The Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa continued their weekly racing program on Wednesday night. There will now be a two-week hiatus before weekly racing resume again on August 20. A couple of drivers just keep adding to their wins for the season, keeping their winning streaks alive, while another driver had his streak end. There was a King of the Hill contest for the Stock Cars, and a candy toss for the youngsters. Sponsor for the night was Bill & Ray's Wrecker and Truck Repair Service.
The King of the Hill for Stock Cars was the first item on the agenda after the heats were completed. The final round found Zack VanderBeek going up against Todd Reitzler for the top of the mountain title. VanderBeek took the win and in doing so an extra $250 and a new Hoosier tire.
Hobby Stocks ran their 15-lap feature next. There was scrambling on the start, and Aaron Osweiler ended up smacking the wall in turn one. He was however, able to limp to the pits without bringing out the caution. Craig Brown was leading by the second lap and who should now be right behind him in second, but Mike Hughes. Hughes was looking strong in an attempt to keep hold of his win streak and was challenging. He gave it several peeks on the low side, but on this night, it was Craig Brown holding tight to his top spot, and taking the win. Hughes had his six victory win streak end, having to settle for second. Third went to a distant Danny Thrasher, Dustin Griffiths was fourth and Shannon Sherwood was fifth. The race went flag to flag. This was Brown's second win of the season which has still had only three drivers in victory lane---Brown, Hughes and Dustin Griffiths.
There was all sorts of action going on in the SportMod 16-lap feature. Charlie Weber was hanging tough as he led the field of cars through lap six. That was when a yellow flew when Bill Wears lost hold of his ride in turn two. On the restart, Brayton Carter, who had quickly worked up to the runner up spot from starting eighth, was immediately challenging Weber, and took command in turn two. At lap nine, Weber did a 360 in turns one and two, and another yellow flew. For the restart, Carter was still in command, but Curtis VanDerWal and Brett Lowry were now right behind and chomping at the bit for the restart. VanDerWal took a brief lead before lap ten could be scored, but Carter fought back. The dueling went on until lap fourteen when VanDerWal got crossed up, from what was called "questionable driving" by Carter, the yellow flew, and both drivers restarted at the back of the pack. Brett Lowry, who had been running in third, was now the recipient of the lead when the race was restarted. Just a lap later, another yellow flew, this time when VanDerWal again sat still at the bottom of turn one, this one deemed "questionable driving" by Colton Livezey who made contact with the 1V. VanDerWal's had to retire to the pits, the cause of two yellows. The finish was now going to be a green-white-checkered.....Lowry still holding the top spot. He kept that the remaining way to the checkers and the win. Tony Johnson took second place, Carter VanDenBerg finished third, fourth went to Corey VanZante, back after several week's absence, and Brayton Carter came back through the pack to take a top five finish. This was Lowry's fourth win at Osky on the season. Lowry started eleventh on his way to taking the checkers.
Grinnell's Todd Reitzler snapped up the lead when the green flew in the 18-lap Stock Car event. He soon had company though, in Cayden Carter. Carter, who started sixth, was on Reitzler's tail by lap two, and applying pressure. By lap five, the Orange Crush #10cc machine was in the lead. The runner up spot was now where the action was, as the other orange machine of Zack VanderBeek was hounding Reitzler. It was soon to be the familiar sight of the two Orange Crush machines circling the track at the front of the pack, ending it at the checkers, one-two. Carter took the win, his fifth in a row and seventh of the season (plus winning the Frostbuster), VanderBeek finished as the runner up. Third went to Reitzler, Corey Stout was fourth and new driver Mike Harward from Floris, barely beat out Nathan Wood at the checkers as they went fifth and sixth. The race went flag to flag.
Sport Compacts ran a 10-lap feature. Matt Moore grabbed the lead and held it until Trent Orwig swung around his outside at lap four and into first. Bill Whalen was battling with Moore for second, soon took the runner up spot, and then with two laps remaining, flew around Orwig and took over the top spot. He kept it the final two circuits to the checkers and the win. Orwig held on to finish as the runner up, and Matt Moore was third. John Whalen finished fourth on three wheels as his wheel rolled down the frontstretch, and Jon Menius was fifth. This made it four in a row for Bill Whalen, and ninth over all.
The racing ended with the 16-lap Modified feature. Bill Davis, Jr. led the troops through the first handful of laps, but Tyler Groenendyk had been pestering him the entire time. At lap six, Groenendyk sneaked under Davis and into the lead. A caution flew at lap eight and by then, Cayden Carter was breathing down Groenendyk's neck, Davis and Andrew Schroeder right behind as well. Schroeder took advantage of the restart situation and made the pass into second on the backstretch. Groenendyk, Schroeder and Carter were soon to be locked in a tight three-way battle for the lead, Schroeder getting the upper hand, Carter taking over second place. The race was completed without another caution, Schroeder pulling away to take the comfortable win. Carter finished in second place, Groenendyk was third, Davis took fourth and veteran racer Jerry Pilcher rounded out the top five.
As mentioned above, the next two Wednesday nights at Osky will be silent. This is due to the Sprint week coming up at nearby Knoxville and the Iowa State Fair run. There will however, be racing action at Osky on Monday, August 4, when the 19th annual Front Row Challenge for Sprints will come to town. Regular Wednesday night action will pick up again on August 20. There was a bit of winged Sprint action at the track last night, as Terry McCarl was trying out his brand new #24 machine between racing action.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Osky - 7-30-14
Unofficial results:
Modified:
1. 02 Andrew Schroeder
2. 10C Cayden Carter
3. 9T Tyler Groenendyk
4. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
5. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF: 40 Scott Dickey
3R Ray Bunnell
64 Casey Greubel
Stock Car
1. 10CC Cayden Carter - 5 in a row
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 22R Todd Reitzler
4. 94 Corey Stout
5. 01i Mike Harward
6. 52 Nathan Wood
7. 4J Bob Lynch
8. 17C Shane Paris
9. 18 Kris Walker
10. 17 Brock Welch
11. 1X Mike Petersen
DNF: 7K Kelsie Spilman
12 Duawayne Herb
DNS: 85 Doug Sylvester
King of the Hill Stock Cars:
Zack VanderBeek beat Todd Rietzler
SportMod
1. 72 Brett Lowry
2. 8T Tony Johnson
3. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
4. 34Z Cory VanZante
5. 01 Brayton Carter
6. 85 Jason McDaniel
7. 352 Charlie Weber
8. 29 Colton Livezey
9. 2+ Bill Wears
10. 53 Greg Strohman
DNF: 1V Curtis VanDerWal
10R Ryan Fullenkamp
6T Siraj Thomason
Hobby Stock
1. 69 Craig Brown
2. 11 Mike Hughes
3. 84 Danny Thrasher
4. 10G Dustin Griffiths
5. 6S Shannon Sherwood
6. 12 Mike Kincaid
7. 3S Steve Allen
8. 55 Brad Stephens
9. 3 Travis Bunnell
10 224 Gina Greubel
11. 74 Matt Smith
DNF: 21 Nick Ulin
32T Bobby Greene
7A Aaron Osweiler
Sport Compact
1. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr. 4 in a row
2. 04 Trent Orwig
3. 2M Matt Moore
4. 77 John Whalen
5. 5J Jon Menius
6. 33 Matt Gridley
DNF: 8up Renny McCarty
Modified:
1. 02 Andrew Schroeder
2. 10C Cayden Carter
3. 9T Tyler Groenendyk
4. 1+ Billy Davis, Jr.
5. 7W Jerry Pilcher
DNF: 40 Scott Dickey
3R Ray Bunnell
64 Casey Greubel
Stock Car
1. 10CC Cayden Carter - 5 in a row
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 22R Todd Reitzler
4. 94 Corey Stout
5. 01i Mike Harward
6. 52 Nathan Wood
7. 4J Bob Lynch
8. 17C Shane Paris
9. 18 Kris Walker
10. 17 Brock Welch
11. 1X Mike Petersen
DNF: 7K Kelsie Spilman
12 Duawayne Herb
DNS: 85 Doug Sylvester
King of the Hill Stock Cars:
Zack VanderBeek beat Todd Rietzler
SportMod
1. 72 Brett Lowry
2. 8T Tony Johnson
3. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
4. 34Z Cory VanZante
5. 01 Brayton Carter
6. 85 Jason McDaniel
7. 352 Charlie Weber
8. 29 Colton Livezey
9. 2+ Bill Wears
10. 53 Greg Strohman
DNF: 1V Curtis VanDerWal
10R Ryan Fullenkamp
6T Siraj Thomason
Hobby Stock
1. 69 Craig Brown
2. 11 Mike Hughes
3. 84 Danny Thrasher
4. 10G Dustin Griffiths
5. 6S Shannon Sherwood
6. 12 Mike Kincaid
7. 3S Steve Allen
8. 55 Brad Stephens
9. 3 Travis Bunnell
10 224 Gina Greubel
11. 74 Matt Smith
DNF: 21 Nick Ulin
32T Bobby Greene
7A Aaron Osweiler
Sport Compact
1. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr. 4 in a row
2. 04 Trent Orwig
3. 2M Matt Moore
4. 77 John Whalen
5. 5J Jon Menius
6. 33 Matt Gridley
DNF: 8up Renny McCarty
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Woods, Murphy and Rieks, first time winners at Boone
It was a hot and muggy July night in Iowa for racing at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. It sure didn't keep the crowd away, nor the 130 drivers who came to try their hand at the track. More drivers added their name to the growing list of first time winners for the year, and two classes repeated winners.
Mod Lites kicked off the night's racing. Chargin' Charlie Brown took home another win in this division. Brown fought past Dusty Masolini just after lap eleven was in the books, passing him on the highside, and keeping the lead to the checkers. Masolini held on to the runner up spot, Joel Keenan just held off Josh May at the flag as they finished third and fourth in that order. Corey Dennis, who had the upper hand for the first handful of laps, finished fifth. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone for the season.
Michael Murphy made an appearance last week for the first time in the SportMod division. This week, he went home with the win. Murphy, who started on the pole, jumped to the lead immediately, and from there on, was never really challenged. A couple of cautions didn't deter Murphy, as he pulled away at the checkers for a comfortable win. Anthony Onstot chased the winner most of the race, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to last week's winner, Johnathon Logue, Jr., coming from eleventh starting spot to finish at the front of the pack. Fourth was Tara Longnecker and point leader, Ben Kates was fifth. Kates, who experienced trouble in the heat race, had to run a B main, won it, and started in 22nd place and flew through the pack to finish in the top five. Murphy is a first time winner at Boone this year.
After last week's disastrous end for David Rieks in the Hobby Stock feature, he got redemption this week by taking the checkers. Rieks had fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, with Andrew Burg last week, and it was coming right down to the wire for the win. It was then that a lap car got in his way, and he ended up in the infield with a damaged car. Rieks took command by lap eight, and withstood a caution at lap nine, maintaining his lead to the flying checkers. A "glob" of cars fought it out behind him, trying to sort themselves out for positions. In the end, it was Tyler Pickett getting the second place finish over Josh Saunders in third. Fourth went to Cody Gustoff and point leader, John Watson came from twelfth starting spot, to round out the top five. Rieks was another one who added his name to the growing list of first time winners at the track.
There was quite the action in the 20-lap Modified feature. Kent Croskey held the lead through the first five laps, then Shay Woods snatched it away. By this time, Mike VanGenderen had made his way to third, and was up to challenge Croskey. Just past the halfway mark, VanGenderen got the job done, and was in the hunt to catch the leader. As the two came down the frontstretch at lap fourteen, there was contact, breaking VanGenderen's tie rod, and sending him spinning. He tried to continue but then discovered the car would not turn, and he collected a couple of other cars in the process of trying to control his car. This brought out the yellow, but Woods was ready for the restart, maintained his lead and took the win. Scott Davis came from tenth starting spot, to earn the runner up position, Russ Dickerson started eleventh, and finished third. Fourth place was Kent Croskey and last week's winner, Josh Truman completed the top five. This was Woods' first victory at Boone this season.
For anyone leaving before the final feature, the IMCA Stock Cars, you missed a good one! This class always produces some of the best racing of the night. The only caution of the race came at lap one, and from there on, it was fast, and frantic scrambling for positions! Eric Brown held the lead through lap thirteen, just holding off veteran Robert Stofer. Stofer took command at lap fourteen and pulled away the final four laps to secure the win. Behind him, cars were jockeying for spots, three and four wide, and a lap car even got in the mix, racing with them. That made for some "hold your breath" moments and a real scramble to the finish line! At the stripe, it was Jerry Gifford taking the runner up spot, Donavon Smith once again made the bottom of the track work, taking third place. Fourth was Jay Schmidt, crossing the finish line in his white, battered looking race car, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Early leader Eric Brown, finished sixth. Stofer won for the second time in 2014.
It is great to see that three steel cables have been added to the frontstretch fence. This is a great added safety feature at the track and for the upcoming Super Nationals. The Super Nationals are coming quickly too---September 1-6. Make plans to catch some or all of America's Racin' Vacation.
Thanks for reading, and happy racing!
Mod Lites kicked off the night's racing. Chargin' Charlie Brown took home another win in this division. Brown fought past Dusty Masolini just after lap eleven was in the books, passing him on the highside, and keeping the lead to the checkers. Masolini held on to the runner up spot, Joel Keenan just held off Josh May at the flag as they finished third and fourth in that order. Corey Dennis, who had the upper hand for the first handful of laps, finished fifth. This was Brown's fifth win at Boone for the season.
Michael Murphy made an appearance last week for the first time in the SportMod division. This week, he went home with the win. Murphy, who started on the pole, jumped to the lead immediately, and from there on, was never really challenged. A couple of cautions didn't deter Murphy, as he pulled away at the checkers for a comfortable win. Anthony Onstot chased the winner most of the race, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to last week's winner, Johnathon Logue, Jr., coming from eleventh starting spot to finish at the front of the pack. Fourth was Tara Longnecker and point leader, Ben Kates was fifth. Kates, who experienced trouble in the heat race, had to run a B main, won it, and started in 22nd place and flew through the pack to finish in the top five. Murphy is a first time winner at Boone this year.
After last week's disastrous end for David Rieks in the Hobby Stock feature, he got redemption this week by taking the checkers. Rieks had fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, with Andrew Burg last week, and it was coming right down to the wire for the win. It was then that a lap car got in his way, and he ended up in the infield with a damaged car. Rieks took command by lap eight, and withstood a caution at lap nine, maintaining his lead to the flying checkers. A "glob" of cars fought it out behind him, trying to sort themselves out for positions. In the end, it was Tyler Pickett getting the second place finish over Josh Saunders in third. Fourth went to Cody Gustoff and point leader, John Watson came from twelfth starting spot, to round out the top five. Rieks was another one who added his name to the growing list of first time winners at the track.
There was quite the action in the 20-lap Modified feature. Kent Croskey held the lead through the first five laps, then Shay Woods snatched it away. By this time, Mike VanGenderen had made his way to third, and was up to challenge Croskey. Just past the halfway mark, VanGenderen got the job done, and was in the hunt to catch the leader. As the two came down the frontstretch at lap fourteen, there was contact, breaking VanGenderen's tie rod, and sending him spinning. He tried to continue but then discovered the car would not turn, and he collected a couple of other cars in the process of trying to control his car. This brought out the yellow, but Woods was ready for the restart, maintained his lead and took the win. Scott Davis came from tenth starting spot, to earn the runner up position, Russ Dickerson started eleventh, and finished third. Fourth place was Kent Croskey and last week's winner, Josh Truman completed the top five. This was Woods' first victory at Boone this season.
For anyone leaving before the final feature, the IMCA Stock Cars, you missed a good one! This class always produces some of the best racing of the night. The only caution of the race came at lap one, and from there on, it was fast, and frantic scrambling for positions! Eric Brown held the lead through lap thirteen, just holding off veteran Robert Stofer. Stofer took command at lap fourteen and pulled away the final four laps to secure the win. Behind him, cars were jockeying for spots, three and four wide, and a lap car even got in the mix, racing with them. That made for some "hold your breath" moments and a real scramble to the finish line! At the stripe, it was Jerry Gifford taking the runner up spot, Donavon Smith once again made the bottom of the track work, taking third place. Fourth was Jay Schmidt, crossing the finish line in his white, battered looking race car, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Early leader Eric Brown, finished sixth. Stofer won for the second time in 2014.
It is great to see that three steel cables have been added to the frontstretch fence. This is a great added safety feature at the track and for the upcoming Super Nationals. The Super Nationals are coming quickly too---September 1-6. Make plans to catch some or all of America's Racin' Vacation.
Thanks for reading, and happy racing!
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Jenae Gustin is baaack! Richie Gustin repeats at Marshalltown
Marshalltown Speedway had a good soaking early Friday morning, right at 2.5 inches according to promoter Toby Kruse. But by the time for racing, the huge lake that had appeared in the infield had nearly drained, (but gooey enough that the infield was not used) and the track was packed and ready for the night's racing. An added attraction for the night was the Spectator Eliminator competition.
The MADCRA Mod Lites ran their usual 15-lap feature. Josh May didn't let three cautions interrupt his run at the front after taking the helm from Mike Kennedy at lap two. He took the win, his second of the year at Marshalltown, by a comfortable margin over Charlie Brown in second. Point leader Andy Hennigar finished third after starting ninth, James May was fourth and Eric Hendrickson finished fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw Eric Stanton back in victory lane, repeating his win from last week. Stanton had to work to get to the front, as a good battle brewed between him, John Watson, and Brice Udelhoven. Stanton finally got the lead with two laps remaining, getting by Udelhoven. Stanton took the win, Udelhoven kept second, and John Watson was third. The rest of the pack was a distance behind at the checkers, but it was Garrett Eilander winning out over Jason See for fourth and fifth places. This was Stanton's fourth win at the Speedway this year.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature came next. Jenae Gustin, who has been having a tough go of it lately with mechanical problems, upon mechanical problems, was immediately to the lead at the drop of the green. From there on, it was a case of who would get second! Gustin maneuvered through lap cars, effortlessly it seemed, and still increased her lead over her closest competitors. The race went green-to-checkered, Gustin winning a good distance ahead of second place Clint Luellen. Third was Sam Wieben, fourth went to Jared VanDeest who had won the two previous races, and Jake McBirnie rounded out the top five. Jenae Gustin told announcer Jerry VanSickle in victory lane, that she is hoping that her bad luck is now all behind her. This is her third win at Marshalltown this year, the last coming back at the end of May.
Michael Jaennette put his ride to the front in the opening laps of the 18-lap Stock Car feature, after starting sixth. He looked destined to repeat his win from last week, getting a good lead on the pack. That all melted away when a yellow flew at lap ten for Trent Murphy who was off power. On the restart, it was Donavon Smith sitting in second and loving that caution that had flown---Jaennette, not so much! It was two laps later when Smith got under Jaennette and took the lead. From there on, Smith motored home comfortably to the win. Jaennette had to settle for second. Third went to Tracy Gienger who seems not to have missed a beat after just returning to racing a couple of weeks ago. Fourth was veteran Robert Stofer and Robbie Merkle was scored fifth. As a note, Jay Schmidt did cross in fourth places, but from what we heard, was penalized for some questionable contact during the race. Winner Donavon Smith made last night's win his sixth of the year, and adds to his track point lead.
The racing portion of the night finished up with the Modified 20-lap feature. Action was immediately fast and frantic in the field. But it was polesitter Jake Strayer putting his ride to the point, and pulling away from the pack. Strayer was looking smooth and confident, and content to let them fight it out behind him for position. Two of those duking it out were Joel Rust and Richie Gustin. Gustin, who had started twelfth, was fighting tooth and nail for the runner up spot, getting it with a handful of laps remaining. Point leader Ronn Lauritzen had been making headway as well, and was up to third after starting eleventh just a lap or so later. In the final laps, it was all eyes on the top three runners, Strayer, Gustin and Lauritzen. Just after lap seventeen was scored, Gustin got around Strayer on the backstretch, and took over the lead. Lauritzen followed up with his pass on Strayer as well, and was doing his best to catch leader Gustin. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Gustin held the lead to the flying checkers and the win....his second in as many weeks. Lauritzen finished as the runner up, and Strayer had a great run, but had to be content with third place. Fourth was Joel Rust and Adam Larson finished fifth after starting tenth. Gustin can now claim three wins at Marshalltown this year.
The evening's festivities ended with the annual Spectator Eliminator competition. When it was all said and done, a little silver Mitsubishi got all the glory---winning out over a black pickup in the final round. Others competing were a silver Subaru and an older Cadillac "grocery getter".
Still a lot of racing left in the season. Get out and find a race to attend and help support the dirt track racing we all love. Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The MADCRA Mod Lites ran their usual 15-lap feature. Josh May didn't let three cautions interrupt his run at the front after taking the helm from Mike Kennedy at lap two. He took the win, his second of the year at Marshalltown, by a comfortable margin over Charlie Brown in second. Point leader Andy Hennigar finished third after starting ninth, James May was fourth and Eric Hendrickson finished fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature saw Eric Stanton back in victory lane, repeating his win from last week. Stanton had to work to get to the front, as a good battle brewed between him, John Watson, and Brice Udelhoven. Stanton finally got the lead with two laps remaining, getting by Udelhoven. Stanton took the win, Udelhoven kept second, and John Watson was third. The rest of the pack was a distance behind at the checkers, but it was Garrett Eilander winning out over Jason See for fourth and fifth places. This was Stanton's fourth win at the Speedway this year.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature came next. Jenae Gustin, who has been having a tough go of it lately with mechanical problems, upon mechanical problems, was immediately to the lead at the drop of the green. From there on, it was a case of who would get second! Gustin maneuvered through lap cars, effortlessly it seemed, and still increased her lead over her closest competitors. The race went green-to-checkered, Gustin winning a good distance ahead of second place Clint Luellen. Third was Sam Wieben, fourth went to Jared VanDeest who had won the two previous races, and Jake McBirnie rounded out the top five. Jenae Gustin told announcer Jerry VanSickle in victory lane, that she is hoping that her bad luck is now all behind her. This is her third win at Marshalltown this year, the last coming back at the end of May.
Michael Jaennette put his ride to the front in the opening laps of the 18-lap Stock Car feature, after starting sixth. He looked destined to repeat his win from last week, getting a good lead on the pack. That all melted away when a yellow flew at lap ten for Trent Murphy who was off power. On the restart, it was Donavon Smith sitting in second and loving that caution that had flown---Jaennette, not so much! It was two laps later when Smith got under Jaennette and took the lead. From there on, Smith motored home comfortably to the win. Jaennette had to settle for second. Third went to Tracy Gienger who seems not to have missed a beat after just returning to racing a couple of weeks ago. Fourth was veteran Robert Stofer and Robbie Merkle was scored fifth. As a note, Jay Schmidt did cross in fourth places, but from what we heard, was penalized for some questionable contact during the race. Winner Donavon Smith made last night's win his sixth of the year, and adds to his track point lead.
The racing portion of the night finished up with the Modified 20-lap feature. Action was immediately fast and frantic in the field. But it was polesitter Jake Strayer putting his ride to the point, and pulling away from the pack. Strayer was looking smooth and confident, and content to let them fight it out behind him for position. Two of those duking it out were Joel Rust and Richie Gustin. Gustin, who had started twelfth, was fighting tooth and nail for the runner up spot, getting it with a handful of laps remaining. Point leader Ronn Lauritzen had been making headway as well, and was up to third after starting eleventh just a lap or so later. In the final laps, it was all eyes on the top three runners, Strayer, Gustin and Lauritzen. Just after lap seventeen was scored, Gustin got around Strayer on the backstretch, and took over the lead. Lauritzen followed up with his pass on Strayer as well, and was doing his best to catch leader Gustin. It wasn't to be on this night however, as Gustin held the lead to the flying checkers and the win....his second in as many weeks. Lauritzen finished as the runner up, and Strayer had a great run, but had to be content with third place. Fourth was Joel Rust and Adam Larson finished fifth after starting tenth. Gustin can now claim three wins at Marshalltown this year.
The evening's festivities ended with the annual Spectator Eliminator competition. When it was all said and done, a little silver Mitsubishi got all the glory---winning out over a black pickup in the final round. Others competing were a silver Subaru and an older Cadillac "grocery getter".
Still a lot of racing left in the season. Get out and find a race to attend and help support the dirt track racing we all love. Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Lanigan loves Indee, Cordes takes HDT
The Independence Motor Speedway was the scene Thursday night for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour and the World of Outlaws Late Models. Radar showed a threat of rain moving from the northwest, but it didn't scare away the fans. The stands were packed! Thirty-one IMCA Modifieds and 25 WoO Late Models competed. The Late Model winner came away with a perfect night, and over $10,000 to pocket. The HDT winner had to work for his win, with the help of a late yellow thrown in the mix.
Four heat races and two B mains narrowed the starting field to 24 for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour 30-lap feature. Two HDT provisionals were tagged on the tail. Those were Jacob Murray and Tim Ward.
Last year's HDT Champion Ronn Lauritzen was looking strong, leading the pack of cars convincingly through the halfway mark of the 30-lap event. There was a battle brewing for second place as Vern Jackson, Adam Johnson and Troy Cordes duked it out, and Jeff Waterman close at hand. A yellow flew at lap twenty-two when Jacob Murray came to a halt in turn one....leaving the smell of rear end grease lingering in the air. When the race got back underway, it was Lauritzen still at the helm and Troy Cordes had made it to the runner up spot. Cordes, who had started back in the sixth row, had been picking off cars left and right. It was but a few laps after the restart when Cordes completed his march to the front, passing Lauritzen for the lead. Another yellow would fly with two laps remaining, when Nick Roberts slid off of turn four. This was no problem for Cordes, as he drove off on the restart and took the double checkers. Lauritzen finished as the runner up, Vern Jackson was third, fourth went to Jeff Waterman, and Adam Johnson rounded out the top five. Current point leader of the series, Mike VanGenderen came from ninth starting spot, to finish sixth, seventh was Scott Hogan, Jesse Sobbing came from a B main to finish eighth, Jeremy Mills was ninth and Cayden Carter was tenth. The next scheduled HDT race is on August 7, at Britt's Hancock County Speedway's Night of a 1,000 Stars.
There were 25 of the World of Outlaws Late Models in town. All eleven of the drivers who had run all 22 races so far this season, were in the pits. Those drivers represented the states of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Georgia, Kansas and Illinois. They ran time trials which determined their starting spot in the three heats. A B main was run with four cars tagging the field. Only one car did not make the A main, that being the #2 of Rory Metcalf. We are thinking that the WoO rules state that only 24 cars start their A mains.
The starting top six drivers had their spot determined when youngsters assigned to them, drew a ball from the pot. Frank Heckenast, Jr., who is leading rookie points in the series, had his young fan draw the #1.....even though confessing their favorite was Billy Moyer, Jr.....who was still waiting for his draw. Point leader Darrell Lanigan, got the #2 to start along side Heckenast on the front row for the 50-lap main event.
Lanigan immediately shot to the lead when the green dropped. Tussling behind him were Heckenast and Tim "T-Mac" McCreadie for the second position. The only yellow of the race flew at lap fifteen, Lanigan still easily in command, McCreadie had taken over second from Heckenast and Billy Moyer, Jr. was riding in fourth. Lanigan maneuvered through lap traffic smoothly, not missing a beat as he passed the lap cars. Lanigan took the win by a comfortable margin, for the third year in a row at Independence. Heckenast finished as the runner up, Rick Eckert passed McCreadie as they finished third and fourth in that order. Billy Moyer, Jr. rounded out the top five. Further back in the field, some cars had made some good movement toward the front. Jimmy Mars started twelfth and finished sixth, Tim Fuller came from thirteenth to finish seventh, Shane Clanton was eighth, and making the hard charge was Eric Wells. Wells started ninteenth and finished ninth. Morgan Bagley was tenth and Iowa's popular Brian Birkhofer was eleventh.
Somehow the big blob on radar missed Independence last night---drifting off to the south and then dissipating. Much to the relief of the Speedway and all the drivers and fans in attendance! We enjoyed our evening at Indee last night. It's great to see some of the drivers from the "big leagues" that seldom are in our area, and we always enjoy the IMCA Modifieds and the Hawkeye Dirt Tour series! The show was run through in a timely, professional manner and we were heading for home shortly after 10 p.m......after the parking lot cleared!
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Four heat races and two B mains narrowed the starting field to 24 for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour 30-lap feature. Two HDT provisionals were tagged on the tail. Those were Jacob Murray and Tim Ward.
Last year's HDT Champion Ronn Lauritzen was looking strong, leading the pack of cars convincingly through the halfway mark of the 30-lap event. There was a battle brewing for second place as Vern Jackson, Adam Johnson and Troy Cordes duked it out, and Jeff Waterman close at hand. A yellow flew at lap twenty-two when Jacob Murray came to a halt in turn one....leaving the smell of rear end grease lingering in the air. When the race got back underway, it was Lauritzen still at the helm and Troy Cordes had made it to the runner up spot. Cordes, who had started back in the sixth row, had been picking off cars left and right. It was but a few laps after the restart when Cordes completed his march to the front, passing Lauritzen for the lead. Another yellow would fly with two laps remaining, when Nick Roberts slid off of turn four. This was no problem for Cordes, as he drove off on the restart and took the double checkers. Lauritzen finished as the runner up, Vern Jackson was third, fourth went to Jeff Waterman, and Adam Johnson rounded out the top five. Current point leader of the series, Mike VanGenderen came from ninth starting spot, to finish sixth, seventh was Scott Hogan, Jesse Sobbing came from a B main to finish eighth, Jeremy Mills was ninth and Cayden Carter was tenth. The next scheduled HDT race is on August 7, at Britt's Hancock County Speedway's Night of a 1,000 Stars.
There were 25 of the World of Outlaws Late Models in town. All eleven of the drivers who had run all 22 races so far this season, were in the pits. Those drivers represented the states of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Georgia, Kansas and Illinois. They ran time trials which determined their starting spot in the three heats. A B main was run with four cars tagging the field. Only one car did not make the A main, that being the #2 of Rory Metcalf. We are thinking that the WoO rules state that only 24 cars start their A mains.
The starting top six drivers had their spot determined when youngsters assigned to them, drew a ball from the pot. Frank Heckenast, Jr., who is leading rookie points in the series, had his young fan draw the #1.....even though confessing their favorite was Billy Moyer, Jr.....who was still waiting for his draw. Point leader Darrell Lanigan, got the #2 to start along side Heckenast on the front row for the 50-lap main event.
Lanigan immediately shot to the lead when the green dropped. Tussling behind him were Heckenast and Tim "T-Mac" McCreadie for the second position. The only yellow of the race flew at lap fifteen, Lanigan still easily in command, McCreadie had taken over second from Heckenast and Billy Moyer, Jr. was riding in fourth. Lanigan maneuvered through lap traffic smoothly, not missing a beat as he passed the lap cars. Lanigan took the win by a comfortable margin, for the third year in a row at Independence. Heckenast finished as the runner up, Rick Eckert passed McCreadie as they finished third and fourth in that order. Billy Moyer, Jr. rounded out the top five. Further back in the field, some cars had made some good movement toward the front. Jimmy Mars started twelfth and finished sixth, Tim Fuller came from thirteenth to finish seventh, Shane Clanton was eighth, and making the hard charge was Eric Wells. Wells started ninteenth and finished ninth. Morgan Bagley was tenth and Iowa's popular Brian Birkhofer was eleventh.
Somehow the big blob on radar missed Independence last night---drifting off to the south and then dissipating. Much to the relief of the Speedway and all the drivers and fans in attendance! We enjoyed our evening at Indee last night. It's great to see some of the drivers from the "big leagues" that seldom are in our area, and we always enjoy the IMCA Modifieds and the Hawkeye Dirt Tour series! The show was run through in a timely, professional manner and we were heading for home shortly after 10 p.m......after the parking lot cleared!
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Dickey scores Mod win - Hughes takes sixth in a row
Thankfully, the weather was much more cooperative on Wednesday night for weekly racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The hot, sticky weather we endured on Monday and Tuesday, gave way to less humid and cooler temps. The five regular classes competed, with a new face visiting victory lane in the Modified class. All other classes saw repeat winners.....three with winning streaks continuing.
During the brief intermission, several drivers came across the track and into the grandstand. They passed their helmets through the crowd, getting donations for one of the racing family that is having a trying time. Last Tuesday, Frank Springsteen, father of Late Model driver Colby Springsteen was seriously injured when he suffered second and third degree burns while he was working under the hood of his son's car. This happened at the Southern Iowa Speedway in the far north pit area. He is now in Iowa City in the burn unit. Racing family does come together in times of need. The helmets were also passed in West Liberty last Saturday night, and nearly $4,000 was raised. Tonight, $1,380 can be added to the amount going toward medical expenses.
The Hobby Stock feature was looking to have a new name for 2014 stamped in the books as a feature winner. Steve Allen led from the drop of the green flag with Danny Thrasher nipping at his heels. Allen continued to hold off Thrasher, keeping him at bay through lap eleven of the fifteen lap event. But don't count out the #11 of Mike Hughes. Hughes, who started back in ninth place made it around Thrasher and into the runner up spot with just two laps remaining. Allen still continued his hold on the top spot until just after he saw the white flag wave. Hughes slipped under Allen, passing him on the backstretch, and got to the checkers first. This was Mike Hughes' sixth win in a row, and his tenth at Osky this year. Allen finished what had to be a disappointing second place finish. Third was Dustin Griffiths, who came from eighth starting spot, fourth was Danny Thrasher, and Nick Ulin was fifth.
Seven Sport Compacts took the green flag for their 10-lap A main. Matt Moore led the opening laps, only to have Bill Whalen snatch it away at lap five. A yellow at lap eight still had Whalen in the lead, and a green-white-checkered lay ahead. On the restart, Trent Orwig slipped by Matt Moore, in the charge to the checkers. Whalen was the winner, Orwig took second and Moore was third. Fourth place was John Whalen. This was Bill Whalen's third win in a row and he now has eight for the season.
There was a new winner in the IMCA Modified division last night. Scott Dickey nabbed the lead as soon as the race started and motored easily home to the victory. A couple of cautions didn't slow Dickey on his way to his first win at Osky this year. Dickey stretched his lead from the field and won comfortably as he crossed the checkers. Cayden Carter finished as the runner up, Schroeder was third, Kyle Brown was fourth and Casey Greubel rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature went flag to flag. Tony Johnson led the troops in the opening laps, but the familiar #1V of Curtis VanDerWal was soon up to challenge. VanDerWal was second by lap five and pestering Johnson. Just after lap eight was in the books, VanDerWal slipped under Johnson and into the lead. In the waning laps, VanDerWal powered off from the field, taking his fifth win of the year. Fullenkamp was second and Brett Lowry made late race headway reeling in cars, but ran out of time for more than third. Johnson kept fourth and Carter VanDenBerg completed the top five.
The Stock Car 16-lap feature was a blur of orange up front again. Cayden Carter drove around then leader Todd Reitzler on a restart on lap one and Zack VanderBeek did the same. From then on, it was the two orange cars of Roger Kelderman circling the track at the front---diving low in turns one and two, and circling the top of the track in turns three and four. Carter won for the fourth time in a row, making it another win for the Orange Crush team. VanderBeek was second, Corey Stout held off Todd Reitzler as they went third and fourth respectively, and Tobin Smith was fifth.
Osky will be racing next Wednesday night, July 30, before taking two weeks off from the weekly program. August 4, will be the Front Row Challenge for Sprint week in nearby Knoxville. The following week will be silent due to the Iowa State Fair. Then on August 20, the weekly show will be back in action.
Get out and find a race to attend somewhere. There is a lot still going on with specials in abundance. We plan to head to the Independence Speedway tonight for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for Modifieds and the big boys will be in town---the World of Outlaws Late Models.
Thanks for reading, and happy racing!
During the brief intermission, several drivers came across the track and into the grandstand. They passed their helmets through the crowd, getting donations for one of the racing family that is having a trying time. Last Tuesday, Frank Springsteen, father of Late Model driver Colby Springsteen was seriously injured when he suffered second and third degree burns while he was working under the hood of his son's car. This happened at the Southern Iowa Speedway in the far north pit area. He is now in Iowa City in the burn unit. Racing family does come together in times of need. The helmets were also passed in West Liberty last Saturday night, and nearly $4,000 was raised. Tonight, $1,380 can be added to the amount going toward medical expenses.
The Hobby Stock feature was looking to have a new name for 2014 stamped in the books as a feature winner. Steve Allen led from the drop of the green flag with Danny Thrasher nipping at his heels. Allen continued to hold off Thrasher, keeping him at bay through lap eleven of the fifteen lap event. But don't count out the #11 of Mike Hughes. Hughes, who started back in ninth place made it around Thrasher and into the runner up spot with just two laps remaining. Allen still continued his hold on the top spot until just after he saw the white flag wave. Hughes slipped under Allen, passing him on the backstretch, and got to the checkers first. This was Mike Hughes' sixth win in a row, and his tenth at Osky this year. Allen finished what had to be a disappointing second place finish. Third was Dustin Griffiths, who came from eighth starting spot, fourth was Danny Thrasher, and Nick Ulin was fifth.
Seven Sport Compacts took the green flag for their 10-lap A main. Matt Moore led the opening laps, only to have Bill Whalen snatch it away at lap five. A yellow at lap eight still had Whalen in the lead, and a green-white-checkered lay ahead. On the restart, Trent Orwig slipped by Matt Moore, in the charge to the checkers. Whalen was the winner, Orwig took second and Moore was third. Fourth place was John Whalen. This was Bill Whalen's third win in a row and he now has eight for the season.
There was a new winner in the IMCA Modified division last night. Scott Dickey nabbed the lead as soon as the race started and motored easily home to the victory. A couple of cautions didn't slow Dickey on his way to his first win at Osky this year. Dickey stretched his lead from the field and won comfortably as he crossed the checkers. Cayden Carter finished as the runner up, Schroeder was third, Kyle Brown was fourth and Casey Greubel rounded out the top five.
The IMCA Northern SportMod feature went flag to flag. Tony Johnson led the troops in the opening laps, but the familiar #1V of Curtis VanDerWal was soon up to challenge. VanDerWal was second by lap five and pestering Johnson. Just after lap eight was in the books, VanDerWal slipped under Johnson and into the lead. In the waning laps, VanDerWal powered off from the field, taking his fifth win of the year. Fullenkamp was second and Brett Lowry made late race headway reeling in cars, but ran out of time for more than third. Johnson kept fourth and Carter VanDenBerg completed the top five.
The Stock Car 16-lap feature was a blur of orange up front again. Cayden Carter drove around then leader Todd Reitzler on a restart on lap one and Zack VanderBeek did the same. From then on, it was the two orange cars of Roger Kelderman circling the track at the front---diving low in turns one and two, and circling the top of the track in turns three and four. Carter won for the fourth time in a row, making it another win for the Orange Crush team. VanderBeek was second, Corey Stout held off Todd Reitzler as they went third and fourth respectively, and Tobin Smith was fifth.
Osky will be racing next Wednesday night, July 30, before taking two weeks off from the weekly program. August 4, will be the Front Row Challenge for Sprint week in nearby Knoxville. The following week will be silent due to the Iowa State Fair. Then on August 20, the weekly show will be back in action.
Get out and find a race to attend somewhere. There is a lot still going on with specials in abundance. We plan to head to the Independence Speedway tonight for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour for Modifieds and the big boys will be in town---the World of Outlaws Late Models.
Thanks for reading, and happy racing!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Osky - 7-23-14
Unofficial results:
Modified
1. 40 Scott Dickey
2. 10C Cayden Carter
3. 02 Andrew Schroeder
4. 21K Kyle Brown
5. 64 Casey Greubel
6. 9 Tyler Groenendyk
DNF: 3R Ray Bunnell
Stock Car
1. 10CC Cayden Carter
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 94 Corey Stout
4. 22R Todd Reitzler
5. 18 Kris Walker
6. 22S Tobin Smith
DNF: 17 Brock Welch
7K Kelsie Spilman
85 Doug Sylvester
SportMod
1. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
2. 10R Ryan Fullenkamp
3. 72 Brett Lowry
4. 8T Tony Johnson
5. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
6. 01 Brayton Carter
7. 85 Jason McDaniel
8. 352 Charlie Weber
9. 29 Colton Livezey
DNF: 53 Greg Strohman
6T Siraj Thomason
DNS: 9A Logan Anderson
Hobby Stock
1. 11 Mike Hughes - 6 in a row
2. 3s Steve Allen
3. 10G Dustin Griffiths
4. 84 Danny Thrasher
5. 21 Nick Ulin
6. 6S Shannon Sherwood
7. 69 Craig Brown
8. 7A Aaron Osweiler
9. 66 Brandon Cox
10. 3 Travis Bunnell
11. 32T Bobby Greene
12. 224 Gina Greubel
Sport Compact
1. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
2. 04 Trent Orwig
3. 2M Matt Moore
4. 77 John Whalen
DNF: 5J Jon Menius
33 Matt Gridley
5 Matt Beal
Modified
1. 40 Scott Dickey
2. 10C Cayden Carter
3. 02 Andrew Schroeder
4. 21K Kyle Brown
5. 64 Casey Greubel
6. 9 Tyler Groenendyk
DNF: 3R Ray Bunnell
Stock Car
1. 10CC Cayden Carter
2. 33Z Zack VanderBeek
3. 94 Corey Stout
4. 22R Todd Reitzler
5. 18 Kris Walker
6. 22S Tobin Smith
DNF: 17 Brock Welch
7K Kelsie Spilman
85 Doug Sylvester
SportMod
1. 1V Curtis VanDerWal
2. 10R Ryan Fullenkamp
3. 72 Brett Lowry
4. 8T Tony Johnson
5. 7 Carter VanDenBerg
6. 01 Brayton Carter
7. 85 Jason McDaniel
8. 352 Charlie Weber
9. 29 Colton Livezey
DNF: 53 Greg Strohman
6T Siraj Thomason
DNS: 9A Logan Anderson
Hobby Stock
1. 11 Mike Hughes - 6 in a row
2. 3s Steve Allen
3. 10G Dustin Griffiths
4. 84 Danny Thrasher
5. 21 Nick Ulin
6. 6S Shannon Sherwood
7. 69 Craig Brown
8. 7A Aaron Osweiler
9. 66 Brandon Cox
10. 3 Travis Bunnell
11. 32T Bobby Greene
12. 224 Gina Greubel
Sport Compact
1. 00W Bill Whalen, Jr.
2. 04 Trent Orwig
3. 2M Matt Moore
4. 77 John Whalen
DNF: 5J Jon Menius
33 Matt Gridley
5 Matt Beal
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