Rain...Again

 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!