Monday night, we traveled to the Benton County Speedway for some early week racing. It was the rescheduled Hawkeye Dirt Tour race that had been weathered out earlier in the season. They also had the IMCA Northern SportMods, IMCA Stock Cars and the IMCA Hobby Stocks on the program. All classes were running for National points, but not for track points.
The Northern SportMod 15-lap feature was first. Kip Siems was the recipient of the pole spot after Colby Heishman was a scratch. Siems took command when the green flew, with Tony Olson tucked into second. Olson was able to make the move into the lead at lap six, and from there on, pulled away for an easy victory---his second at the track in as many nights. Siems finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, and a good distance behind was Kyle Olson in fourth and Troy Burkhart in fifth. The race went flag to flag.
Scott Pippert looked well on his way to nabbing a victory in the IMCA Stock Car class. Pippert led from the start with Damon Murty running in second the entire distance. That is until the final lap! That's when Pippert got loose in corner four, and that was all Murty needed. He flew around the outside of Pippert who was struggling to retain control, and scored the win....his 23rd of the year. Pippert held on to take second, and a good distance behind in third was Norm Chesmore, followed by Justin Stander and Mike Galli.
The Hobby Stocks saw Matt Pohlman lead the opening laps of the 12 lap event. By lap five, Justin Wacha had taken command. A lap later, Jacob Keiser passed Pohlman to take over the runner up spot and then started to reel in Wacha. Keiser got close enough to try a couple of peeks on the outside of the leader, but it was to no avail, as Wacha held the lead and scored the win. Keiser took second over Brian Happel in third and Matt Pohlman in fourth. Scott Siems was fifth but did not finish.
It was now time for the 30-lap Hawkeye Dirt Tour for the IMCA Modifieds. Tyler Droste and veteran Vern Jackson redrew the front row starting spots. Jackson jumped to the lead with Droste tucked in behind him. They would run in that order until a yellow flew at lap four when Glenwood, Iowa's Jesse Sobbing ended up off of the racing surface on corner three, bringing out a yellow. When things picked up again, running in third behind Jackson and Droste was seventh place starter Richie Gustin, and defending HDT series champion, Ronn Lauritzen was in fourth. Jackson and Droste were going at it hot and furiously, Droste briefly taking the lead, only to have Jackson snatch it back. Five cars broke away from the field, Jackson, Droste, Gustin, Lauritzen and Joe Docekal had joined them for the tussle. After many attempts, Droste finally made the pass around Jackson and took over the top spot at lap twenty. The race was halted at lap twenty-three when local favorite, "Iceman" Scott Hogan somehow ended up on a tire in turn two. The race was restarted and two more yellows would fly, one at lap twenty-four when Jacob Murray was off the track in turn four, and another at lap twenty-six for Troy Cordes who also took a trip off the track in turns three and four. The final run to the checkers when the race restarted at lap twenty-six went caution free but there was some shuffling for sure. Droste was holding down the point position, but now he had Richie Gustin to contend with in second place, and Ronn Lauritzen had taken advantage of the late race restarts, and gotten to third. Gustin, who is known as "G Money" as he has often won races for the big pay offs, was more than happy for those late race restarts---and once again, it worked for him. With two laps to go, Gustin had made the pass into the lead, and then drove home to the checkers and the $1,000 win. Droste held on to take second place, Ronn Lauritzen went third, fourth was Vern Jackson and Joe Docekal rounded out the top five.
The Hawkeye Dirt Tour travels to Tipton tonight, where they will join the IMCA Late Models for a Deery Brothers race. It's $3,000 to win for the "Boys of Summer" Late Models, and another $1,000 pay day for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour Modifieds. We plan to make the trip to watch another good night of week night racing. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
New winners at Boone as Prochaska, Richards and Gustoff take checkers
It was evident Saturday night that the season is winding down, many tracks have already concluded their season of racing, and the drivers are heading to the Boone Speedway for some testing for the quickly approaching Super Nationals. There were 168 drivers checked into the five weekly classes, plus six Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks came for some playtime. By the end of the evening, there had been 20 heat races, six B mains and six features completed. More new drivers took home wins as well, adding to a long list of many different winners at the track this year.
The MADCRA Mod Lites were the only weekly class not requiring a B main, but still with a strong field of 23 cars. Travis Stensland led from the get go, of the 15-lapper. He was content to let Mike Kennedy and Randy Bryan hash it out behind him as he stretched out a lead. In the closing laps, Bryan Zehm joined Kennedy and Bryan, and as Stensland easily took the win, it was three-wide behind him as they approached the checkers. Randy Bryan won the battle for second, finishing just ahead of Kennedy in third and Zehm in fourth. Joel Keenan completed the top five. This was Stensland's third win this year.
Bruce Egeland led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, but by lap seven, he had Jake McBirnie to contend with. McBirnie, who had started back in ninth, quickly got through the pack and was hounding the leader. McBirnie made it work a couple of laps later, taking over the lead and pulling away. That lengthy lead ended at lap thirteen when Randy Roberts dropped his drive shaft, setting up a restart and tightening up the field. Egeland still ran in second place, and Chad Ryerson and Bryan Johnson had been locked in a battle for third and fourth. When the race restarted, McBirnie simply drove off from the field again, and won by a comfortable margin as the checkers flew. Egeland held the runner up spot, and Ryerson won out over Johnson as they finished third and fourth in that order. Fifth place went to point leader Ben Kates, who had started back in thirteenth spot. This was McBirnie's second win at Boone this year.
There were six of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks on hand for their second trip to the Boone Speedway in 2014. Carl Knight jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, and it was Kevin Sather following along to tag him in second. Those two drivers raced in the one-two position for the entire race, until they approached the checkers as they came out of turn four. Sather swung to the outside of Knight and just beat him to the checkers first, snatching up the win. Knight had to settle for second, Lou Sipolt had run at the front of the pack the entire distance, and went away with a third place finish. Fourth was AJ Nelson, fifth went to Bret Moyer and Oskaloosa driver Pat Gordin was sixth.
Over half of the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature was led by Ryan Grochala. By lap seven, Cody Gustoff had moved to the runner up position from starting ninth and began pressuring the leader. With just two laps remaining, Gustoff pulled off the pass into first, and then stretched the lead to win comfortably. Grochala finished second, well ahead of Ross Marshall who just held off point leader John Watson for third and fourth, and Andrew Burg took home a fifth place finish after starting tenth. Gustoff won for the first time this year at the track.
Tyler Prochaska got revenge this week by taking the win after his second place finish last week. Prochaska led the entire 20 laps and secured his first win of the year at Boone. A lap fourteen caution worked to Mike VanGenderen's advantage when he restarted the race in sixth spot and shot past cars to finish in second place. Third went to Devon Havlik, fourth was Joel Bushore, who recovered after an early race slip up the track, and point leader, Jammin' Jimmy Gustin took fifth after starting in eleventh place. Prochaska made the thirteenth different winner in the Modified division.
The IMCA Stock Cars started off immediately with three and four wide racing. Veteran Larry Crocheck held down the lead the first three laps, but the #55 of Cory Bushnell was the guy in command at lap four. The tussling up front was furious from there on. "Hotrod" Rod Richards made the move to the point spot by lap six, passing Bushnell and right on Bushnell's tail was Jay Schmidt. A yellow flew at lap eight when Bushnell and Cody Frerichs got together, bringing out a yellow. When things got back underway, Richards was in command, but now Jay Schmidt was in second place. Three cars were going at it three-wide for third through fifth, Jerry Gifford, Donavon Smith and Larry Crocheck. Crocheck was out of the game when he went spinning in turn two, bringing out another yellow flag. On the restart, Richards was having to contend with Schmidt and Smith behind him, all three cars running ever so closely together. Smith briefly got to second around Schmidt, but Schmidt made it back around him to take it back. Just after the white flag flew, Schmidt's car would erupt into a cloud of smoke in turn one, sitting high in the corner out of harms way as the rest of the field completed the race to the checkers. Richard kept that top spot, scoring his first win of the year, Smith took the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford came from sixteenth starting spot to take third, Robert Stofer was fourth, and fifth was eleventh place starter and point leader, Jerry Gifford.
Two regular weeks of racing remain at Boone. Then on Monday, September 1, the 32nd IMCA Super Nationals will begin their six night run. Check www.raceboone.com for more details.
The MADCRA Mod Lites were the only weekly class not requiring a B main, but still with a strong field of 23 cars. Travis Stensland led from the get go, of the 15-lapper. He was content to let Mike Kennedy and Randy Bryan hash it out behind him as he stretched out a lead. In the closing laps, Bryan Zehm joined Kennedy and Bryan, and as Stensland easily took the win, it was three-wide behind him as they approached the checkers. Randy Bryan won the battle for second, finishing just ahead of Kennedy in third and Zehm in fourth. Joel Keenan completed the top five. This was Stensland's third win this year.
Bruce Egeland led the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, but by lap seven, he had Jake McBirnie to contend with. McBirnie, who had started back in ninth, quickly got through the pack and was hounding the leader. McBirnie made it work a couple of laps later, taking over the lead and pulling away. That lengthy lead ended at lap thirteen when Randy Roberts dropped his drive shaft, setting up a restart and tightening up the field. Egeland still ran in second place, and Chad Ryerson and Bryan Johnson had been locked in a battle for third and fourth. When the race restarted, McBirnie simply drove off from the field again, and won by a comfortable margin as the checkers flew. Egeland held the runner up spot, and Ryerson won out over Johnson as they finished third and fourth in that order. Fifth place went to point leader Ben Kates, who had started back in thirteenth spot. This was McBirnie's second win at Boone this year.
There were six of the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks on hand for their second trip to the Boone Speedway in 2014. Carl Knight jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, and it was Kevin Sather following along to tag him in second. Those two drivers raced in the one-two position for the entire race, until they approached the checkers as they came out of turn four. Sather swung to the outside of Knight and just beat him to the checkers first, snatching up the win. Knight had to settle for second, Lou Sipolt had run at the front of the pack the entire distance, and went away with a third place finish. Fourth was AJ Nelson, fifth went to Bret Moyer and Oskaloosa driver Pat Gordin was sixth.
Over half of the 12-lap Hobby Stock feature was led by Ryan Grochala. By lap seven, Cody Gustoff had moved to the runner up position from starting ninth and began pressuring the leader. With just two laps remaining, Gustoff pulled off the pass into first, and then stretched the lead to win comfortably. Grochala finished second, well ahead of Ross Marshall who just held off point leader John Watson for third and fourth, and Andrew Burg took home a fifth place finish after starting tenth. Gustoff won for the first time this year at the track.
Tyler Prochaska got revenge this week by taking the win after his second place finish last week. Prochaska led the entire 20 laps and secured his first win of the year at Boone. A lap fourteen caution worked to Mike VanGenderen's advantage when he restarted the race in sixth spot and shot past cars to finish in second place. Third went to Devon Havlik, fourth was Joel Bushore, who recovered after an early race slip up the track, and point leader, Jammin' Jimmy Gustin took fifth after starting in eleventh place. Prochaska made the thirteenth different winner in the Modified division.
The IMCA Stock Cars started off immediately with three and four wide racing. Veteran Larry Crocheck held down the lead the first three laps, but the #55 of Cory Bushnell was the guy in command at lap four. The tussling up front was furious from there on. "Hotrod" Rod Richards made the move to the point spot by lap six, passing Bushnell and right on Bushnell's tail was Jay Schmidt. A yellow flew at lap eight when Bushnell and Cody Frerichs got together, bringing out a yellow. When things got back underway, Richards was in command, but now Jay Schmidt was in second place. Three cars were going at it three-wide for third through fifth, Jerry Gifford, Donavon Smith and Larry Crocheck. Crocheck was out of the game when he went spinning in turn two, bringing out another yellow flag. On the restart, Richards was having to contend with Schmidt and Smith behind him, all three cars running ever so closely together. Smith briefly got to second around Schmidt, but Schmidt made it back around him to take it back. Just after the white flag flew, Schmidt's car would erupt into a cloud of smoke in turn one, sitting high in the corner out of harms way as the rest of the field completed the race to the checkers. Richard kept that top spot, scoring his first win of the year, Smith took the runner up spot, Wayne Gifford came from sixteenth starting spot to take third, Robert Stofer was fourth, and fifth was eleventh place starter and point leader, Jerry Gifford.
Two regular weeks of racing remain at Boone. Then on Monday, September 1, the 32nd IMCA Super Nationals will begin their six night run. Check www.raceboone.com for more details.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A "Racer" wins at Marshalltown, and Luellen Brothers add to their victories
Friday was a dreary, and rainy day, but it didn't stop the racing at the Marshalltown Speedway. By race time, the rain had passed and racing started right on time. This would be a night of many caution flags flying and a couple of roll overs. A returning driver chalked up a victory for the first time this year, and all other classes saw repeat winners.
The Mod Lites came to the track first for their 15-lap A main. Travis Stensland was in a new car last night, and led the first handful of laps. Josh May ran down leader Stensland, and took over the top spot by lap six. On lap seven, the #94 car of Dustin Marshall took a hard roll in turns one and two, bringing a red flag. He was okay. When the race restarted, May was still in command, Stensland was running second, and Tim Hennigar was third. It was but a couple of laps later when the track went red again. This time, Stensland lost the handle in turn one, Jimmy May clipped him, and that in turn sent May tumbling. May was also okay, but his night was done. In the waning laps, Josh May continued his run at the front, Tim Hennigar taking peeks for anyway around him, but to no avail. May took the checkers, Tim Hennigar finished second, brother Andy Hennigar was third, DJ Schmalzried took fourth, and Dusty Masolini completed the top five. Andy Hennigar keeps his track point lead.
The 12-lap Hobby feature had the familiar #3A of Austin Luellen at the front by lap three. The rest of the race found Eric Stanton trying to catch Luellen. Stanton, could do no better than the runner up spot on this night however, finishing behind winner Luellen. Third went to visiting driver, Jamie Schirm who had started in tenth spot, fourth was Calvin Dhondt, who has been absent from the racing scene the last couple of years--- was piloting the car formerly owned and driven by Eric Larson, and point leader John Watson took fifth, driving the borrowed car of Riley Songer. Luellen won for the third week in a row, and took his eighth win of the season at Marshalltown.
We had another marathon race in the SportMod 18-lapper. For the first six laps, it was one lap at a time before the yellow was waving again. It was a no go on the start, and then there were six more yellows by lap six. At that lap six, it was decided that there would be only single file restarts, and laps under caution were counted. Again, the caution came out on a restart, this time for debris....one of the corner tires rolling onto the track. Up to this time, Ryan Ashton and Shawn Ritter had been the front runners, but lurking in third was Clint Luellen. When racing got back underway at lap thirteen, it was Ritter now leading, but Luellen quickly made his move into second around Ashton and was pressuring Ritter. The final couple of circuits, Luellen tightened the screws, was able to make the pass for the lead, and sealed the victory. Ritter had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to Jenae Gustin, fourth was Adam Shelman and Jared VanDeest was fifth. Clint Luellen chalked up his seventh win at the track this season.
Up next came the 18-lap A main for the IMCA Stock Cars. Though this one did not go caution free, just two yellows was refreshing after the previous race. Dave Atcher took his #2 hot rod to the front immediately but who should be in second place by lap two except the Chelsea Charger, Damon Murty. Murty, who had spent much of his season on Friday's running the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway, returned to the high banks, and showed he was still darn familiar with the track. Murty, who started tenth, swung to the top of turns three and four, and dove low in corners one and two, reeling in leader Atcher. By lap seven, Murty was in the lead, and from there on he slid through heavy lap traffic without a hitch, and sailed home to his first win at Marshalltown this year. Atcher held on to second over Michael Jaennette in third. Fourth went to the previous three weeks winner, Donavon Smith and Scooter Dulin was fifth. This was Murty's 21st win over all for the 2014 season.
The night's racing ended with the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Dubbed the "ground pounders" by announcer Jerry VanSickle, it was Jake Stayer, last week's winner, making the move into first when lap one was scored. Strayer, who slipped under pole sitter Joel Bushore when he slid high in corner four, as lap one was about to be scored, was then looking to be the man to beat. Strayer was pulling away from the pack when a yellow flew at lap five for debris, and by this time, Bushore had recovered from his earlier slip up, and was back to second. Strayer and Bushore fought it out for the next several laps, both circling the top of the track. Another yellow at lap ten for debris, set up a restart situation, Strayer still leading, Bushore in second, and Racer Hulin had moved up to run third. Only one more lap was scored when again a yellow flew. By this time, point leader Ronn Lauritzen, who had been involved in an incident in his heat race that resulted in his retiring to the pits, started fourteenth, and had just taken over the runner up spot, when yet another yellow flew at lap eleven. On the restart, Racer Hulin dove low and took over second place from Lauritzen. Again a yellow flew at lap twelve when one of the infield barrier tires was hit and came out onto the racing surface. Hulin was ready and eager for this restart, diving under Strayer in turn two and taking the lead. He immediately took to the top of the track and set sail seeking the checkers. Hulin was successful in his quest, taking the win a comfortable distance ahead of Strayer in second place. Ronn Lauritzen maintains his healthy point lead, finishing third, Adam Larson came from starting near the end of the starting field, to finish fourth, and Tyler Droste completed the top five. This was Hulin's second win at Marshalltown this year.
Two weeks of regular season racing remains at the Marshalltown Speedway---August 22 and August 29. Also mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 27 when the make up for the USMTS will be in town. Also running with them will be the USRA Stock Cars and USRA B Mods. Then on September 18-20, it will be the World Nationals. This one you won't want to miss, with $10,000 to win on the line. For more information, check www.marshalltownspeedway.com.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
First wins at Boone for Krampe and Janssen
There was a big crowd on hand Saturday night at the Boone Speedway and 152 race cars filled the pits. The youngsters were having a blast with the carnival atmosphere----playing games, winning prizes, and Ditzy the Clown there making balloon animals and painting faces. It was also Zylstra Harley Davidson Night and many were observed drooling over the cool bikes on display. All but one of the five classes had to run B mains and by the end of the evening, two drivers went home with their very first wins at the speedway. It was also a big old full moon night! More on that later.
The Mod Lites were the only class not having to run a B main. Joe Glick took the lead when the green fell, but Terry Brown was quickly up to challenge him by lap four. Brown hounded Glick until he was able to make the pass on the backstretch, and was scored the leader at lap ten. Brown kept the lead the rest of the way, and took the win. Glick held on to second place, Bryan Zehm came from eleventh starting spot to take third, fourth was Joel Keenan, and point leader James May rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone this year.
There were 33 IMCA Northern SportMods, thus requiring a B main to complete the 24-car feature's starting grid. Johnathon Logue came home with the win in that consolation. Shawn Albers, Wellsburg, Iowa driver, jumped to the immediate lead and was still holding it down after the third yellow at just lap two. Lynn Brockett was on his tail by then, and running third was Ben Kates. Kates had hurried through the pack from his eleventh starting spot and he was ready to challenge the two front runners when the race got back underway. At lap nine, Kates took the lead and a couple of laps later, he had the bright blue #82 of Jake McBirnie to contend with. The closing laps were a shoot out between Kates and McBirnie but Kates held steadfast to his lead, and took the win. McBirnie had to be content with the runner up spot, Albers held on to take third, Brockett was fourth and Tim Love rounded out the top five. This was the fifth win for Kates in the season.
Thirty-seven Hobby Stocks called for two B mains to round out their starting line up for the 12-lap feature. Marengo, Iowa's Jacob Keiser and Storm Lake's Justin Nehring took those wins. Just as the race was initially started, the #6 of Bryan Keeney ran head on into the concrete wall in turn two and no lap was scored. It was a hard sudden stop, but he was okay. When the race did get started, Seth Janssen claimed the lead. By lap four, he had Cody Gustoff pestering him. From there on to the checkers, the two drivers duked it out. They ran many laps side-by-side, but Gustoff was never able to pull off the pass. Janssen claimed the win, Gustoff scored in second. Third was Tyler Pickett who had started eleventh, fourth went to Eric Stanton who started twelfth, and point leader John Watson completed the top five. This was Seth Janssen's first career win and he celebrated by taking the checkered flag in a backward victory lap. He was also the twelfth different winner in the Hobby Stock class at the track this year.
The IMCA Modified's had 30 cars on hand, also requiring a B main. Jimmy Gustin won it. In the 20-lap feature, it was a no go situation as veteran Lloyd Henderson and John Logue ended up tangled at the top of turn three before a lap was scored. The front row was Tyler Prochaska and Kyle Krampe, and Krampe nabbed the lead when the race went green. Prochaska tucked into second place, and Joel Bushore took third. Those three drivers put on the show up front for the fans, as they jockeyed for position, each of the three at one time or another, claiming the top spot. A caution flew at lap fourteen when Randy Havlik's car shut down at the top of turn two, and on the restart it was still Krampe in the lead, Bushore and Prochaska in second and third. The closing laps had a bit of a shake up behind the leader, but it was Krampe maintaining his lead and scoring the win. Prochaska took the runner up spot, Scott Davis made a late race charge to finish third, as did Russ Dickerson in fourth. Bushore fell back in the final couple of circuits, and held on for a fifth place finish. This was Krampe's first ever win in the Modified division. He made the eleventh different winner in the Modified class in the 2014 season.
The IMCA Stock Cars ran their usual 18-lap feature. After their B main, won by Don Vis, the starting 24 car field was set. This one had the opening lap called back too, as Ty Hill was spun in lap two, bringing out a yellow. The early portion of the race was led by Scott Bailey as he was content in the captain's seat as the competition behind him fought three and four-wide. After a restart for a caution at lap three, Bailey still held the lead and sitting second was eighth place starter Trent Murphy, Eric Brown was third and tenth place starter Jay Schmidt was waiting in the wings for the green to drop again. It didn't take long for Schmidt to get his Black Betty ride to the lead, He overtook Bailey on the backstretch before lap five was scored, taking over the point position. Another yellow at lap six, took Brown out of contention when he had to check up to avoid hitting a stopped car sitting in turn three. He was penalized for stopping on the track under a yellow, sending him to restart at the back of the pack. A couple of laps later, Bailey was also out of the running when his car expired. The race for the lead was between Schmidt and Murphy, Schmidt running the high line, Murphy choosing the lower. Murphy pulled off the pass in the closing laps, and as the white flag was flying, contact was made when Murphy pulled up in front Schmidt at the flagstand, possibly with a tire going down, as he then was off pace and Schmidt took the lead. Schmidt led the final lap, and took the flying checkers and the win. Robert Stofer finished second after running in third for half the race, third went to Donavon Smith, Jerry Gifford was fourth, and Murphy hung on to finish fifth. Schmidt won for the fourth time this year at the track.
There seemed to be many things going on last night during the races,----cars shutting down, blown motors, cars rolling (the 77C of Craig Carlson rolled over the bank between turns three and four during the heat, but was able to start the Main) mechanical woes, and a good number of yellow flags as well as a number of black flags flown for "questionable driving". As we left the track and headed toward home, we noticed the bright, full moon shining! We will blame those issues on the curse of the full moon!
There are just three weeks of regular season racing remaining at Boone. Hard to imagine that the season is winding down at most tracks in our area. Try and take in some of those races remaining and support the sport we all love.....dirt track racing!
The Mod Lites were the only class not having to run a B main. Joe Glick took the lead when the green fell, but Terry Brown was quickly up to challenge him by lap four. Brown hounded Glick until he was able to make the pass on the backstretch, and was scored the leader at lap ten. Brown kept the lead the rest of the way, and took the win. Glick held on to second place, Bryan Zehm came from eleventh starting spot to take third, fourth was Joel Keenan, and point leader James May rounded out the top five. The race went flag to flag. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone this year.
There were 33 IMCA Northern SportMods, thus requiring a B main to complete the 24-car feature's starting grid. Johnathon Logue came home with the win in that consolation. Shawn Albers, Wellsburg, Iowa driver, jumped to the immediate lead and was still holding it down after the third yellow at just lap two. Lynn Brockett was on his tail by then, and running third was Ben Kates. Kates had hurried through the pack from his eleventh starting spot and he was ready to challenge the two front runners when the race got back underway. At lap nine, Kates took the lead and a couple of laps later, he had the bright blue #82 of Jake McBirnie to contend with. The closing laps were a shoot out between Kates and McBirnie but Kates held steadfast to his lead, and took the win. McBirnie had to be content with the runner up spot, Albers held on to take third, Brockett was fourth and Tim Love rounded out the top five. This was the fifth win for Kates in the season.
Thirty-seven Hobby Stocks called for two B mains to round out their starting line up for the 12-lap feature. Marengo, Iowa's Jacob Keiser and Storm Lake's Justin Nehring took those wins. Just as the race was initially started, the #6 of Bryan Keeney ran head on into the concrete wall in turn two and no lap was scored. It was a hard sudden stop, but he was okay. When the race did get started, Seth Janssen claimed the lead. By lap four, he had Cody Gustoff pestering him. From there on to the checkers, the two drivers duked it out. They ran many laps side-by-side, but Gustoff was never able to pull off the pass. Janssen claimed the win, Gustoff scored in second. Third was Tyler Pickett who had started eleventh, fourth went to Eric Stanton who started twelfth, and point leader John Watson completed the top five. This was Seth Janssen's first career win and he celebrated by taking the checkered flag in a backward victory lap. He was also the twelfth different winner in the Hobby Stock class at the track this year.
The IMCA Modified's had 30 cars on hand, also requiring a B main. Jimmy Gustin won it. In the 20-lap feature, it was a no go situation as veteran Lloyd Henderson and John Logue ended up tangled at the top of turn three before a lap was scored. The front row was Tyler Prochaska and Kyle Krampe, and Krampe nabbed the lead when the race went green. Prochaska tucked into second place, and Joel Bushore took third. Those three drivers put on the show up front for the fans, as they jockeyed for position, each of the three at one time or another, claiming the top spot. A caution flew at lap fourteen when Randy Havlik's car shut down at the top of turn two, and on the restart it was still Krampe in the lead, Bushore and Prochaska in second and third. The closing laps had a bit of a shake up behind the leader, but it was Krampe maintaining his lead and scoring the win. Prochaska took the runner up spot, Scott Davis made a late race charge to finish third, as did Russ Dickerson in fourth. Bushore fell back in the final couple of circuits, and held on for a fifth place finish. This was Krampe's first ever win in the Modified division. He made the eleventh different winner in the Modified class in the 2014 season.
The IMCA Stock Cars ran their usual 18-lap feature. After their B main, won by Don Vis, the starting 24 car field was set. This one had the opening lap called back too, as Ty Hill was spun in lap two, bringing out a yellow. The early portion of the race was led by Scott Bailey as he was content in the captain's seat as the competition behind him fought three and four-wide. After a restart for a caution at lap three, Bailey still held the lead and sitting second was eighth place starter Trent Murphy, Eric Brown was third and tenth place starter Jay Schmidt was waiting in the wings for the green to drop again. It didn't take long for Schmidt to get his Black Betty ride to the lead, He overtook Bailey on the backstretch before lap five was scored, taking over the point position. Another yellow at lap six, took Brown out of contention when he had to check up to avoid hitting a stopped car sitting in turn three. He was penalized for stopping on the track under a yellow, sending him to restart at the back of the pack. A couple of laps later, Bailey was also out of the running when his car expired. The race for the lead was between Schmidt and Murphy, Schmidt running the high line, Murphy choosing the lower. Murphy pulled off the pass in the closing laps, and as the white flag was flying, contact was made when Murphy pulled up in front Schmidt at the flagstand, possibly with a tire going down, as he then was off pace and Schmidt took the lead. Schmidt led the final lap, and took the flying checkers and the win. Robert Stofer finished second after running in third for half the race, third went to Donavon Smith, Jerry Gifford was fourth, and Murphy hung on to finish fifth. Schmidt won for the fourth time this year at the track.
There seemed to be many things going on last night during the races,----cars shutting down, blown motors, cars rolling (the 77C of Craig Carlson rolled over the bank between turns three and four during the heat, but was able to start the Main) mechanical woes, and a good number of yellow flags as well as a number of black flags flown for "questionable driving". As we left the track and headed toward home, we noticed the bright, full moon shining! We will blame those issues on the curse of the full moon!
There are just three weeks of regular season racing remaining at Boone. Hard to imagine that the season is winding down at most tracks in our area. Try and take in some of those races remaining and support the sport we all love.....dirt track racing!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Strayer and Stensland take first Marshalltown wins, Gustin, Smith and Luellen victorious again
The Marshalltown Speedway had a lot of rain prior to Friday night's racing, and the track did not behave very well in some instances. That didn't hinder three drivers who just keep racking up the wins though and two other drivers, won for the very first time at the high banks.
A little Quad racing was thrown in to add to the night's entertainment and they were first to the oval for their feature. It was appearing that one driver was going to have a clean sweep. Travis Brandt, who also races a Mod Lite, won his heat and was sailing easily ahead of his competition at the final lap. As he approached the finish line, his machine shut down, and Michael Rupe beat him to the checkers. Brandt coasted across the line in second.
The Mod Lites ran their 15-lap feature next. This race went green to checkers with Travis Stensland leading the entire way. Terry Brown, last week's winner, finished as the runner up, though a good distance behind the leader, Tim Hennigar was third, fourth went to Mike Morrill, and James May rounded out the top five. Charlie Brown had been running with the leaders until the final run to the checkers, but ended up on his lid at the top of turn four as the race completed. He was okay. This was Stensland's first win at the Marshalltown track.
The Hobby Stock 12-lap A main was a fight to the finish among several cars. When a yellow flew with just two laps remaining, it was the 3A of Austin Luellen, and the 5A of Tyler Pickett vying for the top spot. Behind them, it had been a three-wide battle between Eric Larson, Tyson Overton and Eric Stanton. An incident between Larson and Overton on the frontstretch, left them blocking the track and bringing out the yellow. When the green-white-checkered restart began, it was Luellen claiming the top spot, with Pickett in second, Stanton was third and visiting Kyle Parizek from Belle Plaine, was fourth. The final circuit found Luellen holding down that top spot to the checkers and the win. In the final wild scramble behind the leader, Eric Stanton sneaked around Pickett as they finished second and third. Parizek held on to finish fourth and Brice Udelhoven took fifth after starting 17th. This made it two in a row for Luellen at Marshalltown, his seventh for the season.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin taking the lead in turn two just after the green fell. Gustin, who started fourth, wasted no time in making her move to the front, and sailed off. However, it wasn't a done deal yet. By lap five, the #38X of newcomer Logan Scott out of Odebolt, Iowa, had moved into second from starting twelfth on the field, and was starting to pressure leader Gustin. A lap car was coming into play for the leaders, but it was Gustin sliding through like hot butter, but Scott had to hold up just a bit, allowing Gustin a bit of breathing room. Scott was able to catch Gustin again just a lap or two later, and was able to briefly take the lead. That all ended when the rough track caused him to slide up, he bounced through some bad ruts, smoke arose, and he had to exit the track. This put Gustin back in command the rest of the way to the checkers. Second place went to Sam Wieben. Wieben had fought hard with the front runners most of the race after starting eighth. Third was Kegan Scott, that we believe to be Logan Scott's brother and also from Odebolt. Scott started eleventh and had a good run for his first appearance at the track. Fourth was Clint Luellen, and talk about a run! Luellen had not finished his heat race, and was listed as 26th on the starting lineup. His #3L ride was picking off cars left and right on his run to the front of the pack. Fifth place finisher, Brett Lowry made up a lot of ground as well. Lowry started 27th and worked his way smoothly through the field for a top five finish. This was Jenae Gustin's third win in a row at Marshalltown and fifth over all for the season. She said in victory lane, that this was win #14 in total for the year.
Veteran racer, Jeff Wollam appeared to be on his way to visiting victory lane in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Wollam took command from Robert Stofer at lap three after quite a battle. The battle continued even after cautions flew at laps four and six. Wollam held tight to his number one position as Stofer continued to try and find a way around him. Meanwhile, someone else had entered the picture. It was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith. Smith, who patiently had worked the bottom of the track per usual, was now up to third and tightening the screws on second place runner Stofer. Stofer slammed the door shut on the bottom and after several attempts failed Smith down low, he moved to the top of the track. This worked for Smith, as he flew around Stofer and took over second place. The final couple of laps was tight, but Smith finally established the lead for good with two laps remaining. Smith took the checkers and the win, and Wollam had to be content with a runner up finish. Trent Murphy made his move in the final laps as well, getting around Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order. Rounding out the top five, was Jay Schmidt, who brought back his snazzy Black Betty ride after she got a "face lift". Smith made it three in a row at the track and captured his eighth feature at Marshalltown this season.
After last week's marathon race in the Modified feature, it was great to see the 20-lap main go flag-to-flag....especially on the rough track. Jake Strayer got under polesitter Rod Clement and took the lead by lap one. From then on, Strayer kept that number one spot all the way to the checkers. There was battling going on behind him however, as point leader Ronn Lauritzen quickly got to second place and started his quest to catch the leader. Joel Rust also came calling for a top finish, getting to third by lap seven. Just before lap seventeen was scored, Rust was able to take over the runner up spot, getting around Lauritzen on the backstretch, but there was no catching Strayer. Strayer took the win, his first ever at Marshalltown and I believe only his second career Modified win over all. Rust held on to finish as the runner up, Lauritzen was third, Clement finished fourth and Scott Simatovich was fifth. Strayer, who had a short stint in a sprint car, returned to the Modified class this year, thanked his sponsors and especially his father for helping him.
The track was not kind last night, as cars seemed to bounce around in all classes, not only causing incidents on the track, but causing some mechanical issues as well. We were surprised at how much rain had fallen at Marshalltown during the week, as we had not had nearly as much. Next week, it will be another night of racing at the track, hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Just three nights of regular racing remains at Marshalltown, as the season is quickly winding down.
A little Quad racing was thrown in to add to the night's entertainment and they were first to the oval for their feature. It was appearing that one driver was going to have a clean sweep. Travis Brandt, who also races a Mod Lite, won his heat and was sailing easily ahead of his competition at the final lap. As he approached the finish line, his machine shut down, and Michael Rupe beat him to the checkers. Brandt coasted across the line in second.
The Mod Lites ran their 15-lap feature next. This race went green to checkers with Travis Stensland leading the entire way. Terry Brown, last week's winner, finished as the runner up, though a good distance behind the leader, Tim Hennigar was third, fourth went to Mike Morrill, and James May rounded out the top five. Charlie Brown had been running with the leaders until the final run to the checkers, but ended up on his lid at the top of turn four as the race completed. He was okay. This was Stensland's first win at the Marshalltown track.
The Hobby Stock 12-lap A main was a fight to the finish among several cars. When a yellow flew with just two laps remaining, it was the 3A of Austin Luellen, and the 5A of Tyler Pickett vying for the top spot. Behind them, it had been a three-wide battle between Eric Larson, Tyson Overton and Eric Stanton. An incident between Larson and Overton on the frontstretch, left them blocking the track and bringing out the yellow. When the green-white-checkered restart began, it was Luellen claiming the top spot, with Pickett in second, Stanton was third and visiting Kyle Parizek from Belle Plaine, was fourth. The final circuit found Luellen holding down that top spot to the checkers and the win. In the final wild scramble behind the leader, Eric Stanton sneaked around Pickett as they finished second and third. Parizek held on to finish fourth and Brice Udelhoven took fifth after starting 17th. This made it two in a row for Luellen at Marshalltown, his seventh for the season.
In the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature, it was "Mighty Miss" Jenae Gustin taking the lead in turn two just after the green fell. Gustin, who started fourth, wasted no time in making her move to the front, and sailed off. However, it wasn't a done deal yet. By lap five, the #38X of newcomer Logan Scott out of Odebolt, Iowa, had moved into second from starting twelfth on the field, and was starting to pressure leader Gustin. A lap car was coming into play for the leaders, but it was Gustin sliding through like hot butter, but Scott had to hold up just a bit, allowing Gustin a bit of breathing room. Scott was able to catch Gustin again just a lap or two later, and was able to briefly take the lead. That all ended when the rough track caused him to slide up, he bounced through some bad ruts, smoke arose, and he had to exit the track. This put Gustin back in command the rest of the way to the checkers. Second place went to Sam Wieben. Wieben had fought hard with the front runners most of the race after starting eighth. Third was Kegan Scott, that we believe to be Logan Scott's brother and also from Odebolt. Scott started eleventh and had a good run for his first appearance at the track. Fourth was Clint Luellen, and talk about a run! Luellen had not finished his heat race, and was listed as 26th on the starting lineup. His #3L ride was picking off cars left and right on his run to the front of the pack. Fifth place finisher, Brett Lowry made up a lot of ground as well. Lowry started 27th and worked his way smoothly through the field for a top five finish. This was Jenae Gustin's third win in a row at Marshalltown and fifth over all for the season. She said in victory lane, that this was win #14 in total for the year.
Veteran racer, Jeff Wollam appeared to be on his way to visiting victory lane in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Wollam took command from Robert Stofer at lap three after quite a battle. The battle continued even after cautions flew at laps four and six. Wollam held tight to his number one position as Stofer continued to try and find a way around him. Meanwhile, someone else had entered the picture. It was the familiar #35 of Donavon Smith. Smith, who patiently had worked the bottom of the track per usual, was now up to third and tightening the screws on second place runner Stofer. Stofer slammed the door shut on the bottom and after several attempts failed Smith down low, he moved to the top of the track. This worked for Smith, as he flew around Stofer and took over second place. The final couple of laps was tight, but Smith finally established the lead for good with two laps remaining. Smith took the checkers and the win, and Wollam had to be content with a runner up finish. Trent Murphy made his move in the final laps as well, getting around Stofer as they finished third and fourth in that order. Rounding out the top five, was Jay Schmidt, who brought back his snazzy Black Betty ride after she got a "face lift". Smith made it three in a row at the track and captured his eighth feature at Marshalltown this season.
After last week's marathon race in the Modified feature, it was great to see the 20-lap main go flag-to-flag....especially on the rough track. Jake Strayer got under polesitter Rod Clement and took the lead by lap one. From then on, Strayer kept that number one spot all the way to the checkers. There was battling going on behind him however, as point leader Ronn Lauritzen quickly got to second place and started his quest to catch the leader. Joel Rust also came calling for a top finish, getting to third by lap seven. Just before lap seventeen was scored, Rust was able to take over the runner up spot, getting around Lauritzen on the backstretch, but there was no catching Strayer. Strayer took the win, his first ever at Marshalltown and I believe only his second career Modified win over all. Rust held on to finish as the runner up, Lauritzen was third, Clement finished fourth and Scott Simatovich was fifth. Strayer, who had a short stint in a sprint car, returned to the Modified class this year, thanked his sponsors and especially his father for helping him.
The track was not kind last night, as cars seemed to bounce around in all classes, not only causing incidents on the track, but causing some mechanical issues as well. We were surprised at how much rain had fallen at Marshalltown during the week, as we had not had nearly as much. Next week, it will be another night of racing at the track, hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30. Just three nights of regular racing remains at Marshalltown, as the season is quickly winding down.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Onstot and Nelson take first wins, VanGenderen, Smith and Stensland victorious again
The weather was just about perfect for racing at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. A lot of folks must have thought the same thing as there was a large crowd on hand. The drivers came out in full force too, as 145 cars filled the pits. Two new names were stamped in the books as winners this year, while three others were repeat winners.
The MADCRA Mod Lite feature went all 15 laps caution free. Travis Stensland led all but the opening lap in taking the win, his second of the year. Stensland finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Joel Keenan. Angelo Montgomery took third, Randy Bryan was fourth and point leader Jimmy May was fifth. Just as the race was completed, the track went red when Cory Dennis tumbled over turn two. He was okay.
There was a brand new winner in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Anthony Onstot, Norwalk, Iowa, led the whole 18-lap distance to the checkers. It wasn't easy though, as he had to win a hard fought battle with Randy Roberts. Onstot and Roberts fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, for many laps before Onstot was able to secure the top spot at the checkers. Tara Longnecker ran at the front of the pack all race long, and finished third. Fourth was Jake McBirnie and Tim Love was fifth. Going into the night, Ben Kates was the point leader, but his night did not end well, having to retire to the pits and scored in 23rd place. The new point leader is Johnathon Logue, Jr. with a five point lead. Onstot is the eleventh different winner in the SportMod division this year at Boone.
Another new name went in the books in the Hobby Stock feature. Newton, Iowa's Jake Nelson led all twelve laps on his way to stamping his name in the list of winners. David Rieks, last week's winner, finished as the runner up----getting around third place Dustin Lynch late in the race, Tim Barber hung at the front of the pack all race long and was scored in fourth, and Aaron Rudolph rounded out the top five. Nelson is now the tenth different winner in the Hobby Stock division at Boone this year.
The IMCA Modified feature was a hard fought battle between two cars for most of the 20-laps. Joel Bushore jumped to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, to take the lead on lap one. By lap two, Mike VanGenderen was pressuring Devon Havlik for second, taking it over by lap three. Then the chase was on. VanGenderen caught leader Bushore, pestering him on the lower line, Bushore staying upstairs. A caution at lap twelve set up a restart situation. When thing restarted, Bushore slipped up going into corner two, allowing VanGenderen to scoot into the lead underneath him. Another restart at lap fourteen didn't hinder VanGenderen, keeping his lead the remaining six laps to the checkers and the win. It was a fight for second place however. Russ Dickerson had started tenth, and was challenging Bushore, and Josh Truman was joining in the fun too. At the checkers, Dickerson was scored as the runner up, just ahead of Bushore in third, and Truman in fourth. Point leader Jimmy Gustin, who started twelfth, rounded out the top five. This was VanGenderen's second win at Boone this year.
The Stock Cars were going three, four, and five wide from the start of the 18-lap feature. Michael Jaennette took over the top spot from Don Vis by lap four and by lap six, was having to fend off the challenges of Jerry Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith. The three cars pulled away from the rest of the field, and all eyes were focused on them as they challenged each other. Smith, who started eleventh, was working his magic on the bottom, taking over second place from Gifford. Smith was relentless in his pursuit and kept digging on the low side. He finally made it pay off, scooting under Jaennette in the waning moments, and beating him to the checkers by half a car length. Following second place Jaennette, Gifford had to be content with third, fourth was Ben Walding, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Smith scored his third win of the regular season, plus having pegged the Frostbuster pre-season win also.
It was deemed "Pre-Nationals" night at the Speedway. There was a live band playing in the pits as we left the track, plus free sweet corn and free beer. Earlier, the youngsters enjoyed a candy/coin toss. We noticed quite a few new drivers competing last night, probably getting in a little practice run around the track in anticipation of the upcoming Super Nationals. However, there are still four nights of regular season racing left before then. Last night was the 16th straight night of weekly racing at Boone, plus the Deery Brothers Memorial Day race. The only "blip" on the season so far, has been a shortened Frostbuster back on April 12, when just one feature race was completed before being weathered out. It was completed the following week along with the regular opening night program. Fingers crossed for the next four shows being completed.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The MADCRA Mod Lite feature went all 15 laps caution free. Travis Stensland led all but the opening lap in taking the win, his second of the year. Stensland finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Joel Keenan. Angelo Montgomery took third, Randy Bryan was fourth and point leader Jimmy May was fifth. Just as the race was completed, the track went red when Cory Dennis tumbled over turn two. He was okay.
There was a brand new winner in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Anthony Onstot, Norwalk, Iowa, led the whole 18-lap distance to the checkers. It wasn't easy though, as he had to win a hard fought battle with Randy Roberts. Onstot and Roberts fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, for many laps before Onstot was able to secure the top spot at the checkers. Tara Longnecker ran at the front of the pack all race long, and finished third. Fourth was Jake McBirnie and Tim Love was fifth. Going into the night, Ben Kates was the point leader, but his night did not end well, having to retire to the pits and scored in 23rd place. The new point leader is Johnathon Logue, Jr. with a five point lead. Onstot is the eleventh different winner in the SportMod division this year at Boone.
Another new name went in the books in the Hobby Stock feature. Newton, Iowa's Jake Nelson led all twelve laps on his way to stamping his name in the list of winners. David Rieks, last week's winner, finished as the runner up----getting around third place Dustin Lynch late in the race, Tim Barber hung at the front of the pack all race long and was scored in fourth, and Aaron Rudolph rounded out the top five. Nelson is now the tenth different winner in the Hobby Stock division at Boone this year.
The IMCA Modified feature was a hard fought battle between two cars for most of the 20-laps. Joel Bushore jumped to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, to take the lead on lap one. By lap two, Mike VanGenderen was pressuring Devon Havlik for second, taking it over by lap three. Then the chase was on. VanGenderen caught leader Bushore, pestering him on the lower line, Bushore staying upstairs. A caution at lap twelve set up a restart situation. When thing restarted, Bushore slipped up going into corner two, allowing VanGenderen to scoot into the lead underneath him. Another restart at lap fourteen didn't hinder VanGenderen, keeping his lead the remaining six laps to the checkers and the win. It was a fight for second place however. Russ Dickerson had started tenth, and was challenging Bushore, and Josh Truman was joining in the fun too. At the checkers, Dickerson was scored as the runner up, just ahead of Bushore in third, and Truman in fourth. Point leader Jimmy Gustin, who started twelfth, rounded out the top five. This was VanGenderen's second win at Boone this year.
The Stock Cars were going three, four, and five wide from the start of the 18-lap feature. Michael Jaennette took over the top spot from Don Vis by lap four and by lap six, was having to fend off the challenges of Jerry Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith. The three cars pulled away from the rest of the field, and all eyes were focused on them as they challenged each other. Smith, who started eleventh, was working his magic on the bottom, taking over second place from Gifford. Smith was relentless in his pursuit and kept digging on the low side. He finally made it pay off, scooting under Jaennette in the waning moments, and beating him to the checkers by half a car length. Following second place Jaennette, Gifford had to be content with third, fourth was Ben Walding, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Smith scored his third win of the regular season, plus having pegged the Frostbuster pre-season win also.
It was deemed "Pre-Nationals" night at the Speedway. There was a live band playing in the pits as we left the track, plus free sweet corn and free beer. Earlier, the youngsters enjoyed a candy/coin toss. We noticed quite a few new drivers competing last night, probably getting in a little practice run around the track in anticipation of the upcoming Super Nationals. However, there are still four nights of regular season racing left before then. Last night was the 16th straight night of weekly racing at Boone, plus the Deery Brothers Memorial Day race. The only "blip" on the season so far, has been a shortened Frostbuster back on April 12, when just one feature race was completed before being weathered out. It was completed the following week along with the regular opening night program. Fingers crossed for the next four shows being completed.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Lauritzen wins caution plagued race at Marshalltown
Marshalltown Speedway not only had their five regular classes of cars racing last night, but the fans also got to see some Quads and racing Lawnmowers during intermission. It was a caution filled Modified feature, much because of the infield barrier tires being kicked out on the track, and two drivers scored back to back wins.
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
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