Well after considerable time covering this past weekends races, I have discovered that my blog is lost in cyber space. as there is not time tonight to attempt to recreate, I will just recap quickly. Darryl, Fred and I made our first ever visit on Friday to Callaway Raceway in Fulton,Mo. for the ULMA late model, and Don Trammell Pro Mod Memorial races. Visiting racer Jason Bodenhammer rolled in with his # 88 late model to try and take a win away from track and ULMA association points leader Jake Griffin, the 12 year old from Quincy,Il. Griffin managed a second place finish ahead of Terry Gallaher, Alan Westling and Travis Coffman. The Pro Mod 30 lapper was a runaway for Jason Russell, with Danny Crane and Richard Foster staging an epic battle for the runner up spot, finishing in that order ahead of Gary Blackburn Jr and Robbie Reed.
On Sunday, Quincy Raceways crowned an IMCA late model champion, and Justin Reed led all 30 laps to capture the feature race. He had come into the night tied for the top spot with Lonnie Bailey. Bailey entered the feature with a two point lead after a second place heat race run. A runner up spot in the main event would have given Lonnie the crown, but a lap 20 pass by 34 Raceway points champion Denny Woodworth sealed the deal for Reed, who held the feature wins tie breaker over the veteran Bailey.
The 360 CI Sprint Invaders will be on the card this Sunday at QR along with the five regular classes, while 34 Raceway hosts the annual Pepsi USA late model Nationals. See you at both these big events!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
A Road Trip, and then Back Home
As the 2011 race season quickly winds down, it has become all too apparent that even though we thought 2010 was a " down " year in terms of number of race nights, this season is shaping up to be even worse. While we could really use some rain around these parts, the timing of the few showers we get has really interfered with the race season. Between bad forecasts, gas prices, and outside commitments, the total number of tracks visited looks a bit week this season as well. One night in particular really stuck in my craw, that being the rained out World of Outlaw show at the Independence, Iowa Speedway in early July. Grandson Keagan and buddy Fred joined me on the three hour trip north, but the closer we got, the rainier it became, and as we waited on pit road, the plug was pulled. In addition, it was Freds first visit to the track, and I was anxious for him to see racing there. So after checking out fellow Positively Racing blogger Ryan Clarks' summary of the August 14 show, featuring 23 late models for a weekly show, I decided one more trip to the 3/8 mile oval sounded like a good idea for this past Saturday night. Once again, Keagan was on board, and buddy Darryl was able to make the weekend trip. Unfortunately, Fred had to miss this adventure. After several back and forth e- mails with Ryan, we set out from a rainy looking LaGrange, and drove into sunny Iowa skies. The closer we got to Indy, the more the clouds built up, and the first sprinkles hit just after we pulled into the fairgrounds. As Yogi said, it seemed like deja vu all over again! But after the lady at the front gate said the radar looked pretty good, we bought our tickets and staked out our seats, well ahead of the late arriving crowd. Sure enough, here came the persistent sprinkles that would cause a 37 minute delay before the program could get started. When they subsided, the track was rolled in, and hot laps began. As the late models came to the track, the showers came back, and another 26 minutes of down time resulted. When Darryl recalled a similar night in Jacksonville,Il. where we endured three such circumstances before the skies really opened up, I was not feeling any love. Still, Ryan kept assuring us on the mic that it would soon clear up, and the rare double rainbow lifted our spirits. It was 6:52 when the first heat came to the track, and what followed was nothing but racing as it should be! 13 heat races featuring 101 and race cars, run off in one hour and 11 minutes! No extra parade laps for the flagman to show drivers the furled green flag! Roll 'em out and turn 'em loose! When a disabled car dropped off the speedway in turn one, but kept rolling towards the pit entrance, the green stayed out. I may have a new favorite flagman, sorry I didn't catch his name! At 8:03, with no intermission, the first feature hit the track. Ryan has a detailed rundown of the action and results in his blog, so I will just offer up congratulations to the winners - young Tyler Droste in the sport mods, Sean Johnson in stocks, Troy Cordes in mods - after Todd Conrad spun while leading - and Quinton Miller in the time shortened hobby stocks. More kudos to the way this time limit race was handled. First of all, a 15 minute time limit really meant 15 minutes. It was then announced that the first stoppage after half way - 8 laps - would be the end of the race, no green, white, checkers. and that is exactly how it went. Anyone who spends much time around me at the race track knows that the late models are my first love, and I must say we were all excited that the field was once again 23 strong. And being a ' veteran " fan, having the likes of Curt Martin, Greg Kastli, Rick Wendling, Jeff Aikey, and Dean Wagner alltogether in a weekly show was something of a thrill. While we attempted to relate some of these legendary drivers exploits to Keagan, he had his eye on one of the up and coming stars of late model racing, Tyler Bruening. In the end, i guess we all had something to cheer, as the veteran Wagner grabbed the lead on lap one from his row two perch and held on for all 25 laps, surviving the only two caution periods on lap 13 for his first Indy win in over seven years. On the second of those restarts, 11th starting Bruening charged into the runner up spot, and shadowed Wagner to the checkers.
Ryan had told me in an e-mail that the races were usually over by 9:30, and I even with the rain, he was proven right, as my watch read 9:32 as we headed to the car for a three hour and five minute drive back to LaGrange. It would be an understatement to say a good time was had by all, with Darryl saying we should go back this week. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2012 for a return visit. Special thanks to Ryan Clark for all his help, and for not one, but two plugs for my attempts to entertain here at Positively Racing.
After early church and a much needed nap, it was off to Quincy Raceways for Fan Appreciation night on Sunday. A crowd reportedly numbering around 3000 turned out for the nights races, with IMCA Northern Sport Mods added to the card for the second time this season. The open wheel class will be featured two more times, with a track an Illinois state champion determined in mid September. The total car count was down a bit, but the racing was hotly contested. Abe Huls rolled through the pit gate as the heat races were winding down, started last in the IMCA stock car feature, and clawed his way to the front and the win in the caution free 15 lapper. Only eight sprt mods towed in for the $500.00 top prize, but again the action was intense. Jim Gillenwater grabbed the early lead and was cruising until a lap ten caution brought him back to the pack. On the restart, QR veteran mod driver Tony Dunker slipped past for the lead. three laps later, Gillenwater retook the point,leading the final two circuits for the win. Gillenwater is himself no stranger to QR, having won championships in the old bomber class as well as competing in A-mods, and late models.
Bobby Anders led 15 laps of the hobby stock feature before suddenly heading for the trailer. From there it was a battle to the checkers, with Brandon Symmonds holding off Jake Powers for his second win of the year.
After heat winner Mike Hornung Jr., making his first visit of the year, was sent to the tail of the Wild Thing feature for getting on the gas before the starting line Craig Bangert grabbed the lead and picked up his second win in two weeks. A special shout out to the 17 car UMP modifield field, as they completed 25 laps of caution free action. Michael Long ran away from the field, picking up his third feature win of the weekend, following victories at Pontoon Beach,Il and Memphis, Mo. Points leader Steven Delonjay ran second, while Mark Burgtorf, back in a modified after several seasons, ran third. Mark spent several campaigns racing the " Goob " Gordy # 69, and just recently agreed to pilot the # 7B of Craig Brooks, from Thompson - think Mexico - ,Missouri. Mark picked up the modified win Friday in Fulton, Mo.
The IMCA late models are having their tightest points battle in track history. Five drivers entered the next to last night of the late model points season with a shot at the title. Justin Reed came in with a one point lead over Keith Pratt, two over Lonnie Bailey, four ahead of Joey Gower, and nine up on Denny Woodworth. Only Bailey and Woodworth have late model championships on their resume. Bailey took over the lead with a heat race win, while Reed and Pratt were shut out. Come feature time, Matt Bailey jumped to the point, building a sizable advantage. Jason Perry soon broke loose from the pack and began to close the gap. Perry grabbed the lead on lap 12 , as Woodworth moved to third and tenth starting Burgtorf rocketed to fourth. After languishing mid pack, Reed began to move, and came to fifth, as M Bailey, Woodworth, and Burgtorf duked it out for second. With no cautions to bring the field to Perry, he picked up his second win in a row, ahead of M Bailey, Woodworth, Burgtorf, Reed, and Lonnie Bailey. So entering the final points night, Reed and L Bailey are tied, with Reed holding the feature wins tie breaker.
Before I sign off, I'm sure you have read the news that 14 year Lee County Speedway promoters Terry and Jenni Hoenig are backing away from promoting as Terry will apparently join the rest of us " regular " working smucks. All I can say, is good for them if this be the best for their family, and bad for the rest of us. There is no doubt that they experienced some growing pains in the early years at LCS, but to this day, they have one of the best run, and most entertaining dirt track shows in the midwest. Should Terry ever want to return to promoting, he should have no trouble finding a gig. I only hope that the Lee County fairboard can find someone with that sort of a knack for dirt track racing to take over the reins. Donnellson is a top notch facility with genuine race fans, so lets hope things work out for everyone involved.
Not sure where this weekend will take us, but hopefully there will be good racin' when we get there!
Ryan had told me in an e-mail that the races were usually over by 9:30, and I even with the rain, he was proven right, as my watch read 9:32 as we headed to the car for a three hour and five minute drive back to LaGrange. It would be an understatement to say a good time was had by all, with Darryl saying we should go back this week. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2012 for a return visit. Special thanks to Ryan Clark for all his help, and for not one, but two plugs for my attempts to entertain here at Positively Racing.
After early church and a much needed nap, it was off to Quincy Raceways for Fan Appreciation night on Sunday. A crowd reportedly numbering around 3000 turned out for the nights races, with IMCA Northern Sport Mods added to the card for the second time this season. The open wheel class will be featured two more times, with a track an Illinois state champion determined in mid September. The total car count was down a bit, but the racing was hotly contested. Abe Huls rolled through the pit gate as the heat races were winding down, started last in the IMCA stock car feature, and clawed his way to the front and the win in the caution free 15 lapper. Only eight sprt mods towed in for the $500.00 top prize, but again the action was intense. Jim Gillenwater grabbed the early lead and was cruising until a lap ten caution brought him back to the pack. On the restart, QR veteran mod driver Tony Dunker slipped past for the lead. three laps later, Gillenwater retook the point,leading the final two circuits for the win. Gillenwater is himself no stranger to QR, having won championships in the old bomber class as well as competing in A-mods, and late models.
Bobby Anders led 15 laps of the hobby stock feature before suddenly heading for the trailer. From there it was a battle to the checkers, with Brandon Symmonds holding off Jake Powers for his second win of the year.
After heat winner Mike Hornung Jr., making his first visit of the year, was sent to the tail of the Wild Thing feature for getting on the gas before the starting line Craig Bangert grabbed the lead and picked up his second win in two weeks. A special shout out to the 17 car UMP modifield field, as they completed 25 laps of caution free action. Michael Long ran away from the field, picking up his third feature win of the weekend, following victories at Pontoon Beach,Il and Memphis, Mo. Points leader Steven Delonjay ran second, while Mark Burgtorf, back in a modified after several seasons, ran third. Mark spent several campaigns racing the " Goob " Gordy # 69, and just recently agreed to pilot the # 7B of Craig Brooks, from Thompson - think Mexico - ,Missouri. Mark picked up the modified win Friday in Fulton, Mo.
The IMCA late models are having their tightest points battle in track history. Five drivers entered the next to last night of the late model points season with a shot at the title. Justin Reed came in with a one point lead over Keith Pratt, two over Lonnie Bailey, four ahead of Joey Gower, and nine up on Denny Woodworth. Only Bailey and Woodworth have late model championships on their resume. Bailey took over the lead with a heat race win, while Reed and Pratt were shut out. Come feature time, Matt Bailey jumped to the point, building a sizable advantage. Jason Perry soon broke loose from the pack and began to close the gap. Perry grabbed the lead on lap 12 , as Woodworth moved to third and tenth starting Burgtorf rocketed to fourth. After languishing mid pack, Reed began to move, and came to fifth, as M Bailey, Woodworth, and Burgtorf duked it out for second. With no cautions to bring the field to Perry, he picked up his second win in a row, ahead of M Bailey, Woodworth, Burgtorf, Reed, and Lonnie Bailey. So entering the final points night, Reed and L Bailey are tied, with Reed holding the feature wins tie breaker.
Before I sign off, I'm sure you have read the news that 14 year Lee County Speedway promoters Terry and Jenni Hoenig are backing away from promoting as Terry will apparently join the rest of us " regular " working smucks. All I can say, is good for them if this be the best for their family, and bad for the rest of us. There is no doubt that they experienced some growing pains in the early years at LCS, but to this day, they have one of the best run, and most entertaining dirt track shows in the midwest. Should Terry ever want to return to promoting, he should have no trouble finding a gig. I only hope that the Lee County fairboard can find someone with that sort of a knack for dirt track racing to take over the reins. Donnellson is a top notch facility with genuine race fans, so lets hope things work out for everyone involved.
Not sure where this weekend will take us, but hopefully there will be good racin' when we get there!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pratt Back, Perry Back on Top
After devoting the first part of the weekend to family activities, Sunday was the day to saddle back up and head for the race track. It was regular racing at Quincy Raceways, with 64 cars checking in to compete in the five featured classes. We had a couple of visitors in the IMCA stock car class, including Joe Gerdes, who brought out his # 76 for the first time in 2011, and Ty Hill, who calls Dallas Center, Iowa home. Ty has visited the speedway on occasion in the past. Although Hill posted a top five run, neither the out of towners nor the locals had anything for points leader Aaron Brocksieck. Aaron blasted to the lead on lap six, survived a couple of yellows, then stretched out to a big lead, picking up his fourth points feature win of the season. Abe Huls muscled his way to a runner up finish ahead of Terry Houston, Jerry Jansen, and Hill.
The 13 car IMCA late model field rolled out second for their 30 lap finale.
Many eyes were on Keith Pratt, who ended last weeks feature upside down with a fourth place finish and a destroyed race car. Last Sunday night, things looked bleak for the # 33 team, with their shot at a points championship at both QR and 34 Raceway headed down the tubes. With a huge hand from family and friends, however, Pratt had a deal worked out with Joe Garrison of GRT for an almost new race car. While Keiths father and a buddy headed to Arkansas to pick up the car, Garrison bolted on a body, as the 33 team looked to save every step possible. With help from the Woodworth and Schlipman race teams, as well as many others, the " Kool Kat " was back on the track Saturday at 34, and QR on Sunday. Come feature time, however, It was Jason Perry grabbing the lead from Clint Kirkham on lap one, and shooting out to a big advantage. As the leader moved through traffic and the laps clicked off, eighth starting Lonnie Bailey began to close the gap on Perry. Jason was glued to the bottom of the track, while Lonnie was bumping the cushion at both ends of the .29 mile oval. The first caution flag waved on lap 25, and even though the NASCAR style restart put Bailey alongside Perry, the slow down seemed to hurt, perhaps due to Baileys tires cooling . A couple laps later, Bailey was on the move again, but again the yellow waved for a spinning Justin Reed. On the final restart, Perry got a good jump, and Bailey found himself challenged by Joey Gower. For Perry, it was his first points feature win of the year, although he picked up the opening night victory on April 3. Bailey held off Gower for second, Pratt scooted home fourth, and Matt Bailey completed the first five. The late model points race is the closest in the history of QR, with Justin Reed holding the top spot, with Bailey, Gower, Pratt, and Woodworth all within nine points of the top, with two points nights remaining.
After a four week suspension from the track during which time he sold his car, Bobby Anders has picked up right where he left off. Now behind the wheel of Wes Mayfields #21, Bobby powered his way to a flag to flag win in the 20 lap feature. Second generation pilot Tanner Klingele challenged Anders, but could not get by.
The 4 cylinder Wild Things saw nine of the ten entrants start the main event, after Kevin Baze rolled his # 7 in his heat race. Craig Bangert picked up the win over points leader Seth Woodruff.
The 20 car strong UMP modifieds were last on the card, with all but Chris Spalding making the call. As often happens, the open wheelers were plagued by caution flags early on until the field is pared down a bit, then things seem to heat up. Shawn Deering took the early lead, with Jared Schlipman taking over on lap four. Following another restart, Michael Long moved to the front, and held off all challengers to collect his second consecutive main event win. Point leader Steven Delonjay wrestled second away from Schlipman, with Deering sticking around in fourth. Dave Weitholder broke something in the front end of his #05 on about lap six, but managed to keep the car under him to finish fifth.
If you have never been to QR, this coming Sunday night would be a good opportunity to do so. It is fan appreciation night, with $5.00 adult admission, and the IMCA sport mods added to the regular five class card.
As for me, plans for this weekend are up in the air for Saturday, then back to QR on Sunday. See you at the races!
The 13 car IMCA late model field rolled out second for their 30 lap finale.
Many eyes were on Keith Pratt, who ended last weeks feature upside down with a fourth place finish and a destroyed race car. Last Sunday night, things looked bleak for the # 33 team, with their shot at a points championship at both QR and 34 Raceway headed down the tubes. With a huge hand from family and friends, however, Pratt had a deal worked out with Joe Garrison of GRT for an almost new race car. While Keiths father and a buddy headed to Arkansas to pick up the car, Garrison bolted on a body, as the 33 team looked to save every step possible. With help from the Woodworth and Schlipman race teams, as well as many others, the " Kool Kat " was back on the track Saturday at 34, and QR on Sunday. Come feature time, however, It was Jason Perry grabbing the lead from Clint Kirkham on lap one, and shooting out to a big advantage. As the leader moved through traffic and the laps clicked off, eighth starting Lonnie Bailey began to close the gap on Perry. Jason was glued to the bottom of the track, while Lonnie was bumping the cushion at both ends of the .29 mile oval. The first caution flag waved on lap 25, and even though the NASCAR style restart put Bailey alongside Perry, the slow down seemed to hurt, perhaps due to Baileys tires cooling . A couple laps later, Bailey was on the move again, but again the yellow waved for a spinning Justin Reed. On the final restart, Perry got a good jump, and Bailey found himself challenged by Joey Gower. For Perry, it was his first points feature win of the year, although he picked up the opening night victory on April 3. Bailey held off Gower for second, Pratt scooted home fourth, and Matt Bailey completed the first five. The late model points race is the closest in the history of QR, with Justin Reed holding the top spot, with Bailey, Gower, Pratt, and Woodworth all within nine points of the top, with two points nights remaining.
After a four week suspension from the track during which time he sold his car, Bobby Anders has picked up right where he left off. Now behind the wheel of Wes Mayfields #21, Bobby powered his way to a flag to flag win in the 20 lap feature. Second generation pilot Tanner Klingele challenged Anders, but could not get by.
The 4 cylinder Wild Things saw nine of the ten entrants start the main event, after Kevin Baze rolled his # 7 in his heat race. Craig Bangert picked up the win over points leader Seth Woodruff.
The 20 car strong UMP modifieds were last on the card, with all but Chris Spalding making the call. As often happens, the open wheelers were plagued by caution flags early on until the field is pared down a bit, then things seem to heat up. Shawn Deering took the early lead, with Jared Schlipman taking over on lap four. Following another restart, Michael Long moved to the front, and held off all challengers to collect his second consecutive main event win. Point leader Steven Delonjay wrestled second away from Schlipman, with Deering sticking around in fourth. Dave Weitholder broke something in the front end of his #05 on about lap six, but managed to keep the car under him to finish fifth.
If you have never been to QR, this coming Sunday night would be a good opportunity to do so. It is fan appreciation night, with $5.00 adult admission, and the IMCA sport mods added to the regular five class card.
As for me, plans for this weekend are up in the air for Saturday, then back to QR on Sunday. See you at the races!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Beck &Burgtorf Bring Home the Bacon
After Friday nights unexpected rain out, we were not in the mood for more disappointment. So when Keagan and I rolled in to Freds' house in Quincy, I told him the radar did not look too good to the east. But we had made our plans, and with Fred behind the wheel, we picked up Darryl and headed out to make our first visit if 2011 - and Freds first ever - to Shepps Speedway, just outside Alexander,Il. Alexander is a small town just off I-72 about 90 miles from Quincy. Unfortunately, there regular race night is Sunday, in direct conflict with Quincy Raceways. This week, however, with I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. running World of Outlaw sprint cars, the Sheppard family scheduled a special Saturday night show featuring UMP late models. Although the late models are no longer featured weekly at the track, 17 cars showed up for a shot at the $1,000 top prize. In addition, UMP modifieds, street stocks, Hornets, mini sprints and Kidz Modz were a part of the 76 car field on the tight 1/4 mile speedway. The UMP mods and UMP late models were last in the running order, and both had some problems with the caution flag come feature time. Former late model driver Guy Taylor led the first lap of the mod main before breaking the front end of his #77. From there, Curt Rhodes took over the top spot in his #10. A total of six cautions slowed the action, with most coming early in the race. Meanwhile, Ryan Blakeman, fresh off a Friday night win in just down the road in Jacksonville,Il. had encountered problems in his heat race, and started last in the 17 car field. By lap seven, he was up to fourth, and coming fast. Surprisingly, that was as far as he could advance, and he settled in there, as the battle raged up front. Brian Dively, doing double duty in the mods and late models, worked all three lanes of the track to try and overtake Rhodes, but came up short, settling for runner up honors, Another double duty pilot, Ethan Schnapp, finished third, with Blakeman fourth.
All 17 late models took the green for the finale of the evening. John Beck took off from the pole to lead lap one, but Farmer City Raceway co promoter Kyle Logue took over on lap two. At the same time, Ryan Little eased his # 38L into second, but smoke began to pour out of the back of Littles ride during a lap eight caution, ending his good run. Four laps later, Jake Little in the 38J - not sure what the family connection is - brought out another yellow. On the restart, Logue smacked the turn two wall, lost a wheel, and was done for the night. This turned the lead back over to Beck, with Roger Brickler in second. At this time, Dively, who started fifth was setting in the sixth spot. When the green waved, he took to the top of the track, and four laps later he was third and closing fast. On lap 17 the caution waved again, and on the restart, Dively jumped the turn three cushion, and climbed the concrete wall, ending the run of the night. One more yellow waved on lap 21, but Beck remained in control, picking up only his second ever super late model win. Veteran Rick Standridge ran second,, second generation racer Matt Taylor in one of father Dicks # 24 cars was third, Greg Kimmons took fourth, and Brickler faded to fifth. 14th starting Mike Hammerle rolled home sixth, and Adam Mefford in the Sheppard family owned # 5s advanced five spots to seventh. Although there was some delay between checkered flags and the next racing pulling on the track, the curtain came down about 10:20 after a 17 race program. The racing was very close throuout the night, including possibly the best 4 cylinder battle I have ever witnessed. Part time Quincy competitor Todd Nelson finished second, but unfortunately, I was not able to get the winners name! If you get a chance, I can recommend a visit to this unique facility.
Night number 30 of the 2011 season found me back at the familiar ground of Quincy Raceways. With the weather somewhat cooler although accompanied by a threat of rain, the car count was up a bit with 67 race teams in the five classes, led by 22 UMP modifieds.
The IMCA stock cars ran feature number one, and the story remained the same - short on cars, long on action! Three different drivers spent time in the top spot, with the team cars of Kevin Tomlinson and Kelly Bartz knocking at the doors, of first Andrew Griffin, then Terry Houston, and finally Aaron Brocksieck. In the end, Brocksieck cruised to the " W " ahead of Tomlinson.
The 14 car IMCA late model feature rolled out next, for their 30 laps of action. Amazingly, the race went green to checkers with no stoppages - sort of. Lonnie Bailey held the lead for a dozen laps before Joey Gower took the spot away.On lap 19, Keith Pratt took over the second spot, while seventh starting Mark Burgtorf - the late models ran a draw, redraw show - began to move on the top side of the oval. In lapped traffic on lap 24, Pratt moved alonside Gower, and two laps later took over the lead. It was then we noticed that Pratt had broken something in the left front of his # 33. We later learned he also lost his brakes. One lap later, Burgtorf took third, and as the white flag flew, Mark moved to second. Coming out of turn four to the checkers, I will not speculate on exactly what happened at the far end of the track, but there was some contact between Mark and Keith, and Pratt got airborne, flipping his mount across the finish line, landing upside down under the flag stand. Burgtorf scooted by for his first win of the season, Gower grabbed second, Bailey third, and Pratts wild finish was good for fourth and a bent up race car. Justin reed held on to the point lead by coming home fifth. As for Pratt, he is sore, but otherwise uninjured despite the wild ride.
Tanner Klingele topped a twelve car hobby stock field, while Nelson picked up a win to go with Saturday nights runner up finish in the 4 cylinder class. Obviously a true racer, Nelson loaded up Friday in Donnellson after the cancellation and headed for Jacksonville,Il Raceway hoping to tag the back of the Hornet feature. He came up just short, as the feature was rolling to the track as he came to the gate. As he calls Springfield,Il home, at least it was on the way!
The UMP mod feature ran last on the card, but there was plenty of drama attached. Steven Delonjay was looking to set a track record, as he was going for his seventh straight feature win. Besides the locals trying to prevent that, UMP national point runner up Ray Bollinger from Kewanee, Il made the trip south in search of UMP points. Bollinger has been a dominant car at Peoria,Il in 2011 , but had not yet been to Quincy. 20 of the 22 entrants took the green to start the 25 lap finale, and once again, the caution periods slowed the pace, especially early on until the field was pared down a bit. Defending track champion Jared Schlipman took the initial lead, before Michael Long took advantage of a restart to claim the top spot. Schlipman stayed close until a lapped car opened the door for Delonjay to take second on lap 13. A final caution flew on lap 20 as Jim Roach lost a rearend while running fourth, and as everyone settled in for the final shootout, Chris Spalding suddenly found something on the top of the track, and moved up to grab third and challenge for second. At the flag, it was Long breaking the streak, Delonjay second, Spalding third, followed by Schlipman and Bollinger.
I would have to say that the two nights combined provided some of the most exciting racing I have seen in 2011.
This weekend, plans are wide open, other than Quincy on Sunday. Maybe I will see you at the races!
All 17 late models took the green for the finale of the evening. John Beck took off from the pole to lead lap one, but Farmer City Raceway co promoter Kyle Logue took over on lap two. At the same time, Ryan Little eased his # 38L into second, but smoke began to pour out of the back of Littles ride during a lap eight caution, ending his good run. Four laps later, Jake Little in the 38J - not sure what the family connection is - brought out another yellow. On the restart, Logue smacked the turn two wall, lost a wheel, and was done for the night. This turned the lead back over to Beck, with Roger Brickler in second. At this time, Dively, who started fifth was setting in the sixth spot. When the green waved, he took to the top of the track, and four laps later he was third and closing fast. On lap 17 the caution waved again, and on the restart, Dively jumped the turn three cushion, and climbed the concrete wall, ending the run of the night. One more yellow waved on lap 21, but Beck remained in control, picking up only his second ever super late model win. Veteran Rick Standridge ran second,, second generation racer Matt Taylor in one of father Dicks # 24 cars was third, Greg Kimmons took fourth, and Brickler faded to fifth. 14th starting Mike Hammerle rolled home sixth, and Adam Mefford in the Sheppard family owned # 5s advanced five spots to seventh. Although there was some delay between checkered flags and the next racing pulling on the track, the curtain came down about 10:20 after a 17 race program. The racing was very close throuout the night, including possibly the best 4 cylinder battle I have ever witnessed. Part time Quincy competitor Todd Nelson finished second, but unfortunately, I was not able to get the winners name! If you get a chance, I can recommend a visit to this unique facility.
Night number 30 of the 2011 season found me back at the familiar ground of Quincy Raceways. With the weather somewhat cooler although accompanied by a threat of rain, the car count was up a bit with 67 race teams in the five classes, led by 22 UMP modifieds.
The IMCA stock cars ran feature number one, and the story remained the same - short on cars, long on action! Three different drivers spent time in the top spot, with the team cars of Kevin Tomlinson and Kelly Bartz knocking at the doors, of first Andrew Griffin, then Terry Houston, and finally Aaron Brocksieck. In the end, Brocksieck cruised to the " W " ahead of Tomlinson.
The 14 car IMCA late model feature rolled out next, for their 30 laps of action. Amazingly, the race went green to checkers with no stoppages - sort of. Lonnie Bailey held the lead for a dozen laps before Joey Gower took the spot away.On lap 19, Keith Pratt took over the second spot, while seventh starting Mark Burgtorf - the late models ran a draw, redraw show - began to move on the top side of the oval. In lapped traffic on lap 24, Pratt moved alonside Gower, and two laps later took over the lead. It was then we noticed that Pratt had broken something in the left front of his # 33. We later learned he also lost his brakes. One lap later, Burgtorf took third, and as the white flag flew, Mark moved to second. Coming out of turn four to the checkers, I will not speculate on exactly what happened at the far end of the track, but there was some contact between Mark and Keith, and Pratt got airborne, flipping his mount across the finish line, landing upside down under the flag stand. Burgtorf scooted by for his first win of the season, Gower grabbed second, Bailey third, and Pratts wild finish was good for fourth and a bent up race car. Justin reed held on to the point lead by coming home fifth. As for Pratt, he is sore, but otherwise uninjured despite the wild ride.
Tanner Klingele topped a twelve car hobby stock field, while Nelson picked up a win to go with Saturday nights runner up finish in the 4 cylinder class. Obviously a true racer, Nelson loaded up Friday in Donnellson after the cancellation and headed for Jacksonville,Il Raceway hoping to tag the back of the Hornet feature. He came up just short, as the feature was rolling to the track as he came to the gate. As he calls Springfield,Il home, at least it was on the way!
The UMP mod feature ran last on the card, but there was plenty of drama attached. Steven Delonjay was looking to set a track record, as he was going for his seventh straight feature win. Besides the locals trying to prevent that, UMP national point runner up Ray Bollinger from Kewanee, Il made the trip south in search of UMP points. Bollinger has been a dominant car at Peoria,Il in 2011 , but had not yet been to Quincy. 20 of the 22 entrants took the green to start the 25 lap finale, and once again, the caution periods slowed the pace, especially early on until the field was pared down a bit. Defending track champion Jared Schlipman took the initial lead, before Michael Long took advantage of a restart to claim the top spot. Schlipman stayed close until a lapped car opened the door for Delonjay to take second on lap 13. A final caution flew on lap 20 as Jim Roach lost a rearend while running fourth, and as everyone settled in for the final shootout, Chris Spalding suddenly found something on the top of the track, and moved up to grab third and challenge for second. At the flag, it was Long breaking the streak, Delonjay second, Spalding third, followed by Schlipman and Bollinger.
I would have to say that the two nights combined provided some of the most exciting racing I have seen in 2011.
This weekend, plans are wide open, other than Quincy on Sunday. Maybe I will see you at the races!
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Quick and Disappointing Friday
After keeping one eye on the sky all day at work, I hopped in the car at 5:00 and made one more to call to Lee County Speedway to make sure the races were still on. Darryl and Fred picked up Keagan and I at my house and we headed north in anticipation of the IMCA late model special. Along the way we saw Tommy Elston heading to the track which only added to the mood. About 4 miles south of Donnellson, the pavement was damp, and soon a light shower began. Things still seemed okay until we approached the Donnellson exit, when we met modified driver Adam Birck headed south. Although we were pretty sure of the outcome, we drove the last couple of miles to the track, meeting more haulers along the way. As we drove to pit road, Mark Burgtorf was preparing to leave, and said it had just begun to rain minutes earlier. Just another reason to chalk up 2011 as something of a lost season. Still, racers and race fans are incurable optimists, and tomorrow we will try it again with an eye on the sky. Wish us luck!
Monday, August 1, 2011
High Temps and Hot Cars
It did not look like a good racing weekend when I rolled out of bed Saturday morning, as the rain was coming down pretty good here in northeast Missouri. A quick look at the maps on line offered some hope, so I made a call to Bob Litton in Iowa City, who told me it was sunny and hot there. As the missus and I headed out to snag some groceries, I phoned Fred and Darryl to assure them that our planned trip to West Liberty Raceway was still a go. As Keagan had other things going on, I also phoned old friend Gary Lupardus, and he filled the open spot in the Sonata as we headed north. With 34 Raceway and Jackson County Speedway not running late models, we were hoping a few extra might wander in to " Lib." Still we were surprised to see Mendon, Il hotshoe Keith Pratt roll through the gate. Keith is a regular at 34 as well as Quincy Raceways, and had never even been to the big fairgrounds half mile. He was sitting home Saturday with an urge to race, and so he did! He struggled a bit in his heat race, started 16th in the main event, but moved up to a respectable eighth place finish. He told me later he loved the track, but wished he had put on new tires for the feature. He said he stayed with old ones because of his starting spot, not expecting to advance through the tough field. We had plenty of time to watch Keith, because all the racing was in the middle of the pack. That's because former Liberty standout Ray Guss Jr. qualified for the pole position in the 25 lapper, and turned the race for first into a rout. Outside pole sitter Jeff Guengerich stayed close until a lap eleven caution for Sam Halstead who stopped in turn four. On the restart, ninth starting Kevin Kile bolted from fifth to the runner up slot. One lap later, Fred Remley spun in turn two, bringing out the only other caution of the race. From that point, Guss took off, cruising to the win. The younger Kile held off twelfth starting Andy Eckrich for second, with Mike Klinkhammer and Guengerich completing the top five. Sixteen cars took the green flag, with Jay Chenoweth and visiting Dave Schitker unable to make the call. Both drivers saw there mounts go up in smoke in heat race action.
The IMCA modifieds had started off the feature action, with 13 cars taking the green. Bub Irwin led lap one before Larry Herring charged to the front. Herring paced the field until Todd Hansen made a last lap pass for the win. Visiting Bob Dominacki took third. Hansen had been racing a late model throughout the week for the Kile Motorsports team in the Corn Belt Clash series.
Tyler Whalen, Mike Morrow and Nate Chandler staged an entertaining battle in the Sport Compact feature, with Chandler getting the win Whalen second, and Morrow third.
Although short on cars, the stock car feature was a real shootout. Cody Harris was the early leader, but by lap six, Harris, David Brandies, and visiting Andrew Burk were running three wide. Coming to the white flag, Burk looped his # 20B, bringing out the yellow. On the restart, as the field again took the white, Burk made contact with Marcus Ostofi, sending the # 17m into the inside wall. the race was called complete, with Brandies getting the win over Rod Statts and Harris.
The open modified feature may have been the pick race of the night, with 14 of the 16 cars taking the green. Larry Herring, one of several double duty mod racers, blew his engine in his heat, and Nick Hixson was loaded and gone by feature time. Scott dickey jumped to the early lead before a lap three yellow. Double duty Hansen retired then with lost oil pressure. By lap nine, Noah Coppes was challenging for the lead, but one lap later, tenth starting Ryan Dolan moved to second. The next ten laps were edge of your seat ones, as Dickey ran the middle groove, and Dolan tried both the top and bottom lines. Dolan finally found the high side in one and two and the low line in three and four to his liking, and the two second generation racers came to the white flag side by side. Ryan led his only lap at the end, Mike Schulte trailed Dickey in third, with Coppes fourth.
Although the heat races were slowed by several cautions, the show ended before 10:00, a real bonus for us weary travelers.
Sunday night found us back at Quincy Raceways for weekly racing, with Jeff Broeg joining us in the grandstands.
The PCRA crate late models were added to the Sunday card, racing for $1,000 to win, as they wrapped up a four night mini tour. Though short on cars, the crates were plenty long on talent. Bobby Dauderman led throughout, but not without a stiff challenge from Nick Lyons in the black # 8 ball sometimes driven by Scott Weber. The top two were chased across the line by Mark Oller, Tim Rataczyk, and Dustin Griffin. The crate lates have another date in Quincy in September.
The 16 car UMP modified field started the features off, but once again the yellow flag was the featured attraction. Nine times, the caution flew, eliminating half the field, including defending track champion Jared Schlipman and top contenders Dave Weitholder and Shawn Deering. Shawn was wheeling the # 00 of Ben Huff, as his # 16 is in the repair shop, but he could not take advantage of a front row start. Meanwhile, IMCA driver Brandon Savage continued to set the opace early, until losing a wheel on one of several lap eight restarts. At the same time, Steven Delonjay ducked to the hot pit area to change a flat tire, rejoining the tail of the field after challenging Savage. This turned the lead over to newlywed Vance Wilson. Wilsons ride was beat and battered, and he soon gave up the top spot to Robbie Reed. Meanwhile, Delonjay worked his way back to the front, taking over the lead on lap 18, and going on to his sixth straight win, tying Michael Longs track record in the mods. Reed took second, with Jake Griffin, Wilson, Ryan Meyer in tow.
Nine IMCA stock cars took the green flag, with Andrew Griffin and Abe Huls dueling for the lead. Abe picked up the win, with Terry Houston getting around Griffin for second. Beau Taylor and Jerry Jansen also had top five runs.
Thirteen IMCA late models checked in, although Justin Jennings lost his drive shaft in his heat race, ending his night. Darin Weisinger took off from the pole in search of his first win as the field jockeyed behind him. Denny Woodworth worked both the top and bottom grooves to move to the front, but Justin Reed got his # 1st hooked up on the high side, grabbing the lead and the win after a lap 21 caution. Woodworth took second ahead of Matt Bailey, Joey Gower, and Weisinger.
The hobby stock saw the return of early season sensation Bobby Anders, now wheeling Wes Mayfields # 21. Bobby was back in his familiar top spot, when he went pitside on lap eight, turning the lead over to steady Brandon Symmonds. The Keokuk, Iowa driver held off allcomers, collecting his first win over Tanner Klingele, point leader Steve Carlin, and Nathan Anders.
The 4 cylinder Wild Things brought the curtain down with a 12 lap finale. Seth Woodruff overtook point leader Casey Kendrick on lap nine for his first feature win. Craig Bangert, Kimberly Abbott and Robert Thompson rounded out the first five.
A couple of weeks back, I congratulated Kimberly Abbott on being the first lady racer to pick up a QR win since 1993. Inexplicably, I overlooked the colorful career of high schooler Sarah Woodhurst, who was a standout racer during the 4 cylinder Hornet days at QR. Not only did Sarah pick up five feature wins in that class, she also picked up a hobby stock checkers before ' retiring " to attend college at Mizzou. My apologies to a talented and young lady!
It is already August - the season is slippim=ng away, so get out to the races this weekend. See you there!
The IMCA modifieds had started off the feature action, with 13 cars taking the green. Bub Irwin led lap one before Larry Herring charged to the front. Herring paced the field until Todd Hansen made a last lap pass for the win. Visiting Bob Dominacki took third. Hansen had been racing a late model throughout the week for the Kile Motorsports team in the Corn Belt Clash series.
Tyler Whalen, Mike Morrow and Nate Chandler staged an entertaining battle in the Sport Compact feature, with Chandler getting the win Whalen second, and Morrow third.
Although short on cars, the stock car feature was a real shootout. Cody Harris was the early leader, but by lap six, Harris, David Brandies, and visiting Andrew Burk were running three wide. Coming to the white flag, Burk looped his # 20B, bringing out the yellow. On the restart, as the field again took the white, Burk made contact with Marcus Ostofi, sending the # 17m into the inside wall. the race was called complete, with Brandies getting the win over Rod Statts and Harris.
The open modified feature may have been the pick race of the night, with 14 of the 16 cars taking the green. Larry Herring, one of several double duty mod racers, blew his engine in his heat, and Nick Hixson was loaded and gone by feature time. Scott dickey jumped to the early lead before a lap three yellow. Double duty Hansen retired then with lost oil pressure. By lap nine, Noah Coppes was challenging for the lead, but one lap later, tenth starting Ryan Dolan moved to second. The next ten laps were edge of your seat ones, as Dickey ran the middle groove, and Dolan tried both the top and bottom lines. Dolan finally found the high side in one and two and the low line in three and four to his liking, and the two second generation racers came to the white flag side by side. Ryan led his only lap at the end, Mike Schulte trailed Dickey in third, with Coppes fourth.
Although the heat races were slowed by several cautions, the show ended before 10:00, a real bonus for us weary travelers.
Sunday night found us back at Quincy Raceways for weekly racing, with Jeff Broeg joining us in the grandstands.
The PCRA crate late models were added to the Sunday card, racing for $1,000 to win, as they wrapped up a four night mini tour. Though short on cars, the crates were plenty long on talent. Bobby Dauderman led throughout, but not without a stiff challenge from Nick Lyons in the black # 8 ball sometimes driven by Scott Weber. The top two were chased across the line by Mark Oller, Tim Rataczyk, and Dustin Griffin. The crate lates have another date in Quincy in September.
The 16 car UMP modified field started the features off, but once again the yellow flag was the featured attraction. Nine times, the caution flew, eliminating half the field, including defending track champion Jared Schlipman and top contenders Dave Weitholder and Shawn Deering. Shawn was wheeling the # 00 of Ben Huff, as his # 16 is in the repair shop, but he could not take advantage of a front row start. Meanwhile, IMCA driver Brandon Savage continued to set the opace early, until losing a wheel on one of several lap eight restarts. At the same time, Steven Delonjay ducked to the hot pit area to change a flat tire, rejoining the tail of the field after challenging Savage. This turned the lead over to newlywed Vance Wilson. Wilsons ride was beat and battered, and he soon gave up the top spot to Robbie Reed. Meanwhile, Delonjay worked his way back to the front, taking over the lead on lap 18, and going on to his sixth straight win, tying Michael Longs track record in the mods. Reed took second, with Jake Griffin, Wilson, Ryan Meyer in tow.
Nine IMCA stock cars took the green flag, with Andrew Griffin and Abe Huls dueling for the lead. Abe picked up the win, with Terry Houston getting around Griffin for second. Beau Taylor and Jerry Jansen also had top five runs.
Thirteen IMCA late models checked in, although Justin Jennings lost his drive shaft in his heat race, ending his night. Darin Weisinger took off from the pole in search of his first win as the field jockeyed behind him. Denny Woodworth worked both the top and bottom grooves to move to the front, but Justin Reed got his # 1st hooked up on the high side, grabbing the lead and the win after a lap 21 caution. Woodworth took second ahead of Matt Bailey, Joey Gower, and Weisinger.
The hobby stock saw the return of early season sensation Bobby Anders, now wheeling Wes Mayfields # 21. Bobby was back in his familiar top spot, when he went pitside on lap eight, turning the lead over to steady Brandon Symmonds. The Keokuk, Iowa driver held off allcomers, collecting his first win over Tanner Klingele, point leader Steve Carlin, and Nathan Anders.
The 4 cylinder Wild Things brought the curtain down with a 12 lap finale. Seth Woodruff overtook point leader Casey Kendrick on lap nine for his first feature win. Craig Bangert, Kimberly Abbott and Robert Thompson rounded out the first five.
A couple of weeks back, I congratulated Kimberly Abbott on being the first lady racer to pick up a QR win since 1993. Inexplicably, I overlooked the colorful career of high schooler Sarah Woodhurst, who was a standout racer during the 4 cylinder Hornet days at QR. Not only did Sarah pick up five feature wins in that class, she also picked up a hobby stock checkers before ' retiring " to attend college at Mizzou. My apologies to a talented and young lady!
It is already August - the season is slippim=ng away, so get out to the races this weekend. See you there!
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