For the fourth time this year, Quincy Raceways officials were forced to cancel Sunday night racing as the pits and grandstands were beginning to fill. Light rain at around 3:00 followed by a light but persistent drizzle past the 6:00 hour left the racing surface too wet for racing.
During the week, some area folks joined in to basically reconfigure the track. Both ends of the .29 mile facility had become highbanked and those turns were beginning to "cup." So the turns were cut down by a considerable amount and some "new " dirt was added.
With the UMP Summernational series coming to town in two weeks on July 10, officials are anxious to get some laps down on the new surface, so a couple of practice periods are being scheduled. With the Summernationals just a couple hours away this Sunday at Lincoln,IL., the UMP late models will not be in action at Quincy this Sunday. UMP modifieds will lead the Sunday card with a $1,000 to win feature. 305 sprint cards will replace the late models on the program.
At this time, my race plans are up in the air for the weekend with some family time scheduled, but hopefully there will be time for some racing sometime, somewhere!
Monday, June 27, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Guengerich Gets First win At Donnellson
It was a beautiful night for racing at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa on Friday night. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from B&B Propane, there was a large crowd on hand and the LCS crew put their best foot forward. 63 race teams in five classes checked in, and the program started right on time, with nine heat races setting the feature lines ups in only 40 minutes. About a ten minutes intermission for a bit of track prep and we were feature racing.
The IMCA sport compacts ran first, with all nine cars taking the green. In fact, all 63 cars were able to start their feature races. Josh Barnes shot to the lap one lead in the sport compact finale, but he soon had Ron Kibbe challenging for the lead. Lap after lap the two cars ran side by side, Barnes was a bit quicker off turn two, but Kibbe had the edge in three and four. Kibbe hugged the inside groove, while Barnes ran a higher line. Even as the white flag wave, the two drivers were neck and neck, but when the checkers waved it was Kibbe picking up the win. Darin Weisinger Jr. Brandon Reu and Kimberly Abbott completed the top five.
The 16 car IMCA sport mod main event ran next. Brandon Dale shot to the lead on lap one, and again took the top spot after a first lap caution. By the third circuit, Dale had opened up a big lead, while Tony Dunker had come from row five to third, and one lap later he took over the runnerup spot. Another caution came on lap five when Jim Gillenwater and Bobby Anders in the Wes Mayfield # 21M hooked bumpers. Back under green, Tanner Klingele who had pulled out of his heat race, grabbed the third spot. But this quickly became a two car race between Dale and Dunker. On lap ten, Brandon Lennox charged to the third position, but Dale on the cushion and Dunker in the middle were still well in front. As the laps wound down, Dale opened a small advantage, and it was a good thing, as he got high on the track in turn four coming to the checkers. But he was able to recover to nip Dunker at the line. Lennox held third, Gillenwater recovered to finish fourth, and Kyle Hill ran fifth.
IMCA modifieds ran 20 laps for the third feature. Bill Roberts Jr looped his ride on the first lap, but to his credit, he kept going, now a 1/2 lap behind. Dean McGee took the early lead, and when the caution waved on lap three, Roberts was back in contention. On the fifth circuit, point leader Jeff Waterman had moved from row five to battle Brandon Rothzen for second. Two laps later, Waterman took over the lead. With five to go, third running Jared Fuller pulled to the infield under green, but the caution came just as the white flag was displayed, setting up a green, white checkers shootout. On the Delaware restart, Rothzen shot from the inside line behind Waterman to the lead, holding on to the checkers, stealing what looked like a sure win for Waterman. Jeef settled for second ahead of McGee, Roberts, and Blake Woodruff.
Jeremy Pundt led the 14 car IMCA stock car field across the stripe ahead of a multi car scrum in turn one. It seemed a lap should have been scored. but the field was reset to an original restart, minus John Oliver Jr, who suffered heavy damage. Abe Huls, Greg Gill and Ray Raker went to the work area and rejoined the field, but it looked like the previous weeks winner Corey Strothman may have also suffered damage. Back under green, Pundt again built a lead, with Visitor David Brandies moving to second on lap two, trailed by point leader Jeff Mueller in third. It became a three car battle with Mueller taking the lead about lap seven - boy do I miss that scoreboard when it is not working! Brandies moved to second soon after, and for the final five laps he was glued to the back bumper of the # 77M, both drivers on the bottom of the track. On the final trip around, Huls powered around Pundt for third, but it was Mueller in victory lane for the seventh time this season. Brandies, Huls, Pundt, and Gill completed the top five.
The final race on the card was the Lee County late model feature. All 13 cars lined up to take the green for what was alternately announced as 25, then 20, then 25 laps - I "think" they ran 20! Polesitter Todd Frank led the first five circuits, with inside row two starter Jeff Guengerich in the Lynn Richard # 15R in tow. By lap six, Guengerich was turning up the heat, and he took over the top spot on the ninth trip past the flag stand. Three laps later, outside row one starter and four time winner Sam Halstead moved to second. The first caution came about lap 14, and another two laps later, but each time Guengerich held on to the lead. On the final restart, Tyler Cale started fourth, but encountered problems, ending his night. Halstead and Frank ran side by side, with Halstead prevailing, and on lap 17 Tommy Elston moved to third. But there was no catching Guengerich, who picked up his first win at LCS this season. Previously he had picked up the win when the LCS late models competed at 34 Raceway in West Burlington Memorial Day weekend. Halstead, Elston, Frank, and Colby Springsteen turned in top five finishes. Derek Liles led the second five over fast improving Laine Vanzandt, his father Charles Vanzandt, Gunner Frank, and Cale. Tegan Evans was credited with eleventh, and the final two spots went to former weekly racer Chris Richard who was " shaking out " Halsteads IMCA car and Colchester,Il first time visitor Russ Schoonover in his # 59.
The final checkers waved just before 9:45, capping an efficient, well run show.
Next up for me is weekly Sunday night action at Quincy Raceways, where the track has been torn up and reworked this week. With high heat projected, check the track facebook page or call the hotline to confirm start times.
The IMCA sport compacts ran first, with all nine cars taking the green. In fact, all 63 cars were able to start their feature races. Josh Barnes shot to the lap one lead in the sport compact finale, but he soon had Ron Kibbe challenging for the lead. Lap after lap the two cars ran side by side, Barnes was a bit quicker off turn two, but Kibbe had the edge in three and four. Kibbe hugged the inside groove, while Barnes ran a higher line. Even as the white flag wave, the two drivers were neck and neck, but when the checkers waved it was Kibbe picking up the win. Darin Weisinger Jr. Brandon Reu and Kimberly Abbott completed the top five.
The 16 car IMCA sport mod main event ran next. Brandon Dale shot to the lead on lap one, and again took the top spot after a first lap caution. By the third circuit, Dale had opened up a big lead, while Tony Dunker had come from row five to third, and one lap later he took over the runnerup spot. Another caution came on lap five when Jim Gillenwater and Bobby Anders in the Wes Mayfield # 21M hooked bumpers. Back under green, Tanner Klingele who had pulled out of his heat race, grabbed the third spot. But this quickly became a two car race between Dale and Dunker. On lap ten, Brandon Lennox charged to the third position, but Dale on the cushion and Dunker in the middle were still well in front. As the laps wound down, Dale opened a small advantage, and it was a good thing, as he got high on the track in turn four coming to the checkers. But he was able to recover to nip Dunker at the line. Lennox held third, Gillenwater recovered to finish fourth, and Kyle Hill ran fifth.
IMCA modifieds ran 20 laps for the third feature. Bill Roberts Jr looped his ride on the first lap, but to his credit, he kept going, now a 1/2 lap behind. Dean McGee took the early lead, and when the caution waved on lap three, Roberts was back in contention. On the fifth circuit, point leader Jeff Waterman had moved from row five to battle Brandon Rothzen for second. Two laps later, Waterman took over the lead. With five to go, third running Jared Fuller pulled to the infield under green, but the caution came just as the white flag was displayed, setting up a green, white checkers shootout. On the Delaware restart, Rothzen shot from the inside line behind Waterman to the lead, holding on to the checkers, stealing what looked like a sure win for Waterman. Jeef settled for second ahead of McGee, Roberts, and Blake Woodruff.
Jeremy Pundt led the 14 car IMCA stock car field across the stripe ahead of a multi car scrum in turn one. It seemed a lap should have been scored. but the field was reset to an original restart, minus John Oliver Jr, who suffered heavy damage. Abe Huls, Greg Gill and Ray Raker went to the work area and rejoined the field, but it looked like the previous weeks winner Corey Strothman may have also suffered damage. Back under green, Pundt again built a lead, with Visitor David Brandies moving to second on lap two, trailed by point leader Jeff Mueller in third. It became a three car battle with Mueller taking the lead about lap seven - boy do I miss that scoreboard when it is not working! Brandies moved to second soon after, and for the final five laps he was glued to the back bumper of the # 77M, both drivers on the bottom of the track. On the final trip around, Huls powered around Pundt for third, but it was Mueller in victory lane for the seventh time this season. Brandies, Huls, Pundt, and Gill completed the top five.
The final race on the card was the Lee County late model feature. All 13 cars lined up to take the green for what was alternately announced as 25, then 20, then 25 laps - I "think" they ran 20! Polesitter Todd Frank led the first five circuits, with inside row two starter Jeff Guengerich in the Lynn Richard # 15R in tow. By lap six, Guengerich was turning up the heat, and he took over the top spot on the ninth trip past the flag stand. Three laps later, outside row one starter and four time winner Sam Halstead moved to second. The first caution came about lap 14, and another two laps later, but each time Guengerich held on to the lead. On the final restart, Tyler Cale started fourth, but encountered problems, ending his night. Halstead and Frank ran side by side, with Halstead prevailing, and on lap 17 Tommy Elston moved to third. But there was no catching Guengerich, who picked up his first win at LCS this season. Previously he had picked up the win when the LCS late models competed at 34 Raceway in West Burlington Memorial Day weekend. Halstead, Elston, Frank, and Colby Springsteen turned in top five finishes. Derek Liles led the second five over fast improving Laine Vanzandt, his father Charles Vanzandt, Gunner Frank, and Cale. Tegan Evans was credited with eleventh, and the final two spots went to former weekly racer Chris Richard who was " shaking out " Halsteads IMCA car and Colchester,Il first time visitor Russ Schoonover in his # 59.
The final checkers waved just before 9:45, capping an efficient, well run show.
Next up for me is weekly Sunday night action at Quincy Raceways, where the track has been torn up and reworked this week. With high heat projected, check the track facebook page or call the hotline to confirm start times.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Four Letter Words Dominate at Quincy
The weather was hot on Sunday as I enjoyed my only race of the weekend Sunday night at Quincy Raceways. Car counts were down with the 90 plus degree temps, but a nice size crowd turned out anyway.
Until the final feature of the night, four letter last names was the ticket to victory lane. As usual, the IMCA stock cars ran first for 18 laps. Heat race winner Cletus Coats paced the opening circuit before a lap two yellow slowed the action. On the Delaware restart, third place Abe Huls charged to the lead. With only four laps in, Abe had a straightaway lead before another caution bunched the field. The yellow was for Michael Larsen, but back under green, the veteran was back to fourth in one lap. Again Huls pulled away, but the yellow waved one final time as lap ten was scored with Larsen in third by a nose. Back to racing, Huls pulled away, but this time Brian Hoener kept the # 30C in his sights. But Huls stayed in control, starting off the four letter winners. Hoener, Larsen, Jake Powers and Beau Taylor completed the top five.
The UMP modifieds were up next, with Michael Long looking for a sweep. Michael had paced qualifying with a lap of 14.796 seconds around the .29 mile oval, then captured the heat race. He rolled a four for the 20 lap feature invert, putting Shaun Deering and Dave Weitholder in row one. Deering jumped to the early lead, with Weitholder, Long, and Rick Conoyer in tow. Weitholder stumbled slightly on lap four, as Long moved to second. Deering was hitting his marks and holding off Long, with Weitholder again joining the breakaway. As lap nine was being scored, Long pulled a perfect slide job out of turn four to grab the lead. He then stretched his lead as Deering and Weitholder battled for second, Deering on the cushion and Weitholder trying the low line. The race stayed caution free, and Long found himself back in the winners circle, another four letter winner. Deering, Weitholder, Conoyer, and Frankie Wellman chalked up top five runs.
Keith Pratt was missing from the UMP late model lineup after blowing his engine in the second heat. McKay Wenger, already a two time feature winner over the weekend, set quick time at 13.379 seconds, but finished behind Justin Reed in the first heat. Reed then pulled a one for a straight up start for the 25 lap finale. But it was outside polesitter Mark Burgtorf shooting to the lead, with Reed in second. Row two starters Jason Perry and Wenger made contact going through turn tow, damaging the rear spoiler on Wengers ride. Still Wenger stayed close until he slid out of the groove on lap six. Fortunately for him, the yellow waved at the same time for Charles Vanzandt, who contacted the front stretch wall. Back under green, Burgtorf built a comfortable lead as Reed and Wenger dueled for second until a caution for debris on lap nine. Point leader Denny Woodworth slipped past Wenger for third on the restart, but again Burgtorf pulled away. But on the 16th circuit, Burgtorf suddenly slowed on the backstretch and pulled to the pits, turning the lead over to, you guessed it, Reed! Perry powered around Wenger and was soon locked in a battle for second with Woodworth, but it was Reed now building a sizable margin. Perry moved to the runnerup spot on lap 21 , but Reed built on the four letter theme with his second win in a row at QR. Perry, Woodworth, Wenger, and Laine Vanzandt completed the top five.
A dozen plus one IMCA sport mods took the green, with second generation driver Spencer Coats pacing the first trip around. It was then Levi Long and Wes Mayfield battling for the top spot on lap two, with rookie Justin Ebbing closing on the leaders. At the midway point of the 18 lapper, Mayfield spun going into turn one, with possible drive train issues, bringing out the first yellow of the night. Back to green, Tanner Klingele jumped ahead of Ebbing for second, and with Brandon Lennox and Joey Gower joining in, it was now a five car battle. On lap 13 Ebbing regained the second spot, and one lap later, Klingele spun his machine. With racing resuming, Gower advanced to third, then to second as Lennox stumbled on lap 17. And even though Gower climbed from the 13th starting spot to second, it was Levi Long, a double four letter driver picking up his first ever sport mod win.
With quite a bit of track prep pre race and during the night as officials tried to overcome the heat, the clock was now past 9:00 and I needed to head to the car ahead of an early Monday. Congrats to Brandon Lambert on the IMCA sport compact win, although had I stayed, I might have expected Jerry Bown to come out on top!
It was announced that proceeds from the fifty/fifty drawing would go to the Frankel family to help with expenses from their accident. In addition, the winner of the drawing gave back the entire $505.00 winners share, helmets were passed in the stands, and the track donated $2.00 per adult and senior ticket. As a result, over $3,000.00 was raised for the long time racing family! Also, promoter Ken Dobson confirmed that he has indeed signed a " long term " lease extension to continue to operate the track.
Although the UMP Summernational late model tour is making a pass close to the area, my next race will probably be Friday night, at the Lee County Speedway. Summer is officially here, so take in some racing!
Until the final feature of the night, four letter last names was the ticket to victory lane. As usual, the IMCA stock cars ran first for 18 laps. Heat race winner Cletus Coats paced the opening circuit before a lap two yellow slowed the action. On the Delaware restart, third place Abe Huls charged to the lead. With only four laps in, Abe had a straightaway lead before another caution bunched the field. The yellow was for Michael Larsen, but back under green, the veteran was back to fourth in one lap. Again Huls pulled away, but the yellow waved one final time as lap ten was scored with Larsen in third by a nose. Back to racing, Huls pulled away, but this time Brian Hoener kept the # 30C in his sights. But Huls stayed in control, starting off the four letter winners. Hoener, Larsen, Jake Powers and Beau Taylor completed the top five.
The UMP modifieds were up next, with Michael Long looking for a sweep. Michael had paced qualifying with a lap of 14.796 seconds around the .29 mile oval, then captured the heat race. He rolled a four for the 20 lap feature invert, putting Shaun Deering and Dave Weitholder in row one. Deering jumped to the early lead, with Weitholder, Long, and Rick Conoyer in tow. Weitholder stumbled slightly on lap four, as Long moved to second. Deering was hitting his marks and holding off Long, with Weitholder again joining the breakaway. As lap nine was being scored, Long pulled a perfect slide job out of turn four to grab the lead. He then stretched his lead as Deering and Weitholder battled for second, Deering on the cushion and Weitholder trying the low line. The race stayed caution free, and Long found himself back in the winners circle, another four letter winner. Deering, Weitholder, Conoyer, and Frankie Wellman chalked up top five runs.
Keith Pratt was missing from the UMP late model lineup after blowing his engine in the second heat. McKay Wenger, already a two time feature winner over the weekend, set quick time at 13.379 seconds, but finished behind Justin Reed in the first heat. Reed then pulled a one for a straight up start for the 25 lap finale. But it was outside polesitter Mark Burgtorf shooting to the lead, with Reed in second. Row two starters Jason Perry and Wenger made contact going through turn tow, damaging the rear spoiler on Wengers ride. Still Wenger stayed close until he slid out of the groove on lap six. Fortunately for him, the yellow waved at the same time for Charles Vanzandt, who contacted the front stretch wall. Back under green, Burgtorf built a comfortable lead as Reed and Wenger dueled for second until a caution for debris on lap nine. Point leader Denny Woodworth slipped past Wenger for third on the restart, but again Burgtorf pulled away. But on the 16th circuit, Burgtorf suddenly slowed on the backstretch and pulled to the pits, turning the lead over to, you guessed it, Reed! Perry powered around Wenger and was soon locked in a battle for second with Woodworth, but it was Reed now building a sizable margin. Perry moved to the runnerup spot on lap 21 , but Reed built on the four letter theme with his second win in a row at QR. Perry, Woodworth, Wenger, and Laine Vanzandt completed the top five.
A dozen plus one IMCA sport mods took the green, with second generation driver Spencer Coats pacing the first trip around. It was then Levi Long and Wes Mayfield battling for the top spot on lap two, with rookie Justin Ebbing closing on the leaders. At the midway point of the 18 lapper, Mayfield spun going into turn one, with possible drive train issues, bringing out the first yellow of the night. Back to green, Tanner Klingele jumped ahead of Ebbing for second, and with Brandon Lennox and Joey Gower joining in, it was now a five car battle. On lap 13 Ebbing regained the second spot, and one lap later, Klingele spun his machine. With racing resuming, Gower advanced to third, then to second as Lennox stumbled on lap 17. And even though Gower climbed from the 13th starting spot to second, it was Levi Long, a double four letter driver picking up his first ever sport mod win.
With quite a bit of track prep pre race and during the night as officials tried to overcome the heat, the clock was now past 9:00 and I needed to head to the car ahead of an early Monday. Congrats to Brandon Lambert on the IMCA sport compact win, although had I stayed, I might have expected Jerry Bown to come out on top!
It was announced that proceeds from the fifty/fifty drawing would go to the Frankel family to help with expenses from their accident. In addition, the winner of the drawing gave back the entire $505.00 winners share, helmets were passed in the stands, and the track donated $2.00 per adult and senior ticket. As a result, over $3,000.00 was raised for the long time racing family! Also, promoter Ken Dobson confirmed that he has indeed signed a " long term " lease extension to continue to operate the track.
Although the UMP Summernational late model tour is making a pass close to the area, my next race will probably be Friday night, at the Lee County Speedway. Summer is officially here, so take in some racing!
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Rain and an Accident Update
With the pits filling up, a renegade rainstorm moving east to west forced cancellation of Sunday nights races at Quincy Raceways. One team missing from the pit area was the 33 Frankel Racing Team. On their way to I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo on Saturday night, a right front tire blew on their toter/transporter south of Hannibal,Mo., sending them head on in to a rock wall. Dad Rick Frankel was reportedly behind the wheel, and he was shaken up with a headache, cuts and bruises. The other passengers were not so lucky. Ricks wife Collen was airlifted to a St Louis hospital with injuries reportedly including a broken leg, knee, and heel, as well as cuts and bruises. At last report, she had come through surgery well. Rickey Frankel. who finished second Friday night in the late model feature in Granite City,Il. was transported to Hannibal hospital with reported injuries including a broken collarbone and broken ribs. Long time supporter Charles Bryson, the spokesperson for the Quincy Raceways Hall of Fame, was transported to Hannibal hospital with a cut to the head that reportedly required staples. As nearly as I can tell, this information is accurate, as reports are still coming in. The 50/50 raffle at QR tonight was to be donated to the family, however the rains came before many tickets could be sold. For those who do not know, the Frankels daughter, Shannon, is married to UMP modified racer Michael Long, and of course son Jason is also a former late model driver. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Frankel family.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
A Pair of First Time Winners at Donnellson
Race night number 20 for me came Friday night at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson. Both the crowd and the car count were down a bit, no surprise given temperatures in the nineties. Seven classes of cars were on the card, but only two hobby stocks signed in, as promoter Mike VanGenderen tries to save the struggling class.
The first feature of the night was for the IMCA sport compacts, with nine of the ten entrants taking the green. Josh Barnes charged to the lead on lap one, locked in a tight battle with Ron Kibbe. Kibbe took over the top spot on lap two and held on as the laps clicked off. Brad Chandler was back at LCS in the Barnes back up # 13X. He worked his way past Barnes and the Reu # 8 to the runner up spot by lap six, and one lap later took over the lead. From there he cruised to the win, with Kibbe hanging on for second. Barnes held off Kimberly Abbott for third.
Next up was the 20 lap main event for the visiting 305 sprint cars. Eight of the nine cars checked in came to the grid, with Jared Schneiderman a scratch. Tanner Gebhardt led the first circuit, with the yellow waving as the pack crossed the line. Back to racing, row four starter John Schulz, who had rolled his # 27 in the heat, moved to the fourth spot on lap four. But Gebhardt was hitting his marks, and had opened a nice lead by the halfway point. As the race wound down, Dave Getchell began to gain ground on the leader, and as the 16th circuit was scored, he had caught the # 81. Schultz retired to the infield on lap 18, and as the white flag waved, Getchell inched ahead at the flagstand. Gebhardt then had to contend with Harold Pohren, who edged past Gebhardt for second as the checkers flew. A jubilant Getchell said it was his first win in 22 years!
Ten IMCA sport mods were up next for 18 laps. Austin Howes and Brandon Dale sat on row one, with Dale leading the first trip past the flagstand. Howes used the higher groove to lead lap two, while veteran Jim Gillenwater raced from the third row to the third position. Dale and Howes raced side by side on the fourth circuit, and again Howes nosed ahead on lap five. On the sixth trip around, Gillenwater eased around Dale for second. Now it was Gillenwater hugging the low groove as he usually does, with Howes running higher on the speedway. When the first caution flew on lap 13, the lead Howes had evaporated, and now Gillenwater had his chance. The veteran grabbed the lead on the restart, but stayed glued to the inside line, while Howes fought back on the top side. At the white flag, it was the 18 year old Howes back in the lead, and he held on for his first feature win. Dale came home third, while Joey Gower grabbed fourth.
With only a pair of hobby stocks, three sport compacts were added in a bizarre attempt at a race which mercifully ended with only one of each class on the track
A 25 lap feature for the eleven Lee County late models was next on the card. The redraw found Tyler Cale and two time winner Tommy Elston on row one. The second generation driver Cale led the pair of laps, as fifth starting Sam Halstead slipped past Todd Frank for third. Elston used a high line to take the lead on lap six, and it now became a three car battle. As lap seven was being scored, Cale found himself near the turn four guardrail, slipping back to fourth. As the pack entered turn one, another two time winner, Colby Springsteen looped his # 38, bringing out the only yellow of the race.
Back under green, Halstead was scored first by a nose on lap nine, but quickly began to widen his lead. Meanwhile, Springsteen was fighting back, entering the top five on lap 13. On lap 14, seventh starting Jeff Guengerich took the third spot, and one lap later Springsteen climbed to fourth. Lap 18 saw Guengerich wheel the Lynn Richard owned # 15R to the runner up spot, and three circuits later, Springsteen worked around Elston for third. Halstead kept his foot on the gas, however, claiming his third feature win of the season. Guengerich, Springsteen, Elston, and Frank turned in top five runs. Cale finished sixth, followed by Derek Liles, Charles Vanzandt, Brandon Potts, Gunner Frank, and Laine Vanzandt, eleven starting and eleven taking the checkers.
Although the night was still young, Saturday was a work day, so I headed for the car with the IMCA stock cars and IMCA modified features still to be run.
With high temps still predicted for Sunday, Quincy Raceways plan to start one hour later than usual, with hot laps about 6:30 for UMP late models and modifieds along with IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts.
No racing for me until then, but the skies look good on this Saturday, so get out and enjoy some racing!
The first feature of the night was for the IMCA sport compacts, with nine of the ten entrants taking the green. Josh Barnes charged to the lead on lap one, locked in a tight battle with Ron Kibbe. Kibbe took over the top spot on lap two and held on as the laps clicked off. Brad Chandler was back at LCS in the Barnes back up # 13X. He worked his way past Barnes and the Reu # 8 to the runner up spot by lap six, and one lap later took over the lead. From there he cruised to the win, with Kibbe hanging on for second. Barnes held off Kimberly Abbott for third.
Next up was the 20 lap main event for the visiting 305 sprint cars. Eight of the nine cars checked in came to the grid, with Jared Schneiderman a scratch. Tanner Gebhardt led the first circuit, with the yellow waving as the pack crossed the line. Back to racing, row four starter John Schulz, who had rolled his # 27 in the heat, moved to the fourth spot on lap four. But Gebhardt was hitting his marks, and had opened a nice lead by the halfway point. As the race wound down, Dave Getchell began to gain ground on the leader, and as the 16th circuit was scored, he had caught the # 81. Schultz retired to the infield on lap 18, and as the white flag waved, Getchell inched ahead at the flagstand. Gebhardt then had to contend with Harold Pohren, who edged past Gebhardt for second as the checkers flew. A jubilant Getchell said it was his first win in 22 years!
Ten IMCA sport mods were up next for 18 laps. Austin Howes and Brandon Dale sat on row one, with Dale leading the first trip past the flagstand. Howes used the higher groove to lead lap two, while veteran Jim Gillenwater raced from the third row to the third position. Dale and Howes raced side by side on the fourth circuit, and again Howes nosed ahead on lap five. On the sixth trip around, Gillenwater eased around Dale for second. Now it was Gillenwater hugging the low groove as he usually does, with Howes running higher on the speedway. When the first caution flew on lap 13, the lead Howes had evaporated, and now Gillenwater had his chance. The veteran grabbed the lead on the restart, but stayed glued to the inside line, while Howes fought back on the top side. At the white flag, it was the 18 year old Howes back in the lead, and he held on for his first feature win. Dale came home third, while Joey Gower grabbed fourth.
With only a pair of hobby stocks, three sport compacts were added in a bizarre attempt at a race which mercifully ended with only one of each class on the track
A 25 lap feature for the eleven Lee County late models was next on the card. The redraw found Tyler Cale and two time winner Tommy Elston on row one. The second generation driver Cale led the pair of laps, as fifth starting Sam Halstead slipped past Todd Frank for third. Elston used a high line to take the lead on lap six, and it now became a three car battle. As lap seven was being scored, Cale found himself near the turn four guardrail, slipping back to fourth. As the pack entered turn one, another two time winner, Colby Springsteen looped his # 38, bringing out the only yellow of the race.
Back under green, Halstead was scored first by a nose on lap nine, but quickly began to widen his lead. Meanwhile, Springsteen was fighting back, entering the top five on lap 13. On lap 14, seventh starting Jeff Guengerich took the third spot, and one lap later Springsteen climbed to fourth. Lap 18 saw Guengerich wheel the Lynn Richard owned # 15R to the runner up spot, and three circuits later, Springsteen worked around Elston for third. Halstead kept his foot on the gas, however, claiming his third feature win of the season. Guengerich, Springsteen, Elston, and Frank turned in top five runs. Cale finished sixth, followed by Derek Liles, Charles Vanzandt, Brandon Potts, Gunner Frank, and Laine Vanzandt, eleven starting and eleven taking the checkers.
Although the night was still young, Saturday was a work day, so I headed for the car with the IMCA stock cars and IMCA modified features still to be run.
With high temps still predicted for Sunday, Quincy Raceways plan to start one hour later than usual, with hot laps about 6:30 for UMP late models and modifieds along with IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts.
No racing for me until then, but the skies look good on this Saturday, so get out and enjoy some racing!
Monday, June 6, 2016
The Streak is Over at Quincy
The UMP Big Ten late model series made their second visit of 2016 to Quincy Raceways Sunday night, racing for a $2,000 top prize and track, series, and national points. 20 high powered late models signed in, but the subplot on the night was the win streak by local UMP modified standout Michael Long. Dry slick, tacky, smooth, or rough, Michael had yet to lose a race this season at QR. Five heat race wins, and five features, he was perfect. So for the last couple of weeks, promoter Ken Dobson had placed a bounty on the # 18L, raising it by a Ben Franklin each week, until it stood at $600.00 on top of the $500.00 first place money to outrun Long. When only eight UMP modifieds checked in on a very warm Sunday evening, it looked like Dobson might have to come up with another $100.00 for next week.
After St Louis hot shoe and Quincy University graduate Gordy Gundaker set quick time for the 20 UMP late models at 13.434 seconds around the .29 mile oval, Long did his thing, turning a quick lap of 14.667 seconds.
An ailing water truck and a hot late afternoon sun turned the track into a dustbowl for the heat races.
Still Michael ran his win streak to eleven, while Rickey Frankel, Keith Pratt, and McKay Wenger topped the late model qualifiers.
During the 30 minute intermission, track workers dumped quite a bit of water on the racing surface, eliminating the dust problem.
The twelve car IMCA stock car 18 lap feature ran first, with Jerry Jansen pacing lap one, followed closely by Andrew Hustead. Row four starter Brandon Savage climbed to third on the second go around, and two laps later it was Hustead out front and Savage second when the caution waved. On the restart, Savage grabbed the lead, with Hustead in pursuit. By lap nine, point leader Abe Huls was up to third, and it became a three car battle until the caution flew again on lap twelve for fifth place Dean Kratzer. One lap after the restart, Beau Taylor had a tire go down, bringing out another caution. Back under green, Huls took the runner up spot, but the caution came out twice on lap 15 for Michael Larsen and first time visitor Shane Paris, who was running fourth. With the green flag back out, Savage held off the charge of Huls, picking up his second win of the season. Hustead, Jansen, and Jake Powers completed the top five.
It was now modified time, with Long and Wentzville, Mo visitor Rick Conoyer on row one. Conoyer has been a frequent competitor at QR, and is a top runner in the St Louis area. He got the jump on Long as the green waved, quickly taking the preferred line at the very top of the speedway. Very quickly it became a two car breakaway, with the # 14 holding a decent lead and Long well ahead of the rest of the pack. The leaders hit lapped traffic on the 13th circuit, and Long began to close the gap. The only caution came on lap 16, giving Long another shot with five laps remaining. But Conoyer was not to be denied and picked up the win to the delight of a crowd who holds no animosity to Michael, but was rooting for the underdog. Dave Weitholder came from the back to take third, followed by Donavon Lodge and Shawn Deering.
Next up was the late model headliner. Frankel had rolled a four to set the feature lineup, putting Gundaker and two time winner Wenger on the front row for the 25 laps. Wenger was out front at the end of lap one, before a lap three caution reset the field. On the restart, Justin Reed moved to third, and Wenger, Gundaker, and Reed formed a three car breakaway, with the latter pair battling for second. Slower traffic came in to play on the 13th circuit, and two laps later, Reed moved to second. As lap 17 was scored, Reed took over the top spot, and Rusty Griffaw joined the fray, taking the third slot on lap 19. With no further stoppages, Reed picked up his first win of the season, followed by Wenger, Griffaw, Gundaker, and Jim Moon. Dustin Griffin led the second five ahead of Frankel, Denny Woodworth, Mark Burgtorf, and Daryn Klein. Brian Dively in eleventh completed the lead lap cars.
The IMCA sport mod class was a bit light with twelve entries. Second generation driver Levi Long survived a pair of early cautions to lead the opening laps. By lap four, Brandon Lennox had charged to fourth, and he began to pressure Long as Austen Becerra closed on the front duo. The leaders ran side by side on the ninth circuit before a lap ten yellow. Back under green, Tanner Klingele moved to third, but again it was Long and Lennox side by side on lap twelve. As the top three battled, Long left the door open on the top side, and Lennox slipped around on lap 14. When Klingele slipped on the high side, Becerra regained the third spot, and Joey Gower also eased by for fourth. At the checkers, it was Lennox, Long, Becerra, Gower, and Klingele.
Rounding out the card was the IMCA sport compact 15 lap finale. Eight of the nine cars took the green, with Jeffery Delonjay pacing the start. With Brandon Lambert in tow, the front pair staged a two car battle for the lead. Kimberly Abbott saw her run to the front evaporate with flat right front tire, but Craig Bangert began to make up ground. With no cautions, Delonjay held on for the win over Lambert, Bangert, Alyssa Steele, and Adam Scott.
The final checkers waved soon after 9:00.
With the dry, dusty conditions early, and next weeks forecast for temperatures in the nineties, it was decided to move back the start time next week by one hour, with hot laps about 6:20.
With a three race weekend in the books, it is time to catch up on sleep, but I hope to see you next week Racin' Down the Road!
After St Louis hot shoe and Quincy University graduate Gordy Gundaker set quick time for the 20 UMP late models at 13.434 seconds around the .29 mile oval, Long did his thing, turning a quick lap of 14.667 seconds.
An ailing water truck and a hot late afternoon sun turned the track into a dustbowl for the heat races.
Still Michael ran his win streak to eleven, while Rickey Frankel, Keith Pratt, and McKay Wenger topped the late model qualifiers.
During the 30 minute intermission, track workers dumped quite a bit of water on the racing surface, eliminating the dust problem.
The twelve car IMCA stock car 18 lap feature ran first, with Jerry Jansen pacing lap one, followed closely by Andrew Hustead. Row four starter Brandon Savage climbed to third on the second go around, and two laps later it was Hustead out front and Savage second when the caution waved. On the restart, Savage grabbed the lead, with Hustead in pursuit. By lap nine, point leader Abe Huls was up to third, and it became a three car battle until the caution flew again on lap twelve for fifth place Dean Kratzer. One lap after the restart, Beau Taylor had a tire go down, bringing out another caution. Back under green, Huls took the runner up spot, but the caution came out twice on lap 15 for Michael Larsen and first time visitor Shane Paris, who was running fourth. With the green flag back out, Savage held off the charge of Huls, picking up his second win of the season. Hustead, Jansen, and Jake Powers completed the top five.
It was now modified time, with Long and Wentzville, Mo visitor Rick Conoyer on row one. Conoyer has been a frequent competitor at QR, and is a top runner in the St Louis area. He got the jump on Long as the green waved, quickly taking the preferred line at the very top of the speedway. Very quickly it became a two car breakaway, with the # 14 holding a decent lead and Long well ahead of the rest of the pack. The leaders hit lapped traffic on the 13th circuit, and Long began to close the gap. The only caution came on lap 16, giving Long another shot with five laps remaining. But Conoyer was not to be denied and picked up the win to the delight of a crowd who holds no animosity to Michael, but was rooting for the underdog. Dave Weitholder came from the back to take third, followed by Donavon Lodge and Shawn Deering.
Next up was the late model headliner. Frankel had rolled a four to set the feature lineup, putting Gundaker and two time winner Wenger on the front row for the 25 laps. Wenger was out front at the end of lap one, before a lap three caution reset the field. On the restart, Justin Reed moved to third, and Wenger, Gundaker, and Reed formed a three car breakaway, with the latter pair battling for second. Slower traffic came in to play on the 13th circuit, and two laps later, Reed moved to second. As lap 17 was scored, Reed took over the top spot, and Rusty Griffaw joined the fray, taking the third slot on lap 19. With no further stoppages, Reed picked up his first win of the season, followed by Wenger, Griffaw, Gundaker, and Jim Moon. Dustin Griffin led the second five ahead of Frankel, Denny Woodworth, Mark Burgtorf, and Daryn Klein. Brian Dively in eleventh completed the lead lap cars.
The IMCA sport mod class was a bit light with twelve entries. Second generation driver Levi Long survived a pair of early cautions to lead the opening laps. By lap four, Brandon Lennox had charged to fourth, and he began to pressure Long as Austen Becerra closed on the front duo. The leaders ran side by side on the ninth circuit before a lap ten yellow. Back under green, Tanner Klingele moved to third, but again it was Long and Lennox side by side on lap twelve. As the top three battled, Long left the door open on the top side, and Lennox slipped around on lap 14. When Klingele slipped on the high side, Becerra regained the third spot, and Joey Gower also eased by for fourth. At the checkers, it was Lennox, Long, Becerra, Gower, and Klingele.
Rounding out the card was the IMCA sport compact 15 lap finale. Eight of the nine cars took the green, with Jeffery Delonjay pacing the start. With Brandon Lambert in tow, the front pair staged a two car battle for the lead. Kimberly Abbott saw her run to the front evaporate with flat right front tire, but Craig Bangert began to make up ground. With no cautions, Delonjay held on for the win over Lambert, Bangert, Alyssa Steele, and Adam Scott.
The final checkers waved soon after 9:00.
With the dry, dusty conditions early, and next weeks forecast for temperatures in the nineties, it was decided to move back the start time next week by one hour, with hot laps about 6:20.
With a three race weekend in the books, it is time to catch up on sleep, but I hope to see you next week Racin' Down the Road!
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Another Simpson in Victory Lane
Saturday night was the third and final night of the MLRA late model swing through southeast Iowa/northeast Missouri, and despite rain showers in the area, the race went on as planned at the Randolph County Raceway near Moberly,Mo. As we made our way south and west, we encountered showers less than ten miles from the highbanked speedplant, but when he arrived the water truck was on the oval and there was nothing more than a couple random sprinkles which quickly dissipated.
With at least a pair of St Louis area tracks cancelled early in the day, we thought we might see an influx of late models from the metro area, however only Tim Manville and Dewayne Kiefer made the trip north. Still a solid field of 31 late models checked in, including a half dozen or so ULMA steel block competitors who compete regularly at RCR.
USRA modifieds, USRA B mods along with hobby stocks and 4 cylinder cars ran in support of the late models.
The MLRA cars ran third in the order, with three ten lap heat races. The top 16 in passing points would set the first eight rows of the 24 car 40 lap main event on what is billed as a 1/2 mile track, although I would have to call it a " short " 1/2 mile. Front row starters Terry Phillips and Austin Siebert ran one two in the first heat, with the top six actually qualifying for the feature. Outside polesitter Tad Pospisil bested row three starter Chad Simpson in heat two, and outside row one starter Ryan Gustin held off polesitter Mark Burgtorf in heat three. In that final heat, Texan Allan Murray started ninth and finished third to earn a front row feature spot alongside Simpson.
One 15 lap B-main added six more competitors to the grid, with Manville grabbing the win ahead of California driver Jason Papich.
Following intermission, the RCR hobby stocks started off the feature action, with eight cars taking the green. Track regular Tim Dawson took the lead on lap two, holding on to complete a sweep of the heat and feature, winning both by a wide margin.
All but one of the 18 USRA b modifieds came to the track for their 15 lap main event. Unfortunately, this race turned into a yellow flag marathon, but Galen Hasler led flag to flag for the win.
The late model finale was up next, 24 cars for 40 laps. Simpson shot to the lead at the green, with Murray and fourth starting Gustin side by side for second, and fifth starting Phillips in fourth. Simpson soon opened a nice lead, and Gustin separated himself from the pack in second. Slower traffic soon came into play, and on lap twelve, Gustin found his way around Simpson for the lead. Simpson fought back, and the two swapped the top spot numerous times in the ensuing laps on the high banks, with slide jobs aplenty. Finally Simpson opened a bit of an advantage once again, but the only caution of the race came with about ten laps to go - RCR has no scoreboard. The stoppage came for Papich, who rolled to a stop in turn two. With nowhere to go, Manville, who was having a solid run and now up to eighth, smacked the # 91P, ending the night for both drivers. As the cleanup was going on, Gustin headed for the trailer, ending his chances of back to back MLRA wins at Moberly. Phillips was now in the runner up spot, with row six starter Rodney Sanders, another Texan in third. But neither of the veterans could run down Simpson, as the former series champion scored the win one night after brother Chris finished on top at Donnellson, Iowa. Surprisingly, neither Chris nor Donnellson runner up Jimmy Mars were in attendance at Moberly.
Phillips held off Sanders for third, with 11th starting Jesse Stovall and Siebert completing the top five. They were followed by Brantlee Gotschall, Pospisil, Murray, Tony Jackson Jr., and Rickey Frankel, who started tenth and finished tenth. The only other lead lap car was Jason Utter, who received the " lucky dog " at the lone caution period, putting him back on the lead lap.
With the clock now showing the wrong side of 10:00, we headed to the car before the 4 cylinder and A -mod features.
Tonight we will round out a three race weekend with the UMP Big Ten late models at Quincy,Il Raceways. The late models will race for a $2,000 top prize and Big Ten points, while the UMP modifieds will have $1100 on the line for anyone who can beat Michael Long. IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts will fill out the card, with hot laps starting about 5:30
One more night of Racin' Down the Road!
With at least a pair of St Louis area tracks cancelled early in the day, we thought we might see an influx of late models from the metro area, however only Tim Manville and Dewayne Kiefer made the trip north. Still a solid field of 31 late models checked in, including a half dozen or so ULMA steel block competitors who compete regularly at RCR.
USRA modifieds, USRA B mods along with hobby stocks and 4 cylinder cars ran in support of the late models.
The MLRA cars ran third in the order, with three ten lap heat races. The top 16 in passing points would set the first eight rows of the 24 car 40 lap main event on what is billed as a 1/2 mile track, although I would have to call it a " short " 1/2 mile. Front row starters Terry Phillips and Austin Siebert ran one two in the first heat, with the top six actually qualifying for the feature. Outside polesitter Tad Pospisil bested row three starter Chad Simpson in heat two, and outside row one starter Ryan Gustin held off polesitter Mark Burgtorf in heat three. In that final heat, Texan Allan Murray started ninth and finished third to earn a front row feature spot alongside Simpson.
One 15 lap B-main added six more competitors to the grid, with Manville grabbing the win ahead of California driver Jason Papich.
Following intermission, the RCR hobby stocks started off the feature action, with eight cars taking the green. Track regular Tim Dawson took the lead on lap two, holding on to complete a sweep of the heat and feature, winning both by a wide margin.
All but one of the 18 USRA b modifieds came to the track for their 15 lap main event. Unfortunately, this race turned into a yellow flag marathon, but Galen Hasler led flag to flag for the win.
The late model finale was up next, 24 cars for 40 laps. Simpson shot to the lead at the green, with Murray and fourth starting Gustin side by side for second, and fifth starting Phillips in fourth. Simpson soon opened a nice lead, and Gustin separated himself from the pack in second. Slower traffic soon came into play, and on lap twelve, Gustin found his way around Simpson for the lead. Simpson fought back, and the two swapped the top spot numerous times in the ensuing laps on the high banks, with slide jobs aplenty. Finally Simpson opened a bit of an advantage once again, but the only caution of the race came with about ten laps to go - RCR has no scoreboard. The stoppage came for Papich, who rolled to a stop in turn two. With nowhere to go, Manville, who was having a solid run and now up to eighth, smacked the # 91P, ending the night for both drivers. As the cleanup was going on, Gustin headed for the trailer, ending his chances of back to back MLRA wins at Moberly. Phillips was now in the runner up spot, with row six starter Rodney Sanders, another Texan in third. But neither of the veterans could run down Simpson, as the former series champion scored the win one night after brother Chris finished on top at Donnellson, Iowa. Surprisingly, neither Chris nor Donnellson runner up Jimmy Mars were in attendance at Moberly.
Phillips held off Sanders for third, with 11th starting Jesse Stovall and Siebert completing the top five. They were followed by Brantlee Gotschall, Pospisil, Murray, Tony Jackson Jr., and Rickey Frankel, who started tenth and finished tenth. The only other lead lap car was Jason Utter, who received the " lucky dog " at the lone caution period, putting him back on the lead lap.
With the clock now showing the wrong side of 10:00, we headed to the car before the 4 cylinder and A -mod features.
Tonight we will round out a three race weekend with the UMP Big Ten late models at Quincy,Il Raceways. The late models will race for a $2,000 top prize and Big Ten points, while the UMP modifieds will have $1100 on the line for anyone who can beat Michael Long. IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts will fill out the card, with hot laps starting about 5:30
One more night of Racin' Down the Road!
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Another Thriller at Donnellson
The second visit of 2016 to the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa by the MLRA late models was staged in front of a packed grandstand. After a surprising field of 37 late models just a month ago, we were expecting a smaller count on a Friday night, but 35 of the high powered machines checked in as part of a 108 car six division program. To the delight of those of us who are late model lovers, another 14 Lee County late models also signed in, including the IMCA cars wheeled by Kevin Kile and Cayden Carter.
14 heat races and a pair of MLRA B mains set the starting grids for the feature events on a absolutely perfect weather evening.
The touring late models had been at the big half mile in Oskaloosa, Iowa the night before, where Jesse Stovall had scored the win ahead of Minnesota racer Jordon Yaggy. The racing gods can be a fickle bunch, however, and Stovall was forced to make an engine change before taking the green at Donnellson. Things went even worse for Yaggy, who smacked the turn two guard rail on the opening lap of his heat race, ending his night. Front row starters Tony Jackson Jr, Stovall, Chris Simpson, and Rickey Frankel picked up heat race wins, with Jason Feger and Richie Gustin topping the B-mains. Feger was dialing in a new car, while Gustin recovered from an altercation with the guardrail in his heat race after starting in the front row of heat four, bringing out the first caution in the four ten lap qualifiers.
The IMCA sport compact main event ran first, with Josh Barnes once again scorching the field.
Next it was the LCS late models, with 13 starters. Derek Liles saw his night end before hot laps, as smoke or steam was visible coming from under the hood of his # 33. The IMCA cars of Kile and Carter sat on row one, with Carter charging to the early lead. Fifth starting track regular Tommy Elston picked his way to second around Kile on lap nine and began to erase the nice lead Carter had built. On the 14th of 25 laps, Elston took the lead, but the caution flew before the lap was scored complete, putting Carter back out front for the Delaware style restart. Back under green, Carter again began to pull away, and on lap 16 two time winner Sam Halstead slipped past Kile for third. The 18th trip around, Elston was aging on the heels of Carters # 10C, but again the yellow waved on lap 19. On the first restart, Elston had taken the inside slot only to see Carter run the low line. So this time, he chose the outside, and quickly grabbed the lead. Now it was the # 45 stretching his lead, as Halstead powered to second. A caution on lap 24 for 13 year old female pilot Tegan Evans set up a green, white, checkers finish, but Elston was up to the challenge, scoring his second 2016 win at LCS. Halstead held the second spot, followed by Carter, Todd Frank, and Jeff Guengerich. Frank is a regular at LCS along with his son Gunner, and on this night, the Wisconsin transplant who now resides just south of Donnellson also had his open engine car in competition in the MLRA division.
The IMCA stock cars ran next, and it took just a handful of laps for Jeff Mueller to find the top spot, after which he cruised to an easy win. The stock car class offers outstanding racing at LCS, however the battle is mostly for runner up honors to Mueller.
It was now time for the 40 lap MLRA 24 car finale. The passing points system that set the first eight rows of the field saw Jimmy Mars and Jackson on row one. Mars took off, opening a sizable lead before fifth starting Chris Simpson charged to second and began to reel in the Wisconsin driver by lap seven. As the race stayed green, the leader caught the back of the pack on the 13th circuit - by now only row eight starter Mark Burgtorf had exited the track. As the leaders picked there way through a group of cars that were nearly as quick as they were, Simpson closed in by lap 18. Mars did all he could to hold off the Mt Vernon, Iowa hotshoe, but on lap 34 of the non stop race, he drifted a bit high out of turn four, opening the door for the # 32. That was all the advantage Simpson needed, and he grabbed the lead for the final six circuits. Mars settled for second, ahead of Jackson Jr., Stovall, and Rodney Sanders. Tad Pospisil ran a solid sixth, while the best finish by the six Quincy Raceways regular in attendance was Frankel in seventh. Tommy Weder, Jr, Justin Kay, and 18th starting Gustin completed the top ten.
After a looong day at work, I decided to head for home at this point with two features still to run, even though it was just past 10:00 PM. Congratulations to Tony Dunker and Hunter Marriot on their wins.
Tonight we will be heading to the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly, Missouri for the third and final stop for the MLRA cars. As I type this, word has come that races have been cancelled due to rain at two St Louis area tracks, I -55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo, and the Highland, Il Speedway, so the car count could be even higher at RCR! And I see that Billy Moyer took the win last night at Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il!?!
Sunday night the UMP Big Ten late models will be back in action at Quincy Raceways for a $2,000 top prize. Plus there is $1,100 on the line for any UMP modified driver who can beat Michael Long, who is perfect for 2016 at Quincy.
Lets go racing!
14 heat races and a pair of MLRA B mains set the starting grids for the feature events on a absolutely perfect weather evening.
The touring late models had been at the big half mile in Oskaloosa, Iowa the night before, where Jesse Stovall had scored the win ahead of Minnesota racer Jordon Yaggy. The racing gods can be a fickle bunch, however, and Stovall was forced to make an engine change before taking the green at Donnellson. Things went even worse for Yaggy, who smacked the turn two guard rail on the opening lap of his heat race, ending his night. Front row starters Tony Jackson Jr, Stovall, Chris Simpson, and Rickey Frankel picked up heat race wins, with Jason Feger and Richie Gustin topping the B-mains. Feger was dialing in a new car, while Gustin recovered from an altercation with the guardrail in his heat race after starting in the front row of heat four, bringing out the first caution in the four ten lap qualifiers.
The IMCA sport compact main event ran first, with Josh Barnes once again scorching the field.
Next it was the LCS late models, with 13 starters. Derek Liles saw his night end before hot laps, as smoke or steam was visible coming from under the hood of his # 33. The IMCA cars of Kile and Carter sat on row one, with Carter charging to the early lead. Fifth starting track regular Tommy Elston picked his way to second around Kile on lap nine and began to erase the nice lead Carter had built. On the 14th of 25 laps, Elston took the lead, but the caution flew before the lap was scored complete, putting Carter back out front for the Delaware style restart. Back under green, Carter again began to pull away, and on lap 16 two time winner Sam Halstead slipped past Kile for third. The 18th trip around, Elston was aging on the heels of Carters # 10C, but again the yellow waved on lap 19. On the first restart, Elston had taken the inside slot only to see Carter run the low line. So this time, he chose the outside, and quickly grabbed the lead. Now it was the # 45 stretching his lead, as Halstead powered to second. A caution on lap 24 for 13 year old female pilot Tegan Evans set up a green, white, checkers finish, but Elston was up to the challenge, scoring his second 2016 win at LCS. Halstead held the second spot, followed by Carter, Todd Frank, and Jeff Guengerich. Frank is a regular at LCS along with his son Gunner, and on this night, the Wisconsin transplant who now resides just south of Donnellson also had his open engine car in competition in the MLRA division.
The IMCA stock cars ran next, and it took just a handful of laps for Jeff Mueller to find the top spot, after which he cruised to an easy win. The stock car class offers outstanding racing at LCS, however the battle is mostly for runner up honors to Mueller.
It was now time for the 40 lap MLRA 24 car finale. The passing points system that set the first eight rows of the field saw Jimmy Mars and Jackson on row one. Mars took off, opening a sizable lead before fifth starting Chris Simpson charged to second and began to reel in the Wisconsin driver by lap seven. As the race stayed green, the leader caught the back of the pack on the 13th circuit - by now only row eight starter Mark Burgtorf had exited the track. As the leaders picked there way through a group of cars that were nearly as quick as they were, Simpson closed in by lap 18. Mars did all he could to hold off the Mt Vernon, Iowa hotshoe, but on lap 34 of the non stop race, he drifted a bit high out of turn four, opening the door for the # 32. That was all the advantage Simpson needed, and he grabbed the lead for the final six circuits. Mars settled for second, ahead of Jackson Jr., Stovall, and Rodney Sanders. Tad Pospisil ran a solid sixth, while the best finish by the six Quincy Raceways regular in attendance was Frankel in seventh. Tommy Weder, Jr, Justin Kay, and 18th starting Gustin completed the top ten.
After a looong day at work, I decided to head for home at this point with two features still to run, even though it was just past 10:00 PM. Congratulations to Tony Dunker and Hunter Marriot on their wins.
Tonight we will be heading to the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly, Missouri for the third and final stop for the MLRA cars. As I type this, word has come that races have been cancelled due to rain at two St Louis area tracks, I -55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo, and the Highland, Il Speedway, so the car count could be even higher at RCR! And I see that Billy Moyer took the win last night at Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il!?!
Sunday night the UMP Big Ten late models will be back in action at Quincy Raceways for a $2,000 top prize. Plus there is $1,100 on the line for any UMP modified driver who can beat Michael Long, who is perfect for 2016 at Quincy.
Lets go racing!
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