I believe that is how the line starts, followed by " to come in out of the rain."
Well at least I had plenty of company Saturday night at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. Despite a persistent rain that was often more than a drizzle, an amazingly large crowd braved the precipitation and cool temps to witness an outstanding racing program. We can all say we saw the first ever program of the Midwest Open Wheel Association, and if the first one proves to be typical, this sprint car series could be around for a while. A combination of 39 410 and 360 sprint cars signed in for the inagural event, and there were some big names in the pits thanks to a World of Outlaws rainout Saturday morning in Oklahoma. Danny " the Dude " Lasoski from Dover,Mo. probably was about the fourth or fifth fastest car come feature time, but he can wheel a sprinter as well as anyone, and he used a combination of talent and good fortune to take home the $2500.00 top prize. Popular Decatur,Il. ace Kaley Gharst made the run of the night, starting 18th, and moving up to challenge the Dude on the 30th and final circuit, settling for second.
As exciting as the sprint cars were, I was keeping my fingers crossed that the rain would not increase until the IMCA late models completed their 25 lap finale. With 26 cars on hand, the late model main was sure to be action packed, and it did not disappoint. Matt Bailey and Keith Pratt dueled for the top spot early before sixth starting Rob Toland charged to the front. Meanwhile, Tom Darbyshire found his way into second, and took the top spot after some inadvertent contact with Toland in turn one. Rob seemed to take offense, giving Darb something more than a nudge on the backstretch. The # 42 was able to keep going, while Toland slid to a stop, bringing out the caution. Darbyshire was out front on the restart, and Denny Woodworth, who had been strong from his row four starting slot never could muster enough juice to overtake Darbyshire. Tom Goble made a late run himself to capture third, while Jason Frankel, who did not make the redraw, suddenly found his line around the top of the track, advancing from 13th to finish fourth. Jason Perry started and finished fifth, one spot ahead of Matt Strassheim in the Darbyshire team car.
The 26 car IMCA stock car field ran the first feature of the night, and even on the rain slick track, the put on a top notch show. Jeff Mueller picked up where he left off in 2010, overtaking John Oliver Jr. to open the 2011 points season with a win.
I must say I have rarely seen the type of yeoman effort the 34 crew put forth to not only get the track and grounds ready for this type of show, but the continuing work throughout the off and on showers to keep the track rolled in and race ready. I was amazed Saturday morning when the text came that the show was on, and I honestly wondered what condition the track would be in. I would have to think that everyone who took in this show left more than satisfied.
While exploring the internet late last week looking for racing options, I discovered that Lee County Speedway in Donnellson,Iowa has added a pair of IMCA late model shows to their schedule for 2011, with the first being this Friday night, April 29. The feature event will pay $1,000.00 to win, and will hopefully kick off the first three race weekend of the season for this blogger. Saturday night offers up many options, and Sunday evening Quincy Raceways will try to get back to weekly racing after two straight cancellations due to wet grounds. Come on sunshine and warm temps!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What To Do Now
Sun. April,17
Just received the e -mail from Quincy Raceways that tonights races have been canceled. Track officials determined that the pit area was just too wet, and although it may have been possible to work the track into racing shape, it would likely break down and negate all the good work that has been done early in the season. I can certainly understand, as we have had quite a bit of rain since Friday in the area, but with the sun shining and temps in the 60s, it is tough to take. The temptation is there to head for East Moline,Il., as the Deery Brothers race is still on, but Monday morning comes too early. So the weekend has been a complete washout race wise, as all of our Saturday night options fell victim to the inclement weather. Plan B will be to keep the NASCAR race on, grab the cell phone and start going over next weekends schedule. With Easter being next Sunday, we will probably be staying as close to home as possible, but a quick look at the calender offers up several attractive events. IMCA late model points start next week, and the Quincy Raceways - 34 Raceways combo point fund begins as well, with 34 showcasing 410 sprints along with the late models and IMCA stock cars on Saturday, while QR will have a regular 5 class program on Sunday. Many midwest tracks will be open by next weekend, so plan to support a track of your choice. If you see us racin' down the road, say " Hi!"
Just received the e -mail from Quincy Raceways that tonights races have been canceled. Track officials determined that the pit area was just too wet, and although it may have been possible to work the track into racing shape, it would likely break down and negate all the good work that has been done early in the season. I can certainly understand, as we have had quite a bit of rain since Friday in the area, but with the sun shining and temps in the 60s, it is tough to take. The temptation is there to head for East Moline,Il., as the Deery Brothers race is still on, but Monday morning comes too early. So the weekend has been a complete washout race wise, as all of our Saturday night options fell victim to the inclement weather. Plan B will be to keep the NASCAR race on, grab the cell phone and start going over next weekends schedule. With Easter being next Sunday, we will probably be staying as close to home as possible, but a quick look at the calender offers up several attractive events. IMCA late model points start next week, and the Quincy Raceways - 34 Raceways combo point fund begins as well, with 34 showcasing 410 sprints along with the late models and IMCA stock cars on Saturday, while QR will have a regular 5 class program on Sunday. Many midwest tracks will be open by next weekend, so plan to support a track of your choice. If you see us racin' down the road, say " Hi!"
Monday, April 11, 2011
Remembering a Good Friend and...Part 2
There are probably more " can't miss " events on my yearly racing schedule than my wife would like to see, but there has never been any discussion about the second weekend in April. The combined IMCA Deery Brothers shows at 34 Raceway in West Burlington and my " home " track in Quincy top the long list of races I would leave a hospital bed to attend if need be. Added to that is the fact that thanks to the hard work of Brad Stevens and his considerable posse and with the cooperation of Amy and Jeff Laue, the Saturday show has become an amazing tribute to the young man so many of us called "friend," the late Brent Slocum. Brent was not only the best man at my sons wedding, and the life of the party as well, but someone I was fortunate to watch grow and mature both in and out of the race car. I am proud to call his parents friends, especially his father Steve, as we often shook our heads in wonder at our sons' exploits. I can tell you that the Slocum 50 means a lot to Brents family. Thanks, Brad and Amy. With that as a backdrop, it seemed only fitting that two drivers who were close to Brent crossed the finish line less than a car length apart after 50 grueling laps of racing on a tacky albeit rough April track. Second generation driver Matt Ryan from Davenport took over the top spot after another close Slocum friend Denny Woodworth was forced to relinquish a big lead when he broke a shock mount on his # 45DW with ten laps remaining in the $3,000 to win race. Matt then built a healthy lead before Boone found a fast line, closing quickly on Ryan, falling just a few feet short at the line. Matt was proud to show off the somewhat tattered Slocum race shirt he was wearing under his fire suit! Last years winner Mark Burgtorf recovered from a fuel line issue in his heat to come from 12th to fourth in his B-main, falling just short of a transfer spot, but earning the hard charger provisional. From that 22 nd starting slot, Mark moved up to finish third ahead of Terry Neal. The team cars of Tom Darbyshire and Matt Strassheim, two more drivers who were close to Slocum advanced to run fifth and sixth. Darbyshire started 23rd after using a points provisional, and Strassheim earned the last B-main transfer after a DQ of third place Joey Gower. The crew had to scramble, as Matt came off the track after that second consy on the hook with rearend troubles. Only ten cars finished the 50 laps. 47 cars checked in for the three class program, which included 17 305 sprint cars and 29 4 cylinders. Grandson Keagan enjoyed his first real pit experience, as he got to witness the behind the scenes drama often not evident from the bleachers.
Part 2 - the boys are Back in Town!
Despite a downright miserable weather forecast which no doubt held the crowd down somewhat, 33 of the late models headed south from 34 Raceway to Quincy Raceways for Sunday nights third installment of the series. Two QR regulars joined the group, giving us a solid 35 car field. After a successful first week on the newly configured .29 mile oval, workers, fans, and drivers alike were anxious to see what the extra laps would bring. The results were more than positive, with three groove racing early in the night. Come feature time, the bottom groove was the place to be, and the outcome was as surprising as Saturday nights had been. When 14 time track champion Mark Burgtorf pulled the number one spoon to give him the pole position, most in attendance figured the race would be for second. Still, hard charging Andy Eckrich was on his outside, and although Andy seems to prefer the longer tracks, he is always a force to be reckoned with. And lurking in row two was up and coming star Tyler Bruening, who had passed defending series champ Ray Guss Jr. to win the second heat. And starting right behind Tyler was Guss himself. So who guessed the star of the show woudl be fourth starting Matt Bailey. After all, the 23 year old second generation driver missed most of 2010 at his home track due to work, and only managed an eighth place finish on opening night. But after the only caution of the night on the 11th circuit, Matt nudged his # 52 inside of Burgtorf and won the drag race out of turn two. Until the leaders encountered lapped traffic, Mark was able to challenge Matt in the corners, but could not win the race down the chutes. I had a feeling the lapped cars might hold the key, but Bailey the younger made a dandy move to clear two side by side cars, and picked up the biggest win of his career, Once again, Terry Neal crossed the stripe behind Burgtorf, as he eased by QR regular Justin Reed in the closing laps. Bruening held off Guss Jr. for fifth.
Among those MIA on Sunday was the winners of the first two series races, Brian Harris, who had not committed to run the full schedule, and Ryan. Two drivers who had never missed a QR series race were noticeably absent. Rob Toland apparently hurt his engine on Saturday, and there was no word on Jeff Aikeys absence. Among the locals, Bill Genenbacher sat out the show as had engine issues, as well. Track officials took a gamble by placing the late model 40 lapper third on the feature card, and everyone was getting nervous as what could have been an outstanding UMP modified feature came up against the time limit. With the hobby stocks in staging and the radar looking rough, it was decided to dispense with prerace festivities and go quickly to green flag racing. As it turned out, all five features were completed with no rain, and the show ended about 9:30.
More and more tracks around the area are opening their doors for 2011, and hopefully the forecast improves for the coming weekend as Keagan and I are trying to make some plans for Saturday night racing. Maybe we will see you while we are racin' down the road!
Part 2 - the boys are Back in Town!
Despite a downright miserable weather forecast which no doubt held the crowd down somewhat, 33 of the late models headed south from 34 Raceway to Quincy Raceways for Sunday nights third installment of the series. Two QR regulars joined the group, giving us a solid 35 car field. After a successful first week on the newly configured .29 mile oval, workers, fans, and drivers alike were anxious to see what the extra laps would bring. The results were more than positive, with three groove racing early in the night. Come feature time, the bottom groove was the place to be, and the outcome was as surprising as Saturday nights had been. When 14 time track champion Mark Burgtorf pulled the number one spoon to give him the pole position, most in attendance figured the race would be for second. Still, hard charging Andy Eckrich was on his outside, and although Andy seems to prefer the longer tracks, he is always a force to be reckoned with. And lurking in row two was up and coming star Tyler Bruening, who had passed defending series champ Ray Guss Jr. to win the second heat. And starting right behind Tyler was Guss himself. So who guessed the star of the show woudl be fourth starting Matt Bailey. After all, the 23 year old second generation driver missed most of 2010 at his home track due to work, and only managed an eighth place finish on opening night. But after the only caution of the night on the 11th circuit, Matt nudged his # 52 inside of Burgtorf and won the drag race out of turn two. Until the leaders encountered lapped traffic, Mark was able to challenge Matt in the corners, but could not win the race down the chutes. I had a feeling the lapped cars might hold the key, but Bailey the younger made a dandy move to clear two side by side cars, and picked up the biggest win of his career, Once again, Terry Neal crossed the stripe behind Burgtorf, as he eased by QR regular Justin Reed in the closing laps. Bruening held off Guss Jr. for fifth.
Among those MIA on Sunday was the winners of the first two series races, Brian Harris, who had not committed to run the full schedule, and Ryan. Two drivers who had never missed a QR series race were noticeably absent. Rob Toland apparently hurt his engine on Saturday, and there was no word on Jeff Aikeys absence. Among the locals, Bill Genenbacher sat out the show as had engine issues, as well. Track officials took a gamble by placing the late model 40 lapper third on the feature card, and everyone was getting nervous as what could have been an outstanding UMP modified feature came up against the time limit. With the hobby stocks in staging and the radar looking rough, it was decided to dispense with prerace festivities and go quickly to green flag racing. As it turned out, all five features were completed with no rain, and the show ended about 9:30.
More and more tracks around the area are opening their doors for 2011, and hopefully the forecast improves for the coming weekend as Keagan and I are trying to make some plans for Saturday night racing. Maybe we will see you while we are racin' down the road!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Off and Running
The 2011 racing season officially got under way for yours truly this weekend with two nights of action. On Saturday night, four of us piled into my wifes Sonata and headed south for the opening night action at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. 27 UMP late models, 27 UMP modifieds, 27 UMP sportsmen, and 24 Pro 4s filled out a remarkably balanced card. As the track co owned by Ken Schrader is prone to do on a cool evening, the 7:00 show actually started a few minutes early, and the 12 heat races and late model B-main went off quickly. With several scratches in the mod and sportsman classes, their consys were canceled, and the 4 cylinders took the track for the nights first feature. As we normally make only three or four trips to I-55 each season, we are not familiar with the Pro-4 drivers, and usually just watch with no particular rooting interest. On this night, however, I found myself quietly rooting for two of the front runners. One of those was Justin Reando, who caught my eye with a 1977 Mustang ride. Needless to say, that machine took this old timer back to a different time in auto racing. The other favorite was the eventual race winner, and it was his name that made me a fan. The 6R car is driven by Dave Racer. If Hollywood tried to use that name, I wouldn't watch the movie! Racer took the win, with Aaron Faulkner second, and Reando third.
Next up was the UMP late model 25 lap 24 car finale. Although the track was smooth, the strong winds dried the track out, and there was just no rubber laid down. As a result, the surface was fast with no grip, and resulted in an large number of cautions. Through it all, youngster Nick Lyons, who just last season moved up from crate late models, held the lead he grabbed from his outside row one starting slot. UMP veteran Jason McBride stayed close, but could not muster a pass. One of the few drivers who seemed able to move was third generation driver Brandon Sheppard, however his charged ended mid race with suspension problems. Dewayne Kiefer brought his # 13 home in third, while Brandon Thirlby made his trip home to Traverse City, Michigan a bit shorter by claiming fourth. Quincy, Il. driver Rickey Frankel finished fifth, while another of my " local " drivers, Denny Woodworth, from Mendon,Il., finished 13th.
With Quincy Raceways regular Dave Weitholder starting mid pack in The UMP modified 20 lap feature, we decided the stay for the 22 car finale. While Dave exited early with a flat tire due to contact, we had already seen enough to have us hooked. The mods also produced an unusal number of cautions, but unlike the late models, the mods were able to do some passing. Mark Miner, who was doing double duty in the # 78 late model and # 7 mod, and whose daughter sang the national anthem, was the man to beat early. Still, Ray Walsh and " Big Block " Tim Hancock were on Mark like an ugly sweater, and tried everything to make the pass. Soon, UMP defending national champion Mike Harrison charged through to join the chase, with defending track champ Rusty Griffaw in tow. Follwing a lap 14 restart, Walsh and Hancock both found a way around, although Tim had to go back to third after another yellow. At the checkers, it was Walsh on top, followed by Hancock, Harrison, Miner, and Griffaw. The six place finisher was Ryan Thomas, from Martinsville, Indiana. Making his first visit to Pevely, Thomas nabbed the second heat as well. Counting late model youngster Dillin White from Kentucky, five states were represented for a weekly show! With the clock reading 10:17,and 165 miles to reach home, we decided to hit the road as the Sportsman feature rolled out. An internet check showed hot shoe Troy Naeger picked up the win.
Pevely is just an excellent facility with a super fast surface, certainly a track worth the long drive. On April 16, they will host the World of Outlaw Sprints.
As we parted company in the wee hours of Sunday, the thought was that the weatherman would keep us away from our Sunday evening gathering at Quincy Raceways for the 2011 opener. However, not only did the rain hold off, but the 87 degree temps were a stark contrast to Saturday nights 55 degrees.
Fans, drivers, and bloggers alike were very interested to see what the result of the extensive dirt work at the " Broadway Bullring " would be. The new surface drew positive reviews, and the only blemish was a slow developing hole at the entrance of turn one. More importantly, there was lots of passing, and side by side racing, with races won from both the top and bottom lanes. As was expected with the various weekend specials and this being a non points event, the car count was a bit thin, but the action made up for the shortage of cars. For the first time, there were five classes in action at QR with the addition of the 4 cylinder Wild Things. Although only a dozen strong, they certainly lived up to their name, with both of the top two runners falling out on the final lap, giving Chuck Fullenkamp the first feature win in Wild Thing history at QR.
2010 hobby stock runner up Bobby Anders quickly took the top spot, and ran off with the 20 lap feature after capturing his heat as well.
The IMCA stock car feature was a flag to flag event, with defending track champion Terry Houston leading the first half of the 12 lapper before Aaron Brocksieck slipped by for the win.
Only ten cars were left to start the UMP modified feature, as 2010 ULMA late model champion Vance Wilson, who moved back to the mods this season, broke a water pump in his heat race, scattering parts on the racing surface, and the # 33 of Kindhart had engine woes all night. Although there was plenty of back and forth action in the 25 lapper, polesitter Michael Long checked out on the field. Only Shaun Deering was able to stay anywhere close to Long, as the mods clicked off 19 green flag laps before the first of two cautions. even though QR has instituted the NASCAR style side by side restarts for the mods, Long again checked out for the win. Following Deering to the line was Dave Weitholder, Rickey Frankel in the Mike Begley # B4, and second generation ace Steven Delonjay.
14 IMCA late models took the green in the 30 lap finale on opening night. Outside polesitter Keith Pratt led lap one, with polesitter Lonnie Bailey coming back to lead the next two circuits. 2010 point runner up Jason Perry grabbed the top spot on lap four,one lap after the only caution of the event, and built a sizable lead as the field battled behind him. Eventually Mark Burgtorf was able to use the high line to move to the second spot, but Perry ran the bottom and middle grooves skillfully, and Mark was not able to gain much ground. Defending track champ Denny Woodworth captured third ahead of Bailey and Pratt.
Much to the delight of many, the show started promptly at 6:30, and the final checkers waved just before 8:30!
Track points for all classes except IMCA late models will start this Sunday, and the late model Deery Brothers Summer Series will make their first visit of 2011 to the track, so car counts will be expected to increase in all classes.
If the weatherman allows, it will be a double header Summer Series weekend for yours truly, with the Saturday running of the Slocum 50 honoring the late Brent Slocum at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
What ever your preference, take in a race this weekend. See you at the races!
Next up was the UMP late model 25 lap 24 car finale. Although the track was smooth, the strong winds dried the track out, and there was just no rubber laid down. As a result, the surface was fast with no grip, and resulted in an large number of cautions. Through it all, youngster Nick Lyons, who just last season moved up from crate late models, held the lead he grabbed from his outside row one starting slot. UMP veteran Jason McBride stayed close, but could not muster a pass. One of the few drivers who seemed able to move was third generation driver Brandon Sheppard, however his charged ended mid race with suspension problems. Dewayne Kiefer brought his # 13 home in third, while Brandon Thirlby made his trip home to Traverse City, Michigan a bit shorter by claiming fourth. Quincy, Il. driver Rickey Frankel finished fifth, while another of my " local " drivers, Denny Woodworth, from Mendon,Il., finished 13th.
With Quincy Raceways regular Dave Weitholder starting mid pack in The UMP modified 20 lap feature, we decided the stay for the 22 car finale. While Dave exited early with a flat tire due to contact, we had already seen enough to have us hooked. The mods also produced an unusal number of cautions, but unlike the late models, the mods were able to do some passing. Mark Miner, who was doing double duty in the # 78 late model and # 7 mod, and whose daughter sang the national anthem, was the man to beat early. Still, Ray Walsh and " Big Block " Tim Hancock were on Mark like an ugly sweater, and tried everything to make the pass. Soon, UMP defending national champion Mike Harrison charged through to join the chase, with defending track champ Rusty Griffaw in tow. Follwing a lap 14 restart, Walsh and Hancock both found a way around, although Tim had to go back to third after another yellow. At the checkers, it was Walsh on top, followed by Hancock, Harrison, Miner, and Griffaw. The six place finisher was Ryan Thomas, from Martinsville, Indiana. Making his first visit to Pevely, Thomas nabbed the second heat as well. Counting late model youngster Dillin White from Kentucky, five states were represented for a weekly show! With the clock reading 10:17,and 165 miles to reach home, we decided to hit the road as the Sportsman feature rolled out. An internet check showed hot shoe Troy Naeger picked up the win.
Pevely is just an excellent facility with a super fast surface, certainly a track worth the long drive. On April 16, they will host the World of Outlaw Sprints.
As we parted company in the wee hours of Sunday, the thought was that the weatherman would keep us away from our Sunday evening gathering at Quincy Raceways for the 2011 opener. However, not only did the rain hold off, but the 87 degree temps were a stark contrast to Saturday nights 55 degrees.
Fans, drivers, and bloggers alike were very interested to see what the result of the extensive dirt work at the " Broadway Bullring " would be. The new surface drew positive reviews, and the only blemish was a slow developing hole at the entrance of turn one. More importantly, there was lots of passing, and side by side racing, with races won from both the top and bottom lanes. As was expected with the various weekend specials and this being a non points event, the car count was a bit thin, but the action made up for the shortage of cars. For the first time, there were five classes in action at QR with the addition of the 4 cylinder Wild Things. Although only a dozen strong, they certainly lived up to their name, with both of the top two runners falling out on the final lap, giving Chuck Fullenkamp the first feature win in Wild Thing history at QR.
2010 hobby stock runner up Bobby Anders quickly took the top spot, and ran off with the 20 lap feature after capturing his heat as well.
The IMCA stock car feature was a flag to flag event, with defending track champion Terry Houston leading the first half of the 12 lapper before Aaron Brocksieck slipped by for the win.
Only ten cars were left to start the UMP modified feature, as 2010 ULMA late model champion Vance Wilson, who moved back to the mods this season, broke a water pump in his heat race, scattering parts on the racing surface, and the # 33 of Kindhart had engine woes all night. Although there was plenty of back and forth action in the 25 lapper, polesitter Michael Long checked out on the field. Only Shaun Deering was able to stay anywhere close to Long, as the mods clicked off 19 green flag laps before the first of two cautions. even though QR has instituted the NASCAR style side by side restarts for the mods, Long again checked out for the win. Following Deering to the line was Dave Weitholder, Rickey Frankel in the Mike Begley # B4, and second generation ace Steven Delonjay.
14 IMCA late models took the green in the 30 lap finale on opening night. Outside polesitter Keith Pratt led lap one, with polesitter Lonnie Bailey coming back to lead the next two circuits. 2010 point runner up Jason Perry grabbed the top spot on lap four,one lap after the only caution of the event, and built a sizable lead as the field battled behind him. Eventually Mark Burgtorf was able to use the high line to move to the second spot, but Perry ran the bottom and middle grooves skillfully, and Mark was not able to gain much ground. Defending track champ Denny Woodworth captured third ahead of Bailey and Pratt.
Much to the delight of many, the show started promptly at 6:30, and the final checkers waved just before 8:30!
Track points for all classes except IMCA late models will start this Sunday, and the late model Deery Brothers Summer Series will make their first visit of 2011 to the track, so car counts will be expected to increase in all classes.
If the weatherman allows, it will be a double header Summer Series weekend for yours truly, with the Saturday running of the Slocum 50 honoring the late Brent Slocum at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
What ever your preference, take in a race this weekend. See you at the races!
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