The weather was just about perfect for racing at the Boone Speedway on Saturday night. A lot of folks must have thought the same thing as there was a large crowd on hand. The drivers came out in full force too, as 145 cars filled the pits. Two new names were stamped in the books as winners this year, while three others were repeat winners.
The MADCRA Mod Lite feature went all 15 laps caution free. Travis Stensland led all but the opening lap in taking the win, his second of the year. Stensland finished a comfortable distance ahead of second place Joel Keenan. Angelo Montgomery took third, Randy Bryan was fourth and point leader Jimmy May was fifth. Just as the race was completed, the track went red when Cory Dennis tumbled over turn two. He was okay.
There was a brand new winner in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Anthony Onstot, Norwalk, Iowa, led the whole 18-lap distance to the checkers. It wasn't easy though, as he had to win a hard fought battle with Randy Roberts. Onstot and Roberts fought tooth and nail, lap after lap, for many laps before Onstot was able to secure the top spot at the checkers. Tara Longnecker ran at the front of the pack all race long, and finished third. Fourth was Jake McBirnie and Tim Love was fifth. Going into the night, Ben Kates was the point leader, but his night did not end well, having to retire to the pits and scored in 23rd place. The new point leader is Johnathon Logue, Jr. with a five point lead. Onstot is the eleventh different winner in the SportMod division this year at Boone.
Another new name went in the books in the Hobby Stock feature. Newton, Iowa's Jake Nelson led all twelve laps on his way to stamping his name in the list of winners. David Rieks, last week's winner, finished as the runner up----getting around third place Dustin Lynch late in the race, Tim Barber hung at the front of the pack all race long and was scored in fourth, and Aaron Rudolph rounded out the top five. Nelson is now the tenth different winner in the Hobby Stock division at Boone this year.
The IMCA Modified feature was a hard fought battle between two cars for most of the 20-laps. Joel Bushore jumped to the lead from his outside front row starting spot, to take the lead on lap one. By lap two, Mike VanGenderen was pressuring Devon Havlik for second, taking it over by lap three. Then the chase was on. VanGenderen caught leader Bushore, pestering him on the lower line, Bushore staying upstairs. A caution at lap twelve set up a restart situation. When thing restarted, Bushore slipped up going into corner two, allowing VanGenderen to scoot into the lead underneath him. Another restart at lap fourteen didn't hinder VanGenderen, keeping his lead the remaining six laps to the checkers and the win. It was a fight for second place however. Russ Dickerson had started tenth, and was challenging Bushore, and Josh Truman was joining in the fun too. At the checkers, Dickerson was scored as the runner up, just ahead of Bushore in third, and Truman in fourth. Point leader Jimmy Gustin, who started twelfth, rounded out the top five. This was VanGenderen's second win at Boone this year.
The Stock Cars were going three, four, and five wide from the start of the 18-lap feature. Michael Jaennette took over the top spot from Don Vis by lap four and by lap six, was having to fend off the challenges of Jerry Gifford and Lake City's Donavon Smith. The three cars pulled away from the rest of the field, and all eyes were focused on them as they challenged each other. Smith, who started eleventh, was working his magic on the bottom, taking over second place from Gifford. Smith was relentless in his pursuit and kept digging on the low side. He finally made it pay off, scooting under Jaennette in the waning moments, and beating him to the checkers by half a car length. Following second place Jaennette, Gifford had to be content with third, fourth was Ben Walding, and Mike Goldsberry was fifth. Smith scored his third win of the regular season, plus having pegged the Frostbuster pre-season win also.
It was deemed "Pre-Nationals" night at the Speedway. There was a live band playing in the pits as we left the track, plus free sweet corn and free beer. Earlier, the youngsters enjoyed a candy/coin toss. We noticed quite a few new drivers competing last night, probably getting in a little practice run around the track in anticipation of the upcoming Super Nationals. However, there are still four nights of regular season racing left before then. Last night was the 16th straight night of weekly racing at Boone, plus the Deery Brothers Memorial Day race. The only "blip" on the season so far, has been a shortened Frostbuster back on April 12, when just one feature race was completed before being weathered out. It was completed the following week along with the regular opening night program. Fingers crossed for the next four shows being completed.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Lauritzen wins caution plagued race at Marshalltown
Marshalltown Speedway not only had their five regular classes of cars racing last night, but the fans also got to see some Quads and racing Lawnmowers during intermission. It was a caution filled Modified feature, much because of the infield barrier tires being kicked out on the track, and two drivers scored back to back wins.
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
The Mod Lite feature went to Terry Brown. Brown held the top spot the whole race on his way to his first victory ever at Marshalltown. David Schmalzried chased him the entire way, but had to settle for the runner up spot. Third went to the winner's brother, Charlie Brown, Mike Morrill started ninth and finished fourth, and Josh May was fifth. In a post race interview, Brown said he won his very first career feature earlier this year....after having raced for nearly 10 years. That was at Boone Speedway.
Hobby Stocks ran next. Action was stopped just after lap one was scored when Eric Stanton was sitting on the frontstretch after some contact. When thing resumed, it was Austin Luellen at the helm. Luellen withstood a couple more yellows, and held the lead to the checkers and the win. After Eric Stanton's misfortune early, he recovered and slid through the pack to capture second place. Third went to John Watson, who had a flat tire in his heat and started near the tail of the feature, fourth was Jennifer Hulin and Garrett Eilander, who also started near the tail, completed the top five.
Jenae Gustin seems to have put her bout of bad luck behind her as she took the win in the 18-lap SportMod feature, leading all laps. Clint Luellen got to the runner up spot by lap four, but was not able to reel in Gustin, even on a couple of restart situations. The race ended with a green-white-checkered, Gustin taking the checkers. Second went to Luellen, who held off Taylor Musselman, who was third. Fourth place finisher was Sam Wieben, who ran near the front of the pack all night, and Roland, Iowa's Matt Lettow started tenth, and finished with a top five. This was Gustin's second win in a row at Marshalltown, and fourth of the year.
The Stock Cars were going four-wide on the first lap. Don Vis was holding off Robert Stofer for the lead until at lap three, Stofer snatched it away. It was but two laps later, that Donavon Smith, who had been working his usual bottom of the track from starting twelfth, was now the guy in command. From there on, it was all Smith, who finished comfortably ahead of the field in taking the win. It was a dogfight behind him though as drivers fought it out. Steve Meyer got around Michael Jaennette in the final couple of laps, as they finished second and third. Fourth place was Robert Stofer and Trent Murphy came from eleventh starting spot, to take fifth. Smith also took back-to-back wins and scored his seventh victory at Marshalltown this season. The race went flag-to-flag.
After seeing no cautions in the Stock Car feature, it was a WHOLE different story in the 20-lap Modified A main. At least eleven stoppages happened, most of them for cars hitting the barrier tires embedded on the inside of the track, and kicking then out onto the racing surface.
Joel Bushore held down the top spot from the get go, taking advantage of his pole starting spot. Bushore held that command until lap eight when point leader Ronn Lauritzen made the pass and into the lead. Lauritzen, who had scrambled his way through the field from starting ninth, kept hold of that top spot the rest of the way, through multiple yellow restarts, to take the win....his first since going back-to-back in April. Kyle Brown took the runner up spot, Scott Simatovich was third, Jake Strayer ran at the front the entire race, and captured a fourth place finish, and Richie Gustin rounded out the top five.
Tyler Droste rolled his car between turns three and four when he jumped the cushion. It was reported that he landed on all four wheels, and he was okay. Bushore also backed his ride off of corner four, sending him to the pits. It was a marathon race for sure. Tires rolling on the track were the main culprit, bringing out the yellows. For some reason, they just would not stay put, and sometimes they were becoming dislodged two at a time!
Next week, Marshalltown will also have the Quads racing on the quarter-mile again, for some added entertainment for the fans. It will be J & V Napa night at the races with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Thanks for reading and happy racing!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Carter keeps Stock Car streak alive
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!
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!
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!
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