We were back at our Saturday night home last night, the Boone Speedway. The season championship was held for the inaugural RaceSaver Sprints, and a first time track champion was crowned. There was a spectacular finish in the Modified feature, and just an all around good night of racing through the entire night's events. A good field of 118 cars checked in and a nice crowd was on hand to witness it all.
This was the first year for the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint cars racing at the speedway, and their season ended on Saturday night with the running of their 25-lap championship event. Mike Moore weathered four yellow flag situations and led all laps to take the victory. Tyler Thompson came home in second place, Ben Woods started fourteenth, and finished third, fourth went to Bob Hildreth, and Michael Johnston completed the top five. Moore ended his year with four wins, and was crowned the inaugural RaceSaver Sprint track champion at Boone.
Charlie Brown would also lead all laps on his way to the Mod Lite feature win. Bryan Zehm came from ninth starting spot, to finish second, third was Joel Keenan, Joe Glick was fourth, and Kevin Grisham took fifth. Brown won for the second time at the track this season. Zehm holds a healthy lead in the points battle going into the final weeks.
There was quite the battle up front in the 18 lap IMCA Northern SportMod A feature. Johnathon Logue started eleventh, and worked his way to the front by lap nine, grabbing the lead from Algona, Iowa's Doug Cook. Cory Pestotnik joined in the fun, as the three duked it out, and not to be left out, Jake McBirnie had now made his way from twelfth, and was getting in the mix. The final laps were intense, but Johnathon Logue withstood all advances to take the win, McBirnie finishing a close second. Cory Pestotnik finished in third, fourth went to Doug Cook, and Sam Wieben came from sixteenth starting spot, to capture fifth place. This was Logue's fifth feature win of the year, and he is the point leader in the division.
The IMCA Modifieds rolled out next for 20 laps of what turned out to be another intense battle. Cory Sauerman had the lead at lap six, as he flew around the top of the track. He was soon joined by Mike VanGenderen, and Russ Dickerson in what turned into a fierce battle. Sauerman and VanGenderen ran side by side for several laps, as Dickerson waited for a mere bobble from either driver. Sauerman and VanGenderen threw slide jobs at each other, never touching. VanGenderen gained the lead at lap seventeen, but Sauerman regained it...never to relinquish it again as he took the flying checkers. Russ Dickerson took advantage of VanGenderen's slight bobble, and passed him on the final lap to take the runner up spot, VanGenderen taking third. Tyler Prochaska was fourth and Andy Tiernan was fifth.
Sauerman is in his first year of racing a Modified after jumping up from the Mod Lites. Sauerman was greeted in victory lane by the other top finishers, offering him congratulations on a job well done, on his first ever win in the Modified. He has come a long way in his first year of competing in the Modified class. Going into the final races, defending track champion VanGenderen continues to hold his point lead.
Another first time winner for the year came out of the IMCA Stock Car class. Tyler Pickett started third, and took over the top spot at lap two. Pickett had to hold off a hard charging Wayne Gifford much of the race, but was able to take the win, Gifford having to settle for second. Visiting Beatrice, Nebraska racer, Kyle Vanover, started tenth on the starting line up, and finished third, fourth was Josh Daniels, and Donavon Smith was fifth.
Point leader of the division, Jay Schmidt suffered woes in his heat, and did not finish. He started twenty-fifth for the feature, and finished ninth. He holds the point lead by a slim one point over Donavon Smith.
The night concluded with the running of the 12 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Shaun Wirtz took his first ever career win on July 15, and followed up with his second win on Saturday night. Wirtz had the lead by lap two, and never looked back to secure the victory. Several yellows plagued the feature, and a final one flew at lap eleven. This set up a green-white-checkered finish (that was under the time limit at this point) Wirtz taking the win and tenth place starter, Dustin Graham crossing the finish line in second place. Third was Dustin Lynch, Jack Phillips was fourth and Dean Hartwig came from sixteenth, to finish fifth. Ryan Wells was a DNF in the feature. His point lead dwindled to just four points ahead of Dustin Graham going into the final weeks.
Three out of state Stock Car drivers came to test the Boone waters before the upcoming Super Nationals. As mentioned above, Kyle Vanover had a good run to finish third in the feature. Brandon Czarapata, Pulaski, Wisconsin, is a former Super Nationals champion who also made his way to the speedway last night. He had a sixth place finish last evening. Another Nebraska driver, Shane Stutzman, finished tenth.
The upgraded scoreboard was up and running last night, showing the top ten positions via transponders. It is a perk for the fans, and looks to be a good thing for the upcoming Super Nationals.
Next week, August 5, the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will join the field. There will also be a TiLube challenge race in the Modified division, where the top timed drivers from hot laps (via transponder times) will be locked into a 12-15 car, 15-lap race to cap off the night's racing. The winner will receive over $1,000 (as more sponsors are added) and the regular modified feature is also paying $1,000 to win, thanks to generous sponsors Saints Avenue Cafe in Boone, and West Side Auto Pros of Clive. It will also be a Fast Shafts Qualifier for the 2018 All Star ballot, and the Modifieds will be running a draw/redraw program.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Ward takes first Modified win, all other classes have repeat winners
The Marshalltown Speedway saw only one new winner on Friday night. That winner came from the Modified division, where Tim Ward made a first time appearance in victory lane in 2017. The Late Model, Stock Car, Northern SportMod, Hobby Stock and Mod Lite classes all saw repeat winners. Ninety-five race cars came to run the High Banks on a beautiful July night and provided some exciting racing for the nice crowd in attendance.
Travis Stensland kept his win streak alive in the Mod Lite division. Stensland started sixth, and led by lap one, holding down that top spot all the way to the checkers. Mike Morrill started eighth, and finished as the runner up, third went to tenth place starter, Josh May, fourth to Bryan Zehm and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five. Stensland has won the last five races at the speedway. He has been having his most successful season of racing of his career.
Sam Wieben made it two in a row by winning the IMCA Northern SportMod A main. Wieben took the lead at lap four after starting ninth on the grid, passing then leader Tom Rawlins. Wieben then took to the rim of the track, circling the track flawlessly on his way to the checkers. Curt Hilmer was second, third went to tenth place starter Travis Peterson, Johnathon Logue came from twelfth, to finish fourth, and Jake McBirnie was fifth. Wieben captured his second win of the season, in back to back victories. He was sporting a spiffy new look...a stickered bare aluminum body, making it unique.
Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, also made back to back visits to the winner's circle. Anderson came from twelfth starting spot, to reach the rear bumper of leader Gene Nicklas in less than two laps. By lap five, Anderson had the top spot. The closing laps found Leah Wroten apply pressure to Anderson, but to no avail, as she finished as the runner up. Eric Knutson was third, followed by Gary Pfantz in fourth, and Luke Bird in fifth. Anderson scored his ninth win at Marshalltown this year. Anderson sits atop the IMCA National Hobby Stock points as he looks for another national championship.
The 18 lap IMCA Stock Car feature did not start well, as Curt Hook barrel rolled several times at the top of turns three and four before lap one was in the books. Thankfully, he was okay.
When the race did get back underway, Damon Murty got to the front quickly from his fifth row starting spot, chasing down leader Michael Jaennette, and taking command by lap seven. Jaennette looked for anyway to regain the lead, but his attempts fell short, and he had to be content with second place behind Murty. Thirteenth place starter Todd Reitzler had a good run to finish in third place, and Steve Meyer finished fourth, just holding off fifth place finisher, Donavon Smith, who had stayed committed to running the bottom of the track. Murty also made it two in a row, and claimed his fifth win of the regular season.
It was a fight to the finish in the 20 lap IMCA Modified A Main. Jenae Gustin looked poised to take back to back wins. But Tim Ward ran her down, and got the advantage with just a lap remaining. Gustin's last corner slide would then fall short to regain the lead and Ward took the win, Gustin having to settle for second. Jesse Hoeft came from eleventh starting spot, to take third, fourth was Jake Murray, and Ronn Laurtizen started thirteenth, and finished fifth. This was Ward's first win of the year at the speedway.
The night was capped off by the 20 lap IMCA Late Model feature and it was Richie Gustin going to victory lane with back to back wins, as he also won back on July 14....with a rain out in between. A caution on lap sixteen, and another at lap seventeen, shook up the running order. Darrel Defrance was leading on lap sixteen, Richie Gustin running second, and a badly smoking Todd Cooney was in third. When things restarted on that lap sixteen, Cooney got around DeFrance to take the lead as the smoke continued to roll from his ride. It was then on lap seventeen that Cooney's car gave up the ghost, and he coasted to a stop. This put Gustin to the point when action picked back up, and he would keep it the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Gustin finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Darrel DeFrance, Joe Zrostlik was third, Justin Mitchell started tenth, and finished fourth, and Paul Nagle, who led the early portion of the race, was fifth.
How quickly the racing season is winding down. Soon it will be season championships at many area tracks, and then right into the IMCA Super Nationals come Labor Day. Lots of racing still left before it all ends in our neck of the woods, so seek out a race to attend and help keep the sport we all love, alive and well.
Travis Stensland kept his win streak alive in the Mod Lite division. Stensland started sixth, and led by lap one, holding down that top spot all the way to the checkers. Mike Morrill started eighth, and finished as the runner up, third went to tenth place starter, Josh May, fourth to Bryan Zehm and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five. Stensland has won the last five races at the speedway. He has been having his most successful season of racing of his career.
Sam Wieben made it two in a row by winning the IMCA Northern SportMod A main. Wieben took the lead at lap four after starting ninth on the grid, passing then leader Tom Rawlins. Wieben then took to the rim of the track, circling the track flawlessly on his way to the checkers. Curt Hilmer was second, third went to tenth place starter Travis Peterson, Johnathon Logue came from twelfth, to finish fourth, and Jake McBirnie was fifth. Wieben captured his second win of the season, in back to back victories. He was sporting a spiffy new look...a stickered bare aluminum body, making it unique.
Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, also made back to back visits to the winner's circle. Anderson came from twelfth starting spot, to reach the rear bumper of leader Gene Nicklas in less than two laps. By lap five, Anderson had the top spot. The closing laps found Leah Wroten apply pressure to Anderson, but to no avail, as she finished as the runner up. Eric Knutson was third, followed by Gary Pfantz in fourth, and Luke Bird in fifth. Anderson scored his ninth win at Marshalltown this year. Anderson sits atop the IMCA National Hobby Stock points as he looks for another national championship.
The 18 lap IMCA Stock Car feature did not start well, as Curt Hook barrel rolled several times at the top of turns three and four before lap one was in the books. Thankfully, he was okay.
When the race did get back underway, Damon Murty got to the front quickly from his fifth row starting spot, chasing down leader Michael Jaennette, and taking command by lap seven. Jaennette looked for anyway to regain the lead, but his attempts fell short, and he had to be content with second place behind Murty. Thirteenth place starter Todd Reitzler had a good run to finish in third place, and Steve Meyer finished fourth, just holding off fifth place finisher, Donavon Smith, who had stayed committed to running the bottom of the track. Murty also made it two in a row, and claimed his fifth win of the regular season.
It was a fight to the finish in the 20 lap IMCA Modified A Main. Jenae Gustin looked poised to take back to back wins. But Tim Ward ran her down, and got the advantage with just a lap remaining. Gustin's last corner slide would then fall short to regain the lead and Ward took the win, Gustin having to settle for second. Jesse Hoeft came from eleventh starting spot, to take third, fourth was Jake Murray, and Ronn Laurtizen started thirteenth, and finished fifth. This was Ward's first win of the year at the speedway.
The night was capped off by the 20 lap IMCA Late Model feature and it was Richie Gustin going to victory lane with back to back wins, as he also won back on July 14....with a rain out in between. A caution on lap sixteen, and another at lap seventeen, shook up the running order. Darrel Defrance was leading on lap sixteen, Richie Gustin running second, and a badly smoking Todd Cooney was in third. When things restarted on that lap sixteen, Cooney got around DeFrance to take the lead as the smoke continued to roll from his ride. It was then on lap seventeen that Cooney's car gave up the ghost, and he coasted to a stop. This put Gustin to the point when action picked back up, and he would keep it the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Gustin finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Darrel DeFrance, Joe Zrostlik was third, Justin Mitchell started tenth, and finished fourth, and Paul Nagle, who led the early portion of the race, was fifth.
How quickly the racing season is winding down. Soon it will be season championships at many area tracks, and then right into the IMCA Super Nationals come Labor Day. Lots of racing still left before it all ends in our neck of the woods, so seek out a race to attend and help keep the sport we all love, alive and well.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
VanGenderen scores win at Boone, on a special day
There was hot racing action to go along with the hot July weather at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. Two drivers earned their first trip to the winner's circle and four others made return visits.
Mike Kennedy stated fifth and had the lead at lap one of the 15 lap Mod Lite feature. Kennedy, who was driving the ride usually piloted by Randy Bryan, kept that lead until lap eight. That's when point leader Bryan Zehm was able to make the pass for the lead, only to have Kennedy snatch it back at lap twelve. Meanwhile, Travis Stensland had been lurking close at hand in third place. Lap fourteen turned into the game changer, when Stensland was able to pass both Zehm and Kennedy for the lead. He was able to hold them off the final lap and score the win. Zehm finished in second, Kennedy held third place, Josh May was fourth and Joe Glick was fifth. This was Stensland first win at Boone this season. Bryan Zehm holds a healthy lead in the points battle.
Jake McBirnie scored his second feature win of the regular season in the 18 lap IMCA Northern SportMods. McBirnie started tenth, caught then leader Tom Egenberger at lap eight, and began to apply pressure. Egenberger continued to hold back McBrinie through two yellow flag restarts, and was looking to be on his way to his first win. However, McBirnie had other ideas. He swung to the outside of Egenberger and was able to make the pass with a lap to go. He then held that top spot to the flying checkers and the win. Egenberger held the runner up spot over Cory Pestotnik in third place. Australian Frank Packer, who is here for his annual visit while it is winter back home, took fourth place, and Curtis Veber completed the top five. Johnathon Logue holds the point lead in the battle for the track championship.
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20 lap feature next. Kent Croskey took the point position as the race went green and was still leading at lap two when the race was red flagged. Eric Elliott took a violent barrel roll on the front stretch which immediately halted the racing action. A few anxious moments later, Elliott emerged from his mangled car, unhurt. When the action picked back up, Croskey still maintained the lead with rookie to the class, Cory Sauerman, pestering him. By lap four, Sauerman had taken command, and had visions of getting his first feature win at the speedway. Meanwhile, tenth place starter, Mike VanGenderen, had moved into the runner up position and now he was challenging for the lead. After a few laps running neck and neck, VanGenderen was able to get around Sauerman and take the top spot, holding it to the finish line and the win. Sauerman was second, Joel Bushore was third, Russ Dickerson fourth and Tyler Prochaska, fifth. This was VanGenderen's second win of the season.
It was quite a day for VanGenderen. Earlier in the day, he welcomed son #3, Paxton, a trophy himself, and the win at Boone was a bit more icing on the cake. He escaped unscathed in the early race incident when a car nudged the wall, then came down into the on coming traffic...VanGenderen getting nudged, and then the chain reaction that resulted in Eric Elliott's scary roll. Elliott had been just five points behind VanGenderen in the track point's battle until the unfortunate incident left him with a battered and beaten ride.
It was quite a day for VanGenderen. Earlier in the day, he welcomed son #3, Paxton, a trophy himself, and the win at Boone was a bit more icing on the cake. He escaped unscathed in the early race incident when a car nudged the wall, then came down into the on coming traffic...VanGenderen getting nudged, and then the chain reaction that resulted in Eric Elliott's scary roll. Elliott had been just five points behind VanGenderen in the track point's battle until the unfortunate incident left him with a battered and beaten ride.
A first time winner came out of the IMCA Stock Car class. Rod Richards led the 18 lap feature event from flag to flag to get the win. Wayne Gifford made a last ditch attempt to slip by at the finish line, but fell short and had to be content with second place. Point leader Jay Schmidt finished in third place, veteran Kevin Opheim was fourth, and Donavon Smith was fifth. The race went caution free. This was Richards' first win at Boone since the 2015 season. Jay Schmidt holds a five point lead over Donavon Smith in the track point battle.
The IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20 lap main event saw Michael Moore making a return visit to victory lane. Moore started ninth, and took command at lap eight. He then had to fend off the advances of Tyler Thompson, holding him at bay the rest of the race, for the win. Following second place Thompson, was Joel Thorpe in third, early leader Nathan Mills was fourth, and pole sitter Devin Wignall rounded out the top five. This marked Moore's third win this year at Boone. Moore broke Thompson's four win streak, and holds his point lead.
Finishing off the night's racing action, was 12 laps of IMCA Hobby Stock competition. Shane Butler led the first handful of laps, until Solomon Bennett came calling...taking over the top spot. Bennett never relinquished that coveted spot the remaining way to the finish, and claimed the victory. Aaron Rudolph was the runner up, Tyson Overton was third, followed by fourth place Dustin Graham and Dustin Lynch in fifth. Bennett now has two wins in 2017. Ryan Wells holds the point lead going into the final weeks of racing.
Racing continues next Saturday, July 29, with racing in all six divisions. It will be the last night of racing for the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints in 2017, as they conclude their first season at the speedway.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Abelson tops field at Knoxville HDT, VanDerWal repeats
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds ran at the famed Knoxville Raceway's half-mile last night. With the sweltering heat, the show was moved back, and hot laps started at 7:30 and racing followed at a tick before 8 p.m. There were thirty-seven of the HDT Modifieds as well as the IMCA Northern SportMod support class.
The SportMods ran their 20 lap A feature first, after completing four heat races, and two B-mains to fill out the 24 car starting feature. The top twelve from the heats, drew for starting position. The front row was Shawn Cooney and Brayton Carter. Sitting right behind them were Curtis VanDerWal and Randy Roberts. The initial start was called back when Cory VanZante went for a spin in corner one, right after the green flag flew. When things did get underway, Brayton Carter took the point spot, with VanDerWal close at hand. By lap two, VanDerWal had the lead. The race went clean the rest of the way to the checkers, with VanDerWal sweeping to the win. Tim Plummer took the distant runner up spot, Brayton Carter was third, Randy Roberts fourth, and Carter VanDenBerg was fifth. VanDerWal also won last year during the HDT race at Knoxville.
Things began to pick up pace as the program wore on, as Mother Nature was beginning to come into the picture, with things building to the west. Seems that is inevitable on our hot, muggy summer nights.
The Modifieds also ran four heat races, and two B mains...the top twelve from the heats drawing for starting position for their 25 lap A main. Two provisionals were tagged on the tail...Dan DeMay and Cory Sauerman. They were the two with the most points in the series, that had not qualified.
The starting line up had some heavy hitters starting upfront. Chris Abelson drew the pole, with Hunter Marriott sitting along side. Lurking in the second row was Ricky Thornton, Jr. (piloting Todd Cooney's ride) and Richie "G Money" Gustin. Abelson shot off to the lead as the green came out. He was motoring around the oval with no trouble, keeping Marriott at bay . It was looking as if the feature would go green to checkered, until Brandon Banks put it in the back wall at lap nineteen, halting the action. The race then went to red, in order to clear the track. Marriott was still sitting in second for the restart, Thornton was third, and Todd Shute, who had started eleventh, had shot through the field to run fourth. We were all thinking this might just be a game changer!
Abelson shot back to the lead as the action picked back up, but it was Thornton making the move around Marriott to take over second place. With five laps remaining, another yellow flew when Thornton went around in corner two.... Marriott deemed the villain, sending him to the tail on the restart. This now put Todd Shute in the runner up position for what would be the final restart, with Richie Gustin in third place. This could still be a dogfight to the finish! The efforts were futile however, as Abelson never wavered on his run to the checkers. Shute and Gustin remained second and third. Jeff Aikey started twelfth and finished fourth, and Justin Kay started fifteenth, and finished fifth.
It looks as if (from my calculations) that with an eighth place finish by Joel Rust, and Kelly Shryock finishing in ninth, that Rust now holds a one point lead in the series over Shryock.
The races were completed at 10:12 p.m. and a good thing. We had begun to notice lightning in the distance and a check of radar showed the rain fast approaching. Our drive home found us running into a deluge of rain and strong wind. We were more than grateful when we got home. We did enjoy our night with good racing friends, all of us thankful for the breeze that kept us sane...plus a frozen treat to cool us! Thanks Jeff!
The SportMods ran their 20 lap A feature first, after completing four heat races, and two B-mains to fill out the 24 car starting feature. The top twelve from the heats, drew for starting position. The front row was Shawn Cooney and Brayton Carter. Sitting right behind them were Curtis VanDerWal and Randy Roberts. The initial start was called back when Cory VanZante went for a spin in corner one, right after the green flag flew. When things did get underway, Brayton Carter took the point spot, with VanDerWal close at hand. By lap two, VanDerWal had the lead. The race went clean the rest of the way to the checkers, with VanDerWal sweeping to the win. Tim Plummer took the distant runner up spot, Brayton Carter was third, Randy Roberts fourth, and Carter VanDenBerg was fifth. VanDerWal also won last year during the HDT race at Knoxville.
Things began to pick up pace as the program wore on, as Mother Nature was beginning to come into the picture, with things building to the west. Seems that is inevitable on our hot, muggy summer nights.
The Modifieds also ran four heat races, and two B mains...the top twelve from the heats drawing for starting position for their 25 lap A main. Two provisionals were tagged on the tail...Dan DeMay and Cory Sauerman. They were the two with the most points in the series, that had not qualified.
The starting line up had some heavy hitters starting upfront. Chris Abelson drew the pole, with Hunter Marriott sitting along side. Lurking in the second row was Ricky Thornton, Jr. (piloting Todd Cooney's ride) and Richie "G Money" Gustin. Abelson shot off to the lead as the green came out. He was motoring around the oval with no trouble, keeping Marriott at bay . It was looking as if the feature would go green to checkered, until Brandon Banks put it in the back wall at lap nineteen, halting the action. The race then went to red, in order to clear the track. Marriott was still sitting in second for the restart, Thornton was third, and Todd Shute, who had started eleventh, had shot through the field to run fourth. We were all thinking this might just be a game changer!
Abelson shot back to the lead as the action picked back up, but it was Thornton making the move around Marriott to take over second place. With five laps remaining, another yellow flew when Thornton went around in corner two.... Marriott deemed the villain, sending him to the tail on the restart. This now put Todd Shute in the runner up position for what would be the final restart, with Richie Gustin in third place. This could still be a dogfight to the finish! The efforts were futile however, as Abelson never wavered on his run to the checkers. Shute and Gustin remained second and third. Jeff Aikey started twelfth and finished fourth, and Justin Kay started fifteenth, and finished fifth.
It looks as if (from my calculations) that with an eighth place finish by Joel Rust, and Kelly Shryock finishing in ninth, that Rust now holds a one point lead in the series over Shryock.
The races were completed at 10:12 p.m. and a good thing. We had begun to notice lightning in the distance and a check of radar showed the rain fast approaching. Our drive home found us running into a deluge of rain and strong wind. We were more than grateful when we got home. We did enjoy our night with good racing friends, all of us thankful for the breeze that kept us sane...plus a frozen treat to cool us! Thanks Jeff!
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Carter claims HDT win, Griffiths, VanDerWal, and Anderson go two-for-two
It was night #2 of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, and another hot and muggy one. The Hawkeye Dirt Tour for the IMCA Modifieds was the headliner, with all four of the other weekly IMCA classes running as well, in another draw/redraw show.
Levi Heath and Ryan Havel battled for the lead in the early laps of the IMCA Sport Compact feature. Havel won the dogfight for the lead at lap five, and then Heath suddenly absent, having exited into the pits. This put Bill Whalen, Jr. into the runner up spot. Havel then easily distanced himself from the rest of the field to take the easy win. Bill Whalen, Jr. just held off John Gill as they went second and third. A close fourth place was the previous night's winner, Nathan Moody, and Dalton Winkleman was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks came next and the $300 bounty was still hovering over Shannon Anderson's head. He drew the ninth starting position for the start. It took him just five laps to get the lead, and then he once again pulled away to take the win. Chanse Hollatz finished in second place, Mike Kincaid, Steve Allen, and Christian Huffman were third, fourth and fifth in that order. In Anderson's interview in victory lane he said he had wrenched a lot on the car from damage with broken bolts, etc. from the previous night. His efforts paid off as he still remains a perfect 11 for 11 at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
The SportMods were scheduled to run after the Hobby Stocks, but a check of radar showed a possible cell moving toward the track and the headliner HDT feature was moved up in the program. Twenty-one Modifieds were on hand and the top twelve finishers from the three heats, drew for their starting position. Drawing the lucky #1 was Hunter Marriott. Marriott, who recently dominated in the Dakota Classic Series, took the lead as the 25-lap race went green.
Marriott, and Kyle Brown ran one-two in the opening laps, but Marriott soon put some distance between them, and now Brown was having to deal with Cayden Carter. Carter took over the runner up spot on lap seven, and began to slowly reel in Marriott. Carter began closing the gap, when at lap sixteen, the lap car of Dan Brockert lost the handle right in front of the leaders, backed it into the tractor tire in turn two, and rolled his car. When the race restarted, leader Marriott was MIA, having retired to the pits with what we understand was a broken left rear brake line that had happened a few laps prior to the caution. This would then put Carter in the captain's seat, leading for the restart. Running in second now, was Ricky Thornton, Jr., who was piloting a Todd Cooney car. Carter would pull away in the final handful of laps, and took the comfortable win in his VanderBuilt chassis. Thornton finished in second, fending off Joel Rust in third, and Kyle Brown got back around Kelly Shryock in the closing lap, as they finished fourth and fifth in that order.
The weather was now less threatening as the IMCA Northern SportMods came to the track. The opening laps were quite the thriller as Carter VanDenBerg, cousin Brayton Carter, and Curtis VanDerWal were running at the front of the field, ready for battle. VanDenBerg was holding down the top spot with Carter running second....until VanDerWal was able to thread the needle between the two, and on his second attempt, made it work. He took command at lap eight, and then pulled away to another victory. Brayton Carter was second, VanDenBerg was third, Dan Drury, Jr. was fourth, and Tony Johnson completed the top five. VanDerWal now has nine wins at the track this season.
The night cap was the IMCA Stock Car 14 lap feature. Tonight's race ended the same as the previous night. Dustin Griffiths took the win, as Nathan Wood tried every which way for a way around him, but again, had to be content with second place. Mike Hughes was third, Derrick Agee, fourth, and Danny Thrasher was fifth.
It was another hot, muggy, July night of racing. Thank goodness for the nice breeze from the south that kept us gathering of race fans from melting! We enjoyed our evening sitting with racing friends again, a few more even joining us last night. It always makes the time more enjoyable to share it with racing enthusiasts, from far and wide. Tonight, most of those racing friends will join us as we move down the road to the Knoxville Raceway. They will be hosting another Hawkeye Dirt Tour with the Northern SportMods joining them in support. Going into tonight's HDT race, we see that Kelly Shryock and Joel Rust are tied in a point's battle. Drivers are always eager to run the famed half-mile track, so we look for a good car count in both classes. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:45 with racing to follow. UPDATE: The HDT at Knoxville has moved the hot lap time to 7:30 due to the extreme heat. Races to follow.
Levi Heath and Ryan Havel battled for the lead in the early laps of the IMCA Sport Compact feature. Havel won the dogfight for the lead at lap five, and then Heath suddenly absent, having exited into the pits. This put Bill Whalen, Jr. into the runner up spot. Havel then easily distanced himself from the rest of the field to take the easy win. Bill Whalen, Jr. just held off John Gill as they went second and third. A close fourth place was the previous night's winner, Nathan Moody, and Dalton Winkleman was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks came next and the $300 bounty was still hovering over Shannon Anderson's head. He drew the ninth starting position for the start. It took him just five laps to get the lead, and then he once again pulled away to take the win. Chanse Hollatz finished in second place, Mike Kincaid, Steve Allen, and Christian Huffman were third, fourth and fifth in that order. In Anderson's interview in victory lane he said he had wrenched a lot on the car from damage with broken bolts, etc. from the previous night. His efforts paid off as he still remains a perfect 11 for 11 at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
The SportMods were scheduled to run after the Hobby Stocks, but a check of radar showed a possible cell moving toward the track and the headliner HDT feature was moved up in the program. Twenty-one Modifieds were on hand and the top twelve finishers from the three heats, drew for their starting position. Drawing the lucky #1 was Hunter Marriott. Marriott, who recently dominated in the Dakota Classic Series, took the lead as the 25-lap race went green.
Marriott, and Kyle Brown ran one-two in the opening laps, but Marriott soon put some distance between them, and now Brown was having to deal with Cayden Carter. Carter took over the runner up spot on lap seven, and began to slowly reel in Marriott. Carter began closing the gap, when at lap sixteen, the lap car of Dan Brockert lost the handle right in front of the leaders, backed it into the tractor tire in turn two, and rolled his car. When the race restarted, leader Marriott was MIA, having retired to the pits with what we understand was a broken left rear brake line that had happened a few laps prior to the caution. This would then put Carter in the captain's seat, leading for the restart. Running in second now, was Ricky Thornton, Jr., who was piloting a Todd Cooney car. Carter would pull away in the final handful of laps, and took the comfortable win in his VanderBuilt chassis. Thornton finished in second, fending off Joel Rust in third, and Kyle Brown got back around Kelly Shryock in the closing lap, as they finished fourth and fifth in that order.
The weather was now less threatening as the IMCA Northern SportMods came to the track. The opening laps were quite the thriller as Carter VanDenBerg, cousin Brayton Carter, and Curtis VanDerWal were running at the front of the field, ready for battle. VanDenBerg was holding down the top spot with Carter running second....until VanDerWal was able to thread the needle between the two, and on his second attempt, made it work. He took command at lap eight, and then pulled away to another victory. Brayton Carter was second, VanDenBerg was third, Dan Drury, Jr. was fourth, and Tony Johnson completed the top five. VanDerWal now has nine wins at the track this season.
The night cap was the IMCA Stock Car 14 lap feature. Tonight's race ended the same as the previous night. Dustin Griffiths took the win, as Nathan Wood tried every which way for a way around him, but again, had to be content with second place. Mike Hughes was third, Derrick Agee, fourth, and Danny Thrasher was fifth.
It was another hot, muggy, July night of racing. Thank goodness for the nice breeze from the south that kept us gathering of race fans from melting! We enjoyed our evening sitting with racing friends again, a few more even joining us last night. It always makes the time more enjoyable to share it with racing enthusiasts, from far and wide. Tonight, most of those racing friends will join us as we move down the road to the Knoxville Raceway. They will be hosting another Hawkeye Dirt Tour with the Northern SportMods joining them in support. Going into tonight's HDT race, we see that Kelly Shryock and Joel Rust are tied in a point's battle. Drivers are always eager to run the famed half-mile track, so we look for a good car count in both classes. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:45 with racing to follow. UPDATE: The HDT at Knoxville has moved the hot lap time to 7:30 due to the extreme heat. Races to follow.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Anderson still perfect, Moody scores first career win
It's doubleheader week at the Southern Iowa Speedway. Last evening, was the first night of racing during the Southern Iowa Fair. There were no Modifieds on the docket, but all other four regular classes were in competition in the draw/redraw show.
It was a short field of only five IMCA Stock Cars last evening. However, three cars made it a close nose-to-tail, entertaining finish at the checkers. Dustin Griffiths got the drop on Nathan Wood as the race went green. Mike Hughes was about to join the two front runners, when he got into the outside wall coming out of turn four, ending his night. Meanwhile, Wood was still on the hunt to catch Griffiths, and Danny Thrasher had joined them to run in third. Wood looked for anyway around leader Griffiths, but there was nothing to be had. The three crossed the finish line 1-2-3, Griffiths the victor, Wood in second, and Thrasher, third. Donnie Pearson would be scored in fourth, but had dropped out at lap five with issues.
It was no surprise to find Curtis VanDerWal standing in victory lane once more, after winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. VanDerWal nudged past AJ Johnson at lap seven, and then flew off into the sunset. Colton Livezey finished a distant second, Jason McDaniel was third, fourth went to AJ Johnson, and Blaine Webster, was fifth. This was VanDerWal's eighth feature win at the speedway this year.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks closed out the program with the other sixteen cars on hand looking to grab the $300 bounty still hanging on Shannon Anderson. The draw/redraw format found Anderson starting in the #5 position. He had the lead at lap two. Chanse Hollatz, who is from Clear Lake, Iowa, but I believe is a student at the University of Iowa, settled into second place in hopes of catching Anderson. But once again, it was not to be, as Anderson pulled away to yet another victory. Jeff Anderson, who has been piloting the #8R as of late, made a last corner pass to take second over Hollatz in third. Steve Allen took fourth over Christian Huffman in fifth. This marked the tenth consecutive win for Anderson at the Southern Iowa Speedway...a perfect 10 for 10.
Tonight, the Southern Iowa Speedway will host the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds. The Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts will also be running. The Southern Iowa Fair is still on, and like last evening, a bit different means of entering the grandstands. When purchasing your ticket at the ticket booth, you will receive an armband, and enter through the usual entrance. The normal concession stand (to our surprise) is not open, so you must purchase "fair" food to satisfy that rumble in the tummy. Hot laps are 7 with racing at 7:30. Tomorrow night, the HDT moves to the Knoxville Raceway with the SportMods also on the docket.
Levi Heath jumped to the lead of the ten lap IMCA Sport Compact main event, with Nathan Moody tagging to run second. Moody tried his darnedest to get past Heath , but it wasn't until lap eight that he was successful in making the pass. He then held off Heath to take the checkers and the win...the first of his career. Heath was second, Bill Whalen, Jr. took third, over Bryan Claussen in fourth and Dalton Winkleman in fifth.
It was a short field of only five IMCA Stock Cars last evening. However, three cars made it a close nose-to-tail, entertaining finish at the checkers. Dustin Griffiths got the drop on Nathan Wood as the race went green. Mike Hughes was about to join the two front runners, when he got into the outside wall coming out of turn four, ending his night. Meanwhile, Wood was still on the hunt to catch Griffiths, and Danny Thrasher had joined them to run in third. Wood looked for anyway around leader Griffiths, but there was nothing to be had. The three crossed the finish line 1-2-3, Griffiths the victor, Wood in second, and Thrasher, third. Donnie Pearson would be scored in fourth, but had dropped out at lap five with issues.
It was no surprise to find Curtis VanDerWal standing in victory lane once more, after winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. VanDerWal nudged past AJ Johnson at lap seven, and then flew off into the sunset. Colton Livezey finished a distant second, Jason McDaniel was third, fourth went to AJ Johnson, and Blaine Webster, was fifth. This was VanDerWal's eighth feature win at the speedway this year.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks closed out the program with the other sixteen cars on hand looking to grab the $300 bounty still hanging on Shannon Anderson. The draw/redraw format found Anderson starting in the #5 position. He had the lead at lap two. Chanse Hollatz, who is from Clear Lake, Iowa, but I believe is a student at the University of Iowa, settled into second place in hopes of catching Anderson. But once again, it was not to be, as Anderson pulled away to yet another victory. Jeff Anderson, who has been piloting the #8R as of late, made a last corner pass to take second over Hollatz in third. Steve Allen took fourth over Christian Huffman in fifth. This marked the tenth consecutive win for Anderson at the Southern Iowa Speedway...a perfect 10 for 10.
Tonight, the Southern Iowa Speedway will host the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds. The Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts will also be running. The Southern Iowa Fair is still on, and like last evening, a bit different means of entering the grandstands. When purchasing your ticket at the ticket booth, you will receive an armband, and enter through the usual entrance. The normal concession stand (to our surprise) is not open, so you must purchase "fair" food to satisfy that rumble in the tummy. Hot laps are 7 with racing at 7:30. Tomorrow night, the HDT moves to the Knoxville Raceway with the SportMods also on the docket.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Masolini and Wirtz first time winners, Thompson goes four in a row
It was another action packed, and warm July Saturday night of racing at the Boone Speedway. A nice field of 121 race cars checked into the pits. Two drivers would finally get their first wins at the speedway. Two drivers made it two in a row, and another scored for the fourth time in as many weeks.
Randy Bryan was one of those drivers making it two in a row as he took the checkers in the Mod Lite feature. Bryan Zehm started tenth, and finished as the runner up, Kevin Grisham was third, Joel Keenan started fourteenth, and finished fourth, and Justin Rankin worked his way back through the pack from an early race incident that sent him to realign at the tail of the field, to finish fifth. Bryan led all fifteen laps on his way to the win. Zehm continues to hold his points lead.
Up next was the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap A main. Dusty Masolini jumped to the immediate lead from his fourth starting spot. From there on, he kept that top spot, all the way to the checkers. He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Brian Efkamp. Johnathon Logue finished third from starting twelfth, Jason Purvis was fourth and Daniel Tasler, fifth. Masolini scored his first ever SportMod win at Boone, after switching from the Mod Lite class a few years back. His last time seeing the checkers was in the Mod Lite class, back in 2014. Johnathon Logue continues as the point leader.
Joel Bushore started sixth in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature, and took the lead just before the halfway mark of the event. He then put a comfortable distance between himself and the field, and swept to the easy win. Finishing a distance behind in second place was Tyler Prochaska. Russ Dickerson had a nice run, coming from row six, to finish third, and Chris Webb and Cory Sauerman were fourth and fifth. This was Bushore's fourth win at Boone this season.
An early incident in the feature, left point leader Mike VanGenderen with a wounded ride. However, he was able to continue the race, with a toed out right front, to maintain his point lead.
An early incident in the feature, left point leader Mike VanGenderen with a wounded ride. However, he was able to continue the race, with a toed out right front, to maintain his point lead.
Donavon Smith went back to victory lane for the second week in a row, winning the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car main event. He started tenth, and caught up to then leader Matt West by lap eight. Robert Stofer threw his hat into the ring as well, and the three went to battle. Smith made the move around West a couple of laps later to take over the lead. He would then hold that top spot to capture the win. West held on to second, finishing just ahead of third place Robert Stofer. Jay Schmidt started eleventh, and finished fourth. and Josh Daniels completed the top five. Smith claimed his third win of the season. Schmidt still holds a slim three point lead over Smith.
The IMCA RaceSaver Sprints saw Tyler Thompson back in the winner's circle for the fourth consecutive week. Thompson started seventh in the 20 lap feature, and was leading by the time lap two was scored. He lead all the remaining laps and scored the win by a healthy margin. Michael Moore finished as the runner up after starting ninth, tenth place starter Ben Woods was third, Joel Thorpe took fourth, and Bob Hildreth rounded out the top five. Thompson now has five wins at the track. Michael Moore holds his point lead.
The evening's racing concluded with the IMCA 12 lap Hobby Stock feature. They had some issues in getting the race completed before the time limit expired, but finally got the job done. Shaun Wirtz would lead this one from flag to flag to take the win. Aaron Rudolph attempted to reel in leader Wirtz, but ran out of laps and had to settle for second place. Point leader Ryan Wells came from twelfth starting spot, to finish third, Jack Phillips was fourth and Eric Stanton started fourteenth, and finished fifth. Wirtz, a long time racer at the track, scored his first ever career win, after sixteen years of trying. Ryan Wells continues to lead Hobby Stock points.
The season is quickly winding down, but a lot of racing still lies ahead. We are planning for Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Southern Iowa Speedway, during their fair week. Tuesday, all weekly classes will be in competition except the IMCA Modifieds. Then on Wednesday, the Modifieds will headline the show with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour series, with all four other classes also running. Both nights will be a draw/redraw format. Then on Thursday night, the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for the IMCA Modifieds will move to the historic Knoxville Raceway, with the SportMods also in competition. Check the calendar at Positively Racing for other scheduled races that you may want to put on your agenda. Get out and enjoy a race in support of the sport we all love.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
New winners, repeat winners and a family affair
It was J & V Napa night at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night, with the Central Iowa Fair running in the background. Three drivers would get their first wins of the season, while others would add to their victories on the year. Two of those first time winners, would keep it in the family. The features were run with only a total of three yellow flags, making for an efficient show, with great racing, and on a track that held its moisture last evening.
Travis Stensland continues his tear in the Mod Lite division, as he chalked up his fourth win in a row. Stensland started fourth, and had the lead before the first lap was scored. The race went caution free, and Stensland pulled away to win the race by a good margin over second place Joe Glick. Josh May started ninth, and finished a close third, fourth went to Joe Zrostlik and Bryan Zehm was fifth. Stensland also won back in May, in Mike Kennedy's "rent-a-ride" #95, making this his fifth victory at the track.
Sam Wieben made it to the winner's circle for the first time this season by winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Wieben started tenth and passed last week's winner Shawn Cooney on lap eleven, then sailed away to the win in the final laps. Travis Peterson came from eleventh starting spot to capture the runner up position, third went to twelfth place starter, Jared VanDeest, and Shawn Cooney was fourth, and Jake McBirnie completed the top five. The race went flag to flag.
Shannon Anderson got back to his winning ways in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock event. It took Anderson less than two laps to take over the lead, as he raced from his tenth starting spot. From there on, Anderson never looked back on his way to the checkers. Father Jeff Anderson, started fifth, and chased his son the final handful of laps but could muster no better than the runner up spot. Gary Pfantz was third, holding back fourth place finisher Justin Wacha, and last week's winner Leah Wroten, was fifth. This was Anderson's eighth win at Marshalltown this year. The only other winner's in the class this season have been Leah Wroten, Gene Nicklas, and Bill Bonnett...who was MIA last evening.
After a near photo finish last week...and a loss by inches, Damon Murty got to stand in Victory Lane this week in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car class. Murty started eighth, moved to the topside early, and stayed there, on his run to the flying checkers. Todd Reitzler started ninth, and followed in Murty's footsteps at the top of the track, but could only chase him across the line to finish second. Third went to tenth place starter Donavon Smith, pole sitter Scott Rice ran up front the entire race, and finished fourth, and Kyle Everts rounded out the top five. This was Murty's fourth feature win of the season, plus he also won the Frostbuster special.
Murty was interviewed in victory lane after his win, and stated that he was racing his second car last evening, the one that young son Dallon often pilots. Dallon, who is just twelve years old, won his first non-sanctioned stock car race last Saturday night at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City. Look for great things from this young man in the furture, who already has the moniker , "Game Changer".
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20 lap event next and it went caution free as well. Jesse Belez, in his home built race car, led the first ten laps, as Jenae Gustin began reeling him in. After a few laps of pestering Belez, Gustin made the move to first on lap eleven. She then distanced herself from the rest of the field, taking the checkers by a comfortable margin. Jake Murray finished second, winning the battle over Jon Snyder who was third. Fourth went to Todd Inman and Derek Reimer finished fifth. This was Jenae Gustin's first win at the track this season. It was a popular one for sure, as the fans were on their feet as she took the checkers.
The 20 lap IMCA Late Model feature was dominated by Richie Gustin. Gustin started seventh, and was leading when lap one was scored. The only caution of the race came at lap two when Joe Zrostlik and Curtis Glover tangled on the front stretch, closing out their night and mangling a couple of infield sponsor signs. When the race restarted, Gustin rocketed off, racing around the rim of the track... never seriously challenged. He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Todd Cooney who's attempt to reel in the winner fell short. Darrel DeFrance started eighth and came home in third place, fourth was Paul Conrad, and Paul Nagel was fifth. Gustin wins for the first time at Marshalltown this year. He followed up sister Jenae's win in the Modifieds.
We wandered the Central Iowa Fair earlier in the evening, finding some "fair food" at one of the stands, and then had an enjoyable night of sharing the racing action with friends. The program was run quickly, with few yellows flags, on a much moister track than the previous few weeks.
Travis Stensland continues his tear in the Mod Lite division, as he chalked up his fourth win in a row. Stensland started fourth, and had the lead before the first lap was scored. The race went caution free, and Stensland pulled away to win the race by a good margin over second place Joe Glick. Josh May started ninth, and finished a close third, fourth went to Joe Zrostlik and Bryan Zehm was fifth. Stensland also won back in May, in Mike Kennedy's "rent-a-ride" #95, making this his fifth victory at the track.
Sam Wieben made it to the winner's circle for the first time this season by winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Wieben started tenth and passed last week's winner Shawn Cooney on lap eleven, then sailed away to the win in the final laps. Travis Peterson came from eleventh starting spot to capture the runner up position, third went to twelfth place starter, Jared VanDeest, and Shawn Cooney was fourth, and Jake McBirnie completed the top five. The race went flag to flag.
Shannon Anderson got back to his winning ways in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock event. It took Anderson less than two laps to take over the lead, as he raced from his tenth starting spot. From there on, Anderson never looked back on his way to the checkers. Father Jeff Anderson, started fifth, and chased his son the final handful of laps but could muster no better than the runner up spot. Gary Pfantz was third, holding back fourth place finisher Justin Wacha, and last week's winner Leah Wroten, was fifth. This was Anderson's eighth win at Marshalltown this year. The only other winner's in the class this season have been Leah Wroten, Gene Nicklas, and Bill Bonnett...who was MIA last evening.
After a near photo finish last week...and a loss by inches, Damon Murty got to stand in Victory Lane this week in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car class. Murty started eighth, moved to the topside early, and stayed there, on his run to the flying checkers. Todd Reitzler started ninth, and followed in Murty's footsteps at the top of the track, but could only chase him across the line to finish second. Third went to tenth place starter Donavon Smith, pole sitter Scott Rice ran up front the entire race, and finished fourth, and Kyle Everts rounded out the top five. This was Murty's fourth feature win of the season, plus he also won the Frostbuster special.
Murty was interviewed in victory lane after his win, and stated that he was racing his second car last evening, the one that young son Dallon often pilots. Dallon, who is just twelve years old, won his first non-sanctioned stock car race last Saturday night at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City. Look for great things from this young man in the furture, who already has the moniker , "Game Changer".
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20 lap event next and it went caution free as well. Jesse Belez, in his home built race car, led the first ten laps, as Jenae Gustin began reeling him in. After a few laps of pestering Belez, Gustin made the move to first on lap eleven. She then distanced herself from the rest of the field, taking the checkers by a comfortable margin. Jake Murray finished second, winning the battle over Jon Snyder who was third. Fourth went to Todd Inman and Derek Reimer finished fifth. This was Jenae Gustin's first win at the track this season. It was a popular one for sure, as the fans were on their feet as she took the checkers.
The 20 lap IMCA Late Model feature was dominated by Richie Gustin. Gustin started seventh, and was leading when lap one was scored. The only caution of the race came at lap two when Joe Zrostlik and Curtis Glover tangled on the front stretch, closing out their night and mangling a couple of infield sponsor signs. When the race restarted, Gustin rocketed off, racing around the rim of the track... never seriously challenged. He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Todd Cooney who's attempt to reel in the winner fell short. Darrel DeFrance started eighth and came home in third place, fourth was Paul Conrad, and Paul Nagel was fifth. Gustin wins for the first time at Marshalltown this year. He followed up sister Jenae's win in the Modifieds.
We wandered the Central Iowa Fair earlier in the evening, finding some "fair food" at one of the stands, and then had an enjoyable night of sharing the racing action with friends. The program was run quickly, with few yellows flags, on a much moister track than the previous few weeks.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Elliott outlasts VanGenderen in a thriller at Boone
Weekly racing continued at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night with a nice field of 119 race cars checked into the pits. One first time winner emerged from the Mod Lite class, while all other divisions saw repeat winners...two taking back to back wins.
It was Randy Bryan earning his first win of the year in the 15-lap Mod Lite main event. Bryan led all laps on his way to victory. Bryan Zehm started eleventh, worked his way steadily through the field of cars and reeled in leader Bryan. Zehm tried a last moment surge to get around Bryan at the finish line, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Justin Rankin was third, Joel Keenan came from fifteenth starting spot to take fourth, and eleventh place starter, Larry Sorenson, completed the top five. Zehm continues to lead Mod Lite points.
Last week, Cory Pestotnik won the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, a career first victory. Saturday night, Pestotnik, won his second! He jumped to the immediate lead and again led all 18 laps on the way to the win. The final circuits saw eleventh place starter, Johnathon Logue, reel in the leader, but laps ran out for him to garner more than a second place finish. Shawn Albers took third place, pole sitter Chase Rudolf was fourth, and rookie to the class, John Watson, was fifth. Logue leads the points battle by a slim two points over Chad Ryerson.
Two drivers put on a great show up front in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature. Eric Elliiott caught early leader Brandon Williams, getting around him for the lead at lap seven. A few laps later, Elliott was being hunted down by point leader Mike VanGenderen, who was now running second. From there on, it was a lap after lap exciting race as the two ran nearly side by side, never touching. On this night, it was Eric Elliott being the victor, holding off VanGenderen in second. Third was nineteenth place starter, and last week's winner, Joel Bushore, veteran racer Robert Avery was fourth, and Tony Hilgenberg was scored fifth. This was Elliott's second feature win of the 2017 season at Boone.
Going into the night, the points battle in the Modified division was close among three drivers, VanGenderen, Elliott, and Russ Dickerson. Dickerson had mechanical issues earlier in the evening, and would have been a scratch for the feature until another racer stepped up. Jimmy Gustin offered his car to Dickerson for the feature. It's always great to see a driver helping out a fellow racer! After last night's racing, VanGenderen leads by six points over Elliott, while Dickerson has fallen back by 25 points.
Going into the night, the points battle in the Modified division was close among three drivers, VanGenderen, Elliott, and Russ Dickerson. Dickerson had mechanical issues earlier in the evening, and would have been a scratch for the feature until another racer stepped up. Jimmy Gustin offered his car to Dickerson for the feature. It's always great to see a driver helping out a fellow racer! After last night's racing, VanGenderen leads by six points over Elliott, while Dickerson has fallen back by 25 points.
The IMCA Stock Cars came next with their 18 lap A feature. Mark Hidlebaugh led the opening laps but eighth place starter, Robert Stofer, immediately went to the topside, and with his momentum upstairs, had the lead at lap four. Tenth place starter, Donavon Smith, followed suite, finding success at the top of the track as well. He tagged in behind Stofer to run in second. Stofer and Smith ran nose to tail, lap after lap, Smith taking peeks beneath him, looking for that edge. It finally paid off as Smith nosed past him at the flag stand on lap thirteen, to take the lead. Smith put a little distance between himself and Stofer in the final laps, and took his second win of the year. Wayne Gifford scored a third place finish, Kevin Opheim came from sixteenth starting spot, to take fourth, and pole sitter, Don Vis, was fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars were the only class on the docket for the July 4th Eve of Destruction show, which saw Kevin Opheim beating out point leader Jay Schmidt. Schmidt holds his point lead by six over Donavon Smith, Opheim fourteen points back, sitting in third.
The IMCA Stock Cars were the only class on the docket for the July 4th Eve of Destruction show, which saw Kevin Opheim beating out point leader Jay Schmidt. Schmidt holds his point lead by six over Donavon Smith, Opheim fourteen points back, sitting in third.
Tyler Thompson, second generation racer, found himself in victory lane for the third consecutive week after winning the 20 lap IMCA RaceSaver feature. Thompson took command at lap nine after getting around then leader Joel Thorpe, and from there on, never relinquished that top spot. He pulled away to a healthy lead and took the checkers by a comfortable margin. CJ Houseman finished as the runner up, third went to Newton, Iowa's Ben Woods, Michael Moore was fourth, and pole sitter, David Wignall, was fifth. Thompson has won for the last three consecutive weeks, and also has an earlier win, making it four for the year. Michael Moore continues his points lead over Michael Houseman.
Last night, for the second week in a row, a sprint car driver got out of his machine after an incident on the track. Not something you want to see while the cars are still on the track and under power, even under caution. Even more frustrating when the driver takes off his helmet to check his machine, and then decides that he can still race. Then has to put on his helmet, get back in his race car, and buckle in, causing an even longer delay. And for you sprint car lovers, I am not just chastising this class, this goes for ALL classes. When on the track, drivers please don't get out of your race car...unless of course, you are in a dangerous situation, like a fire for example. I believe this will be emphasized next week in the driver's meeting!
Last night, for the second week in a row, a sprint car driver got out of his machine after an incident on the track. Not something you want to see while the cars are still on the track and under power, even under caution. Even more frustrating when the driver takes off his helmet to check his machine, and then decides that he can still race. Then has to put on his helmet, get back in his race car, and buckle in, causing an even longer delay. And for you sprint car lovers, I am not just chastising this class, this goes for ALL classes. When on the track, drivers please don't get out of your race car...unless of course, you are in a dangerous situation, like a fire for example. I believe this will be emphasized next week in the driver's meeting!
The evening's finale was the 12 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Eric Stanton found himself inheriting the lead on lap three, when then leader Kevin Derry spun. Stanton was not about to give up that gift, and held strong to the top spot all the way to the flying checkers and the win. Chris Cox made his first appearance at the track this year, started fourteenth, and finished in second. Third was Ryan Wells, Jack Phillips was fourth and Todd Bass, fifth. Stanton now has four weekly wins, and also won the Frostbuster special. Wells continues and stretched his point lead last night, with his third place finish.
There's a lot of races coming up in the area, as unbelievably, our racing season begins to wind down. Go enjoy a race somewhere in support of the sport we all love.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Two Cooney's stand in victory lane, Duffy, Brandies, Wroten and Stensland also win
It was another night of close finishes at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night, one win being decided by inches. A father and son each stepped into victory lane, and new winners came from the Stock Car, SportMod and Hobby Stock classes.
The MADCRA Mod Lites had a healthy field of nineteen cars competing for their 15-lap A feature. It was Travis Stensland grabbing the lead from his third place starting spot at lap one, and from there on, never looked back. He took the win, his third in a row, by a comfortable margin over second place Mike Morrill. Joel Huggins finished in third, Josh May was fourth, and Erick Knutsen, Cedar Rapids, made his first trip to the High Banks, and took fifth after starting deep in the field. This was Stensland fourth win at Marshalltown this season.
Shawn Cooney, led all 18 laps of the IMCA Northern SportMod feature to capture his first win. Cooney started from the pole, and held off threats by Taylor Musselman much of the race. Musselman had to be content with the runner up spot, ninth place starter Sam Wieben was third, twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue was fourth and Jared VanDeest came from fourteenth, and finished fifth. Cooney had never won at the track previously.
It was an outstanding IMCA Hobby Stock feature as veteran racer, and multi-time IMCA National Stock Car Champion, Jeff Anderson, his son Shannon Anderson, a multi-time IMCA National Hobby Stock Champion, and lady racer Leah Wroten put on quite the show for the fans. Jeff Anderson jumped to the lead from starting outside the front row, but Leah Wroten was quickly up to challenge at lap four. Wroten, who had started eighth moved quickly to Anderson's bumper and began applying pressure. Meanwhile, Shannon Anderson had moved from tenth starting spot, and at lap eleven of the 15 lap race, was running third. The final few circuits was quite the show, as all three cars challenged constantly. Jeff Anderson was still holding down the top spot at lap fourteen, but Leah Wroten wasn't done quite yet. She was able to surge past Anderson as they came out of turn four looking at the checkers, and beat him to the win in a close one! Shannon Anderson was a close third. Eric Knutson harassed the top three much of the race, and wasn't far behind in fourth. Justin Wacha completed the top five. This was Wroten's first win at the track this season. She thanked many in her post-race interview and expressed how great it was to have just beaten, "the best of the best".
The IMCA Stock Cars followed up with their own exciting action packed 18 lap main event. The two putting on the show up front the entire race was David Brandies, and Damon Murty. Brandies started fourth, and quickly made his way to lead by lap one. Murty, who started eighth, was up to second by lap four. From then on, it was those same two up front, all eyes on them as they fought it out. Brandies stuck to his game plan, running low, while Murty would run the top in three and four, diving to the low side in turns one and two. The laps wound down, Brandies still maintaining his steadfast lead, Murty doing all he could to catch him. Murty tried a final push at the finish, hoping the topside momentum would surge him past Brandies, but it fell just short, giving Brandies the win...by inches, over second place Murty. Closing in behind the top two was Donavon Smith in third, fourth went to Michael Jaennette, and it was a close one for fifth and sixth, as the official results gave Todd Reitzler the edge over Steve Meyer. Brandies was another first time winner at the track in 2017.
Darin Duffy took the quick lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. He started fourth, and took command at lap three, passing early leader Trent Jackson. Duffy was still leading when the race was red flagged at lap thirteen, when Jackson rolled his machine off of the top of turns three and four in spectacular fashion! It was mentioned that he hit a motor home sitting just off the track's edge in the pits. Jackson was okay. When the race resumed, Cayden Carter was now running in second, Jeff Aikey was in third, and Jake Murray was fourth. Duffy got the jump and rocketed off, as the race went green. Duffy threw off a final challenge by Carter at the checkers, sealing the win. Carter finished second, third was Jeff Aikey, Jake Strayer took fourth and Jake Murray was fifth. Duffy now has four wins at Marshalltown this season. His win was also a qualifier for the upcoming Harris Clash's "Dash at the Clash" coming up on August 8 at the Hamilton County Speedway. He also took home $1,000 for the win.
The night cap was 20 laps of IMCA Late Model racing. Hometown racer Darrel DeFrance led the early portion of the race, only to have Todd Cooney quickly on his tail. DeFrance and Cooney ran side by side across the finish line at lap ten and a lap later, Cooney had made the pass for the lead. He then put distance between himself and his competition, and took the win by a comfortable distance over second place Richie Gustin. Gustin had started eighth and made some exciting moves to garner the runner up spot. Third went to John Emerson, Darrel DeFrance was fourth, and Joe Zrostlik, was fifth. Cooney picked up his fifth win of the season, and was the second Cooney to set foot in the winner's circle on the night, after son Shawn had done so earlier in the SportMod division.
The racing last evening had a lot of family ties running circles around the track. I recall Jeff and Shannon Anderson, Todd and Shawn Cooney, Jimmy, Richie and Jenae Gustin, Cayden and Brayton Carter, Tom and Zach Rawlins, Todd and Taylor Inman, Josh and Chelsea May, Erick and Darrick Knutson and Kyle and Ross Olson. Racing blood runs strong!
Check the racing calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Support the sport we all love!
The MADCRA Mod Lites had a healthy field of nineteen cars competing for their 15-lap A feature. It was Travis Stensland grabbing the lead from his third place starting spot at lap one, and from there on, never looked back. He took the win, his third in a row, by a comfortable margin over second place Mike Morrill. Joel Huggins finished in third, Josh May was fourth, and Erick Knutsen, Cedar Rapids, made his first trip to the High Banks, and took fifth after starting deep in the field. This was Stensland fourth win at Marshalltown this season.
Shawn Cooney, led all 18 laps of the IMCA Northern SportMod feature to capture his first win. Cooney started from the pole, and held off threats by Taylor Musselman much of the race. Musselman had to be content with the runner up spot, ninth place starter Sam Wieben was third, twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue was fourth and Jared VanDeest came from fourteenth, and finished fifth. Cooney had never won at the track previously.
It was an outstanding IMCA Hobby Stock feature as veteran racer, and multi-time IMCA National Stock Car Champion, Jeff Anderson, his son Shannon Anderson, a multi-time IMCA National Hobby Stock Champion, and lady racer Leah Wroten put on quite the show for the fans. Jeff Anderson jumped to the lead from starting outside the front row, but Leah Wroten was quickly up to challenge at lap four. Wroten, who had started eighth moved quickly to Anderson's bumper and began applying pressure. Meanwhile, Shannon Anderson had moved from tenth starting spot, and at lap eleven of the 15 lap race, was running third. The final few circuits was quite the show, as all three cars challenged constantly. Jeff Anderson was still holding down the top spot at lap fourteen, but Leah Wroten wasn't done quite yet. She was able to surge past Anderson as they came out of turn four looking at the checkers, and beat him to the win in a close one! Shannon Anderson was a close third. Eric Knutson harassed the top three much of the race, and wasn't far behind in fourth. Justin Wacha completed the top five. This was Wroten's first win at the track this season. She thanked many in her post-race interview and expressed how great it was to have just beaten, "the best of the best".
The IMCA Stock Cars followed up with their own exciting action packed 18 lap main event. The two putting on the show up front the entire race was David Brandies, and Damon Murty. Brandies started fourth, and quickly made his way to lead by lap one. Murty, who started eighth, was up to second by lap four. From then on, it was those same two up front, all eyes on them as they fought it out. Brandies stuck to his game plan, running low, while Murty would run the top in three and four, diving to the low side in turns one and two. The laps wound down, Brandies still maintaining his steadfast lead, Murty doing all he could to catch him. Murty tried a final push at the finish, hoping the topside momentum would surge him past Brandies, but it fell just short, giving Brandies the win...by inches, over second place Murty. Closing in behind the top two was Donavon Smith in third, fourth went to Michael Jaennette, and it was a close one for fifth and sixth, as the official results gave Todd Reitzler the edge over Steve Meyer. Brandies was another first time winner at the track in 2017.
Darin Duffy took the quick lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. He started fourth, and took command at lap three, passing early leader Trent Jackson. Duffy was still leading when the race was red flagged at lap thirteen, when Jackson rolled his machine off of the top of turns three and four in spectacular fashion! It was mentioned that he hit a motor home sitting just off the track's edge in the pits. Jackson was okay. When the race resumed, Cayden Carter was now running in second, Jeff Aikey was in third, and Jake Murray was fourth. Duffy got the jump and rocketed off, as the race went green. Duffy threw off a final challenge by Carter at the checkers, sealing the win. Carter finished second, third was Jeff Aikey, Jake Strayer took fourth and Jake Murray was fifth. Duffy now has four wins at Marshalltown this season. His win was also a qualifier for the upcoming Harris Clash's "Dash at the Clash" coming up on August 8 at the Hamilton County Speedway. He also took home $1,000 for the win.
The night cap was 20 laps of IMCA Late Model racing. Hometown racer Darrel DeFrance led the early portion of the race, only to have Todd Cooney quickly on his tail. DeFrance and Cooney ran side by side across the finish line at lap ten and a lap later, Cooney had made the pass for the lead. He then put distance between himself and his competition, and took the win by a comfortable distance over second place Richie Gustin. Gustin had started eighth and made some exciting moves to garner the runner up spot. Third went to John Emerson, Darrel DeFrance was fourth, and Joe Zrostlik, was fifth. Cooney picked up his fifth win of the season, and was the second Cooney to set foot in the winner's circle on the night, after son Shawn had done so earlier in the SportMod division.
The racing last evening had a lot of family ties running circles around the track. I recall Jeff and Shannon Anderson, Todd and Shawn Cooney, Jimmy, Richie and Jenae Gustin, Cayden and Brayton Carter, Tom and Zach Rawlins, Todd and Taylor Inman, Josh and Chelsea May, Erick and Darrick Knutson and Kyle and Ross Olson. Racing blood runs strong!
Check the racing calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Support the sport we all love!
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Carter takes Stock Car Shootout Night #2
It was a better race track that greeted drivers and fans for Night #2 of the 22nd Annual Budweiser/Musco Lighting IMCA Stock Car Shootout. It wasn't unusual to see drivers going three and four wide throughout the night, as they all had visions of the top prize.
The IMCA Sport Compacts were vying for $500 for the second night, in their 14 lap event. Craig Bangert was a new entrant from the previous night, and set the pace immediately in the feature from his lucky pole position redraw. Bangert, from Golden, Illinois, was never seriously threatened, as he lead the entire caution free race and crossed under the flying checkers first. Trent Orwig chased him all of the laps to finish as the runner up. Another new entrant on the night, Brandon Lambert, Carthage, Illinois, started ninth, and finished in third. Fourth went to tenth place starter Brandon Housley, and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin, completed the top five.
There was another $1,000 payday awaiting the winner of the IMCA Northern SportMod winner in their 16 lap run. Once again, it was Curtis VanDerWal going home with the prize. He passed early leader Eric Flander at lap two, and then stretched out his lead to more than a straight away. A yellow flew at lap nine, bunching up the field for the restart....Flander still holding second spot. Flander ran out of luck just a lap later, when he brought out the next caution when he hit the outside guardrail hard at the top of turn three, ending his night. The restart saw VanDerWal sail off once again, content to let the cars behind duke it out for position. He easily won for the second night in a row, marking the seventh time this season to stand in victory lane. Cousins Carter VanDenBerg and Brayton Carter had been waging a friendly battle for the runner up spot, with eighth place starter VanDenBerg winning out as they finished second and third respectively. Austin Paul took fourth place and Blaine Webster finished fifth after starting eleventh.
Veteran racer Kelly Shryock was not going to be denied a win in the IMCA Modified 16 lapper. Starting from the pole after drawing spot #1, Shryock rocketed off to the lead, soon to have Cayden Carter chasing him, with Woodbine, Iowa's Jon Plowman close behind him. Shryock contentedly continued his run to the finish line, sealing the $1,000 win. Meanwhile, most eyes were on the battle for second place. Carter and Plowman went back and forth for second, but at the finish, it was Plowman winning out for second place, Carter taking third. Jason Murray took fourth place and Todd Inman was fifth.
In the post race interview by fill-in announcer Jerry Mackey for the second night, Shryock said he plans on racing, "until I grow up and figure out what I want to do".
The unbeatable Shannon Anderson had to start tenth in the starting line up of the $1,000 to win 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. It didn't matter. He diced through the field, taking the lead with just a handful of laps down, and sailed easily to the win for the second night in a row. Aaron Martin finished in second place, pole sitter Bradley Graham was third, and it was a battle of veteran racers for fourth and fifth, with Jeff Anderson just finishing ahead of Bill Bonnett. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season....nine for nine.
The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car headliner. Since the weather forecast had merited a format change earlier in the week, tonight's winner would be seeking a $1,500 pay off. As the race started, it was a bit hard to keep track of which car was which as Kyle Brown...piloting the second car of Damon Murty...led Damon Murty! Thank goodness for the bright yellow stripe at the bottom of Damon's car for my identifying marker! Murty took over, and fifth place starter Cayden Carter quickly moved from fifth to second, Brown hanging on to third. The three would go three-wide at lap three, and when lap four was scored, Carter had made the successful move into the lead. As the race wore on, Carter kept his "Orange Crush" machine at the point, Murty still chasing him. Further back in the field, there was a pack of cars in a "glob" all trying to sort themselves out for position. That mass of cars would bring out a yellow at lap eleven. When the race restarted, Carter would lead the field to green, but now it was longtime racer Johnny Spaw sitting in second after getting around Murty.
Another yellow would fly with fifteen laps down, the top three cars unchanged. Nathan Wood had come from tenth spot, to run in fourth and fifth place Brown had just dropped out with mechanical issues, leaving Donovan Nunnikhoven and Mike Hughes in a tight battle for fifth now. The final five laps went caution free, and Carter never wavered as he took the win. Spaw finished second, Murty went third, Nathan Wood was fourth, and twenty-second place starter Mike Hughes rounded out the top five.
The show moved right along last night, as the final checkers fell at 9:15 p.m. The track was soaked when we arrived and soon the packing began. There was a definite change in the track conditions from the previous night as a distinct low and high groove was the racing routes. We understand that the track was not watered as had been expected by promoter Mike VanGenderen before night number one of the Shootout, but he personally saw to it that it got plenty of moisture for racing last evening.
As we traveled to the south to Osky last evening, we were a bit concerned about the looming clouds in that direction, as well as when we checked radar. We were hoping that the "sky would part" and rain would not wash out night #2. Thankfully, no more than huge gusts of wind, darkening skies, and a pleasant drop in temperatures occurred.
We noted that several out of state drivers trekked to race at the "Monster" half-mile this year. Those that come to mind are Mike and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin and Denny Berghahn, Jr. from Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Bryan Vannausdale, from Nebraska City, Nebraska ran in the Sport Compact division along with Illinois winner Craig Bangert. Austen Beccera represented Illinois in the SportMod class last evening. Jeremy Christians represented Wisconsin in the Stock Car division, along with Abe Huls, Illinois, Derrick Agee, Missouri, and Michael Sheen, Texas.
The 22nd running of the IMCA Stock Car Shootout at Osky is now in the books. There is no racing at the track tonight, but regular Wednesday night racing returns on July 12, for the Dave Lowry Memorial race.
The IMCA Sport Compacts were vying for $500 for the second night, in their 14 lap event. Craig Bangert was a new entrant from the previous night, and set the pace immediately in the feature from his lucky pole position redraw. Bangert, from Golden, Illinois, was never seriously threatened, as he lead the entire caution free race and crossed under the flying checkers first. Trent Orwig chased him all of the laps to finish as the runner up. Another new entrant on the night, Brandon Lambert, Carthage, Illinois, started ninth, and finished in third. Fourth went to tenth place starter Brandon Housley, and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin, completed the top five.
There was another $1,000 payday awaiting the winner of the IMCA Northern SportMod winner in their 16 lap run. Once again, it was Curtis VanDerWal going home with the prize. He passed early leader Eric Flander at lap two, and then stretched out his lead to more than a straight away. A yellow flew at lap nine, bunching up the field for the restart....Flander still holding second spot. Flander ran out of luck just a lap later, when he brought out the next caution when he hit the outside guardrail hard at the top of turn three, ending his night. The restart saw VanDerWal sail off once again, content to let the cars behind duke it out for position. He easily won for the second night in a row, marking the seventh time this season to stand in victory lane. Cousins Carter VanDenBerg and Brayton Carter had been waging a friendly battle for the runner up spot, with eighth place starter VanDenBerg winning out as they finished second and third respectively. Austin Paul took fourth place and Blaine Webster finished fifth after starting eleventh.
Veteran racer Kelly Shryock was not going to be denied a win in the IMCA Modified 16 lapper. Starting from the pole after drawing spot #1, Shryock rocketed off to the lead, soon to have Cayden Carter chasing him, with Woodbine, Iowa's Jon Plowman close behind him. Shryock contentedly continued his run to the finish line, sealing the $1,000 win. Meanwhile, most eyes were on the battle for second place. Carter and Plowman went back and forth for second, but at the finish, it was Plowman winning out for second place, Carter taking third. Jason Murray took fourth place and Todd Inman was fifth.
In the post race interview by fill-in announcer Jerry Mackey for the second night, Shryock said he plans on racing, "until I grow up and figure out what I want to do".
The unbeatable Shannon Anderson had to start tenth in the starting line up of the $1,000 to win 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. It didn't matter. He diced through the field, taking the lead with just a handful of laps down, and sailed easily to the win for the second night in a row. Aaron Martin finished in second place, pole sitter Bradley Graham was third, and it was a battle of veteran racers for fourth and fifth, with Jeff Anderson just finishing ahead of Bill Bonnett. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season....nine for nine.
The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car headliner. Since the weather forecast had merited a format change earlier in the week, tonight's winner would be seeking a $1,500 pay off. As the race started, it was a bit hard to keep track of which car was which as Kyle Brown...piloting the second car of Damon Murty...led Damon Murty! Thank goodness for the bright yellow stripe at the bottom of Damon's car for my identifying marker! Murty took over, and fifth place starter Cayden Carter quickly moved from fifth to second, Brown hanging on to third. The three would go three-wide at lap three, and when lap four was scored, Carter had made the successful move into the lead. As the race wore on, Carter kept his "Orange Crush" machine at the point, Murty still chasing him. Further back in the field, there was a pack of cars in a "glob" all trying to sort themselves out for position. That mass of cars would bring out a yellow at lap eleven. When the race restarted, Carter would lead the field to green, but now it was longtime racer Johnny Spaw sitting in second after getting around Murty.
Another yellow would fly with fifteen laps down, the top three cars unchanged. Nathan Wood had come from tenth spot, to run in fourth and fifth place Brown had just dropped out with mechanical issues, leaving Donovan Nunnikhoven and Mike Hughes in a tight battle for fifth now. The final five laps went caution free, and Carter never wavered as he took the win. Spaw finished second, Murty went third, Nathan Wood was fourth, and twenty-second place starter Mike Hughes rounded out the top five.
The show moved right along last night, as the final checkers fell at 9:15 p.m. The track was soaked when we arrived and soon the packing began. There was a definite change in the track conditions from the previous night as a distinct low and high groove was the racing routes. We understand that the track was not watered as had been expected by promoter Mike VanGenderen before night number one of the Shootout, but he personally saw to it that it got plenty of moisture for racing last evening.
As we traveled to the south to Osky last evening, we were a bit concerned about the looming clouds in that direction, as well as when we checked radar. We were hoping that the "sky would part" and rain would not wash out night #2. Thankfully, no more than huge gusts of wind, darkening skies, and a pleasant drop in temperatures occurred.
We noted that several out of state drivers trekked to race at the "Monster" half-mile this year. Those that come to mind are Mike and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin and Denny Berghahn, Jr. from Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Bryan Vannausdale, from Nebraska City, Nebraska ran in the Sport Compact division along with Illinois winner Craig Bangert. Austen Beccera represented Illinois in the SportMod class last evening. Jeremy Christians represented Wisconsin in the Stock Car division, along with Abe Huls, Illinois, Derrick Agee, Missouri, and Michael Sheen, Texas.
The 22nd running of the IMCA Stock Car Shootout at Osky is now in the books. There is no racing at the track tonight, but regular Wednesday night racing returns on July 12, for the Dave Lowry Memorial race.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Jerovetz tops Stock Cars at Shoot Out
The first night of the 22nd Annual IMCA Budweiser/Musco Lighting Stock Car Shootout in Osky is in the books. Two surprising winners came from both the Stock Car and the Modified classes, both taking their first wins at the track. There was $1,000 each to the winner of the Stock Car, Modified, SportMod and Hobby Stock, and $500 for the Sport Compact.
The IMCA Sport Compacts kicked off the feature racing. Nathan Chandler, son of the late racing legend Merv Chandler, took the lead immediately, and never looked back. He withstood at least three caution flag restarts, but nothing deterred him on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Josh Barnes. Third place was Daniel Fellows....who crossed the line in spectacular fashion! He was pushed across the line sideways by fourth place finisher Trent Orwig. Fellows then rolled just past the flag stand. He was not hurt. Nick VanHemert completed the top five.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event saw Curtis VanDerWal back in victory lane once again. He caught Carter VanDenBerg at lap nine, and they put on a good show for the fans... running side by side at times. Cautions would fly each time that VanDerWal would just nip VanDenBerg, and the restart was then reverted back to the last completed lap, putting VanDenBerg back in the lead to restart the race. The third time was the charm for VanDerWal however, and he made the pass successful on lap twelve. He then put some distance between himself and the pack, and took the checkers easily. Tim Plummer, got by VanDenBerg with two laps to go, as they finished second and third. Austin Paul, who led the opening laps, was fourth and Logan Anderson was fifth.
A young racer, Jarrett Brown, whom we had never seen before, put it to the field of IMCA Modified drivers, leading the feature all 20 laps. Colt Mather gave him some good looks a few times, but he had to be content with the runner up spot. Veteran racer Kelly Shryock just got by Cayden Carter at the finish line, as they went third and fourth. Brandon Banks rounded out the top five. Brown, from Ainsworth, Iowa will be a sophomore in high school this coming year, and will turn 16 next week. He looks to have a future in racing!
The early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw an interesting scenario. Jeff Anderson, multi-time IMCA National Stock Car champion, led his son, Shannon Anderson, multi-time IMCA Hobby Stock champion. Shannon knocked on Dad's door several times before nosing under him to lead at lap seven. The final laps saw Shannon drive off to take another comfortable win. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season, though tonight, he was not under the bounty. Jason Fusselman, Shelby, Iowa, and who races at the Crawford County Speedway in Denison, Iowa, just got by Brandon Cox in the final moments as they went second and third in that order. Aaron Martin took fourth and Scott Shull was fifth.
The finale was the 20 lap Stock Car feature. Michael Sheen, driving the #195 (the 9 was so small, it looked like #15) from Lamesa, Texas, paced the field for the opening laps, only to have Troy Jerovetz take command as lap four was scored. Jerovetz continued his run at the front, soon to be dogged by Dustin Griffiths, and other big time company in Damon Murty and Nathan Wood. Todd Reitzler threw his hat in the ring as well and battled for position. However, Jerovetz never waivered, and took the checkers for the win. Murty won the battle for second place over Wood in third, Griffiths in fourth and Reitzler in fifth. EDIT: A check of the results shows that Griffiths was scored 19th, (I believe he was caught up in an incident in turn four in the final moments) thus putting Reitzler to fourth, and Abe Huls to fifth. We have just noticed Jerovetz showing up in some results in the area lately. He is a transplanted Wisconsinite, who is now calling Webster City, Iowa home. I believe, he use to drive the #01 SportMod a few years back, and earlier in his career, was a hockey player and known as "The General". Don't quote me on that though! EDIT: Jerovetz ran the 01 car that looked like the General Lee. Knew there was some connection there. Jeremy Hedrick was known as the "Captain" from his hockey days. I got them confused.
It brought back memories to hear the familiar call of, "Hello Race Fans", from the announcer's stand last night. Jerry Mackey was back in the house, filling in for usual man on the mic, Tony Paris. Mackey made Wednesday night's his announcing home, back in the day.
The weather forecast has been a worry lately, and once again, The "R" word was thrown into the mix for the 3rd and the 4th. The call was made to make the Shootout, two complete shows this year due to that threat. Tonight will be another complete show. It was announced that 114 cars were checked in last evening, and tonight, I would expect more. Time will tell. Why not join us for some 4th of July racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
The IMCA Sport Compacts kicked off the feature racing. Nathan Chandler, son of the late racing legend Merv Chandler, took the lead immediately, and never looked back. He withstood at least three caution flag restarts, but nothing deterred him on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Josh Barnes. Third place was Daniel Fellows....who crossed the line in spectacular fashion! He was pushed across the line sideways by fourth place finisher Trent Orwig. Fellows then rolled just past the flag stand. He was not hurt. Nick VanHemert completed the top five.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event saw Curtis VanDerWal back in victory lane once again. He caught Carter VanDenBerg at lap nine, and they put on a good show for the fans... running side by side at times. Cautions would fly each time that VanDerWal would just nip VanDenBerg, and the restart was then reverted back to the last completed lap, putting VanDenBerg back in the lead to restart the race. The third time was the charm for VanDerWal however, and he made the pass successful on lap twelve. He then put some distance between himself and the pack, and took the checkers easily. Tim Plummer, got by VanDenBerg with two laps to go, as they finished second and third. Austin Paul, who led the opening laps, was fourth and Logan Anderson was fifth.
A young racer, Jarrett Brown, whom we had never seen before, put it to the field of IMCA Modified drivers, leading the feature all 20 laps. Colt Mather gave him some good looks a few times, but he had to be content with the runner up spot. Veteran racer Kelly Shryock just got by Cayden Carter at the finish line, as they went third and fourth. Brandon Banks rounded out the top five. Brown, from Ainsworth, Iowa will be a sophomore in high school this coming year, and will turn 16 next week. He looks to have a future in racing!
The early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw an interesting scenario. Jeff Anderson, multi-time IMCA National Stock Car champion, led his son, Shannon Anderson, multi-time IMCA Hobby Stock champion. Shannon knocked on Dad's door several times before nosing under him to lead at lap seven. The final laps saw Shannon drive off to take another comfortable win. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season, though tonight, he was not under the bounty. Jason Fusselman, Shelby, Iowa, and who races at the Crawford County Speedway in Denison, Iowa, just got by Brandon Cox in the final moments as they went second and third in that order. Aaron Martin took fourth and Scott Shull was fifth.
The finale was the 20 lap Stock Car feature. Michael Sheen, driving the #195 (the 9 was so small, it looked like #15) from Lamesa, Texas, paced the field for the opening laps, only to have Troy Jerovetz take command as lap four was scored. Jerovetz continued his run at the front, soon to be dogged by Dustin Griffiths, and other big time company in Damon Murty and Nathan Wood. Todd Reitzler threw his hat in the ring as well and battled for position. However, Jerovetz never waivered, and took the checkers for the win. Murty won the battle for second place over Wood in third, Griffiths in fourth and Reitzler in fifth. EDIT: A check of the results shows that Griffiths was scored 19th, (I believe he was caught up in an incident in turn four in the final moments) thus putting Reitzler to fourth, and Abe Huls to fifth. We have just noticed Jerovetz showing up in some results in the area lately. He is a transplanted Wisconsinite, who is now calling Webster City, Iowa home. I believe, he use to drive the #01 SportMod a few years back, and earlier in his career, was a hockey player and known as "The General". Don't quote me on that though! EDIT: Jerovetz ran the 01 car that looked like the General Lee. Knew there was some connection there. Jeremy Hedrick was known as the "Captain" from his hockey days. I got them confused.
It brought back memories to hear the familiar call of, "Hello Race Fans", from the announcer's stand last night. Jerry Mackey was back in the house, filling in for usual man on the mic, Tony Paris. Mackey made Wednesday night's his announcing home, back in the day.
The weather forecast has been a worry lately, and once again, The "R" word was thrown into the mix for the 3rd and the 4th. The call was made to make the Shootout, two complete shows this year due to that threat. Tonight will be another complete show. It was announced that 114 cars were checked in last evening, and tonight, I would expect more. Time will tell. Why not join us for some 4th of July racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
First career win for Pestotnik
Weekly racing continued at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. A nice field of 126 cars came to try their hand at taming the IMCA Super National's track. Two drivers got win number one for 2017, while four others saw repeat wins.
Things kicked off with the running of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature. Joel Huggins led the field from the get go, as he sought his first win of the season. His nemesis came with just two laps remaining, when Bryan Zehm was able to slip under him in turn four, to take over the top spot. Zehm then held it to the flying checkers and the win. Huggins finished as the runner up, pole sitter Randy Bryan was third, Justin Rankin took fourth and Josh May was fifth. Zehm won for the second week in a row, and chalked up his fourth victory of the season. The race went caution free.
Cory Pestotnik led the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap main, as soon as the race went green. He built himself more than a straight away lead as he cruised along, only to have it vanish when the only yellow of the race flew at lap seventeen. This would set up a green-white-checkered finish when the race restarted. Pestotnik was not to be denied on this night however, and he went on to capture his first career win in fine fashion. Australian racer, Frank Packer chased Pestotnik the entire race, and finished second. Eleventh place starter, Jake McBirnie raced all the way through the pack to finish third, Chad Ryerson started tenth, and finished fourth, and twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue completed the top five.
Pestotnik, who has been racing for only two years, has been close several times to capturing his first win. Tonight it did not elude him as he stamped it in the record books. It's always nice to see a driver get his first ever win, and even nicer to see all three of the other top finishers, rush to congratulate him as he sat in victory lane.
Pestotnik, who has been racing for only two years, has been close several times to capturing his first win. Tonight it did not elude him as he stamped it in the record books. It's always nice to see a driver get his first ever win, and even nicer to see all three of the other top finishers, rush to congratulate him as he sat in victory lane.
Earlier, after the three SportMod heats were run, the top three finishers ran a dash sponsored by TiLUBE. The drivers started three abreast and ran for nine laps. Johnathon Logue led the entire nine laps to take the win.
The IMCA Modifieds had trouble getting into their racing rhythm as several yellows flew in the first seven laps. Joel Bushore started fourth, and had maintained the lead throughout all those caution flag restarts. He was a determined racer when he was finally able to stretch his lead over his opponents in the latter half of the race, sealing his third win of the year. Russ Dickerson took second over Jimmy Gustin in third, Al Wolfgram started fourteenth and finished fourth, and eleventh place starter Josh Truman finished fifth. VanGenderen now leads the points battle, after Eric Elliott was caught up in an early race incident, unable to continue.
Trent Murphy won for the second time at the speedway in the IMCA Stock Car class. Murphy snatched the lead away from Jay Schmidt on lap fourteen, and then continued on to the checkers. Schmidt let out a puff of smoke in the final moments of the race, but held on to second, barely ahead of third place finisher Donavon Smith. Matt West and Russ Byriel completed the top five. Schmidt continues to lead points, two up on Smith.
The 20-lap IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature went to Tyler Thompson, for the second time in as many weeks. Thompson finished well ahead of second place Ben Woods. CJ Houseman took third, fourth was Michael Houseman, Michael Thompson fifth, and Michael Moore, sixth.
Moore did not start off well, and flipped into the wall and fence coming out of turn four, just as the race began. He was okay, but the fence did not fair too well. He was righted, crumpled wing and all, and restarted at the tail. He made a great recoup to finish sixth, and keep his point lead.
Moore did not start off well, and flipped into the wall and fence coming out of turn four, just as the race began. He was okay, but the fence did not fair too well. He was righted, crumpled wing and all, and restarted at the tail. He made a great recoup to finish sixth, and keep his point lead.
The night ended with the running of the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Shaun Wirtz took the lead at lap one, but Solomon Bennett quickly got to his rear bumper. Bennett pressured Wirtz for several laps and was finally able to make the pass for first with two laps remaining. He then kept it to the finish to secure his first win this season. Wirtz held on to second place, Gregg Anderson was third, last week's winner Todd Bass raced from fourteenth starting spot, to finish fourth, and Dustin Lynch was fifth. Point leader Ryan Wells had a ninth place finish, still holding on to his top spot.
Next up at Boone Speedway, is the 4th of July spectacular which will include the IMCA Stock Cars along with a roll-over contest, backward bus races, train of death, outhouse races, fireworks and more. Gates are scheduled to open at 6 p.m., hot laps at 6:30 and racing begins at 7:30. Next Saturday, July 8, is another regular points night. It is Iowa National Guard night, and any military personnel, past or present, will get in free with a military ID.
We are planning to attend the 22nd annual Budweiser/Musco Lighting Stock Car Shoot Out at the Southern Iowa Speedway, July 3 and 4. There is good money on the line in all classes. Check out their Facebook page under Southern Iowa Speedway Every Wednesday for the flyer showing classes and payout. Happy racing this holiday weekend...and be safe.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Glover and Nicklas new winners at Marshalltown, track wins over Mother Nature
The fans saw some excellent racing once again at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night. There were 131 race cars filling the pits, two new faces got to grace victory lane, and on this night, Mother Nature did not win.
Travis Stensland won the Mod Lite feature for the second week in a row, as he led the 15-lap caution free feature, flag to flag. Stensland finished comfortably ahead of second place Charlie Brown, Josh May nipped Bryan Zehm at the line as they went third and fourth, and Mike Morrill took fifth place.This is Stensland's third feature win of the season at Marshalltown.
Only one caution at lap one, marred the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Jami Ritter looked strong leading the early portion of the race, but Jake McBirnie and Jared VanDeest were quickly up to challenge. VanDeest took command at lap eight, and from there on, was able to hold on, shaking off the repeated attempts of McBirnie, to take the win. McBirnie finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, fourth went to tenth place starter, Johnathon Logue, and visiting driver from Osky, Brayton Carter started eleventh, and finished fifth. VanDeest scored a win for the second time in 2017.
After being so close to a win for several weeks, it was finally Grinnell, Iowa driver Gene Nicklas' turn to visit victory lane in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Nicklas started third, and jumped to the lead almost immediately. Nicklas was leading when the red came out at lap eight, when Dillon Million took a nasty barrel roll on the front stretch. He was thankfully okay. When the racing resumed, the familiar #78 of Shannon Anderson was up to second, and anxious for the restart. Nicklas shot off to the lead once more, and though Anderson threw everything at him, this week Nicklas shook the threats off, and took the checkers. Anderson had to be content with second place, Eric Knutson was third, fourth went to Leah Wroten, and Luke Bird completed the top five. Nicklas was a happy winner in victory lane, expressing his elation at finally getting the victory that had eluded him more than once this year.
Todd Reitzler took command of the IMCA Stock Car feature, passing Michael Jaennette for the lead with a handful of laps down. From then on, Reitzler maneuvered his ride around the rim of the track to perfection, and secured his third win of the season. He finished well ahead of second place Michael Jaennette. It was a tight one at the finish line between Dave Atcher in third, and Donavon Smith in fourth, as well as fifth and sixth place finishers, Jeff Mueller and Jay Schmidt.
Cayden Carter, the talented Oskaloosa, Iowa driver, took home the $1,000 prize money in the IMCA 20-lap Modified A main. Carter worked his way from eleventh starting spot, and into the lead at lap ten. Another Oskaloosa driver, Ron VerBeek, chased Carter much of the second portion of the race, and finished second. Jake Strayer was third, last week's winner Joel Rust, was fourth and Tim Ward was fifth. Carter claimed his second win at the track.
Curtis Glover out ran the rest of the field in the IMCA Late Model 20-lap night cap, as well as the rain drops that began to fall, taking his first feature win at Marshalltown. Glover led the non-stop race, green to checkers. Todd Cooney was the runner up, Darrel DeFrance was third, fourth went to Joe Zrostlik, and Paul Nagle rounded out the top five. Glover flirted with disaster during his run to the checkers. He ran the rim of the track in the corners, but avoided any issues on his way to the win.
A few notes on the evening. Oskaloosa, Iowa drivers came to have some fun at the high banks last evening, and had good showings. Cayden Carter won the Modified feature, and veteran racer Ron VerBeek finished second. Carter's brother Brayton Carter, had a top five finish in the SportMod class. It's not very often that two Grinnell, Iowa drivers have wins...especially on the same night, and back to back, but last evening fellow Grinnellian's Gene Nicklas in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Todd Reitzler, in the IMCA Stock cars, did just that.
It was another night of checking radar, and though the cell to the northwest was quite a distance away, it began to creep closer, and closer. The program was kicked into high gear during the final features, especially after a huge gust of wind had people scrambling to secure their belongings. Just an occasional rain drop could be felt in the final races, but just as the final checkered flag fell, those rain drops became heavier. This night, the Marshalltown Speedway shook it's fist at Mother Nature, and it won.
A few notes on the evening. Oskaloosa, Iowa drivers came to have some fun at the high banks last evening, and had good showings. Cayden Carter won the Modified feature, and veteran racer Ron VerBeek finished second. Carter's brother Brayton Carter, had a top five finish in the SportMod class. It's not very often that two Grinnell, Iowa drivers have wins...especially on the same night, and back to back, but last evening fellow Grinnellian's Gene Nicklas in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Todd Reitzler, in the IMCA Stock cars, did just that.
It was another night of checking radar, and though the cell to the northwest was quite a distance away, it began to creep closer, and closer. The program was kicked into high gear during the final features, especially after a huge gust of wind had people scrambling to secure their belongings. Just an occasional rain drop could be felt in the final races, but just as the final checkered flag fell, those rain drops became heavier. This night, the Marshalltown Speedway shook it's fist at Mother Nature, and it won.
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