Saturday night, Darryl, Fred and I took off for what is likely our last race night of 2011. The occasion was night number two of the Fall Nationals at Memphis, Mo. With season long promoter Rick Girard and the Scotland County fairboard parting ways, IMCA modified racer Brandon Savage stepped up to try his hand at promoting. Brandon is a third generation racer, with his uncles, Lance and Corrie Stott, and his Hall of Fame grandfather, the legendary Ramo Stott having circled the tracks before him. In fact, Ramo, who promoted a race or two along the way, was on present for the weekend to help out however he could. Although I am not privy to the books, I would guess that the weekend was successful one for Brandon, and his " significant other, " Nikki, as the Saturday night crowd was a good one, and the car count came in at 103 after 90 teams raced on Friday. In addition, the weather man was most kind, even holding back the few raindrops that fell after the show concluded just prior to 10:30. Five classes of cars competed on the smooth, fast track, which still had plenty of moisture at the end of the night. The only hiccup in the program was a 37 minute late start to hot laps as it took a bit longer than planned to run in the track. But the wait proved worth the time it took.
The top six cars in each division were locked into the first three rows of the Saturday features based on Fridays main events. Everyone else ran hear races, and in the case of the stock cars, a B- main, to fill out the field. Only the stocks had drivers fail to qualify, as the 103 cars were spread pretty evenly throughout the five classes. Of course, there were a few that could not make the call come feature time in the other classes. The heat races ran off without incident except for Sport Mod heat two, when Rusty Sands lost nearly the entire drive train from under his # 5s as he came down the front chute. It took the track crew several minutes to try and collect all the small parts the were scattered all the way to turn two.
The SportMod 18 lap feature ran first, with Friday winner Chris Larson in a car purchased very recently by his team on the pole. But it was Scott Vanbuskirk grabbing the early lead. The race was red flagged for a scary crash coming out of turn two Rick Paulsen. His # 28P rode the backstretch guard rail, rolling several times. While Paulsen was uninjured, his race car was a total mess. In fact it took his crew and a very good wrecker driver what seemed like forever to wedge it into his enclosed trailer. Hopefully the driver who towed down from Tripoli, Iowa will be back on the track in 2012.
By this time, Jim Gillenwater, who had started in row five, had moved to third, but the veteran driver spun on the restart, winding up deep in the pack. As Van buskirk continued to lead, Gillenwater quickly recovered to move back inside the top five, but he again bobbled at the white flag.
" Local " favorite, Brandon Dale shadowed the leader the second half of the race to take runner up honors to the delight of the crowd. Larson drove a steady race to capture third ahead of Curtis Vanderwall and Gillenwater.
The 4 cylinder cars ran next, with 14 cars taking the green. It was Friday winner Nick Wilkerson of Yarmouth, Iowa setting the pace, with the first yellow on lap eight. As the laps wound down, Adam Gates, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa was making a charge in his # 007. Coming to the white flag, he appeared to break a fuel line, as his ride erupted in flames, ending his third place run. Wilkerson took a flag to flag win over Micheal Grossman, Craig Bangert, Kimberly Abbott and William Michel.
The 24 car stock car feature had a little trouble getting rolling with a lap two caution followed by two false starts. Matt Greiner led lap one before Grinnell, Iowa hotshoe Todd Reitzler took over. From then on, it was a two car battle as the # 22 and # 29 swapped the lead, but mostly ran side by side, low on the oval, not touching. As they came to the white, Greiner had the edge, and the Washington, Iowa racer held on for a photo finish win. Terry Houston had worked his way through the pack and caught the top two, but had nowhere to make a move with the front pair side by side. Beau Taylor rolled home fourth ahead of Mike Harward. The 15 lap hobby stock main endured a couple of early yellows with Clayton Crump jumping out front. On lap eight, Bobby Anders took over in the Mayfield - Anders # 21. From there the Quincy Raceways regular was in charge. with Crump, Brandon Symmonds, Andrew Hustead, and Council Bluffs, Iowas David Orr completing the first five. Anders and Mayfield have already announced plans to field a Sport Mod for 2012.
The final event of the night, and our final race of the season was the 25 lap A modified main event, paying $1200.00 to win. In addition, sponsor money had been raced to the point that the highest finishing IMCA legal car would receive a $550.00 bonus and the second highest IMCA would pocket an extra $250.00. Sixteen cars took the green, with second row qualifier Donovan Lodge and two class driver Beau Taylor on the trailer. Friday winner JD Auringer from Waterloo, Iowa, an IMCA car, took the early lead. Quincy Raceways track champion Steven Delonjay took up the chase, while fellow Quincian Michael Long began his charge from row six. When the caution flew on lap six, Long had moved to fourth. By lap nine, Delonjay had slowed, as he had a tire quickly going flat, and Long moved to second. As Michael tried to work the top side of the track where he normally makes his living, Delonjay adjusted to the flat and moved back to second on the bottom of the track as the top side " went away. " When the caution waved on lap 17, Steven went to the infield to change the tire, and Long was back in second. With two laps to go and the leaders fighting lapped cars, Long tried to move under Auringer in turn three. Apparently misjudging just a bit, Michael got into the back of the # 00, winding up in the infield. From there JD was in charge, taking the win and the top bonus for a $1750.00 payday. Davenport, Iowa veteran Bruce Hanford styaed close to the front and nabbed second, Dave Weitholder started 16th and finished third. Steve Stewart was fourth, and Jeff Waterman snared the other IMCA bonus with a fifth place showing. Delonjay charged all the way back to sixth.
It was a good finish to what was a frustrating season in many ways, but we will save that for a later blog.
I was able to offer congratulations to Keokuk, Iowa resident Dave Sapp, the new owner of the Lee County Speedway racing operation. Dave was on hand as car owner of the # 105 Sport Mod driven by John Oliver Jr. Dave has already retained Dwaine Hulett as his 2012 race director. The y also indicated the will be featuring IMCA sanctioning in all five regular classes. No word yet if there will be any late model shows at the fairgrounds facility in 2012.
Several days ago, I received what I thought was the determination on next seasons plans for the late model class at Quincy Raceways. Now it seems there has been some rethinking, so I will pass along information when a final decision is made.
Leading the way, the Lucas Oil late model series has released their 2012 schedule, and although we know there may be some tweaking, it looks as though we Tri Staters will have to do some traveling to see the Lucas stars next season. At least before September, when the series will again sanction the Late Model Nationals.
If you can squeeze in another race, wherever you are, do so for me, as my next race is ONLY 23 weeks away!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Chad and Andy Share the Twins
Saturday night Darryl, Fred,and I made our annual trip to the West Liberty Raceway for the finals of the Liberty 100. This race has always been a favorite of mine, but since they split the format last season, running 50 laps each for open late models and IMCA late models, it has moved near the top of the list. Saturday night was made even better by absolutely perfect weather. And whether it was the warm evening, the race format, or both, it was the largest crowd I have seen at Liberty in several seasons., and that was good to see!
As with most places we have journeyed in 2011, the car count was down a bit from last season, but there was still 18 open lates and 23 IMCA lates back for the finals. The only real downer was the fact that the program was about one hour late getting started as the track crew over watered the big 1/2 mile. but even then, things got going at the regular Saturday night start time.
In addition to the late models, both regular track modified classes were on the card, as well as IMCA Sport Compacts and the mod lites.
After the feature fields were set with assorted heats, last chance races and fast dashes, the 4 cylinder 12 lap finale ran first.
After 50 plus years of racing, it is not often I see something I have not seen before, but on lap seven, Brad Chandler lost a left rear wheel while leading the race. What was different was the fact that not only did Chandler continue to run, but he held his lead. Then, with two to go, second running Ryan Walker also threw a shoe, bringing out the caution. At that point Chandler was sent pitside in accordance with track policy. On the restart, 74 year old Wayne Noble grabbed the lead and took the checkers. Although I have yet to see official results, sources say Wayne was DQ'd in tech and Jordon Walker was awarded the win. If this info is incorrect, I apologize.
Next out was the seven car mod lite main. Rob Guss took an easy win in the 15 lapper, with Jonathon Houston blowing up one of the 1000 cc power plants while running second.
The IMCA modified 20 lapper turned in to a caution plagued affair, and after early leader Larry Herring dropped out with engine woes, second generation driver Chris Horn, from Marion took his first dirt modified feature win. Many of you will remember his father, Fred, a late model ace in the 1970s and 1980s.
The open late models rolled out next for their 50 lap, $3500 to win extravaganza. Outside pole sitter Chad Simpson snatched the lead from polesitter Brian Harris coming out of turn two on the first lap, and never looked back. Simpson began lapping slower cars by lap seven before the first caution on lap eight. At this point Jill George, who received the loudest applause in pre race introductions, became the first casualty of the event. The race then went clean and green until lap 285, when Wayne Brau slowed in turn four. Even though the side by side restart method was employed on restarts, Simpson retained the lead each time. By lap 42, Harris seemed to be closing, but he jumped the cushion a bit, ending his challenge. Chad picked up the flag to flag win, with Harris second all the way. Chris Simpson shared in the family success by running third, and the Eckrich brothers took the next three spots, with Denny, Andy, and Dave crossing the stripe in that order. Rounding out the lead lap cars were Joel Callahan and Kurt Kile, while Rich Bell and Todd Hormel completed the top ten.
The open modified 25 lapper came next, with polesitter Todd Hansen leading the first lap before veteran Bruce Hanford took over from a row two start, taking outside polesitter Scott Dickey with him. Brad Dubil had motor issues early in the night, and started 24th on the grid. Ten laps later, he had moved up ten spots , only to retire to the pits. The first caution came on lap 13 for Hansen, who appeared to blow his engine. On the restart, Johnny Spaw, who had dropped back several spots, charged to second. Two laps later the yellow waved again, and on the third try at a restart, Spaw grabbed the lead. On lap 18, double duty Kurt Kile took the runnerup spot, and he mounted a challenge on Spaw, but came up short. A jubilant Spaw noted that it was his first mod win at Liberty, ending a long dry spell after many pro stock wins in the late 1980s.
The finale of the evening and the season was the IMCA 50 lap $3500 to win feature race. Dash winner Ray Guss Jr., a newly named member of the dirt racing Hall of Fame, and Denny Eckrich sat on the front row. The first yellow came on lap four for Tyler Breuning, and Guss held the top spot over Andy Eckrich. Meanwhile, 18th starting Mike Murphy Jr. had advanced six spots. Two laps after the restart, third running Denny Eckrich stopped on the track, and by now, Murphy was up to fifth, while Tommy Elston took over third, and 15 starting Justin Kay in the # 21H normally driven by Brian Harris moved to eighth. The race stayed green until lap 18, and by now Murphy was fourth, and Nick Marolf had moved from 13th to sixth. On the restart, Marolf shot to fourth, while Murphy fell to seventh. When the caution came out on lap 20, Mike Klinkhammer, the 16th starter, moved to sixth. Six laps later, double duty driver Joel Callahan slipped past Andy Eckrich for second. On lap 31 the caution came again, and Murphy was back to fourth. If you are wondering about my point, we often hear that there is nor enough passing with IMCA late models. Well this race sure debunked that myth! Following this last restart, Eckrich and Callahan waged a fierce battle for second, with Andy taking the spot back on lap 38. Two laps later, the youngest of the Eckrich brothers charged past Guss to take a lead he would not give up. Guss held on for second ahead of Callahan, Marolf, and Murphy, while colby Springsteen took sixth. The rest of the top ten included Kinkhammer, Elston, Gary Webb, and Kay.
This was for sure one of our best nights of 2011, and makes me wish the season was not coming down to the final night. Still there are some opportunities to see good racing, so make some plans this weekend as I hope to!
As with most places we have journeyed in 2011, the car count was down a bit from last season, but there was still 18 open lates and 23 IMCA lates back for the finals. The only real downer was the fact that the program was about one hour late getting started as the track crew over watered the big 1/2 mile. but even then, things got going at the regular Saturday night start time.
In addition to the late models, both regular track modified classes were on the card, as well as IMCA Sport Compacts and the mod lites.
After the feature fields were set with assorted heats, last chance races and fast dashes, the 4 cylinder 12 lap finale ran first.
After 50 plus years of racing, it is not often I see something I have not seen before, but on lap seven, Brad Chandler lost a left rear wheel while leading the race. What was different was the fact that not only did Chandler continue to run, but he held his lead. Then, with two to go, second running Ryan Walker also threw a shoe, bringing out the caution. At that point Chandler was sent pitside in accordance with track policy. On the restart, 74 year old Wayne Noble grabbed the lead and took the checkers. Although I have yet to see official results, sources say Wayne was DQ'd in tech and Jordon Walker was awarded the win. If this info is incorrect, I apologize.
Next out was the seven car mod lite main. Rob Guss took an easy win in the 15 lapper, with Jonathon Houston blowing up one of the 1000 cc power plants while running second.
The IMCA modified 20 lapper turned in to a caution plagued affair, and after early leader Larry Herring dropped out with engine woes, second generation driver Chris Horn, from Marion took his first dirt modified feature win. Many of you will remember his father, Fred, a late model ace in the 1970s and 1980s.
The open late models rolled out next for their 50 lap, $3500 to win extravaganza. Outside pole sitter Chad Simpson snatched the lead from polesitter Brian Harris coming out of turn two on the first lap, and never looked back. Simpson began lapping slower cars by lap seven before the first caution on lap eight. At this point Jill George, who received the loudest applause in pre race introductions, became the first casualty of the event. The race then went clean and green until lap 285, when Wayne Brau slowed in turn four. Even though the side by side restart method was employed on restarts, Simpson retained the lead each time. By lap 42, Harris seemed to be closing, but he jumped the cushion a bit, ending his challenge. Chad picked up the flag to flag win, with Harris second all the way. Chris Simpson shared in the family success by running third, and the Eckrich brothers took the next three spots, with Denny, Andy, and Dave crossing the stripe in that order. Rounding out the lead lap cars were Joel Callahan and Kurt Kile, while Rich Bell and Todd Hormel completed the top ten.
The open modified 25 lapper came next, with polesitter Todd Hansen leading the first lap before veteran Bruce Hanford took over from a row two start, taking outside polesitter Scott Dickey with him. Brad Dubil had motor issues early in the night, and started 24th on the grid. Ten laps later, he had moved up ten spots , only to retire to the pits. The first caution came on lap 13 for Hansen, who appeared to blow his engine. On the restart, Johnny Spaw, who had dropped back several spots, charged to second. Two laps later the yellow waved again, and on the third try at a restart, Spaw grabbed the lead. On lap 18, double duty Kurt Kile took the runnerup spot, and he mounted a challenge on Spaw, but came up short. A jubilant Spaw noted that it was his first mod win at Liberty, ending a long dry spell after many pro stock wins in the late 1980s.
The finale of the evening and the season was the IMCA 50 lap $3500 to win feature race. Dash winner Ray Guss Jr., a newly named member of the dirt racing Hall of Fame, and Denny Eckrich sat on the front row. The first yellow came on lap four for Tyler Breuning, and Guss held the top spot over Andy Eckrich. Meanwhile, 18th starting Mike Murphy Jr. had advanced six spots. Two laps after the restart, third running Denny Eckrich stopped on the track, and by now, Murphy was up to fifth, while Tommy Elston took over third, and 15 starting Justin Kay in the # 21H normally driven by Brian Harris moved to eighth. The race stayed green until lap 18, and by now Murphy was fourth, and Nick Marolf had moved from 13th to sixth. On the restart, Marolf shot to fourth, while Murphy fell to seventh. When the caution came out on lap 20, Mike Klinkhammer, the 16th starter, moved to sixth. Six laps later, double duty driver Joel Callahan slipped past Andy Eckrich for second. On lap 31 the caution came again, and Murphy was back to fourth. If you are wondering about my point, we often hear that there is nor enough passing with IMCA late models. Well this race sure debunked that myth! Following this last restart, Eckrich and Callahan waged a fierce battle for second, with Andy taking the spot back on lap 38. Two laps later, the youngest of the Eckrich brothers charged past Guss to take a lead he would not give up. Guss held on for second ahead of Callahan, Marolf, and Murphy, while colby Springsteen took sixth. The rest of the top ten included Kinkhammer, Elston, Gary Webb, and Kay.
This was for sure one of our best nights of 2011, and makes me wish the season was not coming down to the final night. Still there are some opportunities to see good racing, so make some plans this weekend as I hope to!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Real Deal Pulls an Ace
The weatherman finally cooperated Saturday, and we headed out just after 8:00 AM for a three hour trip to Knoxville, Iowa for a full day at the late model nationals. With excellent internet updates, plus several update phone calls from on site friends, we had a good idea of who and what to expect when we arrived. The opening night field featured 64 cars, followed by 62 on friday and 60 on the final night. This was easily the highest return rate in the eight years this race has run. Chances are it would have been even higher, but Georgia ace Dale McDowell left after night one due to the passing of his mother. Jason Utter stayed around as a spectator after crashing his # 31 on Thursday night. Steve Casebolt and Jeremiah Hurst, who had starting spots in C-main rows one and two respectively, also were no shows. The 15 lap event transferred four cars to the B-main, and Kevin Sather outlasted Matt Furman in an entertaining duel to the checkers. Illinois hot shoe Tim Lance and Jay Johnson also moved on to the next race. It was my first chance this season to watch Sather and Lance in action.
Up and coming Tyler Breuning just missed the top four, as Johnson made the late race pass. The 20 lap B-main saw 24 cars take the green flag. West Virginia driver John Blankenship led flag to flag for the win. Wisconsin ace Brady Smith has cut back on his traveling this season, but the former nationals winner was dialed in on Saturday. He started 15th on the grid and charged to a runnerup finish. A total of six drivers transferred to the 100 lap finale, with pole sitter Eric Wells, ninth starting Brian Harris in the Diercks Motorsports # 27H, Denny Eckrich and Frank Heckenast Jr. also moving along. Because the race was sanctioned forthe first time ever by Lucas Oil - which has been the title sponsor since year two - three series provisionals were allowed. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of provisionals, but at Knoxville they are added to the field rather than taking " earned " spots, so in this case I say the more the merrier. A total of 33 cars were set to start the 100 lap A -main!
Before the grand finale, the IMCA modifieds had some business to take car of. Some 40 plus invitations were sent out to modified drivers who had " qualified " by their participation and success in various IMCA races and series throughout the season, along with some past champion spots. 37 cars came through the gate, with the four heat wins going to Jon Snyder, Josh Gilman, Quincy, Il pilot Michael Long, and Luke Wanninger. Chris Abelson captured the B-Main. There has been a lot of back and forth internet chatter about the addition of a second class on Saturday night. While there are good arguments on both sides, there should be no arguing about the quality of the mod racing. The feature event ran with only two cautions, and had lots of side by side action with some " slam, bang " tossed in for good measure. At the checkers, it was Snyder topping Eric Dailey for the $2500 top prize. JD Auringer finished third ahead of Richie Gustin and Jacob Murray. After running away and hiding to win his heat, Long was the first car out of the A when he rolled to a stop in turn one of lap two.
When the green waved to start the 100 lapper, 19 year old Austin Hubbard took off from the outside pole. By lap nine, the leaders were catching the back of the pack, and as Hubbard worked the traffic, polesitter Brian Birkhofer and third starting Scott Bloomquist closed in. On lap 16, eighth starting Don Oneal, making his first visit to Knoxville since 2004, slipped past Bloomquist for third. Three laps late, Oneal moved to second, and on lap 24 he took the top spot with Birkhofer in tow. The first yellow then came out, and the restart had Oneal, Hubbard, Birkhofer and Jimmy Owens leading the pack, while Billy Moyer had advanced six spots to eighth. The real mover at this point was Jimmy Mars, who started 22nd and was now running fifth! By lap 28 Mars had moved to third, but two laps later a spate of caution periods slowed the action for the next 30 laps. Most of these yellows were caused by cars simply slowing on the speedway to get a chance to duck into the pits for tires or suspension work. Like many in attendance, I noted that it seemed to take an unusually long time to reset and restart the field. Was this a direct result of the race now being sanctioned? That seemed to be a question on some minds. On lap 54, Owens moved to the second spot, and six laps later, the " Newport Nightmare " took over the lead. With Bloomquist going a lap down, the running order had Owens in position to take over the series points lead. A long green flag run ended with twelve laps to go when the fourth running Mars stopped in turn two with suspension issues. On the restart, Moyer jumped from seventh to fourth after nearly being lapped before the caution. At the same time, third running Hubbard began to fade as only eight cars remained on the lead lap. The cushion, especially in turn four had become very treacherous, and the front runners seemed to be on the ragged edge every lap, with Oneal really fighting it. With eight to go, Harris, who had come from 28th to seventh fell out of the running. One lap later, Oneal retook the lead from Owens, who had been cruising, but a caution put the Owens back out front. With five to go, Owens hit that turn four cushion wrong, and got sideways out of turn four. Oneal pounced to take the spot, and those last five laps were as good as you could hope to see. 15 year old Tyler Reddick, had been hanging in the lead group all night, and suddenly found the line he wanted . He charged from seventh to fourth, and tried to move around Birkhofer on the high side out of two. Steve Francis took advantage of this battle to slip into second, the highest he had run all race. Birkhofer held on to third, with Reddick fourth. Owens faded to fifth followed by Moyer and Hubbard on the lead lap. Smith advanced 18 spots to finish eighth, with 23rd starting Bub McCool ninth and Bloomquist tenth. The win was worth $40,000 to Oneal, who was behind the wheel of the Moring Motorsports ride. Don also piloted the Moring car to the $25,000 win at the Silver Dollar Nationals in July. At that race, the car was sporting a # 1, while it had Oneals' familiar # 71 at Knoxville.
While some saw disadvantages to the race being sanctioned, it probably resulted in the stoutest field of competitors since the field was limited to 66 entries after the 2005 event. I can be counted among those who wish the entries would be opened up, but I can certainly see the advantage for the track and especially the racers to keep the limit in place. I short, they must be doing something right, as I have not missed a Saturday night finale yet. And Keagan has made this one of two " can't miss " races on his schedule.
We dropped in on the Saturday afternoon auction in time to hear Lynn Richard make the announcement that Mark Burgtorf would be wheeling his # 15 late model in 2012. While Lynn offered no specifics about when and where the new team would be racing, he did say they would be at the nationals next season. Burgtorf had been looking for a motor deal to run the Knoxville show this year, but did not find the right deal. Mark had raced the Richard car earlier this season on at least one occasion. It will be interesting to see how this works out, as Mark has concentrated more on UMP racing in Illnois the last couple seasons, while the Richard car is semi regular on The IMCA Summer Series circuit and at weekly IMCA shows. Of course, Mark is a past champion in these venues, also. So the " silly season " has started before the racing season ends! A rumor making the rounds at Knoxville has the date of the nationals being changed, but we shall see. One fact, not rumor has Toby Kruse taking over as race director at Knoxville, as Ralph " Cappy " Capitani steps down. Congratulations to both men!
It looks as though the weather man may give us another good weekend upcoming, and our choices are night two of the Liberty 100 at West Liberty, i\Iowa, or night two Of the Fall Nationals originally scheduled at Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo., but since moved to 24 Raceway in Moberly, Mo. In a related move, modified racer Brandon Savage will be promoting a two night special at Scotland County on October 21 and 22. And in between, is the final Shiverfest extravaganza promoted by Terry and Jenni Hoenig at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. Hope to see you at some of these races!
Up and coming Tyler Breuning just missed the top four, as Johnson made the late race pass. The 20 lap B-main saw 24 cars take the green flag. West Virginia driver John Blankenship led flag to flag for the win. Wisconsin ace Brady Smith has cut back on his traveling this season, but the former nationals winner was dialed in on Saturday. He started 15th on the grid and charged to a runnerup finish. A total of six drivers transferred to the 100 lap finale, with pole sitter Eric Wells, ninth starting Brian Harris in the Diercks Motorsports # 27H, Denny Eckrich and Frank Heckenast Jr. also moving along. Because the race was sanctioned forthe first time ever by Lucas Oil - which has been the title sponsor since year two - three series provisionals were allowed. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of provisionals, but at Knoxville they are added to the field rather than taking " earned " spots, so in this case I say the more the merrier. A total of 33 cars were set to start the 100 lap A -main!
Before the grand finale, the IMCA modifieds had some business to take car of. Some 40 plus invitations were sent out to modified drivers who had " qualified " by their participation and success in various IMCA races and series throughout the season, along with some past champion spots. 37 cars came through the gate, with the four heat wins going to Jon Snyder, Josh Gilman, Quincy, Il pilot Michael Long, and Luke Wanninger. Chris Abelson captured the B-Main. There has been a lot of back and forth internet chatter about the addition of a second class on Saturday night. While there are good arguments on both sides, there should be no arguing about the quality of the mod racing. The feature event ran with only two cautions, and had lots of side by side action with some " slam, bang " tossed in for good measure. At the checkers, it was Snyder topping Eric Dailey for the $2500 top prize. JD Auringer finished third ahead of Richie Gustin and Jacob Murray. After running away and hiding to win his heat, Long was the first car out of the A when he rolled to a stop in turn one of lap two.
When the green waved to start the 100 lapper, 19 year old Austin Hubbard took off from the outside pole. By lap nine, the leaders were catching the back of the pack, and as Hubbard worked the traffic, polesitter Brian Birkhofer and third starting Scott Bloomquist closed in. On lap 16, eighth starting Don Oneal, making his first visit to Knoxville since 2004, slipped past Bloomquist for third. Three laps late, Oneal moved to second, and on lap 24 he took the top spot with Birkhofer in tow. The first yellow then came out, and the restart had Oneal, Hubbard, Birkhofer and Jimmy Owens leading the pack, while Billy Moyer had advanced six spots to eighth. The real mover at this point was Jimmy Mars, who started 22nd and was now running fifth! By lap 28 Mars had moved to third, but two laps later a spate of caution periods slowed the action for the next 30 laps. Most of these yellows were caused by cars simply slowing on the speedway to get a chance to duck into the pits for tires or suspension work. Like many in attendance, I noted that it seemed to take an unusually long time to reset and restart the field. Was this a direct result of the race now being sanctioned? That seemed to be a question on some minds. On lap 54, Owens moved to the second spot, and six laps later, the " Newport Nightmare " took over the lead. With Bloomquist going a lap down, the running order had Owens in position to take over the series points lead. A long green flag run ended with twelve laps to go when the fourth running Mars stopped in turn two with suspension issues. On the restart, Moyer jumped from seventh to fourth after nearly being lapped before the caution. At the same time, third running Hubbard began to fade as only eight cars remained on the lead lap. The cushion, especially in turn four had become very treacherous, and the front runners seemed to be on the ragged edge every lap, with Oneal really fighting it. With eight to go, Harris, who had come from 28th to seventh fell out of the running. One lap later, Oneal retook the lead from Owens, who had been cruising, but a caution put the Owens back out front. With five to go, Owens hit that turn four cushion wrong, and got sideways out of turn four. Oneal pounced to take the spot, and those last five laps were as good as you could hope to see. 15 year old Tyler Reddick, had been hanging in the lead group all night, and suddenly found the line he wanted . He charged from seventh to fourth, and tried to move around Birkhofer on the high side out of two. Steve Francis took advantage of this battle to slip into second, the highest he had run all race. Birkhofer held on to third, with Reddick fourth. Owens faded to fifth followed by Moyer and Hubbard on the lead lap. Smith advanced 18 spots to finish eighth, with 23rd starting Bub McCool ninth and Bloomquist tenth. The win was worth $40,000 to Oneal, who was behind the wheel of the Moring Motorsports ride. Don also piloted the Moring car to the $25,000 win at the Silver Dollar Nationals in July. At that race, the car was sporting a # 1, while it had Oneals' familiar # 71 at Knoxville.
While some saw disadvantages to the race being sanctioned, it probably resulted in the stoutest field of competitors since the field was limited to 66 entries after the 2005 event. I can be counted among those who wish the entries would be opened up, but I can certainly see the advantage for the track and especially the racers to keep the limit in place. I short, they must be doing something right, as I have not missed a Saturday night finale yet. And Keagan has made this one of two " can't miss " races on his schedule.
We dropped in on the Saturday afternoon auction in time to hear Lynn Richard make the announcement that Mark Burgtorf would be wheeling his # 15 late model in 2012. While Lynn offered no specifics about when and where the new team would be racing, he did say they would be at the nationals next season. Burgtorf had been looking for a motor deal to run the Knoxville show this year, but did not find the right deal. Mark had raced the Richard car earlier this season on at least one occasion. It will be interesting to see how this works out, as Mark has concentrated more on UMP racing in Illnois the last couple seasons, while the Richard car is semi regular on The IMCA Summer Series circuit and at weekly IMCA shows. Of course, Mark is a past champion in these venues, also. So the " silly season " has started before the racing season ends! A rumor making the rounds at Knoxville has the date of the nationals being changed, but we shall see. One fact, not rumor has Toby Kruse taking over as race director at Knoxville, as Ralph " Cappy " Capitani steps down. Congratulations to both men!
It looks as though the weather man may give us another good weekend upcoming, and our choices are night two of the Liberty 100 at West Liberty, i\Iowa, or night two Of the Fall Nationals originally scheduled at Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo., but since moved to 24 Raceway in Moberly, Mo. In a related move, modified racer Brandon Savage will be promoting a two night special at Scotland County on October 21 and 22. And in between, is the final Shiverfest extravaganza promoted by Terry and Jenni Hoenig at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. Hope to see you at some of these races!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
