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!
No comments:
Post a Comment