Last Lap Wins Highlight Quincy Raceways

Things were moving along nicely Sunday night at Quincy Raceways when a renegade rain shower brought the action to a temporary halt during the second UMP modified heat race. Fortunately track officials were able to keep equipment on the track until the shower ended, and 45 minutes or so later, we were back to racing.
 With more rain a possibility, the running order for the feature events was adjusted, with the UMP late models running first. Justin Reed was late getting to the track as his hauler broke down along the short drive, but he arrived in time to set quick time at 13.303 seconds. He then won the first heat, but rolled a three for the feature invert. This put heat two winner Denny Woodworth on the pole, and Keith Pratt in a second Woodworth car on the outside. Pratt jumped to the early lead, bringing Woodworth and Reed along in an early breakaway. Reed suddenly headed to the pits on lap 16, turning it into a two car race. The race stayed green, and traffic came into play in the closing laps. With two circuits to go, Pratt took a high line in turns one and two, and Woodworth made up several car lengths running the low groove. Coming out of turn two on the 25th and final lap, Denny powered past Keith and lead one trip past the flagstand for his first win of the year in the caution free event. Mark Burgtorf raced home third ahead of Brian Dively and Jim Moon. Ron Elbe led the second five, with Trace Westling and Terry Gallaher rounding out the cars running at the checkers.
 The IMCA sport mod 18 lapper was up next. Austen Becerra jumped to the early lead ahead of Nathan Bringer. Joey Gower was moving forward quickly when the caution came out on lap six. Becerra continued to lead, but following a lap nine yellow, contact between Bringer and Brandon Dale allowed Gower to move to second. Following another caution two laps later, Brandon Lennox began to pound the cushion, moving to the runner up spot on lap 12 after starting in row eight. The yellow flew again one lap later, and Gower retook second on the restart, then took the lead on lap 14. Yet another caution on lap 16 created a three way battle for second as the race went back to green. Becerra and Tony Dunker made contact and both cars slid off turn two as a result. The crowd came to life as the two drivers exited their cars to " discuss " the situation. When things calmed down, a one lap dash to the checkers saw Gower take the win. Lennox claimed second , with Bringer and Jim Gillenwater rounding out the top four.
  Next up, season high 14 IMCA stock cars came to the grid. Following a lap one yellow, polesitter Beau Taylor grabbed the lead. Second row starter Jim Lynch took the lead on lap three as Abe Huls and Michael Larsen battled for third until Larsen suffered a flat tire on lap six. Two more caution periods slowed the 18 lapper, and after an exciting side by side duel, Huls eased ahead of Taylor for second. Lynch, Huls, and Taylor crossed the stripe in that order, wuth Andrew Hustead rounding out the top four.
 Frankie Wellman paced the 14 car UMP modified 25 lap main early, as fast qualifier Michael long bounced off the tall cushion in turn two, falling from second to fourth. As racing resumed after a lap three restart, Long moved to third by lap five, second on lap six, and first one lap later. Wellman and Steven Delonjay tried to keep pace, but Long soon opened a nearly 1/2 track lead. Dave Weitholder slipped past Delonjay on lap 21, and with the race staying green, Long cruised to his third win in three tries at QR. Wellman brought his ride home in the runnerup spot, holding off Weitholder and Delonjay.
 The IMCA sport compact 15 lapper  was last on the card. Heat winner Jeffery Delonjay took the early
lead, wheeling a #55s car he apparently borrowed for the night - more on that later. A three wide battle developed behind the leader, with Seith Woodruff breaking away to close on Delonjay. Kimberly Abbot has finished well back in the heat race, but she was now on the move, taking third on lap six. Woodruff took the top spot on lap eight, with Delonjay back out front for lap nine. It was Woodruff agin leading lap ten, and it now became a three car scrum for the lead. Abbott took the point for the first time on the white flag lap, capturing her third win in as many nights this season. Woodruff, Delonjay, and Barry Taft completed the top four.
 Delonjay was running # 55s as a tribute to sport compact driver Alyssa Steele, from Keokuk. The 17 year old suffered broken bones and other serious injuries last Thursday night while working on her brand new # 55s machine at her home when the brakes apparently failed. She was airlifted to University of Iowa Childrens Hospital where she has undergone several surgeries. Alyssa, who is my great niece will have a lengthy recovery period. Cards may be sent to University of Iowa Childrens Hospital, PICU room 17 , 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242.
  Next Sunday night, the late models will have the evening off at Quincy Raceways. The remaining four classes will be in action, with the UMP mods racing for a $750.00 top prize while the IMCA sport mods duel for  $500.00 winners check. Reduced admission prices will also be featured. And the following week, the UMP Big 10 late model series will come to town for the Scottie 41. We are looking forward to the MLRA late model swing through Donnellson and Davenport, Iowa and Memphis,Mo this weekend. Come on weatherman, treat us right!