The Southern Iowa Speedway was silent on Wednesday night, so we took advantage of that and took in the National Sprint Car League 410 race at the Iowa State Fair Speedway. The 305's were also running. It's rare that the track runs during the week.....and rarer yet for us to attend just a sprint car race. But, with rumors swirling, especially since there are no races at the Iowa State Fair this year, we wanted the opportunity to be sitting at the nostalgic 1/2 mile that has so much history and holds such fond memories of days gone by, at least once again.
We arrived early and since we had learned (thanks to social media) that some loyal race fans were holding a cook out and inviting friends and fans to stop by, we did so. Thanks Craig and Justin for the hot dogs, conversation and hospitality!
Then it was into the grandstand. We immediately ran into the gang from Speed Shift TV and just had to have a chat with them. We were also happy to hear the familiar voice of Jeff Broeg who announced the 305's, sharing mic time with Tony Bokhoven who did the 410's.
We were glad we had purchased our tickets when we first arrived, as later the line for the ticket window was enormous. The grandstand filled with fans.....a great crowd on hand. This race marked the first time in 16 years that the 410 sprints have set rubber on the track.
It was also a night when a late racer was honored that had won many, many times at Des Moines. Danny Young, the young man who piloted the 3Y car and who tragically lost his life 20 years ago at Knoxville, was remembered and his life celebrated with family, friends and fans.
The 305's ran a 15-lap feature. Prior to that...they ran three heats. The start did not go well, as Todd Holliman, who started on the outside of the front row, went into spin mode entering turn one, tipping on his side. When the race was finally restarted, it was the 5X of Jason Martin taking command. Martin never gave that spot up on his way to the checkers and the win. Tyler Thompson, who started eighth, ran in the runner up spot until losing it to Clint Benson at lap eight. Benson would try closing the gap on the leader, but was not able to garner more than a runner up spot. Third went to Thompson, fourth was seventh place starter, Robby Wolfgang (son of famed racer Doug Wolfgang who was wrenching for his son last night) and Matt Moro started ninth, and rounded out the top five.
There were 18 cars in each of the two classes last evening. The 410's time trialed and they ran three heat. The eight fastest in time trials, ran a dash to determine their running order. Those drivers were Brooke Tatnell, Craig Dollansky, Bryan Clauson, Bill Balog (who had just won the previous night at the Hancock County Speedway in Britt) Danny "The Dude" Lasoski, Lynton Jeffrey, Brian Brown, and Tim Kaeding. Craig Dollansky would win this one and take the pole for the 20-lap feature.
Dollansky jumped to the immediate lead, distancing himself from the rest of the field. The only yellow flew at lap four, bunching the field and putting fourth place starter Brian Brown on his tail, Brooke Tatnell was in third. Brown tried running down Dollansky but it was not to be as Dollansky took the win, Brown going second. Third went to Brooke Tatnell, fourth was seventh place starter, Danny Lasoski and fifth place starter, Tim Kaeding was fifth.
It was an enjoyable night, sitting in the comfort of the big old State Fair grandstand. We are glad we made the trip to get a mid-week racing fix.
Many specials going on now. Be sure and check the calendar of event at Positively Racing and find a race or two to attend. Thanks for reading!
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