Saturday night, Fred and I decided to thumb or noses at the forecast of rain and head south to the I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo for another installment of the UMP late model Summernationals. The traveling series had suffered yet another rainout the night before in Paducah - it seems rain or the forecast of- is a part of every event this season. Driving through a downpour around Troy,Mo, partly sunny skies but a negative forecast greeted us as we reached the 1/3 mile high banked speedplant co owned by Ken Schrader and Ray Marlar.
A solid if typical field of 38 super late models checked in to do battle for the $10,000 top prize - we never found out why the #56 of Mars star Tony Jackson,Jr, who picked up a Friday night win at Tri City Speedway across the river in Pontoon Beach,Il rolled into the pit area but did not sign in to race. 32 UMP modifieds also checked in for the $1,000 winners check, with 19 AARA sportsman cars racing for $400 to win filled out the three class card.
It was announced in the drivers meeting that rain was on the way and the show would be moving quickly, and the statement was followed through. Hot laps began at 6:30, with the mods qualifying by heat race group, eight cars at a time!
The late models then qualified in two groups, three cars at a time, with group " A " filling heats one and two, and group " B " forming heats three and four. Track regular Scott Weber set overall quick time at 12.938 seconds, with Billy Moyer pacing group " B " at 12.940, as the track stayed consistently fast.
The first of four mod heats saw Quincy Raceways regulars Dave Weitholder and Michael Long start up front, and the two veterans raced side by side for eight laps, Weitholder in the preferred high groove and Long on the bottom side, with narry a touch between them. Michael finally gained the advantage on the final circuit for the win. Ken Schrader cruised the the second heat win, and heat three saw Mike Harrison take the win. Donavan Lodge was leading Ray Walsh in the final heat when contact sent Lodge hard into the turn one concrete wall, badly damaging his # 32. Walsh was sent to the back, and Jim Black held on for the win, with Walsh moving back to third before the checkers flew.
Late model heats were next, and the first ten lapper was as good a race as we have witnessed all season. Jesse Stovall and Brian Shirley traded slide jobs and the lead multiple times in the non stop event, with Shirley on top at the checkers. Randy Korte, in his farewell tour, and Dennis Erb, Jr. then ran side by side in heat two, Korte low and Erb high, until a lap seven yellow. Erb faded following the restart, with "King Kong" taking the popular win. Moyer led flag to flag in heat three, with one caution slowing the pace. The ten car field freight trained around the bottom groove, with Brady Smith chasing Moyer to the checkers. The final heat rolled after a false start, with Brian Birkhofer leading from the outside pole. Two caution periods did nothing to deter the # 15B, with Bobby Pierce rolling home second. It seems there is always at least one " loaded " heat race at these type of shows, and on this night it was heat four. While pole sitter Jason Feger held third, Brandon Sheppard and Shannon Babb had a back and forth duel for the final transfer spot, with B- Shepp sending Babb to the B-main.
Following two sportsman heats captured by Chuck Goodman and Trey Harris, the late model C-main came to the track. Eight of the ten eligible cars entered the ten lap race, which transferred three to the B-main. Paul Roider was leading the charge until spinning on lap three. One lap later Steve Lach looped his ride, and on the restart, second running Mike Vanderiet spun.. Vanderiet recovered to challenge for third but again lost the handle coming to the flag. Austin Rettig, Alan Westling, and Butch Kruckeberg moved on. The three transfers were allowed to add fuel if needed as the BN-main came to the track immediately. With only two cars qualifying for the 40 lap finale, Michael Kloos grabbed the lead from row two, leading all twelve laps, although pushed by Babb to the checkers. Four provisionals, including a surprised Mark Burgtorf were added to complete the 22 car field.
As the B-main and provisional transfers made hasty changes, the mod B-main clicked off a quick race, with Tyler Rataczyk besting Tim Hancock.
The announced intermission was scrapped, as the 22 late model starters came to the track quickly. Following a false start, the caution waved on lap one, as Burgtorf found himself turned around in turn three, ending his run. Gary Christian, in the CJ Rayburn house car may have also been involved, as he retired at the same point. When racing resumed,Moyer, who had drawn the pole in the heat winners redraw, jumped out front, with outside polesitter Birkhofer and row two starter Korte in tow. Those three began to put distance on the field, and Moyer had lapped Ryan Unzicker when the red flag waved for Rickey Frankel, who climbed the turn two wall and rolled slowly onto his top on lap 20. Birkhofer had begun to pressure Moyer as the red came out. While the track was cleared, fourth running Stovall went to the trailer with a flat tire. When racing resumed, Birky again took up the charge, hugging the low line. Moyer preferred the top side in turns one and two, and the middle line in three and four. With the two leaders running in their own zip code and sprinkles coming down, Birkhofer was able to slip past Moyer on lap 38. It was the second time in a month that he had eased past Moyer for a $10,000 pay day at Pevely. Bobby Pierce dueled first with Stover, then Korte and Erb, finally advancing five spots for a third place finish. Korte came home fourth, with Smith completing the top five. Erb, Shirley, Kloos, Jack Sullivan, and Feger completed the top ten. With the sprinkles turning to a light rain, we quickly headed for the car, thinking the night of racing was over, Arriving home three hours later, I was surprised to see that the final two features were run, with Harrison besting Schrader and Long in the mod finale, while another # 15B, Matt Brucato grabbed the sportsman win.
I have rarely witnessed a bad night of racing at I-55, and Saturday was no exception. Our neighbors in the grandstands, a couple who traveled from Alabama to scratch the track from their bucket list, seemed to enjoy the action as well, even as the changing breeze blanketed us with crumbs from the track in the late going.
Family plans will dominate next weekend until Sunday, when, hopefully, I will be in my regular spot at Quincy Raceways. We are about to the unofficial half way mark of the 2014 season, so get out and support our sport as much as you can!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Moyer Shows the Way at Tri City
After a disappointing rainout Thursday night at Quincy Raceways with 30 UMP Summernational late models on hand 30 minutes before hot laps, we were ready to try again Friday night. Keagan was till away at Boys State, but Fred, Darryl, and I headed south to Kevin and Tammy Gundakers Tri City speedway in Pontoon Beach ( Granite City ), Illinois for the $10,000 to win showdown. The pit area was filling up nicely when word came that Belle Clair Speedway just down the road in Bellville,Il. had fallen victim to the ominous looking clouds building overhead. The late influx of cars from there swelled the field to 43 UMP super late models and 47 UMP modifieds, also vying for a $1,000 top prize. 15 crate late models and 26 B-modifieds also checked in, giving us 131 cars in four classes! It was later announced that the second largest crowd ever at the track filed in even with the threatening skies.
The modifieds qualified during their hot lap session, with NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace setting quick time at 17.215 seconds around the 3/8 mile oval. As the sprinkles and distant lightning strikes comtinued , local favorite Tim Manville bested the touring late model drivers with a lap of 16.322.
The modifieds then ripped off four qualifying heats races caution free on what was fast becoming a one groove on the low side track.
Late model heats came next, with Manville leading all the way to win heat one over Michael Kloos, seventh starting Mark Burgtorf, and Rodney Melvin.Billy Moyer Jr came from row two to top heat two ahead of polesitter Ryan Unzicker, Brian Birkhofer and Jim Shereck. The first caution of the night came during heat three for a slowing Austin Rettig. Brandon Sheppard cruised to the victory followed by Bobby Pierce, Shannon Babb and Rick Eckert in what was an incredibly loaded eleven car ten lap event. The final heat saw Billy Moyer get past polesitter Randy Korte on the final circuit. Chris Simpson and Brian Shirley also transferred to the 50 lap A-main.
With the skies looking better, the crate and B-mod heats ran off quickly, followed by the modified C main. The late model C main saw Jay sparks out front for the distance with Billy Laycock in pursuit. Several drivers took a stab at the third and final transfer spot, including local standout Scott Weber, Matt Santel, Ryan Little, and Dewayne Kiefer, but popular veteran Mike Hammerle held on to claim a spot in the B-main. Before the twelve lap consy, however, promoter Gundaker and crew decided to rework the track to try and add multiple grooves to the surface. although it took about 45 minures, the results proved successful.
With a top and middle groove now as fast as the low side, Jason Feger was able to charge from the third row to take the win over early leader Tanner English. 18 cars were now locked in to the 50 lap finale, with four provisional being added - Pennsylvania driver Gregg Satterlee, Scott Scmitt, Weber, and Jason Riggs. Although I realize it takes a healthy dose of " freebies " to keep car counts up on the tour, I would sure like to see more qualified cars have a shot at the big check! If memory serves, as I was away from my seat a while, I believe the mod B-main ran next, setting the grid for the two traveling series.
Responding to some criticism received when a fourth class was added to the program, the Gundakers had made it clear that the late model feature would run first.
The four heat winners had redrawn to set the first two rows of the 50 lapper, with Moyer and Manville on row one. Moyer held serve by a bumper on lap one, but Manville took over on the following circuit. With Sheppard and Moyer Jr falling back slightly, it became a two car race, until Korte began to catch the leaders on lap eight. A handful of the cars running at the back of the field pulled out, and it was lap 20 before traffic became a factor. Several laps later, Manvilles # 33 seemed to develop a push and he began to drift high in turns three and four. Moyer grabbed the lead on lap 30, while Korte began to fade and Moyer Jr. rejoined to lead pack. Lsp 35 saw the younger Moyer move into the runner up position, well behind his father. Two laps later a rejuvenated Sheppard overtook the fading Manville, bring Birkhofer tenth starting along with him. Kortes run came to an end on lap 39 as he dove to the infield. The race stayed green from start to finish, With Moyer crossing the line well ahead of his son, B Shepp, and Birky. Babb gained six spots to take fifth. The second five has Shirley moving up ten spots to sixth ahead of Manville, Unzicker, Kloos and Eckert. the 50 laps took less than 15 minutes to complete!
Although the hour was late, we were anticipating a competitive modifield feature, with literally the best of the midwest on hand. Following one false start, the green waved, and Rusty Griffaw and Dean Hoffman crossed the line side by side to complete lap one of 25. Rusty hugged the low groove and Hoffman blasted off the cushion to gain the lap two advantage. One lap later, mike Harrison rode the high line to second. On lap three, 16 starting Michael Long had used the now super fast top line to charge to seventh., and as Hoffman and Harrison duked it out, Long rolled to fourth behind Ray Walsh.
Harrison soon found his ideal line, and opened a sizable lead, while to other three now battled for second. Long continued to flirt with disaster on the high side, but it paid off, as he was able to claim the runner up spot. He was never able to make a serious run at the 24H, as this race, too, went green to checkers, caution free! Hoffman held third, Griffaw rebounded for fourth, and Indiana ace Levi Kessinger rolled home fifth.
Still on the car was a B-main for the B-mods, crate and B-mod features. But the midnight hour was drawing near, and it was time for we three to head for home.
Thanks to Kevin and Tammy for another quality show.
Sunday night is midseason championship night in all five classes at Quincy Raceways IF the waetherman cooperates. Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
The modifieds qualified during their hot lap session, with NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace setting quick time at 17.215 seconds around the 3/8 mile oval. As the sprinkles and distant lightning strikes comtinued , local favorite Tim Manville bested the touring late model drivers with a lap of 16.322.
The modifieds then ripped off four qualifying heats races caution free on what was fast becoming a one groove on the low side track.
Late model heats came next, with Manville leading all the way to win heat one over Michael Kloos, seventh starting Mark Burgtorf, and Rodney Melvin.Billy Moyer Jr came from row two to top heat two ahead of polesitter Ryan Unzicker, Brian Birkhofer and Jim Shereck. The first caution of the night came during heat three for a slowing Austin Rettig. Brandon Sheppard cruised to the victory followed by Bobby Pierce, Shannon Babb and Rick Eckert in what was an incredibly loaded eleven car ten lap event. The final heat saw Billy Moyer get past polesitter Randy Korte on the final circuit. Chris Simpson and Brian Shirley also transferred to the 50 lap A-main.
With the skies looking better, the crate and B-mod heats ran off quickly, followed by the modified C main. The late model C main saw Jay sparks out front for the distance with Billy Laycock in pursuit. Several drivers took a stab at the third and final transfer spot, including local standout Scott Weber, Matt Santel, Ryan Little, and Dewayne Kiefer, but popular veteran Mike Hammerle held on to claim a spot in the B-main. Before the twelve lap consy, however, promoter Gundaker and crew decided to rework the track to try and add multiple grooves to the surface. although it took about 45 minures, the results proved successful.
With a top and middle groove now as fast as the low side, Jason Feger was able to charge from the third row to take the win over early leader Tanner English. 18 cars were now locked in to the 50 lap finale, with four provisional being added - Pennsylvania driver Gregg Satterlee, Scott Scmitt, Weber, and Jason Riggs. Although I realize it takes a healthy dose of " freebies " to keep car counts up on the tour, I would sure like to see more qualified cars have a shot at the big check! If memory serves, as I was away from my seat a while, I believe the mod B-main ran next, setting the grid for the two traveling series.
Responding to some criticism received when a fourth class was added to the program, the Gundakers had made it clear that the late model feature would run first.
The four heat winners had redrawn to set the first two rows of the 50 lapper, with Moyer and Manville on row one. Moyer held serve by a bumper on lap one, but Manville took over on the following circuit. With Sheppard and Moyer Jr falling back slightly, it became a two car race, until Korte began to catch the leaders on lap eight. A handful of the cars running at the back of the field pulled out, and it was lap 20 before traffic became a factor. Several laps later, Manvilles # 33 seemed to develop a push and he began to drift high in turns three and four. Moyer grabbed the lead on lap 30, while Korte began to fade and Moyer Jr. rejoined to lead pack. Lsp 35 saw the younger Moyer move into the runner up position, well behind his father. Two laps later a rejuvenated Sheppard overtook the fading Manville, bring Birkhofer tenth starting along with him. Kortes run came to an end on lap 39 as he dove to the infield. The race stayed green from start to finish, With Moyer crossing the line well ahead of his son, B Shepp, and Birky. Babb gained six spots to take fifth. The second five has Shirley moving up ten spots to sixth ahead of Manville, Unzicker, Kloos and Eckert. the 50 laps took less than 15 minutes to complete!
Although the hour was late, we were anticipating a competitive modifield feature, with literally the best of the midwest on hand. Following one false start, the green waved, and Rusty Griffaw and Dean Hoffman crossed the line side by side to complete lap one of 25. Rusty hugged the low groove and Hoffman blasted off the cushion to gain the lap two advantage. One lap later, mike Harrison rode the high line to second. On lap three, 16 starting Michael Long had used the now super fast top line to charge to seventh., and as Hoffman and Harrison duked it out, Long rolled to fourth behind Ray Walsh.
Harrison soon found his ideal line, and opened a sizable lead, while to other three now battled for second. Long continued to flirt with disaster on the high side, but it paid off, as he was able to claim the runner up spot. He was never able to make a serious run at the 24H, as this race, too, went green to checkers, caution free! Hoffman held third, Griffaw rebounded for fourth, and Indiana ace Levi Kessinger rolled home fifth.
Still on the car was a B-main for the B-mods, crate and B-mod features. But the midnight hour was drawing near, and it was time for we three to head for home.
Thanks to Kevin and Tammy for another quality show.
Sunday night is midseason championship night in all five classes at Quincy Raceways IF the waetherman cooperates. Hope to see you Racin' Down the Road.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Quincy Hell tour Rained Out
The skies threatened off and on all afternoon as I wandered around the race track. A light sprinkle passed through about 4:00. Then at about 5:15, the wind shifted and the monsoon hit. With an hour still to go before hot laps, there were 28 late models in the pits or on pit road, plus 22 modifieds, and two trailers I did not get names on before the rains came. Looked like it would have been a good show. Go ahead and blame me, seems like the rain has followed me around in 2015.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
One Change to the Quincy Summernationals Show
In my post last night, I listed three classes on tap for the Quincy Raceways UMP Summernationals show Thursday, June 19. However, only the UMP late models and UMP modifieds will be in action, with the IMCA sport mods no longer on the program. The change was made as there is a sport mod race at another area track on Thursday. Two classes, $5,000 to win late models, $1,000 to win mods. Hot laps 6:15, qualifying at 6:45. Hope to see you there!
Monday, June 16, 2014
First Triple Header of the Season
Last weekend there was no racing for me as Mary and I spent the weekend in an around a rainy Cape Girardeau,Mo., as we took grandson Keagan to the Hugh OBrien youth leadership event. We did make an attempt to get back to Quincy Raceways on Sunday, but the weatherman had already finished off an chance at racing. So this weekend, I was looking to get back to the track for my first Friday night race of the year, and then back to Quincy on Sunday. Friday night Keagan and I hitched a ride with Darryl and Fred to the much anticipated return of late models to the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson,Iowa. The fairgrounds track in my hometown county is one of the tracks of my youth, and even though I live less than an hour away, a trip to Donnellson is like going home. Jeff has an excellent recap of the nights events on the " Backstretch, " so I will just add a few thoughts. No amount of praise would be enough to describe the nearly perfect track conditions all night long for the 90 plus cars in six divisions of racing. I was pleased to see such a big crowd on hand, especially with Toby Keith playing less than an hour away. It was equally exciting to see a total of 31 late models pitside for this first ever visit of the Midwest Late Model Racing Association to the 3/8 mile oval. Still, the most impressive thing at Lee County is the speed and precision with which they run off the show. A 7:30 Friday night start time, late model time trials, 13 heat races, one B-main, and six features, including 40 laps for the late models. With Darryl having a 4:30 wake up call Saturday, we regretfully left after the late model headliner, but the next to last feature was already half complete as we exited the parking lot before 11:00. And only a ten minute intermission - hint to other tracks - it can and should, be done! Congratulations to all the winners, the late model duel between John Anderson, Ryan Gustin, Chad Simpson, and eventual winner Terry Phillips will be talked about until hopefully the series returns in 2015. For my fellow late model fans, the open cars will be back on July 11 as part of the Lee County Fair show.
I was committed to other activities on Saturday, but on the heels of the Friday experience and after viewing a few haulers headed south on highway 61, Mary gave me the go ahead for another night of racing. Keagan was on his way to Warrensburg,Mo for Boys State, but I rounded up Fred and Darryl and we headed for the final race of the MLRA swing at the Randolph county Raceway in Moberly,Mo.
If we were surprised by the 31 car turnout at Donnellson, we were shocked to find 32 entrants at Moberly. The 4/10 ( or so ) Saturday night track does feature steel block ULMA late models, and several of the track regulars decided to try their luck against the traveling stars.
A total of about 90 cars in five classes checked in for the night of racing. While time trials set the field at Donnellson, Moberly was not equipped for timing, so the heats were determined by a draw, then passing points - my personal favorite format - set the feature line up. Only three heat races were contested with the top 16 in passing points qualifying for the 40 lap finale. In heat one, Skip Frey charged to a big lead before coming to a quick stop on the front stretch, ending his night. Friday runnerup Ryan Gustin then took the checkers. Heat two was plagued by multiple cautions. Tommy Weder Jr worked his way from a row five starting spot to second before contact with Chris Simpson sent him into the turn three concrete wall,ending his night. John Anderson took the checkers. The final heat saw Friday winner Terry Phillips advance from row four to the checkers, earning him the pole for the feature. Polesitter Mark Dotson, who suffered damage Thursday night in Oskaloosa and missed the Friday show, led all twelve laps to capture the B-main. And by the way, the B-main followed a quick 15 minute intermission...just sayin'.
The first feature was the 21 car B-mod 15 lapper. Double duty driver Vance Wilson, who also wheeled the Dave Miller # 06 late model, started up front, and staged an edge of your seat duel with Galen Hasler. As the front two swapped slide jobs and traded a little paint, Tom Elson lurked mere feet behind the leaders, looking for an opening. One mid race restart saw Elson actually jump to the front, but another caution reset the field, and Wilson eventually pulled away for a win in the car he built for his son, who may be more of a fan of stick and ball sports! Hasler and Elson followed Wilson to the checkers.
The 4 cylinder class was only ten strong - two heats, really? - but the feature race was another three car scrum the at saw Robert Winfrey prevail.
The MLRA 40 lapper ran next, with 23 starters. The top two from Friday night sat on row one, and Gustin jumped to the lead with row two starter Anderson in tow. Top series rookie Scott Lewis went pitside on lap two, as Phillips charged to second. While Gustin opened a big lead, Phillips was beginning to close the gap when the yellow waved on lap twelve for Jon Melloway. On the restart, Jeremy Payne slipped past Phillips, and three laps later, Chad Simpson eased into third. Meanwhile Gustin stretched his lead while we watched Rick Kimberling ride the turn three and four wall, come back down on the track and keep going. One more yellow slowed the action on lap 28, but Gustin had the field covered. Phillips charged back to the runnerup spot, as the top two crossed the stripe in reverse order from the night before. Chad Simpson, Payne, and Chris Simpson completed the first five.
We headed for the car with two features still on the docket, and apparently missed some fireworks in the USRA mod finale!
Tired, but not ready to quit, it was back to Quincy Raceways Sunday night for UMP and IMCA weekly racing. The two nights of late model racing took a bite out of the late model car count, and a forecast of rain coupled with Fathers Day also held down the car count. Still the feature racing on Sunday was outstanding.
Only six UMP late models checked in, so Denny Woodworth unloaded his second car, giving pit man Jason Oenning a chance to turn some laps. Denny sat outside Mark Burgtorf on row one for the 25 lap feature. Mark jumped to the lead, but Denny took over before the flagstand. The two veterans stayed glued to each other until lap 18, when Rickey Frankel joined the fray. Two laps later, Burgtorf slid high in turn four, and Frankel powered past for the runnerup spot. Woodworth continued to hit his marks on the super fast track, picking up his second win in a row at QR in the non stop event. Frankel,Burgtorf, Bill Genenbacher, and Jamie Wilson completed the top five.
Jared Schlipman set quick time in UMP modifield qualifying then charged to the lead in the 20 lap feature. As Steven Delonjay dogged him lap after lap, Jared held serve until the two crossed the line in a near dead heat on lap 17. One lap later, with Delonjay holding a slight advantage, Schlipman went up in smoke, bringing out the caution., setting up a green, white, checkers finish. As the leaders came to the white, Delonjay bobbled ever so slightly, and Dave Weitholder charged past on the high side, holding on for his first win of 2014 at the Bullring. Delonjay held on for second followed by Keith Pratt and Russ Coultas.
Aaron Brocksieck grabbed the early lead in the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper before he had a tire go down near the halfway mark. Brad Holtmeyer inherited the lead, with Tony Dunker, who won a last lap thriller on Friday in Donnellson, moving to second. Soon Dunker had Tanner Klingele to contend with for the second spot, and after some contact, Klingele grabbed the runnerup spot. As Holtmeyer took his second checkers of the season, Dunker put a fender on Klingele. Tony was credited with second, followed by Bobby Anders and Joey Gower.
The UMP sport compact class had ten cars check in. Austen Becerra was looking to continue his double digit feature win streak, but he took his # 22 pitside during his heat race with mechanical woes. Mike Hornung Jr. loaned Austen his ride for the 15 lap feature, and Becerra showed his dribving prowess to move from row five to second behind Bryce Baker on lap one. Soon Kimberly Abbott, who is also Austens " significant other," joined the battle up front. On lap eight, Kim found a way around the leaders. Two laps later, Baker rolled to a stop, giving Becerra the runner up spot. He could advance no further, however, as Kim scored his first win of 2014. In her victory lane interview, she took a jab at Austen, saying it was good to beat him, but even better to pass him! First time QR racer Cliff Spencer and young DJ Weisinger completed the top four.
The IMCA stock cars had extra cash on the line, and ran the final feature of the evening. Seven cars took the green flag, as Beau Taylor watched from the trailer with a broken transmission. Jim Lynch took the early lead from the pole position, but as usual, the field was tightly bunched, lap after lap. Lap eleven saw Abe Huls emerge from the slicing and dicing to grab the lead. Following a lap 15 caution, Lynch and Brandon Savage made contact, appearing to get hooked, with Lynch stopping. One lap later, it was Jerry Jansen and Nathan Hayes hooked together, the caution setting up a green, white, checkers finish. Huls stayed in control for a hard earned win over Savage, Terry Houston, and Jake Powers.
Despite the car count, it was actually some of the best racing we have seen at QR this season.
This week, we hope to check in on the UMP Summernationals tour, as the high powered late models check in Thursday at Quincy Raceways for a $5,000 to win show. Also on the card is the UMP modifield Summernational Tour racing for $1,000 to win, and IMCA sport mods for a $500 top prize.
This is truly the best time of the year for a dirt race fan, so surely we will meet somewhere Racin' Down the Road!
I was committed to other activities on Saturday, but on the heels of the Friday experience and after viewing a few haulers headed south on highway 61, Mary gave me the go ahead for another night of racing. Keagan was on his way to Warrensburg,Mo for Boys State, but I rounded up Fred and Darryl and we headed for the final race of the MLRA swing at the Randolph county Raceway in Moberly,Mo.
If we were surprised by the 31 car turnout at Donnellson, we were shocked to find 32 entrants at Moberly. The 4/10 ( or so ) Saturday night track does feature steel block ULMA late models, and several of the track regulars decided to try their luck against the traveling stars.
A total of about 90 cars in five classes checked in for the night of racing. While time trials set the field at Donnellson, Moberly was not equipped for timing, so the heats were determined by a draw, then passing points - my personal favorite format - set the feature line up. Only three heat races were contested with the top 16 in passing points qualifying for the 40 lap finale. In heat one, Skip Frey charged to a big lead before coming to a quick stop on the front stretch, ending his night. Friday runnerup Ryan Gustin then took the checkers. Heat two was plagued by multiple cautions. Tommy Weder Jr worked his way from a row five starting spot to second before contact with Chris Simpson sent him into the turn three concrete wall,ending his night. John Anderson took the checkers. The final heat saw Friday winner Terry Phillips advance from row four to the checkers, earning him the pole for the feature. Polesitter Mark Dotson, who suffered damage Thursday night in Oskaloosa and missed the Friday show, led all twelve laps to capture the B-main. And by the way, the B-main followed a quick 15 minute intermission...just sayin'.
The first feature was the 21 car B-mod 15 lapper. Double duty driver Vance Wilson, who also wheeled the Dave Miller # 06 late model, started up front, and staged an edge of your seat duel with Galen Hasler. As the front two swapped slide jobs and traded a little paint, Tom Elson lurked mere feet behind the leaders, looking for an opening. One mid race restart saw Elson actually jump to the front, but another caution reset the field, and Wilson eventually pulled away for a win in the car he built for his son, who may be more of a fan of stick and ball sports! Hasler and Elson followed Wilson to the checkers.
The 4 cylinder class was only ten strong - two heats, really? - but the feature race was another three car scrum the at saw Robert Winfrey prevail.
The MLRA 40 lapper ran next, with 23 starters. The top two from Friday night sat on row one, and Gustin jumped to the lead with row two starter Anderson in tow. Top series rookie Scott Lewis went pitside on lap two, as Phillips charged to second. While Gustin opened a big lead, Phillips was beginning to close the gap when the yellow waved on lap twelve for Jon Melloway. On the restart, Jeremy Payne slipped past Phillips, and three laps later, Chad Simpson eased into third. Meanwhile Gustin stretched his lead while we watched Rick Kimberling ride the turn three and four wall, come back down on the track and keep going. One more yellow slowed the action on lap 28, but Gustin had the field covered. Phillips charged back to the runnerup spot, as the top two crossed the stripe in reverse order from the night before. Chad Simpson, Payne, and Chris Simpson completed the first five.
We headed for the car with two features still on the docket, and apparently missed some fireworks in the USRA mod finale!
Tired, but not ready to quit, it was back to Quincy Raceways Sunday night for UMP and IMCA weekly racing. The two nights of late model racing took a bite out of the late model car count, and a forecast of rain coupled with Fathers Day also held down the car count. Still the feature racing on Sunday was outstanding.
Only six UMP late models checked in, so Denny Woodworth unloaded his second car, giving pit man Jason Oenning a chance to turn some laps. Denny sat outside Mark Burgtorf on row one for the 25 lap feature. Mark jumped to the lead, but Denny took over before the flagstand. The two veterans stayed glued to each other until lap 18, when Rickey Frankel joined the fray. Two laps later, Burgtorf slid high in turn four, and Frankel powered past for the runnerup spot. Woodworth continued to hit his marks on the super fast track, picking up his second win in a row at QR in the non stop event. Frankel,Burgtorf, Bill Genenbacher, and Jamie Wilson completed the top five.
Jared Schlipman set quick time in UMP modifield qualifying then charged to the lead in the 20 lap feature. As Steven Delonjay dogged him lap after lap, Jared held serve until the two crossed the line in a near dead heat on lap 17. One lap later, with Delonjay holding a slight advantage, Schlipman went up in smoke, bringing out the caution., setting up a green, white, checkers finish. As the leaders came to the white, Delonjay bobbled ever so slightly, and Dave Weitholder charged past on the high side, holding on for his first win of 2014 at the Bullring. Delonjay held on for second followed by Keith Pratt and Russ Coultas.
Aaron Brocksieck grabbed the early lead in the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper before he had a tire go down near the halfway mark. Brad Holtmeyer inherited the lead, with Tony Dunker, who won a last lap thriller on Friday in Donnellson, moving to second. Soon Dunker had Tanner Klingele to contend with for the second spot, and after some contact, Klingele grabbed the runnerup spot. As Holtmeyer took his second checkers of the season, Dunker put a fender on Klingele. Tony was credited with second, followed by Bobby Anders and Joey Gower.
The UMP sport compact class had ten cars check in. Austen Becerra was looking to continue his double digit feature win streak, but he took his # 22 pitside during his heat race with mechanical woes. Mike Hornung Jr. loaned Austen his ride for the 15 lap feature, and Becerra showed his dribving prowess to move from row five to second behind Bryce Baker on lap one. Soon Kimberly Abbott, who is also Austens " significant other," joined the battle up front. On lap eight, Kim found a way around the leaders. Two laps later, Baker rolled to a stop, giving Becerra the runner up spot. He could advance no further, however, as Kim scored his first win of 2014. In her victory lane interview, she took a jab at Austen, saying it was good to beat him, but even better to pass him! First time QR racer Cliff Spencer and young DJ Weisinger completed the top four.
The IMCA stock cars had extra cash on the line, and ran the final feature of the evening. Seven cars took the green flag, as Beau Taylor watched from the trailer with a broken transmission. Jim Lynch took the early lead from the pole position, but as usual, the field was tightly bunched, lap after lap. Lap eleven saw Abe Huls emerge from the slicing and dicing to grab the lead. Following a lap 15 caution, Lynch and Brandon Savage made contact, appearing to get hooked, with Lynch stopping. One lap later, it was Jerry Jansen and Nathan Hayes hooked together, the caution setting up a green, white, checkers finish. Huls stayed in control for a hard earned win over Savage, Terry Houston, and Jake Powers.
Despite the car count, it was actually some of the best racing we have seen at QR this season.
This week, we hope to check in on the UMP Summernationals tour, as the high powered late models check in Thursday at Quincy Raceways for a $5,000 to win show. Also on the card is the UMP modifield Summernational Tour racing for $1,000 to win, and IMCA sport mods for a $500 top prize.
This is truly the best time of the year for a dirt race fan, so surely we will meet somewhere Racin' Down the Road!
Monday, June 2, 2014
First Time Winners Lead the Way at Quincy Raceways
Drivers in three of the five classes picked up their first wins of 2014 Sunday night as the rain stayed away from Quincy Raceways. Some early sprinkles threatened the program, and may have kept a few cars away, but there was plenty of action at the .29 mile oval. The track was a bit choppy during the heat races, but a rework of the surface during intermission resulted in five fast paced main events.
The running order was changed up a bit this week, with the caution plagued IMCA sport mods moved to last on the grid, and the normally last IMCA sport compacts getting the first call.
The change was a good one for Pat " Skip " Dunker, as he was able to bring Austen Becerras 13 consecutive feature win streak to an end. Austen had not lost a main event since last July, but he crossed the line in the runnerup spot on Sunday night. Brandon Lambert held the lead early before Dunker blasted to the top spot in his # 3 machine. He opened up a sizable lead in the caution free 15 lapper before Becerra was able to move into second. Becerra caught Dunker on lap twelve, but could not find a way around. Kimberly Abbott slipped past Lambert late after an entertaining battle for the third spot, and Bryce Baker came home in fifth.
Next up it was the IMCA stock cars doing battle for 18 laps. The car count was low, but in usual stock car fashion, the action was intense. Nathan Hays had led flag to flag in the heat race, and he shot out from the pole in the main event. On lap two, former champions Terry Houston and Abe Huls got together, and point leader Jim Lynch charged to the second spot, applying pressure to Hayes. The first feature caution flew on lap nine, and on the restart, Brandon Savage went to work on Lynch. Soon, however, it was Huls moving to third, and on lap 13 he moved to second. Abe dogged the # 1 of Hayes for the final five laps, but the youngster did not miss his marks, collecting his first ever stock car win by less than a car length. Houston recovered to grab third followed by Savage and Jake Powers.
Twelve UMP super late models lined up next to duel for the $1.200 top prize. Track officials changed the format for the UMP classes this week, using time trials to set up two heat races rather than a fast car dash and a " slow " heat. The late model and modified fast qualifiers then did a feature invert roll based on heat race finishes. Late model fast timer Denny Woodworth sent fellow racer Dustin Griffin out to roll for him, and " D Griff " rolled a one, for a straight up start. This put heat winners Woodworth and Griffin on the front row for the 30 lapper. Woodworth, the late model lawyer jumped out to the lead at the green, taking row two starter Justin Reed along with him. the two raced side by side as they completed lap two, but by lap four, Denny was pulling away. As Woodworth stretched his lead, Reed, Griffin, and Mark Burgtorf got together in turn one on lap seven, with all three continuing on. Burgtorf now held the third spot, and he staged a fierce duel with Reed for several circuits. Mark finally claimed the second spot one lap before the half way mark, but by now the 45DW had a straightaway lead. On lap 23, an ominous plume of heavy smoke came from the Woodworth machine, and he seemed to slow ever so slightly. Still he continued on, as the smoke lessened. Burgtorf closed on the leader a bit, but as the race stayed caution free, Denny took the win by a comfortable margin. In his post race interview, he said he blew a power steering line, and drove the last seven or so laps without power steering. It was the first feature checkers of the year for Woodworth, who swept the nights events. Burgtorf ran a strong second, followed by Reed, Griffin, and Rickey Frankel. Jamie Wilson led the second five ahead of Bill Genenbacher, Ron Elbe, Chuck Mitchell, and John Beck.
The UMP modifieds had extra cash on the line, with a $750 top payout, but the car count was the lowest of the season. Dave Weitholder captured the second heat win with his back up 6 cylinder power plant in his # 05 machine. The feature invert was six, with Shawn Deering unable to make the call with apparent broken suspension. The yellow waved on lap one as Dylan Hoover spun in front of the pack, and on the restart, Keith Pratt grabbed the lead, while Michael long charged from a row three starting spot to second. The caution waved again on lap two for Russ Coultas, and on the ensuing restart, Ryan Meyer took a scary ride in turn three. Ryans # 82M became airborne, flipping wildly high above the racing surface. Incredibly, there was no contact made as the field charged by, and after some anxious moments the new father emerged from his bent race car apparently only a bit shaken. When racing resumed, Long grabbed the top spot and began to pull away as Weitholder did all he could to hold off a persistent Steven Delonjay. On about lap 17 of the 25 lapper, Delonjay was able to take the second spot and at almost the same time, Long ducked to the infield with mechanical woes. The remaining laps ticked off caution free, and Delonjay cruised to the win. Weitholder nabbed the runnerup honors, while much improved Shane Lewis edged Pratt on the final lap for third. Hard luck Jared Schlipman was able to keep his mount together for 25 laps and came home fifth after falling out of his heat race.
The last feature of the night was the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper. Lap one saw four wide racing behind lead Trevor Hagerbaumer. The battle for second shaped up between Aaron Brocksieck and Tanner Klingele, before Brocksieck lost the handle on the # 05 on lap five. The caution waved again one lap later, and on that restart, Hagerbaumer looped his ride, collecting Klingele and sending both to the hot pit. Joey Gower was the new leader, and he held the spot as the race stayed green. Bobby Anders began to mount a challenge on lap 16, but the veteran Gower kept his # 31 out front for the checkers. Tony Dunker raced home in third ahead of Brad Holtmeyer and Klingele.
The final checkers waved about 9:11 wrapping up an enjoyable night of racing at the Bullring.
It may be a while before my next race, with family matters taking precedence this weekend. Still, the month of June is chock full of big events, including the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour stop at Quincy on June 19. And for you open wheel fans, the USAC and Power I midgets will be in Quincy this Thursday, June 5. Thats all for now!
The running order was changed up a bit this week, with the caution plagued IMCA sport mods moved to last on the grid, and the normally last IMCA sport compacts getting the first call.
The change was a good one for Pat " Skip " Dunker, as he was able to bring Austen Becerras 13 consecutive feature win streak to an end. Austen had not lost a main event since last July, but he crossed the line in the runnerup spot on Sunday night. Brandon Lambert held the lead early before Dunker blasted to the top spot in his # 3 machine. He opened up a sizable lead in the caution free 15 lapper before Becerra was able to move into second. Becerra caught Dunker on lap twelve, but could not find a way around. Kimberly Abbott slipped past Lambert late after an entertaining battle for the third spot, and Bryce Baker came home in fifth.
Next up it was the IMCA stock cars doing battle for 18 laps. The car count was low, but in usual stock car fashion, the action was intense. Nathan Hays had led flag to flag in the heat race, and he shot out from the pole in the main event. On lap two, former champions Terry Houston and Abe Huls got together, and point leader Jim Lynch charged to the second spot, applying pressure to Hayes. The first feature caution flew on lap nine, and on the restart, Brandon Savage went to work on Lynch. Soon, however, it was Huls moving to third, and on lap 13 he moved to second. Abe dogged the # 1 of Hayes for the final five laps, but the youngster did not miss his marks, collecting his first ever stock car win by less than a car length. Houston recovered to grab third followed by Savage and Jake Powers.
Twelve UMP super late models lined up next to duel for the $1.200 top prize. Track officials changed the format for the UMP classes this week, using time trials to set up two heat races rather than a fast car dash and a " slow " heat. The late model and modified fast qualifiers then did a feature invert roll based on heat race finishes. Late model fast timer Denny Woodworth sent fellow racer Dustin Griffin out to roll for him, and " D Griff " rolled a one, for a straight up start. This put heat winners Woodworth and Griffin on the front row for the 30 lapper. Woodworth, the late model lawyer jumped out to the lead at the green, taking row two starter Justin Reed along with him. the two raced side by side as they completed lap two, but by lap four, Denny was pulling away. As Woodworth stretched his lead, Reed, Griffin, and Mark Burgtorf got together in turn one on lap seven, with all three continuing on. Burgtorf now held the third spot, and he staged a fierce duel with Reed for several circuits. Mark finally claimed the second spot one lap before the half way mark, but by now the 45DW had a straightaway lead. On lap 23, an ominous plume of heavy smoke came from the Woodworth machine, and he seemed to slow ever so slightly. Still he continued on, as the smoke lessened. Burgtorf closed on the leader a bit, but as the race stayed caution free, Denny took the win by a comfortable margin. In his post race interview, he said he blew a power steering line, and drove the last seven or so laps without power steering. It was the first feature checkers of the year for Woodworth, who swept the nights events. Burgtorf ran a strong second, followed by Reed, Griffin, and Rickey Frankel. Jamie Wilson led the second five ahead of Bill Genenbacher, Ron Elbe, Chuck Mitchell, and John Beck.
The UMP modifieds had extra cash on the line, with a $750 top payout, but the car count was the lowest of the season. Dave Weitholder captured the second heat win with his back up 6 cylinder power plant in his # 05 machine. The feature invert was six, with Shawn Deering unable to make the call with apparent broken suspension. The yellow waved on lap one as Dylan Hoover spun in front of the pack, and on the restart, Keith Pratt grabbed the lead, while Michael long charged from a row three starting spot to second. The caution waved again on lap two for Russ Coultas, and on the ensuing restart, Ryan Meyer took a scary ride in turn three. Ryans # 82M became airborne, flipping wildly high above the racing surface. Incredibly, there was no contact made as the field charged by, and after some anxious moments the new father emerged from his bent race car apparently only a bit shaken. When racing resumed, Long grabbed the top spot and began to pull away as Weitholder did all he could to hold off a persistent Steven Delonjay. On about lap 17 of the 25 lapper, Delonjay was able to take the second spot and at almost the same time, Long ducked to the infield with mechanical woes. The remaining laps ticked off caution free, and Delonjay cruised to the win. Weitholder nabbed the runnerup honors, while much improved Shane Lewis edged Pratt on the final lap for third. Hard luck Jared Schlipman was able to keep his mount together for 25 laps and came home fifth after falling out of his heat race.
The last feature of the night was the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper. Lap one saw four wide racing behind lead Trevor Hagerbaumer. The battle for second shaped up between Aaron Brocksieck and Tanner Klingele, before Brocksieck lost the handle on the # 05 on lap five. The caution waved again one lap later, and on that restart, Hagerbaumer looped his ride, collecting Klingele and sending both to the hot pit. Joey Gower was the new leader, and he held the spot as the race stayed green. Bobby Anders began to mount a challenge on lap 16, but the veteran Gower kept his # 31 out front for the checkers. Tony Dunker raced home in third ahead of Brad Holtmeyer and Klingele.
The final checkers waved about 9:11 wrapping up an enjoyable night of racing at the Bullring.
It may be a while before my next race, with family matters taking precedence this weekend. Still, the month of June is chock full of big events, including the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour stop at Quincy on June 19. And for you open wheel fans, the USAC and Power I midgets will be in Quincy this Thursday, June 5. Thats all for now!
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