Sunday, July 29, 2018
Longnecker takes first career win at Boone
Racing continued on Saturday night at Iowa's Action Track, the Boone Speedway. It was also bike give away night, and 75 lucky youngsters went home with new rides. One hundred and thirty-four drivers were checked in for a full night of racing.
The first feature of the night was the Mod Light class and it was Charlie Brown leading all 15-laps to take his first win at the track this year. Brown pulled away from the competition and took the comfortable win in a race that went caution free. Jeff Stensland trailed Brown the entire time and finished a distant runner up. Bryan Zehm came from ninth starting spot to finish in third place, fourth was Joe Glick who started eleventh, and Randy Bryan was fifth. Joe Glick is the point leader as the season winds down, but it's a tight race at the top. Glick sits one point up on Travis Stensland with Bryan Zehm just four out of first place.
The IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars completed their year at the speedway with their season championship. They only ran a feature last night and were called to the front stretch for driver introductions prior to their A main.
Mike Houseman led from the drop of the green from his outside front row starting spot. There were two cautions and one red flag situation when the 80x of C. J. Houseman went for a tumble on the backstretch when he hopped a wheel. He was okay.
When racing resumed after the cautions, Mike Houseman continued his run at the front and at the end of the 20-laps, took the easy win. Tyler Thompson chased Houseman the entire race to take second place, third went to Mike Moore, fourth to Joel Thorpe, and Ben Woods completed the top five. This was Houseman's third win in a row, and his seventh of the season. Tyler Thompson is the 2018 track champion.
The IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event came next. Hunter Longnecker took command at lap five from starting fifth, and fended off the late challenges of Johnathon Logue to secure the win. Logue started tenth, and finished a close runner up, Cory Rose came from twelfth to finish third, fourth went to eleventh place starter Austin Luellen and Adam Shelman raced from thirteenth to finish in fifth. This was not only Hunter Longnecker's first win this year, but his first ever career win.
The Northern SportMod points battle finds Austin Luellen up 17 points on Johnathon Logue as we head into the season's end.
Last week's winner in the IMCA Stock Car class, Scott Davis, took the lead on lap two of eighteen, but soon had big company close on his tail. Johnny Spaw rose from eighth starting spot to run in second place, and Jay Schmidt, Devin Smith, and Josh Daniels all ran nose to tail in a real shoot out for second position. Spaw pressured Davis, looking for a way around, and finally got the job done.....slipping under the leader on the backstretch with just three laps remaining. Spaw held the top spot the rest of the way to the flying checkers and the win. Davis held on to finish second, just ahead of Jay Schmidt in third. Devin Smith was fourth and Josh Daniels rounded out the top five. This marked Spaw's third victory at the track in 2018.
It's a tight race for the track championship in the IMCA Stock Car division. Jay Schmidt is up six points to Donavon Smith with just a few weeks left until season's end.
Joel Bushore made it to the winner's circle for the first time this year in the IMCA Modified division. Bushore led all but the opening lap of the 20-lap feature and pulled away to take the comfortable win. You couldn't miss the distinctive hum of Bushore's 6 cylinder as he motored around the track! Russ Dickerson finished as the runner up, Eric Elliott was third, fourth went to eleventh place starter Kelly Shryock, and Randy Havlik was fifth. Havlik is leading points by twelve over Eric Elliott.
It may have been one for the record books with Bushore's winning with a 6 cylinder powered hot rod. It's been a long time since we've even been aware of a 6 cylinder running around here. It brought back shades of Wayne Larson when he gave it a whirl many years ago.
Andrew Burg took a dominate win in the IMCA Hobby Stock class by also leading all but the opening lap of the 12-lap event. Burg began the race in tenth starting spot, and avoided a disastrous opening lap when the front of the pack got crossed up, bringing out a yellow. Burg then pulled away from the field to take the easy win. It was a hard fought battle behind him with Solomon Bennett winning out for second place, and visiting racer from Beatrice, Nebraska, Jesse VanLaningham coming from eleventh to take third. A close fourth went to John Watson, and Aaron Rudolph was fifth. Burg, who started tenth, scored his fifth win at Boone this year.
Andrew Burg enjoys a 49 point lead for the IMCA Hobby Stock title, Solomon Bennett a distant second place, and Aaron Rudolph third, 50 points out.
Also on the docket were the 2-person cruiser cars. At the end of their 8-lap feature, it was the #00 of Donnie Mason and Carl Agan taking the checkers.
Next Saturday night August 4, will be the TiLube last man standing challenge for $1,000 to win in the IMCA Modifieds, as well as $1,000 to win the Modified A feature on another Super Saturday at the Boone Speedway. The IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, the MADCRA Mod Lites, as well as 2-person cruisers will also all be in action. Hot laps are 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Get out and find a race to attend in support of dirt track racing. Check the calendar at Positively Racing for a race you may like to attend.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Hinrich nabs first win at Motown
The Marshalltown Speedway sprung back to action Friday night after a two week absence due to rain and then the terrible tornado that devastated the town last week. The track escaped any damage but in support of the town, they remained silent last Friday.
Three drivers returned to victory lane with back to back wins,...Richie Gustin in the IMCA Modifieds, Todd Reitzler in the Stock Cars, and Mike Morrill in the Mod Lite division. Sam Wieben in the IMCA Northern SportMods, and Shannon Anderson in IMCA Hobby Stocks, made return visits to the winner's circle, and Late Model driver Kyle Hinrichs took his first win of the year.
Travis Stensland was fending off Charlie Brown in the Mod Lite feature while Mike Morrill began reeling in the front runners. Then the leaders came up on a lap car, and Stensland got the bad end of the deal. He got caught up in the situation and then had to exit the race. Morrill took advantage of the road block, and flew to the lead. Morrill then pulled away to take another easy win. He finished well ahead of second place Joe Glick, who just beat out Charlie Brown for third at the flag. Fourth went to Randy Bryan and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Morrill took back to back wins, and scored his sixth of the season. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky youngster in the stands.
It was Shannon Anderson back in victory lane in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock main event. Anderson started tenth and had the lead at lap three, never to look back. A caution flew at lap nine, but it was no problem for Anderson on the restart. He finished well ahead of second place David Rieks, Leah Wroten came from ninth to finish third, fourth was Justin Wacha and Eric Knutson took fifth. Anderson now has six wins at the track this year.
The IMCA Northern SportMods were up next for their 18-lap A main. Ryan King led the troops in the opening laps but by lap four, it was Sam Wieben at the helm. Wieben never relinquished that top spot the remaining laps to the checkers. It was a battle for second place between Jake McBirnie and Jared VanDeest and in the end it was VanDeest taking the runner up spot and McBirnie going third. Fourth went to ninth place starter Ethan Braaksma, and early leader Ryan King was fifth. Wieben, who started eighth, scored his second win of the season.
As always, the IMCA Stock Cars put on quite the show for the fans. Kyle Everts was looking strong as he led the pack from lap one as he looked for his first win this year. However, a slip in corner four put him out of the race at lap fifteen when he got sideways, and brought out a yellow. Todd Reitzler was now in command when the race restarted, and he kept that lead the remaining three laps to score the win. Curt Hook ran at the front of the pack all night long, and took the runner up spot, Paul Shepard finished third, Dave Atcher was fourth and Jared Daggett rounded out the top five. Reitzler, who scored back to back wins, now has four victories under his belt this year.
Kyle Hinrichs found his way to victory lane for the first time this year by winning the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature. Hinrichs found something on the bottom with two laps to go, passing Jeremiah Hurst to take the lead. Hurst finished as the runner up, Darrel DeFrance got around Todd Cooney in the closing laps, as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Ben Seeman came home in fifth. Hinrichs started eleventh to take his first win of the year at the track. The race ended with a red flag when Tim Simpson rolled his #17x machine as the race was being completed. He was okay.
The night cap was 20-laps of IMCA Modified racing and it was Richie Gustin standing in victory lane with back to back wins. Gustin started eighth and established himself in first place as lap two was scored. He then went on to dominate the field, leading by over half a lap at times, to score win number two. Joel Rust finished a distant runner up, Ronn Lauritzen took third place, fourth went to Jimmy Gustin, and point leader Tim Ward was fifth.
We did see, from a distance, some of the awful destruction that last week's tornado caused in Marshalltown. Buildings were crumbled with one nearly across the street not being touched. The town is already in recovery mode, with huge scaffolding around the courthouse as they begin the restoration process. The town is banding together as they begin the recovery process and signs all around town proclaim "Marshalltown Strong" and hometown racer Darrel DeFrance had the slogan on his car last night as well.
Get out and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Three drivers returned to victory lane with back to back wins,...Richie Gustin in the IMCA Modifieds, Todd Reitzler in the Stock Cars, and Mike Morrill in the Mod Lite division. Sam Wieben in the IMCA Northern SportMods, and Shannon Anderson in IMCA Hobby Stocks, made return visits to the winner's circle, and Late Model driver Kyle Hinrichs took his first win of the year.
Travis Stensland was fending off Charlie Brown in the Mod Lite feature while Mike Morrill began reeling in the front runners. Then the leaders came up on a lap car, and Stensland got the bad end of the deal. He got caught up in the situation and then had to exit the race. Morrill took advantage of the road block, and flew to the lead. Morrill then pulled away to take another easy win. He finished well ahead of second place Joe Glick, who just beat out Charlie Brown for third at the flag. Fourth went to Randy Bryan and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Morrill took back to back wins, and scored his sixth of the season. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky youngster in the stands.
It was Shannon Anderson back in victory lane in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock main event. Anderson started tenth and had the lead at lap three, never to look back. A caution flew at lap nine, but it was no problem for Anderson on the restart. He finished well ahead of second place David Rieks, Leah Wroten came from ninth to finish third, fourth was Justin Wacha and Eric Knutson took fifth. Anderson now has six wins at the track this year.
The IMCA Northern SportMods were up next for their 18-lap A main. Ryan King led the troops in the opening laps but by lap four, it was Sam Wieben at the helm. Wieben never relinquished that top spot the remaining laps to the checkers. It was a battle for second place between Jake McBirnie and Jared VanDeest and in the end it was VanDeest taking the runner up spot and McBirnie going third. Fourth went to ninth place starter Ethan Braaksma, and early leader Ryan King was fifth. Wieben, who started eighth, scored his second win of the season.
As always, the IMCA Stock Cars put on quite the show for the fans. Kyle Everts was looking strong as he led the pack from lap one as he looked for his first win this year. However, a slip in corner four put him out of the race at lap fifteen when he got sideways, and brought out a yellow. Todd Reitzler was now in command when the race restarted, and he kept that lead the remaining three laps to score the win. Curt Hook ran at the front of the pack all night long, and took the runner up spot, Paul Shepard finished third, Dave Atcher was fourth and Jared Daggett rounded out the top five. Reitzler, who scored back to back wins, now has four victories under his belt this year.
Kyle Hinrichs found his way to victory lane for the first time this year by winning the 20-lap IMCA Late Model feature. Hinrichs found something on the bottom with two laps to go, passing Jeremiah Hurst to take the lead. Hurst finished as the runner up, Darrel DeFrance got around Todd Cooney in the closing laps, as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Ben Seeman came home in fifth. Hinrichs started eleventh to take his first win of the year at the track. The race ended with a red flag when Tim Simpson rolled his #17x machine as the race was being completed. He was okay.
The night cap was 20-laps of IMCA Modified racing and it was Richie Gustin standing in victory lane with back to back wins. Gustin started eighth and established himself in first place as lap two was scored. He then went on to dominate the field, leading by over half a lap at times, to score win number two. Joel Rust finished a distant runner up, Ronn Lauritzen took third place, fourth went to Jimmy Gustin, and point leader Tim Ward was fifth.
We did see, from a distance, some of the awful destruction that last week's tornado caused in Marshalltown. Buildings were crumbled with one nearly across the street not being touched. The town is already in recovery mode, with huge scaffolding around the courthouse as they begin the restoration process. The town is banding together as they begin the recovery process and signs all around town proclaim "Marshalltown Strong" and hometown racer Darrel DeFrance had the slogan on his car last night as well.
Get out and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Hofbauer, Boumeester, Rudolph, and Gannon capture first wins at Boone
A pit packed with 166 race cars provided the fans at the Boone Speedway an entertaining Saturday night of exciting racing action. The night however was marred with several rollover incidents, even one in the new 2-person cruiser action.
Four drivers captured their first win of the year. Tony Hofbauer made his way to Victory Lane in the IMCA Modified division, visiting Minnesota racer, Jared Boumeester took home the $750 prize in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, Aaron Rudolph snagged his first win of the year in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Tanner Gannon made it his first career win in the Mod Lite class. Devin Smith in the IMCA Stock Cars, and Mike Houseman in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints made return visits to the winner's circle.
Tanner Gannon began the 15-lap Mod Lite feature in fifth starting position, and had the lead by lap one. He then motored off as the race went green to checkered and took the win by a comfortable margin. Bryan Zehm, last week's winner finished in the runner up spot, third went to Travis Stensland, Joe Glick was fourth and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five. This was rookie Tanner Gannon's first career win. Gannon is the grandson of the late, great Dave Farren.
The IMCA Northern SportMods were the featured class last evening... running for $750 to win. Plus a $350 Dash for Cash was held after their heat races for the top twelve qualifiers. Jake McBirnie took that win.
The stout field of 38 cars had to be whittled down to a 24-car starting field through two B Main events.
Jared Boumeester from Waseca, Minnesota made his first ever trip to the Boone Speedway and went home with the win. Boumeester started fourth and took command at lap two, never to relinquish it on his run to the checkers. Finishing a distant runner up was Thomas Egenburger, Johnathon Logue was third, Ethan Braaksma had a good run through the field to finish fourth after starting seventeenth, and Austin Luellen was fifth.
The IMCA RaceSaver Sprints came next for their 20-lap feature. Mike Johnston and Mike Houseman led the parade through the halfway mark of the main event. Houseman had just gotten to the lead when a red flag situation occurred when Devin Wignall rolled his machine on the backstretch after contact with Frank Rodgers. He was okay.
The race just got restarted when a scary incident brought out another red flag before another lap was scored. Mike Moore went flying off of corner one, flipped and hit the bottom of the catwalk. Thankfully, he also was not injured. Moore had earlier gone over the edge of turn four and had to tag the field. With the adrenaline flowing, he no doubt was on a mission to get to the front....a plan that did not end well.
When the race did get back to green, Houseman continued to lead the troops the remaining way to the checkers, and secured the win. Tyler Thompson slipped by Mike Johnston in the final lap...finishing second and third respectively. Matt Richards and Bob Hildreth rounded out the top five. This marked Houseman's sixth trip to Victory Lane this season.
Next week, July 28, will be the RaceSaver Sprint season championship. Tyler Thompson is the point leader by 16 points over second place Mike Houseman, and with an average of 12 cars, looks to have the track championship wrapped up.
Cody Gustoff led the IMCA Stock Car 18-lap main event from the drop of the green. Gustoff started on the outside front row and looked to be on his way to his second win of the year. However in the end, it was Devin Smith making that second trip to the winner's circle. Smith started seventh, and took command at lap nine. He then stretched out his lead and took the easy win. Gustoff held on to second place, Josh Daniels came from nineteenth to third, fourth was veteran racer Robert Stofer, and Wilton, Iowa's David Brandies came from twelfth starting spot, to finish in fifth place.
Point leader Jay Schmidt was running third with just two laps remaining, but spun in corner four. He never stopped and continued on, dropping back to finish eleventh, but still holds the point lead, 3 points up on Donavon Smith.
Tony Hofbauer, who has been absent from the racing scene for several years, brought out his lucky #13 ride this season, and took the victory in the IMCA Modifieds. Hofbauer finished well ahead of Ricky Thornton in second, despite a late yellow that put hot shoe Thornton eager for the restart. Hofbauer left the field on that restart, taking the win by a good distance. Eric Elliott came from ninth spot to finish third. Tim Ward took fourth position after starting twelfth, and Bill Davis, Jr. led the race through lap fourteen, when Hofbauer took command, and finished in fifth. Hofbauer is owner of KMJ Performance that builds the Assault race cars.
Aaron Rudolph was leading comfortably in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature until a yellow flew with just two laps remaining. Rudolph, who started eighth and was leading by lap two, fought off the challenges of Andrew Burg on the restart, and captured the win. John Watson had his four wins in a row streak broken, and came home in third place. Fourth went to Eric Knutson, and Bob Daniels was fifth. This was Rudolph's first win at the speedway in 2018.
The night cap was the 2-person Cruiser feature and another lucky #13 went to victory lane. This time it was the #PG13 piloted by Brandon Alden and Brett Warrick. Early leaders Matt Harris and Jeremy Moore were the runner ups, third was the duo of Tyler McCumber and John Grey, fourth went to Donnie Mason and Carl Agan, and fifth to Brandon Williams and Seth Bowen.
Fifteen of the Cruisers participated last evening, and appear to be a popular addition to the program. A roll over in corner four with just one lap down, saw the 64XXX of Jarod Peterson and Jason Peterson take a ride, but they were okay. There are house cars available for rent, and new participants are popping up each week. You may also bring your own car. We understand the 2-person Cruisers will be on the regular program next year at Boone.
We expected extra cars in the IMCA Northern SportMod class last evening, due to the extra pay off for the headlined class, but all classes were up considerably. There were 38 SportMods, 36 Stock Cars, 35 Modifieds and 28 Hobby Stocks that swelled the car count.
At least 60 bikes were on display last night, enticing the youngsters to come out for next week's show and the big bike giveaway.
The season will be winding down soon for dirt track racing in our area, and the Super Nationals will be here before we know it. Get out to a track somewhere, and support the sport we all love...dirt track racing.
Four drivers captured their first win of the year. Tony Hofbauer made his way to Victory Lane in the IMCA Modified division, visiting Minnesota racer, Jared Boumeester took home the $750 prize in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, Aaron Rudolph snagged his first win of the year in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Tanner Gannon made it his first career win in the Mod Lite class. Devin Smith in the IMCA Stock Cars, and Mike Houseman in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints made return visits to the winner's circle.
Tanner Gannon began the 15-lap Mod Lite feature in fifth starting position, and had the lead by lap one. He then motored off as the race went green to checkered and took the win by a comfortable margin. Bryan Zehm, last week's winner finished in the runner up spot, third went to Travis Stensland, Joe Glick was fourth and Jeff Stensland rounded out the top five. This was rookie Tanner Gannon's first career win. Gannon is the grandson of the late, great Dave Farren.
The IMCA Northern SportMods were the featured class last evening... running for $750 to win. Plus a $350 Dash for Cash was held after their heat races for the top twelve qualifiers. Jake McBirnie took that win.
The stout field of 38 cars had to be whittled down to a 24-car starting field through two B Main events.
Jared Boumeester from Waseca, Minnesota made his first ever trip to the Boone Speedway and went home with the win. Boumeester started fourth and took command at lap two, never to relinquish it on his run to the checkers. Finishing a distant runner up was Thomas Egenburger, Johnathon Logue was third, Ethan Braaksma had a good run through the field to finish fourth after starting seventeenth, and Austin Luellen was fifth.
The IMCA RaceSaver Sprints came next for their 20-lap feature. Mike Johnston and Mike Houseman led the parade through the halfway mark of the main event. Houseman had just gotten to the lead when a red flag situation occurred when Devin Wignall rolled his machine on the backstretch after contact with Frank Rodgers. He was okay.
The race just got restarted when a scary incident brought out another red flag before another lap was scored. Mike Moore went flying off of corner one, flipped and hit the bottom of the catwalk. Thankfully, he also was not injured. Moore had earlier gone over the edge of turn four and had to tag the field. With the adrenaline flowing, he no doubt was on a mission to get to the front....a plan that did not end well.
When the race did get back to green, Houseman continued to lead the troops the remaining way to the checkers, and secured the win. Tyler Thompson slipped by Mike Johnston in the final lap...finishing second and third respectively. Matt Richards and Bob Hildreth rounded out the top five. This marked Houseman's sixth trip to Victory Lane this season.
Next week, July 28, will be the RaceSaver Sprint season championship. Tyler Thompson is the point leader by 16 points over second place Mike Houseman, and with an average of 12 cars, looks to have the track championship wrapped up.
Cody Gustoff led the IMCA Stock Car 18-lap main event from the drop of the green. Gustoff started on the outside front row and looked to be on his way to his second win of the year. However in the end, it was Devin Smith making that second trip to the winner's circle. Smith started seventh, and took command at lap nine. He then stretched out his lead and took the easy win. Gustoff held on to second place, Josh Daniels came from nineteenth to third, fourth was veteran racer Robert Stofer, and Wilton, Iowa's David Brandies came from twelfth starting spot, to finish in fifth place.
Point leader Jay Schmidt was running third with just two laps remaining, but spun in corner four. He never stopped and continued on, dropping back to finish eleventh, but still holds the point lead, 3 points up on Donavon Smith.
Tony Hofbauer, who has been absent from the racing scene for several years, brought out his lucky #13 ride this season, and took the victory in the IMCA Modifieds. Hofbauer finished well ahead of Ricky Thornton in second, despite a late yellow that put hot shoe Thornton eager for the restart. Hofbauer left the field on that restart, taking the win by a good distance. Eric Elliott came from ninth spot to finish third. Tim Ward took fourth position after starting twelfth, and Bill Davis, Jr. led the race through lap fourteen, when Hofbauer took command, and finished in fifth. Hofbauer is owner of KMJ Performance that builds the Assault race cars.
Aaron Rudolph was leading comfortably in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature until a yellow flew with just two laps remaining. Rudolph, who started eighth and was leading by lap two, fought off the challenges of Andrew Burg on the restart, and captured the win. John Watson had his four wins in a row streak broken, and came home in third place. Fourth went to Eric Knutson, and Bob Daniels was fifth. This was Rudolph's first win at the speedway in 2018.
The night cap was the 2-person Cruiser feature and another lucky #13 went to victory lane. This time it was the #PG13 piloted by Brandon Alden and Brett Warrick. Early leaders Matt Harris and Jeremy Moore were the runner ups, third was the duo of Tyler McCumber and John Grey, fourth went to Donnie Mason and Carl Agan, and fifth to Brandon Williams and Seth Bowen.
Fifteen of the Cruisers participated last evening, and appear to be a popular addition to the program. A roll over in corner four with just one lap down, saw the 64XXX of Jarod Peterson and Jason Peterson take a ride, but they were okay. There are house cars available for rent, and new participants are popping up each week. You may also bring your own car. We understand the 2-person Cruisers will be on the regular program next year at Boone.
We expected extra cars in the IMCA Northern SportMod class last evening, due to the extra pay off for the headlined class, but all classes were up considerably. There were 38 SportMods, 36 Stock Cars, 35 Modifieds and 28 Hobby Stocks that swelled the car count.
At least 60 bikes were on display last night, enticing the youngsters to come out for next week's show and the big bike giveaway.
The season will be winding down soon for dirt track racing in our area, and the Super Nationals will be here before we know it. Get out to a track somewhere, and support the sport we all love...dirt track racing.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Thornton and VanZante take checkers at Knoxville...on a wild Thursday in Iowa
Knoxville Raceway avoided disaster in the area last night, and the Dynamic Driveline Dirt Duel went on as scheduled. The IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods were in action with 49 Modifieds and 33 SportMods taking to the track.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 20 laps for their main event, and by that time the track was rubbered over and pretty much a one-lane around the bottom deal. Cory VanZante, the Sully, Iowa racer started on the pole spot, while last year's winner, Curtis VanDerWal began right behind him. Three cars ran at the front of the pack the entire race, VanZante leading, and Curtis VanDerWal and Omaha, Nebraska driver Cody Olsen swapping the #2 position during the race.
The race went green to checkered, and Cory VanZante led all circuits to claim the victory. VanDerWal took back the second place with just four laps remaining, and it was Cody Olsen in third. Fourth was seventh place starter Cory Rose, and Dusty Masolini started ninth, and finished in fifth.
VanZante had claimed his first career SportMod feature win earlier this year at the Marshalltown Speedway, and last night, his second came at of all places, the Knoxville Raceway....something that many a racer only dreams of. We spoke with VanZante after his win, and he said he was a bundle of nerves when he learned he had drawn the pole starting spot. But he was one happy camper at the end of the night!
The Modifieds ran a 25 laps feature for a $2,000 to win pay off. A passing point format through the heats, saw the top twelve redraw for starting spots, and Jacob Murray and hot shoe Ricky Thornton, Jr. were the lucky recipients of the front row.
Thornton laid claim to the lead immediately, and then, as we've often seen him do, pulled away from the pack. Cayden Carter started sixth, and with just a handful of laps in the books, had made his way to run second. As Thornton motored happily around the track, Carter began to reel in the leader but even after a restart situation that bunched the field with six laps to go, Thornton once again motored off. Carter hung close to Thornton, but really never threatened him seriously, Thornton taking the checkers with Carter finishing as the runner up. Richie Gustin took a distant third after starting in seventh place, pole sitter Jacob Murray took fourth, and last year's winner, Chris Abelson was fifth.
The program clicked off efficiently last evening with the first heat taking to the track at 7:14 and the final checkers flying at 9:30 p.m.
As mentioned earlier, Knoxville Raceway escaped the turbulent Iowa weather yesterday. We were saddened to hear of the tornado hitting close by Pella, the most destruction being at the Vermeer plant location. And then our friends to the north of us in Marshalltown, had a devastating wedge shaped tornado hit the downtown area....causing extensive damage to the downtown business area and the historic courthouse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.
The Marshalltown Speedway has cancelled its regular Friday night racing. Though the speedway itself was not touched by the tornado, they have decided to let the racetrack fall silent in light of the town's devastation.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 20 laps for their main event, and by that time the track was rubbered over and pretty much a one-lane around the bottom deal. Cory VanZante, the Sully, Iowa racer started on the pole spot, while last year's winner, Curtis VanDerWal began right behind him. Three cars ran at the front of the pack the entire race, VanZante leading, and Curtis VanDerWal and Omaha, Nebraska driver Cody Olsen swapping the #2 position during the race.
The race went green to checkered, and Cory VanZante led all circuits to claim the victory. VanDerWal took back the second place with just four laps remaining, and it was Cody Olsen in third. Fourth was seventh place starter Cory Rose, and Dusty Masolini started ninth, and finished in fifth.
VanZante had claimed his first career SportMod feature win earlier this year at the Marshalltown Speedway, and last night, his second came at of all places, the Knoxville Raceway....something that many a racer only dreams of. We spoke with VanZante after his win, and he said he was a bundle of nerves when he learned he had drawn the pole starting spot. But he was one happy camper at the end of the night!
The Modifieds ran a 25 laps feature for a $2,000 to win pay off. A passing point format through the heats, saw the top twelve redraw for starting spots, and Jacob Murray and hot shoe Ricky Thornton, Jr. were the lucky recipients of the front row.
Thornton laid claim to the lead immediately, and then, as we've often seen him do, pulled away from the pack. Cayden Carter started sixth, and with just a handful of laps in the books, had made his way to run second. As Thornton motored happily around the track, Carter began to reel in the leader but even after a restart situation that bunched the field with six laps to go, Thornton once again motored off. Carter hung close to Thornton, but really never threatened him seriously, Thornton taking the checkers with Carter finishing as the runner up. Richie Gustin took a distant third after starting in seventh place, pole sitter Jacob Murray took fourth, and last year's winner, Chris Abelson was fifth.
The program clicked off efficiently last evening with the first heat taking to the track at 7:14 and the final checkers flying at 9:30 p.m.
As mentioned earlier, Knoxville Raceway escaped the turbulent Iowa weather yesterday. We were saddened to hear of the tornado hitting close by Pella, the most destruction being at the Vermeer plant location. And then our friends to the north of us in Marshalltown, had a devastating wedge shaped tornado hit the downtown area....causing extensive damage to the downtown business area and the historic courthouse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.
The Marshalltown Speedway has cancelled its regular Friday night racing. Though the speedway itself was not touched by the tornado, they have decided to let the racetrack fall silent in light of the town's devastation.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Sanders sails to USMTS win at Osky
The Southern Iowa Speedway in Osky hosted its first USMTS race since 2011 at the big old half mile on Wednesday night during the fair. Twenty-seven of the ground pounders came to try their hand at the Monster.
The USRA Stock Cars, B Mods and Hobby Stocks were also on the card. In the end, it was Rodney Sanders in a runaway with the headliner main event, Todd Staley, promoter of the show took his third win within a week in the Stock Car class, Ben Moudry came down from Minnesota and snatched the B Mod victory, and local favorite Dustin Griffiths made it two wins in as many night at the track in snagging the Hobby Stock win.
It was a short field of seven Hobby Stocks and the 12-lap feature went green to checkered. When Dustin Griffiths drew the pole for the main event, coming fresh off of a win the previous night at the track, many of us were thinking it was over. It was.
Griffiths jumped to the immediate lead, stretched it out, and won easily. Eric Stanton, who had rolled his car the night before at the show in Webster City, was in a back up car and was the runner up. Third went to Brok Hopwood, Christian Huffman was fourth and Aaron Martin was fifth. Sixth was Clint Nelson, and it was good to see Bobby Greene back in action, as he piloted the 13M of Riley Meinders and completed the race in seventh.
The USRA Iron Man Challenge B Mods brought a dozen cars for the competition with Hasting, Minnesota's Ben Moudry capturing the win. Moudry started on the outside front row, and led all 18-lap on his way to the checkers. Andrew Schroeder and Decorah's Dan Hovden battled it out for the runner up spot in the latter portion of the race, with Schroeder taking claim to the runner up spot, Hovden going third. Brayton Carter came home in fourth and Blaine Webster was fifth.
The Stock Cars seldom fail to put on a good show at Osky, and last night was no different. A pair of 14 cars sat on the front row, with promoter of the night, Todd Staley drawing the one spot, with Derrick Agee in his green machine along side.
Agee grabbed the immediate lead and by lap two, Nathan Wood had moved from sixth to tail the leader...Staley running third. A restart after a lap three caution for local favorite Cayden Carter, made for tight racing for the lead. Nathan Wood came out the victor on that situation and he held that top spot after another caution flew at lap six.
Wood continued his lead but now Staley had moved into the second spot, Agee dropped back, and a couple of northeast Iowa drivers, the 33 of Kevin Donlan, and the 97 of veteran Lynn Panos were now in the mix. Those four drivers made it a breakaway at the front of the pack, challenges being thrown constantly. Staley, continued taking a look under leader Wood and with just a couple laps remaining in the 18-lap affair, took command. Staley held the lead to the flying checkers and snatched up the win. Track champion Nathan Wood had to be content with the runner up spot, Donlan was third, Panos fourth and Derrick Agee finished a distant fifth.
Staley, who had started running a Stock Car nine years ago, had just gotten his first career win on Saturday during Webster City's weekly show. Tuesday night in Webster City during the USMTS race, he won again, and then followed up with his third career win last night at Osky...his second track conquered.
Twenty-seven USMTS Modified were in competition and twenty-four started the 30 lap feature. Jake O'Neil, Tucson, Arizona hot shoe and Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas began the race from the front row.
Sanders took command at lap one with Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, New Mexico tagging in behind him, and by lap three, Scott's brother Johnny Scott, who shows that he is a transplanted Cameron, Missouri resident, was running third.
Two cautions would fly during the event, one at lap seven, and another at lap twenty-one. Neither would hinder Sanders as he pulled away to a comfortable lead each time, and eventually took the comfortable win. Brothers Scott....Stormy and Johnny finished second and third. A crowd favorite in our section anyway, Terry Phillips from Springfield, Missouri, son to the legendary late Larry Phillips, took fourth, and a distant fifth went to Chatfield, Minnesota's Lucas Schott.
This was the first time since July of 2011 that a USMTS show has been at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The last winner was local favorite Zack VanderBeek. VanderBeek was running about sixth when he had issues and exited the race with just a few laps remaining.
We saw several USMTS "race chasers" in attendance last night, and chatted with a couple, one from Kansas City, the other from Minnesota.
It was a bustling time on the fairgrounds when the grandstands emptied. It was busier than we can recall in many years. The parking lot was full, and we even had to be maneuvered by security through a back exit, as well as on the highway when we finally reached it.
Thought starting a bit late, at 7:49, the show was run right through with no down time, completed at 9:51.
We hope the Dynamic Drivelines Modified special show at the Knoxville Raceway happens tonight. We had over two inches of rain early today, and the thermometer hasn't broken 65 degrees yet.
Get out and attend a race somewhere, in support of dirt racing.
The USRA Stock Cars, B Mods and Hobby Stocks were also on the card. In the end, it was Rodney Sanders in a runaway with the headliner main event, Todd Staley, promoter of the show took his third win within a week in the Stock Car class, Ben Moudry came down from Minnesota and snatched the B Mod victory, and local favorite Dustin Griffiths made it two wins in as many night at the track in snagging the Hobby Stock win.
It was a short field of seven Hobby Stocks and the 12-lap feature went green to checkered. When Dustin Griffiths drew the pole for the main event, coming fresh off of a win the previous night at the track, many of us were thinking it was over. It was.
Griffiths jumped to the immediate lead, stretched it out, and won easily. Eric Stanton, who had rolled his car the night before at the show in Webster City, was in a back up car and was the runner up. Third went to Brok Hopwood, Christian Huffman was fourth and Aaron Martin was fifth. Sixth was Clint Nelson, and it was good to see Bobby Greene back in action, as he piloted the 13M of Riley Meinders and completed the race in seventh.
The USRA Iron Man Challenge B Mods brought a dozen cars for the competition with Hasting, Minnesota's Ben Moudry capturing the win. Moudry started on the outside front row, and led all 18-lap on his way to the checkers. Andrew Schroeder and Decorah's Dan Hovden battled it out for the runner up spot in the latter portion of the race, with Schroeder taking claim to the runner up spot, Hovden going third. Brayton Carter came home in fourth and Blaine Webster was fifth.
The Stock Cars seldom fail to put on a good show at Osky, and last night was no different. A pair of 14 cars sat on the front row, with promoter of the night, Todd Staley drawing the one spot, with Derrick Agee in his green machine along side.
Agee grabbed the immediate lead and by lap two, Nathan Wood had moved from sixth to tail the leader...Staley running third. A restart after a lap three caution for local favorite Cayden Carter, made for tight racing for the lead. Nathan Wood came out the victor on that situation and he held that top spot after another caution flew at lap six.
Wood continued his lead but now Staley had moved into the second spot, Agee dropped back, and a couple of northeast Iowa drivers, the 33 of Kevin Donlan, and the 97 of veteran Lynn Panos were now in the mix. Those four drivers made it a breakaway at the front of the pack, challenges being thrown constantly. Staley, continued taking a look under leader Wood and with just a couple laps remaining in the 18-lap affair, took command. Staley held the lead to the flying checkers and snatched up the win. Track champion Nathan Wood had to be content with the runner up spot, Donlan was third, Panos fourth and Derrick Agee finished a distant fifth.
Staley, who had started running a Stock Car nine years ago, had just gotten his first career win on Saturday during Webster City's weekly show. Tuesday night in Webster City during the USMTS race, he won again, and then followed up with his third career win last night at Osky...his second track conquered.
Twenty-seven USMTS Modified were in competition and twenty-four started the 30 lap feature. Jake O'Neil, Tucson, Arizona hot shoe and Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas began the race from the front row.
Sanders took command at lap one with Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, New Mexico tagging in behind him, and by lap three, Scott's brother Johnny Scott, who shows that he is a transplanted Cameron, Missouri resident, was running third.
Two cautions would fly during the event, one at lap seven, and another at lap twenty-one. Neither would hinder Sanders as he pulled away to a comfortable lead each time, and eventually took the comfortable win. Brothers Scott....Stormy and Johnny finished second and third. A crowd favorite in our section anyway, Terry Phillips from Springfield, Missouri, son to the legendary late Larry Phillips, took fourth, and a distant fifth went to Chatfield, Minnesota's Lucas Schott.
This was the first time since July of 2011 that a USMTS show has been at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The last winner was local favorite Zack VanderBeek. VanderBeek was running about sixth when he had issues and exited the race with just a few laps remaining.
We saw several USMTS "race chasers" in attendance last night, and chatted with a couple, one from Kansas City, the other from Minnesota.
It was a bustling time on the fairgrounds when the grandstands emptied. It was busier than we can recall in many years. The parking lot was full, and we even had to be maneuvered by security through a back exit, as well as on the highway when we finally reached it.
Thought starting a bit late, at 7:49, the show was run right through with no down time, completed at 9:51.
We hope the Dynamic Drivelines Modified special show at the Knoxville Raceway happens tonight. We had over two inches of rain early today, and the thermometer hasn't broken 65 degrees yet.
Get out and attend a race somewhere, in support of dirt racing.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Championship night at the Southern Iowa Speedway
It was a perfect night at the Southern Iowa Fair on Tuesday....fair food, the buzz of activity, fireworks, and $5 racing, and friends to share it with. The Southern Iowa Speedway held their season championship night...a night that so many were grateful that even happened considering it was looking bleak if there would even be racing at the big old half mile this year. The Southern Iowa Fairboard put in added money for the drivers last evening and the Stock Cars, SportMods, and Hobby Stocks were running for a $450 pay off to the winner of each. The racing action ended with some of the best and closest racing of the year. What a way to top off the night.
The Sport Compacts kicked off the night's feature racing. They were pulled to the front stretch for driver introduction, as were all of the classes, allowing the fans to show their appreciation.
It was a draw/redraw show, as it has been all season long at Osky. A newcomer for the night, Spencer Roggentein from South English was the polesitter with Codey Phillips to his outside. When the race went green, Phillips quickly faded with Kyle Boyd who had started third, taking the lead immediately. Boyd never gave up that top spot, leading all ten laps on the way to his first win of the year at the speedway. Brandon Housely started tenth on the field, and fell just shy of capturing his seventh feature of the year, and had to be content with the runner up spot. Third went to Codey Phillips, fourth was first time visitor to the track, Dallas Chandler, and Nathan Moody completed the top five. Brandon Housley is the 2018 track champion in the Sport Compact division, winning by three points over Boyd. Housley won an impressive six out of the eight races this year.
Christian Huffman led the opening laps of the Hobby Stock 15-lap feature, being chased relentlessly by Dustin Griffiths. Griffith finally took command at lap six, and from there on kept the top spot to the checkers and the win. In the closing laps Jamie Songer challenged Griffiths, but fell short and finished in second after starting seventeenth. Christian Huffman finished a distant third place, fourth was Craig Brown and Aaron Martin was fifth. The track champion for 2018 is Dustin Griffiths.
The SportMod 16-lap feature appeared to be a runaway for polesitter Blain Webster, as he had a huge lead through the halfway mark. Then, a caution flew at lap nine, bunching up the field for the restart. By this time, ninth place starter Brayton Carter had worked his way to third, trailing second place Danny Brau and he was eager for the restart. Another yellow came at lap ten, and Carter was now in second place and looking for more. He made his move quickly, took over first place at lap eleven, never to relinquish it and sealing the win. Webster held the runner up spot, Curtis VanDerWal came from ninth starting spot to finish third, and Logan Anderson and Greg Cox were fourth and fifth. Carter captured his second win at Osky this season...the third for his hot rod as brother Cayden had won in it earlier in the year. Curtis VanDerWal is the track champion for the fourth year in a row.
The finale of the night was the Stock Car feature....and what a way to end the evening! The Stock Cars, who have always been known for great racing at the Monster Half Mile, and with a three point difference between Nathan Wood, Derrick Agee, and Mike Hughes for the track championship, you knew it was going to get good! And get good, it did! With the draw/redraw format, and not the straight-up start by points, it was going to be interesting to see just where the top three would be starting. As it turned out, the pole draw car of Josh Gordon, (son of regular driver Howard Gordon, Jr.) piloting the car for the first time, chose to go to the rear for the start, moving Brett Lowry to the pole starting spot. Mike Hughes was on the outside front row and Wood moved up to start third, and Agee began in seventh position. Going into the night, Wood held a one point advantage over Agee, and Hughes sat two points out of first.
Hughes immediately took the top spot when the race went green, and Wood tucked in right behind him. The two ran in that formation through lap seven when Todd Reitzler threw his hat into the ring, making his way past Wood, and into the runner up spot. A few laps later, Cayden Carter in the "Orange Crush" ride came calling and getting into the tight mix. What a race it was those final laps, as those four cars ran nearly four-wide as they crossed the flagstand at the white flag! The charge to the checkers had the crowd on its feet....with Hughes being the victor. Wood got by Reitzler in the closing moments to finish second, Carter went third and Reitzler, fourth. Trailing in fifth spot, it was Derrick Agee. As it turned out, Wood's second place finish was just enough to give him the track championship....ONE point ahead of Hughes in second place.
It was quite a way to cap off the regular season at the Southern Iowa Speedway for 2018. However, it was announced last evening that there WILL be a Fall Challenge this year. Keep checking Southern Iowa Speedway - Osky on Facebook for the upcoming announced dates. We look forward to it.
Our plan is to head back to the Southern Iowa Speedway this evening for Todd Staley's USMTS Modified touring series, with the USRA B Mods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks also in action. Hope to see some of you there!
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Four in a row for McBirnie and Watson
It was a beautiful Saturday night for racing at the Boone Speedway with all weekly classes in competition. All regular weekly divisions found drivers taking return visits to victory lane and two drivers making it four in a row for their night's work.
Bryan Zehm took home the win in the 15-lap Mod Lite A main event. He ran down leader Charlie Brown and the two battled intensely for the lead in the closing laps. Brown was leading as the checkers were being unfurled, but then spun in corner four as the field came to the finish line. Zehm then scurried across first for the win and Brown ended up in the infield and out of the picture. Mike Kennedy came from eighth starting spot to finish as the runner up, third went to Joe Glick, and Travis Stensland and Jeff Stensland, the son and father duo, completed the top five. This was Zehm's fourth feature win at Boone this year. Zehm and Travis Stensland are now tied for the points battle as the season begins to wind down.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was once again the #82 of Jake McBirnie rising to the top of the field and taking the win. McBirnie made a great run through the field from his sixteenth starting position, caught then leader Austin Luellen at a dozen laps in and then the two went to battle. They ran side by side until McBirnie was able to make the pass for the lead with a lap remaining. He then held that top spot to the flying checkers and the win. Luellen, who had started eleventh, had to be content with the runner up spot, third went to Johnathon Logue, Hunter Longnecker scored a fourth place finish after starting fifteenth, and thirteenth place starter Cory Rose, was fifth. McBirnie now has four wins in a row, and five total for the season. Luellen maintains his point lead, twenty-one points up on second place Johnathon Logue.
Mike Houseman took the win in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20-lap feature. He started sixth, and had the lead at lap three, never to look back on his way to victory. Tyler Thompson tried reeling in the leader, but had to be content with the runner up spot. Ben Woods got around Devin Wignall in the closing moments, as they finished third and fourth respectively, and it was Matt Richards taking fifth after starting in twelfth position. The race began with a red flag situation when DJ Palmer tipped his ride on its side over the brim midway between turns three and four. He was okay. Tyler Thompson holds down the point lead in the RaceSaver Sprint division, seven points up on Mike Moore.
The IMCA Stock Cars always produce great racing week in and week out, and last night was no different. Bryan Snell took advantage of his pole starting spot in the 18-lap feature, jumping to the immediate lead. He was in a rent a ride hot rod last night which appeared to be the #43 of Calvin Lange. Madrid racer Jon Byriel kept close on Snell's heels through the first portion of the race, until fifth row starters Jay Schmidt and Johnny Spaw suddenly drew into the picture. Schmidt and Spaw first got around Byriel and then a few laps later, took over the two top positions as they also got by Snell. The two battled back and forth for the top spot, Schmidt taking claim to the lead first, and then Spaw taking over, and keeping it then to the finish line and the win. Schmidt finished a close second, Snell trailed a distant third, Jon Byriel was fourth and last week's winner Scott Davis rounded out the top five. This was Spaw's second win of the year. Jay Schmidt is the Stock Car point leader with Donavon Smith six points out of first, and Spaw sits thirteen points back.
The IMCA Modifieds had to weather several yellow flag situations, but in the end it was Tim Ward standing in the winner's circle. Joel Bushore led much of the race but Ward, who had started twelfth, methodically made his way through the stacked field of cars. At lap thirteen, Ward got to second place and began pressuring Bushore. That pressure paid off with four laps remaining of the 20-lap affair, as he made the pass for the lead. In the closing laps, Ward pulled away, taking the comfortable win, his third of the season. Bushore trailed in second, third went to eleventh place starter Randy Havlik, Brandon Leeman got the hard charger award, starting twenty-first, and finishing fourth, and new driver Terry Hurt from Omaha, Nebraska came from twentieth, to finish fifth. Havlik is the Modified point leader over second place Eric Elliott, down by 36 points as the season winds down.
Three drivers put on a whale of a battle in the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Keith Burg started fourth, had the lead by lap one, and led through the halfway mark of the race. He had John Watson and Andrew Burg barking at his heels just shortly after the half way point. The three ran nose to tail, and at lap nine, Watson managed the pass for the lead and then held on to take the win. Andrew Burg took the second spot after starting deep in the field in twenty-second and beating out his son Keith Burg in third. Fourth place went to Aaron Rudolph and Jack Phillips took fifth. Watson started ninth and now has his fourth win in a row, and his fifth over all. Andrew Burg is the point leader, thirty-two points up on second place Solomon Bennett.
Two-person cruisers closed out the night's racing action. The #8 duo of Donnie Mason and Carl Agan took the win easily. Following in second it was Ty Matuera and Troy Borsch, third was Brett Warrick and Brandon Allen, fourth place finishers were the team of Jeremy Moore and Joel Farleyh and fifth place was Brandon Williams and Seth Bowen. A total of thirteen Cruisers were in competition last night and ran both a heat race and a feature.
This is a busy upcoming week for racing in our area. Our plans are for Tuesday at the Southern Iowa Speedway for their season championship, then back again on Wednesday when the USMTS comes to town. Both nights are during the Southern Iowa Fair. Thursday we head to Knoxville and look forward to the Dynamic Drivelines Modified and SportMod show. Then we will be at our regular Friday night at Marshalltown Speedway and Boone Speedway on Saturday night. We hope Mother Nature cooperates and we can get our five-in-a-row marathon in. Hope to see some of you at these shows.
Bryan Zehm took home the win in the 15-lap Mod Lite A main event. He ran down leader Charlie Brown and the two battled intensely for the lead in the closing laps. Brown was leading as the checkers were being unfurled, but then spun in corner four as the field came to the finish line. Zehm then scurried across first for the win and Brown ended up in the infield and out of the picture. Mike Kennedy came from eighth starting spot to finish as the runner up, third went to Joe Glick, and Travis Stensland and Jeff Stensland, the son and father duo, completed the top five. This was Zehm's fourth feature win at Boone this year. Zehm and Travis Stensland are now tied for the points battle as the season begins to wind down.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was once again the #82 of Jake McBirnie rising to the top of the field and taking the win. McBirnie made a great run through the field from his sixteenth starting position, caught then leader Austin Luellen at a dozen laps in and then the two went to battle. They ran side by side until McBirnie was able to make the pass for the lead with a lap remaining. He then held that top spot to the flying checkers and the win. Luellen, who had started eleventh, had to be content with the runner up spot, third went to Johnathon Logue, Hunter Longnecker scored a fourth place finish after starting fifteenth, and thirteenth place starter Cory Rose, was fifth. McBirnie now has four wins in a row, and five total for the season. Luellen maintains his point lead, twenty-one points up on second place Johnathon Logue.
Mike Houseman took the win in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20-lap feature. He started sixth, and had the lead at lap three, never to look back on his way to victory. Tyler Thompson tried reeling in the leader, but had to be content with the runner up spot. Ben Woods got around Devin Wignall in the closing moments, as they finished third and fourth respectively, and it was Matt Richards taking fifth after starting in twelfth position. The race began with a red flag situation when DJ Palmer tipped his ride on its side over the brim midway between turns three and four. He was okay. Tyler Thompson holds down the point lead in the RaceSaver Sprint division, seven points up on Mike Moore.
The IMCA Stock Cars always produce great racing week in and week out, and last night was no different. Bryan Snell took advantage of his pole starting spot in the 18-lap feature, jumping to the immediate lead. He was in a rent a ride hot rod last night which appeared to be the #43 of Calvin Lange. Madrid racer Jon Byriel kept close on Snell's heels through the first portion of the race, until fifth row starters Jay Schmidt and Johnny Spaw suddenly drew into the picture. Schmidt and Spaw first got around Byriel and then a few laps later, took over the two top positions as they also got by Snell. The two battled back and forth for the top spot, Schmidt taking claim to the lead first, and then Spaw taking over, and keeping it then to the finish line and the win. Schmidt finished a close second, Snell trailed a distant third, Jon Byriel was fourth and last week's winner Scott Davis rounded out the top five. This was Spaw's second win of the year. Jay Schmidt is the Stock Car point leader with Donavon Smith six points out of first, and Spaw sits thirteen points back.
The IMCA Modifieds had to weather several yellow flag situations, but in the end it was Tim Ward standing in the winner's circle. Joel Bushore led much of the race but Ward, who had started twelfth, methodically made his way through the stacked field of cars. At lap thirteen, Ward got to second place and began pressuring Bushore. That pressure paid off with four laps remaining of the 20-lap affair, as he made the pass for the lead. In the closing laps, Ward pulled away, taking the comfortable win, his third of the season. Bushore trailed in second, third went to eleventh place starter Randy Havlik, Brandon Leeman got the hard charger award, starting twenty-first, and finishing fourth, and new driver Terry Hurt from Omaha, Nebraska came from twentieth, to finish fifth. Havlik is the Modified point leader over second place Eric Elliott, down by 36 points as the season winds down.
Three drivers put on a whale of a battle in the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Keith Burg started fourth, had the lead by lap one, and led through the halfway mark of the race. He had John Watson and Andrew Burg barking at his heels just shortly after the half way point. The three ran nose to tail, and at lap nine, Watson managed the pass for the lead and then held on to take the win. Andrew Burg took the second spot after starting deep in the field in twenty-second and beating out his son Keith Burg in third. Fourth place went to Aaron Rudolph and Jack Phillips took fifth. Watson started ninth and now has his fourth win in a row, and his fifth over all. Andrew Burg is the point leader, thirty-two points up on second place Solomon Bennett.
Two-person cruisers closed out the night's racing action. The #8 duo of Donnie Mason and Carl Agan took the win easily. Following in second it was Ty Matuera and Troy Borsch, third was Brett Warrick and Brandon Allen, fourth place finishers were the team of Jeremy Moore and Joel Farleyh and fifth place was Brandon Williams and Seth Bowen. A total of thirteen Cruisers were in competition last night and ran both a heat race and a feature.
This is a busy upcoming week for racing in our area. Our plans are for Tuesday at the Southern Iowa Speedway for their season championship, then back again on Wednesday when the USMTS comes to town. Both nights are during the Southern Iowa Fair. Thursday we head to Knoxville and look forward to the Dynamic Drivelines Modified and SportMod show. Then we will be at our regular Friday night at Marshalltown Speedway and Boone Speedway on Saturday night. We hope Mother Nature cooperates and we can get our five-in-a-row marathon in. Hope to see some of you at these shows.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Murty takes the money on Hall of Fame Induction night in Osky
The best crowd of the year filled the historic grandstand at the Southern Iowa Speedway last evening, on Hall of Fame induction night...a night when those from the past were honored for their contribution to the racing history at the big old half mile.
The Sport Compacts ran their main event first with veteran Bill Whalen, Jr. jumping to the immediate lead. He was looking for his second win of the season after scoring the opening night feature, but Brandon Housley had other ideas. Housely reeled in Whalen, caught him at lap six of the ten lap feature, and began tormenting him. He took command on the white flag lap, and then sailed home to his sixth win of 2018, his only loss to Whalen on the season opener. Kyle Boyd made a final lap surge to pass Whalen at the checkers, as they finished second and third. Fourth went to Cody Phillips and Nathan Moody was fifth. Housley has a six race streak going into next week's season final.
Jamie Songer took advantage of his outside front row starting spot in the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature. He was in command from lap one and never relinquished it all the way to the checkers and the win. There was great racing for second as Craig Brown, Brad Stephens, and Dustin Griffiths were battling hard behind Songer. In the closing laps, Griffiths mounted a challenge on the leader, but fell short and had to be content with the runner up spot this night. Craig Brown finished in third, while a couple of veteran racers, Brad Stephens and Rick VanDusseldorp rounded out the top five. A check of my records shows that Songer's last trip to victory lane at Osky was back in May of 2015.
It was no surprise to see the #1v once again sitting on the frontstretch in victory lane at the conclusion of the 16 lap SportMod feature. Curtis VanDerWal got the lucky redraw and started outside the front row and was never challenged on his way to victory. Two yellow flags would fly but neither would hinder VanDerWal's road to the winner's circle. Blaine Webster ran second to the winner the entire distance to take the runner up spot. Visitor from Norway, Iowa, Tim Plummer, finished in third position, fourth went to Brayton Carter, and Greg Cox, former Modified racer, rounded out the top five. This was the third win for VanDerWal this year.
The Stock Cars were the highlight of the night's racing, running for $1,000 to win. The 25-lap A main saw sixth place starter, "Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty get to the front with just three laps in the books, never to give up that coveted spot all the way to the flying checkers and the win. Cayden Carter, in his "Orange Crush" machine, mounted a challenge in the late portion of the race, but his attempts at a low look for a way around Murty came up short and he had to be content with the runner up spot. Third went to twelfth place starter Nathan Wood who had a good late race run, fourth was Mike Hughes with the hard charger award, coming from nineteenth starting position, and Donnie Pearson came home in fifth. Nathan Wood is the track point leader going into next week's season finale. He leads Derrick Agee by one point, and Mike Hughes sits in third, just two points behind.
During intermission, the 2018 Hall of Fame members were honored in a moving on track ceremony, emceed by Jerry Mackey on the mic. The late Johnny Babb was the first to be honored for his 28-year career in racing locally and beyond Iowa's borders.
Another late great, Dave Farren, Sr. was next to be inducted into the Southern Iowa Speedway Hall of Fame. Accepting the honor was Dave's wife and family. wearing purple, as Dave was known for his familiar purple #3 Modified. Farren won not only track championships at the speedway, but numerous other track titles, was a two time IMCA National Champion, 1986 and l988, and had 199 career feature wins...winning an impressive 32 features in 1988 alone.
Jim and Joe Durian were honored for their ten year tenure of promoting at the track in the 1990's. The brothers were a vital part of keeping the racing alive and well at the track during the hay day of competition at the Monster Half Mile. They credited their success both to family and staff who worked along side them during their time as promoters.
Ed Sanger....a legend in Iowa racing and beyond, was also honored, and on hand to accept his award. Sanger was among the first Iowa racers to travel beyond Iowa and meet success in doing so. He was not only a success behind the wheel, winning over an outstanding 600 features in his racing career, but also a fantastic race car builder. Sanger is also a member of the Iowa Motorsports Hall of Fame. It was an honor to have Ed on hand last night to accept his award, and we were lucky enough to congratulate him at the end of the evening.
Next week will be the last of the weekly racing program at Oskaloosa this year. Make note however, that the season championship program will be on TUESDAY night, July 17, instead of the regular Wednesday night show. Then on Wednesday night, the USMTS Modified touring series comes to town for a special night of racing action. Both races will be during the Southern Iowa Fair. It's a big week of area racing as Thursday night, July 19, the Knoxville Raceway will be hosting the Dynamic Drivelines Dirt Duel. It is also a Dirt Knights tour for the IMCA Modifieds. The IMCA Northern SportMods will also be on the docket.
There's lots of shows to choose from in this busy time. Get out and find a race to attend, and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
The Sport Compacts ran their main event first with veteran Bill Whalen, Jr. jumping to the immediate lead. He was looking for his second win of the season after scoring the opening night feature, but Brandon Housley had other ideas. Housely reeled in Whalen, caught him at lap six of the ten lap feature, and began tormenting him. He took command on the white flag lap, and then sailed home to his sixth win of 2018, his only loss to Whalen on the season opener. Kyle Boyd made a final lap surge to pass Whalen at the checkers, as they finished second and third. Fourth went to Cody Phillips and Nathan Moody was fifth. Housley has a six race streak going into next week's season final.
Jamie Songer took advantage of his outside front row starting spot in the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature. He was in command from lap one and never relinquished it all the way to the checkers and the win. There was great racing for second as Craig Brown, Brad Stephens, and Dustin Griffiths were battling hard behind Songer. In the closing laps, Griffiths mounted a challenge on the leader, but fell short and had to be content with the runner up spot this night. Craig Brown finished in third, while a couple of veteran racers, Brad Stephens and Rick VanDusseldorp rounded out the top five. A check of my records shows that Songer's last trip to victory lane at Osky was back in May of 2015.
It was no surprise to see the #1v once again sitting on the frontstretch in victory lane at the conclusion of the 16 lap SportMod feature. Curtis VanDerWal got the lucky redraw and started outside the front row and was never challenged on his way to victory. Two yellow flags would fly but neither would hinder VanDerWal's road to the winner's circle. Blaine Webster ran second to the winner the entire distance to take the runner up spot. Visitor from Norway, Iowa, Tim Plummer, finished in third position, fourth went to Brayton Carter, and Greg Cox, former Modified racer, rounded out the top five. This was the third win for VanDerWal this year.
The Stock Cars were the highlight of the night's racing, running for $1,000 to win. The 25-lap A main saw sixth place starter, "Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty get to the front with just three laps in the books, never to give up that coveted spot all the way to the flying checkers and the win. Cayden Carter, in his "Orange Crush" machine, mounted a challenge in the late portion of the race, but his attempts at a low look for a way around Murty came up short and he had to be content with the runner up spot. Third went to twelfth place starter Nathan Wood who had a good late race run, fourth was Mike Hughes with the hard charger award, coming from nineteenth starting position, and Donnie Pearson came home in fifth. Nathan Wood is the track point leader going into next week's season finale. He leads Derrick Agee by one point, and Mike Hughes sits in third, just two points behind.
During intermission, the 2018 Hall of Fame members were honored in a moving on track ceremony, emceed by Jerry Mackey on the mic. The late Johnny Babb was the first to be honored for his 28-year career in racing locally and beyond Iowa's borders.
Another late great, Dave Farren, Sr. was next to be inducted into the Southern Iowa Speedway Hall of Fame. Accepting the honor was Dave's wife and family. wearing purple, as Dave was known for his familiar purple #3 Modified. Farren won not only track championships at the speedway, but numerous other track titles, was a two time IMCA National Champion, 1986 and l988, and had 199 career feature wins...winning an impressive 32 features in 1988 alone.
Jim and Joe Durian were honored for their ten year tenure of promoting at the track in the 1990's. The brothers were a vital part of keeping the racing alive and well at the track during the hay day of competition at the Monster Half Mile. They credited their success both to family and staff who worked along side them during their time as promoters.
Ed Sanger....a legend in Iowa racing and beyond, was also honored, and on hand to accept his award. Sanger was among the first Iowa racers to travel beyond Iowa and meet success in doing so. He was not only a success behind the wheel, winning over an outstanding 600 features in his racing career, but also a fantastic race car builder. Sanger is also a member of the Iowa Motorsports Hall of Fame. It was an honor to have Ed on hand last night to accept his award, and we were lucky enough to congratulate him at the end of the evening.
Next week will be the last of the weekly racing program at Oskaloosa this year. Make note however, that the season championship program will be on TUESDAY night, July 17, instead of the regular Wednesday night show. Then on Wednesday night, the USMTS Modified touring series comes to town for a special night of racing action. Both races will be during the Southern Iowa Fair. It's a big week of area racing as Thursday night, July 19, the Knoxville Raceway will be hosting the Dynamic Drivelines Dirt Duel. It is also a Dirt Knights tour for the IMCA Modifieds. The IMCA Northern SportMods will also be on the docket.
There's lots of shows to choose from in this busy time. Get out and find a race to attend, and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Roberts and Davis claim first wins at Boone
We headed back to the Boone Speedway Saturday for our usual weekly racing fix and we were happy to see cloudless skies the entire time. After last week's rain out and early rains for the 4th of July Eve of Destruction show, they were a welcome sight. There were 138 cars checked into the pits, for a full night of racing action. Randy Roberts claimed his first IMCA Modified feature at the track, as did Scott Davis in the IMCA Stock Car class. Jake McBirnie made it three in a row in the IMCA Northern SportMod division, John Watson matched the three in a row title by winning the IMCA Hobby Stock feature again, and Mike Moore in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprints, and Joe Glick in the Mod Lite class, both made return visits to victory lane.
Things kicked off with the running of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature. The action was marred by two red flag situations that found Chelsea May and Justin Rankin both upside down on the backstretch before a lap was scored when cars got crossed up. Then later, Lisa Birt went for a tumble on the front stretch. Both were okay.
Charlie Brown led when the race did get underway, only to have it quickly snatched away by Bryan Zehm at lap three. A yellow flew at lap six when Charlie Brown went spinning, and on the restart, it was Joe Glick getting the upper hand, shooting to the lead. From there on, Glick held the lead to the checkers, taking the win by a comfortable length over second place Travis Stensland. Zehm held on for third place, fourth went to Tanner Gannon, and Mike Kennedy was fifth. Glick has three wins at Boone this year. Stensland is the point leader by one over Joe Glick after last night's races with Zehm sitting ten points out in third place.
Jake McBirnie survived caution after caution in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18 lap main event that was threatened by the time limit, to score another win. McBirnie took the lead when then leader Austin Luellen drifted high on a restart situation at lap ten, then weathered another yellow at lap fourteen to score the victory. Luellen held the second position, Dustin Lynch was third, fourth went to Johnathon Logue, and Ryan Leeman was fifth. McBirnie stepped into the winner's circle for the fourth time this season. Austin Luellen now leads Johnathon Logue by 20 points in the track title race.
Mike Moore was victorious in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20 lap feature. Moore started eighth and grabbed the top spot from Roseville, Minnesota's Val Urman with a handful of laps in the books. Moore, who was already in second place, took advantage of a yellow flag restart at lap three, and flew to the lead. Moore then stretched his lead as the race continued caution free to the checkers. Urman held on to second place, Matt Richards, the previous race winner was third, Joel Thorpe was fourth and Devin Wignall completed the top five. This was also Moore's fourth win at Boone this racing season. It's another tight battle for the track title as Moore leads Tyler Thompson by just one point after last night's race.
Veteran racer Scott Davis started fourth and had the lead by lap one in the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car A main, and kept the hounds at bay, leading all laps on his way to victory lane for the first time. There was a battle behind him for position with close racing action the entire time. Donavon Smith started ninth, and won the battle for the runner up spot, just beating out third place Rod Richards, and twenty-sixth place starter Josh Daniels in fourth. All three crossed the line in a near photo finish. A close fifth place went to Tyler Pickett. Davis, who was a very successful Stock Car driver in years gone by, tried his hand at SportMod racing as well as in the Modifieds, winning in both divisions, but this is his first Stock Car victory at Boone in many years. Donavon Smith took over the point's race with last night's win, leading Jay Schmidt by one point. Schmidt, who had trouble in the heat race, started near the back of the A main, had misfortune to slip off the track in the early portion of the main event, rallied back to finish sixth. The third driver that was in the heated point's chase was Cedar Rapid's Johnny Spaw. Spaw had to exit the feature when he suffered right front wheel issues, and now sits fifteen points down to leader Smith.
Another driver taking his first trip to the winner's circle in 2018 was Randy Roberts. Roberts, who previously raced in the SportMod division, started pole position in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature, and led all laps on his way to the flying checkers. Second place finisher Tony Hofbauer started along side Roberts on the front row, and tormented him much of the race. He was not able to mount much of a threat, and had to settle for the runner up spot. Chad Louk started third and finished third, fourth went to tenth place starter Mike VanGenderen, and Eric Elliott rounded out the top five. Point leader Randy Havlik finished sixth, and holds a 29 point lead over second place Elliott who had to miss a week recently due to a damaged race car.
John Watson scored his third win in a row in the 12 lap IMCA Hobby Stock class. Watson came from eighth starting spot to take the lead on lap five, and held off the pack to score another win. Twelfth place starter Andrew Burg worked his way through the field to score the runner up position, Rusty Gyles was third, Todd Bass took fourth, and Solomon Bennett was fifth. Burg is your point leader in the chase for the track title, sitting 29 points up on Bennett despite missing a night.
The 2-person Cruisers were also on the docket for the evening's entertainment, running only a 12-lap feature event. House cars are available at the track to sign up to run, or drivers may bring their own ride. If a car is 6 cylinders, a plug wire must be pulled. The duo of Sheldon Richardson and Brandon Strait in their own hot rod, took the checked flag and the win. Lucas Boring and Ty Matuera finished in second, third went to Jordan Leeper and Jonathon Wallar, and fourth to Dean Taylor and Jessiah Taylor. The 2-person Cruisers will be running weekly through August 11.
It was finally a beautiful night to be sitting at a race track, though by evening's end, everyone was putting on a layer to ward off the chill....IF they had one. Racing continues at Boone with hot laps now going to the later start times of hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Things kicked off with the running of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature. The action was marred by two red flag situations that found Chelsea May and Justin Rankin both upside down on the backstretch before a lap was scored when cars got crossed up. Then later, Lisa Birt went for a tumble on the front stretch. Both were okay.
Charlie Brown led when the race did get underway, only to have it quickly snatched away by Bryan Zehm at lap three. A yellow flew at lap six when Charlie Brown went spinning, and on the restart, it was Joe Glick getting the upper hand, shooting to the lead. From there on, Glick held the lead to the checkers, taking the win by a comfortable length over second place Travis Stensland. Zehm held on for third place, fourth went to Tanner Gannon, and Mike Kennedy was fifth. Glick has three wins at Boone this year. Stensland is the point leader by one over Joe Glick after last night's races with Zehm sitting ten points out in third place.
Jake McBirnie survived caution after caution in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18 lap main event that was threatened by the time limit, to score another win. McBirnie took the lead when then leader Austin Luellen drifted high on a restart situation at lap ten, then weathered another yellow at lap fourteen to score the victory. Luellen held the second position, Dustin Lynch was third, fourth went to Johnathon Logue, and Ryan Leeman was fifth. McBirnie stepped into the winner's circle for the fourth time this season. Austin Luellen now leads Johnathon Logue by 20 points in the track title race.
Mike Moore was victorious in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint 20 lap feature. Moore started eighth and grabbed the top spot from Roseville, Minnesota's Val Urman with a handful of laps in the books. Moore, who was already in second place, took advantage of a yellow flag restart at lap three, and flew to the lead. Moore then stretched his lead as the race continued caution free to the checkers. Urman held on to second place, Matt Richards, the previous race winner was third, Joel Thorpe was fourth and Devin Wignall completed the top five. This was also Moore's fourth win at Boone this racing season. It's another tight battle for the track title as Moore leads Tyler Thompson by just one point after last night's race.
Veteran racer Scott Davis started fourth and had the lead by lap one in the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car A main, and kept the hounds at bay, leading all laps on his way to victory lane for the first time. There was a battle behind him for position with close racing action the entire time. Donavon Smith started ninth, and won the battle for the runner up spot, just beating out third place Rod Richards, and twenty-sixth place starter Josh Daniels in fourth. All three crossed the line in a near photo finish. A close fifth place went to Tyler Pickett. Davis, who was a very successful Stock Car driver in years gone by, tried his hand at SportMod racing as well as in the Modifieds, winning in both divisions, but this is his first Stock Car victory at Boone in many years. Donavon Smith took over the point's race with last night's win, leading Jay Schmidt by one point. Schmidt, who had trouble in the heat race, started near the back of the A main, had misfortune to slip off the track in the early portion of the main event, rallied back to finish sixth. The third driver that was in the heated point's chase was Cedar Rapid's Johnny Spaw. Spaw had to exit the feature when he suffered right front wheel issues, and now sits fifteen points down to leader Smith.
Another driver taking his first trip to the winner's circle in 2018 was Randy Roberts. Roberts, who previously raced in the SportMod division, started pole position in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature, and led all laps on his way to the flying checkers. Second place finisher Tony Hofbauer started along side Roberts on the front row, and tormented him much of the race. He was not able to mount much of a threat, and had to settle for the runner up spot. Chad Louk started third and finished third, fourth went to tenth place starter Mike VanGenderen, and Eric Elliott rounded out the top five. Point leader Randy Havlik finished sixth, and holds a 29 point lead over second place Elliott who had to miss a week recently due to a damaged race car.
John Watson scored his third win in a row in the 12 lap IMCA Hobby Stock class. Watson came from eighth starting spot to take the lead on lap five, and held off the pack to score another win. Twelfth place starter Andrew Burg worked his way through the field to score the runner up position, Rusty Gyles was third, Todd Bass took fourth, and Solomon Bennett was fifth. Burg is your point leader in the chase for the track title, sitting 29 points up on Bennett despite missing a night.
The 2-person Cruisers were also on the docket for the evening's entertainment, running only a 12-lap feature event. House cars are available at the track to sign up to run, or drivers may bring their own ride. If a car is 6 cylinders, a plug wire must be pulled. The duo of Sheldon Richardson and Brandon Strait in their own hot rod, took the checked flag and the win. Lucas Boring and Ty Matuera finished in second, third went to Jordan Leeper and Jonathon Wallar, and fourth to Dean Taylor and Jessiah Taylor. The 2-person Cruisers will be running weekly through August 11.
It was finally a beautiful night to be sitting at a race track, though by evening's end, everyone was putting on a layer to ward off the chill....IF they had one. Racing continues at Boone with hot laps now going to the later start times of hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
It's "G Money" for the $1,000 at Marshalltown, Storjohann celebrates first career win
There was a $1,000 on the line for the IMCA Modified winner on Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, and it was no surprise that the driver they call "G Money" would show up for a chance to take home the money. Two new drivers visited Victory Lane, and one for his first career win, on a beautiful night for racing at the High Banks.
Mike Morrill made it look easy as he won the Mod Lite feature in easy fashion. He started sixth, and had the lead before lap one was in the books. From there on out, he stretched the lead and took the comfortable win, his fifth of the year. Finishing a distant runner up was ninth place starter, Travis Stensland, third went to Kaden Reynolds who had started tenth in his Micro Mod ride, fourth was Charlie Brown, and Joe Glick was fifth. The race went green to checkered. Morrill once again gave his winner's plaque to a lucky youngster in the stands.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks took to the track next for their main event. Eldora, Iowa's David Rieks wasted no time in getting his # 78xx machine to the lead. He started tenth, and had the lead by lap two, never to relinquish it. Shannon Anderson tucked into second place at lap four, chased Rieks the rest of the distance around the rim of the track, but had to be content with second place this night. Third went to Leah Wroten, and Gene Nicklas and Garrett Eilander completed the top five. Though he has come close previously to taking a win this year, this was the first time ever that Rieks had stepped into Victory Lane at Marshalltown.
Travis Storjohann began the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature from the outside front row, snatched the immediate lead only to have a yellow fly at lap two. Two more early yellows wouldn't deter Storjohann's race to the checkers however, as he hit his marks each and every lap and sealed his first career win. He held off a hard charging Joey Schaefer, who started fourteenth, took a couple of peeks low for the pass, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third was Travis Peterson, fourth went to Adam Shelman, and Sam Wieben was fifth. Storjohann has made great strides in his racing program this season.
The IMCA Stock Cars never disappoint at Marshalltown. Their 18-lap feature was action packed from start to finish. Front row starters Todd Inman and Kyle Everts battled hard for the lead early. Everts got the advantage for the first handful of laps before Inman took command. By lap eight, Jeff Mueller had made his way into second place and was ready to challenge for the lead, as was Todd Reitzler who was hot on Meuller's bumper. Reitzler, who had brought out a yellow at lap three when he spun in turn four while attempting a pass for position, had to tag the field for the restart, and was now on a mission! Inman continued to lead but slipped off of turn two a few laps later, but returned to the track losing less than half a lap to the leader. This handed the lead over to Mueller, with Reitzler in hot pursuit. Mueller and Reitzler flirted with the devil at the top of the track as they ran the rim. At lap sixteen, Mueller suddenly slowed as they raced by the flag stand, Reitzler taking over the lead. Tom Cannon, who had been running third, was caught up in the sudden off power situation, and he took a slow roll off of turn two, bringing out the caution. When the race restarted with two laps remaining, Reitzler was the captain of the ship, and he maintained the position to the flying checkers and the win. It was a close one at the line for second and third, with Todd Inman nipping Kyle Everts. Fourth went to veteran Jeff Wollam and Dave Atcher was fifth. Reitzler visited the winner's circle at Marshalltown for the third time this year. Reitzler stated in Victory Lane that he loves running at Marshalltown, and loves running the high line around the High Banks.
It was Todd Cooney for the IMCA Late Model 20-lap feature win once again. Cooney started eighth and had the lead by lap five. He took command shortly after the only caution of the race at lap four had flown, snatching the lead away from then leader Curtis Glover. Crowd favorite, and home town boy Darrel DeFrance chased Cooney from lap six to the finish line, but could only finish a distant second. Tom Hurst, last week's winner finished a close third, fourth went to Paul Nagle and Curtis Glover was fifth. This was Cooney's fourth win in 2018.
The IMCA Modifieds were running for $1,000 to win in a draw/redraw format. The driver known as "G Money", Richie Gustin from Gilman, Iowa, lived up to that title, He took home the prize as we've often seen him do when there is extra pay on the line. Gustin started tenth, over took then leader Racer Hulin at lap seven, and sailed off to the easy win. Todd Shute came from ninth starting spot, and finished as the runner up, followed closely by twelfth place starter, Ronn Lauritzen in third. Racer Hulin was fourth, and Jimmy Gustin came from twelfth, to finish fifth. Although Gustin has won in the past at the track, this was his first win at Marshalltown this season. A check of my records shows that his last win in the Modified class at the track was back on June 19 of 2015, which came as a big surprise, even though he is not a regular competitor weekly.
Many drivers were flirting with fate last evening by running the rim of the track, and some got bitten. Several drivers went over the top of the track during the evening's racing, Another scary incident happened during a heat race for the IMCA Late Models when Luke Pestka took a nasty roll off of turn three, landing outside of the racing surface. He was okay thankfully. SportMod racer Frank Packer, who is on his annual trip back to Iowa from his native Australia, looked strong as he led his heat race. He then erupted into a ball of flame after taking the white flag....his night of fun done.
Racing continues next Friday, with hot laps at 6:50 and racing at 7:30. Hope to see some of you there!
Mike Morrill made it look easy as he won the Mod Lite feature in easy fashion. He started sixth, and had the lead before lap one was in the books. From there on out, he stretched the lead and took the comfortable win, his fifth of the year. Finishing a distant runner up was ninth place starter, Travis Stensland, third went to Kaden Reynolds who had started tenth in his Micro Mod ride, fourth was Charlie Brown, and Joe Glick was fifth. The race went green to checkered. Morrill once again gave his winner's plaque to a lucky youngster in the stands.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks took to the track next for their main event. Eldora, Iowa's David Rieks wasted no time in getting his # 78xx machine to the lead. He started tenth, and had the lead by lap two, never to relinquish it. Shannon Anderson tucked into second place at lap four, chased Rieks the rest of the distance around the rim of the track, but had to be content with second place this night. Third went to Leah Wroten, and Gene Nicklas and Garrett Eilander completed the top five. Though he has come close previously to taking a win this year, this was the first time ever that Rieks had stepped into Victory Lane at Marshalltown.
Travis Storjohann began the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature from the outside front row, snatched the immediate lead only to have a yellow fly at lap two. Two more early yellows wouldn't deter Storjohann's race to the checkers however, as he hit his marks each and every lap and sealed his first career win. He held off a hard charging Joey Schaefer, who started fourteenth, took a couple of peeks low for the pass, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third was Travis Peterson, fourth went to Adam Shelman, and Sam Wieben was fifth. Storjohann has made great strides in his racing program this season.
The IMCA Stock Cars never disappoint at Marshalltown. Their 18-lap feature was action packed from start to finish. Front row starters Todd Inman and Kyle Everts battled hard for the lead early. Everts got the advantage for the first handful of laps before Inman took command. By lap eight, Jeff Mueller had made his way into second place and was ready to challenge for the lead, as was Todd Reitzler who was hot on Meuller's bumper. Reitzler, who had brought out a yellow at lap three when he spun in turn four while attempting a pass for position, had to tag the field for the restart, and was now on a mission! Inman continued to lead but slipped off of turn two a few laps later, but returned to the track losing less than half a lap to the leader. This handed the lead over to Mueller, with Reitzler in hot pursuit. Mueller and Reitzler flirted with the devil at the top of the track as they ran the rim. At lap sixteen, Mueller suddenly slowed as they raced by the flag stand, Reitzler taking over the lead. Tom Cannon, who had been running third, was caught up in the sudden off power situation, and he took a slow roll off of turn two, bringing out the caution. When the race restarted with two laps remaining, Reitzler was the captain of the ship, and he maintained the position to the flying checkers and the win. It was a close one at the line for second and third, with Todd Inman nipping Kyle Everts. Fourth went to veteran Jeff Wollam and Dave Atcher was fifth. Reitzler visited the winner's circle at Marshalltown for the third time this year. Reitzler stated in Victory Lane that he loves running at Marshalltown, and loves running the high line around the High Banks.
It was Todd Cooney for the IMCA Late Model 20-lap feature win once again. Cooney started eighth and had the lead by lap five. He took command shortly after the only caution of the race at lap four had flown, snatching the lead away from then leader Curtis Glover. Crowd favorite, and home town boy Darrel DeFrance chased Cooney from lap six to the finish line, but could only finish a distant second. Tom Hurst, last week's winner finished a close third, fourth went to Paul Nagle and Curtis Glover was fifth. This was Cooney's fourth win in 2018.
The IMCA Modifieds were running for $1,000 to win in a draw/redraw format. The driver known as "G Money", Richie Gustin from Gilman, Iowa, lived up to that title, He took home the prize as we've often seen him do when there is extra pay on the line. Gustin started tenth, over took then leader Racer Hulin at lap seven, and sailed off to the easy win. Todd Shute came from ninth starting spot, and finished as the runner up, followed closely by twelfth place starter, Ronn Lauritzen in third. Racer Hulin was fourth, and Jimmy Gustin came from twelfth, to finish fifth. Although Gustin has won in the past at the track, this was his first win at Marshalltown this season. A check of my records shows that his last win in the Modified class at the track was back on June 19 of 2015, which came as a big surprise, even though he is not a regular competitor weekly.
Many drivers were flirting with fate last evening by running the rim of the track, and some got bitten. Several drivers went over the top of the track during the evening's racing, Another scary incident happened during a heat race for the IMCA Late Models when Luke Pestka took a nasty roll off of turn three, landing outside of the racing surface. He was okay thankfully. SportMod racer Frank Packer, who is on his annual trip back to Iowa from his native Australia, looked strong as he led his heat race. He then erupted into a ball of flame after taking the white flag....his night of fun done.
Racing continues next Friday, with hot laps at 6:50 and racing at 7:30. Hope to see some of you there!
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Dickerson is Eve of Destruction winner at Boone
Mother Nature tried to stop the 4th of July Eve of Destruction at the Boone Speedway, but she wasn't successful. Rain fell prior to the start of the night's festivities and before the pits were opened. We drove through some heavy, heavy downpours on our way to the track, and though it was sealed and water was running off and draining well, out came the jet dryer. After a few moments of attempting to get it started, it was rolled back into the pits. The John Deere's were then sent to the track, the farming began, and the track was whipped back into shape.
The IMCA Modifieds were racing for $1,000 to win as well as track, state, regional, and national points. Also on the docket were 2-person cruisers, a burnout contest, a rollover contest, outhouse races, and a leap of death, and capping it all off, a spectacular fireworks show.
The 25-lap IMCA Modified feature rolled to the track with twenty-two cars strong. Joel Bushore led the opening laps with his fellow front row starter Russ Dickerson tucked in behind. Dickerson grabbed the lead from Bushore at lap eleven, and soon Jimmy Gustin made his way into second, passing Bushore as well. Jimmy Gustin gave it his best shot a couple of times as he executed some sliders out of turn four, but came up short and had to be content with the runner up spot. Lap seventeen, saw two contenders out of the game, when Joel Bushore slid off of the track between turns one and two while running third, and fourth place Richie Gustin exited the track with mechanical issues. Third went to rookie to the class Josh May, fourth was veteran Kelly Shryock who started eighth, and David Brown completed the top five. This was Dickerson's first win at the speedway in 2018.
The 2-person Cruisers debuted on the track, and it was the team of Dennis Berghalin and Joseph Baker putting their names into the record book. Cody and Casey Yarington finished in second place, and third went to the team of Chris Kirby and Dave Piper. It's our understanding that the 2-person cruisers will be running at the track more this season. They are limited to four-cylinder cars, or pulling a plug from a six-cylinder.
Popup storms have been the norm this year in Iowa, and yesterday's was just another of those. We had no idea there was anything heading toward Boone as we left home yesterday, but the darkening skies drew us to take a glance at radar. Sure enough! It hit the track about 5 o'clock, delaying the pits opening scheduled for six. We waited out the drenching thunderstorm, along with Kelly Shryock's rig, in the nearby Walmart parking lot.
Racing continues at the Boone Speedway on Saturday, July 7 and hot laps will now be 6:45 and racing at 7:30. Hope to see some of you there for a night of racing action!
The IMCA Modifieds were racing for $1,000 to win as well as track, state, regional, and national points. Also on the docket were 2-person cruisers, a burnout contest, a rollover contest, outhouse races, and a leap of death, and capping it all off, a spectacular fireworks show.
The 25-lap IMCA Modified feature rolled to the track with twenty-two cars strong. Joel Bushore led the opening laps with his fellow front row starter Russ Dickerson tucked in behind. Dickerson grabbed the lead from Bushore at lap eleven, and soon Jimmy Gustin made his way into second, passing Bushore as well. Jimmy Gustin gave it his best shot a couple of times as he executed some sliders out of turn four, but came up short and had to be content with the runner up spot. Lap seventeen, saw two contenders out of the game, when Joel Bushore slid off of the track between turns one and two while running third, and fourth place Richie Gustin exited the track with mechanical issues. Third went to rookie to the class Josh May, fourth was veteran Kelly Shryock who started eighth, and David Brown completed the top five. This was Dickerson's first win at the speedway in 2018.
The 2-person Cruisers debuted on the track, and it was the team of Dennis Berghalin and Joseph Baker putting their names into the record book. Cody and Casey Yarington finished in second place, and third went to the team of Chris Kirby and Dave Piper. It's our understanding that the 2-person cruisers will be running at the track more this season. They are limited to four-cylinder cars, or pulling a plug from a six-cylinder.
Popup storms have been the norm this year in Iowa, and yesterday's was just another of those. We had no idea there was anything heading toward Boone as we left home yesterday, but the darkening skies drew us to take a glance at radar. Sure enough! It hit the track about 5 o'clock, delaying the pits opening scheduled for six. We waited out the drenching thunderstorm, along with Kelly Shryock's rig, in the nearby Walmart parking lot.
Racing continues at the Boone Speedway on Saturday, July 7 and hot laps will now be 6:45 and racing at 7:30. Hope to see some of you there for a night of racing action!
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