The Southern Iowa Speedway was back in action on another beautiful Wednesday night. One driver has a four win streak going, another took back to back wins, as did another, but in a round about way (more on that later), and another driver sees victory lane for the first time this season.
The running order of the features got mixed up a bit on Wednesday night and it was the Hobby Stocks taking to the track first. Christian Huffman led the opening 15-lap main event but Dustin Griffiths was quickly up to challenge. Giffiths took command with a handful of laps in the books, and now Eric Stanton was shadowing him after flying through the field from his twelfth starting postion. Then Griffiths and Stanton duked it out at the front of the pack in a breakaway from the field. Stanton gained the upper hand at lap seven, and then began to pull away. A yellow with a lap remaining tightened things up for the restart. The first restart was called back when Rick Dusseldorp had issues, and then on the second attempt, Dustin Griffiths was off power and exited the track. Derek Kirkland then was the one chasing leader Stanton, but to no avail as Stanton took the checkers for the second week in a row. Kirkland had to settle for the runner up spot, Clint Nelson started eighth and finished third, polesitter Christian Huffman was fourth, and Craig Brown rounded out the top five. This made three wins for Stanton at Osky this year.
The SportMods made their appearance next for their 15-lap feature. It was Jason McDaniel who established his dominance in this one from the drop of the green. Taylor Elliott, (her father Greg and uncle Mark Elliott, are both longtime racers from the Webster City area) was having a great run sitting in second place, but soon had last week's winner Brayton Carter reeling her in. A caution at lap seven for new driver Coleton Pace, erased McDaniel's big lead. Brayton Carter was hungry for the restart as he was now running second, but McDaniel still drove off from the pack and took his first win of the year by a comfortable distance. Carter finished second, Curtis VanDerWal finished third, fourth went to Logan Anderson, and Taylor Elliott was fifth.
Ten of the Sport Compacts were on hand last evening. Their feature event was ten laps in distance and the outcome was the same as it has been for the previous three weeks. Brandon Housley took command of the race at lap three and never looked back on his way to his fourth straight trip to victory lane at the Southern Iowa Speedway. Finishing a distant second place was pole sitter Cody Phillips. Third went to Kyle Boyd, Barry Taft was fourth, and Austin Kaplan made his first appearance at the track piloting a rather odd looking hatchback #01, and finished fifth. We've noticed that the Compact division has some really nice looking cars this year, and another one, the 51T made a first time trip to test Osky's waters. It was piloted by Tanner Wilson, from Albia. Housley told announcer Tony Paris in his victory lane interview that he now has seven consecutive wins at various tracks around Iowa.
The Stock Cars were the night cap feature, running an 18-lap A main. Derrick Agee led the race from his pole position and then put distance between himself and the rest of the troops. He was more than content to let the cars behind him going to battle, and battling they were! Mike Hughes, Scott Dickey and Danny Thrasher were going at it in a fierce contest. A bit later, Cayden Carter joined in the fun and it appeared the race was all going to be for second as Agee rode at the front with clean air ahead. However, at lap twelve, Mike Harward would spread oil all over the track as his motor let go. This brought out the caution, and the restart after a bit of speedy dry was spread, erasing Agee's big lead. Scott Dickey quickly moved to the topside and with three laps left in the race, took the lead. He pulled off from the rest of the field, to take the checkers easily. Meanwhile, it was a three-wide battle for second place, with Cayden Carter winning out for the runner up spot, Derrick Agee was a close third, Mike Hughes was fourth, and Nathan Wood, who had a nasty tumble in turn four last week, with substantial damage, came back in the same hot rod, to take fifth. It wasn't long until we were receiving word that there had been a disqualification in the Stock Car class as winner Scott Dickey was not running with a required chip. This gave the win to second place finisher, Cayden Carter...claiming the top spot for the second week in a row. This moved all finishers up in the finishing order with Danny Thrasher completing the top five.
It was a special night at the track for the youngster's on hand, as 37 bikes were given away through the generosity of many. There were a lot of very happy children going home with their new shiny prizes! The program was once again clicked off efficiently, with the final checkers flying right at 9:30 p.m.
Racing continues next Wednesday night when the four regular classes will be joined by the Iowa Sportsman Series. Guest announcer next week is no stranger to holding the mic as it will be Jerry Mackey with those duties. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Curt Martin takes win #27 in Deery Brothers victory at Boone
The Boys of Summer, the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models came to town for their annual Memorial Day run at the Boone Speedway. Twenty-eight of the wide bodies checked into the pits for a day of fun and in the end, it was a veteran racer taking home the victory. Also running for national, regional, state, and track points were the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks. The Deery Brothers ran their 48th race at the Speedway which began back in 1988.
Veteran racer, and two-time IMCA Deery Brothers series champion, Curt Martin, took home the hardware and $2,000 in the 40-lap headliner feature. Martin got the lucky pole starting position and led all but one lap when Jeremiah Hurst briefly slipped by him on lap four. He quickly regained the lead and kept it the remaining way to the checkers and the win. Hurst held the runner up spot, and Ryan Dolan started seventh, and finished in third. Justin Kay, the driver who has been on fire, ending last year with a Deery win, and then winning the three series races so far this year, was going for a record five in a row, fell a bit short and finished in fourth place. Joe Zrostlik rounded out the top five. Yellows at lap ten and again at lap twenty-two, nor lap traffic hindered Martin's run to victory lane. Martin captured his win #27 in the IMCA Deery Brothers series, now tied with Justin Kay. Kay remains as one of four other drivers who hold a 4 in a row Deery win....Gary Webb (1994), Rob Toland (2004) and Brian Harris (2013).
Thomas Egenberger has been close to seeing the checkers in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, but on Monday, he finally got that first career win under his belt. He was leading on Saturday night, when a yellow flag with one lap to go proved to be his nemisis. The ensuing restart cost him that win. Egenberger led the entire 20-laps on his way to the win, holding off Cory Rose who chased him the whole race. Dustin Masolini wins the hard charger award, coming from seventeenth starting spot, to finish third. Tyler Inman started eleventh, and finished fourth and Cory Pestotnik rallied from a mid-race incident to get a top five finish.
Troy Jerovetz made it to victory lane for the first time in the IMCA Stock Car class. Jerovetz, who is a transplanted Wisconsinite, now residing in Webster City, Iowa, passed opening lap leader Wayne Gifford on lap two, and held off all challengers in the caution free 20-lap A main. Donavon Smith closed in on the leader at times, but could muster no more than a second place finish. Jay Schmidt worked through the field from starting eighth, to take third place, fourth went to Trent Murphy, who had started twelfth, and early leader Wayne Gifford was fifth.
Andrew Burg scored his second victory of the year at the speedway in the 15-lap finale feature. Solomon Bennett threw several challenges at the leader, but had to settle for the runner up spot. John Watson, who had just won on Saturday night, took third place after starting tenth. Eleventh place starter Chanse Hollatz was fourth and pole sitter Derek Hodges completed the top five.
The weather forecasters "no chance of rain" was looking completely wrong as we headed toward Boone yesterday. A check of radar showed cells popping up everywhere, like popcorn. The sky grew darker and then we hit rain a few miles east of the track. As often is the case though, the raindrops ceased right before we got to the track, and no rain had fallen. It still wasn't looking good though, as it was very black, especially so to the southeast. Somehow, the angry sky eluded the track, and not a drop of rain fell. Racing began right at 5 p.m. and the last checkered flag fell at 7:50 p.m.
Next up for the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models will be on Tuesday, June 5 at the Marshalltown Speedway with $2,000 to win. Also on tap are the IMCA Modifieds running for National, Regional and State points, and also paying $2,000 to win and $1,000 for second. The STARS Mod Lites are also running. Grandstands open at 5, Hot laps are 7 with racing to follow. Should be a great show on the High Banks. Hope to see some of you there!
Veteran racer, and two-time IMCA Deery Brothers series champion, Curt Martin, took home the hardware and $2,000 in the 40-lap headliner feature. Martin got the lucky pole starting position and led all but one lap when Jeremiah Hurst briefly slipped by him on lap four. He quickly regained the lead and kept it the remaining way to the checkers and the win. Hurst held the runner up spot, and Ryan Dolan started seventh, and finished in third. Justin Kay, the driver who has been on fire, ending last year with a Deery win, and then winning the three series races so far this year, was going for a record five in a row, fell a bit short and finished in fourth place. Joe Zrostlik rounded out the top five. Yellows at lap ten and again at lap twenty-two, nor lap traffic hindered Martin's run to victory lane. Martin captured his win #27 in the IMCA Deery Brothers series, now tied with Justin Kay. Kay remains as one of four other drivers who hold a 4 in a row Deery win....Gary Webb (1994), Rob Toland (2004) and Brian Harris (2013).
Thomas Egenberger has been close to seeing the checkers in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, but on Monday, he finally got that first career win under his belt. He was leading on Saturday night, when a yellow flag with one lap to go proved to be his nemisis. The ensuing restart cost him that win. Egenberger led the entire 20-laps on his way to the win, holding off Cory Rose who chased him the whole race. Dustin Masolini wins the hard charger award, coming from seventeenth starting spot, to finish third. Tyler Inman started eleventh, and finished fourth and Cory Pestotnik rallied from a mid-race incident to get a top five finish.
Troy Jerovetz made it to victory lane for the first time in the IMCA Stock Car class. Jerovetz, who is a transplanted Wisconsinite, now residing in Webster City, Iowa, passed opening lap leader Wayne Gifford on lap two, and held off all challengers in the caution free 20-lap A main. Donavon Smith closed in on the leader at times, but could muster no more than a second place finish. Jay Schmidt worked through the field from starting eighth, to take third place, fourth went to Trent Murphy, who had started twelfth, and early leader Wayne Gifford was fifth.
Andrew Burg scored his second victory of the year at the speedway in the 15-lap finale feature. Solomon Bennett threw several challenges at the leader, but had to settle for the runner up spot. John Watson, who had just won on Saturday night, took third place after starting tenth. Eleventh place starter Chanse Hollatz was fourth and pole sitter Derek Hodges completed the top five.
The weather forecasters "no chance of rain" was looking completely wrong as we headed toward Boone yesterday. A check of radar showed cells popping up everywhere, like popcorn. The sky grew darker and then we hit rain a few miles east of the track. As often is the case though, the raindrops ceased right before we got to the track, and no rain had fallen. It still wasn't looking good though, as it was very black, especially so to the southeast. Somehow, the angry sky eluded the track, and not a drop of rain fell. Racing began right at 5 p.m. and the last checkered flag fell at 7:50 p.m.
Next up for the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models will be on Tuesday, June 5 at the Marshalltown Speedway with $2,000 to win. Also on tap are the IMCA Modifieds running for National, Regional and State points, and also paying $2,000 to win and $1,000 for second. The STARS Mod Lites are also running. Grandstands open at 5, Hot laps are 7 with racing to follow. Should be a great show on the High Banks. Hope to see some of you there!
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Bounty on Thornton goes unclaimed, but Cox takes his first ever Modified win at Boone
It was another action packed night of racing at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night, with 142 cars checked into the pits. Tony Cox claimed his first ever IMCA Modified win, Dave Smith went to victory lane in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Jake McBirnie took the win in the IMCA Northern SportMod division. John Watson got back to his winning ways in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, Mike Houseman won his third IMCA RaceSaver Sprint A main of the year, and Bryan Zehm won for the second time in the Mod Lites.
Scott Naggatz, the racer from Carter Lake, Iowa led the Mod Lite field to green in their feature event. Bryan Zehm quickly got to second place and began reeling in the leader. Naggatz held the top spot until lap eight when Zehm made the pass for the lead. From there on, Zehm kept that lead the remaining distance to the checkers and the win. Last week's winner, Travis Stensland worked his way from eight starting spot, to finish as the runner up, Joe Glick was third, fourth went to Tanner Gannon, and early leader Naggatz, rounded out the top five. Zehm won for the second time at the track this season. Several new drivers were on the scene last night to take part in the Mod Lite division. Phil Barrow from Moonpark, California, Doug Pollock from Tekamah, Nebraska and Zac Forster from Bakersfield, California were on hand to test Iowa's Action Track.
Much of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest was led by Thomas Egenberger. Egenberger took the lead on lap four, and had to hold off the challenges of Dusty Masolini and Chase Rudolph. A yellow flew at lap fourteen, and bunched up the field for the restart. He held the lead until lap sixteen which proved to be Egenberger's undoing. He lost the handle in turn four, and Jake McBirnie, who had moved from eleventh starting spot to tail the leader, seized the moment and flew to the lead. McBrinie kept that lead in the closing moments, and snatched up his first win at the speedway this year. Chase Rudolf took the runner up position, Dusty Masolini was third, twenty-first place starter, Austin Luellen was fourth in an impressive run, and Tyler Inman was fifth.
Mike Houseman took win number three in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20-lap A main. He led from lap five and then went the distance in the caution free race. Second place went to Mike Moore, third was Devin Wignall, Tyler Thompson fell to fourth after nearly spinning out while in second as they raced to the checkers, and Ben Woods was fifth.
David Smith started on the pole of the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car race, and never looked back on his way to the winner's circle. Scott Davis tailed Smith the entire race to finish second. Third went to veteran racer, Robert Stofer, Jay Schmidt started tenth and finished fourth and, Rod Richards was fifth. A look back at some of my records shows that Smith last won a points race at the track on this same date during the Deery Brothers Late Model show back in 2014.
There was a $500 bounty out on Ricky Thornton, the Arizona driver who now resides in Clive, Iowa. The hot shoe had won four weeks in a row and there was now a price on his head for anyone that could dethrone him if he was still running at the end of 20-laps. Thirty-seven IMCA Modifieds came to give it a shot. The twenty-four that qualified for the A Main were up for the challenge.
Nevada racer Wade Taylor and Ames, Iowa's Tony Cox would be the front row starters. Cox led lap one, but Taylor grabbed the lead away at lap two. His lead lasted for another handful of laps, only to have Tim Ward, who started tenth, take command on lap eight. Meanwhile, Thornton had followed Ward through the field from his eleventh starting spot, and was soon on his bumper. Then the curse of the flat tires began to hit! First it was leader Ward, then Thornton, then Wade Taylor, and more throughout the field as well. Car after car had to leave because the track rule is that all four tires must be inflated. No one was probably happier to see the cars exiting the track than Tony Cox, who now found himself back in the lead. Cox held on the final laps to take the flying checkers and put his first ever IMCA Modified feature win in the books. Tyler Prochaska chased the winner across the finish line to score second place, third was Clint Luellen, who had started twenty-third, Mike VanGenderen came from thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Mark Elliott came from twenty-fourth, to finish fifth.
At one point while under yellow, the track was scoured for any debris that could have been causing all of the flat tires, but nothing was found. Many were hitting the embedded tires in the corners, and perhaps that was the culprit as most were hugging the corners. The bounty on Thornton now increases to $600 for anyone able to beat him while he is still running at the end of the A main. He looked to have a real shot at five in a row until the flat tire gremlin bit him.
The finale of the evening was 12-laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing. John Watson would lead this one the entire distance to take his first trip to victory lane this year. Andrew Burg started eighth and finished a close second. Third went to Solomon Bennett, Dylan Nelson was scored fourth, and Todd Bass rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. Watson, a few years back, was nearly unbeatable in the Hobby Stock Class. He tried his hand at SportMod racing for a bit, but has returned to the Hobby Stock division.
Next up at the Boone Speedway is the annual Memorial Day IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model spectacular on Monday, May 28. Also racing will be the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Grandstands open at 3, hot laps are scheduled for 4, and racing at 5. Then regular Saturday night racing continues on June 2, with racing in all six regular divisions. Early start times will continue through the month of June, with grandstands opening at 5, hot laps at 5:45, and racing at 6:30.
Scott Naggatz, the racer from Carter Lake, Iowa led the Mod Lite field to green in their feature event. Bryan Zehm quickly got to second place and began reeling in the leader. Naggatz held the top spot until lap eight when Zehm made the pass for the lead. From there on, Zehm kept that lead the remaining distance to the checkers and the win. Last week's winner, Travis Stensland worked his way from eight starting spot, to finish as the runner up, Joe Glick was third, fourth went to Tanner Gannon, and early leader Naggatz, rounded out the top five. Zehm won for the second time at the track this season. Several new drivers were on the scene last night to take part in the Mod Lite division. Phil Barrow from Moonpark, California, Doug Pollock from Tekamah, Nebraska and Zac Forster from Bakersfield, California were on hand to test Iowa's Action Track.
Much of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest was led by Thomas Egenberger. Egenberger took the lead on lap four, and had to hold off the challenges of Dusty Masolini and Chase Rudolph. A yellow flew at lap fourteen, and bunched up the field for the restart. He held the lead until lap sixteen which proved to be Egenberger's undoing. He lost the handle in turn four, and Jake McBirnie, who had moved from eleventh starting spot to tail the leader, seized the moment and flew to the lead. McBrinie kept that lead in the closing moments, and snatched up his first win at the speedway this year. Chase Rudolf took the runner up position, Dusty Masolini was third, twenty-first place starter, Austin Luellen was fourth in an impressive run, and Tyler Inman was fifth.
Mike Houseman took win number three in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20-lap A main. He led from lap five and then went the distance in the caution free race. Second place went to Mike Moore, third was Devin Wignall, Tyler Thompson fell to fourth after nearly spinning out while in second as they raced to the checkers, and Ben Woods was fifth.
David Smith started on the pole of the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car race, and never looked back on his way to the winner's circle. Scott Davis tailed Smith the entire race to finish second. Third went to veteran racer, Robert Stofer, Jay Schmidt started tenth and finished fourth and, Rod Richards was fifth. A look back at some of my records shows that Smith last won a points race at the track on this same date during the Deery Brothers Late Model show back in 2014.
There was a $500 bounty out on Ricky Thornton, the Arizona driver who now resides in Clive, Iowa. The hot shoe had won four weeks in a row and there was now a price on his head for anyone that could dethrone him if he was still running at the end of 20-laps. Thirty-seven IMCA Modifieds came to give it a shot. The twenty-four that qualified for the A Main were up for the challenge.
Nevada racer Wade Taylor and Ames, Iowa's Tony Cox would be the front row starters. Cox led lap one, but Taylor grabbed the lead away at lap two. His lead lasted for another handful of laps, only to have Tim Ward, who started tenth, take command on lap eight. Meanwhile, Thornton had followed Ward through the field from his eleventh starting spot, and was soon on his bumper. Then the curse of the flat tires began to hit! First it was leader Ward, then Thornton, then Wade Taylor, and more throughout the field as well. Car after car had to leave because the track rule is that all four tires must be inflated. No one was probably happier to see the cars exiting the track than Tony Cox, who now found himself back in the lead. Cox held on the final laps to take the flying checkers and put his first ever IMCA Modified feature win in the books. Tyler Prochaska chased the winner across the finish line to score second place, third was Clint Luellen, who had started twenty-third, Mike VanGenderen came from thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Mark Elliott came from twenty-fourth, to finish fifth.
At one point while under yellow, the track was scoured for any debris that could have been causing all of the flat tires, but nothing was found. Many were hitting the embedded tires in the corners, and perhaps that was the culprit as most were hugging the corners. The bounty on Thornton now increases to $600 for anyone able to beat him while he is still running at the end of the A main. He looked to have a real shot at five in a row until the flat tire gremlin bit him.
The finale of the evening was 12-laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing. John Watson would lead this one the entire distance to take his first trip to victory lane this year. Andrew Burg started eighth and finished a close second. Third went to Solomon Bennett, Dylan Nelson was scored fourth, and Todd Bass rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. Watson, a few years back, was nearly unbeatable in the Hobby Stock Class. He tried his hand at SportMod racing for a bit, but has returned to the Hobby Stock division.
Next up at the Boone Speedway is the annual Memorial Day IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model spectacular on Monday, May 28. Also racing will be the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Grandstands open at 3, hot laps are scheduled for 4, and racing at 5. Then regular Saturday night racing continues on June 2, with racing in all six regular divisions. Early start times will continue through the month of June, with grandstands opening at 5, hot laps at 5:45, and racing at 6:30.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Carter brothers double up on a wild night at Osky
The weather was great for enjoying some mid-week racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway on Wednesday night. The usual Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts ticked their heat races off in record time. Then come feature time, everyone was wondering if it was a full moon night! Drivers were penalized for rough driving, numerous yellows and throw in a red when a car went rolling, and it made for a night that was plenty action packed for sure.
The Sport Compacts were all well behaved on this night, running their ten lap feature flag to flag and without any issues. Kyle Boyd led the field for the first two laps, only to have Brandon Housley snatch it away at lap three. Housley then motored away to score the victory....his third in a row this season. Boyd held on to second place, Cody Phillips was third, and a distant fourth place went to Travis Musgrove in his first appearance at the track. Bill Whalen, Jr. fell to fifth place as he crossed under the checkers, off power.
The Stock Cars, who are often the stars of the show, had more than their share of issues on this night. The opening laps of the race saw Derrick Agee, Cayden Carter, Nathan Wood and Scott Dickey running nose to tail, or side by side. Carter managed to take the top spot at lap four, as the others ran in close formation, chasing the leader. The lead was found to be the safest place of the whole 18-laps, and out of the rubbin', nudgin', and spinning going on behind. Cars were delegated to the rear for rough driving, and then attempting to come back through the field with the adrenaline flowing was not the best deal either. Three yellows had already been thrown, and then on lap twelve, out came the red when Nathan Wood (one of those that had been sent to the back) went for a rollover in turn four. He was okay, but his night ended with the #52 being hauled off on the flatbed, pretty crushed on the top and the side. While all the cautions went on, Carter was calmly holding down the top spot. As the final circuits were run, it was clearly a race for second as Carter pulled away and took the easy win. Mike Hughes, who had been involved in an incident and relegated to restart at the rear at one point, finished a distant runner up. Third went to Derrick Agee who managed to stay out of all the messes going on during the night, Danny Thrasher escaped chaos and finished fourth, and Jason See came home in fifth. This was Carter's second win of the season in his "orange crush" ride.
The SportMods started off well enough for their 15-lap feature. First time visitor to the track this year, Tim Plummer from Norway, Iowa, looked well on his way to victory as he ran out front and pulled away. Many of us in the stands were thinking this one was going to go caution free....but scratch that! At lap fourteen, it all went south! Curtis VanDerWal had made his usual charge through the pack after starting tenth, and was now on the tail of Plummer. Plummer and VanDerWal, who are friends from their asphalt days running at Hawkeye Downs, were about to be in a battle to the checkers. However, the two got together in turn four, Plummer spinning out, but VanDerWal continuing on. Did Plummer check up? It was hard to tell, but whatever, the contact was obvious. The yellow flew, and VanDerWal was determined to be the cause of Plummer's spin, and was sent to the tail for the restart. Plummer, who was the cause of the yellow, was also sent to the rear, but pulled into the infield and out of the race. All of this action, of course, really got the crowd buzzing. When the race was restarted for the green-white-checkered finish, it was Logan Anderson in the #53 car leading the field to green, with Brayton Carter in second and Brett Lowry in third. Carter wasted no time in making his move, taking over the top spot in turn two and then pulled away for the comfortable win. Anderson was second, Brett Lowry, who debuted his new car last evening, was third, fourth went to Colton Livezey, and Jason McDaniel rounded out the top five. "Speedy Bray", who's car was in victory lane for the second consecutive week after brother Cayden had put it there a week ago, got his first win at Osky this year.
The night cap was the Hobby Stock A main, and this one did go caution free. Christian Huffman, a markedly improved driver, led the troops as the race went green, with Craig Brown tucked into second place. As the race wore on, Huffman put distance between himself and the battle for second going on behind him. Brown, Jamie Songer, Derek Kirkland, Eric Stanton, and Dustin Griffiths were jockeying for position. They would swap positions nearly each time they flew across the finish line. Stanton then cleared the pack, and established himself in the second spot, and gave chase to leader Huffman. With just two laps remaining, Stanton peeked to the inside of Huffman, but it wasn't until after taking the white flag that he made the pass in turn two, to take the top spot away. Stanton then held that lead to the checkered flag and the win, Huffman chasing him across the line to score the runner up spot. Craig Brown scored a third place, fourth was Griffiths, and Songer took fifth. This was Stanton's second victory of the year at the big old half-mile.
Fifty-six cars checked into the speedway last evening as a nice crowd watched all the action. After last night's "extra activity", the crowd was buzzing. Perhaps, this will bring even more fans out for some Wednesday night racing action!
Ballots were available as you entered the grandstand for voting for the 2018 Hall of Fame inductees. For those not there, or that did not see the nominees, they were as follows: Johnny Babb, Merv Chandler, Engel DeKock (flagman) Jim and Joe Durian (promoters) Dave Farren, Kenny Fenn, Dan Feree, Tim Folkerts, Troy Folkerts, Wendell Folkerts, Jeff Haines, Curt Hansen, Bob "Gabby" Hayes, Don Hoffman, Keith Kropf, Wayne Larson, Bob Maschmann, Mel Morris, Lee Pinckney, Mike Robinson, Ed Sanger, Sonny Smyser, Pat Surfus, Paul VanZee, Carl Van Der Wal, and Bill Zwanziger. You could cast your ballot for only three of those nominees, and one ballot per person. The new Hall of Famer's will be inducted at the track on THURSDAY night, June 21.
The green flag dropped at bit before 7:30 last evening, and even with all the controversies, yellow flags, and red flag and the ensuing clean up, the racing action concluded at 9:24 p.m. Racing continues next Wednesday for Kid's Night at the races. Hot laps are 7 and racing at 7:30.
The Sport Compacts were all well behaved on this night, running their ten lap feature flag to flag and without any issues. Kyle Boyd led the field for the first two laps, only to have Brandon Housley snatch it away at lap three. Housley then motored away to score the victory....his third in a row this season. Boyd held on to second place, Cody Phillips was third, and a distant fourth place went to Travis Musgrove in his first appearance at the track. Bill Whalen, Jr. fell to fifth place as he crossed under the checkers, off power.
The Stock Cars, who are often the stars of the show, had more than their share of issues on this night. The opening laps of the race saw Derrick Agee, Cayden Carter, Nathan Wood and Scott Dickey running nose to tail, or side by side. Carter managed to take the top spot at lap four, as the others ran in close formation, chasing the leader. The lead was found to be the safest place of the whole 18-laps, and out of the rubbin', nudgin', and spinning going on behind. Cars were delegated to the rear for rough driving, and then attempting to come back through the field with the adrenaline flowing was not the best deal either. Three yellows had already been thrown, and then on lap twelve, out came the red when Nathan Wood (one of those that had been sent to the back) went for a rollover in turn four. He was okay, but his night ended with the #52 being hauled off on the flatbed, pretty crushed on the top and the side. While all the cautions went on, Carter was calmly holding down the top spot. As the final circuits were run, it was clearly a race for second as Carter pulled away and took the easy win. Mike Hughes, who had been involved in an incident and relegated to restart at the rear at one point, finished a distant runner up. Third went to Derrick Agee who managed to stay out of all the messes going on during the night, Danny Thrasher escaped chaos and finished fourth, and Jason See came home in fifth. This was Carter's second win of the season in his "orange crush" ride.
The SportMods started off well enough for their 15-lap feature. First time visitor to the track this year, Tim Plummer from Norway, Iowa, looked well on his way to victory as he ran out front and pulled away. Many of us in the stands were thinking this one was going to go caution free....but scratch that! At lap fourteen, it all went south! Curtis VanDerWal had made his usual charge through the pack after starting tenth, and was now on the tail of Plummer. Plummer and VanDerWal, who are friends from their asphalt days running at Hawkeye Downs, were about to be in a battle to the checkers. However, the two got together in turn four, Plummer spinning out, but VanDerWal continuing on. Did Plummer check up? It was hard to tell, but whatever, the contact was obvious. The yellow flew, and VanDerWal was determined to be the cause of Plummer's spin, and was sent to the tail for the restart. Plummer, who was the cause of the yellow, was also sent to the rear, but pulled into the infield and out of the race. All of this action, of course, really got the crowd buzzing. When the race was restarted for the green-white-checkered finish, it was Logan Anderson in the #53 car leading the field to green, with Brayton Carter in second and Brett Lowry in third. Carter wasted no time in making his move, taking over the top spot in turn two and then pulled away for the comfortable win. Anderson was second, Brett Lowry, who debuted his new car last evening, was third, fourth went to Colton Livezey, and Jason McDaniel rounded out the top five. "Speedy Bray", who's car was in victory lane for the second consecutive week after brother Cayden had put it there a week ago, got his first win at Osky this year.
The night cap was the Hobby Stock A main, and this one did go caution free. Christian Huffman, a markedly improved driver, led the troops as the race went green, with Craig Brown tucked into second place. As the race wore on, Huffman put distance between himself and the battle for second going on behind him. Brown, Jamie Songer, Derek Kirkland, Eric Stanton, and Dustin Griffiths were jockeying for position. They would swap positions nearly each time they flew across the finish line. Stanton then cleared the pack, and established himself in the second spot, and gave chase to leader Huffman. With just two laps remaining, Stanton peeked to the inside of Huffman, but it wasn't until after taking the white flag that he made the pass in turn two, to take the top spot away. Stanton then held that lead to the checkered flag and the win, Huffman chasing him across the line to score the runner up spot. Craig Brown scored a third place, fourth was Griffiths, and Songer took fifth. This was Stanton's second victory of the year at the big old half-mile.
Fifty-six cars checked into the speedway last evening as a nice crowd watched all the action. After last night's "extra activity", the crowd was buzzing. Perhaps, this will bring even more fans out for some Wednesday night racing action!
Ballots were available as you entered the grandstand for voting for the 2018 Hall of Fame inductees. For those not there, or that did not see the nominees, they were as follows: Johnny Babb, Merv Chandler, Engel DeKock (flagman) Jim and Joe Durian (promoters) Dave Farren, Kenny Fenn, Dan Feree, Tim Folkerts, Troy Folkerts, Wendell Folkerts, Jeff Haines, Curt Hansen, Bob "Gabby" Hayes, Don Hoffman, Keith Kropf, Wayne Larson, Bob Maschmann, Mel Morris, Lee Pinckney, Mike Robinson, Ed Sanger, Sonny Smyser, Pat Surfus, Paul VanZee, Carl Van Der Wal, and Bill Zwanziger. You could cast your ballot for only three of those nominees, and one ballot per person. The new Hall of Famer's will be inducted at the track on THURSDAY night, June 21.
The green flag dropped at bit before 7:30 last evening, and even with all the controversies, yellow flags, and red flag and the ensuing clean up, the racing action concluded at 9:24 p.m. Racing continues next Wednesday for Kid's Night at the races. Hot laps are 7 and racing at 7:30.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Thornton on a roll at Boone with fourth win in a row
Mother Nature did not win this one from Boone Speedway on Saturday night, though the prospect of a night of racing did not look good at times. The torrential rain we drove through to get there had flooded fields, but fortunately had not been as heavy at the Speedway, though still substantial. However, racing went on as usual with but a 45 minute delay to prep the track.
Travis Stensland won the Mod Lite feature, Keith Burg took his first ever win in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, Mike Houseman won his second IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature, and Johnathon Logue was victorious in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. The IMCA Stock Car main event went to Jeff Mueller in his second win of the season, and the man on fire, Ricky Thornton, Jr., made it four in a row in the IMCA Modifieds.
Travis Stensland chased down Bryan Zehm in the Mod Lite 15-lap event, taking command on lap twelve and staving off any threats thereafter. He took the double checkers, leaving Zehm to relish only second place. Third went to Joe Glick, Tanner Gannon, who I believe is a grandson of the late, great, Dave Farren, was fourth, and Chelsea May had her best run of the year and rounded out the top five. Stensland started eighth, and won for the second time this season. He had just won his feature the night before at the Marshalltown Speedway as well.
The 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod A main was plagued with yellow flags, but in the end it was Johnathon Logue surviving all those cautions to take the win. Logue came from eleventh starting spot, ran down the front runners, and took charge at lap eight. The drivers were warned that the race was under the time limit rule at lap ten, but then continued on the remainder of the distance without another caution. Strange how that often happens. Early leader Ethan Braaskma was a distant runner up, third went to Tyler Inman, fourth was Austin Luellen who started twenty-third, and Hunter Longnecker was fifth. This was Logue's first win at Boone this year after having also won at Marshalltown on Friday night. Logue commented in his post-race interview with Coty Mallicoat, that that was his first ever time going back to back on consecutive nights.
Mike Houseman won for the second time in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint class. Houseman snapped up the lead on lap four, and never looked back. Seventh place starter Tyler Thompson, fell short in his attempt to run down the leader, and had to settle for second place. Third was C. J. Houseman, Mike Johnston was fourth and Ben Woods rounded out the top five. Fourteen of the sprint cars made an appearance last night, their largest count of the year.
Veteran racer Scott Davis, who has been absent from the racing scene for at least a handful of years, when he last raced in the IMCA Northern SportMod division, is back piloting a familiar appearing orange #81D IMCA Stock Car this season. He took the lead at lap five, and looked to be on his way to the winner's circle as he led the pack. He soon had the challenges of Donavon Smith and Jeff Mueller to contend with however, and the battle was intense. With just a lap to go, Davis and Smith made contact which resulted in a flat tire for Davis, and allowing Mueller to scoot by Smith to take the lead. Mueller then kept that lead the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win. Smith held on to second, Trent Murphy started eleventh and finished in third, Wayne Gifford came from fifteenth to finish in fourth, and Ty Hill was fifth. Mueller started sixteenth, and won for the second time at Boone this year. We did note that although Davis did cross the finish line in the fourth position, he was scored at the back of the running order due to running on a flat tire....a no, no at the Boone Speedway.
Joel Bushore led the field to green in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Bushore was soon trying to hold back eighth place starter Mike VanGenderen who was sniffing at his heels. At lap seven, VanGenderen made a nifty move to take the number one spot away, only to have Ricky Thornton snatch it away the following lap. From there on, it was all Thornton as he pulled away from the field to take a comfortable win. Tim Ward started fourteenth, and finished second...his third time this season chasing Thornton across the line. VanGenderen, who is the past two year's track champion, was third, fourth went to Eric Elliott, and Al "Pep" Wolfgram completed the top five positions. Thornton has been on a roll at the track this year, winning for the fourth consecutive week. There is now talk that a bounty may soon be hanging over his head.
The nightcap for the evening was twelve laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing. This race also had its share of caution flags, and was close to being placed under the time limit rule with just a lap or two in the books. All those cautions however didn't hinder Keith Burg on his way to capturing his first career feature win. Burg was challenged by Justin Wacha in the latter part of the race, but in the final laps, he pulled away to take the comfortable win. Wacha was the runner up, followed by Shawn Wirtz in third, tenth place starter Ryan Wells was fourth, and Todd Bass started dead last in twenty-second place and finished fifth. Burg is the son of veteran racer Andrew Burg.
We were thankful to get racing in last evening, though as I stated earlier, it was looking a bit bleak on our travels to the track. It rained so hard that fields were flooding, cars were pulled off to the side of the road, and the windshield wipers could hardly keep up! The closer we got to Boone, the rain began to let off, and though it had rained there earlier, it had stopped when we arrived. The track had been sealed over, and they were allowing it to drain off....which it does so well. Soon the tractors were out on the surface, and the track prep began. The track, which was much heavier than the previous weeks, was fine, and the first green flag dropped at 7:11 p.m., instead of the May start time of 6:30. Racing was completed at 10:14....six classes and 118 cars.
The track will have its regular night of racing next Saturday night, May 26, and then on Memorial Day, Monday May 28, the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models will make their annual appearance. Joining them on Memorial Day will be the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks. Hot laps are 4 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m. for the Memorial Day show.
Travis Stensland won the Mod Lite feature, Keith Burg took his first ever win in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, Mike Houseman won his second IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature, and Johnathon Logue was victorious in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. The IMCA Stock Car main event went to Jeff Mueller in his second win of the season, and the man on fire, Ricky Thornton, Jr., made it four in a row in the IMCA Modifieds.
Travis Stensland chased down Bryan Zehm in the Mod Lite 15-lap event, taking command on lap twelve and staving off any threats thereafter. He took the double checkers, leaving Zehm to relish only second place. Third went to Joe Glick, Tanner Gannon, who I believe is a grandson of the late, great, Dave Farren, was fourth, and Chelsea May had her best run of the year and rounded out the top five. Stensland started eighth, and won for the second time this season. He had just won his feature the night before at the Marshalltown Speedway as well.
The 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod A main was plagued with yellow flags, but in the end it was Johnathon Logue surviving all those cautions to take the win. Logue came from eleventh starting spot, ran down the front runners, and took charge at lap eight. The drivers were warned that the race was under the time limit rule at lap ten, but then continued on the remainder of the distance without another caution. Strange how that often happens. Early leader Ethan Braaskma was a distant runner up, third went to Tyler Inman, fourth was Austin Luellen who started twenty-third, and Hunter Longnecker was fifth. This was Logue's first win at Boone this year after having also won at Marshalltown on Friday night. Logue commented in his post-race interview with Coty Mallicoat, that that was his first ever time going back to back on consecutive nights.
Mike Houseman won for the second time in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint class. Houseman snapped up the lead on lap four, and never looked back. Seventh place starter Tyler Thompson, fell short in his attempt to run down the leader, and had to settle for second place. Third was C. J. Houseman, Mike Johnston was fourth and Ben Woods rounded out the top five. Fourteen of the sprint cars made an appearance last night, their largest count of the year.
Veteran racer Scott Davis, who has been absent from the racing scene for at least a handful of years, when he last raced in the IMCA Northern SportMod division, is back piloting a familiar appearing orange #81D IMCA Stock Car this season. He took the lead at lap five, and looked to be on his way to the winner's circle as he led the pack. He soon had the challenges of Donavon Smith and Jeff Mueller to contend with however, and the battle was intense. With just a lap to go, Davis and Smith made contact which resulted in a flat tire for Davis, and allowing Mueller to scoot by Smith to take the lead. Mueller then kept that lead the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win. Smith held on to second, Trent Murphy started eleventh and finished in third, Wayne Gifford came from fifteenth to finish in fourth, and Ty Hill was fifth. Mueller started sixteenth, and won for the second time at Boone this year. We did note that although Davis did cross the finish line in the fourth position, he was scored at the back of the running order due to running on a flat tire....a no, no at the Boone Speedway.
Joel Bushore led the field to green in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Bushore was soon trying to hold back eighth place starter Mike VanGenderen who was sniffing at his heels. At lap seven, VanGenderen made a nifty move to take the number one spot away, only to have Ricky Thornton snatch it away the following lap. From there on, it was all Thornton as he pulled away from the field to take a comfortable win. Tim Ward started fourteenth, and finished second...his third time this season chasing Thornton across the line. VanGenderen, who is the past two year's track champion, was third, fourth went to Eric Elliott, and Al "Pep" Wolfgram completed the top five positions. Thornton has been on a roll at the track this year, winning for the fourth consecutive week. There is now talk that a bounty may soon be hanging over his head.
The nightcap for the evening was twelve laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing. This race also had its share of caution flags, and was close to being placed under the time limit rule with just a lap or two in the books. All those cautions however didn't hinder Keith Burg on his way to capturing his first career feature win. Burg was challenged by Justin Wacha in the latter part of the race, but in the final laps, he pulled away to take the comfortable win. Wacha was the runner up, followed by Shawn Wirtz in third, tenth place starter Ryan Wells was fourth, and Todd Bass started dead last in twenty-second place and finished fifth. Burg is the son of veteran racer Andrew Burg.
We were thankful to get racing in last evening, though as I stated earlier, it was looking a bit bleak on our travels to the track. It rained so hard that fields were flooding, cars were pulled off to the side of the road, and the windshield wipers could hardly keep up! The closer we got to Boone, the rain began to let off, and though it had rained there earlier, it had stopped when we arrived. The track had been sealed over, and they were allowing it to drain off....which it does so well. Soon the tractors were out on the surface, and the track prep began. The track, which was much heavier than the previous weeks, was fine, and the first green flag dropped at 7:11 p.m., instead of the May start time of 6:30. Racing was completed at 10:14....six classes and 118 cars.
The track will have its regular night of racing next Saturday night, May 26, and then on Memorial Day, Monday May 28, the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models will make their annual appearance. Joining them on Memorial Day will be the IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks. Hot laps are 4 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m. for the Memorial Day show.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
High Banks top shelf win to Todd Reitzler
It was a beautiful Friday night for racing at the Marshalltown Speedway. There was a good crowd on hand to witness the evening's events that provided thrilling action all night long. Todd Cooney won a run away IMCA Late Model feature, Joel Rust took the IMCA Modified main event, and Todd Reitzler took the high road to victory lane in the IMCA Stock Cars. Johnathon Logue went to the winner's circle in the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, Shannon Anderson took the checkers in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Travis Stensland flew to the win in the Mod Lite class.
Travis Stensland started tenth in the Mod Lite 15-lap main event, and by lap three, had the lead. He never relinquished it from there on and took the easy win. Ninth place starter, Jason Masengarb finished in the runner up position, Joe Glick came from eighth spot to finish third, and Jeol Huggins and Mike Morrill were fourth and fifth respectively. This was Stensland's first win at Marshalltown this year, after numerous trips to victory lane last year.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap feature next. David Rieks lead the early portion of the race, but had lots of company in Dylan Nelson, Shannon Anderson and Gene Nicklas. A yellow at lap six proved to be his downfall as it was Shannon Anderson making his move on the restart, and overtaking Rieks on the backstretch to grab the top spot. Anderson was able to throw off the challenges of his competition, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. Dylan Nelson took second, third went to eleventh place starter, Eric Knutson, fourth was David Rieks, and Gene Nicklas rounded out the top five. This was Anderson's second time in victory lane at Marshalltown this season after his win at the High Banks Hustle. In his post-race interview, Anderson stated that he was trying to sell his two cars, and he would like to move up to the Stock Car class. There may be Hobby Stock drivers pooling their money to buy him out, just to get him out of the division that he dominates.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 18-laps for their main event. Curt Hilmer had the lead at lap one but it was Johnathon Logue who rose from sixth starting spot, to tag onto his bumper immediately. Logue gained the lead at lap five but didn't have it easy. He had to keep throwing off the challenges of Thomas Egenberger, Joey Schaefer and Tyler Inman, after Hilmer dropped out of the running. Logue managed to hold off those challengers, and swept his way to victory. Joey Schaefer finished as the runner up after starting eleventh, Tyler Inman, the young man who has shown great strides in improvement this year, came from ninth to finish third, Sam Wieben made the high side work as he went from twentieth, to take fourth, and Thomas Egenberger finished fifth from his tenth place starting position. In his victory lane interview with announcer Jerry Vansickel, Logue said he was glad to finally get the monkey off his back at the track.
The IMCA Stock Car feature showed just why they are known as, "The Class Too Tough To Tame". It was one of the best ever Stock Car races we have witnessed! The race up front was a thriller the entire 18-lap distance. With a handful of laps remaining, Paul Shepard had just managed to snatch the lead from Michael Jaennette with Scott Rice lurking close at hand, but suddenly it was the 22R of Todd Reitzler on the top shelf making a thrilling run and up to fourth. The closing laps were a shuffle of positions with those top runners as they looked to the checkers...three different leaders on the final go around. Coming out of corner four, it was anybody's race to win, but Todd Reitzler was the man gaining the advantage with his topside momentum, and beating them to the finish line. Paul Shepard finished second, just eking out third place Michael Jaennette at the stripe. Scott Rice had his best run of the year and finished in fourth, and Scooter Dulin was fifth. The race went flag to flag and left the crowd buzzing afterwards.
Todd Cooney took the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature by a good margin over Jeremiah Hurst. Cooney came from sixth starting spot to over take then leader Hurst and then pulled away to take the comfortable win. Hurst took a distant second, third went to Darrel DeFrance, visiting driver Andy Eckrich from Oxford, Iowa was fourth and Kyle Hinrichs took fifth place. The race went caution free.
The nightcap of the evening was the IMCA Modified feature. Joel Rust came out the victor in this action packed event. He ran down early leader Scott Simatovich and took command at lap seven. He never looked back from there, and finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Ronn Lauritzen. Tim Ward made a late race charge through the field to finish third, early leader Simatovich took fourth and Racer Hulin ran at the front of the pack the entire race, and took fifth place. Rust returned to the Marshalltown Winner's Circle after taking the feature win at the High Banks Hustle back on April 26.
It was a much more comfortable night to be sitting at a race at Marshalltown last night, not only because of milder temperatures, but because we weren't fighting the winds.
Racing continues next Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, when the green flag drops at 7:30.
Travis Stensland started tenth in the Mod Lite 15-lap main event, and by lap three, had the lead. He never relinquished it from there on and took the easy win. Ninth place starter, Jason Masengarb finished in the runner up position, Joe Glick came from eighth spot to finish third, and Jeol Huggins and Mike Morrill were fourth and fifth respectively. This was Stensland's first win at Marshalltown this year, after numerous trips to victory lane last year.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap feature next. David Rieks lead the early portion of the race, but had lots of company in Dylan Nelson, Shannon Anderson and Gene Nicklas. A yellow at lap six proved to be his downfall as it was Shannon Anderson making his move on the restart, and overtaking Rieks on the backstretch to grab the top spot. Anderson was able to throw off the challenges of his competition, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. Dylan Nelson took second, third went to eleventh place starter, Eric Knutson, fourth was David Rieks, and Gene Nicklas rounded out the top five. This was Anderson's second time in victory lane at Marshalltown this season after his win at the High Banks Hustle. In his post-race interview, Anderson stated that he was trying to sell his two cars, and he would like to move up to the Stock Car class. There may be Hobby Stock drivers pooling their money to buy him out, just to get him out of the division that he dominates.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 18-laps for their main event. Curt Hilmer had the lead at lap one but it was Johnathon Logue who rose from sixth starting spot, to tag onto his bumper immediately. Logue gained the lead at lap five but didn't have it easy. He had to keep throwing off the challenges of Thomas Egenberger, Joey Schaefer and Tyler Inman, after Hilmer dropped out of the running. Logue managed to hold off those challengers, and swept his way to victory. Joey Schaefer finished as the runner up after starting eleventh, Tyler Inman, the young man who has shown great strides in improvement this year, came from ninth to finish third, Sam Wieben made the high side work as he went from twentieth, to take fourth, and Thomas Egenberger finished fifth from his tenth place starting position. In his victory lane interview with announcer Jerry Vansickel, Logue said he was glad to finally get the monkey off his back at the track.
The IMCA Stock Car feature showed just why they are known as, "The Class Too Tough To Tame". It was one of the best ever Stock Car races we have witnessed! The race up front was a thriller the entire 18-lap distance. With a handful of laps remaining, Paul Shepard had just managed to snatch the lead from Michael Jaennette with Scott Rice lurking close at hand, but suddenly it was the 22R of Todd Reitzler on the top shelf making a thrilling run and up to fourth. The closing laps were a shuffle of positions with those top runners as they looked to the checkers...three different leaders on the final go around. Coming out of corner four, it was anybody's race to win, but Todd Reitzler was the man gaining the advantage with his topside momentum, and beating them to the finish line. Paul Shepard finished second, just eking out third place Michael Jaennette at the stripe. Scott Rice had his best run of the year and finished in fourth, and Scooter Dulin was fifth. The race went flag to flag and left the crowd buzzing afterwards.
Todd Cooney took the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature by a good margin over Jeremiah Hurst. Cooney came from sixth starting spot to over take then leader Hurst and then pulled away to take the comfortable win. Hurst took a distant second, third went to Darrel DeFrance, visiting driver Andy Eckrich from Oxford, Iowa was fourth and Kyle Hinrichs took fifth place. The race went caution free.
The nightcap of the evening was the IMCA Modified feature. Joel Rust came out the victor in this action packed event. He ran down early leader Scott Simatovich and took command at lap seven. He never looked back from there, and finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Ronn Lauritzen. Tim Ward made a late race charge through the field to finish third, early leader Simatovich took fourth and Racer Hulin ran at the front of the pack the entire race, and took fifth place. Rust returned to the Marshalltown Winner's Circle after taking the feature win at the High Banks Hustle back on April 26.
It was a much more comfortable night to be sitting at a race at Marshalltown last night, not only because of milder temperatures, but because we weren't fighting the winds.
Racing continues next Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, when the green flag drops at 7:30.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Carter ends Van Der Wal's streak on Memorial night at Osky
The Southern Iowa Speedway had a beautiful Wednesday for racing. Finally, fans could sit in shirt sleeves and be comfortable while enjoying the sport we all love without shivering or being blown away. It was Memorial night and extra money was contributed in loved one's memories in all classes.
Mike Hughes took the win in the Stock Car class while it was Cayden Carter taking the victory in the SportMod division. More on that later. Dustin Griffiths snagged his second win of the year in the Hobby Stocks and Brandon Housley repeated his win from last week in the Sport Compacts.
A green-white-checkered finish in the Sport Compact was the nemesis for Cody Phillips. Phillips had led from the drop of the green and had pulled away from the field. The field was bunched for the final restart and the run to the checkers. It was just what last week's winner Brandon Housley was wishing for. The final circuit saw Housley complete the pass on Phillips, beating him to the checkers and taking the win. Phillips had to settle for the runner up spot, Kyle Boyd was third, fourth went to Jason Breuklander, and Brandon Allison finished fifth. Eleven Sport Compacts checked in for the Wednesday night fun.
Derrick Agee and Mike Hughes began their 16-lap Stock Car feature on the front row. Hughes grabbed the immediate lead, with Agee in tow. Not to be left out, Cayden Carter and Dustin Griffiths were stuck like glue to the leader's bumpers. The four cars ran in tight formation for the entire race, but in the end, it was Hughes not giving an inch as he secured the win. Agee held second place, Carter dropped out in the closing laps giving way for Grifftihs taking third place, Nathan Wood, last week's winner, came from tenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Jason See made his first appearance at the Southern Iowa Speedway and came away with a fifth place finish. The race went flag to flag.
Cayden Carter was doing some dialing in for brother Brayton Carter last evening and was the pilot of the 01 SportMod. Carter, who earlier had won his heat easily, started third. He quickly chased down Blaine Webster and Logan Anderson, and took command at lap six of the fifteen lap event. Carter pulled away from the pack, but meanwhile, Curtis VanDerWal was making his usual charge through the field, and was now in second place. Just when it looked as if Carter was destined to take the win easily, the yellow flag reared it's ugly head. This set up another green-white-checkered finish for the final charge to the finish line. Everyone was expecting it to be a fight to the finish between Carter and VanDerWal, but on this night "Superman" (as guest announcer Jeff Broeg called VanDerWal last evening) was defeated. Carter kept that lead and won by a comfortable distance to secure the victory. VanDerWal was defeated for the first time this season....and after winning all but twice last year... and finished as the runner up. Third went to Blaine Webster, fourth was Logan Anderson in the #53 "rent-a-ride", and Jason Hall rounded out the top five. As mentioned earlier, Cayden Carter was "dialing in" his younger brother Brayton's car last evening. If it had not been right previously, it certainly appeared to be spot on last night.
The final race of the evening was the Hobby Stock feature. When we noted the pole sitter was Dustin Griffiths, we were not the only ones who thought the race was going to be for second place. It was true, as Griffiths sailed off into the sunset as the race progressed. Not even another green-white-checkered finish...the third of the night...deterred Griffiths on his charge to victory. Brok Hopwood ran second all race long and finished in second. Craig Brown took third, Chanse Hollatz made his first trip to the Speedway from his home in Clear Lake, and finished fourth, and Mike Kincaid completed the top five.
It was by far the nicest night of the year to be sitting at a race track. The racing was good, the crowd was good, and we enjoyed our evening with racing friends. It was also good to hear fellow Positively Racing colleague Jeff Broeg on the mic last evening, as he filled in for regular Tony Paris who was on baseball duty. The races were run in efficient time as they started a tick before 7:30 p.m. and were finished at 9:08 p.m....four classes and 59 cars.
Next Wednesday night at SIS, fans and drivers will be able to cast their vote for the 2018 Hall of Fame candidates. Racing continues in all four classes with hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Join us for some mid-week racing on the Monster Half Mile.
Mike Hughes took the win in the Stock Car class while it was Cayden Carter taking the victory in the SportMod division. More on that later. Dustin Griffiths snagged his second win of the year in the Hobby Stocks and Brandon Housley repeated his win from last week in the Sport Compacts.
A green-white-checkered finish in the Sport Compact was the nemesis for Cody Phillips. Phillips had led from the drop of the green and had pulled away from the field. The field was bunched for the final restart and the run to the checkers. It was just what last week's winner Brandon Housley was wishing for. The final circuit saw Housley complete the pass on Phillips, beating him to the checkers and taking the win. Phillips had to settle for the runner up spot, Kyle Boyd was third, fourth went to Jason Breuklander, and Brandon Allison finished fifth. Eleven Sport Compacts checked in for the Wednesday night fun.
Derrick Agee and Mike Hughes began their 16-lap Stock Car feature on the front row. Hughes grabbed the immediate lead, with Agee in tow. Not to be left out, Cayden Carter and Dustin Griffiths were stuck like glue to the leader's bumpers. The four cars ran in tight formation for the entire race, but in the end, it was Hughes not giving an inch as he secured the win. Agee held second place, Carter dropped out in the closing laps giving way for Grifftihs taking third place, Nathan Wood, last week's winner, came from tenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Jason See made his first appearance at the Southern Iowa Speedway and came away with a fifth place finish. The race went flag to flag.
Cayden Carter was doing some dialing in for brother Brayton Carter last evening and was the pilot of the 01 SportMod. Carter, who earlier had won his heat easily, started third. He quickly chased down Blaine Webster and Logan Anderson, and took command at lap six of the fifteen lap event. Carter pulled away from the pack, but meanwhile, Curtis VanDerWal was making his usual charge through the field, and was now in second place. Just when it looked as if Carter was destined to take the win easily, the yellow flag reared it's ugly head. This set up another green-white-checkered finish for the final charge to the finish line. Everyone was expecting it to be a fight to the finish between Carter and VanDerWal, but on this night "Superman" (as guest announcer Jeff Broeg called VanDerWal last evening) was defeated. Carter kept that lead and won by a comfortable distance to secure the victory. VanDerWal was defeated for the first time this season....and after winning all but twice last year... and finished as the runner up. Third went to Blaine Webster, fourth was Logan Anderson in the #53 "rent-a-ride", and Jason Hall rounded out the top five. As mentioned earlier, Cayden Carter was "dialing in" his younger brother Brayton's car last evening. If it had not been right previously, it certainly appeared to be spot on last night.
The final race of the evening was the Hobby Stock feature. When we noted the pole sitter was Dustin Griffiths, we were not the only ones who thought the race was going to be for second place. It was true, as Griffiths sailed off into the sunset as the race progressed. Not even another green-white-checkered finish...the third of the night...deterred Griffiths on his charge to victory. Brok Hopwood ran second all race long and finished in second. Craig Brown took third, Chanse Hollatz made his first trip to the Speedway from his home in Clear Lake, and finished fourth, and Mike Kincaid completed the top five.
It was by far the nicest night of the year to be sitting at a race track. The racing was good, the crowd was good, and we enjoyed our evening with racing friends. It was also good to hear fellow Positively Racing colleague Jeff Broeg on the mic last evening, as he filled in for regular Tony Paris who was on baseball duty. The races were run in efficient time as they started a tick before 7:30 p.m. and were finished at 9:08 p.m....four classes and 59 cars.
Next Wednesday night at SIS, fans and drivers will be able to cast their vote for the 2018 Hall of Fame candidates. Racing continues in all four classes with hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Join us for some mid-week racing on the Monster Half Mile.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Thornton three-peats, and Nelson repeats at Boone Speedway
It was a chilly, windy, damp Saturday night at the Boone Speedway, but the racing action was hot, with 150 drivers checked into the pits. It was a bit surprising given the conditions of the day in the area. However, the big race over in eastern Iowa at the Farley Speedway had been cancelled and several of those that were planning to race for the $50,000 prize, opted to take a run at the Boone Speedway. Ricky Thornton, Jr. made it three in a row in the IMCA Modified class, and two Smith brothers took wins in the IMCA Stock Car and IMCA Northern SportMod divisions. Dylan Nelson repeated his win from last week in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, Mike Moore scored his second win of the season in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints, and Bryan Zehm got back to his winning ways in the Mod Lites.
Charlie Brown led the opening lap of the Mod Lite feature, only to have his night end when he lost a front wheel in turn two. His misfortune handed the lead over to Bryan Zehm. From then on, Zehm held tight to that top position and motored home to the feature win. Zehm had a few challenges thrown his way from Travis Stensland, but on this night, Stensland had to be content with the runner up spot. Eighth place starter, Randy Bryan was third, fourth went to last week's winner, Joe Glick, and visiting driver from Salina, Kansas, Trace Ayers started tenth, and finished fifth. Zehm has been the track champion in the Mod Lite class the previous two years.
Last week, Tyler Inman, captured his first career victory at Boone. He looked poised to get that second win under his belt as he led the IMCA Northern SportMod feature for the first seven laps. Doug Smith however, had other ideas. Smith started eighth and took the reins at lap eight, weathered a couple of yellow flag restart situations, and kept that lead to take the flying checkers first. Johnathon Logue came from ninth to finish second, Jake McBirnie was third, coming from eleventh starting spot, early leader Tyler Inman was fourth, and Austin Luellen came from twelfth to finish fifth.
Thirteen IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars were on hand for the racing action. Their feature racing was plagued with cautions. When the checkers finally flew, it was Mike Moore taking the win in the 20-lap event. Moore, who also won back on April 28th, snatched the lead away from Tyler Thompson with a nifty move on lap thirteen. From there on, Moore held tight to the top spot and sailed home to win by a comfortable margin. Thompson trailed a distant second, Newton, Iowa's Ben Wood started eleventh and finished in third, C. J. Houseman was fourth, and Devin Wignall completed the top five.
Cody Gustoff took the immediate lead in the IMCA Stock Car 18-lap event. He threw off early threats by veteran Robert Stofer and Devin Smith, and then pulled away. However in the closing laps, it was Smith who finally closed the gap. He was able to make the pass for the lead with just a couple of laps remaining, and took his first win of the year. Gustoff held on to take second place over Robert Stofer in third. Kevin Opheim finished fourth and Cedar Rapids racer, Johnny Spaw, was fifth. Both Opheim and Spaw are making the long hauls on Saturday nights from their home bases of Mason City and Cedar Rapids. Smith matched his brother Doug's earlier win in the SportMod division.
Ricky Thornton, Jr. pretty much has the Boone Speedway figured out. Thornton, who is a past Super Nationals champion, has claimed the last three features in the IMCA Modified weekly events. Thornton, who started twelfth, made rapid progress in running down the front of the pack, passing then leader Tony Hofbauer by lap seven. He then stretched his lead and took the easy win. Tim Ward came from eleventh to finish as the runner up, Hofbauer held third, pole sitter David Brown was fourth, and Todd Shute started twentieth, and was fifth.
Earlier in the evening, a 16-car Dirt Dominator race for the IMCA Modifieds was held, pitting drivers head to head for two laps. When all other drivers were eliminated, it was Joel Bushore defeating Eric Elliott to take the $1,000 prize.
The finale for the evening was twelve laps of IMCA Hobby Stock racing. Seth Butler led the troops from the start of the race only to have it taken away at lap eleven by Dylan Nelson. Nelson, who started eleventh, then kept the lead to take the flying checkers. Butler held on to finish second, Ryan Wells came from seventeenth starting spot to finish third, thirteenth place starter Adam Ayers was fourth, and Todd Bass finished fifth. Nelson matched his win from last week and has looked strong at all tracks we've been seeing him race. He is a new driver to us and we understand that he also races, or has raced at both Adel and Indianola tracks, honing his skills.
The weather wasn't the most pleasant yesterday and after being at a rainy soccer game in the morning, and then a windy and chilly soccer game in the afternoon...with a nice buffet brunch thrown in between as a Mother's Day treat...and then the races in the evening, it was a rather long and tiring day. I was glad to crawl in bed about 2 a.m., only to have a strong rain, thunder and lightning storm plant itself over us! We had a deluge in a short amount of time!
Friday, May 11, 2018
Phillips and Dolan take wins at Dale DeFrance Memorial
The Dale DeFrance Memorial race at the Marshalltown Speedway was held on Thursday night and the stands were filled. One hundred and fifty cars with drivers from ten states came to race in honor of the patriarch of the storied DeFrance racing family. Ryan Dolan ran the slick race track to perfection in taking the win in the IMCA Late Model division, and it was Terry Phillips who stole the show in the IMCA Modified feature. Damon Murty nabbed yet another IMCA Stock Car win at the High Banks, Austin Luellen won for the second time in the SportMods, Eric Stanton took a comfortable win in the IMCA Hobby Stock class, and veteran Mike Morrill used a borrowed car to take home the trophy in the Mod Lite feature event.
Mike Morrill's season turned around on Thursday night when he stood in victory lane after the Mod Lite feature. Morrill, who has had mechanical issues this year, including a blown motor, was in a borrowed car from fellow racer Erin Turner. Morrill started on the pole and led all laps on his way to his first win of the year. He was chased the entire distance by Colona, Illinois driver, Jason Masongarb. Masongarb could muster no more than the runner up position. Third went to the previous two week's winner, Randy Bryan, Doug Byers came from twelfth starting spot, to finish fourth, and visiting driver from Salina, Kansas, Trace Ayers, finished fifth after starting thirteenth.
Eric Stanton drove his IMCA Hobby Stock into victory lane after taking the checkers, with a flat tire. Stanton started tenth and took over the lead at lap six, and never looked back. He finished comfortably ahead of second place Shannon Anderson who came from twelfth spot, and Eric Knutson came from thirteenth, to finish third. John Watson and Leah Wroten rounded out the top five. Stanton had won the previous night at the Southern Iowa Speedway in his white hatchback... tonight his ride of choice was his black hatchback Buick Century car. Stanton took his second feature win at Marshalltown this season.
Austin Luellen also snagged his second feature win of the season in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Luellen duked it out in the early laps with Travis Peterson and Jared VanDeest. He won that battle to take the lead at lap five, and then led the remaining fifteen laps to the checkered flag. Jared VanDeest took the runner up spot, Ethan Braaksma finished third, Chase Rudolf, who is looking strong this year, took fourth, and visiting Beatrice, Nebraska racer, Lance Borgman, was fifth. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty dominated once again in the IMCA Stock Car feature as he took his third win of the season. Murty, who started on the pole, circled the topside of the track, which he seems to own, and was never threatened on his way to victory. He finished well ahead of second place Jeff Wollam, who chased the winner most of the race. Todd Reitzler finished a close third, Donavon Smith came from thirteenth starting spot to take fourth, and Steve Meyer was fifth after starting eleventh.
The IMCA Modifieds had a stellar field of 38 drivers from all across the country. The front row consisted of New Mexico's Stormy Scott, and talented Springfield, Missouri racer, Terry Phillips. When the 25-lap feature began, Phillips jumped to the immediate lead. Phillips never relinquished that top spot, slicing through lap traffic with ease, as he motored to the win. New Mexico driver Johnny Scott, brother of the pole sitter, chased the leader most of the race, but could garner no more than second place. Tyler Droste ran up front the entire feature and finished in third place. Pole sitter Stormy Scott was fourth, and Todd Shute rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. Phillips is the son of the late racing legend, Larry Phillips.
The finale of the evening, was the 44-lap IMCA Late Model race, run in memory of the late Dale DeFrance. DeFrance was the patriarch of the racing DeFrance family, a racer himself, running the #44 car, and later in life, a supporter of his children, and grandchildren's racing. Earlier in the evening, Dale was remembered in a ceremony in Victory Lane with his children Darrel DeFrance, and daughter Judy DeFrance Gustin, his racing grandchildren, Jimmy, Richie, Jenae, and Ryan Gustin, along with other family members and friends.
When the green flag dropped in the Late Model feature, it was Todd Cooney getting the jump out front, only to relinquish that top spot to Ryan Dolan at lap two. Dolan maneuvered the shiny blackened track skillfully throughout the entire race, slicing through lap traffic easily to take the win. Kyle Hinrichs drew closer to Dolan at times, but in end, was a distant runner up. Todd Cooney held on to third place, Jeremiah Hurst came from twelfth, to finish in fourth, and John Emerson was fifth. Dolan is the son of former area racer, Roger Dolan.
The evening was a great one, despite the strong winds once again blowing toward the grandstands. What's with these strong Iowa winds this year? Those winds also made for a more than chilly night as well, even with winter coats and blankets, that we carry all race season long. Those that did not come prepared, no doubt wished they had.
It was also great to have two former announcers on the mic last evening, Denny Grabenbauer and Jerry Mackey. They joined in the night's mic duties along with regular announcer Jerry Vansickel.
There will be no racing at the Marshalltown Speedway this Friday night, allowing the Iowa High School Rodeo to have their turn at the fairgrounds. Next Friday, May 18, will be the Salute to the Military Night with racing in all weekly divisions. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Mike Morrill's season turned around on Thursday night when he stood in victory lane after the Mod Lite feature. Morrill, who has had mechanical issues this year, including a blown motor, was in a borrowed car from fellow racer Erin Turner. Morrill started on the pole and led all laps on his way to his first win of the year. He was chased the entire distance by Colona, Illinois driver, Jason Masongarb. Masongarb could muster no more than the runner up position. Third went to the previous two week's winner, Randy Bryan, Doug Byers came from twelfth starting spot, to finish fourth, and visiting driver from Salina, Kansas, Trace Ayers, finished fifth after starting thirteenth.
Eric Stanton drove his IMCA Hobby Stock into victory lane after taking the checkers, with a flat tire. Stanton started tenth and took over the lead at lap six, and never looked back. He finished comfortably ahead of second place Shannon Anderson who came from twelfth spot, and Eric Knutson came from thirteenth, to finish third. John Watson and Leah Wroten rounded out the top five. Stanton had won the previous night at the Southern Iowa Speedway in his white hatchback... tonight his ride of choice was his black hatchback Buick Century car. Stanton took his second feature win at Marshalltown this season.
Austin Luellen also snagged his second feature win of the season in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Luellen duked it out in the early laps with Travis Peterson and Jared VanDeest. He won that battle to take the lead at lap five, and then led the remaining fifteen laps to the checkered flag. Jared VanDeest took the runner up spot, Ethan Braaksma finished third, Chase Rudolf, who is looking strong this year, took fourth, and visiting Beatrice, Nebraska racer, Lance Borgman, was fifth. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty dominated once again in the IMCA Stock Car feature as he took his third win of the season. Murty, who started on the pole, circled the topside of the track, which he seems to own, and was never threatened on his way to victory. He finished well ahead of second place Jeff Wollam, who chased the winner most of the race. Todd Reitzler finished a close third, Donavon Smith came from thirteenth starting spot to take fourth, and Steve Meyer was fifth after starting eleventh.
The IMCA Modifieds had a stellar field of 38 drivers from all across the country. The front row consisted of New Mexico's Stormy Scott, and talented Springfield, Missouri racer, Terry Phillips. When the 25-lap feature began, Phillips jumped to the immediate lead. Phillips never relinquished that top spot, slicing through lap traffic with ease, as he motored to the win. New Mexico driver Johnny Scott, brother of the pole sitter, chased the leader most of the race, but could garner no more than second place. Tyler Droste ran up front the entire feature and finished in third place. Pole sitter Stormy Scott was fourth, and Todd Shute rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. Phillips is the son of the late racing legend, Larry Phillips.
The finale of the evening, was the 44-lap IMCA Late Model race, run in memory of the late Dale DeFrance. DeFrance was the patriarch of the racing DeFrance family, a racer himself, running the #44 car, and later in life, a supporter of his children, and grandchildren's racing. Earlier in the evening, Dale was remembered in a ceremony in Victory Lane with his children Darrel DeFrance, and daughter Judy DeFrance Gustin, his racing grandchildren, Jimmy, Richie, Jenae, and Ryan Gustin, along with other family members and friends.
When the green flag dropped in the Late Model feature, it was Todd Cooney getting the jump out front, only to relinquish that top spot to Ryan Dolan at lap two. Dolan maneuvered the shiny blackened track skillfully throughout the entire race, slicing through lap traffic easily to take the win. Kyle Hinrichs drew closer to Dolan at times, but in end, was a distant runner up. Todd Cooney held on to third place, Jeremiah Hurst came from twelfth, to finish in fourth, and John Emerson was fifth. Dolan is the son of former area racer, Roger Dolan.
The evening was a great one, despite the strong winds once again blowing toward the grandstands. What's with these strong Iowa winds this year? Those winds also made for a more than chilly night as well, even with winter coats and blankets, that we carry all race season long. Those that did not come prepared, no doubt wished they had.
It was also great to have two former announcers on the mic last evening, Denny Grabenbauer and Jerry Mackey. They joined in the night's mic duties along with regular announcer Jerry Vansickel.
There will be no racing at the Marshalltown Speedway this Friday night, allowing the Iowa High School Rodeo to have their turn at the fairgrounds. Next Friday, May 18, will be the Salute to the Military Night with racing in all weekly divisions. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Wood and Stanton tame the Monster 1/2 Mile, VanDerWal repeats
After last Wednesday night's rain out at the Southern Iowa Speedway, the second of the season, Mother Nature played nice last night, allowing only the second race of the year to be completed. The Iowa Sportsman series joined the Stock Cars, SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Compacts for a great night of racing action.
Nathan Wood excited the crowd with his win in the Stock Car division, Curtis VanDerWal got a much needed yellow to get his repeat victory in the SportMod class, and Eric Stanton put his hatchback ride into Victory Lane in the Hobby Stocks. Brandon Housley claimed his first checkers in the Sport Compact class, and the Iowa Sportsman class made their first appearance of the season, with Doug Weiss taking home the trophy.
Brandon Housley won the Sport Compact 10-lap race but he had to continually fend off the challenges of Kyle Boyd for much of the race. He was successful, and took the checkers. Boyd finished a close second, and trailing a ways behind in third place, was Cody Phillips. Brandon Allison and Billy Cain completed the top five. Housley collected an extra $50 for being a new winner in the division this year at Osky, bringing his night's pay to $225.
The Stock Cars put on a good race for the nice crowd of fans on hand. Dustin Griffiths started pole position and immediately shot to the lead. He soon had Mike Hughes, who started ninth, knocking at his door, right along with Cayden Carter and Nathan Wood. Griffiths hung tight to the lead but at lap nine, contact between Hughes and leader Griffiths, allowed Nathan Wood to seize the moment and he flew around both of them. Hughes suffered a flat from the contact, and pulled into the pits, as Wood led the race with a couple of #10 cars, Griffiths and Carter, giving chase. Carter, in his "Orange Crush" ride, got to second place and drew to the bumper of leader Wood. The final laps were a crowd-pleaser with the two talented drivers putting on a show. Wood never faltered, as he successfully held off Carter and took the victory. Griffiths held third place, followed by Michael Peterson and Derrick Agee in fourth and fifth respectively. Wood also pocketed an extra $50 for being a new winner on the season, making his night worth $500.
The SportMod feature did not start off well when Cory VanZante took a wild ride coming out of turn two as the race went green. A row of huge utility tires (we counted sixteen of them) now lines the track just out of turn two, and it is not a good idea to get too close to them...which is evidently, what VanZante did. The tires did not yield, causing VanZante to flip violently into the air....catching everyone's breath. Thankfully, the announcement that he was fine came quickly, but his battered car was not.
When racing did get underway, it was Jason McDaniel showing the way at the front. McDaniel pulled away from the field, and looked strong. Another red flag situation halted the race at lap eight, when rookie Jarrett VanDenBerg, in just his third race in a SportMod, got that first roll over of his career out of the way, in turn three. Thankfully, this young man was also okay, but not a way to end your night. The race was quickly restarted, the field was bunched, and it was Brayton Carter sitting in second, and veteran and multi-time track champion, Curtis VanDerWal sitting in third. It was to nobody's surprise, that the wile veteran VanDerWal pounced quickly, and nabbed the lead before lap nine was scored. From there on, VanDerWal pulled away and took a repeat win, leaving McDaniel to finish as the runner up. Brayton Carter has looked strong this year, and finished a close third. Blaine Webster, in his sharp looking #7, was fourth, and Logan Anderson was in the #53 car, and finished fifth.
The Hobby Stockers were twenty-three cars strong last evening. Eric Stanton, in his Buick Century hatchback...his usual car of choice in recent years, started fourth and had the lead at lap one. Yet another red flag flew at lap two, when the huge tires sitting at the end of the guardrail in turn three, reared their ugly head, the 2K of Derek Kirkland getting the worst end of the deal this time. He too, was okay and the racing soon resumed. Jamie Songer gave it a shot in the early laps as he threw challenges at leader Stanton, but it was all in vain. This was all Stanton's night, as he took the flying checkers in the easy win. Dustin Griffiths showed his nose to Stanton after another restart at lap eleven, but had to settle for the runner up spot this week after his opening night win. Jamie Songer just beat out Aaron Martin at the finish line as they went third and fourth. Mike Kincaid came from deep in the starting field, to round out the top five. Stanton also earned an extra $50, making for a $300 payday.
The Iowa Sportsman Series were in the house last evening, for their first appearance of 2018. They ran their 20-lap feature last to end the program. Tyler Sutter pulled off to a good lead early as he left the rest of the pack in the dust. However, the earlier heat winner, Doug Weiss began to slowly reel in the leader. At lap fifteen, Weiss was the leader, and he kept that lead to the checkered flag to seal the win. Sutter was second, followed by Travis Dawson, LeRoy Kline, and John Watts, third through fifth.
There was a nice crowd on hand last evening for High School and College night at the races. I counted a field of 71 cars as well, giving a night of good competition in all classes. The huge white tires seemed to be a nemesis last night however, and with the issues that they caused, lets hope they don't continue to cause havoc for the drivers. Even with the three red flag situations, we noted that the wreckers were quite efficient, and quickly cleared the track. Though there was an added class last evening in the Sportsman Series, and with those red flag situations, racing action was still completed at 9:49, getting fans back on the road at a good time.
Tonight, we head to the Marshalltown Speedway for a rare Thursday night show. The Dale DeFrance Memorial will be held, honoring the racing family's patriarch. There is an increased purse as well as contingencies. The Late Models will be vying for $1,500 and the Modifieds for $1,000. The green flag drops at 7:30. There will be no racing at Marshalltown on this Friday night, allowing the Iowa High School Rodeo the run of the fairgrounds. We hope to see some of you there!
Nathan Wood excited the crowd with his win in the Stock Car division, Curtis VanDerWal got a much needed yellow to get his repeat victory in the SportMod class, and Eric Stanton put his hatchback ride into Victory Lane in the Hobby Stocks. Brandon Housley claimed his first checkers in the Sport Compact class, and the Iowa Sportsman class made their first appearance of the season, with Doug Weiss taking home the trophy.
Brandon Housley won the Sport Compact 10-lap race but he had to continually fend off the challenges of Kyle Boyd for much of the race. He was successful, and took the checkers. Boyd finished a close second, and trailing a ways behind in third place, was Cody Phillips. Brandon Allison and Billy Cain completed the top five. Housley collected an extra $50 for being a new winner in the division this year at Osky, bringing his night's pay to $225.
The Stock Cars put on a good race for the nice crowd of fans on hand. Dustin Griffiths started pole position and immediately shot to the lead. He soon had Mike Hughes, who started ninth, knocking at his door, right along with Cayden Carter and Nathan Wood. Griffiths hung tight to the lead but at lap nine, contact between Hughes and leader Griffiths, allowed Nathan Wood to seize the moment and he flew around both of them. Hughes suffered a flat from the contact, and pulled into the pits, as Wood led the race with a couple of #10 cars, Griffiths and Carter, giving chase. Carter, in his "Orange Crush" ride, got to second place and drew to the bumper of leader Wood. The final laps were a crowd-pleaser with the two talented drivers putting on a show. Wood never faltered, as he successfully held off Carter and took the victory. Griffiths held third place, followed by Michael Peterson and Derrick Agee in fourth and fifth respectively. Wood also pocketed an extra $50 for being a new winner on the season, making his night worth $500.
The SportMod feature did not start off well when Cory VanZante took a wild ride coming out of turn two as the race went green. A row of huge utility tires (we counted sixteen of them) now lines the track just out of turn two, and it is not a good idea to get too close to them...which is evidently, what VanZante did. The tires did not yield, causing VanZante to flip violently into the air....catching everyone's breath. Thankfully, the announcement that he was fine came quickly, but his battered car was not.
When racing did get underway, it was Jason McDaniel showing the way at the front. McDaniel pulled away from the field, and looked strong. Another red flag situation halted the race at lap eight, when rookie Jarrett VanDenBerg, in just his third race in a SportMod, got that first roll over of his career out of the way, in turn three. Thankfully, this young man was also okay, but not a way to end your night. The race was quickly restarted, the field was bunched, and it was Brayton Carter sitting in second, and veteran and multi-time track champion, Curtis VanDerWal sitting in third. It was to nobody's surprise, that the wile veteran VanDerWal pounced quickly, and nabbed the lead before lap nine was scored. From there on, VanDerWal pulled away and took a repeat win, leaving McDaniel to finish as the runner up. Brayton Carter has looked strong this year, and finished a close third. Blaine Webster, in his sharp looking #7, was fourth, and Logan Anderson was in the #53 car, and finished fifth.
The Hobby Stockers were twenty-three cars strong last evening. Eric Stanton, in his Buick Century hatchback...his usual car of choice in recent years, started fourth and had the lead at lap one. Yet another red flag flew at lap two, when the huge tires sitting at the end of the guardrail in turn three, reared their ugly head, the 2K of Derek Kirkland getting the worst end of the deal this time. He too, was okay and the racing soon resumed. Jamie Songer gave it a shot in the early laps as he threw challenges at leader Stanton, but it was all in vain. This was all Stanton's night, as he took the flying checkers in the easy win. Dustin Griffiths showed his nose to Stanton after another restart at lap eleven, but had to settle for the runner up spot this week after his opening night win. Jamie Songer just beat out Aaron Martin at the finish line as they went third and fourth. Mike Kincaid came from deep in the starting field, to round out the top five. Stanton also earned an extra $50, making for a $300 payday.
The Iowa Sportsman Series were in the house last evening, for their first appearance of 2018. They ran their 20-lap feature last to end the program. Tyler Sutter pulled off to a good lead early as he left the rest of the pack in the dust. However, the earlier heat winner, Doug Weiss began to slowly reel in the leader. At lap fifteen, Weiss was the leader, and he kept that lead to the checkered flag to seal the win. Sutter was second, followed by Travis Dawson, LeRoy Kline, and John Watts, third through fifth.
There was a nice crowd on hand last evening for High School and College night at the races. I counted a field of 71 cars as well, giving a night of good competition in all classes. The huge white tires seemed to be a nemesis last night however, and with the issues that they caused, lets hope they don't continue to cause havoc for the drivers. Even with the three red flag situations, we noted that the wreckers were quite efficient, and quickly cleared the track. Though there was an added class last evening in the Sportsman Series, and with those red flag situations, racing action was still completed at 9:49, getting fans back on the road at a good time.
Tonight, we head to the Marshalltown Speedway for a rare Thursday night show. The Dale DeFrance Memorial will be held, honoring the racing family's patriarch. There is an increased purse as well as contingencies. The Late Models will be vying for $1,500 and the Modifieds for $1,000. The green flag drops at 7:30. There will be no racing at Marshalltown on this Friday night, allowing the Iowa High School Rodeo the run of the fairgrounds. We hope to see some of you there!
Sunday, May 6, 2018
It's Thornton again on Super Saturday at Boone
Boone Speedway held the first of it's Super Saturday shows with the IMCA Modifieds vying for the $1,000 prize, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks the chosen class with $500 on the line. The IMCA Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, RaceSaver Sprint Cars, and the Mod Lites were also in competition. One hundred and fifty-nine cars checked into the pits for another action packed night of racing.
Ricky Thornton, Jr. took the top prize in the Modified main event, while it was Jeff Mueller taking the checkers in the Stock Car class. Tyler Inman got his first ever win in the SportMod division, Dylan Nelson was the winner in the Hobby Stock feature, while Mike Houseman won the Sprint Car contest, and Joe Glick won the Mod Lite A main.
Joe Glick nabbed the lead from Tanner Gannon at lap six and never relinquished it on his way to the checkers. He held back Joel Huggins who finished as the runner up, eleventh place starter Travis Stensland finished in third, Justin Rankin came from twelfth starting spot to finish fourth, and Randy Bryan rounded out the top five. Eighteen Mod Lites came to play Saturday night.
Tyler Inman started on the pole of the IMCA Northern SportMod A feature, and led all laps on his way to victory. He had to fend off the advances of Doug Smith and Chad Ryerson during much of the race, but never faltered on his way to win number one. Chad Ryerson got around Doug Smith in the closing laps as they went second and third in that order. Cory Rose came from twelfth starting spot to capture fourth place, and Johnathon Logue took fifth. This was Inman's first ever win at the Boone Speedway. I believe he is the son of veteran driver Todd Inman, who now pilots a ride in the Stock Car division.
Mike Houseman finished well ahead of second place finisher Devin Wignall to capture his first win of the year in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car class....as he led all 20-laps. He was chased in the early portion of the race by Mike Johnston until Wignall caught the leaders, and made the pass around Johnston to give chase to Houseman. C. J. Houseman took third place, Mike Johnston was fourth, and last week's winner, Mike Moore, was fifth. This was week #2 for the RaceSaver Sprint Cars at Boone.
The IMCA Stock Cars were going three and four wide around the track in their thrilling 18-lap A feature. But leading those packs of cars was Jeff Mueller. The action was behind Mueller most of the race as the cars jostled for position constantly. Mueller relinquished his lead only briefly to Trent Murphy with just a lap remaining. Then Murphy nearly found himself in a tip over situation in corner two, and gave the lead back to Mueller. Mueller then motored home to the victory. Veteran racer Robert Stofer finished in the runner up spot, Murphy recovered to finish in third place, Kevin Opheim was fourth and Michael Murphy came from seventeenth starting spot, to complete the top five. Mueller had a good weekend as he also won the feature at the Marshalltown Speedway the previous night.
The IMCA Modifieds had the first of their Super Saturday shows which was draw/redraw with two qualifying mains, each paying $500 to the winner. All drivers ran heats, then redrew for their starting spot in the qualifiers. The top finishing cars from the heat drew from one bucket, the back markers, from another bucket. Then the top twelve cars from each qualifier, went to the A Main of the night. The payoff for the win was $1,000 and a provisional start in the A Main at the Prelude to the 2018 Super Nationals. A twist thrown in was the driver pulling the #5 starting spot out of the draw...on Cinco De Mayo night, had a chance at an extra $500 if they won the race. Thus, there was a possible $2,000 pay day for the Mod winner if they could win one of the qualifying features, as well as start fifth. And that man was Richie "G Money" Gustin.
When the 25-lap A main for the Modifieds went green, pole sitter Tim Ward shot to the lead, but fast company was right behind in Jimmy Gustin, Kelly Shryock, and Richie Gustin. Ward held the top spot until Richie Gustin made his way around and into the lead at lap five. Gustin, who drew the lucky #5 starting spot, was now positioning himself for the win and the added bonus money. However, others had different ideas as to the outcome of the race. The man on a mission was eleventh place starter Ricky Thornton, Jr. Thornton began reeling in leader Gustin and when a yellow flew at lap seventeen, it was just what he was looking for. Gustin was able to maintain his lead as the race resumed, but Thornton kept tight on his tail and at lap twenty-one, made his move around and into the lead. Thornton kept the top spot from there to the double checkers. Richie Gustin had to be satisfied with second. Kelly Shryock was third, Tim Ward fourth, and defending track champion Mike VanGenderen was fifth. Thornton repeated his win from last Saturday. Thirty-nine IMCA Modifieds checked into the pits for the Super Saturday special.
The night's racing ended with the IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap feature with the $500 pay off. Justin Wacha claimed the lead when the green flag flew and held it until lap eight when Aaron Rudolph took command. Rudolph had his hands full holding off Adam Ayers, Wacha and Solomon Bennett, and then Dylan Nelson entered into the picture. Dylan Nelson was flying on the outside lane, and was soon able to maneuver around Rudolph and into the lead with just two laps remaining. Nelson held on to that top spot and took the win. Rudolph held on to second, third was Wacha, Keith Burg came from twentieth to finish fourth, and Adam Ayers was fifth. Dylan Nelson made it his first victory at the track after starting twenty-second. He too went back to back this weekend as he also won Friday's Marshalltown Speedway feature.
Just about the time the first Modified heat came to the track last evening, the wind really came up, and a few raindrops fell....from a line of clouds moving in from the west. Thankfully, it was no more than that, though radar looked a bit more ominous, and racing stayed green the rest of the night. Racing was completed at 11:03 p.m.
Racing continues next Saturday night, May 12 at the Speedway, with racing in all six regular divisions. Early start times continue through the month of May with hot laps at 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
Ricky Thornton, Jr. took the top prize in the Modified main event, while it was Jeff Mueller taking the checkers in the Stock Car class. Tyler Inman got his first ever win in the SportMod division, Dylan Nelson was the winner in the Hobby Stock feature, while Mike Houseman won the Sprint Car contest, and Joe Glick won the Mod Lite A main.
Joe Glick nabbed the lead from Tanner Gannon at lap six and never relinquished it on his way to the checkers. He held back Joel Huggins who finished as the runner up, eleventh place starter Travis Stensland finished in third, Justin Rankin came from twelfth starting spot to finish fourth, and Randy Bryan rounded out the top five. Eighteen Mod Lites came to play Saturday night.
Tyler Inman started on the pole of the IMCA Northern SportMod A feature, and led all laps on his way to victory. He had to fend off the advances of Doug Smith and Chad Ryerson during much of the race, but never faltered on his way to win number one. Chad Ryerson got around Doug Smith in the closing laps as they went second and third in that order. Cory Rose came from twelfth starting spot to capture fourth place, and Johnathon Logue took fifth. This was Inman's first ever win at the Boone Speedway. I believe he is the son of veteran driver Todd Inman, who now pilots a ride in the Stock Car division.
Mike Houseman finished well ahead of second place finisher Devin Wignall to capture his first win of the year in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car class....as he led all 20-laps. He was chased in the early portion of the race by Mike Johnston until Wignall caught the leaders, and made the pass around Johnston to give chase to Houseman. C. J. Houseman took third place, Mike Johnston was fourth, and last week's winner, Mike Moore, was fifth. This was week #2 for the RaceSaver Sprint Cars at Boone.
The IMCA Stock Cars were going three and four wide around the track in their thrilling 18-lap A feature. But leading those packs of cars was Jeff Mueller. The action was behind Mueller most of the race as the cars jostled for position constantly. Mueller relinquished his lead only briefly to Trent Murphy with just a lap remaining. Then Murphy nearly found himself in a tip over situation in corner two, and gave the lead back to Mueller. Mueller then motored home to the victory. Veteran racer Robert Stofer finished in the runner up spot, Murphy recovered to finish in third place, Kevin Opheim was fourth and Michael Murphy came from seventeenth starting spot, to complete the top five. Mueller had a good weekend as he also won the feature at the Marshalltown Speedway the previous night.
The IMCA Modifieds had the first of their Super Saturday shows which was draw/redraw with two qualifying mains, each paying $500 to the winner. All drivers ran heats, then redrew for their starting spot in the qualifiers. The top finishing cars from the heat drew from one bucket, the back markers, from another bucket. Then the top twelve cars from each qualifier, went to the A Main of the night. The payoff for the win was $1,000 and a provisional start in the A Main at the Prelude to the 2018 Super Nationals. A twist thrown in was the driver pulling the #5 starting spot out of the draw...on Cinco De Mayo night, had a chance at an extra $500 if they won the race. Thus, there was a possible $2,000 pay day for the Mod winner if they could win one of the qualifying features, as well as start fifth. And that man was Richie "G Money" Gustin.
When the 25-lap A main for the Modifieds went green, pole sitter Tim Ward shot to the lead, but fast company was right behind in Jimmy Gustin, Kelly Shryock, and Richie Gustin. Ward held the top spot until Richie Gustin made his way around and into the lead at lap five. Gustin, who drew the lucky #5 starting spot, was now positioning himself for the win and the added bonus money. However, others had different ideas as to the outcome of the race. The man on a mission was eleventh place starter Ricky Thornton, Jr. Thornton began reeling in leader Gustin and when a yellow flew at lap seventeen, it was just what he was looking for. Gustin was able to maintain his lead as the race resumed, but Thornton kept tight on his tail and at lap twenty-one, made his move around and into the lead. Thornton kept the top spot from there to the double checkers. Richie Gustin had to be satisfied with second. Kelly Shryock was third, Tim Ward fourth, and defending track champion Mike VanGenderen was fifth. Thornton repeated his win from last Saturday. Thirty-nine IMCA Modifieds checked into the pits for the Super Saturday special.
The night's racing ended with the IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap feature with the $500 pay off. Justin Wacha claimed the lead when the green flag flew and held it until lap eight when Aaron Rudolph took command. Rudolph had his hands full holding off Adam Ayers, Wacha and Solomon Bennett, and then Dylan Nelson entered into the picture. Dylan Nelson was flying on the outside lane, and was soon able to maneuver around Rudolph and into the lead with just two laps remaining. Nelson held on to that top spot and took the win. Rudolph held on to second, third was Wacha, Keith Burg came from twentieth to finish fourth, and Adam Ayers was fifth. Dylan Nelson made it his first victory at the track after starting twenty-second. He too went back to back this weekend as he also won Friday's Marshalltown Speedway feature.
Just about the time the first Modified heat came to the track last evening, the wind really came up, and a few raindrops fell....from a line of clouds moving in from the west. Thankfully, it was no more than that, though radar looked a bit more ominous, and racing stayed green the rest of the night. Racing was completed at 11:03 p.m.
Racing continues next Saturday night, May 12 at the Speedway, with racing in all six regular divisions. Early start times continue through the month of May with hot laps at 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Ward wins on Cliff Chambers Memorial night
The Marshalltown Speedway sprung to life again on Friday night, with racing in all six classes and a good field of 126 cars. It was also the Cliff Chambers Memorial race, honoring the former promoter and longtime supporter of racing.
Ben Seeman took his first win ever at the Marshalltown track in the IMCA Late Model contest, while Tim Ward outlasted stout competition to take the IMCA Modified victory. Jeff Mueller motored around the top of the track and sailed home to the IMCA Stock Car win, Ethan Braaksma saw the checkers first in the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, the IMCA Hobby Stock winner was Dylan Nelson, and Randy Bryan repeated his Mod Lite win from last week.
Randy Bryan started tenth, overtook Joel Huggins at lap fourteen of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, and matched his win from last Friday night. Huggins held on to second place, third went to Joe Glick, fourth to Bryan Zehm and Charlie Brown completed the top five. Mike Morrill, who started fourth on the field, had his night end at lap two in a cloud of smoke.
Travis Peterson led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event, only to have it snatched away by Ethan Braaksma at lap ten. Braaksma motored his way to the lead by running the topside of the fast track, and after gaining that lead, never looked back on his march to victory, winning by a healthy margin. Jared VanDeest got by Doug Smith in the closing laps as they went second and third in that order. Fourth went to Austin Luellen, who made a late race pass on early leader Travis Peterson, who came home in fifth spot. Braaksma's last win at the track was the 2017 Frostbuster, but look for more visits to Victory Lane as he's looking like a strong contender this season. Thirty IMCA SportMods came to play on the High Banks.
Dylan Nelson from Adel, Iowa stamped his name in the record books as a first time winner in the IMCA Hobby Stock class at Marshalltown. Nelson led from the drop of the green, and held off Eric Knutson in the runner up spot. David Rieks started fourteenth and flew through the field to finish third, fourth place Gene Nicklas started twelfth and Leah Wroten was fifth. Last year's track champion, Shannon Anderson got crossed up, and popped the bead on a tire with just two laps in, ending his night's fun run.
Jeff Mueller made a run on the high side of the Marshalltown high banks and took home the trophy in the IMCA Stock Car 20-lap feature. Mueller started eighth and ran down then leader Todd Inman at lap seven. He set his car to the high line and outran Damon Murty who had to settle this week for second after two wins last week at the track. Tyler Pickett finished third, Paul Shepard was fourth, and Todd Reitzler rounded out the top five. Mueller, the southern Iowa native who moved to Albion last year, is finding his niche at the High Banks.
Ben Seeman, the IMCA Late Model driver from Waterloo, snagged his first ever win at the Marshalltown track, leading all 20-laps of the the A Main. Seeman finished well ahead of second place Todd Cooney, who made a late race pass on Darrel DeFrance in third. Richie Gustin took fourth place, and Kyle Krampe was fifth. Ten of the mighty wide-bodies tested the track last night.
The evening concluded with an exciting IMCA Modified 20-lap feature. The action was fast and furious throughout the entire race. Former Mod Lite racer, Josh May looked strong leading the early portion of the race, but he had big time company chasing him down. One of those was Nick Roberts who came calling first and took the top spot away. He was soon fending off the likes of Joel Rust and Tim Ward as he dug in to keep his lead. Lap fourteen saw that lead disappear as Ward managed the pass to become the leader of the pack, but the competition was not going away. In the waning moments, Ward held the lead and took the checkers first, with Roberts finishing a close second. Joel Rust outlasted Ricky Thornton in a close battle as they went third and fourth respectively, and Josh May finished in fifth. There were 28 Modifieds checked into the track, but it was decided to allow all cars a spot in the A Main, eliminating the need for a B Main.
It was a MUCH more pleasant night to be sitting in the grandstand. The temperature was much warmer and a relief not to have the strong winds! Let's hope that our nice weather is here to stay so we can all get our racing fix in without having to fight Mother Nature.
In place of the regular Friday night racing, the Marshalltown Speedway will be holding the inaugural Dale DeFrance Memorial race next Thursday night, May 10. The racing format will be draw/redraw in all classes. The Late Model winner will receive $1,500 and Modifieds will be racing for $1,000 to win, $500 for the Stock Cars and SportMods, and the Hobby Stocks, $300, plus many contingencies. There will be no racing at the track on Friday, and the Iowa High School Rodeo can have the grounds. Thursday's starting times are hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Check the track's website at www.marshalltownspeedway.com or their Facebook page for more details and any updates.
Ben Seeman took his first win ever at the Marshalltown track in the IMCA Late Model contest, while Tim Ward outlasted stout competition to take the IMCA Modified victory. Jeff Mueller motored around the top of the track and sailed home to the IMCA Stock Car win, Ethan Braaksma saw the checkers first in the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, the IMCA Hobby Stock winner was Dylan Nelson, and Randy Bryan repeated his Mod Lite win from last week.
Randy Bryan started tenth, overtook Joel Huggins at lap fourteen of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, and matched his win from last Friday night. Huggins held on to second place, third went to Joe Glick, fourth to Bryan Zehm and Charlie Brown completed the top five. Mike Morrill, who started fourth on the field, had his night end at lap two in a cloud of smoke.
Travis Peterson led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event, only to have it snatched away by Ethan Braaksma at lap ten. Braaksma motored his way to the lead by running the topside of the fast track, and after gaining that lead, never looked back on his march to victory, winning by a healthy margin. Jared VanDeest got by Doug Smith in the closing laps as they went second and third in that order. Fourth went to Austin Luellen, who made a late race pass on early leader Travis Peterson, who came home in fifth spot. Braaksma's last win at the track was the 2017 Frostbuster, but look for more visits to Victory Lane as he's looking like a strong contender this season. Thirty IMCA SportMods came to play on the High Banks.
Dylan Nelson from Adel, Iowa stamped his name in the record books as a first time winner in the IMCA Hobby Stock class at Marshalltown. Nelson led from the drop of the green, and held off Eric Knutson in the runner up spot. David Rieks started fourteenth and flew through the field to finish third, fourth place Gene Nicklas started twelfth and Leah Wroten was fifth. Last year's track champion, Shannon Anderson got crossed up, and popped the bead on a tire with just two laps in, ending his night's fun run.
Jeff Mueller made a run on the high side of the Marshalltown high banks and took home the trophy in the IMCA Stock Car 20-lap feature. Mueller started eighth and ran down then leader Todd Inman at lap seven. He set his car to the high line and outran Damon Murty who had to settle this week for second after two wins last week at the track. Tyler Pickett finished third, Paul Shepard was fourth, and Todd Reitzler rounded out the top five. Mueller, the southern Iowa native who moved to Albion last year, is finding his niche at the High Banks.
Ben Seeman, the IMCA Late Model driver from Waterloo, snagged his first ever win at the Marshalltown track, leading all 20-laps of the the A Main. Seeman finished well ahead of second place Todd Cooney, who made a late race pass on Darrel DeFrance in third. Richie Gustin took fourth place, and Kyle Krampe was fifth. Ten of the mighty wide-bodies tested the track last night.
The evening concluded with an exciting IMCA Modified 20-lap feature. The action was fast and furious throughout the entire race. Former Mod Lite racer, Josh May looked strong leading the early portion of the race, but he had big time company chasing him down. One of those was Nick Roberts who came calling first and took the top spot away. He was soon fending off the likes of Joel Rust and Tim Ward as he dug in to keep his lead. Lap fourteen saw that lead disappear as Ward managed the pass to become the leader of the pack, but the competition was not going away. In the waning moments, Ward held the lead and took the checkers first, with Roberts finishing a close second. Joel Rust outlasted Ricky Thornton in a close battle as they went third and fourth respectively, and Josh May finished in fifth. There were 28 Modifieds checked into the track, but it was decided to allow all cars a spot in the A Main, eliminating the need for a B Main.
It was a MUCH more pleasant night to be sitting in the grandstand. The temperature was much warmer and a relief not to have the strong winds! Let's hope that our nice weather is here to stay so we can all get our racing fix in without having to fight Mother Nature.
In place of the regular Friday night racing, the Marshalltown Speedway will be holding the inaugural Dale DeFrance Memorial race next Thursday night, May 10. The racing format will be draw/redraw in all classes. The Late Model winner will receive $1,500 and Modifieds will be racing for $1,000 to win, $500 for the Stock Cars and SportMods, and the Hobby Stocks, $300, plus many contingencies. There will be no racing at the track on Friday, and the Iowa High School Rodeo can have the grounds. Thursday's starting times are hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Check the track's website at www.marshalltownspeedway.com or their Facebook page for more details and any updates.
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