G Money takes 10Gs and World Nationals title

The Marshalltown Speedway held Night #2 of the World Nationals Saturday night.  The headliner of the evening was the $10,000 to win IMCA Modified feature with also a full program of IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks. By the end of the show, not many were surprised who the winners were that stood in victory lane.

The first feature to hit the track was the 20-lap A main for the IMCA Northern SportMods.  Jared VanDeest led all laps in the caution free race to snare a World Nationals title.  VanDeest took the checkers well ahead of runner up Ethan Braaksma.  It was a close finish for third through fifth place with Jake McBirnie winning the battle and taking third.  McBirnie, who started ninth, held off fourth place Johnathon Logue, and a close fifth went to Clintonville, Wisconsin driver, Jason Ebert. VanDeest is no stranger to the winner's circle at Marshalltown, making this his fifth visit to victory lane in 2018 at the High Banks.

Dylan Nelson captured a World Nationals win in the IMCA Hobby Stock main event.  Nelson started third on the 24-car grid, and took command at lap five, never to look back on his way to the win.  Eric Knutson had an impressive run, coming from sixteenth starting spot to take the runner up position.  Third place went to the previous night's winner, Chanse Hollatz, fourth was Andrew Burg, and Aaron Rudolph completed the top five.  Nelson took his third win at Marshalltown in 2018.

Damon Murty, who has claimed the topside of the High Banks at Marshalltown as his own this season, was in top form Saturday night in winning the IMCA Stock Car feature.  Murty started fourth on the 24-car line up for the 20-lap main event, swung to his favored topside of the track, and had the lead at lap six.  Murty road the rim of the speedway to another victory, winning on cruise control.  Following a distant second, was the Murty team car, piloted by Kyle Brown.  Kyle Pfeifer, Hill City, Kansas finished third, fourth went to Friday night's winner, Jeff Mueller, and pole sitter, Travis VanStraten,  Hortonville, Wisconsin, rounded out the top five. Murty stepped into victory lane at Marshalltown for the eighth time in 2018.  

The grand finale was the 50-lap IMCA Modified feature, with a prize of $10,000 awaiting the winner. Ten drivers had locked themselves into the main event through points earned during Friday's  qualifying.  The starting 24-car field was completed through C qualifiers, and a Final Four last chance race. 

The impressive starting field of cars was brought to the frontstretch and out of car introductions were made to the large crowd on hand.  

Richie Gustin earned the pole starting position for the race, and when the green flag flew, he shot to the lead.  Gustin was still leading when a caution at lap six waved.  By this time, Jordan Grabouski, the hot shoe from Beatrice, Nebraska was running in second place and eager for the restart.  However, Gustin shot off to the lead once again.  Grabouski challenged Gustin once, sliding around him, only to have Gustin counter back and regain the lead.  A final caution flew with just two laps remaining, giving the contenders another opportunity to overtake Gustin in the final moments, but he was never seriously threatened, and swept home to take the win comfortably ahead of the field.  Grabouski held on to take the runner up spot, Cayden Carter took third place, Tim Ward was fourth, and Benji LaCrosse, a former World Nationals winner, finished fifth. Gustin copped his third win at Marshalltown this season.

The Saturday night program drew 155 drivers to the high banks at Marshalltown.  A few new drivers showed up in the support classes, and through attrition or other circumstances, some that had been in attendance on Friday night, were absent. Still, it was an impressive 155 cars in competition on the final night of the World Nationals.

Kenny Wallace was racing at the World Nationals this year.  As many of you know, he is quite the entertaining personality!  The former NASCAR racer from Missouri, known to many as "Herman" was racing the #99 car owned by his long-time friend Ricky Lemmens and a team car to Wisconsin racer Mike Mullen.  Wallace finished fourth in the Final Four last gasp race, to start 24th in the A main and finished 16th in the feature.

The track was wide and smooth last evening, and thankfully for the fans, the dust that rose was blowing away from the grandstand.  The winning drivers praised the track conditions,  

The racing season at the Marshalltown Speedway has now drawn to a close for the 2018 season, but looks forward to more racing action in 2019.

Who knows where our next racing adventure may be, but stay tuned as we may just have a few races left in us for 2018.   

  

World Nationals Night #1 wins to Mueller, Luellen, and Hollatz

Night #1 of the World Nationals at the Marshalltown Speedway was run on Friday night.  A huge field of 178 cars filled the pits to over flowing. The crowd was slow to fill in, but come race time, there was a good contingency of fans in the stands.  Drivers from twelve different states were on hand to try their hand on the high banks at Marshalltown.

The IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks all ran a full program and the IMCA Modifieds ran qualifying heats to try and lock themselves in to the top 10 in points for Saturday's $10,000 win finale.

The first feature of the evening was the 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event. With 42 cars checked into the class, two B mains were needed to whittle the starting field down to 24 cars. Jordan Bartz from Shawano, Wisconsin won the first B and Boone, Iowa's Jake McBirnie was victorious in the second.

Blaine Webster started on the outside front row and jumped to the lead as the race went green.  Webster was still leading when the race was red flagged at lap eight when Colton Nelson, Osceola, Iowa driver, flipped off of the track and landed in turn four.  Thankfully, Nelson was okay.

When the race resumed, it was now Austin Luellen that had marched from twelfth starting spot, to trail the leader Webster for the restart.  It was just one lap later that Luellen took command of the ship, and from there on held it the remaining distance to the flying checkers and the win.  Jared VanDeest finished as the runner up, just beating out Curtis VanDerWal in third.  Fourth went to Beatrice, Nebraska driver, Lance Borgman who had started in fourteenth, and Ethan Braaksma completed the top five.

The IMCA Hobby Stocks fielded 33 cars, and they required a B main to complete their 24 car starting grid for the 20-lap feature. Aaron Rudolph won that consy.

Dylan Nelson took advantage of his pole starting position and immediately took the lead.  Nelson was looking poised to take the checkers as the race wound down, but Chanse Hollatz had other ideas.  Hollatz had moved up from his eleventh starting spot and had been chasing Nelson much of the race.  A caution flew late in the race which put Hollatz on the leaders tail for the restart. With just two laps left, Hollatz made the decision to slide to the top of turns 1 and 2, and it was the right move.  Hollatz took the lead, and kept it to the finish.  Nelson had to settle for the runner up spot, Gene Nicklas finished third, and Kyle Parizek just beat out Leah Wroten as they went fourth and fifth respectively.

The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars had 39 cars in competition, requiring two B mains to set their 24-car feature event. Jason See and Tom Cannon took those wins.

Jeff Mueller started fourth and wasted little time in getting to the top spot.  Mueller had command at lap four, and from there on out, led the remainder of the laps to secure the win easily.  The fight for second and third was a close one with Kyle Brown in Dallon Murty's Stock Car,  just beating out Damon Murty as they finished in that order.  Not far behind was track champion Todd Reitzler in fourth, and Dave Atcher rounded out the top five.

An impressive field of 64 IMCA Modifieds did battle. They were vying for a top 10 in points acquired through passing points and their finishing position of two sets of heats---the second heat a complete inversion of the first.  Those drivers locked in for tomorrow night's $10,000 to win World National's 50-lap feature are: Richie Gustin, Cody Laney, Jordan Grabouski, Tim Ward, Darin Duffy, Chris Abelson, Terry Phillips, Cayden Carter, Kurt Kile, and Kelly Shryock.

There will be another complete show Saturday night for the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks along with the $10,000 to win IMCA Modified headliner.  The green flag is scheduled to drop at 6 p.m.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly at 2018 Super Nationals

The 2018 running of the IMCA Super Nationals was certainly one that those in attendance will never forget...us included.  We were there the entire time, and Mother Nature was sure doing her best to kill the entire show.  It didn't happen.  The 2018 Super Nationals is in the books.

Monday, Labor Day and the first day of the scheduled Super Nationals did not dawn with optimism. Rain, rain, and more rain, but we headed to the track despite it all.  The call to move the IMCA Deery Brothers show to Thursday was made.  The jet dryer was on the track from 1:45 to 2:45 and then the green machines hit the track.  It is approximately 3 hours after it stops raining that racing can get started.  However, a shower about 3:15 delayed that a bit, though the John Deere's stayed on the track.  The green flag dropped at 5:26 and the racing for day #1 was completed at 11:24.

Tuesday, Day #2 and racing began at 1:53.  The call was made early that the IMCA Sport Compacts which were to run their entire show that day, would be dropped from this year's Super Nationals since there was no other slot available to make up their program.  The forecast was sounding horrible.  The racing was clicked off efficiently but then the rain began once again at 5:39 p.m.  Torrential rain!  A decision was to be made at 10 p.m. if racing would pick back up, but Mother Nature was relentless, and there was no more racing Day #2. 

Day #3, Wednesday and there was more mud and water than we've every seen at the Super Nationals in our 31 years of attendance, and it was still raining!  Finally we heard that the jet dryer was on the track....thanks to racing family letting us know as we waited it out in our hotel in Ames.  The first heat hit the track at 6:02 p.m. and we raced until 12:13 a.m.

Thursday, Day #4 and the hard decision was made to cancel the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model show that had been moved from Monday.  The pits were a mess and just no where to put the popular wide-bodies and their haulers.

Thursday was a long day, starting at 8 a.m. with some brief hot laps, and ending 16 hours and 45 minutes later at 12:45 a.m. on Friday morning.  But....the Super Nationals were all caught up!

Friday, Day #5 and what a welcome relief!  No rain, things were drying up, racing began right at 2 p.m., and the day's scheduled show was completed at 11:14 p.m.!

Day #6 and the Big Dance finale!  Beautiful blue skies greeted us and despite all of the ugly first few days, it was hard to believe how quickly the time had flown by and here it was the final day of 2018 Super Nationals. The opening cermonies began at 2 p.m. and the first race hit the track at 3:10 p.m.  The final checkers flew at 11:28 after the IMCA Modified Big Dance.

                                                         The Winners!

The first 2018 Super Nationals champion was crowned on Friday when talented Hunter Marriott, won the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational for IMCA Modifieds.  Marriott finished well ahead of second place Richie Gustin.  Kelly Shryock, Ethan Dotson, and Chris Abelson rounded out the top five.

Drivers from the IMCA Hobby Stock, Northern SportMod, Stock Car and Modifieds put a feather in their caps when each division crowned a Race of Champions.

Cory Madden became the tenth different Hobby Stock ROC winner in their 10-year history.  Colby Fett took the ROC win in the Northern SportMod division, southeast Iowa driver John Oliver, Jr. bested the field in the ROC race for the Stock Cars, and Jason Wolla, defending IMCA National Champion in the Modified class, won the ROC Modified portion.

Then it was time to go dancing!  The IMCA Hobby Stocks were up first. It wasn't a surprise that Shannon Anderson, who started inside row three of the 3-wide starting field, was already leading at lap one.  Anderson led the entire race to score his 5th IMCA Hobby Stock Super National's victory.  Cory Madden finished second, Eric Stanton came from 27th starting spot, to take third, and Zach Olmstead, Overton, Nebraska, and Columbus, Nebraska racer Jeff Ware completed the top five.

Jake McBirnie was on a hot streak in the second half of the season in the IMCA Northern SportMod division, and he continued that winning form by capturing his first Super National's title.  Joe Docekal, Doug Smith, Austin Luellen, and Chase Rudolf rounded out the top five finishers.  McBirnie became the fourteenth different Super Nationals champion in the Northern SportMod division in its fourteen year history.

You can almost bet that anytime the IMCA Stock Cars hit the track, there will be some great competitive racing and their Big Dance did not disappoint. Kyle Strickler, yes....Kyle Strickler in a Stock Car, led the first lap.  By lap two however, it was the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty riding in the captain's seat.  Todd Reitzler, who had battled all season long with Murty at the Marshalltown Speedway....the two putting on some outstanding battles....drew into the runner up spot and set his sites on catching Murty.  Beatrice, Nebraska's Kyle Vanover threw his hat into the ring to challenge Reitzler and took over the runner up spot at lap nineteen.  Meanwhile, Murty was checking out. A caution at lap 28 with just two laps left in the race, was no hindrance to Murty as he pulled away on the restart, keeping it to the checkers.  Murty, who has won most every other title...including National Champion, finally got the one prize that had eluded him.  Kyle Vanover held the runner up spot, Todd Reitzler was third, fourth went to Abe Huls, and Devin Smith was fifth.

Then came the Modified Big Dance to close out the 2018 IMCA Super Nationals.  What a 33-car field of talented drivers!  Jeff Aikey, best known for his piloting of an IMCA Late Model, but who has been having fun lately racing the modified, was the lucky guy to sit on the pole for the start of the 40-lap grand finale.

Aikey grabbed the immediate lead as the race went green, and had no trouble in leading ever lap of the 40-lap race.  Two early yellows flew, but on the restart, Aikey motored off with ease.  It was a thing of beauty to see him gliding through heavy lap traffic seemingly effortlessly, on his way to the win.  Second place finisher Cayden Carter had a very impressive run, as he closed in on the leader late in the race, but had to be content with second place at this year's Super Nationals.  Ryan Ruter finished in third place, Ethan Dotson raced from thirteenth starting spot, to finish fourth, and Jason Wolla took fifth place.

Aikey, who has won six previous Super Nationals crowns in the Late Model division, now joins Kevin Pittman as only the second driver to earn a title in two different divisions.  Aikey now holds the record...seven...Super Nationals titles.

Yes, this was a Super Nationals to never be forgotten, though many may wish they could.   The BAD was the need to cancel the IMCA Sport Compact and the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model portion of this year's Racin' Vacation.

The UGLY was the relentless rain that just kept coming.  It was also the awful mud that the haulers, campers and fans had to fight.  I doubt there was a pair of water proof boots left in the area.

The GOOD.  Yes, there was good.  The good was the fact that the show got in thanks to the hard work, nearly around the clock for some, in preparing the racing surface.  It paid off with a great track, praised by the drivers, on that final night. We've said it before, and we will say it again....only at Boone.  The staff is a well oiled machine. Yes, hard decisions have to be made in order to get the show in, but it will get in. 

The good was also the catching up with racing friends we are fortunate to call racing family. This year, we added more to the clan.  Some we see only at Super Nationals time and it is a great reunion and fun times. And yes, the GOOD did outweigh, the bad and the ugly!

A few more races are planned for us before we hang it up for the season.  This Friday and Saturday, we plan for the World Nationals at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Hope to see some of you there!

Prelude to the IMCA Super Nationals....Round 1 and Round 2

The Prelude to the Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway began on its scheduled Saturday night September 1, but due to Mother Nature, it did not end until Sunday afternoon, September 2.

Drivers from all across the country, plus Canada and Australia were among the 285 cars in the IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Northern SportMod, and IMCA Hobby Stock classes testing the track for the upcoming 36th running of the IMCA Super Nationals beginning on Labor Day.

The IMCA Northern SportMod class ran their 25-lap A feature first, and it was no stranger back in Victory Lane.  Hometown boy Jake McBirnie started seventh and was in command at lap six, never to look back.  Lucas Lamberies from Clintonville, Wisconsin chased McBirnie for much of the race, but could do no better than finish a distant runner up.  Johnathon Logue started twelfth, and finished third, just getting by fourth place finisher Cody Thompson, and Overton, Nebraska's Jacob Olmstead drove his hot rod from sixteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.

McBirnie had previously won six features at the Boone Speedway in 2018, and taking the Prelude honors earned him his seventh trip to the winner's circle.

The IMCA Stock Cars put on their usual fast and furious bout of action on the track in their 25-lap Prelude feature.  Andrew Borchardt, from Plymouth, Iowa snatched the lead from his fourth starting spot to lead lap one.  Borchardt continued his run at the front of the pack, but he soon had Norfolk, Nebraska's Justin Addison applying pressure with Addison taking a brief lead, only to have Borchardt charge back into the top spot.  Also throwing their hat into the ring were Elijah Zevenbergen and Troy Jerovetz.  Zevenbergen surged to the second spot as the laps wound down, tried several peeks in the corners for a way around leader Borchardt, but it wasn't to be.  Borchardt never wavered on his run to the checkers, and swept to the win.  Zevenbergen finished in second place, third went to Troy Jerovetz, Brandon Czarapata, a former Super Nationals Champion, flew from nineteenth starting spot to take fourth, and Jeff Mueller came from twenty-first, to finish in the top five.

Borchardt, is a rookie in the IMCA Stock Car division, having previously piloted a Hobby Stock.

The IMCA Hobby Stocks had just begun their 25-lap main event on Saturday night, when Mother Nature threw a fit.  With two laps, the race was halted, and the decision made to postpone the remainder of that race, plus the Modified feature until Sunday noon, but then moved  to 4 p.m.
Round two of the Prelude began on Sunday with the IMCA Modified 25-lap feature, and once again, Mother Nature played her hand.

Jordy Nelson took advantage of his pole starting position, and grabbed the immediate lead when the race went green.  By lap five, Richie Gustin passed Steven Bowers to take over second place, and then set his sights on Nelson.  It took but two more laps before Gustin got the job done, taking over the top spot.  Then....Mother Nature decided to favor the track with yet another rain shower.  The race was yellow flagged, and the John Deere green quickly whipped the track back into racing condition.
When the race returned to green, Gustin maintained his command of the race, eventually pulling away to take the feature in easy fashion.  Jordy Nelson finished as the runner up. Steven Bowers held the third position, and Cody Laney just nipped Jimmy Gustin at the finish line as they took fourth and fifth respectively.

Gustin continues to live up to his nickname, "G" Money", taking yet another $1,000 prize home to Gilman, Iowa.

The IMCA Hobby Stocks picked up where they left off, with two laps down in their 25-lap feature.  Dylan Nelson was leading from his pole starting spot, when the race began.  Second place runner Eric Stanton was immediately pestering Nelson, and after a couple of serious attempts, made the pass on the backstretch to lead as lap eight was scored.  From there on, Stanton drove off to score the easy victory.  Brett Vanous finished in the runner up position, and in the final circuits fifteenth place starter Zach Olmstead, Overton, Nebraska, surged through the pack to finish third.  Beatrice, Nebraska's Jesse Vanlaningham finished in fourth after starting twelfth, and Craig Clift from Sioux City, was fifth from starting eleventh.

Tomorrow, September 3, the 36th Annual IMCA Super Nationals begins its traditional Labor Day week run.  The Deery Brothers Late Model Summer Series will run a complete show, and crown the first of the Super Nationals Champions.  The IMCA Northern SportMods and the IMCA Hobby Stocks will begin their qualifying for their big dance on Saturday.  The first race is scheduled for 2 p.m.

It's been quite the eventful last two days of racing at the Boone Speedway for their Prelude to the Super Nationals.  Downpours have been common as Mother Nature is pounding the area and the entire state with round after round of torrential rains. What with the forecast for more rounds coming for this week of racing at Boone, check their website at www.raceboone.com as well as the Boone Speedway Facebook page for any update changes that may occur as the weather dictates.  Hope to see some of you there!

Rust and Reitzler tame the high banks at the Showdown in Motown

It was the Showdown in Motown on Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway as the high banks sprang back into action.  Race cars from ten states and Australia came to try their hand at taming the fast quarter mile.

The Mod Lite feature found Joe Glick taking a trip to victory lane.  Glick started on the pole and led all laps on his way to the win.  Mike Morrill challenged Glick early on, but at the end of the 15-lap feature, finished a distant runner up.  Morrill and third place finisher Jason Masengarb put on the best challenges on the track as they fought back and forth before the checkers fell.  Charlie Brown finished fourth and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks were an added bonus to the program and a series championship was determined at the checkers.  Pat Graham was the victor for both the night's race, and the traveling Dirt Truck Series.  Graham led the race from start to finish, weathered two caution flag restarts, and held off Miles Michehl to take the checkers and the win.  Michehl finished second in the race, as well as in the Truck Series.  Third place finisher was Rick Clark, fourth went to Bill Davis, Jr., and Bryan Spangler was fifth.

Jared VanDeest won the final regular season race at the Marshalltown Speedway, and continued his winning way by taking the feature in the IMCA Northern SportMods.  VanDeest started fourth and snatched the lead from Colton Nelson on lap four.  By lap nine, he had Johnathon Logue to contend with.  Logue continued pestering VanDeest, trying several slide jobs, but to no avail.  VanDeest held the lead to take the flying checkers and the win.  Logue had to be content with the runner up spot, Travis Peterson came from eighth to finish third, fourth was Tyler Soppe, and Colton Nelson was fifth.

The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran 20-laps in their main event. Two Columbus, Nebraska racers, Colby Kaspar and Jeff Ware sat on the front row for the start of the race.  Kaspar claimed the immediate lead, but by lap two, fourth place starter Eric Stanton had split the two Nebraska drivers, and was into second place.  Stanton showed his dominance, and took over the lead at lap three, never to look back on his way to victory.  He finished well ahead of Jeff Ware in second place.  Third went to Chanse Hollatz, Des Moine's Matt Smith was fourth, and Lincoln, Nebraska's Rowan Mason raced all the way from sixteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.

Track champion Todd Reitzler showed his prowess once again in the IMCA Stock Car 20-lap main event, leading all laps in the caution free race.  Reitzler finished well ahead of second place Damon Murty and third place Elijah Zevenbergen, who battled back and forth through much of the race. Veteran racer Jeff Wollam finished fourth, and Steve Meyer came from eleventh starting spot, to finish fifth.

The top prize of the night was $1,000 to win the IMCA Modified feature.  Oskaloosa, Iowa's Ron VerBeek claimed the lead from his outside front row starting spot as the race went green.  As the 25-lap main event neared the ten lap mark, VerBeek had big time company in Darin Duffy and Joel Rust breathing down his neck.  A couple of laps later, Duffy established the lead with Joel Rust following him to run second.   At lap thirteen, Rust flew to the top spot, and from then on, pulled away to take the comfortable win.  Darin Duffy held on to second place, holding back eleventh place starter Tim Ward as the checkers flew.  Seventh place starter Cody Laney, from Torrence, California finished in fourth place, and Ron VerBeek fell back to finish in fifth.

Next up at the Marshalltown Speedway will be the World Nationals on September 13-15.  Thursday, September 13 will be a practice night only for all classes.  Friday, September 14, will be qualifying for the IMCA Modifieds plus a full show for the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks.  Saturday night, September 15 the Stock Cars, SportMods, and Hobby Stocks will again run a full program, and the Modifieds will be running for the $10,000 to win feature.  Racing begins at 7 on September 14, and 6 on September 15.

Last night, shortly after returning home, the torrential rains began...4.33 inches over night!  The forecast is sounding like a lot more "R" in the forecast. Please Mother Nature, be kind! We hope to get in tonight's Prelude to the Super Nationals as well as enjoy the 36th running of America's Racin' Vacation that begins on Labor Day.  Hope to see some of you there! 

Five track titles claimed at Boone Speedway

Saturday night saw the Boone Speedway close out their regular season schedule.  It was season championships, and at the end of the night, five drivers were crowned with a track title. There was a big crowd on hand to witness the night's racing program.

The top 20 in points were locked into the features, all classes starting straight up by points. B mains would have been run to fill in the fields, but with a top count of 25 in the Stock Cars, none were needed.  The drivers were introduced on the frontstretch prior to their respective main event, allowing fans to show their appreciation.

Only one point separated three drivers in the Mod Lite chase for the track title going into the final contest. Bryan Zehm sat one point up over both Joe Glick and Travis Stensland.  Stensland started third, and immediately flew to the lead.  From there on, it was all Stensland's race, leading all laps in the caution free event.  He took the checkers, the win, and the track championship.  He finished well ahead of second place Mike Kennedy, who started tenth.  Third went to Joe Glick, fourth was Randy Bryan, and Charlie Brown completed the top five.  Stensland won the championship by two points over Glick.

Andrew Burg had the season championship wrapped up before the feature began for the IMCA Hobby Stocks, leading by 31 points, but he added an explanation mark by winning the 15-lap feature in easy fashion.  Burg led flag to flag, in the race that went caution free.  Jack Phillips finished as the runner up, third went to Aaron Rudolph, Solomon Bennett finished fourth, followed by John Watson in fifth.   This was Burg's sixth trip to victory lane at Boone Speedway this season, and his first track championship at the 1/4 mile track.

Johnathon Logue started outside the front row beside point leader Austin Luellen in the 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature.  There was 15 points separating the two for the track championship.  Logue took the lead as the race went green, and kept his ride at the front of the pack the entire distance to take the checkers and the win.  Austin Luellen finished second, but had a real battle to pull it off with Jake McBirnie, Cory Pestotnik, and Chad Ryerson.  Cory Pestotnik took third place, in a charge to the finish line, just beating fourth place Jake McBirnie, followed closely by Chad Ryerson in fifth.  Logue captured his fourth feature win at Boone this year and Austin Luellen held on to his point lead to claim the track title.

Jay Schmidt went into the 20-lap feature in the IMCA Stock Cars up by 16 points, but with a field of 25 cars, it wasn't a given track championship quite yet.  Johnny Spaw was the driver sitting in second place, and just 2 more points behind him, was Donavon Smith.  As the race began, Spaw jumped to the lead, never to look back on his way to victory.  Donavon Smith took a couple of peeks for a way around, but had to be content with second.  Thirteenth place starter, Devin Smith was the hard charger of the race, as he finished third.  Fourth went to Scott Davis, and Robert Stofer was fifth.  Spaw took his fourth feature win of the season, but with a seventh place finish, Jay Schmidt took the track championship, repeating his 2015 title.

Just 8 points separated Randy Havlik and Eric Elliott for the track title in the IMCA Modifieds.  Elliott snatched the lead as the 25-lap race began and Havlik tucked in right behind him to run second.  At lap nine, it was fifth place starter Tim Ward taking command and from then on, never giving up that top spot the remaining laps to the checkers.  He finished comfortably ahead of second place Eric Elliott.  Third went to seventh place starter Tony Hofbauer, a close fourth was Al Wolfgram, and Randy Havlik rounded out the top five.  Ward chalked up his fourth win at the speedway, and Havlik claimed the track championship as well as the $8,000 Snap on Tool Box that went along with it. Havlik, in  his Assault Chassis, claimed his first Boone Speedway track championship.

The regular season has drawn to an end at the Boone Speedway, but there is much racing yet to come on the track.  Next Saturday night, September 1 is the Prelude to the Super Nationals.  Pits open at 2, grandstands at 3, hot laps at 4, and racing at 5.  Expect a plethora of cars tuning up for the 36th Annual Super Nationals that starts on Labor Day, Monday, September 3. A look back at last year's Prelude, shows that 287 cars packed the pits, for a full and long night of racing action. Many of the campers will be already set up in the parking lot as well, awaiting the six night Super National's run.

Six track champions crowned on Larry Wollam season championship night at the Marshmallow Speedway

Friday night was Larry Wollam Season Championship night at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Six track champions were crowned to close out the regular racing season.

The top 10 in points were locked into the feature, and qualifying races were run for starting position to fill in the main events.  The IMCA Late Models however, did run typical heats since that division acquires points through heat race finishes.

Travis Stensland, as point leader, began the 15-lap Mod Lite feature from the pole position, and was looking to easily win the main event.  However, it's never over, until it's over! Stensland was off power as he approached the checkers coming out of turn four, and Joe Glick swept passed him just before the checkers and took the win. Stensland held on to the runner up spot, Mike Morrill finished in third, followed by Randy Bryan and Charlie Brown fourth and fifth in that order.  Stensland's night was not all bad, as he held his point lead and was the first driver of the night to take a track championship title.

Shannon Anderson had the track title wrapped up before the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature even began.  Anderson began the feature from the pole spot, and led all laps on the way to his ninth regular season feature win.  David Rieks tailed Anderson much of the race, but finished a distant second.  Third went to Leah Wroten, fourth was Matt Smith, and Eric Knutson completed the top five.  Anderson repeated his track title from 2017.

Jared VanDeest started seventh on the field in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event, and made the pass on then leader Ethan Braaksma at lap thirteen.  From there on, he held the top spot to the flying checkers and the win.  Second place went to Sam Wieben, early leader Ethan Braaksma fell back to finish third, fourth went to Travis Peterson, and Cory Rose came from row five, to finish in fifth. Ethan Braaksma is the 2018 Northern SportMod track champion.

The IMCA Stock Car 18-lap feature saw the two drivers seen all season long chasing each other at the rim of the track....Damon Murty and Todd Reitzler.  Murty grabbed the immediate lead from his outside front row starting spot, and pole sitter Reitzler, fell in right behind.  From there on, it was Murty and Reitzler running the top of the high banks the entire race, and Murty taking the win, with Reitzler settling for second.  Third was a distant Steve Meyer, fourth went to Jeff Wollam, and Curt Hook rounded out the top five.  This was Murty's sixth regular feature win of the season.  Todd Reitzler had the track title wrapped up before the evening began, claiming his first track championship at Marshalltown. 

Todd Cooney in the IMCA Late Model division, also had the track championship in hand before the racing began.  He also led the 20-lap feature flag to flag, winning for the seventh time this year.  He won easily over second place Jeremiah Hurst, Darrel DeFrance was a distant third, and Shawn Cooney and Dave Wada finished fourth and fifth respectively.  Cooney defended his track title from 2017.

The IMCA Modifieds ran a 20-lap main event to end the evening's racing.  This one saw Tim Ward take the lead at lap one and sixth place starter Joel Rust immediately tucked into second place.  Rust took several peeks under Ward as the race wore down, but Ward was not deterred on his run to the checkers and the win. Rust finished as the runner up, Ronn Lauritzen took third place, fourth was Josh May and Scott Simotavich was fifth.  Ward captured win #3 on the season.  The track champion, Racer Hulin dropped out of the race with mechanical issues, but had the crown already wrapped up before the race began.

Also giving the fans some extra entertainment for the night were the Micro Mods and the Micro Sprints.  Jason Gorman won the feature in the Micro Mods, and Micro Sprint winner was 12 year old Jury Ellis.

Although the regular season is complete, there is still racing ahead at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Next Friday night, August 31 is the Showdown in Motown.  The IMCA Modifieds will be racing for $1,000 to win, the IMCA Stock Cars and the IMCA Northern SportMods for $500, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks for $300.  The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks are also on the program.  Hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30.  Then on September 13-15, the 12th annual World Nationals will be held at the High Banks.  Night one is practice night allowing drivers from far and wide to test out the fast quarter-mile. The IMCA Modifieds are racing for $10,000 to win on the final night.  Both nights the IMCA Stock Cars, and Northern SportMods will seek a $1,000 pay day and Hobby Stocks $500 each night as they will be running full programs.  Check the Marshalltown Speedway Facebook page or website, for more detailed information.

The way the weather was in our area most of the day yesterday, the question on many drivers and fans minds was if Mother Nature would allow the final regular scheduled race at Marshalltown.  It was not only a dreary day with rain cells roaming the state, but a bit chilly as well.  However, it was a pleasant surprise to see the sun finally come peeking through not long before the cars took to the track. Lightning began flashing to the south as we left the track and by the time we got home, we'd had half an inch of rain...Marshalltown Speedway lucked out. 

Get out and find a race to attend in support of the sport we love....dirt track racing!



 

Gustin grabs Modified feature at Boone

The Boone Speedway saw all repeat winners on Saturday night.  Jimmy Gustin grabbed the win in the IMCA Modified class, veteran racer Robert Stofer took the honors in the IMCA Stock Car division, Jake McBirnie returned to Victory Lane in the IMCA Northern SportMods, Aaron Rudolph made it two in a row in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Charlie Brown was victorious in the Mod Lite division. All on a beautiful summer night in Iowa with 128 cars checked into the pits.

Charlie Brown led from start to finish in the 15-lap MADCRA Mod Lite feature.  He outdistanced second place Joe Glick by a comfortable margin.  Bryan Zehm came from tenth starting spot to capture third place, fourth went to ninth place starter Travis Stensland, and father Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five.  This was Brown's second win this season.

It's a tight points race for the track championship with next week's season championship deciding who will wear the crown.  Bryan Zehm sits one point up on both Joe Glick and Travis Stensland.

Jake McBirnie found his way back to Victory Lane in the IMCA Northern SportMod class.  McBirnie raced side by side with then leader Kevin Yearington for several laps before finally taking over the lead at lap eleven.  From there on McBirnie distanced himself from the competition, and swept home to a comfortable win despite having to endure two more cautions and subsequent restarts.  Yearington held on to the runner up spot, Thomas Egenberger just beat Johnathon Logue at the stripe as they went third and fourth respectively, and Curtis Veber completed the top five.  The win marked McBirnie's fifth trip to the winner's circle in 2018 at the speedway.

Austin Luellen is seeking his first track title in the SportMod division as he holds a 15 point lead over Johnathon Logue, with just next week's race left. 

The IMCA Stock Cars put on their usual entertaining feature event.  Robert Stofer started eighth and took over as captain of the ship at lap two and was content to let the cars behind him duke it out for position as he rode comfortably in the lead.  There was a spirited battle brewing among the contenders running second through fifth spots.  Scott Davis, Trent Murphy, Jay Schmidt and Tyler Pickett were battling one another for position as the laps wound down, and it was anyone's guess as to the outcome in the closing moments.  As Stofer took the checkers, it was Trent Murphy getting the upper hand to score the runner up spot, Jay Schmidt started twelfth and finished in third place, Scott Davis won the battle for fourth, and Tyler Pickett took fifth.  This was Stofer's second win of the year.

Going into next week's championship event, it was Jay Schmidt regaining his point lead last night.  He sits 16 points up on Johnny Spaw and 18 points up on Donavon Smith.  Schmidt debuted his new-look snazzy white wrapped hot rod last night....dubbing it "Betty White". You may recall he had "Black Betty" a few years ago. 

Robert Avery was the early leader of the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, but Jimmy Gustin, who started eighth on the field, wasted no time in getting to his tail by lap four.  Just two laps later, Gustin made the pass for the lead and then stretched it out.  He was leading by half a lap when that was all erased when a yellow flew with just three laps remaining.  It didn't bother Gustin however, as he motored away from the field on the restart, and swept to the comfortable win.  Tony Hilgenberg ran up front all night and finished second, third was early leader Robert Avery, and Eric Elliott beat out Joel Bushore as they finished fourth and fifth respectively.  This was Gustin's second win of 2018 as he also won the season opener.

Going into next week's season final, it is Randy Havlik with an eight point lead over Eric Elliott as they battle for the Modified track title.

Aaron Rudolph made it two wins in a row by snapping up the IMCA Hobby Stock 12-lap main event.  Rudolph worked his way from tenth starting position to catch leader David McQuiston.  With just two laps remaining in the contest, Rudolph made the pass and stole the win.  McQuiston had to be satisfied with the runner up spot, Jack Phillips finished in third, fourth was John Watson, and Todd Bass started in twenty-fourth spot...tail end Charlie, and finished in fifth.  Rudolph took win #3 for the season.

Andrew Burg, despite finishing fifteenth last night and missing one week, still holds an insurmountable 41 point lead in the Hobby Stock chase over Aaron Rudolph.

The night cap was the running of the 2-person Cruiser cars.  Once again, it was the duo of Mason and  Agan returning to the podium as they captured back to back wins. You can't miss them on the track as they sport two giant color-changing light sticks attached to the trunk. 

Next Saturday night, August 25, is season championship night and the crowning of track champions.  The top 20 in points will be locked into their respective features and if need be, the field will be completed through qualifying races. 

The following week on Saturday September 1 will be the Prelude to the Super Nationals.  With many cars already arriving for the Super Nationals Labor Day week run, it will no doubt be a full night of racing action. There were 287 cars racing in 2017's Prelude night.  Note the early start times.  Pits open at 2, front gates at 3, hot laps are 4, and racing starts at 5.  The following Monday, Labor Day, begins the six day run of the 36th annual Super Nationals.  If you want to see a lot of racing, put at least one of those six days on your bucket list to see the spectacle that is the IMCA Super Nationals. 

Rust and Reitzler rule the topside at the Marshalltown High Banks

It was another summer night of race track lights for us at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday. All six classes of cars were in competition, and a $1,000 pay day for the winner of the IMCA Late Models, and $500 going to the IMCA Northern SportMod feature winner.

In the Mod Lite feature it was point leader Travis Stensland returning to the winner's circle for the third consecutive week.  Stensland started tenth, had the lead at lap three, and never looked back.  Charlie Brown finished as the runner up, and eighth place starter Joe Glick was a close third.  Mike Morrill came from ninth, to finish fourth and Joel Huggins was fifth.  Stensland scored his fourth victory of the year at the speedway.

Next Friday is season championship night and the track title will be decided with Stensland leading Mike Morrill by six points.

The third time was the charm in finally getting the IMCA Hobby Stock feature under way.  When the race did get started, by lap two, the familiar #78 of Shannon Anderson was already in command.  Anderson started tenth, withstood three more cautions and captured the win.  It was a close one for second and third with David Rieks taking second, just beating out Gene Nicklas in third. Matt Smith came from deep in the starting field to finish in fourth, and Justin Wacha completed the top five.  Anderson made this regular season win #8, and four in as row, plus he also won the High Banks Hustle special.

Anderson has the track championship wrapped up ahead of second place Rieks by 56 points.  He also leads the nationals points in the IMCA Hobby Stock division as he seeks yet another championship there.

The IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap feature went to Jake McBirnie.  McBirnie, who has been close, but no cigar this year at Marshalltown, finally put his hot rod in Victory Lane.  McBirnie started seventh, and took command after a restart at lap nine. He never relinquished that lead the remaining distance to the finish and the flying checkers.  Last week's winner Travis Storjohann ran second most of the race, and finished as the runner up.  Third went to visiting Sherrill, Iowa's Tyler Soppe, who started fifteenth, fourth was Jared VanDeest from starting eleventh, and Travis Peterson was fifth.

Ethan Braaksma has a five point lead on second place Travis Peterson for the track championship decisive race next Friday night.

The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars found two drivers rim riding the High Banks most of the race.  Todd Reitzler worked his way masterfully through the field from starting eighth, to the top spot at lap six, and then took to the top side for his run to the checkers.  Damon Murty moved to his preferred rim riding spot also to chase Reitzler, but could do no better than second. Early leader Scott Rice finished in third place, followed by Curt Hook in fourth and veteran racer Jeff Wollam was fifth.  Reitzler claimed win #5 at the track this year.

 Reitzler has the track crown about to be placed on his head as he leads Murty by a whopping 56 points.

Todd Cooney went home with yet another win in the IMCA Late Model class, plus the $1,000 prize money for the night.  Cooney got the lead with just six laps of the 20-lap main event remaining and took the flying checkers.  Jeremiah Hurst was the runner up after catching hometown racer Darrel DeFrance late in the race, DeFrance ending up in third.  Fourth went to tenth place starter Ben Seeman, and Joe Zrostlik came from twelfth, to finish fifth.  Cooney claimed his sixth feature win at Marshalltown this year.

Cooney has the track title all but wrapped up, leading DeFrance by 33 points as we head into next week's final race of the season.

Joel Rust rode the rim of the High Banks in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, hitting his mark perfectly each time, and took the easy win.  Rust started eighth, took the lead at lap five, and pulled away for the comfortable win.  He finished well ahead of runner up Scott Simatovich, Ronn Lauritzen started seventh and finished third, fourth went to Tim Ward, and Taylor Musselman started thirteenth, and rounded out the top five.  Rust has five regular season wins, plus also winning the High Banks Hustle back on April 26.

Laurel, Iowa's Race Hulin sits 22 points up on Tim Ward as he seeks his first track title in the IMCA Modified division.

There was a good crowd on hand last evening, watching the 108 race cars participating on a warm August night. The racing action was good as well, with a definite high groove and low groove.  Those that flirted with disaster at the rim of the track did a masterful job, and Joel Rust and Todd Reitzler tamed the High Banks last night.

Next Friday night is season championship, ending the regular season of racing at Marshalltown.  The track doesn't fall silent quite yet however.  Friday August 31 is the Showdown at Motown.  Expect extra cars that night as the state will begin to be inundated with those making their way for the 2018 Super Nationals at Boone Speedway beginning on Labor Day.  Then the track's last 2018 hoorah will be the 12th Annual World Nationals on September 14 and 15, postponed due to weather from it's original scheduled dates back in March. The IMCA Modifieds will pay $10,000 to the winner.  The Stock Cars and the SportMods will be running for $1,000 pay days each night, and the Hobby Stocks for $500 both nights.  There will be a practice night on September 13.

The season is winding down fast!  Seems we just got it started.  There are still plenty of races to  attend though.  Check the racing calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend.   

   

Bushore buzzes his way to another Modified victory at Boone Speedway

It was Elmquist Towing and KMJ Performance night at the races on Saturday at the Boone Speedway and fan appreciation night.  There were $1 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks all night long.

 All but one driver took return trips to victory lane.  It was Donavon Smith stepping foot into the winner's circle for the first time this season in the IMCA Stock Car division.  Joel Bushore buzzed his way to another IMCA Modified victory in his 6-cylinder machine, Johnathon Logue in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, Aaron Rudolph in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, Mike Kennedy in the Mod Lites, and the 2-person Cruiser tag team of Mason and Agan also repeated earlier wins.

The Mod Lite 15-lap feature did not start well.  Justin Rankin got crossed up as cars raced 3-wide down the backstretch, and took a nasty ride... rolling several times.  Thankfully he was not injured.

When the race got underway, it was Mike Kennedy flying to the lead from his fifth starting spot, and then pulling away.  He was slicing through the field with ease, and enjoying a comfortable lead when the yellow came out, erasing it all.  However, Kennedy was able to maintain that top spot when the race resumed and raced home to the checkers.  It was a close one at those checkers however, with Bryan Zehm and Travis Stensland nipping at his heels as they crossed the finish line, second and third in that order.  Joe Glick finished fourth and Charlie Brown was fifth.  Kennedy won for the second time this year.

The race for the track title in the MADCRA Mod Lites continues to be a tight one among three drivers.  Bryan Zehm and Travis Stensland are tied with Joe Glick sitting just two points back.

Johnathon Logue returned to the winner's circle for the third time this season in the IMCA Northern SportMod division.  Logue came from eleventh starting spot to capture that victory in the 18-lap event. Twelfth place starter Jake McBirnie followed him through the pack of cars, chased him much of the latter portion of the race to finish as the runner up.  Austin Luellen started fourteenth and finished third, fourth went to Tyler Titus, and Dusty Masolini completed the top five.

Earlier after their heat races were completed, there was a dash for cash  for the SportMods, held courtesy of Elmquist Towing sponsor of the evening.  The two last place finishers still running in their respective heats, got to run and it was the 98 of Thomas Egenberger taking the $200 pay off. 

The SportMod track championship race has Austin Luellen still holding a seventeen point lead over Johnathon Logue with just a couple of weeks left in the chase for the championship.

The IMCA Stock Car 18-lap feature was a jim-dandy...as if often is.  Multi-car battles were going on throughout the field much of the race. A great 3-way joust for the lead developed between Tyler Pickett, Scott Davis and Ty Hill with Pickett holding the top spot. Then as the laps were winding down, Davis took advantage of a lap car coming into the picture, and slipped around for the lead.  The waning moments saw three yellows fly, sending the field to an "overtime" green-white-checkered finish that saw much shuffling of position.  When the checkers finally flew, it was Donavon Smith making a last ditch pass coming out of corner four to take the win, just beating Davis to the checkers.  Davis had to be content with the runner up spot.  Jay Schmidt made a late race rally to finish third from starting twelfth, Johnny Spaw took fourth, and Ty Hill finished fifth.  Smith, who started fourteenth, made his first trip to victory lane in 2018.

It's still a tight race for the Stock Car track title with Donavon Smith leading Jay Schmidt by three points.

Joel Bushore has been running his 6-cylinder IMCA Modified and has it working!  He reeled in early leader Cory Sauerman and slipped by him for the lead at lap nine of the 20-lap feature.  From there on, Bushore buzzed along....the distinct sound of the machine easily heard, and captured his second feature win at the speedway this year.    He finished comfortably ahead of second place Cory Wray. Wray, visiting Trenton, Missouri racer raced his way from fifteenth starting spot, in a good run to finish as the runner up.  Sauerman fell back to finish third, fourth went to Al Wolfgram, and Jon Snyder rounded out the top five.

Randy Havlik sits eleven points up on Eric Elliott in the Modified race for the track title, with just two weekly races remaining in the regular season.

Aaron Rudolph started eighth and raced his way to victory in the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock A main.  Rudolph got around last week's winner Adam Tiernan on lap eight and kept the top spot the remaining four laps to the double checkers.  Tiernan held on to the runner up spot, third went to Gregg Anderson, Matt McDonald was fourth, and Ryan Wells came all the way from seventeenth, to finish fifth.

Andrew Burg looks to all but have the track title wrapped up in the IMCA Hobby Stock title race.  He enjoys a comfortable 55 point lead over second place Rudolph.

The night cap was the 2-person Cruiser feature with the tag team competitors racing for shiny championship belts.  Taking home those shiny prizes were the duo of Donnie Mason and Carl Agan, who repeated their victory from last week.  They held their ground against a last lap "rubbin' is racing" move by second place finishers Sheldon and Chris Richardson.  Third went to Derek Goudeau and Sam Smith, fourth was the team of Jarod Peterson and Matt Ezarshi, and Brandon Alden and Logan Lyons took fifth.

The racing family lost one of its own last week....former IMCA Modified racer Tim Stevens. Stevens passed away unexpectedly last week from what we understand was a heart attack.  Stevens was honored last evening, his #49T side panel resting in victory lane.  Tim's wife Tammy, who is a track worker at Boone Speedway, was in victory lane to congratulate each winner.

There was a chocked full week of racing in the state of Iowa last week, but still more specials floating around as well as weekly track programs.  Find a race to attend to support dirt track racing.

Young Cooney nabs first career win

Two drivers made their first trips to victory lane this year at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night.  Ron Lauritzen took top honors in the IMCA Modified division, and young Shawn Cooney posted his first career win in the IMCA Late Model class.  Damon Murty in the IMCA Stock Cars, Travis Storjohann in the IMCA Northern SportMods, Shannon Anderson in the IMCA Hobby Stocks and Travis Stensland in the Mod Lites all made return visits to the winner's circle. 

Travis Stensland started tenth in the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, grabbed the lead from Charlie Brown with five to go, and sailed home to repeat his win from last week.  Brown held second place, third was Joel Huggins, Mike Morrill was fourth and Randy Bryan took fifth.  Stensland now has three wins at the speedway this season.  He holds a slim three point margin over Mike Morrill for the track championship with just two weekly shows remaining. 

Shannon Anderson scored a feature win for the third week in a row in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock A main.  Anderson didn't have an easy time of it though, as Matt Smith took command at lap six and then kept Anderson at bay as the laps wound down. Lap traffic came into play late, and Anderson was able to take advantage of the situation, passing Smith on the back stretch as the white flag was coming out. Anderson scored the win, and Smith had to settle for the runner up spot.  Third went to David Rieks, Leah Wroten came from ninth starting spot to take fourth, and pole sitter Justin Lovig rounded out the top five.  Anderson came from tenth position to score his eighth victory this year and enjoys a 52 point lead over Leah Wroten in the track points race.

Up next was the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event.  Ethan Braaksma took command of the race at lap six and was looking to score a run away, but suddenly exited the track at lap fourteen.  This handed the lead over to Cory Rose who was in a fierce battle with Travis Storjohann. The two raced side by side down the back chute in the closing moments, with Storjohann getting the upper hand to score the win, just beating Rose in second.  Travis Peterson made it a three-car contest in the final laps, and finished a close third.  Fourth went to early leader Jason Hall and Jack Housley completed the top five.  This was Storjohann's second win after scoring his first career victory back on July 6. Braaksma is still the point leader in the Northern SportMod class, leading Travis Peterson by seven as the season winds down.

Damon Murty found his way back to victory lane in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car division.  Murty started ninth, caught then leader Jeff Wollam and took the top spot away on lap six.  The two continued to duel it out the remainder of the race, Murty taking the top shelf, Wollam sticking to the bottom. Murty kept hold of the top spot the remainder of the race, scoring his sixth victory this year at Marshalltown.  Wollam had to be content with a close second place finish. Jeff Mueller, Tom Cannon, and Todd Reitzler finished third through fifth in that order in a short field of only eleven Stock Cars that participated last evening.  Todd Reitzler is the point leader, holding a healthy 42 point lead over Damon Murty in the race for the championship.

It was a special night for young Shawn Cooney, son of veteran IMCA Late Model driver Todd Cooney.  Young Cooney ran with the front runners all race long in the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature event. He was in the mix up front with Dave Wada, Paul Nagle, and Kyle Krampe until lap sixteen when he made his way into the lead, passing Nagle.  From there on, he held that top spot the rest of the way to the checkers and secured his first career win.  Paul Nagle finished a close second, Jeremiah Hurst came from tenth starting spot to finish third, fourth was Kyle Krampe, and fifth went to father Todd Cooney.  It was an excited and emotional Shawn Cooney in his post race interview with announcer Jerry Vansickel, as he expressed how thrilled he was with this first win. His father Todd Cooney leads Darrel DeFrance by 32 points in the track title race.

Ron Lauritzen made his first trip this year to the winner's circle by taking the win in the 20-lap IMCA Modified contest.  Lauritzen took command at lap three and never looked back on his way to the checkered flag.  He finished comfortably ahead of second place Todd Kluever.  Kluever, from Madison, Wisconsin, made his first trip to the Marshalltown Speedway, started eleventh on the field to finish as the runner up. Jacob Murray rallied back from a slip off the track to finish an impressive third, fourth was Jon Snyder, and Racer Hulin was fifth. Hulin is leading the points contest in the Modified division, as he seeks his first track championship.  Tim Ward, who had been leading points was MIA last evening.  Ward and rookie Josh May are tied for second, both 27 points back.

It was a bit smaller field of cars last night...94 total, but still a healthy field of competitors on hand.  No doubt the little race going on down the road at Knoxville Raceway, the Night of 10,000 Stars at Britt, and the Iowa State Fair had a bit to do with it. 

Get out and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing! 

"G Money" takes the money times two at Boone

It was the TiLUBE Challenge, Super Saturday, and the Watermelon Classic all rolled into one at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night.  The IMCA Modifieds were racing for $1,000 each to win the TiLUBE Challenge and the Super Saturday Modified A Main feature, plus the feature winners, as well as the heat winners in all divisions, went home with that special watermelon prize. Yes, the drivers were racing for watermelons last night. 

Charlie Brown led the troops in the opening laps of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature but soon had Randy Bryan knocking at his door.  Bryan slipped by for the lead at lap nine and never looked back on his way to the checkers and the win.  Tenth place starter Bryan Zehm hustled his way to the front and finished as the runner up.  Charlie Brown took third, fourth went to Travis Stensland, and visiting racer from Salina, Kansas, Justin Kinderknecht raced from fourteenth starting spot, to finish fifth.  This was Bryan's third victory of the season.

The points battle in the Mod Lite class continues to be a tight one.  Stensland took over the point lead, but both Bryan Zehm and Joe Glick sit just one point back. 

It was a fight to the finish line in the IMCA Northern SportMod A Main event, with Austin Luellen barely beating out Chad Ryerson for the win.  A close third went to eleventh place starter Johnathon Logue who had done battle with the two top finishers much of the race.  Jake McBirnie made a surge through the field to finish in fourth from starting twentieth, and tenth place starter Cory Pestotnik rounded out the top five.  Luellen captured his fourth feature win at the speedway this year.

Luellen holds a nineteen point advantage over Logue for the track championship race with just three more weekly races remaining. 

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks made their second appearance at the track and Myles Michehl repeated his win from earlier in the year.  Michehl led from the drop of the green with Pat Graham tucking in right behind him.  Graham pestered Michehl much of the race, but had to settle for the runner up spot.  A distant third place went to Jeff Frevert, Shonn Mapes was fourth and Lou Sipolt was fifth.

It was veteran racer, Robert Stofer taking a trip to victory lane in the IMCA Stock Car feature.  Stofer started seventh and ran down then leader Rod Richards to take the lead at lap five.  A couple of yellow flag restarts didn't hinder Stofer's road to the checkers for the first time this season.  Richard held on to the runner up spot, third went to Josh Daniels, Scott Davis was fourth and Donavon Smith completed the top five.

Another tight battle for the track championship continues in the Stock Car division as Donovan Smith leads Jay Schmidt by one point, and Johnny Spaw sits thirteen points out, as the season nears it's end.

The TiLUBE Challenge for the IMCA Modifieds saw twelve drivers qualify for a chance at the $1,000 prize.  Drivers winning their heats were automatically qualified, and then through the calculations of  posting quick lap times run during hot laps, passing points and finishing positions taken into account, the remaining nine drivers were locked into the starting field.  The twelve drivers started three-wide and four rows deep for the 15-lap challenge that saw cars eliminated if they were running last on the track.

Richie Gustin, the driver known as "G Money" with his habit of winning when there is extra money on the line, drew the pole starting spot and shot to the immediate lead.  From there on, he stayed at the head of the field, and swept to the win and took home the $1,000.  Jimmy Gustin was second, Kelly Shryock third, Tim Ward finished fourth, and Ricky Thornton was fifth.

In the 20-lap IMCA Modified's Super Saturday feature event, and another $1,000 on the line, it was once again Richie Gustin taking home the prize.  His fight for the win was a tough battle keeping Ricky Thornton at bay, but in the end, he took the checkers first, Thornton going second.  Tim Ward was a close third, followed by Kelly Shryock in fourth and Russ Dickerson rounding out the top five.

Randy Havlik continues his point lead in the Modified class, leading Eric Elliott by fifteen points.

The finale of the evening was the running of the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature.  Adam Tiernan would lead all but the opening lap of the race, and captured his first ever feature win.  He fended off the late race challenges of Gregg Anderson who had to be content with the runner up spot.  Third was Matt McDonald, fourth went to twelfth place starter John Watson, and Shane Butler took fifth.

Andrew Burg holds a huge lead for the championship in the Hobby Stock class, leading second place Solomon Bennett by 56 points.

Find a race to attend to help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.

Smith $1000 richer with Stock Car win

It was a chocked full night of excitement last night at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Not only was the racing action providing the big crowd a night of entertainment, but a couple of controversies also played into the night. A pile up on the front stretch of the SportMod feature also made the fans gasp as two cars rolled over during a melee.  Slide jobs were abundant as well.  Mopar powered machines also took top honors in two classes.   

One hundred thirteen race cars checked in to the pits on the hot August night, and a field of 27 IMCA Stock Cars were top billing with $1,000 on the line for the win. 

Travis Stensland started eighth and had the lead by lap one of the Mod Lite main event.  Stensland never looked back and finished the race comfortably ahead of second place Charlie Brown.  Jason Masongarb, the driver who made the trip over from Colona, Illinois, finished a close third, fourth went to visiting driver Justin Kinderknecht from Salina, Kansas who had a nice run from starting twelfth, and Mike Morrill rounded out the top five.  This was Stensland's second win at the track this season.

Shannon Anderson wasted little time in getting to the front of the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature.  Anderson started tenth on the field and took command at lap six.  Yellow flags and the ensuing restarts were no problem for Anderson as he pulled away to take the easy win.  Leah Wroten came from ninth starting position to take the runner spot, third went to Gene Nicklas, Ray Fee in fourth, and Dan Wauters from Iowa City was fifth.  Anderson racked up win #7 at the track. Anderson praised the track conditions, saying you could run high, low, or in the middle. 

In the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, it was Jared VanDeest putting on the show and taking home a victory.  VanDeest, who has been MIA for several weeks, started eighth, took to the rim of the track, and snagged the lead by lap four.  VanDeest threw off the late race challenges of Tyler Soppe, who tried his best to make the slide jobs work, but had to be content with second place.  Third went to Travis Peterson who started fourteenth, Sam Wieben came from thirteenth to finish fourth, and Cresco, Iowa's Austin Schrage was fifth.  VanDeest, running a Mopar powered machine, scored his second win of 2018...his last coming on April 26 at the High Bank Hustle.

A melee on the front stretch of the SportMod feature saw Kyle Olson, and Tony Olson (cousins I believe) both rolling over when cars got bunched up coming out of corner four.  Thankfully, no one was injured and racing resumed after the clean up.

One hundred thirteen race cars checked in to the pits on the hot August night, and a field of 27 IMCA Stock Cars were top billing with $1,000 on the line for the win.  It was a draw/redraw format in a race that turned out to be a real shoot out.  Several new drivers were on the scene and it was one of those drivers that took home the one grand.

The previous two week's winner, Todd Reitzler, started outside the front row, and immediately grabbed the top spot in the 25-lap race.  Reitzler was running his preferred top line of the race track, but at lap 17, a lap car ended his night and he limped off into the pits with a flat tire.  About the same time, Damon Murty and David Brandies had contact on the track, Murty getting the worst end of the deal, shoved off the track and out of the race.

When the race restarted, Devin Smith had inherited the lead, Brandies was banished to the rear for the restart for the contact with Murty....though reluctantly, and Jeff Mueller sat in second place.

Smith and Mueller raced side by side down the back stretch as they fought it out, then visitor Cody Frerichs was suddenly in the picture fighting for a top spot. Smith managed to keep hold of that top spot to the flying checkers and the win.  Second place went to Cody Frerichs from Bristow, Iowa.  Frerichs started twenty-sixth, and maneuvered his way through the stacked field, to take the runner up position. Steve Meyer came from deep in the field to take third with a late race surge.  Jeff Mueller fell back to finish fourth, and Tom Cannon finished fifth from starting twenty-second.  Smith was also piloting a Mopar powered ride.

Todd Cooney came out on top of the 20-lap IMCA Late Model main event, scoring his fifth victory of the year.  Jeremiah Hurst came from ninth starting spot to take the runner up position, winning the battle with Darrel DeFrance who was third.  Curtis Glover and Randy Faux completed the top five. Cooney, Hurst and DeFrance battled up front all night, leaving the rest of the pack.

The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature.  Joel Rust left no doubt that he was the top dog in this one.  Rust started seventh and had the lead by lap two, never to look back in the only race that went flag to flag.  Rust stretched his lead and won easily over second place Ronn Lauritzen.  Tim Ward took third, Racer Hulin was fourth and pole sitter Scott Simatovich was fifth.  This was Rust's fourth regular season win of the year, and he also won the High Bank Hustle.

Racing season is beginning to wind down for weekly racing...just three more Friday night's at Marshalltown.  Season Championship is August 24, and then on Friday August 31, it will be the Showdown in Motown special.  Then on September 14-16, it will be the rescheduled World Nationals. 

Get out and find a race to attend.  We need to support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.

 

Longnecker takes first career win at Boone

Racing continued on Saturday night at Iowa's Action Track, the Boone Speedway.  It was also bike give away night, and 75 lucky youngsters went home with new rides. One hundred and thirty-four drivers were checked in for a full night of racing.

The first feature of the night was the Mod Light class and it was Charlie Brown leading all 15-laps to take his first win at the track this year.  Brown pulled away from the competition and took the comfortable win in a race that went caution free.  Jeff Stensland trailed Brown the entire time and finished a distant runner up.  Bryan Zehm came from ninth starting spot to finish in third place, fourth was Joe Glick who started eleventh, and Randy Bryan was fifth. Joe Glick is the point leader as the season winds down, but it's a tight race at the top.  Glick sits one point up on Travis Stensland with Bryan Zehm just four out of first place. 

The IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars completed their year at the speedway with their season championship. They only ran a feature last night and were called to the front stretch for driver introductions prior to their A main.

Mike Houseman led from the drop of the green from his outside front row starting spot.  There were two cautions and one red flag situation when the 80x of C. J. Houseman went for a tumble on the backstretch when he hopped a wheel.  He was okay.

When racing resumed after the cautions, Mike Houseman continued his run at the front and at the end of the 20-laps, took the easy win.  Tyler Thompson chased Houseman the entire race to take second place, third went to Mike Moore, fourth to Joel Thorpe, and Ben Woods completed the top five.  This was Houseman's third win in a row, and his seventh of the season.  Tyler Thompson is the 2018 track champion.

The IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event came next.  Hunter Longnecker took command at lap five from starting fifth, and fended off the late challenges of Johnathon Logue to secure the win.  Logue started tenth, and finished a close runner up, Cory Rose came from twelfth to finish third, fourth went to eleventh place starter Austin Luellen and Adam Shelman raced from thirteenth to finish in fifth.  This was not only Hunter Longnecker's first win this year, but his first ever career win.

The Northern SportMod points battle finds Austin Luellen up 17 points on Johnathon Logue as we head into the season's end.

Last week's winner in the IMCA Stock Car class, Scott Davis, took the lead on lap two of eighteen, but soon had big company close on his tail.  Johnny Spaw rose from eighth starting spot to run in second place, and Jay Schmidt, Devin Smith, and Josh Daniels all  ran nose to tail in a real shoot out for second position.  Spaw pressured Davis, looking  for a way around, and finally got the job done.....slipping under the leader on the backstretch with just three laps remaining.  Spaw held the top spot the rest of the way to the flying checkers and the win.  Davis held on to finish second, just ahead of Jay Schmidt in third.  Devin Smith was fourth and Josh Daniels rounded out the top five.  This marked Spaw's third victory at the track in 2018.

It's a tight race for the track championship in the IMCA Stock Car division.  Jay Schmidt is up six points to Donavon Smith with just a few weeks left until season's end. 

Joel Bushore made it to the winner's circle for the first time this year in the IMCA Modified division.  Bushore led all but the opening lap of the 20-lap feature and pulled away to take the comfortable win. You couldn't miss the distinctive hum of Bushore's 6 cylinder as he motored around the track!   Russ Dickerson finished as the runner up, Eric Elliott was third, fourth went to eleventh place starter Kelly Shryock, and Randy Havlik was fifth. Havlik is leading points by twelve over Eric Elliott.

It may have been one for the record books with Bushore's winning with a 6 cylinder powered hot rod.  It's been a long time since we've even been aware of a 6 cylinder running around here.  It brought back shades of Wayne Larson when he gave it a whirl many years ago.

Andrew Burg took a dominate win in the IMCA Hobby Stock class by also leading all but the opening lap of the 12-lap event. Burg began the race in tenth starting spot, and avoided a disastrous opening lap when the front of the pack got crossed up, bringing out a yellow.    Burg then pulled away from the field to take the easy win. It was a hard fought battle behind him with Solomon Bennett winning out for second place, and visiting racer from Beatrice, Nebraska, Jesse VanLaningham coming from eleventh to take third.  A close fourth went to John Watson, and Aaron Rudolph was fifth. Burg, who started tenth, scored his fifth win at Boone this year.

Andrew Burg enjoys a 49 point lead for the IMCA Hobby Stock title, Solomon Bennett a distant second place, and Aaron Rudolph third, 50 points out.

Also on the docket were the 2-person cruiser cars.  At the end of their 8-lap feature, it was the #00 of Donnie Mason and Carl Agan taking the checkers.

Next Saturday night August 4, will be the TiLube last man standing challenge for $1,000 to win in the IMCA Modifieds, as well as $1,000 to win the Modified A feature on another Super Saturday at the Boone Speedway.  The IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, the MADCRA Mod Lites, as well as 2-person cruisers will also all be in action.  Hot laps are 6:45 and racing at 7:30.

Get out and find a race to attend in support of dirt track racing.  Check the calendar at Positively Racing for a race you may like to attend.

Hinrich nabs first win at Motown

The Marshalltown Speedway sprung back to action Friday night after a two week absence due to rain and then the  terrible tornado that devastated the town last week. The track escaped any damage but in support of the town, they remained silent last Friday. 

Three drivers returned to victory lane with back to back wins,...Richie Gustin in the IMCA Modifieds, Todd Reitzler in the Stock Cars, and Mike Morrill in the Mod Lite division. Sam Wieben in the IMCA Northern SportMods, and Shannon Anderson in IMCA Hobby Stocks, made return visits to the winner's circle, and Late Model driver Kyle Hinrichs took his first win of the year.

Travis Stensland was fending off Charlie Brown in the Mod Lite feature while Mike Morrill began reeling in the front runners.  Then the leaders came up on a lap car, and Stensland got the bad end of the deal. He got caught up in the situation and then had to exit the race. Morrill took advantage of the road block, and flew to the lead.  Morrill then pulled away to take another easy win.  He finished well ahead of second place Joe Glick, who just beat out Charlie Brown for third at the flag.  Fourth went to Randy Bryan and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Morrill took back to back wins, and scored his sixth of the season. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky youngster in the stands.

It was Shannon Anderson back in victory lane in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock main event.  Anderson started tenth and had the lead at lap three, never to look back. A caution flew at lap nine, but it was no problem for Anderson on the restart.  He finished well ahead of second place David Rieks, Leah Wroten came from ninth to finish third, fourth was Justin Wacha and Eric Knutson took fifth.  Anderson now has six wins at the track this year.

The IMCA Northern SportMods were up next for their 18-lap A main.  Ryan King led the troops in the opening laps but by lap four, it was Sam Wieben at the helm.  Wieben never relinquished that top spot the remaining laps to the checkers.  It was a battle for second place between Jake McBirnie and Jared VanDeest and in the end it was VanDeest taking the runner up spot and McBirnie going third.  Fourth went to ninth place starter Ethan Braaksma, and early leader Ryan King was fifth.  Wieben, who started eighth, scored his second win of the season.

As always, the IMCA Stock Cars put on quite the show for the fans.  Kyle Everts was looking strong as he led the pack from lap one as he looked for his first win this year. However, a slip in corner four put him out of the race at lap fifteen when he got sideways, and brought out a yellow. Todd Reitzler was now in command when the race restarted, and he kept that lead the remaining three laps to score the win.  Curt Hook ran at the front of the pack all night long, and took the runner up spot, Paul Shepard finished third, Dave Atcher was fourth and Jared Daggett rounded out the top five.  Reitzler, who scored back to back wins, now has four victories under his belt this year.

Kyle Hinrichs found his way to victory lane for the first time this year by winning the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature.  Hinrichs found something on the bottom with two laps to go, passing Jeremiah Hurst to take the lead.  Hurst finished as the runner up, Darrel DeFrance got around Todd Cooney in the closing laps, as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Ben Seeman came home in fifth.  Hinrichs started eleventh to take his first win of the year at the track.  The race ended with a red flag when Tim Simpson rolled his #17x machine as the race was being completed.  He was okay.

The night cap was 20-laps of IMCA Modified racing and it was Richie Gustin standing in victory lane with back to back wins.  Gustin started eighth and established himself in first place as lap two was scored.  He then went on to dominate the field, leading by over half a lap at times, to score win number two.  Joel Rust finished a distant runner up, Ronn Lauritzen took third place, fourth went to Jimmy Gustin, and point leader Tim Ward was fifth.

We did see, from a distance, some of the awful destruction that last week's tornado caused in Marshalltown.  Buildings were crumbled with one nearly across the street not being touched.  The town is already in recovery mode, with huge scaffolding around the courthouse as they begin the restoration process.  The town is banding together as they begin the recovery process and signs all around town proclaim "Marshalltown Strong" and hometown racer Darrel DeFrance had the slogan on his car last night as well. 

Get out and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing! 




  

Hofbauer, Boumeester, Rudolph, and Gannon capture first wins at Boone

A pit packed with 166 race cars provided the fans at the Boone Speedway an entertaining Saturday night of exciting racing action. The night however was marred with several rollover incidents, even one in the new 2-person cruiser action.

Four drivers captured their first win of the year.  Tony Hofbauer made his way to Victory Lane in the IMCA Modified division, visiting Minnesota racer, Jared Boumeester took home the $750 prize in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, Aaron Rudolph snagged his first win of the year in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Tanner Gannon made it his first career win in the Mod Lite class.  Devin Smith in the IMCA Stock Cars, and Mike Houseman in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints made return visits to the winner's circle.

Tanner Gannon began the 15-lap Mod Lite feature in fifth starting position, and had the lead by lap one.  He then motored off as the race went green to checkered and took the win by a comfortable margin.  Bryan Zehm, last week's winner finished in the runner up spot, third went to Travis Stensland, Joe Glick was fourth and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five.  This was rookie Tanner Gannon's first career win. Gannon is the grandson of the late, great Dave Farren.

The IMCA Northern SportMods were the featured class last evening... running for $750 to win. Plus a $350 Dash for Cash was held after their heat races for the top twelve qualifiers. Jake McBirnie took that win.

The stout field of 38 cars had to be whittled down to a 24-car starting field through two B Main events.

Jared Boumeester from Waseca, Minnesota made his first ever trip to the Boone Speedway and went home with the win.  Boumeester started fourth and took command at lap two, never to relinquish it on his run to the checkers.  Finishing  a distant runner up was Thomas Egenburger, Johnathon Logue was third, Ethan Braaksma had a good run through the field to finish fourth after starting seventeenth, and Austin Luellen was fifth.

The IMCA RaceSaver Sprints came next for their 20-lap feature.  Mike Johnston and Mike Houseman led the parade through the halfway mark of the main event.  Houseman had just gotten to the lead when a red flag situation occurred when Devin Wignall rolled his machine on the backstretch after contact with Frank Rodgers.  He was okay.

The race just got restarted when a scary incident brought out another red flag before another lap was scored.  Mike Moore went flying off of corner one, flipped and hit the bottom of the catwalk.  Thankfully, he also was not injured. Moore had earlier gone over the edge of turn four and had to tag the field.  With the adrenaline flowing, he no doubt was on a mission to get to the front....a plan that did not end well.

When the race did get back to green, Houseman continued to lead the troops the remaining way to the checkers, and secured the win.  Tyler Thompson slipped by Mike Johnston in the final lap...finishing second and third respectively.  Matt Richards and Bob Hildreth rounded out the top five.  This marked Houseman's sixth trip to Victory Lane this season.

Next week, July 28, will be the RaceSaver Sprint season championship.  Tyler Thompson is the point leader by 16 points over second place Mike Houseman, and with an average of 12 cars, looks to have the track championship wrapped up.

Cody Gustoff led the IMCA Stock Car 18-lap main event from the drop of the green.  Gustoff started on the outside front row and looked to be on his way to his second win of the year.  However in the end, it was Devin Smith making that second trip to the winner's circle.  Smith started seventh, and took command at lap nine.  He then stretched out his lead and took the easy win.  Gustoff held on to second place, Josh Daniels came from nineteenth to third, fourth was veteran racer Robert Stofer, and Wilton, Iowa's David Brandies came from twelfth starting spot, to finish in fifth place.

Point leader Jay Schmidt was running third with just two laps remaining, but spun in corner four. He never stopped and continued on, dropping back to finish eleventh, but still holds the point lead, 3 points up on Donavon Smith.

Tony Hofbauer, who has been absent from the racing scene for several years, brought out his lucky #13 ride this season, and took the victory in the IMCA Modifieds.  Hofbauer finished well ahead of Ricky Thornton in second, despite a late yellow that put hot shoe Thornton eager for the restart. Hofbauer left the field on that restart, taking the win by a good distance.  Eric Elliott came from ninth spot to finish third. Tim Ward took fourth position after starting twelfth, and Bill Davis, Jr. led the race through lap fourteen, when Hofbauer took command, and finished in fifth.  Hofbauer is owner of KMJ Performance that builds the Assault race cars.

Aaron Rudolph was leading  comfortably in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature until a yellow flew with just two laps remaining.  Rudolph, who started eighth and was leading by lap two, fought off the challenges of Andrew Burg on the restart, and captured the win.  John Watson had his four wins in a row streak broken, and came home in third place.  Fourth went to Eric Knutson, and Bob Daniels was fifth.  This was Rudolph's first win at the speedway in 2018.

The night cap was the 2-person Cruiser feature and another lucky #13 went to victory lane.  This time it was the #PG13 piloted by Brandon Alden and Brett Warrick.  Early leaders Matt Harris and Jeremy Moore were the runner ups, third was the duo of Tyler McCumber and John Grey, fourth went to Donnie Mason and Carl Agan, and fifth to Brandon Williams and Seth Bowen.

Fifteen of the Cruisers participated last evening, and appear to be a popular addition to the program. A roll over in corner four with just one lap down, saw the 64XXX of Jarod Peterson and Jason Peterson take a ride, but they were okay.  There are house cars available for rent, and new participants are popping up each week. You may also bring your own car. We understand the 2-person Cruisers will be on the regular program next year at Boone.

We expected extra cars in the IMCA Northern SportMod class last evening, due to the extra pay off for the headlined class, but all classes were up considerably.  There were 38 SportMods, 36 Stock Cars, 35 Modifieds and 28 Hobby Stocks that swelled the car count.

At least 60 bikes were on display last night, enticing the youngsters to come out for next week's show and the big bike giveaway.

The season will be winding down soon for dirt track racing in our area, and the Super Nationals will be here before we know it.  Get out to a track somewhere, and support the sport we all love...dirt track racing.

Thornton and VanZante take checkers at Knoxville...on a wild Thursday in Iowa

Knoxville Raceway avoided disaster in the area last night, and the Dynamic Driveline Dirt Duel went on as scheduled.  The IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods were in action with 49 Modifieds and 33 SportMods taking to the track.

The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 20 laps for their main event, and by that time the track was rubbered over and pretty much a one-lane around the bottom deal.  Cory VanZante, the Sully, Iowa racer started on the pole spot, while last year's winner, Curtis VanDerWal began right behind him.  Three cars ran at the front of the pack the entire race, VanZante leading, and Curtis VanDerWal and Omaha, Nebraska driver Cody Olsen swapping the #2 position during the race.

The race went green to checkered, and Cory VanZante  led all circuits to claim the victory. VanDerWal took back the second place with just four laps remaining, and it was Cody Olsen in third.  Fourth was seventh place starter Cory Rose, and Dusty Masolini started ninth, and finished in fifth.

VanZante had claimed his first career SportMod feature win earlier this year at the Marshalltown Speedway, and last night, his second came at of all places, the Knoxville Raceway....something that many a racer only dreams of.  We spoke with VanZante after his win, and he said he was a bundle of nerves when he learned he had drawn the pole starting spot.  But he was one happy camper at the end of the night! 

The Modifieds ran a 25 laps feature for a $2,000 to win pay off.  A passing point format through the heats, saw the top twelve redraw for starting spots, and Jacob Murray and hot shoe Ricky Thornton, Jr. were the lucky recipients of the front row.

Thornton laid claim to the lead immediately, and then, as we've often seen him do, pulled away from the pack.  Cayden Carter started sixth, and with just a handful of laps in the books, had made his way to run second.  As Thornton motored happily around the track, Carter began to reel in the leader but even after a restart situation that bunched the field with six laps to go, Thornton once again motored off.  Carter hung close to Thornton, but really never threatened him seriously, Thornton taking the checkers with Carter finishing as the runner up.  Richie Gustin took a distant third after starting in seventh place, pole sitter Jacob Murray took fourth, and last year's winner, Chris Abelson was fifth.

The program clicked off efficiently last evening with the first heat taking to the track at 7:14 and the final checkers flying at 9:30 p.m.

As mentioned earlier, Knoxville Raceway escaped the turbulent Iowa weather yesterday.  We were saddened to hear of the tornado hitting close by Pella, the most destruction being at the Vermeer plant location.  And then our friends to the north of us in Marshalltown, had a devastating wedge shaped tornado hit the downtown area....causing extensive damage to the downtown business area and the historic courthouse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

The Marshalltown Speedway has cancelled its regular Friday night racing.  Though the speedway itself was not touched by the tornado, they have decided to let the racetrack fall silent in light of the town's devastation. 

Sanders sails to USMTS win at Osky

The Southern Iowa Speedway in Osky hosted its first USMTS race since 2011 at the big old half mile on Wednesday night during the fair.  Twenty-seven of the ground pounders came to try their hand at the Monster.

The USRA Stock Cars, B Mods and Hobby Stocks were also on the card.  In the end, it was Rodney Sanders in a runaway with the headliner main event, Todd Staley, promoter of the show took his third win within a week in the Stock Car class, Ben Moudry came down from Minnesota and snatched the B Mod victory, and local favorite Dustin Griffiths made it two wins in as many night at the track in snagging the Hobby Stock win.

It was a short field of seven Hobby Stocks and the 12-lap feature went green to checkered.  When Dustin Griffiths drew the pole for the main event, coming fresh off of a win the previous night at the track, many of us were thinking it was over.  It was.

Griffiths jumped to  the immediate lead, stretched it out, and won easily.  Eric Stanton, who had rolled his car the night before at the show in Webster City, was in a back up car and was the runner up.  Third went to Brok Hopwood, Christian Huffman was fourth and Aaron Martin was fifth.  Sixth was Clint Nelson, and it was good to see Bobby Greene back in action, as he piloted the 13M of Riley Meinders and completed the race in seventh.

The USRA Iron Man Challenge B Mods brought a dozen cars for the competition with Hasting, Minnesota's Ben Moudry capturing the win.  Moudry started on the outside front row, and led all 18-lap on his way to the checkers.  Andrew Schroeder and Decorah's Dan Hovden battled it out for the runner up spot in the latter portion of the race, with Schroeder taking claim to the runner up spot, Hovden going third.  Brayton Carter came home in fourth and Blaine Webster was fifth.

The Stock Cars seldom fail to put on a good show at Osky, and last night was no different.  A pair of 14 cars sat on the front row, with promoter of the night, Todd Staley drawing the one spot, with Derrick Agee in his green machine along side.

Agee grabbed the immediate lead and by lap two, Nathan Wood had moved from sixth to tail the leader...Staley running third.  A restart after a lap three caution for local favorite Cayden Carter, made for tight racing for the lead.  Nathan Wood came out the victor on that situation and he held that top spot after another caution flew at lap six.

 Wood continued his lead but now Staley had moved into the second spot, Agee dropped back, and a couple of northeast Iowa drivers, the 33 of Kevin Donlan, and the 97 of veteran Lynn Panos were now in the mix.  Those four drivers made it a breakaway at the front of the pack, challenges being thrown constantly.  Staley, continued taking a look under leader Wood and with just a couple laps remaining in the 18-lap affair, took command.  Staley held the lead to the flying checkers and snatched up the win.  Track champion Nathan Wood had to be content with the runner up spot, Donlan was third, Panos fourth and Derrick Agee finished a distant fifth.

Staley, who had started running a Stock Car nine years ago, had just gotten his first career win on Saturday during Webster City's weekly show.  Tuesday night in Webster City during the USMTS race, he  won again, and then followed up with his third career win last night at Osky...his second track conquered.

Twenty-seven USMTS Modified were in competition and twenty-four started the 30 lap feature.  Jake O'Neil, Tucson, Arizona hot shoe and Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas began the race from the front row.

Sanders took command at lap one with Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, New Mexico tagging in behind him, and by lap three, Scott's brother Johnny Scott, who shows that he is a transplanted Cameron, Missouri resident, was running third.

Two cautions would fly during the event, one at lap seven, and another at lap twenty-one.  Neither would hinder Sanders as he pulled away to a comfortable lead each time, and eventually took the comfortable win.  Brothers Scott....Stormy and Johnny finished second and third.  A crowd favorite in our section anyway, Terry Phillips from Springfield, Missouri, son to the legendary late Larry Phillips, took fourth, and a distant fifth went to Chatfield, Minnesota's Lucas Schott.

This was the first time since July of 2011 that a USMTS show has been at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  The last winner was local favorite Zack VanderBeek.  VanderBeek was running about sixth when he had issues and exited the race with just a few laps remaining.

We saw several USMTS "race chasers" in attendance last night, and chatted with a couple, one from Kansas City, the other from Minnesota. 

It was a bustling time on the fairgrounds when the grandstands emptied. It was busier than we can recall in many years.  The parking lot was full, and we even had to be maneuvered by security through a back exit, as well as on the highway when we finally reached it.

Thought starting a bit late, at 7:49, the show was run right through with no down time, completed at 9:51.

We hope the Dynamic Drivelines Modified special show at the Knoxville Raceway happens tonight.  We had over two inches of rain early today, and the thermometer hasn't broken 65 degrees yet.

Get out and attend a race somewhere, in support of dirt racing.