Wednesday, May 30, 2012
R.I.P. Mike Meuer
I have just found out that the long time and legendary voice of I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo., as well as Belle Clair Speedway in Belleville,Il, Mike Meuer, passed away Tuesday of a massive heart attack while visiting family and friends in California. Mike was known as "The Talker Guy", or TTG on the racing websites he frequented. Only this past Saturday we were at the I-55 races, and I mentioned in my weekend recap that Mike was absent from the mic. If you never heard Mike announce, think Harry Caray at the racetrack. Some nights he would go through an entire show and never give a drivers full name, instead using the nicknames - many of which he started - that he so loved. Even so, he knew his stuff when it came to midwest racing, and he will definitely be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and many friends. R.I.P., talker guy.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Holiday Racing Far and Near
We started off the hot holiday racing weekend with a trip to Federated Auto Parts
I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. The MOWA sprint car series was making their first ever visit to Ken Schrader and Mike Marlers 1/3 mile oval, and having never seen sprints on the super fast St Louis area oval, I was looking forward to the show. Plus the UMP late models were racing for $2,000 to win, UMP modifieds for $1,200 and AARA sportsman cars for $400. The allure of a four class show made this a can't miss event. It was an especially good deal for buddy Fred, as all past and present military were admitted free. Although I am not a veteran, I am very proud of the track owners for doing this!
There were 33 sprinters signed in, with a couple of heat race scratches. The open wheel hotshoes drew for starting positions, but the track had their new scoreboard in operation, with hot lap times being shown. The fastest lap i saw flash up was a 10.2 second circuit, well over 100 MPH!
I-55 normally does not use time trial qualifying, but for this show, they decided to use group qualifying during hot laps for late models and mods, putting 3-5 cars on the track at a time. Combined with a late start as they tried to get enough water on the track to counter the high heat and bright sun, it was 7:56 before heats began, an hour later than we have come to expect at Pevely. I don't know what the status is of long time announcer Mike Meuer, but there was a different person sharing the mic with support class announcer Paul Aubachon. While he was well informed and easy to understand, MOWA had their own PA person who spoke much too softly, so as a sprint car novice, I was not always sure who I was watching. None the less, it was entertaining to watch Jerrod Hull start at the back of his heat race and come to the front for the win, then earn ther feature pole with a victory in the dash. Bret Triplett wound up on his side in the dash with suspension damage, but was able to make it back out for the 25 lap finale. Ben Wagoner was running seventh in the eight car dash when the yellow came out, but he found something on the bottom of the high banked oval and advanced to third. With the 25 late models, 26 mods and 24 sportsmen having completed their heats, intermission came late at 9:56. But track personnel used the time to rework the slick surface. The sprint feature ran first, and it was obvious Hull was the man to beat. Behind him, Jimmy Hurley was running a strong second, while eighth starting Triplett advanced to third. Following the first caution on lap seven for a smoking Paul May, Triplett seemed to lose his edge. The leaders hit traffic by lap 13, meanwhile Corey Weyent came from row seven to the runnerup spot. With Hull with a straightaway advantage, the second and final yellow waved for a smoking Hurley, who was running fourth. Still no one had an answer for Hull, who took the win over Weyent, Jim Moughan, Mike Hess, and Geoff Dodge.
All 25 late models took the green flag, with Brian Shirley and local favorite Randy Korte making up the front row by virtue of heat wins. Heat three winner Jason Crump, and defending national champion Ryan Unzicker filled row two. Korte took the early lead, with a caution on lap four for a spinning Randy Estes. On the restart, Korte ran the high side, with Unzicker applying pressure in the low groove. While Shirley ran third, Dewayne Kiefer and Bobby Pierce were battling behind the leaders on the very bottom of the track. Veteran Ken Schrader powered past both cars on the top, and on lap nine, Pierce gave Kiefer a nudge that sent the # 0 spinning. With a trip to the back on tap, Pierce retired to the pits, while Kiefer went to the tail of the field. Following the restart, Unzicker gained the advantage, and worked traffic well as he caught the tail cars on lap 19. Former UMP crate racer Caleb Ashby moved from a row seven start to fifth, before the final caution flew for what reason I am not sure on lap 23,with three laps remaining. Unzicker held on for the win, followed by Korte,Shirley, Jason McBride, with Schrader regaining fifth. Ashby, Jason Feger, Rickey Frankel, Andrew Johns, and Dave Jumper completed the second five. It was fun to see legendary Ed Dixon back on the track in his trademark # 50, although he did not have a strong run on Saturday.
Mark Miner started on the pole of the mostly used up oval for the modified 20 lapper, and he stayed glued to the bottom groove for a flag to flag win. With Rusty Griffaw shadowing Miner waiting for a bobble, Michael Long elected to try and fins something on the top of the track. Slowed by a handful of cautions, Michael finally gathered enough momentum to overtake Griffaw for second before running out of laps. we checked out at 11:30 as the sportsman cars prepared to run the last race of the evening. Although I do not always have a lot of patience for the time it takes to run a sprint show, seeing them on the fast 1/3 mile was indeed worth the trip. I-55 remains one of my favorite tracks, even being 2 3/4 hours from home.
Sunday night it was back to Quincy Raceways for weekly UMP and IMCA racing. With a $10,000 to win UMP show in Pontoon Beach,Il, 2 1/2 hours down the road, we expected to be down a car or two, but still their was a good field of 16 UMP super late models on hand. We even had one first time vistior for 2012, as Cuba, Il ace Steve Lance Jr. checked in. Steve had collected the main event at the just reopened 1/4 mile facility in New Florence, Mo. formerly know as Montgomery County Speedway. Steve finished third behind Mark Burgtorf in the # 7B, and Jason Perry in heat one, and was qualified for the position dash, but found a broken valve spring in his engine, ending his night. UMP national point leader Jim Moon scored the heat tow win over Justin Reed and Denny Woodworth. After coming up short a couple times this season, Burgtorf was not to be denied this week, capturing the dash, and aflag to flag win in the 30 lap finale. By the time the only yellow flew on lap 23, Maek had lapped up to the tenth place car, and even though Woodworth restarted alongside, he took off on the bottom groove and cruised to his first win of the season at his home track. The victory followed a win on Friday night in the # 7B UMP car at Pontoon Beach and a third place run in the Richard Realty # 15R IMCA machine Saturday at 34 Raceway. Mark tells me that car owner Lynn Richard is adding a Pierce chassis to his stable out of Mt Pleasant, Iowa, so Mark will now have three cars at his disposal. Woodworth, Perry, Moon and two time winner Dustin Griffin trailer Burgtorf to the checkers.
The IMCA stock car count of eight was less that hoped for, but again the racing was good. While Darin Weisinger was strong in a heat race win, Terry Houston went pitside with a flat tire. In the main event, Terry got in a tangle early, and found himself a straightaway behind the pack. To his credit, he kept rolling, running down the leaders before a collision between the damaged car of Michael Larsen and Gabe Harrison brought him to the pack. it was the only stppage of the feature. Still Abe Huls was the man to be, as he led the entire 15 laps for the win ahead of Jerry Jansen, Weisinger, and Houston.
Ten hobby stocks took the green flag, with Brandon Symmonds taking a flag to flag win in the fifteen lap caution free event over point leader Jake Powers and Tanner Klingele.
A season high 18 IMCA sport compacts had some bumpin' and bangin' in an entertaining 12 lap finale. Chuck Fullenkamp came from Fort Madison, Iowa to grab the win over a persistent Casey Lambert, and Andrew Davis.
Diminishing an otherwise quality show, the two modified classes suffered through caution periods too numerous to count. The IMCA sport mod class actully hit the time limit of one minute per lap plus five minutes after six of 20 laps, the ran the final 14 with no stops. Modified rookie Bobby Anders slid up the track mid race, and veteran Tony Dunker took advantage to pick up his fourth win in six weeks at QR. Another veteran, Vance Wilson finished third in his second week in the class.
The UMP mod feature ran first, and if they did not hit the time limit, they came close! Former track champ Jared Schlipman collected his first main event win of 2012. A mid race altercation involving Steven Delonjay and Dave Weitholder ended Weitholders night, but Delonjay survived to nab second over Shawn Deering, Robbie Reed and Jake Griffin.
Beginning next Sunday, June 3, Quincy will move their starting times back one hour for the summer months, with hot laps at 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
See you at the races!
I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. The MOWA sprint car series was making their first ever visit to Ken Schrader and Mike Marlers 1/3 mile oval, and having never seen sprints on the super fast St Louis area oval, I was looking forward to the show. Plus the UMP late models were racing for $2,000 to win, UMP modifieds for $1,200 and AARA sportsman cars for $400. The allure of a four class show made this a can't miss event. It was an especially good deal for buddy Fred, as all past and present military were admitted free. Although I am not a veteran, I am very proud of the track owners for doing this!
There were 33 sprinters signed in, with a couple of heat race scratches. The open wheel hotshoes drew for starting positions, but the track had their new scoreboard in operation, with hot lap times being shown. The fastest lap i saw flash up was a 10.2 second circuit, well over 100 MPH!
I-55 normally does not use time trial qualifying, but for this show, they decided to use group qualifying during hot laps for late models and mods, putting 3-5 cars on the track at a time. Combined with a late start as they tried to get enough water on the track to counter the high heat and bright sun, it was 7:56 before heats began, an hour later than we have come to expect at Pevely. I don't know what the status is of long time announcer Mike Meuer, but there was a different person sharing the mic with support class announcer Paul Aubachon. While he was well informed and easy to understand, MOWA had their own PA person who spoke much too softly, so as a sprint car novice, I was not always sure who I was watching. None the less, it was entertaining to watch Jerrod Hull start at the back of his heat race and come to the front for the win, then earn ther feature pole with a victory in the dash. Bret Triplett wound up on his side in the dash with suspension damage, but was able to make it back out for the 25 lap finale. Ben Wagoner was running seventh in the eight car dash when the yellow came out, but he found something on the bottom of the high banked oval and advanced to third. With the 25 late models, 26 mods and 24 sportsmen having completed their heats, intermission came late at 9:56. But track personnel used the time to rework the slick surface. The sprint feature ran first, and it was obvious Hull was the man to beat. Behind him, Jimmy Hurley was running a strong second, while eighth starting Triplett advanced to third. Following the first caution on lap seven for a smoking Paul May, Triplett seemed to lose his edge. The leaders hit traffic by lap 13, meanwhile Corey Weyent came from row seven to the runnerup spot. With Hull with a straightaway advantage, the second and final yellow waved for a smoking Hurley, who was running fourth. Still no one had an answer for Hull, who took the win over Weyent, Jim Moughan, Mike Hess, and Geoff Dodge.
All 25 late models took the green flag, with Brian Shirley and local favorite Randy Korte making up the front row by virtue of heat wins. Heat three winner Jason Crump, and defending national champion Ryan Unzicker filled row two. Korte took the early lead, with a caution on lap four for a spinning Randy Estes. On the restart, Korte ran the high side, with Unzicker applying pressure in the low groove. While Shirley ran third, Dewayne Kiefer and Bobby Pierce were battling behind the leaders on the very bottom of the track. Veteran Ken Schrader powered past both cars on the top, and on lap nine, Pierce gave Kiefer a nudge that sent the # 0 spinning. With a trip to the back on tap, Pierce retired to the pits, while Kiefer went to the tail of the field. Following the restart, Unzicker gained the advantage, and worked traffic well as he caught the tail cars on lap 19. Former UMP crate racer Caleb Ashby moved from a row seven start to fifth, before the final caution flew for what reason I am not sure on lap 23,with three laps remaining. Unzicker held on for the win, followed by Korte,Shirley, Jason McBride, with Schrader regaining fifth. Ashby, Jason Feger, Rickey Frankel, Andrew Johns, and Dave Jumper completed the second five. It was fun to see legendary Ed Dixon back on the track in his trademark # 50, although he did not have a strong run on Saturday.
Mark Miner started on the pole of the mostly used up oval for the modified 20 lapper, and he stayed glued to the bottom groove for a flag to flag win. With Rusty Griffaw shadowing Miner waiting for a bobble, Michael Long elected to try and fins something on the top of the track. Slowed by a handful of cautions, Michael finally gathered enough momentum to overtake Griffaw for second before running out of laps. we checked out at 11:30 as the sportsman cars prepared to run the last race of the evening. Although I do not always have a lot of patience for the time it takes to run a sprint show, seeing them on the fast 1/3 mile was indeed worth the trip. I-55 remains one of my favorite tracks, even being 2 3/4 hours from home.
Sunday night it was back to Quincy Raceways for weekly UMP and IMCA racing. With a $10,000 to win UMP show in Pontoon Beach,Il, 2 1/2 hours down the road, we expected to be down a car or two, but still their was a good field of 16 UMP super late models on hand. We even had one first time vistior for 2012, as Cuba, Il ace Steve Lance Jr. checked in. Steve had collected the main event at the just reopened 1/4 mile facility in New Florence, Mo. formerly know as Montgomery County Speedway. Steve finished third behind Mark Burgtorf in the # 7B, and Jason Perry in heat one, and was qualified for the position dash, but found a broken valve spring in his engine, ending his night. UMP national point leader Jim Moon scored the heat tow win over Justin Reed and Denny Woodworth. After coming up short a couple times this season, Burgtorf was not to be denied this week, capturing the dash, and aflag to flag win in the 30 lap finale. By the time the only yellow flew on lap 23, Maek had lapped up to the tenth place car, and even though Woodworth restarted alongside, he took off on the bottom groove and cruised to his first win of the season at his home track. The victory followed a win on Friday night in the # 7B UMP car at Pontoon Beach and a third place run in the Richard Realty # 15R IMCA machine Saturday at 34 Raceway. Mark tells me that car owner Lynn Richard is adding a Pierce chassis to his stable out of Mt Pleasant, Iowa, so Mark will now have three cars at his disposal. Woodworth, Perry, Moon and two time winner Dustin Griffin trailer Burgtorf to the checkers.
The IMCA stock car count of eight was less that hoped for, but again the racing was good. While Darin Weisinger was strong in a heat race win, Terry Houston went pitside with a flat tire. In the main event, Terry got in a tangle early, and found himself a straightaway behind the pack. To his credit, he kept rolling, running down the leaders before a collision between the damaged car of Michael Larsen and Gabe Harrison brought him to the pack. it was the only stppage of the feature. Still Abe Huls was the man to be, as he led the entire 15 laps for the win ahead of Jerry Jansen, Weisinger, and Houston.
Ten hobby stocks took the green flag, with Brandon Symmonds taking a flag to flag win in the fifteen lap caution free event over point leader Jake Powers and Tanner Klingele.
A season high 18 IMCA sport compacts had some bumpin' and bangin' in an entertaining 12 lap finale. Chuck Fullenkamp came from Fort Madison, Iowa to grab the win over a persistent Casey Lambert, and Andrew Davis.
Diminishing an otherwise quality show, the two modified classes suffered through caution periods too numerous to count. The IMCA sport mod class actully hit the time limit of one minute per lap plus five minutes after six of 20 laps, the ran the final 14 with no stops. Modified rookie Bobby Anders slid up the track mid race, and veteran Tony Dunker took advantage to pick up his fourth win in six weeks at QR. Another veteran, Vance Wilson finished third in his second week in the class.
The UMP mod feature ran first, and if they did not hit the time limit, they came close! Former track champ Jared Schlipman collected his first main event win of 2012. A mid race altercation involving Steven Delonjay and Dave Weitholder ended Weitholders night, but Delonjay survived to nab second over Shawn Deering, Robbie Reed and Jake Griffin.
Beginning next Sunday, June 3, Quincy will move their starting times back one hour for the summer months, with hot laps at 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
See you at the races!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Two Time Winners At Quincy
Despite excellent weather this weekend, my racing was limited to just Sunday night at Quincy Raceways. A mid afternoon shower dumped some much needed moisture, but not nearly enough to jeopardize the racing action. The six divisions turned out 83 race teams. With an ALMS late model show 2 and a half hours away in Lincoln,Il., the late model count was down a bit, but still 17 cars were on hand vying for the $1,000 top prize. Mark Burgtorf confused the hometown fans by competing in the Lynn Richard Racing # 15R after two weeks in the more familiar # 7B. Mark started on the pole position in the 30 lap feature on the .29 mile oval by virtue of the dash win. He had started on the pole of the dash by accumulating the most passing points in the heats, coming from row four to finish second to polesitter Dustin Griffin. Michael Long was the victor in heat two in the Jennings Racing # 56j, as the heats foretold the action later in the evening. Burgtorf took off to lead the early laps of the feature, but a lap four caution flew as a result of a Robbie Warner spin. With the NASCAR style side by side restart system, Mark took the preferred inside groove. But Griffin found something up top, and snagged the top spot. Lapped traffic came into play on lap 19, and allowed Long to close in on the top two. While Griffin held the lead, Burgtorf and Long swapped the runnerup spot four times before Michael sneaked by on the inside out of turn four coming to the checkers. It was his best finish in the Jennings ride. Rickey Frankel, who has twice in this young season nearly totaled his # 33F, finished fourth, with a much improved Jerry Lierly fifth. The second five was led by Jason Perry, followed by Clint Kirkham,Jim Moon, Justin Reed, and Matt Bailey. The latter two have main event wins this season at QR, with Griffin ( 2 ), and Dennis Erb, having the other wins. Vance Wilson sold his late model operation this week to a Pennsylvania racer, and purchased an IMCA sport mod. In his sport mod debut, he ran second to Tony Dunker.
Dave Weitholder and Michael Long staged a war in the UMP modified 25 lapper, before Long got in too deep on an inside move during a lap 18 restart. Long then retired pitside, with Weitholder cruising to his second QR win of 2012. A late race pass for second by Jared Schlipman was negated by a caytion flag, and he settled for third behind defending champion Steven Delonjay.
Abe Huls outlasted Aaron Brocksieck in the IMCA stock car main, Jake Powers collected the hobby stock finale, and Morning Sun, Iowa pilot Nick Wilkerson followed up a Saturday win in Bloomfield, Iowa with an IMCA sport compact victory.
Even with an extended intermission, the final checkers waved before 9:00. Track officials had planned to move the 5:30 race time back one hour for the summer months, but a vote at the drivers meeting showed the majority of participants prefer the 4:45 hot lap, 5;30 race time in effect through this coming Sunday. so we will see what decision is made.this Sunday will again feature six classes of regular points racing.
Keagan and I had the opportunity to finally meet CJ Speedway scorer Dianna Winkel and her racer husband Mark, who made the long trip down from Letts, Iowa to watch some racin'. It was their first ever visit to QR, and I hope they enjoyed the show!
There is no shortage of good racing over this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the forecast is good, so get out and do some dirt trackin' and maybe we will see you at the races!
Dave Weitholder and Michael Long staged a war in the UMP modified 25 lapper, before Long got in too deep on an inside move during a lap 18 restart. Long then retired pitside, with Weitholder cruising to his second QR win of 2012. A late race pass for second by Jared Schlipman was negated by a caytion flag, and he settled for third behind defending champion Steven Delonjay.
Abe Huls outlasted Aaron Brocksieck in the IMCA stock car main, Jake Powers collected the hobby stock finale, and Morning Sun, Iowa pilot Nick Wilkerson followed up a Saturday win in Bloomfield, Iowa with an IMCA sport compact victory.
Even with an extended intermission, the final checkers waved before 9:00. Track officials had planned to move the 5:30 race time back one hour for the summer months, but a vote at the drivers meeting showed the majority of participants prefer the 4:45 hot lap, 5;30 race time in effect through this coming Sunday. so we will see what decision is made.this Sunday will again feature six classes of regular points racing.
Keagan and I had the opportunity to finally meet CJ Speedway scorer Dianna Winkel and her racer husband Mark, who made the long trip down from Letts, Iowa to watch some racin'. It was their first ever visit to QR, and I hope they enjoyed the show!
There is no shortage of good racing over this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the forecast is good, so get out and do some dirt trackin' and maybe we will see you at the races!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Quincy Raceways to Host Hell Tour
After receiving the bad news on Monday that the Northern All Stars Late Model Series had suspended operations for 2012, Quincy Raceways was left with no marque late model shows for this season. That situation did not last long, however, as the track moved quickly to secure the just opened date on the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour schedule. With Farmer City Raceway in a dispute with the parent company of UMP, the Friday July 6 date became available, and QR officials decided to lock it in. The race will pay $ 7500.00 to the winner, and comes during a week when the series is around the area, with Macon, Illinois hosting the night before. The tour has made four previous stops in Quincy, in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010, with the 2008 stop being rained out. Shannon Babb has been a winner twice, with Randy Korte winning once, and Jeep Van Wormer picked up the 2010 checkers. The race comes just five days after a visit by the MOWA 410 sprint series. So save up your pennies and make QR your racing destination around the July 4 holiday. I will have more info on these events in the near future.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Quincy Raceways Schedule Change
Per a late press release by the Northern All Star late model series, they have suspended operations for the remainder of the 2012 season. As a result, Quincy Raceways will be presenting a regular weekly racing program this Sunday, May 20.
Back Racing 'Close to Home
After taking Saturday night off, it was back to the familiar confines of the Quincy Raceways on Sunday night. All six regular classes were in action, and for only the second time in 14 seasons, the car count topped the century mark. Even with Peoria Speedway hosting a $2,000 to win UMP late model show, QR still had a solid field of 20 cars on hand, including first time visitors Roger Brickler and Brian Dively from Springfield,Il. This night, however, belonged to local racer Dustin Griffin. Dustin had been a regular at QR before branching out in 2011 and bringing home the UMP Pro Crate late model title. With Quincy joining the UMP ranks this season, Griffin moved up to the super late model division, and on Sunday he picked up his first super late model win. Dustin earned the dash pole by advancing from seventh to the win in heat one, with heat three winner Mark Burgtorf alongside. As it had the previous week, mechanical woes sidelined Burgtorf, with the rearend shifting on the # 7B. Unlike the week before, the # 7B team was able to make repairs in time for the 30 lap finale. Meanwhile Griffin cruised to the dash win to earn the feature pole. From there he led all 30 laps, winning by nearly a straightaway. Burgtorf used a late race move to get around Denny Woodworth to gain a second place finish. Defending track champion Justin Reed ran fourth, with Dively fifth.
The UMP modifieds boasted a 23 car field, with Michael Long picking up his first win of the season, holding off Dave Weitholder. The double duty Long also came home seventh in the late model feature. Long and Burgtorf both picked up feature wins Friday night at Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach,Il. Double duty 13 year old Jake Griffin continues to make strides, as the youngster ran fourth in the mods behind Jared Schlipman, and scored a tenth place run in the late models.
A season high ten IMCA stock cars checked in, with Abe Huls leading the distance for a hard fought win.
The IMCA sport mods also set a season high with 19 entrants. While car counts are climbing nicely in the first full year for the class, it is not without growing pains. A total of eight caution periods slowed the action, as the class is heavily populated by inexperienced youngsters trying to hone their skills in traditionally hard to handle cars. Veteran Jim Gillenwater of Keokuk, Iowa, stayed patient throughout, picking up his second consecutive win.
The switch to sanctioning of the 4 cylinder class, now running as IMCA sport compacts looks like a good move, as the class continues to produce good car counts. The 16 signed in matched the season high, and the action was fierce. Defending track champion Seith Woodruff was sent to the back early on for aggressive driving. But with a strong car and a little help from the caution flag, Seith came back to edge Casey Lambert at the stripe for the win. Kimberly Abbott attended her high school graduation in the afternoon, then finished third in the main event Sunday night!
The hobby stocks closed out the night, and the highlight of the class for this old timer was the first appearance of the # 1 1957 Chevy wheeled by Richie Wagy. Richie was running mid pack when he lost a radiator in an altercation. Tanner Klingele bested new points leader Jeremy Buss in the 20 lap feature.
The races began promptly at 5:30 and although the intermission dragged on a bit too long, the final checkers waved about 9:15. This coming Sunday, Quincy will host the UMP Northern All Star late models in a $2000 to win shootout.
The weekend weather looks great, so take in some racing!
The UMP modifieds boasted a 23 car field, with Michael Long picking up his first win of the season, holding off Dave Weitholder. The double duty Long also came home seventh in the late model feature. Long and Burgtorf both picked up feature wins Friday night at Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach,Il. Double duty 13 year old Jake Griffin continues to make strides, as the youngster ran fourth in the mods behind Jared Schlipman, and scored a tenth place run in the late models.
A season high ten IMCA stock cars checked in, with Abe Huls leading the distance for a hard fought win.
The IMCA sport mods also set a season high with 19 entrants. While car counts are climbing nicely in the first full year for the class, it is not without growing pains. A total of eight caution periods slowed the action, as the class is heavily populated by inexperienced youngsters trying to hone their skills in traditionally hard to handle cars. Veteran Jim Gillenwater of Keokuk, Iowa, stayed patient throughout, picking up his second consecutive win.
The switch to sanctioning of the 4 cylinder class, now running as IMCA sport compacts looks like a good move, as the class continues to produce good car counts. The 16 signed in matched the season high, and the action was fierce. Defending track champion Seith Woodruff was sent to the back early on for aggressive driving. But with a strong car and a little help from the caution flag, Seith came back to edge Casey Lambert at the stripe for the win. Kimberly Abbott attended her high school graduation in the afternoon, then finished third in the main event Sunday night!
The hobby stocks closed out the night, and the highlight of the class for this old timer was the first appearance of the # 1 1957 Chevy wheeled by Richie Wagy. Richie was running mid pack when he lost a radiator in an altercation. Tanner Klingele bested new points leader Jeremy Buss in the 20 lap feature.
The races began promptly at 5:30 and although the intermission dragged on a bit too long, the final checkers waved about 9:15. This coming Sunday, Quincy will host the UMP Northern All Star late models in a $2000 to win shootout.
The weekend weather looks great, so take in some racing!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
More Friday Racing
Night number 12 of the 2012 racing season for me was an event unplanned until the middle of this week. Friday night racing is a difficult proposition for this blogger,given the fact that I do not get off work until at least 5:00, and sometimes later. But after checking out the ad for CJ Raceway in Columbus Junction, Iowa this week featuring the first visit by late models to the 4/10 mile oval in a couple of seasons, and knowing that I would not be racing on Saturday, I did some quick calculating. I decided that if I could get off work close to 5:00, and made only a brief stop at home, I could probably make it to the track close to the 7:30 start time. After exchanging a couple E-mails with track worker Dianna, I found out they would be running a make up IMCA stock car feature first, so I also had a cushion. So I called traveling partner Darryl, who also never knows until the last minute when he will get done, but luck was on his side, and he was ready to roll by 5:00. With Keagan in sick bay, Darryl and I took off from my house at 5:42 and pulled into the track at 7:15, in plenty of time to see three classes of hot laps and get a sandwich by race time. We were greeted with stories of how bad the track had looked during the afternoon, and during hot laps it looked as though a hole was forming in turn one. After warm ups, the track crew used a few minutes to roll in the speedway, and continued to do so throughout the night, and the result was a fast, smooth surface all night. The only downside was that the middle groove was clearly the fastest way around all night, and passing was at a premium.
First up was the make up 14 car 25 lap make up stock car feature. Nathan Wood started up front, and led flag to flag for an easy win. Cole Simmons slipped by Brian Holmes with two laps to go to finish second, as only six cars were left when the checkers flew.
We then moved quickly through one 4 cylinder heat followed by two heats for the mod lites. Next up was the open modifieds, and it was neat to see former stock car racer Randy Stalder taking a spin in what I would guess is the back up # 17 of Steve Stewart. As the green flag flew in mod heat two, Rod Statts got the worst of a turn one melee which found him doing a 1/4 roll onto the drivers side of his #08s. When the car was turned back over, Rod drove into his pit with a flat tire.
The 12 IMCA rules late models next ran to heats, with outside row one starters Colby Springsteen and Matt Strassheim taking the checkers.
As the 16 stock cars ran their heats, it was announced that we would not be taking an intermission, a welcome idea indeed. The 4 cylinder main up first, and Tyler Whalen bested the seven starters.
The mod lites ran next, with all but one of the 13 entrants taking the green. The yellow flag waved midway through the event, and as the field slowed in turn three, Austin Hayes in the # 7 may have not seen the yellow light. The youngster made contact with a slowing car, and flipped wildly several times, badly damaging his machine. Thankfully, he was uninjured. When racing resumed, Justin Bucholz continued to lead, only to give up the top spot to local driver Jonathon Huston. With a green, white, checkers finish, heat one winner Evan Epperson, who had started deep in the field, raced to the runner up spot, but could not run down heat two winner Huston. Bucholz good run ended on the final two lap dash, as only seven cars took the checkers.
All 11 mods took the green, including Statts, but a lap one altercation pared the
field to nine. No one had an answer for the front row starting Stewart, who led the distance. John Fellman had been on a rail in his heat race, and came from near the back to fifth quickly before retiring his # 20. Dave Imming took second, ahead of Nick Hixson, with seven cars taking the checkers.
The $1000 to win 25 lap late model finale was up next. Sitting behind the Springsteen faithful, we had learned that Colby had drawn the outside pole position, and given his strength in his heat win, was surely the favorite to take home the big check. Colby jumped out front at the green, but lap one was not scored when a skirmish sent Kevin Kile to the trailer. on the restart, Todd Malmstrom got the jump in his # 75m. Todd held on until drifting a bit high in turn four, giving Springsteen the opening he needed. The second generation driven from Morning Son, Iowa had nearly a half lap lead when the caution erased his lead on lap 13 for fourth running Tom Goble, who slowed after dropping fluid on the front stretch. After the green waved again, Springsteen again opened a comfortable lead over second running Sam Halstead, and cruised to the win. As the laps wound down, eighth starting Jay Johnson began to run down Halstead. As the leaders came to the checkers, Sam held on by less than a car length for the $600 runner up check. Kurt Kile had started in the tenth position, spun early in turn four and restarting at the tail of the single file lineup. The veteran with the " For Sale " sign on the side of his purple # 77 patiently worked his way up to fourth, and was on hot on the heels of Halstead and Johnson at the flag. Malmstrom and Jay Chenoweth completed the cars still running at the end. Mike Zemo in the Z machine, who we had yet to see run this season, was credited with seventh, followed by Jeff Aikey, Goble, Strassheim, popular veteran Ron Boyse, and Kevin Kile.
Their was still a stock car feature in staging, but it was now past 10:30, and had been a long day for both of us, so we headed to the car, satisfied that we had gotten value for our $8.00 ticket. Checking results, I see that Lane Kauffman picked up the checkers in the nights final event.
Early in the evening, I was greeted by old friend Lane Evans, a former northeast Missouri resident who once hired my son and I to announce a truck pull and mud run at a county fair. Lane now calls Mt Pleasant, Iowa home, and racks up plenty of miles attending Tri State area tracks. I also got to visit with old friends Curt and Pat Hetzler. Curt is a former late model racer who son Brent and I got to know when their son Brian racxed the family owner # 47 IMCA late model. Curt said the two of them had not been to a race since Brian hung up his helmet, but with Brian now in the flagstand at CJ, they decided to try spectating!
The late models are scheduled three more Friday nights in 2012, plus the Corn Belt Clash series will make a visit during the Louisa County Fair. I hope to make it back sometime in 2012 so I can introduce Keagan to the track I first visited more than 40 years ago!
Thanks to Dianna and everyone at CJ for a fun Friday night.
Next up is Sunday night UMP racing at Quincy Raceways. The announcement came this week that our late model points leader, Brandon Sheppard will be moving from his family owned # B5 cars to take over the Josh Richards # 1 Rocket house car on the national stage, as " Kid Rocket " has scored driving duties in the # 39 NASCAR Nationwide ride. Apparently the deal is good at least for the next month, so while it has been fun having the 19 year old at QR, we wish him luck as he ventures out on the World of Outlaw tour.
First up was the make up 14 car 25 lap make up stock car feature. Nathan Wood started up front, and led flag to flag for an easy win. Cole Simmons slipped by Brian Holmes with two laps to go to finish second, as only six cars were left when the checkers flew.
We then moved quickly through one 4 cylinder heat followed by two heats for the mod lites. Next up was the open modifieds, and it was neat to see former stock car racer Randy Stalder taking a spin in what I would guess is the back up # 17 of Steve Stewart. As the green flag flew in mod heat two, Rod Statts got the worst of a turn one melee which found him doing a 1/4 roll onto the drivers side of his #08s. When the car was turned back over, Rod drove into his pit with a flat tire.
The 12 IMCA rules late models next ran to heats, with outside row one starters Colby Springsteen and Matt Strassheim taking the checkers.
As the 16 stock cars ran their heats, it was announced that we would not be taking an intermission, a welcome idea indeed. The 4 cylinder main up first, and Tyler Whalen bested the seven starters.
The mod lites ran next, with all but one of the 13 entrants taking the green. The yellow flag waved midway through the event, and as the field slowed in turn three, Austin Hayes in the # 7 may have not seen the yellow light. The youngster made contact with a slowing car, and flipped wildly several times, badly damaging his machine. Thankfully, he was uninjured. When racing resumed, Justin Bucholz continued to lead, only to give up the top spot to local driver Jonathon Huston. With a green, white, checkers finish, heat one winner Evan Epperson, who had started deep in the field, raced to the runner up spot, but could not run down heat two winner Huston. Bucholz good run ended on the final two lap dash, as only seven cars took the checkers.
All 11 mods took the green, including Statts, but a lap one altercation pared the
field to nine. No one had an answer for the front row starting Stewart, who led the distance. John Fellman had been on a rail in his heat race, and came from near the back to fifth quickly before retiring his # 20. Dave Imming took second, ahead of Nick Hixson, with seven cars taking the checkers.
The $1000 to win 25 lap late model finale was up next. Sitting behind the Springsteen faithful, we had learned that Colby had drawn the outside pole position, and given his strength in his heat win, was surely the favorite to take home the big check. Colby jumped out front at the green, but lap one was not scored when a skirmish sent Kevin Kile to the trailer. on the restart, Todd Malmstrom got the jump in his # 75m. Todd held on until drifting a bit high in turn four, giving Springsteen the opening he needed. The second generation driven from Morning Son, Iowa had nearly a half lap lead when the caution erased his lead on lap 13 for fourth running Tom Goble, who slowed after dropping fluid on the front stretch. After the green waved again, Springsteen again opened a comfortable lead over second running Sam Halstead, and cruised to the win. As the laps wound down, eighth starting Jay Johnson began to run down Halstead. As the leaders came to the checkers, Sam held on by less than a car length for the $600 runner up check. Kurt Kile had started in the tenth position, spun early in turn four and restarting at the tail of the single file lineup. The veteran with the " For Sale " sign on the side of his purple # 77 patiently worked his way up to fourth, and was on hot on the heels of Halstead and Johnson at the flag. Malmstrom and Jay Chenoweth completed the cars still running at the end. Mike Zemo in the Z machine, who we had yet to see run this season, was credited with seventh, followed by Jeff Aikey, Goble, Strassheim, popular veteran Ron Boyse, and Kevin Kile.
Their was still a stock car feature in staging, but it was now past 10:30, and had been a long day for both of us, so we headed to the car, satisfied that we had gotten value for our $8.00 ticket. Checking results, I see that Lane Kauffman picked up the checkers in the nights final event.
Early in the evening, I was greeted by old friend Lane Evans, a former northeast Missouri resident who once hired my son and I to announce a truck pull and mud run at a county fair. Lane now calls Mt Pleasant, Iowa home, and racks up plenty of miles attending Tri State area tracks. I also got to visit with old friends Curt and Pat Hetzler. Curt is a former late model racer who son Brent and I got to know when their son Brian racxed the family owner # 47 IMCA late model. Curt said the two of them had not been to a race since Brian hung up his helmet, but with Brian now in the flagstand at CJ, they decided to try spectating!
The late models are scheduled three more Friday nights in 2012, plus the Corn Belt Clash series will make a visit during the Louisa County Fair. I hope to make it back sometime in 2012 so I can introduce Keagan to the track I first visited more than 40 years ago!
Thanks to Dianna and everyone at CJ for a fun Friday night.
Next up is Sunday night UMP racing at Quincy Raceways. The announcement came this week that our late model points leader, Brandon Sheppard will be moving from his family owned # B5 cars to take over the Josh Richards # 1 Rocket house car on the national stage, as " Kid Rocket " has scored driving duties in the # 39 NASCAR Nationwide ride. Apparently the deal is good at least for the next month, so while it has been fun having the 19 year old at QR, we wish him luck as he ventures out on the World of Outlaw tour.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Races 2 Rain 0
Despite forecasts that would indicate otherwise, we were able to get in two nights of racing over the weekend. With a vacation day in hand Friday and Keagan having an early out day at school, we picked up buddy Fred and took off for our first visit of the season to Kevin and Tammy Gundakers Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach - aka Granite City - Illinois. The Lucas Oil late model series was making its first of two stops at the 3/8 mile speedplant, and they always put on a quality show on their visits. In addition to the $10,000 top prize, the UMP modifieds were running for a $1,000 to win, and UMP ProCrate late models were chasing a $750 winners check. The pared down three class program proved more than adequate, with 119 race cars signed in, including 48 late models, 41 mods and 30 crates!
The first fight of hot laps hit the track at 6:35, with time trials for the Lucas cars starting at 7:20. Timing three cars at once, qualifying took just over 30 minutes, with 16 year old Tyler Reddick setting overall quick time at 14.468 seconds.
Wasting no time, the first crate heat rolled out at 8:00, and we were under way. The three crate heats ran off quickly, and the super lates hit the track with a bang. On the first lap of heat one, Quincy,Il driver Rickey Frankel was hit from behind, sending his # 33F into a wild flip and roll. Rickey, who has had only bad and worse luck in 2012, was uninjured, but his car did not fare as well. On the restart, Don Oneal came from row two to take the win. Heat two saw Wisconsin driver Brady Smith, back on the tour this year advance from row six to a sixth place finish. Brad Neat scored the win. Heat three saw local hot shoe Billy Faust exit on lap one, ending his night, while Quincys Mark Burgtorf dropped four spots to last in the Richard Realty # 15. Mark recovered to finish seventh, with Brian Shirley picking up the win. The final heat featured the " Highside Hustler : Jason Feger trying to move up from a row five start. True to his nickname, Jason twice made contact with the outside wall, with Scott Bloomquist picking up the win.
After five modified heats, the B-mains were up next, with the crate B first. Two late model B's came next, with series points leader Jimmy Owens edging Smith in the first 12 lapper, while Jared Landers outlasted Earl Pearson Jr. in the second. Two mod B's were next, and as the first one was running, it was announced that the late model 50 lap finale would run between the B's. As the late model guys were hardly ready, that was changed, but the lates would move ahead of the crates. As the 26 starters came quickly to the track, a few raindrops fell, but that would be all.
The race was slowed early by several cautions, including a lap one yellow for a spinning Shannon Babb. On the restart, a multi car tussle ended the night for Billy Moyer, who had the nose ripped off his # 21. Outside polesitter Shirley led the early laps before Oneal moved by about lap seven., with Bloomquist moving to second. A lap 22 caution saw Duke Whiseant retire, while sixth running
Dennis Erb Jr and tenth place Brandon Sheppard made pit stops. On the restart, Shirly slipped from third to sixth, and Oneal remained in control. The next caution came on lap 28, and on the restart, Owens, who had started 17th, moved to fourth. While Oneal stretched his lead, John Blankenship, who started dead last in 26th on an " emergency " provisional, cracked the top ten. Meanwhile, Jimmy Mars stayed in the top six with heavy body damage on his mount. The yellow flew again on lap 38, for Steve Francis, a flat tire derailing his charge from 24 th to 6th! Following the restart, young Reddick slipped around Bloomquist for second.
The final caution flew on lap 41 for debris on the track. Oneal held on for the win, with Reddick, Bloomquist, Owens, and Wendell Wallace in the top five.
The 50 laps took about 40 minutes to run, and although there had been no intermission or wasted time, the clock said 11:15, and we were still 2 and a half hours from home, so we headed to the gate. When we left, we new Quincy area driver Dave Weitholder had a good starting spot in the mod feature, but thought Michael Long would be on the trailer. after starting last in his heat and failing to make the top three, Michael was cruising to a second place finish in a B-main, when an out of control lapped car took out the top two on the final turn of the final lap. Michael staggered across the line one spot out of a transfer, but was apparently given a provisional spot. Chad Kinder took the mod win, with Weitholder scoring a top five, while Long was an early exit. Casey Montague captured the crate main over an impressive group of former and part time super late model drivers, including returning veteran Ed Dixon.
If you have not been to the Tri City Speedway, it is worth the trip!
The forecast for Sunday sounded worse than Fridays, but after three consecutive rainouts at Quincy Raceways, Keagan and I headed out with hope in our eyes, and clouds in the sky. Amazingly, the skies parted, and only a brief sprinkle hit the track. As should be expected, the crowd was late arriving, but a nice group turned out. and the weatherman did not scare away the racers, with 90 cars jamming the pits in six classes. The positive aspect of the switch to UMP late models was very evident as we walked into the pits and saw the familiar blue hauler of Dennis Erb Jr. Dennis is sponsored this year by QR driver Jerry Lierly, and perhaps Jerry worked some magic to lure the national standout to a weekly show, much to the delight of the crowd. Still there would be plenty of competition for Erb - besides our assembled locals, Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, and the suddenly on fire Dewayne Kiefer were in attendance! In total, 23 late models signed in. Mark Burgtorf also came to race, but not in the # 15. Mark was back in # 7B, a car that was to be driven by his former sponsor, Todd Nelson. Work is taking Todd out of the area, so Mark will be turning some laps with the ride at his home track. Unfortunately, Burgtorf broke the main belt in the engine while leading the dash, ending his night. Erb inherited the lead and captured the dash and the pole position for the 30 lap finale, after he, Burgtorf, and Kiefer collected heat wins. The " One Man Band, " as Erb is known, led flag to flag to take home The $1,000 top prize, with Kiefer overtaking point leader Sheppard for second.
Two class driver Michael Long ran fourth, while young Pierce put on the show of the night, falling from row two to the back, then pounding the cushion to come back to fifth.
Robbie Reed and Dave Weitholder ran side by side for the better part of the UMP modified feature, with Reed eeking out the win. Terry Houston won an IMCA stock car win marred by a nasty flip by Michael Larsen, who had one the heat race. Jim Gillenwater captured a ten car IMCA sport mod event, Jake Powers topped the hobby stocks, and Andrew Davis towed from Keokuk, Iowa to nab the IMCA sport compact main.
Again, with threatening weather, track officials hustled the program through - the late model feature ended before dark, and the final checkers waved just before 9:00.
Plans for this weekend are uncertain, but you can bet their will be some racing involved!
The first fight of hot laps hit the track at 6:35, with time trials for the Lucas cars starting at 7:20. Timing three cars at once, qualifying took just over 30 minutes, with 16 year old Tyler Reddick setting overall quick time at 14.468 seconds.
Wasting no time, the first crate heat rolled out at 8:00, and we were under way. The three crate heats ran off quickly, and the super lates hit the track with a bang. On the first lap of heat one, Quincy,Il driver Rickey Frankel was hit from behind, sending his # 33F into a wild flip and roll. Rickey, who has had only bad and worse luck in 2012, was uninjured, but his car did not fare as well. On the restart, Don Oneal came from row two to take the win. Heat two saw Wisconsin driver Brady Smith, back on the tour this year advance from row six to a sixth place finish. Brad Neat scored the win. Heat three saw local hot shoe Billy Faust exit on lap one, ending his night, while Quincys Mark Burgtorf dropped four spots to last in the Richard Realty # 15. Mark recovered to finish seventh, with Brian Shirley picking up the win. The final heat featured the " Highside Hustler : Jason Feger trying to move up from a row five start. True to his nickname, Jason twice made contact with the outside wall, with Scott Bloomquist picking up the win.
After five modified heats, the B-mains were up next, with the crate B first. Two late model B's came next, with series points leader Jimmy Owens edging Smith in the first 12 lapper, while Jared Landers outlasted Earl Pearson Jr. in the second. Two mod B's were next, and as the first one was running, it was announced that the late model 50 lap finale would run between the B's. As the late model guys were hardly ready, that was changed, but the lates would move ahead of the crates. As the 26 starters came quickly to the track, a few raindrops fell, but that would be all.
The race was slowed early by several cautions, including a lap one yellow for a spinning Shannon Babb. On the restart, a multi car tussle ended the night for Billy Moyer, who had the nose ripped off his # 21. Outside polesitter Shirley led the early laps before Oneal moved by about lap seven., with Bloomquist moving to second. A lap 22 caution saw Duke Whiseant retire, while sixth running
Dennis Erb Jr and tenth place Brandon Sheppard made pit stops. On the restart, Shirly slipped from third to sixth, and Oneal remained in control. The next caution came on lap 28, and on the restart, Owens, who had started 17th, moved to fourth. While Oneal stretched his lead, John Blankenship, who started dead last in 26th on an " emergency " provisional, cracked the top ten. Meanwhile, Jimmy Mars stayed in the top six with heavy body damage on his mount. The yellow flew again on lap 38, for Steve Francis, a flat tire derailing his charge from 24 th to 6th! Following the restart, young Reddick slipped around Bloomquist for second.
The final caution flew on lap 41 for debris on the track. Oneal held on for the win, with Reddick, Bloomquist, Owens, and Wendell Wallace in the top five.
The 50 laps took about 40 minutes to run, and although there had been no intermission or wasted time, the clock said 11:15, and we were still 2 and a half hours from home, so we headed to the gate. When we left, we new Quincy area driver Dave Weitholder had a good starting spot in the mod feature, but thought Michael Long would be on the trailer. after starting last in his heat and failing to make the top three, Michael was cruising to a second place finish in a B-main, when an out of control lapped car took out the top two on the final turn of the final lap. Michael staggered across the line one spot out of a transfer, but was apparently given a provisional spot. Chad Kinder took the mod win, with Weitholder scoring a top five, while Long was an early exit. Casey Montague captured the crate main over an impressive group of former and part time super late model drivers, including returning veteran Ed Dixon.
If you have not been to the Tri City Speedway, it is worth the trip!
The forecast for Sunday sounded worse than Fridays, but after three consecutive rainouts at Quincy Raceways, Keagan and I headed out with hope in our eyes, and clouds in the sky. Amazingly, the skies parted, and only a brief sprinkle hit the track. As should be expected, the crowd was late arriving, but a nice group turned out. and the weatherman did not scare away the racers, with 90 cars jamming the pits in six classes. The positive aspect of the switch to UMP late models was very evident as we walked into the pits and saw the familiar blue hauler of Dennis Erb Jr. Dennis is sponsored this year by QR driver Jerry Lierly, and perhaps Jerry worked some magic to lure the national standout to a weekly show, much to the delight of the crowd. Still there would be plenty of competition for Erb - besides our assembled locals, Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, and the suddenly on fire Dewayne Kiefer were in attendance! In total, 23 late models signed in. Mark Burgtorf also came to race, but not in the # 15. Mark was back in # 7B, a car that was to be driven by his former sponsor, Todd Nelson. Work is taking Todd out of the area, so Mark will be turning some laps with the ride at his home track. Unfortunately, Burgtorf broke the main belt in the engine while leading the dash, ending his night. Erb inherited the lead and captured the dash and the pole position for the 30 lap finale, after he, Burgtorf, and Kiefer collected heat wins. The " One Man Band, " as Erb is known, led flag to flag to take home The $1,000 top prize, with Kiefer overtaking point leader Sheppard for second.
Two class driver Michael Long ran fourth, while young Pierce put on the show of the night, falling from row two to the back, then pounding the cushion to come back to fifth.
Robbie Reed and Dave Weitholder ran side by side for the better part of the UMP modified feature, with Reed eeking out the win. Terry Houston won an IMCA stock car win marred by a nasty flip by Michael Larsen, who had one the heat race. Jim Gillenwater captured a ten car IMCA sport mod event, Jake Powers topped the hobby stocks, and Andrew Davis towed from Keokuk, Iowa to nab the IMCA sport compact main.
Again, with threatening weather, track officials hustled the program through - the late model feature ended before dark, and the final checkers waved just before 9:00.
Plans for this weekend are uncertain, but you can bet their will be some racing involved!
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