Friday night, a deluge of over two inches of rain caused the creek bordering Quincy Raceways to flood, putting Sunday racing in doubt. But while more showers were in the area Sunday, they missed the race track, and with a lot of hard work, the track and pit area were ready to go.
A total of 64 race teams signed in, including 16 UMP late models and 17 UMP modifieds.
Jason Perry paced late model qualifying at 13.609 seconds, while Michael Long led the mods with a fast lap of 14.832 ticks of the clock. Jim Moon was late arriving at the track, missing late model qualifying, while Mark Burgtorf never did get to the track, although his # 7B was there ready to go.
The IMCA stock car feature ran first, with nine of the eleven cars taking the green flag. Jerry Jansen paced the first two laps before Dean Kratzer and Jake Powers got hooked together in turn four, ending the night for Kratzer. Back under green, a blanket would have covered the top four cars, but on lap four first time visitor Travis Johnson, from Springfield,Il. grabbed the lead. Three circuits later, point leader Abe Huls advanced to second, but with no more yellow flags, he could not close the gap to the leader. The best battle on the track was for third, with Brandon Savage and Michael Larsen crossing the line in that order, and Jansen took fifth.
Clint Kirkham had come from row two to blast past Perry to win the first late model heat on the final lap, but he then needed a push to the pit area and was done for the night. Heat two winner Chuck Mitchell then rolled a four for the 25 lap feature invert, putting visiting Rusty Schlenk from Jackson, Michigan on the pole alongside Perry. Schlenk shot to the lead at the green, Perry got too high on the cushion in turn three, and Mitchell crossed the line in second behind Schlenk. On lap two, Perry cleared Mitchell, and set sail for Schlenk. Slower traffic became a factor on lap seven, with Perry closing on the leader. The first caution came on lap 14 for another first time visitor, Mark Rose, from Dorchester,Wisconsin. On the Delaware restart Mitchell moved back to the runner up spot, but three laps later, it was again Perry in second. Five laps from the checkers disaster struck for Schlenks # 91, as he slowed on the track with possible suspension damage. Dewayne Kiefer and Moon were running in the top six, but contact on the restart brought out the yellow and both cars were sent to the tail. With Perry now out front, one more yellow waved on lap 22, and point leader Denny Woodworth cleared Mitchell for second on the restart. At the checkers it was Perry with his third win of the season followed by Woodworth, Mitchell, Terry Wilson, and Rose. Moon rebounded to sixth ahead of Kiefer, Alan Westling, Trace Westling, and yet another first timer, Bill Kettering Jr. from Pekin,Il.
The IMCA sort mod feature began with a false start, but they then ran until lap 12 without a caution. Austin Howes jumped to the lead at the green, followed by Tanner Klingele and Mike Goodwin. On lap two, rookie Justin Ebbing grabbed third, with Brandon Lennox moving to fourth. Howes opened a commanding lead over Klingele, who also had a wide margin over Ebbing. Howes entered slower traffic on lap ten before the lap twelve caution. On the restart, Lennox powered to second, with Ebbing shuffled back to sixth. Another caution waved on lap 15, and for the final three circuits, Lennox was on the rear bumper of the leader. But when the checkers flew, it was Howes picking up his second win in a row, followed by Lennox, Joey Gower, Klingele, and Kevin Tomlinson.
The IMCA sport compact class was short on cars but the action was intense. Second half sensation Craig Bangert, with a new wrap on his # 99B, jumped to the front at the green. Darin Weisinger Jr. set sail in second, but on lap four point leader Kimberly Abbott grabbed the second spot. She then ran down Bangert, and by lap nine they were side by side. Abbott was scored the leader on lap 13, but it was Bangert leading at the white flag. He then held on for the victory, with Abbott, and Weisinger trailing.
The final race of the night was the UMP modified 20 lapper. Long had pulled a straight up start, setting on the pole with last weeks winner Kevin Blackburn along side. Michael was already building a commanding lead when Spencer Havermale rolled to a stop out of turn two. Back to racing, Blackburn and Dave Weitholder battled for the second spot as Longpulled away. Weitholder claimed the spot on lap five, but the caution waved one lap later. At the half way mark, Long was on cruise control, and he began lapping cars on the eleventh trip around. Blackburn began to fade, as Long picked up the checkers. Weitholder ran second, followed by Shaun Deering, visiting veteran Brian Wolfmeier, and Blackburn. For Long, it was his fourth consecutive night of racing, and he totaled a third and three wins. The victory was his 32nd of the season, 28 counting as full wins, and four coming with a reduced car count, as he continues his march toward a possible national championship.
Next Sunday the late models will have the night off as the Sprint Invaders will headline the program. Check the track website for support classes.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Pierce and Long Stay Hot at Pevely
Saturday night was night number two for the UMP/Mars late model challenge weekend, with the action moving to I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. The open late models were running for $5,000 to win, with the UMP modifieds competing for a $1,000 top prize. It was actually the third night in a row for these classes, as the long weekend opened on Thursday with the make up UMP Summernationals event at the Lincoln,Il 1/4 mile facility, followed by Friday Racing at Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il.
A solid field of 29 late models and 26 mods checked in at Pevely, supported by 21 B-mods and 17 sportsman cars. Group qualifying saw UMP national point leader Michael Long, the last modified to time set the pace at 14.127 seconds on the high banked 1/3 mile oval, while veteran Billy Moyer turned a lap of 12.731 to best the late models.
Three heat races for the late models saw Moyer edge Bobby Pierce in heat one, Tony Jackson Jr top Hunter Rasdon in the second ten lapper, and local favorite Jeff Herzog come from row three to fly past Kolby Vandenbergh out of turn four on the final lap of heat three.
Modified heats went to Mike Harrison, Dean Hoffman, and Long.
With intermission for a bit of track prep out of the way, the 15 lap sportsman feature was first on the grid. Mark Schafer crossed the line first, but despite repeated attempts, he was light at the scale, giving the win to Patrick Hawkins.
It was now time for the 40 lap late model headliner. The heat winners in both the late model and modified classes redrew on the front stretch for there starting spot, and the late models lined up with Jackson and Herzog in row one. 20 qualifiers and five provisionals took the green. Bob Gardner, who needed a push to the pits after hot laps, had missed time trials, but came back to qualify through his heat race. He then dropped to the tail of the starting lineup, but wound up running all 40 laps, finishing 13th. Jackson jumped to the lead at the green, taking Moyer along in second. On the third trip around, Pierce cleared Herzog for third, but it was Shannon Babb on the move, from row four to fourth on lap five. The first caution came on lap six for a spinning Kenny Rumble, and back under green, Pierce used the Delaware restart to claim second. As lap eight was scored, Bobby had taken over the lead, running side by side with Jackson. One lap later, Moyer slipped around Jackson for the runner up spot. Pierce was hooked up on the high line, and Moyer was also running the top, while Jackson chose the low groove. As Pierce stretched his lead, slower traffic came into play on lap 15. Pierce continued to hold a comfortable advantage, with the second yellow coming with 20 laps in the books. Jesse Stovall had advance ten spots to sixth at the halfway point, but he pulled to the pit area during the caution. Back to racing, Babb took over the third spot behind Pierce and Moyer, with Jackson fading outside the top five, and Brandon McCormick roaring from ninth to fourth. The front two began to distance themselves from the pack before Jackson rolled to a stop on lap 24, ending his night. As the green waved, Pierce began to pull away, again catching lapped traffic on lap 32. About this time, Moyer got too high in turn two, bouncing off the concrete wall, and one circuit later under yellow, the veteran retired to the pits. This put Babb now in the runner up spot, but he could not mount a serious challenge, as Pierce added his second win of the weekend, sandwiching a second place finish to Moyer at Tri City. Babb held on to second ahead of seventh starting Wendell Wallace and Will Vaught. Local standout Rusty Griffaw put together an amazing run in the second half of the race, passing car after car to finish fifth after starting 21st as a provisional. McCormick led the second five ahead of Jack Sullivan, Tanner English, Rasdon and Mississippi driver Ashley Newman.
The track was plenty racey during the late model feature, but it was beginning to look as though it would be a high side track the rest of the night, making the modified redraw more important than one might imagine. Harrison picked up the first Frisbee with a three on the bottom, Hoffman drew the two, putting Long on the pole. Knowing he needed to get to the top of the track, Michael charged to the front at the green, going to the high side, and setting his # 18L inches from the concrete in the turns. Time after time he built a lead, but numerous cautions brought him back to the pack. The mods did not use the Delaware restart, and Hoffman continued to hold off Harrison for second as Long would again build his lead. Around lap 15 of the 25 lapper, Harrison was able to make his low side dive work to secure the second spot, and he kept Long in sight following a lap 21 caution, but Michael was not to be denied his second win of the weekend. Long continued to stretch his advantage over Harrison in the chase for the national point title. On Thursday, it was Kenny Wallace edging Harrison on the final lap at Lincoln, with Long running third. Friday was a win for Long, with Harrison retiring early, credited with 22nd. Michael will try to add another win tonight, Sunday, at Quincy Raceways. Heavy downpours at Quincy on Friday resulted in a flooded pit area from the nearby creek, but as of 10:00 Sunday morning it looks like conditions are good for racing. However it might be a good idea to check the website after the noon update if you are heading this way. Hope to see you there!
A solid field of 29 late models and 26 mods checked in at Pevely, supported by 21 B-mods and 17 sportsman cars. Group qualifying saw UMP national point leader Michael Long, the last modified to time set the pace at 14.127 seconds on the high banked 1/3 mile oval, while veteran Billy Moyer turned a lap of 12.731 to best the late models.
Three heat races for the late models saw Moyer edge Bobby Pierce in heat one, Tony Jackson Jr top Hunter Rasdon in the second ten lapper, and local favorite Jeff Herzog come from row three to fly past Kolby Vandenbergh out of turn four on the final lap of heat three.
Modified heats went to Mike Harrison, Dean Hoffman, and Long.
With intermission for a bit of track prep out of the way, the 15 lap sportsman feature was first on the grid. Mark Schafer crossed the line first, but despite repeated attempts, he was light at the scale, giving the win to Patrick Hawkins.
It was now time for the 40 lap late model headliner. The heat winners in both the late model and modified classes redrew on the front stretch for there starting spot, and the late models lined up with Jackson and Herzog in row one. 20 qualifiers and five provisionals took the green. Bob Gardner, who needed a push to the pits after hot laps, had missed time trials, but came back to qualify through his heat race. He then dropped to the tail of the starting lineup, but wound up running all 40 laps, finishing 13th. Jackson jumped to the lead at the green, taking Moyer along in second. On the third trip around, Pierce cleared Herzog for third, but it was Shannon Babb on the move, from row four to fourth on lap five. The first caution came on lap six for a spinning Kenny Rumble, and back under green, Pierce used the Delaware restart to claim second. As lap eight was scored, Bobby had taken over the lead, running side by side with Jackson. One lap later, Moyer slipped around Jackson for the runner up spot. Pierce was hooked up on the high line, and Moyer was also running the top, while Jackson chose the low groove. As Pierce stretched his lead, slower traffic came into play on lap 15. Pierce continued to hold a comfortable advantage, with the second yellow coming with 20 laps in the books. Jesse Stovall had advance ten spots to sixth at the halfway point, but he pulled to the pit area during the caution. Back to racing, Babb took over the third spot behind Pierce and Moyer, with Jackson fading outside the top five, and Brandon McCormick roaring from ninth to fourth. The front two began to distance themselves from the pack before Jackson rolled to a stop on lap 24, ending his night. As the green waved, Pierce began to pull away, again catching lapped traffic on lap 32. About this time, Moyer got too high in turn two, bouncing off the concrete wall, and one circuit later under yellow, the veteran retired to the pits. This put Babb now in the runner up spot, but he could not mount a serious challenge, as Pierce added his second win of the weekend, sandwiching a second place finish to Moyer at Tri City. Babb held on to second ahead of seventh starting Wendell Wallace and Will Vaught. Local standout Rusty Griffaw put together an amazing run in the second half of the race, passing car after car to finish fifth after starting 21st as a provisional. McCormick led the second five ahead of Jack Sullivan, Tanner English, Rasdon and Mississippi driver Ashley Newman.
The track was plenty racey during the late model feature, but it was beginning to look as though it would be a high side track the rest of the night, making the modified redraw more important than one might imagine. Harrison picked up the first Frisbee with a three on the bottom, Hoffman drew the two, putting Long on the pole. Knowing he needed to get to the top of the track, Michael charged to the front at the green, going to the high side, and setting his # 18L inches from the concrete in the turns. Time after time he built a lead, but numerous cautions brought him back to the pack. The mods did not use the Delaware restart, and Hoffman continued to hold off Harrison for second as Long would again build his lead. Around lap 15 of the 25 lapper, Harrison was able to make his low side dive work to secure the second spot, and he kept Long in sight following a lap 21 caution, but Michael was not to be denied his second win of the weekend. Long continued to stretch his advantage over Harrison in the chase for the national point title. On Thursday, it was Kenny Wallace edging Harrison on the final lap at Lincoln, with Long running third. Friday was a win for Long, with Harrison retiring early, credited with 22nd. Michael will try to add another win tonight, Sunday, at Quincy Raceways. Heavy downpours at Quincy on Friday resulted in a flooded pit area from the nearby creek, but as of 10:00 Sunday morning it looks like conditions are good for racing. However it might be a good idea to check the website after the noon update if you are heading this way. Hope to see you there!
Monday, August 22, 2016
Longs Streak Ends, Huls Rolls On
Some first time winners grabbed the checkers Sunday night at Quincy Raceways, but in the IMCA stock car class, it was a familiar face.
The night began with qualifying, and Denny Woodworth paced the UMP late models with a lap of 13.974 seconds. And it was no surprise when Michael Long turned a lap of 15:300 seconds to top the UMP modifieds. Woodworth then captured the late model heat, and pulled the zero chip to set the feature field straight up. Long looked to be in command in the first mod heat, but Dave Weitholder stayed close, and he shocked the crowd by flying past Michael for the win coming out of turn four to the checkers. Dave also pulled the zero chip, and we were ready to go feature racing.
The stock cars were up first, and Jerry Jansen led the first two trips around the oval, with Andrew Hustead taking over on lap three, taking last weeks winner Michael Larsen along in second. With Abe Huls advancing to third, those three and Jansen formed a four car pull away. Following a lap five caution, Larsen got shuffled back to sixth, and Huls took over second. Lap seven saw Abe on top, but Hustead was not giving up, and the two raced side by side, Huls on the low line, Hustead one groove higher. Andrew was scored the leader at the half way point, and the yellow waved on lap eleven. On the restart, Larsen took to the cushion that produced his win the week before, moving to third. By lap 15, it was Huls in front of Hustead with Larsen closing. Andrew led lap 16, then Abe on the 17th circuit as the caution flew. Coming to the green, Larsen got sideways, collection Jake Powers, who retired with a broken front end. As the field came to the checkers, Larsen again got sideways, but it was Huls stretching his points lead with another win. Hustead was second followed by Jansen, Rudy Zaragoza, and Larsen.
The late models were up next, and row three starter and two time winner Justin Reed was a no show with mechanical woes. Woodworth grab the lead at the green, with third starting Mark Burgtorf running the high line in second. Lap three saw the 16 time track champion take the lead, and one lap later Jason Perry grabbed second also running the cushion. The caution came on lap five, and back to racing, Burgtorf, Perry, and Woodworth ran three wide through turn two, with Denny back to second. Another stoppage came on lap seven, and back under green it was now Burgtorf, Dustin Griffin, and Perry running three wide. With Burgtorf staying on the cushion, Griffin challenged on the inside line, showing Mark his fender before the final caution on lap 21. Burgtorf was not to be denied, and he led the final four circuits to pick up his first win of 2016. Griffin rode home in the runner up slot ahead of Woodworth and Perry. Terry Wilson took home fifth ahead of Charles Vanzandt, late model rookie Trent Grotz, and Cliff Powell.
The IMCA sport compacts came to the track next for 15 laps. Jeffrey Delonjay jumped to the lead ahead of Allyssa Steele. On lap three, Craig Bangert charged to second with Kimberly Abbott in tow. Following a restart, Abbott nabbed second, and a three car scrum developed. Soon Delonjay and Abbott pulled away, Jeffrey running on the bottom and Kim a line higher as she searched for a way around the # 32. Delonjay continued to hit his marks, holding off the point leader for the win. Bangert took third, Darin Weisinger Jr was fourth, and Brandon Lambert nosed past Steele at the checkers for fifth.
It was now UMP modified time. Weitholder and heat two winner Frankie Wellman sat in row one, with Long and Russ Coultas in row two. Weitholder jumped to the lead, with Long trailing. Staying green, the front two ran this way, Weitholder on the inside and Long running low in turns one and two and pounding the cushion in three and four. Long closed the gap by lap nine, and 15 trips in, slower traffic got heavy. As the leaders cam past the flag stand, a slower car forced Weitholder to move up to the middle groove as Long tried to move to the front on the high side. There was not enough real estate, and contact occurred between the leaders, leaving both with flat tires. Weitholder quickly went to the hot pit, while Long stayed out, but he would not be allowed to restart with a flat, so he also went to the hot pit. Weitholder made it back to the tail in the two lap grace period, but Long came out late, spinning in turn two to bring himself back to the pack. It was now Kevin Blackburn out front in the Mike Begley # B4. Blackburn has held the ride for about a month, and has been fast, but mechanical issues have ended some strong runs. No such issues would stop Kevin this night, however, and he picked up his first main event win. Trying to make up ground, Weitholder looped his ride, but stayed on the gas and kept going on the final lap 15 restart. Coultas had a strong run in second, Long came back from eleventh to third, Darin Weisinger nabbed fourth, and Spencer Havermale completed the top five. Michael had been going for his third win of the weekend, as he continues to lead the UMP national points.
The final race on the card was the 15 car IMCA sport mod feature. Tanner Klingele led through a lap four caution, ahead of Justin Bartz, Kevin Tomlinson, point leader Nathan Bringer, and Austin Howes. By lap seven, Howes had powered his way to second, and was challenging for the lead, while Brandon Lennox rim rode his way to third. It was now Klingele on the bottom, Howes in the middle, and Lennox on top, as the track may have been the raciest it has been all season. Howes grabbed the leadon lap ten and began to pull away. Meanwhile, Klingele and Lennox staged a side by side battle for second. As Lennox grabbed second on lap 14 the yellow waved, giving the spot back to Klingele, although it was of little consequence with the Delaware restart. But as racing resumed, Lennox did not get the start he hoped for, and Bringer moved to third. Howes again pulled away, picking up I think, his first QR win of 2016. The battle raged on for second, with Klingele prevailing. Lennox recovered for third, with Bringer and Tomlinson turning in top five runs.
Today I learned the sad news that long time area racer and engine builder Jack Evans passed away Sunday night. Jack was a regular in the stands at both Quincy and Donnellson, and I had my final conversation with him Friday at Lee County Speedway. Thoughts and prayers go out to Jacks family and friends.
See you at the races.
The night began with qualifying, and Denny Woodworth paced the UMP late models with a lap of 13.974 seconds. And it was no surprise when Michael Long turned a lap of 15:300 seconds to top the UMP modifieds. Woodworth then captured the late model heat, and pulled the zero chip to set the feature field straight up. Long looked to be in command in the first mod heat, but Dave Weitholder stayed close, and he shocked the crowd by flying past Michael for the win coming out of turn four to the checkers. Dave also pulled the zero chip, and we were ready to go feature racing.
The stock cars were up first, and Jerry Jansen led the first two trips around the oval, with Andrew Hustead taking over on lap three, taking last weeks winner Michael Larsen along in second. With Abe Huls advancing to third, those three and Jansen formed a four car pull away. Following a lap five caution, Larsen got shuffled back to sixth, and Huls took over second. Lap seven saw Abe on top, but Hustead was not giving up, and the two raced side by side, Huls on the low line, Hustead one groove higher. Andrew was scored the leader at the half way point, and the yellow waved on lap eleven. On the restart, Larsen took to the cushion that produced his win the week before, moving to third. By lap 15, it was Huls in front of Hustead with Larsen closing. Andrew led lap 16, then Abe on the 17th circuit as the caution flew. Coming to the green, Larsen got sideways, collection Jake Powers, who retired with a broken front end. As the field came to the checkers, Larsen again got sideways, but it was Huls stretching his points lead with another win. Hustead was second followed by Jansen, Rudy Zaragoza, and Larsen.
The late models were up next, and row three starter and two time winner Justin Reed was a no show with mechanical woes. Woodworth grab the lead at the green, with third starting Mark Burgtorf running the high line in second. Lap three saw the 16 time track champion take the lead, and one lap later Jason Perry grabbed second also running the cushion. The caution came on lap five, and back to racing, Burgtorf, Perry, and Woodworth ran three wide through turn two, with Denny back to second. Another stoppage came on lap seven, and back under green it was now Burgtorf, Dustin Griffin, and Perry running three wide. With Burgtorf staying on the cushion, Griffin challenged on the inside line, showing Mark his fender before the final caution on lap 21. Burgtorf was not to be denied, and he led the final four circuits to pick up his first win of 2016. Griffin rode home in the runner up slot ahead of Woodworth and Perry. Terry Wilson took home fifth ahead of Charles Vanzandt, late model rookie Trent Grotz, and Cliff Powell.
The IMCA sport compacts came to the track next for 15 laps. Jeffrey Delonjay jumped to the lead ahead of Allyssa Steele. On lap three, Craig Bangert charged to second with Kimberly Abbott in tow. Following a restart, Abbott nabbed second, and a three car scrum developed. Soon Delonjay and Abbott pulled away, Jeffrey running on the bottom and Kim a line higher as she searched for a way around the # 32. Delonjay continued to hit his marks, holding off the point leader for the win. Bangert took third, Darin Weisinger Jr was fourth, and Brandon Lambert nosed past Steele at the checkers for fifth.
It was now UMP modified time. Weitholder and heat two winner Frankie Wellman sat in row one, with Long and Russ Coultas in row two. Weitholder jumped to the lead, with Long trailing. Staying green, the front two ran this way, Weitholder on the inside and Long running low in turns one and two and pounding the cushion in three and four. Long closed the gap by lap nine, and 15 trips in, slower traffic got heavy. As the leaders cam past the flag stand, a slower car forced Weitholder to move up to the middle groove as Long tried to move to the front on the high side. There was not enough real estate, and contact occurred between the leaders, leaving both with flat tires. Weitholder quickly went to the hot pit, while Long stayed out, but he would not be allowed to restart with a flat, so he also went to the hot pit. Weitholder made it back to the tail in the two lap grace period, but Long came out late, spinning in turn two to bring himself back to the pack. It was now Kevin Blackburn out front in the Mike Begley # B4. Blackburn has held the ride for about a month, and has been fast, but mechanical issues have ended some strong runs. No such issues would stop Kevin this night, however, and he picked up his first main event win. Trying to make up ground, Weitholder looped his ride, but stayed on the gas and kept going on the final lap 15 restart. Coultas had a strong run in second, Long came back from eleventh to third, Darin Weisinger nabbed fourth, and Spencer Havermale completed the top five. Michael had been going for his third win of the weekend, as he continues to lead the UMP national points.
The final race on the card was the 15 car IMCA sport mod feature. Tanner Klingele led through a lap four caution, ahead of Justin Bartz, Kevin Tomlinson, point leader Nathan Bringer, and Austin Howes. By lap seven, Howes had powered his way to second, and was challenging for the lead, while Brandon Lennox rim rode his way to third. It was now Klingele on the bottom, Howes in the middle, and Lennox on top, as the track may have been the raciest it has been all season. Howes grabbed the leadon lap ten and began to pull away. Meanwhile, Klingele and Lennox staged a side by side battle for second. As Lennox grabbed second on lap 14 the yellow waved, giving the spot back to Klingele, although it was of little consequence with the Delaware restart. But as racing resumed, Lennox did not get the start he hoped for, and Bringer moved to third. Howes again pulled away, picking up I think, his first QR win of 2016. The battle raged on for second, with Klingele prevailing. Lennox recovered for third, with Bringer and Tomlinson turning in top five runs.
Today I learned the sad news that long time area racer and engine builder Jack Evans passed away Sunday night. Jack was a regular in the stands at both Quincy and Donnellson, and I had my final conversation with him Friday at Lee County Speedway. Thoughts and prayers go out to Jacks family and friends.
See you at the races.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Donnellson Beats the Rain - Almost
The Lee County Speedway added the Sprint Invaders to the regular five division program on Friday night, and despite threatening skies all night, they almost got through the 20 race program unscathed. But the rain finally came early in the IMCA sport mod feature, which will apparently resume next Friday on season championship night. Kudos to promoter Mike Van Genderen for recognizing the threat of impending weather and cutting out some of the post race hoopla and moving the show along.
The IMCA sport compacts ran the first feature. Barry Taft jumped out to an early sizable lead before a caution on lap three for Ron Kibbe. Back to racing, Brandon Reu stayed with Taft as Josh Barnes, who dropped out of his heat race, advanced to third. By lap nine, Taft again held a commanding lead as Barnes challenged for second, taking the spot one lap later. But the race belonged to Taft, with Barnes, Reu and Mike Reu trailing.
All 13 IMCA modifieds took the feature green, with Jardin Fuller leading through a lap two yellow. Fuller, Dean McGee, and Jerad Fuller putting some distance on the field. After a lap four caution, Dennis Laveine joined the lead pack. On the sixth circuit, Jeff Waterman took over fourth. while Bill Roberts Jr. came from ninth to fifth. As the group entered turn four, there was contact between Roberts and Waterman, with Scott Dickey having no where to go. Dickey hit the Roberts car, and ending Scotts run, and sending the other two to the back. Back under green, Jardin pushed up the track in turn four. While McGee was able to clear the leader, the rest of the field temporarily bunched up, giving McGee a chance to put some distance on the now second place Levi Smith. By lap 13, Laveine had taken over second, with Roberts in third, and three laps later, Roberts muscled around Laveine in turns one and two. With no more stoppages, McGee fairly cruised to the win. Roberts took second with the #71s, Laveine and Waterman completing the top four.
A nice turnout of 27 Sprint Invaders needed three heat races, a Shake Up dash of the top two from the heats, and a B-main to set the 20 car starting field. I will admit, the dash seems a bit meaningless, as the winner then draws for a feature invert. Seems to me, that winning the dash would give the winner the pole for the main event, otherwise the first two in the heats could just redraw for the front three rows, but, anyway... The yellow came out on the opening lap as Harold Pohren put his ride on its side, and Damian Getchell, having nowhere to go, also got upside down. After a lengthy delay, Pole sitter John Schulz led the first scored lap ahead of Chris Martin. Another caution flew on lap two for the starting cone on the track. When racing resumed, it was Schulz running the high line Martin on the bottom, Wayne Johnson moving to third, and Jon Agan fourth. Danny Lososki sthad started in row six, and quickly advanced to sixth. Agan suddenly exited the track on lap 19 of the 25 lapper. With Schulz in command, having taken the white flag, the yellow came out for a collision in turn four setting up a one lap dash to the checkers. Schulz was not to be denied, however, putting his # 99 in victory lane. Martin came home second, with Lasoski slipping past Johnson for third.
The IMCA stock car class had only ten cars sign in, and point leader Jeff Mueller pulled out of the heat race, apparently with a cranky clutch. As some light sprinkles fell, Jeremy Pundt grabbed the lead from Andrew Hustead on lap one. Hustead remained glued to the back bumper of the #52J. John Oliver Jr moved quickly to third, with Mueller coming from row five to challenge Oliver. On lap eight of the 20 lap event, Mueller rolled past Oliver and began to challenge for second. As the crossed flags signaled the half way mark, Mueller took over the runner up spot, closing on the leader by lap 13. The leader all hugged the inside line, and Pundt continued to hit his marks, picking up his second win of 2016. Mueller unofficially secured the track point title with his second place finish, Oliver ran third, and Hustead took fourth.
With more sprinkles falling, the Lee County late models came to the 3/8 mile oval for 25 laps. Tommy Elston and Sam Halstead entered the night tied for the points lead, And heat one winner Elston drew the outside front row slot, while Halstead started sixth. Pole sitter Tyler Cale led the first two trips past the flagstand, with Elston driving to the front on lap three. Halstead advanced to third on the same lap.. As Elston stretched his lead, Derek Liles and Todd Frank staged an entertaining side by side battle for fifth. On the 11th circuit, Laine Vanzandt backed his ride into the turn three guardrail, although he was able to rejoin the race. With the help of the Delaware restart, Halstead took command of the second spot. Todd Frank also charged to fourth on the restart. With seven laps to go, Frank took over third. In the closing laps, Cale faded with a flat tire. Elston was unchallenged, picking up the win, and taking a one point lead over runner up Halstead. Frank and Jeff Guengerich turned in top four performances, with Liles overtaking Cale for fifth. Newcomer Blake Woodruff brought his # 30 home seventh, followed by Gunner Frank, Charles Vanzandt, and Trent Grotz.
With the final feature, the IMCA sport mods on the track, the rains came, putting an end to a full night of racing.
Next Friday will be the end of regular season racing at Donnellson, although there are a couple of October specials on the schedule. Sunday night you can find me at Quincy Raceways for weekly racing. Maybe I will see you there!
The IMCA sport compacts ran the first feature. Barry Taft jumped out to an early sizable lead before a caution on lap three for Ron Kibbe. Back to racing, Brandon Reu stayed with Taft as Josh Barnes, who dropped out of his heat race, advanced to third. By lap nine, Taft again held a commanding lead as Barnes challenged for second, taking the spot one lap later. But the race belonged to Taft, with Barnes, Reu and Mike Reu trailing.
All 13 IMCA modifieds took the feature green, with Jardin Fuller leading through a lap two yellow. Fuller, Dean McGee, and Jerad Fuller putting some distance on the field. After a lap four caution, Dennis Laveine joined the lead pack. On the sixth circuit, Jeff Waterman took over fourth. while Bill Roberts Jr. came from ninth to fifth. As the group entered turn four, there was contact between Roberts and Waterman, with Scott Dickey having no where to go. Dickey hit the Roberts car, and ending Scotts run, and sending the other two to the back. Back under green, Jardin pushed up the track in turn four. While McGee was able to clear the leader, the rest of the field temporarily bunched up, giving McGee a chance to put some distance on the now second place Levi Smith. By lap 13, Laveine had taken over second, with Roberts in third, and three laps later, Roberts muscled around Laveine in turns one and two. With no more stoppages, McGee fairly cruised to the win. Roberts took second with the #71s, Laveine and Waterman completing the top four.
A nice turnout of 27 Sprint Invaders needed three heat races, a Shake Up dash of the top two from the heats, and a B-main to set the 20 car starting field. I will admit, the dash seems a bit meaningless, as the winner then draws for a feature invert. Seems to me, that winning the dash would give the winner the pole for the main event, otherwise the first two in the heats could just redraw for the front three rows, but, anyway... The yellow came out on the opening lap as Harold Pohren put his ride on its side, and Damian Getchell, having nowhere to go, also got upside down. After a lengthy delay, Pole sitter John Schulz led the first scored lap ahead of Chris Martin. Another caution flew on lap two for the starting cone on the track. When racing resumed, it was Schulz running the high line Martin on the bottom, Wayne Johnson moving to third, and Jon Agan fourth. Danny Lososki sthad started in row six, and quickly advanced to sixth. Agan suddenly exited the track on lap 19 of the 25 lapper. With Schulz in command, having taken the white flag, the yellow came out for a collision in turn four setting up a one lap dash to the checkers. Schulz was not to be denied, however, putting his # 99 in victory lane. Martin came home second, with Lasoski slipping past Johnson for third.
The IMCA stock car class had only ten cars sign in, and point leader Jeff Mueller pulled out of the heat race, apparently with a cranky clutch. As some light sprinkles fell, Jeremy Pundt grabbed the lead from Andrew Hustead on lap one. Hustead remained glued to the back bumper of the #52J. John Oliver Jr moved quickly to third, with Mueller coming from row five to challenge Oliver. On lap eight of the 20 lap event, Mueller rolled past Oliver and began to challenge for second. As the crossed flags signaled the half way mark, Mueller took over the runner up spot, closing on the leader by lap 13. The leader all hugged the inside line, and Pundt continued to hit his marks, picking up his second win of 2016. Mueller unofficially secured the track point title with his second place finish, Oliver ran third, and Hustead took fourth.
With more sprinkles falling, the Lee County late models came to the 3/8 mile oval for 25 laps. Tommy Elston and Sam Halstead entered the night tied for the points lead, And heat one winner Elston drew the outside front row slot, while Halstead started sixth. Pole sitter Tyler Cale led the first two trips past the flagstand, with Elston driving to the front on lap three. Halstead advanced to third on the same lap.. As Elston stretched his lead, Derek Liles and Todd Frank staged an entertaining side by side battle for fifth. On the 11th circuit, Laine Vanzandt backed his ride into the turn three guardrail, although he was able to rejoin the race. With the help of the Delaware restart, Halstead took command of the second spot. Todd Frank also charged to fourth on the restart. With seven laps to go, Frank took over third. In the closing laps, Cale faded with a flat tire. Elston was unchallenged, picking up the win, and taking a one point lead over runner up Halstead. Frank and Jeff Guengerich turned in top four performances, with Liles overtaking Cale for fifth. Newcomer Blake Woodruff brought his # 30 home seventh, followed by Gunner Frank, Charles Vanzandt, and Trent Grotz.
With the final feature, the IMCA sport mods on the track, the rains came, putting an end to a full night of racing.
Next Friday will be the end of regular season racing at Donnellson, although there are a couple of October specials on the schedule. Sunday night you can find me at Quincy Raceways for weekly racing. Maybe I will see you there!
Monday, August 15, 2016
Long Marches On
Michael Long continued his march to a possible UMP modified national title Sunday night at Quincy Raceways. Entering the week with a slight lead over chief rival Mike Harrison, Long saw his regular tracks rained out Friday and Saturday, so he journeyed to Spoon River Speedway on Saturday and picked up a win, then headed home for Sunday night action. He paced qualifying with a lap of 14.829 seconds, and picked up his heat race win, following which he rolled the die for a straight up start in the 20 lap feature. 15 cars took the green flag, including Kenny Bringer, who competed in both the IMCA sport mod class and the UMP mod feature. After one false start in the main event, Long jumped to the lead before a lap three caution saw the night end early for Spencer Havermale. On the restart, Dave Weitholder moved past row two starter Rick Conoyer for second. Long and Weitholder quickly distanced themselves from the pack, and as the race reached its mid point, Michael rode the cushion to a commanding lead. Weitholder tried to stay close using the bottom of the speedway. but with no more cautions, Long cruised to the win. Weitholder came home in second followed by Conoyer, Kevin Blackburn, and Shaun Deering.
IMCA stock cars started off the feature parade, with ten starters. Jerry Jansen was an early casualty last week with still unknown engine woes, so he brought last years # 06 to the track on Sunday. Starting on the pole, he led lap one, but by the second time around, he was shuffled behind Abe Huls, Jake Powers, and Michael Larsen. The caution flew on lap three, and on the restart it was Huls and Powers running the bottom line while Larsen tried to bri8ng in the cushion. AQnother yellow on lap six was followed by a false start, and back to green Larsen found what he was searching for, blasting around Huls on the high side. Abe eventually took to the top groove as well, and the two ran nose to tail until a caution on the white flag lap set up a green, white, checkers finish. The stoppage came for third and fourth place Powers and Shane Paris, as Paris went hot into turn three, sending both cars to the back. Neither driver stopped, but there was debris on the track, and both drivers were charged with the caution. Huls pushed ahead briefly in the closing pair of laps, but Larsen kept his # 48 on the top side, and came first to the checkers. Huls took second ahead of Brian Hoener. Andrew Hustead recovered from the lap six yellow to take fourth ahead of visiting Tyler Gilmour from Peoria,Il.
Ten UMP late models made the feature call. Jason Perry had posted quick time of 13.677 seconds, but it was Denny Woodworth capturing the first heat. The late model lawyer rolled a four, putting Dustin Griffin on the pole with Perry alongside. Perry shot to the early lead, holding on as a battle raged behind him. Woodworth slipped past Griffin for second on lap six, and the front two pulled away from the pack. But by lap nine, Griffin was again on the move, and lap 13 saw a three wide battle for the top spot. Perry held on, with Griffin claiming second. Three circuits later, Justin Reed cleared Woodworth for third. In the closing laps, Perry stretched his lead, and with race caution free, he cruised to his second win of the season. He joined the list of two time winners at QR this season, with no one having more than two. Griffin took runner up honors over Reed, Woodworth, and Mark Burgtorf. Alan Westling piloted Jim Moons back up car to sixth, passing seventh finishing Moon to do so. Trent Grotz, Cliff Powell and Trace Westling, who retired early, rounded out the action.
Brenden Ryan was the early leader in the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper before a caution for Justin Ebbing and Tanner Klingele, who became hooked together. Back to racing, Nathan Bringer charged in to second, and on the fourth trip around, he took the lead, with Austen Becerra following in second. After another yellow, row six starter Brandon Lennox advanced to fifth, and then quickly to third. Yet another caution saw Becerra bobble a bit, and Lennox used the opening to climb to second, with Joey Gower moving to third. The lead pack was hugging the inside line while Becerra tried to make up ground on the top of the track. When the checkers waved, it was Bringer with his second win of the season, followed by Lennox, Gower, Ebbing, and Becerra.
A dozen IMCA sport compacts signed in bolstered by a trio of Lee County regulars. One of those, Barry Taft, completed only one lap of his heat race before pulling to the infield, done for the evening. Craig Bangert jumped out front to pace lap one, and things got dicey when Brandon Herron spun in front of the field on lap two. Everyone avoided the # 88 and the race stayed green. Perennial front runner Josh Barnes pulled to the infield on lap two, his night over. Bangert continued to stretch his lead, and second running Brandon Lambert also opened an advantage on the rest of the pack. With no yellows, Bangert cruised to a straightaway lead and win. Lambert ran second, while Austen Becerra, shaking out a new # 04 car, finished ahead of Kimberly Abbott and Brandon Reu.
The quickly run program saw the final checkers wave well before the 9:00 hour.
Friday night, I hope to be back in my regular spot at Lee County Speedway, as they begin to wind down their regular season, then Sunday it will be regular racing again at Quincy Raceways. Until next time, enjoy racing at your favorite track!
IMCA stock cars started off the feature parade, with ten starters. Jerry Jansen was an early casualty last week with still unknown engine woes, so he brought last years # 06 to the track on Sunday. Starting on the pole, he led lap one, but by the second time around, he was shuffled behind Abe Huls, Jake Powers, and Michael Larsen. The caution flew on lap three, and on the restart it was Huls and Powers running the bottom line while Larsen tried to bri8ng in the cushion. AQnother yellow on lap six was followed by a false start, and back to green Larsen found what he was searching for, blasting around Huls on the high side. Abe eventually took to the top groove as well, and the two ran nose to tail until a caution on the white flag lap set up a green, white, checkers finish. The stoppage came for third and fourth place Powers and Shane Paris, as Paris went hot into turn three, sending both cars to the back. Neither driver stopped, but there was debris on the track, and both drivers were charged with the caution. Huls pushed ahead briefly in the closing pair of laps, but Larsen kept his # 48 on the top side, and came first to the checkers. Huls took second ahead of Brian Hoener. Andrew Hustead recovered from the lap six yellow to take fourth ahead of visiting Tyler Gilmour from Peoria,Il.
Ten UMP late models made the feature call. Jason Perry had posted quick time of 13.677 seconds, but it was Denny Woodworth capturing the first heat. The late model lawyer rolled a four, putting Dustin Griffin on the pole with Perry alongside. Perry shot to the early lead, holding on as a battle raged behind him. Woodworth slipped past Griffin for second on lap six, and the front two pulled away from the pack. But by lap nine, Griffin was again on the move, and lap 13 saw a three wide battle for the top spot. Perry held on, with Griffin claiming second. Three circuits later, Justin Reed cleared Woodworth for third. In the closing laps, Perry stretched his lead, and with race caution free, he cruised to his second win of the season. He joined the list of two time winners at QR this season, with no one having more than two. Griffin took runner up honors over Reed, Woodworth, and Mark Burgtorf. Alan Westling piloted Jim Moons back up car to sixth, passing seventh finishing Moon to do so. Trent Grotz, Cliff Powell and Trace Westling, who retired early, rounded out the action.
Brenden Ryan was the early leader in the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper before a caution for Justin Ebbing and Tanner Klingele, who became hooked together. Back to racing, Nathan Bringer charged in to second, and on the fourth trip around, he took the lead, with Austen Becerra following in second. After another yellow, row six starter Brandon Lennox advanced to fifth, and then quickly to third. Yet another caution saw Becerra bobble a bit, and Lennox used the opening to climb to second, with Joey Gower moving to third. The lead pack was hugging the inside line while Becerra tried to make up ground on the top of the track. When the checkers waved, it was Bringer with his second win of the season, followed by Lennox, Gower, Ebbing, and Becerra.
A dozen IMCA sport compacts signed in bolstered by a trio of Lee County regulars. One of those, Barry Taft, completed only one lap of his heat race before pulling to the infield, done for the evening. Craig Bangert jumped out front to pace lap one, and things got dicey when Brandon Herron spun in front of the field on lap two. Everyone avoided the # 88 and the race stayed green. Perennial front runner Josh Barnes pulled to the infield on lap two, his night over. Bangert continued to stretch his lead, and second running Brandon Lambert also opened an advantage on the rest of the pack. With no yellows, Bangert cruised to a straightaway lead and win. Lambert ran second, while Austen Becerra, shaking out a new # 04 car, finished ahead of Kimberly Abbott and Brandon Reu.
The quickly run program saw the final checkers wave well before the 9:00 hour.
Friday night, I hope to be back in my regular spot at Lee County Speedway, as they begin to wind down their regular season, then Sunday it will be regular racing again at Quincy Raceways. Until next time, enjoy racing at your favorite track!
Monday, August 8, 2016
Long Completes the Hat Trick at Quincy
The weatherman finally gave Quincy Raceways a break on Sunday, with cooler temps, although there were a couple of stray sprinkles early in the evening. Still it was good place to spend my last night of vacation, a busy time even though I managed to squeeze in a night of racing in Donnellson and in Tipton, Iowa. Unfortunately, by the time I could have reported on them, it would have been very old news!
Sixty one cars signed in at QR, but things got off to a bit of a late start with a medical call in the grandstands following time trials. Jason Perry had paced the UMP late models at 13.303 seconds, and Michael Long was the final UMP modified to qualify, leading the 14 car pack with a lap of 14.609 ticks of the clock.
Once under way, the nine heat races ran off quickly, but the heavy rains on Thursday night created some bumps in the track which crews ironed out during intermission.
The IMCA stock car feature ran first, with all but one of the ten cars signed in taking the green. Jake Powers crossed the line first on lap one, and on lap three, a charging Abe Huls got tangled up with Rudy Zaragoza, bringing out the yellow. Back under green, however, it was Brian Hoener out front as Abe moved to fourth in one lap, and was third on lap five before the second and final caution waved. Huls took over second on the restart, and set sail for Hoener. Brian was hugging the low line while Abe chose a higher groove. On lap ten of the 18 lap affair, Huls powered to the front. Four circuits later, Andrew Hustead used that same top groove to claim second, chasing Huls to the checkers. Hoener finished third followed by Michael Larsen and Powers.
Fast qualifier Perry had captured the first late model heat, and he rolled a zero to set the 25 lap feature lineup straight up. Perry then grabbed the lead at the green, quickly moving to the high line ahead of Griffin. A battle quickly developed for third between Clint Kirkham, Mark Burgtorf, and Denny Woodworth. By the eighth lap, Denny had charged to third, and the leaders hit slower traffic around lap eleven. Point leader Justin Reed joined the fray, moving to fourth on lap 14. Three circuits later, Griffin was bearing down on the leader, and he pulled a slide job in turns one and two for the lead on lap 20. Perry stayed close, but could not return the favor, as Griffin picked up his second checkers of 2016. Perry ran second ahead of Woodworth, Reed, and Burgtorf. Kirkham led the second five followed by Vance Wilson again wheeling the # 6M, Trace Westling, McKay Wenger, and Chuck Mitchell. All 14 starters took the checkers in the non stop event. It was good to see Wenger back at the track, although racing with a cast on his wrist certainly posed a problem. Also, Alan Westling made his first appearance of the season in the Jim Moon back up car. Moon is also reportedly dealing with some injury issues.
The IMCA sport compacts only showed eight cars, seven started the 15 lap feature which also went non stop. Jeffrey Delonjay jumped to the early lead in his new ride, plain black with a duct taped # 32 on the side. On lap four, Kimberly Abbott took the runner up spot from Allyssa Steele as the two lady drivers tried to run down Delonjay. Darin Weisinger Jr. joined the front group, moving to third just before the half way mark. Three circuits later, Weisinger slipped around Abbott for second. As the leaders charged out of turn two for the final time, Abbott slowed and pulled to the infield with a rare mechanical failure. Delonjay cruised to his second win of 2016, chased by Weisinger, Steele, Brandon Lambert, and Adam Scott.
Under the " what's new" category, Michael Long also won his heat race, and was set to roll the die for the 20 lap feature invert. Oddly, there was an " eight" on the die, which Michael rolled, and for the first time that I know of, four rows were inverted for the main event. All but one of the 14 cars signed in took the green flag, with Shaun Deering leading Donovan Lodge as lap one was scored. Long crossed the line sixth, as lap two was scored, he was third, and he was going for the lead when the caution waved on lap three. The Delaware restart put him outside of Lodge, and he shot to the lead going down the backstretch. As he began to build a lead, third running Deering spun in turn one, but fortunately for him, the yellow had just come out for Keven Tomlinson in turn four. It was now Kevin Blackburn, driving the Mike Begley # B4 now in second, and while Long checked out, Blackburn, Deering, and Dave Weitholder waged a battle for second. When Blackburn suddenly exited the speedway on lap eleven, Long had a nearly 1/2 track advantage on the second place Deering. With no further cautions, Michael picked up his third feature win of the weekend as he chases the UMP nation points title, currently running second to Michael Harrison. Deering and Weitholder ran second and third, followed by Spencer Havermale and Frankie Wellman.
The IMCA sport mod finale was in staging as I headed for the car, with the 9:00 hour fast approaching and a long "catch up" Monday on my mind. Congratulations to Brandon Lennox, who has had an up and down season, as he topped defending champion and new point leader Joey Gower for the win.
Although I would very much like to be in West Liberty, Iowa for the MLRA/IMCA double late model show on Tuesday, it " ain't gonna " happen, so we will see what next weekend brings. Until then, enjoy the races!
Sixty one cars signed in at QR, but things got off to a bit of a late start with a medical call in the grandstands following time trials. Jason Perry had paced the UMP late models at 13.303 seconds, and Michael Long was the final UMP modified to qualify, leading the 14 car pack with a lap of 14.609 ticks of the clock.
Once under way, the nine heat races ran off quickly, but the heavy rains on Thursday night created some bumps in the track which crews ironed out during intermission.
The IMCA stock car feature ran first, with all but one of the ten cars signed in taking the green. Jake Powers crossed the line first on lap one, and on lap three, a charging Abe Huls got tangled up with Rudy Zaragoza, bringing out the yellow. Back under green, however, it was Brian Hoener out front as Abe moved to fourth in one lap, and was third on lap five before the second and final caution waved. Huls took over second on the restart, and set sail for Hoener. Brian was hugging the low line while Abe chose a higher groove. On lap ten of the 18 lap affair, Huls powered to the front. Four circuits later, Andrew Hustead used that same top groove to claim second, chasing Huls to the checkers. Hoener finished third followed by Michael Larsen and Powers.
Fast qualifier Perry had captured the first late model heat, and he rolled a zero to set the 25 lap feature lineup straight up. Perry then grabbed the lead at the green, quickly moving to the high line ahead of Griffin. A battle quickly developed for third between Clint Kirkham, Mark Burgtorf, and Denny Woodworth. By the eighth lap, Denny had charged to third, and the leaders hit slower traffic around lap eleven. Point leader Justin Reed joined the fray, moving to fourth on lap 14. Three circuits later, Griffin was bearing down on the leader, and he pulled a slide job in turns one and two for the lead on lap 20. Perry stayed close, but could not return the favor, as Griffin picked up his second checkers of 2016. Perry ran second ahead of Woodworth, Reed, and Burgtorf. Kirkham led the second five followed by Vance Wilson again wheeling the # 6M, Trace Westling, McKay Wenger, and Chuck Mitchell. All 14 starters took the checkers in the non stop event. It was good to see Wenger back at the track, although racing with a cast on his wrist certainly posed a problem. Also, Alan Westling made his first appearance of the season in the Jim Moon back up car. Moon is also reportedly dealing with some injury issues.
The IMCA sport compacts only showed eight cars, seven started the 15 lap feature which also went non stop. Jeffrey Delonjay jumped to the early lead in his new ride, plain black with a duct taped # 32 on the side. On lap four, Kimberly Abbott took the runner up spot from Allyssa Steele as the two lady drivers tried to run down Delonjay. Darin Weisinger Jr. joined the front group, moving to third just before the half way mark. Three circuits later, Weisinger slipped around Abbott for second. As the leaders charged out of turn two for the final time, Abbott slowed and pulled to the infield with a rare mechanical failure. Delonjay cruised to his second win of 2016, chased by Weisinger, Steele, Brandon Lambert, and Adam Scott.
Under the " what's new" category, Michael Long also won his heat race, and was set to roll the die for the 20 lap feature invert. Oddly, there was an " eight" on the die, which Michael rolled, and for the first time that I know of, four rows were inverted for the main event. All but one of the 14 cars signed in took the green flag, with Shaun Deering leading Donovan Lodge as lap one was scored. Long crossed the line sixth, as lap two was scored, he was third, and he was going for the lead when the caution waved on lap three. The Delaware restart put him outside of Lodge, and he shot to the lead going down the backstretch. As he began to build a lead, third running Deering spun in turn one, but fortunately for him, the yellow had just come out for Keven Tomlinson in turn four. It was now Kevin Blackburn, driving the Mike Begley # B4 now in second, and while Long checked out, Blackburn, Deering, and Dave Weitholder waged a battle for second. When Blackburn suddenly exited the speedway on lap eleven, Long had a nearly 1/2 track advantage on the second place Deering. With no further cautions, Michael picked up his third feature win of the weekend as he chases the UMP nation points title, currently running second to Michael Harrison. Deering and Weitholder ran second and third, followed by Spencer Havermale and Frankie Wellman.
The IMCA sport mod finale was in staging as I headed for the car, with the 9:00 hour fast approaching and a long "catch up" Monday on my mind. Congratulations to Brandon Lennox, who has had an up and down season, as he topped defending champion and new point leader Joey Gower for the win.
Although I would very much like to be in West Liberty, Iowa for the MLRA/IMCA double late model show on Tuesday, it " ain't gonna " happen, so we will see what next weekend brings. Until then, enjoy the races!
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