Sunday night started out like many others at Quincy Raceways, but when I received a call to make sure I came to the drivers meeting, I had a feeling it wouldn't be for anything positive. In fact, co owner Paul Holtschlag actually called a meeting for car owners instead, and he then confirmed the rumor that had made the rounds of late, that being that the track was for sale or lease. He then went one step further, stating that if no one stepped up to buy or lease the facility, there would be no weekly racing in 2014. As I was thinking maybe specials only, he quickly doused that notion by saying that the extremely popular Monster Jam would likely be the only " motorsports " activity of 2014. While a sale price was not discussed, Holtschlag offered up $36,000 as the bottom line lease price. At this time, I have not heard of any individuals ready to step up, although there was some discussion about a possible association being formed. Quincy Raceways has been a part or full time racing destination for me since it opened in 1975, and I have been a fan, a crewman, and a media member throughout the years. Son Brent was track announcer for a dozen or so years, and grandson Keagan now works as a scorer, so obviously I have hope that some group or individual will keep the engines roaring at the Broadway Bullring.
When we got down to the business of racing, we had one of the best prepared surfaces of the season.
UMP national points leader Brandon Sheppard was the first car in the pits fresh off a top ten run at the Prairie Dirt Classic. As was the case last season with eventual national champion Brian Shirley, we are expecting to see a lot of the 20 year old third generation driver at QR for the remainder of the year. QR is the only points paying Sunday night UMP track in the state of Illinois, and Brandon lives less than 100 miles away. He blistered the .29 mile oval with the fastest time trial lap of the season at 13.155 seconds to best the 13 late models on hand. He then rolled a " five " to set the dash invert, putting himself on the inside of row three. He quickly jumped to second in the ten lap dash and put pressure on Clint Kirkham, but settled for second to the # 28. Kirkham was running with a cracked block in his ride, but it was plenty fast enough to earn the pole in the 30 lap finale, with Sheppard on the outside.
The IMCA stock car main event started off feature racing with veteran Jim Powell leading the first half of the 15 laps. Abe Huls began to challenge on lap six, and on lap nine he grabbed the lead. Normally that would be the winning pass, and he took off following a caution on the next lap. However two laps later Abe bobbled in turn four, slipping to third behind Terry Houston and Jake Powers. One lap later Powers and Huls spun in turn three, collecting Gabe Harrison. Last weeks winner, Brandon Savage then took over the second spot, with the yellow waving one more time on lap 13. Houston held on for the win, with Savage second, and Jerry Jansen third, Jerry came back from an early flat tire to put his Ford in the top three. For Savage, it made fours consecutive weeks of top two runs.
The UMP modified count was 20 strong, but only 16 made the feature call. Dave Weitholder had set quick time at 14.837 seconds, but rolled a " six " for the invert. This put 14 year old Jake Griffin up front in the dash, and he grabbed the win and the feature pole. He survived two early restarts, giving up the top spot to Steven Delonjay on lap six of the 25 lapper. On lap eight, Michael Long moved up to challenge for the lead, sticking the nose of the # 18L under Delonjay several times. Several more cautions kept the field close as the leaders hugged the preferred low groove. Meanwhile, Griffin tried the top side, running in the top four. On a lap 13 yellow, Jakes car quit and refused to refire, ending his night with what turned out to be a broken wire. On lap 20, Long made contact with one of the tractor tires in turn four, and when the yellow waved, he went pitside. Delonjay led the final five circuits picking up his seventh points feature of the year. Mike Vanderiet Jr made the long pull from Mexico, Mo to nab second ahead of Shawn Deering and Weitholder.
Tony Dunker grabbed the lead from Greg Uppinghouse on lap three, then survived another caution plagued event to capture the IMCA sport mod 20 lap finale. Jim Gillenwater made the tow from Keokuk, Iowa to pressure Dunker for second, with Tanner Klingele in third.
The UMP late model feature ran next, and Kirkham held a slight lead across the line on lap one before Sheppard took over on the high side. Mark Burgtorf moved around Kirkham as well on the second lap and set his sights on the # B5. This race was all Sheppards, however, as the raced stayed green for all 30 laps. Brandon lapped all the way up to the fourth place car of Rickey Frankel. Burgtorf ran a distant second, with Long rebounding to run third. Kirkham faded early, the came back to run fifth ahead of Denny Woodworth, Bill Genenbacher, Adam Mefford, Jared Schlipman, Mie Hammerle, and Cliff Powell, with Ron Elbe dropping out early with a flat tire, and Kenny Vandorn checking out with heavy smoke rolling off his # 22K.
The IMCA sport compacts wrapped up the evening, and the red flag came out on the start, as Jacob Tournear pounded the guardrail off turn two. On the restart, Laine Vanzandt saw his night end in the backstretch guardrail. When racing finally began, Skip Dunker pulled away for a big win ahead of Austen Becerra, visiting Wes Rensch from Rushville,Il, and Kimberly Abbott.
Racing resumes next Sunday night, and Sunday August 11 the ALMS late models stop by for a $2000 to win special. I have been assured that there are no plans to cut the 2013 season short, so there is still two months of racing action at Quincy Raceways.
Congratulations to former QR regular Justin Jennings on making the field for the NASCAR Camping World truck race at Eldora Speedway. Justin and his # 63 Mittler Brothers LG Seeds truck had lots of camera time, and he completed the event, coming home in 23rd place, his first time on the famed half mile!
This weekend is wide open, so maybe I will see you Racin' down the Road!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Last Minute Road Trip
After several weeks of UMP late model racing,including five nights of Summernationals, we were ready for a change of pace, and some IMCA late model racing seemed just the ticket. Although we were thinking maybe next week, a favorable weather forecast made Saturday a bit too good to pass up. So after a few phone calls, Keagan, Darryl and I headed for the Independence, Iowa Motor Speedway for the sixth annual Dick Frye Memorial. We all agree that the 3/8 mile oval on the Buchanan County Fairgrounds is one of our favorite venues, but the nearly three hour drive each way keeps us from more frequent visits than we would like.
Arriving a bit early, we checked out the offerings on this final day of the county fair, and as I checked in at the pit office, the ladies there mentioned that it was raining to the east in Dubuque and Farley. How could this be, with a zero chance according to my computer? As the pits began to fill with what would eventually total 112 cars in six classes, a light but persistent shower began. Track announcer and fellow Positively Racing blogger Ryan Clark assured me it was a tiny blip on the radar, and would soon pass. Of course, this was minutes after late model veteran Rick Wendling had told me the rain would miss the track. Fortunately, Ryan was correct, and the only damage the brief shower caused was about a 20 minute delay in starting the program while the extra moisture was packed in. Once green flag racing began at 6:50, 15 heat races clicked off in 85 minutes. Indy has an expanded single spin rule for heat races - if you stop on the track, even in a multi car scrum, you go to the pits. They also are the only track I have seen use this in the late models as well. It sure helps to keep things moving! There was one unusual event in late model heat three. The track packer was continuing to roll in the surface between heats, and as the late models circled the oval, the tractor appeared to cut down towards the infield on the backstretch, clipping the front of the # 19 of Kelly Pestka. Damage seemed minimal on the # 19, but Pestka showed some displeasure, heading to his pit area before the green flag. Three drivers I had not seen yet this season, Jon Passick, Rory Metcalf, and late arriving Jason Rauen picked up heat wins with 22 of the 23 late models competing in the eight lap qualifiers. Rauen came from the eighth starting spot, making him a car to watch in the 25 lap finale.
Following a 27 minute intermission, feature racing began. The IMCA sport compacts were added to the card at Indy this season, and from what I read, they have been slow to catch on. Only six cars signed in on Saturday, with all making the call. Indy also instituted a zero tolerance policy on jumping the start, and two different polesitters were sent to the back after perceived jumping. The second of those was Adam Gates. Although he displayed a bit of frustration, it mattered little, as he quickly moved to the front in the 12 lap event, picking up his ninth win in 11 weeks of racing in his # 007.
Next came the 20 lap IMCA modified feature, with 25 of the 27 cars signed in making the call. Again, track officials work to keep the show moving with a one minute per lap time limit, and single file restarts after the third caution. The mods did hit the time limit at lap 18, but managed to complete the final three laps under green. Shawn Ryan worked the top side of the track to perfection, taking an early lead from Josh Sherbon following a lap three caution and stretched out his advantage after each caution to pick up his first win of 2013. Ronn Lauritzen worked his way to second and challenged Ryan, but settled for second. Point leader Tyler Droste worked around Troy Cordes in the closing laps for third, with JD Auringer taking fifth.
The IMCA stock cars also struggled a bit with yellow fever, with 12 of the 13 entrants taking the green for 18 laps. Jesse Brown led early before Jerod Weepie took over following a lap four restart. John Emerson moved his # 87 up to challenge, taking over the top spot on lap 16. The final caution was for a car that was allowed to rejoin the race seven laps down. Emerson held on for the win over Weepie, and Justin Temeyer finished third, running much of the race with heavy smoke coming from the right rear of his ride. It was win number six for Emerson in 2013. He would be back later in the # 25 late model.
All 21 IMCA hobby stocks took the green for 15 laps. The first half of the race saw three caution periods, with Jeremiah Wilson leading early. Ironically, he was the first car to drop out, with a flat tire on lap nine. Benji Irvine inherited the point, and picked up the win over Justin Stander. Jerry Luloff slipped past Jim Ball at the checkers for third. 19 hobbys finished the event.
Now it was time for the 25 lap late model finale. Polesitter Luke Pestka took the early lead, with fifth starting Passick soon showing his nose on the inside. The yellow waved on lap four, and before racing resumed, Kelly Pestka left on the hook with apparent rear end issues, bringing a frustrating night for him to a close. As racing resumed, seventh starting Darren Ackerman had powered to fourth, but by lap seven, it was eighth starting Jeff Aikey in a Rick Dralle car moving to third, and 12th starting Rauen to fourth. Passick and Pestka swapped the top spot back and forth on lap nine, and one lap later Aikey drove around Passick on the high side. One lap later, he took the lead for good. On the 12th circuit, Rauen grabbed third, and he continued his charge, moving to second on lap 20. With the race staying green following the lap four yellow, Aikey could not be caught. Rauen passed 17 cars in his two races, and took home second in the feature. Pestka, Ackerman and Passick ran top five - the second five to cross the line was Curt Martin, point leader Tyler Breuning, Metcalf, veteran Greg Kastli, and Dale Hackwell Jr.
The final race of the night was for the 21 IMCA sport mods, but it had been a long day for all three of us, and we headed for the car. Results indicate the sport mods only completed nine laps before hitting the time limit, with Brandon Smith taking the win.
It was a good time on what became a pleasant evening in central Iowa, and many thanks to the fairboard and promoters for a good night of racing. Special thanks to Ryan for his hospitality, and not one, but two plugs for Racin' Down the Road and Positively Racing!
As I type this, Quincy Raceways has cancelled for Sunday, July 21 due to much needed rain showers, so We are doubly glad we made the trip to Indy. We will probably stay close to home next weekend, but if you get the chance, catch the Corn Belt Clash at Columbus Junction on Thursday. Wish I could!
Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
Arriving a bit early, we checked out the offerings on this final day of the county fair, and as I checked in at the pit office, the ladies there mentioned that it was raining to the east in Dubuque and Farley. How could this be, with a zero chance according to my computer? As the pits began to fill with what would eventually total 112 cars in six classes, a light but persistent shower began. Track announcer and fellow Positively Racing blogger Ryan Clark assured me it was a tiny blip on the radar, and would soon pass. Of course, this was minutes after late model veteran Rick Wendling had told me the rain would miss the track. Fortunately, Ryan was correct, and the only damage the brief shower caused was about a 20 minute delay in starting the program while the extra moisture was packed in. Once green flag racing began at 6:50, 15 heat races clicked off in 85 minutes. Indy has an expanded single spin rule for heat races - if you stop on the track, even in a multi car scrum, you go to the pits. They also are the only track I have seen use this in the late models as well. It sure helps to keep things moving! There was one unusual event in late model heat three. The track packer was continuing to roll in the surface between heats, and as the late models circled the oval, the tractor appeared to cut down towards the infield on the backstretch, clipping the front of the # 19 of Kelly Pestka. Damage seemed minimal on the # 19, but Pestka showed some displeasure, heading to his pit area before the green flag. Three drivers I had not seen yet this season, Jon Passick, Rory Metcalf, and late arriving Jason Rauen picked up heat wins with 22 of the 23 late models competing in the eight lap qualifiers. Rauen came from the eighth starting spot, making him a car to watch in the 25 lap finale.
Following a 27 minute intermission, feature racing began. The IMCA sport compacts were added to the card at Indy this season, and from what I read, they have been slow to catch on. Only six cars signed in on Saturday, with all making the call. Indy also instituted a zero tolerance policy on jumping the start, and two different polesitters were sent to the back after perceived jumping. The second of those was Adam Gates. Although he displayed a bit of frustration, it mattered little, as he quickly moved to the front in the 12 lap event, picking up his ninth win in 11 weeks of racing in his # 007.
Next came the 20 lap IMCA modified feature, with 25 of the 27 cars signed in making the call. Again, track officials work to keep the show moving with a one minute per lap time limit, and single file restarts after the third caution. The mods did hit the time limit at lap 18, but managed to complete the final three laps under green. Shawn Ryan worked the top side of the track to perfection, taking an early lead from Josh Sherbon following a lap three caution and stretched out his advantage after each caution to pick up his first win of 2013. Ronn Lauritzen worked his way to second and challenged Ryan, but settled for second. Point leader Tyler Droste worked around Troy Cordes in the closing laps for third, with JD Auringer taking fifth.
The IMCA stock cars also struggled a bit with yellow fever, with 12 of the 13 entrants taking the green for 18 laps. Jesse Brown led early before Jerod Weepie took over following a lap four restart. John Emerson moved his # 87 up to challenge, taking over the top spot on lap 16. The final caution was for a car that was allowed to rejoin the race seven laps down. Emerson held on for the win over Weepie, and Justin Temeyer finished third, running much of the race with heavy smoke coming from the right rear of his ride. It was win number six for Emerson in 2013. He would be back later in the # 25 late model.
All 21 IMCA hobby stocks took the green for 15 laps. The first half of the race saw three caution periods, with Jeremiah Wilson leading early. Ironically, he was the first car to drop out, with a flat tire on lap nine. Benji Irvine inherited the point, and picked up the win over Justin Stander. Jerry Luloff slipped past Jim Ball at the checkers for third. 19 hobbys finished the event.
Now it was time for the 25 lap late model finale. Polesitter Luke Pestka took the early lead, with fifth starting Passick soon showing his nose on the inside. The yellow waved on lap four, and before racing resumed, Kelly Pestka left on the hook with apparent rear end issues, bringing a frustrating night for him to a close. As racing resumed, seventh starting Darren Ackerman had powered to fourth, but by lap seven, it was eighth starting Jeff Aikey in a Rick Dralle car moving to third, and 12th starting Rauen to fourth. Passick and Pestka swapped the top spot back and forth on lap nine, and one lap later Aikey drove around Passick on the high side. One lap later, he took the lead for good. On the 12th circuit, Rauen grabbed third, and he continued his charge, moving to second on lap 20. With the race staying green following the lap four yellow, Aikey could not be caught. Rauen passed 17 cars in his two races, and took home second in the feature. Pestka, Ackerman and Passick ran top five - the second five to cross the line was Curt Martin, point leader Tyler Breuning, Metcalf, veteran Greg Kastli, and Dale Hackwell Jr.
The final race of the night was for the 21 IMCA sport mods, but it had been a long day for all three of us, and we headed for the car. Results indicate the sport mods only completed nine laps before hitting the time limit, with Brandon Smith taking the win.
It was a good time on what became a pleasant evening in central Iowa, and many thanks to the fairboard and promoters for a good night of racing. Special thanks to Ryan for his hospitality, and not one, but two plugs for Racin' Down the Road and Positively Racing!
As I type this, Quincy Raceways has cancelled for Sunday, July 21 due to much needed rain showers, so We are doubly glad we made the trip to Indy. We will probably stay close to home next weekend, but if you get the chance, catch the Corn Belt Clash at Columbus Junction on Thursday. Wish I could!
Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Burgtorf Takes Quincy Win
My three race weekend ended at " home " on a hot, muggy Sunday at Quincy Raceways. For a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the heat, car counts were down in several classes. But the racing was top notch, with a minimum of caution periods moving things along. Oddly enough, it was the normally reliable IMCA stock cars that struggled the most. It began with a rough driving DQ in the first heat, and continued through a time limit feature. In only his second week out, Jeremy Buss jumped to the early lead in the 15 lap finale. On lap six, Terry Houston snared the lead, but it was negated by the caution. On the restart, Brandon Savage vaulted from third to first, and Abe Huls charged from fifth to second, all with the help of the Delaware restart. More caution periods saw Jake Powers and Jimmy Lynch go by the wayside, but Savage had opened a big lead when the yellow waved again on lap 12. Huls reclaimed second from Houston on the restart, but the caution waved again for a tractor tire kicked out on the track. With four laps still to go, we had hit the time limit - the next flag would be the checkers. Again Savage checked out, and when the caution came out with two laps to go, the race was called complete. Savage has put together a string of runner up finishes, but tonight he stood in victory lane. Huls held off Houston for second.
The UMP modified 25 lapper was next, with 13 cars taking the green. Fast dash winner Steven Delonjay and fastest qualifier Michael Long shared the front row. Delonjay jumped to the lead, with Long in pursuit until he pulled to the infield on lap nine with what proved to be a broken crankshaft. Robbie Reed took up the chase, but Delonjay cruised to the win, lapping up to the sixth place car in a caution free event. Reed held off Dave Weitholder and Jake Griffin at the checkers.
Next up was the IMCA sport mod event, and the only stoppage in the 15 lapper was what was probably a too quick yellow on lap six. Last weeks winner, Jeff Delonjay could not make the call, leaving eight starters. Joe Bliven led early before Tony Dunker took over for good on lap three. The win was not easy for Dunker, however, as Tanner Klingele powered past Bliven and hounded the # 3 to the end.
Only nine UMP late models checked in, with outside polesitter Denny Woodworth leading the pack into turn one. The late model lawyer was in pursuit of his first win of 2013, and he had his way for 26 laps. By that time, Mark Burgtorf had overtaken Michael Long, and ran down the # 45DW. Mark spent the next couple trips out of turn four trying to stick his nose under Denny. Then on lap 28, he jumped to the high side and powered around for the lead and the win in another caution free race. Woodworth settled for second ahead of Long, fast qualifier Rickey Frankel, Clint Kirkham, and Bill Genenbacher, the last car on the lead lap.
The final race on the car was the IMCA sport compact 12 lapper with 11 starters. Austen Becerra took the early lead and looked to be in charge, but Skip Dunker had other ideas. Dunker took over on lap three and held on to give the Dunker brothers a pair of wins. Laine VanZandt has been hot of late, and he moved to the second spot, with Brandon Lambert coming home third.
The finals checkers waved at exactly 9:00.
I was surprised not to see Jason Perry in action in the late model event on Saturday in West Burlington, and learned upon arriving at QR last night that the defending track champion is in the hospital. Get well soon, Jason! Another MIA in the late models was Justin Reed, who will be sidelined for some time with engine woes. The dog days are upon us!
Congratulations to Shannon Babb, who picked up UMP Summernationals win # 82 Sunday night in Danville,Il, tying Billy Moyer for the all time series lead. The series wraps up next weekend, and hopefully we will get back to seeing a few of the traveling late models at QR.
As of now I have no specific plans for next weekend other than Sunday night in Quincy, but maybe I will see you Racin' Down the Road.
The UMP modified 25 lapper was next, with 13 cars taking the green. Fast dash winner Steven Delonjay and fastest qualifier Michael Long shared the front row. Delonjay jumped to the lead, with Long in pursuit until he pulled to the infield on lap nine with what proved to be a broken crankshaft. Robbie Reed took up the chase, but Delonjay cruised to the win, lapping up to the sixth place car in a caution free event. Reed held off Dave Weitholder and Jake Griffin at the checkers.
Next up was the IMCA sport mod event, and the only stoppage in the 15 lapper was what was probably a too quick yellow on lap six. Last weeks winner, Jeff Delonjay could not make the call, leaving eight starters. Joe Bliven led early before Tony Dunker took over for good on lap three. The win was not easy for Dunker, however, as Tanner Klingele powered past Bliven and hounded the # 3 to the end.
Only nine UMP late models checked in, with outside polesitter Denny Woodworth leading the pack into turn one. The late model lawyer was in pursuit of his first win of 2013, and he had his way for 26 laps. By that time, Mark Burgtorf had overtaken Michael Long, and ran down the # 45DW. Mark spent the next couple trips out of turn four trying to stick his nose under Denny. Then on lap 28, he jumped to the high side and powered around for the lead and the win in another caution free race. Woodworth settled for second ahead of Long, fast qualifier Rickey Frankel, Clint Kirkham, and Bill Genenbacher, the last car on the lead lap.
The final race on the car was the IMCA sport compact 12 lapper with 11 starters. Austen Becerra took the early lead and looked to be in charge, but Skip Dunker had other ideas. Dunker took over on lap three and held on to give the Dunker brothers a pair of wins. Laine VanZandt has been hot of late, and he moved to the second spot, with Brandon Lambert coming home third.
The finals checkers waved at exactly 9:00.
I was surprised not to see Jason Perry in action in the late model event on Saturday in West Burlington, and learned upon arriving at QR last night that the defending track champion is in the hospital. Get well soon, Jason! Another MIA in the late models was Justin Reed, who will be sidelined for some time with engine woes. The dog days are upon us!
Congratulations to Shannon Babb, who picked up UMP Summernationals win # 82 Sunday night in Danville,Il, tying Billy Moyer for the all time series lead. The series wraps up next weekend, and hopefully we will get back to seeing a few of the traveling late models at QR.
As of now I have no specific plans for next weekend other than Sunday night in Quincy, but maybe I will see you Racin' Down the Road.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Pierce on top at 34
Saturday night it was off to 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa for another stop on the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour. When the tour begins winding down to the final stops, car counts usually begin to fall off, but 26 competitors still signed in to do battle. Tour points leader Brandon Sheppard set overall quick time early with a lap of 14.918 seconds to earn the pole for heat one, from where he took the win ahead of Bobby Pierce. As the checkers waved, Matt Furman had the drive shaft come loose in his car, and it apparently impacted the underside of his car, causing him some discomfort and a minor delay. After running a partial schedule in the Tim Lance backup car and crewing for Tim the rest of the time, Brian Shirley was back in his own # 3S and he took the early lead in heat two before slipping up the track in turn four, giving the lead and the win to Chris Simpson. Heat three went to outside polesitter Brian Birkhofer over Shannon Babb. Brian Harris had the fifth and final transfer spot locked up before slipping on the final lap, giving way to Dustin Griffin.
The IMCA sport mods ran a 15 lap feature with 15 cars taking the green. Ames, Iowa driver Adam Shelman took a hard fought win ahead of Bobby Anders.
The 4 cylinder class had 21 entrants, but their 12 lap main event was declared complete after two red flag periods, one involving a turn one accident that required an ambulance transport followed by a rollover crash off turn two. Austen Becerra was declared the winner.
The late model consy went to Rickey Frankel ahead of Jason McBride and Harris, with four provisionals filling out the 22 car starting grid for the 40 lap $10,000 to win finale.
Those still around when the late model feature hit the track saw a great main event. The three heat winners redrew for starting spots, and Birkhofer drew the outside pole, taking the early lead over Sheppard. The first caution came at lap seven, with Frank Heckenast Jr rolling to the infield as Griffin looped his ride, Heckenast retired to the pits while Griffin rejoined the race. As Birky continued to lead, fourth starting Pierce cleared Chris Simpson for third on lap nine after a side by side duel. By now the front two had opened a lead, but Pierce was on the move, catching the leaders on lap 23. Two circuits later, he used the low side to overtake Sheppard, and on lap 26 the 16 year old powered around Birkhofer for the lead. He was able to negotiate lapped traffic like a veteran, and had a comfortable lead when the checkers waved. It was his fourth win in the last two weeks on the tour, and gave him back to back $10,000 checkers, as he came out on top Friday night in Kankakee,Il. Birkhofer held second over Sheppard, Chris Simpson and Tanner English. Mark Burgtorf ran sixth ahead of Chad Simpson, Shirley, Babb , and 14th starting Denny Eckrich. The tour moves on to Pierces " hometown" track in Danville,Il. tonight before heading east to Ohio to close things out next week.
The promoters made the decision to add pit bikes and Quads to the card, which no doubt brought in more spectators, but did not go over well with the circle track fans, many of whom traveled considerable distance and paid the expected higher ticket price. The issue was compounded by holding the late models until the final race of the night. As I reported earlier, several weeks ago when we attended a show in Macon,Il, the promoter was at the front gate asking everyone as they left if they enjoyed the show. Let's just say that would have created quite a logjam in trying to get to the parking lot last night. Hopefully many of those vowing not to return to one of my favorite tracks have short memories.
Tonight I will wrap up my three race weekend at Quincy Raceways for the weekly program of UMP late models and modifieds, with IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts. Hope to see you there!
The IMCA sport mods ran a 15 lap feature with 15 cars taking the green. Ames, Iowa driver Adam Shelman took a hard fought win ahead of Bobby Anders.
The 4 cylinder class had 21 entrants, but their 12 lap main event was declared complete after two red flag periods, one involving a turn one accident that required an ambulance transport followed by a rollover crash off turn two. Austen Becerra was declared the winner.
The late model consy went to Rickey Frankel ahead of Jason McBride and Harris, with four provisionals filling out the 22 car starting grid for the 40 lap $10,000 to win finale.
Those still around when the late model feature hit the track saw a great main event. The three heat winners redrew for starting spots, and Birkhofer drew the outside pole, taking the early lead over Sheppard. The first caution came at lap seven, with Frank Heckenast Jr rolling to the infield as Griffin looped his ride, Heckenast retired to the pits while Griffin rejoined the race. As Birky continued to lead, fourth starting Pierce cleared Chris Simpson for third on lap nine after a side by side duel. By now the front two had opened a lead, but Pierce was on the move, catching the leaders on lap 23. Two circuits later, he used the low side to overtake Sheppard, and on lap 26 the 16 year old powered around Birkhofer for the lead. He was able to negotiate lapped traffic like a veteran, and had a comfortable lead when the checkers waved. It was his fourth win in the last two weeks on the tour, and gave him back to back $10,000 checkers, as he came out on top Friday night in Kankakee,Il. Birkhofer held second over Sheppard, Chris Simpson and Tanner English. Mark Burgtorf ran sixth ahead of Chad Simpson, Shirley, Babb , and 14th starting Denny Eckrich. The tour moves on to Pierces " hometown" track in Danville,Il. tonight before heading east to Ohio to close things out next week.
The promoters made the decision to add pit bikes and Quads to the card, which no doubt brought in more spectators, but did not go over well with the circle track fans, many of whom traveled considerable distance and paid the expected higher ticket price. The issue was compounded by holding the late models until the final race of the night. As I reported earlier, several weeks ago when we attended a show in Macon,Il, the promoter was at the front gate asking everyone as they left if they enjoyed the show. Let's just say that would have created quite a logjam in trying to get to the parking lot last night. Hopefully many of those vowing not to return to one of my favorite tracks have short memories.
Tonight I will wrap up my three race weekend at Quincy Raceways for the weekly program of UMP late models and modifieds, with IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Francis Tops Lucas Field at Tri City
Given an opportunity to leave work early on Friday, Darryl and I decided to head to Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach,Il for the $10,000 to win Lucas Oil late model series " Battle at the Beach." We knew the car count would likely suffer a bit, with weekly shows at Bellville and Farmer City, and the UMP Summernationals in Kankakee, but the 32 cars sihned in made for a nice, quality field. The support classes were down a bit, as well, with 19 UMP modifieds and 21 UMP Pro Crate late models, still decent size fields.
Late model qualifying started things off, and track regular Billy Laycock shocked everyone, including himself by setting quick time at 15.506 seconds on the 3/8 mile oval. Laycock was in a three week ols Pierce car, and was as excited in his post time trial interview as he could be, much to the delight of the big crowd. He also lead the first ten lap heat until the field was coming to the white flag, when first John Blankenship and then Don Oneal slipped past on the tacky track. Tyler Reddick ran fourth. Heat two saw polesitter Jason Feger take the early lead, while Jerry Lierly lost the top of his air cleaner in turn one. Track officials either did not see the parts on the track or chose to ignore then until Feger slowed with a flat tire, possibly the result of running over the metal pieces. Even in a heat race, Lucas Oil allows two courtesy laps for hot pit repairs, and Feger rejoined the field in sixth, racing his way back to a qualifying spot in fourth in two laps. Third starting Steve Francis posted the win over fifth starting Billy Moyer and surprise entrant Billy Drake. Iowan Chris Simpson, who captured the Summernationals race here two weeks prior picked up the win in heat three over his car builder Brian Birkhofer, local Michael Kloos, and Eddie Carrier Jr. The final ten lapper was an easy win for series points leader Jimmy Owens over Earl Pearson, Jr and Randy Korte, but the battle was for the final transfer spot, as youngsters Billy Moyer Jr, and Louisiana native Timothy Culp ran side by side for much of the race, never touching. Moyer Jr. pulled away on the final lap. After two modified heats, the first of two intermissions were take, with a driver autograph session behind the grandstands. Following the break, the late models ran two 12 lap B-mains. In the first, Jared Landers, who was locked into the main event with a points provisional, started behind the other seven starters and appeared to be using the race as a hot lap session. After the field sorted itself out, he got serious, eventually taking the third and final qualifying spot behind local driver Craig Smith, and Lierly. Another local, Tim Manville took the second consy ahead of Culp and local ace Scott Weber. It was now time for intermission number two. The MAV TV channel was on hand to tape the event, and they apparently wanted the late model 50 lap headliner to run first, thus the need for another break. A drawing was held for youngsters, with 28 chosen, who were matched up with each starting driver, and they had pictures taken during driver introductions. Four provisionals were added to the lineup, Dennis Erb, Jr received a points transfer, while Jeff Herzog picked up a fastest timer not qualified spot. Chris and Derek Fetter then received track provisionals, giving us a 26 car starting grid. No, I don't know who the other two youngsters lined up with! As the cars took their pace laps, fourth starting Owens stopped on the backstretch. He was pushed to the hot pit in the infield, were his crew went to work frantically on the # 20. It was to no avail, as he had transmission issues that could not be resolved, ending his night. This would be a huge break for Blankenship, second in the points chase, and setting on the pole. He charged to the lead at the drop of the green over outside row one starter Simpson. By lap eight, Francis had moved to second and was challenging, and on lap nine, the # 15 moved to the front for good. The first yellow did not come until lap 29, by which time the leaders were deep into lapped traffic. the stoppage came as eighth running Kloos smacked the turn two wall. On the restart, the top two pulled away, as 15th starting Feger entered the top ten. The second caution came on lap 37, as Smith slowed in turn four. Again, Francis and Blankenship pulled away as we went back to green. The final yellow flew on lap 46 for Landers, setting up a five lap dash to the checkers. With the lineup now single file instead of Delaware style, Blankenship had his best shot to reclaim the lead, but Francis ran a perfect line to take his first Lucas win of 2013. Blankenship unofficially took the points lead, with Simpson, Oneal, and Moyer completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Birkhofer, 16th starting Moyer Jr, Korte, Feger, and Reddick.
Both Darryl and I had been up early, and he had to be back in Columbia,Mo Saturday morning, so we headed out with two features still to run. We were on the road at 10:30. Based on heat race action, it looked like no one had anything for Michael Long in the modifieds or Aaron Heck in the crates, and the posted results show they both took home checkers.
The Lucas series heads to Wheatland,Mo for Saturday action, staying in the midwest all next week. As for me, I will be heading out shortly with a car load for the UMP Summernationals event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Ia, then back to Quincy Raceways for Sunday night racing, another three race weekend. Say "Hi" if you see me "Racin' Down the Road."
Late model qualifying started things off, and track regular Billy Laycock shocked everyone, including himself by setting quick time at 15.506 seconds on the 3/8 mile oval. Laycock was in a three week ols Pierce car, and was as excited in his post time trial interview as he could be, much to the delight of the big crowd. He also lead the first ten lap heat until the field was coming to the white flag, when first John Blankenship and then Don Oneal slipped past on the tacky track. Tyler Reddick ran fourth. Heat two saw polesitter Jason Feger take the early lead, while Jerry Lierly lost the top of his air cleaner in turn one. Track officials either did not see the parts on the track or chose to ignore then until Feger slowed with a flat tire, possibly the result of running over the metal pieces. Even in a heat race, Lucas Oil allows two courtesy laps for hot pit repairs, and Feger rejoined the field in sixth, racing his way back to a qualifying spot in fourth in two laps. Third starting Steve Francis posted the win over fifth starting Billy Moyer and surprise entrant Billy Drake. Iowan Chris Simpson, who captured the Summernationals race here two weeks prior picked up the win in heat three over his car builder Brian Birkhofer, local Michael Kloos, and Eddie Carrier Jr. The final ten lapper was an easy win for series points leader Jimmy Owens over Earl Pearson, Jr and Randy Korte, but the battle was for the final transfer spot, as youngsters Billy Moyer Jr, and Louisiana native Timothy Culp ran side by side for much of the race, never touching. Moyer Jr. pulled away on the final lap. After two modified heats, the first of two intermissions were take, with a driver autograph session behind the grandstands. Following the break, the late models ran two 12 lap B-mains. In the first, Jared Landers, who was locked into the main event with a points provisional, started behind the other seven starters and appeared to be using the race as a hot lap session. After the field sorted itself out, he got serious, eventually taking the third and final qualifying spot behind local driver Craig Smith, and Lierly. Another local, Tim Manville took the second consy ahead of Culp and local ace Scott Weber. It was now time for intermission number two. The MAV TV channel was on hand to tape the event, and they apparently wanted the late model 50 lap headliner to run first, thus the need for another break. A drawing was held for youngsters, with 28 chosen, who were matched up with each starting driver, and they had pictures taken during driver introductions. Four provisionals were added to the lineup, Dennis Erb, Jr received a points transfer, while Jeff Herzog picked up a fastest timer not qualified spot. Chris and Derek Fetter then received track provisionals, giving us a 26 car starting grid. No, I don't know who the other two youngsters lined up with! As the cars took their pace laps, fourth starting Owens stopped on the backstretch. He was pushed to the hot pit in the infield, were his crew went to work frantically on the # 20. It was to no avail, as he had transmission issues that could not be resolved, ending his night. This would be a huge break for Blankenship, second in the points chase, and setting on the pole. He charged to the lead at the drop of the green over outside row one starter Simpson. By lap eight, Francis had moved to second and was challenging, and on lap nine, the # 15 moved to the front for good. The first yellow did not come until lap 29, by which time the leaders were deep into lapped traffic. the stoppage came as eighth running Kloos smacked the turn two wall. On the restart, the top two pulled away, as 15th starting Feger entered the top ten. The second caution came on lap 37, as Smith slowed in turn four. Again, Francis and Blankenship pulled away as we went back to green. The final yellow flew on lap 46 for Landers, setting up a five lap dash to the checkers. With the lineup now single file instead of Delaware style, Blankenship had his best shot to reclaim the lead, but Francis ran a perfect line to take his first Lucas win of 2013. Blankenship unofficially took the points lead, with Simpson, Oneal, and Moyer completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Birkhofer, 16th starting Moyer Jr, Korte, Feger, and Reddick.
Both Darryl and I had been up early, and he had to be back in Columbia,Mo Saturday morning, so we headed out with two features still to run. We were on the road at 10:30. Based on heat race action, it looked like no one had anything for Michael Long in the modifieds or Aaron Heck in the crates, and the posted results show they both took home checkers.
The Lucas series heads to Wheatland,Mo for Saturday action, staying in the midwest all next week. As for me, I will be heading out shortly with a car load for the UMP Summernationals event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Ia, then back to Quincy Raceways for Sunday night racing, another three race weekend. Say "Hi" if you see me "Racin' Down the Road."
Monday, July 8, 2013
Long First Repeat Winner at Quincy
Sunday was my only race night of the weekend, and it was back at my regular haunt, Quincy Raceways.
Five classes of cars were set to do battle, with 67 entrants on the card. There were two cars in the pits when Keagan and I arrived - Joe Bliven with his # 20JB IMCA sport mod - Joe doubles as a track worker before the show - and the # 57J super late model. Initially I assumed it to be Bub McCool, but found out instead it was Edinburg,Indiana hot shoe Chad Stapleton. When I had seen Chad previously, it was in #32. The team had been the victim of several rainouts, and had wound up in Peoria,Il Saturday night where they picked up the feature win, so they decided to come on to Quincy before heading off to Florence,Ky.
Qualifying, lead by Michael Long in the UMP mods at 15.225 and Clint Kirkham in late models at 13.737, and the 11 heat races rolled off in short order. Following about a 20 minute break, the IMCA stock car feature came to the track, and the pace of the night slowed dramatically. The normally efficient stock cars actually bumped up against the time limit, although they did manage to run all 15 laps. Michael Larsen had suffered a non racing shoulder injury late in the week, so he recruited former late model driver Kevin Tomlinson to take over the driving chores of the # 48. Kevin and veteran Jim Powell dueled up front early before Brandon Savage took over the top spot on lap three. Brandon stretched out a straightaway lead before the carnage began. The first yellow waved on lap ten, and point leader Jake Powers headed to the hot pit with a flat. The Delaware restart put third running Abe Huls and Tomlinson side by side behind Savage. On the restart, Beau Taylor spun in turn two, and one lap after that restart, defending champion Terry Houston spun, collecting Powers, who stayed on the track with serious front suspension damage. Despite the damage, Powers climbed back to fourth before spinning in turn four. The resulting contact knocked the entire rear end out from under Taylors car, ending the night for both and Darin Lambert, as well. With a green, white, checkers finish set up, Savage continued to lead. Tomlinson eased past Huls, and when Savage changed lines and left the low line open out of turn four coming to the checkers, Tomlinson stole the lead and the win.
The UMP modifieds were up next, with 17 of the 20 car field taking the green. Point leader Steven Delonjay and Long shared the front row, and they battled side by side with Long holding the advantage when the yellow waved on lap four. Again, yellows create yellows, but after a false start, the battle resumed. By lap 15, Delonjay had the advantage as he and Long began lapping cars. Steven dove under Danny Lake in turns three and four, and Lake went up the track, collecting Long. Track officials charged Delonjay with the caution and as Long has spun, both went to the back of the pack, turning the lead over to Dave Weitholder. When the caution flew again on lap 19, The two had advanced to 7th and 8th, but one lap later, Delonjay went to the infield with a flat tire. As the yellow came out on lap 22, Long was back to fifth, and a lap 24 caution set up another green, white, checkers run. Contact with a lapped car at this time took out second running Robbie Reed. On the final shootout, Long charged to second, but Weitholder held on for his first feature win of 2013 at QR. It was his second win of the week, as he captured the Hell Tour mod feature Wednesday in Jacksonville,Il., then blew an engine earlier in the weekend!
After the King of the Bullring Challenge on Tuesday at QR, the IMCA sport mod count was down, with only 11 cars and only nine took the feature green. Greg Uppinghouse took the early lead, but slowed on lap two, turning it over to Tanner Klingele. The caution waved on lap six, and again it took a couple tries to get back to racing. Jeff Delonjay rode the top side to the front on lap eight, and two laps later point leader Tony Dunker took over second. Dunker worked the high side, but could not get around Delonjay, who picked up his second win of the season.
All 15 UMP super late models came to staging, but a pile up on the start pared the field. there were several different opinions on exactly what happened, but as the field came to the green,the middle of the pack took off faster than the leaders, and as a result, Stapleton found himself doing a complete rollover. Complaining of back pain, he was transported to the local hospital, but has since been released and the team is headed to Kentucky. Jared Schlipman was also knocked out of competition in the mishap. Polesitter Jerry Lierly was charged with the caution and sent to the back of the pack, soon retiring to the trailer. Double duty Michael Long got the jump at the green, and never looked back. Eighth starting Denny Woodworth charged through the pack and was hot on his heels for the early part of the race before fourth starting point leader Mark Burgtorf, who had fallen back early used the high side to take the runnerup spot. The event went caution free after lap one, and Michael became the first two time late model feature winner of the year. Following Burgtorf and Woodworth was Rickey Frankel, Kirkham, Robbie Warner, and Jason Perry, the only cars still running at the checkers.
The IMCA sport compacts finished off the night, with ten starters. Again, a first lap yellow slowed the action, but Laine VanZandt took off from the green, and although Pat " Skip " Dunker pressured him throughout the 12 laps, Laine held on for I believe his second checkers of 2013. Austen Becerra took a trip to the hot pit during a mid race caution as his # 22 did not seem to be running at full power. He came back to edge out point leader Kimberly Abbott for third.
Don't forget the UMP Summernationals stop this Saturday at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, the point race for the tour is heating up, and the car counts are holding up as well as I can remember. This should be a " can't miss " show. Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
Five classes of cars were set to do battle, with 67 entrants on the card. There were two cars in the pits when Keagan and I arrived - Joe Bliven with his # 20JB IMCA sport mod - Joe doubles as a track worker before the show - and the # 57J super late model. Initially I assumed it to be Bub McCool, but found out instead it was Edinburg,Indiana hot shoe Chad Stapleton. When I had seen Chad previously, it was in #32. The team had been the victim of several rainouts, and had wound up in Peoria,Il Saturday night where they picked up the feature win, so they decided to come on to Quincy before heading off to Florence,Ky.
Qualifying, lead by Michael Long in the UMP mods at 15.225 and Clint Kirkham in late models at 13.737, and the 11 heat races rolled off in short order. Following about a 20 minute break, the IMCA stock car feature came to the track, and the pace of the night slowed dramatically. The normally efficient stock cars actually bumped up against the time limit, although they did manage to run all 15 laps. Michael Larsen had suffered a non racing shoulder injury late in the week, so he recruited former late model driver Kevin Tomlinson to take over the driving chores of the # 48. Kevin and veteran Jim Powell dueled up front early before Brandon Savage took over the top spot on lap three. Brandon stretched out a straightaway lead before the carnage began. The first yellow waved on lap ten, and point leader Jake Powers headed to the hot pit with a flat. The Delaware restart put third running Abe Huls and Tomlinson side by side behind Savage. On the restart, Beau Taylor spun in turn two, and one lap after that restart, defending champion Terry Houston spun, collecting Powers, who stayed on the track with serious front suspension damage. Despite the damage, Powers climbed back to fourth before spinning in turn four. The resulting contact knocked the entire rear end out from under Taylors car, ending the night for both and Darin Lambert, as well. With a green, white, checkers finish set up, Savage continued to lead. Tomlinson eased past Huls, and when Savage changed lines and left the low line open out of turn four coming to the checkers, Tomlinson stole the lead and the win.
The UMP modifieds were up next, with 17 of the 20 car field taking the green. Point leader Steven Delonjay and Long shared the front row, and they battled side by side with Long holding the advantage when the yellow waved on lap four. Again, yellows create yellows, but after a false start, the battle resumed. By lap 15, Delonjay had the advantage as he and Long began lapping cars. Steven dove under Danny Lake in turns three and four, and Lake went up the track, collecting Long. Track officials charged Delonjay with the caution and as Long has spun, both went to the back of the pack, turning the lead over to Dave Weitholder. When the caution flew again on lap 19, The two had advanced to 7th and 8th, but one lap later, Delonjay went to the infield with a flat tire. As the yellow came out on lap 22, Long was back to fifth, and a lap 24 caution set up another green, white, checkers run. Contact with a lapped car at this time took out second running Robbie Reed. On the final shootout, Long charged to second, but Weitholder held on for his first feature win of 2013 at QR. It was his second win of the week, as he captured the Hell Tour mod feature Wednesday in Jacksonville,Il., then blew an engine earlier in the weekend!
After the King of the Bullring Challenge on Tuesday at QR, the IMCA sport mod count was down, with only 11 cars and only nine took the feature green. Greg Uppinghouse took the early lead, but slowed on lap two, turning it over to Tanner Klingele. The caution waved on lap six, and again it took a couple tries to get back to racing. Jeff Delonjay rode the top side to the front on lap eight, and two laps later point leader Tony Dunker took over second. Dunker worked the high side, but could not get around Delonjay, who picked up his second win of the season.
All 15 UMP super late models came to staging, but a pile up on the start pared the field. there were several different opinions on exactly what happened, but as the field came to the green,the middle of the pack took off faster than the leaders, and as a result, Stapleton found himself doing a complete rollover. Complaining of back pain, he was transported to the local hospital, but has since been released and the team is headed to Kentucky. Jared Schlipman was also knocked out of competition in the mishap. Polesitter Jerry Lierly was charged with the caution and sent to the back of the pack, soon retiring to the trailer. Double duty Michael Long got the jump at the green, and never looked back. Eighth starting Denny Woodworth charged through the pack and was hot on his heels for the early part of the race before fourth starting point leader Mark Burgtorf, who had fallen back early used the high side to take the runnerup spot. The event went caution free after lap one, and Michael became the first two time late model feature winner of the year. Following Burgtorf and Woodworth was Rickey Frankel, Kirkham, Robbie Warner, and Jason Perry, the only cars still running at the checkers.
The IMCA sport compacts finished off the night, with ten starters. Again, a first lap yellow slowed the action, but Laine VanZandt took off from the green, and although Pat " Skip " Dunker pressured him throughout the 12 laps, Laine held on for I believe his second checkers of 2013. Austen Becerra took a trip to the hot pit during a mid race caution as his # 22 did not seem to be running at full power. He came back to edge out point leader Kimberly Abbott for third.
Don't forget the UMP Summernationals stop this Saturday at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, the point race for the tour is heating up, and the car counts are holding up as well as I can remember. This should be a " can't miss " show. Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Notes From Quincy Hell Tour
Jeff pretty well captured the racing activity at the Quincy Raceways Summernationals event in his blog, so I will just add a few notes. For those of you wondering about the condition of Chris Larson, who was involved in the horrible crash in the IMCA sport mod first heat, he is back home, sore, but will be OK. Chris spent a few hours in the ER, but came away with a sore shoulder, bumps and bruises. On the other hand, his # 67L is destroyed. I was able to get a look at the car, and although nearly everything was twisted and bent, the seat and roll cage held up well. According to his partner, Pete Toubekis, they do have another car they will be putting together at some point. Racers Tony and Pat Dunker put together the added purse money for the sport mod purse, and since the field was a bit short of the 24 car starting field, they decided to donate the extra position money to Larson. There was also a bonus for the highest finishing veteran, and I believe this money was given to Chris as well. Nice gesture, fellas.
QR had the biggest crowd in recent memory, with over 3100 folks in the house. I hope the extra folks realize that the late night is not the norm at the Bullring - the final checkers waved about 12:30.
I was not able to follow the tour on to Jacksonville last night, but I see that Shannon Babb went back to back with a late model win, and Dave Weitholder picked up his first feature checkers of the year in modified action. Wisconsin late model driver Todd Frank, who has been on his top twice in the last ten days, including a hard flip at Quincy, was back in competition at Jacksonville!
I had a nice visit with former late model standout Jim Swank at QR. Jim is a former QR track champion who says after more than five years out of a race car, he cannot watch without the overwhelming urge to be back on the track!
Remember, the Hell Tour will be back in the area on Saturday, July 13 with a stop at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
In the meantie, we will maybe see you Racin' Down the Road.
QR had the biggest crowd in recent memory, with over 3100 folks in the house. I hope the extra folks realize that the late night is not the norm at the Bullring - the final checkers waved about 12:30.
I was not able to follow the tour on to Jacksonville last night, but I see that Shannon Babb went back to back with a late model win, and Dave Weitholder picked up his first feature checkers of the year in modified action. Wisconsin late model driver Todd Frank, who has been on his top twice in the last ten days, including a hard flip at Quincy, was back in competition at Jacksonville!
I had a nice visit with former late model standout Jim Swank at QR. Jim is a former QR track champion who says after more than five years out of a race car, he cannot watch without the overwhelming urge to be back on the track!
Remember, the Hell Tour will be back in the area on Saturday, July 13 with a stop at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
In the meantie, we will maybe see you Racin' Down the Road.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A Road Trip, Then Back Home
Friday morning, Keagan, Darryl ans I jumped in Freds van and we took off for a midsummer road trip.
Several years ago, while attending a race at Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway, Darryl and I had taken a side trip to Paducah International Raceway. At the time, it was undergoing a remodel, and promoter Bob Sargent had let us take a tour of the 3/8 mile speedplant. We decided then to schedule a visit to catch a race there, but work and weather never seemed to cooperate. So finally this weekend, we were set to join the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour at this fine facility. The upgrades made since our visit were most impressive, and we had read where new dirt had recently been brought in to try and improve the racing surface. Arriving plenty early, as is our usual plan, we struck up a conversation with a fan who was enjoying an early supper. As it turned out, he was the father of defending track super late model point champ Tim Brown, and grandfather of defending crate late model champ Cameron Brown. He was gracious enough to give us much appreciated info about the track, and area racing, including a first hand account of the recent auction of Kentucky Lake Speedway. As we waited for the action to begin, we checked out the concessions and found possibly the best track food at more than reasonable prices that we have encountered anywhere!
The track was hosting a total of seven classes on the night, however most would be running features only. Although I have a bit of a small sample size, it seems that tracks " down south " move at a leisurely pace, and PIR was no exception. The 33 late models and 25 UMP modifieds concluded group qualifying, and racing began about 8:10. The stock 4 cylinder class had only three entrants for their eight lap feature on the small inside track. That field was pared when one driver was sent pitside for rough driving! The black also came into play in the ten lap ten car outlaw 4's when the leaders got together. The track announcer seemed to prefer talking while the cars were on the track, so we were not able to put names to cars as we would have liked. We enjoyed the Kentucky Vintage cars, as nine of them put on a good show. Former super late model driver Jon Tindal took the crate feature over Kevin Cole, who did double duty, also driving one of the Riggs Motorsports super lates.
Super late model heat one went to outside polesitter Ryan Unzicker over Jack Sullivan, series points leader Brandon Sheppard, and Tanner English. Overall fast Qualifier Billy Moyer, who time in at 15.766 seconds, took heat two ahead of Terry English, Kent Robinson, and Randy Korte. Heat three found Brian Shirley, driving a Tim Lance # 48 car challenging Tyler Reddick for the lead when he got into the turn three wall. Scott James grabbed the lead following the restart, but soon went pitside. Reddick then took the checkers ahead of Shannon Babb, Tennesse driver Riley Hickman, and Don Oneal in the Moring Motorsports # 1, as only these four finished to eight lap event. Heat four saw Tim Brown lead until the white flag lap, when Bobby Pierce slipped by. But Brown charged back on the top side out of turn two to nab the win. Wendall Wallace in his # 6M and Florida pilot Dillon Wood chased Pierce to the stripe. Jason McBride captured the B-main, with Kevin Cole also making the show. Four provisionals completed to 22 car starting grid.
As the 40 lap $10,000 to win feature began, Reddick took off from the pole to lead lap one before Brown took over. On lap 12, Unzicker took over second, and one lap late Moyer, who had fell back early, moved to third. Five laps later, Moyer grabbed second, and on lap 19, he took the top spot. From there on he was in command, and although he soon closed in on slower traffic, he was able to follow the back of the pack to the checkers in the non stop event. Unzicker held second, followed by Babb, a fast closing Robinson, and Pierce. Wallace gained six spots to take sixth, Reddick and Brown faded to seventh and eighth, with Sullivan and Terry English also in the top ten.
The 20 lap UMP modified main was the final race of the night. Mike Harrison, from Highland, Il took the lead on lap two after starting in row two, and held on for the win. Matt Mevert mad a last lap charge, nearly overtaking Harrison as they came to the checkers. Trent Young held off Rusty Griffaw for third and Matt Cooper held off Kenny Wallace for fifth. Point leader Ray Bollinger came home ninth. The final checkers waved at 11:14.
After a nights lodging in Paducah, we worked our way back to I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. , as we followed the tour north. Arriving early, we watched the pits begin to fill and the clouds begin to form, and around 4:00 PM, the monsoon hit! While the storm did not last all that long, there was more than enough rain to force postponement of the show. It was immediately rescheduled for August 17, although it will not be a part of the Summernationals points race. This is the second time in 2013 we have been rained out at Pevely as we sat in the parking lot....
After of tour of the 100 year old dam in my hometown of Keokuk, Iowa on Sunday, Keagan and I headed for Quincy Raceways. After three straight rainouts, it was good to get back to Sunday racing. 75 cars signed in for five classes of action, not bad considering the Summernationals tour event was just over a couple hours away in Lincoln, Il.
Qualifying saw Steven Delonjay again set fast time in the mods at 15.004, while Rickey Frankel turned the best time trial lap of 2013 with a 13.463 in his # 33F UMP super late model.
The ten preliminary events rolled off in mostly uneventful fashion, although a first lap mixup sent Mark Burgtorf to the pits in the late model fast dash, setting him up to start sixth in the 30 lap finale.
As the IMCA sport compact heats concluded, the skies opened, dumping a quick shower on the .29 mile oval. As quickly as it started, it stopped, and after a brief delay, the IMCA stock car feature pulled onto the track. Micheal Larsen quickly jumped to the lead, but soon Brandon Savage was breathing down his neck. As the laps would down, Larsen went a bit too deep into turn three, forcing Savage to check up, however he still made contact with Larsen. The two continued on, but a lap later, the front bumper came loose from the Savage car, bringing out the only caution of the 20 lap event. On the restart, Abe Huls made his move to the front from third in the Delaware style restart. Savage cam along, and points leader Jake Powers soon followed. Larsen held off Beau Taylor to round out the top five.
Next up was the 19 car, 25 lap UMP modified feature. Robert Thompson failed to make the call, and 40 year veteran Steve Thievagt spun the driveshaft from his # 36 on the parade lap after pulling out on lap one of his heat. Michael Long took the early lead, but by lap six, Delonjay was out front, and he held on through a couple of mid race cautions, including one for a Troy Grotz, who rolled to a stop while running in the top five on lap 16. Long won the battle with dash winner Dave Weitholder for second, while Robbie Reed and Craig Spegal completed the first five.
Jeff Delonjay jumped out front in the 20 lap IMCA sport mod headliner, building a lead until a couple of lap six yellows bunched the field. As the race restarted, Bobby Anders took second from Tanner Klingele, but four laps later, Anders hooked his ride, falling to fourth. Defending champion Tony Dunker was in second and on the move, when Klingele clipped one of the tractor tires in turn four, bringing out the caution on lap 12. Again the Delaware restart came into play, and by lap 15, Delonjay, Dunker, and Anders were running three wide. Delonjay and Anders swapped the lead several times, with Delonjay running with a broken left front end. Anders took the win, followed by Dunker, Delonjay, and Brandon Dale.
Visiting Steve Thorsten jumped out front at the start of the 30 lap UMP super late model feature from his pole position. Frankel soon closed the gap after starting fourth, and took the lead on lap five following a side by side duel. Burgtorf took over the runnerup spot on lap 12, with Frankel holding a big advantage. On lap 17, Justin Reed slowed on the backstretch, bringing out the only caution of the race. On the restart, Burgtorf eased ahead, but Frankel was back on top on lap 24. From then on, it was back and forth, Burgtorf led lap 27, Frankel lap 28. As the two came out of turn four to the checkers, Burgtorf found an opening on the bottom of the track and won the drag race to the flag by .123 seconds! Almost unnoticed, Michael Long outdueled Denny Woodworth in a great battle for third while Dewayne Kiefer made a late run to grab fifth. The second five consisted of Jerry Lierly, Thorsten, Clink Kirkham, visiting Jay Chenoweth, and Ron Elbe.
The final race of the night was the IMCA sport compact 12 lapper. Bryce Baker climbed in a car borrowed from Michael Hornung and got upside down in turn one! He rejoined the field, but was retired soon after. Austen Becerra picked up the win over Josh Barnes, Laine VanZandt and Kim Abbott.
Action returns Tuesday night, July 2 to the Broadway Bullring, as the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour for late models and modifieds invades Quincy Raceways, with hot laps set for 6:45
The IMCA sport mods will also be in action. The late models will race for a $5,000 top prize, the mods for $1,000, and thanks to some hard work by the Dunker brothers and others, the sport mods have a winners check of $1,003, with their feature paying $113 to start! Hope to see you there!
Several years ago, while attending a race at Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway, Darryl and I had taken a side trip to Paducah International Raceway. At the time, it was undergoing a remodel, and promoter Bob Sargent had let us take a tour of the 3/8 mile speedplant. We decided then to schedule a visit to catch a race there, but work and weather never seemed to cooperate. So finally this weekend, we were set to join the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour at this fine facility. The upgrades made since our visit were most impressive, and we had read where new dirt had recently been brought in to try and improve the racing surface. Arriving plenty early, as is our usual plan, we struck up a conversation with a fan who was enjoying an early supper. As it turned out, he was the father of defending track super late model point champ Tim Brown, and grandfather of defending crate late model champ Cameron Brown. He was gracious enough to give us much appreciated info about the track, and area racing, including a first hand account of the recent auction of Kentucky Lake Speedway. As we waited for the action to begin, we checked out the concessions and found possibly the best track food at more than reasonable prices that we have encountered anywhere!
The track was hosting a total of seven classes on the night, however most would be running features only. Although I have a bit of a small sample size, it seems that tracks " down south " move at a leisurely pace, and PIR was no exception. The 33 late models and 25 UMP modifieds concluded group qualifying, and racing began about 8:10. The stock 4 cylinder class had only three entrants for their eight lap feature on the small inside track. That field was pared when one driver was sent pitside for rough driving! The black also came into play in the ten lap ten car outlaw 4's when the leaders got together. The track announcer seemed to prefer talking while the cars were on the track, so we were not able to put names to cars as we would have liked. We enjoyed the Kentucky Vintage cars, as nine of them put on a good show. Former super late model driver Jon Tindal took the crate feature over Kevin Cole, who did double duty, also driving one of the Riggs Motorsports super lates.
Super late model heat one went to outside polesitter Ryan Unzicker over Jack Sullivan, series points leader Brandon Sheppard, and Tanner English. Overall fast Qualifier Billy Moyer, who time in at 15.766 seconds, took heat two ahead of Terry English, Kent Robinson, and Randy Korte. Heat three found Brian Shirley, driving a Tim Lance # 48 car challenging Tyler Reddick for the lead when he got into the turn three wall. Scott James grabbed the lead following the restart, but soon went pitside. Reddick then took the checkers ahead of Shannon Babb, Tennesse driver Riley Hickman, and Don Oneal in the Moring Motorsports # 1, as only these four finished to eight lap event. Heat four saw Tim Brown lead until the white flag lap, when Bobby Pierce slipped by. But Brown charged back on the top side out of turn two to nab the win. Wendall Wallace in his # 6M and Florida pilot Dillon Wood chased Pierce to the stripe. Jason McBride captured the B-main, with Kevin Cole also making the show. Four provisionals completed to 22 car starting grid.
As the 40 lap $10,000 to win feature began, Reddick took off from the pole to lead lap one before Brown took over. On lap 12, Unzicker took over second, and one lap late Moyer, who had fell back early, moved to third. Five laps later, Moyer grabbed second, and on lap 19, he took the top spot. From there on he was in command, and although he soon closed in on slower traffic, he was able to follow the back of the pack to the checkers in the non stop event. Unzicker held second, followed by Babb, a fast closing Robinson, and Pierce. Wallace gained six spots to take sixth, Reddick and Brown faded to seventh and eighth, with Sullivan and Terry English also in the top ten.
The 20 lap UMP modified main was the final race of the night. Mike Harrison, from Highland, Il took the lead on lap two after starting in row two, and held on for the win. Matt Mevert mad a last lap charge, nearly overtaking Harrison as they came to the checkers. Trent Young held off Rusty Griffaw for third and Matt Cooper held off Kenny Wallace for fifth. Point leader Ray Bollinger came home ninth. The final checkers waved at 11:14.
After a nights lodging in Paducah, we worked our way back to I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. , as we followed the tour north. Arriving early, we watched the pits begin to fill and the clouds begin to form, and around 4:00 PM, the monsoon hit! While the storm did not last all that long, there was more than enough rain to force postponement of the show. It was immediately rescheduled for August 17, although it will not be a part of the Summernationals points race. This is the second time in 2013 we have been rained out at Pevely as we sat in the parking lot....
After of tour of the 100 year old dam in my hometown of Keokuk, Iowa on Sunday, Keagan and I headed for Quincy Raceways. After three straight rainouts, it was good to get back to Sunday racing. 75 cars signed in for five classes of action, not bad considering the Summernationals tour event was just over a couple hours away in Lincoln, Il.
Qualifying saw Steven Delonjay again set fast time in the mods at 15.004, while Rickey Frankel turned the best time trial lap of 2013 with a 13.463 in his # 33F UMP super late model.
The ten preliminary events rolled off in mostly uneventful fashion, although a first lap mixup sent Mark Burgtorf to the pits in the late model fast dash, setting him up to start sixth in the 30 lap finale.
As the IMCA sport compact heats concluded, the skies opened, dumping a quick shower on the .29 mile oval. As quickly as it started, it stopped, and after a brief delay, the IMCA stock car feature pulled onto the track. Micheal Larsen quickly jumped to the lead, but soon Brandon Savage was breathing down his neck. As the laps would down, Larsen went a bit too deep into turn three, forcing Savage to check up, however he still made contact with Larsen. The two continued on, but a lap later, the front bumper came loose from the Savage car, bringing out the only caution of the 20 lap event. On the restart, Abe Huls made his move to the front from third in the Delaware style restart. Savage cam along, and points leader Jake Powers soon followed. Larsen held off Beau Taylor to round out the top five.
Next up was the 19 car, 25 lap UMP modified feature. Robert Thompson failed to make the call, and 40 year veteran Steve Thievagt spun the driveshaft from his # 36 on the parade lap after pulling out on lap one of his heat. Michael Long took the early lead, but by lap six, Delonjay was out front, and he held on through a couple of mid race cautions, including one for a Troy Grotz, who rolled to a stop while running in the top five on lap 16. Long won the battle with dash winner Dave Weitholder for second, while Robbie Reed and Craig Spegal completed the first five.
Jeff Delonjay jumped out front in the 20 lap IMCA sport mod headliner, building a lead until a couple of lap six yellows bunched the field. As the race restarted, Bobby Anders took second from Tanner Klingele, but four laps later, Anders hooked his ride, falling to fourth. Defending champion Tony Dunker was in second and on the move, when Klingele clipped one of the tractor tires in turn four, bringing out the caution on lap 12. Again the Delaware restart came into play, and by lap 15, Delonjay, Dunker, and Anders were running three wide. Delonjay and Anders swapped the lead several times, with Delonjay running with a broken left front end. Anders took the win, followed by Dunker, Delonjay, and Brandon Dale.
Visiting Steve Thorsten jumped out front at the start of the 30 lap UMP super late model feature from his pole position. Frankel soon closed the gap after starting fourth, and took the lead on lap five following a side by side duel. Burgtorf took over the runnerup spot on lap 12, with Frankel holding a big advantage. On lap 17, Justin Reed slowed on the backstretch, bringing out the only caution of the race. On the restart, Burgtorf eased ahead, but Frankel was back on top on lap 24. From then on, it was back and forth, Burgtorf led lap 27, Frankel lap 28. As the two came out of turn four to the checkers, Burgtorf found an opening on the bottom of the track and won the drag race to the flag by .123 seconds! Almost unnoticed, Michael Long outdueled Denny Woodworth in a great battle for third while Dewayne Kiefer made a late run to grab fifth. The second five consisted of Jerry Lierly, Thorsten, Clink Kirkham, visiting Jay Chenoweth, and Ron Elbe.
The final race of the night was the IMCA sport compact 12 lapper. Bryce Baker climbed in a car borrowed from Michael Hornung and got upside down in turn one! He rejoined the field, but was retired soon after. Austen Becerra picked up the win over Josh Barnes, Laine VanZandt and Kim Abbott.
Action returns Tuesday night, July 2 to the Broadway Bullring, as the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour for late models and modifieds invades Quincy Raceways, with hot laps set for 6:45
The IMCA sport mods will also be in action. The late models will race for a $5,000 top prize, the mods for $1,000, and thanks to some hard work by the Dunker brothers and others, the sport mods have a winners check of $1,003, with their feature paying $113 to start! Hope to see you there!
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