Quincy Raceways staff did an amazing job to get the race track and especially the pit area serviceable Monday night for the rescheduled UMP Summernationals event. Early on the Ciltrak team was rewarded, as 33 super late models checked in to race, the second highest total thus far on the tour. Add in 22 Summit Racing UMP modifieds, including Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, and two heats worth of IMCA sport mods, and we were set for a great night of racing. The crowd came a bit late, with Monday being a work day, but by the time series point leader Bobby Pierce had set quick time for the late models, and track point leader Michael Long posted the fastest lap for the mods, the stands were filling up nicely. The late arrivers may have missed track regular Brian Dively roll his number 11D late model during qualifying. Brian recently had knee surgery, but reports only being a bit sore today.
Heat race action was hotly contested, and the fans were paying close attention during Longs heat race when starter Chris Miller did not like the first two attempts at a start as Michael and hotshoe Nick Hoffman could not stay side by side. after two tries, the front row was moved back one row. Long was not to be denied, however, as he powered through for the win.
The four late model heats went to polesitters Pierce over Shannon Babb, Gordy Gundaker ahead of Keith Pratt, Billy Moyer Jr besting Dennis Erb, Jr, and outside row one starter Jason Feger pushed to the limit by Brandon Sheppard.
By this time, it was obvious that bad weather was coming, so the late model C-main was scrapped and the B-main was called to the track, with all non qualified cars competing for two more spots on the feature grid to go with the 16 from the heats. But as the cars came to the track, word came from county emergency services that it was time to vacate the grandstands. Within a quarter hour, the rain began, and as has so often been the case lately, it turned into a monsoon! Needless to say, it was a long ride home for fans and drivers alike.
As of this posting, Ciltrak officials are working on a date to complete the evenings events - late model consy and three features. So hopefully everyone held on to their rain checks. I will post more info when it becomes available, and the Quincy Raceways website is also updated regularly.
The tour moves on to Peoria tonight, and I have an unconfirmed report of 48 late models there tonight, as drivers try to get some racing in. I am hoping to rejoin the series Saturday night at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., weather, river levels, and bridge closures permitting. Lets all hang in there, and take in some racing when we can!
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Good Times at a New Track
Monday was a scheduled vacation day, so with the early postponement of the Quincy Raceways UMP Summernational event to Monday night due to wet grounds.I began looking for a place to take in some racing on Sunday where the rain might hold off for a few hours.
With a Facebook assist from late model driver Bobby Hansen, Darryl and I rolled out for a first time visit to the Benton County Speedway in Vinton, Iowa, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Canton,Mo.
We were immediately impressed with the fairgrounds facility, and the 1/4 mile black dirt track looked to be in decent shape considering the two plus inches of rain that apparently fell there on Saturday. The total car count of 89 in six divisions also was a plus, but the thing that realy caught our attention was the large crowd that pretty much packed the grandstands!
Hot laps were set to go a 6:00, but announcer and fellow Positively Racing columnist Ryan Clark informed the throng that due to the wet track conditions, only the IMCA late models would be hot lapping. This was later amended to allow several first time drivers to also get in a few laps. Even with this, racing began shortly after 6:00.
It was our first time to see Iowas version of Micro Mods, and before one lap was complete in heat one, the # 71 of young Mr Cordes was upside down on the front stretch!
The running order for the night was adjusted, with the late models making their second of five visits to the track in 2015, and a desire to keep the narrow hobby stock tires off the oval for as long as possible.
So after 11 heat races in five of the classes, the micro mods came back for their 12 lap feature. All 13 started, but again, a lap one mixup involving three cars found young Mr Murty upside down. when things got rolling, the 6E machine opened up a big lead, winning by nearly 1/2 a track. I apologize for the lack of correct names, but the PA was a bit hard to understand, however, I believe the winning drivers name was something like Don Ehbert.
Next up came the IMCA sport mods, with 13 starters of the 15 cars signed in. Again, a lap one rollover by Dave McCalla, who put his ride on its side in turn four, slowed the action, But when racing resumed, Tony Olson showed why he has now captured four straight feature wins, putting his # 23T in victory lane.
Following the sport mod main, the IMCA hobby stocks ran two quick heats featuring 14 cars, then it was back to feature time.
Two IMCA stock cars failed to make the call, giving us 12 starters. By the time the caution waved on lap six, row five starter Damon Murty had his # 99D in the runnerup spot. Contact on the restart saw Murty fall to fourth, and for several laps he remained there as the leaders ran side by side in front of him. Patience finally paid off, and he grabbed the lead on lap 12, holding on for the win.
All 16 IMCA modifieds took the green, with point leader Troy Corders losing a front wheel on the start, ending his run. The yellow waved again on the restart for an incident involving for track champion Corey Dripps, who had apparently not been to Vinton for some time. Many eyes were on the USMTS standout, but it was Mike Burbridge who opened a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Scott Hogan and Dripps began to work their way forward. When the caution flag flew on lap ten of the 20 lapper, both were now in the top five. Still it was Burbridge out front, and a three car battle for third on lap 17 saw former late model pilot Jerry Dedrick squeezed over the bank off turn two. When racing resumed, it was Burbridge, Hogan, and Dripps in the top three spots in a single file formation. Hogan made the winning pass on the white flag lap, and Dripps eventful run came to an end with a last lap spin. The win gave Hogan the point lead, while Burbridge settled for second.
There was a nice field of 17 IMCA late models on hand, with heat wins going to Dirk Hamilton, Jon Passick, and Jerry King. Hamilton and Passick lined up on row one for the 25 lap finale. with Passick jumping to the early lead. The caution came out on lap four for Mark Hurst, and at the same time, Todd Cooney was pushed to the pit road apron for a tire change. Ryan Dolan, the feature winner on the first visit of the late models to Vinton in 2015, had now advanced from row four to fourth on the Delaware restart. Dolan would take over third, but head pitside three laps later, with heavy smoke rolling from his # 51 machine. Hansen also retired at this time with handling problems. IMCA national point leader Paul Nagle had started rown four also, and now challenged Passick for the top spot. With restarts now single file, the race stayed green for the nest dozen or so laps,with Nagle in charge. But just as it looked as if the # 05 would be in victory lane, his ride also quit with a puff of smoke. The final caution came with two circuits remaining, with Ben Seemann coming to a stop, and it was now row seven starter Chargin' Charley McKenna challenging Passick for the lead. But Passick was able to hold the low groove, and keep Mckenna at bay, picking up the win. Sean Johnson ran a steady third, with King and John Emerson rounding out the top five. Curtis Glover led the second five ahead of Hamilton, Cooney, Scotty Welsh, and Seemann.
With one feature left to go, Darryl and I took our leave at about 9:10 for the long drive home.
It is not often I get to venture to far away tracks on Sunday nights, but a trip back to Vinton sometime would be something I would look forward to.
It is time to wrap this column up and head to Quincy Raceways. Hopefully the rain holds off long enough to get in our first night of UMP Summernationals action!
With a Facebook assist from late model driver Bobby Hansen, Darryl and I rolled out for a first time visit to the Benton County Speedway in Vinton, Iowa, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Canton,Mo.
We were immediately impressed with the fairgrounds facility, and the 1/4 mile black dirt track looked to be in decent shape considering the two plus inches of rain that apparently fell there on Saturday. The total car count of 89 in six divisions also was a plus, but the thing that realy caught our attention was the large crowd that pretty much packed the grandstands!
Hot laps were set to go a 6:00, but announcer and fellow Positively Racing columnist Ryan Clark informed the throng that due to the wet track conditions, only the IMCA late models would be hot lapping. This was later amended to allow several first time drivers to also get in a few laps. Even with this, racing began shortly after 6:00.
It was our first time to see Iowas version of Micro Mods, and before one lap was complete in heat one, the # 71 of young Mr Cordes was upside down on the front stretch!
The running order for the night was adjusted, with the late models making their second of five visits to the track in 2015, and a desire to keep the narrow hobby stock tires off the oval for as long as possible.
So after 11 heat races in five of the classes, the micro mods came back for their 12 lap feature. All 13 started, but again, a lap one mixup involving three cars found young Mr Murty upside down. when things got rolling, the 6E machine opened up a big lead, winning by nearly 1/2 a track. I apologize for the lack of correct names, but the PA was a bit hard to understand, however, I believe the winning drivers name was something like Don Ehbert.
Next up came the IMCA sport mods, with 13 starters of the 15 cars signed in. Again, a lap one rollover by Dave McCalla, who put his ride on its side in turn four, slowed the action, But when racing resumed, Tony Olson showed why he has now captured four straight feature wins, putting his # 23T in victory lane.
Following the sport mod main, the IMCA hobby stocks ran two quick heats featuring 14 cars, then it was back to feature time.
Two IMCA stock cars failed to make the call, giving us 12 starters. By the time the caution waved on lap six, row five starter Damon Murty had his # 99D in the runnerup spot. Contact on the restart saw Murty fall to fourth, and for several laps he remained there as the leaders ran side by side in front of him. Patience finally paid off, and he grabbed the lead on lap 12, holding on for the win.
All 16 IMCA modifieds took the green, with point leader Troy Corders losing a front wheel on the start, ending his run. The yellow waved again on the restart for an incident involving for track champion Corey Dripps, who had apparently not been to Vinton for some time. Many eyes were on the USMTS standout, but it was Mike Burbridge who opened a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Scott Hogan and Dripps began to work their way forward. When the caution flag flew on lap ten of the 20 lapper, both were now in the top five. Still it was Burbridge out front, and a three car battle for third on lap 17 saw former late model pilot Jerry Dedrick squeezed over the bank off turn two. When racing resumed, it was Burbridge, Hogan, and Dripps in the top three spots in a single file formation. Hogan made the winning pass on the white flag lap, and Dripps eventful run came to an end with a last lap spin. The win gave Hogan the point lead, while Burbridge settled for second.
There was a nice field of 17 IMCA late models on hand, with heat wins going to Dirk Hamilton, Jon Passick, and Jerry King. Hamilton and Passick lined up on row one for the 25 lap finale. with Passick jumping to the early lead. The caution came out on lap four for Mark Hurst, and at the same time, Todd Cooney was pushed to the pit road apron for a tire change. Ryan Dolan, the feature winner on the first visit of the late models to Vinton in 2015, had now advanced from row four to fourth on the Delaware restart. Dolan would take over third, but head pitside three laps later, with heavy smoke rolling from his # 51 machine. Hansen also retired at this time with handling problems. IMCA national point leader Paul Nagle had started rown four also, and now challenged Passick for the top spot. With restarts now single file, the race stayed green for the nest dozen or so laps,with Nagle in charge. But just as it looked as if the # 05 would be in victory lane, his ride also quit with a puff of smoke. The final caution came with two circuits remaining, with Ben Seemann coming to a stop, and it was now row seven starter Chargin' Charley McKenna challenging Passick for the lead. But Passick was able to hold the low groove, and keep Mckenna at bay, picking up the win. Sean Johnson ran a steady third, with King and John Emerson rounding out the top five. Curtis Glover led the second five ahead of Hamilton, Cooney, Scotty Welsh, and Seemann.
With one feature left to go, Darryl and I took our leave at about 9:10 for the long drive home.
It is not often I get to venture to far away tracks on Sunday nights, but a trip back to Vinton sometime would be something I would look forward to.
It is time to wrap this column up and head to Quincy Raceways. Hopefully the rain holds off long enough to get in our first night of UMP Summernationals action!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Don't Look Up
Before the 2015 race season began, my son in law, who has probably never been to a race in his life, bought me a notebook and pen used by emergency workers that can be used in rain without a lot of smear. Apparently he knew something about this race season.
This week I took a couple of vacation days to try to boost my lagging race count by following the three race swing of the MLRA late models through the area, topped off by a Sunday night weekly show at Quincy Raceways. I had planned to catch the previous three night swing of the MLRA stars and cars in May before all three were cancelled. So it went to four for four on Thursday when my first trip in many years to Oskaloosa, Iowa was washed out on Thursday.
Despite less than ideal weather conditions on Friday, we headed to my old " home " track, the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew did an amazing job of getting the grounds ready with all the moisture that had fallen during the week. Parking the " big " rigs outside the pit shack not only helped save the muddy inside pit area, but also provided early arriving fans with a chance to check out the cars and visit with some of the touring drivers before the show began.
When I go to Donnellson, my modest reporting skills seem to suffer, as I spend too much time visiting with old friends and former racers. Fortunately Jeff Broeg has a full recap of the nights events at Backstretch here at Positively Racing.com. My buddy Darryl said he never sees a bad track at Lee County, and Friday was no exception. While most drivers prefer a dry, slick surface, the over abundance of rain dictates a " hammer down " tacky track, which most fans love. With every IMCA track south and east of Des Moines cancelled, the pit area swelled to over 120 race teams in six classes, but the program still got underway at the rescheduled 7:00 hot lap time. It took 17 heat races and two B-mains, one for the 28 car IMCA sport mod class, and one for the 27 car MLRA field to set the feature lineups.
After non stop main events for the IMCA sport compacts and IMCA hobby stocks - congrats to Josh Barnes who held off Kim Abbott and Leah Wroten who out dueled Brandon Symmonds, the sport mod finale turned in to a marathon 20 lapper. Joey Gower dominated the event, with Jim Gillenwater in the runner up spot.
The 40 lap late model headliner ran next. Passing points, my personal favorite, was used to set the first eight rows of the main event. Jason Utter and Jess Stovall made up row one, with defending series champ Chad Simpson and Californian Jason Papich in row two. Utter led the early part of the race, with Stovall scored ahead on lap four. Throughout the middle portion of the race, which featured only one caution on lap two, it was Iowans Utter and Simpson dueling for the top spot. As the laps wound down, Stovall began his charge, taking second on lap 31 , and grabbing the top spot five laps later. With three circuits remaining, Simpson headed to the infield with from suspension damage, leaving Utter to take up the charge. However, Utter suffered a flat rear tire on the white flag lap, limping across the finish line just ahead of Papich. Denny Eckrich, who had waged a great side by side duel with Papich for many laps, edged 16th starting Ryan Gustin for fourth. 2014 winner Terry Phillips was never a factor, finishing one lap down in tenth behind Jeremy Payne, Mark Burgtorf, Colorado driver Scott Lewis and provisional starter RC Whitwell, who calls Arizona home.
Those folks who left following the late model finale missed two good races. The 19 car IMCA stock car show was dominated by Todd Reitzler, but a four car pack entered turn four of the final lap with a shot at the win behind Reitzler. Abe Huls took the runner up spot as high riding Jeremy Pundt washed up the track going for the win.
The IMCA modifieds finished off the night, with Tyler Groenendyk picking up the win over Scott Hogan.
Thanks to the LCS crew for working hard to give the large crowd an outstanding show!
Unfortunately, the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly,Mo. fell victim to wet grounds and a forecast of more rain, forcing postponement of the final night of the three night MLRA mini tour.
After perusing various track websites and communicating on Facebook, we decided to take a chance and head south on Saturday to I -55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo for weekly UMP racing.
Driving through a couple of absolute downpours, we arrived at the track where only a brief shower had fallen, though the forecast had now changed for the worse.
The car count at I-55 was down a bit, probably at least partly due to the weather, and it was the smallest crowd I have ever seen at Pevely, but none the less, the show went on. After ten heat races and position dashes for the UMP late models and UMP modifieds, it was feature time.
The Pro 4 class was up first, 13 cars for 12 laps. Eldon Hempkin took the win after the front two cars were involved in an altercation that sent both to the tail mid race.
The UMP sportman class ran next, with Trey Harris taking a flag to flag win. Chris Soutier slipped around Troy Medley for second in the 15 lapper.
The 20 lap 18 car UMP modified feature was an edge of your seat race. Mark Miner had dominated his heat race and the dash, running the top groove around the high banked 1/3 mile,earning the pole for the main event. Rusty Griffaw started in row two, and was not about to let Miner run off and hid again. Running as low as he could around the oval, Rusty whittled away at the lead, pulling alongside the red # 7 on lap nine. The two ran side by side, with Griffaw finally completing the pass on lap 12. Fourth starting Jim Black followed teammate Griffaw on the low groove, also getting past Miner for second.
Miner then dropped to the low side, holding back Rick Conoyer, until the yellow waved with three laps to go. On the restart, Miner went back to the cushion, powering back to second. As he tried to set up Griffaw on the final lap, he bobbled coming out of turn two, falling to fourth behind Griffaw, Black, and Conoyer at the checkers.
The few drops of rain we felt at intermission were long gone, and the 14 UMP late models came to the track. Scott Weber and Kolby Vandenbergh sat in row one, with surprise first time visitor Jason Papich and Billy Laycock in row two. Weber and Papich jumped out fron, with Weber running the top, with the yellow waving on lap six. On the restart, the leaders resumed their high, low duel, with Papich scored first on lap 11. One lap later, Weber hit the turn tow concrete wall, ending his run. On the restart, Laycock and Vandenbergh took up the chase. Meanwhile, hotshoes Dewayne Kiefer and Tim Manville, both of whom struggled in heat race action, began to move to the front. Manville took to the high groove, while Papich led the pack on the low side. Manville found a bit of cushion on the very top of the track, thrilling the crowd as he picked off car after car. Still he could not overtake Papich, who followed off a third place run in his first visit to Lee County Speedway on Friday with a win on his first visit to I-55 on Saturday. When asked in victory lane if he would be back at Pevely on June 27 for the UMP Summernationals show, Jason said he was supposed to be camping that weekend, but may need to rethink his plans! Manville turned arough start into a runner up finish, followed by 12th starting Kiefer, Laycock, and Cody Conner. Dave Jumper ran sixth ahead of Paul Roider,Vandenbergh, Kenny Rumble,Alan Westling, Trace Westling, Paul Schrempf, Chris Hall, and Weber, who was credited with 14th.
The B-mod feature was up last, but we headed for the car, hoping the weatherman would treat us well on the long drive home. After inching through a 30 minute backup for a massive sobriety check point on Highway 61, out early departure from the track was quickly used up. And yes, I passed fine!
Thanks to the I-55 crew for putting on a show under less than ideal conditions.
As I do this report, I am waiting for word form Quincy Raceways on the status of tonights show at the Bullring. As of 1:00, things are a " go. " Either way, next Sunday, June 21, the UMP Summernational late models will be at Quincy for a $5,000 to win show.
Thanks for reading!
This week I took a couple of vacation days to try to boost my lagging race count by following the three race swing of the MLRA late models through the area, topped off by a Sunday night weekly show at Quincy Raceways. I had planned to catch the previous three night swing of the MLRA stars and cars in May before all three were cancelled. So it went to four for four on Thursday when my first trip in many years to Oskaloosa, Iowa was washed out on Thursday.
Despite less than ideal weather conditions on Friday, we headed to my old " home " track, the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Promoter Mike VanGenderen and crew did an amazing job of getting the grounds ready with all the moisture that had fallen during the week. Parking the " big " rigs outside the pit shack not only helped save the muddy inside pit area, but also provided early arriving fans with a chance to check out the cars and visit with some of the touring drivers before the show began.
When I go to Donnellson, my modest reporting skills seem to suffer, as I spend too much time visiting with old friends and former racers. Fortunately Jeff Broeg has a full recap of the nights events at Backstretch here at Positively Racing.com. My buddy Darryl said he never sees a bad track at Lee County, and Friday was no exception. While most drivers prefer a dry, slick surface, the over abundance of rain dictates a " hammer down " tacky track, which most fans love. With every IMCA track south and east of Des Moines cancelled, the pit area swelled to over 120 race teams in six classes, but the program still got underway at the rescheduled 7:00 hot lap time. It took 17 heat races and two B-mains, one for the 28 car IMCA sport mod class, and one for the 27 car MLRA field to set the feature lineups.
After non stop main events for the IMCA sport compacts and IMCA hobby stocks - congrats to Josh Barnes who held off Kim Abbott and Leah Wroten who out dueled Brandon Symmonds, the sport mod finale turned in to a marathon 20 lapper. Joey Gower dominated the event, with Jim Gillenwater in the runner up spot.
The 40 lap late model headliner ran next. Passing points, my personal favorite, was used to set the first eight rows of the main event. Jason Utter and Jess Stovall made up row one, with defending series champ Chad Simpson and Californian Jason Papich in row two. Utter led the early part of the race, with Stovall scored ahead on lap four. Throughout the middle portion of the race, which featured only one caution on lap two, it was Iowans Utter and Simpson dueling for the top spot. As the laps wound down, Stovall began his charge, taking second on lap 31 , and grabbing the top spot five laps later. With three circuits remaining, Simpson headed to the infield with from suspension damage, leaving Utter to take up the charge. However, Utter suffered a flat rear tire on the white flag lap, limping across the finish line just ahead of Papich. Denny Eckrich, who had waged a great side by side duel with Papich for many laps, edged 16th starting Ryan Gustin for fourth. 2014 winner Terry Phillips was never a factor, finishing one lap down in tenth behind Jeremy Payne, Mark Burgtorf, Colorado driver Scott Lewis and provisional starter RC Whitwell, who calls Arizona home.
Those folks who left following the late model finale missed two good races. The 19 car IMCA stock car show was dominated by Todd Reitzler, but a four car pack entered turn four of the final lap with a shot at the win behind Reitzler. Abe Huls took the runner up spot as high riding Jeremy Pundt washed up the track going for the win.
The IMCA modifieds finished off the night, with Tyler Groenendyk picking up the win over Scott Hogan.
Thanks to the LCS crew for working hard to give the large crowd an outstanding show!
Unfortunately, the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly,Mo. fell victim to wet grounds and a forecast of more rain, forcing postponement of the final night of the three night MLRA mini tour.
After perusing various track websites and communicating on Facebook, we decided to take a chance and head south on Saturday to I -55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo for weekly UMP racing.
Driving through a couple of absolute downpours, we arrived at the track where only a brief shower had fallen, though the forecast had now changed for the worse.
The car count at I-55 was down a bit, probably at least partly due to the weather, and it was the smallest crowd I have ever seen at Pevely, but none the less, the show went on. After ten heat races and position dashes for the UMP late models and UMP modifieds, it was feature time.
The Pro 4 class was up first, 13 cars for 12 laps. Eldon Hempkin took the win after the front two cars were involved in an altercation that sent both to the tail mid race.
The UMP sportman class ran next, with Trey Harris taking a flag to flag win. Chris Soutier slipped around Troy Medley for second in the 15 lapper.
The 20 lap 18 car UMP modified feature was an edge of your seat race. Mark Miner had dominated his heat race and the dash, running the top groove around the high banked 1/3 mile,earning the pole for the main event. Rusty Griffaw started in row two, and was not about to let Miner run off and hid again. Running as low as he could around the oval, Rusty whittled away at the lead, pulling alongside the red # 7 on lap nine. The two ran side by side, with Griffaw finally completing the pass on lap 12. Fourth starting Jim Black followed teammate Griffaw on the low groove, also getting past Miner for second.
Miner then dropped to the low side, holding back Rick Conoyer, until the yellow waved with three laps to go. On the restart, Miner went back to the cushion, powering back to second. As he tried to set up Griffaw on the final lap, he bobbled coming out of turn two, falling to fourth behind Griffaw, Black, and Conoyer at the checkers.
The few drops of rain we felt at intermission were long gone, and the 14 UMP late models came to the track. Scott Weber and Kolby Vandenbergh sat in row one, with surprise first time visitor Jason Papich and Billy Laycock in row two. Weber and Papich jumped out fron, with Weber running the top, with the yellow waving on lap six. On the restart, the leaders resumed their high, low duel, with Papich scored first on lap 11. One lap later, Weber hit the turn tow concrete wall, ending his run. On the restart, Laycock and Vandenbergh took up the chase. Meanwhile, hotshoes Dewayne Kiefer and Tim Manville, both of whom struggled in heat race action, began to move to the front. Manville took to the high groove, while Papich led the pack on the low side. Manville found a bit of cushion on the very top of the track, thrilling the crowd as he picked off car after car. Still he could not overtake Papich, who followed off a third place run in his first visit to Lee County Speedway on Friday with a win on his first visit to I-55 on Saturday. When asked in victory lane if he would be back at Pevely on June 27 for the UMP Summernationals show, Jason said he was supposed to be camping that weekend, but may need to rethink his plans! Manville turned arough start into a runner up finish, followed by 12th starting Kiefer, Laycock, and Cody Conner. Dave Jumper ran sixth ahead of Paul Roider,Vandenbergh, Kenny Rumble,Alan Westling, Trace Westling, Paul Schrempf, Chris Hall, and Weber, who was credited with 14th.
The B-mod feature was up last, but we headed for the car, hoping the weatherman would treat us well on the long drive home. After inching through a 30 minute backup for a massive sobriety check point on Highway 61, out early departure from the track was quickly used up. And yes, I passed fine!
Thanks to the I-55 crew for putting on a show under less than ideal conditions.
As I do this report, I am waiting for word form Quincy Raceways on the status of tonights show at the Bullring. As of 1:00, things are a " go. " Either way, next Sunday, June 21, the UMP Summernational late models will be at Quincy for a $5,000 to win show.
Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 1, 2015
First Time Winners Down the Line at Quincy
Cool temperatures and lots of water and mud did not keep the Quincy Raceways crew from putting on a show Sunday night. With a lot of hard work and an expanded pit area, the show was on only about 20 minutes behind schedule. A solid count of 78 race teams signed in, led by 22 IMCA Sport Mods, dueling 27 laps for a $500 top prize. In addition, part time racer and area business man Pat Dunker offered up a back row challenge, adding $200 to the win for a driver starting in the last row. The offer was made to front row qualifiers first, then back through the first five rows until two drivers accepted. Row four qualifier Brandon Lennox and returning veteran Wes Mayfield took the bait. The sport mad feature ran first, and after a non stop event last time out, the yellow flag was out early and often. Adam Birck and Tony Dunker led the early laps, with three cautions in the first four laps. When the next stoppage came on lap nine, Lennox had advanced 15 spots to seventh, taking six on the Delaware restart using the high line on the track. Following two more yellows, Lennox powered around Dunker on the high side on lap 15, much to the delight of the crowd. As the marathon race progressed, fans continued to approach the tower, offering up more cash should Lennox hang on for the win. Dunker was doing all he could to keep that from happening, as he shadowed the # 17 lap after lap, running a lower line on the .29 mile oval. The caution waved on laps 21,22, and lap 23 for third running Patrick Phillips. Again it came out on lap 25, then one more time on the restart for third running Birck. About 46 minutes after it began, Lennox took the checkers to the delight of the fans. Dunker was on his bumper for second, with Bobby Six and Tanner Klingele rounding out the top four. Brandon collected a cool $1,100 for his efforts in winning his first feature of the year, after losing an earlier win due to an equipment disqualification.
The 18 lap IMCA stock car feature ran next. John Oliver Jr. made the trip from Danville,Iowa for the first time in 2015, but had problems all night, retiring early for the main event. The caution waved a couple times early, but at each green, Brandon Savage opened a big lead. Jim Lynch had trouble getting ahold of the track, doing a 360 spin on the front stretch but keep going, only to spin again in turn one. Back to green, Savage suddenly headed pitside, turning the lead over to Andrew Hustead. Michael Larsen and Abe Huls waged a door to door battle behind the # 20, and following a lap 12 caution, Huls took over the second spot. Lynch also got around Larsen for third, as Huls and Hustead crossed the line side by side with two laps to go. Abe did all he could, but Andrew held his line, taking his first stock car win. Huls, Lynch, and Larsen followed Hustead across the line.
The UMP late model count was a solid 19, and Matt Santel turned a blistering qualifying fast lap of 13.063 in his second visit of 2015. 17 cars took the 25 lap feature green, and it took three tries to get one lap in the books. As that first lap was scored, Jamie Wilson jumped to the point, quickly opening a big lead over polesitter Jim Moon. Wilson was in slower traffic by lap five, as Moon, Justin Reed and Denny Woodworth, staged an entertaining battle for second. Reed took the runnerup slot on lap 11, but five laps later, Reed went off the top of turn four bringing out the caution and ending his run. The caution also wiped out Wilsons huge lead, but on the restart, he again rocketed to a commanding lead. Moon held second, while Woodworth and Mark Burgtorf battled for third. Mark took the spot, with Denny and Santel the only other cars on the lead lap at the checkers. It was the first feature win for Jamie in more than a decade.
Michael Long entered the night undefeated in UMP modified action in 2015, but it was Dave Weitholder setting quick time for the night. Long picked up the first heat win over Weitholder, but rolled a " six " to set the main event invert, putting himself in row three alongside first time visitor Kelly Kovski. Again, the caution waved on lap one, and as the field began to reset, a puff of smoke spewed from the # 18L, and he rolled to a stop in turn one, ending his night and his winning streak. Back to green, front row starters Steven Delonjay, visiting Rusty Griffaw, Witholder, and Jared Schlipman all looked for racing room. Griffaw took the top spot, but after a lap three yellow, Weitholder began to apply pressure. Griffaw managed to open a small lead, but by lap 12, he was in slower traffic. Delonjay and Kovski dueled for third and began to run down Weitholder. On lpa 17 of the 25 lapper, Kovski took over second, one lap later Delonjay brought out the caution with front end suspension damage. The yellow wiped out a big lead for Griffaw. On the restart Griffaw checked up ever so slightly, and as a result Kovski and Weitholder made contact, with Dave falling to fifth before he could gather up his ride. One more caution came on lap 19, and back to racing Weitholder worked his way back to second, taking Schlipman along in third. Schlipman fell out in the closing laps, turning third over to Kovski, with Shane Lewis claiming fourth.
IMCA Sport Compacts came to the track to complete a long night of racing. Brandon Lambert made it five for five in new winners, besting point leader Kimberly Abbott in the finale.
Quincy Raceways will host a special Thursday night of racing this week featuring the Power I midget series, with outlaw 600's as the only support class before coming back next Sunday with the regular five class program/
The 18 lap IMCA stock car feature ran next. John Oliver Jr. made the trip from Danville,Iowa for the first time in 2015, but had problems all night, retiring early for the main event. The caution waved a couple times early, but at each green, Brandon Savage opened a big lead. Jim Lynch had trouble getting ahold of the track, doing a 360 spin on the front stretch but keep going, only to spin again in turn one. Back to green, Savage suddenly headed pitside, turning the lead over to Andrew Hustead. Michael Larsen and Abe Huls waged a door to door battle behind the # 20, and following a lap 12 caution, Huls took over the second spot. Lynch also got around Larsen for third, as Huls and Hustead crossed the line side by side with two laps to go. Abe did all he could, but Andrew held his line, taking his first stock car win. Huls, Lynch, and Larsen followed Hustead across the line.
The UMP late model count was a solid 19, and Matt Santel turned a blistering qualifying fast lap of 13.063 in his second visit of 2015. 17 cars took the 25 lap feature green, and it took three tries to get one lap in the books. As that first lap was scored, Jamie Wilson jumped to the point, quickly opening a big lead over polesitter Jim Moon. Wilson was in slower traffic by lap five, as Moon, Justin Reed and Denny Woodworth, staged an entertaining battle for second. Reed took the runnerup slot on lap 11, but five laps later, Reed went off the top of turn four bringing out the caution and ending his run. The caution also wiped out Wilsons huge lead, but on the restart, he again rocketed to a commanding lead. Moon held second, while Woodworth and Mark Burgtorf battled for third. Mark took the spot, with Denny and Santel the only other cars on the lead lap at the checkers. It was the first feature win for Jamie in more than a decade.
Michael Long entered the night undefeated in UMP modified action in 2015, but it was Dave Weitholder setting quick time for the night. Long picked up the first heat win over Weitholder, but rolled a " six " to set the main event invert, putting himself in row three alongside first time visitor Kelly Kovski. Again, the caution waved on lap one, and as the field began to reset, a puff of smoke spewed from the # 18L, and he rolled to a stop in turn one, ending his night and his winning streak. Back to green, front row starters Steven Delonjay, visiting Rusty Griffaw, Witholder, and Jared Schlipman all looked for racing room. Griffaw took the top spot, but after a lap three yellow, Weitholder began to apply pressure. Griffaw managed to open a small lead, but by lap 12, he was in slower traffic. Delonjay and Kovski dueled for third and began to run down Weitholder. On lpa 17 of the 25 lapper, Kovski took over second, one lap later Delonjay brought out the caution with front end suspension damage. The yellow wiped out a big lead for Griffaw. On the restart Griffaw checked up ever so slightly, and as a result Kovski and Weitholder made contact, with Dave falling to fifth before he could gather up his ride. One more caution came on lap 19, and back to racing Weitholder worked his way back to second, taking Schlipman along in third. Schlipman fell out in the closing laps, turning third over to Kovski, with Shane Lewis claiming fourth.
IMCA Sport Compacts came to the track to complete a long night of racing. Brandon Lambert made it five for five in new winners, besting point leader Kimberly Abbott in the finale.
Quincy Raceways will host a special Thursday night of racing this week featuring the Power I midget series, with outlaw 600's as the only support class before coming back next Sunday with the regular five class program/
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