With apologies to the stick and puck crowd, I quite unexpectedly enjoyed my first three race weekend of this very wet season. Things started off on Saturday, when Darryl, Fred and I made a last minute decision to venture north to the West Liberty, Iowa Raceway, a gamble considering it was the closest track that had not canceled by afternoon. The skies looked threatening as we headed out, but as we ventured north, the clouds began to scatter, and gave way to a pleasant if cool evening. We arrived just as hot laps were beginning. 81 cars in five classes checked in to do battle on the big 1/2 mile, with 23 open modifieds the largest class. The heat races were caution plagued, but the action picked up come feature time. The IMCA type modifieds ran the first main event, and they had a bit of a struggle with four early cautions before going caution free the rest of the way. Todd Hansen was the early leader before breaking a steering box. Veteran Larry Herring is doing double duty in the mods 2011, and he picked up the win over Mark Schulte. During this race, announcer Jerry Mackey mentioned that the Simmons Promotions tracks of Farley, West Liberty, and Dubuque have rule this season that each caution after the fourth results in the race being shortened by one lap. This is an interesting variation on the time limit concept. Fortunately, the rule did not come in to play on Saturday.
Nate Chandler topped the 16 car IMCA Sport Compact feature, which provided unneeded drama. Steve Miedke was attempting a pass for the lead entering turn one when he broke a wheel. The car dug in, and began a series of five or so violent flips, as he was a good 15 feet or so in the air. One report said Steve suffered a broken hand in the wreck.
David Brandies was the early leader in the 12 car stock car feature, with Matt Greiner in close pursuit. Following a lap eight caution, Blaine Doplar shot from third to first, and held off Greiner and Brandies for the win. Incredibly, the youngster said it was his first ever visit to West Liberty as a driver or fan!
20 cars started the open mod 20 lap finale, with Noah Coppes the man to beat. By the time the yellow flew on lap seven, Steve Stewart had charged from 12th to second, but Coppes was hooked up and took the win.
All 15 IMCA late models started the 25 lapper, with Tommy Elston taking the early lead. Lap five saw Andy Eckrich overtake Elston, and five laps later Brian Harris took the second spot. Harris then got by Eckrich following a lpa 15 yellow, and kept his # 21H out front to the checkers. Eckrich stayed close to nab second, with Colby Springsteen getting past Elston for third. A pair of 34 Raceway visitors, Tom Goble and Sam Halstead took the next two spots. Dale Stolte also made his first appearance of the season at the track, and had stock car ace Wayne Hora in another car from his stable.
We left the fairgrounds about 10:45 not sure there would be any more weekend racing given the forecast.
Sunday morning looked good until I walked out of church to dark skies. Although Quincy Raceways crew spent several hours trying to get the pits dried out, it was not to be, and the decision was made to postpone the holiday show featuring the Sprint Invaders to Monday evening. As things turned out, racing became an unexpected possibility on Sunday, and grandson Keagan and I tagged along with Fred and Darryl for a quick trip to Kevin Gundakers Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Il. The program featured UMP late models racing for a $10,000 top prize, along with $1,000 to win UMP modifieds ans UMP crates for $750 to win. With several cars venturing north from the Show Me 100, 47 late models signed in, along with 60 modifieds and 27 crates. Late model group qualifying saw Brian Shirley set quick overall time at 15.536 seconds on the 3/8 mile. Like most midwest tracks, Tri City has had lots of rain this spring, and a stubborn hole developed in turn one. Track crews worked hard to keep the track smooth, and along with the huge car count, the evening ran a bit long. Late model heat wins went to Shirley, Billy Moyer, Eric Jacobsen, Scott James, and Mark Burgtorf. Defending track champion Craig Smith nabbed the C-main, and Kevin Cole outran Billy Moyer Jr, in the B-main. To keep the show moving, the dash was canceled, and the 50 lap feature would start straight up. Although the crate heats ran first, the late model main was moved up to the first of the finales, and Shirley jumped to a big early lead. As the field duked it out behind, the " Highside Hustler " Jason Feger found the sweet spot on the oval, and began a charge from his ninth starting spot. Once the popular Feger grabbed the lead, he was in command, although James stayed close as the two negotiated lapped traffic. Moyer was never a threat to win, but held on for third, while Dale McDowell charged from 18th to fourth. Jacobsen rebounded late to take fifth from Shirley, and the rest of the top ten included defending UMP national champ Rusty Schlenk, Shannon Babb, Burgtorf, the final car on the lead lap, and Dan Schleiper.
As it was past 11:30, we took our leave before the final features. NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader grabbed the mod win after Quincy ace Michael Long had some bad luck, while leading, and Quincian Dustin Griffin topped the crates. The Gundaker family has went to considerable expense building new rest room and concession areas behind the grandstands, as they turn this popular venue into a top notch facility in the St Louis metro east area.
Arriving home at 2:30, Monday morning came early, as I had agreed to a Monday barbeque, thinking I would not be going racing. So I was a bit late to Quincy Raceways, and I was immediately pleased as I entered the pit area. Moving the show to the holiday on short notice - added to the fact that IMCA points could not be given to late models and stock cars on the off night - left me not knowing what to expect, car count wise. In fact, the count was up in most classes, led by the 23 360 sprint cars. a season high 12 stock cars signed in, and for the first time, the feature went to someone other than Aaron Brocksieck. Aaron had an early flat tire, and things went down hill from there. Kevin Tomlinson finally got his #49 on track, taking a hard fought win over Abe Huls. Abe also paid an early visit to the hot pit, then worked his way back to second, but could not overcome Tomlinson.
The Sprint Invaders ran feature number two, and after a couple of mid race cautions, Jim Moughan dialed up the heat with his # 1M, leading Kaley Gharst to the checkers.
Bobby Anders picked up his fourth hobby stock win in four tries, topping a 14 car field.
The late models were up next, and as it was not a points night, 12 year old Jake Griffin was allowed to strap some IMCA tires on his crate late model and join the fray, making him the only two class racer for the night. Lonnie Bailey took the early lead from his pole start on a track that had become rather slick after the sprint feature. Third starting Denny Woodworth began to work on Bailey, taking the lead before lap ten, and running mistake free for the win. Lonnie held off Joey Gower for third, and Griffin came from eighth to fourth in the 15 car event.
Visiting Bill Michel from Farmington, Iowa took top honors over 12
4 cylinder Wild Things.
All but one of the 18 UMP modifieds took the green flag, and they had some trouble early on the slick track, losing six cars in one crash, before ripping off 15 or so green flag laps. Then Vance Wilson, fresh off a fourth place run the previous night at Tri City, smacked the front stretch wall, ans was hit hard by Travis Griffith. Travis was momentarily dazed, and when he finally exited his car, it was obvious both cars had heavy damage. Throughout, early leader Shawn Deering, and hard charging Steven Delonjay waged a good battle, finishing in that order.
It was a late night at QR, but the action was good and the racing fast, a solid finish to a long holiday weekend. I was able spend some time at QR visiting with 34 Raceway owners Amy and Jeff Laue. Unfortunately, 34 lost two nights of racing plus a post race concert over the weekend, as over four inches of rain pounded the speedway during the week. The West Burlington track has been fortunate to get in several nights in 2011, and they have a full calender over the next four months. Quincy Raceway has announced that popular NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace will be in action with his modified on mid season championship night, June 26.
As for me, a lot of weekend activities are on the June schedule that do not involve racing, so that made this "3 fer " all the more fun! See you at the races.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sizzle in the Drizzle
After last nights Lucas Oil late model show at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, I think maybe Amy and Jeff Laue should join a co ed softball team, because they just keep hitting home runs! Somehow they took a lousy weather day with an ominous forecast and turned it into a show that will be talked about all season. As Keagan and I were driving north, I told him we would probably sit in the car as long as possible before purchasing our tickets because it looked like the rain was getting close. When we turned east on highway 34, however, it seemed obvious it would be a while, so we found our seats just after 5:30 and headed for the concession stand as the tractors continued to pack the track. Hot laps started on time at 6:30 and 37 quality late models were joined by 17 305 sprints and 21 mod lites.
Again, late model time trials began promptly at 7:00, and the cars were timed three at a time, moving things along quickly and creating activity all around the 3/8 mile. as it turned out, the first car out, the " Kentucky Colonel " Steve Francis set overall fast time in a brand new Mastersbilt machine. Unfortunately, we never did hear the exact time, but as Brad Neat had quick time in the second qualifying group at 15.111 seconds, Steve was somewhere around 15.00, which translates to about 90 MPH. As the final few cars took their qualifying laps, the drizzle started and as Francis was being interviewed on track the showers picked up. It was obvious we would have at least a delay, so we headed to the car for warmer coats. While sitting in the parking lot, we heard the 305 engines on the track, and came back in to the facility just as the # 50P of Harold Pohren crashed and caught into flames in turns 3 and 4. With the wreck cleaned up and the driver OK, the two sprint heats were run. During this time, the mod lites were pulled from staging, and the late models clicked off four caution free heats. Even though they were lined up straight up by times, there was still plenty of action for the four qualifying slots. Heat winners would make up the first two rows of the 50 lap finale, with heat one winner Francis and heat three winner Neat on row one, and defending series champion Scott
Bloomquist and local favorite Brian Birkhofer on row two. The mod lites did their part with three caution free 6 lap heats , and as the mist continued to start, stop, lighten up, and come harder, the late model drivers lined up for two 12 lap B-mains. With only the top three in each B moving to the feature, the action was intense. Dale McDowell took the first consy, while Jared Landers powered his # 777 to the checkers in the second 12 lapper. The finish of the night was in this race, as another area favorite, Darren Miller, was crusing in third position when his Diercks owned # 32D began to slow on the track. Steve Casebolt and alligator farmer Chris Wall began to reel him in. At the checkers it looked as though Wall made have had the spot, but the transponder scoring showed Darren in third. This was huge for Miller, as Wall was able to use one of two " emergency "provisionals offered to series regulars as a chance to pick up points, while Miller had no such chance. Rookie of the year and second generation driver Frank Heckenast Jr. also used an emergency, while Dennis Erb Jr. and 15 year old Tyler Reddick received regular point provisionals, making a 26 car starting field. I will admit to groaning when the flagmen started down the ladder, but when the announcement came that it would be a ten minute break and the late models would run the first feature, I knew that was a good call. Knowing the situation, the touring drivers, who sometimes can be a bit casual about coming to staging, quickly lined up and hit the track. There were no driver introductions, thank goodness, and after one of the worst four wide parade laps ever, the green flag waved at 9:02! Neat led lap one before Francis took over for the nest five circuits. Birkhofer was on the charge, and ran down Francis, taking the lead on lap six. Francis then took the spot back before Billy Moyer got bottled up and spun in turn two one lap later, bringing out the first caution. The Delaware style restart put Francis out front, and he opened up a lead he held until lap 22, when Birkhofer again took the point. One lap later Reddick spun with a low tire, bringing out the second and final caution. On the restart, Birky was on a rail, stretching out a straightaway lead, as Francis, Jimmy Owens, and Bloomquist, winner of the last four series race, dueled behind him. By the time Bloomer took possession of the second spot, Brian was flying through lapped traffic, and looked uncatchable. Still, the # 0 was eating away at the lead, and while Birkhofer still had a healthy lead at the checkers, Scott was clearly the man on the move. The win was a popular one for the Muscatine driver, who offered kudos to not only the Laues, but also former track owner and sponsor, the late Johnny Johnson. It was the first win of 2011 for Brian, who said it was only his fifth night out this season. Francis hung around to take third, followed by Owens and John Blankenship. The second five was led by Iowan Chris Simpson, then a fast moving Shannon Babb, Neat, Mike Marlar in #36 , and Scott James in the Riggs Racing # 81. The checkers waved just before 9:30. With the drizzle still falling along with the temperature, Keagan and I headed for the car as the sprints awaited their chance at the lightening fast and smooth as glass racing surface. As we rolled west, we moved in and out of rain showers, and upon arriving home, we learned that the sprints were only able to complete 11 laps before the track became unraceable. I understand that the running order may have been a bit different and the pace a bit more leisurely had the weather been favorable, but I cannot say enough about the promoters, Lucas officials and the drivers for doing all they could to reward the hearty group in attendance. I know there are a bunch of folks who regret staying home last night, as we simply do not get this type of quality show this close to home for those of us in the Tri State area. I will take that show for a $30.00 ticket any chance I get!
As I prepared to type this blog, I received an e mail from Quincy Raceways stating that USMTS promoter Todd Staley has postponed the USMTS tour races tonight at Spoon River Speedway and tomorrow night at Quincy Raceways. He is working with both tracks on a reschedule date. As of 3:30 on Saturday, Quincy Raceways is still hoping to run a regular race night tomorrow, with IMCA late models and stock cars, UMP modifieds, hobby stocks and Wild Things. A decision based on the weather will be made yet today or early Sunday.
The spring weather has not been kind to midwest race tracks, so get out and support your local track whenever you can. See you at the races!
Again, late model time trials began promptly at 7:00, and the cars were timed three at a time, moving things along quickly and creating activity all around the 3/8 mile. as it turned out, the first car out, the " Kentucky Colonel " Steve Francis set overall fast time in a brand new Mastersbilt machine. Unfortunately, we never did hear the exact time, but as Brad Neat had quick time in the second qualifying group at 15.111 seconds, Steve was somewhere around 15.00, which translates to about 90 MPH. As the final few cars took their qualifying laps, the drizzle started and as Francis was being interviewed on track the showers picked up. It was obvious we would have at least a delay, so we headed to the car for warmer coats. While sitting in the parking lot, we heard the 305 engines on the track, and came back in to the facility just as the # 50P of Harold Pohren crashed and caught into flames in turns 3 and 4. With the wreck cleaned up and the driver OK, the two sprint heats were run. During this time, the mod lites were pulled from staging, and the late models clicked off four caution free heats. Even though they were lined up straight up by times, there was still plenty of action for the four qualifying slots. Heat winners would make up the first two rows of the 50 lap finale, with heat one winner Francis and heat three winner Neat on row one, and defending series champion Scott
Bloomquist and local favorite Brian Birkhofer on row two. The mod lites did their part with three caution free 6 lap heats , and as the mist continued to start, stop, lighten up, and come harder, the late model drivers lined up for two 12 lap B-mains. With only the top three in each B moving to the feature, the action was intense. Dale McDowell took the first consy, while Jared Landers powered his # 777 to the checkers in the second 12 lapper. The finish of the night was in this race, as another area favorite, Darren Miller, was crusing in third position when his Diercks owned # 32D began to slow on the track. Steve Casebolt and alligator farmer Chris Wall began to reel him in. At the checkers it looked as though Wall made have had the spot, but the transponder scoring showed Darren in third. This was huge for Miller, as Wall was able to use one of two " emergency "provisionals offered to series regulars as a chance to pick up points, while Miller had no such chance. Rookie of the year and second generation driver Frank Heckenast Jr. also used an emergency, while Dennis Erb Jr. and 15 year old Tyler Reddick received regular point provisionals, making a 26 car starting field. I will admit to groaning when the flagmen started down the ladder, but when the announcement came that it would be a ten minute break and the late models would run the first feature, I knew that was a good call. Knowing the situation, the touring drivers, who sometimes can be a bit casual about coming to staging, quickly lined up and hit the track. There were no driver introductions, thank goodness, and after one of the worst four wide parade laps ever, the green flag waved at 9:02! Neat led lap one before Francis took over for the nest five circuits. Birkhofer was on the charge, and ran down Francis, taking the lead on lap six. Francis then took the spot back before Billy Moyer got bottled up and spun in turn two one lap later, bringing out the first caution. The Delaware style restart put Francis out front, and he opened up a lead he held until lap 22, when Birkhofer again took the point. One lap later Reddick spun with a low tire, bringing out the second and final caution. On the restart, Birky was on a rail, stretching out a straightaway lead, as Francis, Jimmy Owens, and Bloomquist, winner of the last four series race, dueled behind him. By the time Bloomer took possession of the second spot, Brian was flying through lapped traffic, and looked uncatchable. Still, the # 0 was eating away at the lead, and while Birkhofer still had a healthy lead at the checkers, Scott was clearly the man on the move. The win was a popular one for the Muscatine driver, who offered kudos to not only the Laues, but also former track owner and sponsor, the late Johnny Johnson. It was the first win of 2011 for Brian, who said it was only his fifth night out this season. Francis hung around to take third, followed by Owens and John Blankenship. The second five was led by Iowan Chris Simpson, then a fast moving Shannon Babb, Neat, Mike Marlar in #36 , and Scott James in the Riggs Racing # 81. The checkers waved just before 9:30. With the drizzle still falling along with the temperature, Keagan and I headed for the car as the sprints awaited their chance at the lightening fast and smooth as glass racing surface. As we rolled west, we moved in and out of rain showers, and upon arriving home, we learned that the sprints were only able to complete 11 laps before the track became unraceable. I understand that the running order may have been a bit different and the pace a bit more leisurely had the weather been favorable, but I cannot say enough about the promoters, Lucas officials and the drivers for doing all they could to reward the hearty group in attendance. I know there are a bunch of folks who regret staying home last night, as we simply do not get this type of quality show this close to home for those of us in the Tri State area. I will take that show for a $30.00 ticket any chance I get!
As I prepared to type this blog, I received an e mail from Quincy Raceways stating that USMTS promoter Todd Staley has postponed the USMTS tour races tonight at Spoon River Speedway and tomorrow night at Quincy Raceways. He is working with both tracks on a reschedule date. As of 3:30 on Saturday, Quincy Raceways is still hoping to run a regular race night tomorrow, with IMCA late models and stock cars, UMP modifieds, hobby stocks and Wild Things. A decision based on the weather will be made yet today or early Sunday.
The spring weather has not been kind to midwest race tracks, so get out and support your local track whenever you can. See you at the races!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Home Cookin' This Weekend
For the last three seasons, we have been trying to take in a race at Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, Kentucky. On one of our last trips to Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway before it closed, buddy Darryl and I stopped in for a look at the 3/8 mile track co owned by Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bob Sargent. Bob had promoted several races at Quincy Raceways and happened to be there on that day, so he invited us to look around. Right then we determined to come back for a race. The problem is that they are a Friday night track, a problem for both of us. But every March, they schedule a Saturday night Lucas Oil late model show. So for three seasons, the show has been on our schedule, and the first two seasons fell to rain. Rain or not, 2011 was not to be, as the nearby Clarks River overflowed its banks in a big way, leaving several feet of water covering the track and grounds. Oh well, as the Cubs fans like to say, " Wait till next year!"
With the absolutely great weather Saturday, staying home was not an option, so Darryl, Keagan and I loaded up for the 90 minute trip to 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Ia. 90 race team signed in, including 19 IMCA late models. The 14 heat races clicked off quickly, and after a short intermission, the features started around 8:30. 20 modifieds started things off, and ran a fast paced 13 laps before the cautions took hold. It seems like cautions breed more cautions, and I know the " boss " Jeff Broeg would say the double file restarts is one of the main causes. He may be right ( but i still prefer them! ) Dean McGee kept his # H7 out front as the field mixed it up behind him, but the final restart became his downfall, as defending track champion Scott Hogan powered to the front and the checkers. Rich Smith, who had led very briefly, grabbed third. Next up came the 305 sprints, who also had some caution issues, covering 20 laps in 30 minutes or so. Chad Huston made the long trip from Jamesport,Mo. pay off with a big win. He was closely followed by Justin Parrish, Brandyn Martin, who brought along a big cheering section from Eldon, Ia., and Jayson Ditsworth, who made a great late charge before running out of laps. Things got back on track as the 18 car IMCA stock car field went flag to flag in right at eight minutes! Chris Webb led the entire distance for the win over Shane Wells. Jeff Mueller failed to qualify through his heat race, started 14th and moved up nine spots to claim fifth. All 19 late models took the green, with Jeff Guengerich and Keith Pratt on the front row. Pratt has been a loyal 34 supporter for years, but has been snake bit by the high banked 3/8 mile. So when he grabbed the lead and began to stretch it out, you had to wonder what might go wrong. And when the caution came out to bunch the field, it was " uh
oh " time. In the closing laps, eight starting Justin Reed moved up on KP's bumper, and pulled alongside at the checkers, but it was to be Pratts night.
Reed came to victory lane to congratulate Keith after a good, clean race. Rob Toland challenged early and settled for third, while Jason Frankel advanced seven spots from 11th to fourth. Matt Strassheim started along side Jason and took fifth. With the clock barely past 10:00, we hung around for the flag to flag hobby stock feature. Dean Kratzer held the lead throughout, although Ray Raker was closing fast at the checkers. Kudos to the 34 crew for a smooth race surface and a fast paced program. This was my third trip to 34 already this season and I have been impressed each time.
Sunday night was more " home cookin' " for the first time in three weeks, as Quincy Raceways was finally able to get back to racing. Both the car and crowd numbers were down a bit, not unexpected on Mothers Day. As has been the case all three race nights, the track surface was smooth and fast, with the top groove the preferred way around in the heats, while to bottom and middle were the place to be in the features. QR officials did a good job of listening to the drivers and fans, and both hot laps and the heat races actually started a few minutes before the advertised time. Good for them!
The heat races took only about 45 minutes, and again a short intermission saw the feature start about 7:30. The IMCA stock cars were out first and they offer up such good close racing at QR, if only a few more would come to race. Aaron Brocksieck in his pink and white # 40A had won the previous two nights, but he brought out a first lap caution with a flat tire. He changed it quickly and tagged the tail, as defending champion Terry Houston grabbed the lead. Brocksieck was aided by only one more caution in the 15 lapper, but was still able to find a way to the front, pulling away for win number three. Houston and Andrew Griffin crossed the stripe side by side, and only the automatic scoring chips could give Houston the edge.
The 20 lap hobby stock feature was next up, and with two time winner Bobby Anders and defending champ Steve Carlin up front, the race was decided by turn one. Keokuk,Ia driver Brandon Symmonds shadowed Carlin for third, his best finish of the young season.
15 IMCA late models took the green flag with Saturday nights one , two combo of Pratt and Reed on the front row. This was to be Justins night, and he was a flag to flag winner. Sixth starting Jason Frankel jumped the turn one cushion, collecting the cars of Joey Gower, and Robbie Warner, who was out for the first time in 2011. 2010 track champ Denny Woodworth advanced from seventh to the runner up spot ahead of Lonnie Bailey and Pratt. Jason Krigbaum purchased the Terry Gallaher late model this past week, and ran sixth in his season debut.
Only eight 4 cylinder Wild Things took the green for the 12 lap feature, but the competition was intense behind runaway winner Craig Bangert. Seith Woodruff outdueld Casey Kendrick for second.
Perhaps wisely, track officials saved the UMP modified class for the final feature. All 22 cars started the scheduled 25 lap main event. The first eight laps clicked off quickly, and by then secind row starter Michael Long had taken over the top spot. After a caution on lap nine, a nine car pile up at the start finish line stopped the action - i guess Jeff is right! - There were a couple more cautions before a lap 19 restart saw second running Rickey Frankel and third place Vance Wilson getting together in turn one, resulting in both cars spinning. Some extra-curricular activities resulted in both drivers being sent pitside. With the time limit met, a yellow at lap 20 ended the fray. Long cruised to the win ahead of Jared Schlipman and IMCA racer Adam Birck in his first visit of the season. As I fired up the Impala, the dash clock read exactly 9:00.
This coming weekend has the potential to be one of the really great racing weekends. Friday night will be the Lucas Oil late model extravaganza at 34 Raceway, and especially after missing out last weekend, I am anxious to get my first look at the traveling stars in 2011. On Sunday night, the USMTS traveling modified series is back at Quincy Raceways after a several year absence. It will be exciting to see the top national mods challenge to QR hot shoes. The IMCA late models will also be in action. What ever your taste, be sure and take in some racing this weekend!
With the absolutely great weather Saturday, staying home was not an option, so Darryl, Keagan and I loaded up for the 90 minute trip to 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Ia. 90 race team signed in, including 19 IMCA late models. The 14 heat races clicked off quickly, and after a short intermission, the features started around 8:30. 20 modifieds started things off, and ran a fast paced 13 laps before the cautions took hold. It seems like cautions breed more cautions, and I know the " boss " Jeff Broeg would say the double file restarts is one of the main causes. He may be right ( but i still prefer them! ) Dean McGee kept his # H7 out front as the field mixed it up behind him, but the final restart became his downfall, as defending track champion Scott Hogan powered to the front and the checkers. Rich Smith, who had led very briefly, grabbed third. Next up came the 305 sprints, who also had some caution issues, covering 20 laps in 30 minutes or so. Chad Huston made the long trip from Jamesport,Mo. pay off with a big win. He was closely followed by Justin Parrish, Brandyn Martin, who brought along a big cheering section from Eldon, Ia., and Jayson Ditsworth, who made a great late charge before running out of laps. Things got back on track as the 18 car IMCA stock car field went flag to flag in right at eight minutes! Chris Webb led the entire distance for the win over Shane Wells. Jeff Mueller failed to qualify through his heat race, started 14th and moved up nine spots to claim fifth. All 19 late models took the green, with Jeff Guengerich and Keith Pratt on the front row. Pratt has been a loyal 34 supporter for years, but has been snake bit by the high banked 3/8 mile. So when he grabbed the lead and began to stretch it out, you had to wonder what might go wrong. And when the caution came out to bunch the field, it was " uh
oh " time. In the closing laps, eight starting Justin Reed moved up on KP's bumper, and pulled alongside at the checkers, but it was to be Pratts night.
Reed came to victory lane to congratulate Keith after a good, clean race. Rob Toland challenged early and settled for third, while Jason Frankel advanced seven spots from 11th to fourth. Matt Strassheim started along side Jason and took fifth. With the clock barely past 10:00, we hung around for the flag to flag hobby stock feature. Dean Kratzer held the lead throughout, although Ray Raker was closing fast at the checkers. Kudos to the 34 crew for a smooth race surface and a fast paced program. This was my third trip to 34 already this season and I have been impressed each time.
Sunday night was more " home cookin' " for the first time in three weeks, as Quincy Raceways was finally able to get back to racing. Both the car and crowd numbers were down a bit, not unexpected on Mothers Day. As has been the case all three race nights, the track surface was smooth and fast, with the top groove the preferred way around in the heats, while to bottom and middle were the place to be in the features. QR officials did a good job of listening to the drivers and fans, and both hot laps and the heat races actually started a few minutes before the advertised time. Good for them!
The heat races took only about 45 minutes, and again a short intermission saw the feature start about 7:30. The IMCA stock cars were out first and they offer up such good close racing at QR, if only a few more would come to race. Aaron Brocksieck in his pink and white # 40A had won the previous two nights, but he brought out a first lap caution with a flat tire. He changed it quickly and tagged the tail, as defending champion Terry Houston grabbed the lead. Brocksieck was aided by only one more caution in the 15 lapper, but was still able to find a way to the front, pulling away for win number three. Houston and Andrew Griffin crossed the stripe side by side, and only the automatic scoring chips could give Houston the edge.
The 20 lap hobby stock feature was next up, and with two time winner Bobby Anders and defending champ Steve Carlin up front, the race was decided by turn one. Keokuk,Ia driver Brandon Symmonds shadowed Carlin for third, his best finish of the young season.
15 IMCA late models took the green flag with Saturday nights one , two combo of Pratt and Reed on the front row. This was to be Justins night, and he was a flag to flag winner. Sixth starting Jason Frankel jumped the turn one cushion, collecting the cars of Joey Gower, and Robbie Warner, who was out for the first time in 2011. 2010 track champ Denny Woodworth advanced from seventh to the runner up spot ahead of Lonnie Bailey and Pratt. Jason Krigbaum purchased the Terry Gallaher late model this past week, and ran sixth in his season debut.
Only eight 4 cylinder Wild Things took the green for the 12 lap feature, but the competition was intense behind runaway winner Craig Bangert. Seith Woodruff outdueld Casey Kendrick for second.
Perhaps wisely, track officials saved the UMP modified class for the final feature. All 22 cars started the scheduled 25 lap main event. The first eight laps clicked off quickly, and by then secind row starter Michael Long had taken over the top spot. After a caution on lap nine, a nine car pile up at the start finish line stopped the action - i guess Jeff is right! - There were a couple more cautions before a lap 19 restart saw second running Rickey Frankel and third place Vance Wilson getting together in turn one, resulting in both cars spinning. Some extra-curricular activities resulted in both drivers being sent pitside. With the time limit met, a yellow at lap 20 ended the fray. Long cruised to the win ahead of Jared Schlipman and IMCA racer Adam Birck in his first visit of the season. As I fired up the Impala, the dash clock read exactly 9:00.
This coming weekend has the potential to be one of the really great racing weekends. Friday night will be the Lucas Oil late model extravaganza at 34 Raceway, and especially after missing out last weekend, I am anxious to get my first look at the traveling stars in 2011. On Sunday night, the USMTS traveling modified series is back at Quincy Raceways after a several year absence. It will be exciting to see the top national mods challenge to QR hot shoes. The IMCA late models will also be in action. What ever your taste, be sure and take in some racing this weekend!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Two Outta Three Ain't Bad
My first attempt at a three race weekend began Friday when I was able to get away from work close to on time. I hustled to pick up grandson Keagan and took off on the 45 minute drive to Lee county Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa for their season opener. With Davenport, Iowa Speedway not racing and IMCA late models added to the regular five class program, the pits appeared full, and the final count of 131 cars attested to that. Still, the program began only about 20 minutes late, a rarity for LCS, but certainly understandable. Unfortunately, this was not the only setback, as the sunshine and strong winds all day long contributed to surprisingly dusty conditions, and a track that was slicker than usual. It seemed likely that the moisture would eventually come to the surface, but when this did not happen, promoter Terry Hoenig wisely took a few trips around the top of the track with the water truck a few times during the night. Even that did not help the IMCA Sport Mods, who simply could not manage to put together green flag laps as the first feature of the evening. Mercifully, the time limit was reached with eight laps in the books, with newcomer Dylan Book from Adel, Iowa, driving the b00k car to the first feature win of the season. New daddy Jeff Mueller will be doing double duty this year, wheeling the # 3D sport mod driven to the track title last year by Jason Cook, as well as his own IMCA stock car. Jeff grabbed the runner up spot in his first night in the car.
Next out was the hobby stocks, and they did a nice job for their 15 lapper, with veteran Dan Wenig nabbing the win over Dane Fenton. Jim Lynch, an early favorite for best looking car with his # 66, took third.
The IMCA late models rolled out next, with only Darin Weisinger failing to make the call, leaving 23 starters. With heat race qualifiers Ray Guss Jr., and Mark Burgtorf drawing the front row, it seemed like this race could indeed be won on the first lap. When the green flag waved, Guss out raced Burgtorf to turn one, and never gave up that advantage as the field clicked off 25 caution free laps. Mark closed in on more than one occasion, but the defending national champion worked lapped traffic to perfection to keep the # 7B at bay. Two Quincy Raceways regulars, Justin Reed and Jason Perry waged a thrilling duel for third, with Perry finnaly grabbing the spot late in the race. Jeff Aikey advance three spots to overtake long distance traveler Charie McKenna for fifth. In victory lane, Guss informed the crowd that team patriarch Hershel Roberts was in the hospital, and the # 58 team lead by son Ken Roberts made the last minute decision to come race. The surprise entry in the late model field was long time open motor racer Nick Marolf. With his home track of West Liberty, Iowa switching to IMCA type rules in 2011, Nick was taking laps with the spec engine cars.
Although there were still three features to run, Keagan and I were working on long days and decided to head back to Missouri. Congratulations to Josh Foster in the modifieds, Jeff Mueller in stock cars, and Darin Smith in the wild things on opening night wins. It was good to see the grandstands full on a chilly night at the fairgrounds.
After a Saturday morning trip to the grocery stores and a well deserved(?) nap, Keagan and I, along with buddy Fred Peters loaded the car and headed for the West Liberty, Iowa for the second leg of the May Daze Classic. The annual event is a two day, two race weekend at Farley Speedway on Friday and West Liberty on Saturday, with the 50 lap open late model features paying $10,000 to win. On Saturday, the open modifieds, and IMCA sport compacts - 4 cylinder cars - served as backing classes. While the late model count was down a bit this season - Farley had 30 late models sign in, while Liberty had 29, the quality of the field was top notch. As we have seen often during a wet April, the fairgrounds half mile was a bit rough, but it was also " bad fast. " The 28 car modified field was whittled down to 24 for the 20 lap feature event, although only 21 took the green. Things started slowly, with two yellow flags before a lap was complete, but once things got rolling, only one other caution slowed the action, a lap ten caution for a slowing Bruce Hanford. Visitor Colt Mather started up front, and held the lead from start to finish. Steve Stewart trailed Mather throughout, taking the runner up spot. Ryan Dolan finished last in a loaded first heat race, came through one of the two B-mains, and charged from a row seven start to take third. Veteran dirt and pavement racer Johnny Spaw brought out the first lap one caution, then went pitside with a flat tire. Spaw barely made it back out in time, then powered from 21st to cross the line in seventh.
The sport compact ten lap finale turned in to a family affair, with Merv Chandler holding off son Nate by no more than a bumper at the finish. And son Brad took third, sliding his car to a stop after the checkers entering turn one with a fire in his engine compartment.
By now, the large crowd was ready for the main event. Three heat races, a B-main and a fast six dash based on passing points had set the 24 car field, with crowd favorite Brian Birkhofer and central Illinois UMP ace Brian Shirley on the front row. Row two starters were Friday night winner Billy Moyer, and another local favorite Denny Eckrich, and the final two dash qualifiers were the # 28x of Justin Mitchell, and hotshoe Shannon Babb.
To the delight of the crowd,Birky jumped out to the early lead, with Babb taking the runner up spot from Moyer. A caution on lap 11 saw Moyer take back second, but Babb was the man on the move, taking the second spot about lap 23, and the point about lap 25, with a dandy low side charge in turns one and two. Just when it looked like Babb had it wrapped up, the yellow waved on lap 38 for former track regular Matt Furman. On the restart, Birkhofer blasted by Babb , as Moyer had on the earlier caution, as it seemed like once Babbs tires cooled , he could not hold his momentum. When Shannon moved up the track with about six laps to go, I started to scribble down the running order in anticipation of the finish. But Babb seemed determined to make one last charge, once again blasting through the bottom groove. As lap 49 began,
the # 18 slid to the inside, and as the cars came out of turn four to the white flag, Babb edged ahead. With much of the crowd standing in disbelief, Babb took the checkers ahead of Birky, but the smattering of boos was disappointing, as Babb truly drove an outstanding race. Moyer hung around in third, with Shirley and Mitchell the only other cars on the lead lap. Lovcal favorite Chad Simpson led a group of four cars one lap down, including Dan Schleiper, Jeremiah Hurst in a # 15 ride, and Todd Frank. Furman was credited with tenth, after his lap 38 exit. Although attrition was high, it was not necessarily because of track conditions, as many of the starters went pitside after being lapped. The late model feature was truly a memorable one from start to finish, one of those races that will draw you back next year and evoke those " remember last year?" conversations!
It was the first time I had the chance to see the # 21 of Frank, from Green Bay,Wisconsin race, as well as Jim Rychtik in the #0. Quincy,Il driver Rickey Frankel, a regular at the UMP tracks in Illinois and Missouri, made the trip north. Rickey made the show Friday, but missed transferring out of the B-main on Saturday, as Tyler Bruening made a last lap pass for the spot.
Frankel is a regular at I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo., but the St Louis area facility was closed this week due to flooding.
Our good fortune ran out on Sunday afternoon, as rain and chilly temperatures moved in to the Quincy area, forcing Tony and Paul to cancel racing at the .29 mile " Broadway Bullring " for the third straight week. QR has yet to get in a points race for the IMCA late models, and has run one week of points for the four companion classes.Quincy driver Lonnie Bailey took the win Saturday night in the IMCA late model class at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, besting a 22 car field.
Hopefully April showers will give way to warmer, drier temps in May - five rainouts already is enough for an entire season!
Next out was the hobby stocks, and they did a nice job for their 15 lapper, with veteran Dan Wenig nabbing the win over Dane Fenton. Jim Lynch, an early favorite for best looking car with his # 66, took third.
The IMCA late models rolled out next, with only Darin Weisinger failing to make the call, leaving 23 starters. With heat race qualifiers Ray Guss Jr., and Mark Burgtorf drawing the front row, it seemed like this race could indeed be won on the first lap. When the green flag waved, Guss out raced Burgtorf to turn one, and never gave up that advantage as the field clicked off 25 caution free laps. Mark closed in on more than one occasion, but the defending national champion worked lapped traffic to perfection to keep the # 7B at bay. Two Quincy Raceways regulars, Justin Reed and Jason Perry waged a thrilling duel for third, with Perry finnaly grabbing the spot late in the race. Jeff Aikey advance three spots to overtake long distance traveler Charie McKenna for fifth. In victory lane, Guss informed the crowd that team patriarch Hershel Roberts was in the hospital, and the # 58 team lead by son Ken Roberts made the last minute decision to come race. The surprise entry in the late model field was long time open motor racer Nick Marolf. With his home track of West Liberty, Iowa switching to IMCA type rules in 2011, Nick was taking laps with the spec engine cars.
Although there were still three features to run, Keagan and I were working on long days and decided to head back to Missouri. Congratulations to Josh Foster in the modifieds, Jeff Mueller in stock cars, and Darin Smith in the wild things on opening night wins. It was good to see the grandstands full on a chilly night at the fairgrounds.
After a Saturday morning trip to the grocery stores and a well deserved(?) nap, Keagan and I, along with buddy Fred Peters loaded the car and headed for the West Liberty, Iowa for the second leg of the May Daze Classic. The annual event is a two day, two race weekend at Farley Speedway on Friday and West Liberty on Saturday, with the 50 lap open late model features paying $10,000 to win. On Saturday, the open modifieds, and IMCA sport compacts - 4 cylinder cars - served as backing classes. While the late model count was down a bit this season - Farley had 30 late models sign in, while Liberty had 29, the quality of the field was top notch. As we have seen often during a wet April, the fairgrounds half mile was a bit rough, but it was also " bad fast. " The 28 car modified field was whittled down to 24 for the 20 lap feature event, although only 21 took the green. Things started slowly, with two yellow flags before a lap was complete, but once things got rolling, only one other caution slowed the action, a lap ten caution for a slowing Bruce Hanford. Visitor Colt Mather started up front, and held the lead from start to finish. Steve Stewart trailed Mather throughout, taking the runner up spot. Ryan Dolan finished last in a loaded first heat race, came through one of the two B-mains, and charged from a row seven start to take third. Veteran dirt and pavement racer Johnny Spaw brought out the first lap one caution, then went pitside with a flat tire. Spaw barely made it back out in time, then powered from 21st to cross the line in seventh.
The sport compact ten lap finale turned in to a family affair, with Merv Chandler holding off son Nate by no more than a bumper at the finish. And son Brad took third, sliding his car to a stop after the checkers entering turn one with a fire in his engine compartment.
By now, the large crowd was ready for the main event. Three heat races, a B-main and a fast six dash based on passing points had set the 24 car field, with crowd favorite Brian Birkhofer and central Illinois UMP ace Brian Shirley on the front row. Row two starters were Friday night winner Billy Moyer, and another local favorite Denny Eckrich, and the final two dash qualifiers were the # 28x of Justin Mitchell, and hotshoe Shannon Babb.
To the delight of the crowd,Birky jumped out to the early lead, with Babb taking the runner up spot from Moyer. A caution on lap 11 saw Moyer take back second, but Babb was the man on the move, taking the second spot about lap 23, and the point about lap 25, with a dandy low side charge in turns one and two. Just when it looked like Babb had it wrapped up, the yellow waved on lap 38 for former track regular Matt Furman. On the restart, Birkhofer blasted by Babb , as Moyer had on the earlier caution, as it seemed like once Babbs tires cooled , he could not hold his momentum. When Shannon moved up the track with about six laps to go, I started to scribble down the running order in anticipation of the finish. But Babb seemed determined to make one last charge, once again blasting through the bottom groove. As lap 49 began,
the # 18 slid to the inside, and as the cars came out of turn four to the white flag, Babb edged ahead. With much of the crowd standing in disbelief, Babb took the checkers ahead of Birky, but the smattering of boos was disappointing, as Babb truly drove an outstanding race. Moyer hung around in third, with Shirley and Mitchell the only other cars on the lead lap. Lovcal favorite Chad Simpson led a group of four cars one lap down, including Dan Schleiper, Jeremiah Hurst in a # 15 ride, and Todd Frank. Furman was credited with tenth, after his lap 38 exit. Although attrition was high, it was not necessarily because of track conditions, as many of the starters went pitside after being lapped. The late model feature was truly a memorable one from start to finish, one of those races that will draw you back next year and evoke those " remember last year?" conversations!
It was the first time I had the chance to see the # 21 of Frank, from Green Bay,Wisconsin race, as well as Jim Rychtik in the #0. Quincy,Il driver Rickey Frankel, a regular at the UMP tracks in Illinois and Missouri, made the trip north. Rickey made the show Friday, but missed transferring out of the B-main on Saturday, as Tyler Bruening made a last lap pass for the spot.
Frankel is a regular at I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo., but the St Louis area facility was closed this week due to flooding.
Our good fortune ran out on Sunday afternoon, as rain and chilly temperatures moved in to the Quincy area, forcing Tony and Paul to cancel racing at the .29 mile " Broadway Bullring " for the third straight week. QR has yet to get in a points race for the IMCA late models, and has run one week of points for the four companion classes.Quincy driver Lonnie Bailey took the win Saturday night in the IMCA late model class at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, besting a 22 car field.
Hopefully April showers will give way to warmer, drier temps in May - five rainouts already is enough for an entire season!
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