It was another packed pits night on Saturday and a full grandstand, to close the curtain on the 2011 season at Osky. Thankfully, the temperatures were warmer than the previous night, making for a much more pleasant closure to our "bench sitting" for the year. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of this event, all four classes ran 25-lap features.
The hobby stocks started the A mains by running first. The two top finishers from the previous night's locked-in eight cars, Bill Bonnett and Adam Cline, sat on the front row. Bonnett, driving the car owned by Eric Stanton, wasted no time in establishing the lead and put distance between himself and Cline. Regular competitor, Donoven Nunnikhoven and Missouri driver Clayton Crump took to the topside of the track and pursued Bonnett, as he kept his line on the bottom of the track. It appeared the topside was the way to go, as both Nunnikhoven and Crump were able to get past Bonnett, who dropped to the third spot. With just a couple of laps remaining, Bonnett fought back, still on the bottom and got to second place---and then made the pass on Nunnikhoven for the lead on lap twenty-four. Bonnett then went home to the checkers first, securing his second win in as many nights. Nunnikhoven had to settle for second on this night, Crump crossed in third, Adam Cline was fourth and Steve Larson took fifth. A check of the official results at www.usraracing.com, indicates that the third place finishing Clayton Crump was disqualified. This then put Chris Hovden to round out the top five positions. The race went flag-to-flag.
The USRA A modifieds ran their 25-lap feature next. As previous night top two qualifiers, Colt Mather and Zack VanderBeek sat on the front row. VanderBeek took flight and pulled away from Mather as Bob Timm ran a distant third. At lap fifteen, the yellow flag flew, but not for an incident on the track. The race was halted for a medical call in the infield and a subsequent ambulance transport. One lap after the restart, second place runner Colt Mather's car shot into the the turn one wall, ending his run. VanderBeek then cruised home to the win. Steve Blatter finished as the runner up, and Ron VerBeek and Kurt Kile duked it out for third and fourth, finishing in that order. Bob Timm rounded out the top five.
In the USRA B modified feature, it was Cayden Carter repeating his win from the previous night. Carter led all 25-laps but had company on the topside the entire time. Bryon Weyer chased Carter closely as they broke away from the field. Third place running Jason Mallicoat challenged Weyer on the low side in the last couple of laps, but to no avail. Carter won--his 31st of the season I believe to hear him say--Weyer was second, Mallicoat third, fourth went to Jake Timm, the Winona, Minnesota driver, and Jared Timmerman finished in fifth.
As we thought was fitting, the last to run their feature were the stock cars. Osky has been known as a hot bed of stock car racing in the past. There has been some fantastic races in the class, often the best racing of the night, and times when three cars were coming to the checkers, three-wide. This night brought some of that action as cars were clumped together battling for positions. Nathan Wood, Shay Curtin and Shane Weller fought up front for the top spot. Curtin's run for the money ended when he hit the infamous turn one wall, resulting in a flat and his retirement to the pits. The waning laps saw Weller challenge Wood for the lead, and Steve Jackson threw his hat into the ring, challenging them both. But on this night, it was Wood taking the win...unbelievably his first of the year at the track as he commented in victory lane...Weller kept second over Jackson in third, Matt Greiner in fourth and Mike "The Flying Dutchman" VanGenderen was fifth.
And so ended another Fall Challenge, the 25th at the Southern Iowa Speedway. If memory serves me correct, we have been to them all. We truly hope it will not be the last, nor the end of weekly racing at the big ole 1/2 mile. Thanks once again goes out to Todd and Janet Staley for their dedication over the years in bringing weekly racing to the area. Thanks to announcer Tony Paris for giving a shout out to us and the other Positively Racing collegues who made the trip to the track. We will cross our fingers, and hope that next year, we will once again be sitting in the grandstands and enjoying the racing action.
Our racing adventures for 2011 have more than likely come to an end at 74 races. There is always a chance we could find a race to travel to, but nothing is planned at this time. We already have plans for starting our racing off in 2012 at Daytona International Speedway in February. We do enjoy a NASCAR race now and then, but nothing beats sitting at a good ole dirt track race in our opinion. Until next time, happy racing!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mather, Weller, Carter, Bonnett capture night #1 wins at Osky Fall Challenge
Last night was night #1 of the two-night Fall Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. What a car count, as by my figures, 167 competitors came from near and far to try their hand at taming this notoriously hard to handle track. Many of those drivers found out just how hard it is to tame! At least four red flags flew for situations involving rollovers or hard hits to the walls or guard rails. Thankfully, none of those incidents resulted in injuries.
The B Modifieds had 51 cars checked in. Two large B mains whittled the starting A feature to eighteen cars of which the eight top finishers would be locked in to tonight's big feature event. By the luck of the draw, local hot shoe, 16 year old Cayden Carter, sat on the pole. It was no surprise that this race was led the entire 18-laps by the young man from Oskaloosa. He pulled away and secured yet another of his many, many wins in 2011....by nearly 3/4 of a lap over his nearest competitor. Jared Timmerman trailed a distant second the entire race but had challenges by Carter VanDenBerg and Bryon Weyer much of the race. Timmerman did take the runner up spot, with Weyer winning out over VanDenBerg as they finished third and fourth respectively. Fifth place went to Jason Mallicoat, who has been piloting the #36 car as of late, that we had seen Matt Pittman racing earlier in the season. Rounding out the top eight qualifiers were Jake Timm, Winona, Minnesota, Eric Flander and Curtis VanDerWal.
By the time the stock car feature pulled on the track, things had gotten a little nippy and the winds that had died down earlier, began to pick up again. Forty stock cars also had to be pared down to eighteen A main starters via two large B mains. Lance Deal sat on the pole along side Steve "Action" Jackson, veteran driver from Polk City, Iowa. Jackson took the lead in the 18-lapper from the start. He had to do battle with Matt Jones, Deal, Shane Weller and a plethora of other cars advancing fast! Jackson, Jones and then Weller swapped the lead until Weller secured that spot with three laps remaining and then took the checkers first. The action in this race was shades of the "old days" when stock car racing was at its finest on the "Monster 1/2 mile". It was an exciting and enjoyable race to watch. The final couple of laps had cars swapping positions continuously right up until they crossed the checkers flying. Following the winner, Weller, was Jackson in second, Nathan Wood in third, fourth was Matt Jones from Waukon, Iowa up in northeastern Iowa, and Shay Curtin, also from Waukon, was fifth. Completing the top eight qualifying spots for tonight's show were Brian Webb out of Decorah, Mike VanGenderen, (who did double duty and competed in the A modifieds class as well) and Brian Mitrisin. If last night's racing in the stock car class is any indication of things to come for tonight's action, you shouldn't miss it!
The hobby stocks also had 40 cars on hand and they too had to have two large B mains to get down to their starting field of 18 cars. Bill Bonnett in the 7B car that is usually piloted by Eric Stanton, had a good battle going on with Austin Wolfgram and Adam Cline as the laps wound down. As the white flag flew, the second place car of Wolfgram was suddenly "dead in the water" in corner two, giving second place over to Cline. Bonnett took the win, Cline was second, third went to Dan Sacquitne, Donovan Nunnikhoven took fourth and Steve Larson was fifth. Rounding out the top eight qualifiers were Nick Ulin, Clayton Crump, and Todd Reitzler.
Twenty-six A modifieds competed in the 25th annual running of the Fall Challenge. Steve Blattler and "RVB"---Ron VerBeek, were the lucky recipients of the front row for the main. It didn't take long until third row starter, Colt Mather came calling and took the lead over Blattler. From then on, there was no looking back for Mather, as he pulled away to the end. Zack VanderBeek gave it a shot in the closing laps, but had to settle for second place. Third went to Blattler, fourth to Bob Timm out of Winona, Minnesota, and fifth was Mark Elliott. Rounding out the top eight spots were Bruce Hanford, Ron VerBeek and Kurt Kile.
We are opting to head back down to the Southern Iowa Speedway and take in the action again tonight. If the racing is anything like last night, we won't be disappointed. We are really hoping this won't be the last night of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, as the reign of Todd and Janet Staley comes to an end. We thank them for what they did to bring racing to the fans. We have found ourselves sitting in that big ole grandstand on Wednesday nights for years and years, and we feel it would be a shame for that to end and the track to sit idle. We are hoping that someone will pick up the reins and guide the track to a new future. Happy racing!
The B Modifieds had 51 cars checked in. Two large B mains whittled the starting A feature to eighteen cars of which the eight top finishers would be locked in to tonight's big feature event. By the luck of the draw, local hot shoe, 16 year old Cayden Carter, sat on the pole. It was no surprise that this race was led the entire 18-laps by the young man from Oskaloosa. He pulled away and secured yet another of his many, many wins in 2011....by nearly 3/4 of a lap over his nearest competitor. Jared Timmerman trailed a distant second the entire race but had challenges by Carter VanDenBerg and Bryon Weyer much of the race. Timmerman did take the runner up spot, with Weyer winning out over VanDenBerg as they finished third and fourth respectively. Fifth place went to Jason Mallicoat, who has been piloting the #36 car as of late, that we had seen Matt Pittman racing earlier in the season. Rounding out the top eight qualifiers were Jake Timm, Winona, Minnesota, Eric Flander and Curtis VanDerWal.
By the time the stock car feature pulled on the track, things had gotten a little nippy and the winds that had died down earlier, began to pick up again. Forty stock cars also had to be pared down to eighteen A main starters via two large B mains. Lance Deal sat on the pole along side Steve "Action" Jackson, veteran driver from Polk City, Iowa. Jackson took the lead in the 18-lapper from the start. He had to do battle with Matt Jones, Deal, Shane Weller and a plethora of other cars advancing fast! Jackson, Jones and then Weller swapped the lead until Weller secured that spot with three laps remaining and then took the checkers first. The action in this race was shades of the "old days" when stock car racing was at its finest on the "Monster 1/2 mile". It was an exciting and enjoyable race to watch. The final couple of laps had cars swapping positions continuously right up until they crossed the checkers flying. Following the winner, Weller, was Jackson in second, Nathan Wood in third, fourth was Matt Jones from Waukon, Iowa up in northeastern Iowa, and Shay Curtin, also from Waukon, was fifth. Completing the top eight qualifying spots for tonight's show were Brian Webb out of Decorah, Mike VanGenderen, (who did double duty and competed in the A modifieds class as well) and Brian Mitrisin. If last night's racing in the stock car class is any indication of things to come for tonight's action, you shouldn't miss it!
The hobby stocks also had 40 cars on hand and they too had to have two large B mains to get down to their starting field of 18 cars. Bill Bonnett in the 7B car that is usually piloted by Eric Stanton, had a good battle going on with Austin Wolfgram and Adam Cline as the laps wound down. As the white flag flew, the second place car of Wolfgram was suddenly "dead in the water" in corner two, giving second place over to Cline. Bonnett took the win, Cline was second, third went to Dan Sacquitne, Donovan Nunnikhoven took fourth and Steve Larson was fifth. Rounding out the top eight qualifiers were Nick Ulin, Clayton Crump, and Todd Reitzler.
Twenty-six A modifieds competed in the 25th annual running of the Fall Challenge. Steve Blattler and "RVB"---Ron VerBeek, were the lucky recipients of the front row for the main. It didn't take long until third row starter, Colt Mather came calling and took the lead over Blattler. From then on, there was no looking back for Mather, as he pulled away to the end. Zack VanderBeek gave it a shot in the closing laps, but had to settle for second place. Third went to Blattler, fourth to Bob Timm out of Winona, Minnesota, and fifth was Mark Elliott. Rounding out the top eight spots were Bruce Hanford, Ron VerBeek and Kurt Kile.
We are opting to head back down to the Southern Iowa Speedway and take in the action again tonight. If the racing is anything like last night, we won't be disappointed. We are really hoping this won't be the last night of racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, as the reign of Todd and Janet Staley comes to an end. We thank them for what they did to bring racing to the fans. We have found ourselves sitting in that big ole grandstand on Wednesday nights for years and years, and we feel it would be a shame for that to end and the track to sit idle. We are hoping that someone will pick up the reins and guide the track to a new future. Happy racing!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hamilton County Speedway Fall Special
The Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa held a Fall Special this past Saturday night. With 183 cars packing the over-flowing pits, it was clear that drivers were not ready for their season of racing to end. Though this was our first trip of the year to the track, in prior years, it has not been often that we would see the over-flow spill into the open area west off of turn one. However, Saturday night, it was a tight fit even out there! There was a delay in the first heat reaching the track due in part to an extended driver's meeting that encircled the speaker, plus all of the hot laps needed for the large amount of race cars. The first heat hit the track at 5:49 according to my notation, and hot laps had been scheduled for 4:30 with racing to follow.
The first feature to run, the Hornets, came to the track a bit after 10 p.m. Not being very familiar with the class, we can only comment that the winner was Adam Strunk, followed by Daniel Ayers in second, the #37 of Dustin Haggard in third, fourth went to Megan Lappegard, and fifth was Paul Atchison.
The Late Models ran their 25-lap feature next. Local racer, Ryan Griffith made short work of showing his dominance and led the entire contest, pulling away from his nearest competitors. After a false initial start, the feature went flag-to-flag. Todd Cooney slipped by Scott Badker on the final lap as they finished second and third in that order. Fourth went to local driver, "Hollywood" Jason Hahne who had made the pass at lap seventeen to get around Dean Wagner who took fifth.
The Hobby Stocks followed suit with their own flag-to-flag 12-lap feature next. The IMCA Super National's champion, Cody Nielsen took off from his pole starting spot and sprinted to the lead. It wasn't long until he had company with Devin Smith and John Watson hot on his heels. By lap five, Smith took over the helm and then sailed on to the win, stretching his lead at the checkers. Nielsen kept the runner-up spot, Watson was third, followed by the 2EZ of Josh Niemand, and George Hood was fifth.
The Stock Cars ran a 15-lap feature on the half-mile. Dan Trimble and Ryan Leeman sat on the front row--Trimble shooting to the lead immediately. Mike VanGenderen, the "Flying Dutchman", took to the topside in turns one and two, trying to catch some traction--where there was very little. It was working though, and VanGenderen took the lead. Meanwhile, Steve Jackson had evidently taken note of that topside working, and also set sail up there. Caution flags flew and the cars were aligned double file behind the leader and upon the restarts, positions were changed up a bit. Jackson got the advantage over the 57V of VanGenderen and subsequent yellows that flew late in the race, found Lance Deal making the pass into second. Jackson took the win, Deal was runner-up, third went to VanGenderen, fourth to Kevin Opheim and Minnesota driver, Ken Tietz rounded out the top five. Jackson started seventh on the field and Deal came from seventeenth.
The B Modifieds also ran a 15-lap feature event. Track champion, Joel Rust and Cayden Carter drew the front row starting spots. Carter wasted no time in taking the lead and Bryon Weyer, who started fourth, made his way into the "catch up" second place spot. Ryan Ruter was piloting the #53 car on the night, and had just made the pass on Weyer for second, when his fortunes on the night were changed, as his car went spinning, bringing out a caution flag. The final few laps that remained saw Carter pull away from Weyer, who had regained the second place position after Ruter's spin. Carter crossed in first place, Weyer in second, third went to Alex Zwanziger, who I believe to be the grandson of the legendery driver, Bill Zwanziger of the '60's era, fourth was Joel Rust and fifth was Greg Sidles by inches over Jason Mallicoat, who was driving the #36 car of Matt Pittman. Upon checking the official results found on www.speednetdirect.com this morning, I discovered that the win was awarded to the second place finisher, Bryon Weyer, which leads us to believe there was a disqualification of the first place finisher for some sort of infraction. Thus the finish was Weyer in first, second was Zwanziger, third Rust, fourth Sidles, and Mallicoat was fifth.
The A Modified feature was 20-laps. Thirty-two cars were whittled to the starting field of twenty-four cars through two B-Mains. Those winners were Luke Wanninger, and Kyle Brown, who drove his first ever A modified when he jumped into his dad David Brown's car. Levi Nielsen and Chris Abelson drew the front row spots. Abelson took the lead followed by the second row starters, Keith Schmitz and JD Auringer. And then....here came that #12 car of Mark Elliott! Elliott, who had started back in tenth place, was soon up to second, Jay Noteboom had followed to gain the third spot, and then there was a dog fight behind them with Schmitz, Nielsen, Auringer, Bill Crimmins and Ricky Stephan really going at it! With about four laps remaining, Elliott established the point position and Noteboom also got around Abelson to gain second spot. That would be the way they would finish---Elliott taking the win, followed by Noteboom in second, Abelson in third, fourth went to Keith Schmitz and JD Auringer was fifth. Ricky Stephan ran a good race to finish in sixth after starting twelfth and Jammin' Jimmy Gustin came from nineteenth (he was scheduled to start 21st but a car opting to tag the field, moved him up a row) to finish seventh.
The track did rubber down and much of the racing was down around the bottom. However, as noted from some of the above starting positions and eventual finishing spots, there was passing on the dry, dusty, slick track. It was also a long night of racing with the final checkers flying at just a bit before the midnight hour. We were glad however, just to be watching racing, on a beautiful October night; knowing that it was all going to be coming to a screeching halt in the very near future. It was also nice to catch up with some racing friends and drivers as well.
Also, thanks to announcer Ryan Bergeson for the shout out to this reporter. As of right now, our plans are to catch the first of two nights of the Fall Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway on Friday night, October 14, and then head to the Lee County Speedway down in Donnellson, Iowa for their annual Shiverfest race on Saturday the 15th. This will most likely end our 2011 racing season. Of course, there is always a chance that we could travel a bit and catch yet another race later in the season. Time will tell. Happy racing!
The first feature to run, the Hornets, came to the track a bit after 10 p.m. Not being very familiar with the class, we can only comment that the winner was Adam Strunk, followed by Daniel Ayers in second, the #37 of Dustin Haggard in third, fourth went to Megan Lappegard, and fifth was Paul Atchison.
The Late Models ran their 25-lap feature next. Local racer, Ryan Griffith made short work of showing his dominance and led the entire contest, pulling away from his nearest competitors. After a false initial start, the feature went flag-to-flag. Todd Cooney slipped by Scott Badker on the final lap as they finished second and third in that order. Fourth went to local driver, "Hollywood" Jason Hahne who had made the pass at lap seventeen to get around Dean Wagner who took fifth.
The Hobby Stocks followed suit with their own flag-to-flag 12-lap feature next. The IMCA Super National's champion, Cody Nielsen took off from his pole starting spot and sprinted to the lead. It wasn't long until he had company with Devin Smith and John Watson hot on his heels. By lap five, Smith took over the helm and then sailed on to the win, stretching his lead at the checkers. Nielsen kept the runner-up spot, Watson was third, followed by the 2EZ of Josh Niemand, and George Hood was fifth.
The Stock Cars ran a 15-lap feature on the half-mile. Dan Trimble and Ryan Leeman sat on the front row--Trimble shooting to the lead immediately. Mike VanGenderen, the "Flying Dutchman", took to the topside in turns one and two, trying to catch some traction--where there was very little. It was working though, and VanGenderen took the lead. Meanwhile, Steve Jackson had evidently taken note of that topside working, and also set sail up there. Caution flags flew and the cars were aligned double file behind the leader and upon the restarts, positions were changed up a bit. Jackson got the advantage over the 57V of VanGenderen and subsequent yellows that flew late in the race, found Lance Deal making the pass into second. Jackson took the win, Deal was runner-up, third went to VanGenderen, fourth to Kevin Opheim and Minnesota driver, Ken Tietz rounded out the top five. Jackson started seventh on the field and Deal came from seventeenth.
The B Modifieds also ran a 15-lap feature event. Track champion, Joel Rust and Cayden Carter drew the front row starting spots. Carter wasted no time in taking the lead and Bryon Weyer, who started fourth, made his way into the "catch up" second place spot. Ryan Ruter was piloting the #53 car on the night, and had just made the pass on Weyer for second, when his fortunes on the night were changed, as his car went spinning, bringing out a caution flag. The final few laps that remained saw Carter pull away from Weyer, who had regained the second place position after Ruter's spin. Carter crossed in first place, Weyer in second, third went to Alex Zwanziger, who I believe to be the grandson of the legendery driver, Bill Zwanziger of the '60's era, fourth was Joel Rust and fifth was Greg Sidles by inches over Jason Mallicoat, who was driving the #36 car of Matt Pittman. Upon checking the official results found on www.speednetdirect.com this morning, I discovered that the win was awarded to the second place finisher, Bryon Weyer, which leads us to believe there was a disqualification of the first place finisher for some sort of infraction. Thus the finish was Weyer in first, second was Zwanziger, third Rust, fourth Sidles, and Mallicoat was fifth.
The A Modified feature was 20-laps. Thirty-two cars were whittled to the starting field of twenty-four cars through two B-Mains. Those winners were Luke Wanninger, and Kyle Brown, who drove his first ever A modified when he jumped into his dad David Brown's car. Levi Nielsen and Chris Abelson drew the front row spots. Abelson took the lead followed by the second row starters, Keith Schmitz and JD Auringer. And then....here came that #12 car of Mark Elliott! Elliott, who had started back in tenth place, was soon up to second, Jay Noteboom had followed to gain the third spot, and then there was a dog fight behind them with Schmitz, Nielsen, Auringer, Bill Crimmins and Ricky Stephan really going at it! With about four laps remaining, Elliott established the point position and Noteboom also got around Abelson to gain second spot. That would be the way they would finish---Elliott taking the win, followed by Noteboom in second, Abelson in third, fourth went to Keith Schmitz and JD Auringer was fifth. Ricky Stephan ran a good race to finish in sixth after starting twelfth and Jammin' Jimmy Gustin came from nineteenth (he was scheduled to start 21st but a car opting to tag the field, moved him up a row) to finish seventh.
The track did rubber down and much of the racing was down around the bottom. However, as noted from some of the above starting positions and eventual finishing spots, there was passing on the dry, dusty, slick track. It was also a long night of racing with the final checkers flying at just a bit before the midnight hour. We were glad however, just to be watching racing, on a beautiful October night; knowing that it was all going to be coming to a screeching halt in the very near future. It was also nice to catch up with some racing friends and drivers as well.
Also, thanks to announcer Ryan Bergeson for the shout out to this reporter. As of right now, our plans are to catch the first of two nights of the Fall Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway on Friday night, October 14, and then head to the Lee County Speedway down in Donnellson, Iowa for their annual Shiverfest race on Saturday the 15th. This will most likely end our 2011 racing season. Of course, there is always a chance that we could travel a bit and catch yet another race later in the season. Time will tell. Happy racing!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Zoubek and Nelson switch it up for Octoberfest wins
We took the trip back to Beatrice Speedway for the 16th running of their fall special this past weekend. We could have hardly asked for any nicer weather. Two complete programs were run each night with Friday being the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Northern SportMods and the IMCA Sport Compacts. Saturday night, the Sport Compacts were replaced with the factory stock class. Ironically, I counted 130 cars in competition each night even with some not returning, new ones appearing, and even with the switching of classes in the Sport Compacts and factory stocks.
Friday night, the features started off with the IMCA Sport Compact class. Scott Spellmeir took the feature win followed by Tyler Fralin, Cameron Meyer, Kenny Roberts and Justice Colson rounded out the top five.
The 20-lap feature for the IMCA Hobby Stocks came next. R.J. Macku, Lincoln, Nebraska took home the trophy tonight, but had challenges by Blain Peterson and Adam Armstrong most of the way home. Peterson out of Essex, Iowa took the runner up spot, hometown boy, Adam Armstrong took third, followed by track champion Shawn Slezak in fourth and Troy Paxton from Grand Island was fifth. There was a little drama in the post race interview when Macku expressed his displeasure with an earlier in the year incident with himself and Adam Armstrong. Quick thinking announcer Derek Long, managed to pull the microphone away before too many of the R-rated words were heard! The crowd in return, voiced their displeasure with his comments quite verbally!
Up next was the 20-lapper for the IMCA Northern SportMods. Jesse Sobbing, Glenwood, Iowa took the lead by the halfway mark and sailed home to another victory. Sobbing started well back in the field and impressively and methodically made his way forward. Second place finisher was Jason Mallicoat who jumped in the ride of Matt Pittman from Jefferson, Iowa. Mallicoat is no stranger to the SportMod class having piloted his own ride very successfully a few years back. Third place was Tyler Frye, the Beatrice Speedway champion for 2011, fourth was Max Harder who finished second in points at the track, and fifth was Dusty Leonard.
The featured IMCA Modified A main was 30-laps. After a couple of early tangles, one of which was a "slobberknocker" as friend and web caster for the IMCA SuperNationals, Bucky Doren, calls a "mess involving at least five cars". Jordy Nelson had been at the helm those early laps but "Dangerous" Dan Nelson came calling by the halfway mark and was pulling away from the pack and looking to be on his way to the win. Enter that fickle yellow flag once more! That yellow flew with just two laps remaining and put Bob Zoubek right behind for the restart. Zoubek had pulled out of the pack and had been slowly reeling in the leader, but now this restart was about to make it real interesting. On the white flag, Nelson still held the advantage but Zoubek was able to make the pull past Nelson coming out of turn four and beat him to the checkers and the win. It seemed to be a popular win from the fans reaction. Dan Nelson had to settle for second on this night, followed by Johnny "The Jet" Saathoff in third (who also advanced from mid-pack) Jordan Grabouski, track champion in fourth, and Jordy Nelson fell back to finish fifth.
Saturday dawned another beautiful day and subsequent night for racing. Tonight, we would be doing it all over again except for the switch of the factory stock class in place of the IMCA Sport Compacts from the night before.
Tonight's A main action started off with the 20-lap Factory Stock feature. This is an unsanctioned class that runs weekly at the track. The track champion, Kyle Vanover, was off to the lead from the get go from starting outside the front row. Tyler Phelps then put the pressure on the leader and with six laps to go, took the lead. Phelps took the win over Vanover in second, Jeff Watts in third, Kyle Dumfort in fourth and Dana Deeke in fifth. Winner Phelps exclaimed in victory lane what a thrill it was to get the win over his nephew, Kyle Vanover.
It was another 20-lap feature for the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Troy Paxton led the troops for the early laps but there were some heavy hitters hot on his heels. Adam Armstrong, R. J. Macku, and Roy Armstrong were battling it out for positions behind Paxton. Paxton lost the handle--untouched from our view point--brought out a yellow and handed the lead over to Adam Armstrong. Roy Armstrong made the pass on Macku for second and then it was the father/son battle. Adam, in first, ran high and dad Roy, ran low. A yellow came out with two laps to go when a car spun right at the flagstand, but the top two would hold their order with Adam gaining the win over dad Roy, in second. Brandon Stigge made the pass on Macku, as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Des Moines, Iowa's John Watson rounded out the top five.
The post race interview found Adam Armstrong expressing his thanks to his dad for all he had done for him in his racing career.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran their 20-lap feature flag-to-flag. Gary Saathoff and Tyler Frye sat on the front row with Frye getting the advantage and the lead at the start. Previous night's winner, Jesse Sobbing quickly got to second and dogged Frye until making the pass for the lead with just three laps remaining. Sobbing took his second win in as many nights and his unbelievable 53rd win of the season. Frye finished second with Greg Metz in third, fourth was Dan Bohlmeyer, and Dusty Leonard was fifth.
Then it was time for the grand finale of the night--the 30-lap IMCA Modified feature. Just looking at the front row, which had been determined by draw, it was looking like deja vu all over again as Dan Nelson drew the pole and Bob Zoubek the outside. Nelson would hold the advantage as he ran the middle of the track and Zoubek trailed behind, running the low groove. The real race was for third and fourth place with Hunter Marriott and Brian Foote challenging each other over and over again. Tonight, things were switched up from last night as Dan Nelson got the win and Zoubek took second. Third went to Hunter Marriott and fourth to Brian Foote. We noted Foote in the #18 ride instead of his normal #43 and believe it was his son's car from the past season. Johnny Saathoff came from 18th starting spot, to finish in fifth.
We enjoyed our traditional visit to the Beatrice Speedway and although the car count was not as big as their Spring Nationals in March, there was still a nice field of about 30 modifieds. A couple of cars we noticed missing in action were Dylan Smith and Brandon Blochlinger, area drivers who are usually competing at the Spring and Fall specials. Both drivers were back in Iowa racing as a support class with the Lucas Oil Late Models at the famed Knoxville Raceway. They announced at the track, that Beatrice, Nebraska driver, Jordan Grabouski was officially crowned the IMCA National Modified Champion for 2011 by three points over Texas driver Keith White.
There are still a few special left in our neck of the woods, hopefully before the snow flies. Check out the calendar at Positively Racing for a race to attend. Happy racing!
Friday night, the features started off with the IMCA Sport Compact class. Scott Spellmeir took the feature win followed by Tyler Fralin, Cameron Meyer, Kenny Roberts and Justice Colson rounded out the top five.
The 20-lap feature for the IMCA Hobby Stocks came next. R.J. Macku, Lincoln, Nebraska took home the trophy tonight, but had challenges by Blain Peterson and Adam Armstrong most of the way home. Peterson out of Essex, Iowa took the runner up spot, hometown boy, Adam Armstrong took third, followed by track champion Shawn Slezak in fourth and Troy Paxton from Grand Island was fifth. There was a little drama in the post race interview when Macku expressed his displeasure with an earlier in the year incident with himself and Adam Armstrong. Quick thinking announcer Derek Long, managed to pull the microphone away before too many of the R-rated words were heard! The crowd in return, voiced their displeasure with his comments quite verbally!
Up next was the 20-lapper for the IMCA Northern SportMods. Jesse Sobbing, Glenwood, Iowa took the lead by the halfway mark and sailed home to another victory. Sobbing started well back in the field and impressively and methodically made his way forward. Second place finisher was Jason Mallicoat who jumped in the ride of Matt Pittman from Jefferson, Iowa. Mallicoat is no stranger to the SportMod class having piloted his own ride very successfully a few years back. Third place was Tyler Frye, the Beatrice Speedway champion for 2011, fourth was Max Harder who finished second in points at the track, and fifth was Dusty Leonard.
The featured IMCA Modified A main was 30-laps. After a couple of early tangles, one of which was a "slobberknocker" as friend and web caster for the IMCA SuperNationals, Bucky Doren, calls a "mess involving at least five cars". Jordy Nelson had been at the helm those early laps but "Dangerous" Dan Nelson came calling by the halfway mark and was pulling away from the pack and looking to be on his way to the win. Enter that fickle yellow flag once more! That yellow flew with just two laps remaining and put Bob Zoubek right behind for the restart. Zoubek had pulled out of the pack and had been slowly reeling in the leader, but now this restart was about to make it real interesting. On the white flag, Nelson still held the advantage but Zoubek was able to make the pull past Nelson coming out of turn four and beat him to the checkers and the win. It seemed to be a popular win from the fans reaction. Dan Nelson had to settle for second on this night, followed by Johnny "The Jet" Saathoff in third (who also advanced from mid-pack) Jordan Grabouski, track champion in fourth, and Jordy Nelson fell back to finish fifth.
Saturday dawned another beautiful day and subsequent night for racing. Tonight, we would be doing it all over again except for the switch of the factory stock class in place of the IMCA Sport Compacts from the night before.
Tonight's A main action started off with the 20-lap Factory Stock feature. This is an unsanctioned class that runs weekly at the track. The track champion, Kyle Vanover, was off to the lead from the get go from starting outside the front row. Tyler Phelps then put the pressure on the leader and with six laps to go, took the lead. Phelps took the win over Vanover in second, Jeff Watts in third, Kyle Dumfort in fourth and Dana Deeke in fifth. Winner Phelps exclaimed in victory lane what a thrill it was to get the win over his nephew, Kyle Vanover.
It was another 20-lap feature for the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Troy Paxton led the troops for the early laps but there were some heavy hitters hot on his heels. Adam Armstrong, R. J. Macku, and Roy Armstrong were battling it out for positions behind Paxton. Paxton lost the handle--untouched from our view point--brought out a yellow and handed the lead over to Adam Armstrong. Roy Armstrong made the pass on Macku for second and then it was the father/son battle. Adam, in first, ran high and dad Roy, ran low. A yellow came out with two laps to go when a car spun right at the flagstand, but the top two would hold their order with Adam gaining the win over dad Roy, in second. Brandon Stigge made the pass on Macku, as they finished third and fourth in that order, and Des Moines, Iowa's John Watson rounded out the top five.
The post race interview found Adam Armstrong expressing his thanks to his dad for all he had done for him in his racing career.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran their 20-lap feature flag-to-flag. Gary Saathoff and Tyler Frye sat on the front row with Frye getting the advantage and the lead at the start. Previous night's winner, Jesse Sobbing quickly got to second and dogged Frye until making the pass for the lead with just three laps remaining. Sobbing took his second win in as many nights and his unbelievable 53rd win of the season. Frye finished second with Greg Metz in third, fourth was Dan Bohlmeyer, and Dusty Leonard was fifth.
Then it was time for the grand finale of the night--the 30-lap IMCA Modified feature. Just looking at the front row, which had been determined by draw, it was looking like deja vu all over again as Dan Nelson drew the pole and Bob Zoubek the outside. Nelson would hold the advantage as he ran the middle of the track and Zoubek trailed behind, running the low groove. The real race was for third and fourth place with Hunter Marriott and Brian Foote challenging each other over and over again. Tonight, things were switched up from last night as Dan Nelson got the win and Zoubek took second. Third went to Hunter Marriott and fourth to Brian Foote. We noted Foote in the #18 ride instead of his normal #43 and believe it was his son's car from the past season. Johnny Saathoff came from 18th starting spot, to finish in fifth.
We enjoyed our traditional visit to the Beatrice Speedway and although the car count was not as big as their Spring Nationals in March, there was still a nice field of about 30 modifieds. A couple of cars we noticed missing in action were Dylan Smith and Brandon Blochlinger, area drivers who are usually competing at the Spring and Fall specials. Both drivers were back in Iowa racing as a support class with the Lucas Oil Late Models at the famed Knoxville Raceway. They announced at the track, that Beatrice, Nebraska driver, Jordan Grabouski was officially crowned the IMCA National Modified Champion for 2011 by three points over Texas driver Keith White.
There are still a few special left in our neck of the woods, hopefully before the snow flies. Check out the calendar at Positively Racing for a race to attend. Happy racing!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Duffy takes Night #2 HDT at the Havoc
The racing action for the Marshalltown Speedway wrapped up on Saturday night with the running of Night #2 of the Havoc on the Highbanks. Joining the classes from the previous night, were the Dirt Trucks and the IMCA Sport Compacts. It was a chilly night and fans were bundled up, but the racing action was great. The grand finale of the night, the final Hawkeye Dirt Tour race of the year, found the track turn multi-grooved and what a show the drivers put on!
The IMCA Sport Compacts ran their feature first, which went flag to flag. Nine of the cars were on hand with all starting their feature event. Veteran of many years of racing, Merv Chandler, led the entire race, taking the win. Merv said in the post-race interview, that he began his IMCA racing career back in the early days of the birth of the modifieds, along about 1983/1984. Behind him in second, was his son, Brad Chandler. Third went to Tyler Whalen, fourth was Bill Whalen, Jr. and fifth Dave Moorman. We recall Moorman being a regular at the Marshalltown track when the unsanctioned front wheel drive cars ran there regularly a number of years ago. It was announced that the IMCA Sport Compacts will be running weekly at the Marshalltown Speedway in 2012.
The Mod Lite feature ran their 15-lap A main next. Colby Oberembt led the entire race and took the win. Josh May moved through the pack well to nab the runner up position, after starting toward the back of the field. Third went to his dad, James May, fourth was Joel Huggins and Justin Forsberg, a new new driver from the previous night, took fifth.
Next up was the Dirt Trucks, bringing eight trucks for competition. Bret Moyer and his father, Carl Moyer sat on the front row for the start. Bret grabbed the lead and would lead all twelve laps to take the win. Father, Carl Moyer, had to settle for the runner-up spot over another son, Brad Moyer in third. Fourth went to Tony Moro and Rick Clark rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran a 15-lap feature. Scott Pippert dominated this race and with the loudest rev limiter on a crate motor we've heard! Maybe it was because we were sitting directly up from where it would kick in, but it was something that I doubt anyone overlooked noticing. New driver from Friday night, Eric Knutson took second, over Tyler Pickett in third, Kenny Loftus in fourth, and Gene Nicklas in fifth.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 20-lap feature. Pole sitter, Clint Luellen leaped to the lead on the first lap but what a scramble it was behind him for postion. Jake Strayer, Tyler Droste, Jenae Gustin and Cayden Carter were battling it out for spots two-five. Cayden Carter got to the second spot and then the chase was on to catch Luellen. Carter did snatch the first spot as a lap car going into turn one put the interesting twist on the situation. The skillful Carter drove to the lead with a nifty move and would soon pull away and take the comfortable win...his 30th of the season. The second position finish slipped from Luellen at the line when Tyler Droste got by him by a nose, to take second. Following Luellen, who finished third, was Jenae Gustin in fourth and Carter VanDenBerg was fifth.
It was a 20-lap feature for the IMCA Stock Cars. Jeff Wollam made an appearance for night #2 and sat on the front row along side the #15T of Jim Helle. With last night's winner, Brian Irvine, and second finisher Damon Murty buried deep in the field, it was appearing there would be a new winner on the night. Not so fast on that thought!
Jay Schmidt and Dave Atcher battled for the top spot early on and Schmidt won out and would then put some distance between himself and Atcher, But then enter Brian Irvine AND Damon Murty into the picture! When a restart occurred due to an apparent car sitting in a dangerous area as it attempted to exit into the pits, out came the yellow flag....that dreaded yellow flag that no doubt Schmidt did NOT want to see. By this time, Irvine had positioned himself into spot #2 and while under caution, made sure that Schmidt knew he was right there, knocking on the door, as he showed his ride to the leader. Irvine did make the pass on Schmidt soon after the restart, and then Murty took over the third spot. A couple of cautions would fly in the waning laps of the race, one when the #81 of Cory Adams erupted in flames in a spectacular sight! Adams drove into the infield with the car still ablaze. It was quickly extinguished, but we would imagine Adams won't soon forget his toasty exit from this race! When the race resumed, it was last night's winner, Brian Irvine taking the win once again, from having started back in 19th place. Schmidt kept second place, and Damon Murty came from the 24th spot...dead last...to take third. Fourth was Dave Atcher and veteran Andy Bryant was fifth.
The grand finale was the 30-lap Hawkeye Dirt Tour modified race. By this time, it was getting a bit nippy, and we were eating some dirt, but wow, was this race ever worth enduring every bit of that! Jacob Murray and Mark Elliott sat on the front row. Elliott secured the HDT Championship at the drop of the green flag. Of course, he still wanted a feature win, and appeared he was well on his way as he led from the start. Richie Gustin, last night's winner, drew into the picture as he made his way into second and Jon Snyder grabbed third. Snyder fell back several positions and here came Adam Larson, Todd Shute and Darin Duffy--all throwing their hat into the ring. There was a caution at lap sixteen. Not sure if this happened to be the caution that occurred because someone had opted to start burning the huge pile of branches from the summer storm (that has been sitting untouched all this time) but it was suddenly a HUGE fire blazing just to the southeast of turn one. Upon inspection and being determined to be no danger, the racing action resumed. And when it resumed, what racing we saw! The track had turned multi-grooved and cars were finding lines all over the track--often three to four wide. Elliott slipped back and then Larson took over the top spot followed by Richie Gustin and Darin Duffy. Darin Duffy? Where the heck did he come from? Duffy over took Larson without too much difficulty and Snyder also made his move past Larson. When the final checkers flew, it was Hazelton, Iowa's Darin Duffy with the HDT win under his belt...a great performance on his part. Snyder finished second, Shute came from starting eleventh, and at one point, having to rejoin the tail of the field, to take third, Larson finished fourth and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Racing action is drawing to a close in our area so try to find a race to attend before you find yourself sitting home wishing for some racing action. There are several specials still up in our area. The "biggie" is the upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Series show at the historic Knoxville Raceway. This is set for this coming weekend, September 29-October 1. Lots of big time names on the entry list as well as top runners from our area. Since this race fell at the same time this year as our traditional annual trip to Beatrice, Nebraska for their October Fest race, looks like we will be missing the late model show. With all the buzz and anticipation of this race, at least we are hoping to get filled in on how things go by fans/friends and of course, the Internet postings. Let's hope for fair weather all around and great, safe, racing action. Happy racing!
The IMCA Sport Compacts ran their feature first, which went flag to flag. Nine of the cars were on hand with all starting their feature event. Veteran of many years of racing, Merv Chandler, led the entire race, taking the win. Merv said in the post-race interview, that he began his IMCA racing career back in the early days of the birth of the modifieds, along about 1983/1984. Behind him in second, was his son, Brad Chandler. Third went to Tyler Whalen, fourth was Bill Whalen, Jr. and fifth Dave Moorman. We recall Moorman being a regular at the Marshalltown track when the unsanctioned front wheel drive cars ran there regularly a number of years ago. It was announced that the IMCA Sport Compacts will be running weekly at the Marshalltown Speedway in 2012.
The Mod Lite feature ran their 15-lap A main next. Colby Oberembt led the entire race and took the win. Josh May moved through the pack well to nab the runner up position, after starting toward the back of the field. Third went to his dad, James May, fourth was Joel Huggins and Justin Forsberg, a new new driver from the previous night, took fifth.
Next up was the Dirt Trucks, bringing eight trucks for competition. Bret Moyer and his father, Carl Moyer sat on the front row for the start. Bret grabbed the lead and would lead all twelve laps to take the win. Father, Carl Moyer, had to settle for the runner-up spot over another son, Brad Moyer in third. Fourth went to Tony Moro and Rick Clark rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks ran a 15-lap feature. Scott Pippert dominated this race and with the loudest rev limiter on a crate motor we've heard! Maybe it was because we were sitting directly up from where it would kick in, but it was something that I doubt anyone overlooked noticing. New driver from Friday night, Eric Knutson took second, over Tyler Pickett in third, Kenny Loftus in fourth, and Gene Nicklas in fifth.
The IMCA Northern SportMods ran a 20-lap feature. Pole sitter, Clint Luellen leaped to the lead on the first lap but what a scramble it was behind him for postion. Jake Strayer, Tyler Droste, Jenae Gustin and Cayden Carter were battling it out for spots two-five. Cayden Carter got to the second spot and then the chase was on to catch Luellen. Carter did snatch the first spot as a lap car going into turn one put the interesting twist on the situation. The skillful Carter drove to the lead with a nifty move and would soon pull away and take the comfortable win...his 30th of the season. The second position finish slipped from Luellen at the line when Tyler Droste got by him by a nose, to take second. Following Luellen, who finished third, was Jenae Gustin in fourth and Carter VanDenBerg was fifth.
It was a 20-lap feature for the IMCA Stock Cars. Jeff Wollam made an appearance for night #2 and sat on the front row along side the #15T of Jim Helle. With last night's winner, Brian Irvine, and second finisher Damon Murty buried deep in the field, it was appearing there would be a new winner on the night. Not so fast on that thought!
Jay Schmidt and Dave Atcher battled for the top spot early on and Schmidt won out and would then put some distance between himself and Atcher, But then enter Brian Irvine AND Damon Murty into the picture! When a restart occurred due to an apparent car sitting in a dangerous area as it attempted to exit into the pits, out came the yellow flag....that dreaded yellow flag that no doubt Schmidt did NOT want to see. By this time, Irvine had positioned himself into spot #2 and while under caution, made sure that Schmidt knew he was right there, knocking on the door, as he showed his ride to the leader. Irvine did make the pass on Schmidt soon after the restart, and then Murty took over the third spot. A couple of cautions would fly in the waning laps of the race, one when the #81 of Cory Adams erupted in flames in a spectacular sight! Adams drove into the infield with the car still ablaze. It was quickly extinguished, but we would imagine Adams won't soon forget his toasty exit from this race! When the race resumed, it was last night's winner, Brian Irvine taking the win once again, from having started back in 19th place. Schmidt kept second place, and Damon Murty came from the 24th spot...dead last...to take third. Fourth was Dave Atcher and veteran Andy Bryant was fifth.
The grand finale was the 30-lap Hawkeye Dirt Tour modified race. By this time, it was getting a bit nippy, and we were eating some dirt, but wow, was this race ever worth enduring every bit of that! Jacob Murray and Mark Elliott sat on the front row. Elliott secured the HDT Championship at the drop of the green flag. Of course, he still wanted a feature win, and appeared he was well on his way as he led from the start. Richie Gustin, last night's winner, drew into the picture as he made his way into second and Jon Snyder grabbed third. Snyder fell back several positions and here came Adam Larson, Todd Shute and Darin Duffy--all throwing their hat into the ring. There was a caution at lap sixteen. Not sure if this happened to be the caution that occurred because someone had opted to start burning the huge pile of branches from the summer storm (that has been sitting untouched all this time) but it was suddenly a HUGE fire blazing just to the southeast of turn one. Upon inspection and being determined to be no danger, the racing action resumed. And when it resumed, what racing we saw! The track had turned multi-grooved and cars were finding lines all over the track--often three to four wide. Elliott slipped back and then Larson took over the top spot followed by Richie Gustin and Darin Duffy. Darin Duffy? Where the heck did he come from? Duffy over took Larson without too much difficulty and Snyder also made his move past Larson. When the final checkers flew, it was Hazelton, Iowa's Darin Duffy with the HDT win under his belt...a great performance on his part. Snyder finished second, Shute came from starting eleventh, and at one point, having to rejoin the tail of the field, to take third, Larson finished fourth and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Racing action is drawing to a close in our area so try to find a race to attend before you find yourself sitting home wishing for some racing action. There are several specials still up in our area. The "biggie" is the upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Series show at the historic Knoxville Raceway. This is set for this coming weekend, September 29-October 1. Lots of big time names on the entry list as well as top runners from our area. Since this race fell at the same time this year as our traditional annual trip to Beatrice, Nebraska for their October Fest race, looks like we will be missing the late model show. With all the buzz and anticipation of this race, at least we are hoping to get filled in on how things go by fans/friends and of course, the Internet postings. Let's hope for fair weather all around and great, safe, racing action. Happy racing!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Richie Gustin nabs HDT win on Night #1 of Havoc
The first night of the 5th Annual Havoc on the Highbanks at the Marshalltown Speedway is in the books. The pits were packed with 161 race cars by my count. It's always fun to see new faces racing at this end-of-the-year special. Drivers made the trip from Illinois, Missouri and California if I caught the announcements correctly. Two of the winner's scored their 39th and 29th feature win of the 2011 season.
The features kicked off with the Mod Lite A main with 17 of the machines competing.
Josh May grabbed the lead away from Bryan Zehm within the first few laps, but his night would suddenly end when his power plant went up in smoke. This put Zehm back to the point position which he kept to the checkered flag and the win. Tim Hennigar took the runner-up spot, third was Colby Oberembt, fourth Joel Huggins and James May was fifth. In the post-race interview, Zehm said he was happy to get the win in his dad Ed Zehm's old car and think we also heard him say it was his FIRST ever win.
The IMCA Hobby Stock A came to the track next. They ran a 15-lap feature which was dominated by winner Devin Smith. Smith took the lead by lap two after starting seventh and sailed home to his 39th win of the season according to a "stat person" sitting nearby. Scott Pippert and Kevin Fee duked it out for position behind him with Fee winning the second place finish, Pippert the third. Fourth went to Brandon Brinton, followed by Austin Luellen in fifth.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature was another main event that was won in dominating fashion. Oskaloosa, Iowa young gun, Cayden Carter, took the lead on the first lap, never to look back. Carter scored his 29th victory of the season, another remarkable feat in this young man's early career. The real battle was behind Carter as Austin Kaplan, Jenae Gustin and Doug Smith jockeyed for positions. Winning the battle and finishing second was Austin Kaplan. Doug Smith came from starting 21st to take third, Jenae Gustin garnered a fourth place finish after starting 14th and Tyler Droste held on for a fifth place finish after starting on the pole.
The IMCA Stock Cars also ran a 20-lap feature. After a complete restart after the green flag initially flew, the race was run caution free. Polesitter Brian Irvine and Damon Murty, who sat along side him on the front row, put on quite the duel early on, with Irvine gaining the lead by sneaking underneath Murty in turn two...left front wheel hiking into the air. Lap traffic was looking to become a factor with just a couple of laps remaining, allowing Murty to reel the leader in, but Irvine was not deterred, and held on for the win; Murty finishing second. Third was Donavon Smith, fourth went to Jay Schmidt who had started back in the sixth row, and Steve Meyer rounded out the top five.
The grand finale was the 30-lap running of the Hawkeye Dirt Tour IMCA modified feature. This race, paying $1,000 to win, was also a qualifier for the Fast Shafts All Star Invitational for the 2012 IMCA Super Nationals. The 2011 Super National's winner, Richie Gustin, wasted no time in taking the lead from starting outside pole, led all laps, and took the win. Jon Snyder had applied a bit of pressure to Gustin as they ran the topside, but with three laps remaining, Snyder suddenly let loose with a cloud of steam, and pulled to the infield. We believe instead of a blown motor, it was a blown radiator hose. Upon the restart of the final three laps, it was Ronn Lauritzen that applied the pressure as he slipped by Vern Jackson to take second. He gave it his all the last ciruit, but came up a bit short, having to settle for the runner up spot. Jackson took third over Darin Duffy in fourth and Jacob Murray in fifth.
If you're looking for some good racing action in the Central Iowa area, the Marshalltown Speedway will be doing it all over again tonight with Night #2 of the Havoc on the Highbanks. A complete new show will be run with the same classes being joined by the Dirt Trucks and the IMCA Sport Compacts. For more information check www.marshalltownspeedway.com. Happy racing!
The features kicked off with the Mod Lite A main with 17 of the machines competing.
Josh May grabbed the lead away from Bryan Zehm within the first few laps, but his night would suddenly end when his power plant went up in smoke. This put Zehm back to the point position which he kept to the checkered flag and the win. Tim Hennigar took the runner-up spot, third was Colby Oberembt, fourth Joel Huggins and James May was fifth. In the post-race interview, Zehm said he was happy to get the win in his dad Ed Zehm's old car and think we also heard him say it was his FIRST ever win.
The IMCA Hobby Stock A came to the track next. They ran a 15-lap feature which was dominated by winner Devin Smith. Smith took the lead by lap two after starting seventh and sailed home to his 39th win of the season according to a "stat person" sitting nearby. Scott Pippert and Kevin Fee duked it out for position behind him with Fee winning the second place finish, Pippert the third. Fourth went to Brandon Brinton, followed by Austin Luellen in fifth.
The 20-lap IMCA Northern SportMod feature was another main event that was won in dominating fashion. Oskaloosa, Iowa young gun, Cayden Carter, took the lead on the first lap, never to look back. Carter scored his 29th victory of the season, another remarkable feat in this young man's early career. The real battle was behind Carter as Austin Kaplan, Jenae Gustin and Doug Smith jockeyed for positions. Winning the battle and finishing second was Austin Kaplan. Doug Smith came from starting 21st to take third, Jenae Gustin garnered a fourth place finish after starting 14th and Tyler Droste held on for a fifth place finish after starting on the pole.
The IMCA Stock Cars also ran a 20-lap feature. After a complete restart after the green flag initially flew, the race was run caution free. Polesitter Brian Irvine and Damon Murty, who sat along side him on the front row, put on quite the duel early on, with Irvine gaining the lead by sneaking underneath Murty in turn two...left front wheel hiking into the air. Lap traffic was looking to become a factor with just a couple of laps remaining, allowing Murty to reel the leader in, but Irvine was not deterred, and held on for the win; Murty finishing second. Third was Donavon Smith, fourth went to Jay Schmidt who had started back in the sixth row, and Steve Meyer rounded out the top five.
The grand finale was the 30-lap running of the Hawkeye Dirt Tour IMCA modified feature. This race, paying $1,000 to win, was also a qualifier for the Fast Shafts All Star Invitational for the 2012 IMCA Super Nationals. The 2011 Super National's winner, Richie Gustin, wasted no time in taking the lead from starting outside pole, led all laps, and took the win. Jon Snyder had applied a bit of pressure to Gustin as they ran the topside, but with three laps remaining, Snyder suddenly let loose with a cloud of steam, and pulled to the infield. We believe instead of a blown motor, it was a blown radiator hose. Upon the restart of the final three laps, it was Ronn Lauritzen that applied the pressure as he slipped by Vern Jackson to take second. He gave it his all the last ciruit, but came up a bit short, having to settle for the runner up spot. Jackson took third over Darin Duffy in fourth and Jacob Murray in fifth.
If you're looking for some good racing action in the Central Iowa area, the Marshalltown Speedway will be doing it all over again tonight with Night #2 of the Havoc on the Highbanks. A complete new show will be run with the same classes being joined by the Dirt Trucks and the IMCA Sport Compacts. For more information check www.marshalltownspeedway.com. Happy racing!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Super National's notes and tidbits
The 29th annual IMCA Super Nationals has come and gone. Yes, it's been more than a week ago, and yes, this is late getting posted. Seems it is taking us longer and longer to get caught up on things when we are gone, let alone catching up on rest!
We had a great time though. It was our 24th straight attendance---all of the Super Nationals that have been held at the Boone Speedway. How they have grown and changed from a four-day show back then starting on Wednesday, to now the spectacular six-day affair. Back on that 1988 championship night, it was also September 10th but with a car count much less then in 2011. A note I ran across in looking back for the Friday night show was 96 modifieds, 11 late models and 31 stock cars. Only three classes were competing at that time. Drivers I found that participated back in 1988 and were racing still in the 2011 Super Nationals were Darrel DeFrance, Jeff Aikey and Craig Jacobs all in the IMCA late models and in the IMCA stock car class, Don Killen and Tony Bass. Chris Jensen ran in the stock car class back in 1988 and was in the hobby stock division this year. Merv Chandler, Denny Pittman and Rich Smith were modified participants in 1988 and while Pittman and Smith remained as modified racers (Smith having been in all 29 runnings) Merv Chandler was a 2011 Sport Compact driver.
Monday night started off with the crowning of the first IMCA Super National Champion of 2011 when the 50-lap Deery Brothers IMCA Late Model feature went to Colby Springsteen. Springsteen won his first ever Deery Brothers race that night and what a special one it was for him. Springsteen ran near the front much of the race but an unfortunate incident for the two front runners gave him the opportunity to garner that win. The #1st car of Justin Reed had held the lead until lap 40 when he lost his drive shaft just past the flagstand and second-running Terry Neal could not avoid running over it. With both drivers out of the race, Springsteen soon made the pass on Kevin Sather on the restart and then drove home to the victory.
On Tuesday, September 6, the second Super Nationals Champion was crowned. It was the first-ever IMCA Sport Compact show at the Super Nationals with a full show that night. Forty-nine of the little front-wheel wonders participated. Some people were calling it the "Bumble Bee Nationals" with their distinctive sound! We do not often see this class during the season but when we do, it is often two family names that we hear....the Chandler's and the Whalen's. They were well represented at Boone as we counted seven of them running and all making the A main championship race. The first Sport Compact Super Nationals Champion was Nate Chandler from Norway, Iowa. Brad Chandler (who I believe is a brother, but not for sure) finished second and had to push the winning car off the track after the awards ceremony as the winner had expired his motor.
By the time Saturday rolled around, only last chance races were needed in the modifieds to fill in the final nine cars in their big A main. All other classes had completed their qualifying events the previous days. The IMCA Hobby Stock 30-lap A main was run first. The race through lap 23 was being dominated by Andy Boeckman and Devin Smith as they jousted for position. A little bit too much jousting cost either of them the chance for the win as they both were out of the race at that point, when contact was made. The third place runner, Cody Nielsen inherited the lead on the restart then and motored home to the victory. Nielsen, a rookie in the division this year, is from Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Next came the 30-lap IMCA SportMod feature which proved to be a thriller at the finish. Scott Davis prevailed after having led the previous ten laps but it was Jesse Sobbing who made a tremendous charge as the checkers flew, only to come up a bit short. Scott Davis, who lists his home as Madrid, Iowa, is now a Super National's winner in two divisions, having previously taken a championship in the IMCA Stock Car class.
The 30-lap IMCA stock car feature was absolutely dominated by winner Sean Johnson. Johnson, from Independence, Iowa led all laps and was only briefly challenged by second place finisher Jeff Anderson before pulling away for the win.
Then it was time for the IMCA Modified Big Dance. The three-wide start had Richie Gustin, J. D. Auringer, and Joel Bushore sitting on the front row. Gustin shot to the lead and remained there throughout the 40-lap race, taking the win. A challenge by older half-brother Jimmy Gustin (last year's Super National winner) was looking to present an interesting scenario, but a mechanical issue suddenly found him leaving the track. Richie Gustin, Gilman, Iowa took the 2011 Super National's championship with second place going to Mike VanGenderen, Newton, Iowa, third to Darin Duffy, Hazelton, Iowa, fourth to J. D. Auringer out of Waterloo, Iowa and rounding out the all-Iowa top five was Armstrong, Iowa's Eric Dailey.
Part of the enjoyment of the Super Nationals for us each year is not only the racing, but meeting up with racer/racing friends we see there each year. Also the interesting things that happen. I was shocked when a gentleman sitting beside me turned out to be none other than the very first IMCA Modified Super National's champion back in 1983---Mike Schulte. He gave an insight of just how much the program has changed since that time back in 1983. That race was held on August 10-11, a Saturday and Sunday, at the quarter-mile then called Vinton Speedway in Vinton, Iowa. Interesting to learn that it was 100-laps. There were 43 cars participating with drivers from five states - Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Missouri. It was scheduled to be a starting field of 30 cars, but since 38 cars were still running by feature time, they aligned all in the lineup--19 rows of cars that stretched from turn one, back through turn four, for the introductions. Schulte out distanced Jack Mitchell and Merv Chandler. As mentioned earlier, Merv Chandler participated in the 2011 Super Nationals in the Sport Compact division.
We saw great spirit and resilience in the racing this year as well--from stock car driver Steve Meyer taking a nasty barrel roll down the frontstretch and destroying his car, only to go back home to Grundy Center, pull out his old car, and bring it back to Boone. Not only did he race, but he made the feature event on Saturday night. Then there was the spectacular AND scary, utter destruction of Texas driver, Keith White's modified on Friday night. He was nudged into the frontstretch wall and went airborne. We saw the battered chassis later in the pits and knowing that he immediately got out of that destroyed race car and jumped into his stock car to race in the qualifying A main that night, is really unbelievable.
Congratulations to all of the 2011 Super Nationals champions and a big thank you to ALL the racers who put a show on for the fans. The last we heard was a total car count of 822---38 late models, 49 sport compacts, 137 hobby stocks, 186 sportmods, 171 stock cars and 241 modifieds. Guest announcers on the mic along with regular announcer Johnnie Tharp were Ryan Clark, Vinton, Iowa who is a fellow Positively Racing blogger, and long-distance traveler Chet Christner who made it all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to put in some long marathon calls for the fans. Thanks to both of those "extras" for the great job. Mother Nature blessed us for the entire six days as the weather was the best we can ever remember. The temperatures were nearly ideal and not one drop of rain fell!
Up next for us will be the Havoc on the Highbanks at the Marshalltown Speedway next Friday and Saturday, September 23-24. The following weekend will find us heading out to Beatrice, Nebraska for their annual October Fest races scheduled for Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1. More information for both of these races can be found at www.marshalltownspeedway.com and www.beatricespeedway.com. There are also other races scheduled in the upcoming weeks in our area and you can check those at www.positivelyracing.com under the "calendar" tab at the top of the page. The season will soon be coming to a halt, so us die-hard race fans all need to get out and support the sport we all love. Until next time, happy racing!
We had a great time though. It was our 24th straight attendance---all of the Super Nationals that have been held at the Boone Speedway. How they have grown and changed from a four-day show back then starting on Wednesday, to now the spectacular six-day affair. Back on that 1988 championship night, it was also September 10th but with a car count much less then in 2011. A note I ran across in looking back for the Friday night show was 96 modifieds, 11 late models and 31 stock cars. Only three classes were competing at that time. Drivers I found that participated back in 1988 and were racing still in the 2011 Super Nationals were Darrel DeFrance, Jeff Aikey and Craig Jacobs all in the IMCA late models and in the IMCA stock car class, Don Killen and Tony Bass. Chris Jensen ran in the stock car class back in 1988 and was in the hobby stock division this year. Merv Chandler, Denny Pittman and Rich Smith were modified participants in 1988 and while Pittman and Smith remained as modified racers (Smith having been in all 29 runnings) Merv Chandler was a 2011 Sport Compact driver.
Monday night started off with the crowning of the first IMCA Super National Champion of 2011 when the 50-lap Deery Brothers IMCA Late Model feature went to Colby Springsteen. Springsteen won his first ever Deery Brothers race that night and what a special one it was for him. Springsteen ran near the front much of the race but an unfortunate incident for the two front runners gave him the opportunity to garner that win. The #1st car of Justin Reed had held the lead until lap 40 when he lost his drive shaft just past the flagstand and second-running Terry Neal could not avoid running over it. With both drivers out of the race, Springsteen soon made the pass on Kevin Sather on the restart and then drove home to the victory.
On Tuesday, September 6, the second Super Nationals Champion was crowned. It was the first-ever IMCA Sport Compact show at the Super Nationals with a full show that night. Forty-nine of the little front-wheel wonders participated. Some people were calling it the "Bumble Bee Nationals" with their distinctive sound! We do not often see this class during the season but when we do, it is often two family names that we hear....the Chandler's and the Whalen's. They were well represented at Boone as we counted seven of them running and all making the A main championship race. The first Sport Compact Super Nationals Champion was Nate Chandler from Norway, Iowa. Brad Chandler (who I believe is a brother, but not for sure) finished second and had to push the winning car off the track after the awards ceremony as the winner had expired his motor.
By the time Saturday rolled around, only last chance races were needed in the modifieds to fill in the final nine cars in their big A main. All other classes had completed their qualifying events the previous days. The IMCA Hobby Stock 30-lap A main was run first. The race through lap 23 was being dominated by Andy Boeckman and Devin Smith as they jousted for position. A little bit too much jousting cost either of them the chance for the win as they both were out of the race at that point, when contact was made. The third place runner, Cody Nielsen inherited the lead on the restart then and motored home to the victory. Nielsen, a rookie in the division this year, is from Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Next came the 30-lap IMCA SportMod feature which proved to be a thriller at the finish. Scott Davis prevailed after having led the previous ten laps but it was Jesse Sobbing who made a tremendous charge as the checkers flew, only to come up a bit short. Scott Davis, who lists his home as Madrid, Iowa, is now a Super National's winner in two divisions, having previously taken a championship in the IMCA Stock Car class.
The 30-lap IMCA stock car feature was absolutely dominated by winner Sean Johnson. Johnson, from Independence, Iowa led all laps and was only briefly challenged by second place finisher Jeff Anderson before pulling away for the win.
Then it was time for the IMCA Modified Big Dance. The three-wide start had Richie Gustin, J. D. Auringer, and Joel Bushore sitting on the front row. Gustin shot to the lead and remained there throughout the 40-lap race, taking the win. A challenge by older half-brother Jimmy Gustin (last year's Super National winner) was looking to present an interesting scenario, but a mechanical issue suddenly found him leaving the track. Richie Gustin, Gilman, Iowa took the 2011 Super National's championship with second place going to Mike VanGenderen, Newton, Iowa, third to Darin Duffy, Hazelton, Iowa, fourth to J. D. Auringer out of Waterloo, Iowa and rounding out the all-Iowa top five was Armstrong, Iowa's Eric Dailey.
Part of the enjoyment of the Super Nationals for us each year is not only the racing, but meeting up with racer/racing friends we see there each year. Also the interesting things that happen. I was shocked when a gentleman sitting beside me turned out to be none other than the very first IMCA Modified Super National's champion back in 1983---Mike Schulte. He gave an insight of just how much the program has changed since that time back in 1983. That race was held on August 10-11, a Saturday and Sunday, at the quarter-mile then called Vinton Speedway in Vinton, Iowa. Interesting to learn that it was 100-laps. There were 43 cars participating with drivers from five states - Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Missouri. It was scheduled to be a starting field of 30 cars, but since 38 cars were still running by feature time, they aligned all in the lineup--19 rows of cars that stretched from turn one, back through turn four, for the introductions. Schulte out distanced Jack Mitchell and Merv Chandler. As mentioned earlier, Merv Chandler participated in the 2011 Super Nationals in the Sport Compact division.
We saw great spirit and resilience in the racing this year as well--from stock car driver Steve Meyer taking a nasty barrel roll down the frontstretch and destroying his car, only to go back home to Grundy Center, pull out his old car, and bring it back to Boone. Not only did he race, but he made the feature event on Saturday night. Then there was the spectacular AND scary, utter destruction of Texas driver, Keith White's modified on Friday night. He was nudged into the frontstretch wall and went airborne. We saw the battered chassis later in the pits and knowing that he immediately got out of that destroyed race car and jumped into his stock car to race in the qualifying A main that night, is really unbelievable.
Congratulations to all of the 2011 Super Nationals champions and a big thank you to ALL the racers who put a show on for the fans. The last we heard was a total car count of 822---38 late models, 49 sport compacts, 137 hobby stocks, 186 sportmods, 171 stock cars and 241 modifieds. Guest announcers on the mic along with regular announcer Johnnie Tharp were Ryan Clark, Vinton, Iowa who is a fellow Positively Racing blogger, and long-distance traveler Chet Christner who made it all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to put in some long marathon calls for the fans. Thanks to both of those "extras" for the great job. Mother Nature blessed us for the entire six days as the weather was the best we can ever remember. The temperatures were nearly ideal and not one drop of rain fell!
Up next for us will be the Havoc on the Highbanks at the Marshalltown Speedway next Friday and Saturday, September 23-24. The following weekend will find us heading out to Beatrice, Nebraska for their annual October Fest races scheduled for Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1. More information for both of these races can be found at www.marshalltownspeedway.com and www.beatricespeedway.com. There are also other races scheduled in the upcoming weeks in our area and you can check those at www.positivelyracing.com under the "calendar" tab at the top of the page. The season will soon be coming to a halt, so us die-hard race fans all need to get out and support the sport we all love. Until next time, happy racing!
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