Racin' Down the Road

It's time to share a few thoughts as I wait for the first day of spring snow to leave the ground here in Northeast Missouri. The 2010 racing season began for me last weekend with the Quincy Raceway car show at the Quincy Mall.
Something close to 40 cars were on display, and the bench racing season was in full swing. There was a healthy total of 11 IMCA late models on hand, although the car drawing the most attention may have been the # 08 crate late model of 11 year old Jake Griffin. Amazingly, this will be Jakes second season in this class, as last year he competed at Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il and Spoon River Speedway in Banner,Il., as well as the Monster Midwest show at his hometown track in Quincy. The word is that he may be competing in a UMP modified at Quincy Raceway this season, as well. Much of what was rumor at the January banquet was confirmed at the weekend event, including a scheduled opening night of Easter Sunday, April 4. Several practice nights, including next Saturday, March 27 have been set, but we will need to see a drastic change in the weather for track crews to be able to prepare the .29 mile oval. After listening to drivers and fans, track owners Tony and Paul have decided to bump up starting times to 5:00 PM hot laps and 5:30 PM race time. The hope is that this will increase out of town participation, especially in the late model and stock car classes, where Iowa travelers could help boost car counts. This could be of particular benefit early on, as the Deery Brothers Summer Series comes to town on Sunday, April 11.Genenbacher Racing had all three of their late models on display, as they have added former IMCA national champion Jason Frankel to the team, which also includes " Wild Willy " Bill Genenbacher, and up and coming Jason Perry. Defending points champion Lonnie Bailey showed off his familiar read # 25, but son Matt has opted for an entirely new color scheme on his # 52. 14 time track champion Mark Burgtorf confirmed that he is going after a fifth IMCA Deery Brothers championship, and also indicated his attendance at his home track may be sporadic in 2010. Mark will also be campaigning an open motor car ,with both cars being Pierce chassis, and also following son Cale in his sports schedule. Although Gower Racing did not have any cars at the show, I was able to visit with driver Joeys father Joe, who caught me up on their activities. They have purchased a Mastersbilt by Mars machine, and are looking for to working with both Jimmy Mars and Brian Birkhofer. In addition to racing at home, they hope to make some trips to West Liberty Raceway, and hookup with Mars for some " hands on " assistance. At this time, they have three late models in their stable, including two set up for QR.
Plans were all set for three of us to witness our first on track action of the season on Saturday at the 2nd UMP DirtCar Nationals at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Missouri. Those plans were changed on Wednesday, when UMP and track officials decided the grounds were simply too soggy for the large number of race teams and campers expected for the eight class, three day event. Postponed from last October, it has now been reset for the third weekend in October. Having witnessed the inaugural running of the show, I have already penciled the October date on my racing calender - yes, I really do keep one! As things stand now, we are hoping to make the trip to Pevely next Saturday night, March 27 for their regular season opener. The weekly $10.00 show at the 1/3rd miles oval features UMP late models, UMP modifieds, AARA sportsmen and Pro 4's ( hornets. ) I have never left Ken Schrader and Ray Marlers hign banked oval disappointed, so if you get the chance, the trip is worth it!
An E-mail from promoter Terry Hoenig of the Lee County Speedway in donnellson, Iowastated that he will honor the $5.00 off rain checks from last seasons rain shortened Shiverfest event at either of the tracks opening two shows. Opening night was originally set for Friday, April 23, with the first installment of the Drive For Five IMCA late models, but a $ 2,000. to win IMCA modified show has been added on April 16.
Perhaps the most talked about race of the early season in this area is the 2nd annual Slocum 50 Memorial Deery Brothers race at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Saturday, April 10. Due to tremendous support, the 50 lap race will pay $3,000 to win and perhaps even more important, $500 to start. Brent and his team were always strong advocates of a payout that was more focused throughout the field, and he would be proud of the solid start money at a race in his honor. Hopefully by the time this big weekend rolls around, spring will be here to stay, and we will have a few races under our belt. See you at the track!