It was J & V Napa night at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night, with the Central Iowa Fair running in the background. Three drivers would get their first wins of the season, while others would add to their victories on the year. Two of those first time winners, would keep it in the family. The features were run with only a total of three yellow flags, making for an efficient show, with great racing, and on a track that held its moisture last evening.
Travis Stensland continues his tear in the Mod Lite division, as he chalked up his fourth win in a row. Stensland started fourth, and had the lead before the first lap was scored. The race went caution free, and Stensland pulled away to win the race by a good margin over second place Joe Glick. Josh May started ninth, and finished a close third, fourth went to Joe Zrostlik and Bryan Zehm was fifth. Stensland also won back in May, in Mike Kennedy's "rent-a-ride" #95, making this his fifth victory at the track.
Sam Wieben made it to the winner's circle for the first time this season by winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Wieben started tenth and passed last week's winner Shawn Cooney on lap eleven, then sailed away to the win in the final laps. Travis Peterson came from eleventh starting spot to capture the runner up position, third went to twelfth place starter, Jared VanDeest, and Shawn Cooney was fourth, and Jake McBirnie completed the top five. The race went flag to flag.
Shannon Anderson got back to his winning ways in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock event. It took Anderson less than two laps to take over the lead, as he raced from his tenth starting spot. From there on, Anderson never looked back on his way to the checkers. Father Jeff Anderson, started fifth, and chased his son the final handful of laps but could muster no better than the runner up spot. Gary Pfantz was third, holding back fourth place finisher Justin Wacha, and last week's winner Leah Wroten, was fifth. This was Anderson's eighth win at Marshalltown this year. The only other winner's in the class this season have been Leah Wroten, Gene Nicklas, and Bill Bonnett...who was MIA last evening.
After a near photo finish last week...and a loss by inches, Damon Murty got to stand in Victory Lane this week in the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car class. Murty started eighth, moved to the topside early, and stayed there, on his run to the flying checkers. Todd Reitzler started ninth, and followed in Murty's footsteps at the top of the track, but could only chase him across the line to finish second. Third went to tenth place starter Donavon Smith, pole sitter Scott Rice ran up front the entire race, and finished fourth, and Kyle Everts rounded out the top five. This was Murty's fourth feature win of the season, plus he also won the Frostbuster special.
Murty was interviewed in victory lane after his win, and stated that he was racing his second car last evening, the one that young son Dallon often pilots. Dallon, who is just twelve years old, won his first non-sanctioned stock car race last Saturday night at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City. Look for great things from this young man in the furture, who already has the moniker , "Game Changer".
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20 lap event next and it went caution free as well. Jesse Belez, in his home built race car, led the first ten laps, as Jenae Gustin began reeling him in. After a few laps of pestering Belez, Gustin made the move to first on lap eleven. She then distanced herself from the rest of the field, taking the checkers by a comfortable margin. Jake Murray finished second, winning the battle over Jon Snyder who was third. Fourth went to Todd Inman and Derek Reimer finished fifth. This was Jenae Gustin's first win at the track this season. It was a popular one for sure, as the fans were on their feet as she took the checkers.
The 20 lap IMCA Late Model feature was dominated by Richie Gustin. Gustin started seventh, and was leading when lap one was scored. The only caution of the race came at lap two when Joe Zrostlik and Curtis Glover tangled on the front stretch, closing out their night and mangling a couple of infield sponsor signs. When the race restarted, Gustin rocketed off, racing around the rim of the track... never seriously challenged. He finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Todd Cooney who's attempt to reel in the winner fell short. Darrel DeFrance started eighth and came home in third place, fourth was Paul Conrad, and Paul Nagel was fifth. Gustin wins for the first time at Marshalltown this year. He followed up sister Jenae's win in the Modifieds.
We wandered the Central Iowa Fair earlier in the evening, finding some "fair food" at one of the stands, and then had an enjoyable night of sharing the racing action with friends. The program was run quickly, with few yellows flags, on a much moister track than the previous few weeks.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Elliott outlasts VanGenderen in a thriller at Boone
Weekly racing continued at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night with a nice field of 119 race cars checked into the pits. One first time winner emerged from the Mod Lite class, while all other divisions saw repeat winners...two taking back to back wins.
It was Randy Bryan earning his first win of the year in the 15-lap Mod Lite main event. Bryan led all laps on his way to victory. Bryan Zehm started eleventh, worked his way steadily through the field of cars and reeled in leader Bryan. Zehm tried a last moment surge to get around Bryan at the finish line, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Justin Rankin was third, Joel Keenan came from fifteenth starting spot to take fourth, and eleventh place starter, Larry Sorenson, completed the top five. Zehm continues to lead Mod Lite points.
Last week, Cory Pestotnik won the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, a career first victory. Saturday night, Pestotnik, won his second! He jumped to the immediate lead and again led all 18 laps on the way to the win. The final circuits saw eleventh place starter, Johnathon Logue, reel in the leader, but laps ran out for him to garner more than a second place finish. Shawn Albers took third place, pole sitter Chase Rudolf was fourth, and rookie to the class, John Watson, was fifth. Logue leads the points battle by a slim two points over Chad Ryerson.
Two drivers put on a great show up front in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature. Eric Elliiott caught early leader Brandon Williams, getting around him for the lead at lap seven. A few laps later, Elliott was being hunted down by point leader Mike VanGenderen, who was now running second. From there on, it was a lap after lap exciting race as the two ran nearly side by side, never touching. On this night, it was Eric Elliott being the victor, holding off VanGenderen in second. Third was nineteenth place starter, and last week's winner, Joel Bushore, veteran racer Robert Avery was fourth, and Tony Hilgenberg was scored fifth. This was Elliott's second feature win of the 2017 season at Boone.
Going into the night, the points battle in the Modified division was close among three drivers, VanGenderen, Elliott, and Russ Dickerson. Dickerson had mechanical issues earlier in the evening, and would have been a scratch for the feature until another racer stepped up. Jimmy Gustin offered his car to Dickerson for the feature. It's always great to see a driver helping out a fellow racer! After last night's racing, VanGenderen leads by six points over Elliott, while Dickerson has fallen back by 25 points.
Going into the night, the points battle in the Modified division was close among three drivers, VanGenderen, Elliott, and Russ Dickerson. Dickerson had mechanical issues earlier in the evening, and would have been a scratch for the feature until another racer stepped up. Jimmy Gustin offered his car to Dickerson for the feature. It's always great to see a driver helping out a fellow racer! After last night's racing, VanGenderen leads by six points over Elliott, while Dickerson has fallen back by 25 points.
The IMCA Stock Cars came next with their 18 lap A feature. Mark Hidlebaugh led the opening laps but eighth place starter, Robert Stofer, immediately went to the topside, and with his momentum upstairs, had the lead at lap four. Tenth place starter, Donavon Smith, followed suite, finding success at the top of the track as well. He tagged in behind Stofer to run in second. Stofer and Smith ran nose to tail, lap after lap, Smith taking peeks beneath him, looking for that edge. It finally paid off as Smith nosed past him at the flag stand on lap thirteen, to take the lead. Smith put a little distance between himself and Stofer in the final laps, and took his second win of the year. Wayne Gifford scored a third place finish, Kevin Opheim came from sixteenth starting spot, to take fourth, and pole sitter, Don Vis, was fifth.
The IMCA Stock Cars were the only class on the docket for the July 4th Eve of Destruction show, which saw Kevin Opheim beating out point leader Jay Schmidt. Schmidt holds his point lead by six over Donavon Smith, Opheim fourteen points back, sitting in third.
The IMCA Stock Cars were the only class on the docket for the July 4th Eve of Destruction show, which saw Kevin Opheim beating out point leader Jay Schmidt. Schmidt holds his point lead by six over Donavon Smith, Opheim fourteen points back, sitting in third.
Tyler Thompson, second generation racer, found himself in victory lane for the third consecutive week after winning the 20 lap IMCA RaceSaver feature. Thompson took command at lap nine after getting around then leader Joel Thorpe, and from there on, never relinquished that top spot. He pulled away to a healthy lead and took the checkers by a comfortable margin. CJ Houseman finished as the runner up, third went to Newton, Iowa's Ben Woods, Michael Moore was fourth, and pole sitter, David Wignall, was fifth. Thompson has won for the last three consecutive weeks, and also has an earlier win, making it four for the year. Michael Moore continues his points lead over Michael Houseman.
Last night, for the second week in a row, a sprint car driver got out of his machine after an incident on the track. Not something you want to see while the cars are still on the track and under power, even under caution. Even more frustrating when the driver takes off his helmet to check his machine, and then decides that he can still race. Then has to put on his helmet, get back in his race car, and buckle in, causing an even longer delay. And for you sprint car lovers, I am not just chastising this class, this goes for ALL classes. When on the track, drivers please don't get out of your race car...unless of course, you are in a dangerous situation, like a fire for example. I believe this will be emphasized next week in the driver's meeting!
Last night, for the second week in a row, a sprint car driver got out of his machine after an incident on the track. Not something you want to see while the cars are still on the track and under power, even under caution. Even more frustrating when the driver takes off his helmet to check his machine, and then decides that he can still race. Then has to put on his helmet, get back in his race car, and buckle in, causing an even longer delay. And for you sprint car lovers, I am not just chastising this class, this goes for ALL classes. When on the track, drivers please don't get out of your race car...unless of course, you are in a dangerous situation, like a fire for example. I believe this will be emphasized next week in the driver's meeting!
The evening's finale was the 12 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Eric Stanton found himself inheriting the lead on lap three, when then leader Kevin Derry spun. Stanton was not about to give up that gift, and held strong to the top spot all the way to the flying checkers and the win. Chris Cox made his first appearance at the track this year, started fourteenth, and finished in second. Third was Ryan Wells, Jack Phillips was fourth and Todd Bass, fifth. Stanton now has four weekly wins, and also won the Frostbuster special. Wells continues and stretched his point lead last night, with his third place finish.
There's a lot of races coming up in the area, as unbelievably, our racing season begins to wind down. Go enjoy a race somewhere in support of the sport we all love.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Two Cooney's stand in victory lane, Duffy, Brandies, Wroten and Stensland also win
It was another night of close finishes at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night, one win being decided by inches. A father and son each stepped into victory lane, and new winners came from the Stock Car, SportMod and Hobby Stock classes.
The MADCRA Mod Lites had a healthy field of nineteen cars competing for their 15-lap A feature. It was Travis Stensland grabbing the lead from his third place starting spot at lap one, and from there on, never looked back. He took the win, his third in a row, by a comfortable margin over second place Mike Morrill. Joel Huggins finished in third, Josh May was fourth, and Erick Knutsen, Cedar Rapids, made his first trip to the High Banks, and took fifth after starting deep in the field. This was Stensland fourth win at Marshalltown this season.
Shawn Cooney, led all 18 laps of the IMCA Northern SportMod feature to capture his first win. Cooney started from the pole, and held off threats by Taylor Musselman much of the race. Musselman had to be content with the runner up spot, ninth place starter Sam Wieben was third, twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue was fourth and Jared VanDeest came from fourteenth, and finished fifth. Cooney had never won at the track previously.
It was an outstanding IMCA Hobby Stock feature as veteran racer, and multi-time IMCA National Stock Car Champion, Jeff Anderson, his son Shannon Anderson, a multi-time IMCA National Hobby Stock Champion, and lady racer Leah Wroten put on quite the show for the fans. Jeff Anderson jumped to the lead from starting outside the front row, but Leah Wroten was quickly up to challenge at lap four. Wroten, who had started eighth moved quickly to Anderson's bumper and began applying pressure. Meanwhile, Shannon Anderson had moved from tenth starting spot, and at lap eleven of the 15 lap race, was running third. The final few circuits was quite the show, as all three cars challenged constantly. Jeff Anderson was still holding down the top spot at lap fourteen, but Leah Wroten wasn't done quite yet. She was able to surge past Anderson as they came out of turn four looking at the checkers, and beat him to the win in a close one! Shannon Anderson was a close third. Eric Knutson harassed the top three much of the race, and wasn't far behind in fourth. Justin Wacha completed the top five. This was Wroten's first win at the track this season. She thanked many in her post-race interview and expressed how great it was to have just beaten, "the best of the best".
The IMCA Stock Cars followed up with their own exciting action packed 18 lap main event. The two putting on the show up front the entire race was David Brandies, and Damon Murty. Brandies started fourth, and quickly made his way to lead by lap one. Murty, who started eighth, was up to second by lap four. From then on, it was those same two up front, all eyes on them as they fought it out. Brandies stuck to his game plan, running low, while Murty would run the top in three and four, diving to the low side in turns one and two. The laps wound down, Brandies still maintaining his steadfast lead, Murty doing all he could to catch him. Murty tried a final push at the finish, hoping the topside momentum would surge him past Brandies, but it fell just short, giving Brandies the win...by inches, over second place Murty. Closing in behind the top two was Donavon Smith in third, fourth went to Michael Jaennette, and it was a close one for fifth and sixth, as the official results gave Todd Reitzler the edge over Steve Meyer. Brandies was another first time winner at the track in 2017.
Darin Duffy took the quick lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. He started fourth, and took command at lap three, passing early leader Trent Jackson. Duffy was still leading when the race was red flagged at lap thirteen, when Jackson rolled his machine off of the top of turns three and four in spectacular fashion! It was mentioned that he hit a motor home sitting just off the track's edge in the pits. Jackson was okay. When the race resumed, Cayden Carter was now running in second, Jeff Aikey was in third, and Jake Murray was fourth. Duffy got the jump and rocketed off, as the race went green. Duffy threw off a final challenge by Carter at the checkers, sealing the win. Carter finished second, third was Jeff Aikey, Jake Strayer took fourth and Jake Murray was fifth. Duffy now has four wins at Marshalltown this season. His win was also a qualifier for the upcoming Harris Clash's "Dash at the Clash" coming up on August 8 at the Hamilton County Speedway. He also took home $1,000 for the win.
The night cap was 20 laps of IMCA Late Model racing. Hometown racer Darrel DeFrance led the early portion of the race, only to have Todd Cooney quickly on his tail. DeFrance and Cooney ran side by side across the finish line at lap ten and a lap later, Cooney had made the pass for the lead. He then put distance between himself and his competition, and took the win by a comfortable distance over second place Richie Gustin. Gustin had started eighth and made some exciting moves to garner the runner up spot. Third went to John Emerson, Darrel DeFrance was fourth, and Joe Zrostlik, was fifth. Cooney picked up his fifth win of the season, and was the second Cooney to set foot in the winner's circle on the night, after son Shawn had done so earlier in the SportMod division.
The racing last evening had a lot of family ties running circles around the track. I recall Jeff and Shannon Anderson, Todd and Shawn Cooney, Jimmy, Richie and Jenae Gustin, Cayden and Brayton Carter, Tom and Zach Rawlins, Todd and Taylor Inman, Josh and Chelsea May, Erick and Darrick Knutson and Kyle and Ross Olson. Racing blood runs strong!
Check the racing calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Support the sport we all love!
The MADCRA Mod Lites had a healthy field of nineteen cars competing for their 15-lap A feature. It was Travis Stensland grabbing the lead from his third place starting spot at lap one, and from there on, never looked back. He took the win, his third in a row, by a comfortable margin over second place Mike Morrill. Joel Huggins finished in third, Josh May was fourth, and Erick Knutsen, Cedar Rapids, made his first trip to the High Banks, and took fifth after starting deep in the field. This was Stensland fourth win at Marshalltown this season.
Shawn Cooney, led all 18 laps of the IMCA Northern SportMod feature to capture his first win. Cooney started from the pole, and held off threats by Taylor Musselman much of the race. Musselman had to be content with the runner up spot, ninth place starter Sam Wieben was third, twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue was fourth and Jared VanDeest came from fourteenth, and finished fifth. Cooney had never won at the track previously.
It was an outstanding IMCA Hobby Stock feature as veteran racer, and multi-time IMCA National Stock Car Champion, Jeff Anderson, his son Shannon Anderson, a multi-time IMCA National Hobby Stock Champion, and lady racer Leah Wroten put on quite the show for the fans. Jeff Anderson jumped to the lead from starting outside the front row, but Leah Wroten was quickly up to challenge at lap four. Wroten, who had started eighth moved quickly to Anderson's bumper and began applying pressure. Meanwhile, Shannon Anderson had moved from tenth starting spot, and at lap eleven of the 15 lap race, was running third. The final few circuits was quite the show, as all three cars challenged constantly. Jeff Anderson was still holding down the top spot at lap fourteen, but Leah Wroten wasn't done quite yet. She was able to surge past Anderson as they came out of turn four looking at the checkers, and beat him to the win in a close one! Shannon Anderson was a close third. Eric Knutson harassed the top three much of the race, and wasn't far behind in fourth. Justin Wacha completed the top five. This was Wroten's first win at the track this season. She thanked many in her post-race interview and expressed how great it was to have just beaten, "the best of the best".
The IMCA Stock Cars followed up with their own exciting action packed 18 lap main event. The two putting on the show up front the entire race was David Brandies, and Damon Murty. Brandies started fourth, and quickly made his way to lead by lap one. Murty, who started eighth, was up to second by lap four. From then on, it was those same two up front, all eyes on them as they fought it out. Brandies stuck to his game plan, running low, while Murty would run the top in three and four, diving to the low side in turns one and two. The laps wound down, Brandies still maintaining his steadfast lead, Murty doing all he could to catch him. Murty tried a final push at the finish, hoping the topside momentum would surge him past Brandies, but it fell just short, giving Brandies the win...by inches, over second place Murty. Closing in behind the top two was Donavon Smith in third, fourth went to Michael Jaennette, and it was a close one for fifth and sixth, as the official results gave Todd Reitzler the edge over Steve Meyer. Brandies was another first time winner at the track in 2017.
Darin Duffy took the quick lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. He started fourth, and took command at lap three, passing early leader Trent Jackson. Duffy was still leading when the race was red flagged at lap thirteen, when Jackson rolled his machine off of the top of turns three and four in spectacular fashion! It was mentioned that he hit a motor home sitting just off the track's edge in the pits. Jackson was okay. When the race resumed, Cayden Carter was now running in second, Jeff Aikey was in third, and Jake Murray was fourth. Duffy got the jump and rocketed off, as the race went green. Duffy threw off a final challenge by Carter at the checkers, sealing the win. Carter finished second, third was Jeff Aikey, Jake Strayer took fourth and Jake Murray was fifth. Duffy now has four wins at Marshalltown this season. His win was also a qualifier for the upcoming Harris Clash's "Dash at the Clash" coming up on August 8 at the Hamilton County Speedway. He also took home $1,000 for the win.
The night cap was 20 laps of IMCA Late Model racing. Hometown racer Darrel DeFrance led the early portion of the race, only to have Todd Cooney quickly on his tail. DeFrance and Cooney ran side by side across the finish line at lap ten and a lap later, Cooney had made the pass for the lead. He then put distance between himself and his competition, and took the win by a comfortable distance over second place Richie Gustin. Gustin had started eighth and made some exciting moves to garner the runner up spot. Third went to John Emerson, Darrel DeFrance was fourth, and Joe Zrostlik, was fifth. Cooney picked up his fifth win of the season, and was the second Cooney to set foot in the winner's circle on the night, after son Shawn had done so earlier in the SportMod division.
The racing last evening had a lot of family ties running circles around the track. I recall Jeff and Shannon Anderson, Todd and Shawn Cooney, Jimmy, Richie and Jenae Gustin, Cayden and Brayton Carter, Tom and Zach Rawlins, Todd and Taylor Inman, Josh and Chelsea May, Erick and Darrick Knutson and Kyle and Ross Olson. Racing blood runs strong!
Check the racing calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Support the sport we all love!
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Carter takes Stock Car Shootout Night #2
It was a better race track that greeted drivers and fans for Night #2 of the 22nd Annual Budweiser/Musco Lighting IMCA Stock Car Shootout. It wasn't unusual to see drivers going three and four wide throughout the night, as they all had visions of the top prize.
The IMCA Sport Compacts were vying for $500 for the second night, in their 14 lap event. Craig Bangert was a new entrant from the previous night, and set the pace immediately in the feature from his lucky pole position redraw. Bangert, from Golden, Illinois, was never seriously threatened, as he lead the entire caution free race and crossed under the flying checkers first. Trent Orwig chased him all of the laps to finish as the runner up. Another new entrant on the night, Brandon Lambert, Carthage, Illinois, started ninth, and finished in third. Fourth went to tenth place starter Brandon Housley, and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin, completed the top five.
There was another $1,000 payday awaiting the winner of the IMCA Northern SportMod winner in their 16 lap run. Once again, it was Curtis VanDerWal going home with the prize. He passed early leader Eric Flander at lap two, and then stretched out his lead to more than a straight away. A yellow flew at lap nine, bunching up the field for the restart....Flander still holding second spot. Flander ran out of luck just a lap later, when he brought out the next caution when he hit the outside guardrail hard at the top of turn three, ending his night. The restart saw VanDerWal sail off once again, content to let the cars behind duke it out for position. He easily won for the second night in a row, marking the seventh time this season to stand in victory lane. Cousins Carter VanDenBerg and Brayton Carter had been waging a friendly battle for the runner up spot, with eighth place starter VanDenBerg winning out as they finished second and third respectively. Austin Paul took fourth place and Blaine Webster finished fifth after starting eleventh.
Veteran racer Kelly Shryock was not going to be denied a win in the IMCA Modified 16 lapper. Starting from the pole after drawing spot #1, Shryock rocketed off to the lead, soon to have Cayden Carter chasing him, with Woodbine, Iowa's Jon Plowman close behind him. Shryock contentedly continued his run to the finish line, sealing the $1,000 win. Meanwhile, most eyes were on the battle for second place. Carter and Plowman went back and forth for second, but at the finish, it was Plowman winning out for second place, Carter taking third. Jason Murray took fourth place and Todd Inman was fifth.
In the post race interview by fill-in announcer Jerry Mackey for the second night, Shryock said he plans on racing, "until I grow up and figure out what I want to do".
The unbeatable Shannon Anderson had to start tenth in the starting line up of the $1,000 to win 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. It didn't matter. He diced through the field, taking the lead with just a handful of laps down, and sailed easily to the win for the second night in a row. Aaron Martin finished in second place, pole sitter Bradley Graham was third, and it was a battle of veteran racers for fourth and fifth, with Jeff Anderson just finishing ahead of Bill Bonnett. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season....nine for nine.
The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car headliner. Since the weather forecast had merited a format change earlier in the week, tonight's winner would be seeking a $1,500 pay off. As the race started, it was a bit hard to keep track of which car was which as Kyle Brown...piloting the second car of Damon Murty...led Damon Murty! Thank goodness for the bright yellow stripe at the bottom of Damon's car for my identifying marker! Murty took over, and fifth place starter Cayden Carter quickly moved from fifth to second, Brown hanging on to third. The three would go three-wide at lap three, and when lap four was scored, Carter had made the successful move into the lead. As the race wore on, Carter kept his "Orange Crush" machine at the point, Murty still chasing him. Further back in the field, there was a pack of cars in a "glob" all trying to sort themselves out for position. That mass of cars would bring out a yellow at lap eleven. When the race restarted, Carter would lead the field to green, but now it was longtime racer Johnny Spaw sitting in second after getting around Murty.
Another yellow would fly with fifteen laps down, the top three cars unchanged. Nathan Wood had come from tenth spot, to run in fourth and fifth place Brown had just dropped out with mechanical issues, leaving Donovan Nunnikhoven and Mike Hughes in a tight battle for fifth now. The final five laps went caution free, and Carter never wavered as he took the win. Spaw finished second, Murty went third, Nathan Wood was fourth, and twenty-second place starter Mike Hughes rounded out the top five.
The show moved right along last night, as the final checkers fell at 9:15 p.m. The track was soaked when we arrived and soon the packing began. There was a definite change in the track conditions from the previous night as a distinct low and high groove was the racing routes. We understand that the track was not watered as had been expected by promoter Mike VanGenderen before night number one of the Shootout, but he personally saw to it that it got plenty of moisture for racing last evening.
As we traveled to the south to Osky last evening, we were a bit concerned about the looming clouds in that direction, as well as when we checked radar. We were hoping that the "sky would part" and rain would not wash out night #2. Thankfully, no more than huge gusts of wind, darkening skies, and a pleasant drop in temperatures occurred.
We noted that several out of state drivers trekked to race at the "Monster" half-mile this year. Those that come to mind are Mike and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin and Denny Berghahn, Jr. from Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Bryan Vannausdale, from Nebraska City, Nebraska ran in the Sport Compact division along with Illinois winner Craig Bangert. Austen Beccera represented Illinois in the SportMod class last evening. Jeremy Christians represented Wisconsin in the Stock Car division, along with Abe Huls, Illinois, Derrick Agee, Missouri, and Michael Sheen, Texas.
The 22nd running of the IMCA Stock Car Shootout at Osky is now in the books. There is no racing at the track tonight, but regular Wednesday night racing returns on July 12, for the Dave Lowry Memorial race.
The IMCA Sport Compacts were vying for $500 for the second night, in their 14 lap event. Craig Bangert was a new entrant from the previous night, and set the pace immediately in the feature from his lucky pole position redraw. Bangert, from Golden, Illinois, was never seriously threatened, as he lead the entire caution free race and crossed under the flying checkers first. Trent Orwig chased him all of the laps to finish as the runner up. Another new entrant on the night, Brandon Lambert, Carthage, Illinois, started ninth, and finished in third. Fourth went to tenth place starter Brandon Housley, and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin, completed the top five.
There was another $1,000 payday awaiting the winner of the IMCA Northern SportMod winner in their 16 lap run. Once again, it was Curtis VanDerWal going home with the prize. He passed early leader Eric Flander at lap two, and then stretched out his lead to more than a straight away. A yellow flew at lap nine, bunching up the field for the restart....Flander still holding second spot. Flander ran out of luck just a lap later, when he brought out the next caution when he hit the outside guardrail hard at the top of turn three, ending his night. The restart saw VanDerWal sail off once again, content to let the cars behind duke it out for position. He easily won for the second night in a row, marking the seventh time this season to stand in victory lane. Cousins Carter VanDenBerg and Brayton Carter had been waging a friendly battle for the runner up spot, with eighth place starter VanDenBerg winning out as they finished second and third respectively. Austin Paul took fourth place and Blaine Webster finished fifth after starting eleventh.
Veteran racer Kelly Shryock was not going to be denied a win in the IMCA Modified 16 lapper. Starting from the pole after drawing spot #1, Shryock rocketed off to the lead, soon to have Cayden Carter chasing him, with Woodbine, Iowa's Jon Plowman close behind him. Shryock contentedly continued his run to the finish line, sealing the $1,000 win. Meanwhile, most eyes were on the battle for second place. Carter and Plowman went back and forth for second, but at the finish, it was Plowman winning out for second place, Carter taking third. Jason Murray took fourth place and Todd Inman was fifth.
In the post race interview by fill-in announcer Jerry Mackey for the second night, Shryock said he plans on racing, "until I grow up and figure out what I want to do".
The unbeatable Shannon Anderson had to start tenth in the starting line up of the $1,000 to win 15 lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. It didn't matter. He diced through the field, taking the lead with just a handful of laps down, and sailed easily to the win for the second night in a row. Aaron Martin finished in second place, pole sitter Bradley Graham was third, and it was a battle of veteran racers for fourth and fifth, with Jeff Anderson just finishing ahead of Bill Bonnett. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season....nine for nine.
The night cap was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car headliner. Since the weather forecast had merited a format change earlier in the week, tonight's winner would be seeking a $1,500 pay off. As the race started, it was a bit hard to keep track of which car was which as Kyle Brown...piloting the second car of Damon Murty...led Damon Murty! Thank goodness for the bright yellow stripe at the bottom of Damon's car for my identifying marker! Murty took over, and fifth place starter Cayden Carter quickly moved from fifth to second, Brown hanging on to third. The three would go three-wide at lap three, and when lap four was scored, Carter had made the successful move into the lead. As the race wore on, Carter kept his "Orange Crush" machine at the point, Murty still chasing him. Further back in the field, there was a pack of cars in a "glob" all trying to sort themselves out for position. That mass of cars would bring out a yellow at lap eleven. When the race restarted, Carter would lead the field to green, but now it was longtime racer Johnny Spaw sitting in second after getting around Murty.
Another yellow would fly with fifteen laps down, the top three cars unchanged. Nathan Wood had come from tenth spot, to run in fourth and fifth place Brown had just dropped out with mechanical issues, leaving Donovan Nunnikhoven and Mike Hughes in a tight battle for fifth now. The final five laps went caution free, and Carter never wavered as he took the win. Spaw finished second, Murty went third, Nathan Wood was fourth, and twenty-second place starter Mike Hughes rounded out the top five.
The show moved right along last night, as the final checkers fell at 9:15 p.m. The track was soaked when we arrived and soon the packing began. There was a definite change in the track conditions from the previous night as a distinct low and high groove was the racing routes. We understand that the track was not watered as had been expected by promoter Mike VanGenderen before night number one of the Shootout, but he personally saw to it that it got plenty of moisture for racing last evening.
As we traveled to the south to Osky last evening, we were a bit concerned about the looming clouds in that direction, as well as when we checked radar. We were hoping that the "sky would part" and rain would not wash out night #2. Thankfully, no more than huge gusts of wind, darkening skies, and a pleasant drop in temperatures occurred.
We noted that several out of state drivers trekked to race at the "Monster" half-mile this year. Those that come to mind are Mike and Mitch Meier from Chilton, Wisconsin and Denny Berghahn, Jr. from Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Bryan Vannausdale, from Nebraska City, Nebraska ran in the Sport Compact division along with Illinois winner Craig Bangert. Austen Beccera represented Illinois in the SportMod class last evening. Jeremy Christians represented Wisconsin in the Stock Car division, along with Abe Huls, Illinois, Derrick Agee, Missouri, and Michael Sheen, Texas.
The 22nd running of the IMCA Stock Car Shootout at Osky is now in the books. There is no racing at the track tonight, but regular Wednesday night racing returns on July 12, for the Dave Lowry Memorial race.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Jerovetz tops Stock Cars at Shoot Out
The first night of the 22nd Annual IMCA Budweiser/Musco Lighting Stock Car Shootout in Osky is in the books. Two surprising winners came from both the Stock Car and the Modified classes, both taking their first wins at the track. There was $1,000 each to the winner of the Stock Car, Modified, SportMod and Hobby Stock, and $500 for the Sport Compact.
The IMCA Sport Compacts kicked off the feature racing. Nathan Chandler, son of the late racing legend Merv Chandler, took the lead immediately, and never looked back. He withstood at least three caution flag restarts, but nothing deterred him on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Josh Barnes. Third place was Daniel Fellows....who crossed the line in spectacular fashion! He was pushed across the line sideways by fourth place finisher Trent Orwig. Fellows then rolled just past the flag stand. He was not hurt. Nick VanHemert completed the top five.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event saw Curtis VanDerWal back in victory lane once again. He caught Carter VanDenBerg at lap nine, and they put on a good show for the fans... running side by side at times. Cautions would fly each time that VanDerWal would just nip VanDenBerg, and the restart was then reverted back to the last completed lap, putting VanDenBerg back in the lead to restart the race. The third time was the charm for VanDerWal however, and he made the pass successful on lap twelve. He then put some distance between himself and the pack, and took the checkers easily. Tim Plummer, got by VanDenBerg with two laps to go, as they finished second and third. Austin Paul, who led the opening laps, was fourth and Logan Anderson was fifth.
A young racer, Jarrett Brown, whom we had never seen before, put it to the field of IMCA Modified drivers, leading the feature all 20 laps. Colt Mather gave him some good looks a few times, but he had to be content with the runner up spot. Veteran racer Kelly Shryock just got by Cayden Carter at the finish line, as they went third and fourth. Brandon Banks rounded out the top five. Brown, from Ainsworth, Iowa will be a sophomore in high school this coming year, and will turn 16 next week. He looks to have a future in racing!
The early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw an interesting scenario. Jeff Anderson, multi-time IMCA National Stock Car champion, led his son, Shannon Anderson, multi-time IMCA Hobby Stock champion. Shannon knocked on Dad's door several times before nosing under him to lead at lap seven. The final laps saw Shannon drive off to take another comfortable win. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season, though tonight, he was not under the bounty. Jason Fusselman, Shelby, Iowa, and who races at the Crawford County Speedway in Denison, Iowa, just got by Brandon Cox in the final moments as they went second and third in that order. Aaron Martin took fourth and Scott Shull was fifth.
The finale was the 20 lap Stock Car feature. Michael Sheen, driving the #195 (the 9 was so small, it looked like #15) from Lamesa, Texas, paced the field for the opening laps, only to have Troy Jerovetz take command as lap four was scored. Jerovetz continued his run at the front, soon to be dogged by Dustin Griffiths, and other big time company in Damon Murty and Nathan Wood. Todd Reitzler threw his hat in the ring as well and battled for position. However, Jerovetz never waivered, and took the checkers for the win. Murty won the battle for second place over Wood in third, Griffiths in fourth and Reitzler in fifth. EDIT: A check of the results shows that Griffiths was scored 19th, (I believe he was caught up in an incident in turn four in the final moments) thus putting Reitzler to fourth, and Abe Huls to fifth. We have just noticed Jerovetz showing up in some results in the area lately. He is a transplanted Wisconsinite, who is now calling Webster City, Iowa home. I believe, he use to drive the #01 SportMod a few years back, and earlier in his career, was a hockey player and known as "The General". Don't quote me on that though! EDIT: Jerovetz ran the 01 car that looked like the General Lee. Knew there was some connection there. Jeremy Hedrick was known as the "Captain" from his hockey days. I got them confused.
It brought back memories to hear the familiar call of, "Hello Race Fans", from the announcer's stand last night. Jerry Mackey was back in the house, filling in for usual man on the mic, Tony Paris. Mackey made Wednesday night's his announcing home, back in the day.
The weather forecast has been a worry lately, and once again, The "R" word was thrown into the mix for the 3rd and the 4th. The call was made to make the Shootout, two complete shows this year due to that threat. Tonight will be another complete show. It was announced that 114 cars were checked in last evening, and tonight, I would expect more. Time will tell. Why not join us for some 4th of July racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
The IMCA Sport Compacts kicked off the feature racing. Nathan Chandler, son of the late racing legend Merv Chandler, took the lead immediately, and never looked back. He withstood at least three caution flag restarts, but nothing deterred him on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Josh Barnes. Third place was Daniel Fellows....who crossed the line in spectacular fashion! He was pushed across the line sideways by fourth place finisher Trent Orwig. Fellows then rolled just past the flag stand. He was not hurt. Nick VanHemert completed the top five.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod main event saw Curtis VanDerWal back in victory lane once again. He caught Carter VanDenBerg at lap nine, and they put on a good show for the fans... running side by side at times. Cautions would fly each time that VanDerWal would just nip VanDenBerg, and the restart was then reverted back to the last completed lap, putting VanDenBerg back in the lead to restart the race. The third time was the charm for VanDerWal however, and he made the pass successful on lap twelve. He then put some distance between himself and the pack, and took the checkers easily. Tim Plummer, got by VanDenBerg with two laps to go, as they finished second and third. Austin Paul, who led the opening laps, was fourth and Logan Anderson was fifth.
A young racer, Jarrett Brown, whom we had never seen before, put it to the field of IMCA Modified drivers, leading the feature all 20 laps. Colt Mather gave him some good looks a few times, but he had to be content with the runner up spot. Veteran racer Kelly Shryock just got by Cayden Carter at the finish line, as they went third and fourth. Brandon Banks rounded out the top five. Brown, from Ainsworth, Iowa will be a sophomore in high school this coming year, and will turn 16 next week. He looks to have a future in racing!
The early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw an interesting scenario. Jeff Anderson, multi-time IMCA National Stock Car champion, led his son, Shannon Anderson, multi-time IMCA Hobby Stock champion. Shannon knocked on Dad's door several times before nosing under him to lead at lap seven. The final laps saw Shannon drive off to take another comfortable win. Anderson remains unbeaten at the track this season, though tonight, he was not under the bounty. Jason Fusselman, Shelby, Iowa, and who races at the Crawford County Speedway in Denison, Iowa, just got by Brandon Cox in the final moments as they went second and third in that order. Aaron Martin took fourth and Scott Shull was fifth.
The finale was the 20 lap Stock Car feature. Michael Sheen, driving the #195 (the 9 was so small, it looked like #15) from Lamesa, Texas, paced the field for the opening laps, only to have Troy Jerovetz take command as lap four was scored. Jerovetz continued his run at the front, soon to be dogged by Dustin Griffiths, and other big time company in Damon Murty and Nathan Wood. Todd Reitzler threw his hat in the ring as well and battled for position. However, Jerovetz never waivered, and took the checkers for the win. Murty won the battle for second place over Wood in third, Griffiths in fourth and Reitzler in fifth. EDIT: A check of the results shows that Griffiths was scored 19th, (I believe he was caught up in an incident in turn four in the final moments) thus putting Reitzler to fourth, and Abe Huls to fifth. We have just noticed Jerovetz showing up in some results in the area lately. He is a transplanted Wisconsinite, who is now calling Webster City, Iowa home. I believe, he use to drive the #01 SportMod a few years back, and earlier in his career, was a hockey player and known as "The General". Don't quote me on that though! EDIT: Jerovetz ran the 01 car that looked like the General Lee. Knew there was some connection there. Jeremy Hedrick was known as the "Captain" from his hockey days. I got them confused.
It brought back memories to hear the familiar call of, "Hello Race Fans", from the announcer's stand last night. Jerry Mackey was back in the house, filling in for usual man on the mic, Tony Paris. Mackey made Wednesday night's his announcing home, back in the day.
The weather forecast has been a worry lately, and once again, The "R" word was thrown into the mix for the 3rd and the 4th. The call was made to make the Shootout, two complete shows this year due to that threat. Tonight will be another complete show. It was announced that 114 cars were checked in last evening, and tonight, I would expect more. Time will tell. Why not join us for some 4th of July racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
First career win for Pestotnik
Weekly racing continued at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. A nice field of 126 cars came to try their hand at taming the IMCA Super National's track. Two drivers got win number one for 2017, while four others saw repeat wins.
Things kicked off with the running of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature. Joel Huggins led the field from the get go, as he sought his first win of the season. His nemesis came with just two laps remaining, when Bryan Zehm was able to slip under him in turn four, to take over the top spot. Zehm then held it to the flying checkers and the win. Huggins finished as the runner up, pole sitter Randy Bryan was third, Justin Rankin took fourth and Josh May was fifth. Zehm won for the second week in a row, and chalked up his fourth victory of the season. The race went caution free.
Cory Pestotnik led the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap main, as soon as the race went green. He built himself more than a straight away lead as he cruised along, only to have it vanish when the only yellow of the race flew at lap seventeen. This would set up a green-white-checkered finish when the race restarted. Pestotnik was not to be denied on this night however, and he went on to capture his first career win in fine fashion. Australian racer, Frank Packer chased Pestotnik the entire race, and finished second. Eleventh place starter, Jake McBirnie raced all the way through the pack to finish third, Chad Ryerson started tenth, and finished fourth, and twelfth place starter Johnathon Logue completed the top five.
Pestotnik, who has been racing for only two years, has been close several times to capturing his first win. Tonight it did not elude him as he stamped it in the record books. It's always nice to see a driver get his first ever win, and even nicer to see all three of the other top finishers, rush to congratulate him as he sat in victory lane.
Pestotnik, who has been racing for only two years, has been close several times to capturing his first win. Tonight it did not elude him as he stamped it in the record books. It's always nice to see a driver get his first ever win, and even nicer to see all three of the other top finishers, rush to congratulate him as he sat in victory lane.
Earlier, after the three SportMod heats were run, the top three finishers ran a dash sponsored by TiLUBE. The drivers started three abreast and ran for nine laps. Johnathon Logue led the entire nine laps to take the win.
The IMCA Modifieds had trouble getting into their racing rhythm as several yellows flew in the first seven laps. Joel Bushore started fourth, and had maintained the lead throughout all those caution flag restarts. He was a determined racer when he was finally able to stretch his lead over his opponents in the latter half of the race, sealing his third win of the year. Russ Dickerson took second over Jimmy Gustin in third, Al Wolfgram started fourteenth and finished fourth, and eleventh place starter Josh Truman finished fifth. VanGenderen now leads the points battle, after Eric Elliott was caught up in an early race incident, unable to continue.
Trent Murphy won for the second time at the speedway in the IMCA Stock Car class. Murphy snatched the lead away from Jay Schmidt on lap fourteen, and then continued on to the checkers. Schmidt let out a puff of smoke in the final moments of the race, but held on to second, barely ahead of third place finisher Donavon Smith. Matt West and Russ Byriel completed the top five. Schmidt continues to lead points, two up on Smith.
The 20-lap IMCA RaceSaver Sprint feature went to Tyler Thompson, for the second time in as many weeks. Thompson finished well ahead of second place Ben Woods. CJ Houseman took third, fourth was Michael Houseman, Michael Thompson fifth, and Michael Moore, sixth.
Moore did not start off well, and flipped into the wall and fence coming out of turn four, just as the race began. He was okay, but the fence did not fair too well. He was righted, crumpled wing and all, and restarted at the tail. He made a great recoup to finish sixth, and keep his point lead.
Moore did not start off well, and flipped into the wall and fence coming out of turn four, just as the race began. He was okay, but the fence did not fair too well. He was righted, crumpled wing and all, and restarted at the tail. He made a great recoup to finish sixth, and keep his point lead.
The night ended with the running of the 12-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Shaun Wirtz took the lead at lap one, but Solomon Bennett quickly got to his rear bumper. Bennett pressured Wirtz for several laps and was finally able to make the pass for first with two laps remaining. He then kept it to the finish to secure his first win this season. Wirtz held on to second place, Gregg Anderson was third, last week's winner Todd Bass raced from fourteenth starting spot, to finish fourth, and Dustin Lynch was fifth. Point leader Ryan Wells had a ninth place finish, still holding on to his top spot.
Next up at Boone Speedway, is the 4th of July spectacular which will include the IMCA Stock Cars along with a roll-over contest, backward bus races, train of death, outhouse races, fireworks and more. Gates are scheduled to open at 6 p.m., hot laps at 6:30 and racing begins at 7:30. Next Saturday, July 8, is another regular points night. It is Iowa National Guard night, and any military personnel, past or present, will get in free with a military ID.
We are planning to attend the 22nd annual Budweiser/Musco Lighting Stock Car Shoot Out at the Southern Iowa Speedway, July 3 and 4. There is good money on the line in all classes. Check out their Facebook page under Southern Iowa Speedway Every Wednesday for the flyer showing classes and payout. Happy racing this holiday weekend...and be safe.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Glover and Nicklas new winners at Marshalltown, track wins over Mother Nature
The fans saw some excellent racing once again at the Marshalltown Speedway on Friday night. There were 131 race cars filling the pits, two new faces got to grace victory lane, and on this night, Mother Nature did not win.
Travis Stensland won the Mod Lite feature for the second week in a row, as he led the 15-lap caution free feature, flag to flag. Stensland finished comfortably ahead of second place Charlie Brown, Josh May nipped Bryan Zehm at the line as they went third and fourth, and Mike Morrill took fifth place.This is Stensland's third feature win of the season at Marshalltown.
Only one caution at lap one, marred the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Jami Ritter looked strong leading the early portion of the race, but Jake McBirnie and Jared VanDeest were quickly up to challenge. VanDeest took command at lap eight, and from there on, was able to hold on, shaking off the repeated attempts of McBirnie, to take the win. McBirnie finished as the runner up, Sam Wieben was third, fourth went to tenth place starter, Johnathon Logue, and visiting driver from Osky, Brayton Carter started eleventh, and finished fifth. VanDeest scored a win for the second time in 2017.
After being so close to a win for several weeks, it was finally Grinnell, Iowa driver Gene Nicklas' turn to visit victory lane in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Nicklas started third, and jumped to the lead almost immediately. Nicklas was leading when the red came out at lap eight, when Dillon Million took a nasty barrel roll on the front stretch. He was thankfully okay. When the racing resumed, the familiar #78 of Shannon Anderson was up to second, and anxious for the restart. Nicklas shot off to the lead once more, and though Anderson threw everything at him, this week Nicklas shook the threats off, and took the checkers. Anderson had to be content with second place, Eric Knutson was third, fourth went to Leah Wroten, and Luke Bird completed the top five. Nicklas was a happy winner in victory lane, expressing his elation at finally getting the victory that had eluded him more than once this year.
Todd Reitzler took command of the IMCA Stock Car feature, passing Michael Jaennette for the lead with a handful of laps down. From then on, Reitzler maneuvered his ride around the rim of the track to perfection, and secured his third win of the season. He finished well ahead of second place Michael Jaennette. It was a tight one at the finish line between Dave Atcher in third, and Donavon Smith in fourth, as well as fifth and sixth place finishers, Jeff Mueller and Jay Schmidt.
Cayden Carter, the talented Oskaloosa, Iowa driver, took home the $1,000 prize money in the IMCA 20-lap Modified A main. Carter worked his way from eleventh starting spot, and into the lead at lap ten. Another Oskaloosa driver, Ron VerBeek, chased Carter much of the second portion of the race, and finished second. Jake Strayer was third, last week's winner Joel Rust, was fourth and Tim Ward was fifth. Carter claimed his second win at the track.
Curtis Glover out ran the rest of the field in the IMCA Late Model 20-lap night cap, as well as the rain drops that began to fall, taking his first feature win at Marshalltown. Glover led the non-stop race, green to checkers. Todd Cooney was the runner up, Darrel DeFrance was third, fourth went to Joe Zrostlik, and Paul Nagle rounded out the top five. Glover flirted with disaster during his run to the checkers. He ran the rim of the track in the corners, but avoided any issues on his way to the win.
A few notes on the evening. Oskaloosa, Iowa drivers came to have some fun at the high banks last evening, and had good showings. Cayden Carter won the Modified feature, and veteran racer Ron VerBeek finished second. Carter's brother Brayton Carter, had a top five finish in the SportMod class. It's not very often that two Grinnell, Iowa drivers have wins...especially on the same night, and back to back, but last evening fellow Grinnellian's Gene Nicklas in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Todd Reitzler, in the IMCA Stock cars, did just that.
It was another night of checking radar, and though the cell to the northwest was quite a distance away, it began to creep closer, and closer. The program was kicked into high gear during the final features, especially after a huge gust of wind had people scrambling to secure their belongings. Just an occasional rain drop could be felt in the final races, but just as the final checkered flag fell, those rain drops became heavier. This night, the Marshalltown Speedway shook it's fist at Mother Nature, and it won.
A few notes on the evening. Oskaloosa, Iowa drivers came to have some fun at the high banks last evening, and had good showings. Cayden Carter won the Modified feature, and veteran racer Ron VerBeek finished second. Carter's brother Brayton Carter, had a top five finish in the SportMod class. It's not very often that two Grinnell, Iowa drivers have wins...especially on the same night, and back to back, but last evening fellow Grinnellian's Gene Nicklas in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Todd Reitzler, in the IMCA Stock cars, did just that.
It was another night of checking radar, and though the cell to the northwest was quite a distance away, it began to creep closer, and closer. The program was kicked into high gear during the final features, especially after a huge gust of wind had people scrambling to secure their belongings. Just an occasional rain drop could be felt in the final races, but just as the final checkered flag fell, those rain drops became heavier. This night, the Marshalltown Speedway shook it's fist at Mother Nature, and it won.
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