For those of us who reside in IMCA country, the last weekend in august means championship weekend, and with cooperation from the weatherrman, that is what we had. Friday night the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson was able to finish their points season after a couple weeks of late day rain outs. Something close to 100 cars in six classes checked in for the nights racing, which saw no heat races run in five of the six classes. Only the late models ran heats, as they are the only group that offers points for the preliminary events. The IMCA Sport Mods also ran a ten lap King of the Crate race for cars that ran at least half of the point shows and used a crate engine rather than a 9 to 1 power plant. What seemed like it should have been a quick program ran longer than usual, with driver introductions and multiple on track interviews in all classes. I cannot say if it is a good thing or not, but my personal preference is to " just race. " 18 late models started off the evening with three heat races, then it was feature time. The 18 car IMCA modified finale was an edge of your seat race, with 15th starting Michael Long picking off cars in bunches before he landed in fourth spot on a lap ten restart. The Quincy pilot then wrestled his way past Jeff Waterman and Wyatt Lantz, setting up a battle with leader Brandon Rothzen. Michael used a big time slide job to take the point on lap 15, then outpowered Brandon down the front chute to take the lead, and five laps later, the win. Davenport driver Rich Smith exited the track in the early laps, but had enough cushion to win the season title.
Multi class racer Jason Cook held only a one point lead over Phillip Cossel as the two took off from the front row in the Sport Mod 15 lapper. While Cossel got shuffled back, Jason shot to the front and stayed there the entire time, winning both the nights feature and the class championship.
Jason came back in the next event, the IMCA stock car finale, but he had some heavy hitters in front of him. Number two point man Jeff Mueller grabbed the lead as the green flag flew, claiming a lead he would not relinquish. While Jeff took the checkers in the caution free race, it will be Matt Greiner on the podium come banquet time.
The Sport Mod special event, with a purse of $1,000 courtesy of Shottenkirk, saw six cars qualified for the ten lap dash. Veteran Jim Gillenwater, who finished second to Cook in the title race, ran off with the win, collecting a first place check of $400. Ironically, this was $150 more than the feature win was worth!
The 4 cylinder Wild Thing feature was next, and the action was wid and wooly. When the checkers waved, it was longtime driver Wayne Noble in victory lane. However Waynes # 95x failed post race inspection, giving the hardware to Michael Grossman. Bill Michel captured the points title.
As 10:00 approached, the late models lined up, with Mark Burgtorf on the pole and three time winner Jeff Aikey on the outside. WQhile Jeff has made a living on the high side in recent weeks, the lower groove was the place to be on Friday, and Mark wasted no time in grabbing the lead and hugging the low groove. Just last weekend Burgtorf had picked up his freshened IMCA spec engine, and the change in power was pronounced. The 25 lap main event ran caution free, and Mark lapped up to the 12th place car to take the win and the track title. Denny Woodworth wheeled a car borrowed from the Warner race team out of Quincy, opting to save his IMCA car for championship night at Quincy on Sunday. Though racing the car for the first time, Denny powered around Aikey to take the runner up spot. Giving up on the high groove, Aikey settled for third, while Justin Reed came from seventh to fourth ahead of Gary Russell. The Woodworth car was one campaigned earlier this season by Tony Dunker.
After a long day at work, I headed for the car as the hobby stocks rolled out for introductions, however I want to also congratulate feature winner Matt Tucker, and track champ Tanner Thoman.
LCS notes: The only late model not starting the feature was Tom Goble, who was the feature winner Saturday night at 34 Raceway in west Burlington. Russell captured the point title at 34, overtaking Joey Gower on the final night. This Saturday night will be the yearly visit of the Derry Brothers Summer Series, with 15 drivers eligible for the $3,000 winners bonus. To qualify, a driver may have missed only one late model show at LCS all season. Last year, only about six drivers were eligible, but Burgtorf came fro deep in the field to grab the top prize. Check out the LCS website for the list of eligible drivers. Five classes will be in action, with only the IMCA mods getting the night off.
Saturday night found me away from the race track, but Sunday night it was back to Quincy Raceways for more championship action. The car count was down a bit, but the drama and action was intense. At QR, all classes ran heats, and following each divisions qualifiers, the respective point leader came to the front stretch and flipped a coin to determine if the feature would line up in the regular invert, or straight up with point leaders up front. The exception was the UMP modified class which had to follow UMP line up procedures.
The first feature out was for the IMCA stock cars, where point leader Terry Houston had flipped an invert. Kevin Tomlinson had come to the track having borrowed the # 14 of Jason Leaply, and Kevin took off like a rocket. During a mid race caution, Tomlinson suddenly went pitside, ending his night. Houston drove a patient race, taking over the top spot to claim both the race and the title, with Steve Steinkuhler and Jerry Jansen filling out the top three for the night.
Although Jared Schlipman had a bit of breathing room in the UMP modified division, the always dangerous Michael Long still had a shot. Steven Delonjay, who had to rebuild much of his # 35 after last weeks flip, took off along with Dave Weitholder. As the two duled up front, Long slipped past Schlipman for third. Just as quickly Long headed to the pits with something wrong with the rear end of his mount. Schlipman the decided to throw caution to the wind, inserting inself in the duel for the win. Delonjay held on for the feature victory, with Schlipman and Ryan Meyer picking up trophies as well. The track title for Jared came just days before father Terry celebrated a milestone birthday.
13 IMCA late models were on hand, and point leader Denny Woodworth wanted to take no chances. So " retired " driver Jerry Weisenberger dug out his suit and helmet and qualified the same # 79 Warner Racing ride that Denny raced on Friday, making sure the racing attorney would have a back up car for the feature if needed. Woodworth had flipped a straight up start, and he sat on the pole alongside number two man Jason Perry. As the green flag flew, Perry took off, and Woodworth settled into second. With a nine point lead, Woodworth played it cool, staying on the high side of the oval, counting cars and laps, as his first late model title at QR came ever closer. At the checkers, Perry had his third feature win of 2010, and Woodworth had the track title, as well as second in the 30 lapper. Number three point man Justin Reed chased Denny to the checkers, while Keith Pratt edged Joey Gower in an entertaining battle between the fourth and with place points cars. Woodworth has one other QR championship to his credit, in the " A " modified division way back in 1993.
While the other three classes were crowning first time champs, wily veteran Steve Carlin was looking for championship number four. He took a nine point lead over Bobby Anders into the action, and flipped an inverted start. Things got off to a rough start, with a collision sending Mike Wiley into a hard flip on the backstretch. Mike emerged unhurt after several minutes, but his # 26 suffered heavy damage. As the laps clicked off, Carlin came to the front with Anders trailing behind. the feature finish mirrored the points finish, with Carlin first and Anders second. Hard luck Jake Powers picked up a third for the night.
QR notes: The Deery Brother Summer Series late models visit QR for a rae Friday night show this week. The date is a rescheduled of the rained out Titan Classic from June. The feature event pays an inflated $3,000 to win, and $300 to start. Added to the Donnellson show on Saturday, one driver could pocket $8,000 for the two nights. QR will also be racing on Sunday, with a King of the Hill format in all four classes, featuring time trials, and a bracketed run off to determine feature qualifying. Late models will run for $1,000 to win, with a chance for the pole sitter to start in the back for an extra $500 to win. The there will be extra money and a challenge in all classes, plus the late model trophy dash finale paying something around $500 to win, and a modified River City Rumble for the top points cars.
QR has an aggressive fall schedule going into October, including Sprint Invaders on September 11. Check the website for more details.
Plans for this weekend include Quincy of Friday, Donnellson on Saturday, back to Quincy on Sunday, then???. Hope to see you down the road.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Someplace New, Then Back " Home "
With the season ending weekend specials fast approaching, I took the opportunity on Saturday to visit a track I had never been to, and it was my 15th different track in 2010. Keagan and I joined buddy Fred as we traveled south and east to the Highland Speedway on the Madison County fairgrounds in Highland, Il. The top draw at this UMP weekly track was a visit from the Northern All Star late models in a 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. 30 late models made up the bulk of the 97 car turnout for five classes of racing. The track only offered hot laps to the top two classes, something we do not see closer to home, and qualifying started at 6:30, with only the late models receiving time trials, only one lap per car around the 1/4 mile paperclip shaped track. 13 total heat races and a B-main for the late models saw more than an average share of caution peiods, and combined with a break to do some grading of the track, it was about 9:30 when intermission time arrived. Things looked up for us weary travelers, however, when the call went out to bring the Northern All Star late models to the track. The extra track prep had created a smooth surface, and we anticipated a hard fought main event. Former UMP national champion Rodney Melvin drew the pole position after his second heat win, with heat three winner Ryan Unzicker to his outside. At the drop of the green, the two veterans took off in a side by side duel that had everyone on the edge of their seat. For more than half the race they ran this way, making contact only one time. Adding to the excitement was row two starters Jason Feger and Michael Kloos trying to build a high groove in an attempt to overtake the leaders. Highland is known as a bottom groove track, but Feger is known as the " Highside Hustler " for good reason, and he sent sparks flying off the turn four concrete more than once. Mid race Melvin began to open a lead over Unzicker, and Feger moved in to challenge. Just when he seemed poised to make a move, contact with the wall seemed to mess up his handling just a bit. The race was then for second, as he and Unzicker ran side by side. Coming to the checkers, the steering broke on Fegers # 25, but he stayed in the throttle, putting the ride side tires on the front stretch wall as the cars passed the flagstand. As Jason got out of the gas, the car came down on its top with the remainder of the field bearing down to the checkers. Fortunately, everyone missed the upside down car, and moments later he emerged from his ride to the roar of the big crowd. He had a bent race car and a third place finish behind Melvin and runnerup Unzicker. Kloos held off local driver Frankie Martin to complete the first five. The racing was fast and furious further back and Fred mentioned that he would like to see the race again to be able to watch the mid pack action! Steve Lance Jr. finished sixth, making a scorers nightmare as he was the third # 25 in the top six. Kevin Weaver came from 11th to seventh in the closing laps, followed by Bobby Dauderman, Paul Bailey and Adam Mefford. Kloos captured the first heat, while Mark Faust nabbed the consy. Martin turned the fastest lap at 13.600, well off the track record. Track point leader Chad Zobrist was involved in a heat race accident, was awarded a provisional start in the 21 car field, but retired early. With the clock ticking past 10:00 and a three hour drive home, we took our leave with four features yet to run. Highland is a unique facility, as you enter from high above the track and pit area, which set in a valley. Kudos to the concession workers for some of the best sandwiches and reasonable prices we have seen this season. On our trip south we ran back and forth with Quincy UMP driver Rickey Frankel, who competed at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., where he brought home a fourth place finish in a 32 car field.
Sunday night was back in the familiar digs of Quincy Raceways for the next to last point night of 2010. 13 IMCA late models checked in, and as hot laps wound down, Thad Trump from Kahoka, Mo. rolled through the pit gate as the 14th entry. Thad was making his season debut, as he has had a lot of " irons in the fire " this summer, deciding at 3:30 to load the # 46 and head south. The .29 mile oval offered up a combination of a little rough, a little tacky, and really fast, and the result was lots of action and some bent sheet metal. Clint Kirkham took off from the outside pole in the late model 30 lap finale, and looked like he might get win number one of the year. As the caution flew on lap 23, Clint suddenly pulled to the infield with something wrong under the hood, ending his fine run. Sixth starting Justin Reed had worked his way to the runnerup spot, and he inherited the lead, grabbing his third QR feature win of 2010. Bill Genenbacher ran a sloid second, with last weeks winner Keith Pratt third. Point leader Denny Woodworth gave up a point to second place Jason Perry in the heats, but climbed to fourth at the checkers, gaining two points back on sixth place Perry, with 34 Raceway point leader Joey Gower in fifth. Darin Weisinger and Trump were the only other two cars running at the end.
Last weeks UMP modified feature winner Steven Delonjay, who came in tied for second in points jumped the turn three cushion as the yellow came out for a spinning car at the start of the 25 lap feature. Delonjays # 35 launched off the berm, flipping wildly. Steven walked away from the crash, but his car was not as lucky,his pole position was wasted and his title hopes gone. Point leader Jared Schlipman jumped to the front, and built a lead, but before lap ten sixth row starter Michael Long had moved into second. The tough young drivers then raced side by side and nose to tail for a dozen laps before Long found an opening on the inside on lap 22, taking the lead down the backstretch. The win gave Michael nine wins and a second in ten starts in 2010. However the runnerup finish left Schlipman needing only a fifth place run next week to earn his first ever track championship.
Terry Houston used a second place finish behind winner Aaron Brocksieck to open a commanding lead over Abe Huls in the IMCA stock car chase, while Steve Carlin turned in a third place run in the hobby stocks behind Jim Brown and Nathan Anders to take control of that battle over Bobby Anders, who failed to finish the 20 lap finale.
Quincy Raceways promoters have announced an ambition schedule addition, with racing continuing every Sunday thru October 10. With some special events on the card, the IMCA rules late models are scheduled each week for a top prize of $1,000 to win in a draw redraw format. I will have more details as the time draws near.
This weekends plans are to stay close to home, beginning with season championship night Friday at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Hope to see you there!
Sunday night was back in the familiar digs of Quincy Raceways for the next to last point night of 2010. 13 IMCA late models checked in, and as hot laps wound down, Thad Trump from Kahoka, Mo. rolled through the pit gate as the 14th entry. Thad was making his season debut, as he has had a lot of " irons in the fire " this summer, deciding at 3:30 to load the # 46 and head south. The .29 mile oval offered up a combination of a little rough, a little tacky, and really fast, and the result was lots of action and some bent sheet metal. Clint Kirkham took off from the outside pole in the late model 30 lap finale, and looked like he might get win number one of the year. As the caution flew on lap 23, Clint suddenly pulled to the infield with something wrong under the hood, ending his fine run. Sixth starting Justin Reed had worked his way to the runnerup spot, and he inherited the lead, grabbing his third QR feature win of 2010. Bill Genenbacher ran a sloid second, with last weeks winner Keith Pratt third. Point leader Denny Woodworth gave up a point to second place Jason Perry in the heats, but climbed to fourth at the checkers, gaining two points back on sixth place Perry, with 34 Raceway point leader Joey Gower in fifth. Darin Weisinger and Trump were the only other two cars running at the end.
Last weeks UMP modified feature winner Steven Delonjay, who came in tied for second in points jumped the turn three cushion as the yellow came out for a spinning car at the start of the 25 lap feature. Delonjays # 35 launched off the berm, flipping wildly. Steven walked away from the crash, but his car was not as lucky,his pole position was wasted and his title hopes gone. Point leader Jared Schlipman jumped to the front, and built a lead, but before lap ten sixth row starter Michael Long had moved into second. The tough young drivers then raced side by side and nose to tail for a dozen laps before Long found an opening on the inside on lap 22, taking the lead down the backstretch. The win gave Michael nine wins and a second in ten starts in 2010. However the runnerup finish left Schlipman needing only a fifth place run next week to earn his first ever track championship.
Terry Houston used a second place finish behind winner Aaron Brocksieck to open a commanding lead over Abe Huls in the IMCA stock car chase, while Steve Carlin turned in a third place run in the hobby stocks behind Jim Brown and Nathan Anders to take control of that battle over Bobby Anders, who failed to finish the 20 lap finale.
Quincy Raceways promoters have announced an ambition schedule addition, with racing continuing every Sunday thru October 10. With some special events on the card, the IMCA rules late models are scheduled each week for a top prize of $1,000 to win in a draw redraw format. I will have more details as the time draws near.
This weekends plans are to stay close to home, beginning with season championship night Friday at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Hope to see you there!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Racin' on the Home Tracks
While a large part of the racing community spent last weekend at Knoxville watching sprint cars, Darryl, Fred and I stayed closer to home and took in some IMCA action. Saturday afternoon we loaded up and headed for 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. It had been too long since I had visited one of my favorite tracks, and it was good to be back in familiar surroundings. We were fortunate to run into Dick Wood in the parking lot, and the Donnellson business man was gracious enough to offer us some free grandstand tickets. Dick is a diehard race fan, and the father of former late model and modified ace Jody Wood. Thanks, Dick!
Even though Jeff and Amy Laue were offering reduced grandstand admission, local racing was a tough sell up against the Knoxville finals, state fairs in all directions, and the very popular West Point, Iowa sweet corn festival. Still the bleachers filled up nicely, with most arriving a bit late probably due to the high heat. The pits were also a bit sparse, with I believe a total of 96 cars in the six competing classes, but the on track action made up for the smaller than normal fields.
After a dominating heat race win, Quad City area modified ace Jeff Morris took off from the front row in the 20 lap feature, and looked strong before going pitside quickly during a lap two caution. That incident saw Brandon Rothzen caught up in an accident in which he was facing backwards in turn two. Brandon was forced to restart at the back of the 19 car field, and it looked as though his night would not turn out well. However he had his black # 33 hooked up, and on the restart he began picking off cars in bunches. By lap 11 he was up to third, when a caution period allowed him to line up behind the leader with the Delaware restart. Moving to the runnerup spot on the restart, he swapped the lead with Dusty Kraklio before taking the top spot for good on lap 15. Kraklio then held off point leader Scott Hogan for second behind a very happy Rothzen.
The 17 car IMCA stock car feature ran second, and thet ran a high pressure non stop event. Brett Timmerman held the top spot until lap 16, when Jim Redman eased ahead. On the white flag lap, Timmerman was able to get under Redman and reclaim the lead for his first ever stock car win. Point leader Jeff Mueller dropped out on lap nine with a flat tire after advancing to the sixth position.
The KIDZ MODZ ran next, with a sparse six car field. Again the race went non stop,with Logan Moody claiming the win. There was a seven year old competitor in this beginner class!
As with the modifieds, only two caution periods marred the hobby stock 18 car finale. Matt Gavin took a convincing win in his # 45.
12 IMCA late models took the green flag, and while front row starters Matt Bailey and Tom Bowling,Jr. swapped the top spot back and forth, eighth starting Rob Toland moved forfard quickly. As the season has gone on, I was beginning to think I was a bad luck omen for " Rocket " Rob, as he has had no luck at all when I have seen him race, save for the opening weekend of Summer Series events. The hex was off on Saturday, however, as he powered his red # 39 to a win going away from the pack in another flag to flag feature. Bowling held on for second, while Keith Pratt made a second half charge to grab third. Bailey edged Tom Goble for third. Point lead Joey Gower, of Quincy finished two spots behind Gary Russell, who is now just one marker behind. With no late models this coming week at 34, the title will come down to championship night. Best of luck to these two fine drivers!
With the four cylinder feature heading to the track, we headed to the car, and the dash clock read 9:40 when I fired up the Impala. Thanks to the staff at 34 for an entertaing and efficent show that got us all back home before the midnight hour!
Sunday night offered up weekly racing at Quincy Raceways, with the UMP Pro Crate late models added to the four division card. Again, the car count was a bit less than one might like, it is obvious the " dog days " are upon us.
Abe Huls began the night with a slim lead in the IMCA stock cars, but overheating issues sent him pitside late in the 20 lapper. Meanwhile, his closest rival, Terry Houston, took advantage, claiming his second checkered flag of 2010, and moving within one point of the top spot.
The 18 car UMP modified field weathered several early cautions, before finding their rhythm. Steven Delonjay used a front row starting spot, courtesy of a win in the dash to lead all 25 laps for his second win of the year at QR. Michael Long came into the night undefeated in eight feature starts this season, and although he quickly moved to the second slot, he could not find a way past the second generation driver. Point leader Jared Schlipman turned in a third place run, even though his crew chief father Terry was away at the Sprint Cup race in Michigan.
Track semi regular IMCA late model pilot Dustin Griffin brought his crate late model to the track on Sunday and took top honors in the visiting class. Another second generation driver, Gordy Gundaker took the runner up spot in a class that boasted two 11 year old drivers.
Only ten IMCA late models signed in on Sunday, but the action was fast and furious. Keith Pratt, who made a late charge through the pack Saturday at 34 Raceway made his move earlier on Sunday, and overtook Dustin Neese for the top spot on lap six. While Keith checked out for his first win of 2010, the top two point contenders both found themselves spinning at some point in the 30 lapper. While Joey Gower took the runnerup slot, point leader Denny Woodworth recovered to nab third, and number two point man Jason Perry claimed fourth. The late model lawyer holds an eith point lead with two nights of points racing remaining.
Quincy Raceways will host the rescheduled Titan Wheel Shootout for the IMCA Deery Brothers Summer Series paying $3,000 to win on Friday, September 3, with Lee County Speedway in Donnellson hosting the series the following night with a possible $5,000 top prize if the winning driver has been a Lee County regular in 2010.
Scotland County Speedway in Memphis,Mo. reopened this past Saturday night under the direction of new promoter Rick Girard. Talking to some racers who were there, it sounds like Rick had a successful opening night, with 75 cars in five classes and a nice crowd in the grandstand. Memphis will be racing again this weekend, off on August 28, then back in action on Saturdays in September.
This weekend, we are leaning towards the UMP Monster Midwest Series race at Highland, Il. Speedway, a track I have not visited before. Sunday night should find us back at Quincy Raceways. Be sure and take in some racing this weekend. The season is winding down fast!
Even though Jeff and Amy Laue were offering reduced grandstand admission, local racing was a tough sell up against the Knoxville finals, state fairs in all directions, and the very popular West Point, Iowa sweet corn festival. Still the bleachers filled up nicely, with most arriving a bit late probably due to the high heat. The pits were also a bit sparse, with I believe a total of 96 cars in the six competing classes, but the on track action made up for the smaller than normal fields.
After a dominating heat race win, Quad City area modified ace Jeff Morris took off from the front row in the 20 lap feature, and looked strong before going pitside quickly during a lap two caution. That incident saw Brandon Rothzen caught up in an accident in which he was facing backwards in turn two. Brandon was forced to restart at the back of the 19 car field, and it looked as though his night would not turn out well. However he had his black # 33 hooked up, and on the restart he began picking off cars in bunches. By lap 11 he was up to third, when a caution period allowed him to line up behind the leader with the Delaware restart. Moving to the runnerup spot on the restart, he swapped the lead with Dusty Kraklio before taking the top spot for good on lap 15. Kraklio then held off point leader Scott Hogan for second behind a very happy Rothzen.
The 17 car IMCA stock car feature ran second, and thet ran a high pressure non stop event. Brett Timmerman held the top spot until lap 16, when Jim Redman eased ahead. On the white flag lap, Timmerman was able to get under Redman and reclaim the lead for his first ever stock car win. Point leader Jeff Mueller dropped out on lap nine with a flat tire after advancing to the sixth position.
The KIDZ MODZ ran next, with a sparse six car field. Again the race went non stop,with Logan Moody claiming the win. There was a seven year old competitor in this beginner class!
As with the modifieds, only two caution periods marred the hobby stock 18 car finale. Matt Gavin took a convincing win in his # 45.
12 IMCA late models took the green flag, and while front row starters Matt Bailey and Tom Bowling,Jr. swapped the top spot back and forth, eighth starting Rob Toland moved forfard quickly. As the season has gone on, I was beginning to think I was a bad luck omen for " Rocket " Rob, as he has had no luck at all when I have seen him race, save for the opening weekend of Summer Series events. The hex was off on Saturday, however, as he powered his red # 39 to a win going away from the pack in another flag to flag feature. Bowling held on for second, while Keith Pratt made a second half charge to grab third. Bailey edged Tom Goble for third. Point lead Joey Gower, of Quincy finished two spots behind Gary Russell, who is now just one marker behind. With no late models this coming week at 34, the title will come down to championship night. Best of luck to these two fine drivers!
With the four cylinder feature heading to the track, we headed to the car, and the dash clock read 9:40 when I fired up the Impala. Thanks to the staff at 34 for an entertaing and efficent show that got us all back home before the midnight hour!
Sunday night offered up weekly racing at Quincy Raceways, with the UMP Pro Crate late models added to the four division card. Again, the car count was a bit less than one might like, it is obvious the " dog days " are upon us.
Abe Huls began the night with a slim lead in the IMCA stock cars, but overheating issues sent him pitside late in the 20 lapper. Meanwhile, his closest rival, Terry Houston, took advantage, claiming his second checkered flag of 2010, and moving within one point of the top spot.
The 18 car UMP modified field weathered several early cautions, before finding their rhythm. Steven Delonjay used a front row starting spot, courtesy of a win in the dash to lead all 25 laps for his second win of the year at QR. Michael Long came into the night undefeated in eight feature starts this season, and although he quickly moved to the second slot, he could not find a way past the second generation driver. Point leader Jared Schlipman turned in a third place run, even though his crew chief father Terry was away at the Sprint Cup race in Michigan.
Track semi regular IMCA late model pilot Dustin Griffin brought his crate late model to the track on Sunday and took top honors in the visiting class. Another second generation driver, Gordy Gundaker took the runner up spot in a class that boasted two 11 year old drivers.
Only ten IMCA late models signed in on Sunday, but the action was fast and furious. Keith Pratt, who made a late charge through the pack Saturday at 34 Raceway made his move earlier on Sunday, and overtook Dustin Neese for the top spot on lap six. While Keith checked out for his first win of 2010, the top two point contenders both found themselves spinning at some point in the 30 lapper. While Joey Gower took the runnerup slot, point leader Denny Woodworth recovered to nab third, and number two point man Jason Perry claimed fourth. The late model lawyer holds an eith point lead with two nights of points racing remaining.
Quincy Raceways will host the rescheduled Titan Wheel Shootout for the IMCA Deery Brothers Summer Series paying $3,000 to win on Friday, September 3, with Lee County Speedway in Donnellson hosting the series the following night with a possible $5,000 top prize if the winning driver has been a Lee County regular in 2010.
Scotland County Speedway in Memphis,Mo. reopened this past Saturday night under the direction of new promoter Rick Girard. Talking to some racers who were there, it sounds like Rick had a successful opening night, with 75 cars in five classes and a nice crowd in the grandstand. Memphis will be racing again this weekend, off on August 28, then back in action on Saturdays in September.
This weekend, we are leaning towards the UMP Monster Midwest Series race at Highland, Il. Speedway, a track I have not visited before. Sunday night should find us back at Quincy Raceways. Be sure and take in some racing this weekend. The season is winding down fast!
Monday, August 9, 2010
More Vacation Racin'
With careful planning and a run of good weather, I was able to put together a string of six nights of racing in 11 days, while enjoying some much needed vacation. The final three nights filled this past weekend, and started with the seventh appearance of the IMCA late models at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Promoter Terry Hoenig used one of his draw, redraw nights in conjunction with no racing in Davenport, Iowa due to the county fair. 22 cars signed in, and although my buddies and I had thought there may be a few more travelers, it would have been impossible to be disappointed with the group of drivers that showed up. My thought was that every car there was Deery Series quality. 106 total cars took part in the six class program, and every race was competitive as we awaited the late model finale, which ran last on the card. Michael Long again put on a show in the IMCA modified feature, starting from the 11th spot and taking the lead on lap seven without benefit of a caution flag. Brandon Rothzen gave chase, but settled for the runnerup spot. Longs IMCA car owner, Jim Gillenwater nabbed the sportmod feature after a good battle with Phillip Cossell. Dan Wenig won a spirited match over Jim Lynch in the hobby stocks, and Matt Greiner used a late pass to edge Jim Redman in the stock car main. Mike Hornung Jr. picked up a big Wild Thing win.
The late model redraw found first heat winner Ray Guss Jr. on the pole for the 25 lapper, and as strong as the " River City Hustler " was in the preliminary it would be a tough row to hoe for the rest of the field. However it looked like the # 58 team set up to run the lower groove, and as of late the top side has been the fast side at Donnellson. It was only Guss second trip to LCS this season, so he was at a bit of a disadvantage in that area. Meanwhile, second row starter Jeff Aikey has been highly successful running the cushion in 2010, and he used that groove to overtake Guss. Although Ray stayed close, he was unable to reclaim the top spot, and he soon had his hands full with ninth starting Mark Burgtorf. Mark was trying to coax one more night out of a very tired IMCA spec engine, and in fact did not hot lap to try and save as much as he could. The powerplant did hold up, and Mark maintained his rather comfortable points lead over Denny Woodworth with a third place run. Lonnie Bailey, who has struggled mightily in 2010 went back to the drawing board with his set ups, found something that worked, and rolled to a fourth place run ahead of Woodworth. It was the third feature win for Aikey as he is the only repeat winner. The final checkers flew about 10:30, concluding a very good night of racing.
After a quick trip to the pits, we hustled home, and after a short nights sleep, I headed out along with my wife, daughter and two oldest grandsons for a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. After an afternoon of shopping, grandson Keagan and I left the others around the hotel pool, and we headed
15 miles north to Kevin and Tammy Gundakers Lake Ozark Speedway. It was our first ever visit to the 3/8 mile facility, and my 14th different track of 2010. The featured class was the MARS late models running topless for $3000 to win, and the 30 car field exactly matched my prediction. The track does not run late models weekly, as 360 sprint cars are the weekly attraction. It was obvious by the large and enthusiastic crowd that the super late models are popular none the less. We were a bit concerned with six classes of cars scheduled, including $1,000 to win for the 4 cylinder class, but with several other tracks running within 100 miles, the car counts were in the teens and the show started in good time even though there were several late arrivals. The 9:00 intermission was also a concern, but the crate late model feature clicked off quickly, with track champion Brandon Imhoff holding off visitor Bobby Pierce for the win. The B-mod feature was up next, and as is so often the case, turned into a caution fest. Mercifully, the time limit was finally met, with Lonnie Wyman Jr. collecting the win. The running order was then switched, with the 22 car Mars feature coming to the track. First heat winner Terry Phillips was the pole sitter, and the very popular Springfield, Mo. driver was going to be the man to beat. His front row mate was heat four winner Dave Eckrich, with the first 15 spots set by passing points. Row two was Iowa City driver Matt Furman, and Quincy,Il ace Mark Burgtorf. Mark had headed home from Donnellson and replaced his IMCA engine with his aluminum powerplant before his head hit the pillow. He then brought both of his spec engines with him, while his Arkansas engine builder, Kuntz, met him to take them back to the shop. It was third row starter and Phillips teammate Jeremy Payne who charged to the second spot and began to run down the # 75. Soon however it was Burgtorf who hooked up his #7, and he took up the chase. He stayed on Phillips bumper through two mid race cautions, as the two ran through lapped traffic. Mark may well have had a faster car, but Terry was not giving up the preferred low groove, leading all 35 laps for the win. Brandon McCormick made a late race charge to capture third, with veteran Al Purkey holding off Payne for fourth. Dave Eckrich finished sixth, young Brandon Sheppard was seventh, while Frank Heckenast Jr. wheeled the Randy Korte # 00 to an eighth place run. Mark Voigt and Eric Turner completed the top ten. Denny Eckrich started 15th and finished 12th, with Quincian Rickey Frankel making the show and being credited with 17th. Series points leader 16 year old Gary Christian fell out of the main event early, while former IMCA national champion Justin Wells dropped out of his heat race and could not start the B-main. with the clock easing past 10:30, we headed for the car with three features remaining. The facility which sits along highway 54 is a top notch venue, and I am looking forward to another visit soon.
The weekend concluded with a Sunday night visit to Quincy Raceways for weekly racing. Heat, breakage and dwindling funds hurt the car counts somewhat, with only 11 IMCA late models signed in along with 20 UMP mods, 10 IMCA stock cars, and 13 hobby stocks. The KIDZ Mods also made a special appearance. The 30 lap late model feature was an entertaining one, with only two caution periods slowing the event. First heat winner Darin Weisinger led the first eight laps before Dustin Griffin took over. Point leader Denny Woodworth worked his way from the tenth starting slot, and took over at the halfway mark. From there he stayed in control for his fourth checkers of the season. Number two point man and last weeks winner Jason Perry moved to the second spot, and held off Keith Pratt for the spot. Griffin wound up fourth ahead of " Wild Willy " Genenbacher. Woodworth now leads Perry by six points with three points nights remaining. For 18 laps it looked as though Michael Longs victory streak would end, as he ran a somewhat distant third behind Steven Delonjay and visiting Rusty Griffaw from Festus, Mo. in the modified finale. When the caution flew with seven laps to go, everything changed. With the top two running the bottom groove, Long went up top and charged by both cars. Lapped cars came in to play on the final lap, and Long and Delonjay came to the stripe side by side. The electronic scoring device shows Michael with an edge of less than one second. It made the driver of the #18 eight for eight in feature starts at QR in 2010. Eleven year old Jake Griffin hit the front stretch wall hard in his heat race, badly damaging his UMP modifieds, minutes after being forced to scratch his KIDZ Mod due to mechanical issues. Steve Steinkuhler grabbed the stock car main, with point leader Steve Carlin holding off Bobby Anders in an edge of the seat hobby feature. Logan Moody of Catlin, Ilcaptured the Kidz Mod finale.
Life returned to normal today as I went back to work, and started thinking about the options for next weekend. See you at the track!
The late model redraw found first heat winner Ray Guss Jr. on the pole for the 25 lapper, and as strong as the " River City Hustler " was in the preliminary it would be a tough row to hoe for the rest of the field. However it looked like the # 58 team set up to run the lower groove, and as of late the top side has been the fast side at Donnellson. It was only Guss second trip to LCS this season, so he was at a bit of a disadvantage in that area. Meanwhile, second row starter Jeff Aikey has been highly successful running the cushion in 2010, and he used that groove to overtake Guss. Although Ray stayed close, he was unable to reclaim the top spot, and he soon had his hands full with ninth starting Mark Burgtorf. Mark was trying to coax one more night out of a very tired IMCA spec engine, and in fact did not hot lap to try and save as much as he could. The powerplant did hold up, and Mark maintained his rather comfortable points lead over Denny Woodworth with a third place run. Lonnie Bailey, who has struggled mightily in 2010 went back to the drawing board with his set ups, found something that worked, and rolled to a fourth place run ahead of Woodworth. It was the third feature win for Aikey as he is the only repeat winner. The final checkers flew about 10:30, concluding a very good night of racing.
After a quick trip to the pits, we hustled home, and after a short nights sleep, I headed out along with my wife, daughter and two oldest grandsons for a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. After an afternoon of shopping, grandson Keagan and I left the others around the hotel pool, and we headed
15 miles north to Kevin and Tammy Gundakers Lake Ozark Speedway. It was our first ever visit to the 3/8 mile facility, and my 14th different track of 2010. The featured class was the MARS late models running topless for $3000 to win, and the 30 car field exactly matched my prediction. The track does not run late models weekly, as 360 sprint cars are the weekly attraction. It was obvious by the large and enthusiastic crowd that the super late models are popular none the less. We were a bit concerned with six classes of cars scheduled, including $1,000 to win for the 4 cylinder class, but with several other tracks running within 100 miles, the car counts were in the teens and the show started in good time even though there were several late arrivals. The 9:00 intermission was also a concern, but the crate late model feature clicked off quickly, with track champion Brandon Imhoff holding off visitor Bobby Pierce for the win. The B-mod feature was up next, and as is so often the case, turned into a caution fest. Mercifully, the time limit was finally met, with Lonnie Wyman Jr. collecting the win. The running order was then switched, with the 22 car Mars feature coming to the track. First heat winner Terry Phillips was the pole sitter, and the very popular Springfield, Mo. driver was going to be the man to beat. His front row mate was heat four winner Dave Eckrich, with the first 15 spots set by passing points. Row two was Iowa City driver Matt Furman, and Quincy,Il ace Mark Burgtorf. Mark had headed home from Donnellson and replaced his IMCA engine with his aluminum powerplant before his head hit the pillow. He then brought both of his spec engines with him, while his Arkansas engine builder, Kuntz, met him to take them back to the shop. It was third row starter and Phillips teammate Jeremy Payne who charged to the second spot and began to run down the # 75. Soon however it was Burgtorf who hooked up his #7, and he took up the chase. He stayed on Phillips bumper through two mid race cautions, as the two ran through lapped traffic. Mark may well have had a faster car, but Terry was not giving up the preferred low groove, leading all 35 laps for the win. Brandon McCormick made a late race charge to capture third, with veteran Al Purkey holding off Payne for fourth. Dave Eckrich finished sixth, young Brandon Sheppard was seventh, while Frank Heckenast Jr. wheeled the Randy Korte # 00 to an eighth place run. Mark Voigt and Eric Turner completed the top ten. Denny Eckrich started 15th and finished 12th, with Quincian Rickey Frankel making the show and being credited with 17th. Series points leader 16 year old Gary Christian fell out of the main event early, while former IMCA national champion Justin Wells dropped out of his heat race and could not start the B-main. with the clock easing past 10:30, we headed for the car with three features remaining. The facility which sits along highway 54 is a top notch venue, and I am looking forward to another visit soon.
The weekend concluded with a Sunday night visit to Quincy Raceways for weekly racing. Heat, breakage and dwindling funds hurt the car counts somewhat, with only 11 IMCA late models signed in along with 20 UMP mods, 10 IMCA stock cars, and 13 hobby stocks. The KIDZ Mods also made a special appearance. The 30 lap late model feature was an entertaining one, with only two caution periods slowing the event. First heat winner Darin Weisinger led the first eight laps before Dustin Griffin took over. Point leader Denny Woodworth worked his way from the tenth starting slot, and took over at the halfway mark. From there he stayed in control for his fourth checkers of the season. Number two point man and last weeks winner Jason Perry moved to the second spot, and held off Keith Pratt for the spot. Griffin wound up fourth ahead of " Wild Willy " Genenbacher. Woodworth now leads Perry by six points with three points nights remaining. For 18 laps it looked as though Michael Longs victory streak would end, as he ran a somewhat distant third behind Steven Delonjay and visiting Rusty Griffaw from Festus, Mo. in the modified finale. When the caution flew with seven laps to go, everything changed. With the top two running the bottom groove, Long went up top and charged by both cars. Lapped cars came in to play on the final lap, and Long and Delonjay came to the stripe side by side. The electronic scoring device shows Michael with an edge of less than one second. It made the driver of the #18 eight for eight in feature starts at QR in 2010. Eleven year old Jake Griffin hit the front stretch wall hard in his heat race, badly damaging his UMP modifieds, minutes after being forced to scratch his KIDZ Mod due to mechanical issues. Steve Steinkuhler grabbed the stock car main, with point leader Steve Carlin holding off Bobby Anders in an edge of the seat hobby feature. Logan Moody of Catlin, Ilcaptured the Kidz Mod finale.
Life returned to normal today as I went back to work, and started thinking about the options for next weekend. See you at the track!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Dodging the Raindrops
As vacation continues, the weatherman has so far been cooperating as what for me is an aggressive racing schedule has so far fallen into place. Weekend rain left the pit area at Quincy Raceways a bit tough to negotiate for the weekly Sunday night show, but with two weeks of rainouts, everyone was willing to overlook some mud. 14 IMCA late models signed in, along with 24 UMP modifieds, a sparse field of 9 IMCA stock cars, and 14 hobby stocks. Nebo, Il driver Dustin Neese rolled past rookie Justin Jennings on lap two of the late model main event and held the top spot through a non stop run until lap 19 when Jason Perry made a daring turn four move to blow past both second running Keith Pratt and Neese. Perry then stretched his lead until a lap 27 caution, the only one of the race, for a spinning Neese. On the restart, Jason took off, leading the final three laps, with Pratt grabbing second ahead of Joey Gower and Denny Woodworth. Bill Genenbacher edged Jennings at the checkers for fifth. The win was the second of the year at QR for Perry, who started eighth in the 14 car field. Woodworth and Justin Reed began the night ties for the point lead, but Reed appeared to miss the set up and was not a factor, pulling out early. His tenth place finish left him nine markers behind Woodworth in the championship chase, and in fact Perry moved into second, only four behind.
The UMP modified 25 lapper was another clinic put on by Michael Long. The Quincy resident races about half time at QR, and has taken the feature green flag seven times this season, winning all seven times. Only an early season DNS due to an accident has put a blemish on his amazing perfect record. On Sunday, Micheal came from a row six start to take the checkers ahead of point leader and second generation driver Jared Schlipman. Veteran Dave Weitholder held the top spot going into the night, but had engine woes all night long. Defending track champ Abe Huls took advantage of a mid race bobble by Kevin Tomlinson to grab the lead in the stock car main, then held off the Hannibal, Mo. driver for the win. Bobby Anders came through the pack for the hobby stock victory for his sixth win of 2009 over point leader Steve Carlin and veteran Jim Powell. Carlin and Powell were lucky to even be racing after flash flooding on Bear Creek in their hometown of Hannibal nearly destroyed their racing operations. In fact, Powell found his # 48j with flood water above the doors, and his tow vehicle under water. He and nephew Michael Larsen were taken from the race shop by boat when they could not get the race cars out. Jimbo showed me the moisture still visible in the gauges on his dash, even though it had been over a week since the flooding!
After one day back at work, we took off Tuesday for an overnight stay in the Quad Cities. From our home base there, grandson Keagan and I headed north and west to the Farley Speedway to take in the first appearance in seven years of the IMCA Derry Brothers Summer Series. The car count for the mid week show was a bit less than we had hoped, but the racing action made up for it. As has been reported, flat tires - and drivers stopping on the speedway because of them - were a problem in the early stages of the event, but the frequent bunching of the field and the Delaware restarts kept everyone in the middle of the action. All time series wins leader Jeff Aikey and hard charging Kevin Blum in the # 67 normally driven by Tony Von Dresky sat on the front row, but I had my eye on Andy Eckrich, who is a force on the Farley oval. For his part, Keagan zeroed in on series point leader Ray Guss, Jr. And as I have come to realize in the last few seasons, we kept our eyes on " Hammer Down " Jason Rauen. Jason was the first driver pitside for new rubber, restarting three laps into the event in 24th spot. Through at least six more cautions periods Rauen used the top side of the speedway to move forward, and on lap 18 he moved to the runner up spot after a great battle with Terry Neal. Soon after, however, Rauen retired for good with problems in the backend of his # 98. Meanwhile Eckrich had moved past Aikey on lap nine, a lead he would not relinquish. For his part, Guss carefully picked his way through the pack, eventually taking the runnerup spot from Neal, and gaining ground on Andy. Guss then faded in the closing laps, crossing the stripe in third. As he moved to his pit area. the reason for his slowing became apparent, as he was down to four pounds of air pressure in his right rear tire! Aikey came home in fourth, while Mark Preston edged Charley McKenna for fifth. " Chargin' " Charley was another driver in a " loaner " car, as veteran Gary Crawford supplied the hard luck Mc Kenna with a vehicle from his shop. TJ Criss also continued his perfect atteandance streak courtesy of a loaner # 30 ride from Todd Cooney. Rob Toland suffered engine problems in his heat, doing a start and park in both the B-main and 50 lap feature. Cory Goldbeck was a no show come feature time in his # 21G. We saw a black # 69 late model also enter the pit area. but it was never listed in the race program, thus the discrepancy in car count in some reports. The only major delay came in the final heat race when Luke Goedert and Josh Most became entangled on the backstretch. Both were able to finish the evening, with Most turning in a top ten run. Keagan and I wondered why the yellow flag was displayed on several occasions when slowing cars moved to turns three and four of the 1/2 mile track, clearly out of harms way.
We enjoyed seeing a couple of modifeds that compete regularly at Lee County Speedway and 34 Raceway, as Davenport ace Rich Smith and more surprisingly, western Il. hotshoe Brandon Rothzen made the tow to challenge for the $500 to win purse. Brandon had new plain skin on the
sides of his # 33, and we did not recognize the car until alerted by the track announcer! Although Rothzen was strong early, moving through the pack to third, the tire monster sent him pitside late in the 20 lapper. On this night, no one had anything for Waterloo, Ia pilot Vern Jackson, who dominated the 18 car field. Brannon Bechen was equally tough in taking the 4 cylinder Farley Flyer win over eight other competitors.
After a quick trip to the pits we were on the road by 10:35, more than reasonable for a weeknight show. Only a couple of questions remained unanswered, as the posted itinerary advertised hot laps at 6:30, while the radio ad we heard enroute listed 7:00. So thee races were either 20 minutes late or 10 minutes early! Also, the press packer Jeff Broeg shared with me stated that with the 25 car field, five cars would qualify out of three heats, with four to redraw. However, apparently only four were taken, as Todd Malmstrom, who ran fifth in heat one started on the pole and won the B-main. The other two fifth place cars, Criss and McKenna never came to the track for the B-main, and come feature time, McKenna attempted to line up in the seventh row. After a visit from the line up official, Charlie then went to the back of the field.I will try to check this procedure out when the series visits Quincy Raceways on Friday, September 3. While many folks are heading to Knoxville for the 360 sprint car nationals, my weekend plans include Friday night racing at Lee County for installment number seven of the IMCA late models, a first ever visit Saturday to Lake Ozark Speedway outside Eldon, Mo. for the MARS late models, and a Sunday night regular show at Quincy Raceways. Wherever you go, enjoy the races!
The UMP modified 25 lapper was another clinic put on by Michael Long. The Quincy resident races about half time at QR, and has taken the feature green flag seven times this season, winning all seven times. Only an early season DNS due to an accident has put a blemish on his amazing perfect record. On Sunday, Micheal came from a row six start to take the checkers ahead of point leader and second generation driver Jared Schlipman. Veteran Dave Weitholder held the top spot going into the night, but had engine woes all night long. Defending track champ Abe Huls took advantage of a mid race bobble by Kevin Tomlinson to grab the lead in the stock car main, then held off the Hannibal, Mo. driver for the win. Bobby Anders came through the pack for the hobby stock victory for his sixth win of 2009 over point leader Steve Carlin and veteran Jim Powell. Carlin and Powell were lucky to even be racing after flash flooding on Bear Creek in their hometown of Hannibal nearly destroyed their racing operations. In fact, Powell found his # 48j with flood water above the doors, and his tow vehicle under water. He and nephew Michael Larsen were taken from the race shop by boat when they could not get the race cars out. Jimbo showed me the moisture still visible in the gauges on his dash, even though it had been over a week since the flooding!
After one day back at work, we took off Tuesday for an overnight stay in the Quad Cities. From our home base there, grandson Keagan and I headed north and west to the Farley Speedway to take in the first appearance in seven years of the IMCA Derry Brothers Summer Series. The car count for the mid week show was a bit less than we had hoped, but the racing action made up for it. As has been reported, flat tires - and drivers stopping on the speedway because of them - were a problem in the early stages of the event, but the frequent bunching of the field and the Delaware restarts kept everyone in the middle of the action. All time series wins leader Jeff Aikey and hard charging Kevin Blum in the # 67 normally driven by Tony Von Dresky sat on the front row, but I had my eye on Andy Eckrich, who is a force on the Farley oval. For his part, Keagan zeroed in on series point leader Ray Guss, Jr. And as I have come to realize in the last few seasons, we kept our eyes on " Hammer Down " Jason Rauen. Jason was the first driver pitside for new rubber, restarting three laps into the event in 24th spot. Through at least six more cautions periods Rauen used the top side of the speedway to move forward, and on lap 18 he moved to the runner up spot after a great battle with Terry Neal. Soon after, however, Rauen retired for good with problems in the backend of his # 98. Meanwhile Eckrich had moved past Aikey on lap nine, a lead he would not relinquish. For his part, Guss carefully picked his way through the pack, eventually taking the runnerup spot from Neal, and gaining ground on Andy. Guss then faded in the closing laps, crossing the stripe in third. As he moved to his pit area. the reason for his slowing became apparent, as he was down to four pounds of air pressure in his right rear tire! Aikey came home in fourth, while Mark Preston edged Charley McKenna for fifth. " Chargin' " Charley was another driver in a " loaner " car, as veteran Gary Crawford supplied the hard luck Mc Kenna with a vehicle from his shop. TJ Criss also continued his perfect atteandance streak courtesy of a loaner # 30 ride from Todd Cooney. Rob Toland suffered engine problems in his heat, doing a start and park in both the B-main and 50 lap feature. Cory Goldbeck was a no show come feature time in his # 21G. We saw a black # 69 late model also enter the pit area. but it was never listed in the race program, thus the discrepancy in car count in some reports. The only major delay came in the final heat race when Luke Goedert and Josh Most became entangled on the backstretch. Both were able to finish the evening, with Most turning in a top ten run. Keagan and I wondered why the yellow flag was displayed on several occasions when slowing cars moved to turns three and four of the 1/2 mile track, clearly out of harms way.
We enjoyed seeing a couple of modifeds that compete regularly at Lee County Speedway and 34 Raceway, as Davenport ace Rich Smith and more surprisingly, western Il. hotshoe Brandon Rothzen made the tow to challenge for the $500 to win purse. Brandon had new plain skin on the
sides of his # 33, and we did not recognize the car until alerted by the track announcer! Although Rothzen was strong early, moving through the pack to third, the tire monster sent him pitside late in the 20 lapper. On this night, no one had anything for Waterloo, Ia pilot Vern Jackson, who dominated the 18 car field. Brannon Bechen was equally tough in taking the 4 cylinder Farley Flyer win over eight other competitors.
After a quick trip to the pits we were on the road by 10:35, more than reasonable for a weeknight show. Only a couple of questions remained unanswered, as the posted itinerary advertised hot laps at 6:30, while the radio ad we heard enroute listed 7:00. So thee races were either 20 minutes late or 10 minutes early! Also, the press packer Jeff Broeg shared with me stated that with the 25 car field, five cars would qualify out of three heats, with four to redraw. However, apparently only four were taken, as Todd Malmstrom, who ran fifth in heat one started on the pole and won the B-main. The other two fifth place cars, Criss and McKenna never came to the track for the B-main, and come feature time, McKenna attempted to line up in the seventh row. After a visit from the line up official, Charlie then went to the back of the field.I will try to check this procedure out when the series visits Quincy Raceways on Friday, September 3. While many folks are heading to Knoxville for the 360 sprint car nationals, my weekend plans include Friday night racing at Lee County for installment number seven of the IMCA late models, a first ever visit Saturday to Lake Ozark Speedway outside Eldon, Mo. for the MARS late models, and a Sunday night regular show at Quincy Raceways. Wherever you go, enjoy the races!
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