For the second week in a row, my racing was confined to Sunday night at Quincy Raceways. I had plans to take in the UMP Summer national show at Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach,Il., but plans changed at the last minute. So grandson Keagan and I staged a race of our own, on the indoor go kart track at the St Louis Mills Mall on the north side of St Louis. the karts are fast and fun, but being less than 30 minutes from Kevin and Tammy Gundakers 3/8 mile speedplant on Friday was... trying. Still there was plenty to do, including eating out, another of my favorite hobbies. We also had the chance to visit buddy Darryl, who underwent major surgery on Wednesday at Barnes Hospital. The good news is that is on the mend, the bad news is his racing is probably curtailed for a few weeks.
Driving home in the rain Saturday night, Keagan was getting tweets from the Montgomery County Motorsports Park, where 25 late models showed up. I have yet to make the 100 mile trip to the newly reopened 1/4 mile, but hope to soon.
Quincy regular Dustin Griffin picked up the late model win, with St Louis area racer Tim Hancock winning the mods.
The car count was down a bit on Sunday, but as the thermometer registered 95 degrees as hot lap time approached, it is hard to find fault with anyone taking a night off. The preliminary races ticked off rather uneventfully, with 11 heats and the late model dash completed in just under an hour. The UMP modified feature ran first, and while the racing was good, the seven yellow flags made it tough to string together a lot of laps. Front row starter Steven Delonjay held the top spot through the first 18 laps, and had been running the high line in turns one and two. With QR using the NASCAR style side by side restart - of which I am not a fan - Steven elected to take the inside spot, giving Michael Long the top side. Sure enough, Michael grabbed the lead, holding it for four laps until the next yellow. Long picked the top side, but had to get out of the gas on the start, as Delonjay drove to the middle groove. Long then went too hard into the first corner, jumping the cushion. Delonjay held on for the win, and the two drivers visited for a while at the scales. Point leader Dave Weitholder nabbed second, with Jared Schlipman third.
The IMCA sport mods were up next, and though the field was light at 11 cars, they still managed to create six caution periods in 15 laps. after front row starter Aaron Pennick spun in front of the field in turn one on the start, Joe Bliven took the early lead. Vance Wilson was the next to lead, but point leader Tony Dunker was out front after a lap nine restart. Wilson raced alongside Dunker, but came up short, settling for second, while Bobby Anders moved up to third.
Up third was the 30 lap UMP late model finale, with Jason Perry and Justin Reed on the front row. Heat two and dash winner Perry took the point, but Reed took over on lap three. By his own admission, justin has been " slower than the water truck, " until these last two weeks. He again shot out front following the only caution on lap seven, cruising to the win. Perry held the runnerup spot ahead of Michael Long, Dustin Griffin, Mark Burgtorf, and national point leader Jim Moon.
Abe Huls started row three in the IMCA stock car feature, but took the lead after a lap two restart, collecting a track best seventh main event win of the season. Jerry Jansen turned in a strong second, while Gabe Harrison got the best of a turn four last lap mixup with Terry Houston to finish third.
Only 12 of the 15 IMCA sport compacts took the feature green, and they ran all 12 laps caution free. Brandon Lambert took the early lead, but went pitside on lap two. Robert Thompson held the top spot until the mid point, when Austen Beccera took over. Austen narrowly missed a feature win a week or so back, and was not to be denied on Sunday. Thompson and Kimberly Abbott followed. Abbott finished one spot ahead of point leader Seth Woodruff, and she now trailers by only one point.
The hobby stocks completed the nights card. Point leader Jake Powers and Brandon Symmonds dueled early, before Brian Hoener took over on lap five. On a lap nine restart, Hoener moved up the track, and Powers retook the spot. Following a lap ten restart, Hoener agin took the point, and survived a partial rollover by Jeff Delonjay on lap 14. Powers left the fray at this point. Tanner Klingele moved to second late, with Symmonds racing home third.
The final checkers flew about 9:30.
The late models and stock cars will be off next Sunday, as the MOWA 410 sprints cars will be in town, backed by UMP mods, IMCA sport mods, IMCA sport compacts and hobby stocks. The late models mods and hobbys will then be in action Friday, July 6 as the UMP Summernationals come to town. Hope to see you at the races!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Kiefer Swoops In For The Win
Last month Dewayne Kiefer made his first ever visit to Quincy Raceways to compete in the UMP super late model division. While he was plenty fast, there was a guy named Dennis Erb Jr. who was just a little bit faster. Last night, as the
St Genevieve, Mo. driver made his second trip north to QR, there was no one standing in his way. The # 0 car lined up outside row one in the first heat and blasted to the win. With Mark Burgtorf, back in the # 7B this week, doing the same in heat two, the veteran pilots started side by side in the dash. This time Kiefer came from the inside to take the top spot and earn the pole for the 30 lap feature, with Burgtorf to his outside. Mark took the early advantage , but Kiefer soon powered around for the lead. The 14 time QR track champion then headed for the trailer, and Kiefer headed for victory lane. The only caution came on lap four for Rickey Frankel, who also soon called it a night. Justin Reed took up the chase, and made things interesting as the leaders encountered lapped traffic, but Kiefer remained in control for the $1,000 top prize. Jason Perry took over the track points lead by coming from row four to grab third, and the tracks most improved driver, Clint Kirkham advanced six spots to claim fourth. Young Jake Griffin came from row six to nab fifth, one spot below his finish in the UMP modified feature earlier. Matt Bailey edged out UMP national points leader Jim Moon for sixth. The only multiple feature winner in the late model class is Dustin Griffin, with three, but he was sidelined after losing an engine Friday night at Tri City Speedway. The eginning of the Summernationals Tour surely affected the car count, which was a season low 13. However, that was higher than last seasons weekly average!
The track was super fast for the features, after being rough and choppy at the start of the night. The area had some fairly hard rain showers Friday and Saturday night, and the track did not come around at the start. In the third UMP modified heat, rookie Scott Cale flipped his ride a couple times in turn three. The ambulance crew transported him to the hospital with neck pain, and during the wait for another ambulance, track crews reworked the surface, and the track suddenly was lightning fast. In fact, Kiefer turned the fastest feature lap yet this season.
The UMP mod field was 24 strong, and Steven Delonjay, Dave Weitholder, Michael Long, and Shawn Deering waged war up front until Long jumped the cushion and spun in turn two. He then retired to the pits, while Deering left at the same time with suspension damage. The two car battle then went to Weitholder, who is in the midst of his finest season. Delonjay held second over Derrick Carlson, griffin and visiting Terry James.
Abe Huls picked up his sixth IMCA stock car win over Terry Houston and Dallas Center, Iowas Ty Hill.
The IMCA Sport Mods were a bit short on cars, but the quality of racing was indeed much better. Only two caution periods slowed the event, with Joe Bliven holding off Tony Dunker and Jim Gillenwater in the best sport mod feature yet at QR.
The fussin' and fuedin' is escalating in the IMCA Sport Compact class, and what used to be a bathroom break class at the Bullring has become a popular attraction.
There was a ton of back and forth in the 12 laps, and when the checkers waved, it was for Robert Thompson. Defending class champ Seith Woodruff had issues in hot laps and his heat, but picked his way through the feature for second, with third going to Chuck Fullenkamp, who came from the back of the 16 car field
in the final four laps.
The hobby stocks closed out the night with more action. Brian Hoener and Jake Powers were dueling up front when contact sent Hoener spinning. It was the end of the night for the # 5, while Powers found himself at the back of the pack. When the checkers flew, he was back to second, but Tanner Klingele took the top spot, with Brandon Symmonds third.
Since going to the later summer start, QR has had issues during the night, and the final flag waved about 10:30 last night. Still the racing was good, and hopefully the hour delays have run their course.
On July 1 the late models will get the night off as the MOWA 410 sprint series comes in, the Friday July 6 the UMP Summernational Hell Tour makes a stop for a $7,500 to win event.
Sunday was my only night of racing this past week, and things don't look a lot better for this weekend, but you never know! See you at the track.
St Genevieve, Mo. driver made his second trip north to QR, there was no one standing in his way. The # 0 car lined up outside row one in the first heat and blasted to the win. With Mark Burgtorf, back in the # 7B this week, doing the same in heat two, the veteran pilots started side by side in the dash. This time Kiefer came from the inside to take the top spot and earn the pole for the 30 lap feature, with Burgtorf to his outside. Mark took the early advantage , but Kiefer soon powered around for the lead. The 14 time QR track champion then headed for the trailer, and Kiefer headed for victory lane. The only caution came on lap four for Rickey Frankel, who also soon called it a night. Justin Reed took up the chase, and made things interesting as the leaders encountered lapped traffic, but Kiefer remained in control for the $1,000 top prize. Jason Perry took over the track points lead by coming from row four to grab third, and the tracks most improved driver, Clint Kirkham advanced six spots to claim fourth. Young Jake Griffin came from row six to nab fifth, one spot below his finish in the UMP modified feature earlier. Matt Bailey edged out UMP national points leader Jim Moon for sixth. The only multiple feature winner in the late model class is Dustin Griffin, with three, but he was sidelined after losing an engine Friday night at Tri City Speedway. The eginning of the Summernationals Tour surely affected the car count, which was a season low 13. However, that was higher than last seasons weekly average!
The track was super fast for the features, after being rough and choppy at the start of the night. The area had some fairly hard rain showers Friday and Saturday night, and the track did not come around at the start. In the third UMP modified heat, rookie Scott Cale flipped his ride a couple times in turn three. The ambulance crew transported him to the hospital with neck pain, and during the wait for another ambulance, track crews reworked the surface, and the track suddenly was lightning fast. In fact, Kiefer turned the fastest feature lap yet this season.
The UMP mod field was 24 strong, and Steven Delonjay, Dave Weitholder, Michael Long, and Shawn Deering waged war up front until Long jumped the cushion and spun in turn two. He then retired to the pits, while Deering left at the same time with suspension damage. The two car battle then went to Weitholder, who is in the midst of his finest season. Delonjay held second over Derrick Carlson, griffin and visiting Terry James.
Abe Huls picked up his sixth IMCA stock car win over Terry Houston and Dallas Center, Iowas Ty Hill.
The IMCA Sport Mods were a bit short on cars, but the quality of racing was indeed much better. Only two caution periods slowed the event, with Joe Bliven holding off Tony Dunker and Jim Gillenwater in the best sport mod feature yet at QR.
The fussin' and fuedin' is escalating in the IMCA Sport Compact class, and what used to be a bathroom break class at the Bullring has become a popular attraction.
There was a ton of back and forth in the 12 laps, and when the checkers waved, it was for Robert Thompson. Defending class champ Seith Woodruff had issues in hot laps and his heat, but picked his way through the feature for second, with third going to Chuck Fullenkamp, who came from the back of the 16 car field
in the final four laps.
The hobby stocks closed out the night with more action. Brian Hoener and Jake Powers were dueling up front when contact sent Hoener spinning. It was the end of the night for the # 5, while Powers found himself at the back of the pack. When the checkers flew, he was back to second, but Tanner Klingele took the top spot, with Brandon Symmonds third.
Since going to the later summer start, QR has had issues during the night, and the final flag waved about 10:30 last night. Still the racing was good, and hopefully the hour delays have run their course.
On July 1 the late models will get the night off as the MOWA 410 sprint series comes in, the Friday July 6 the UMP Summernational Hell Tour makes a stop for a $7,500 to win event.
Sunday was my only night of racing this past week, and things don't look a lot better for this weekend, but you never know! See you at the track.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Livin' The Dream
In 2009 I made my first and only trip to the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the late model Dream along with buddy Darryl. While I had been dirt track racing for 50 plus years, the hype of Eldora had always seemed more than I cared to travel eight hours for. However I decided I should go once to see the place, and although I was very impressed, I though it was a " one and done. " But last season I decided that granddson Keagan should get a look at the place, so along with buddies Fred and Darryl, I made plans to attend again this season, ordering tickets in November. To me this is a dicey situation for several reasons, but a necessary one to get good front stretch seats. One of those situations arose this week, when Darryl became ill and was not able to make the trip. So Keagan, Fred and I piled into Freds van and headed out before the sun rose on Friday morning.
I could easily write a book about the weekend, but if you have been to Eldora, you have experienced it - if not, it is difficult to explain. Of course we did not get the entire experience, staying in a motel 40 miles away in Richmond, In. but 12 hour days at the speedway makes for many adventures!
With a sizable addition to the purse this season by corporate sponsors, the car count went up to 98 after several seasons of decline, and it was a solid mix of touring drivers, with local and regional stars thrown in from over 20 states and Canada.
Friday night began with nine hot lap sessions beginning at 6:13, followed by two rounds of time trials. All drivers draw for a one lap trial in round one, then redraw for a spot in the second round. Don Oneal brought out a MastersBilt chassis with which he won this race in 2011, finished third in the World 100, and had not raced since. The " Real Deal " set quick time in round one, only to have Earl Pearson Jr better his 15.592 in round two. As it turned out, Pearson and third quick Eddie Carrier Jr. needed their times to collect the last two provisional starting spots in the 26 car main event on Saturday, with Oneal qualifying through his heat race. Tim McCreadie recorded the fastest lap to date in hot laps before crashing into the turn two wall and being forced to bring out his back up # 39 for the rest of the weekend. After time trials locked in the top 60 cars, the remainder split into three 20 lap position races paying UMP feature points and $1,000 to win purse. These were won by Duane Chamberlain, Jeff Babcock, and Shane Cottle, with the first two going caution free. we left the track just before 11:30 local time.
Saturday racing began at 7:00 sharp, with no hot laps run. Six 15 lap heats where contested with the top three in times inverted per a Friday spin of the invert wheel by Pearson. All six winners started outside row one - Klint Byers, Scott Bloomquist, Steve Shaver, Jeep VanWormer, Shane Clanton, and Illinois standout Brian Shirley. The sixth heat winner would have the feature pole, putting Shirley and Clanton in row one.
At this point, anyone outside the top ten in their heat was done for the night - positions seven through ten went to the 24 car C-main. Doud Drown took the 15 lap win - from outside row one - with the top six advancing to the B-main. The non qualifiers then stayed on the track for a five lap, $ 1,000 to win shootout, again with full UMP points. Mississippi driver Chris Wall took home the top prize.
Heat finishers four through six along with the top six from the C main then contested a 20 lap B main, with again the top six moving to the big show. Chris Madden broke the outside row one streak by winning from the poll. Outside row one driver Brandon Sheppard, from New Berlin,Il. in the Rocket house car took second, while Josh Richards who gave up the house ride to compete in the Nationwide series, failed to qualify in the # 25. Illinois drivers were front and center in the B, with Jason Feger third, and Shannon Babb sixth. Scott James finished fourth in a Riggs Motorsports entry out of southern Il., while 16 year old Tyler Reddick made the feature in his first visit to Eldora. Again, the non qualifiers ran five laps for $1,000, with Eric Wells snagging the win.
After the pomp and circumstance of driver interviews and introductions, Keagan and I made our way from the pits to the grandstands, and the 100 lap $100,000 to win finale took the green at 10:35. Again it was the outside polesitter Shane Clanton taking the early lead, with Shirley and Bloomquist locked in a side by side duel for second. After Bloomer took the spot on lap 21, the first caution waved three laps later for Chub Frank. On the side by side restart, Bloomquist jumped the start, and was penalized one row. Back to racing, both of the challengers began to fade a bit, and West Virginias John Blankenship took up the chase. The leaders hit traffic about lap 42, but three laps later, the caution waved for Shaver. With a clear track, the Georgia Bulldog Clanton was hooked and hauling on the top side of the high banked ( short ) 1/2 mile track. a third caution came out on lap 67, and fifth running Bloomquist headed for the trailer. Meanwhile, Darrell Lanigan had charged from row eight to blast past row nine starter Steve Francis for third. Dennis Erb Jr, also eased by Francis before slipping back to fifth at the finish. Clint Smith held off 26th starting Carrier for sixth, Brian Birkhofer and Billy Moyer swapped the next spot late with Birky finishing eight, and Chris Madden advance nine spots to record a tenth place run.
Again we were on the road before 11:30.
Although the feature was a bit of a snoozer, there was still lots of action, and while the results may not show it, the preliminary events had some outstanding back and forth racing. Eldora is a special place, and the fact that you can hold on to your reserved seat while paying an extra $5.00 for two nights of pit access is my favorite part. If you can make it fit your financial and time budget, it is a must see for dirt track fanatics. I was thinking two and done, but Keagans says he is going back, so we shall see!
While Eldora was a first for Keagan, so was a shot at three straight nights of racing, and we got back in plenty of time to meet up with his little brother Parker and head for Quincy Raceways for Sunday night mid season championship racing.
17 UMP late models headlined an 87 car field in six divisions. After a slow start in 2012 while waiting on an engine and then missing a night with mechanical woes, Dustin Griffin had held the hot hand at QR. Dustin captured heat one form, you guessed it, the outside pole. Mark Burgtorf was in the Richard Racing # 15R, and began smoking on the final laps, but it turned out to be only a broken oil line. Jake Griffin was running up front in heat two before breaking an axle on the final lap, with Jason Perry taking the win. Griifin bested Perry in the dash, and the two started in the front row of the 30 lap finale. after the third caution period on lap 16 saw Fourth running Justin Reed go pitside, second running Perry spun on the restart. National point leader Jim Moon, the winner Saturday night at Montgomery Co., Mo. then grabbed the lead from D Griffin, but the # 20 regained the top spot on lap 22. A final caution one lap later for Perry and Roger Brickler slowed the action, but did not derail Griffin, who collected his third win of 2012, completing a sweep of the nights late model events. Moon turned in his best feeort at QR in second ahead of Denny Woodworth Burgtorf, and third starting Jerry Lierly, who went to the back early and charged back to fifth.
The UMP modifieds turned out 20 cars, and the feature was slow to get started with several early cautions. Steven Delonjay and Dave Weitholder, who have developed a bit of a rivalry, dueled early, before Michael Long found a way way around for the win. Delonjay held second, while Weitholder took third with the drivers side sheet metal of his # 05 peeled away. Abe Huls started up front on mid season night and cruised to the IMCA feature win over a sparse field of cars. Darin Weisinger continued his strong runs in the runner up spot, and Michael Larsen rebounded from early issues to take third. Brian Hoener survived a slam bang hobby stock main to grab a win over Jeff Delonjay and Jamie Bevill, and Mike Hornung Jr, was the first of three Iowa drivers in the sport compact finale, edging out Chuck Fullenkamp and Bill Michel. The IMCA sport mod feature was the last one on the card, and was a marathon event. Tony Dunker led all the way for the win over Bobby Anders and Tanner Klingele.
With a lot going on this week, our next action may come next Sunday at QR.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic Friday night events at CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction, Iowa, where veteran modified driver Tim Sands lost his life in an accident that also injured driver Dave Schrier.
See you at the track!
I could easily write a book about the weekend, but if you have been to Eldora, you have experienced it - if not, it is difficult to explain. Of course we did not get the entire experience, staying in a motel 40 miles away in Richmond, In. but 12 hour days at the speedway makes for many adventures!
With a sizable addition to the purse this season by corporate sponsors, the car count went up to 98 after several seasons of decline, and it was a solid mix of touring drivers, with local and regional stars thrown in from over 20 states and Canada.
Friday night began with nine hot lap sessions beginning at 6:13, followed by two rounds of time trials. All drivers draw for a one lap trial in round one, then redraw for a spot in the second round. Don Oneal brought out a MastersBilt chassis with which he won this race in 2011, finished third in the World 100, and had not raced since. The " Real Deal " set quick time in round one, only to have Earl Pearson Jr better his 15.592 in round two. As it turned out, Pearson and third quick Eddie Carrier Jr. needed their times to collect the last two provisional starting spots in the 26 car main event on Saturday, with Oneal qualifying through his heat race. Tim McCreadie recorded the fastest lap to date in hot laps before crashing into the turn two wall and being forced to bring out his back up # 39 for the rest of the weekend. After time trials locked in the top 60 cars, the remainder split into three 20 lap position races paying UMP feature points and $1,000 to win purse. These were won by Duane Chamberlain, Jeff Babcock, and Shane Cottle, with the first two going caution free. we left the track just before 11:30 local time.
Saturday racing began at 7:00 sharp, with no hot laps run. Six 15 lap heats where contested with the top three in times inverted per a Friday spin of the invert wheel by Pearson. All six winners started outside row one - Klint Byers, Scott Bloomquist, Steve Shaver, Jeep VanWormer, Shane Clanton, and Illinois standout Brian Shirley. The sixth heat winner would have the feature pole, putting Shirley and Clanton in row one.
At this point, anyone outside the top ten in their heat was done for the night - positions seven through ten went to the 24 car C-main. Doud Drown took the 15 lap win - from outside row one - with the top six advancing to the B-main. The non qualifiers then stayed on the track for a five lap, $ 1,000 to win shootout, again with full UMP points. Mississippi driver Chris Wall took home the top prize.
Heat finishers four through six along with the top six from the C main then contested a 20 lap B main, with again the top six moving to the big show. Chris Madden broke the outside row one streak by winning from the poll. Outside row one driver Brandon Sheppard, from New Berlin,Il. in the Rocket house car took second, while Josh Richards who gave up the house ride to compete in the Nationwide series, failed to qualify in the # 25. Illinois drivers were front and center in the B, with Jason Feger third, and Shannon Babb sixth. Scott James finished fourth in a Riggs Motorsports entry out of southern Il., while 16 year old Tyler Reddick made the feature in his first visit to Eldora. Again, the non qualifiers ran five laps for $1,000, with Eric Wells snagging the win.
After the pomp and circumstance of driver interviews and introductions, Keagan and I made our way from the pits to the grandstands, and the 100 lap $100,000 to win finale took the green at 10:35. Again it was the outside polesitter Shane Clanton taking the early lead, with Shirley and Bloomquist locked in a side by side duel for second. After Bloomer took the spot on lap 21, the first caution waved three laps later for Chub Frank. On the side by side restart, Bloomquist jumped the start, and was penalized one row. Back to racing, both of the challengers began to fade a bit, and West Virginias John Blankenship took up the chase. The leaders hit traffic about lap 42, but three laps later, the caution waved for Shaver. With a clear track, the Georgia Bulldog Clanton was hooked and hauling on the top side of the high banked ( short ) 1/2 mile track. a third caution came out on lap 67, and fifth running Bloomquist headed for the trailer. Meanwhile, Darrell Lanigan had charged from row eight to blast past row nine starter Steve Francis for third. Dennis Erb Jr, also eased by Francis before slipping back to fifth at the finish. Clint Smith held off 26th starting Carrier for sixth, Brian Birkhofer and Billy Moyer swapped the next spot late with Birky finishing eight, and Chris Madden advance nine spots to record a tenth place run.
Again we were on the road before 11:30.
Although the feature was a bit of a snoozer, there was still lots of action, and while the results may not show it, the preliminary events had some outstanding back and forth racing. Eldora is a special place, and the fact that you can hold on to your reserved seat while paying an extra $5.00 for two nights of pit access is my favorite part. If you can make it fit your financial and time budget, it is a must see for dirt track fanatics. I was thinking two and done, but Keagans says he is going back, so we shall see!
While Eldora was a first for Keagan, so was a shot at three straight nights of racing, and we got back in plenty of time to meet up with his little brother Parker and head for Quincy Raceways for Sunday night mid season championship racing.
17 UMP late models headlined an 87 car field in six divisions. After a slow start in 2012 while waiting on an engine and then missing a night with mechanical woes, Dustin Griffin had held the hot hand at QR. Dustin captured heat one form, you guessed it, the outside pole. Mark Burgtorf was in the Richard Racing # 15R, and began smoking on the final laps, but it turned out to be only a broken oil line. Jake Griffin was running up front in heat two before breaking an axle on the final lap, with Jason Perry taking the win. Griifin bested Perry in the dash, and the two started in the front row of the 30 lap finale. after the third caution period on lap 16 saw Fourth running Justin Reed go pitside, second running Perry spun on the restart. National point leader Jim Moon, the winner Saturday night at Montgomery Co., Mo. then grabbed the lead from D Griffin, but the # 20 regained the top spot on lap 22. A final caution one lap later for Perry and Roger Brickler slowed the action, but did not derail Griffin, who collected his third win of 2012, completing a sweep of the nights late model events. Moon turned in his best feeort at QR in second ahead of Denny Woodworth Burgtorf, and third starting Jerry Lierly, who went to the back early and charged back to fifth.
The UMP modifieds turned out 20 cars, and the feature was slow to get started with several early cautions. Steven Delonjay and Dave Weitholder, who have developed a bit of a rivalry, dueled early, before Michael Long found a way way around for the win. Delonjay held second, while Weitholder took third with the drivers side sheet metal of his # 05 peeled away. Abe Huls started up front on mid season night and cruised to the IMCA feature win over a sparse field of cars. Darin Weisinger continued his strong runs in the runner up spot, and Michael Larsen rebounded from early issues to take third. Brian Hoener survived a slam bang hobby stock main to grab a win over Jeff Delonjay and Jamie Bevill, and Mike Hornung Jr, was the first of three Iowa drivers in the sport compact finale, edging out Chuck Fullenkamp and Bill Michel. The IMCA sport mod feature was the last one on the card, and was a marathon event. Tony Dunker led all the way for the win over Bobby Anders and Tanner Klingele.
With a lot going on this week, our next action may come next Sunday at QR.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic Friday night events at CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction, Iowa, where veteran modified driver Tim Sands lost his life in an accident that also injured driver Dave Schrier.
See you at the track!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Perry and Long Double Up at Quincy
My racing this weekend was limited to the regular Sunday night visit to the Quincy Raceways, but there was plenty of action to talk about. 92 race teams checked in, the second highest total of the year, led by 22 UMP modifieds and 21 UMP super late models. This was the first week that the starting time was moved back one hour, and with rain a possibility, it looked like a dubious decision. Fortunately, the rain went around, and I see that our friends in Peoria endured a 90 minute delay. With the first green waving at 6:37, the 14 heat races and late model dash rolled off in just over one hour. The dash was history making, as Jerry Lierly and Dustin Griffin finished the six laps in what looked like a dead heat. But since QR has electronic scoring, the computer would tell us who actually won, except... it was indeed a dead heat, scoring to .000 of a second. Intermission was kept short, and the modified feature was on the track by 8:00. Unfortunately, it took about 25 minutes to run the 25 lap caution fest, capped off by one last yellow as the white flag was set to wave. Michael Long has enjoyed a stellar season every where except his home track in 2012, with only one feature win. He quickly turned the around on Sunday, charging to the lead at the start, and holding on for a solid win. He bookmarked the weekend, having picked up the victory in Pontoon Beach, Il. on Friday, and taking Saturday off for number two sons first birthday. Dave Weitholder powered to a runnerup finish, passing Jared Schlipman, who took third. Jake Griffinf, the 13 year old, followed up a pavement win on Friday at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids with a fourth place run. Jake had earlier vaulted from seventh to second in 2 plus laps in his heat.Defending track champ Steven Delonjay had engine issues, missing his heat race, and falling out of the feature mid way through.
The IMCA stock cars were up next, and this usually steady group also had yellow flag issues. Again we had only eight cars, but the racing was close and back and forth. It took most of the race, but Terry Houston finally broke Abe Huls win streak, parking his Ford in victory lane. For his part, Abe ran mid pack most of the way, but stayed out of trouble and recorded a runner up finish ahead of Darin Weisinger, the early leader, and Jerry Jansen.
The track may have been the best it has been all year, with multiple grooves, and the late models took full advantage. The 20 starters ran 30 laps non stop! Only Clint Kirkham missed the call. Clint came from fifth to second in his heat, then lost power on the warm up lap of the dash. Despite the efforts of a host of folks, the # 28 was scratched for the night. Lierly and Griffin took off at the green, but it was row two starter Perry, who nabbed the lead two laps in. Jason has picked up his first main event the night before at Montgomery, Mo. Motorsports Park, and he kept his # 27 out front to make it two in a row. Griffin continued his strong performance with a second place finish, while a newcomer took third. Nick Bauman climbed behind the wheel of the Adam Mefford # 7M, and scored a podium finish. It was only the third night for the 7M, with Nick supposedly shaking out the bugs for Mefford. I think it worked, and hopefully we will see more of them in 2012. Rickey Frankel ran a steady fourth and national point leader Jim Moon completed the top five. Denny Woodworth advanced quickly from 14th to sixth, but could go no further. Lierly faded to seventh, and 17th starting Mark Burgtorf ran outside the top ten until the final five laps or so, when he charged to eighth. It was Marks first night in the newly purchased Pierce chassis, and car owner Lynn Richard said it was a real " thrash job " to get it ready. For his part, Mark was late to the track after playing in a golf tournament with son Cale.
All told, the first three feature took one hour to run, then the IMCA Sport Mods were up. This division is a mix of veteran racers and untested rookies and can quite frankly be painful to watch. there was a bit of full moom drama mixed in on Sunday, as a couple of the veterans were a bit unhappy with anothe driver, and we even got to witness a helmet toss! at the checkers, it was hobby stock move up Bobby Anders ending Tony Dunkers string of W's. Vance Wilson survived a trip to the back and recovered to nab second ahead of Jeff Klingle, and first time visitor Tom Elson.
The IMCA sport comapcts were next. 17 strong, and frisky as ever! After some disappointing seasons, this class is becoming a crowd favorite at Quincy. Iowa ace Bill Michel led throughout for the win, but there was lots of back and forth behind him. Kimberly Abbott stayed patient and grabbed second from deep in the field, with Robert Thompson and Mike Hornung Jr. in tow.
The hobby stocks closed out the night, with defending champion Steve Carlin out for only the second time in 2012. Steve was using an engine he had obtained in a claim exchange made against him last season. The early laps featured side by side racing between Brian Hoener and Jake Powers, before Hoener broke something in his suspension. Brandon Symmonds then took up the chase in another event marred by cautions. Powers squeeked out a close win over Symmonds, who bobbled away second place temporarily. Brandon came back to make it close at the end, with Jeff Delonjay turning in a season best third, and Nathan Anders in fourth.
The final checkers waved just before 10:00, and Keagan and I did not stay around to witness any pit discussions!
There is plenty of action to chose from, so get out and take in some racing this
weekend!
The IMCA stock cars were up next, and this usually steady group also had yellow flag issues. Again we had only eight cars, but the racing was close and back and forth. It took most of the race, but Terry Houston finally broke Abe Huls win streak, parking his Ford in victory lane. For his part, Abe ran mid pack most of the way, but stayed out of trouble and recorded a runner up finish ahead of Darin Weisinger, the early leader, and Jerry Jansen.
The track may have been the best it has been all year, with multiple grooves, and the late models took full advantage. The 20 starters ran 30 laps non stop! Only Clint Kirkham missed the call. Clint came from fifth to second in his heat, then lost power on the warm up lap of the dash. Despite the efforts of a host of folks, the # 28 was scratched for the night. Lierly and Griffin took off at the green, but it was row two starter Perry, who nabbed the lead two laps in. Jason has picked up his first main event the night before at Montgomery, Mo. Motorsports Park, and he kept his # 27 out front to make it two in a row. Griffin continued his strong performance with a second place finish, while a newcomer took third. Nick Bauman climbed behind the wheel of the Adam Mefford # 7M, and scored a podium finish. It was only the third night for the 7M, with Nick supposedly shaking out the bugs for Mefford. I think it worked, and hopefully we will see more of them in 2012. Rickey Frankel ran a steady fourth and national point leader Jim Moon completed the top five. Denny Woodworth advanced quickly from 14th to sixth, but could go no further. Lierly faded to seventh, and 17th starting Mark Burgtorf ran outside the top ten until the final five laps or so, when he charged to eighth. It was Marks first night in the newly purchased Pierce chassis, and car owner Lynn Richard said it was a real " thrash job " to get it ready. For his part, Mark was late to the track after playing in a golf tournament with son Cale.
All told, the first three feature took one hour to run, then the IMCA Sport Mods were up. This division is a mix of veteran racers and untested rookies and can quite frankly be painful to watch. there was a bit of full moom drama mixed in on Sunday, as a couple of the veterans were a bit unhappy with anothe driver, and we even got to witness a helmet toss! at the checkers, it was hobby stock move up Bobby Anders ending Tony Dunkers string of W's. Vance Wilson survived a trip to the back and recovered to nab second ahead of Jeff Klingle, and first time visitor Tom Elson.
The IMCA sport comapcts were next. 17 strong, and frisky as ever! After some disappointing seasons, this class is becoming a crowd favorite at Quincy. Iowa ace Bill Michel led throughout for the win, but there was lots of back and forth behind him. Kimberly Abbott stayed patient and grabbed second from deep in the field, with Robert Thompson and Mike Hornung Jr. in tow.
The hobby stocks closed out the night, with defending champion Steve Carlin out for only the second time in 2012. Steve was using an engine he had obtained in a claim exchange made against him last season. The early laps featured side by side racing between Brian Hoener and Jake Powers, before Hoener broke something in his suspension. Brandon Symmonds then took up the chase in another event marred by cautions. Powers squeeked out a close win over Symmonds, who bobbled away second place temporarily. Brandon came back to make it close at the end, with Jeff Delonjay turning in a season best third, and Nathan Anders in fourth.
The final checkers waved just before 10:00, and Keagan and I did not stay around to witness any pit discussions!
There is plenty of action to chose from, so get out and take in some racing this
weekend!
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