Hurst and VanZante score first wins at Marshalltown

The temperatures were soaring into the 90's on Friday and racing at the Marshalltown Speedway was pushed back to a 7:45 start time in hopes of giving a bit of relief to drivers and fans alike.  It paid off, as it turned into a beautiful night at the High Banks.  First time winners came from the IMCA Northern SportMod class and the IMCA Late Model division, while all other classes saw return trips to the winner's circle on Shawn's Hay Grinding Night at the races.

The Mod Lite A main kicked off the feature racing and their 15-lap event went flag to flag.  Charlie Brown charged to the lead as the race began.  He held the top spot until a lap car played into the game at lap eleven, and Joe Glick, who had been chasing Brown, grabbed the opportunity and made the pass for the lead.  In the closing laps, it was Travis Stensland giving Glick fits, but to no avail, as Glick took the checkers and the win.  Stensland finished a close second, followed by Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill, and Jason Masongarb rounded out the top five.  Glick claimed his second feature at Marshalltown this season. It's a tight race for the track title with Stensland leading Glick by one point.

The running order was changed up a bit last evening and the IMCA Hobby Stocks came to the track next for 15-laps of feature racing.  Shannon Anderson wasted no time in getting to the front from his tenth place starting position, grabbing the lead from Gene Nicklas at lap eight and from there on, motored off to a comfortable win.  Nicklas finished a distant runner up, David Rieks was third, fourth went to Leah Wroten, and Todd Fisher took fifth.  The race went green to checkered.  Anderson scored his fifth win this year.  Anderson padded his points lead with the win last evening.

Cory VanZante, the Sully, Iowa racer found his way to Victory Lane in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap feature.  VanZante started on the pole, and had no trouble in pulling off to a big lead, while the cars battled it out a distance behind him for position.  VanZante was never challenged, leading all laps on his way to victory. Travis Peterson finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, Tony Olson started eighteenth in his first appearance at the track this season, and finished in fourth, and Jami Ritter rounded out the top five.  VanZante nearly destroyed his car a few weeks ago in a backstretch mishap at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  It was good to see him have a turn of good luck last night. Ethan Braaksma continues his lead in the points battle, though only finishing thirteenth.

Todd Inman and Damon Murty put on quite the show in the IMCA Stock Car feature.  Inman held the top spot with Murty hounding him continually as they circled the top of the track.  On lap eleven of the 18-lap race, Murty finally got the advantage and swept to the top spot, but Inman didn't go away. In the closing laps, Inman's last chance try for the pass, resulted in a flat, and put him out of the chase. Murty held the lead the rest of the way to the checkers, taking another comfortable win.  The runner up was ninth place starter, Todd Reitzler, Jeff Mueller finished third, fourth went to Dave Atcher, and veteran Jeff Wollam in his 25th year of racing, came from eleventh to finish fifth. This was Murty's fifth win.  The two drivers finishing one-two last evening are the ones continuing to battle it out for the track title.  Murty leads Reitzler by two points as we head into the last portion of the racing season.

The IMCA Late Model 20-lap A main saw Jeremiah Hurst lead much of the event on his way to securing his first win at Marshalltown.  Hurst took the lead from Kirby Shultz on lap six and managed to hold off a last moment charge by Todd Cooney that fell just short at the finish line.  Cooney had to settle for second place, tenth place starter Paul Nagel finished third, fourth went to early leader Kirby Shultz, and Darrel DeFrance made a nice come back from an earlier mishap on the speedway, a trip to the hot pit, and tagging the field, to finish in fifth.  It was nice to see two new drivers in the field of fourteen cars.  Paul Nagel had a fine run to finish third, and Wilton, Iowa racer Dave Wada finished seventh.  Todd Cooney is the point leader, holding a twenty-one point lead over second place Darrel DeFrance.

Joel Rust has been hot lately, and he matched his win from two weeks ago at Marshalltown, winning the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature event.  Rust started sixth, took command at lap six, and then cruised off to take the easy win.  It was a close one for second and third, with Racer Hulin just holding the advantage over Tim Ward at the finish line.  Ronn Lauritzen and Gatlin Leytham were fourth and fifth respectively.  Tim Ward holds a 40 point lead over Joel Rust in the point's battle.

It was good to get back to the speedway last evening after the rain out the week before.  I think the weather forecast had a lot of people spooked with the prediction of high temperatures, but especially with the "feel like" temps to be in 110 plus degree range!  Thankfully, with the strong southerly breeze, the evening turned out to be pretty pleasant!  The call was made to start the racing action later than normal and the program was efficiently run through with no time taken for driver interviews in victory lane.  Racing continues next Friday night with hot laps at 6:50 and racing at 7:30.

Everyone have a fun and safe 4th of July.


Marshalltown Speedway

Shawns Hay Grinding Night 6/29/2018
Results - All Classes

IMCA Hobby Stocks A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Shannon Anderson                78 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 2.  Eugene Nicklas                  83 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 3.  David Rieks                     78XX 
     Eldora, Ia.
 4.  Leah Wroten                     14C 
     Independence, Ia.
 5.  Todd Fisher                     44 
     Carlisle, Ia.
 6.  Kenze Ritter                    121 
     Keystone, Ia.
 7.  Matt Smith                      74 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 8.  Mitchell Thomas                 14T 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 9.  Eric Knutson                    12K 
     Slater, Ia.
 10. Andy Peck                       17 
     Newton, Ia.
 11. Jeremiah Andrews                37G 
     Union, Ia.
 12. James Jensen                    18 
     Newton, Ia.
 13. Derrick Thra                    707 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 14. Dylan Nelson                    13N 
     Adel, Ia.
 15. Jamie Coady                     56J 
     Colfax, Ia.
 16. Luke Bird                       88 
     Winthrop, Ia.
 17. Ray Fees                        47 
     Des Moines, Ia.

IMCA Hobby Stocks Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Kenze Ritter                    121 
     Keystone, Ia.
 2.  Leah Wroten                     14C 
     Independence, Ia.
 3.  Eugene Nicklas                  83 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 4.  Dylan Nelson                    13N 
     Adel, Ia.
 5.  Mitchell Thomas                 14T 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Derrick Thra                    707 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 7.  Ray Fees                        47 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 8.  Jeremiah Andrews                37G 
     Union, Ia.
 9.  Matt Smith                      74 
     Des Moines, Ia.

IMCA Hobby Stocks Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  David Rieks                     78XX 
     Eldora, Ia.
 2.  Shannon Anderson                78 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 3.  Todd Fisher                     44 
     Carlisle, Ia.
 4.  Eric Knutson                    12K 
     Slater, Ia.
 5.  Luke Bird                       88 
     Winthrop, Ia.
 6.  Jamie Coady                     56J 
     Colfax, Ia.
 7.  Andy Peck                       17 
     Newton, Ia.
 8.  James Jensen                    18 
     Newton, Ia.

IMCA Late Models A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jeremiah Hurst                  58 
     Dubuque, Ia.
 2.  Todd Cooney                     30 
     Pleasant Hill, Ia.
 3.  Paul Nagle                      05 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Kirby Schultz                   17 
     Albia, Ia.
 5.  Darrell Defrance                99D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Shawn Cooney                    301 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 7.  Dave Wada                       29Q 
     Wilton, Ia.
 8.  Curt Schroeder                  15C 
     Baxter, Ia.
 9.  Greg Kastali                    73 
     Waterloo, Ia.
 10. Bryce Carey                     85C 
     Nashua, Ia.
 11. Randy Faux                      11 
     Earlham, Ia.
 12. Curtis Glover                   32 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 13. Jenna Johnson                   7 
     Mitchellville, Ia.
 14. Kyle Krampe                     K1 
     Baxter, Ia.

IMCA Late Models Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jeremiah Hurst                  58 
     Dubuque, Ia.
 2.  Dave Wada                       29Q 
     Wilton, Ia.
 3.  Shawn Cooney                    301 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 4.  Darrell Defrance                99D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 5.  Kirby Schultz                   17 
     Albia, Ia.
 6.  Jenna Johnson                   7 
     Mitchellville, Ia.
 7.  Kyle Krampe                     K1 
     Baxter, Ia.

IMCA Late Models Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Greg Kastali                    73 
     Waterloo, Ia.
 2.  Todd Cooney                     30 
     Pleasant Hill, Ia.
 3.  Curt Schroeder                  15C 
     Baxter, Ia.
 4.  Curtis Glover                   32 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Paul Nagle                      05 
     Nevada, Ia.
 6.  Bryce Carey                     85C 
     Nashua, Ia.
 7.  Randy Faux                      11 
     Earlham, Ia.

IMCA Modifieds A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Joel Rust                       26J 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 2.  Racer Hulin                     505 
     Laurel, Ia.
 3.  Tim Ward                        4TW 
     Harcourt, Ia.
 4.  Ronn Lauritzen                  10K 
     Jesup, Ia.
 5.  Gatlin Leytham                  5G 
     Garwin, Ia.
 6.  Josh May                        99 
     De Soto, Ia.
 7.  Shawn Ritter                    7SR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 8.  Scott Simatovich                43S 
     State Center, Ia.
 9.  Jason Morehouse                 5 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 10. Devan Havlik                    5D 
     Iowa Falls, Ia.
 11. Kyle Brown                      21K 
     Madrid, Ia.
 12. David Brown                     21D 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 13. Tommy Belmer                    43B 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 14. Rod Clement                     40RC 
     Rhodes, Ia.

IMCA Modifieds Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Joel Rust                       26J 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 2.  David Brown                     21D 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 3.  Kyle Brown                      21K 
     Madrid, Ia.
 4.  Racer Hulin                     505 
     Laurel, Ia.
 5.  Devan Havlik                    5D 
     Iowa Falls, Ia.
 6.  Scott Simatovich                43S 
     State Center, Ia.
 7.  Rod Clement                     40RC 
     Rhodes, Ia.

IMCA Modifieds Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Ronn Lauritzen                  10K 
     Jesup, Ia.
 2.  Gatlin Leytham                  5G 
     Garwin, Ia.
 3.  Tim Ward                        4TW 
     Harcourt, Ia.
 4.  Shawn Ritter                    7SR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 5.  Jason Morehouse                 5 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 6.  Tommy Belmer                    43B 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 7.  Josh May                        99 
     De Soto, Ia.

IMCA SportMods A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Cory Van Zante                  34z 
     Sully, Ia.
 2.  Travis Peterson                 25 
     Gladbrook, Ia.
 3.  Sam Wieben                      198 
     Dysart, Ia.
 4.  Tony Olson                      T23 
     Cedar Rapids, Ia.
 5.  Jami Ritter                     5JR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 6.  Jared Vandeest                  80J 
     Holland, Ia.
 7.  Scott Williams                  9 
     Atkins, Ia.
 8.  Adam Shelman                    3s 
     Ames, Ia.
 9.  Tyler Inman                     5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 10. Andy Hunter                     11A 
     Independence, Ia.
 11. Ryan King                       57R 
     Montour, Ia.
 12. Bryan Johnson                   26B 
     Roland, Ia.
 13. Ethan Braaksma                  11 
     Newton, Ia.
 14. Frank Packer                    77AU 
     Sydney, Au.
 15. David Hoover                    36H 
     Boone, Ia.
 16. Tom Rawlins                     T17 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 17. Ted Gould                       7 
     Sheldahl, Ia.
 18. Travis Storjohann               12R 
     Marshalltown, Ia.

IMCA SportMods Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Travis Storjohann               12R 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 2.  Cory Van Zante                  34z 
     Sully, Ia.
 3.  Tom Rawlins                     T17 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 4.  Jared Vandeest                  80J 
     Holland, Ia.
 5.  Adam Shelman                    3s 
     Ames, Ia.
 6.  David Hoover                    36H 
     Boone, Ia.
 7.  Bryan Johnson                   26B 
     Roland, Ia.
 8.  Ted Gould                       7 
     Sheldahl, Ia.
 9.  Tyler Inman                     5T 
     Altoona, Ia.

IMCA SportMods Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jami Ritter                     5JR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 2.  Scott Williams                  9 
     Atkins, Ia.
 3.  Sam Wieben                      198 
     Dysart, Ia.
 4.  Travis Peterson                 25 
     Gladbrook, Ia.
 5.  Andy Hunter                     11A 
     Independence, Ia.
 6.  Ryan King                       57R 
     Montour, Ia.
 7.  Ethan Braaksma                  11 
     Newton, Ia.
 8.  Frank Packer                    77AU 
     Sydney, Au.
 9.  Tony Olson                      T23 
     Cedar Rapids, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Damon Murty                     99D 
     Chelsea, Ia.
 2.  Todd Reitzler                   22R 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 3.  Jeff Mueller                    77M 
     Albion, Ia.
 4.  Dave Atcher                     2 
     Laurel, Ia.
 5.  Jeff Wollam                     3W 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Steve Meyer                     94 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 7.  Jared Daggett                   22D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 8.  Scott Rice                      4 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 9.  Curt Hook                       75 
     Ackley, Ia.
 10. Kyle Everts                     2K 
     Holland, Ia.
 11. Andrew Lokenvitz                7 
     Charles City, Ia.
 12. Jd Kennedy                      21K 
     Ackley, Ia.
 13. Todd Inman                      5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 14. Russell Damme, Jr.              4JR 
     Waterloo, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Todd Inman                      5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 2.  Kyle Everts                     2K 
     Holland, Ia.
 3.  Curt Hook                       75 
     Ackley, Ia.
 4.  Damon Murty                     99D 
     Chelsea, Ia.
 5.  Dave Atcher                     2 
     Laurel, Ia.
 6.  Jeff Wollam                     3W 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 7.  Russell Damme, Jr.              4JR 
     Waterloo, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Scott Rice                      4 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 2.  Todd Reitzler                   22R 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 3.  Jeff Mueller                    77M 
     Albion, Ia.
 4.  Steve Meyer                     94 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 5.  Jared Daggett                   22D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Jd Kennedy                      21K 
     Ackley, Ia.
 7.  Andrew Lokenvitz                7 
     Charles City, Ia.

Mod Lites A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Joe Glick                       3G 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 2.  Travis Stensland                89 
     Nevada, Ia.
 3.  Charlie Brown                   82 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Mike Morrill                    6 
     Altoona, Ia.
 5.  Jason Masengarb                 30 
     Colona, Il.
 6.  Randy Bryan                     64 
     Ames, Ia.
 7.  Kaden Reynolds                  1 
     Cedar Rapids, Ia.
 8.  Tanner Gannon                   3T 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 9.  Larry Sorenson                  4L 
     Ames, Ia.
 10. Bryan Compart                   14 
     Madrid, Ia.
 11. Terry Brown                     28 
     Nevada, Ia.
 12. Chelsea May                     18M 
     Desoto, Ia.

Mod Lites Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Charlie Brown                   82 
     Nevada, Ia.
 2.  Jason Masengarb                 30 
     Colona, Il.
 3.  Travis Stensland                89 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Randy Bryan                     64 
     Ames, Ia.
 5.  Larry Sorenson                  4L 
     Ames, Ia.
 6.  Chelsea May                     18M 
     Desoto, Ia.

Mod Lites Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Mike Morrill                    6 
     Altoona, Ia.
 2.  Joe Glick                       3G 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 3.  Terry Brown                     28 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Tanner Gannon                   3T 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Kaden Reynolds                  1 
     Cedar Rapids, Ia.
 6.  Bryan Compart                   14 
     Madrid, Ia.

Agee, Anderson, Griffiths,Housley and Sutter take trips to victory lane at Osky

It had been almost a month since the Monster Half Mile at the Southern Iowa Speedway had seen racing action.  Two weeks were weathered out with a scheduled night off between the two wash outs, so it was good to get back to our midweek racing action.  Three new drivers got their first trips to victory lane in 2018, while two others made return visits....one with a five win streak going. Sixty-seven race cars were in the house last evening.

Brandon Housley, the driver who had four in a row going in the Sport Compact division, didn't have the best of luck in his heat race and everyone was thinking this just might be the night his streak would be broken.  Didn't happen.  Housley, the driver out of Ottumwa, started tenth...dead last...in the 10-lap feature, picked off car after car, and chased down then leader Barry Taft with just a couple of laps remaining.  The two dueled it out and then on lap nine, a little "rubbin' is racin" move in corner four put the #42 of Housley to the lead.  He kept the top spot to the waving checkers and his fifth win in a row at Osky.  Taft took the runner up position, with Kyle Boyd, Bill Whalen and Billy Cain rounding out the top five.  It appears from the official results, that Austin Kaplan and Cody Phillips, who I had in the top five, were disqualified for some sort of infringement.

The bright green #14 of Derrick Agee went to Victory Lane in the Stock Car feature event.  Agee led from the start, relinquished his lead briefly to Scott Dickey, but fought back around to regain his lead a few laps later.  From there on, Agee pulled away away from the pack and took the comfortable win.  Nathan Wood started seventh, dueled it out with Mike Hughes and Dickey to come away with second place.  Hughes, Dickey, and Donnie Pearson completed the top five. Dickey finished ahead of Hughes, but due to contact, was docked one spot.  This was Agee's first time in the winner's circle in 2018.

Logan Anderson set foot in Victory Lane for the first time this season, in the SportMod division.  Anderson, has been racing the Greg Strothman owned machine at the Monster half-mile this year. Anderson who competes with his own car in the Modified class at other tracks, led the entire caution free race.  Hot shoe Curtis VanDerWal got past Blaine Webster in the closing laps to finish in second, Webster going third.  Fourth went to Thomas Egenberger and Greg Cox, Kellogg, who has switched from Modified to SportMod this year, was fifth.

The Hobby Stock feature started off with the 55X of Rick Goldsberry in a precarious situation on the backstretch....looking as if he was about to take a flip.  He gathered it back, but his night was finished.  When the main event then got underway, Craig Brown jumped to the lead, but Dustin Griffiths was about to give him fits.  With a handful of laps down, Griffiths got the job done, taking the lead.  He held off any challenges by Brown, and took the checkered flag for the win.  Brown held on to second place, Aaron Martin finished third, fourth went to tenth place starter, Clint Nelson, and Christian Williams was fifth.

The Iowa Sportsman Series was rained out back on June 6, so got their event rescheduled last evening.  Ten cars were in their field.  It was a real runaway by the #14 of Tyler Sutter.  Sutter took command at lap two and won the 20-lap feature by more than 3/4 of a lap over second place Doug Weiss.

It was Kids Night at the Southern Iowa Speedway, and the youngsters had a great time with pre-race car rides on the track....fifteen race cars participated and the cars were packed.  During intermission, the kids scrambled for nickles and candy...an abundance of both! It was a very pleasant night for racing, and a really nice crowd was on hand for the night's entertainment.  The races concluded at 9:49, allowing fans and drivers to get back on the road for home at a good time.

The next race at the Southern Iowa Speedway will be on Wednesday, July 11...an added race due to the many rain outs this year. This will also be the 2018 Hall of Fame night for new inductees Ed Sanger (we've heard that he has over 900 feature wins under his belt...could that be?) Johnny Babb, Dave Farren, and promoters Jim and Joe Durian.  Then, Tuesday July 17, will be season championship night during the Southern Iowa Fair and $5 Fan Appreciation night at the races.  The following night, July 18, the USMTS Modifieds make an appearance along with the USRA Stock Cars and B-Mods.  Put these nights on your calendar for midweek racing!

Schmidt and Richards take first trips to Victory Lane

Saturday was Casey's night at the Boone Speedway and another great night of exciting racing action.  One hundred thirty cars filled the pits for the six classes in competition that saw two drivers make their first trip to victory lane.

Randy Bryan was the first driver of the night that put his ride in the winner's circle after winning the 15-lap Mod Lite feature.  Bryan inherited the lead at lap ten when then leader Charlie Brown drove off the top of turns three and four.  Bryan, who had started tenth, had to hold off second place Mike Kennedy who made it interesting at the line, but was able to secure the win.  Third went to eleventh place starter Travis Stensland, fourth was Tanner Gannon and Joe Glick completed the top five.  This was Bryan's second win of the year.  Travis Stensland holds a slim two point lead in the track points  over Joe Glick.

There was lots of close racing action in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod A feature as several cars battled for the lead.  Cory Pestotnik made it to the front on lap three after starting sixth, but was soon nagged by Johnathon Logue and not to be outdone, Jake McBirnie and then Austin Luellen joined in the tussle at the front.  Logue took the top spot at lap five, but had the hounds barking at his heels.  Jake McBirnie was able to take command on lap nine, after a backstretch pass, and then put a bit of breathing room between himself and the pack. He crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of second place Logue.  Austin Luellen finished third, fourth was early leader Cory Pestotnik, and Adam Shelman made a charge through the field from eighteenth starting spot, to finish fifth. Luellen continues to hold down the point lead in the SportMod class.

Lincoln, Nebraska racer Matt Richards made the haul over to Boone and went home with his first IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature win.   Richards, in his sharp looking #1R, overtook then leader Joel Thorpe at lap ten and held the lead to the flying checkers.  Ben Woods came from eighth starting position, to finish a close second at the line.  Tyler Thompson, Joel Thorpe and Devin Wignall rounded out the top five.  Thompson continues his hold on the points lead, ten points up on Mike Moore.

The 18-lap IMCA Stock Car main event was up next, and it was Jay Schmidt taking the win in this one.  Schmidt started eleventh and by lap three was already up to fourth, when the yellow flag waved.  The restart found Schmidt ready to challenge leader Craig Carlson, and just three laps later got the job done, taking over as captain of the ship. Schmidt distanced himself from the battle going on for second place between Carlson and Jeff Mueller, and took the comfortable win.  Carlson and Mueller battled side by side to the finish line, with Mueller squeaking by Carlson as they finished second and third respectively.  Tyler Pickett and veteran Robert Stofer completed the top five.  This was Schmidt's first visit to victory lane this season.  Schmidt took over the point lead with the win last evening, but it's a tight race.  He leads by a mere one point over veteran racer Johnny Spaw, and sitting just three points out, is Donavon Smith. 

The close racing continued in the IMCA 20-lap Modified feature.  Tim Ward started tenth and found his way to the front at lap eleven, but had several challenging him for the top spot.  Nick Roberts, last week's winner, hounded Ward in the late part of the race, but then Jon Snyder and Jimmy Gustin appeared on the scene to throw their hats into the ring.  Ward however, was able to ward off any challenges, and took the double checkers. Not far behind in second was Jon Snyder who had started twelfth, Roberts was third,  hard charger Jimmy Gustin came from twenty-second to take fourth, and Thor Anderson came from fourteenth, to finish fifth.  Ward won for the second time in 2018, and now leads Randy Havlik by one point in the track championship battle.

The night's racing ended with the flag to flag 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature.  Adam Tiernan held down the top position much of the race, had it taken away briefly by Keith Burg, and then regained it.  Tiernan was looking to be on his way to his first ever Hobby Stock win, but John Watson burst his bubble. Watson took the lead on the white flag lap, and snatched away the win.  Tiernan had to settle for the runner up spot, third and fourth were the father/son duo of Andrew Burg and Keith Burg, and Shane Butler was fifth.  Watson matched his win from last week, and now has three wins for the year. Andrew Burg holds down an eighteen point lead for the point's battle over Solomon Bennett.

Boone Speedway completed its eleventh straight week of racing on Saturday night, only having lost the first two scheduled pre-season Frostbuster specials.  I was surprised when checking my records, that they have escaped Mother Nature's wrath that has played havoc with the racing programs around the state this year.  Let's hope I haven't jinxed the rest of the season!

Next Saturday night's show at Boone will be Rodeo Night.  Special guest will be Jason Dent, the Humeston, Iowa rodeo clown that appeared on the Big Brother television show.  He will be signing autographs as his alter ego, "Whistle Nut", and perhaps, bringing along his bovine friend, "Ole".  It's also another "Super Saturday" on the docket.  The IMCA Modifieds will be running for the $1,000 to win prize, and the IMCA Northern SportMods will be vying for $750.  Those two classes will be a draw/redraw show.  The Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, RaceSaver Sprints, and Mod Lites will also be running.

It was sad news this morning to learn of another loss of the racing family.  World of Outlaw driver Jason Johnson, the Ragin' Cajun" from Louisiana, succumbed to a racing accident suffered at the the Beaver Dam Raceway last evening.  RIP, Jason.

Roberts pays first Modified visit to Victory Lane at Boone

It was Woodruff Construction night at Iowa's Action Track on Saturday evening, with racing in all six regular divisions and the added Adrenaline Kart Series on exhibition.  The regular classes had only one new face gracing victory lane while the other five divisions saw repeat winners. There was lots of close and exciting racing to be had on the hot June night at the Boone Speedway.

The Mod Lites kicked off the regular feature racing with their 15-lap main event.  Charlie Brown led the field to green from his pole starting position and held tight to it until lap thirteen. That's when Bryan Zehm, who had started seventh and chased the leader from the early onset of the race, was finally able to make the pass for the lead.  From there on out, the race was Zehm's as he took the flying checkers and the victory.  Randy Bryan finished as the runner up after starting in ninth, third was Joe Glick who had run at the front of the field the entire race, as had fourth place, Jonathan  Braathun.  Last week's winner Mike Kennedy rounded out the top five. Earlier leader Charlie Brown had the misfortune of taking a spin in corner four while running second with just a lap remaining, ending his run at the front.  This was Zehm's fourth win at Boone this season.

Next up was 18-laps of IMCA Northern SportMod feature racing.  Doug Smith immediately took the lead from his fourth place starting spot, and then motored away.  A yellow at lap twelve bunched up the field for the restart and no one was happier to see it than Austin Luellen, the driver sitting in second spot.  When the race returned to green, Luellen was able to get the momentum around the top of turn two, and took over the top position.  Luellen maintained that lead but company behind him was not going away.  The final two circuits saw a huge push to the front by Jake McBirnie who after getting into second place, made a last dive in turn four coming to the checkers, to snatch the win. Luellen had to be content with the runner up spot, Smith held third place, Johnathon Logue came from sixteenth starting spot to take fourth and Chase Rudolf was fifth.  This was McBirnie's second feature win of the year, this one in his new GRT chassis, and earlier in a Harris chassis.

Mike Moore had to hold off Tyler Thompson in the closing laps of the 20-lap IMCA RaceSaver Sprint A main.  Moore had led the race from lap two but it nearly disappeared when Tyler Thompson gave it his all in the closing moments as they raced to the checkers, only to have it fall just short, and Moore held on for the win. Thompson had been running second earlier, but had been docked two spots for a jump at the start of the race.  A yellow flag at lap twelve, realigned him, reluctantly,  to restart in fourth position.  He immediately remedied that, getting back to finish second.  Matt Richards from Lincoln, Nebraska made the haul over and went away with a third place finish.  Last week's winner Mike Houseman finished in fourth, and Frank Rodgers was fifth.  Moore now has three wins on the season.

Jeff Mueller took his third win of the year in the IMCA Stock Car class.  Mueller started eighth, got to the lead with just a handful of laps down in the the 18-lap event, and from there on, pulled away to a decisive victory.  There was a gaggle of cars battling it out for position a good distance behind him. In the end, it was Donavon Smith taking the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford came from ninth to finish a close third, followed by pole sitter Calvin Lange and Rod Richards in fourth and fifth respectively. Veteran Robert Stofer won the hard charger award for the night, advancing thirteen spots...from twenty-second, to finish ninth.

The 20-lap IMCA Modified feature found the distinct sound of Joel Bushore's 6 cylinder car out in front of the field of cars.  Bushore buzzed along happily until Nick Roberts made his appearance and was up to make a challenge for the lead.  Roberts was able to take command at lap fifteen after pestering Bushore for several laps, and then held that lead to the double checkers and the win.  Tim Ward made a fine run through the field from his eleventh starting spot to finish as the runner up, Bushore fell back a bit and finished in third, Tony Cox was fourth and Brandon Leehman completed the top five. This was Nick Roberts' first ever visit to Victory Lane in the Modified division at Boone.  He had previously won in the SportMod class.

John Watson went back to the winner's circle in the night cap 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock division.  Watson fought past Rusty Gyles in the final laps to take home yet another win at the Boone Speedway.  Gyles held on to the runner up spot, just holding off, Andrew Burg at the finish line.  Aaron Rudolph and Eric Knutson rounded out the top five.  Watson scored his second win of the year.  Andrew Burg's three-in-a- row rein came to an end on Saturday night.

The Adrenaline Series Karts showcased two divisions, the Cadets and the Junior 1 classes.  These youngsters are the future of the sport. They ran on a small oval that had been made in the infield.  The Cadet feature went to Kaden Rice and Izac Mallicoat won the Junior 1 division.

There was minimal farming at the track again last evening, resulting in a dry, slick race track.  It provided plenty of racing action for the enjoyment of the fans. Racing continues next Saturday at Boone with hot laps at 5:45 and the green flag drops at 6:30.

Wieben takes first win at Marshalltown, all others repeat

It was Karl Performance and Casey's General Stores night on Friday at the Marshalltown Speedway with racing in all six regular divisions.  Only one new winner for the season found victory lane, while all others repeated their wins from earlier in the year.

The Mod Lites kicked off the night's feature racing. Mike Morrill dominated in taking the win in the 15-lap feature.  He started seventh and took command at lap two and never looked back on his way to the checkers. Morrill finished well ahead of second place finisher Joe Glick.  Travis Stensland came from deep in the starting field to finish third, fourth went to Randy Bryan and Charlie Brown completed the top five.  The race went caution free.  Morrill, who also won last week, now has a total of four wins for the season at the speedway.  This win also marked his 210th career feature win in his 22 years of racing. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky youngster in the stands.

Sam Wieben, who has visited the winner's circle multiple times over the past couple of years, got to victory lane for the first time in 2018 in the IMCA Northern SportMods.  Wieben passed Ryan King at lap seven after a spirited battle, and then was able to distance himself from the rest of the pack and take the comfortable win.  Last week's winner Ethan Braaksma ran out of time to reel in the leader, and finished as the runner up.  Jack Housley ran at the front of the pack all night and scored a third place finish, fourth went to Adam Shelman, and Tyler Inman was fifth. 

Dylan Nelson started sixth and claimed the lead on lap two of the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. David Rieks was charging hard behind him in the early portion of the race, until he found himself driving in too hard, and loosing the handle. This gave breathing room to Nelson until the appearance of Shannon Anderson and Leah Wroten. He managed to hold off those hard chargers with Anderson going second,  and Leah Wroten, who sits just one point out of the IMCA National points race, a close third.  Fourth went to Matt Smith, and Eric Knutson came from sixteenth starting spot, to capture fifth place.  Nelson took his second win at Marshalltown this season. Nelson, who has a figure 8 racing background, has the oval figured out.

The IMCA 18-lap Stock Car feature was another dandy.  Todd Reitzler started seventh, took to the top lane and got to the lead on lap five.  He had a lot of company in Damon Murty and Jeff Mueller who were tailing him around the track.  Reitzler however, never gave them an opportunity to find a way around him, and sailed home to the win, his second this year.  Murty, last week's winner, threw everything but the kitchen sink at Reitzler, but had to settle for second this week. Jeff Mueller was a close third, Michael Jaennette rallied from an early spin out to finish fourth, and Kurt Hook was fifth.

Darrel DeFrance started sixth in the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature, and by lap two, had rocketed to the lead. Then Todd Cooney began his march to the front, reeling in leader DeFrance and then taking the top spot at lap seven.  Cooney then pulled away to take the feature win by over half a lap.  Jeremiah Hurst finished as the runner up, DeFrance was third, fourth went to Kurt Hinrichs, and pole sitter Bobby Hansen was fifth.  Cooney lapped the fifth place finisher, and was about to catch fourth place when the race was completed. It was two in a row for Cooney and his third win over all. The race went flag to flag.

Capping off the night was 20-laps of IMCA Modified feature racing.  Veteran racer from Oskaloosa, Iowa, Ron VerBeek looked strong in the early portion as he led the troops around the high banks.  However, at lap three, Joel Rust was nipping at his heels.  Rust, who had started ninth, pestered VerBeek for a couple of laps before taking over the top spot at lap six.  From there on,  he kept it the remaining distance to the checkers. VerBeek finished a distance behind in second, Tim Ward came from tenth starting position, to finish third, Racer Hulin was a close fourth, and Trent Jackson rounded out the top five.  Rust has two regular season wins and also won the Highbank Hustle special. For some reason, the Modifieds were having their share of issues in the feature event, as multiple yellows flew, one of which caused a big pile up on a restart, bringing out another yellow before the race even resumed.  The domino effect on the restart ended several driver's run in the A main with battered race cars.

We were expecting to be uncomfortable from the heat and humidity last evening, but a nice southerly breeze saved the fans, and it turned out to be a pretty pleasant night to be sitting at the races. Had it not been for the multiple yellows flying through out the evening, the 95 cars racing would have had the program ended well before the finish at 10:06 p.m.

The weekly racing program continues next week at Marshalltown Speedway with racing in all six classes.  For those of you who have not visited the track, it would be well worth your time to make the trip to see some close competition and exciting racing in all the classes.  Hot laps are scheduled for 7 and the green flag drops at 7:30.  Hope to see some of you there! 



 Marshalltown Speedway

Caseys General Stores Karl Performance 6/15/2018
Results - All Classes

IMCA Hobby Stocks A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Dylan Nelson                    13N 
     Adel, Ia.
 2.  Shannon Anderson                78 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 3.  Leah Wroten                     14C 
     Independence, Ia.
 4.  Matt Smith                      74 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Eric Knutson                    12K 
     Slater, Ia.
 6.  Gary Pfantz                     4X 
     State Center, Ia.
 7.  Daren Dezwarte                  47T 
     Knoxville, Ia.
 8.  Todd Fisher                     44 
     Carlisle, Ia.
 9.  Luke Bird                       88 
     Winthrop, Ia.
 10. Ray Fees                        47 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 11. David Rieks                     78XX 
     Eldora, Ia.
 12. Bradly Graham                   4 
     Vinton, Ia.
 13. Mitchell Thomas                 14T 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 14. Justin Lovig                    22J 
     Clemons, Ia.
 15. Travis Merical                  81M 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 16. Ryan Wells                      89R 
     Runnells, Ia.
 17. Andy Peck                       17 
     Newton, Ia.
 18. Eugene Nicklas                  83 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 19. Jamie Coady                     56J 
     Colfax, Ia.
 20. Mike Kincaid                    12 
     Cincinati, Ia.
 21. Jeremiah Andrews                37G 
     Union, Ia.
 22. Craig Lovig                     22c 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 23. Kenze Ritter                    121 
     Keystone, Ia.
 24. Derrick Thra                    707 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 25. Ben Newhouse                    17x 
     State Center, Ia.

IMCA Hobby Stocks Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Shannon Anderson                78 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 2.  Mike Kincaid                    12 
     Cincinati, Ia.
 3.  Kenze Ritter                    121 
     Keystone, Ia.
 4.  Daren Dezwarte                  47T 
     Knoxville, Ia.
 5.  Travis Merical                  81M 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Eric Knutson                    12K 
     Slater, Ia.
 7.  Ryan Wells                      89R 
     Runnells, Ia.
 8.  Jeremiah Andrews                37G 
     Union, Ia.
 9.  Justin Lovig                    22J 
     Clemons, Ia.

IMCA Hobby Stocks Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Luke Bird                       88 
     Winthrop, Ia.
 2.  Leah Wroten                     14C 
     Independence, Ia.
 3.  Matt Smith                      74 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 4.  Gary Pfantz                     4X 
     State Center, Ia.
 5.  Eugene Nicklas                  83 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 6.  Craig Lovig                     22c 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 7.  Derrick Thra                    707 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 8.  Andy Peck                       17 
     Newton, Ia.

IMCA Hobby Stocks Heat 3

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jamie Coady                     56J 
     Colfax, Ia.
 2.  David Rieks                     78XX 
     Eldora, Ia.
 3.  Dylan Nelson                    13N 
     Adel, Ia.
 4.  Todd Fisher                     44 
     Carlisle, Ia.
 5.  Mitchell Thomas                 14T 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Ray Fees                        47 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 7.  Bradly Graham                   4 
     Vinton, Ia.
 8.  Ben Newhouse                    17x 
     State Center, Ia.

IMCA Late Models A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Todd Cooney                     30 
     Pleasant Hill, Ia.
 2.  Jeremiah Hurst                  58 
     Dubuque, Ia.
 3.  Darrell Defrance                99D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 4.  Kyle Hinrichs                   15 
     Swisher, Ia.
 5.  Bobby Hansen                    9 
     Center Point, Ia.
 6.  Kyle Krampe                     K1 
     Baxter, Ia.
 7.  Kirby Schultz                   17 
     Albia, Ia.
 8.  Shawn Cooney                    301 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 9.  Bryce Carey                     85C 
     Nashua, Ia.
 10. David Webster                   44W 
     Menuro, Wi.
 11. Jenna Johnson                   7 
     Mitchellville, Ia.
 12. James Curran                    3XL 
     Browntown, Wi.
 13. Luke Pestka                     99 
     Marion, Ia.

IMCA Late Models Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jeremiah Hurst                  58 
     Dubuque, Ia.
 2.  Bobby Hansen                    9 
     Center Point, Ia.
 3.  Kyle Krampe                     K1 
     Baxter, Ia.
 4.  Kyle Hinrichs                   15 
     Swisher, Ia.
 5.  James Curran                    3XL 
     Browntown, Wi.
 6.  Luke Pestka                     99 
     Marion, Ia.
 7.  Jenna Johnson                   7 
     Mitchellville, Ia.

IMCA Late Models Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Darrell Defrance                99D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 2.  Todd Cooney                     30 
     Pleasant Hill, Ia.
 3.  Kirby Schultz                   17 
     Albia, Ia.
 4.  Shawn Cooney                    301 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Bryce Carey                     85C 
     Nashua, Ia.
 6.  David Webster                   44W 
     Menuro, Wi.

IMCA Modifieds A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Joel Rust                       26J 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 2.  Ron Verbeek                     29 
     Oskaloosa, Ia.
 3.  Tim Ward                        4TW 
     Harcourt, Ia.
 4.  Racer Hulin                     505 
     Laurel, Ia.
 5.  Trent Jackson                   12X 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 6.  Josh May                        99 
     De Soto, Ia.
 7.  Scott Simatovich                43S 
     State Center, Ia.
 8.  Shawn Ritter                    7SR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 9.  Rod Clement                     40RC 
     Rhodes, Ia.
 10. Jason Morehouse                 5 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 11. Jacob Murray                    48J 
     Hartford, Ia.
 12. Gatlin Leytham                  5G 
     Garwin, Ia.
 13. Ronn Lauritzen                  10K 
     Jesup, Ia.

IMCA Modifieds Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Ron Verbeek                     29 
     Oskaloosa, Ia.
 2.  Scott Simatovich                43S 
     State Center, Ia.
 3.  Racer Hulin                     505 
     Laurel, Ia.
 4.  Tim Ward                        4TW 
     Harcourt, Ia.
 5.  Gatlin Leytham                  5G 
     Garwin, Ia.
 6.  Jason Morehouse                 5 
     Evansdale, Ia.
 7.  Ronn Lauritzen                  10K 
     Jesup, Ia.

IMCA Modifieds Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Joel Rust                       26J 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 2.  Rod Clement                     40RC 
     Rhodes, Ia.
 3.  Josh May                        99 
     De Soto, Ia.
 4.  Trent Jackson                   12X 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 5.  Jacob Murray                    48J 
     Hartford, Ia.
 6.  Shawn Ritter                    7SR 
     Keystone, Ia.

IMCA SportMods A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Sam Wieben                      198 
     Dysart, Ia.
 2.  Ethan Braaksma                  11 
     Newton, Ia.
 3.  Jack Housley                    10H 
     Runnells, Ia.
 4.  Adam Shelman                    3s 
     Ames, Ia.
 5.  Tyler Inman                     5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 6.  Jared Vandeest                  80J 
     Holland, Ia.
 7.  Ryan King                       57R 
     Montour, Ia.
 8.  Travis Storjohann               12R 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 9.  Travis Peterson                 25 
     Gladbrook, Ia.
 10. Justin Becker                   35 
     Bernard, Ia.
 11. Tom Rawlins                     T17 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 12. Jake McBirnie                   82 
     Boone, Ia.
 13. Chance Titus                    4 
     Baxter, Ia.
 14. Jami Ritter                     5JR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 15. Scott Williams                  9 
     Atkins, Ia.
 16. Thomas Egenberber               98x 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 17. Craig Carpenter                 93C 
     Des Moines, Ia.

IMCA SportMods Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Ryan King                       57R 
     Montour, Ia.
 2.  Justin Becker                   35 
     Bernard, Ia.
 3.  Ethan Braaksma                  11 
     Newton, Ia.
 4.  Thomas Egenberber               98x 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Tyler Inman                     5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 6.  Chance Titus                    4 
     Baxter, Ia.
 7.  Travis Peterson                 25 
     Gladbrook, Ia.
 8.  Jared Vandeest                  80J 
     Holland, Ia.
 9.  Craig Carpenter                 93C 
     Des Moines, Ia.

IMCA SportMods Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Jack Housley                    10H 
     Runnells, Ia.
 2.  Travis Storjohann               12R 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 3.  Sam Wieben                      198 
     Dysart, Ia.
 4.  Adam Shelman                    3s 
     Ames, Ia.
 5.  Jami Ritter                     5JR 
     Keystone, Ia.
 6.  Tom Rawlins                     T17 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 7.  Scott Williams                  9 
     Atkins, Ia.
 8.  Jake McBirnie                   82 
     Boone, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Todd Reitzler                   22R 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 2.  Damon Murty                     99D 
     Chelsea, Ia.
 3.  Jeff Mueller                    77M 
     Albion, Ia.
 4.  Michael Jaennette               93 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 5.  Curt Hook                       75 
     Ackley, Ia.
 6.  Dave Atcher                     2 
     Laurel, Ia.
 7.  Tom Cannon                      32 
     West Branch, Ia.
 8.  Jared Daggett                   22D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 9.  Kyle Everts                     2K 
     Holland, Ia.
 10. Scott Rice                      4 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 11. Michael Bilyeu                  98B 
     Indianola, Ia.
 12. Jeff Wollam                     3W 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 13. Russell Damme, Jr.              4JR 
     Waterloo, Ia.
 14. Todd Inman                      5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 15. Steve Meyer                     94 
     Grundy Center, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Scott Rice                      4 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 2.  Jeff Mueller                    77M 
     Albion, Ia.
 3.  Steve Meyer                     94 
     Grundy Center, Ia.
 4.  Damon Murty                     99D 
     Chelsea, Ia.
 5.  Todd Inman                      5T 
     Altoona, Ia.
 6.  Jared Daggett                   22D 
     Marshalltown, Ia.
 7.  Dave Atcher                     2 
     Laurel, Ia.
 8.  Russell Damme, Jr.              4JR 
     Waterloo, Ia.

IMCA Stock Cars Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Michael Jaennette               93 
     Kellogg, Ia.
 2.  Kyle Everts                     2K 
     Holland, Ia.
 3.  Todd Reitzler                   22R 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 4.  Tom Cannon                      32 
     West Branch, Ia.
 5.  Curt Hook                       75 
     Ackley, Ia.
 6.  Michael Bilyeu                  98B 
     Indianola, Ia.
 7.  Jeff Wollam                     3W 
     Marshalltown, Ia.

Mod Lites A-Feature

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Mike Morrill                    6 
     Altoona, Ia.
 2.  Joe Glick                       3G 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 3.  Travis Stensland                89 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Tanner Gannon                   3T 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Randy Bryan                     64 
     Ames, Ia.
 6.  Charlie Brown                   82 
     Nevada, Ia.
 7.  Kevin Grisham                   46 
     Ogden, Ia.
 8.  Doug Byers                      4B 
     Grinnell, Ia.
 9.  Erin Turner                     7 
     Van Meter, Ia.
 10. Larry Sorenson                  4L 
     Ames, Ia.
 11. Bryan Compart                   14 
     Madrid, Ia.
 12. Chelsea May                     18M 
     Desoto, Ia.

Mod Lites Heat 1

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Mike Morrill                    6 
     Altoona, Ia.
 2.  Randy Bryan                     64 
     Ames, Ia.
 3.  Charlie Brown                   82 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Chelsea May                     18M 
     Desoto, Ia.
 5.  Larry Sorenson                  4L 
     Ames, Ia.
 6.  Erin Turner                     7 
     Van Meter, Ia.

Mod Lites Heat 2

     Driver                          Nbr 
     ------------------------------ -----
 1.  Tanner Gannon                   3T 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 2.  Kevin Grisham                   46 
     Ogden, Ia.
 3.  Travis Stensland                89 
     Nevada, Ia.
 4.  Joe Glick                       3G 
     Des Moines, Ia.
 5.  Bryan Compart                   14 
     Madrid, Ia.
 6.  Doug Byers                      4B 
     Grinnell, Ia.

Havlik, Gustoff, and Kennedy make first trips to Victory Lane

All six regular divisions were in competition on Saturday night at the Boone Speedway along with the added attraction of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks.  First time trips to Victory Lane came from the IMCA Modified class, the IMCA Stock Cars, and the MADCRA Mod Lites, while repeat winners were from the IMCA Northern SportMods, the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints. There were 133 race cars checked into the pits for Saturday night competition. 

It was Mike Kennedy taking the win in the Mod Lite 15-lap feature event.  Kennedy caught Charlie Brown and was giving chase when a lap car entered into the game.  Kennedy and Brown split the lap car, Kennedy taking the outside line, and made it work to his advantage.  He took command and from there on kept it to the checkers and the win, celebrating with his roof top flapping as he crossed under the checkers. Bryan Zehm took the runner up spot after starting in sixth position, Randy Bryan came from tenth to take third place, Joe Glick, last week's winner was fourth, and early leader Charlie Brown was fifth.  This was Kennedy's first time to visit the winner's circle this year. The school bus driver, known as "busman", was a happy camper in his post race interview with Coty Mallicoat.  Travis Stensland continues his slim lead in the points battle in the Mod Lite division,  over Bryan Zehm and Joe Glick. 

Dustin Lynch took the early lead in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod A main, but soon had the company of Johnathon Logue breathing down his neck.  Lynch held off Logue until lap eleven when a lap car entered the scene, and Logue made his move to the front.  Logue never relinquished his hold on the top spot and sailed home to the victory.  Cory Rose came from ninth starting spot and just beat out Lynch at the finish line as they went second and third in that order.  Jake McBirnie and Cory Pestotnik rounded out the top five.  Logue claimed his second win at Boone this season in the caution free contest.  Austin Luellen leads the point chase in the Northern SportMod class.

Outside front row starter Val Urman from Roseville, Minnesota leaped to the lead in the 20-lap IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature.  By lap six Mike Houseman was on his tail and wanting more.  A lap later, Houseman did just that, taking over the top spot, then pulling away to take his fourth trip to Victory Lane this year.  Urman held on to the runner up spot, while it was Lincoln, Nebraska racer Matt Richards finishing a close third.  A distance behind in fourth was Mike Moore, and Ben Woods was fifth. This race also went flag to flag. Tyler Thompson is the point leader in the RaceSaver Sprints.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks made their first appearance of the year at the Speedway, running a 20-lap A main feature.  Myles Michehl started fourth and immediately claimed the top spot, with sixth place starter Pat Graham following him into second.  These two would battle each other the entire race, with Graham getting the upper hand at lap eight,  and then Michehl sneaked back by with just four laps remaining.  He then held it the rest of the way to claim a first time win at the Boone Speedway.  Graham held the runner up spot, Bill Davis, Jr. finished third, fourth was Bryan Spangler and Jeff Frevert completed the top five.

Cody Gustoff scored his first win of the season in the IMCA Stock Car 18-lapper.  Gustoff overtook early leader Craig Carlson at lap four and never looked back on his way to victory.  Donavon Smith took the runner up spot from starting ninth, veteran racer Robert Stofer ran at the front of the field all race long and finished third, fourth went to Johnny Spaw who came from twelfth starting position, and early leader, Scott Davis was fifth. Spaw is the point leader in the division, with Jay Schmidt and Donavon Smith close behind.

Randy Havlik weathered a plethora of cautions in the IMCA 20-lap Modified feature and came home the victor.  Havlik took the lead from Tony Hofbauer at lap fourteen and then never let go of the coveted spot the rest of the way to the flying checkers.  Eric Elliott came from tenth starting spot to take the runner up position, and Kyle Brown got the hard charger award, finishing third from starting twenty-first.  Hofbauer was fourth, and Tyler Prochaska was fifth.  This was Havlik's first time in the winner's circle this season.  Havlik took over the point lead after last night's victory.

The IMCA 12-lap Hobby Stock feature was the finale for the evening, and Andrew Burg was deemed the winner.  However, it was Dylan Nelson who crossed the finish line first.  A post race inspection found Nelson's transponder to be mounted in the wrong spot, and he was disqualified, handing the win over to Burg.  Pole starter Mike Goldsberry was second, third went to Todd Bass, Justin Wacha came from thirteenth to finish fourth, and Solomon Bennett started eleventh, and took fifth.  Burg, who started twelfth, now has a three win streak going, and four wins total for the year. Burg padded his points lead with his win.

We were privy of a spectacular light show on the way home last night.  The closer we came to home, the more intense it became and then we finally hit rain not far out of town. We were thankful the big blob on radar kept its distance from the race track last evening, as several eastern Iowa tracks were washed out.

Be sure and check the racing calendar at Positively Racing as this is the time of year many specials are on the agenda.  Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!

Wins to Cooney, Ward, Murty, Braasksma, Anderson and Morrill on RBF Electric Night

It was RBF Electric night at the Marshalltown Speedway Friday.  All six classes were in competition and all six classes saw repeat winners.  Todd Cooney won in the IMCA Late Model division, as did Damon Murty in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Ethan Braaksma in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Tim Ward pulled off the victory in the IMCA Modifieds, while it was Shannon Anderson taking the $400 special draw/redraw feature in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mike Morrill made it to the winner's circle in the Mod Lite A main. It was also another night of watching the sky, and wondering if Mother Nature would throw a wrench into the night's fun.

Mike Morrill showed them how it's done in the 15 lap Mod Lite feature...going from last, to first. Morrill started fifteenth, dead last, in the main event after suffering a flat tire in his heat.  The veteran  methodically worked his way through the pack.  He got to leader Joe Glick's bumper at lap eight, and was then able to slip past for the lead on the backstretch, before lap nine was in the books.  Glick fought back and momentarily regained the lead, only to have Morrill take it back again and keep it for good.  Glick kept the runner up position, Randy Bryan came from ninth starting spot to take third, fourth was tenth place starter Travis Stensland, and Tanner Gannon completed the top five. Morrill took his third win of the season.

The IMCA Hobby Stocks had a special draw/redraw format for the evening with the A main paying $400 thanks to RBF Electric. Shannon Anderson started fourth, but motored by then leader Eric Knutson when he slipped up the hill in corner four, and snatched the lead with just a handful of laps down.  From there on, it was all Anderson leading the pack of cars all the way to the checkers and the win.  Gene Nicklas had a good run from starting tenth, to finish a close second.  Eighth place starter Dylan Nelson was third, fourth went to ninth place starter Leah Wroten, and Matt Smith finished fifth.  Anderson now has four wins at the speedway this season.   

An ominous sky and a few sprinkles threatened the start of the IMCA 18 lap Northern SportMod feature, but thankfully the raindrops disappeared.  Unfortunately though, the contest was plagued with yellows as well as a red.  A scary mishap occurred on the front stretch on a restart at lap three, eliminating not only the leader Curt Hilmer who was turned sideways by a too anxious second place runner Thomas Egenberger...that got him black flagged...but many other cars that could not avoid the situation. There was a lot of torn up equipment, but thankfully no injuries.  After the track was cleared, it was Adam Shelman who inherited the lead for the restart.  Shelman continued his run at the front of the field until a bobble at lap fifteen sent him backwards, and Ethan Braaksma into the lead.  Braaksma kept that lead the final three laps to the checkers.  Johnathon Logue came from tenth starting spot to finish second, Chad Ryerson came from eighteenth to finish third,  a close fourth was Travis Peterson from his thirteenth starting spot, and Travis Storjohann rounded out the top five.  Braaksma who started twelfth, now has three wins at the track this year.

It was Damon Murty back in victory lane in the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car class.  Murty started tenth, and duked it out with Jeff Mueller and Todd Reitzler before a yellow flew when leader Mueller erupted in flames at lap ten.  Murty inherited the lead for the restart, and from there on had little trouble as he circled the track...at the top of the highbanks. on his way to the flying checkers.  Todd Reitzler finished second from starting ninth, Trent Murphy just beat out Kyle Everts at the finish line as they went third and fourth respectively, and Curt Hook was fifth.  Murty now has four feature wins on the year.

The IMCA Late Models went 20 laps for their feature event.  Todd Cooney caught leader Andy Eckrich who was just coming off of the Deery Brothers win on Tuesday at the track, at lap eleven, and then never relinquished his hold.  Jeremiah Hurst got by Eckrich in the closing laps as they finished second and third in that order.  Fourth was hometown boy, Darrel DeFrance, and Ben Seeman took fifth.  Cooney won for the second time this year.

Tim Ward went to the winner's circle in the IMCA 20 lap Modified feature.  Ward came from row five, moved to the top of the high banks, and took the win.  Joel Rust reeled in the leader, but ran out of time to get closer than a second place finish.  Ronn Lauritzen, Scott Simatovich, and early leader Austin Emry, were third through fifth. Ward now has two wins on the season at Marshalltown.

It was another night of watching the sky.  There have been a lot of them this season as we sit at a race track.  Radar showed a small cell that looked to target Marshalltown.  Thankfully, no more than a few light sprinkles fell, and they didn't bother the racing program.

It's getting to be the busy season of racing in our area.  Check out the racing calendar at  for perhaps a special you would like to at www,positivelyracing.com.  Happy racing!

"Priske 50" goes to Andy Eckrich, Carter claims Modified win....on a lights out night in Marshalltown

The IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models came to the high banks of the Marshalltown Speedway on Tuesday night, making their 27th appearance at the track.  It was run in honor of the late Steve Priske, a former promoter at the track and long time supporter of the Late Model class.  The "Priske 50" Miller Lite feature paid $2,000 to win, as did the IMCA Modified A main.  Also running were the STARS Mod Lites and the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks.  Even a track that went dark during the running of the Modified feature could deter the night's racing action that brought 90 race cars to the mid-week race.

Joe Glick led the STARS Mod Lite feature event from flag to flag to secure his first win at the track in 2018.  He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Randy Bryan.  R J Gonzales made the trip over from Calona, Illinois and went home with a third place finish.  Finishing a close fourth was Travis Stensland, and Jason Masongarb, also from Calona, Illinois, rounded out the top five. The race went caution free. Eighteen cars checked into the speedway for some Tuesday night fun.

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks were also in the house, bringing eleven of the trucks to take a run on the high banks.  Steve Jackson and Pat Graham, two drivers who are best been known for racing Stock Cars and Modifieds respectively, were putting on the show up front for most of the 15-lap event. Graham led Jackson and then a caution flew on lap thirteen, and then the subsequent restart, Jackson suddenly slide off of turn two and out of the race, allowing Graham to run unhindered to the checkers and the win.  Rick Clark finished as the runner up, third was Miles Michehl, Lou Sipolt was fourth with no power steering, and Justin Schroeder scored a fifth place finish.

The IMCA Modifieds were running for $2,000 to win, and when the 25-lap feature rolled to the track, it was veteran racer Kelly Shryock and hot shoe Hunter Marriott sitting on the front row.  As the race went green it was Shryock taking the lead but Marriott battled around him for the top spot at lap three.  As captain of the ship, Marriott looked strong until Cayden Carter suddenly entered the picture, got around Shryock, and was now chasing Marriott. Then, at lap ten, "The Lights Went out in Marshalltown!" The track went dark!  Thankfully, all drivers were able to stop and no on track incidents occurred.  About a 20 minute delay, and the lights came back up and racing continued. Cater was able to make his move into the lead at lap fifteen, and from there on kept it to the flying checkers.  Finishing a ways behind for second place was eleventh place starter Ricky Thornton.  Richie Gustin followed through the pack from twelfth starting spot, to finish third, Marriott fell back a bit to take fourth place, and Joel Rust rounded out the top five.

The IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model 50 lap feature capped off the night's racing.  Curt Martin was the lucky recipient of the pole starting position with Matt Ryan sitting along side.  Martin led the first lap but third place starter Andy Eckrich claimed the lead on lap three.  Eckrich was not hindered by any of the three cautions that flew at lap eight, ten and eleven, and continued his run at the front, untouched. He sliced and diced his way through lap traffic, and had no trouble in sailing home to the win.  Point leader of the series, Justin Kay, started twelfth and had a nice run to finish in the runner up spot. Todd Cooney, Jeff Aikey and Denny Eckrich completed the top five.

There was a nice crowd on hand last evening to watch the racing action.  Thirty-two Modifieds and 29 Deery Brothers Late Models entertained the fans.  The weather was near perfect, though a radar check and clouds building to the north and heading our way, gave thought to a Mother Nature fit.  Luckily, that dissipated and moved off to the east.  The startling lights going out and the track cloaked in darkness during the Modified feature, was a strange deal. The drivers did a great job of getting their machines stopped before any chaos occurred. Stranger yet was the fact that the pits still had power, as did the concession stand and the PA system.  The PA then went out, and announcer Jerry Vansickel made due with the loud speaker on the ambulance to inform the crowd.  After about a twenty minute delay, the lights came back up, and racing continued.  This brought back memories of a few other times this has happened....at least twice back in the days of the old Greenbelt Speedway in Eldora, Iowa, and once at the IMCA Super Nationals in Boone that come to mind.  Thankfully, the gauges are glowing brightly inside the race cars, allowing for some sense of where the one in front of each other is located.

There was a lot of talent on the track last evening in the the Modified and Late Model classes. Jeff Aikey, who has won numerous Deery races, was piloting the #24 hot rod of Scott Fitzpatrick.  Justin Kay, who has won four series races in a row this season, and got that streak ended at the Memorial Day race in Boone when veteran racer Curt Martin won, had to settle for second last night.  The top 15 drivers in the Deery Series point battle were racing last evening, and local crowd favorite, "Ironman" Darrel DeFrance put all 484 Deery races under his belt.  The Modified class also had a stout field of talent.  Three Gustin's were on hand, Jimmy, Richie and Ryan, and when only one of those, Ritchie, made the starting field, you know competition was tough. Ryan Gustin had the misfortune of flying off of the track at the top of turns one and two during his heat action, and took a couple of tumbles that ended his night's racing.  He was not hurt, but the car suffered enough damage to call it a night.

The regular Friday night action continues on June 8, with racing in all six divisions.  The green flag drops at 7:30.       

Bounty on Thornton CLAIMED by Tim Ward

It was another fast paced night of exciting racing at Iowa's Action Track, the Boone Speedway, and another Super Saturday.  The IMCA Modifieds were running for $1,000 to win, extra incentives, and a chance at the $600 bounty money on Ricky Thornton's head, plus the IMCA Stock Cars were the chosen class on this Super Saturday for extra money...$750 to win.  Two first time winners emerged from the night's racing, and four others claimed repeat wins. There were 139 cars checked into the pits.

The Mod Lite division kicked off the feature racing.  Scott Naggatz from Carter Lake led the opening laps and appeared to be on his way to victory lane for the first time.  However bad luck hit him at lap thirteen when he lost the handle and spun out in turn four, bringing out the yellow.  This handed the lead over to Joe Glick for the restart.  Glick would then hold that lead the remaining two laps to the checkers and the win.  Bryan Zehm, last week's winner, started eighth and finished as the runner up.  Third place went to Ogden, Iowa's Kevin Grisham,  Mike Kennedy was fourth, and Troy Reeves made the trip over from Council Bluffs, and finished fifth. This was Glick's second win at Boone in 2018.

Yellow flags plagued the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, and a warning was given to the drivers at lap four, with 15 minutes already in the books.  When those cautions finally got out of the way, it was Austin Luellen who had escaped the chaos, and found his way to the front.  Luellen started twelfth and had the lead at lap five, never to relinquish it on his run to the checkers and the win.  Jake McBirnie took his spiffy looking new GRT hot rod from eleventh to finish as the runner up, third went to Johnathon Logue, fourth was Shawn Albers, and Dusty Masolini completed the top five.  Luellen won for the third time this season at the speedway, and added to his point lead.

A new face went to victory lane in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints.  Mike Johnston started sixth and nabbed the lead at lap four.    A caution with just two laps remaining didn't hinder him on his run to the checkers. Tyler Thompson came from ninth starting position to take second.  Third went to Bob Hildreth, fourth to pole sitter Val Urman from Roseville, Minnesota, and C. J. Houseman started tenth, and finished fifth. This was Johnston's first win at Boone.

It was another Super Saturday night and the IMCA Stock Cars were the designated class to have more money on the line....$750 for the win, and a draw/redraw show.  There were fierce battles going on during much of the 18-lap event, with Tyler Pickett leading the opening laps, only to have it snatched away at lap three by Donavon Smith.  Four cars had been running nose to tail in those early laps,  Smith, Pickett, Jay Schmidt and Troy Jerovetz.  Right before the halfway mark of the race, Jerovetz slipped into the lead and was able to hold off the thundering pack behind him, and secured the win.  Donavon Smith was the runner up, Jay Schmidt was third, fourth went to Devin Smith, and early leader Tyler Pickett taking fifth.  Jerovetz matched his win from last week.  The race went caution free.  Jerovetz also earned a provisional starting position in the upcoming Prelude to the  Super Nationals.

There was a lot on the line in the IMCA Modified 20-lap feature.  Not only was the winner going to receive $1,000, plus an additional $100 from Bob Harris Enterprises, a provisional starting position for the Prelude to Super Nationals, a starting spot in the Harris Clash "Dash at the Clash",  but a chance at taking the $600 bounty on Ricky Thornton as well.  This show was also a draw/redraw contest and Joel Bushore and Tim Ward were the lucky front row starters.  Ward immediately took the lead and began to put some distance between himself and the rest of the field.  However, a caution at lap ten bunched up the field and  it was Eric Elliott, Kelly Shryock and now Ricky Thornton lying in wait close behind for the restart.  As the race returned to green, Ward was able to maintain that top spot, and would hold on the remaining distance to the checkers flying.  Veteran racer Kelly Shryock finished second, Ricky Thornton fell short in his quest for his fifth win, and had to settle for third place,  Kyle Brown took fourth and Josh Gilman was fifth.  Ward, who won for the first time this year, went home $1700 richer, taking all of the incentives offered for the race.

The night cap race was the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature.  This race was also plagued with yellow flags in the first half of the 12-lap event. At five laps in, the drivers were warned that they were under the time limit as over twelve minutes had elapsed. The next yellow, or checkers, whichever came first, would end the race. Those yellows didn't hinder Andrew Burg's charge to the front however.  Burg started eleventh and had worked his way to the top spot with just a handful of laps in the books.  Burg held on to that lead the rest of the way to the finish line and secured his third win at the track this year...and two in a row.  Justin Wacha didn't make it easy for Burg in the closing laps, as he pressured him, but he had to be content with second place.  John Watson finished in third, Solomon Bennett was fourth and Dylan Nelson made it to fifth, after starting in fifteenth place.

Cam Reimers, the local driver from Ogden, brought his Lucas Oil Off Road Pro Light truck for some test laps around the Boone Speedway last evening, and then had it on display on the grandstand side. Reimers, who also runs an IMCA Northern SportMod for the first time this year, got his start in motorsports, running motocross.

On June 30, there will be another Super Saturday event.  The IMCA Modifieds will be running once again for $1,000 to win and a provisional start in the upcoming Prelude to the Super Nationals.  The IMCA Hobby Stocks will be the chosen class for extra pay for the night, as well as the Prelude provisional start.  Also that night, "Whistle Nut" will be in the house.  Jason Dent, the rodeo clown known as Whistle Nut, and who appeared on the reality tv series, Big Brother, will be on hand to entertain.

Racing at the Boone Speedway will continue its early Saturday start times through the month of June.  Hot laps are 5:45, and racing at 6:30.

Dominate wins by Gustin, Mueller, Anderson and Morrill

After last Friday's rain out at the the Marshalltown Speedway, it was clear skies greeting the fans this week.  Winners in the IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Hobby Stock, and the Mod Lite divisions made it look easy, while it was close finishes for the IMCA Late Models and the IMCA Northern SportMod classes.

The Mod Lite 15-lap feature found Mike Morrill returning to Victory Lane and back in his own car after running a borrowed car for a couple of weeks.  Morrill wasted no time in getting to the lead from his fifth place starting spot, taking command at lap four.  Morrill took to the top of the track and then pulled away for an easy win.  Joe Glick started eighth and took the runner up spot, third went to tenth place starter Travis Stensland, fourth was Randy Bryan, and Tanner Gannon completed the top five.  The race went flag to flag. This was Morrill's second win of the year at Marshalltown. Morrill said in victory lane he was very happy to be back in his own car after using a "rent a ride" for a couple of weeks.  The Mod Lite guys we've noted are a tight knit group, and it is not at all uncommon to see someone in a borrowed car. 

The IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap feature was up next and it had thrills throughout.  Dusty Masolini led the first ten laps but had big time company in Johnathon Logue and Ethan Braaskma chasing him. Logue got the upper hand on lap eleven and took the top spot away from Masolini, and then a lap later, Braaskma was now riding in second and cleaning off the top shelf.  Braaksma then found his way to the lead as the laps wound down and Jake McBirnie was now pressuring him.  The final lap was a spectacular one as McBirnie did the dive and slide out of turn four, but fell just short at the finish line, Braaksma taking the win.  McBirnie, racing his new GRT for the first time, started seventh, but had to be content with the runner up spot.  Logue came from ninth to finish third, Cory Rose was fourth, and Kyle Olson was the hard charger, coming from eighteenth to finish fifth. Braaksma scored his second win of the season at the track.

It was a run away win for Shannon Anderson in the Hobby Stock A main.  Anderson took command at lap six and pulled away to take the comfortable win.  Dylan Nelson started ninth, ran out of time to reel in the leader, and had to settle for second.  Gene Nicklas charged through the pack from his thirteenth starting position, to finish third, fourth went to twelfth place starter David Rieks, and Eric Knutson came from fifteenth, to finish fifth.  Anderson won for the third time at the track in 2018.
The race went caution free. Anderson, who has his car for sale in anticipation of jumping up to a Stock Car, still has had no takers. 

Jeff Mueller made it look easy in his IMCA Stock Car win.  Mueller started sixth, battled with Trent Murphy for a couple of laps, then flew to the lead.  When he got that top spot, he just drove off from the field on his way to victory.  Trent Murphy took the runner up spot, third was Steve Meyer, fourth went to Dave Atcher, and Michael Jaennette was fifth.  Mueller, who preferred the low line, "cat fishing" on the bottom, took his second win at the High Banks this season.

It took Todd Cooney just four laps to get the lead in the IMCA 20-lap Late Model duel, and it was looking as if he would ride off into the sunset.  But enter the 1D hot rod of Ryan Dolan who began reeling in Cooney about the halfway mark.  Dolan closed the gap and with four laps remaining, the leaders ran up on lap traffic. Cooney had to brake and got crossed up, and Dolan took advantage of the situation and quickly grabbed the top spot.  He held it the rest of the way to the checkers and the win.  Cooney recovered quickly to finish second, Ben Seeman finished third, fourth went to Luke Pestka, and Joe Zrostlik took fifth place.  Dolan claimed his second trip to the winner's circle on the season.

The youngest of the Gustin brothers, Ryan Gustin, put on a clinic in the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event.  Gustin started eighth, took the lead with a nifty slide job out of corner four at lap eight, and then pulled away.  He finished more than a straight away ahead of second place Jake Murray.  Third place was tenth place starter, Tim Ward, and Racer Hulin started fifteenth, and just beat out Ethan Dotson at the finish line as they finished fourth and fifth respectively. Gustin was the only one of the racing Gustin's in the house last night. 

Next up at the Marshalltown Speedway is the Steve Priske Miller Lite Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA Late Models on Tuesday, June 5.  The Late Models will be going for $2,000 to win.  Also running will be the IMCA Modifieds, for $2,000 to win.  The STARS Mod Lites and the Karl Chevrolet DTRA Dirt Trucks will also be competition.  Hot laps at 7 with racing to follow.  Regular Friday night racing returns on June 9.