Track Champions crowned at Southern Iowa Speedway

 It was Middlekoop's Seeds and Dickey Transport Season Championships on Wednesday night at the Southern Iowa Speedway. It was a hot and humid night...one of those times when you "wear the air" as the speedway wrapped up its regular racing season.  

The tightest points race of the night was in the Non Wing Sprints with Doug Sylvester and Kelly Graham tied going into the final race of season.  

Sylvester immediately flew into the lead from starting on the outside of the front row.  Graham started third and tucked into second.  Graham kept close tabs on the leader but at lap six, slipped up the track a bit allowing Sylvester to lengthen his lead.  Those final four laps were Sylvester's as he went home to the flying checkers, the win, and the track championship title.  Graham finished second and also an ever so close second place in the run for the track championship.  Third went to Ryan Mills, Lance Silvers was fourth, Tim Graham fifth, and Ben Woods and Nathan James did not finish. The race went caution free.

The Sport Compacts were up next for their 10 lap season ending race.  Nathan Moody would lead the opening lap but by lap three, it was Billy Cain taking command.  Cain would lead the entire race except for a brief moment when Lewie Winkleman got the jump on a restart, only to have Cain regain the lead quickly, and then motor home to the checkers and the win.  It was James Haring in second, Tyer Haring following in third, and Kevin Garrett fourth, and Nathan Moody completing the top five. Cain won for the fourth time at the speedway and he is the 2021 track champion.

The Southern Iowa Speedway Hobby Stocks ran their 14 lap feature next, and this one would find Aaron Martin the captain of the ship for those entire 14 laps.  Dustin Griffiths kept close tabs on the leader for much of the race, but in the closing laps, Martin stretched it out and took the easy win.  Griffiths was second, it was a close one for the next positions, but Jadyn Stevens would hold off Trevor Tanner at the line as they went third and fourth respectively.  Rick Goldsberry rounded out the top five. The track champion for 2021 in the Hobby Stock division is Dustin Griffiths, defending that title since 2018.  He has even a longer list of track championships at the Mahaska Monster with only Shannon Anderson marring that record back through 2014.  

The SportMods went 16 laps for the feature event with Logan Anderson looking strong and leading from the get go.  Lap nine brought out the yellow flag, and it took three tries before the drivers found their rhythm to continue on, Anderson still in command.  However, young Maguire DeJong, the hot shoe out of Montezuma, Iowa was breathing down his neck.  DeJong looked to the outside several times before making it payoff on lap eleven.  Another caution at lap twelve was no issue for DeJong, as he drove off from the field, winning by a straightaway.  Anderson took the runner up spot, followed by Moberly, Missouri racer Dakota Girard in third, Kyle Harwood in fourth, and Trent Orwig was fifth.  

DeJong, who won the track championship in the SportMod class, has had quite the season in his rookie year.  He added his first track championship to go with his win at the Bristol Dirt Nationals, as well as a state championship in his Montezuma Braves basketball team.  This young man has a bright future.

Pat Rachels took the lead as the green flag flew in the 16 lap Stock Car feature.  He drifted a bit too high on lap two,  allowing seventh place starter Derrick Agee to take advantage, and take over that top spot.  The two raced closely for the next several laps but then Rachel's was suddenly pulling into the pits just after lap six was scored.  This put Dustin Griffiths into the number two spot, and the chase was on to catch leader Agee.  A yellow flew on lap thirteen, no doubt just what Griffiths was hoping for.  Griffiths was able to gain the upper hand as the race returned to green, and the final circuits were close, but it was only until coming out of turn four looking at the checkers, before Agee was able to pull off the pass, and beat Griffiths to the checkers to score the win, Griffiths taking second.  Third went to Jason McDaniels, Donnie Pearson was fourth, and Trenton Witt was fifth. Derrick Agee is the Stock Car track champion for the second consecutive year.

The Southern Iowa Speedway still has some racing ahead, as the Front Row Challenge put on by Terry McCarl comes to town on Monday, August 9, with $20,000 to win for all you Sprint Car fans. It will be a tune up for the upcoming Knoxville Nationals August 11-14. Then on October 15 and 16, it will be the annual Musco Lighting Fall Challenge with the regular season classes of cars in competition.  Be sure and check the Southern Iowa Speedway - Osky Facebook page for more details for these upcoming events. 

Hard to believe racing is on the downhill slide around our parts, and we will soon be wishing for these hot summer nights of racing to keep us entertained.  However, there is still much to be found yet, so check out the calendar at Positively Racing, and find a race to take in.  Help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.   

 

McBirnie, Smith, and Reimers among winners at Christmas in July at Boone

It was Christmas in July at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night and Santa himself....in short sleeves an shorts....was there to greet the youngsters. Christmas music also filled the air and decorations were around every corner. However the 90 degree temperatures didn't feel like the holiday season!

All five regular IMCA classes were in competition.  Repeat winners were Jake McBirnie in the Modified division, David Smith in the Stock Cars, Eric Stanton in the Hobby Stock class, and Mike Kennedy in the STARS Mod Lites.  The only new winner came from the Northern SportMod class when Cam Reimers took the checkers.  The team of Zachary Dressic and Kody Ollin took the win in the final 2-person Cruiser race of the season that had the biggest car count of the year...16 strong.  

The IMCA My Race Pass STARS Mod Lites kicked off the feature racing.  At the end of the 15 lap race, it was Mike Kennedy standing in victory lane for the third time this season.  Kennedy started tenth, and ran down leader Cory Sonner by lap eight, but it wasn't until that final lap that he was able to make the pass out of turn two, and go home to secure the win.  Sonner had to be content with the runner up spot. Third went to fifteenth place starter Joe Glick, who was hard charger of the race, fourth was Jon Braathun, and Ben George was fifth. There have been eight different winners in the division this year.  

The Elmquist Towing IMCA Northern SportMods were up next for their 18 lap A main.  Bryan Johnson led the field to green and took command.  Brett Vanderheiden came calling and took over the number one spot on lap seven, but it was short lived.  By lap nine the leader was tenth place starter Cam Reimers who had taken advantage of several yellow flag restarts to move his way forward.  When Reimers got that lead established, it was all his from there on out, taking the checkers and his first regular win of the season. He was the Eve of Destruction winner in a non-points race during the 4th of July spectacular however. Eleventh place starter Izac Mallicoat tried his best to run down Reimers, but could do no better than second.  Third went to Ryan Leeman, Kaylin Lopez was fourth, and Hunter Longnecker completed the top five. Reimers is the sixth different winner in the Northern SportMod division this year.

Earlier in the evening, the Northern SportMods ran a Dash for Cash race with the top four in points, plus top finishers in the evening's heats vying for the $400 prize.  Brett Vanderheiden took the win in the 12 lap race.

The D & E Outside Services IMCA Modifieds went 20 laps for their feature event.  Paul Nagle was looking strong as he led from the start.  Meanwhile, Jake McBirnie began his quest, moving through the field from starting twelfth, setting his ride on the topside, and moving into second by lap eight.  Nagle held off McBirnie until lap thirteen, when McBirnie took over the top spot, and then was able to pull away in the final laps and win by nearly a straightaway.  Nagle took second, third went to Nick Roberts, Trenton, Missouri's Cory Wray was fourth, and Mike VanGenderen was fifth.  This marked McBirnie's third trip to victory lane at the speedway this year.

The Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock Cars ran their 20 lap feature next.  Scott Davis took over the lead from Ty Hill at lap six. Then soon all eyes were on the #8 of David Smith as he flew along on the topside, mastering the rim of the track as he began to run down the leader.  He got the job done with a handful of laps remaining and then went home to the flying checkers and the win.  Brother Devin Smith started twelfth and got by Davis in the closing moments as they went second and third respectively.  Fourth was Bob Daniels, and early leader Ty Hill was fifth.  David Smith came from eleventh place on the starting grid, to score back to back wins, and his fourth of the season. 

Pole sitter Skylar Pruitt from Stuart, Iowa jumped to the immediate lead in the Pickett Salvage IMCA Hobby Stock 15 lap main event.  By lap five, it was eighth place starter Eric Stanton charging to the lead....never to give it up.  Stanton went on to take the flying checkers and making it win number five for the year.  Young Mike Smith took second after starting fourteenth, third went to Chad Rigby who ran up front all race long, Braden Richards was the hard charger of the race, coming from twenty-second starting spot to finish fourth, and Solomon Bennett was fifth.

Next Saturday, July 31, will be Salute to Veterans night at the races.  This will be the third of a three race series that includes the Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer on July 28, and the Kossuth County Speedway in Algona on July 29. There will be free food, drinks, prizes, gifts, and more for veterans.  There is also an expanded purse and contingencies for the drivers.  More information can be found at the Boone Speedway Facebook page, and www.raceboone.com.  Grandstands will open at 4 for the festivities.  Hot laps are 6, with racing at 7.

As the racing season begins to wind down, there is still much more racing to be found in our area.  Find a race to attend, and help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.  

 

Lauritzen, Reitzler, and Richards first time winners, Gustin, Raffurty, and Davis repeat

It was Casey's and Rumours Bar and Grill Salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement Night at the Marshalltown Speedway Friday. It was a warm one, but with a nice southerly breeze blowing, it was surprisingly a pleasant night to be setting in the stands. The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks joined the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and IMCA STARS Mod Lites for a full night of racing action.  

The Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks had nine in competition and they started the feature racing with their 15 lap A Main.  Jeff Johnson took the lead from his pole starting position, with fourth place starter Bill Davis, Jr. quickly getting to second on lap two.  Johnson had a good lead going but Davis began cutting into that lead as the laps wore on.  On lap twelve, Davis made the move around Johnson on the frontstretch to take over the top spot.  He would then hold it the final circuits to take the checkers, Johnson having to settle for the runner up spot.  Third went to Bryan Spangler, fourth was Rick Clark,, and Dennis Plain posted a fifth place finish.  This was the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Truck's second visit to the speedway this season, and Davis's second feature win. The race went caution free.

The IMCA STARS Mod Lites took to the track next for their 15 lap feature.  Mike Kennedy took the lead when the race went green, and was still leading at lap three when the race was red flagged. From what we observed,  David Raffurty got sideways on the backstretch just out of turn two, and Josh May had no where to go and rolled his ride over, landing on the wheels, as he made contact. Though he was alert and talking, he was transported to the hospital for evaluation after the emergency responders took every precaution to get him out of the car safely.    Everyone's thoughts and prayers are with May, and wishing him a speedy recovery. 

When the race resumed, Kennedy maintained his lead, but it was short lived. Dillon Raffurty, the Kansas City, Missouri racer who started fifth, had the topside working and had the lead as lap four was scored.  It was all Raffurty's race from then on, as he pulled away to a straightaway lead, and scored his fifth consecutive win at Marshalltown. Kennedy finished a distant second, Randy Bryan was third, David Raffurty made a great comeback after the red flag incident, had to tag the field, and still came back to take fourth.  Doug Byers rounded out the top five.

The IMCA Northern SportMods ran an 18 lap feature with Travis Petersen coming from third starting spot, to be scored the leader as lap one went into the books.  He too had a short lived run at the point, as fourth place starter Jenae Gustin flew to the lead by lap two.  Meanwhile, Brayton Carter moved up to challenge Gustin a few laps later, and Austin Schrage fell in line to run third.  The three drivers then raced nose to tail, lap after lap, as the race continued.  In the final laps, Gustin would put a bit of distance between herself and her challengers, and take the comfortable win.  Carter held the runner up spot, Schrage was third, fourth went to twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue, and Kyle Olson was fifth. The race went flag to flag with Gustin matching her win from last week.  

Braden Richards went home with the win in the 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature, leading all laps in the race that went caution free.  Ninth place starter Kaden Reynolds, who had previously won the last five races, tried his best to catch Richards, and though he cut into the lead in the final laps, he could do no better than take second on this night.  Jeremiah  Andrews finished third, fourth went to Solomon Bennett, and Matt Wahl was fifth.

The IMCA Stocks put together the third consecutive caution free race.  Josh Foster, the Newton, Iowa driver who use to race in the Modified class when he lived in southeast, Iowa a number of years ago, took advantage of his pole starting spot, and shot to the immediate lead.  That lead would vanish on lap three, when fourth place starter Todd Reitzler took over the top spot.  Reitzler would go on to lead the rest of the laps to take his first victory of the year at the High Banks.  Foster never went away however, and chased Reitzler the entire race, but had to settle for second place.  Kyle Everts was third, followed by Jeff Wollam in fourth, and Michael Jaennette completed the top five.  

The IMCA Modifieds put a night cap on the racing, running a 20 lap feature event. Dylan Thornton shot to the lead from his fourth place starting position, and was looking strong. He was still leading after a handful of yellow flags flew with only five laps in the books. However, by this time, Ronn Lauritzen had come from sixth starting spot, to second, and was chomping at the bit for the restart.  Thornton and Lauritzen flashed across the flagstand nearly neck and neck at lap six, but by lap seven, it was Lauritzen establishing the top spot.  Lauritzen then put some distance between himself and the field and scored an easy win, his first of the year.  Thornton held on to second, with tenth place starter Randy Havlik scoring a close third.  Fourth went to Paul Nagle and Eric Barnes made the haul over from Colona, Illinois, and took home a fifth place finish. 

Next Friday, July 30, will be Triple E Insulators Night at the races.  The IMCA Late Models are scheduled to join the IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks and STARS Mod Lites.  Hot laps are 6:50 p.m. and racing at 7:30.  

Get out and find a race to attend and continue to help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing!

Ward, Gettler, and Mallicoat among Stuart Speedway's Clint Walrod Suicide Awareness Memorial winners

 July 21,2021

We made the trip west to the Stuart Speedway on Wednesday night for the running of the Clint Walrod Suicide Awareness Memorial race.  A lot of extra money was on the line in all seven classes.  There were 129 cars checked into the pits for the midweek race at the little high-banked 1/4 mile bullring, in a draw/redraw show.

The IMCA STARS Mod Lites kicked off the feature racing with their 16 lap event.  The driver out of Bakersfield, California, Kaden Cochrun grabbed the immediate lead from his third place starting spot, and led this one from start to finish.  Mike Zemo, Jr., Davenport, Iowa chased Cochrun for much of the distance, until Josh May made the pass into second with just two laps remaining.  Cochrun went on to take checkers, with May making it a close second as they crossed the wire.  Zemo took third, Kansas City, Missouri's Dillon Raffurty was fourth, and Jon Padilla, Silvis, Illinois rounded out the top five.  We've been seeing a lot of travelers in the Mod Lite class this year, as they chase that very first IMCA national title.  My last check of the points chase shows Josh May with a slim lead over winner Cochrun.  

The little Outlaw Mini Mods took to the track next, and with Lucas Daniels starting on the pole, it was almost a given that he would be standing in victory lane at the end of their run....and he did.  Daniels led all laps to take the win, with Kamdyn Haggard chasing him the entire distance to finish second.  Third went to Dan Cline, Gage Hilgenberg was fourth, and Creston, Iowa's Zackary Schaefer rounded out the top five.

The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 20 lap feature that paid $1,400 to the winner.  Fourteen year old Izac Mallicoat started on the outside front row, and was gone.  Several caution flag restarts didn't bother the talented young driver in the least as he led all laps to secure the victory. Brayton Carter, who has had much success at the track, had to settle for a second place on this night.  Third went to ninth place starter Jake Sachau, Shane Paris was fourth, and Jarod Weston, Red Oak, Iowa, was fifth.  Mallicoat's grandfather, Dave Baugh saw plenty of laps around the track in days past, and was often seen in victory lane, and now his grandson is carrying on the tradition.

Defending track champion in the IMCA Stock Cars, Jeremy Gettler, put it in the winner's circle again last night, taking the checkers in the 22 lap main event.  Gettler shot to the lead from his lucky redraw pole starting spot, and would go on to lead the remaining circuits and seal another win.  A couple of late cautions would bunch the field for the restarts, but Gettler was not seriously challenged in those situations, as he flew home to another win.  Buck Schafroth started ninth, and took the runner up position, Chanse Hollatz had a good run, coming from twelfth starting spot to finish third, Brandon Pruitt took fourth, and Todd VanEaton was fifth.  After the race was completed, Gettler had to be assisted to victory lane, as on the cool down lap, he ended up at the top of turn four, with a broken tie rod.  The $1,500 pay day for Gettler may have been enough of a consolation for that issue!

The IMCA Hobby Stocks came to the track next, and they were looking for a $1,250 winner's prize.  Brandon Cox took the early lead with Dylan Nelson and Luke Ramsey giving chase.  Tenth place starter Eric Stanton soon joined the top runners to give it a go at the big pay off at the end of the 15 laps.  A yellow flew at lap ten, which tightened up the field for the restart, and was no doubt, just what Dylan Nelson was hoping for.  It took him one lap before he was able to make the pass for the lead, but then he would keep a tight hold on that top spot, and go home to the flying checkers.  Cox took the runner up spot, Luke Ramsey took third, Eric Stanton was fourth, and Tom Killen, Jr. made a late race charge to take fifth after starting fourteenth.  

There was a big payoff for the IMCA Modified win....$2,100.  They would run 25 laps for their main event and with an outside front row starting spot, Tim Ward would take home that pay day, as he led all 25 laps on his way to victory.  There was a good battle behind him as Chase Rudolf, Todd Shute, and Cayden Carter jockeyed for position.  As the checkers flew, it was Ward taking the easy victory, with Oskaloosa, Iowa's Cayden Carter taking second.  Todd Shute finished third, fourth went to Chase Rudolf, and Corning, Iowa's Jesse Dennis was fifth.

One more feature event was on the ticket with the IMCA Sport Compacts closing out the night.  They would run their main event flag to flag with the #T13 of Greenfield's Braxton Wallace leading all laps to take the win.  Kolby Sabin chased him the entire race, but had to settle for the runner spot.  Third went to eighth place starter, Curtis Masterson, fourth was John Gill, and Craig Furstenau was fifth.  

Earlier in the evening, last year's top in track points Stock Car and Hobby Stock drivers were recognized in front of the grandstand.  It's always a good thing when the fans can put a face with the name and car number of the drivers.  

The show was run along in good time, something that is always appreciated by everyone I think.  Thanks to Mike VanGenderen for the hospitality along with that well run show that was completed at 9:59 p.m. 

The next race at Stuart will be on SUNDAY, August 1, when the SLMR Late Models make an appearance at the track for what should be a great show.    

How quickly the race season is running down, so get out and find a race to attend and help support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.  

Three new winners at Southern Iowa Fair and Caleb Hammond Memorial

 July 20, 2021

The Southern Iowa  Fair in Oskaloosa was in full swing on Tuesday night.  Along with all of the other activities going on, the grandstand was filled with fans there to watch the 3rd Annual Caleb Memorial Race brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids, that honors the young fan who lost his battle with cancer.  

It was nice to see the pits filled with race cars for this special race, and they were also there to see if they could take home some of the extra money on the line in all classes.  The non-wing Sprint cars had nine cars in their field, the Sport Compacts brought eighteen drivers, as did the SportMod class.  The Hobby Stocks had twenty-one checked in, and the Stock Cars brought twenty-six competitors.

Feature racing kicked off with ten laps for the non-wing Sprints.  A driver who has been struggling a bit finally got the monkey off his back last night as AJ Johnson would lead all laps in the caution free contest.  Doug Sylvester chased the leader the entire race to finish in second place.  Third went to Newton, Iowa's Ben Woods, fourth was Kelly Graham, and Nathan James, Russell, Iowa rounded out the top five.  This was Johnson's first EVER Sprint car win.  

A couple of caution flags and an eventual green-white-checkered finish did not seem to hinder winner Billy Cain as he motored home to his second consecutive win at the Mahaska Monster in the Sport Compacts.  Cain led all but lap three of the race when Lewie Winkleman got around him, only to loose his grip in turn two, and bring out a yellow.  With Cain back in the lead for the restart, it was all his race the rest of the way to the checkers.  Nathan Moody took the runner up position, Tyler Haring was third, followed by Clayton Webster, and James Haring fourth and fifth respectively.  This was Cain's third trip to victory lane this year.

Up next was fourteen laps of Hobby Stock racing and an exciting finish to this one had the crowd buzzing!  Jesse Williams took the lead as the race went green, but Dustin Griffiths took command by lap three.  Many were thinking that race was probably Griffiths then, but as the race wore on, several drivers were making their presence known.  Clint Nelson had been running second most of the race, but now veteran Rick VanDusseldorp was making it a three horse race.  When a yellow flew at lap thirteen, VanDusseldorp had slipped by Griffiths for the lead. That's when fourth place running Aaron Martin brought out the caution when he smacked the wall, tightening things up for the restart.  It would take two more stabs at getting this green-white-checkered race in the books, and it was quite the finish at the line! The final white flag flying found Craig Brown....who restarted fifth or sixth, make the topside work in a three-wide charge that had the crowd on its feet, and pull off the upset as the checkers flew.  VanDusseldorp had to settle for the runner up spot, Clint Nelson went third, Griffiths was fourth, and Keaton Gorden was fifth.  This was Brown's first win at the speedway this season, with a great comeback after having to tag the field due to an early race spin. 

The SportMods followed up with another even closer spectacular finish in their sixteen lap main event.  Dylan VanWyk started from the pole and was gone....until the yellow flag on lap ten brought his nice lead to a close.  By this time, young hot shoe Maguire DeJong had moved from his sixth starting spot, to run second, and veteran Curtis VanDerWal was in third.  It took two tries before the race got back underway, and when it did, VanDerWal had taken command as they flew down the back chute.  VanWyk was having none of that however, and came right back to take over that top spot on lap thirteen, and by this time, DeJong had taken over third spot.  The closing laps saw DeJong draw closer to the leader, but no one saw how this one would end at the stripe!  VanWyk was leading as the cars came out of turn four looking at the checkers, but somehow, DeJong got to the outside of VanWyk, and beat him by a nose at the finish line! VanDerWal took third, Cory VanZante finished fourth, and Logan Anderson was fifth.  DeJong defended his Caleb Hammond Memorial win from last year, and this win marked his fourth of the year at Osky.  This was a $1,000 win for the young Montezuma sensation.  

The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car feature racing and a $1,000 pay off for the checkers. Pat Rachels started on the outside of row one and jumped to the lead, with Marengo's Nathan Ballard tucking into second place.  Todd Reitzler fell in line to run third and all three took to the topside of the track on their quest for the checkers.  A yellow flew at lap six with Rachels still in command, but it was what Ballard was wishing for, as he made the pass and was scored the leader on the next lap.  From there on it was Ballard's race, as he won going away and sealed his first Stock Car win at the big old half-mile.  Todd Reitzler took second place, and Derrick Agee was third.  Brett Lowry, piloting Mike McClure's hot rod after earlier jumping into the #29 SportMod of Colton Livezey, was fourth, and Pat Rachels took fifth.  

Next Wednesday night, July 28, will be Season Championship night and then the regular classes will not be running again until the Musco Lighting Fall Challenge on October 15 and 16.  The Front Row Challenge, however, will be held on August 10 for those wishing to see a little Sprint Car action prior to the running of the Knoxville Nationals. 

The plan for us is to head west tonight, and take in the racing action at the Stuart Speedway, where it will be the Clint Walrod Suicide Awareness Memorial race.  This race always brings in a big field of cars to honor the young man.  Big money is on the line for all classes too.  Check out Stuart Speedway on Facebook or go to Stuartspeedway.net for more details.  

Find a race to attend and help keep dirt track racing alive and well. 

 

 

It was a Smith brothers show at Boone in a 1-2-3 finish

 You couldn't have asked for better racing than the fans saw at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night, on a near perfect racing surface that stayed that way the entire night.  The 167 cars that checked into the track, plus 11 2-person Cruisers, put on some of the best racing of the year with close finishes and tight racing going on all night long in all classes.  

Nick Meyer in the IMCA Modified class was a first time winner, as was Nate Albrant in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, and Dillon Raffurty in the IMCA STARS Mod Lites.  Eric Stanton returned to victory lane in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Devin Smith picked up his fourth regular season victory in the IMCA Stock Car division.  Eleven 2-person Cruisers also ran, with the familiar faces of Don Mason and Jason Miller taking another win...and $300 instead of just a trophy!

It was also a night where drivers and fans paid their respects to longtime worker at the track, Tammy Stevens who recently lost her fight to cancer. She was the gal who got the command to "send them Tammy" as the cars pulled onto the track from staging.  There was an increased purse in all classes thanks to donations from drivers and sponsors, with many drivers choosing to donate their winnings back to help the family with expenses.  Drivers also passed their helmets in the grandstand for donations. Tammy had a great comradery with all the drivers, and their actions of the night, spoke volumes to that fact.    

The first feature to hit the track was the IMCA Stars Mod Lite 15 lap A Main.  Kaden Cochrun led the opening lap, but by lap two, it was Josh May in command.  By lap five, twelfth place starter Dillon Raffurty was on May's tail and challenging.  Raffurty pestered the leader relentlessly, until the final lap when he took over the lead, and then sailed home to the flying checkers and the win.  May had to be content with the runner up spot, Mike Kennedy took third, fourth went to Randy Bryan, and Kaden Cochrun completed the top five.  This was a first time win at the track for Raffurty who made the drive up from Kansas City, Missouri. Raffurty had a good weekend up in Iowa as he also won the previous night at Marshalltown. We've noticed the Mod Lite drivers are seeking races at many different venues as they all want that very first IMCA National title.  

The IMCA Northern SportMods ran their 18 lap feature nonstop, but with continuous action going on throughout the field as they battled for position.  Cody Brill, from Harrisonville, Missouri in his bright green ride, grabbed the immediate lead from his pole starting position, and outside front row starter Nate Albrant tucked in behind him.  The two continued to run in that order until the final lap when Albrant was able to make the last lap pass out of corner four, and in a drag race down the frontstretch, beat Brill to the checkers to seal the win.  It was a shoot out for much of the race behind the two leaders with jockeying between Kaylin Lopez, Chris Burke, and Jake Sachau going on constantly.  At the finish line, Sachau crossed in third, Lopez in fourth, and Burke in fifth.  However Sachau was docked two spots for a deck height infraction, and scored in fifth place. This was Albrant's first ever feature win at the Boone Speedway, and I believe his third of the year and scoring his first career win at a track earlier in the year, and grabbing another elsewhere.  The win at Boone was icing on the cake for the Clear Lake, Iowa driver who has been racing for ten years.  

The racing had been fantastic so far, and it continued in the 20 lap event for IMCA Modifieds.  Pole sitter Nick Meyer led the opening lap only to have fourth place starter Doug Smith fly to the lead at lap two.  Meyer grabbed the top spot back at lap six and by this time, Mike VanGenderen and Jake McBirnie had moved up to challenge the front runners as well.  Meanwhile, Meyer distanced himself a bit and was content to let the three behind him go at it.  On lap fourteen, Smith was suddenly out of the race with some issue, and when a yellow flew just two laps later, Meyer's big lead vanished.  Sitting behind the leader for the restart were McBirnie, VanGenderen, Brandon Leeman, and Tony Hofbauer....all anxious for the restart.  Meyer was able to hold the thundering pack off in those final laps and scored his first ever weekly feature win at the speedway.  Tenth place starter Jake McBirnie claimed the runner up position, just beating Mike VanGenderen in third.  Fourth went to thirteenth place starter Tim Ward, and Tony Hofbauer rounded out the top five. The race paid $1,000 to win and put Meyer on the Fast Shafts All Star race ballot.  

The IMCA Stock Cars are known for putting on a good show, and they out did themselves in their 20 lap main event.  From lap five it was Kyle Everts and Devin Smith swapping the lead nearly every lap until a yellow flew with just five laps remaining.  Smith was in command when the race restarted, Everts in second, and two more Smith's, Donovan and David lurking in third and fourth. The final circuits found it to be the Smith Brothers show, as Devin kept hold of his lead to take the checkers, and brothers Donavon and David finished second and third.  Everts took fourth place, and Michael Jaennette was fifth.  Devin Smith started twelfth on the starting grid and made this his fourth weekly season win to go along with a trip to Victory Lane in the Frostbuster special.  

Earlier, the Stock Cars ran a King of the Hill contest, and when all was said and done, it was David Smith outlasting fifteen other contenders to take the crown.

The racing surface was still producing some fantastic racing by the time the IMCA Hobby Stocks took to the track for their 15 lap feature.  Shaun Wirtz was looking strong as he led the troops from the drop of the green until Eric Stanton made a nice slide stick on lap eleven to take the lead.  Stanton then kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way to the checkers, making it his fourth feature win of the year.  Wirtz followed in second place, third went to Rusty Bates, fourth to Eric Knutson, and Chad Rigby was fifth.

The fans got their money's worth last night with some of the best racing we've seen in a while.  The track prep was on point, and stayed multi-grooved the entire night. 

Get out and find a race to attend and help keep dirt track racing alive and well!  

Murty takes the $1,000 win, Gustin and Gates first time winners, and Reynolds and Raffurty keep their streak alive

Marshalltown Speedway held its regular weekly racing program on Friday night, as the Central Iowa Fair played in the background.  Two drivers kept their winning streaks going as Kaden Reynolds rolled to another win in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, as did Dillon Raffurty in the IMCA STARS Mod Lites.  Dallon Murty took home the $1,000 Stock Car special, Jenae Gustin found her way to Victory Lane in the IMCA Northern Sport Mods, Tom Berry claimed the win in the IMCA Modified class, and the IMCA Sport Compacts joined the regular classes with Adam Gates taking that victory.

The IMCA Sport Compacts made one of several of their scheduled appearances at the High Banks and it was Adam Gates, Marion, Iowa taking home the win in the 12 lap feature event.  John Gill started tenth and chased Gates for most of the race, but had to be content with the runner up position. Third went to Dalton Sowers, Cristian Grady who had won back on July 2 started ninth and took fourth, and fifth went to twelfth place starter Kolby Sabin, a winner back on June 4.  The Sport Compacts are on the schedule again on August 6,

The IMCA STARS Mod Lites were up next for their 15 lap feature event.  Dillon Raffurty has been making the haul up to Marshalltown from Kansas City, Missouri to run weekly and has made it pay off.  He started ninth, and by lap three, had the lead.  From there on he never looked back, taking his fourth feature win in a row.  David Raffurty, not exactly sure how related to the winner, but also from Kansas City, finished in second place.  Josh May took third, followed by Randy Bryan in fourth, and Ben George in fifth.  Dillon Raffurty has a four week winning streak going.  

Hometown racer, Jenae Gustin made it a popular crowd win in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18 lap event.  Gustin started fourth and had the lead by lap two.  Several yellows were no hinderance for Gustin as she motored home, taking the win.  There was a dogfight behind Gustin in the closing laps with Johnathon Logue taking the runner up spot over Kyle Olson in third place, Kaylin Lopez in fourth, and Austin Schrage in fifth.  This was Gustin's first win of the season and first since 2019. 

The IMCA Hobby Stocks went 15 laps for their feature event.  Tenth place starter Kaden Reynolds caught early race leader William Klosterman and flew into the lead by lap two.  It was all Reynolds' race from there on out as he pulled away from the rest of the field to take the easy win.  Following a distant second was Aaron Martin who had started eleventh, Solomon Bennett came all the way from eighteenth starting spot to finish third, Tom Killen was fourth, and Brooklyn, Iowa's Rick Kriegel took fifth after starting nineteenth.  This marked Reynolds' fifth straight feature win, plus three more in the early season, as well as winning the Frostbuster.   

It was $1,000 to win presented by Toby K's Hideaway in the IMCA Stock Cars in a draw/redraw show.  There was a lot of close racing in their 25 lap feature with Austin Kaplan leading the charge in the early portion of the race.  He was quickly challenged by Michael Jaennette however, with Jaennette taking over that top spot on lap six.  Meanwhile, sixth place starter Dallon Murty was throwing his hat into the ring as he moved into third place.  It was quite a show between Jaennette, Kaplan, and Murty as they duked it out lap after lap.  Murty finally established his claim to second place at lap fourteen, and began his assault on Jaennette.  Murty ran the high line and then the low line as he sought what would work, and finally with just three laps remaining, got it to work, taking the lead.  A yellow flew late in the race, setting up a green-white-checkered finish with Jaennette hoping to get the upper hand on the restart. It wasn't to be however, as Murty took the win, Jaennette having to settle for second.  Visiting Texas racer Shelby Williams out of Bonham, Texas was hard charger, coming from eighteenth starting spot to finish third.  Fourth went to early leader Austin Kaplan, and tenth place starter Tyler Pickett rounded out the top five.  This was Dallon Murty's fourth feature win of the regular season, and he also won the Frostbuster special.  Murty is holding down the national points lead at the moment, in the IMCA Hobby Stock division.  

Last year's IMCA Modified track champion, and defending IMCA National champion, made his presence known once again at the High Banks, as he piloted his new "Team Harris" ride to victory.  Berry started sixth and overtook early leader Drew Janssen on lap nine, and then never looked back....winning easily over Janssen.  Zach Rawlins ran up front the entire race, and took home a third place finish.  Dylan Thornton came on strong in the closing laps and finished fourth, and Thor Anderson completed the top five. This was Berry's second win of the season, having won back in April, but has been missing in action as of late.

It was a full night of racing last night with six classes and 132 cars checked in.  It was good not to have to worry about weather for a change too, and a big crowd was on hand to watch the racing action.   

Next Friday night, July 23rd, is Casey's and Rumours Bar and Grill salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement and the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks will join the field.  

Hard to believe how quickly the racing season has gone.  There's still plenty more to be found though, so check the Positively Racing calendar and find a race to attend.  Help support the sport we all love, dirt track racing.   

     

Monster Half Mile wins out over Mother Nature on Hall of Fame night

The Southern Iowa Speedway won out over Mother Nature on Wednesday night, unlike some other tracks in the state.  A late afternoon rain threatened to stop the racing action, but with the efforts of many, the races were completed and four new Hall of Fame members were inducted along with the regular racing program.

The new Hall of Fame members were honored prior to the racing action...the first three posthumously. 

Keith Kropf was one of those inductees.  He was a racer, car owner, engine builder, and big supporter of racing for many years especially in the Southeastern part of Iowa. 

"Big John" Moss from Iowa City, was a crowd favorite, and a threat no matter where he showed up to race.  He raced throughout the Midwest and even tested some asphalt tracks back in the day.

"Diamond" Dan, or "Dandy" Don Hoffman was quite the racer.  The Des Moines, Iowa racer who passed away in 2018, was known to show up late at tracks, but when the #2 Pizza Hut car arrived, you knew he was going to put on a show.  He is also in the National Dirt Track Hall of Fame in Kentucky.

Bob "Gabby" Hayes won many a race at the Southern Iowa Speedway....and he's still racing today!  However, not in his familiar orange #0 Stock Car, but in the orange #0 Sport Compact...just for fun.  

Congratulations to all of the new Southern Iowa Speedway Hall of Fame members.  

The packers were still out rolling the track in right before the first heat of the night hit the track at 8:17 p.m.  

The first feature of the evening was the Non-Wing Sprints with a seven car field.  After seeing him dominate his heat race, and seeing him roll out on the pole of the feature, few had any doubt that it would be a run away for the 9W of Justin Zimmerman.  Zimmerman, from Athens, Texas showed up for some racing, I believe being in the area to run at Knoxville.  He pulled away from the field, and had them covered by over half a lap at the checkers.  Ben Woods ran second, Doug Sylvester was third, followed by Kelly Graham, Robert Bell, and Lance Silvers.  AJ Johnson did not start. The race went caution free.

Curtis Van Der Wal was back in the house last night, racing in the SportMod class, and when he redrew the pole for the feature, it was almost a given who would be standing in victory lane again 16 laps later.  Van Der Wal took the immediate lead, leaving second place starter Logan Anderson. The only caution was after that first lap, and then the race would go the distance with no stoppage.  Van Der Wal stretched it out and won by a lengthy margin at the checkers.  Anderson would trail a distant runner up, Blaine Webster took third, followed by Maguire DeJong in fourth, and Tyler Heckert in fifth.  This was Van Der Wal's second win of the season after being absent for several weeks.  In his post race interview it sounds like his mechanical issues have been solved.  

Billy Cain saw the checkers for the second time this year, winning the 10 lap Sport Compact feature.  He led all laps on his way to the checkers, while second went to Clayton Webster, driving the winner's back up car.  James Haring, Lewie Winkleman, and Tyler Haring rounded out the top five.  

The Hobby Stocks saw a field of sixteen cars take their turn on the track for 14 laps of feature racing.  Jesse Williams, who has been running strong as of late, jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, with Aaron Martin soon falling into line to run second.  Behind the two front runners, it was a 3-wide battle between Dustin Griffiths, Keaton Gorden, and Jadyn Stevens duking it out for third spot.  A yellow flew at lap four, when Gorden brought out the caution, putting him out of the game. When the race restarted, Aaron Martin moved his #73 into first place around Williams, and Dustin Griffiths followed to take over the runner up spot.  Then Martin and Griffiths were the two putting on the show up front....Griffiths briefly taking the lead on lap seven, only to have Martin come right back and lead at lap eight.  The final laps saw Martin pull away to secure the win, while Griffiths fell back a bit, as his hood began to buckle and raise on the right side, and finish second.  Third went to Knoxville's Trevor Tanner, Jesse Williams was fourth, and Rick VanDusseldorp was fifth.  This marked Martin's second feature win of the season...and only one of three drivers who have won in the Hobby Stock division....Griffiths and VanDusseldorp being the others.  

The fifth and final feature of the night, the Stock Cars, closed out the racing action with their 16 lapper.  Todd Reitzler had the lead from his outside front row starting spot before the cars were out of turn two.  The race was all but over then, as Reitzler motored off from the field, winning easily.  Pat Rachels, the Knoxville, Iowa native who now calls China Grove, North Carolina home, won out in a good battle with Jason McDaniels as the two finished second and third respectively. Fourth was Brett Maasdam, Sully, Iowa in a car I believe to be the former Kevin Fee ride.  It was a race of attrition as only four cars were left running at the conclusion of the race, many being eliminated in a lap three mess in corner four.  This was Reitzler's second feature win of season.

It was nice to have company last night for the racing action.  Head honcho of Positively Racing, Jeff Broeg was in the house again.  Californian Paul Vetter, who is the Western Region Director of IMCA is back for some Iowa racing for a few days.  Also, Dustin Jarrett was making the Southern Iowa Speedway his number 288th track to visit.  Jarrett is with FloRacing and DirtonDirt, and has worked with SPEED channel and the Lucas Oil Late Model Series.  There was a wealth of racing knowledge in the grandstand last night.  

There is no racing scheduled for next Wednesday night, July 14, but mark your calendars for TUESDAY, July 20, when the Caleb Hammond Memorial will take place during the Southern Iowa Fair.  

    

  

 

Dickerson back in Victory Lane

 July 3, 2021

It was another weekly racing series at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night, with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and the IMCA STARS Mod Lites in competition...140 cars strong.  Nine 2-person Cruisers were also in exhibition with the duo of Don Mason and Jason Miller taking home the trophy.

Mike Kennedy would lead all but the opening lap of the My Race Pass IMCA STARS Mod Lite 15 lap A Main.  Kennedy started tenth on the grid, and zoomed into the lead on the restart after a lap one caution flew.  He went unhindered the rest of the way to the checkers, his second of the season.  Bryan Zehm took the runner up spot after starting ninth.  Third went to Josh May, Jon Braathun was fourth, and Fontanelle, Iowa's Dustin Ford completed the top five.  

The race was marred by two consecutive red flags at lap eight when first Cody Yaw tipped his brand new ride over in turn two, hitting a pesky corner tire, and then on the restart, Doug Byers rolled it several times out of corner four when the cars got bunched up as the race went green.  Both drivers were okay.

The Elmquist Towing IMCA Northern SportMods started a field of 28 cars for their 18 lap feature. That big field of cars yielded three cautions in the first handful of laps. 

Dustin Lynch jumped to the immediate lead from his outside front row starting position and was looking strong, with Danny Fye and Ryan King in tow behind him. By lap nine, Izac Mallicoat had put his ride to the bumper of Lynch and it only took him three more laps before taking over the lead.  Heavy lap traffic in the closing moments were no issue for young Mallicoat as he went home to the flying checkers and the win....his third of the year. Lynch finished in second, Ryan King took third, Danny Fye was fourth, and Ryan Leeman was fifth.  

It has been a while since Russ Dickerson has seen Victory Lane at the Boone Speedway, but that's where he was standing after the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature was completed. He started fifth and ran down early leader Chris Palsrok, taking command on lap eight.  Dickerson kept that lead the remaining distance to the checkers.  Doug Smith took the runner up spot, with Nick Roberts in third.  Hard charger was Jake McBirnie, coming from eighteenth starting spot, to finish fourth, and rounding out the top five was Sibley, Iowa's Chris Palsrok.  It was a popular win for hometown veteran Russ Dickerson, and after checking my unofficial records, appears to be his first since August of 2017. 

The Class too Tough to Tame, the Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock Cars were up next for their 20 lap feature. It was a pretty backdrop as off in most directions fireworks were lighting up the sky.

Austin Meiners, Polk City, Iowa racer started on the pole and took the lead as the race went green.  Kyle Everts quickly moved from starting fifth to fall in behind the leader.  At lap five, Everts was the new leader, and just two laps later, eleventh place starter Jay Schmidt had moved into second place and was on the hustle. The two would battle for several laps before Schmidt was finally able to nose under Everts, and take over the lead at lap thirteen.  Schmidt then held the upper hand the rest of the way and secured his first win of the season.  Troy Jerovetz came from tenth place to finish as the runner up, holding off Devin Smith in third, and Scott Davis in fourth. Jeff Mueller in his new ride,  was the big mover, coming from twenty-fourth...dead last...to finish fifth.

It took a while for the Pickett Salvage IMCA Hobby Stocks to find their rhythm in their 15 lap feature event.  Three yellows flew by lap four with Jack Phillips leading from the drop of the green.  But he now had tenth place starter Luke Ramsey breathing down his tailpipe on the restart.  That was all Ramsey needed, as he grabbed the lead quickly and kept it to the finish and nab his first win.  Aaron Rudolph was second, Wayne Gifford started fourteenth and finished third, early leader Phillips was fourth, and Curt Reed completed the top five. An incident on the front chute late in the race could have been disaster when Greg Sidles, Solomon Bennett, and Eric Stanton...who had no where to go, were in too close quarters.  Hats off to them as all somehow managed to hold on and keep going.

Boone Speedway holds it's annual 4th of July spectacular tomorrow with the Eve of Destruction along with the city of Boone Fireworks. Pray for Jerry Vansickel as he will be attempting a death defying leap over double decker buses! More shenanigans will be on tap as well with trailer races, and a roll over contest.  The 2-Person Cruisers will be on tap as well and the IMCA Northern SportMods will be racing for $500...no track points, but State, Regional and National points. 

There was some rules infractions checking going on after the heats last night, and seems a couple of drivers did not have their mud plug welded on...giving way to a disqualification.  Those things can be a deadly frisbee if they fly off during racing.  

Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July.  However you celebrate, make it a fun and safe one.   

Reynolds makes it four in a row at Marshalltown

It was Wolf Seeds Night at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday and finally a night that we did not have to wonder about the weather. The IMCA Sport Compacts joined the other five regular IMCA for another of their several scheduled runs at the track.

New winners on the year were Austin Kaplan in the Northern SportMods, and Cristian Grady taking the win in the Sport Compacts. Joel Rust made it back to victory lane in the Modified class, Dallon Murty won in the Stock Cars, Dillon Raffurty has a trifecta going in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds made it four straight weeks visiting the winner's circle.  

The IMCA Sport Compacts brought 21 cars to test the waters at the High Banks.  Just three laps into the 12 lap feature, the race was red flagged when the 17K of Briar Kriegel, who hails from Brooklyn, Iowa I believe, took a wicked roll off of turn two, flipping high in the air several times.  Thankfully, he was okay, and even came over to the Flo Racing monitor to take a look at the replay of what his spectacular flip looked like.

 Kriegel's red flag incident would be the last stoppage of the racing action in the event. Cristian Grady, Cedar Rapids, Iowa driver, was leading when the red flag came out, and would then lead it the rest of the way to the checkers.  Kolby Sabin came from eighth starting spot to take the runner up position.  Third went to hometown driver Jon Gill, Jay Crabill, Cedar Rapids, was fourth, and Atkin, Iowa's Logan Clausen was fifth.  

Dillon Raffurty made the trip up again from Kansas City, Missouri and went home with the win for the third week in a row in the IMCA STARS Mod Lites.  Raffurty came from ninth starting position, ran down Randy Bryan, taking the lead on lap 9 of the 15 lap feature, and never looked back on his way to the checkers.  Tenth place starter Jason Masengarb, Colona, Illinois finished a distant second, followed by Randy Bryan in third, Mike Kennedy in fourth, and Kaden Cochrun in fifth.   

Austin Kaplan, back in an IMCA Northern SportMod after running an IMCA Stock Car recently, battled three-wide in the opening laps with Brian Schrage, and Jenae Gustin, coming out on top at lap five.  Kaplan would lead the remaining way and secure his first trip to victory lane at Marshalltown for 2021.  Eleventh place starter, Johnathon Logue made some late race challenges, but had to settle for second.  Third went to Brayton Carter, Izac Mallicoat came from tenth to finish fourth, and Tony Olson completed the top five.

Kaden Reynolds has been on a roll this season, and he just kept rolling along to another victory in the IMCA Hobby Stock class Friday night.  Reynolds started ninth and had the lead at lap three.  From there on, he pulled away, taking the win by half a lap.  This made four straight wins for Reynolds, a total of seven regular season wins, plus he also won the Frostbuster.  Jacob Floyd made his first trip to the track this year, and finished in second, after starting in twelfth spot.  Darin DeZwarte took third place, Aaron Rudolph was hard charger, taking fourth from starting eighteenth, and Solomon Bennett was fifth.  

Dallon Murty started fourth, and had the lead by lap four in the IMCA Stock Car 20 lap feature.  He set his ride on the top shelf of the High Banks and was never seriously challenged from there on out.  Jeff Mueller came from tenth to finish as a distant runner up.  Third went to last week's feature winner, Jay Schmidt, Tyler Pickett was fourth, and Steve Meyer took fifth place.  This was Dallon Murty's third win of the regular season, plus winning the Frostbuster special.  Murty was fresh off of his Midwest Madness Tour win at the Stuart Speedway on Thursday night. 

The finale of the night was 20 laps of IMCA Modified fury.  Joel Rust took over the helm from last week's winner Paul Nagle at lap seven, and never gave it up, securing his second win of the year.  Cody Laney, Torrance, California driver who has been showing up at the local tracks recently, made a late race surge to take second after starting in twelfth spot.  He passed tenth place starter Ronn Lauritzen with about a handful of laps remaining, Lauritzen taking third. Paul Nagle was fourth, and Jared VanDeest rounded out the top five.  

Lots of things to choose from for your 4th of July holiday.  Some of those choices may include racing action.  Whatever you choose, make it a safe and fun one.