It was a hot and sticky night for racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway Wednesday, and a short car count as well as a light crowd. The drivers had voted for the races to run however, despite the heat warning, the Monster Half-Mile got its sixth race of the season in the books.
Jonathan Hughes would keep his streak in the non wing Sprints going, the bounty going unclaimed. Cayden Carter on the other hand, claimed the $100 bounty on Derrick Agee when he took the Stock Car win. Dustin Griffiths got back to his winning ways, snagging the Hobby Stock feature event, as did Curtis Van Der Wal when he took the checkers in the SportMod Division, and Billy Cain made it win #2 for the season in the Sport Compact class.
No one was about to get the $250 bounty on Jonathan Hughes last evening. He won the Non-Wing Sprint feature by half a lap. He started third, and had the lead immediately. Kelly Graham took second followed by Garrett Alexander in third, Doug Sylvester was fourth, Tyler Graves fifth, and Lance Silvers was sixth. Next week, there will be a $300 bonus for anyone that can beat Jonathan Hughes. Hughes has won six in a row this year at the track....working on a perfect season.
Curtis Van Der Wal had things back on track last night, winning the SportMod 16-lap feature going away. He led all caution free laps to take the checkers. Youngster Maguire DeJong finished as the runner up. Last week's winner Logan Anderson took third, Steve Berry was fourth, and veteran racer Steve Ruepke rounded out the top five.
Billy Cain claimed his second win of the season by taking the checkers in the Sport Compact division. Last week's winner Tyler Haring was appearing to be on his way to victory when he developed mechanical issues while leading and dropped out of the race. Seth Meinders took the runner up spot, Dalton Sowers was third, followed by Kevin Garrett in fourth and James Haring in fifth.
Dustin Griffiths took home the trophy in the Hobby Stock class when he won the 14-lap feature event. Griffiths snatched the lead away from Rick VanDusseldorp at lap three. However, VanDusseldrop never let the leader rest as he persistently pestered him the remainder of the race, peeking low for a way around. It wasn't to be though, as Griffiths raced home to the checkers and the win...his third of the season. VanDusseldorp had to be content with second place, Brad Stephens finished third, fourth going to Jesse Williams, and Aaron Martin completed the top five.
The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car racing. Derrick Agee was going for his fourth win in a row and a $100 bounty had been placed on his head. That extra $100 incentive would pay off for Cayden Carter who was back racing the "Orange Crush" machine. Carter led all laps on his way to victory. Derrick Agee was right on his tail the entire time however as the two pulled away from the field. He looked for anyway around leader Carter, but had nothing for him, and had to be satisfied with the runner up spot last night. Following a distant third was Howard Gordon, Jr., Mike Petersen, in his first appearance at the track, was fourth, and Jason McDaniel was fifth.
A special thanks to Saif Grafke and company from Dirt n Asphalt for handing out cold water to the drivers, infield workers, and fans last evening. It was a great gesture on their part, and one that was greatly appreciated.
Next week will be Hall of Fame induction night, with Carl Vander Wal, Dan Dickey, and Tim Folkerts joining the prestigious names already voted in. It was announced last evening that a fourth inductee, I believe being added by the three new inductees, will be former flagman Engel DeKock. Announcer Jerry Mackey also announced that he will be joined on the mic by an already Hall of Famer....Bobby Greiner, Jr. which should no doubt, add to the evenings entertainment. Hot laps are 7:15 with racing scheduled for 7:45.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Independence Day wins to Havlik and Ryerson
Boone Speedway celebrated with driver and fans alike on Saturday. The usual weekly racing was on tap, minus the IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Cruisers, but more fun and games thrown in for the 4th of July. Two drivers would get their first wins of the season, Randy Havlik in the IMCA Modifieds, and Chad Ryerson won in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Troy Jerovetz snagged his third IMCA Stock Car win, and Bryan Zehm scored his second win of the season in the Mod Lites. The Independence Day spectacular also included a roll over contest, leap of death, and a night ending fireworks display.
It was a STARS National event for the Mod Lite class Saturday night, bringing in drivers from across the country. One of those drivers who had made a long haul to race in the national event was Kyle Zemo from Fulton, New York. His night ended almost before it began when he rolled his ride off the top of turn four in his heat race, ending his night. Thankfully, he was okay.
It was a local driver that took home the glory in the Mod Lite feature, when Bryan Zehm took the checkers. Zehm took the lead from Mike Kennedy at lap two, but soon had all he could handle keeping Zac Forster from Bakersfield, California at bay. Just after lap thirteen, a wisp of steam became evident from the California drivers car, and before another lap was scored, he went up in a cloud of smoke/steam. This put Mike Kennedy to the second position, and anxious for the chance to catch leader Zehm. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Zehm kept a tight hold on that number one spot, keeping it to the flying checkers and the win. Kennedy held the runner up spot, Randy Bryan took third, fourth went to Charlie Brown, and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Zehm found victory lane for the second time this year.
It was a happy Chad Ryerson in his post race interview after winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest. Ryerson started sixth, took over the top spot at lap nine but had a lot of close company coming at him hot and heavy in the likes of Doug Smith and Jonathon Logue. Smith and Logue tussled back and forth for the second position and Ryerson was content to let them do so as he raced to the win. Logue would finish a close second giving it a last charge at the finish line, Doug Smith taking third. Twelfth place starter Adam Birck, Canton, Illinois finished fourth, and Robert Moore was fifth. This was Ryerson's first win at the track this year, and a check back at my unofficial records, his first since August of 2017. He stated in victory lane that he had been having one issue after another this year, and was nearly ready to call it a season. Hopefully, this win got the monkey off his back.
Another first time winner came out of the Modified class when Randy Havlik took the win, in just his second night in the car. Havlik overtook Joel Bushore to put win number one in the books. Bushore held the runner up position, while Jake McBirnie took third. Joel Rust came from twelfth starting spot to finish fourth, and Paul Nagel rounded out the top five. The 20-lap race went caution free...done in 5 minutes and 52 seconds per the transponder timing.
The final feature of the night was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car main. This one saw lots of action at the front of the pack as five cars went at it. Troy Jerovetz had the lead by lap two after starting eighth. Meanwhile, working through the pack was a trio of Smiths, and a Schmidt. The final handful of laps saw those drivers give it their all in an attempt to catch the leader, but it was all in vain as Jerovetz crossed under the checkers first. David Smith made it a close second, followed by brother Donovan Smith in third, Jay Schmidt finished fourth, and another Smith brother...Devin, came home in fifth. Jerovetz won for the third time this year at the speedway.
Next Saturday, July 11 is another regular Saturday night series with racing in all classes along with a King of the Hill for the IMCA Stock Cars. New times are pits at 4:30, grandstands 5, hot laps 6:15, and racing at 7.
Find a race to attend...check out the calendar at www.positivelyracing.com. We need to keep supporting the tracks and the racing that we all love....dirt track racing.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Berry and Glick score two in a row, Reynolds perfect at four for four
One hundred twenty-five cars checked in Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, making for another full night of racing action. The full moon was shining behind us, and Mother Nature provided another beautiful sunset as a backdrop to the races as the cars came out of turns three and four. Even an occasional fireworks would add to the night sky, making it an even more picturesque sight for the race fans.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Anderson, Stephens and Haring score first wins, Agee and Hughes just keep rolling
We were back at the big ole half-mile in Oskaloosa last night, and a beautiful night it was to be watching some mid-week racing. Three new drivers would score for the first time this season, while two driver, just keep chalking up the wins....resulting in two bounties now in place.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Roberts and Logue take Super Saturday wins
The sky looked threatening when we left for our usual trip to the Boone Speedway Saturday. Those clouds soon turned into raindrops and we ran into some torrential rain pockets as we headed west. The skies parted however, and it turned into a beautiful, but muggy night of entertainment at Iowa's Action Track. One hundred sixty-two race cars checked in for a full night of racing fun.
The Boone Speedway held its first Super Saturday of the 2020 season Saturday night. Nick Roberts took home the $1,000 prize in the Snap-On-Tools IMCA Modified class as well as securing a berth on the IMCA Super Nationals All-Star Invitational ballot. Extra money was also on the line for the Elmquist IMCA Northern SportMods, and it was Johnathon Logue taking home that $750 prize. Both of those featured classes were a draw/redraw program.
Donavon Smith won his second Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock Car feature of the season, and his nephew Mike Smith took the checkers in the Pickett Salvage IMCA Hobby Stock class. It was Jeff Stensland taking the trophy in the Mod Lite division, and the team of Don Mason and Mike Again returned to victory lane for the third time this season when they won the Cruiser feature....their familiar light sticks flashing on the back of their Buick.
Up first for feature racing was the 15-lapper for the Mod Lites. Jeff Stensland was back in his own car Saturday after son Travis had been behind the wheel the night before at Marshalltown. Travis had it all fine tuned for his dad as Jeff took his first win of the season at Boone. He grabbed the lead quickly from his fifth starting position, weathered three yellow flag restarts, and held off the pack to secure the win. Bryan Zehm took the runner up spot, just squeaking by third place Mike Kennedy as they crossed the finish line. Randy Bryan and Cody Yaw rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 25-lap feature for the extra pay day on Super Saturday. Most of the race was a side by side shoot out between early leader Colby Fett, and Johnathon Logue. Logue caught up to Fett at lap seven and the two battled back and forth, side-by-side, lap after lap, until Logue finally established the top spot for good on lap seventeen. He would go on to take the checkers first and pocket the $750 pay off. Fett would finish as the runner up, Ely, Iowa racer Gage Neal was third, fourth went to Josh Appel, and Dusty Masolini was fifth. Logue also won the opening race of the season on May 16, sans fans in the stands. The race went flag to flag.
The IMCA Modifieds ran a 30-lap main event for their $1,000 to win contest. Nick Roberts went home with this prize, leading all laps to take the checkers in convincing fashion. Two caution would fly during the trace, the second at lap seventeen when two #3 cars tangled. Randy Havlik and Kelly Shryock were locked in a good battle for fourth when Havlik lost a wheel and Shryock had no place to go, retiring both racers for the night.
Roberts had no trouble on the restarts of those cautions, shooting off to the lead. He finished comfortably ahead of second place Tim Ward. Ethan Braaksma ran at the front of the pack all race long and finished third. Fourth went to twelfth place starter, and rookie to the class, Jake McBirnie, and Paul Nagle was hard charger, coming from seventeenth to finish fifth.
Donavon Smith scored his second win of the season in the IMCA Stock Cars, in a race that would go green to checkers. Smith, who started eleventh, over took then leader Scott Davis at lap ten, took the low road out of turn four and had the lead at the flag stand. Smith then motored off from the field to take the easy win. Davis held on to second, Chanse Hollatz was third, fourth went to Tyler Pickett, and Kyle Everts finished fifth.
Mike Smith, sixteen year old son of David Smith, matched his uncle's win in the Stock Cars when he captured the IMCA Hobby Stock A main. Smith had the lead before a handful of laps were in the books and then never looked back on his way to victory. There were clusters of cars vying for position behind him however and the "chrome horns were honking" as announcer Jerry Vansickel says. When it all got sorted out, Seth Janssen came out as the runner up to chase the leader across the line. Finishing a close third was Miciah Hidlebaugh, Shaun Wirtz was fourth, and Solomon Bennett took fifth. Mike Smith has had success at other tracks, taking wins this season, but this was his first ever at Boone.
Next Saturday is the 4th of July, and the Boone Speedway will be racing. All classes will be running except the IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Cruisers. Also on the docket will be a roll over contest and leap of death, as well as a 4th of July fireworks display. Grandstands open at 4, hot laps are 5 p.m. with racing at 6.
Enjoy your 4th of July holiday, stay safe, and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
The Boone Speedway held its first Super Saturday of the 2020 season Saturday night. Nick Roberts took home the $1,000 prize in the Snap-On-Tools IMCA Modified class as well as securing a berth on the IMCA Super Nationals All-Star Invitational ballot. Extra money was also on the line for the Elmquist IMCA Northern SportMods, and it was Johnathon Logue taking home that $750 prize. Both of those featured classes were a draw/redraw program.
Donavon Smith won his second Arnold Motor Supply IMCA Stock Car feature of the season, and his nephew Mike Smith took the checkers in the Pickett Salvage IMCA Hobby Stock class. It was Jeff Stensland taking the trophy in the Mod Lite division, and the team of Don Mason and Mike Again returned to victory lane for the third time this season when they won the Cruiser feature....their familiar light sticks flashing on the back of their Buick.
Up first for feature racing was the 15-lapper for the Mod Lites. Jeff Stensland was back in his own car Saturday after son Travis had been behind the wheel the night before at Marshalltown. Travis had it all fine tuned for his dad as Jeff took his first win of the season at Boone. He grabbed the lead quickly from his fifth starting position, weathered three yellow flag restarts, and held off the pack to secure the win. Bryan Zehm took the runner up spot, just squeaking by third place Mike Kennedy as they crossed the finish line. Randy Bryan and Cody Yaw rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 25-lap feature for the extra pay day on Super Saturday. Most of the race was a side by side shoot out between early leader Colby Fett, and Johnathon Logue. Logue caught up to Fett at lap seven and the two battled back and forth, side-by-side, lap after lap, until Logue finally established the top spot for good on lap seventeen. He would go on to take the checkers first and pocket the $750 pay off. Fett would finish as the runner up, Ely, Iowa racer Gage Neal was third, fourth went to Josh Appel, and Dusty Masolini was fifth. Logue also won the opening race of the season on May 16, sans fans in the stands. The race went flag to flag.
The IMCA Modifieds ran a 30-lap main event for their $1,000 to win contest. Nick Roberts went home with this prize, leading all laps to take the checkers in convincing fashion. Two caution would fly during the trace, the second at lap seventeen when two #3 cars tangled. Randy Havlik and Kelly Shryock were locked in a good battle for fourth when Havlik lost a wheel and Shryock had no place to go, retiring both racers for the night.
Roberts had no trouble on the restarts of those cautions, shooting off to the lead. He finished comfortably ahead of second place Tim Ward. Ethan Braaksma ran at the front of the pack all race long and finished third. Fourth went to twelfth place starter, and rookie to the class, Jake McBirnie, and Paul Nagle was hard charger, coming from seventeenth to finish fifth.
Donavon Smith scored his second win of the season in the IMCA Stock Cars, in a race that would go green to checkers. Smith, who started eleventh, over took then leader Scott Davis at lap ten, took the low road out of turn four and had the lead at the flag stand. Smith then motored off from the field to take the easy win. Davis held on to second, Chanse Hollatz was third, fourth went to Tyler Pickett, and Kyle Everts finished fifth.
Mike Smith, sixteen year old son of David Smith, matched his uncle's win in the Stock Cars when he captured the IMCA Hobby Stock A main. Smith had the lead before a handful of laps were in the books and then never looked back on his way to victory. There were clusters of cars vying for position behind him however and the "chrome horns were honking" as announcer Jerry Vansickel says. When it all got sorted out, Seth Janssen came out as the runner up to chase the leader across the line. Finishing a close third was Miciah Hidlebaugh, Shaun Wirtz was fourth, and Solomon Bennett took fifth. Mike Smith has had success at other tracks, taking wins this season, but this was his first ever at Boone.
Next Saturday is the 4th of July, and the Boone Speedway will be racing. All classes will be running except the IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Cruisers. Also on the docket will be a roll over contest and leap of death, as well as a 4th of July fireworks display. Grandstands open at 4, hot laps are 5 p.m. with racing at 6.
Enjoy your 4th of July holiday, stay safe, and find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing!
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Double features, big car count, and first time winners at Marshalltown
It was a long night of racing at the Marshalltown Speedway Friday. The night kicked off with five make up features from June 12 to be finished, and then the regular program was run in its entirety. Right around 140 cars ran on the high banks last night....some seeming to have forgotten how to get around the fast quarter-mile. There was a plague of caution flags as well as several reds when cars ended up without all four wheels on the ground....some in spectacular fashion. Safety equipment prevailed and the drivers were all okay.
Two drivers would earn their first ever wins, Dalton Simonsen in the IMCA Late Models, and Kyle Everts in the IMCA Stock Cars. Kaden Reynolds would double up in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Make up features were also won by Darrel DeFrance, IMCA Late Model, Joel Rust in the IMCA Modifieds, and Brian Schrage in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Other winners from the regular night's racing went to Tom Berry, Jr., IMCA Modified, Jeff Mueller in the IMCA Stock Cars, Kyle Olson in a thriller for the IMCA Northern SportMods, and Joe Glick took home the honors in the Mod Lite feature.
The first of the make up features was the IMCA Northern SportMod event. This one would be led from start to finish by Brian Schrage in a dominating performance. The winner's son, Austin Schrage came from eighth starting position to finish in the runner up spot. Third went to Kyle Olson, Jenae Gustin started fifteenth and took fourth, and twenty-fourth place starter, Brady Hilmer rounded out the top five.
The first scary incident of the night happened in that make up race for the SportMods. Cory VanZante flipped wildly off of turn two when contact was made with another car. Cory was walking under his own power afterwards, but his car was towed back to the pits on the rollback not looking so good.
The regular night's feature for the IMCA Northern SportMods was a hard fought battle between cousins. Tony Olson led most of the race but it wasn't an easy task holding back cousin Kyle Olson who was hot on his tail for much of the contest. In the closing laps, Travis Petersen also joined in the hunt. The final circuits were nip and tuck and just after the white flag flew, Petersen got squeezed out allowing Kyle Olson to seize his chance and fly into the lead. He then held off cousin Tony Olson to take the win. Third went to Austin Kaplan, Austin Schrage came from eleventh to finish fourth, and Johnathon Logue was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock make up feature came next. Kaden Reynolds chased early leader Christian Huffman until a rolled tire put him out of the contest, putting Reynolds to the point. From there on he held the top spot the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Solomon Bennett was second, third went to Ben Newhouse, Austin Mehmen started tenth and finished fourth, and Mike Kincaid came from twelfth to finish fifth.
Kaden Reynolds, took his second feature win of the night, snapping up the regular night's main event. He finished comfortably ahead of second place runner Braden Richards. Third went to veteran racer Bill Bonnett, fourth was Austin Mehmen who started eleventh, and Michael Kimm was fifth. Reynolds came from twelfth starting spot to double up on the night.
The IMCA Late Model make up feature win was a popular one with the fans as hometown boy Darrel DeFrance took the checkers. DeFrance took command at lap four and never relinquished it on his way to the flying checkers. Jill George followed in second place, third went to Shawn Cooney, and Colton Leal and Michael Leal from Pacific Junction were fourth and fifth.
The regular Late Model feature of the night found a driver stepping into victory lane for the very first time....that being Dalton Simonsen from Fairfax, Iowa. Simonsen got past early leader Darrel DeFrance on lap five and from there on, pulled away to secure his first ever win. Darrel DeFrance finished second, just holding off Logan Duffy in third. A close fourth was Curtis Glover, and Michael Leal was fifth. The race went caution free, a rarity on the night.
Another first time winner was Kyle Everts when he won the IMCA Stock Car make up feature. Jason Hall led from the drop of the green and was poised for a win until he slipped up in turn one, allowing Everts to take over the number one spot. The finals laps saw Damon Murty make his usual hard charge through the field, coming from eleventh starting spot, but he would fall just short and finish second. Third went to Todd Reitzler, Jason Hall was fourth and Scott Rice was fifth.
Jeff Mueller would take home the trophy in the regular feature for the IMCA Stock Cars. Mueller caught early leader Dusty Vis and took command on lap thirteen never to look back. The "Chelsea Charger" Damon Murty once again came from eleventh to finish second, Dusty Vis was third, fourth went to ninth place starter Dallon Murty, and Shawn Ritter rounded out the top five.
It was Joel Rust taking the make up feature for the IMCA Modifieds. Rust had to throw off the challenges of Tom Berry, Jr. much of the race, but was able to do so and secure his first win at the speedway this year. Berry started near the back of the starting grid, and hustled through the field to finish as the runner up, third went to Ethan Braaskma, pole sitter Ron Lauritzen finished fourth and Jared VanDeest was fifth.
After a strong performance in the make up feature, Tom Berry made it one position better and got the feature win in the regular night's A main for the IMCA Modifieds. Berry started eleventh and worked his way through the pack, catching then leader Kollin Hibdon with four laps remaining and then go on to take the checkers. Following second place Hibdon was Tim Ward in third, fourth went to Sam Wieben, and Joel Rust was fifth.
The only class running one feature was the Mod Lites. They got their feature completed on June 12, that being won by Cory Sonner with his first ever career win.
Charlie Brown started seventh and flew to the lead in the Mod Lite 15-lap feature as the race went green. But on this night he would have to settle for the runner up spot as Joe Glick took the checkers first, taking over the top spot on lap eight, never to give it up. Randy Bryan was third, and Bryan Zehm and Terry Brown rounded out the top five.
A lot of racing was to be had, and with the large car count, the make up features, plus all the cautions, it made for a night of racing that lasted well past the midnight hour. Thankfully, the rain stayed well to our south....producing a light show behind the grandstand.
Find a race to attend race fans. We need to keep dirt track racing alive and well.
Two drivers would earn their first ever wins, Dalton Simonsen in the IMCA Late Models, and Kyle Everts in the IMCA Stock Cars. Kaden Reynolds would double up in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Make up features were also won by Darrel DeFrance, IMCA Late Model, Joel Rust in the IMCA Modifieds, and Brian Schrage in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Other winners from the regular night's racing went to Tom Berry, Jr., IMCA Modified, Jeff Mueller in the IMCA Stock Cars, Kyle Olson in a thriller for the IMCA Northern SportMods, and Joe Glick took home the honors in the Mod Lite feature.
The first of the make up features was the IMCA Northern SportMod event. This one would be led from start to finish by Brian Schrage in a dominating performance. The winner's son, Austin Schrage came from eighth starting position to finish in the runner up spot. Third went to Kyle Olson, Jenae Gustin started fifteenth and took fourth, and twenty-fourth place starter, Brady Hilmer rounded out the top five.
The first scary incident of the night happened in that make up race for the SportMods. Cory VanZante flipped wildly off of turn two when contact was made with another car. Cory was walking under his own power afterwards, but his car was towed back to the pits on the rollback not looking so good.
The regular night's feature for the IMCA Northern SportMods was a hard fought battle between cousins. Tony Olson led most of the race but it wasn't an easy task holding back cousin Kyle Olson who was hot on his tail for much of the contest. In the closing laps, Travis Petersen also joined in the hunt. The final circuits were nip and tuck and just after the white flag flew, Petersen got squeezed out allowing Kyle Olson to seize his chance and fly into the lead. He then held off cousin Tony Olson to take the win. Third went to Austin Kaplan, Austin Schrage came from eleventh to finish fourth, and Johnathon Logue was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock make up feature came next. Kaden Reynolds chased early leader Christian Huffman until a rolled tire put him out of the contest, putting Reynolds to the point. From there on he held the top spot the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Solomon Bennett was second, third went to Ben Newhouse, Austin Mehmen started tenth and finished fourth, and Mike Kincaid came from twelfth to finish fifth.
Kaden Reynolds, took his second feature win of the night, snapping up the regular night's main event. He finished comfortably ahead of second place runner Braden Richards. Third went to veteran racer Bill Bonnett, fourth was Austin Mehmen who started eleventh, and Michael Kimm was fifth. Reynolds came from twelfth starting spot to double up on the night.
The IMCA Late Model make up feature win was a popular one with the fans as hometown boy Darrel DeFrance took the checkers. DeFrance took command at lap four and never relinquished it on his way to the flying checkers. Jill George followed in second place, third went to Shawn Cooney, and Colton Leal and Michael Leal from Pacific Junction were fourth and fifth.
The regular Late Model feature of the night found a driver stepping into victory lane for the very first time....that being Dalton Simonsen from Fairfax, Iowa. Simonsen got past early leader Darrel DeFrance on lap five and from there on, pulled away to secure his first ever win. Darrel DeFrance finished second, just holding off Logan Duffy in third. A close fourth was Curtis Glover, and Michael Leal was fifth. The race went caution free, a rarity on the night.
Another first time winner was Kyle Everts when he won the IMCA Stock Car make up feature. Jason Hall led from the drop of the green and was poised for a win until he slipped up in turn one, allowing Everts to take over the number one spot. The finals laps saw Damon Murty make his usual hard charge through the field, coming from eleventh starting spot, but he would fall just short and finish second. Third went to Todd Reitzler, Jason Hall was fourth and Scott Rice was fifth.
Jeff Mueller would take home the trophy in the regular feature for the IMCA Stock Cars. Mueller caught early leader Dusty Vis and took command on lap thirteen never to look back. The "Chelsea Charger" Damon Murty once again came from eleventh to finish second, Dusty Vis was third, fourth went to ninth place starter Dallon Murty, and Shawn Ritter rounded out the top five.
It was Joel Rust taking the make up feature for the IMCA Modifieds. Rust had to throw off the challenges of Tom Berry, Jr. much of the race, but was able to do so and secure his first win at the speedway this year. Berry started near the back of the starting grid, and hustled through the field to finish as the runner up, third went to Ethan Braaskma, pole sitter Ron Lauritzen finished fourth and Jared VanDeest was fifth.
After a strong performance in the make up feature, Tom Berry made it one position better and got the feature win in the regular night's A main for the IMCA Modifieds. Berry started eleventh and worked his way through the pack, catching then leader Kollin Hibdon with four laps remaining and then go on to take the checkers. Following second place Hibdon was Tim Ward in third, fourth went to Sam Wieben, and Joel Rust was fifth.
The only class running one feature was the Mod Lites. They got their feature completed on June 12, that being won by Cory Sonner with his first ever career win.
Charlie Brown started seventh and flew to the lead in the Mod Lite 15-lap feature as the race went green. But on this night he would have to settle for the runner up spot as Joe Glick took the checkers first, taking over the top spot on lap eight, never to give it up. Randy Bryan was third, and Bryan Zehm and Terry Brown rounded out the top five.
A lot of racing was to be had, and with the large car count, the make up features, plus all the cautions, it made for a night of racing that lasted well past the midnight hour. Thankfully, the rain stayed well to our south....producing a light show behind the grandstand.
Find a race to attend race fans. We need to keep dirt track racing alive and well.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Young DeJong scores first career win
It's always great to see a driver get their very first win, and that is just what happened to 15 year old Maguire DeJong last night at the Southern Iowa Speedway. It was also done with an exclamation point! It was also voting night for the 2020 class of Hall of Fame inductees and fans could vote for three of the deserving names on the ballot. The winners will be announced and honored later this season.
The speedway ran its second race with fans in the stands, and it was also another kids night with a huge candy toss. All regular classes ran, with the SportMods running for an extra $100 bonus that an anonymous fan had kicked in, and there was a $100 bounty on Jonathan Hughes...the non-wing Sprint driver who had a streak of seven consecutive wins going, dating back to last season. An unfortunate incident of the evening, also left a driver with what appeared to be a destroyed race car....but thankfully he was okay.
The 10-lap non-wing Sprint feature came first and after starting third, it took less than three laps for Jonathan Hughes to take command, and drive off into the sunset. He finished well ahead of early leader Doug Sylvester. Kelly Graham was third, Garrett Alexander took fourth, fifth went to Tyler Graves...the driver who took a wild ride last week after the race was over, and the sixth, and final position went to Lance Silvers. Next week, an additional $50 will be added to the bounty on the head of Jonathan Hughes, as he seeks his ninth win in a row according to announcer Jerry Mackey, dating back to 2019.
The Stock Cars always put on one of the best shows wherever they show up, and the close racing in the 16-lap feature last evening was no different. That close racing also led to an unfortunate incident for Nathan Wood. Wood was racing close with several cars, all vying for position as they tried to run down leader of the pack, Derrick Agee. On lap twelve, that battle turned into a nightmare for Wood. His car flipped after contact with a couple of cars, down low between corners three and four. Seeing the aftermath of the car being pulled into the pits, Wood was lucky to come out of that incident unscathed. Thank goodness for safety features and equipment.
When the race restarted with just four laps remaining, Agee had things well in hand and would go on to take the checkers....winning for the second week in a row. Howard Gordon, Jr. would follow in second place, Jason McDaniel took third, followed by Jason See in fourth, and Andrew Schroeder in fifth.
The Sport Compacts went caution free in their 10-lap feature event. Nathan Moody would lead all ten of those laps on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Billy Cain, and following a distance behind him in third was Lewie Winkelman. Seth Meinders and Tyler Haring rounded out the top five. Moody said in his post race interview that this was just his second win ever. EDIT: I found the official results to show that Nathan Moody was disqualified, handing the win over to Billy Cain.
The 14-lap Hobby Stock feature saw Dustin Griffiths back in victory lane, also for the second time in as many weeks. Griffiths started sixth, and had the lead by lap three, never to look back in the race that went green to checkers. He finished a good distance ahead veteran racer Rick VanDusseldorp in second. Third went to early leader Christian Huffman, who sped past Craig Brown at the finish line. Brown had been running third, but let forth with a cloud of smoke, spewing parts down the frontstretch and had to drift across the finish line in fourth place. Aaron Martin completed the top five.
Fifteen year old rookie Maguire DeJong, the youngster who cut his teeth in the racing world in the go kart ranks, started on the outside front row of the 16-lap SportMod feature, and immediately dropped the hammer and flew to the lead. DeJong sailed away from the pack and looked to be easily on his way to victory. A caution would fly at lap eight, but on the restart, DeJong once again shot off from the pack. Another yellow flew with ten laps down...and by this time it was Curtis VanDerWal that was running second, and anxious for the restart in hopes of running down the rookie. VanDerWal did grab the lead, going low in corner one as the race restarted and most people were thinking, "well, this is over". But wait, it wasn't to be! DeJong took back the lead on lap thirteen, and then pulled away to take the win....his first EVER. VanDerWal finished as the runner up, after what Jerry Mackey said was a bent front left after hitting a corner tire, third went to Blaine Webster, fourth was Logan Anderson, and Scott Brau was fifth. DeJong was a bit overwhelmed in victory lane with just winning his first ever feature, but he better get use to visiting the winner's circle as he appears to be a very talented young man with a bright racing future ahead.
There WILL be racing next Wednesday night, July 1, after the original schedule showed none, the event has been added. Racing will resume in all five classes with hot laps at 7:15 and racing to follow.
Get out and support a race track to keep the sport we love alive and well!
The speedway ran its second race with fans in the stands, and it was also another kids night with a huge candy toss. All regular classes ran, with the SportMods running for an extra $100 bonus that an anonymous fan had kicked in, and there was a $100 bounty on Jonathan Hughes...the non-wing Sprint driver who had a streak of seven consecutive wins going, dating back to last season. An unfortunate incident of the evening, also left a driver with what appeared to be a destroyed race car....but thankfully he was okay.
The 10-lap non-wing Sprint feature came first and after starting third, it took less than three laps for Jonathan Hughes to take command, and drive off into the sunset. He finished well ahead of early leader Doug Sylvester. Kelly Graham was third, Garrett Alexander took fourth, fifth went to Tyler Graves...the driver who took a wild ride last week after the race was over, and the sixth, and final position went to Lance Silvers. Next week, an additional $50 will be added to the bounty on the head of Jonathan Hughes, as he seeks his ninth win in a row according to announcer Jerry Mackey, dating back to 2019.
The Stock Cars always put on one of the best shows wherever they show up, and the close racing in the 16-lap feature last evening was no different. That close racing also led to an unfortunate incident for Nathan Wood. Wood was racing close with several cars, all vying for position as they tried to run down leader of the pack, Derrick Agee. On lap twelve, that battle turned into a nightmare for Wood. His car flipped after contact with a couple of cars, down low between corners three and four. Seeing the aftermath of the car being pulled into the pits, Wood was lucky to come out of that incident unscathed. Thank goodness for safety features and equipment.
When the race restarted with just four laps remaining, Agee had things well in hand and would go on to take the checkers....winning for the second week in a row. Howard Gordon, Jr. would follow in second place, Jason McDaniel took third, followed by Jason See in fourth, and Andrew Schroeder in fifth.
The Sport Compacts went caution free in their 10-lap feature event. Nathan Moody would lead all ten of those laps on his way to the win. He finished well ahead of second place Billy Cain, and following a distance behind him in third was Lewie Winkelman. Seth Meinders and Tyler Haring rounded out the top five. Moody said in his post race interview that this was just his second win ever. EDIT: I found the official results to show that Nathan Moody was disqualified, handing the win over to Billy Cain.
The 14-lap Hobby Stock feature saw Dustin Griffiths back in victory lane, also for the second time in as many weeks. Griffiths started sixth, and had the lead by lap three, never to look back in the race that went green to checkers. He finished a good distance ahead veteran racer Rick VanDusseldorp in second. Third went to early leader Christian Huffman, who sped past Craig Brown at the finish line. Brown had been running third, but let forth with a cloud of smoke, spewing parts down the frontstretch and had to drift across the finish line in fourth place. Aaron Martin completed the top five.
Fifteen year old rookie Maguire DeJong, the youngster who cut his teeth in the racing world in the go kart ranks, started on the outside front row of the 16-lap SportMod feature, and immediately dropped the hammer and flew to the lead. DeJong sailed away from the pack and looked to be easily on his way to victory. A caution would fly at lap eight, but on the restart, DeJong once again shot off from the pack. Another yellow flew with ten laps down...and by this time it was Curtis VanDerWal that was running second, and anxious for the restart in hopes of running down the rookie. VanDerWal did grab the lead, going low in corner one as the race restarted and most people were thinking, "well, this is over". But wait, it wasn't to be! DeJong took back the lead on lap thirteen, and then pulled away to take the win....his first EVER. VanDerWal finished as the runner up, after what Jerry Mackey said was a bent front left after hitting a corner tire, third went to Blaine Webster, fourth was Logan Anderson, and Scott Brau was fifth. DeJong was a bit overwhelmed in victory lane with just winning his first ever feature, but he better get use to visiting the winner's circle as he appears to be a very talented young man with a bright racing future ahead.
There WILL be racing next Wednesday night, July 1, after the original schedule showed none, the event has been added. Racing will resume in all five classes with hot laps at 7:15 and racing to follow.
Get out and support a race track to keep the sport we love alive and well!
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