard however, was hanging tough and still leading when another yellow flew at lap twenty. VanderBeek was still lurking in second but it was the #20 of Rodney Sanders up to third place. Sanders has been hot lately, well on his way to defending his USMTS National title, after starting ninth. Another yellow flew just a few laps later when local driver Richie Gustin dropped his driveshaft, leaving him dead in the water. On the restart, Sanders got a tremendous jump and was about to take over the lead, only to have it called back for yet another yellow for the car #77 of Joe Beal from Milan, Illinois. Leader Dillard was not about to let Sanders get the jump on this restart, but he had made his way into second place around VanderBeek and was in hot pursuit of the leader. It was fight for the lead between Dillard and Sanders as they flew down the backstretch after lap 29 had been scored, and this time, Sanders got the upper hand, scored the leader at lap 30. From there on, Sanders was never really challenged but the race behind him was intense. Dillard, VanderBeek and area racer Brad Dierks were locked into a battle. Sanders took the checkers, marking his 24th feature win of the year in the USMTS, Dillard held the runner up spot, Dierks slipped by VanderBeek in the closing moments to score the third spot, VanderBeek going fourth, and multiple times USMTS champion, Kelly Shryock completed the top five.
It was fun watching the USMTS on the Marshalltown high-banks, an enjoyable mid-week round of racing. The series was suppose to have a five-night run, but already the second night scheduled for Webster City has been canceled due to the rain. The series is now scheduled for Lansing, Minnesota on Friday, Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota on Saturday, and Cresco on Sunday---all at Mother Nature's mercy.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
First Boone checkers for Murty, Lynch and Glick, Gustin and Kates return to victory lane
The rain didn't clear out at the Boone Speedway on Saturday until mid-day, and then the heat came. I think you could have wrung out the air when the racing began. It was Walmart night at the races, there was a bunch of bike giveaways to the kids, racing family helped out one of their own when drivers passed the helmets in the grandstands, and Boone Speedway employees took the ALS ice water challenge! A freak accident at the flagstand also sent the flagman to the hospital for some medical attention. The night was packed full of racing as well with 163 cars on hand.
The MADCRA Mod Lites hit the track first for their 15-lap A main. Joe Glick took the lead past early leader Jason Whitehead at lap two, and from there on held command to the checkers. Bryan Zehm got to the runner up spot and tried to challenge, but to no avail, settling for second. Third was point leader James May, last week's winner Travis Stensland finished fourth and Mike Kennedy was fifth. Glick won for the first time ever at the Boone Speedway.
There were 37 SportMods on hand, which meant whittling the starting A main to 24 cars through two B mains. Those wins went to Robert Moore and Austin Kaplan. The feature began with JD Robinson taking charge as the green fell, and Rocky Caudle tucked into second place. By lap three, it was Montezuma's Brett Lowry getting around Caudle and taking over the runner up spot. Lowry, who has been having a good season, looked to the low side and slid under Robinson, taking over the helm by lap five. He couldn't get comfortable though, as now all eyes were on the #23K of Ben Kates. Kates, a familiar face at the Boone Speedway this year, had started eleventh, and by lap six, had taken over the runner up spot......and the chase was on! Lowry held his ground, Kates taking a look to the outside for a way around. His persistence paid off just after lap thirteen was scored. As the cars went down the backstretch, Kates took the lead. There was a yellow at lap fourteen and on the restart, it was now Lowry bothering Kates, however it didn't work, and Kates took the victory, Lowry having to settle for a close second place finish. Third went to sixteenth place starter, Sam Wieben, fourth was Jake McBirnie, last week's winner, and Rocky Caudle hung to the front all race, and finished in fifth. Kates won for the seventh time during the regular season, plus also having a win in the pre-season Frostbuster.
There were a couple of early lead changes in the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature. Troy Phillips led the troops through the first four laps, then pushed up the track, allowing Dustin Graham to slip by and into the lead. Meanwhile, another "Dustin" was on the move, Dustin Lynch. Lynch got to second and was bothering the leader, when Graham suddenly suffered the fate of a tire going down. Lynch seized the moment and took over the lead. The last portion of the race, found Lynch holding tight to the lead, being chased by last week's winner, Cody Gustoff all the way to the checkers. Seth Janssen followed in third place, fourth was Andrew Burg, and Tyler Pickett completed the top five. This was Lynch's first win ever at the Boone track. This made the 13th different winner in the Hobby Stock class in their regular season.
The starting 20-lap feature for the Modifieds had to be completed with the running of two B mains to whittle the 38 cars to 24. Those winners were Russ Dickerson and Shay Woods. Two drivers who appeared for the first time at the track last week, the #11V of Alex Hanson from Kensett, and the #29 of Brandon Kern from Des Moines, sat on the front row of the A main. Lap one got completed, but then Hanson lost the handle as he went into turn two, collecting several cars who could not avoid him. When things were cleaned up, Tony Cox had inherited the lead, and Webster City's Greg Elliott was sitting in second, and Joel Bushore was in third. As things restarted, another car was making headway----point leader Jimmy Gustin had moved into fourth, and you just knew he wasn't done yet! Gustin tightened the screws on Cox and at the halfway mark had made the pass into second place. The reeling in of leader Bushore began and at lap fourteen when a yellow flew for veteran Denny Pittman at a standstill in turn four, Gustin was no doubt a happy camper in anticipation of the restart. The green flew for the restart and by lap fifteen, Gustin had taken the lead, as Bushore slipped up the track in turn four. Gustin kept command in the closing laps, and took the win. It was a yellow/checkered finish when Scott Davis was sitting on the track in turn four, after the field had taken the white flag. Bushore held on to second place and Tony Cox finished third. Mike VanGenderen was the last car to qualify for the A main. He finished second in the second B and tagged the field in 24th place. He maneuvered his way through the stout field, to finish in fourth place. Greg Elliott rounded out the top five positions. Gustin won for the third time this year and leads points going into the season championship next Saturday by a comfortable 23 points ahead of Kyle Brown.
The night ending 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature had to have the final four cars in the starting line up determined by two B mains. Those wins went to Josh Daniels and Matt West. Most of this one had Damon Murty and Jeff Deal at the front of the pack and running "up top". Digging down low, was the #55 of Cory Bushnell, but things never changed from that running order----Murty taking the checkers over Deal in second, and Bushnell in third. Trent Murphy took fourth place and Donavon Smith moved from starting eleventh, to finish fifth. This race also ended under the yellow/checkered as the white flag had flown before a car sat idle on the track. This was Murty's first win at Boone this year, but his 24th over all for the season.
As mentioned earlier, there were many other scenarios going on during the night. Many kids went home happy with a new bike. There was a great display of "racing family" during the farming session, as drivers came across the track and into the grandstands, and passed their helmets. This was for longtime track worker Jerry Denning, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is needing to begin treatment. Around $2,000 was raised and the track matched it for a $4,000 night's total. Also during that farming session, several Boone track employees, including the Lawton's, made their way to the infield, as they had accepted the "ice water challenge" in support of ALS. They did it the Boone track way! The water was released on them from one of the John Deere bucket scoops.....to the delight of the onlookers! You can take a look at the video by going to www.raceboone.com and clicking on the video at the right.
Another incident happened that could have been so much worse. At lap ten of the Stock Car feature, the race was stopped when flagman Nick Breuklander had a solid mud plug come flying at him, hitting him in the side of the head. He was attended to immediately after staggering from the flagstand, and as he stood up to get on the gurney, head wrapped like a mummy, he smiled and waved to the crowd. One tough guy. Word later was he got ten staples, and a CAT scan was okay. This just shows what a dangerous job many track workers have. Another track worker, long time employee Rod Robbins, finished the flagging duties of the race.
Next Saturday, August 30, is season championship night. I believe the top 20 cars in points in attendance will be locked in and any cars that have run during the year with points, will be allowed to try and fill in the 24-car starting fields. I am sure there will be many, many cars from far and wide there as well, waiting in the wings for Monday's first day of the 32nd running of the IMCA Super Nationals....starting it's six-night run. Can't wait for this "Racin' Vacation" spectacle! It's something that you must experience! Hope to see many of you there as well as catch up with racing friends coming from afar.
The MADCRA Mod Lites hit the track first for their 15-lap A main. Joe Glick took the lead past early leader Jason Whitehead at lap two, and from there on held command to the checkers. Bryan Zehm got to the runner up spot and tried to challenge, but to no avail, settling for second. Third was point leader James May, last week's winner Travis Stensland finished fourth and Mike Kennedy was fifth. Glick won for the first time ever at the Boone Speedway.
There were 37 SportMods on hand, which meant whittling the starting A main to 24 cars through two B mains. Those wins went to Robert Moore and Austin Kaplan. The feature began with JD Robinson taking charge as the green fell, and Rocky Caudle tucked into second place. By lap three, it was Montezuma's Brett Lowry getting around Caudle and taking over the runner up spot. Lowry, who has been having a good season, looked to the low side and slid under Robinson, taking over the helm by lap five. He couldn't get comfortable though, as now all eyes were on the #23K of Ben Kates. Kates, a familiar face at the Boone Speedway this year, had started eleventh, and by lap six, had taken over the runner up spot......and the chase was on! Lowry held his ground, Kates taking a look to the outside for a way around. His persistence paid off just after lap thirteen was scored. As the cars went down the backstretch, Kates took the lead. There was a yellow at lap fourteen and on the restart, it was now Lowry bothering Kates, however it didn't work, and Kates took the victory, Lowry having to settle for a close second place finish. Third went to sixteenth place starter, Sam Wieben, fourth was Jake McBirnie, last week's winner, and Rocky Caudle hung to the front all race, and finished in fifth. Kates won for the seventh time during the regular season, plus also having a win in the pre-season Frostbuster.
There were a couple of early lead changes in the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature. Troy Phillips led the troops through the first four laps, then pushed up the track, allowing Dustin Graham to slip by and into the lead. Meanwhile, another "Dustin" was on the move, Dustin Lynch. Lynch got to second and was bothering the leader, when Graham suddenly suffered the fate of a tire going down. Lynch seized the moment and took over the lead. The last portion of the race, found Lynch holding tight to the lead, being chased by last week's winner, Cody Gustoff all the way to the checkers. Seth Janssen followed in third place, fourth was Andrew Burg, and Tyler Pickett completed the top five. This was Lynch's first win ever at the Boone track. This made the 13th different winner in the Hobby Stock class in their regular season.
The starting 20-lap feature for the Modifieds had to be completed with the running of two B mains to whittle the 38 cars to 24. Those winners were Russ Dickerson and Shay Woods. Two drivers who appeared for the first time at the track last week, the #11V of Alex Hanson from Kensett, and the #29 of Brandon Kern from Des Moines, sat on the front row of the A main. Lap one got completed, but then Hanson lost the handle as he went into turn two, collecting several cars who could not avoid him. When things were cleaned up, Tony Cox had inherited the lead, and Webster City's Greg Elliott was sitting in second, and Joel Bushore was in third. As things restarted, another car was making headway----point leader Jimmy Gustin had moved into fourth, and you just knew he wasn't done yet! Gustin tightened the screws on Cox and at the halfway mark had made the pass into second place. The reeling in of leader Bushore began and at lap fourteen when a yellow flew for veteran Denny Pittman at a standstill in turn four, Gustin was no doubt a happy camper in anticipation of the restart. The green flew for the restart and by lap fifteen, Gustin had taken the lead, as Bushore slipped up the track in turn four. Gustin kept command in the closing laps, and took the win. It was a yellow/checkered finish when Scott Davis was sitting on the track in turn four, after the field had taken the white flag. Bushore held on to second place and Tony Cox finished third. Mike VanGenderen was the last car to qualify for the A main. He finished second in the second B and tagged the field in 24th place. He maneuvered his way through the stout field, to finish in fourth place. Greg Elliott rounded out the top five positions. Gustin won for the third time this year and leads points going into the season championship next Saturday by a comfortable 23 points ahead of Kyle Brown.
The night ending 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature had to have the final four cars in the starting line up determined by two B mains. Those wins went to Josh Daniels and Matt West. Most of this one had Damon Murty and Jeff Deal at the front of the pack and running "up top". Digging down low, was the #55 of Cory Bushnell, but things never changed from that running order----Murty taking the checkers over Deal in second, and Bushnell in third. Trent Murphy took fourth place and Donavon Smith moved from starting eleventh, to finish fifth. This race also ended under the yellow/checkered as the white flag had flown before a car sat idle on the track. This was Murty's first win at Boone this year, but his 24th over all for the season.
As mentioned earlier, there were many other scenarios going on during the night. Many kids went home happy with a new bike. There was a great display of "racing family" during the farming session, as drivers came across the track and into the grandstands, and passed their helmets. This was for longtime track worker Jerry Denning, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is needing to begin treatment. Around $2,000 was raised and the track matched it for a $4,000 night's total. Also during that farming session, several Boone track employees, including the Lawton's, made their way to the infield, as they had accepted the "ice water challenge" in support of ALS. They did it the Boone track way! The water was released on them from one of the John Deere bucket scoops.....to the delight of the onlookers! You can take a look at the video by going to www.raceboone.com and clicking on the video at the right.
Another incident happened that could have been so much worse. At lap ten of the Stock Car feature, the race was stopped when flagman Nick Breuklander had a solid mud plug come flying at him, hitting him in the side of the head. He was attended to immediately after staggering from the flagstand, and as he stood up to get on the gurney, head wrapped like a mummy, he smiled and waved to the crowd. One tough guy. Word later was he got ten staples, and a CAT scan was okay. This just shows what a dangerous job many track workers have. Another track worker, long time employee Rod Robbins, finished the flagging duties of the race.
Next Saturday, August 30, is season championship night. I believe the top 20 cars in points in attendance will be locked in and any cars that have run during the year with points, will be allowed to try and fill in the 24-car starting fields. I am sure there will be many, many cars from far and wide there as well, waiting in the wings for Monday's first day of the 32nd running of the IMCA Super Nationals....starting it's six-night run. Can't wait for this "Racin' Vacation" spectacle! It's something that you must experience! Hope to see many of you there as well as catch up with racing friends coming from afar.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Gustin beats the rain at Marshalltown
What a hot and muggy night it was at Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night. Better that than the rain we had at home when we headed there! The threat was all around however, and everyone was hoping it would hold off. It did.....barely! There was a first time winner in the Hobby Stock division and the Mod Lites. It was old hat for the winners of the Modified, SportMod and Stock Cars.
Things did get hurried around for the features....no pictures and interviews again last night. What would we ever do without being able to watch the radar on our cell phones? The Mod Lites were quickly brought to the track for their 15-lap feature.
Bryan Zehm, the pole-sitter, who had only made a couple of previous appearances at the high banks this year, left no doubt as to what his goal was for the evening. He shot to the lead immediately, weathered a couple of yellow flag situations, and led all 15-lap on this way to his first victory at the track. Josh May and his father Jimmy May, chased the leader most of that distance, but had to settle for second and third respectively. Charlie Brown was fourth and Joe Glick rounded out the top five.
The Mod Lites were barely off the track when the Hobby Stocks were coming out of staging. Gary Pfantz set the pace in their 12-lap feature through the first six laps. That's when a yellow flew for a spinning Travis Merical between turns three and four. By that time, the #56 of Jamie Schirm...who had made his first trip to Marshalltown last week, was up to second. That caution was what Schirm had been wanting, as he took over as captain of the ship and leading as lap seven was scored. He led the remaining distance to the finish, chalking up his first win at Marshalltown. Garrett Eilander finished a distance behind in second place, Pfantz was a distant third, followed by John Watson in fourth and first timer, Travis Staley from Hampton, was fifth.
Up next, the IMCA Northern SportMods. You know how it goes when things are trying to be hurried along.....not so good. Their 18-lap feature was slowed five times by cautions. The early leader, Ryan Ashton was chased by Matt Lettow until lap seven. Lettow was able to take the outside lane around Ashton and took over the lead at that lap seven. A couple of yellows was not what Lettow was wanting, especially the one at lap twelve. By that time, he had Jonathon Logue, Jr. breathing down his tailpipes and Clint Luellen and Jenae Gustin were right there as well. Gustin, who was sporting a brand new ride with a beautiful wrap, was having a great run despite her left rear brake glowing brightly. As the race restarted, Luellen swung to the outside entering turn one, and by turn two, had gained the lead. Two more yellows would fly, but Luellen was not hindered and hung on to the top spot and the win. Lettow finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin, put her "hot" ride.....left rear glowing/flaming brake into a third place finish, Logue, Jr. was fourth and Sam Wieben completed the top five. Luellen, who started eleventh, made it to the winner's circle for the second week in a row, and for the eighth time for the year.
The 18-lap Stock Car main had Don Vis leading the first two laps, but what a pack of cars there was fighting behind him! They were tightly locked into a battle that eventually found eleventh place starter, Donavon Smith spurting out into the lead by lap three. Two yellows didn't hinder Smith on the restarts, though the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty had made it to the runner up spot, Smith maintained the top spot the rest of the way to the checkers. Murty chased him across the finish line for second. Steve Meyer beat out Robert Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Michael Jaennette fought his way through the pack, to finish fifth. This made nine wins for Smith at Marshalltown this season.
The final feature, the 20-lap Modified main, went flag to flag. And it's probably a good thing. Jake Strayer led from lap one through five when Gilman's Richie Gustin took over command at lap six. Gustin, who had started ninth, wasted no time in getting to the front, and after taking the lead, kept it to the checkers. Last week's winner, Racer Hulin, chased Gustin across the finish line to take the runner up spot. Third went to Jon Snyder, early leader Jake Strayer was fourth and point leader Ronn Lauritzen was fifth. Gustin scored for the fourth time at Marshalltown this year. The closing laps of the race, the raindrops started to fall and the race was just completed as they grew heavier and heavier.
Next Friday, August 29, is the season championship at Marshalltown Speedway, bringing the regular season to a close. This week, on Wednesday, August 27, the speedway will host the make up race for the USMTS that was weathered out earlier this year. They will also be racing USRA Stock Cars and USRA B Mods. Then on September 19-20, it will be the 9th Annual World Nationals. The Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks will be in competition. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will also race on September 20. The Modifieds can only run a built motor---no crates. There will be an open practice on September 18. Don't miss these final races of 2014.
Things did get hurried around for the features....no pictures and interviews again last night. What would we ever do without being able to watch the radar on our cell phones? The Mod Lites were quickly brought to the track for their 15-lap feature.
Bryan Zehm, the pole-sitter, who had only made a couple of previous appearances at the high banks this year, left no doubt as to what his goal was for the evening. He shot to the lead immediately, weathered a couple of yellow flag situations, and led all 15-lap on this way to his first victory at the track. Josh May and his father Jimmy May, chased the leader most of that distance, but had to settle for second and third respectively. Charlie Brown was fourth and Joe Glick rounded out the top five.
The Mod Lites were barely off the track when the Hobby Stocks were coming out of staging. Gary Pfantz set the pace in their 12-lap feature through the first six laps. That's when a yellow flew for a spinning Travis Merical between turns three and four. By that time, the #56 of Jamie Schirm...who had made his first trip to Marshalltown last week, was up to second. That caution was what Schirm had been wanting, as he took over as captain of the ship and leading as lap seven was scored. He led the remaining distance to the finish, chalking up his first win at Marshalltown. Garrett Eilander finished a distance behind in second place, Pfantz was a distant third, followed by John Watson in fourth and first timer, Travis Staley from Hampton, was fifth.
Up next, the IMCA Northern SportMods. You know how it goes when things are trying to be hurried along.....not so good. Their 18-lap feature was slowed five times by cautions. The early leader, Ryan Ashton was chased by Matt Lettow until lap seven. Lettow was able to take the outside lane around Ashton and took over the lead at that lap seven. A couple of yellows was not what Lettow was wanting, especially the one at lap twelve. By that time, he had Jonathon Logue, Jr. breathing down his tailpipes and Clint Luellen and Jenae Gustin were right there as well. Gustin, who was sporting a brand new ride with a beautiful wrap, was having a great run despite her left rear brake glowing brightly. As the race restarted, Luellen swung to the outside entering turn one, and by turn two, had gained the lead. Two more yellows would fly, but Luellen was not hindered and hung on to the top spot and the win. Lettow finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin, put her "hot" ride.....left rear glowing/flaming brake into a third place finish, Logue, Jr. was fourth and Sam Wieben completed the top five. Luellen, who started eleventh, made it to the winner's circle for the second week in a row, and for the eighth time for the year.
The 18-lap Stock Car main had Don Vis leading the first two laps, but what a pack of cars there was fighting behind him! They were tightly locked into a battle that eventually found eleventh place starter, Donavon Smith spurting out into the lead by lap three. Two yellows didn't hinder Smith on the restarts, though the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty had made it to the runner up spot, Smith maintained the top spot the rest of the way to the checkers. Murty chased him across the finish line for second. Steve Meyer beat out Robert Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Michael Jaennette fought his way through the pack, to finish fifth. This made nine wins for Smith at Marshalltown this season.
The final feature, the 20-lap Modified main, went flag to flag. And it's probably a good thing. Jake Strayer led from lap one through five when Gilman's Richie Gustin took over command at lap six. Gustin, who had started ninth, wasted no time in getting to the front, and after taking the lead, kept it to the checkers. Last week's winner, Racer Hulin, chased Gustin across the finish line to take the runner up spot. Third went to Jon Snyder, early leader Jake Strayer was fourth and point leader Ronn Lauritzen was fifth. Gustin scored for the fourth time at Marshalltown this year. The closing laps of the race, the raindrops started to fall and the race was just completed as they grew heavier and heavier.
Next Friday, August 29, is the season championship at Marshalltown Speedway, bringing the regular season to a close. This week, on Wednesday, August 27, the speedway will host the make up race for the USMTS that was weathered out earlier this year. They will also be racing USRA Stock Cars and USRA B Mods. Then on September 19-20, it will be the 9th Annual World Nationals. The Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks will be in competition. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will also race on September 20. The Modifieds can only run a built motor---no crates. There will be an open practice on September 18. Don't miss these final races of 2014.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Sobbing snares HDT win at Tipton, Deery to Kay, and Brandies bags IMCA Stock Car victory
The Cedar County Raceway in Tipton was the scene of the Xsan Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds, the Deery Brothers IMCA Late Models and the IMCA Stock Cars on Tuesday night. Justin Kay left little doubt as to why he is leading the Deery Brothers series AND the IMCA National points race, as he took the 40-lap caution free win by leading the entire race. Jesse Sobbing stayed over in the area after racing the HDT race at Vinton the previous night, and made his stay over a good one by snaring the win in that series. The IMCA Stock Cars, that we understand were not on the weekly show at the track, found area hot shoe David Brandies standing in victory lane.
The 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature was led initially by Shane Paris---with a clump of cars fighting it out right behind him for position. By lap six, David Brandies, Atalissa racer, had put his #71 in command of the lead, Tim Current tucked into second and Elberon, Iowa's Scott Pippert, (I believe a letter had been left out of the listing for the announcer, as our group sitting in the stands had to chuckle each time the town was announced) ran in third, Damon Murty in fourth. There was still a lot of close fought battling going on the rest of the way to the finish, giving the local fans a taste of just what IMCA Stock Cars are all about. Brandies was able to hold off Current, who tried a peek to the outside in the closing laps for a way around but fell short, Brandies taking the checkers and Current settling for the runner up spot. Scott Pippert held third place, Murty was fourth and Jerry Miles rounded out the top five.
There was a nice field of 45 IMCA Modifieds on hand for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour. That was quite surprising, since the night before at the Vinton show, there were twenty-two. The local racers came out in full force for sure.
An interesting draw for the top 12 starting positions was held on the frontstretch. The Modified drivers were paired up with a Late Model driver and they had to agree on what to do with their original "unknown" number, keep it or pass it to another duo of drivers. Steve Stewart, who was paired with Justin Kay, ended up with the #1 for the pole start for each and Patrick Flannagan and Late Model driver Kyle Hinrichs got the outside pole.
Steve Stewart took advantage of his pole starting spot, jumping to the lead as the green flag flew. But by lap two, he had company in Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing who was hot on his heels. Sobbing made his persistent pestering pay off at lap ten, flying to the lead. The race had it's first yellow at lap twenty-two for the 19G of Richie Gustin sitting off the bank of turn four. When thing restarted, Sobbing was still in command with eighth place starter Darin Duffy running in second, and ninth place starter Brad Diercks in third, who had gotten around Stewart. It was but one lap later at lap twnety-three that the final yellow flew for Durant's Dusty Kraklio. The final run to the checkers was no problem for Sobbing, holding his lead easily, and taking his first win in the Hawkeye Dirt Tour series. Brad Diercks held on to the runner up spot, the #6 of Brian Webb (we understand he is the son of veteran racer Gary Webb) had a great late race run after starting sixteenth, taking third when he passed fourth place finisher Darin Duffy in the closing lap of the race. Kyle Brown started tenth, and had a good run to complete the top five.
It's looking like point leader Mike VanGenderen has the series title locked up going into the final race during the annual Yankee Dirt Track Classic in mid September. Jesse Sobbing and Jeremy Mills tightened the screws in the late season, but it appears they fell just short.
There were 34 Deery Late Models in the house last night. As mentioned earlier, point leader Justin Kay got the lucky draw for the pole. Kyle Hinrichs sat along side. The two front row starters took off immediately---Kay getting the drop on Hinrichs who tucked in behind him. Fourth place starter Tyler Bruening established third spot. The race at the front would continue in that order the rest of the caution free 40-laps. Kay looked comfortable in his win, second place Hinrichs was pressured by Tyler Bruening in the waning laps, but had to be content with a third place finish. Brian Harris started fifth, and took fourth place, after getting by fifth place finisher, Brian Beaudry.
We will not be getting to our regular Wednesday night show at the Southern Iowa Speedway tonight as they have been washed out by today's heavy rain in that part of the state. We will cross our fingers and hope that rain is not going to be a pattern in the closing part of the racing season. We still need to be getting our racing fix before things come to a halt.
The 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature was led initially by Shane Paris---with a clump of cars fighting it out right behind him for position. By lap six, David Brandies, Atalissa racer, had put his #71 in command of the lead, Tim Current tucked into second and Elberon, Iowa's Scott Pippert, (I believe a letter had been left out of the listing for the announcer, as our group sitting in the stands had to chuckle each time the town was announced) ran in third, Damon Murty in fourth. There was still a lot of close fought battling going on the rest of the way to the finish, giving the local fans a taste of just what IMCA Stock Cars are all about. Brandies was able to hold off Current, who tried a peek to the outside in the closing laps for a way around but fell short, Brandies taking the checkers and Current settling for the runner up spot. Scott Pippert held third place, Murty was fourth and Jerry Miles rounded out the top five.
There was a nice field of 45 IMCA Modifieds on hand for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour. That was quite surprising, since the night before at the Vinton show, there were twenty-two. The local racers came out in full force for sure.
An interesting draw for the top 12 starting positions was held on the frontstretch. The Modified drivers were paired up with a Late Model driver and they had to agree on what to do with their original "unknown" number, keep it or pass it to another duo of drivers. Steve Stewart, who was paired with Justin Kay, ended up with the #1 for the pole start for each and Patrick Flannagan and Late Model driver Kyle Hinrichs got the outside pole.
Steve Stewart took advantage of his pole starting spot, jumping to the lead as the green flag flew. But by lap two, he had company in Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing who was hot on his heels. Sobbing made his persistent pestering pay off at lap ten, flying to the lead. The race had it's first yellow at lap twenty-two for the 19G of Richie Gustin sitting off the bank of turn four. When thing restarted, Sobbing was still in command with eighth place starter Darin Duffy running in second, and ninth place starter Brad Diercks in third, who had gotten around Stewart. It was but one lap later at lap twnety-three that the final yellow flew for Durant's Dusty Kraklio. The final run to the checkers was no problem for Sobbing, holding his lead easily, and taking his first win in the Hawkeye Dirt Tour series. Brad Diercks held on to the runner up spot, the #6 of Brian Webb (we understand he is the son of veteran racer Gary Webb) had a great late race run after starting sixteenth, taking third when he passed fourth place finisher Darin Duffy in the closing lap of the race. Kyle Brown started tenth, and had a good run to complete the top five.
It's looking like point leader Mike VanGenderen has the series title locked up going into the final race during the annual Yankee Dirt Track Classic in mid September. Jesse Sobbing and Jeremy Mills tightened the screws in the late season, but it appears they fell just short.
There were 34 Deery Late Models in the house last night. As mentioned earlier, point leader Justin Kay got the lucky draw for the pole. Kyle Hinrichs sat along side. The two front row starters took off immediately---Kay getting the drop on Hinrichs who tucked in behind him. Fourth place starter Tyler Bruening established third spot. The race at the front would continue in that order the rest of the caution free 40-laps. Kay looked comfortable in his win, second place Hinrichs was pressured by Tyler Bruening in the waning laps, but had to be content with a third place finish. Brian Harris started fifth, and took fourth place, after getting by fifth place finisher, Brian Beaudry.
We will not be getting to our regular Wednesday night show at the Southern Iowa Speedway tonight as they have been washed out by today's heavy rain in that part of the state. We will cross our fingers and hope that rain is not going to be a pattern in the closing part of the racing season. We still need to be getting our racing fix before things come to a halt.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
"G Money" does it again at HDT in Vinton
Monday night, we traveled to the Benton County Speedway for some early week racing. It was the rescheduled Hawkeye Dirt Tour race that had been weathered out earlier in the season. They also had the IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Stock Cars and the IMCA Hobby Stocks on the program. All classes were running for National points, but not for track points.
The Northern SportMod 15-lap feature was first. Kip Siems was the recipient of the pole spot after Colby Heishman was a scratch. Siems took command when the green flew, with Tony Olson tucked into second. Olson was able to make the move into the lead at lap six, and from there on, pulled away for an easy victory---his second at the track in as many nights. Siems finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, and a good distance behind was Kyle Olson in fourth and Troy Burkhart in fifth. The race went flag to flag.
Scott Pippert looked well on his way to nabbing a victory in the IMCA Stock Car class. Pippert led from the start with Damon Murty running in second the entire distance. That is until the final lap! That's when Pippert got loose in corner four, and that was all Murty needed. He flew around the outside of Pippert who was struggling to retain control, and scored the win....his 23rd of the year. Pippert held on to take second, and a good distance behind in third was Norm Chesmore, followed by Justin Stander and Mike Galli.
The Hobby Stocks saw Matt Pohlman lead the opening laps of the 12 lap event. By lap five, Justin Wacha had taken command. A lap later, Jacob Keiser passed Pohlman to take over the runner up spot and then started to reel in Wacha. Keiser got close enough to try a couple of peeks on the outside of the leader, but it was to no avail, as Wacha held the lead and scored the win. Keiser took second over Brian Happel in third and Matt Pohlman in fourth. Scott Siems was fifth but did not finish.
It was now time for the 30-lap Hawkeye Dirt Tour for the IMCA Modifieds. Tyler Droste and veteran Vern Jackson redrew the front row starting spots. Jackson jumped to the lead with Droste tucked in behind him. They would run in that order until a yellow flew at lap four when Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing ended up off of the racing surface on corner three, bringing out a yellow. When things picked up again, running in third behind Jackson and Droste was seventh place starter Richie Gustin, and defending HDT series champion, Ronn Lauritzen was in fourth. Jackson and Droste were going at it hot and furiously, Droste briefly taking the lead, only to have Jackson snatch it back. Five cars broke away from the field, Jackson, Droste, Gustin, Lauritzen and Joe Docekal had joined them for the tussle. After many attempts, Droste finally made the pass around Jackson and took over the top spot at lap twenty. The race was halted at lap twenty-three when local favorite, "Iceman" Scott Hogan somehow ended up on a tire in turn two. The race was restarted and two more yellows would fly, one at lap twenty-four when Jacob Murray was off the track in turn four, and another at lap twenty-six for Troy Cordes who also took a trip off the track in turns three and four. The final run to the checkers when the race restarted at lap twenty-six went caution free but there was some shuffling for sure. Droste was holding down the point position, but now he had Richie Gustin to contend with in second place, and Ronn Lauritzen had taken advantage of the late race restarts, and gotten to third. Gustin, who is known as "G Money" as he has often won races for the big pay offs, was more than happy for those late race restarts---and once again, it worked for him. With two laps to go, Gustin had made the pass into the lead, and then drove home to the checkers and the $1,000 win. Droste held on to take second place, Ronn Lauritzen went third, fourth was Vern Jackson and Joe Docekal rounded out the top five.
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour travels to Tipton tonight, where they will join the IMCA Late Models for a Deery Brothers race. It's $3,000 to win for the "Boys of Summer" Late Models, and another $1,000 pay day for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour Modifieds. We plan to make the trip to watch another good night of week night racing. Hope to see you there!
The Northern SportMod 15-lap feature was first. Kip Siems was the recipient of the pole spot after Colby Heishman was a scratch. Siems took command when the green flew, with Tony Olson tucked into second. Olson was able to make the move into the lead at lap six, and from there on, pulled away for an easy victory---his second at the track in as many nights. Siems finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, and a good distance behind was Kyle Olson in fourth and Troy Burkhart in fifth. The race went flag to flag.
Scott Pippert looked well on his way to nabbing a victory in the IMCA Stock Car class. Pippert led from the start with Damon Murty running in second the entire distance. That is until the final lap! That's when Pippert got loose in corner four, and that was all Murty needed. He flew around the outside of Pippert who was struggling to retain control, and scored the win....his 23rd of the year. Pippert held on to take second, and a good distance behind in third was Norm Chesmore, followed by Justin Stander and Mike Galli.
The Hobby Stocks saw Matt Pohlman lead the opening laps of the 12 lap event. By lap five, Justin Wacha had taken command. A lap later, Jacob Keiser passed Pohlman to take over the runner up spot and then started to reel in Wacha. Keiser got close enough to try a couple of peeks on the outside of the leader, but it was to no avail, as Wacha held the lead and scored the win. Keiser took second over Brian Happel in third and Matt Pohlman in fourth. Scott Siems was fifth but did not finish.
It was now time for the 30-lap Hawkeye Dirt Tour for the IMCA Modifieds. Tyler Droste and veteran Vern Jackson redrew the front row starting spots. Jackson jumped to the lead with Droste tucked in behind him. They would run in that order until a yellow flew at lap four when Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing ended up off of the racing surface on corner three, bringing out a yellow. When things picked up again, running in third behind Jackson and Droste was seventh place starter Richie Gustin, and defending HDT series champion, Ronn Lauritzen was in fourth. Jackson and Droste were going at it hot and furiously, Droste briefly taking the lead, only to have Jackson snatch it back. Five cars broke away from the field, Jackson, Droste, Gustin, Lauritzen and Joe Docekal had joined them for the tussle. After many attempts, Droste finally made the pass around Jackson and took over the top spot at lap twenty. The race was halted at lap twenty-three when local favorite, "Iceman" Scott Hogan somehow ended up on a tire in turn two. The race was restarted and two more yellows would fly, one at lap twenty-four when Jacob Murray was off the track in turn four, and another at lap twenty-six for Troy Cordes who also took a trip off the track in turns three and four. The final run to the checkers when the race restarted at lap twenty-six went caution free but there was some shuffling for sure. Droste was holding down the point position, but now he had Richie Gustin to contend with in second place, and Ronn Lauritzen had taken advantage of the late race restarts, and gotten to third. Gustin, who is known as "G Money" as he has often won races for the big pay offs, was more than happy for those late race restarts---and once again, it worked for him. With two laps to go, Gustin had made the pass into the lead, and then drove home to the checkers and the $1,000 win. Droste held on to take second place, Ronn Lauritzen went third, fourth was Vern Jackson and Joe Docekal rounded out the top five.
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour travels to Tipton tonight, where they will join the IMCA Late Models for a Deery Brothers race. It's $3,000 to win for the "Boys of Summer" Late Models, and another $1,000 pay day for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour Modifieds. We plan to make the trip to watch another good night of week night racing. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
New winners at Boone as Prochaska, Richards and Gustoff take checkers
It was evident Saturday night that the season is winding down, many tracks have already concluded their season of racing, and the drivers are heading to the Boone Speedway for some testing for the quickly approaching Super Nationals. There were 168 drivers checked into the five weekly classes, plus six Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks came for some playtime. By the end of the evening, there had been 20 heat races, six B mains and six features completed. More new drivers took home wins as well, adding to a long list of many different winners at the track this year.
The MADCRA Mod Lites were the only weekly class not requiring a B main, but still with a strong field of 23 cars. Travis Stensland led from the get go, of the 15-lapper. He was content to let Mike Kennedy and Randy Bryan hash it out behind him as he stretched out a lead. In the closing laps, Bryan Zehm joined Kennedy and Bryan, and as Stensland easily took the win, it was three-wide behind him as they approached the checkers. Randy Bryan won the battle for second, finishing just ahead of Kennedy in third and Zehm in fourth. Joel Keenan completed the top five. This was Stensland's third win this year.
Bruce Egeland led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, but by lap seven, he had Jake McBirnie to contend with. McBirnie, who had started back in ninth, quickly got through the pack and was hounding the leader. McBirnie made it work a couple of laps later, taking over the lead and pulling away. That lengthy lead ended at lap thirteen when Randy Roberts dropped his drive shaft, setting up a restart and tightening up the field. Egeland still ran in second place, and Chad Ryerson and Bryan Johnson had been locked in a battle for third and fourth. When the race restarted, McBirnie simply drove off from the field again, and won by a comfortable margin as the checkers flew. Egeland held the runner up spot, and Ryerson won out over Johnson as they finished third and fourth in that order. Fifth place went to point leader Ben Kates, who had started back in thirteenth spot. This was McBirnie's second win at Boone this year.
There were six of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks on hand for their second trip to the Boone Speedway in 2014. Carl Knight jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, and it was Kevin Sather following along to tag him in second. Those two drivers raced in the one-two position for the entire race, until they approached the checkers as they came out of turn four. Sather swung to the outside of Knight and just beat him to the checkers first, snatching up the win. Knight had to settle for second, Lou Sipolt had run at the front of the pack the entire distance, and went away with a third place finish. Fourth was AJ Nelson, fifth went to Bret Moyer and Oskaloosa driver Pat Gordin was sixth.
Over half of the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature was led by Ryan Grochala. By lap seven, Cody Gustoff had moved to the runner up position from starting ninth and began pressuring the leader. With just two laps remaining, Gustoff pulled off the pass into first, and then stretched the lead to win comfortably. Grochala finished second, well ahead of Ross Marshall who just held off point leader John Watson for third and fourth, and Andrew Burg took home a fifth place finish after starting tenth. Gustoff won for the first time this year at the track.
Tyler Prochaska got revenge this week by taking the win after his second place finish last week. Prochaska led the entire 20 laps and secured his first win of the year at Boone. A lap fourteen caution worked to Mike VanGenderen's advantage when he restarted the race in sixth spot and shot past cars to finish in second place. Third went to Devon Havlik, fourth was Joel Bushore, who recovered after an early race slip up the track, and point leader, Jammin' Jimmy Gustin took fifth after starting in eleventh place. Prochaska made the thirteenth different winner in the Modified division.
The IMCA Stock Cars started off immediately with three and four wide racing. Veteran Larry Crocheck held down the lead the first three laps, but the #55 of Cory Bushnell was the guy in command at lap four. The tussling up front was furious from there on. "Hotrod" Rod Richards made the move to the point spot by lap six, passing Bushnell and right on Bushnell's tail was Jay Schmidt. A yellow flew at lap eight when Bushnell and Cody Frerichs got together, bringing out a yellow. When things got back underway, Richards was in command, but now Jay Schmidt was in second place. Three cars were going at it three-wide for third through fifth, Jerry Gifford, Donavon Smith and Larry Crocheck. Crocheck was out of the game when he went spinning in turn two, bringing out another yellow flag. On the restart, Richards was having to contend with Schmidt and Smith behind him, all three cars running ever so closely together. Smith briefly got to second around Schmidt, but Schmidt made it back around him to take it back. Just after the white flag flew, Schmidt's car would erupt into a cloud of smoke in turn one, sitting high in the corner out of harms way as the rest of the field completed the race to the checkers. Richard kept that top spot, scoring his first win of the year, Smith took the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford came from sixteenth starting spot to take third, Robert Stofer was fourth, and fifth was eleventh place starter and point leader, Jerry Gifford.
Two regular weeks of racing remain at Boone. Then on Monday, September 1, the 32nd IMCA Super Nationals will begin their six night run. Check www.raceboone.com for more details.
The MADCRA Mod Lites were the only weekly class not requiring a B main, but still with a strong field of 23 cars. Travis Stensland led from the get go, of the 15-lapper. He was content to let Mike Kennedy and Randy Bryan hash it out behind him as he stretched out a lead. In the closing laps, Bryan Zehm joined Kennedy and Bryan, and as Stensland easily took the win, it was three-wide behind him as they approached the checkers. Randy Bryan won the battle for second, finishing just ahead of Kennedy in third and Zehm in fourth. Joel Keenan completed the top five. This was Stensland's third win this year.
Bruce Egeland led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, but by lap seven, he had Jake McBirnie to contend with. McBirnie, who had started back in ninth, quickly got through the pack and was hounding the leader. McBirnie made it work a couple of laps later, taking over the lead and pulling away. That lengthy lead ended at lap thirteen when Randy Roberts dropped his drive shaft, setting up a restart and tightening up the field. Egeland still ran in second place, and Chad Ryerson and Bryan Johnson had been locked in a battle for third and fourth. When the race restarted, McBirnie simply drove off from the field again, and won by a comfortable margin as the checkers flew. Egeland held the runner up spot, and Ryerson won out over Johnson as they finished third and fourth in that order. Fifth place went to point leader Ben Kates, who had started back in thirteenth spot. This was McBirnie's second win at Boone this year.
There were six of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks on hand for their second trip to the Boone Speedway in 2014. Carl Knight jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, and it was Kevin Sather following along to tag him in second. Those two drivers raced in the one-two position for the entire race, until they approached the checkers as they came out of turn four. Sather swung to the outside of Knight and just beat him to the checkers first, snatching up the win. Knight had to settle for second, Lou Sipolt had run at the front of the pack the entire distance, and went away with a third place finish. Fourth was AJ Nelson, fifth went to Bret Moyer and Oskaloosa driver Pat Gordin was sixth.
Over half of the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature was led by Ryan Grochala. By lap seven, Cody Gustoff had moved to the runner up position from starting ninth and began pressuring the leader. With just two laps remaining, Gustoff pulled off the pass into first, and then stretched the lead to win comfortably. Grochala finished second, well ahead of Ross Marshall who just held off point leader John Watson for third and fourth, and Andrew Burg took home a fifth place finish after starting tenth. Gustoff won for the first time this year at the track.
Tyler Prochaska got revenge this week by taking the win after his second place finish last week. Prochaska led the entire 20 laps and secured his first win of the year at Boone. A lap fourteen caution worked to Mike VanGenderen's advantage when he restarted the race in sixth spot and shot past cars to finish in second place. Third went to Devon Havlik, fourth was Joel Bushore, who recovered after an early race slip up the track, and point leader, Jammin' Jimmy Gustin took fifth after starting in eleventh place. Prochaska made the thirteenth different winner in the Modified division.
The IMCA Stock Cars started off immediately with three and four wide racing. Veteran Larry Crocheck held down the lead the first three laps, but the #55 of Cory Bushnell was the guy in command at lap four. The tussling up front was furious from there on. "Hotrod" Rod Richards made the move to the point spot by lap six, passing Bushnell and right on Bushnell's tail was Jay Schmidt. A yellow flew at lap eight when Bushnell and Cody Frerichs got together, bringing out a yellow. When things got back underway, Richards was in command, but now Jay Schmidt was in second place. Three cars were going at it three-wide for third through fifth, Jerry Gifford, Donavon Smith and Larry Crocheck. Crocheck was out of the game when he went spinning in turn two, bringing out another yellow flag. On the restart, Richards was having to contend with Schmidt and Smith behind him, all three cars running ever so closely together. Smith briefly got to second around Schmidt, but Schmidt made it back around him to take it back. Just after the white flag flew, Schmidt's car would erupt into a cloud of smoke in turn one, sitting high in the corner out of harms way as the rest of the field completed the race to the checkers. Richard kept that top spot, scoring his first win of the year, Smith took the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford came from sixteenth starting spot to take third, Robert Stofer was fourth, and fifth was eleventh place starter and point leader, Jerry Gifford.
Two regular weeks of racing remain at Boone. Then on Monday, September 1, the 32nd IMCA Super Nationals will begin their six night run. Check www.raceboone.com for more details.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A "Racer" wins at Marshalltown, and Luellen Brothers add to their victories
Friday was a dreary, and rainy day, but it didn't stop the racing at the Marshalltown Speedway. By race time, the rain had passed and racing started right on time. This would be a night of many caution flags flying and a couple of roll overs. A returning driver chalked up a victory for the first time this year, and all other classes saw repeat winners.
The Mod Lites came to the track first for their 15-lap A main. Travis Stensland was in a new car last night, and led the first handful of laps. Josh May ran down leader Stensland, and took over the top spot by lap six. On lap seven, the #94 car of Dustin Marshall took a hard roll in turns one and two, bringing a red flag. He was okay. When the race restarted, May was still in command, Stensland was running second, and Tim Hennigar was third. It was but a couple of laps later when the track went red again. This time, Stensland lost the handle in turn one, Jimmy May clipped him, and that in turn sent May tumbling. May was also okay, but his night was done. In the waning laps, Josh May continued his run at the front, Tim Hennigar taking peeks for anyway around him, but to no avail. May took the checkers, Tim Hennigar finished second, brother Andy Hennigar was third, DJ Schmalzried took fourth, and Dusty Masolini completed the top five. Andy Hennigar keeps his track point lead.
The 12-lap Hobby feature had the familiar #3A of Austin Luellen at the front by lap three. The rest of the race found Eric Stanton trying to catch Luellen. Stanton, could do no better than the runner up spot on this night however, finishing behind winner Luellen. Third went to visiting driver, Jamie Schirm who had started in tenth spot, fourth was Calvin Dhondt, who has been absent from the racing scene the last couple of years--- was piloting the car formerly owned and driven by Eric Larson, and point leader John Watson took fifth, driving the borrowed car of Riley Songer. Luellen won for the third week in a row, and took his eighth win of the season at Marshalltown.
We had another marathon race in the SportMod 18-lapper. For the first six laps, it was one lap at a time before the yellow was waving again. It was a no go on the start, and then there were six more yellows by lap six. At that lap six, it was decided that there would be only single file restarts, and laps under caution were counted. Again, the caution came out on a restart, this time for debris....one of the corner tires rolling onto the track. Up to this time, Ryan Ashton and Shawn Ritter had been the front runners, but lurking in third was Clint Luellen. When racing got back underway at lap thirteen, it was Ritter now leading, but Luellen quickly made his move into second around Ashton and was pressuring Ritter. The final couple of circuits, Luellen tightened the screws, was able to make the pass for the lead, and sealed the victory. Ritter had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to Jenae Gustin, fourth was Adam Shelman and Jared VanDeest was fifth. Clint Luellen chalked up his seventh win at the track this season.
Up next came the 18-lap A main for the IMCA Stock Cars. Though this one did not go caution free, just two yellows was refreshing after the previous race. Dave Atcher took his #2 hot rod to the front immediately but who should be in second place by lap two except the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty. Murty, who had spent much of his season on Friday's running the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway, returned to the high banks, and showed he was still darn familiar with the track. Murty, who started tenth, swung to the top of turns three and four, and dove low in corners one and two, reeling in leader Atcher. By lap seven, Murty was in the lead, and from there on he slid through heavy lap traffic without a hitch, and sailed home to his first win at Marshalltown this year. Atcher held on to second over Michael Jaennette in third. Fourth went to the previous three weeks winner, Donavon Smith and Scooter Dulin was fifth. This was Murty's 21st win over all for the 2014 season.
The night's racing ended with the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Dubbed the "ground pounders" by announcer Jerry VanSickle, it was Jake Stayer, last week's winner, making the move into first when lap one was scored. Strayer, who slipped under pole sitter Joel Bushore when he slid high in corner four, as lap one was about to be scored, was then looking to be the man to beat. Strayer was pulling away from the pack when a yellow flew at lap five for debris, and by this time, Bushore had recovered from his earlier slip up, and was back to second. Strayer and Bushore fought it out for the next several laps, both circling the top of the track. Another yellow at lap ten for debris, set up a restart situation, Strayer still leading, Bushore in second, and Racer Hulin had moved up to run third. Only one more lap was scored when again a yellow flew. By this time, point leader Ronn Lauritzen, who had been involved in an incident in his heat race that resulted in his retiring to the pits, started fourteenth, and had just taken over the runner up spot, when yet another yellow flew at lap eleven. On the restart, Racer Hulin dove low and took over second place from Lauritzen. Again a yellow flew at lap twelve when one of the infield barrier tires was hit and came out onto the racing surface. Hulin was ready and eager for this restart, diving under Strayer in turn two and taking the lead. He immediately took to the top of the track and set sail seeking the checkers. Hulin was successful in his quest, taking the win a comfortable distance ahead of Strayer in second place. Ronn Lauritzen maintains his healthy point lead, finishing third, Adam Larson came from starting near the end of the starting field, to finish fourth, and Tyler Droste completed the top five. This was Hulin's second win at Marshalltown this year.
Two weeks of regular season racing remains at the Marshalltown Speedway---August 22 and August 29. Also mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 27 when the make up for the USMTS will be in town. Also running with them will be the USRA Stock Cars and USRA B Mods. Then on September 18-20, it will be the World Nationals. This one you won't want to miss, with $10,000 to win on the line. For more information, check www.marshalltownspeedway.com.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
First wins at Boone for Krampe and Janssen
There was a big crowd on hand Saturday night at the Boone Speedway and 152 race cars filled the pits. The youngsters were having a blast with the carnival atmosphere----playing games, winning prizes, and Ditzy the Clown there making balloon animals and painting faces. It was also Zylstra Harley Davidson Night and many were observed drooling over the cool bikes on display. All but one of the five classes had to run B mains and by the end of the evening, two drivers went home with their very first wins at the speedway. It was also a big old full moon night! More on that later.
The Mod Lites were the only class not having to run a B main. Joe Glick took the lead when the green fell, but Terry Brown was quickly up to challenge him by lap four. Brown hounded Glick until he was able to make the pass on the backstretch, and was scored the leader at lap ten. Brown kept the lead the rest of the way, and took the win. Glick held on to second place, Bryan Zehm came from eleventh starting spot to take third, fourth was Joel Keenan, and point leader James May rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone this year.
There were 33 IMCA Northern SportMods, thus requiring a B main to complete the 24-car feature's starting grid. Johnathon Logue came home with the win in that consolation. Shawn Albers, Wellsburg, Iowa driver, jumped to the immediate lead and was still holding it down after the third yellow at just lap two. Lynn Brockett was on his tail by then, and running third was Ben Kates. Kates had hurried through the pack from his eleventh starting spot and he was ready to challenge the two front runners when the race got back underway. At lap nine, Kates took the lead and a couple of laps later, he had the bright blue #82 of Jake McBirnie to contend with. The closing laps were a shoot out between Kates and McBirnie but Kates held steadfast to his lead, and took the win. McBirnie had to be content with the runner up spot, Albers held on to take third, Brockett was fourth and Tim Love rounded out the top five. This was the fifth win for Kates in the season.
Thirty-seven Hobby Stocks called for two B mains to round out their starting line up for the 12-lap feature. Marengo, Iowa's Jacob Keiser and Storm Lake's Justin Nehring took those wins. Just as the race was initially started, the #6 of Bryan Keeney ran head on into the concrete wall in turn two and no lap was scored. It was a hard sudden stop, but he was okay. When the race did get started, Seth Janssen claimed the lead. By lap four, he had Cody Gustoff pestering him. From there on to the checkers, the two drivers duked it out. They ran many laps side-by-side, but Gustoff was never able to pull off the pass. Janssen claimed the win, Gustoff scored in second. Third was Tyler Pickett who had started eleventh, fourth went to Eric Stanton who started twelfth, and point leader John Watson completed the top five. This was Seth Janssen's first career win and he celebrated by taking the checkered flag in a backward victory lap. He was also the twelfth different winner in the Hobby Stock class at the track this year.
The IMCA Modified's had 30 cars on hand, also requiring a B main. Jimmy Gustin won it. In the 20-lap feature, it was a no go situation as veteran Lloyd Henderson and John Logue ended up tangled at the top of turn three before a lap was scored. The front row was Tyler Prochaska and Kyle Krampe, and Krampe nabbed the lead when the race went green. Prochaska tucked into second place, and Joel Bushore took third. Those three drivers put on the show up front for the fans, as they jockeyed for position, each of the three at one time or another, claiming the top spot. A caution flew at lap fourteen when Randy Havlik's car shut down at the top of turn two, and on the restart it was still Krampe in the lead, Bushore and Prochaska in second and third. The closing laps had a bit of a shake up behind the leader, but it was Krampe maintaining his lead and scoring the win. Prochaska took the runner up spot, Scott Davis made a late race charge to finish third, as did Russ Dickerson in fourth. Bushore fell back in the final couple of circuits, and held on for a fifth place finish. This was Krampe's first ever win in the Modified division. He made the eleventh different winner in the Modified class in the 2014 season.
The IMCA Stock Cars ran their usual 18-lap feature. After their B main, won by Don Vis, the starting 24 car field was set. This one had the opening lap called back too, as Ty Hill was spun in lap two, bringing out a yellow. The early portion of the race was led by Scott Bailey as he was content in the captain's seat as the competition behind him fought three and four-wide. After a restart for a caution at lap three, Bailey still held the lead and sitting second was eighth place starter Trent Murphy, Eric Brown was third and tenth place starter Jay Schmidt was waiting in the wings for the green to drop again. It didn't take long for Schmidt to get his Black Betty ride to the lead, He overtook Bailey on the backstretch before lap five was scored, taking over the point position. Another yellow at lap six, took Brown out of contention when he had to check up to avoid hitting a stopped car sitting in turn three. He was penalized for stopping on the track under a yellow, sending him to restart at the back of the pack. A couple of laps later, Bailey was also out of the running when his car expired. The race for the lead was between Schmidt and Murphy, Schmidt running the high line, Murphy choosing the lower. Murphy pulled off the pass in the closing laps, and as the white flag was flying, contact was made when Murphy pulled up in front Schmidt at the flagstand, possibly with a tire going down, as he then was off pace and Schmidt took the lead. Schmidt led the final lap, and took the flying checkers and the win. Robert Stofer finished second after running in third for half the race, third went to Donavon Smith, Jerry Gifford was fourth, and Murphy hung on to finish fifth. Schmidt won for the fourth time this year at the track.
There seemed to be many things going on last night during the races,----cars shutting down, blown motors, cars rolling (the 77C of Craig Carlson rolled over the bank between turns three and four during the heat, but was able to start the Main) mechanical woes, and a good number of yellow flags as well as a number of black flags flown for "questionable driving". As we left the track and headed toward home, we noticed the bright, full moon shining! We will blame those issues on the curse of the full moon!
There are just three weeks of regular season racing remaining at Boone. Hard to imagine that the season is winding down at most tracks in our area. Try and take in some of those races remaining and support the sport we all love.....dirt track racing!
The Mod Lites were the only class not having to run a B main. Joe Glick took the lead when the green fell, but Terry Brown was quickly up to challenge him by lap four. Brown hounded Glick until he was able to make the pass on the backstretch, and was scored the leader at lap ten. Brown kept the lead the rest of the way, and took the win. Glick held on to second place, Bryan Zehm came from eleventh starting spot to take third, fourth was Joel Keenan, and point leader James May rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone this year.
There were 33 IMCA Northern SportMods, thus requiring a B main to complete the 24-car feature's starting grid. Johnathon Logue came home with the win in that consolation. Shawn Albers, Wellsburg, Iowa driver, jumped to the immediate lead and was still holding it down after the third yellow at just lap two. Lynn Brockett was on his tail by then, and running third was Ben Kates. Kates had hurried through the pack from his eleventh starting spot and he was ready to challenge the two front runners when the race got back underway. At lap nine, Kates took the lead and a couple of laps later, he had the bright blue #82 of Jake McBirnie to contend with. The closing laps were a shoot out between Kates and McBirnie but Kates held steadfast to his lead, and took the win. McBirnie had to be content with the runner up spot, Albers held on to take third, Brockett was fourth and Tim Love rounded out the top five. This was the fifth win for Kates in the season.
Thirty-seven Hobby Stocks called for two B mains to round out their starting line up for the 12-lap feature. Marengo, Iowa's Jacob Keiser and Storm Lake's Justin Nehring took those wins. Just as the race was initially started, the #6 of Bryan Keeney ran head on into the concrete wall in turn two and no lap was scored. It was a hard sudden stop, but he was okay. When the race did get started, Seth Janssen claimed the lead. By lap four, he had Cody Gustoff pestering him. From there on to the checkers, the two drivers duked it out. They ran many laps side-by-side, but Gustoff was never able to pull off the pass. Janssen claimed the win, Gustoff scored in second. Third was Tyler Pickett who had started eleventh, fourth went to Eric Stanton who started twelfth, and point leader John Watson completed the top five. This was Seth Janssen's first career win and he celebrated by taking the checkered flag in a backward victory lap. He was also the twelfth different winner in the Hobby Stock class at the track this year.
The IMCA Modified's had 30 cars on hand, also requiring a B main. Jimmy Gustin won it. In the 20-lap feature, it was a no go situation as veteran Lloyd Henderson and John Logue ended up tangled at the top of turn three before a lap was scored. The front row was Tyler Prochaska and Kyle Krampe, and Krampe nabbed the lead when the race went green. Prochaska tucked into second place, and Joel Bushore took third. Those three drivers put on the show up front for the fans, as they jockeyed for position, each of the three at one time or another, claiming the top spot. A caution flew at lap fourteen when Randy Havlik's car shut down at the top of turn two, and on the restart it was still Krampe in the lead, Bushore and Prochaska in second and third. The closing laps had a bit of a shake up behind the leader, but it was Krampe maintaining his lead and scoring the win. Prochaska took the runner up spot, Scott Davis made a late race charge to finish third, as did Russ Dickerson in fourth. Bushore fell back in the final couple of circuits, and held on for a fifth place finish. This was Krampe's first ever win in the Modified division. He made the eleventh different winner in the Modified class in the 2014 season.
The IMCA Stock Cars ran their usual 18-lap feature. After their B main, won by Don Vis, the starting 24 car field was set. This one had the opening lap called back too, as Ty Hill was spun in lap two, bringing out a yellow. The early portion of the race was led by Scott Bailey as he was content in the captain's seat as the competition behind him fought three and four-wide. After a restart for a caution at lap three, Bailey still held the lead and sitting second was eighth place starter Trent Murphy, Eric Brown was third and tenth place starter Jay Schmidt was waiting in the wings for the green to drop again. It didn't take long for Schmidt to get his Black Betty ride to the lead, He overtook Bailey on the backstretch before lap five was scored, taking over the point position. Another yellow at lap six, took Brown out of contention when he had to check up to avoid hitting a stopped car sitting in turn three. He was penalized for stopping on the track under a yellow, sending him to restart at the back of the pack. A couple of laps later, Bailey was also out of the running when his car expired. The race for the lead was between Schmidt and Murphy, Schmidt running the high line, Murphy choosing the lower. Murphy pulled off the pass in the closing laps, and as the white flag was flying, contact was made when Murphy pulled up in front Schmidt at the flagstand, possibly with a tire going down, as he then was off pace and Schmidt took the lead. Schmidt led the final lap, and took the flying checkers and the win. Robert Stofer finished second after running in third for half the race, third went to Donavon Smith, Jerry Gifford was fourth, and Murphy hung on to finish fifth. Schmidt won for the fourth time this year at the track.
There seemed to be many things going on last night during the races,----cars shutting down, blown motors, cars rolling (the 77C of Craig Carlson rolled over the bank between turns three and four during the heat, but was able to start the Main) mechanical woes, and a good number of yellow flags as well as a number of black flags flown for "questionable driving". As we left the track and headed toward home, we noticed the bright, full moon shining! We will blame those issues on the curse of the full moon!
There are just three weeks of regular season racing remaining at Boone. Hard to imagine that the season is winding down at most tracks in our area. Try and take in some of those races remaining and support the sport we all love.....dirt track racing!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Strayer and Stensland take first Marshalltown wins, Gustin, Smith and Luellen victorious again
The Marshalltown Speedway had a lot of rain prior to Friday night's racing, and the track did not behave very well in some instances. That didn't hinder three drivers who just keep racking up the wins though and two other drivers, won for the very first time at the high banks.
A little Quad racing was thrown in to add to the night's entertainment and they were first to the oval for their feature. It was appearing that one driver was going to have a clean sweep. Travis Brandt, who also races a Mod Lite, won his heat and was sailing easily ahead of his competition at the final lap. As he approached the finish line, his machine shut down, and Michael Rupe beat him to the checkers. Brandt coasted across the line in second.
The Mod Lites ran their 15-lap feature next. This race went green to checkers with Travis Stensland leading the entire way. Terry Brown, last week's winner, finished as the runner up, though a good distance behind the leader, Tim Hennigar was third, fourth went to Mike Morrill, and James May rounded out the top five. Charlie Brown had been running with the leaders until the final run to the checkers, but ended up on his lid at the top of turn four as the race completed. He was okay. This was Stensland's first win at the Marshalltown track.
The Hobby Stock 12-lap A main was a fight to the finish among several cars. When a yellow flew with just two laps remaining, it was the 3A of Austin Luellen, and the 5A of Tyler Pickett vying for the top spot. Behind them, it had been a three-wide battle between Eric Larson, Tyson Overton and Eric Stanton. An incident between Larson and Overton on the frontstretch, left them blocking the track and bringing out the yellow. When the green-white-checkered restart began, it was Luellen claiming the top spot, with Pickett in second, Stanton was third and visiting Kyle Parizek from Belle Plaine, was fourth. The final circuit found Luellen holding down that top spot to the checkers and the win. In the final wild scramble behind the leader, Eric Stanton sneaked around Pickett as they finished second and third. Parizek held on to finish fourth and Brice Udelhoven took fifth after starting 17th. This made it two in a row for Luellen at Marshalltown, his seventh for the season.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin taking the lead in turn two just after the green fell. Gustin, who started fourth, wasted no time in making her move to the front, and sailed off. However, it wasn't a done deal yet. By lap five, the #38X of newcomer Logan Scott out of Odebolt, Iowa, had moved into second from starting twelfth on the field, and was starting to pressure leader Gustin. A lap car was coming into play for the leaders, but it was Gustin sliding through like hot butter, but Scott had to hold up just a bit, allowing Gustin a bit of breathing room. Scott was able to catch Gustin again just a lap or two later, and was able to briefly take the lead. That all ended when the rough track caused him to slide up, he bounced through some bad ruts, smoke arose, and he had to exit the track. This put Gustin back in command the rest of the way to the checkers. Second place went to Sam Wieben. Wieben had fought hard with the front runners most of the race after starting eighth. Third was Kegan Scott, that we believe to be Logan Scott's brother and also from Odebolt. Scott started eleventh and had a good run for his first appearance at the track. Fourth was Clint Luellen, and talk about a run! Luellen had not finished his heat race, and was listed as 26th on the starting lineup. His #3L ride was picking off cars left and right on his run to the front of the pack. Fifth place finisher, Brett Lowry made up a lot of ground as well. Lowry started 27th and worked his way smoothly through the field for a top five finish. This was Jenae Gustin's third win in a row at Marshalltown and fifth over all for the season. She said in victory lane, that this was win #14 in total for the year.
Veteran racer, Jeff Wollam appeared to be on his way to visiting victory lane in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Wollam took command from Robert Stofer at lap three after quite a battle. The battle continued even after cautions flew at laps four and six. Wollam held tight to his number one position as Stofer continued to try and find a way around him. Meanwhile, someone else had entered the picture. It was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith. Smith, who patiently had worked the bottom of the track per usual, was now up to third and tightening the screws on second place runner Stofer. Stofer slammed the door shut on the bottom and after several attempts failed Smith down low, he moved to the top of the track. This worked for Smith, as he flew around Stofer and took over second place. The final couple of laps was tight, but Smith finally established the lead for good with two laps remaining. Smith took the checkers and the win, and Wollam had to be content with a runner up finish. Trent Murphy made his move in the final laps as well, getting around Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order. Rounding out the top five, was Jay Schmidt, who brought back his snazzy Black Betty ride after she got a "face lift". Smith made it three in a row at the track and captured his eighth feature at Marshalltown this season.
After last week's marathon race in the Modified feature, it was great to see the 20-lap main go flag-to-flag....especially on the rough track. Jake Strayer got under polesitter Rod Clement and took the lead by lap one. From then on, Strayer kept that number one spot all the way to the checkers. There was battling going on behind him however, as point leader Ronn Lauritzen quickly got to second place and started his quest to catch the leader. Joel Rust also came calling for a top finish, getting to third by lap seven. Just before lap seventeen was scored, Rust was able to take over the runner up spot, getting around Lauritzen on the backstretch, but there was no catching Strayer. Strayer took the win, his first ever at Marshalltown and I believe only his second career Modified win over all. Rust held on to finish as the runner up, Lauritzen was third, Clement finished fourth and Scott Simatovich was fifth. Strayer, who had a short stint in a sprint car, returned to the Modified class this year, thanked his sponsors and especially his father for helping him.
The track was not kind last night, as cars seemed to bounce around in all classes, not only causing incidents on the track, but causing some mechanical issues as well. We were surprised at how much rain had fallen at Marshalltown during the week, as we had not had nearly as much. Next week, it will be another night of racing at the track, hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Just three nights of regular racing remains at Marshalltown, as the season is quickly winding down.
A little Quad racing was thrown in to add to the night's entertainment and they were first to the oval for their feature. It was appearing that one driver was going to have a clean sweep. Travis Brandt, who also races a Mod Lite, won his heat and was sailing easily ahead of his competition at the final lap. As he approached the finish line, his machine shut down, and Michael Rupe beat him to the checkers. Brandt coasted across the line in second.
The Mod Lites ran their 15-lap feature next. This race went green to checkers with Travis Stensland leading the entire way. Terry Brown, last week's winner, finished as the runner up, though a good distance behind the leader, Tim Hennigar was third, fourth went to Mike Morrill, and James May rounded out the top five. Charlie Brown had been running with the leaders until the final run to the checkers, but ended up on his lid at the top of turn four as the race completed. He was okay. This was Stensland's first win at the Marshalltown track.
The Hobby Stock 12-lap A main was a fight to the finish among several cars. When a yellow flew with just two laps remaining, it was the 3A of Austin Luellen, and the 5A of Tyler Pickett vying for the top spot. Behind them, it had been a three-wide battle between Eric Larson, Tyson Overton and Eric Stanton. An incident between Larson and Overton on the frontstretch, left them blocking the track and bringing out the yellow. When the green-white-checkered restart began, it was Luellen claiming the top spot, with Pickett in second, Stanton was third and visiting Kyle Parizek from Belle Plaine, was fourth. The final circuit found Luellen holding down that top spot to the checkers and the win. In the final wild scramble behind the leader, Eric Stanton sneaked around Pickett as they finished second and third. Parizek held on to finish fourth and Brice Udelhoven took fifth after starting 17th. This made it two in a row for Luellen at Marshalltown, his seventh for the season.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin taking the lead in turn two just after the green fell. Gustin, who started fourth, wasted no time in making her move to the front, and sailed off. However, it wasn't a done deal yet. By lap five, the #38X of newcomer Logan Scott out of Odebolt, Iowa, had moved into second from starting twelfth on the field, and was starting to pressure leader Gustin. A lap car was coming into play for the leaders, but it was Gustin sliding through like hot butter, but Scott had to hold up just a bit, allowing Gustin a bit of breathing room. Scott was able to catch Gustin again just a lap or two later, and was able to briefly take the lead. That all ended when the rough track caused him to slide up, he bounced through some bad ruts, smoke arose, and he had to exit the track. This put Gustin back in command the rest of the way to the checkers. Second place went to Sam Wieben. Wieben had fought hard with the front runners most of the race after starting eighth. Third was Kegan Scott, that we believe to be Logan Scott's brother and also from Odebolt. Scott started eleventh and had a good run for his first appearance at the track. Fourth was Clint Luellen, and talk about a run! Luellen had not finished his heat race, and was listed as 26th on the starting lineup. His #3L ride was picking off cars left and right on his run to the front of the pack. Fifth place finisher, Brett Lowry made up a lot of ground as well. Lowry started 27th and worked his way smoothly through the field for a top five finish. This was Jenae Gustin's third win in a row at Marshalltown and fifth over all for the season. She said in victory lane, that this was win #14 in total for the year.
Veteran racer, Jeff Wollam appeared to be on his way to visiting victory lane in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Wollam took command from Robert Stofer at lap three after quite a battle. The battle continued even after cautions flew at laps four and six. Wollam held tight to his number one position as Stofer continued to try and find a way around him. Meanwhile, someone else had entered the picture. It was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith. Smith, who patiently had worked the bottom of the track per usual, was now up to third and tightening the screws on second place runner Stofer. Stofer slammed the door shut on the bottom and after several attempts failed Smith down low, he moved to the top of the track. This worked for Smith, as he flew around Stofer and took over second place. The final couple of laps was tight, but Smith finally established the lead for good with two laps remaining. Smith took the checkers and the win, and Wollam had to be content with a runner up finish. Trent Murphy made his move in the final laps as well, getting around Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order. Rounding out the top five, was Jay Schmidt, who brought back his snazzy Black Betty ride after she got a "face lift". Smith made it three in a row at the track and captured his eighth feature at Marshalltown this season.
After last week's marathon race in the Modified feature, it was great to see the 20-lap main go flag-to-flag....especially on the rough track. Jake Strayer got under polesitter Rod Clement and took the lead by lap one. From then on, Strayer kept that number one spot all the way to the checkers. There was battling going on behind him however, as point leader Ronn Lauritzen quickly got to second place and started his quest to catch the leader. Joel Rust also came calling for a top finish, getting to third by lap seven. Just before lap seventeen was scored, Rust was able to take over the runner up spot, getting around Lauritzen on the backstretch, but there was no catching Strayer. Strayer took the win, his first ever at Marshalltown and I believe only his second career Modified win over all. Rust held on to finish as the runner up, Lauritzen was third, Clement finished fourth and Scott Simatovich was fifth. Strayer, who had a short stint in a sprint car, returned to the Modified class this year, thanked his sponsors and especially his father for helping him.
The track was not kind last night, as cars seemed to bounce around in all classes, not only causing incidents on the track, but causing some mechanical issues as well. We were surprised at how much rain had fallen at Marshalltown during the week, as we had not had nearly as much. Next week, it will be another night of racing at the track, hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Just three nights of regular racing remains at Marshalltown, as the season is quickly winding down.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Onstot and Nelson take first wins, VanGenderen, Smith and Stensland victorious again
The weather was just about perfect for racing at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. A lot of folks must have thought the same thing as there was a large crowd on hand. The drivers came out in full force too, as 145 cars filled the pits. Two new names were stamped in the books as winners this year, while three others were repeat winners.
The MADCRA Mod Lite feature went all 15 laps caution free. Travis Stensland led all but the opening lap in taking the win, his second of the year. Stensland finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Joel Keenan. Angelo Montgomery took third, Randy Bryan was fourth and point leader Jimmy May was fifth. Just as the race was completed, the track went red when Cory Dennis tumbled over turn two. He was okay.
There was a brand new winner in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Anthony Onstot, Norwalk, Iowa, led the whole 18-lap distance to the checkers. It wasn't easy though, as he had to win a hard fought battle with Randy Roberts. Onstot and Roberts fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, for many laps before Onstot was able to secure the top spot at the checkers. Tara Longnecker ran at the front of the pack all race long, and finished third. Fourth was Jake McBirnie and Tim Love was fifth. Going into the night, Ben Kates was the point leader, but his night did not end well, having to retire to the pits and scored in 23rd place. The new point leader is Johnathon Logue, Jr. with a five point lead. Onstot is the eleventh different winner in the SportMod division this year at Boone.
Another new name went in the books in the Hobby Stock feature. Newton, Iowa's Jake Nelson led all twelve laps on his way to stamping his name in the list of winners. David Rieks, last week's winner, finished as the runner up----getting around third place Dustin Lynch late in the race, Tim Barber hung at the front of the pack all race long and was scored in fourth, and Aaron Rudolph rounded out the top five. Nelson is now the tenth different winner in the Hobby Stock division at Boone this year.
The IMCA Modified feature was a hard fought battle between two cars for most of the 20-laps. Joel Bushore jumped to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, to take the lead on lap one. By lap two, Mike VanGenderen was pressuring Devon Havlik for second, taking it over by lap three. Then the chase was on. VanGenderen caught leader Bushore, pestering him on the lower line, Bushore staying upstairs. A caution at lap twelve set up a restart situation. When thing restarted, Bushore slipped up going into corner two, allowing VanGenderen to scoot into the lead underneath him. Another restart at lap fourteen didn't hinder VanGenderen, keeping his lead the remaining six laps to the checkers and the win. It was a fight for second place however. Russ Dickerson had started tenth, and was challenging Bushore, and Josh Truman was joining in the fun too. At the checkers, Dickerson was scored as the runner up, just ahead of Bushore in third, and Truman in fourth. Point leader Jimmy Gustin, who started twelfth, rounded out the top five. This was VanGenderen's second win at Boone this year.
The Stock Cars were going three, four, and five wide from the start of the 18-lap feature. Michael Jaennette took over the top spot from Don Vis by lap four and by lap six, was having to fend off the challenges of Jerry Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith. The three cars pulled away from the rest of the field, and all eyes were focused on them as they challenged each other. Smith, who started eleventh, was working his magic on the bottom, taking over second place from Gifford. Smith was relentless in his pursuit and kept digging on the low side. He finally made it pay off, scooting under Jaennette in the waning moments, and beating him to the checkers by half a car length. Following second place Jaennette, Gifford had to be content with third, fourth was Ben Walding, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Smith scored his third win of the regular season, plus having pegged the Frostbuster pre-season win also.
It was deemed "Pre-Nationals" night at the Speedway. There was a live band playing in the pits as we left the track, plus free sweet corn and free beer. Earlier, the youngsters enjoyed a candy/coin toss. We noticed quite a few new drivers competing last night, probably getting in a little practice run around the track in anticipation of the upcoming Super Nationals. However, there are still four nights of regular season racing left before then. Last night was the 16th straight night of weekly racing at Boone, plus the Deery Brothers Memorial Day race. The only "blip" on the season so far, has been a shortened Frostbuster back on April 12, when just one feature race was completed before being weathered out. It was completed the following week along with the regular opening night program. Fingers crossed for the next four shows being completed.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The MADCRA Mod Lite feature went all 15 laps caution free. Travis Stensland led all but the opening lap in taking the win, his second of the year. Stensland finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Joel Keenan. Angelo Montgomery took third, Randy Bryan was fourth and point leader Jimmy May was fifth. Just as the race was completed, the track went red when Cory Dennis tumbled over turn two. He was okay.
There was a brand new winner in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Anthony Onstot, Norwalk, Iowa, led the whole 18-lap distance to the checkers. It wasn't easy though, as he had to win a hard fought battle with Randy Roberts. Onstot and Roberts fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, for many laps before Onstot was able to secure the top spot at the checkers. Tara Longnecker ran at the front of the pack all race long, and finished third. Fourth was Jake McBirnie and Tim Love was fifth. Going into the night, Ben Kates was the point leader, but his night did not end well, having to retire to the pits and scored in 23rd place. The new point leader is Johnathon Logue, Jr. with a five point lead. Onstot is the eleventh different winner in the SportMod division this year at Boone.
Another new name went in the books in the Hobby Stock feature. Newton, Iowa's Jake Nelson led all twelve laps on his way to stamping his name in the list of winners. David Rieks, last week's winner, finished as the runner up----getting around third place Dustin Lynch late in the race, Tim Barber hung at the front of the pack all race long and was scored in fourth, and Aaron Rudolph rounded out the top five. Nelson is now the tenth different winner in the Hobby Stock division at Boone this year.
The IMCA Modified feature was a hard fought battle between two cars for most of the 20-laps. Joel Bushore jumped to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, to take the lead on lap one. By lap two, Mike VanGenderen was pressuring Devon Havlik for second, taking it over by lap three. Then the chase was on. VanGenderen caught leader Bushore, pestering him on the lower line, Bushore staying upstairs. A caution at lap twelve set up a restart situation. When thing restarted, Bushore slipped up going into corner two, allowing VanGenderen to scoot into the lead underneath him. Another restart at lap fourteen didn't hinder VanGenderen, keeping his lead the remaining six laps to the checkers and the win. It was a fight for second place however. Russ Dickerson had started tenth, and was challenging Bushore, and Josh Truman was joining in the fun too. At the checkers, Dickerson was scored as the runner up, just ahead of Bushore in third, and Truman in fourth. Point leader Jimmy Gustin, who started twelfth, rounded out the top five. This was VanGenderen's second win at Boone this year.
The Stock Cars were going three, four, and five wide from the start of the 18-lap feature. Michael Jaennette took over the top spot from Don Vis by lap four and by lap six, was having to fend off the challenges of Jerry Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith. The three cars pulled away from the rest of the field, and all eyes were focused on them as they challenged each other. Smith, who started eleventh, was working his magic on the bottom, taking over second place from Gifford. Smith was relentless in his pursuit and kept digging on the low side. He finally made it pay off, scooting under Jaennette in the waning moments, and beating him to the checkers by half a car length. Following second place Jaennette, Gifford had to be content with third, fourth was Ben Walding, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Smith scored his third win of the regular season, plus having pegged the Frostbuster pre-season win also.
It was deemed "Pre-Nationals" night at the Speedway. There was a live band playing in the pits as we left the track, plus free sweet corn and free beer. Earlier, the youngsters enjoyed a candy/coin toss. We noticed quite a few new drivers competing last night, probably getting in a little practice run around the track in anticipation of the upcoming Super Nationals. However, there are still four nights of regular season racing left before then. Last night was the 16th straight night of weekly racing at Boone, plus the Deery Brothers Memorial Day race. The only "blip" on the season so far, has been a shortened Frostbuster back on April 12, when just one feature race was completed before being weathered out. It was completed the following week along with the regular opening night program. Fingers crossed for the next four shows being completed.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Lauritzen wins caution plagued race at Marshalltown
Marshalltown Speedway not only had their five regular classes of cars racing last night, but the fans also got to see some Quads and racing Lawnmowers during intermission. It was a caution filled Modified feature, much because of the infield barrier tires being kicked out on the track, and two drivers scored back to back wins.
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
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