One of the most unique races in the country took place on Saturday night at the Boone Speedway with the running of the Hawkeye Challenge. Six divisions of cars, staggered by laps per class, and with one over all winner. This was in addition to the five regular classes of cars running their regular weekly events. Cruisers were off this week and next, but there was a return of Sprint cars.
The Hawkeye Challenge pitted six divisions of cars, the Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Mod Lites, and Sprints. Point leader from each class was locked in and passing points from the heats determined who else would be eligible for the Hawkeye Challenge. Whoever completed their specified number of laps first, would be the over all winner...Sprint Cars 25 laps, Modifieds 23 laps, SportMods 22 laps, Mod Lites 22 laps, Stock Cars 21 laps, and Hobby Stocks 20 laps. This race returned at the Boone Speedway last year for the first time in many years.
It was an exciting race to watch, but hard to keep track of where anyone was on the track. Thank goodness for transponders, and multiple scorers last evening.
Winners of each divisions were as follows: Sprint Car, DJ Palmer, Modified, Tim Ward, Stock Car, Donavon Smith, SportMod, Johnathon Logue, Hobby Stock, Mike Smith, and Mod Lite, Mike Kennedy. When the final calculations were completed, the over all winner of the Hawkeye Challenge was Northern SportMod racer, Johnathon Logue, who pocketed the $1,000 prize. Each division winner also won $500.
A check of the official results show that DJ Palmer and Mike Houseman, two Sprints car drivers came in second and third. Hunter Longnecker in the SportMod division was fourth, and Mike "The Busman" Kennedy took a top five in the Mod Lite division.
The regular feature racing of the evening began with the Mod Lites and their 15 lap main event. Cory Sonner started tenth on the field of cars and made his way quickly forward to take command on lap four. He had no trouble in keeping that lead as he stretched it out and took the checkers well ahead of second place Joe Glick. Jeff Stensland took third, Mike Kennedy was fourth, and Jon Braathun was fifth.
Sonner is the grandson of the late Gil Sonner...a legend in the Sprint Car world. He was the owner of the #47 Sprint Car that many a successful driver took to victory lane over the years. Cory Sonner, who carries that #47 on his ride, captured only his second win ever after getting his career first win under his belt at the Marshalltown Speedway earlier this year.
Johnathon Logue made it a perfect night as he took the feature win in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18 lap event after capturing the earlier Hawkeye Challenge victory. Logue came from eleventh starting spot, methodically worked his way through the field to catch leader Hunter Longnecker. The two ran side by side for several laps until Logue was able to make the pass for the lead on lap eleven. He then kept that top spot the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win. Longnecker kept the runner up spot, Dustin Lynch was third, Doug Smith was a very close fourth, and Cam Reimers rounded out the top five. This was Logue's third feature win of the 2020 season. He went home with three trophies on the night to add to his growing collection. He got two trophies in the Hawkeye Challenge...one for the division winner and the over all title, plus taking the night's feature.
The 20 lap IMCA Modified feature was plagued with yellow flags, but when all was said and done, it was Tim Ward standing in victory lane. Ward started ninth, managed to avoid some of the chaos on the track, and grabbed the lead away from Andy Tiernan with just four laps remaining. Ward then kept a tight hold on that number one position to take the double checkers and secure his first win at the track this year. Paul Nagle took second, Russ Dickerson came home in third place after starting in fifteenth, early leader Andy Tiernan was fourth, and Jimmy Gustin (in an out of the ordinary yellow ride) was the hard charger, coming from twenty-fourth to finish fifth.
The Class too Tough to Tame, the IMCA Stock Cars put on another of their typical action packed races. Tony Hofbauer got out of the gate quickly from starting fourth and had the lead by lap three. By lap seven, he had Jay Schmidt to contend with. Schmidt started twelfth, and was up to challenge the leader. Schmidt constantly looked underneath Hofbauer and it finally paid off. Just past the half way mark of the 20 lap event, he nosed under Hofbauer, taking advantage of that moisture still at the bottom of the track, and was able to grab the lead. The final handful of laps saw Schmidt stretch his lead and take the easy win. Hofbauer finished second, Tyler Pickett started tenth and finished third, fourth went to fourteenth place starter, Troy Jerovetz, and veteran racer Robert Stofer started thirteenth and finished fifth. This was Schmidt's second win at the track this year.
The 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stocks put a night cap on the racing. Pole sitter Braden Richards led the opening laps with Mike Smith tucking in right behind to run second. A tight battle ensued between the two until Smith was able to wrestle away the lead on lap seven....never to relinquish it the rest of the way to the checkers. Miciah Hidlebaugh made a late race surge to get around Richards as they finished second and third respectively. Solomon Bennett took fourth and Dylan Nelson rounded out the top five. This was Smith's second win of the year. Smith is the young teenage son of Stock Car racer David Smith.
Next Saturday, August 1, is the annual Watermelon Classic with a $1,000 to the winner of the Modified and Stock Car features and another $1,000 to the P1P sponsored Modified Challenge winner. The SportMods and Hobby Stock will race for $500. All other regular classes will also be in competition, except the Cruisers. Plus, all heat winners get a watermelon from Lawty!
As of right now, the 38th running of the IMCA Super Nationals September 7-12 is a go. The Prelude to the Super Nationals is also still scheduled for Saturday, September 5. Time will tell if all will proceed as usual during these unprecedented times. Fingers crossed!
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Carter takes third in a row, Tom Berry and Damon Murty go back to back
Friday was Caseys and Rumors Bar and Grill Salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement night at the Marshalltown Speedway, and a full night of racing action on a hot and sticky July evening.
Hometown boy, Darrel DeFrance got his second win this year when he captured the IMCA Late Model feature. Tom Berry, Jr. continues his domination at the track this year, taking win number five in the IMCA Modified division. Damon Murty took his third victory in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Brayton Carter made it three in a row in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Eric Knutson took the trophy home in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mike Morrill bounced back from his wild roll over last week, and came home to the checkers in the Mod Lites. The ladies took a turn on the track at the end of the night with the running of a Mod Lite Powder Puff. Jane Zehm got those bragging rights.
Things kicked off with the Mod Lite 15 lap main event. Joel Huggins led the first handful of laps, but Mike Morrill had his ride wound up on the topside and took command at lap six. From there on out, Morrill would circle the top of the speedway, stretch out his lead, and win going away. Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, last week's winner Tanner Gannon was third, fourth went to ninth place starter Randy Bryan, and Travis Stensland took fifth place. This was Morrill's first win at the High Banks this season. Morrill took a hard roll off the top of the track last week, and made the big turn around this week to step into the winner's circle.
IMCA Northern SportMods made their appearance next in an 18 lap feature race. Austin Kaplan snatched the lead away from pole sitter Brian Lepa at lap two and sailed away to a nice lead. Then the first yellow of the evening reared its ugly head at lap five. On the restart, Kaplan kept hold of the top spot, but by this time ninth place starter Brayton Carter was soon to be nipping at his heels. Kaplan led with Carter sizing him up lap after lap. The drivers ran side by side as the race neared completion, and with a lap to go, Carter would complete the pass coming out of turn four as the white flag waved. Carter kept the lead the remaining distance to the checkers. Kaplan had to be content with the runner up spot. Johnathon Logue came from tenth starting spot to finish in third. Fourth went to Austin Schrage, and Kyle Olson completed the top five. This marked "Speedy Bray's" third consecutive win at the track.
Eric Knutson stepped into Victory Lane for the first time this year in the IMCA Hobby Stock ranks. He had a bit of good luck after Nathan Ballard passed him for the lead on lap six, and had to be content to trail a good distance to the leader as the race progressed. His good fortune came about with just one lap remaining when Ballard suddenly slowed when he rolled a tire and was out of the race. Knutson took the checkers and the win, trailed by Eric Stanton, who came from twelfth starting spot to take second. Jacob Floyd ran at the front of the pack all race long and took third. William Klosterman finished fourth, and eleventh place starter Austin Mehmen rounded out the top five.
It was a popular win with the crowd when hometown boy Darrel DeFrance came home to the checkers when he won the 15 lap IMCA Late Model feature. DeFrance was running second to then leader Curtis Glover when on lap nine, Glover suddenly drove off the track as he exited turn two. DeFrance then held the lead the rest of the way to the finish line to seal his second win at the speedway this year. Dalton Simonsen finished in the runner up position, pole sitter Shawn Cooney took third, Ben Seeman came from fifteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and fifth went to Logan Duffy. There were fifteen Late Models racing last evening. Ryan Gustin's name was mentioned in both the heat and feature race, but he was no where to be seen last evening on the track.
Two drivers that love to run the topside put a show on for the fans in the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car main event. Todd Reitzler who started eighth, and Damon Murty who started tenth, wasted no time in getting to the front by lap four. Then it was a shoot out to see who would maneuver the High Banks the best on this particular night. Reitzler held the upper hand until the thirteenth lap when Murty made his move into the lead. The "Chelsea Charger" would then keep that lead the rest of the way to the checkers....marking back to back wins, and his third time in victory lane this year. Reitzler had to be satisfied with second place. Dustin Vis had a good run, coming from fifteenth to finish third. Steve Meyer and Dallon Murty completed the top five.
The final feature race of the evening was 20 laps of IMCA Modified fury. Tom Barry, Jr. would walk away with yet another victory....his fifth of the year in this race that went flag to flag. Barry started tenth, had the lead at lap eight, and then pulled away, leaving the field far behind. Ethan Braaksma, who got two wins this past week in the touring Dirt Knight's series, came from ninth starting spot to trail a distant second. Tim Ward went third, fourth was Gatlin Leythem, and Scott Simatovich was fifth.
I spoke too soon about there NOT being a yellow flag in all of the heats or the one B main in the Hobby Stocks. The yellows then flew frequently during some of the features. I'll bite my tongue from now on!
Another note of the evening. Eric Stanton made his first appearance at the track this season. He has 99 IMCA Hobby Stock wins.....seeking that elusive #100. He fell just a bit short last night, finishing second.
It was great to see Blake Anderson at the track last night. The Newton, Iowa native cut his announcing teeth back in the day helping out announcers as a Racing Rascal. He now calls Indianapolis home, and travels all over the country announcing races for the All Star Circuit of Champions. Oh, and his boss just happens to be Tony Stewart.
It was also great to visit with Logan and Ashley Kelly who stopped by after attending a wedding in the Des Moines area. The Kelly's home is Fairmont, Minnesota and they had a bit of a drive home last evening. Being in the Marshalltown area on a race night however, was too much of a temptation not to catch some racing action. Logan flags at numerous tracks and is also known to race his Hobby Stock now and then.
Next Friday, July 31 is Triple E Insulator Night at the Races, with racing in all divisions. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Find a race to attend as the season quickly winds down. We all need to do our part to support the racetracks and keep the sport we all love alive and well....dirt track racing.
Hometown boy, Darrel DeFrance got his second win this year when he captured the IMCA Late Model feature. Tom Berry, Jr. continues his domination at the track this year, taking win number five in the IMCA Modified division. Damon Murty took his third victory in the IMCA Stock Car class, and Brayton Carter made it three in a row in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Eric Knutson took the trophy home in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mike Morrill bounced back from his wild roll over last week, and came home to the checkers in the Mod Lites. The ladies took a turn on the track at the end of the night with the running of a Mod Lite Powder Puff. Jane Zehm got those bragging rights.
Things kicked off with the Mod Lite 15 lap main event. Joel Huggins led the first handful of laps, but Mike Morrill had his ride wound up on the topside and took command at lap six. From there on out, Morrill would circle the top of the speedway, stretch out his lead, and win going away. Joel Huggins finished as the runner up, last week's winner Tanner Gannon was third, fourth went to ninth place starter Randy Bryan, and Travis Stensland took fifth place. This was Morrill's first win at the High Banks this season. Morrill took a hard roll off the top of the track last week, and made the big turn around this week to step into the winner's circle.
IMCA Northern SportMods made their appearance next in an 18 lap feature race. Austin Kaplan snatched the lead away from pole sitter Brian Lepa at lap two and sailed away to a nice lead. Then the first yellow of the evening reared its ugly head at lap five. On the restart, Kaplan kept hold of the top spot, but by this time ninth place starter Brayton Carter was soon to be nipping at his heels. Kaplan led with Carter sizing him up lap after lap. The drivers ran side by side as the race neared completion, and with a lap to go, Carter would complete the pass coming out of turn four as the white flag waved. Carter kept the lead the remaining distance to the checkers. Kaplan had to be content with the runner up spot. Johnathon Logue came from tenth starting spot to finish in third. Fourth went to Austin Schrage, and Kyle Olson completed the top five. This marked "Speedy Bray's" third consecutive win at the track.
Eric Knutson stepped into Victory Lane for the first time this year in the IMCA Hobby Stock ranks. He had a bit of good luck after Nathan Ballard passed him for the lead on lap six, and had to be content to trail a good distance to the leader as the race progressed. His good fortune came about with just one lap remaining when Ballard suddenly slowed when he rolled a tire and was out of the race. Knutson took the checkers and the win, trailed by Eric Stanton, who came from twelfth starting spot to take second. Jacob Floyd ran at the front of the pack all race long and took third. William Klosterman finished fourth, and eleventh place starter Austin Mehmen rounded out the top five.
It was a popular win with the crowd when hometown boy Darrel DeFrance came home to the checkers when he won the 15 lap IMCA Late Model feature. DeFrance was running second to then leader Curtis Glover when on lap nine, Glover suddenly drove off the track as he exited turn two. DeFrance then held the lead the rest of the way to the finish line to seal his second win at the speedway this year. Dalton Simonsen finished in the runner up position, pole sitter Shawn Cooney took third, Ben Seeman came from fifteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and fifth went to Logan Duffy. There were fifteen Late Models racing last evening. Ryan Gustin's name was mentioned in both the heat and feature race, but he was no where to be seen last evening on the track.
Two drivers that love to run the topside put a show on for the fans in the 18 lap IMCA Stock Car main event. Todd Reitzler who started eighth, and Damon Murty who started tenth, wasted no time in getting to the front by lap four. Then it was a shoot out to see who would maneuver the High Banks the best on this particular night. Reitzler held the upper hand until the thirteenth lap when Murty made his move into the lead. The "Chelsea Charger" would then keep that lead the rest of the way to the checkers....marking back to back wins, and his third time in victory lane this year. Reitzler had to be satisfied with second place. Dustin Vis had a good run, coming from fifteenth to finish third. Steve Meyer and Dallon Murty completed the top five.
The final feature race of the evening was 20 laps of IMCA Modified fury. Tom Barry, Jr. would walk away with yet another victory....his fifth of the year in this race that went flag to flag. Barry started tenth, had the lead at lap eight, and then pulled away, leaving the field far behind. Ethan Braaksma, who got two wins this past week in the touring Dirt Knight's series, came from ninth starting spot to trail a distant second. Tim Ward went third, fourth was Gatlin Leythem, and Scott Simatovich was fifth.
I spoke too soon about there NOT being a yellow flag in all of the heats or the one B main in the Hobby Stocks. The yellows then flew frequently during some of the features. I'll bite my tongue from now on!
Another note of the evening. Eric Stanton made his first appearance at the track this season. He has 99 IMCA Hobby Stock wins.....seeking that elusive #100. He fell just a bit short last night, finishing second.
It was great to see Blake Anderson at the track last night. The Newton, Iowa native cut his announcing teeth back in the day helping out announcers as a Racing Rascal. He now calls Indianapolis home, and travels all over the country announcing races for the All Star Circuit of Champions. Oh, and his boss just happens to be Tony Stewart.
It was also great to visit with Logan and Ashley Kelly who stopped by after attending a wedding in the Des Moines area. The Kelly's home is Fairmont, Minnesota and they had a bit of a drive home last evening. Being in the Marshalltown area on a race night however, was too much of a temptation not to catch some racing action. Logan flags at numerous tracks and is also known to race his Hobby Stock now and then.
Next Friday, July 31 is Triple E Insulator Night at the Races, with racing in all divisions. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Find a race to attend as the season quickly winds down. We all need to do our part to support the racetracks and keep the sport we all love alive and well....dirt track racing.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Carter takes two at Caleb Hammond Memorial
It was back to the Southern Iowa Speedway last evening for the Caleb Hammond Memorial fair race. This race was in honor of the local young race fan who lost his battle with cancer a couple of years ago. The Modifieds were also in the house, and there was more money on the line across the board.
Ten Non-Wing Sprints were on hand for their ten lap main event, and a $350 was still hanging over Jonathan Hughes if someone could beat him. This looked to be the night as Newton, Iowa's Ben Woods made a first time appearance at the track, and immediately took the lead. Wood, who started fifth, would lead the entire race to take the checkers. Jonathan Hughes chased him much of the race to finish as the runner up. Third went to Mike Mayberry, Doug Sylvester was fourth, and Tyler Graves finished fifth. In the post race interview with announcer Jerry Mackey, Woods said it was only the second time he had raced as a Non-Wing. However, we heard later that Woods was disqualified for an infraction, thus the win going to second place finisher Jonathan Hughes! Hughes keeps his streak going, and the bounty is still in place!
There were ten Sport Compacts in the house last evening and it was a first timer at the track standing in Victory Lane at the conclusion of their ten lap main event. Winner Ryan Bryant came down from Mason City, Iowa to try his hand on the "Monster", and walked away with a cool $500. Bryant started sixth and took the lead at lap four, never to look back on his way to the checkers. He finished well ahead of second place finisher William Michel. Robbie Wilson made a last lap surge, going from fifth position, to finish third. Nathan Chandler was fourth, and Billy Cain rounded out the top five.
Fourteen laps of Hobby Stock racing followed next. Veteran racer Brad Stephens held the top spot early on with Dustin Griffiths and Aaron Martin pressuring the leader. A yellow at lap six and the resulting restart found Griffiths taking over the lead. Marengo, Iowa's Nathan Ballard finished in the runner up spot. Third place went to early leader Brad Stephens, Blake Henry and Aaron Martin completed the top five. Griffiths, has won five times at the speedway this year.
Fifteen year old Maguire DeJong got his second win of his career under his belt when he led the 16-lap SportMod feature wire to wire. The race, which went caution free, saw DeJong finish nearly a half-lap ahead of second place Logan Anderson. Curtis VanDerWal took third, Carter VanDenBerg finished fourth, and Colton Livezey was fifth. It was just back on June 24 when DeJong got his first win. Look for this youngster to have many more wins in his future.
It was great to have the Modifieds back at the big old half-mile last night. It was a redraw for the top finishers of the heats, and when Cayden Carter drew that lucky pill to start on the pole, most of us were thinking who would finish second. That was the case, as Carter would lead immediately and take the win in the flag-to-flag twenty-lap race. Trailing a distant second was Brandon Banks, Austin Paul took third, Garrett Brown was fourth, and Sam Wieben was fifth.
The Stock Cars were the night cap for the evening's racing. The Stock Cars, who are notorious for putting on a good show, had a good field of twenty-three cars in the house. Jason See started on the pole and held that top spot until lap five, when Derrick Agee took command. Agee's lead only lasted a few more laps, when he was suddenly off power and coasting into the infield. This handed the lead back to See. Meanwhile, the "Orange Crush" machine piloted by Cayden Carter was slicing through the field and reeling in the front runners. Lap fourteen would be when Carter made his persistence pay off, taking over the lead and keeping it the remaining distance to the flying checkers. Carter made it a two-fer night, capturing win number two on the night after his earlier Modified victory. See held the runner up position, Jason McDaniel finished third, Cedar Rapids, Iowa's Johnny Spaw came from row six to finish fourth, and Howard Gordon, Jr. was fifth.
There was a bit of a delay in the program last evening, when during the third heat of the Stock Cars, most of the lights went out! The only lights remaining on were on the west end of the track. The issue was soon discovered, and after about twenty-two minutes, the Musco Lights fired back up, and racing continued.
Next Wednesday night, July 29, is season championship night. It will also be Hall of Fame induction night to end the regular season racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway. However, mark your calendars for the Musco Lighting Fall Challenge scheduled for a two-night show on October 16-17.
Check the Positively Racing calendar for a race you may wish to attend. We all need to do our part in supporting the tracks, and the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Ten Non-Wing Sprints were on hand for their ten lap main event, and a $350 was still hanging over Jonathan Hughes if someone could beat him. This looked to be the night as Newton, Iowa's Ben Woods made a first time appearance at the track, and immediately took the lead. Wood, who started fifth, would lead the entire race to take the checkers. Jonathan Hughes chased him much of the race to finish as the runner up. Third went to Mike Mayberry, Doug Sylvester was fourth, and Tyler Graves finished fifth. In the post race interview with announcer Jerry Mackey, Woods said it was only the second time he had raced as a Non-Wing. However, we heard later that Woods was disqualified for an infraction, thus the win going to second place finisher Jonathan Hughes! Hughes keeps his streak going, and the bounty is still in place!
There were ten Sport Compacts in the house last evening and it was a first timer at the track standing in Victory Lane at the conclusion of their ten lap main event. Winner Ryan Bryant came down from Mason City, Iowa to try his hand on the "Monster", and walked away with a cool $500. Bryant started sixth and took the lead at lap four, never to look back on his way to the checkers. He finished well ahead of second place finisher William Michel. Robbie Wilson made a last lap surge, going from fifth position, to finish third. Nathan Chandler was fourth, and Billy Cain rounded out the top five.
Fourteen laps of Hobby Stock racing followed next. Veteran racer Brad Stephens held the top spot early on with Dustin Griffiths and Aaron Martin pressuring the leader. A yellow at lap six and the resulting restart found Griffiths taking over the lead. Marengo, Iowa's Nathan Ballard finished in the runner up spot. Third place went to early leader Brad Stephens, Blake Henry and Aaron Martin completed the top five. Griffiths, has won five times at the speedway this year.
Fifteen year old Maguire DeJong got his second win of his career under his belt when he led the 16-lap SportMod feature wire to wire. The race, which went caution free, saw DeJong finish nearly a half-lap ahead of second place Logan Anderson. Curtis VanDerWal took third, Carter VanDenBerg finished fourth, and Colton Livezey was fifth. It was just back on June 24 when DeJong got his first win. Look for this youngster to have many more wins in his future.
It was great to have the Modifieds back at the big old half-mile last night. It was a redraw for the top finishers of the heats, and when Cayden Carter drew that lucky pill to start on the pole, most of us were thinking who would finish second. That was the case, as Carter would lead immediately and take the win in the flag-to-flag twenty-lap race. Trailing a distant second was Brandon Banks, Austin Paul took third, Garrett Brown was fourth, and Sam Wieben was fifth.
The Stock Cars were the night cap for the evening's racing. The Stock Cars, who are notorious for putting on a good show, had a good field of twenty-three cars in the house. Jason See started on the pole and held that top spot until lap five, when Derrick Agee took command. Agee's lead only lasted a few more laps, when he was suddenly off power and coasting into the infield. This handed the lead back to See. Meanwhile, the "Orange Crush" machine piloted by Cayden Carter was slicing through the field and reeling in the front runners. Lap fourteen would be when Carter made his persistence pay off, taking over the lead and keeping it the remaining distance to the flying checkers. Carter made it a two-fer night, capturing win number two on the night after his earlier Modified victory. See held the runner up position, Jason McDaniel finished third, Cedar Rapids, Iowa's Johnny Spaw came from row six to finish fourth, and Howard Gordon, Jr. was fifth.
There was a bit of a delay in the program last evening, when during the third heat of the Stock Cars, most of the lights went out! The only lights remaining on were on the west end of the track. The issue was soon discovered, and after about twenty-two minutes, the Musco Lights fired back up, and racing continued.
Next Wednesday night, July 29, is season championship night. It will also be Hall of Fame induction night to end the regular season racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway. However, mark your calendars for the Musco Lighting Fall Challenge scheduled for a two-night show on October 16-17.
Check the Positively Racing calendar for a race you may wish to attend. We all need to do our part in supporting the tracks, and the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Marriott posts USMTS win with a little luck at Osky
There was almost a bit of normalcy last night when we pulled into the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. The Fair was running in full force per usual.....livestock, a carnival, live entertainment, displays, and food vendors. Of course, we were there for the first of two nights of racing in the grandstand. Todd Staley brought his USMTS series to the big old Monster Half-Mile.
The car count was short.... many local drivers did not show due to it not being a track points night, plus some of the traveling USRA support classes did not make the trip since we understand it was not one of their "Iron Man" shows. The night would also be marred by a horrific flip by a B-Mod on the backstretch, silencing the crowd.
There were only two Sport Compact drivers in the house last night. Yes...TWO. That did not make the victory by Robbie Wilson any less exciting. On just his first night out this year, Wilson piloted his ride to the checkers ahead of Billy Cain, marking his first career win.
Four Hobby Stocks were in the house. Dustin Griffiths would lead this one from start to finish, and step into victory lane for the fourth time this season. Aaron Martin would finish as the runner up. Jaydn Stevens came home in third place, and Rick Dusseldorp was fourth.
A dozen B-Mods came for a little mid-week action. This one did not start off well at all. After having two initial starts called back, the third time is usually the charm. Not so last night. The third try saw veteran racer from Moravia, Steve Ruepke take a horrific ride when he hit one of the big old white tractor tires coming out of turn two. He flipped wildly in the air, pieces flying everywhere, and a fire erupting. The race was red flagged immediately, and the crowd grew silent as rescue quickly got to the scene. The fans broke into cheers and claps when it was announced that Ruepke was out of the car and conscious. He was transported to the hospital.
When racing got underway after the red flag delay, it was Carter VanDenBerg leading the field in the opening laps, with cousin Brayton Carter nipping at his tail. Logan Anderson was on the hustle and moved into third. When a yellow flew at lap seven, Anderson flew into the lead on the restart. From there on he stretched his lead to take the checkers well ahead of the field and score the win. VanDenBerg (in a plain blue car which we would assume is a new chassis) finished as the runner up, Brayton Carter took third with Colton Livezey fourth, and Maguire DeJong rounding out the top five. This was Anderson's second trip to the winner's circle at Osky this season.
Eight Stock Cars came for some fun and games last evening. Cody Agee would lead the field to green but when it was all said and done, it would be brother Derrick Agee taking the checkers. Cody Agee and Dustin Griffiths jostled up front in the early going, but Derrick Agee quickly caught up to the two. At lap eight of the fifteen lapper, Derrick Agee had made the move into the lead. He would then fend off Dustin Griffiths to take his fourth win at the track this season. It was a close one at the line for third. My angle saw Nathan Wood a bit ahead of Cody Agee, but scoring said Agee took third, leaving Wood in fourth. Donnie Pearson completed the top five.
The headliner of the evening, the USMTS modifieds capped off the racing for the night. Fifteen cars, most from out of state, came to try and tame the Monster Half-Mile.
Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Oklahoma, started on the outside front row, and quickly grabbed the lead for the 25-lap event. Pole sitter, Hunter Marriott from Brookfield, Missouri settled in to run second. Ramirez, who was holding down second place in the national points battle was looking for his third win of the year as he maneuvered the half-mile flawlessly. Bad luck however, would bite Ramirez at lap fifteen, and he would be out of the race with mechanical issues. This handed the lead over to Marriott with ten laps remaining. He would go on to hold the top spot the rest of the way to score his fourth USMTS career win, and the second of the 2020 season. Point leader Rodney Sanders from Happy, Texas came home in second, Tanner Mullens, Wichita, Kansas took third place, Haysville, Kansas racer Tyler Davis was fourth, and Jason Hughes, Watts, Oklahoma finished fifth.
The USMTS series now moves to I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska for the 10th Annual Silver Dollar Nationals for a July 24-25 event. They will be sharing the spotlight with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
A few notes of the evening. Nathan Wood was back racing in the Stock Car class after having his ride destroyed a few weeks back. His new ride, a red Jet I believe, came on strong late in the race. Also, please keep Steve Ruepke in your thoughts and prayers after his horrific accident last evening.
We plan to be back at the Southern Iowa Speedway again tonight where it will be the weekly show as well as the Caleb Hammond Memorial race. The local youngster was a big fan of racing, who lost his battle with cancer a couple of years ago. The Modifieds will be joining the regular field of Wednesday night racers. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15, with racing to follow.
The car count was short.... many local drivers did not show due to it not being a track points night, plus some of the traveling USRA support classes did not make the trip since we understand it was not one of their "Iron Man" shows. The night would also be marred by a horrific flip by a B-Mod on the backstretch, silencing the crowd.
There were only two Sport Compact drivers in the house last night. Yes...TWO. That did not make the victory by Robbie Wilson any less exciting. On just his first night out this year, Wilson piloted his ride to the checkers ahead of Billy Cain, marking his first career win.
Four Hobby Stocks were in the house. Dustin Griffiths would lead this one from start to finish, and step into victory lane for the fourth time this season. Aaron Martin would finish as the runner up. Jaydn Stevens came home in third place, and Rick Dusseldorp was fourth.
A dozen B-Mods came for a little mid-week action. This one did not start off well at all. After having two initial starts called back, the third time is usually the charm. Not so last night. The third try saw veteran racer from Moravia, Steve Ruepke take a horrific ride when he hit one of the big old white tractor tires coming out of turn two. He flipped wildly in the air, pieces flying everywhere, and a fire erupting. The race was red flagged immediately, and the crowd grew silent as rescue quickly got to the scene. The fans broke into cheers and claps when it was announced that Ruepke was out of the car and conscious. He was transported to the hospital.
When racing got underway after the red flag delay, it was Carter VanDenBerg leading the field in the opening laps, with cousin Brayton Carter nipping at his tail. Logan Anderson was on the hustle and moved into third. When a yellow flew at lap seven, Anderson flew into the lead on the restart. From there on he stretched his lead to take the checkers well ahead of the field and score the win. VanDenBerg (in a plain blue car which we would assume is a new chassis) finished as the runner up, Brayton Carter took third with Colton Livezey fourth, and Maguire DeJong rounding out the top five. This was Anderson's second trip to the winner's circle at Osky this season.
Eight Stock Cars came for some fun and games last evening. Cody Agee would lead the field to green but when it was all said and done, it would be brother Derrick Agee taking the checkers. Cody Agee and Dustin Griffiths jostled up front in the early going, but Derrick Agee quickly caught up to the two. At lap eight of the fifteen lapper, Derrick Agee had made the move into the lead. He would then fend off Dustin Griffiths to take his fourth win at the track this season. It was a close one at the line for third. My angle saw Nathan Wood a bit ahead of Cody Agee, but scoring said Agee took third, leaving Wood in fourth. Donnie Pearson completed the top five.
The headliner of the evening, the USMTS modifieds capped off the racing for the night. Fifteen cars, most from out of state, came to try and tame the Monster Half-Mile.
Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Oklahoma, started on the outside front row, and quickly grabbed the lead for the 25-lap event. Pole sitter, Hunter Marriott from Brookfield, Missouri settled in to run second. Ramirez, who was holding down second place in the national points battle was looking for his third win of the year as he maneuvered the half-mile flawlessly. Bad luck however, would bite Ramirez at lap fifteen, and he would be out of the race with mechanical issues. This handed the lead over to Marriott with ten laps remaining. He would go on to hold the top spot the rest of the way to score his fourth USMTS career win, and the second of the 2020 season. Point leader Rodney Sanders from Happy, Texas came home in second, Tanner Mullens, Wichita, Kansas took third place, Haysville, Kansas racer Tyler Davis was fourth, and Jason Hughes, Watts, Oklahoma finished fifth.
The USMTS series now moves to I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska for the 10th Annual Silver Dollar Nationals for a July 24-25 event. They will be sharing the spotlight with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
A few notes of the evening. Nathan Wood was back racing in the Stock Car class after having his ride destroyed a few weeks back. His new ride, a red Jet I believe, came on strong late in the race. Also, please keep Steve Ruepke in your thoughts and prayers after his horrific accident last evening.
We plan to be back at the Southern Iowa Speedway again tonight where it will be the weekly show as well as the Caleb Hammond Memorial race. The local youngster was a big fan of racing, who lost his battle with cancer a couple of years ago. The Modifieds will be joining the regular field of Wednesday night racers. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15, with racing to follow.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Shryock finds elusive Victory Lane at Boone
A warm and humid night greeted the fans and drivers at the Boone Speedway on Saturday as 170 race cars packed the pits for some racing action.
Veteran racer Kelly Shryock would step into Victory Lane when he took the checkers in the IMCA Modified class. Devin Smith got a late race victory in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Dusty Lynch made a long awaited return to the winner's circle when he won the IMCA Northern SportMod feature event. Eric Knutson captured his third win of the season in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Tanner Gannon won for the first time this year when he took the checkers in the Mod Lites. The Outlaw Mini Mods were on tap for the evening as their traveling series came to town. Kelly Steele took home the win in that class. There was a new duo of winners in the two-person Cruisers with Jeremy Bruce and Shannon Swallow going home with that trophy. The usual winners of Mason and Agan took a tumble off of turn four. They were both okay, as were their light sticks mounted on the trunk, which continued to flash!
The Mod Lites kicked off the night's feature racing with a 15-lap feature. Tanner Gannon would lead this one from wire to wire to secure his first victory of the season at the speedway. It was tight racing behind the winner as cars fought for position, with Randy Bryan winning the battle to take the runner up spot. Close behind in third place was Mike Kennedy who had started in ninth position, fourth went to Bryan Zehm, last week's winner, and tenth place starter Travis Stensland rounded out the top five. This was Gannon's first win at the track this season. Gannon is the grandson of the late Dave Farren, a racing legend in the state of Iowa.
The touring series of Outlaw Mini Mods ran a 15-lap feature next. Kelly Steele made the long trip down from International Falls, Minnesota (right on the Canadian border) and made it pay off when he won the main event. Another International Falls racer, Tyler Jonson started fifth and took the runner up position. Scott Johnson, Owatonna, Minnesota would lead briefly but fell back to finish in third place. Logan Brown, Clear Lake, Iowa took fourth place, and Michael Bryant, Mason City, Iowa finished fifth. And yet another International Falls racer, Justin Besch, took sixth place.
After a call back on the initial start of the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap A main, the race would go green to checkers. Robert Moore was looking to win his first feature as he pulled away in the early portion of the race. However, Dusty Lynch was reeling in the leader lap after lap and at lap fifteen, made the pass into the lead. Lynch then held that lead the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Moore had to settle for the runner up spot....his first win at Boone still to be met. Cory Pestotnik started eighth, and finished a close third. Twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue took fourth, and ninth place starter Dusty Masolini completed the top five positions. Lynch took his first win in the SportMod class after jumping up from running Hobby Stocks a few years back.
Kelly Shryock stated in Victory Lane that it had been a long time coming to get a feature win at the Boone Speedway, but at the end of the 20-lap feature for the IMCA Modifieds, that is just what he did. Shryock had to fend off some tough competition close behind him much of the race as Randy Havlik, Paul Nagle and visiting racer from Corbett, Oregon, Collen Winebarger jousted for position. Paul Nagle made the move around Randy Havlik in the closing laps as they finished second and third respectively. Winebarger would take fourth place and fellow Oregonian, Grey Ferrando from Stayton, took fifth. Though this win was finally a goal met for Shryock, no doubt he is still hungry for that one win at Boone that would be sweeter...winning a Super Nationals title. He has been ever so close on numerous occasions, but it still eludes him.
The 20-lap IMCA Stock Car feature was a real nail bitter right down to the final moments. Justin Nehring and Jay Schmidt got out in front early and were content to let the rest of the field fight it out behind them. Devin Smith would finally break out of the pack of cars and began the chase to catch the leaders. He did so with just a few laps remaining, and with the help of a lap car on the final circuit, Smith dove low and stuck it to sneak around both Nehring and Schmidt and beat them to the checkers first. Jay Schmidt took second place and Justin Nehring took third. Two of the winner's brothers would complete the top five with Donavon Smith taking fourth, and David Smith coming home in fifth. This was Devin Smith's second feature win of the season.
Eric Knutson made a charge through the pack of IMCA Hobby Stocks, starting eleventh, and grabbing the lead on lap ten of the 15-lap event. Dylan Nelson took several peeks in the closing laps for a way around Knutson, but would fall short and have to settle for second behind winner Knutson. Aaron Rudolph came home in third place, Jack Phillips took fourth, and pole sitter Shane Butler was fifth. This marked Knutson's third visit to the winner's circle in 2020.
It was a night that saw both "Superman", and "Elvis" in the field of cars at the Boone Speedway. Collen Winebarger, the Oregon driver who drives the "S" car with the Superman symbol was joined by Joey Franklin, Las Vegas, Nevada racer who is an Elvis impersonator. The Flying Hall Brothers were also in the house making it a memorable night of racing.
Find a race to attend and help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Murty takes $1,000 win, Richards collects bounty money and first career win
It was Balmer Racing Night at the Marshalltown Speedway Friday night and $1,000 pay off for the IMCA Stock Cars. "The Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty went home $1,000 richer when he took the checkers. Braden Richards took the bounty money in the IMCA Hobby Stocks as well as getting his first career win. Tom Berry, Jr. took the victory in the IMCA Modified division, and Brayton Carter made it back to back wins in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Logan Duffy captured his second win of the season in the IMCA Late Model class, and Tanner Gannon got his first win of the season in the Mod Lites.
Tanner Gannon took the lead on lap three of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, and from there on, never looked back on his way to the checkers. Cory Sonner, who started eighth, chased Gannon for much of the event, but finished a distant second place. Randy Bryan came from tenth starting place to finish third, fourth went to early leader Jeff Stensland, and Bryan Zehm rounded out the top five.
"Speedy Bray", Brayton Carter started tenth on the grid in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest, and with just a handful of laps in the books, he had the lead. He would then hold it the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win...his second in a row. Eleventh place starter Johnathon Logue would finish as the runner up. Third place went to Kyle Olson, a hard charging Austin Schrage came from twenty-first place to finish an impressive fourth, and Jenae Gustin took fifth.
There was a $350 bounty hanging over the head of the unbeaten Kaden Reynolds going into the night's 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. By the end of the race, that bounty would be claimed, and the driver who did it would have his first ever win under his belt. Always a great thing to witness as young drivers begin their careers behind the wheel.
Braden Richards started on the outside front row for the start of the Hobby Stock race, and immediately claimed the lead. Richards navigated the High Banks at the front of the pack lap after lap as Brett Vanous began reeling him in. A slight bobble coming out of turn four at lap thirteen allowed Vanous to take the top spot away. A late yellow then sent the race into a green-white-checkered finish. Vanous kept hold of the top spot as the white flag flew, but a slide by Richards out of turn four as the checkers unfurled, got him the momentum to push him across the finish line first. Vanous had to settle for second, third went to nineteenth place starter, veteran Bill Bonnett, Solomon Bennett started fifteenth, and finished fourth, and Kaden Reynolds rallied back from an early race incident, had to tag the field, but still finished fifth. Richards not only collected the $350 bounty money, but also his first career win. Richards is the son of stock car veteran, "Hot Rod" Richards.
The IMCA Late Models ran a 15-lap feature next. Jill George took the lead as the race went green, and continued holding that top spot as Logan Duffy started reeling her in. Lap eight found Duffy succeeding in his quest and then pulled away from the field on his way to the checkers and the win. Dalton Simonsen got around Jill George in the closing moments, as they finished second and third respectively. Darrel DeFrance came from tenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Curt Schroeder completed the top five. This was Duffy's second victory at the speedway this year. He is the grandson of Iowa's legendary Gary Crawford.
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20-lap feature caution free. Zack Rawlins led the field in the early portion of the race, but Jeff Aikey took to the top of the track, and flew by and into the lead with fourteen laps to go. Meanwhile, Tom Barry, Jr. was charging through the field, and caught Aikey and began applying the pressure. Berry made the pass down the backstretch, and took the lead at lap twelve. He then pull away, slicing and dicing through traffic, to score his fourth feature win at the track this season. Aikey finished as the runner up, third went to Paul Nagel, Tim Ward came from thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and twelfth place starter Kollin Hibdon was fifth. Tom Barry just may be the next driver with a bounty hanging over his head as he has seemed to claim the track as his own this season.
The featured race of the evening was the 20-lap event for the IMCA Stock Cars, with $1,000 check awaiting the winner. It was a draw/redraw format for the special event. Veteran racer Robert Stofer led the opening laps, but soon had a flying Damon Murty coming fast on the topside, and running him down. On lap four, Murty took command, sailing to the lead. A caution flag at lap nine saw Stofer briefly take back the lead on the restart, only to have Murty come right back around and into the lead, keeping it to the checkers and the $1,000 payday. Dusty Vis took the runner up spot, Steve Meyer made a late race charge to finish third, Kenzie Ritter had a good run and finished fourth, and David Brandies came home in fifth.
It was a warm one Friday night but the drivers came out in full force as did the fans. There were 128 cars checked into the pits....some of which by the end of the night, limped or were towed off the track. A couple of drivers, "left the ball park" as they flew off the track in incidents. New driver to the track, Thomas Stevens in the Late Model class, found himself on his lid when a pesky track tire caused his "oops". SportMod racer Chris Burke also took a roll over ride during the feature. All drivers were thankfully okay.
As we returned to our vehicle after the night's racing, the car parked beside us had just discovered they had a flat tire. Though we could do no more than offer the use of a flashlight, and a bit of moral support, what better place than a race track to get help to change a tire with just a call to the pits!
Racing continues next Friday night when it will be Casey's and Rumors Bar & Grill Salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement at the races. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Check the calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Help support the sport we all love, dirt track racing.
Tanner Gannon took the lead on lap three of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, and from there on, never looked back on his way to the checkers. Cory Sonner, who started eighth, chased Gannon for much of the event, but finished a distant second place. Randy Bryan came from tenth starting place to finish third, fourth went to early leader Jeff Stensland, and Bryan Zehm rounded out the top five.
"Speedy Bray", Brayton Carter started tenth on the grid in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest, and with just a handful of laps in the books, he had the lead. He would then hold it the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win...his second in a row. Eleventh place starter Johnathon Logue would finish as the runner up. Third place went to Kyle Olson, a hard charging Austin Schrage came from twenty-first place to finish an impressive fourth, and Jenae Gustin took fifth.
There was a $350 bounty hanging over the head of the unbeaten Kaden Reynolds going into the night's 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. By the end of the race, that bounty would be claimed, and the driver who did it would have his first ever win under his belt. Always a great thing to witness as young drivers begin their careers behind the wheel.
Braden Richards started on the outside front row for the start of the Hobby Stock race, and immediately claimed the lead. Richards navigated the High Banks at the front of the pack lap after lap as Brett Vanous began reeling him in. A slight bobble coming out of turn four at lap thirteen allowed Vanous to take the top spot away. A late yellow then sent the race into a green-white-checkered finish. Vanous kept hold of the top spot as the white flag flew, but a slide by Richards out of turn four as the checkers unfurled, got him the momentum to push him across the finish line first. Vanous had to settle for second, third went to nineteenth place starter, veteran Bill Bonnett, Solomon Bennett started fifteenth, and finished fourth, and Kaden Reynolds rallied back from an early race incident, had to tag the field, but still finished fifth. Richards not only collected the $350 bounty money, but also his first career win. Richards is the son of stock car veteran, "Hot Rod" Richards.
The IMCA Late Models ran a 15-lap feature next. Jill George took the lead as the race went green, and continued holding that top spot as Logan Duffy started reeling her in. Lap eight found Duffy succeeding in his quest and then pulled away from the field on his way to the checkers and the win. Dalton Simonsen got around Jill George in the closing moments, as they finished second and third respectively. Darrel DeFrance came from tenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Curt Schroeder completed the top five. This was Duffy's second victory at the speedway this year. He is the grandson of Iowa's legendary Gary Crawford.
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20-lap feature caution free. Zack Rawlins led the field in the early portion of the race, but Jeff Aikey took to the top of the track, and flew by and into the lead with fourteen laps to go. Meanwhile, Tom Barry, Jr. was charging through the field, and caught Aikey and began applying the pressure. Berry made the pass down the backstretch, and took the lead at lap twelve. He then pull away, slicing and dicing through traffic, to score his fourth feature win at the track this season. Aikey finished as the runner up, third went to Paul Nagel, Tim Ward came from thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and twelfth place starter Kollin Hibdon was fifth. Tom Barry just may be the next driver with a bounty hanging over his head as he has seemed to claim the track as his own this season.
The featured race of the evening was the 20-lap event for the IMCA Stock Cars, with $1,000 check awaiting the winner. It was a draw/redraw format for the special event. Veteran racer Robert Stofer led the opening laps, but soon had a flying Damon Murty coming fast on the topside, and running him down. On lap four, Murty took command, sailing to the lead. A caution flag at lap nine saw Stofer briefly take back the lead on the restart, only to have Murty come right back around and into the lead, keeping it to the checkers and the $1,000 payday. Dusty Vis took the runner up spot, Steve Meyer made a late race charge to finish third, Kenzie Ritter had a good run and finished fourth, and David Brandies came home in fifth.
It was a warm one Friday night but the drivers came out in full force as did the fans. There were 128 cars checked into the pits....some of which by the end of the night, limped or were towed off the track. A couple of drivers, "left the ball park" as they flew off the track in incidents. New driver to the track, Thomas Stevens in the Late Model class, found himself on his lid when a pesky track tire caused his "oops". SportMod racer Chris Burke also took a roll over ride during the feature. All drivers were thankfully okay.
As we returned to our vehicle after the night's racing, the car parked beside us had just discovered they had a flat tire. Though we could do no more than offer the use of a flashlight, and a bit of moral support, what better place than a race track to get help to change a tire with just a call to the pits!
Racing continues next Friday night when it will be Casey's and Rumors Bar & Grill Salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement at the races. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Check the calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Help support the sport we all love, dirt track racing.
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Rust, Carter, Dallon Murty, and Bryan win, Reynolds stays unbeaten in Hobby Stocks
Rain on Thursday washed out what was to be the first of two races at the Marshalltown Speedway this week, when the Dale DeFrance Memorial race, as well as the 500th and final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race, fell victim to the rain. That race will be made up on September 17, the first of three consecutive nights of the annual World Nationals. Friday's show was Williamson Repair Night at the speedway, and went on as usual.
It was a Fast Shafts Qualifier for the IMCA Modifieds in a draw/redraw format, and a $1,000 payday for the winner. Joel Rust would take home that win. Brayton Carter won going away in the IMCA Karl Kustoms Northern SportMod feature. Young Dallon Murty put on quite a show for the fans when he won the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car main event. Kaden Reynolds continues with his perfect season in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks....but under strange circumstances, and Randy Bryan went home with his first win of the season at the High Banks in the Mod Lites.
Randy Bryan started seventh in the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, swung to the topside of the track, and took the lead by lap five. Cory Sonner and Johnathan Braathun dogged the leader for much of the race....the final circuits finding Braathun peeking under the high running Bryan in a last ditch challenge, but could only chase winner Bryan across the finish line in second place. Cory Sonner finished in third, Zac Forster, Bakersfield, California, started eleventh and finished fourth, and Ryan Mills, Des Moines, Iowa, was fifth. This was Bryan's first win of the 2020 season at the speedway.
Just as the race began for the Mod Lites, Mike Morrill took a violent tumble off the top of the track between turns three and four....before the first lap had been scored. He was only one of several drivers rolling over last evening, all of which were thankfully okay. Matt Wahl rolled his Hobby Stock several times during his heat when the driveshaft dug into the dirt. William Russell followed that up in the very next heat for the Stock Cars when he took a hard roll off of turn two. Both cars suffered severe damage.
The IMCA SportMods rolled to the track next for their 18-lap feature. Polesitter Dylan VanWyk shot off to the lead immediately, but by lap two, it was eighth place starter, and cousin, Brayton Carter on his tail. Carter saw his chance as lap six was about to be scored when he swung under VanWyk to take over the lead. From there on, Carter would stretch out his lead to take the easy win. VanWyk was scored in second, third went to tenth place starter Jenae Gustin, fourth was Tony Olson, and Johnathon Logue came from eleventh starting spot to finish fifth. This was Carter's first trip to victory lane this year.
The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap A main next....and the way the cars crossed under the checkers did not reflect the final outcome. Mike Kincaid pushed his fast hot rod from twelfth starting spot and into the lead at lap six, and then would pull away to cross the finish line first. Following him across to finish in second, was fourteenth place starter Austin Mehmen. Unbeaten so far this season, Kaden Reynolds started dead last in twenty-fourth position, and crossed in third place. Fourth place finisher Solomon Bennett came from eleventh starting spot, and Aaron Rudolph came from twentieth, and crossed in fifth place. However, winner Kincaid, as well as second place finisher Mehmen did not pass post race inspection. This would then hand over the win to Kaden Reynolds....keeping his string of five races in a row, and a perfect season going. Solomon Bennett was then awarded the runner up spot, Aaron Rudolph was third, Gary Pfantz fourth, and veteran racer Bill Bonnett would complete the official top five. Word is that Reynolds luck fell a bit short later on, as he had his carburetor claimed.
Lady racer Leah Wroten would lead the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature, holding off Dusty Vis. When a yellow flew at lap thirteen, Wroten was still in command, Vis in second, and now ninth place starter, young Dallon Murty was setting in third. That restart was all it took for young Murty to seize the moment, taking the lead just before lap fourteen was scored. The closing laps would find Murty pulling away to score the win well ahead of second place Dusty Vis. Todd Reitzler took third, fourth went to early leader Leah Wroten, and the winner's father, Damon Murty chalked up a fifth place finish. This was Dallon Murty's first win at the track this year.
There was not only a $1,000 waiting for the winner of the 25-lap IMCA Modified feature, but also a chance to be on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational at the IMCA Super Nationals. Tim Ward wasted no time in getting to the front from his second row starting position, sweeping to the lead by lap three after going topside. Ward continued his run at the front of the pack, and stretching his lead. However a caution at lap ten would tighten the field, and by this time twelfth place starter Joel Rust had made his way into second place. When the race restarted, it was a close fought battle between the two, until Rust took command at lap fifteen. From there on it was Rust out in front the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Ward had to be content with the runner up spot. Tom Berry, Jr. came from seventeenth to finish third, fourth was Kollin Hibdon, and Ethan Braaksma, in his brand new Rage, hard charged through the field from starting twenty-second to complete the top five. This was Rust's second win at Marshalltown this year. He did it the hard way. He drew the worst pill for the heat races, starting last in the last heat. Then after being able to redraw by taking third in that heat, he turned around and drew the #12 pill for the starting feature.
It was another hot July night for racing, but with 122 cars in the pits, sans the Late Model class last night, it shows the drivers are eager to race, and the fans came out to support them during these unprecedented times. Find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
It was a Fast Shafts Qualifier for the IMCA Modifieds in a draw/redraw format, and a $1,000 payday for the winner. Joel Rust would take home that win. Brayton Carter won going away in the IMCA Karl Kustoms Northern SportMod feature. Young Dallon Murty put on quite a show for the fans when he won the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car main event. Kaden Reynolds continues with his perfect season in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks....but under strange circumstances, and Randy Bryan went home with his first win of the season at the High Banks in the Mod Lites.
Randy Bryan started seventh in the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, swung to the topside of the track, and took the lead by lap five. Cory Sonner and Johnathan Braathun dogged the leader for much of the race....the final circuits finding Braathun peeking under the high running Bryan in a last ditch challenge, but could only chase winner Bryan across the finish line in second place. Cory Sonner finished in third, Zac Forster, Bakersfield, California, started eleventh and finished fourth, and Ryan Mills, Des Moines, Iowa, was fifth. This was Bryan's first win of the 2020 season at the speedway.
Just as the race began for the Mod Lites, Mike Morrill took a violent tumble off the top of the track between turns three and four....before the first lap had been scored. He was only one of several drivers rolling over last evening, all of which were thankfully okay. Matt Wahl rolled his Hobby Stock several times during his heat when the driveshaft dug into the dirt. William Russell followed that up in the very next heat for the Stock Cars when he took a hard roll off of turn two. Both cars suffered severe damage.
The IMCA SportMods rolled to the track next for their 18-lap feature. Polesitter Dylan VanWyk shot off to the lead immediately, but by lap two, it was eighth place starter, and cousin, Brayton Carter on his tail. Carter saw his chance as lap six was about to be scored when he swung under VanWyk to take over the lead. From there on, Carter would stretch out his lead to take the easy win. VanWyk was scored in second, third went to tenth place starter Jenae Gustin, fourth was Tony Olson, and Johnathon Logue came from eleventh starting spot to finish fifth. This was Carter's first trip to victory lane this year.
The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap A main next....and the way the cars crossed under the checkers did not reflect the final outcome. Mike Kincaid pushed his fast hot rod from twelfth starting spot and into the lead at lap six, and then would pull away to cross the finish line first. Following him across to finish in second, was fourteenth place starter Austin Mehmen. Unbeaten so far this season, Kaden Reynolds started dead last in twenty-fourth position, and crossed in third place. Fourth place finisher Solomon Bennett came from eleventh starting spot, and Aaron Rudolph came from twentieth, and crossed in fifth place. However, winner Kincaid, as well as second place finisher Mehmen did not pass post race inspection. This would then hand over the win to Kaden Reynolds....keeping his string of five races in a row, and a perfect season going. Solomon Bennett was then awarded the runner up spot, Aaron Rudolph was third, Gary Pfantz fourth, and veteran racer Bill Bonnett would complete the official top five. Word is that Reynolds luck fell a bit short later on, as he had his carburetor claimed.
Lady racer Leah Wroten would lead the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature, holding off Dusty Vis. When a yellow flew at lap thirteen, Wroten was still in command, Vis in second, and now ninth place starter, young Dallon Murty was setting in third. That restart was all it took for young Murty to seize the moment, taking the lead just before lap fourteen was scored. The closing laps would find Murty pulling away to score the win well ahead of second place Dusty Vis. Todd Reitzler took third, fourth went to early leader Leah Wroten, and the winner's father, Damon Murty chalked up a fifth place finish. This was Dallon Murty's first win at the track this year.
There was not only a $1,000 waiting for the winner of the 25-lap IMCA Modified feature, but also a chance to be on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational at the IMCA Super Nationals. Tim Ward wasted no time in getting to the front from his second row starting position, sweeping to the lead by lap three after going topside. Ward continued his run at the front of the pack, and stretching his lead. However a caution at lap ten would tighten the field, and by this time twelfth place starter Joel Rust had made his way into second place. When the race restarted, it was a close fought battle between the two, until Rust took command at lap fifteen. From there on it was Rust out in front the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Ward had to be content with the runner up spot. Tom Berry, Jr. came from seventeenth to finish third, fourth was Kollin Hibdon, and Ethan Braaksma, in his brand new Rage, hard charged through the field from starting twenty-second to complete the top five. This was Rust's second win at Marshalltown this year. He did it the hard way. He drew the worst pill for the heat races, starting last in the last heat. Then after being able to redraw by taking third in that heat, he turned around and drew the #12 pill for the starting feature.
It was another hot July night for racing, but with 122 cars in the pits, sans the Late Model class last night, it shows the drivers are eager to race, and the fans came out to support them during these unprecedented times. Find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Carter takes bounty on Agee, Hughes stays perfect
It was a hot and sticky night for racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway Wednesday, and a short car count as well as a light crowd. The drivers had voted for the races to run however, despite the heat warning, the Monster Half-Mile got its sixth race of the season in the books.
Jonathan Hughes would keep his streak in the non wing Sprints going, the bounty going unclaimed. Cayden Carter on the other hand, claimed the $100 bounty on Derrick Agee when he took the Stock Car win. Dustin Griffiths got back to his winning ways, snagging the Hobby Stock feature event, as did Curtis Van Der Wal when he took the checkers in the SportMod Division, and Billy Cain made it win #2 for the season in the Sport Compact class.
No one was about to get the $250 bounty on Jonathan Hughes last evening. He won the Non-Wing Sprint feature by half a lap. He started third, and had the lead immediately. Kelly Graham took second followed by Garrett Alexander in third, Doug Sylvester was fourth, Tyler Graves fifth, and Lance Silvers was sixth. Next week, there will be a $300 bonus for anyone that can beat Jonathan Hughes. Hughes has won six in a row this year at the track....working on a perfect season.
Curtis Van Der Wal had things back on track last night, winning the SportMod 16-lap feature going away. He led all caution free laps to take the checkers. Youngster Maguire DeJong finished as the runner up. Last week's winner Logan Anderson took third, Steve Berry was fourth, and veteran racer Steve Ruepke rounded out the top five.
Billy Cain claimed his second win of the season by taking the checkers in the Sport Compact division. Last week's winner Tyler Haring was appearing to be on his way to victory when he developed mechanical issues while leading and dropped out of the race. Seth Meinders took the runner up spot, Dalton Sowers was third, followed by Kevin Garrett in fourth and James Haring in fifth.
Dustin Griffiths took home the trophy in the Hobby Stock class when he won the 14-lap feature event. Griffiths snatched the lead away from Rick VanDusseldorp at lap three. However, VanDusseldrop never let the leader rest as he persistently pestered him the remainder of the race, peeking low for a way around. It wasn't to be though, as Griffiths raced home to the checkers and the win...his third of the season. VanDusseldorp had to be content with second place, Brad Stephens finished third, fourth going to Jesse Williams, and Aaron Martin completed the top five.
The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car racing. Derrick Agee was going for his fourth win in a row and a $100 bounty had been placed on his head. That extra $100 incentive would pay off for Cayden Carter who was back racing the "Orange Crush" machine. Carter led all laps on his way to victory. Derrick Agee was right on his tail the entire time however as the two pulled away from the field. He looked for anyway around leader Carter, but had nothing for him, and had to be satisfied with the runner up spot last night. Following a distant third was Howard Gordon, Jr., Mike Petersen, in his first appearance at the track, was fourth, and Jason McDaniel was fifth.
A special thanks to Saif Grafke and company from Dirt n Asphalt for handing out cold water to the drivers, infield workers, and fans last evening. It was a great gesture on their part, and one that was greatly appreciated.
Next week will be Hall of Fame induction night, with Carl Vander Wal, Dan Dickey, and Tim Folkerts joining the prestigious names already voted in. It was announced last evening that a fourth inductee, I believe being added by the three new inductees, will be former flagman Engel DeKock. Announcer Jerry Mackey also announced that he will be joined on the mic by an already Hall of Famer....Bobby Greiner, Jr. which should no doubt, add to the evenings entertainment. Hot laps are 7:15 with racing scheduled for 7:45.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Jonathan Hughes would keep his streak in the non wing Sprints going, the bounty going unclaimed. Cayden Carter on the other hand, claimed the $100 bounty on Derrick Agee when he took the Stock Car win. Dustin Griffiths got back to his winning ways, snagging the Hobby Stock feature event, as did Curtis Van Der Wal when he took the checkers in the SportMod Division, and Billy Cain made it win #2 for the season in the Sport Compact class.
No one was about to get the $250 bounty on Jonathan Hughes last evening. He won the Non-Wing Sprint feature by half a lap. He started third, and had the lead immediately. Kelly Graham took second followed by Garrett Alexander in third, Doug Sylvester was fourth, Tyler Graves fifth, and Lance Silvers was sixth. Next week, there will be a $300 bonus for anyone that can beat Jonathan Hughes. Hughes has won six in a row this year at the track....working on a perfect season.
Curtis Van Der Wal had things back on track last night, winning the SportMod 16-lap feature going away. He led all caution free laps to take the checkers. Youngster Maguire DeJong finished as the runner up. Last week's winner Logan Anderson took third, Steve Berry was fourth, and veteran racer Steve Ruepke rounded out the top five.
Billy Cain claimed his second win of the season by taking the checkers in the Sport Compact division. Last week's winner Tyler Haring was appearing to be on his way to victory when he developed mechanical issues while leading and dropped out of the race. Seth Meinders took the runner up spot, Dalton Sowers was third, followed by Kevin Garrett in fourth and James Haring in fifth.
Dustin Griffiths took home the trophy in the Hobby Stock class when he won the 14-lap feature event. Griffiths snatched the lead away from Rick VanDusseldorp at lap three. However, VanDusseldrop never let the leader rest as he persistently pestered him the remainder of the race, peeking low for a way around. It wasn't to be though, as Griffiths raced home to the checkers and the win...his third of the season. VanDusseldorp had to be content with second place, Brad Stephens finished third, fourth going to Jesse Williams, and Aaron Martin completed the top five.
The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car racing. Derrick Agee was going for his fourth win in a row and a $100 bounty had been placed on his head. That extra $100 incentive would pay off for Cayden Carter who was back racing the "Orange Crush" machine. Carter led all laps on his way to victory. Derrick Agee was right on his tail the entire time however as the two pulled away from the field. He looked for anyway around leader Carter, but had nothing for him, and had to be satisfied with the runner up spot last night. Following a distant third was Howard Gordon, Jr., Mike Petersen, in his first appearance at the track, was fourth, and Jason McDaniel was fifth.
A special thanks to Saif Grafke and company from Dirt n Asphalt for handing out cold water to the drivers, infield workers, and fans last evening. It was a great gesture on their part, and one that was greatly appreciated.
Next week will be Hall of Fame induction night, with Carl Vander Wal, Dan Dickey, and Tim Folkerts joining the prestigious names already voted in. It was announced last evening that a fourth inductee, I believe being added by the three new inductees, will be former flagman Engel DeKock. Announcer Jerry Mackey also announced that he will be joined on the mic by an already Hall of Famer....Bobby Greiner, Jr. which should no doubt, add to the evenings entertainment. Hot laps are 7:15 with racing scheduled for 7:45.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Independence Day wins to Havlik and Ryerson
Boone Speedway celebrated with driver and fans alike on Saturday. The usual weekly racing was on tap, minus the IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Cruisers, but more fun and games thrown in for the 4th of July. Two drivers would get their first wins of the season, Randy Havlik in the IMCA Modifieds, and Chad Ryerson won in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Troy Jerovetz snagged his third IMCA Stock Car win, and Bryan Zehm scored his second win of the season in the Mod Lites. The Independence Day spectacular also included a roll over contest, leap of death, and a night ending fireworks display.
It was a STARS National event for the Mod Lite class Saturday night, bringing in drivers from across the country. One of those drivers who had made a long haul to race in the national event was Kyle Zemo from Fulton, New York. His night ended almost before it began when he rolled his ride off the top of turn four in his heat race, ending his night. Thankfully, he was okay.
It was a local driver that took home the glory in the Mod Lite feature, when Bryan Zehm took the checkers. Zehm took the lead from Mike Kennedy at lap two, but soon had all he could handle keeping Zac Forster from Bakersfield, California at bay. Just after lap thirteen, a wisp of steam became evident from the California drivers car, and before another lap was scored, he went up in a cloud of smoke/steam. This put Mike Kennedy to the second position, and anxious for the chance to catch leader Zehm. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Zehm kept a tight hold on that number one spot, keeping it to the flying checkers and the win. Kennedy held the runner up spot, Randy Bryan took third, fourth went to Charlie Brown, and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Zehm found victory lane for the second time this year.
It was a happy Chad Ryerson in his post race interview after winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest. Ryerson started sixth, took over the top spot at lap nine but had a lot of close company coming at him hot and heavy in the likes of Doug Smith and Jonathon Logue. Smith and Logue tussled back and forth for the second position and Ryerson was content to let them do so as he raced to the win. Logue would finish a close second giving it a last charge at the finish line, Doug Smith taking third. Twelfth place starter Adam Birck, Canton, Illinois finished fourth, and Robert Moore was fifth. This was Ryerson's first win at the track this year, and a check back at my unofficial records, his first since August of 2017. He stated in victory lane that he had been having one issue after another this year, and was nearly ready to call it a season. Hopefully, this win got the monkey off his back.
Another first time winner came out of the Modified class when Randy Havlik took the win, in just his second night in the car. Havlik overtook Joel Bushore to put win number one in the books. Bushore held the runner up position, while Jake McBirnie took third. Joel Rust came from twelfth starting spot to finish fourth, and Paul Nagel rounded out the top five. The 20-lap race went caution free...done in 5 minutes and 52 seconds per the transponder timing.
The final feature of the night was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car main. This one saw lots of action at the front of the pack as five cars went at it. Troy Jerovetz had the lead by lap two after starting eighth. Meanwhile, working through the pack was a trio of Smiths, and a Schmidt. The final handful of laps saw those drivers give it their all in an attempt to catch the leader, but it was all in vain as Jerovetz crossed under the checkers first. David Smith made it a close second, followed by brother Donovan Smith in third, Jay Schmidt finished fourth, and another Smith brother...Devin, came home in fifth. Jerovetz won for the third time this year at the speedway.
Next Saturday, July 11 is another regular Saturday night series with racing in all classes along with a King of the Hill for the IMCA Stock Cars. New times are pits at 4:30, grandstands 5, hot laps 6:15, and racing at 7.
Find a race to attend...check out the calendar at www.positivelyracing.com. We need to keep supporting the tracks and the racing that we all love....dirt track racing.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Berry and Glick score two in a row, Reynolds perfect at four for four
One hundred twenty-five cars checked in Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, making for another full night of racing action. The full moon was shining behind us, and Mother Nature provided another beautiful sunset as a backdrop to the races as the cars came out of turns three and four. Even an occasional fireworks would add to the night sky, making it an even more picturesque sight for the race fans.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Anderson, Stephens and Haring score first wins, Agee and Hughes just keep rolling
We were back at the big ole half-mile in Oskaloosa last night, and a beautiful night it was to be watching some mid-week racing. Three new drivers would score for the first time this season, while two driver, just keep chalking up the wins....resulting in two bounties now in place.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
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