It was a breezy, chilly Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway for their second week of weekly racing in 2019. Then raindrops threatened during each of the feature events, but the track won out, the racing action was hot, and the show was completed. By night's end, Ricky Thornton, Jr. had bested both the IMCA Modified and Stock Car classes, Jake McBirnie matched his SportMod win from last week, and Leah Wroten captured her first Hobby Stock win of the year. Joe Glick led the Mod Lite feature from flag to flag, and Pat Graham took home the prize in the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Truck feature.
Joe Glick led the Mod Lite 15-lap feature from start to finish. Last week's winner Mike Morrill and Joel Huggins had a big duel going on, with Morrill coming out on top for the runner up spot, Huggins going third, fourth was Randy Bryan, and Mike Kennedy came from row five, to finish in fifth.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature did not get off to a good start when several cars piled up in turn one right after taking the green flag. One of those was Shannon Anderson. Anderson had no where to go, resulting in damage to his radiator and taking him out of the game. When the race did get under way, it was pole sitter Leah Wroten jumping to the lead, with Eric Knutson tagging to her bumper. Knutson got the upper hand for laps two and three, but Wroten came storming back, and from there on never gave up that top spot all the way to the checkers. Knutson had to be content with second on this night. Kaden Reynolds, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, came from tenth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Ottumwa's Brok Hopwood, and another Cedar Rapids racer, Jacob Floyd completed the top five after having to tag the field from an early incident.
Kyle Olson led much of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, but had a lot of company fighting tooth and nail behind him for position. He was holding back, Cory Rose, Jake McBirnie, Austin Schrage and Travis Peterson as the laps wound down. Schrage was flirting with danger running the topside of the track, and with just two laps remaining, rolled his ride off of turn two, bringing out the caution. He was okay, but this set up a two-lap shoot out to the checkers. McBirnie, who had started eleventh, saw his chance and took command with a lap remaining, and captured his second win in as many weeks. Tenth place starter Thomas Egenberger rallied in the closing moments, and swept home with the runner up spot, just beating out third place Cory Rose. Fourth went to Travis Peterson, and Austin Kaplan finished fifth after starting fifteenth, and Olson dropped back to finish sixth.
The IMCA Stock Cars had their usual close racing going on through out the pack in their 18-lap main event. Jarred Daggett led the troops in the opening laps, only to have Jeff Mueller dig his way to the lead on the bottom at lap three. There was a fierce battle going on behind Mueller as tenth place starter Ricky Thronton, Jr., was now fending off Jeff Wollam, Daggett, and Jay Schmidt. Thornton began reeling in Mueller, setting sail on the top of the track, while Mueller held firm to the bottom, and now young Dallon Murty was throwing his hat into the ring as well. Thornton made his top side run work at lap thirteen and took over the top spot, and would then lead it the remaining way to the checkers. Mueller held on to the runner up spot, Jeff Wollam finished in third place, fourth went to "The Game Changer", Dallon Murty, and last week's winner Steve Meyer came from seventeenth starting spot, to round out the top five.
The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks made their first appearance at the track in 2019 and last year's series champion, Pat Graham went home with the win. Myles Michehl led the 12-lap race through lap seven, when Graham took over. From there on, Graham held that top spot all the way to the checkers and the win. Michehl finished in the runner up spot, Bill Davis, Jr. took third place, fourth went to Rick Clark, and Lou Sipolt finished fifth.
The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, and it was a dandy. Tony Hofbauer took the lead and kept hold of it until eighth place starter Joel Rust ran him down, and took command at the half way mark. Rust was looking strong but then had Tim Ward and now Ricky Thornton, Jr. bearing down on him. Thornton slipped into second and set his sights on the leader. He then made a slide job work with four laps left in the contest to nab the lead. Thornton sailed home to the win, Rust took second, and Ward was third. Chris Simpson came from tenth starting position, to get fourth in the closing moments, and early leader Tony Hofbauer finished fifth.
Come on Mother Nature...help us race fans out here! Once again there was a brisk northerly wind coming at the stands, and a fine dusting of the High Banks surface sifted over us...to say nothing of still being darn cold for it being almost May. Then, throw sprinkles into the mix...which weren't to start until midnight.... and my notes now had muddy drops hindering me! The racing action however, was fast and furious all night long. The show, with a car count of 117, moved right along, and with victory lane interviews being nixed because of the conditions, the show was completed a tick before 10 p.m.
Next Friday, May 3, is the scheduled Cliff Chambers Memorial with grandstands opening at 5:30 and racing action beginning at 7:30.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Scott Hogan finds Victory Lane at Boone
Scott Hogan found Victory Lane at Boone Speedway on Saturday night, winning an exciting IMCA Modified feature in the second week of weekly points racing at the track. Jake McBirnie won the IMCA Northern SportMod feature in easy fashion. The IMCA Stock Car win went to "Hot rod" Rod Richards. John Watson found his way back to the winner's circle in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, and Joe Glick took top honors in the MADCRA Mod Lite class. The Cruisers ran for the first time this season and it was Brett Warrick and Brandon Alden taking that win, and as an exhibition class, the UTV (off road utility task vehicle) side-by-side win went to Rick Phlippin. They are scheduled to be one of the special attractions during the Eve of Destruction on the 4th of July at the Boone Speedway, and were taking a "trial run".
The Mod Lite 15-lap feature was the first to run and it was Joe Glick leading this one from flag to flag. Mike Kennedy quickly got to the runner up spot after starting fifth, took a couple of peeks under the #3G, but could only chase Glick across the finish line to score the runner up position. Justin Rankin finished in third place, fourth went to seventh place starter Bryan Zehm, and Tanner Gannon finished fifth after starting ninth. The race went caution free.
Cam Reimers, led the early portion of the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap main event, with Cory Rose in hot pursuit. Joining in the quest for the top spot was Cory Pestotnik and Jake McBirnie, soon making it a four-way fight for the lead. An incident with lap cars, right in front of the leaders, nearly ended their quest, but they all managed to avoid disaster as the yellow came out. On the restart, the battle continued, until soon it was Jake McBirnie coming out on top in the final laps to capture the win. Johnathon Logue came from fifteenth starting spot to surge around Cory Pestotnik at the checkers, as they finished second and third. Fourth place went to Cory Rose, and Cam Reimers held on for a top five finish.
Veteran racer Scott Hogan was the pole sitter for the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature and it turned into a barn burner! Hogan took the lead as the race went green and distanced himself from the pack. It didn't last long however, as Jimmy Gustin reeled in leader Hogan and not to be out done, Ricky Thornton followed suite and tucked into run third. Gustin got under Hogan and led briefly, only to have Hogan come right back and retake command of the race. In the closing moments of the race, Hogan defended his top spot, and flew under the checkers first to take the win. Ricky Thornton edged by Gustin in the final lap to take second, Gustin going third. Russ Dickerson finished fourth, and Mike VanGenderen came from ninth starting spot, to round out the top five. I believe this to be Hogan's first ever feature win at Boone.
"Hot rod" Rod Richards, a veteran of the IMCA Stock Car ranks, got back to Victory Lane on Saturday night. Richards, whose last win at the track was back in June of 2017, looked strong in his march to victory. He started fourth, and had to catch early leader Kevin Opheim on his march to the podium. Jay Schmidt, Frostbuster winner, hustled his ride into second place after starting eighth. Third went to tenth place starter, Donavon Smith, followed by brother and last week's winner, Devin Smith, and completing the top five, was Cody Gustoff.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran their usual 12-lap feature with John Watson leading it flag to flag. The only caution of the race came at lap eleven, and called for a green-white-checkered dash to the checkers. The restart didn't hinder Watson as he pulled away to take the comfortable win as the checkers flew. Adam Ayers was a hard charger, coming from fourteenth starting spot, to finish as the runner up. Last week's winner Aaron Rudolph took third, Eric Knutson finished fourth, and Jack Phillips came from thirteenth on the starting grid, to finish fifth. Watson has a history of running well at the speedway, and looks poised for another strong year.
Next Saturday night, April 27th, will be the season opener for the RaceSaver 305 sprints when they join the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, the MADCRA Mod Lites, and the two-man cruisers. Hot laps are 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
The Mod Lite 15-lap feature was the first to run and it was Joe Glick leading this one from flag to flag. Mike Kennedy quickly got to the runner up spot after starting fifth, took a couple of peeks under the #3G, but could only chase Glick across the finish line to score the runner up position. Justin Rankin finished in third place, fourth went to seventh place starter Bryan Zehm, and Tanner Gannon finished fifth after starting ninth. The race went caution free.
Cam Reimers, led the early portion of the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap main event, with Cory Rose in hot pursuit. Joining in the quest for the top spot was Cory Pestotnik and Jake McBirnie, soon making it a four-way fight for the lead. An incident with lap cars, right in front of the leaders, nearly ended their quest, but they all managed to avoid disaster as the yellow came out. On the restart, the battle continued, until soon it was Jake McBirnie coming out on top in the final laps to capture the win. Johnathon Logue came from fifteenth starting spot to surge around Cory Pestotnik at the checkers, as they finished second and third. Fourth place went to Cory Rose, and Cam Reimers held on for a top five finish.
Veteran racer Scott Hogan was the pole sitter for the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature and it turned into a barn burner! Hogan took the lead as the race went green and distanced himself from the pack. It didn't last long however, as Jimmy Gustin reeled in leader Hogan and not to be out done, Ricky Thornton followed suite and tucked into run third. Gustin got under Hogan and led briefly, only to have Hogan come right back and retake command of the race. In the closing moments of the race, Hogan defended his top spot, and flew under the checkers first to take the win. Ricky Thornton edged by Gustin in the final lap to take second, Gustin going third. Russ Dickerson finished fourth, and Mike VanGenderen came from ninth starting spot, to round out the top five. I believe this to be Hogan's first ever feature win at Boone.
"Hot rod" Rod Richards, a veteran of the IMCA Stock Car ranks, got back to Victory Lane on Saturday night. Richards, whose last win at the track was back in June of 2017, looked strong in his march to victory. He started fourth, and had to catch early leader Kevin Opheim on his march to the podium. Jay Schmidt, Frostbuster winner, hustled his ride into second place after starting eighth. Third went to tenth place starter, Donavon Smith, followed by brother and last week's winner, Devin Smith, and completing the top five, was Cody Gustoff.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran their usual 12-lap feature with John Watson leading it flag to flag. The only caution of the race came at lap eleven, and called for a green-white-checkered dash to the checkers. The restart didn't hinder Watson as he pulled away to take the comfortable win as the checkers flew. Adam Ayers was a hard charger, coming from fourteenth starting spot, to finish as the runner up. Last week's winner Aaron Rudolph took third, Eric Knutson finished fourth, and Jack Phillips came from thirteenth on the starting grid, to finish fifth. Watson has a history of running well at the speedway, and looks poised for another strong year.
Next Saturday night, April 27th, will be the season opener for the RaceSaver 305 sprints when they join the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, the MADCRA Mod Lites, and the two-man cruisers. Hot laps are 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Marshalltown opener wins to Ward, Meyer, Anderson and Morrill. Bruening takes SLMR series victory.
Marshalltown Speedway's opening night of 2019 weekly racing got underway on Friday night and an added attraction was the Malvern Bank Super Late Models that brought 39 strong to test their skills on the High Banks. A total of 146 race cars jammed the pits and put on a great show for the fans.
After two weather outs last week, a Thursday night Bill Davis Memorial, and the Friday scheduled season opener, THIS Friday dawned with better conditions...albeit chilly and breezy.
Tyler Bruening took top honors in the SLMR class, while Tim Ward outlasted his competition in the IMCA Modifieds. Steve Meyer took home the win in an exciting IMCA Stock Car feature, Jake McBirnie made his way to the winner's circle in the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, Shannon Anderson was top dog in the IMCA Hobby Stock event, and Mike Morrill won the Mod Lite division.
The Mod Lites kicked off the feature racing and it was Mike Morrill finding his way to victory lane in their 15-lap main event. Morrill started fourth and had the lead by lap four. From there on, he pulled away to take the flying checkers and the win. Early leader Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, Randy Bryan was third, fourth went to Joe Glick, and Tanner Gannon completed the top five. The race went caution free.
The IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap feature went to Shannon Anderson, who knows victory lane very well at Marshalltown and beyond. Anderson, who is the defending track champion as well as a multi-time IMCA National Champion, started eighth and snatched the lead on lap six from then leader Mike Kincaid. David Rieks started seventh and chased Anderson much of the distance to finish in second place. Mike Kincaid took third, fourth went to Cedar Rapids racer, Kayden Reynolds, and veteran racer Gary Pfantz finished fifth.
Jake McBirnie took home the trophy in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. McBirnie, who started sixth, made the pass out of turn four on Cresco, Iowa's Austin Schrage, to be scored first at lap five. McBirnie then put distance between himself and the field to take the comfortable win. Thomas Egenberger held off Austin Kaplan as they crossed the finish line as they took second and third respectively. Cory Rose was a close fourth and Cory VanZante took fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars never disappoint with their close and exciting racing action and Friday night was no exception. Steve Meyer started on the outside of the front row and took the immediate lead as the race went green. Jeff Mueller started third, and quickly set his #77M hot rod on the bottom side and sneaked into the runner up spot and started giving Meyer fits. By lap six, Mueller had the lead, but Meyer wasn't done yet...and now Ricky Thornton entered into the picture to make it a three-way battle. Thornton surged into second and then began throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Meyer, but Meyer never wavered and took the Stock Car win. Thornton had to be content with the runner up spot, Mueller kept third place, Jay Schmidt came from eighth to finish fourth, and ninth place starter Damon Murty rounded out the top five.
The Malvern Bank Super Late Model Racing Series made their first ever appearance at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night...bringing 39 of the wide-bodies for a "chance to dance" on the High Banks. The starting field of 22-cars ran a 25-lap feature.
The SLMR series held its second race of the season, and made its inaugural appearance at the High Banks of Marshalltown. This was the first of four scheduled races deemed "The Iowa Challenge", with races lying ahead in Denison, Corning, and Harlan. Last nights winner went home with $2,000 in his pocket, but if a driver can win three of the Iowa races, he will earn $5,000 and a clean sweep of all four races would earn himself a cool $20,000. Nick Deal won the opening series race at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska. You can find more about this series at www.slmrseries.com.
Veteran racer Kyle Berck out of Marquette, Nebraska was the pole sitter for the race, with Nick Deal, Walnut, Iowa who had won the first race of the SLMR series this year, sitting along side. Deal shot to the lead and Tyler Bruening made his way to second place quickly. The two were putting on a good battle for the lead when they made contact in corner one, bringing out a yellow flag on lap nine. The series director of competition, former long time racer Joe Kosiski, deemed Deal at fault and relegated him to the rear of the field for the restart, and Bruening was awarded the lead. When the race returned to green, Richie Gustin made his run at the edge of the track pay off, and he swept past Bruening for the lead. The two battled closely for a couple of laps until Bruening re-established himself as captain of the ship. He then pulled away in the finals circuits to take the comfortable win. Gustin came home a distant second. Bill Leighton, Lavista, Nebraska, had a good run as he started in thirteenth spot, and finished third.Pole sitter Kyle Berck was fourth and Andy Eckrich was fifth. Bruening was $2,000 richer with his SLMR win.
The IMCA Modifieds closed out the night's action with a 20-lap feature event. Troy Cordes led the troops by the time lap one was scored, but had hometown boy Jimmy Gustin hot on his tail, with Tim Ward closing the gap quickly as well. Ward made his way into the lead at lap six, kept it and pulled away in the closing laps to take the comfortable win. Gustin followed from a distance in second, and Cayden Carter came from starting tenth, to score third place. Eleventh place starter, Joel Rust followed Carter through the pack and finished in fourth, and early leader Troy Cordes was fifth.
It was a chilly night again, with a stiff northerly breeze adding to the discomfort of many in the grandstands. The great racing helped alleviate those unpleasantries. Early in the evening during the SLMR heat races, Tad Pospisil, Norfolk, Nebraska cartwheeled violently starting in turn three, and ending up off of the racing surface in turn four. Thankfully, he was okay, but it ended his run for the night. Pospisil was the 2017 series champion.
Weekly racing continues next Friday night, April 26 with racing in the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Mod Lites. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will also be on the docket. The green flag drops at 7:30.
After two weather outs last week, a Thursday night Bill Davis Memorial, and the Friday scheduled season opener, THIS Friday dawned with better conditions...albeit chilly and breezy.
Tyler Bruening took top honors in the SLMR class, while Tim Ward outlasted his competition in the IMCA Modifieds. Steve Meyer took home the win in an exciting IMCA Stock Car feature, Jake McBirnie made his way to the winner's circle in the IMCA Northern SportMod A main, Shannon Anderson was top dog in the IMCA Hobby Stock event, and Mike Morrill won the Mod Lite division.
The Mod Lites kicked off the feature racing and it was Mike Morrill finding his way to victory lane in their 15-lap main event. Morrill started fourth and had the lead by lap four. From there on, he pulled away to take the flying checkers and the win. Early leader Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, Randy Bryan was third, fourth went to Joe Glick, and Tanner Gannon completed the top five. The race went caution free.
The IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap feature went to Shannon Anderson, who knows victory lane very well at Marshalltown and beyond. Anderson, who is the defending track champion as well as a multi-time IMCA National Champion, started eighth and snatched the lead on lap six from then leader Mike Kincaid. David Rieks started seventh and chased Anderson much of the distance to finish in second place. Mike Kincaid took third, fourth went to Cedar Rapids racer, Kayden Reynolds, and veteran racer Gary Pfantz finished fifth.
Jake McBirnie took home the trophy in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. McBirnie, who started sixth, made the pass out of turn four on Cresco, Iowa's Austin Schrage, to be scored first at lap five. McBirnie then put distance between himself and the field to take the comfortable win. Thomas Egenberger held off Austin Kaplan as they crossed the finish line as they took second and third respectively. Cory Rose was a close fourth and Cory VanZante took fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars never disappoint with their close and exciting racing action and Friday night was no exception. Steve Meyer started on the outside of the front row and took the immediate lead as the race went green. Jeff Mueller started third, and quickly set his #77M hot rod on the bottom side and sneaked into the runner up spot and started giving Meyer fits. By lap six, Mueller had the lead, but Meyer wasn't done yet...and now Ricky Thornton entered into the picture to make it a three-way battle. Thornton surged into second and then began throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Meyer, but Meyer never wavered and took the Stock Car win. Thornton had to be content with the runner up spot, Mueller kept third place, Jay Schmidt came from eighth to finish fourth, and ninth place starter Damon Murty rounded out the top five.
The Malvern Bank Super Late Model Racing Series made their first ever appearance at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night...bringing 39 of the wide-bodies for a "chance to dance" on the High Banks. The starting field of 22-cars ran a 25-lap feature.
The SLMR series held its second race of the season, and made its inaugural appearance at the High Banks of Marshalltown. This was the first of four scheduled races deemed "The Iowa Challenge", with races lying ahead in Denison, Corning, and Harlan. Last nights winner went home with $2,000 in his pocket, but if a driver can win three of the Iowa races, he will earn $5,000 and a clean sweep of all four races would earn himself a cool $20,000. Nick Deal won the opening series race at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska. You can find more about this series at www.slmrseries.com.
Veteran racer Kyle Berck out of Marquette, Nebraska was the pole sitter for the race, with Nick Deal, Walnut, Iowa who had won the first race of the SLMR series this year, sitting along side. Deal shot to the lead and Tyler Bruening made his way to second place quickly. The two were putting on a good battle for the lead when they made contact in corner one, bringing out a yellow flag on lap nine. The series director of competition, former long time racer Joe Kosiski, deemed Deal at fault and relegated him to the rear of the field for the restart, and Bruening was awarded the lead. When the race returned to green, Richie Gustin made his run at the edge of the track pay off, and he swept past Bruening for the lead. The two battled closely for a couple of laps until Bruening re-established himself as captain of the ship. He then pulled away in the finals circuits to take the comfortable win. Gustin came home a distant second. Bill Leighton, Lavista, Nebraska, had a good run as he started in thirteenth spot, and finished third.Pole sitter Kyle Berck was fourth and Andy Eckrich was fifth. Bruening was $2,000 richer with his SLMR win.
The IMCA Modifieds closed out the night's action with a 20-lap feature event. Troy Cordes led the troops by the time lap one was scored, but had hometown boy Jimmy Gustin hot on his tail, with Tim Ward closing the gap quickly as well. Ward made his way into the lead at lap six, kept it and pulled away in the closing laps to take the comfortable win. Gustin followed from a distance in second, and Cayden Carter came from starting tenth, to score third place. Eleventh place starter, Joel Rust followed Carter through the pack and finished in fourth, and early leader Troy Cordes was fifth.
It was a chilly night again, with a stiff northerly breeze adding to the discomfort of many in the grandstands. The great racing helped alleviate those unpleasantries. Early in the evening during the SLMR heat races, Tad Pospisil, Norfolk, Nebraska cartwheeled violently starting in turn three, and ending up off of the racing surface in turn four. Thankfully, he was okay, but it ended his run for the night. Pospisil was the 2017 series champion.
Weekly racing continues next Friday night, April 26 with racing in the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Mod Lites. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will also be on the docket. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
It's Thornton again at Boone Speedway
Saturday night, the Boone Speedway held its season opener for weekly points racing. Unlike the beautiful previous week for the Frostbuster when it was in the low 70's at race time, this opener should have been deemed Frostbuster opener! It was once again, a windy and very chilly night with fans bundling up.
The IMCA Modified feature was dominated for the second week in a row by hot shoe Ricky Thornton. Devin Smith took the honors in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Cody Thompson paid a visit to Iowa's Action Track and took home a feature win in the IMCA Northern SportMods. In the IMCA Hobby Stock division, Aaron Rudolph made his way to victory lane, and Bryan Zehm made a last lap pass to get himself in the winner's circle in the Mod Lites.
Mod Lites kicked off feature racing in a 15-lap A main. Randy Bryan quickly got himself into the lead, taking command at lap five after starting sixth. Bryan Zehm tucked into second running position and had his hands full holding back Mike Kennedy in third spot. The three ran in that order until the final lap when Bryan Zehm made his persistent peeks under the leader pay off. He surged under Bryan on the final corner and made it to the finish line first to take the win. Randy Bryan had to be content with second place, Kennedy held on to third, fourth went to Charlie Brown, and Joel Huggins completed the top five.
Cody Thompson made the trip over from Sioux City, Iowa to compete in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, and made it pay off. Thompson drew the lucky pole starting spot, flew to the lead, and never looked back on his march to victory lane. Kyle Olson chased the leader much of the distance, but had to be satisfied with the runner up spot. Gage Neal from Ely, Iowa started fourth and finished third, fourth place finisher was Doug Smith who had started eleventh, and lady competitor Tara Longnecker was fifth.
Ricky Thornton stayed right on track after his Frostbuster win last Saturday night in the IMCA Modified class. Thornton, who has often visited the winner's circle not only at Boone, but at numerous tracks in Iowa and across the country, kept up his winning ways. He drew the lucky #1 pill to start the 20-lap feature, and stayed in front of the field the entire race. Thornton was never threatened, winning easily over second place Tim Ward. Jimmy Gustin took third, fourth went to Joel Rust, and Tony Hofbauer rounded out the top five. Thornton is also a previous IMCA Super Nationals winner as well as a Race of Champions winner.
The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars were up next. Devin Smith lead from start to finish from his pole starting position, fending off the attempts of Jeff Mueller, and sailed home to the flying checkers. Mueller, who started tenth pestered the leader, but could only chase him across the finish line in second. Donavon Smith took third place, Jay Schmidt, defending track champion and last week's Frostbuster winner, came from eleventh starting spot, to finish fourth,and David Smith, yet another Smith brother, was fifth. Only one yellow slowed the action, that coming with just one lap in, the remainder of the race going non-stop.
The night cap was the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. There was a great three-car battle going on in this one between John Watson, Solomon Bennett, and Eric Stanton. That all ended when an incident, that we did not see, occurred in turn four, resulting in both Watson and Stanton limping out of the race. This handed the lead over to Solomon Bennett with Aaron Rudolph hot on his heels. Just two laps later on lap nine, Rudolph saw his opportunity, taking over the lead on the backstretch. From there on, he kept command and took the checkers for the win. Adam Ayers, Adair, Iowa, took second followed by Matt McDonald in third, fourth was Shaun Wirtz, and Dylan Nelson completed the top five. Early leader Solomon Bennett fell back to finish in sixth spot.
I think everyone is hoping for warmer and less windy weather for racing, as well as the many other outdoor activities. Fingers crossed for more pleasant sitting outside weather for race fans!
Weekly points racing continues next Saturday night, April 20. April and May racing will have early start times with pits opening at 4:30, grandstands at 5, hot laps at 5:45, and racing at 6:30. Cruisers are on the schedule for next Saturday's racing as well.
The IMCA Modified feature was dominated for the second week in a row by hot shoe Ricky Thornton. Devin Smith took the honors in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Cody Thompson paid a visit to Iowa's Action Track and took home a feature win in the IMCA Northern SportMods. In the IMCA Hobby Stock division, Aaron Rudolph made his way to victory lane, and Bryan Zehm made a last lap pass to get himself in the winner's circle in the Mod Lites.
Mod Lites kicked off feature racing in a 15-lap A main. Randy Bryan quickly got himself into the lead, taking command at lap five after starting sixth. Bryan Zehm tucked into second running position and had his hands full holding back Mike Kennedy in third spot. The three ran in that order until the final lap when Bryan Zehm made his persistent peeks under the leader pay off. He surged under Bryan on the final corner and made it to the finish line first to take the win. Randy Bryan had to be content with second place, Kennedy held on to third, fourth went to Charlie Brown, and Joel Huggins completed the top five.
Cody Thompson made the trip over from Sioux City, Iowa to compete in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, and made it pay off. Thompson drew the lucky pole starting spot, flew to the lead, and never looked back on his march to victory lane. Kyle Olson chased the leader much of the distance, but had to be satisfied with the runner up spot. Gage Neal from Ely, Iowa started fourth and finished third, fourth place finisher was Doug Smith who had started eleventh, and lady competitor Tara Longnecker was fifth.
Ricky Thornton stayed right on track after his Frostbuster win last Saturday night in the IMCA Modified class. Thornton, who has often visited the winner's circle not only at Boone, but at numerous tracks in Iowa and across the country, kept up his winning ways. He drew the lucky #1 pill to start the 20-lap feature, and stayed in front of the field the entire race. Thornton was never threatened, winning easily over second place Tim Ward. Jimmy Gustin took third, fourth went to Joel Rust, and Tony Hofbauer rounded out the top five. Thornton is also a previous IMCA Super Nationals winner as well as a Race of Champions winner.
The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars were up next. Devin Smith lead from start to finish from his pole starting position, fending off the attempts of Jeff Mueller, and sailed home to the flying checkers. Mueller, who started tenth pestered the leader, but could only chase him across the finish line in second. Donavon Smith took third place, Jay Schmidt, defending track champion and last week's Frostbuster winner, came from eleventh starting spot, to finish fourth,and David Smith, yet another Smith brother, was fifth. Only one yellow slowed the action, that coming with just one lap in, the remainder of the race going non-stop.
The night cap was the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. There was a great three-car battle going on in this one between John Watson, Solomon Bennett, and Eric Stanton. That all ended when an incident, that we did not see, occurred in turn four, resulting in both Watson and Stanton limping out of the race. This handed the lead over to Solomon Bennett with Aaron Rudolph hot on his heels. Just two laps later on lap nine, Rudolph saw his opportunity, taking over the lead on the backstretch. From there on, he kept command and took the checkers for the win. Adam Ayers, Adair, Iowa, took second followed by Matt McDonald in third, fourth was Shaun Wirtz, and Dylan Nelson completed the top five. Early leader Solomon Bennett fell back to finish in sixth spot.
I think everyone is hoping for warmer and less windy weather for racing, as well as the many other outdoor activities. Fingers crossed for more pleasant sitting outside weather for race fans!
Weekly points racing continues next Saturday night, April 20. April and May racing will have early start times with pits opening at 4:30, grandstands at 5, hot laps at 5:45, and racing at 6:30. Cruisers are on the schedule for next Saturday's racing as well.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Southern Iowa Speedway opener is a chilly one!
Wednesday night, the Southern Iowa Speedway, in Oskaloosa, Iowa held its season opener....and a chilly and windy one it was! We joined the familiar diehards who braved Mother Nature's wrath, but despite the conditions, we saw a smooth track, and some long awaited racing!
Some familiar faces made their way back to victory lane as Cayden Carter in the Stock Car class, Dustin Griffiths in the Hobby Stocks, and Brandon Housely in the Sport Compact division went back to the winner's circle. Austin Paul found his way to the checkers in the SportMod division...his first since 2016.
The SportMod 16-lap main event kicked off the feature racing. Austin Paul drew the lucky pill for the #1 starting spot, and would lead all laps on his way to the flying checkers. Curtis VanDerWal started in the third row, but quickly took over the runner up spot and set his sights on the leader. But Paul continued his run at the front of the pack unhindered. When a yellow flew with just a couple of laps remaining, no doubt it was just what VanDerWal was hoping to see. However, when the race returned to green, Paul was able to motor off and keep the multi-time track champion at bay, securing the win. VanDerWal had to settle for second on this night, third went to Logan Anderson, fourth to Brayton Carter, and Colton Livezey completed the top five. This is the first time Paul has seen victory lane at Osky since June 15, 2016.
The "Orange Crush" machine piloted by Cayden Carter got the luck of the draw for the pole spot in the Stock Car division with the green machine of Howard Gordon, Jr. starting alongside. Carter leaped to the lead as the green dropped and from there on was untouched on his march to the win. Finishing a distant second was Derrick Agee, and a good distant behind him in third was Michael Peterson. Fourth went to Dustin Griffiths and Howard Gordon, Jr. was a close fifth.
Thirteen Sport Compacts ran a 10-lap A feature. This race too was won from the pole as Brandon Housley took the honors. Housley, who was sporting a number change this year....#213, from his #42 hot rod last year, was never seriously threatened in his run to the checkers. Trent Orwig did reel the leader in, but could do no more than a runner up finish. Third went to Billy Cain, fourth was Jimmy Haring, Louie Winkleman ran fifth. Housley is the defending track champion.
The night cap was the 14-lap Hobby Stock A main. Nick Ulin was hoping to continue the night's roll of winners from the pole position, but alas his night ended quickly when he was drawn up into the wall in turns three and four, ending his run. Derek Kirkland was then the captain in charge, but not for long as Dustin Griffiths took over with just three laps down. Griffiths then pulled away and took the easy win in the race that went flag to flag. Kirkland could only chase the leader from a distance to finish second. Clint Nelson finished in the third position, followed in unison by Christian Huffman and Rick Goldsberry in fourth and fifth respectively.
It was good to get back to the Southern Iowa Speedway....the place we've called our Wednesday night home since the 1980's. It was also good to hear the familiar "call to the races" of, "Hello Race Fans", by this year's man on the mic, Jerry Mackey. He announced that this year, the races would be run through as quickly and efficiently as possible (we were done by 8:55 p.m.) and hot laps are 7:00 with racing to immediately follow. Regular weekly racing continues next Wednesday, April 17.
Some familiar faces made their way back to victory lane as Cayden Carter in the Stock Car class, Dustin Griffiths in the Hobby Stocks, and Brandon Housely in the Sport Compact division went back to the winner's circle. Austin Paul found his way to the checkers in the SportMod division...his first since 2016.
The SportMod 16-lap main event kicked off the feature racing. Austin Paul drew the lucky pill for the #1 starting spot, and would lead all laps on his way to the flying checkers. Curtis VanDerWal started in the third row, but quickly took over the runner up spot and set his sights on the leader. But Paul continued his run at the front of the pack unhindered. When a yellow flew with just a couple of laps remaining, no doubt it was just what VanDerWal was hoping to see. However, when the race returned to green, Paul was able to motor off and keep the multi-time track champion at bay, securing the win. VanDerWal had to settle for second on this night, third went to Logan Anderson, fourth to Brayton Carter, and Colton Livezey completed the top five. This is the first time Paul has seen victory lane at Osky since June 15, 2016.
The "Orange Crush" machine piloted by Cayden Carter got the luck of the draw for the pole spot in the Stock Car division with the green machine of Howard Gordon, Jr. starting alongside. Carter leaped to the lead as the green dropped and from there on was untouched on his march to the win. Finishing a distant second was Derrick Agee, and a good distant behind him in third was Michael Peterson. Fourth went to Dustin Griffiths and Howard Gordon, Jr. was a close fifth.
Thirteen Sport Compacts ran a 10-lap A feature. This race too was won from the pole as Brandon Housley took the honors. Housley, who was sporting a number change this year....#213, from his #42 hot rod last year, was never seriously threatened in his run to the checkers. Trent Orwig did reel the leader in, but could do no more than a runner up finish. Third went to Billy Cain, fourth was Jimmy Haring, Louie Winkleman ran fifth. Housley is the defending track champion.
The night cap was the 14-lap Hobby Stock A main. Nick Ulin was hoping to continue the night's roll of winners from the pole position, but alas his night ended quickly when he was drawn up into the wall in turns three and four, ending his run. Derek Kirkland was then the captain in charge, but not for long as Dustin Griffiths took over with just three laps down. Griffiths then pulled away and took the easy win in the race that went flag to flag. Kirkland could only chase the leader from a distance to finish second. Clint Nelson finished in the third position, followed in unison by Christian Huffman and Rick Goldsberry in fourth and fifth respectively.
It was good to get back to the Southern Iowa Speedway....the place we've called our Wednesday night home since the 1980's. It was also good to hear the familiar "call to the races" of, "Hello Race Fans", by this year's man on the mic, Jerry Mackey. He announced that this year, the races would be run through as quickly and efficiently as possible (we were done by 8:55 p.m.) and hot laps are 7:00 with racing to immediately follow. Regular weekly racing continues next Wednesday, April 17.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Thornton dominates final Frostbuster of 2019
The Boone Speedway hosted the final edition of the 2019 IMCA Frostbuster specials on Saturday night with a packed pit of 187 race cars. Only Marshalltown Speedway the previous night, and Boone were able to get their scheduled annual special in the books with both Stuart and Vinton being weather outs. Joining the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, and IMCA Hobby Stocks were the RaceSaver Sprints. The weather, except for a strong southerly breeze, was what Iowan's have been waiting for, as the thermometers hit the low 70's.
Ricky Thornton, the Arizona transplant who now lists Adel, Iowa as home, won the Modified portion in dominating fashion. Jay Schmidt looked strong in his IMCA Stock Car hot rod, winning his feature, and redeeming himself after a disappointing previous night...more on that later...and Tyler Thompson picked up where he left off in his RaceSaver Sprint, showing just why he was last year's track champion. Wisconsin's Brandon Schmitt in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, was the only out of state driver taking home the prize of the night, and Eric Stanton got back to his winning ways in his hatchback IMCA Hobby Stock.
Feature racing began with the IMCA Northern SportMods running their 25-lap main event. Brandon Schmitt, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, made his trip worth while, and took home the $1,000 prize and the Frostbuster win. Schmitt started on the outside pole and immediately grabbed the lead. From then on, he would lead the entire race on his way to victory lane. Hometown driver Jake McBirnie ran second much of the race, but could only follow Schmitt across the finish line a distant runner up. Third went to eighth place starter Hunter Longnecker, fourth was Keokuk, Iowa racer, Daniel Fellows, and Matt Looft came from ninth, to complete the top five. The top three finishers, Schmitt, McBirnie and Longnecker were all piloting GRT's by BHE.
The RaceSaver Sprints found Tyler Thompson, last year's track champion, back in the winner's circle. Thompson lead the 20-lap feature flag to flag on his way to victory. Second went to Mike Houseman, third was Bennet, Nebraska racer Trevor Grossenbacher, fourth went to Mark Vanderheiden, Papillion, Nebraska and yet another Nebraskan, Nathan Weiler out of Lavista, Nebraska rounded out the top five. Thompson is the son of Knoxville Speedway's Hall of Fame inductee, Bob Thompson.
Making his first appearance racing a sprint car, Brian Efkamp, defending Super National's Champion in the Northern SportMod division, was piloting the #10E machine. Efkamp is a veteran racer, having tried his hand in many classes, mostly known for his IMCA Stock Car days in the GT1 ride.
There was a stout field of 53 IMCA Modifieds vying for a Frostbuster crown. Their feature event had to be whittled down to a 24-car starting field for their A main. Jimmy Gustin leaped to the lead from his pole starting position, only to have it snatched away by hot shoe Ricky Thornton at lap three. From there on, Thornton motored off to take the easy win, and the $1,000 prize. Gustin held on to finish second, the defending IMCA Super National's Champion Jeff Aikey, took third, Kyle Brown finished in fourth, and Josh Gilman was fifth.
The field of Modifieds on hand last evening read like a Who's Who of the division. The likes of Kelly Shryock, former Nascar racer Ken Schraeder, former IMCA National Champion, Benji LaCrosse from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Richie Gustin, Tim Ward, and former track champions, Mike VanGeneren and Russ Dickerson. Some of those drivers did not even make the show with the hot competition.
Forty-seven IMCA Stock Cars came to play for a chance at a Frostbuster win. They also ran a 25-lap feature that was action packed as always in the popular class. Buck Schafroth, Orient, Iowa lead the opening laps, but fifth place starter, Jay Schmidt, defending track champion, had other ideas. Schmidt took command on lap three, and held off the stout field chasing him, taking the feature win. Donavon Smith took the runner up spot, while brother Devin Smith came from twelfth starting spot to capture third place, fourth went to Elijah Zevenbergen, and early leader Buck Schafroth finished fifth.
Schmidt redeemed himself from the previous night's Frostbuster at the Marshalltown Speedway when he drove his new Harris Chassis from 24th starting spot, to cross a close second place to winner Kyle Brown. Schmidt was later disqualified due to an oversight and not getting his new MSD box set.
Capping off the night's racing was 25-laps of IMCA Hobby Stock action. Eric Stanton started on the pole, and led this final feature from start to finish, pulling away for the easy win. Adam Ayers won the battle with Worthington, Minnesota racer Keeran Sampson, as they went second and third respectively. Daniel Smith took fourth place, and Tim Gonska, Brainerd, Minnesota went home with a fifth place finish. Stanton has many wins at the Speedway over the past years, and hasn't lost a beat.
Next Saturday night, April 13, will be the track points season opener at the Boone Speedway. The IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Mod Lites will be in action. Hot laps are scheduled for 5:45 and the green flag drops at 6:30. This week has the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa, holding it's season opener at the Monster Half-Mile on Wednesday, April 10, and then Marshalltown Speedway has two races on their schedule as Thursday, April 11 is the Inaugural Bill Davis Memorial, and then Friday, April 12 is the track's scheduled home opener. The week's forecast is not sounding the best, so time will tell how many of those scheduled races
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Grabouski, Brown, Carter and Watson nab Marshalltown Frostbuster wins
The Marshalltown Speedway got its 2019 racing season kicked off on Friday night with the running of their IMCA Frostbuster special. This was the first Frostbuster of four originally scheduled, to come to fruition as Mother Nature had other ideas about Stuart Speedway and Benton County Speedway. The final Frostbuster will be at the Boone Speedway tonight.
On the ticket for the night's action were the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA SportMods, and the IMCA Hobby Stocks. The packed stands of eager race fans saw 173 race cars take to the Highbanks for a great night of racing action.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks got the feature racing started as the 24 cars that qualified through the heats and three B Mains, put on a flag to flag 15-lap main event. Veteran racer John Watson took home the first Frostbuster crown by leading the race from start to finish. Watson started second and took the immediate lead and took the checkers comfortably over second place Corey Madden, from Avoca, Iowa. A close third went to Dylan Nelson, Trevor Holm made the haul from Chandler, Minnesota and came away with a fourth place finish, and Adam Ayers from Adair, Iowa, completed the top five.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 20 lap feature event and when all was said and done, Brayton Carter, the hot shoe out of Oskaloosa, Iowa, was crowned the Frostbuster winner. Carter, who started fourth, fought by early leader Nate Whitehurst and then held off a hard charging Doug Smith in the latter laps, to capture the crown. Following second place Smith was Keokuk, Iowa's Daniel Fellows in third, fourth went to twelfth place starter Tony Olson, and Tyler Nerud, Dorchester, Nebraska, was fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars, still the Class too Tough to Tame, put on their usual exciting feature. Dan Mackenthun from Hamburg, Minnesota started on the pole of the 20-lap event, and held the early lead until Kyle Brown took over the helm at lap three. Brown, who started seventh, shot to the lead and then held it the remainder of the way to the finish line and the Frostbuster win. Finishing in second place was veteran racer Brian Blessington who started twelfth, Donavon Smith took third place after starting sixteenth, fourth went to John Oliver, Jr., Danville, Iowa, and Shawano, Wisconsin driver, Trent Nolan, was fifth. Damon Murty, who started twenty-second on the field, was making an impressive charge through the pack by about midway of the race, then getting to second at lap sixteen only to gave Lady Luck bite him in turn one. Jay Schmidt was also impressive, starting twenty-fourth, and challenging Brown at the finish line, crossing in second. However, a check of the results showed him finishing last due to a rules infraction...an overlooked ignition box issue. This was Kyle Browns first IMCA Stock Car feature win. His flashy looking red and white machine, a throwback look of an old Woods Brothers scheme, may not be its last trip to Victory Lane.
The night cap was the 25-lap IMCA Modified feature. Defending IMCA National Champion, Jordan Grabouski, from Beatrice, Nebraska started on the outside front row alongside pole sitter Tim Ward and nabbed the lead as soon as the race went green. From there on, Grabouski would lead all laps on his way to the flying checkers. Ricky Thornton, Jr. came from sixth starting position and chased the leader for much of the race, but had to settle for a runner up spot on this night. Tim Ward finished in third, fourth was tenth place starter Cayden Carter, and Joel Rust came from thirteenth starting spot, to round out the top five. Grabouski, who had a fabulous season last year, winning every feature at his hometown Beatrice Speedway track, has not lost a beat over the off season.
There was an impressive field of cars in the pits last evening with 46 Modifieds, 46 Stock Cars, 42 SportMods and 39 Hobby Stocks, and a who's who of drivers. Drivers from Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Missouri joined the Iowans in the fun and games last night. Ken Schrader was on hand in his familiar #9 Modified, and Ricky Thornton, Jr., who now calls Adel, Iowa home being a transplanted Arizonian, had to undoubtedly be one of the picks to go home with all the marbles, but was unable to catch winner Grabouski. He had an outstanding season last year, winning many races all over the country.
The drivers had to avoid a couple of corner holes that developed during the evening, and it bit several drivers. Two red flag situations also occurred when Carl Brewer from Vermillion, South Dakota took a ride in turn two in his Modified, and Hobby Stock driver Seth Hellinga snapped rolled his ride out of turn two as well. Both drivers were fine. Many drivers flirted with the topside of the track, which had a fine line last evening, only to find themselves, up and off the racing surface.
Tonight is the final 2019 Frostbuster at the Boone Speedway. Early start times are hot laps at 4 and racing at 5. If last night's car count is any indication of what's to come, the pits will be packed. The RaceSaver Sprint cars join the Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks.
It was great to get back to racing and get our season kicked off last night. As much fun as the racing is, it was also great to see so many familiar faces in the stands back again!
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