It was Balmer Racing Night at the Marshalltown Speedway Friday night and $1,000 pay off for the IMCA Stock Cars. "The Chelsea Charger", Damon Murty went home $1,000 richer when he took the checkers. Braden Richards took the bounty money in the IMCA Hobby Stocks as well as getting his first career win. Tom Berry, Jr. took the victory in the IMCA Modified division, and Brayton Carter made it back to back wins in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Logan Duffy captured his second win of the season in the IMCA Late Model class, and Tanner Gannon got his first win of the season in the Mod Lites.
Tanner Gannon took the lead on lap three of the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, and from there on, never looked back on his way to the checkers. Cory Sonner, who started eighth, chased Gannon for much of the event, but finished a distant second place. Randy Bryan came from tenth starting place to finish third, fourth went to early leader Jeff Stensland, and Bryan Zehm rounded out the top five.
"Speedy Bray", Brayton Carter started tenth on the grid in the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest, and with just a handful of laps in the books, he had the lead. He would then hold it the remainder of the way to the checkers and the win...his second in a row. Eleventh place starter Johnathon Logue would finish as the runner up. Third place went to Kyle Olson, a hard charging Austin Schrage came from twenty-first place to finish an impressive fourth, and Jenae Gustin took fifth.
There was a $350 bounty hanging over the head of the unbeaten Kaden Reynolds going into the night's 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. By the end of the race, that bounty would be claimed, and the driver who did it would have his first ever win under his belt. Always a great thing to witness as young drivers begin their careers behind the wheel.
Braden Richards started on the outside front row for the start of the Hobby Stock race, and immediately claimed the lead. Richards navigated the High Banks at the front of the pack lap after lap as Brett Vanous began reeling him in. A slight bobble coming out of turn four at lap thirteen allowed Vanous to take the top spot away. A late yellow then sent the race into a green-white-checkered finish. Vanous kept hold of the top spot as the white flag flew, but a slide by Richards out of turn four as the checkers unfurled, got him the momentum to push him across the finish line first. Vanous had to settle for second, third went to nineteenth place starter, veteran Bill Bonnett, Solomon Bennett started fifteenth, and finished fourth, and Kaden Reynolds rallied back from an early race incident, had to tag the field, but still finished fifth. Richards not only collected the $350 bounty money, but also his first career win. Richards is the son of stock car veteran, "Hot Rod" Richards.
The IMCA Late Models ran a 15-lap feature next. Jill George took the lead as the race went green, and continued holding that top spot as Logan Duffy started reeling her in. Lap eight found Duffy succeeding in his quest and then pulled away from the field on his way to the checkers and the win. Dalton Simonsen got around Jill George in the closing moments, as they finished second and third respectively. Darrel DeFrance came from tenth starting spot to finish fourth, and Curt Schroeder completed the top five. This was Duffy's second victory at the speedway this year. He is the grandson of Iowa's legendary Gary Crawford.
The IMCA Modifieds ran their 20-lap feature caution free. Zack Rawlins led the field in the early portion of the race, but Jeff Aikey took to the top of the track, and flew by and into the lead with fourteen laps to go. Meanwhile, Tom Barry, Jr. was charging through the field, and caught Aikey and began applying the pressure. Berry made the pass down the backstretch, and took the lead at lap twelve. He then pull away, slicing and dicing through traffic, to score his fourth feature win at the track this season. Aikey finished as the runner up, third went to Paul Nagel, Tim Ward came from thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, and twelfth place starter Kollin Hibdon was fifth. Tom Barry just may be the next driver with a bounty hanging over his head as he has seemed to claim the track as his own this season.
The featured race of the evening was the 20-lap event for the IMCA Stock Cars, with $1,000 check awaiting the winner. It was a draw/redraw format for the special event. Veteran racer Robert Stofer led the opening laps, but soon had a flying Damon Murty coming fast on the topside, and running him down. On lap four, Murty took command, sailing to the lead. A caution flag at lap nine saw Stofer briefly take back the lead on the restart, only to have Murty come right back around and into the lead, keeping it to the checkers and the $1,000 payday. Dusty Vis took the runner up spot, Steve Meyer made a late race charge to finish third, Kenzie Ritter had a good run and finished fourth, and David Brandies came home in fifth.
It was a warm one Friday night but the drivers came out in full force as did the fans. There were 128 cars checked into the pits....some of which by the end of the night, limped or were towed off the track. A couple of drivers, "left the ball park" as they flew off the track in incidents. New driver to the track, Thomas Stevens in the Late Model class, found himself on his lid when a pesky track tire caused his "oops". SportMod racer Chris Burke also took a roll over ride during the feature. All drivers were thankfully okay.
As we returned to our vehicle after the night's racing, the car parked beside us had just discovered they had a flat tire. Though we could do no more than offer the use of a flashlight, and a bit of moral support, what better place than a race track to get help to change a tire with just a call to the pits!
Racing continues next Friday night when it will be Casey's and Rumors Bar & Grill Salute to Marshalltown Law Enforcement at the races. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Check the calendar at Positively Racing and find a race to attend. Help support the sport we all love, dirt track racing.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Rust, Carter, Dallon Murty, and Bryan win, Reynolds stays unbeaten in Hobby Stocks
Rain on Thursday washed out what was to be the first of two races at the Marshalltown Speedway this week, when the Dale DeFrance Memorial race, as well as the 500th and final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race, fell victim to the rain. That race will be made up on September 17, the first of three consecutive nights of the annual World Nationals. Friday's show was Williamson Repair Night at the speedway, and went on as usual.
It was a Fast Shafts Qualifier for the IMCA Modifieds in a draw/redraw format, and a $1,000 payday for the winner. Joel Rust would take home that win. Brayton Carter won going away in the IMCA Karl Kustoms Northern SportMod feature. Young Dallon Murty put on quite a show for the fans when he won the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car main event. Kaden Reynolds continues with his perfect season in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks....but under strange circumstances, and Randy Bryan went home with his first win of the season at the High Banks in the Mod Lites.
Randy Bryan started seventh in the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, swung to the topside of the track, and took the lead by lap five. Cory Sonner and Johnathan Braathun dogged the leader for much of the race....the final circuits finding Braathun peeking under the high running Bryan in a last ditch challenge, but could only chase winner Bryan across the finish line in second place. Cory Sonner finished in third, Zac Forster, Bakersfield, California, started eleventh and finished fourth, and Ryan Mills, Des Moines, Iowa, was fifth. This was Bryan's first win of the 2020 season at the speedway.
Just as the race began for the Mod Lites, Mike Morrill took a violent tumble off the top of the track between turns three and four....before the first lap had been scored. He was only one of several drivers rolling over last evening, all of which were thankfully okay. Matt Wahl rolled his Hobby Stock several times during his heat when the driveshaft dug into the dirt. William Russell followed that up in the very next heat for the Stock Cars when he took a hard roll off of turn two. Both cars suffered severe damage.
The IMCA SportMods rolled to the track next for their 18-lap feature. Polesitter Dylan VanWyk shot off to the lead immediately, but by lap two, it was eighth place starter, and cousin, Brayton Carter on his tail. Carter saw his chance as lap six was about to be scored when he swung under VanWyk to take over the lead. From there on, Carter would stretch out his lead to take the easy win. VanWyk was scored in second, third went to tenth place starter Jenae Gustin, fourth was Tony Olson, and Johnathon Logue came from eleventh starting spot to finish fifth. This was Carter's first trip to victory lane this year.
The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap A main next....and the way the cars crossed under the checkers did not reflect the final outcome. Mike Kincaid pushed his fast hot rod from twelfth starting spot and into the lead at lap six, and then would pull away to cross the finish line first. Following him across to finish in second, was fourteenth place starter Austin Mehmen. Unbeaten so far this season, Kaden Reynolds started dead last in twenty-fourth position, and crossed in third place. Fourth place finisher Solomon Bennett came from eleventh starting spot, and Aaron Rudolph came from twentieth, and crossed in fifth place. However, winner Kincaid, as well as second place finisher Mehmen did not pass post race inspection. This would then hand over the win to Kaden Reynolds....keeping his string of five races in a row, and a perfect season going. Solomon Bennett was then awarded the runner up spot, Aaron Rudolph was third, Gary Pfantz fourth, and veteran racer Bill Bonnett would complete the official top five. Word is that Reynolds luck fell a bit short later on, as he had his carburetor claimed.
Lady racer Leah Wroten would lead the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature, holding off Dusty Vis. When a yellow flew at lap thirteen, Wroten was still in command, Vis in second, and now ninth place starter, young Dallon Murty was setting in third. That restart was all it took for young Murty to seize the moment, taking the lead just before lap fourteen was scored. The closing laps would find Murty pulling away to score the win well ahead of second place Dusty Vis. Todd Reitzler took third, fourth went to early leader Leah Wroten, and the winner's father, Damon Murty chalked up a fifth place finish. This was Dallon Murty's first win at the track this year.
There was not only a $1,000 waiting for the winner of the 25-lap IMCA Modified feature, but also a chance to be on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational at the IMCA Super Nationals. Tim Ward wasted no time in getting to the front from his second row starting position, sweeping to the lead by lap three after going topside. Ward continued his run at the front of the pack, and stretching his lead. However a caution at lap ten would tighten the field, and by this time twelfth place starter Joel Rust had made his way into second place. When the race restarted, it was a close fought battle between the two, until Rust took command at lap fifteen. From there on it was Rust out in front the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Ward had to be content with the runner up spot. Tom Berry, Jr. came from seventeenth to finish third, fourth was Kollin Hibdon, and Ethan Braaksma, in his brand new Rage, hard charged through the field from starting twenty-second to complete the top five. This was Rust's second win at Marshalltown this year. He did it the hard way. He drew the worst pill for the heat races, starting last in the last heat. Then after being able to redraw by taking third in that heat, he turned around and drew the #12 pill for the starting feature.
It was another hot July night for racing, but with 122 cars in the pits, sans the Late Model class last night, it shows the drivers are eager to race, and the fans came out to support them during these unprecedented times. Find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
It was a Fast Shafts Qualifier for the IMCA Modifieds in a draw/redraw format, and a $1,000 payday for the winner. Joel Rust would take home that win. Brayton Carter won going away in the IMCA Karl Kustoms Northern SportMod feature. Young Dallon Murty put on quite a show for the fans when he won the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car main event. Kaden Reynolds continues with his perfect season in the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks....but under strange circumstances, and Randy Bryan went home with his first win of the season at the High Banks in the Mod Lites.
Randy Bryan started seventh in the 15-lap Mod Lite feature, swung to the topside of the track, and took the lead by lap five. Cory Sonner and Johnathan Braathun dogged the leader for much of the race....the final circuits finding Braathun peeking under the high running Bryan in a last ditch challenge, but could only chase winner Bryan across the finish line in second place. Cory Sonner finished in third, Zac Forster, Bakersfield, California, started eleventh and finished fourth, and Ryan Mills, Des Moines, Iowa, was fifth. This was Bryan's first win of the 2020 season at the speedway.
Just as the race began for the Mod Lites, Mike Morrill took a violent tumble off the top of the track between turns three and four....before the first lap had been scored. He was only one of several drivers rolling over last evening, all of which were thankfully okay. Matt Wahl rolled his Hobby Stock several times during his heat when the driveshaft dug into the dirt. William Russell followed that up in the very next heat for the Stock Cars when he took a hard roll off of turn two. Both cars suffered severe damage.
The IMCA SportMods rolled to the track next for their 18-lap feature. Polesitter Dylan VanWyk shot off to the lead immediately, but by lap two, it was eighth place starter, and cousin, Brayton Carter on his tail. Carter saw his chance as lap six was about to be scored when he swung under VanWyk to take over the lead. From there on, Carter would stretch out his lead to take the easy win. VanWyk was scored in second, third went to tenth place starter Jenae Gustin, fourth was Tony Olson, and Johnathon Logue came from eleventh starting spot to finish fifth. This was Carter's first trip to victory lane this year.
The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap A main next....and the way the cars crossed under the checkers did not reflect the final outcome. Mike Kincaid pushed his fast hot rod from twelfth starting spot and into the lead at lap six, and then would pull away to cross the finish line first. Following him across to finish in second, was fourteenth place starter Austin Mehmen. Unbeaten so far this season, Kaden Reynolds started dead last in twenty-fourth position, and crossed in third place. Fourth place finisher Solomon Bennett came from eleventh starting spot, and Aaron Rudolph came from twentieth, and crossed in fifth place. However, winner Kincaid, as well as second place finisher Mehmen did not pass post race inspection. This would then hand over the win to Kaden Reynolds....keeping his string of five races in a row, and a perfect season going. Solomon Bennett was then awarded the runner up spot, Aaron Rudolph was third, Gary Pfantz fourth, and veteran racer Bill Bonnett would complete the official top five. Word is that Reynolds luck fell a bit short later on, as he had his carburetor claimed.
Lady racer Leah Wroten would lead the early portion of the 18-lap IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature, holding off Dusty Vis. When a yellow flew at lap thirteen, Wroten was still in command, Vis in second, and now ninth place starter, young Dallon Murty was setting in third. That restart was all it took for young Murty to seize the moment, taking the lead just before lap fourteen was scored. The closing laps would find Murty pulling away to score the win well ahead of second place Dusty Vis. Todd Reitzler took third, fourth went to early leader Leah Wroten, and the winner's father, Damon Murty chalked up a fifth place finish. This was Dallon Murty's first win at the track this year.
There was not only a $1,000 waiting for the winner of the 25-lap IMCA Modified feature, but also a chance to be on the ballot for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational at the IMCA Super Nationals. Tim Ward wasted no time in getting to the front from his second row starting position, sweeping to the lead by lap three after going topside. Ward continued his run at the front of the pack, and stretching his lead. However a caution at lap ten would tighten the field, and by this time twelfth place starter Joel Rust had made his way into second place. When the race restarted, it was a close fought battle between the two, until Rust took command at lap fifteen. From there on it was Rust out in front the rest of the way to the checkers and the win. Ward had to be content with the runner up spot. Tom Berry, Jr. came from seventeenth to finish third, fourth was Kollin Hibdon, and Ethan Braaksma, in his brand new Rage, hard charged through the field from starting twenty-second to complete the top five. This was Rust's second win at Marshalltown this year. He did it the hard way. He drew the worst pill for the heat races, starting last in the last heat. Then after being able to redraw by taking third in that heat, he turned around and drew the #12 pill for the starting feature.
It was another hot July night for racing, but with 122 cars in the pits, sans the Late Model class last night, it shows the drivers are eager to race, and the fans came out to support them during these unprecedented times. Find a race to attend in support of the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Carter takes bounty on Agee, Hughes stays perfect
It was a hot and sticky night for racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway Wednesday, and a short car count as well as a light crowd. The drivers had voted for the races to run however, despite the heat warning, the Monster Half-Mile got its sixth race of the season in the books.
Jonathan Hughes would keep his streak in the non wing Sprints going, the bounty going unclaimed. Cayden Carter on the other hand, claimed the $100 bounty on Derrick Agee when he took the Stock Car win. Dustin Griffiths got back to his winning ways, snagging the Hobby Stock feature event, as did Curtis Van Der Wal when he took the checkers in the SportMod Division, and Billy Cain made it win #2 for the season in the Sport Compact class.
No one was about to get the $250 bounty on Jonathan Hughes last evening. He won the Non-Wing Sprint feature by half a lap. He started third, and had the lead immediately. Kelly Graham took second followed by Garrett Alexander in third, Doug Sylvester was fourth, Tyler Graves fifth, and Lance Silvers was sixth. Next week, there will be a $300 bonus for anyone that can beat Jonathan Hughes. Hughes has won six in a row this year at the track....working on a perfect season.
Curtis Van Der Wal had things back on track last night, winning the SportMod 16-lap feature going away. He led all caution free laps to take the checkers. Youngster Maguire DeJong finished as the runner up. Last week's winner Logan Anderson took third, Steve Berry was fourth, and veteran racer Steve Ruepke rounded out the top five.
Billy Cain claimed his second win of the season by taking the checkers in the Sport Compact division. Last week's winner Tyler Haring was appearing to be on his way to victory when he developed mechanical issues while leading and dropped out of the race. Seth Meinders took the runner up spot, Dalton Sowers was third, followed by Kevin Garrett in fourth and James Haring in fifth.
Dustin Griffiths took home the trophy in the Hobby Stock class when he won the 14-lap feature event. Griffiths snatched the lead away from Rick VanDusseldorp at lap three. However, VanDusseldrop never let the leader rest as he persistently pestered him the remainder of the race, peeking low for a way around. It wasn't to be though, as Griffiths raced home to the checkers and the win...his third of the season. VanDusseldorp had to be content with second place, Brad Stephens finished third, fourth going to Jesse Williams, and Aaron Martin completed the top five.
The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car racing. Derrick Agee was going for his fourth win in a row and a $100 bounty had been placed on his head. That extra $100 incentive would pay off for Cayden Carter who was back racing the "Orange Crush" machine. Carter led all laps on his way to victory. Derrick Agee was right on his tail the entire time however as the two pulled away from the field. He looked for anyway around leader Carter, but had nothing for him, and had to be satisfied with the runner up spot last night. Following a distant third was Howard Gordon, Jr., Mike Petersen, in his first appearance at the track, was fourth, and Jason McDaniel was fifth.
A special thanks to Saif Grafke and company from Dirt n Asphalt for handing out cold water to the drivers, infield workers, and fans last evening. It was a great gesture on their part, and one that was greatly appreciated.
Next week will be Hall of Fame induction night, with Carl Vander Wal, Dan Dickey, and Tim Folkerts joining the prestigious names already voted in. It was announced last evening that a fourth inductee, I believe being added by the three new inductees, will be former flagman Engel DeKock. Announcer Jerry Mackey also announced that he will be joined on the mic by an already Hall of Famer....Bobby Greiner, Jr. which should no doubt, add to the evenings entertainment. Hot laps are 7:15 with racing scheduled for 7:45.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Jonathan Hughes would keep his streak in the non wing Sprints going, the bounty going unclaimed. Cayden Carter on the other hand, claimed the $100 bounty on Derrick Agee when he took the Stock Car win. Dustin Griffiths got back to his winning ways, snagging the Hobby Stock feature event, as did Curtis Van Der Wal when he took the checkers in the SportMod Division, and Billy Cain made it win #2 for the season in the Sport Compact class.
No one was about to get the $250 bounty on Jonathan Hughes last evening. He won the Non-Wing Sprint feature by half a lap. He started third, and had the lead immediately. Kelly Graham took second followed by Garrett Alexander in third, Doug Sylvester was fourth, Tyler Graves fifth, and Lance Silvers was sixth. Next week, there will be a $300 bonus for anyone that can beat Jonathan Hughes. Hughes has won six in a row this year at the track....working on a perfect season.
Curtis Van Der Wal had things back on track last night, winning the SportMod 16-lap feature going away. He led all caution free laps to take the checkers. Youngster Maguire DeJong finished as the runner up. Last week's winner Logan Anderson took third, Steve Berry was fourth, and veteran racer Steve Ruepke rounded out the top five.
Billy Cain claimed his second win of the season by taking the checkers in the Sport Compact division. Last week's winner Tyler Haring was appearing to be on his way to victory when he developed mechanical issues while leading and dropped out of the race. Seth Meinders took the runner up spot, Dalton Sowers was third, followed by Kevin Garrett in fourth and James Haring in fifth.
Dustin Griffiths took home the trophy in the Hobby Stock class when he won the 14-lap feature event. Griffiths snatched the lead away from Rick VanDusseldorp at lap three. However, VanDusseldrop never let the leader rest as he persistently pestered him the remainder of the race, peeking low for a way around. It wasn't to be though, as Griffiths raced home to the checkers and the win...his third of the season. VanDusseldorp had to be content with second place, Brad Stephens finished third, fourth going to Jesse Williams, and Aaron Martin completed the top five.
The night cap was sixteen laps of Stock Car racing. Derrick Agee was going for his fourth win in a row and a $100 bounty had been placed on his head. That extra $100 incentive would pay off for Cayden Carter who was back racing the "Orange Crush" machine. Carter led all laps on his way to victory. Derrick Agee was right on his tail the entire time however as the two pulled away from the field. He looked for anyway around leader Carter, but had nothing for him, and had to be satisfied with the runner up spot last night. Following a distant third was Howard Gordon, Jr., Mike Petersen, in his first appearance at the track, was fourth, and Jason McDaniel was fifth.
A special thanks to Saif Grafke and company from Dirt n Asphalt for handing out cold water to the drivers, infield workers, and fans last evening. It was a great gesture on their part, and one that was greatly appreciated.
Next week will be Hall of Fame induction night, with Carl Vander Wal, Dan Dickey, and Tim Folkerts joining the prestigious names already voted in. It was announced last evening that a fourth inductee, I believe being added by the three new inductees, will be former flagman Engel DeKock. Announcer Jerry Mackey also announced that he will be joined on the mic by an already Hall of Famer....Bobby Greiner, Jr. which should no doubt, add to the evenings entertainment. Hot laps are 7:15 with racing scheduled for 7:45.
Find a race to attend and support the sport we all love....dirt track racing.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Independence Day wins to Havlik and Ryerson
Boone Speedway celebrated with driver and fans alike on Saturday. The usual weekly racing was on tap, minus the IMCA Hobby Stocks and the Cruisers, but more fun and games thrown in for the 4th of July. Two drivers would get their first wins of the season, Randy Havlik in the IMCA Modifieds, and Chad Ryerson won in the IMCA Northern SportMods. Troy Jerovetz snagged his third IMCA Stock Car win, and Bryan Zehm scored his second win of the season in the Mod Lites. The Independence Day spectacular also included a roll over contest, leap of death, and a night ending fireworks display.
It was a STARS National event for the Mod Lite class Saturday night, bringing in drivers from across the country. One of those drivers who had made a long haul to race in the national event was Kyle Zemo from Fulton, New York. His night ended almost before it began when he rolled his ride off the top of turn four in his heat race, ending his night. Thankfully, he was okay.
It was a local driver that took home the glory in the Mod Lite feature, when Bryan Zehm took the checkers. Zehm took the lead from Mike Kennedy at lap two, but soon had all he could handle keeping Zac Forster from Bakersfield, California at bay. Just after lap thirteen, a wisp of steam became evident from the California drivers car, and before another lap was scored, he went up in a cloud of smoke/steam. This put Mike Kennedy to the second position, and anxious for the chance to catch leader Zehm. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Zehm kept a tight hold on that number one spot, keeping it to the flying checkers and the win. Kennedy held the runner up spot, Randy Bryan took third, fourth went to Charlie Brown, and Jeff Stensland completed the top five. Zehm found victory lane for the second time this year.
It was a happy Chad Ryerson in his post race interview after winning the 18-lap IMCA Northern SportMod contest. Ryerson started sixth, took over the top spot at lap nine but had a lot of close company coming at him hot and heavy in the likes of Doug Smith and Jonathon Logue. Smith and Logue tussled back and forth for the second position and Ryerson was content to let them do so as he raced to the win. Logue would finish a close second giving it a last charge at the finish line, Doug Smith taking third. Twelfth place starter Adam Birck, Canton, Illinois finished fourth, and Robert Moore was fifth. This was Ryerson's first win at the track this year, and a check back at my unofficial records, his first since August of 2017. He stated in victory lane that he had been having one issue after another this year, and was nearly ready to call it a season. Hopefully, this win got the monkey off his back.
Another first time winner came out of the Modified class when Randy Havlik took the win, in just his second night in the car. Havlik overtook Joel Bushore to put win number one in the books. Bushore held the runner up position, while Jake McBirnie took third. Joel Rust came from twelfth starting spot to finish fourth, and Paul Nagel rounded out the top five. The 20-lap race went caution free...done in 5 minutes and 52 seconds per the transponder timing.
The final feature of the night was the 20-lap IMCA Stock Car main. This one saw lots of action at the front of the pack as five cars went at it. Troy Jerovetz had the lead by lap two after starting eighth. Meanwhile, working through the pack was a trio of Smiths, and a Schmidt. The final handful of laps saw those drivers give it their all in an attempt to catch the leader, but it was all in vain as Jerovetz crossed under the checkers first. David Smith made it a close second, followed by brother Donovan Smith in third, Jay Schmidt finished fourth, and another Smith brother...Devin, came home in fifth. Jerovetz won for the third time this year at the speedway.
Next Saturday, July 11 is another regular Saturday night series with racing in all classes along with a King of the Hill for the IMCA Stock Cars. New times are pits at 4:30, grandstands 5, hot laps 6:15, and racing at 7.
Find a race to attend...check out the calendar at www.positivelyracing.com. We need to keep supporting the tracks and the racing that we all love....dirt track racing.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Berry and Glick score two in a row, Reynolds perfect at four for four
One hundred twenty-five cars checked in Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, making for another full night of racing action. The full moon was shining behind us, and Mother Nature provided another beautiful sunset as a backdrop to the races as the cars came out of turns three and four. Even an occasional fireworks would add to the night sky, making it an even more picturesque sight for the race fans.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Three drivers scored their first wins of the year at the High Banks...Johnathon Logue winning the IMCA Northern SportMod feature, Damon Murty getting surprisingly, his first victory of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division, and Curtis Glover made his first visit to victory lane in a couple of years in the IMCA Late Models. Tom Berry, Jr. made it two in a row in the IMCA Modified class as did Joe Glick in the Mod Lites, and Kaden Reynolds has a perfect four for four going in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Is there a bounty lurking in his future if he keeps this up?
Joe Glick started sixth, and made it look easy when he took the Mod Lite feature win. Glick took the lead with just three laps in the books, snatching it away from Joel Huggins to score his second win in a row. Glick finished well ahead of second place Mike Morrill. Randy Bryan was third, Bryan Zehm was fourth, and Jason Masongarb, Colona, Illinois came from tenth starting spot to round out the top five.
Johnathon Logue made the bottom side work to his advantage, while many drivers were searching the topside. He found just enough moisture to make it work in the IMCA Northern SportMod 18-lap event. Logue started ninth on the grid, caught leader Brayton Carter, made the pass into the lead with four laps remaining, and then sailed his #69JR to victory. Carter finished as the runner up, Jenae Gustin came from eighth to finish third, Tony Olson was fourth, and Travis Petersen took fifth. This was Logue's first trip to the winner's circle this year at the speedway.
The 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock race was red flagged before even one lap was scored. Luke Bird found himself upside down on the back stretch when things got too tight. He was okay, and racing action soon returned. Ray Fees led the field to green but it didn't take long until Cincinnati, Iowa's Mike Kincaid came calling, and took over the top spot. Kincaid sailed along with a nice lead not knowing Kaden Reynolds was methodically reeling him in. Reynolds caught Kincaid and began pressuring him. He made a slide work to his advantage and put himself to the lead at lap thirteen, never to look back. Reynolds scored another win, Kincaid having to settle for second. Aaron Martin was third, fourth went to Ben Newhouse, and Carter Koop, Mason City started nineteenth and made his first time ever trip to the track pay off with a fifth place showing. Reynolds, who started twelfth, has a perfect season going having won all four races so far this year.
Another first time winner at the track was Curtis Glover. Glover led all 15-laps of the IMCA Late Model A main, and won it going away. Last week's winner Dalton Simonsen finished second, Logan Duffy took third, hometown boy Darrel DeFrance finished fourth, and Jill George was fifth. My records show that this is Glover's first win at Marshalltown since back in June of 2017. The race went caution free.
Damon Murty claimed the topside as his own again, sweeping to the win in the IMCA Stock Cars. Murty started tenth, took to the rim of the track...his preferred view, and overtook then leader Dusty Vis at lap nine. Son Dallon Murty followed his dad's lead, rim riding his way to second place after starting ninth. Kyle Everts came from eighth starting spot to finish third, fourth went to Steve Meyers, and early leader Dusty Vis was fifth. This was surprisingly, Damon Murty's first win of the 2020 season at the High Banks...but doubtful it will be his last. The race went green to checkers.
The IMCA Modifieds followed up with their own flag to flag 20-lap main event to end the night's racing. Nevada, Iowa's Paul Nagel led the early portion of the feature and was looking good leading the field. Nagel, who has been running the Late Model class in recent years, jumping to the Modifieds for 2020, held tight to that top spot. However, behind him eleventh place starter Tom Berry, Jr. was flying and reeling him in fast. The two fought it out for several laps until Berry was able to make the pass into the lead with a handful of laps remaining, and then pulled away to finish easily ahead of second place Nagel. Tim Ward took third, Jared VanDeest was fourth, and Sam Weiben, fifth.
Next week there will be racing two nights at the Marshalltown Speedway. Thursday night, July 9 is the third annual Dale DeFrance Memorial race as well as the 500th start for Darrel DeFrance in the final IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model race. The IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, and Hobby Stocks are also on tap. Then on Friday, July 10, it will be another regular night of racing action with all regular classes taking to the track. The green flag drops both nights at 7:30.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Anderson, Stephens and Haring score first wins, Agee and Hughes just keep rolling
We were back at the big ole half-mile in Oskaloosa last night, and a beautiful night it was to be watching some mid-week racing. Three new drivers would score for the first time this season, while two driver, just keep chalking up the wins....resulting in two bounties now in place.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
One of those drivers who has a bounty on his head is Jonathan Hughes, the talented non-wing Sprinter out of Knoxville, Iowa. Hughes passed Doug Sylvester with less than a handful of laps in the books, and went on to win it going away. Sylvester finished second, Kelly Graham was third, Tyler Graves finished fourth, and Lance Silvers was fifth, but did not finish. Hughes is working on a perfect season at the track this year, and now has a $200 bounty hanging over his head.
The second driver that is now under a bounty is Derrick Agee. Agee, the driver who makes the haul up from Moberly, Missouri each and every week, made it three in a row when he won the Stock Car feature last evening. Agee started fourth, but had the lead by the time lap one was scored. Jason McDaniel chased Agee while Howard Gordon, Jr., Todd Reitzler, and Cayden Carter went at it three-wide for the number three spot. The field got tightened up when a yellow flew at lap eight, but Agee had no trouble, shooting off to the lead once again. Cayden Carter made a run on the leader after getting into the second spot, reeled in Agee, but could do no better than the runner up spot this night. Todd Reitzler, Howard Gordon, Jr. and Tyler Moore completed the top five. A $100 bounty is now on Agee for a driver that can end his winning streak.
The Sport Compact feature saw a new driver step into the winner's circle. Tyler Haring scored his first ever win at the speedway, though not his first career victory. He held off Billy Cain who was second, third went to Seth Meinders, fourth was Kevin Garrett, and Austin Barnes was fifth.
Veteran racer Brad Stephens got to the front early after starting in third spot in the 14-lap Hobby Stock feature. Dustin Griffiths was wanting to make it three in a row, but had to settle for second place. Sixth place starter Rick VanDusseldorp finished third, fourth went to early leader Christian Huffman, and new driver on the scene last night, Blake Henry from Indianola, was fifth.
The SportMods was the night cap feature of the evening. Tim Plummer, Norway, Iowa led the field early on, but Logan Anderson was giving him all he could. Anderson finally slipped under Plummer on lap three and from there on, Anderson would go on to lead the remainder of the 16-lap feature and take the checkers. Curtis Van Der Wal took second, getting by third place Plummer at lap nine. "Speedy Bray" Carter took fourth place, and last week's winner Maguire DeJong was fifth.
Next week is another kid's night at the track, with those 15 and under getting in free...and a few more bikes to give away. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:15 with racing to follow.
Get out and find a dirt track race to attend, and have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday.
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!
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