After last week's wash out, the Boone Speedway sprang back to life on Saturday night in a big way, with 172 race cars packing the pits. In addition to those regular classes, the two-person cruisers and the UTV side by sides were also on the program for a full night of racing entertainment. Joel Rust took his first IMCA Modified victory of the 2019 season. In the Stock Cars it was David Smith with the win. Cam Reimers scored his first career feature win in the IMCA Northern SportMod division. Daniel Smith nabbed the IMCA Hobby Stock trophy. Tyler Thompson went to victory lane in the RaceSaver Sprint class, and Joe Glick scored his second win in the MADCRA Mod Lites. Donny Mason and Junior Worley took the Cruiser feature, and the side by side UTV main event went to Greg Hayes.
Joe Glick returned to the winner's circle in capturing his second feature of the season in the My Race Pass ModLites. Glick led from the drop of the green flag to the checkers in the 15-lap A main. Runner up Tanner Gannon chased Glick the entire distance. Third place went to Randy Bryan, Joel Huggins was fourth, and Bryan Zehm completed the top five. The race went green to checkers. There were nineteen Mod Lites competing last night.
There were 42 of the Elmquist Towing IMCA Northern SportMods checked in last night, and it was a first timer taking the checkers. Cam Reimers scored his first career win in the division. Reimers, a champion off-road truck racer, grabbed the immediate lead, only to have two consecutive yellows on lap two pause the action. It was no hindrance to the Ogden, Iowa driver however, as he motored off from the field in a race that then continued without stoppage. Reimers scored the win, finishing well ahead of sixth place starter Austin Schrage. Third place went to Johnathon Logue, fourth to tenth place starter Tony Olson, and Doug Smith started twelfth, and rounded out the top five. We have seen Reimers continually improve and it was just a matter of time before he got that first win. He is piloting a 2007 car with a Ford heart beat.
Up next was the 20-lap Snap-on Tools IMCA Modified feature. Pole sitter Eric Elliott held the lead through the first twelve circuits of the race, until Joel Rust made the topside work and took over the lead on lap thirteen. As the laps wound down, Jimmy Gustin powered his way from tenth starting spot into the runner up position and began applying pressure to the leader. Gustin briefly nabbed the lead with a lap remaining, only to have Rust return the favor on the backstretch with the checkers awaiting. Rust scored the win, with Gustin a close second. Mike VanGenderen started eighth, ran at the front of the field much of the race, and came home in third place. Fourth went to eleventh place starter, Ricky Thornton, Jr., and Tim Ward took fifth. A healthy field of 34 Modifieds was on hand.
The Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock cars ran an 18-lap A main and served up their usual exciting action. Much of the race was a battle between brothers David and Devin Smith. On this night, it was David Smith going to Victory Lane and scoring his first win at the speedway this year. Jay Schmidt powered by Devin Smith in the final moments as they finished second and third respectively. Calvin Lange was fourth and Scott Davis completed the top five. There were 31 of the Class too Tough to Tame checked into the pits.
The K1 Race Gear IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars ran a 20-lap feature. Close racing for the lead at lap eight, found two cars tangled in turn four when Val Urman and Mike Moore came to rest. This put Tyler Thompson in the captain's seat when the race restarted, and he would lead the rest of the way to the checkers. Mike Houseman finished second, third went to brother C. J. Houseman, Cade Higday was fourth, and Joel Thorpe finished in fifth. Thompson celebrated with a few doughnuts on the track after taking the double checkers. Eleven RaceSaver Sprints made their way to the Boone Speedway last evening.
Daniel Smith started seventh, and took command at lap six on his way to victory in the Pickett Salvage IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap event. He finished comfortably ahead of second place Aaron Rudolph. Eric Knutson came from ninth starting spot to finish third, John Watson took fourth from starting eleventh, and Rusty Gyles was fifth. This was Daniel Smith's second feature win of the season. Smith bested 34 IMCA Hobby Stocks that were on hand.
Those military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, veterans, and loved ones no longer with us, were honored last evening at the track. Veterans on hand were given free admission. Jay Schmidt was racing with a heavy heart with the recent loss of close friend and pit crew member Mike Bly, known by many in the local racing circle as "little brother". RIP.
Many visitors made the trip for some racing last evening what with several tracks not being able to race due to our continuing wet weather. Among those travelers were the Flying Hall Brothers that made the trip down from Minnesota with their same nostalgic appearing IMCA Modifieds. Boone is lucky with their well-draining track, and great track prep even after receiving 2 1/2 inches of rain on Friday. Only one hole reared its ugly head between corners one and two that gave the drivers a bit of trouble.
Next race on June 1 will be a Super Saturday with $1,000 to win for the IMCA Modifieds, and $750 for the Northern SportMods. There will be no Memorial Day racing at the track this year. Early race starts continue with grandstands opening at 5, hot laps at 5:45, and racing at 6:30. It was announced that these times will stand until further notice.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Carter keeps it perfect in the Stock Cars at Osky
The Southern Iowa Speedway had drenching rains recently, reaching the six to seven inch mark, but somehow, the racing went on at Osky on Wednesday, on a beautiful evening at the big monster half-mile.
Cayden Carter kept his perfect streak going in the Stock Car division. Carter VanDenBerg made a last corner pass....shades of his father John VanDenBerg....in the SportMod class, and Derek Kirkland found victory lane in the Hobby Stocks, and Trent Orwig made it two in a row in the Sport Compacts.
Trent Orwig repeated his win from last week, taking the checkers in the 10-lap Sport Compact A main. Brandon Allison led the opening lap, only to have Orwig take command by lap two, and lead the caution free race the rest of the way to the checkers. It was a three car breakaway at the front of the field with Orwig holding off Allison and visiting driver Jake Houston from Burlington. Orwig never relinquished his lead while Allison and Houston swapped places behind him. Orwig flew under the checkers to score the win, with Allison taking the runner up position, and Houston going third. Fourth went to Billy Cain, and Nathan Moody was fifth.
It was a free for all going into turn one when the green flag flew in the 16-lap Stock Car feature. Third place starter Nathan Wood won that toss up for the lead with Cayden Carter and Dustin Griffiths tucked tight on his tail. Wood and Carter broke away from the field as the race wore on. Carter kept peeking his nose under Wood, trying to get that advantage at the left rear fender, but couldn't quite make it work...that is until Wood pushed just every so slightly up in corner two at the 12-lap mark, and Carter took advantage and slipped into the lead. Carter held tight to that lead the rest of the way to the finish, scoring his third victory in a row, and perfect for the season. Wood held the runner up spot, trailing a distant third was Dustin Griffiths, with Mike Brown and Jason McDaniel rounding out the top five. The race went caution free.
Visiting racer Jason Bass made the trip all the way down from Fort Dodge to see if he could tame the big old half-mile in the SportMods, and it looked pretty promising as he led through lap fourteen of the sixteen lap event. He'd had company for most of those laps however, with Carter VanDenBerg and Cayden Carter, piloting his brother Brayton's car, pestering him, and each other, constantly. Then enter a lap car as the three make their run to the checkers! Coming out of turn four, the man with the upper hand, and with a swing to the outside like shades of his father John, Carter VanDenBerg made it to the finish line first to seal the win. His cousin Cayden Carter took second over Jason Bass in third, fourth went to Blaine Webster, and Cory VanZante completed the top five.
The night's action ended with the 14-lap Hobby Stock's main event and one happy camper in victory lane. Derek Kirkland, the Centerville, Iowa racer would lead this caution free one from the drop of the green, to the flying checkers. Kirkland got out front immediately and then pulled away. Dustin Griffiths started from the fourth row, and after getting past traffic, began his quest to reel in the leader, but ran out of time to finish more than the runner spot. Third went to Brad Stephens, Clint Nelson was fourth, and Christian Huffman was fifth. Kirkland, who said in his victory lane interview with announcer Jerry Mackey, that this was his first win in about two years, and by my records, may have been his first ever at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
I mentioned earlier that Osky had been hit hard with heavy rains the previous day, and prior days as well, so it was quite a surprise to see dust kicking up in the infield, and then on the track later. The track stayed smooth despite Mother Nature. It was a beautiful night to be at a race, and I think many people were not only enjoying the racing action, but were caught watching and snapping a picture or two of the beautiful Iowa sunset. It hardly gets better than those two combinations! Get out and find a race to attend...support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Cayden Carter kept his perfect streak going in the Stock Car division. Carter VanDenBerg made a last corner pass....shades of his father John VanDenBerg....in the SportMod class, and Derek Kirkland found victory lane in the Hobby Stocks, and Trent Orwig made it two in a row in the Sport Compacts.
Trent Orwig repeated his win from last week, taking the checkers in the 10-lap Sport Compact A main. Brandon Allison led the opening lap, only to have Orwig take command by lap two, and lead the caution free race the rest of the way to the checkers. It was a three car breakaway at the front of the field with Orwig holding off Allison and visiting driver Jake Houston from Burlington. Orwig never relinquished his lead while Allison and Houston swapped places behind him. Orwig flew under the checkers to score the win, with Allison taking the runner up position, and Houston going third. Fourth went to Billy Cain, and Nathan Moody was fifth.
It was a free for all going into turn one when the green flag flew in the 16-lap Stock Car feature. Third place starter Nathan Wood won that toss up for the lead with Cayden Carter and Dustin Griffiths tucked tight on his tail. Wood and Carter broke away from the field as the race wore on. Carter kept peeking his nose under Wood, trying to get that advantage at the left rear fender, but couldn't quite make it work...that is until Wood pushed just every so slightly up in corner two at the 12-lap mark, and Carter took advantage and slipped into the lead. Carter held tight to that lead the rest of the way to the finish, scoring his third victory in a row, and perfect for the season. Wood held the runner up spot, trailing a distant third was Dustin Griffiths, with Mike Brown and Jason McDaniel rounding out the top five. The race went caution free.
Visiting racer Jason Bass made the trip all the way down from Fort Dodge to see if he could tame the big old half-mile in the SportMods, and it looked pretty promising as he led through lap fourteen of the sixteen lap event. He'd had company for most of those laps however, with Carter VanDenBerg and Cayden Carter, piloting his brother Brayton's car, pestering him, and each other, constantly. Then enter a lap car as the three make their run to the checkers! Coming out of turn four, the man with the upper hand, and with a swing to the outside like shades of his father John, Carter VanDenBerg made it to the finish line first to seal the win. His cousin Cayden Carter took second over Jason Bass in third, fourth went to Blaine Webster, and Cory VanZante completed the top five.
The night's action ended with the 14-lap Hobby Stock's main event and one happy camper in victory lane. Derek Kirkland, the Centerville, Iowa racer would lead this caution free one from the drop of the green, to the flying checkers. Kirkland got out front immediately and then pulled away. Dustin Griffiths started from the fourth row, and after getting past traffic, began his quest to reel in the leader, but ran out of time to finish more than the runner spot. Third went to Brad Stephens, Clint Nelson was fourth, and Christian Huffman was fifth. Kirkland, who said in his victory lane interview with announcer Jerry Mackey, that this was his first win in about two years, and by my records, may have been his first ever at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
I mentioned earlier that Osky had been hit hard with heavy rains the previous day, and prior days as well, so it was quite a surprise to see dust kicking up in the infield, and then on the track later. The track stayed smooth despite Mother Nature. It was a beautiful night to be at a race, and I think many people were not only enjoying the racing action, but were caught watching and snapping a picture or two of the beautiful Iowa sunset. It hardly gets better than those two combinations! Get out and find a race to attend...support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Victory Lane for Carter, VanDerWal, Griffiths, and Orwig
The Southern Iowa Speedway's Monster Half-Mile was back in action on Wednesday night after a month of weather outs. In just the second race of the season at the speedway...the first of which we battled bitter cold temperatures and what seemed like 30 mph winds, last evening's 77 degree weather was a welcome change!
Familiar faces visited victory lane with Cayden Carter taking the trophy in the Stock Car division, Curtis VanDerWal once again won the SportMod class, Dustin Griffiths took top honors in the Hobby Stocks, and Trent Orwig was awarded the win in the Sport Compacts.
The SportMods kicked off the night of feature racing with their 16-lap A main event. Jason Hall was the early race leader, but it only took Curtis VanDerWal a couple of laps until he was in control. VanDerWal started fifth, and had the lead early on and then pulled away to take an easy win. Carter VanDenBerg chased the leader much of the race, but had to settle for a runner up finish. Third went to Blaine Webster, fourth to Colton Livezey, and ninth place starter, Dylan VanWyk was fifth.
Cayden Carter put an exclamation point on his decisive win in the Stock Car class. Carter started fifth, and it took him but four laps to catch and pass early leader Scott Dickey, and then motor off from the field. Derrick Agee finished a distant runner up, third went to defending track champion, Nathan Wood, Jason McDaniel finished fourth, and Dickey faded to fifth.
Then came the 10-lap main event for the Sport Compacts. This race ended in a bit of controversy....at least from the fans point of view. Two drivers tussled the entire race up front with Trent Orwig and Brandon Allison going at it from the drop of the green. Orwig held the upper hand for nearly the entire race, while Allison would momentarily surge ahead. Coming to the final run to the checkers, it appeared that Allison, who dropped to the inside and with a surge of momentum, took the win. However, the win was awarded to Orwig....much to the disdain of the crowd. It did appear from the stands that Allison had taken the win...however, we do not know where the finish line is, and the official word was that Orwig went to victory lane. The finish was Orwig, Allison, Billy Cain, Tanner Wilson, and Jimmy Haring.
The finale of the evening was the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. This was another one where the winner made it look pretty easy. Dustin Griffiths started eighth, but took over the top spot by lap four and then pulled away. Derek Kirkland, was able to close the gap in the closing moments, but still had to be content with second place. Seventh place starter, Clint Nelson took third over fourth place Christian Williams, and Craig Brown rounded out the top five.
It was also an extra fun night at the races for the youngsters in the stands as they got to take a spin around the track in a race car prior to the start of the races, and later took home a good amount sweets from the candy toss at intermission. Edit: I forgot to mention that there was only one yellow flag in the features, that coming on lap one of the Hobby Stock feature. There was also a driver from the past racing again. The #67 SportMod was Steve Reupke, a driver we saw more than a few years ago when he was piloting a Modified.
After so much rain and cold and a recent Redneck Rally night on the track, we were wondering how the track conditions would be, but the track stayed smooth all night long. It was good to finally be able to enjoy a night of racing without fighting wind, cold and being wrapped in layers. It was also good to spend it with racing friends, although we are missing one friend who is having some health issues...hope to see you soon Nick! Get out and find a race to attend, and keep supporting dirt track racing!
Familiar faces visited victory lane with Cayden Carter taking the trophy in the Stock Car division, Curtis VanDerWal once again won the SportMod class, Dustin Griffiths took top honors in the Hobby Stocks, and Trent Orwig was awarded the win in the Sport Compacts.
The SportMods kicked off the night of feature racing with their 16-lap A main event. Jason Hall was the early race leader, but it only took Curtis VanDerWal a couple of laps until he was in control. VanDerWal started fifth, and had the lead early on and then pulled away to take an easy win. Carter VanDenBerg chased the leader much of the race, but had to settle for a runner up finish. Third went to Blaine Webster, fourth to Colton Livezey, and ninth place starter, Dylan VanWyk was fifth.
Cayden Carter put an exclamation point on his decisive win in the Stock Car class. Carter started fifth, and it took him but four laps to catch and pass early leader Scott Dickey, and then motor off from the field. Derrick Agee finished a distant runner up, third went to defending track champion, Nathan Wood, Jason McDaniel finished fourth, and Dickey faded to fifth.
Then came the 10-lap main event for the Sport Compacts. This race ended in a bit of controversy....at least from the fans point of view. Two drivers tussled the entire race up front with Trent Orwig and Brandon Allison going at it from the drop of the green. Orwig held the upper hand for nearly the entire race, while Allison would momentarily surge ahead. Coming to the final run to the checkers, it appeared that Allison, who dropped to the inside and with a surge of momentum, took the win. However, the win was awarded to Orwig....much to the disdain of the crowd. It did appear from the stands that Allison had taken the win...however, we do not know where the finish line is, and the official word was that Orwig went to victory lane. The finish was Orwig, Allison, Billy Cain, Tanner Wilson, and Jimmy Haring.
The finale of the evening was the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. This was another one where the winner made it look pretty easy. Dustin Griffiths started eighth, but took over the top spot by lap four and then pulled away. Derek Kirkland, was able to close the gap in the closing moments, but still had to be content with second place. Seventh place starter, Clint Nelson took third over fourth place Christian Williams, and Craig Brown rounded out the top five.
It was also an extra fun night at the races for the youngsters in the stands as they got to take a spin around the track in a race car prior to the start of the races, and later took home a good amount sweets from the candy toss at intermission. Edit: I forgot to mention that there was only one yellow flag in the features, that coming on lap one of the Hobby Stock feature. There was also a driver from the past racing again. The #67 SportMod was Steve Reupke, a driver we saw more than a few years ago when he was piloting a Modified.
After so much rain and cold and a recent Redneck Rally night on the track, we were wondering how the track conditions would be, but the track stayed smooth all night long. It was good to finally be able to enjoy a night of racing without fighting wind, cold and being wrapped in layers. It was also good to spend it with racing friends, although we are missing one friend who is having some health issues...hope to see you soon Nick! Get out and find a race to attend, and keep supporting dirt track racing!
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Gustin "walks the dog" for the Modified win at Boone
Iowa just cannot shake this chilly, damp, and windy weather this spring, as fans sat bundled up once again at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. The racing action however, was stellar as 135 race cars were in competition. An added King of the Hill for the IMCA Modifieds also entertained the crowd with Mike VanGenderen standing atop the hill. Jimmy Gustin found victory lane for the first time this season in the IMCA Snap-on Tools Modified class, Jay Schmidt returned with a repaired race car from an incident last week, to find the winner's circle in the Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock Car division. Cory Pestotnik looked strong in winning the Elmquist Towing IMCA Northern SportMod feature. The K1 Race Gear IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature saw DJ Palmer snag his first career win in the division. John Watson returned to victory lane in the Pickett Salvage Hobby Stocks, as did Bryan Zehm in the My Race Pass MADCRA Mod Lites. The Two-Person Cruiser feature saw the duo of Mason and Agan repeat their win from last week.
The Mod Lite feature went to Bryan Zehm who led the 15-lap caution free race from start to finish. He kept his ride on the low side during the contest, had close company the whole way and had to fend off second place Randy Bryan and third place finisher Justin Rankin the entire race. Mike Kennedy finished a close fourth place, and last week's winner Joel Huggins, completed the top five. This was Zehm's second win at the speedway this season.
The IMCA Northern SportMods just could not get their rhythm going early on as they saw four caution flags fly in the first six laps of their 18-lap main event, but then were able to race without stoppage the rest of the way to the checkers. Cory Pestotnik started eighth and had the lead with a handful of laps in the books, and from there on out, pulled away to a decisive win....his first of the year. Tyler Inman chased the winner across the finish line from a distance to score the runner up position. Eleventh place starter Tony Olson was third, fourth went to Jake McBirnie from sixteenth starting spot, and Kyle Olson was fifth.
The IMCA Modified 20-lap feature went flag to flag and it was Jimmy Gustin with a "walking the dog" win. Gustin, who started eleventh, was in the hunt early in his pursuit of early leader Denny Pittman. Just after lap six was scored, Gustin made his way around Pittman to take over the lead, and then pulled away from the field. Behind him however, there was a fierce battle going on between Pittman, Thor Anderson, Al Wolfgram, and Ricky Thornton, Jr. After several position swaps, Thor Anderson held down the runner up spot, third was Al Wolfgram, fourth went to Denny Pittman, and Ricky Thornton, Jr. rounded out the top five. This was Gustin's first trip to victory lane at Boone Speedway this season. He has put up a personal challenge at the track this year with $2,000...betting he will be the track champion. Last night showed, he may have put his money where his mouth was. Time will tell the tale on his challenge at the track.
Earlier, there was a King of the Hill competition in the Modified division with a $500 pay off, and it was Mike VanGenderen in the final round besting Al Wolfgram, Thor Anderson, and Josh May.
Jay Schmidt's bad luck from last week, which left him with a disabled race car and a bruised body, had a big turn around this week as he took the win in the IMCA 18-lap Stock Car feature. Early leader Justin Nehring had the bad luck turn this week, as he had to exit during a caution at lap ten, which left Mike Goldsberry inheriting the lead. Meanwhile, he had some heavy competition closing in as the race wore on. He was having to fend off the advances of Jay Schmidt, Cody Gustoff, Scott Davis and Kevin Opheim. An incident on the track resulted in a green-white-checkered finish, and it was defending track champion, Jay Schmidt getting his redemption for last week, as he flashed under the double checkers first and scored the victory. Mike Goldsberry was second, third was Cody Gustoff, Scott Davis finished fourth, and Kevin Opheim took fifth. Schmidt said in his post-race interview with Coty Mallicoat, that he had to thank all those that worked feverishly this week to get the race car back together after last Saturday night's incident that found the drive shaft coming up into the race car a tad too close to his seat.
A new first time winner took the podium in the RaceSaver Sprint 20-lap feature. DJ Palmer scored his first career win in the sprint car class, and did a little wing dance in celebration. C. J. Houseman was closing in on Palmer, who had led from the drop of the green, but ran out of time to score more than the runner up spot. Mike Houseman also closed in on the leaders in the final moments, but had to be content with third place. Fourth went to Tyler Thompson, and fifth was Joel Thorpe. The race went caution free. Palmer, from Des Moines, is piloting a sprint car for the first time this year.
John Watson got back to his winning ways and scored the Hobby Stock win. Watson came from eighth starting spot, to take the victory in the 15-lap contest. Aaron Rudolph started ninth, and took second, third went to Kaden Reynolds who started twelfth, Shaun Wirtz came from sixteenth to score fourth place, and Dillon Magnussen started thirteenth, and was fifth. This was Watson's second win of the 2019 season.
There were several Missouri and Kansas racers in the house last night due to their regular Saturday night tracks getting weathered out. Cory Wray made the trek from Trenton, Missouri to compete in the Modified class. In the Northern SportMods, Cameron, Missouri was represented by Coleman Browning and Caleb Pugh. St. Joe, Missouri's Jeffrey Sears was in the house, and Josh Munsen came from Atchison, Kansas, and Nicholas Carpenter traveled from Leavenworth, Kansas to try out the Boone Speedway. The Stock Cars had visitors from the south as well with Carson and Connor Masoner coming up from St. Joe, Missouri.
Next Saturday, all classes will once again be in competition, and the UTV Side-by-Side machines will be exhibiting with a race on the frontstretch and through the infield. Hot laps are 5:45, and racing at 6:30. Hopefully, it will be a warmer night of racing!
Get out and find a race to attend in your area and help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Sunday, May 5, 2019
From the outhouse to the white house, Thornton takes a thriller!
It was dubbed "Car Wars" at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night, and since it was also the 4th of May, everyone was saying, "May the Fourth be with you". For some, it certainly was! The IMCA Modifieds were vying for extra cash as well as a coveted Darth Vader trophy. Ricky Thornton, Jr. went home with both. Donavon Smith fended off his brother to take the IMCA Stock Car win. In the IMCA SportMod division, Hunter Longnecker took the victory, and Daniel Smith took a trip to victory lane in the IMCA Hobby Stock class. Joel Huggins led the entire MADCRA Mod Lite feature to go home victorious, and in the first appearance for the Racesaver Sprint Cars, it was Mike Houseman taking the checkers. The night cap was the 2-person Cruisers with the duo of Mason and Agan taking the win.
The 15-lap MADCRA Mod Lite feature went the entire race caution free after the initial start was called back. Joel Huggins led those entire 15-laps on his way to his first win at Boone Speedway in 2019. Tim Gannon finished as the runner up, and Joe Glick was third. Fourth went to Mike Kennedy, and rounding out the top five was Randy Bryan. After three weekly races, Mike Kennedy is your points leader.
Hunter Longnecker got his first IMCA Northern SportMod feature win last year at the speedway, and last evening, matched it by taking the checkers. Longnecker got out to the lead early and led the entire 18-lap caution plagued race. Jake McBirnie came from fifteenth starting spot to take the runner up position. Cam Reimers held off Cory Pestotnik at the finish line as they went third and fourth respectively, and Chad Ryerson came from starting in the back row to take fifth. McBirnie is the point leader at the end of week three.
The IMCA Modifieds were the featured class of the night with $1,000 on the line for the win in the night's 25-lap A main event. They qualified through heats, and then through two qualifiers that each paid $250 to the winner. Kelly Shryock and Ricky Thornton, Jr. took that money. This placed them on the front row of the main event, with an option to start at the rear for extra money. Shryock turned down the option, but Thornton was game on!
The starting line up had Kelly Shryock and Randy Havlik starting side by side on the front row after Thornton opted to go to the rear and start twenty-fourth. As the green flag fell, Shryock nabbed the immediate lead. The first handful of laps had Jimmy Gustin setting his sights on the leader as he ran second, with Josh Gilman, Mike VanGenderen, and Randy Havlik hanging tough. Then suddenly, all eyes went to the 20RT of Ricky Thornton that was on the move from the rear! By lap nine, Thornton had made his way into fourth place, had the crowd on its feet.... and he wasn't done yet! In the meantime, Jimmy Gustin had wrestled the lead away from Shryock and was having visions of taking home the Darth Vader trophy. Thornton made his way into third place and then went to work on Gustin and Shryock. At lap nineteen, Thornton got the job done, and took the lead as the crowd went wild! There was no denying Thornton on this May the Fourth (be with you) night, as he did what seemed the impossible and took the double checker victory. Shryock finished second, Gustin was third, Tim Ward took fourth place, and Mike VanGenderen completed the top five. Thornton, the Arizona native who now lives in Adel, Iowa, leads the Modified points at the track.
Donavon Smith took the win in the IMCA Stock Car class. Smith came from starting eleventh to take the feature win. He had to fend off the advances of twelfth place starter, brother Devin Smith,who finished a close second. Third went to opening lap leader Calvin Lange, fourth was Scott Davis, and leader for much of the race, Craig Carlson, faded to finish fifth. Donavon and Devin Smith are ironically, tied for the points lead.
The RaceSaver Sprints made their 2019 season points debut with a 20-lap feature. Mike Houseman was the man atop the podium at the end, savoring a victory. Houseman got out to an early lead and pulled away to finish well ahead of the competition as the checkers flew. Tyler Thompson was a distant second, third went to Mike Moore, C J Houseman finished in fourth, and Joel Thorpe took fifth place.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks had extra incentive as they were running for a $500 payday for winning the 18-lap feature. Daniel Smith took the cash home in this event. Smith bested runner up and earlier leader John Watson. Shaun Wirtz came from row five to finish in third place, fourth went to ninth row starter Dylan Nelson, and opening night winner Aaron Rudolph was fifth. Rudolph leads points in the Hobby Stock division.
The stands were all abuzz when Thornton opted to take the challenge and start at the rear of the Modified feature. Thornton, who is one of the hottest Modified drivers in the country, and is known to travel far and wide for some big money races, appears to have opted to stay local for the summer racing season, and be a Boone Speedway regular.
On a down note, Jay Schmidt did not have his night end well. Schmidt, who is the defending track champion was moving to the front in the Stock Car feature after having to start deep in the starting line up, when he ended up pinned in his car due to a late race incident. We understand that the driveshaft came up through the car from the impact and he not only was trapped in the car, but sustained a pretty bruised hip. Hopefully the defending champion will get not only his car, but also himself back to racing form by next week.
Get out and find a race to attend and support our love of dirt track racing. Check the Positively Racing calendar for a race schedule.
The 15-lap MADCRA Mod Lite feature went the entire race caution free after the initial start was called back. Joel Huggins led those entire 15-laps on his way to his first win at Boone Speedway in 2019. Tim Gannon finished as the runner up, and Joe Glick was third. Fourth went to Mike Kennedy, and rounding out the top five was Randy Bryan. After three weekly races, Mike Kennedy is your points leader.
Hunter Longnecker got his first IMCA Northern SportMod feature win last year at the speedway, and last evening, matched it by taking the checkers. Longnecker got out to the lead early and led the entire 18-lap caution plagued race. Jake McBirnie came from fifteenth starting spot to take the runner up position. Cam Reimers held off Cory Pestotnik at the finish line as they went third and fourth respectively, and Chad Ryerson came from starting in the back row to take fifth. McBirnie is the point leader at the end of week three.
The IMCA Modifieds were the featured class of the night with $1,000 on the line for the win in the night's 25-lap A main event. They qualified through heats, and then through two qualifiers that each paid $250 to the winner. Kelly Shryock and Ricky Thornton, Jr. took that money. This placed them on the front row of the main event, with an option to start at the rear for extra money. Shryock turned down the option, but Thornton was game on!
The starting line up had Kelly Shryock and Randy Havlik starting side by side on the front row after Thornton opted to go to the rear and start twenty-fourth. As the green flag fell, Shryock nabbed the immediate lead. The first handful of laps had Jimmy Gustin setting his sights on the leader as he ran second, with Josh Gilman, Mike VanGenderen, and Randy Havlik hanging tough. Then suddenly, all eyes went to the 20RT of Ricky Thornton that was on the move from the rear! By lap nine, Thornton had made his way into fourth place, had the crowd on its feet.... and he wasn't done yet! In the meantime, Jimmy Gustin had wrestled the lead away from Shryock and was having visions of taking home the Darth Vader trophy. Thornton made his way into third place and then went to work on Gustin and Shryock. At lap nineteen, Thornton got the job done, and took the lead as the crowd went wild! There was no denying Thornton on this May the Fourth (be with you) night, as he did what seemed the impossible and took the double checker victory. Shryock finished second, Gustin was third, Tim Ward took fourth place, and Mike VanGenderen completed the top five. Thornton, the Arizona native who now lives in Adel, Iowa, leads the Modified points at the track.
Donavon Smith took the win in the IMCA Stock Car class. Smith came from starting eleventh to take the feature win. He had to fend off the advances of twelfth place starter, brother Devin Smith,who finished a close second. Third went to opening lap leader Calvin Lange, fourth was Scott Davis, and leader for much of the race, Craig Carlson, faded to finish fifth. Donavon and Devin Smith are ironically, tied for the points lead.
The RaceSaver Sprints made their 2019 season points debut with a 20-lap feature. Mike Houseman was the man atop the podium at the end, savoring a victory. Houseman got out to an early lead and pulled away to finish well ahead of the competition as the checkers flew. Tyler Thompson was a distant second, third went to Mike Moore, C J Houseman finished in fourth, and Joel Thorpe took fifth place.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks had extra incentive as they were running for a $500 payday for winning the 18-lap feature. Daniel Smith took the cash home in this event. Smith bested runner up and earlier leader John Watson. Shaun Wirtz came from row five to finish in third place, fourth went to ninth row starter Dylan Nelson, and opening night winner Aaron Rudolph was fifth. Rudolph leads points in the Hobby Stock division.
The stands were all abuzz when Thornton opted to take the challenge and start at the rear of the Modified feature. Thornton, who is one of the hottest Modified drivers in the country, and is known to travel far and wide for some big money races, appears to have opted to stay local for the summer racing season, and be a Boone Speedway regular.
On a down note, Jay Schmidt did not have his night end well. Schmidt, who is the defending track champion was moving to the front in the Stock Car feature after having to start deep in the starting line up, when he ended up pinned in his car due to a late race incident. We understand that the driveshaft came up through the car from the impact and he not only was trapped in the car, but sustained a pretty bruised hip. Hopefully the defending champion will get not only his car, but also himself back to racing form by next week.
Get out and find a race to attend and support our love of dirt track racing. Check the Positively Racing calendar for a race schedule.
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Rust runs away with Modified win
Marshalltown Speedway was the place for racin' on Friday night, as 136 race cars put on a great show for the fans during the Cliff Chambers Memorial show, honoring the former promoter. The IMCA Late Models opened their weekly racing season at the track, and it was Justin Kay taking home the honors in the wide-body class. Joel Rust ran away and hid in the IMCA Modified feature and Kyle Olson captured his first ever Marshalltown Speedway win in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Shawn Ritter made his first ever appearance in Marshalltown's victory lane as well, taking the win in the IMCA Stock Car ranks. David Rieks was a happy camper with his win in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mike Morrill made his second trip of the season to the winner's circle in the Mod Lite division.
Mike Morrill was the first feature winner of the night, taking the win in the Mod Lites. Morrill came from ninth starting spot to take the lead at lap eight of the 15-lap main event. Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, just holding off third place finisher Randy Bryan. Fourth went to early leader Tim Gannon, and last week's winner Joe Glick was fifth. This was Morrill's second feature win of the year. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky fan in the stands.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 18-laps for their feature which was marred with caution flags. In the end it was Kyle Olson weathering all of those yellow flags and the restarts, to take home the feature win. Olson started sixth but had command of the race by the time lap three was scored. From there on he remained as captain of the ship, capturing his first win ever at the speedway. Brayton Carter had a good showing as he finished as the runner up after starting back in sixteenth starting spot, gave it a few peeks for a way around Olson, but had to be content with second. Cory Rose came from fourteenth starting spot, all the way to a third place finish, and Joe Docekal made it to fourth from a fifteenth start, and it was Tyler Soppe in fifth, all the way from seventeenth starting position.
The IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap A main went caution free....the only class that did.... with David Rieks leading all but that opening lap on his way to victory . Rieks pulled away as the race wound down, leaving Shannon Anderson to finish an unusual distant runner up. Leah Wroten, who had won last week, finished in third, Nathan Ballard came from eleventh starting spot to take fourth place, and Ray Fees rounded out the top five. Rieks was a happy camper in his victory lane interview with track announcer Jerry Vansickel.
Another first time win at Marshalltown came in the IMCA Stock Car class as Shawn Ritter led the 18-lap event from flag to flag. Ritter, who changed from the Modified division, was in just his third outing in his Stock Car, and went home with a victory. He also weathered several cautions during the race, but was never seriously threatened. Steve Meyer, who won the season opener, made great headway to finish as the runner up after starting in fourteenth place. Todd Reitzler took third over visiting driver John Oliver from Danville, Iowa in the far southeastern part of the state, who finished fourth, and rounding out the top five was Dave Atcher. The Stock Cars never disappoint, and they put on their usual "Class too Tough to Tame" entertaining race.
The IMCA Late Models opened up their season at the speedway for 2019 and in their 20-lap main event it was Justin Kay taking all the marbles. Kay jumped to the immediate lead and would lead all twenty laps to take the easy victory going away. The most interesting battle of the race was between Joel Callahan and Todd Cooney as they fought tooth and nail for position. It was Callahan winning the fight to take second place over Cooney in third. Curtis Glover came from tenth to take fourth, and Jeremiah Hurst completed the top five. The point season for the IMCA Late Models for 2019 was shortened this year with them running from the first full week in May to the final weekend of July.
The evening ended with the 20-lap IMCA Modified's A feature. Ronn Lauritzen started on the outside of the front row and shot to the lead when the race went green. He soon had the familiar #19 of Jimmy Gustin hot on his tail, and Joel Rust was coming fast. After a restart for a caution at lap four, Rust took off like a rocket and sailed to the top spot by the time lap five was in the books. From there on, Rust ran away and hid from his competition, and flew under the checkers to take the win nearly a half a lap ahead of his competition. Tim Ward took the runner up position, getting around third place Jimmy Gustin in the final lap after the two had had a spirited battle going on. Fourth went to tenth place starter Jeff Aikey, and early leader Lauritzen, took fifth.
A couple of drivers were in roll over incidents last evening...landing out of the racing surface. The J7B of Mod Lite driver Jon Braathun took a ride in the feature event, as did Joe Hofbauer in his Stock Car. Both drivers were okay.
The Positively Racing family was well represented at the Marshalltown Speedway last night. Head guru Jeff Broeg was in the house again, and even took a brief turn on the mic. It was also nice to see Danny Rosencrans all the way from Missouri making the long road trip up to watch the action last evening.
It was once again a pretty darn chilly night of sitting in the stands, but at least last evening the wind was too our backs which helps tremendously. I am still waiting anxiously for a night of not having to bundle up.
The next race at the Marshalltown Speedway will be on Thursday, May 9 for the Dale DeFrance Thursday Night Thunder Memorial. There will not be racing on Friday, May 10.
Get out and find a race somewhere to attend, and help support the sport we all love.
Mike Morrill was the first feature winner of the night, taking the win in the Mod Lites. Morrill came from ninth starting spot to take the lead at lap eight of the 15-lap main event. Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, just holding off third place finisher Randy Bryan. Fourth went to early leader Tim Gannon, and last week's winner Joe Glick was fifth. This was Morrill's second feature win of the year. He continued his tradition of giving his trophy to a lucky fan in the stands.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran 18-laps for their feature which was marred with caution flags. In the end it was Kyle Olson weathering all of those yellow flags and the restarts, to take home the feature win. Olson started sixth but had command of the race by the time lap three was scored. From there on he remained as captain of the ship, capturing his first win ever at the speedway. Brayton Carter had a good showing as he finished as the runner up after starting back in sixteenth starting spot, gave it a few peeks for a way around Olson, but had to be content with second. Cory Rose came from fourteenth starting spot, all the way to a third place finish, and Joe Docekal made it to fourth from a fifteenth start, and it was Tyler Soppe in fifth, all the way from seventeenth starting position.
The IMCA Hobby Stock 15-lap A main went caution free....the only class that did.... with David Rieks leading all but that opening lap on his way to victory . Rieks pulled away as the race wound down, leaving Shannon Anderson to finish an unusual distant runner up. Leah Wroten, who had won last week, finished in third, Nathan Ballard came from eleventh starting spot to take fourth place, and Ray Fees rounded out the top five. Rieks was a happy camper in his victory lane interview with track announcer Jerry Vansickel.
Another first time win at Marshalltown came in the IMCA Stock Car class as Shawn Ritter led the 18-lap event from flag to flag. Ritter, who changed from the Modified division, was in just his third outing in his Stock Car, and went home with a victory. He also weathered several cautions during the race, but was never seriously threatened. Steve Meyer, who won the season opener, made great headway to finish as the runner up after starting in fourteenth place. Todd Reitzler took third over visiting driver John Oliver from Danville, Iowa in the far southeastern part of the state, who finished fourth, and rounding out the top five was Dave Atcher. The Stock Cars never disappoint, and they put on their usual "Class too Tough to Tame" entertaining race.
The IMCA Late Models opened up their season at the speedway for 2019 and in their 20-lap main event it was Justin Kay taking all the marbles. Kay jumped to the immediate lead and would lead all twenty laps to take the easy victory going away. The most interesting battle of the race was between Joel Callahan and Todd Cooney as they fought tooth and nail for position. It was Callahan winning the fight to take second place over Cooney in third. Curtis Glover came from tenth to take fourth, and Jeremiah Hurst completed the top five. The point season for the IMCA Late Models for 2019 was shortened this year with them running from the first full week in May to the final weekend of July.
The evening ended with the 20-lap IMCA Modified's A feature. Ronn Lauritzen started on the outside of the front row and shot to the lead when the race went green. He soon had the familiar #19 of Jimmy Gustin hot on his tail, and Joel Rust was coming fast. After a restart for a caution at lap four, Rust took off like a rocket and sailed to the top spot by the time lap five was in the books. From there on, Rust ran away and hid from his competition, and flew under the checkers to take the win nearly a half a lap ahead of his competition. Tim Ward took the runner up position, getting around third place Jimmy Gustin in the final lap after the two had had a spirited battle going on. Fourth went to tenth place starter Jeff Aikey, and early leader Lauritzen, took fifth.
A couple of drivers were in roll over incidents last evening...landing out of the racing surface. The J7B of Mod Lite driver Jon Braathun took a ride in the feature event, as did Joe Hofbauer in his Stock Car. Both drivers were okay.
The Positively Racing family was well represented at the Marshalltown Speedway last night. Head guru Jeff Broeg was in the house again, and even took a brief turn on the mic. It was also nice to see Danny Rosencrans all the way from Missouri making the long road trip up to watch the action last evening.
It was once again a pretty darn chilly night of sitting in the stands, but at least last evening the wind was too our backs which helps tremendously. I am still waiting anxiously for a night of not having to bundle up.
The next race at the Marshalltown Speedway will be on Thursday, May 9 for the Dale DeFrance Thursday Night Thunder Memorial. There will not be racing on Friday, May 10.
Get out and find a race somewhere to attend, and help support the sport we all love.
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