Close Racing a Mothers Day Highlight at Quincy Raceways

    Sunday was Mothers' Day, but it was also Race Day at Quincy Raceways. Street Stocks rejoined the six division lineup after a week off, replaced by open B Mods. As might be expected on this particular day of celebration, the car count was a bit light, although there was still a nice sized crowd in the bleachers. 

   The two premier classes at the Broadway Bullring, UMP Modifieds and DIRTcar Pro Late Models set their heat race order with time trials. Late Model rookie and second generation driver Aiden Perry, in only his second start in the #27 he shares with father Jason topped the division with a lap of 14.755 seconds around the .29 mile track. Mid west traveler Chase Holland capped off a busy week of racing through Illinois by pacing the Mods at 14.623.

  Heat race action clicked off in timely fashion, and after about a thirty minute break, it was feature time. 

   Street Stocks were up first, with just seven cars taking the green flag for fifteen laps after Cletus Coats loaded up after hot laps. Jake Powers led the opening circuit with Brandon Boden close behind. The first caution came with four laps scored for Ryan Aden, and when racing resumed Jacob Rexing powered to second. The yellow waved one lap later when Boden smacked the concrete wall between turns one and two, ending his run. Back under green Rexing continued to pressure Powers, finally grabbing the lead near the halfway mark. Rexing was slowly extending his lead when a final caution came as he was heading through the final set of turns, setting up a one lap dash. Jacob would continue to pace the field, taking the win over Powers, Levi Long, Eddie Dieker and Rudy Zaragoza. 

   Next up it was DIRTcar 4 Cylinders for fifteen laps. Spencer Coats and Kimberly Abbott filled out row one, taking off in that order. The red flag was displayed two laps in when Matthew Brogden found his #214 resting on its side off turn four. Back under green, Abbott was all over the leader, looking for a way around as Coats stayed glue to the inside line. Racing one lane higher, Kimberly pulled even with six to go before Spencer was able to pull slightly ahead. Abbott made one last charge as they came to the checkers side by side, but it was Coats holding on for his first ever Quincy Raceways feature win. Devin Harrell, Landon Neisen and Jay Kunce would fill out the top five. 

   As exciting as the 4 Cylinder race was, the UMP Modified twenty lapper was edge of your seat action. Heat winners Holland and Shawn Deering brought the field to green, but it was Austen Becerra sneaking into second behind Holland as the pack was jumbled up on the start. But on lap two, fourth starting Rick Conoyer used the high line to power past Becerra for second. Holland stayed in front rolling around the bottom before Conoyer gained enough momentum to charge ahead on lap six. Now it was the front three running the top side while Dave Weitholder searched the middle, and those four separated from the pack. Just past halfway, slower traffic came into play, and Becerra was able to clear Holland for the runner up position. He then stayed on the heels of the leader lap after lap. Becerra tried to shoot below Conoyer off turn two on a couple of occasions, but would then lose a few car lengths in doing so. Austen would stay close, but this non stop race belonged to Conoyer. Holland held off Weitholder for third, while Treb Jacoby slipped past Justin Reed late for fifth. 

   The Crown Vics turned out a dozen cars to race for fifteen laps, but it became a race of attrition. Four yellow flags would slow the action, eliminating several contenders. Glen Wiley charged to the early lead from outside row one, and would lead throughout, taking the win by a large margin. Jake Etter lined up last on the grid, but came home in the runner up spot, topping Alex Hatfield, Austin Johnson and Brian Kaylor. 

   IMCA Northern Sport Mods battled for fifteen circuits. A pair of rookie drivers, Todd Wolfmeyer and Olivia Hofman were scheduled to start in row one, but both decided to tag the back of the field. This put A.J. Tournear and Logan Cumby up front, and Tournear paced the opening two circuits. Cumby drove to the lead on lap three, but before the lap was scored, Kyler Girard had cleared both front runners by blasting around the top of the track. Following a lap six caution, Cumby retook the point, and he and Girard then pulled away from the pack. Tournear was shuffled back in the field as Dakota Girard and Reed Wolfmeyer now fought for third. Cumby found the inside line to his liking while Kyler Girard literally bounced off the turn one concrete in his effort to move to the front. But Cumby continued his impressive weekend, taking the checkered flag. The Girard brothers, Kyler and Dakota, came next, trailed by Reed Wolfmeyer and Tanner Klingele. 

   Late Models put a wrap on the program, going for twenty five caution free laps. Jackson Frankel sat on the pole, leading third starting Denny Woodworth as lap one went in the books. As the laps clicked off, Frankel pulled away to a full straightaway lead, before losing just a bit of ground late as he worked a bit of slower traffic. In the early laps Braden Bilger challenged Woodworth for second before Denny pulled away. Soon Bilger had his hands full with Darin Weisinger Jr, who had started in the last position after transmission woes knocked him out of the heat race. As the final checkers waved it was Frankel grabbing his second main event win in two nights, followed by Woodworth, Bilger, Weisinger Jr., Jeffrey Delonjay, Jason Oenning and Perry.

   The final checkers flew just before 10:00 P.M. 

   Thanks as always to the Delonjays, Chance Bailey and the crew for an entertaining Sunday night of racing. Quincy Raceways will turn the lights on this Friday, as the MARS Late Models and Modifieds roll into town supported by open B Mods and Crown Vics. The track will then be silent next Sunday. However there will be no Racin' Down the Road next weekend as I will be attending college graduation festivities for my grandson and long time racing companion Keagan. 

   If you have been waiting on the weather to warm, now is the time to head to the track and enjoy some racing!

Points Racing Returns to Lee County Speedway

    After fighting wet conditions for the past two weeks, Lee County Speedway promoters were finally able to open their 2025 points season on Saturday. With only one race night in the books so far this year, drivers and fans as well as the track operators were anxious for some dirt track action. In addition to this being a $1,000 to win Drive for Five qualifier for the Pro Crate Late Models, another of the regular classes would also be picked to receive a $1,000 top prize, with the choice announced at the drivers' meeting. A new division of Vintage cars was on the schedule, but none signed in, so we would go with the six regular classes.

   With hot lap complete, the first heat race kicked off right on time at 6:30 under a (finally!) warm, sunny sky! The qualifying events rolled off quickly, with just a single caution flag throughout on the well prepared three eighths mile racing surface.  

   Following a brief intermission, it was feature time. UMP Pro Crate Late Models would be up first. Denny Woodworth and Darin Weisinger Jr. would share the front row for the twenty five lap $1,000 to win headliner. Woodworth would pace the early laps while fourth starting Jackson Frankel eased past Weisinger on lap two. By the fourth time around Frankel was up to challenge Woodworth, and he completed the pass for the lead on lap five racing around the low line on the track. Woodworth continued in the middle groove and on lap eleven Weisinger also ducked under the Late Model lawyer to reclaim the runner up spot. But there would be no catching Frankel, who picked up his first win of 2025 in the non stop event. Weisinger Jr., Woodworth, and Jason Oenning would be the only cars still running at the end, with Spencer Havermale, rookie Late Model drivers Reid Sammons and Frankie Wellman, and Melvin Linder in a Woodworth "back up" car retiring early. 

    Sport Mods would come to the track next fifteen strong for fifteen laps. The random drivers meeting draw had designated the Sport Mods as the other class to compete for a $1,000 payday. A pair of top contenders, Adam Birck and Logan Cumby led the field to green. With Birck hugging the infield tire barrier and Cumby ripping the cushion, they continued to lead the charge. Meanwhile Dakota Girard slipped around Brandon Dale on lap six in a frantic duel for third. As the race approached the half way mark, Cumby was able to close the gap on Birck, and now both drivers began moving around on the track searching for some moisture to create some extra grip. In  the closing laps Birck was able to open a bit more of a lead as Cumby suddenly had to work to fend off Girard. Again this race went non stop with a very exuberant Birck taking the win. Cumby would hold off Girard for second, Dale was solid in fourth, and Jason Von Zomeren drove a steady race to a fifth pace finish. But it was Cumby who became my latest "hero," as he quickly loaded up and made the short drive to 34 Raceway in West Burlington where he tagged the tail of the sixteen car feature and raced to a third place finish. Way to go, Racer!

   Fifteen laps was also the distance for the Sport Compacts. Brandon Reu sat on the pole position, out raced Tim Schnathorst to lead lap one, then held on for yet another flag to flag non stop victory. As the defending track champion stretched his lead, the battle of the night developed behind him. Schnathorst, Barry Taft and Luke Fraise raced two and three wide, lap after lap, swapping positions in the race for second. At the checkers it was Reu out front while Fraise barely outdistanced Taft, with Schnathorst right there in fourth. Kimberly Abbott completed the top five. 

  Tucker Richardson paced lap one of the Hobby Stock fifteen lapper over Darin DeZwarte. But as the pair charged down the back chute on lap two, contact sent Richardson for a spin to bring out the first feature yellow flag. Richardson would restart at the back of the pack, and DeZwarte was also sent to the tail for his role in the incident. Jeremy Dooley then inherited the lead for the restart, followed closely by Austin Stalder, while Richardson quickly worked his way back to third. With just four laps to go, Stalder pulled alongside the leader, using a slide job to move to the front. Dooley, however was able to cross back over to regain the top spot. Two more laps were scored as Richardson was able to move around Stalder for second, and on the final trip around, Tucker was able to muscle his way around Dooley in turn three for the win. Stalder and DeZwarte followed, with Bobby Pearson rounding out the top five. 

   Normally one of the better behaved classes, on this night the Stock Cars struggled a bit with three cautions slowing their twenty lap feature. Derrick Agee lined up in row two, but was out front of the twelve car field as lap one was scored. He was joined by pole sitter Dave McCalla as that pair separated from the pack ahead of a lap five caution for a spin by rookie Jathan Fuller. Back to racing, Agee pulled well ahead as the leaders all migrated to the low line around the oval. Two more cautions at laps eleven and thirteen were only minor distractions for the flying Agee. McCalla, who made the trip down from Cedar Rapids was strong in second, chased by Tom Cannon, Bronson Spaw and Kevin Koontz.

    Modifieds would provide the night cap, going at it for twenty circuits. The only stoppage in this event came as a result of a lap one melee, which resulted in Levi Smith facing the wrong way in turn one. The original restart saw inside row one starter Blaine Webster shoot to the lead in front of sixth starting Kurt Kile. As Kile stalked the leader, he suddenly ducked to the infield off turn four on the third lap, his run over. Webster then opened a considerable advantage, as eighth starting Jadin Fuller methodically worked his way to second by lap six. Fuller then worked to cut into the lead, and as starter Kevin Eggleston displayed the crossed flags signally the halfway mark of the race, Jadin had moved to the rear bumper of the front runner. As the front pair worked through slower traffic, Fuller had problems getting around a lapped car, allowing Webster to pull away, seemingly building an insurmountable advantage. But just as quickly, Blaine made contact with a lapped car, slowing his momentum, allowing Fuller to drive by and off into the night. With no more issues, Fuller would march to the checkers. Webster held on for second ahead of a pair of rookies with a familiar last name, Jace Eckrich in third and Adam Eckrich in fourth. Levi Smith would rebound from his early problem to turn in a top five run.

   With minimal cautions, the well run program saw the final checkers fly right at 9:00 P.M.! Thanks as always to Neal, Patrick and the gang for an entertaining Saturday night.

    Lee County Speedway will take a scheduled night off next week for graduations, then return the following Saturday featuring another Drive for Five for the Late Models. I will also be away from the tracks next weekend as we will celebrate grandson Keagans' graduation as he continues his work in fire sciences. But before that will be a Sunday night back at Quincy Raceways for weekly racing, so check back tomorrow for all the details. 

   And happy Mothers' Day to all you deserving ladies!

 

Becerra, Diercks, Oliver Jr., VanWyk, Helmerson and Schnathorst in 34 Victory Lane

    Despite a week filled with rain leading to many cancellations, through perseverance and hard work, 34 Raceway personnel managed to prepare the three eighths mile high banked clay oval for a Saturday night of racing action. Six classes filled out the card with eighty seven race teams signed in on another cool evening in West Burlington.

    Starting right on time, thirteen heat races set the feature fields, and incredibly there were no yellow flags to slow the preliminary action. With barely five minutes of down time, the Sport Compacts came to the track for their twelve lap feature. Unfortunately there were only six of the 4 Cylinder hot rods signed in. Tim Schnathorst and Barry Taft filled out row one, and they ran in tight formation throughout the race. The first caution flag of the night came with two laps scored, and then it was clean and green to the checkers. The front pair stayed close, with Schnathorst picking up the win. T.J. Weyls slipped past Brandon Crawley for third on the final lap with Chadrick Edward Poland the final car still on the track.

   Next came the 305 Sprints, with all but one of the dozen signed in lining up for fifteen circuits. Cole Helmerson jumped to the early lead while Matt Krieger and Cody Wehrle battled for second. By the time Wehrle secured the runner up position, Helmerson had checked out to a near straightaway advantage. But as slower traffic came into play, Wehrle quickly closed the gap. Exiting turn four coming to the white flag, the front two made contact bringing out the lone caution as Wehrle spun to the infield, his run over. This set up a green, white, checkers run, and while Helmerson drove on to a flag to flag win, Tanner Gebhardt finished off his run from row four, grabbing second place honors. Krieger was steady in third followed by Riley Scott and Nick Guernsey. 

   Nineteen IMCA Late Models came to the track for twenty five laps in search of the $1,000 top prize. Outside pole sitter Andy Nezworski led his row one partner Ray Raker as lap one was scored. But it was fifth starting Austen Becerra on the move, as he grabbed third on lap two. Jeremy Pundt charged from row four to fourth one lap later ahead of a yellow flag for rookie Reid Sammons. Back to racing Becerra jumped to second. Lap five saw Pundt use the low line to move to third ahead of another caution for Adam Parker. Even though Becerra would elect the inside line on the restart, Pundt was able to power to the runner up spot. Together the front three pulled away from the pack and on lap eight Becerra cleared Pundt to retake second. One lap later Austen powered around the top side to overtake Nezworski for the lead. Riding the treacherous rim around turns one and two, Becerra slowly strteched his lead. He caught the back of the pack with four to go, but he was able to split a pair of cars running side by side, then cruise home to the win. Nezworski followed in second ahead of Pundt, while Jesse Bodin and Mitch Morris turned in top five runs. Jake Morris led the second five in front of Tommy Elston, last weeks' winner Curtis Glover, Jay Johnson and Dustin Smith. 

   Sport Mods topped the car count and all but one of the twenty signed in lined up for twenty laps. Chase Johnson led lap one before fourth starting Jarett Franzen charged to the front out of turn four on lap two. Johnson got shuffled back one lap later while Matt Tucker and Sean Wyatt battled side by side behind the leader. Just as ninth starting Dylan VanWyk joined the race for second the yellow flag waved with eight in the books. Tucker jumped the turn one and two cushion, dropping to seventh as Wyatt took command of the runner up spot. But he then was overtaken by a battle between Van Wyk and Logan Cumby as they continued to chase Franzen. Six laps from the checkers, VanWyk used a top side run to charge to the lead just ahead of a final yellow flag. Cumby snagged second on the restart, but VanWyk cruised to the win. Franzen finished third in front of a rebounding Tucker and Jarrett VanDenBerg.

   The fast paced program then hit a couple of bumps. Sixteen IMCA Modifieds came to the track for twenty laps and a $1,000 payday. Spencer Diercks shot ahead from outside row one taking along fourth starting Matt Werner. The yellow flag wave with two laps scored, and on the restart a gaggle of cars exited turn four on lap three, and there was not enough real estate for everyone. Logan Anderson began to get out of shape coming down the front stretch, and he smacked the guardrail under the flag stand, then flipped his #53. Logan appeared uninjured, but perhaps the same was not true for his car. A tight battle resumed behind Diercks and Werner as racing resumed, with a third stoppage at lap twelve. Back under green, double duty Becerra began to move around the slickening track, climbing from eighth into the top five. Diercks would hold serve for the win with Werner the runner up. John Oliver Jr. chased the leaders in third and Denny Eckrich held off Becerra to round out the first five.

   IMCA Stock Cars waited patiently for a $750 payday, and all fourteen lined up for twenty laps in the evenings' finale. A mix up as lap one was complete saw Kirk Kinsley spin off turn one triggering a yellow flag. Trenton Witt paced Oliver Jr, again driving the Krogmeier #12 before John took the lead on lap two. Another pair of laps ticked off and seventh starting Dustin Griffiths worked his way to third. Five circuits in, Thor Anderson appeared to hook that tricky turn two cushion, and he flipped his #41 to trigger another red flag. Following the clean up, Griffiths used the Delaware Style restart to power to second. A final slow down came with seven scored, but it was only a momentary delay for the high flying Oliver Jr. He cruised to the win while Griffiths settled for the runner up spot. Witt was solid in third while David Brandies took fourth on lap eighteen after an entertaining battle with Corey Strothman and Andrew Burk. 

   The non stop racing concluded about 10:15, a welcome development as I had set a self imposed curfew of 10:30 with an extra early Sunday morning ahead. So thanks to Brad, Jessi and the crew for not only their hospitality, but for a very efficient and entertaining race night!

   As of now, I am uncertain as to where or when my next race will be, but there is plenty of racing ahead and perhaps FINALLY we are going to get some warmer weather, so head to a track near you!

Quincy Raceways Opener a Rousing Success

    Quincy Raceways kicked off their 50th anniversary season in grand style, with an outstanding opening night crowd estimated at around 2500 enthusiastic fans. Many of the more than $100,000 in improvements were obvious to the gathered throng, most notable of which is the concrete block wall surrounding the formerly wide open ends of the .29 mile oval with the new track exit in the middle of the backstretch reminiscent of the original configuration. Also multiple loads of new clay  seemed to do its job, as the former dust issue was mostly non existent on this night, even with a stiff southeasterly wind buffeting the grandstands. In addition to the on track work, several picnic benches and covered areas dot the grandstand walkways, and while not visible to the public, the concession building has undergone a total makeover including an updated menu. 

   But we were there for the racing, right? So let's get to the on track action!

   A solid field of seventy four cars were well distributed across five of the six divisions, with only the Street Stocks coming in light with seven entries. Time trial qualifying was featured for the two headline classes. Jamie Wilson was the lone Pro Late Model to crack the fifteen second mark, with a lap of 14.696 seconds. The veteran driver would then go on to a clean sweep of his events on this non points opener without passing one car, leading flag to flag from the pole position in both his heat and feature. The night could not have gone worse for Modified fast timer Dave Weitholder. After tripping the clock at 15.25 seconds, Dave was a no show for his heat race. In fact, we watched as he and his crew chief wife hurriedly left the speedway grounds to race home and pick up his "back up" car, arriving back at the track in time to tag the tail of his feature. Apparent engine woes was the issue with his primary ride. So he would line up fifteenth on the feature grid, the green flag would fly and just below the newly constructed flag stand multiple cars would stack up leaving Weitholder no where to go but into the middle of the pile up, tearing the front end apart of this #05. So now he will be busy repairing two cars before next race night!

   With thirteen qualifying heat races and intermission out of the way, Sport Mods were moved to first in the feature lineup, with all but rookie Todd Wolfmeyer lining up for fifteen laps. Kyler Girard had captured heat race one from the pole position, and he again paced the main event, taking off in front of his row one mate Tanner Klingele. Following a lap three caution, heat two winner Logan Cumby used the Delaware Style restart to power to the runner up spot. While the front pair battled closely low on the track, third running Klingele was working the high line in an effort to hold off A. J. Tournear. A final caution came with six laps down, and now Klingele was able to clear Tournear and close in on Girard and Cumby. With four laps remaining, he would drive around the outside of Cumby for second, but could not get by the steady Girard. For Kyler it was his first feature win of 2025. Klingele and Cumby followed, while Ottumwa, Iowa driver Tyler Heckart was able to clear Tournear late for fourth.   

   It was now Street Stock time, with fifteen laps the distance for six of the seven drivers on hand. Heat winner Jacob Rexing started outside row one and shot to the front ahead of Jake Powers. A yellow with one in the books slowed the pace, but back to racing Rexing opened a commanding lead. The field was able to catch up to Rexing as a final caution came twelve laps in, but again the Brighton, Illinois hot shoe drove away for the win. Powers topped returning former track champ Eddie Dieker, Levi Long and Brandon Boden to complete the top five.

   Late Models came next, fifteen strong for twenty five laps. Jeffrey Delonjay missed the call after a heat race altercation, later making an appearance in his 4 Cylinder machine. Wilson jumped to the front ahead of heat two winner Kruze Miles, but on lap two, Denny Woodworth cleared Miles for the runner up spot. Before catching the back of the field about lap eleven, Wilson had built a solid lead, while Woodworth also had a nice cushion in second. Wilson had to pick his way carefully through the traffic as those cars raced each other hard for position. Meanwhile tenth starting Jackson Frankel was blasting around the top of the track, quickly advancing through the field. With eight laps left on the scoreboard, Woodworth ducked to the infield, his run over. Frankel would clear Miles for second, but was unable to catch the steady Wilson, who put his #56 in Quincy Auto Supply victory lane. Frankel showed his muscle in second ahead of Kruze Miles, Taylorville, Illinois driver Braden Johnson and Braden Bilger. Christian Miles came home sixth in front of hard charging Darin Weisinger Jr., who advanced seven positions to seventh. Jason Oenning, rookie Benet Duesterhaus and Van Wilson rounded out the top ten. 

   After considerable cleanup of the first lap melee in the UMP Modified twenty lap feature, only one more caution period slowed the action. Success, Mississippi racer Chase Holland was wrapping up a trip through the area, and he found the new surface to his liking. Charging off from the pole position, he was trailed by a pair of St. Louis area veterans, first Kenny Wallace who gave up second to Rick Conoyer on lap five. At the mid point, Conoyer was attempting to lap a slower car, and when the lapped car got out of shape he slammed into the Conoyer #14, triggering the caution. As he stopped on the track, Rick was forced to restart at the tail, ending his chances at a podium finish. Justin Reed powered the #B4 into second on the restart, then hounded the leader all the way to the checkers. While Holland operated down low, Reed worked up near the new wall in turns one and two while driving through the middle at the other end. But it was Holland with the flag to flag win. Following Reed in second was Wallace and Ofallon, Missouris' Treb Jacoby. The "feel good " story of the night was the return of many time track champion Mark Burgtorf, who missed all of 2024 with health issues. Mark lined up in tenth and brought the Bill Baker #03 home with a top five finish.

   While many in the large crowd began to wander towards home, there were still two big features left. The growing Crown Vic class turned out a dozen cars racing for fifteen circuits. Levi Brierton led lap one before his row one mate Garrett Russell charged ahead one lap later. Alex Hatfield took over the runner up spot on lap three, and the leaders ran that way ahead of a caution with six laps scored. Following the single car restart, an entertaining four car battle developed for third through sixth positions. Meanwhille Russell opened a commanding lead. A final caution came with four to go, as Jacob Jones came to a stop, ending his chance at a top three. Once again, Russell took off, cruising to the win in his #316. Hatfield, Jordan Zumwalt, Glen Wiley and Dakota Damron completed the top five. 

   DirtCar 4 Cylinders capped off the night, fourteen strong for fifteen laps. Derrick DeFord shot to the front from inside row one, leading Dyllan Bonk ahead of a caution with one in the books. Back to racing it was seventh starting Jaden Delonjay on the move, as he powered to third as lap three was scored. After parking his Late Model, Jeffrey Delonjay unloaded his 4 banger, lined up in the last position, and was up to third by lap nine. I was writing the finish and packing up when the red flag suddenly waved with just two laps to go, as Doug White became the first roll over of the season. He was uninjured, and the final pair of laps showed no change in the running order. DeFord took the checkers, besting Bonk, Jeffrey, then Jaden, with Landon Neisen rounding out the top five.

   It was a long but entertaining night with lots to see and do at the refurbished Quincy Raceways. Thanks to Jeff, Renee and the staff for their hospitality. Time to catch my breath and see what May brings - hopefully some warmer weather! Thanks for reading!

Glover, Rust, Reynolds, Carter, Gebhardt and Taft Take 34 Raceway Checkers

    While several tracks around the mid west fell victim to wet conditions this weekend, 34 Raceway near West Burlington opened their points season in fine fashion with a six division program on Saturday night. And the $1,000 to win in both the IMCA Late Model and IMCA Modified classes drew plenty of quality cars and stars to the pit area. Along with $750 to win IMCA Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Compacts and 305 Sprint Cars, a talent laden group of ninety five race teams signed in to do battle on the high banked three eighths mile speed plant. Of particular note was the arrival of Late Model racer Patrick Shumaker, who made the trip from Sellersburg, Indiana, and the starved for racing modified ace Justin Zeitner who made the cross state haul from Malvern, Iowa after his Super Late Model race was rained out, using his toter trailer to bring along cousin(?) Zach Zeitner, Bellevue, Nebraska with his #76 Late Model!

   While four of the six classes had very healthy car counts, a pair of track regular classes came up a bit short, and it was surprising to see only eight 305 Sprints roll through the gate. 

   With the fourteen qualifying heats running off in fine fashion, a threat of showers prompted track officials to move quickly into feature racing with no break. Fortunately, the track was still in good condition, with two defined grooves. 

   Sprints would line up first for fifteen laps. Nick Guernsey and Riley Scott would fill out row one, but it was third starting Tanner Gebhardt jumping to the lap one lead. Buy the eighth circuit Tanner had caught the tail of the field, and with no yellow flags slowing the action he opened a straightaway lead over second running Guernsey by lap ten. The front three of Gebhardt, Guernsey and Scott continued to run in that order, green to checkers. Cole Helmerson started and finished fourth, with Travis Pence completing the top five. It was the second win in two tries at 34 for Gebhardt in this young season.

   Seventeen Sport Mods checked in, and all made the call for twenty laps. Outside pole sitter Brayton Carter outran his row one mate Jarrett VanDenBerg ahead of the first feature yellow flag with one lap scored. As racing resumed, Carter began to stretch his lead, catching slower traffic by lap five as fellow Oskaloosa driver Dylan VanWyk moved from his tenth starting spot to second. A second caution came at lap six, as Tony Olson and Adam Birck got together in a battle for fourth. Birck would retire to the pits while Olson rejoined the pack at the tail. One more lap went in the books before a third caution, but a lengthy green flag run saw Carter again leave the field behind. Sixteen circuits in, Cole Gillenwater stopped in turn three in a cloud of smoke, bringing out the red flag. On this final restart, VanWyk was able to slide Carter for the lead in turn three, but "Speedy Bray" crossed back over in turn four to retain the top spot. VanWyk then drifted a bit high in turn one, and Carter sailed home for the flag to flag win. VanWyk and VanDenBerg followed, while Olson charged from the earlier incident to come home in fourth. Sean Wyatt rounded out the first five. 

   It was now Late Model time as the stellar field of eighteen came to the track. The redraw saw Curtis Glover and second generation racer Clay Simpson share the front row. Glover charged to the lead taking along veteran Jay Johnson in second. Soon fifth starting Jesse Bodin moved in to challenge Johnson for second, and Glover was able to increase his advantage ahead of their battle. Glover was cruising out front at the mid point of the twenty five lapper, while Simpson cleared Bodin to retake third. But at lap nineteen, Simpson got too high off turn two, losing several positions and turning third over to the hard charging Zach Zeitner, who had lined up twelfth. Still on the move, Zeitner closed in to challenge Johnson for second on lap twenty two, but Jay was able to fend off the #76. Meanwhile a very happy Glover cruised to the win, his second of 2025 after a victory one week prior in Davenport. Johnson and Zeitner followed, with Bodin and Andy Nezworski rounding out the top five. Simpson grabbed sixth, chased by C.J. Horn, fifteenth starting Tommy Elston, Jeremy Pundt, and Shumaker. It was a $1,000 payday for Glover, the Knoxville, Iowa driver.

   An excellent field of twenty three Stock Cars signed in to chase the $750 payday, and all but David McCalla came to the track for twenty fast laps. Kaden Reynolds redrew the number two pill and shot to the lead ahead of a lap one caution. Back under green, John Oliver Jr., again piloting the #12, settled into the runner up position while sixth starting Cayden Carter wheeled his #1X to third. A lap three caution followed, and once more around saw Carter power to second. Running a low line in turns one and two and up next to the wall in three and four, the top trio of Reynolds, Carter and Oliver Jr. separated from the pack. Meanwhile, double duty Tony Olson was on the charge after starting in the back row, and he advanced to fourth at lap fourteen. The leaders would encounter heavy traffic in the closing five circuits, but Reynolds stayed calm and cool, racing to the win. Carter and Oliver Jr. held their positions while Olson gained a remarkable eighteen spots to take fourth. Kirk Kinsley started ninth and rode home in fifth. 

   Twelve laps was the distance for the Sport Compacts. Pole sitter Barry Taft grabbed the early lead with fifth starting Josh Barnes charging to second. Tim Schnathorst was locked in a battle with the front runners, and he briefly took over the top spot on lap six. Taft quickly regained control while Chevy Barnes joined the now four car scrum up front. Ten laps in, Josh Barnes was able to clear Taft, and he then held on for the hard fought checkers, only to be DQ'd in post race tech. So Taft would inherit the win, topping Schnothorst, Chevy Barnes, Chuck Fullenkamp and Blaine Lambert. 

   An all star field of nineteen IMCA Modifieds came in search of the $1,000 prize as the finale for the evening. Amazingly, it would be twenty caution free laps to decide the winner. Another of the several double duty racers, Cayden Carter jumped out front from outside row one. But just as suddenly, he slowed and exited the track, turning over the lead to pole sitter John Oliver Jr., wheeling a Dennis Laveine #71J. Along with fifth starting Joel Rust and eighth starting Logan Anderson, the top three broke free from the pack. But it was Oliver and Rust staging the race of the night as they ran nose to tail with Rust sticking his nose inside the #71J lap after lap. Finally Rust was able to gain enough momentum as the duo exited turn two on lap fifteen, and once out front he slowly stretched his leading margin. Anderson then moved in to challenge for the runner up spot, easing around Oliver two laps from the checkers. Rust would pick up the win ahead of Anderson and Oliver Jr. Justin Zeitner gained seven spots to claim fourth, while Denny Eckrich ran fifth. Failing to make the redraw, Austen Becerra lined up in row nine, advancing eleven positions to sixth at the checkers. 

   As icing on the cake, the show wrapped up minutes after 10:00 P.M.! Thanks To Brad, Jessi and their staff for their hospitality and for an entertaining and well run show. 

   Tonight, Sunday, we will hope to wrap up another three race weekend at Quincy Raceways as new owners Jeff and Renee Delonjay and their crew begin their first full season at the helm with a six division program. Vast improvements have been made to the facility during the off season, and we look forward to this 50th anniversary campaign with many special events lined up. If you see me there tonight, stop and say "Hi!"

  

Thornton Wins Opener, Carter Doubles Up at Memphis

    For the first time since a rained out event in 2018, the high powered Late Models invaded Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Missouri. Joe Kosiskis' Super Late Model Racing - SLMR - series opened their east division season on the wide, super fast four tenths mile speed plant. Stock Cars, B Mods, and 4 Cylinder Compacts filled out the card on a cool Friday evening. $3,000 to win plus championship points would be plenty of incentive for the traveling Late Model stars. Race director Mike VanGenderen and his team had the surface in tip top condition. 

   Twenty five Late Models topped the sixty eight car field in the four division program. SLMR uses a bit of a convoluted qualifying system involving time trials, inverts and passing points to set their feature field, and for this season they decided to time within specific heat race groups according to the draw at check in. California transplant Dylan Thornton topped the time trial portion overall with a lap of 17.628 seconds, leading group one. Clear as mud, right?

   A top six invert for the three eight lap heat races saw rookie Dallon Murty and western Iowa hot shoe Shane Demay capture wins from the front row, while third generation Nebraska racer Andrew Kosiski came from row two for the third heat victory. Fellow Nebraska driver Jason Hobscheidt claimed the ten lap B main. Adding three provisional starters found only two drivers on the outside looking in for the thirty lap money race, although Derrick Stewart was a no show as the green flag waved.  

   The series has a bonus program which offers the pole sitter the opportunity to start the feature in position six, and collect the cash if he is victorious. Carried over from 2024, the bonus was worth an extra $500 this night, and last seasons' SLMR west division champion Jesse Sobbing took the challenge. Ultimately he fell short of the win, and that bonus will be worth $700 as the series moves to Norfolk, Nebraska tonight for the western division opener. 

   Chad Simpson and C.J. Horn led the field to green, with Andrew Kosiski powering to second behind Simpson as lap one was scored. Thornton had lined up in row three, but he climbed to the runner up spot on the third time around, and he began to methodically run down Simpson as the duo separated from the pack. Chad would catch the back of the field by lap nine, and as slower traffic came into play, Thornton used a power move off the high side of turn two and a low line dive in turn three to take over the lead on lap twelve. As the leaders continued to encounter heavy traffic in the caution free race, Simpson would often close in on the leader only to have Dylan weave his way through the slower cars to build a cushion. With just five circuits remaining Simpson made a last solid move to close in on Thornton, but once again the #38T was able to clear a lapped car and drive off to victory. Simpson settled for the runner up position, while Murty would no doubt have liked to see a late caution after charging from a row five start to third at the checkers. Sobbing held off Jake Neal to complete the top five. Kosiski faded to sixth over twelfth starting "Chargin'" Charlie McKenna, sixteen year old Missouri driver Kayden Clatt, Modified star and Late Model rookie Tim Ward and Webster City, Iowas' Jason Hahne. Tri State standout Austen Becerra, in I believe his first SLMR start, was the hard charger, coming from nineteenth to eleventh. The thirty non stop laps was a testament to the superb track, which received a bit of manicuring during intermission. 

   Compacts had run the first feature of the evening just ahead of the Late Model B main. For whatever reason, only five of the 4 Cylinder warriors showed up on this night. The twelve lap main contest saw Brandon Reu grab the lead on lap one and hold off Barry Taft the rest of the way in the non stop event. Jordon Ohaver would come home in third. 

   All but three of the solid twenty four car B Mod group lined up for eighteen laps of action. Quincy, Il. ace Logan Cumby jumped from the pole start ahead of his row one mate, Brandon Dale. Those two quickly pulled away ahead of a caution with five laps down for a spin by fourth running Kyler Girard. Brayton Carter had redrawn the number twelve pill, but as racing resumed he would take over that fourth position, locked in a four car battle for third. The next yellow flag came with seven in the books, and back under green, Dale would charge to the lead while Carter powered to second. Cumby was still strong in the top five when he suddenly ducked to the infield just past the halfway mark. Just as the leaders caught slower traffic on lap thirteen the caution flag would wave for the third time one lap later. As racing resumed, Cody Agee moved to third and fourth running Charlie Rindom drove too high in turn one, smacking the guard rail and bringing a final caution. Agee briefly took second, but it was Carter with the momentum and with only two circuits remaining he dove under Dale to grab the top spot, then drove away for the win. Brandon Dale, from just down the road in Arbela brought his #12D home in second followed by Agee, Dawson David, and Chris Spalding. Although "Speedy Bray" gained eleven positions in taking home first, it was Tonganoxie, Kansas visitor Brayden Bennett claiming hard charger, as he moved up fourteen slots to finish sixth. 

   Fourteen Stock Cars produced a dramatic finale to the program. Only Jason See failed to make the twenty lap feature call. Jay Schmidt and Derrick Agee filled out row one, with Agee gaining the early advantage. Only one lap was scored before the first caution, and back to racing it was two and three wide action behind the leader, which allowed Derrick to open a sizable gap on the field. Damon Murty would clear the traffic to grab second on lap four, and two laps later top contender Maguire DeJong would bring out the yellow, ending his top five run. As racing resumed, Murty and Michael Jaennette waged a battle for the runner up spot while Agee again drove off from the field. Often times we see the Stock Cars prefer the inside groove, but on this fast two groove surface, most of the leaders were operating high on the cushion. In addition to his B Mod, Brayton Carter was behind the wheel of the Vandenberg #7V Stock Car, and after starting fourth and battling early, he jumped to third on lap thirteen running the low line. As the leaders prepared to take the white flag, Jaennette slipped off the top of the treacherous cushion between turns three and four, triggering a  final caution and setting up a green, white, checkers finish. Although he saw his big lead disappear, Agee appeared to remain in control. However on the final lap he got too high coming off turn two, lost momentum, and Carter was ready to pounce. Although he led only half a lap, it was Brayton doubling up as he grabbed the Stock Car honors, as well as the B Mod crown. Agee was likely a bit disappointed in second. Murty hung around in third, trailed by Dennis Elliot and Schmidt. Garrett Porter improved the most positions, starting in thirteenth and crossing the line in sixth. 

   Anticipation was high for Late Model fans wanting to witness the high horsepower machines on the Scotland County speed plant, and I doubt anyone left disappointed. And certainly the B Mods and Stock Cars only added to a solid night of racing, which wrapped up before 10:00P.M.! Now in just under two months, the winged Sprint Invaders will test out the wide, fast track in what promises to be another "edge of your seat" event! Thanks to MVG and everyone at the track for their hospitality and for a great night of racing!

Pierce is Slocum 50 Champ Once Again

    It seemed only one thing could keep Bobby Pierce from a fifth Slocum 50 title at 34 Raceway on Saturday, but for a brief moment it looked like it might happen. The second generation driver, currently the hottest and perhaps most popular racer in the country took the lead on lap six and survived lapped traffic to sweep the weekend features by no more than a car length over hard charging Carson Ferguson. 

   One addition - Ryan Gustin - and two subtractions left us with a strong thirty eight car field of MARS Super Late Models at the three eighths mile high banked West Burlington facility. The first driver out for qualifying, affectionately known as "Squirrel," Brian Shirley led things off by turning the overall quick time of 15.183 seconds on what various drivers described to pit reporter Dustin Jarrett as a " tricky" racing surface. All four eight lap heat races were captured from the pole position, with Shirley, Dennis Erb Jr., Pierce and Ferguson taking wins, then redrawing for the front pair of rows for the fifty lap headliner. Two B Main last chance races looked like mini features of their own, with again pole sitters Garrett Alberson and Frank Heckenast Jr. taking wins. Indeed, Heckenast was a story on his own, timing in seventeenth in his group of nineteen, advancing from row five to finish one spot out of the four car transfer in his heat, then charging to a B main win. Unfortunately, his run ended early in the main event. Three provisionals were awarded on this night, giving us a twenty three car lineup for the $10,555 to win feature.

   Shirley jumped to the feature lead from the outside pole, followed by his row one mate Ferguson. The North Carolina pilot would power past Shirley to lead lap two, and third starting Pierce also cleared Shirley on lap three. Pierce moved to the front on lap six, briefly ceding the spot to Ferguson for lap seven. With Carson racing down low on the reworked surface, Bobby used a higher line to charge back ahead one lap later in what quickly became a two car breakaway. With Erb moving to third, the leaders caught the back of the pack on lap seventeen. Pierce was forced to give up his low line to negotiate the traffic as Ferguson continued to move around, searching for an opening. With Pierce gaining some separation, Erb and eleventh starting Gordy Gundaker closed in on Ferguson. One lap before the halfway mark hard luck Drake Troutman slowed with a flat tire to bring out the first yellow flag. With clear track ahead, the leaders migrated to the inside line even as Gundaker climbed to third. Pierce opened a comfortable lead ahead of a lap twenty nine caution for Kayden Clatt. Back to racing, Gundaker was shuffled back as Erb and Shirley filled out the top four. Pierce was well out front and Ferguson had a sizable advantage in second when Bobby again caught the tail of the pack on lap thirty nine. For the next few laps Pierce had things well in hand, but as lap forty three was scored, Ferguson was closing fast. Pierce was trying to keep his machine in the bottom groove, but Carson managed to poke the nose of his #93 even lower. As the white flag waved the pair raced side by side, and as they entered the final set of turns it looked like Ferguson would seal the deal. So with the large crowd on their collective feet, Pierce slid his ride all the way to the top of turn four and found enough bite to clear Ferguson down the front straightaway for a breathtaking win. Erb Jr., Gundaker, and Tony Jackson Jr. completed the top five. Jake Timm advanced ten positions to finish a weekend best six, while Ryan Unzicker picked up a dozen spots to claim seventh. McKay Wenger, Shirley, and Dylan Thornton rounded out the top ten. As mentioned earlier, it was an unbelievable fifth Slocum 50 title for Pierce, added to his Friday win in the Prelude and a runner up finish Thursday at Cedar County Raceway. So he will now return to the World of Outlaw Late Model series, likely giving up his hefty MARS points lead. 

   Before the excitement of the Late Model finale, both IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars did battle. Twenty laps of Modified action saw Michael Claeys and Denny Eckrich bring the field to green, with Denny jumping to the front. As the veteran driver stretched his margin, an intense three car scrum developed behind him, with Claeys, Chris Zogg, and Sport Mod move up Logan Anderson vying for position. Soon the #32 Skylar Harroun car, driven this night by Carson Ferguson, joined the battle. On lap six, Anderson cleared that group, taking the runner up spot, and began to close on the leader. At the half way mark, Eckrich and Anderson raced side by side, and Logan then charged ahead, soon opening a comfortable lead. Slowly becoming comfortable in the strange ride, Ferguson eased around Eckrich for second just ahead of a lone caution with lap fifteen official. Back to racing, Anderson held on for an emotional win, his third in six tries since moving up to the Mods. Ferguson ran second chased by Eckrich and eighth starting Dustin Wilwert. Claeys won a side by side battle with Blaise Lewis for fifth. 

   The Stock Car turnout was surprisingly light, but still produced an entertaining fifteen lap feature. Kirk Kinsley and John Oliver Jr. brought the field to green, and it was Kinsley getting the jump to the front. Oliver lurked in second, patiently waiting for an opening that never came. Beginning at lap ten, he applied pressure to the veteran Kinsley, and the pair raced nose to tail under the white flag. As the pair entered turns three and four for the final time, Oliver jumped to the high line looking for extra momentum. His gamble failed to pay off, as not only did Kinsley hold on for the win in the non stop event, but Brayton Carter managed to drive underneath Oliver to grab second. Corey Strothman and Austin O'Donnell filled out the remaining spots. 

   Despite less than ideal weather conditions, a large and enthusiastic crowd once again turned out to honor the memory of Brent Slocum and they were rewarded with top notch racing and an on your feet finish. After seventeen seasons, this continues to be a highlight event of the racing season. Thanks once again to Jessi Mynatt, Brad Stevens, and their entire team for their hospitality! Time to catch our breath and begin watching the weather for another full weekend of racing coming up. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at the track!