Tuesday night we headed out for our first mid week show of 2020, as the World of Outlaw late models invaded Ricky Kays' Davenport Speedway for the second time this season. The big difference this time would be that fans were allowed , and even with an advertised fifty percent capacity limit, an outstanding crowd filed through the gates to watch the twenty nine super late models and two dozen IMCA sport modifieds that checked in.
Hot lap action started very close to the 6:30 advertised start time, and late model time trials soon followed. Lucas Oil late model series regular Jimmy Owens came to visit and set a new 1/4 mile track record with a lap of 13.979 seconds. Local driver Mike Guldenpfennig was a no show for his qualifying laps.
Following three quick sport mod heats, the late models lined up for their ten lap qualifiers. Owens led the distance in heat one, topping Chris Simpson, Rich Bell, and Dave Eckrich for transfer positions. Polesitter Chad Simpson captured heat two in front of Chase Junghans, Bobby Pierce, and Garrett Alberson. Series point leader Brandon Sheppard had been fastest in group two time trials, and he paced heat three over Darrell Lanigan, Canadian Ricky Weiss, and Dirt Hall of Famer Scott Bloomquist. The final qualifier went to Cade Dillard, besting Rookie of the Year contender Ashton Winger, Jimmy Mars, and Dennis Erb Jr. Another Lucas Oil invader, Shane Clanton saw his chances effectively end when he went over the top of turn one, and he eventually failed to make the main event.
A bit of track work was followed by the late model last chance qualifier, with the top six advancing to the fifty lap $10,000 to win main event. Matt Furman led all the way, topping Jason Rauen, Boom Briggs, Justin Kay, Brent Larson, and Spencer Diercks. With no series drivers needing provisionals, starting spots were awarded to the drivers finishing just outside the top six, Jeremiah Hurst and Daniel Hilsabeck.
The sport mod feature was ready to go, with fifteen laps the distance. Jarrett Franzen put his #33 on the pole and jumped to the lead before a spin necessitated a complete restart. It was only a temporary set back for Franzen, who withstood another pair of yellows with eleven laps down, taking a flag to flag victory. Behind him there was plenty of action. Matt Fulton stayed close throughout, but could never get in position to grab the lead. Ben Chapman charged through the pack to third before settling in. Ryan walker crossed the line in fourth, while Dustin Schram came back to complete the top five.
The ten minute call went out for the late models to come to staging while promoter Kay did some last minute grooming of the high groove. The result was a multi groove surface that produced as much back and forth racing as you would hope to see on the storied fairgrounds 1/4 mile.
The four heat winners redrew for their starting spots, with Dillard and Chad Simpson on row one. Chad used the high line to jump to the lead, holding off the #97 until lap six when Dillard took control. Sheppard and Owens, the row two starters quickly asserted themselves, shuffling Simpson back to fourth by lap ten, and the race was on. As the race stayed green, slower traffic came into play by lap fifteen, with Owens and Sheppard swapping the runner up spot back and forth. Brandon took his first lead four circuits later using the low line around the track. The caution came just before halfway, as Bloomquist slowed with a flat tire. On the restart, Bell went for a spin. Back to racing, Owens moved to second, but following a final caution at lap twenty eight, Dillard hooked up on the low line and retook the runner up spot. It now became a three car battle, with Dillard married to the inside line while Sheppard and Owens plied their trade on the cushion. Meanwhile Mars stayed close with the best seat in the house in fourth. With thirty six laps scored Dillard grab the lead, and soon slower traffic again became a factor. When Sheppard was caught behind one of those cars, it looked like Cade would run away, but soon he too had to check up slightly and again the race was on. Four laps from the checkers, Shepard was able to use the high line to edge ahead, and on the closing laps he moved to the bottom to protect his lead and the win. Dillard held on for second while Owens took third. Mars was steady in fourth after starting twelfth, and Chris Simpson scored a top five. Hurst came all the way from row twelve to finish sixth ahead of Pierce, Lanigan, Erb Jr., and Junghans.
The final checkers waved before 9:30 to put a wrap on an outstanding night of racing action.
Company's comin', so we will play the weekend by ear and maybe see you Racin' Down the Road!
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Midgets Join the Regulars at Lee County
Friday night found us back at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa for regular racing plus a visit by the IMRA midgets. A total of eighty three cars checked in on a beautiful night, with a nice sized crowd and a well prepared race track.
Those who came late would have missed a scary sequence of events, as the IMCA sport compact of Jaden Delonjay erupted in fire as he raced down the back straightaway in his heat race. The youngster coasted to the front stretch before rolling to a stop and quickly exiting his now nearly engulfed machine. The safety crew went in to action, eventually joined by the Donnellson volunteer fire department, but it was all they could do to contain the blaze which totally destroyed his #3 four cylinder race car, apparently carrying a full load of fuel. After a lengthy delay including time for clean up, action resumed.
With all eleven qualifying races in the books, the fourteen midgets were up first for a twenty lap feature. Bryan Stanfill, who calls Bakersfield, California home picked up a heat race win, then jumped quickly out front as the feature green flag waved. Heat two winner Bart Andrews from nearby Fort Madison chased Stanfill early on, but the car on the move was the #6 of Andy Baugh. Baugh started last on the grid after being unable to fire his ride at the start of heat two. By lap nine, he had charged all the way to second, however by the time the crossed flags signaled the halfway mark Stanfill had a commanding lead. One lap later, the first caution of the race brought the leader back to the pack. With Baugh now challenging for the lead, the red flag was displayed as Kevin Battlefeld went for a series of flips in turns three and four. Back under green, Stanfill again opened up a comfortable lead, holding on for the win. Baugh came home second ahead of Brent Burrows, Kevin Douglas, and Jacob Sollenberger.
The sport compacts fielded twenty three race teams, and they were up next for fifteen laps. Josh Barnes was a track sponsor for the night, and after a heat race win, he started in row one for the feature. He quickly opened a big lead as five cars battled behind him for second. Following a pair of cautions at laps seven and ten, Jason Ash lined up behind Barnes in the Delaware alignment. As the white flag waved, the yellow was out again setting up a green, white checkers finish. On the second attempt, Ash made his move, pulling even with Barnes as the white flag lap was scored. At the checkers, it was Ash out front by a nose. Barnes finished second, followed by Chuck Fullenkamp, Kimberly Abbott, and Brandon Reu.
There was bonus money on the line for the eleven IMCA late models racing in a draw, redraw format. Dustin Griffin put his Denny Woodworth #45D out front from the pole position, with third starting Nick Marolf in tow. Those two charged out front as outside pole sitter Matt Strassheim had trouble getting up to speed, and he quickly exited the speedway. Griffin continued to build his lead, and with the race going caution free, he was never seriously challenged. For Dustin, it was his first win since coming out of three years " retirement. " Marolf, Mark Burgtorf, Tommy Elston, and Woodworth completed the top five. Veteran Ron Boyse was sixth, topping visiting C J Horn, Darin Weisinger Jr., Ray Raker, and first time visitor Frank Mason.
The IMCA sport mods again had a rough time getting to the mid point of their eighteen lap main event, with one multi car red flag delay sandwiched with four yellows. Eighth starting Austen Becerra took over the top spot on lap five, just ahead of the red flag stop. Following a lap seven caution, row six starter Brandon Dale challenged briefly for the lead. Meanwhile Tanner Klingele and Adam Birck waged an entertaining duel for third and A J Tournear and Jim Powell battled for fifth. Becerra cruised to the win, besting Dale, Klingele, Birck, and Powell.
The IMCA stock cars saw the yellow come out as the green waved when Kyle Boyd ran out of power in turn three. Back to racing, Jeremy Pundt out ran Beau Taylor to lead lap one. The order stayed the same until lap five when Taylor was shuffled to fourth as Jason Cook and John Oliver Jr. moved to second and third. Oliver cleared Cook three laps later, and a slower car pulled in front of Pundt, forcing him to momentarily check up allowing Oliver to cut into his lead. Working the cushion, Oliver then snatched the point with about six circuits to go. He then cruised to the victory, followed by Pundt, Cook, Taylor, and Jerry Jansen.
The final feature on the night showcased the IMCA modifieds. Heat race winner Todd Bates sat on the pole, but stumbled on the start, with Daniel Fellows grabbing the lead followed by fourth starting Michael Long. Long snagged the lead one lap later, and sixth starting Dennis Laveine moved to second At lap five, the yellow waved for Levi Smith. Fellows #11 would not fire on the restart, and his run was over. Long then ran away from the field, opening a straightaway lead by the ten lap halfway mark. With the race staying green, he kept his #18L high on the cushion and scored the win. There was plenty of action behind him, with Laveine coming home second. Bill Roberts Jr. edged Mark Burgtorf and Jeff Waterman at the line for third.
A bit of a late start coupled with the unfortunate fire made for a long night, but one filled with good racing. Thanks to Brian and Marcie Gaylord for their hospitality.
We will take the rest of the weekend off, with our next adventure on Tuesday, July 28 as the World of Outlaw late models invade the Davenport, Iowa Speedway for 1/4 mile action supported by the IMCA sport mods. If you see me there, stop and say " Hi!"
Those who came late would have missed a scary sequence of events, as the IMCA sport compact of Jaden Delonjay erupted in fire as he raced down the back straightaway in his heat race. The youngster coasted to the front stretch before rolling to a stop and quickly exiting his now nearly engulfed machine. The safety crew went in to action, eventually joined by the Donnellson volunteer fire department, but it was all they could do to contain the blaze which totally destroyed his #3 four cylinder race car, apparently carrying a full load of fuel. After a lengthy delay including time for clean up, action resumed.
With all eleven qualifying races in the books, the fourteen midgets were up first for a twenty lap feature. Bryan Stanfill, who calls Bakersfield, California home picked up a heat race win, then jumped quickly out front as the feature green flag waved. Heat two winner Bart Andrews from nearby Fort Madison chased Stanfill early on, but the car on the move was the #6 of Andy Baugh. Baugh started last on the grid after being unable to fire his ride at the start of heat two. By lap nine, he had charged all the way to second, however by the time the crossed flags signaled the halfway mark Stanfill had a commanding lead. One lap later, the first caution of the race brought the leader back to the pack. With Baugh now challenging for the lead, the red flag was displayed as Kevin Battlefeld went for a series of flips in turns three and four. Back under green, Stanfill again opened up a comfortable lead, holding on for the win. Baugh came home second ahead of Brent Burrows, Kevin Douglas, and Jacob Sollenberger.
The sport compacts fielded twenty three race teams, and they were up next for fifteen laps. Josh Barnes was a track sponsor for the night, and after a heat race win, he started in row one for the feature. He quickly opened a big lead as five cars battled behind him for second. Following a pair of cautions at laps seven and ten, Jason Ash lined up behind Barnes in the Delaware alignment. As the white flag waved, the yellow was out again setting up a green, white checkers finish. On the second attempt, Ash made his move, pulling even with Barnes as the white flag lap was scored. At the checkers, it was Ash out front by a nose. Barnes finished second, followed by Chuck Fullenkamp, Kimberly Abbott, and Brandon Reu.
There was bonus money on the line for the eleven IMCA late models racing in a draw, redraw format. Dustin Griffin put his Denny Woodworth #45D out front from the pole position, with third starting Nick Marolf in tow. Those two charged out front as outside pole sitter Matt Strassheim had trouble getting up to speed, and he quickly exited the speedway. Griffin continued to build his lead, and with the race going caution free, he was never seriously challenged. For Dustin, it was his first win since coming out of three years " retirement. " Marolf, Mark Burgtorf, Tommy Elston, and Woodworth completed the top five. Veteran Ron Boyse was sixth, topping visiting C J Horn, Darin Weisinger Jr., Ray Raker, and first time visitor Frank Mason.
The IMCA sport mods again had a rough time getting to the mid point of their eighteen lap main event, with one multi car red flag delay sandwiched with four yellows. Eighth starting Austen Becerra took over the top spot on lap five, just ahead of the red flag stop. Following a lap seven caution, row six starter Brandon Dale challenged briefly for the lead. Meanwhile Tanner Klingele and Adam Birck waged an entertaining duel for third and A J Tournear and Jim Powell battled for fifth. Becerra cruised to the win, besting Dale, Klingele, Birck, and Powell.
The IMCA stock cars saw the yellow come out as the green waved when Kyle Boyd ran out of power in turn three. Back to racing, Jeremy Pundt out ran Beau Taylor to lead lap one. The order stayed the same until lap five when Taylor was shuffled to fourth as Jason Cook and John Oliver Jr. moved to second and third. Oliver cleared Cook three laps later, and a slower car pulled in front of Pundt, forcing him to momentarily check up allowing Oliver to cut into his lead. Working the cushion, Oliver then snatched the point with about six circuits to go. He then cruised to the victory, followed by Pundt, Cook, Taylor, and Jerry Jansen.
The final feature on the night showcased the IMCA modifieds. Heat race winner Todd Bates sat on the pole, but stumbled on the start, with Daniel Fellows grabbing the lead followed by fourth starting Michael Long. Long snagged the lead one lap later, and sixth starting Dennis Laveine moved to second At lap five, the yellow waved for Levi Smith. Fellows #11 would not fire on the restart, and his run was over. Long then ran away from the field, opening a straightaway lead by the ten lap halfway mark. With the race staying green, he kept his #18L high on the cushion and scored the win. There was plenty of action behind him, with Laveine coming home second. Bill Roberts Jr. edged Mark Burgtorf and Jeff Waterman at the line for third.
A bit of a late start coupled with the unfortunate fire made for a long night, but one filled with good racing. Thanks to Brian and Marcie Gaylord for their hospitality.
We will take the rest of the weekend off, with our next adventure on Tuesday, July 28 as the World of Outlaw late models invade the Davenport, Iowa Speedway for 1/4 mile action supported by the IMCA sport mods. If you see me there, stop and say " Hi!"
Monday, July 20, 2020
Pierce and Precipitation Top Moberly
Sunday night was the first ever visit to the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly, Missouri by the UMP Summernationals - the Hell Tour - along with the UMP Summit Modified Tour. The local B mod class was also on the card. The predicted scorching temperature was replaced by cloudy skies, and while a large crowd turned out, the pit area was short on cars. The rescheduled Lucas Oil series Diamond Nationals just a couple hours down the road no doubt affected the late model turnout, but the low count of modifieds was a bit of a surprise.
The action kicked off with hot laps just after the advertised time of 6:00 PM, and the wide, high banked oval ( 3/8, 4/10, 1/2 mile ?) was fast, smooth, and dust free.The modifieds qualified during their hot lap session with Michael Long pacing the nine cars checked in at 19.045 seconds. One of the top contenders, Dave Weitholder, appeared to blow his engine in the hot lap session, ending his night.
The fourteen late models on hand qualified for two laps one at a time. Frank Heckenast Jr. topped the first group with a lap of 17.158 seconds, while Bobby Pierce set overall quick time with a lap of 16.845 ticks of the clock.
Heat race action clicked off in quick fashion. The B mods were up first with the eighteen entrants split into three ten lap heat races. Quincy, Illinois driver Bobby Anders climbed in the #63G normally wheeled by Michael Goodwin and captured heat one ahead of Cole Campbell. Austen Becerra followed his Friday night win at Lee County with a heat two victory over Preston Dawson, and Dakota Girard topped Barry Taft in heat three.
Long then cruised to the eight lap modified heat race win in front of Zeke McKenzie, Will Krup, and Brandon Ryan.
The first late model ten lapper was a flag to flag win for Heckenast Jr., besting Dylan Hoover, with the pair of #99s followed by St.Louis area veterans Mark Voigt and Rusty Griffaw. Pierce nabbed the final heat, holding off Brian Shirley. Saturday night Tour winner Jason Feger was third in front of Trevor Gundaker.
It was now time for a brief intermission, and the B mods were called to staging as I stood in the concession line awaiting a tasty tenderloin. Before getting back to my seat, however, the announcement was made that rain was headed our way, and the late model forty lap main event would now run first. Of course it was a few minutes before the field was lined up and ready to go, but soon we were racing!
There was plenty of action up front, but this night clearly belonged to Pierce. By lap five, he had a sizable lead as Heckenast Jr. and Shirley waged war for second while Feger looked for racing room in fourth. Pierce caught the back of the pack on lap six, but the first caution came one lap later as Tim Lance Jr. slowed on the backstretch, his run over. The caution wiped out Pierces' big lead , but he quickly charged ahead as the green flag was again displayed. A second yellow came on lap ten as Brandon Queen spun at the exit of turn four, but again Pierce stretched his margin under green. A final caution came at lap twenty one as Feger ducked to the pits with a flat left rear tire. He rejoined the pack and quickly powered back into the top five as raindrops began to fall. With twenty five of the scheduled forty laps scored, the decision was made to throw the white flag before conditions worsened. The $5,000 top prize went to Pierce, with Heckenast a distant second. Shirley took third, while Feger rebounded to fourth. Griffaw completed the top five. Voigt came home sixth in front of Bob Gardner, Time Lance Sr., Queen, and eleven year old Kayden Clatt, the final car running at the checkers. Trevor Gundaker was credited with eleventh, retiring with overheating, Hoover gave up a top five run and was scored in twelfth. Lance Jr. was thirteenth, while Gordy Gundaker retired early with a broken driveshaft.
Although the modified feature was ready to go, Mother Nature had other ideas, and the remainder of the show was washed out.
A big thanks goes out to Promoter Jason Goble and his staff as well as UMP DirtCar officials for doing yeoman work to get in as much of the program as possible, and for their hospitality, as well.
The tour will take Monday off, then move back to Peoria, Il. Speedway on Tuesday for a make up of a rained out feature from earlier this month. Meanwhile, Randolph County Raceway will be back in action next Sunday with five classes of cars, check the website or Facebook for details.
See you at the races!
The action kicked off with hot laps just after the advertised time of 6:00 PM, and the wide, high banked oval ( 3/8, 4/10, 1/2 mile ?) was fast, smooth, and dust free.The modifieds qualified during their hot lap session with Michael Long pacing the nine cars checked in at 19.045 seconds. One of the top contenders, Dave Weitholder, appeared to blow his engine in the hot lap session, ending his night.
The fourteen late models on hand qualified for two laps one at a time. Frank Heckenast Jr. topped the first group with a lap of 17.158 seconds, while Bobby Pierce set overall quick time with a lap of 16.845 ticks of the clock.
Heat race action clicked off in quick fashion. The B mods were up first with the eighteen entrants split into three ten lap heat races. Quincy, Illinois driver Bobby Anders climbed in the #63G normally wheeled by Michael Goodwin and captured heat one ahead of Cole Campbell. Austen Becerra followed his Friday night win at Lee County with a heat two victory over Preston Dawson, and Dakota Girard topped Barry Taft in heat three.
Long then cruised to the eight lap modified heat race win in front of Zeke McKenzie, Will Krup, and Brandon Ryan.
The first late model ten lapper was a flag to flag win for Heckenast Jr., besting Dylan Hoover, with the pair of #99s followed by St.Louis area veterans Mark Voigt and Rusty Griffaw. Pierce nabbed the final heat, holding off Brian Shirley. Saturday night Tour winner Jason Feger was third in front of Trevor Gundaker.
It was now time for a brief intermission, and the B mods were called to staging as I stood in the concession line awaiting a tasty tenderloin. Before getting back to my seat, however, the announcement was made that rain was headed our way, and the late model forty lap main event would now run first. Of course it was a few minutes before the field was lined up and ready to go, but soon we were racing!
There was plenty of action up front, but this night clearly belonged to Pierce. By lap five, he had a sizable lead as Heckenast Jr. and Shirley waged war for second while Feger looked for racing room in fourth. Pierce caught the back of the pack on lap six, but the first caution came one lap later as Tim Lance Jr. slowed on the backstretch, his run over. The caution wiped out Pierces' big lead , but he quickly charged ahead as the green flag was again displayed. A second yellow came on lap ten as Brandon Queen spun at the exit of turn four, but again Pierce stretched his margin under green. A final caution came at lap twenty one as Feger ducked to the pits with a flat left rear tire. He rejoined the pack and quickly powered back into the top five as raindrops began to fall. With twenty five of the scheduled forty laps scored, the decision was made to throw the white flag before conditions worsened. The $5,000 top prize went to Pierce, with Heckenast a distant second. Shirley took third, while Feger rebounded to fourth. Griffaw completed the top five. Voigt came home sixth in front of Bob Gardner, Time Lance Sr., Queen, and eleven year old Kayden Clatt, the final car running at the checkers. Trevor Gundaker was credited with eleventh, retiring with overheating, Hoover gave up a top five run and was scored in twelfth. Lance Jr. was thirteenth, while Gordy Gundaker retired early with a broken driveshaft.
Although the modified feature was ready to go, Mother Nature had other ideas, and the remainder of the show was washed out.
A big thanks goes out to Promoter Jason Goble and his staff as well as UMP DirtCar officials for doing yeoman work to get in as much of the program as possible, and for their hospitality, as well.
The tour will take Monday off, then move back to Peoria, Il. Speedway on Tuesday for a make up of a rained out feature from earlier this month. Meanwhile, Randolph County Raceway will be back in action next Sunday with five classes of cars, check the website or Facebook for details.
See you at the races!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Eckrich, Burgtorf, Oliver Jr., Becerra, Reu Top Lee County
Friday night we made our way to the Pepsi Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa for night number three of the IMCA late model " Drive for Five " event. Any late model competitor participating in at least four of the five scheduled preliminary nights will be eligible to race for a $5,000 winners share on Saturday, September 12. Of course, the September 12 race will be open to all IMCA drivers, however those not attending at least four of the $1,000 to win " Drive for Five " nights would instead be battling for a $2,000 top prize.
Four other regular IMCA classes were also in action on Friday, including modifieds, sport mods, stock cars, and sport compacts. Outside sponsors had donated extra money to the stock car class, with $600 now on the line for the winner.
By my count, seventy seven drivers signed in on a warm, muggy evening at the southeast Iowa fairgrounds speed plant. Heavy rains on Wednesday did the track no favors, and it was a rough and choppy surface during qualifying events. The track crew spent the forty minute plus intermission grading and smoothing the 3/8 mile, and it resulted in much improved conditions for the five feature events.
The order of events for the features was then altered, with IMCA modifieds up first for twenty laps. Mark Burgtorf, in the Bill Baker #03B charged from outside row two to lead the opening circuit in front of outside pole sitter Levi Smith. While the veteran racer worked up front, pole sitter Daniel Fellows took over second on lap three. As Burgtorf continued to stretch his lead, Fellows also opened a margin over a third place battle between Jeff Waterman and Dennis Laveine. Slower traffic about lap thirteen did little to slow the pace of the leader, and with no yellow flags, Burgtorf parked in victory lane for his first modified win of 2020. Fellows cruised home in second followed by Laveine, Waterman, and Bill Roberts Jr.
IMCA sport mods topped the entry list with twenty four cars, and they were up next for eighteen laps. A massive stack up on the backstretch of the first lap brought out the red flag, with contender Blaine Webster #7 among the casualties. Another caution on the restart sent row two starter Bobby Six to the trailer. Finally a lap was scored, with the #26J of Jadin Fuller setting the pace. He stayed out front until experiencing mechanical issues on lap five, turning the lead over to Logan Cumby just ahead of a yellow for Tanner Klingele, who stopped in turn four. In the meantime, Adam Birck, who had lined up in row eleven had used the cautions and some slick moves to advance to fifth for the restart. Veteran Jim Powell charged to the top spot as the green flag again waved, but as he worked lap eleven, contact from Cumby sent him for a spin, bringing the yellow out again. Powell would restart in the back, Cumby would head to the trailer, and Birck, who was also stopped would retain his spot. Brandon Dale was now out front, with Birck and row four starter Austen Becerra lined up side beside behind him. With five circuits to go, Dale appeared to lose a spring, slowing in turn one to bring out the fifth caution. The final restart was single file, with Becerra now on point. Austen led to the checkers, as Birck fought off a strong challenge from Sean Wyett for second. A J Tournear came from row eight to claim fourth, with Barry Taft completing the top five. Twelve of the two dozen starters were running at the end.
Even with added money for the top three finishers, the IMCA stock cars drew only a disappointing seven cars. I can only guess that the strong level of competition at LCS keeps some drivers away. Abe Huls paced lap one before John Oliver Jr. took command as the pair exited turn two on lap two. From there, the top spot was never in doubt. By the halfway mark of the eighteen laps, Oliver had a straightaway lead which he maintained as the race went caution free. Huls rolled home in the runner up spot followed by Chad Krogmeier, Jeremy Pundt, and Jerry Jansen.
Fourteen IMCA late models checked in for a shot at the $1,000 prize. Andy Eckrich and Denny Woodworth lined up in row one, and they held the top two spots as lap one was scored. The youngest of the racing Eckrich brothers opened about a five car length lead as the crossed flags of starter Rodney Bleisner marked a dozen laps complete. With the leader beginning to negotiate slower traffic at lap fifteen, Sam Halstead rolled to a stop in turn one, bringing out the only yellow flag of the race. The restart proved no problem for Eckrich, as he cruised to a flag to flag win in his yellow #56. Woodworth took runner up honors over teammate Dustin Griffin. Nick Marolf captured fourth over the hard charger of the race, double duty Burgtorf, who started in row seven and finished on the bumper of Marolf. Tommy Elston came home sixth in front of Jay Johnson and Matt Strassheim, while Darin Weisinger Jr. slipped past Ray Raker on the final lap.
With the clock flirting with 11:00, all but one of the twenty one IMCA sport compacts came to the track. When it took several tries to get the first lap in the books, we headed for the exit. I see this morning that Brandon Reu picked up the win, congratulations to the #27 team.
Considering the predicted heat, we will take Saturday off, and get ready for what will now be our first UMP Summernationals event of 2020, Sunday at the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly, Mo. Hot laps are set to kick off at 6:00, hope to see you there!
Four other regular IMCA classes were also in action on Friday, including modifieds, sport mods, stock cars, and sport compacts. Outside sponsors had donated extra money to the stock car class, with $600 now on the line for the winner.
By my count, seventy seven drivers signed in on a warm, muggy evening at the southeast Iowa fairgrounds speed plant. Heavy rains on Wednesday did the track no favors, and it was a rough and choppy surface during qualifying events. The track crew spent the forty minute plus intermission grading and smoothing the 3/8 mile, and it resulted in much improved conditions for the five feature events.
The order of events for the features was then altered, with IMCA modifieds up first for twenty laps. Mark Burgtorf, in the Bill Baker #03B charged from outside row two to lead the opening circuit in front of outside pole sitter Levi Smith. While the veteran racer worked up front, pole sitter Daniel Fellows took over second on lap three. As Burgtorf continued to stretch his lead, Fellows also opened a margin over a third place battle between Jeff Waterman and Dennis Laveine. Slower traffic about lap thirteen did little to slow the pace of the leader, and with no yellow flags, Burgtorf parked in victory lane for his first modified win of 2020. Fellows cruised home in second followed by Laveine, Waterman, and Bill Roberts Jr.
IMCA sport mods topped the entry list with twenty four cars, and they were up next for eighteen laps. A massive stack up on the backstretch of the first lap brought out the red flag, with contender Blaine Webster #7 among the casualties. Another caution on the restart sent row two starter Bobby Six to the trailer. Finally a lap was scored, with the #26J of Jadin Fuller setting the pace. He stayed out front until experiencing mechanical issues on lap five, turning the lead over to Logan Cumby just ahead of a yellow for Tanner Klingele, who stopped in turn four. In the meantime, Adam Birck, who had lined up in row eleven had used the cautions and some slick moves to advance to fifth for the restart. Veteran Jim Powell charged to the top spot as the green flag again waved, but as he worked lap eleven, contact from Cumby sent him for a spin, bringing the yellow out again. Powell would restart in the back, Cumby would head to the trailer, and Birck, who was also stopped would retain his spot. Brandon Dale was now out front, with Birck and row four starter Austen Becerra lined up side beside behind him. With five circuits to go, Dale appeared to lose a spring, slowing in turn one to bring out the fifth caution. The final restart was single file, with Becerra now on point. Austen led to the checkers, as Birck fought off a strong challenge from Sean Wyett for second. A J Tournear came from row eight to claim fourth, with Barry Taft completing the top five. Twelve of the two dozen starters were running at the end.
Even with added money for the top three finishers, the IMCA stock cars drew only a disappointing seven cars. I can only guess that the strong level of competition at LCS keeps some drivers away. Abe Huls paced lap one before John Oliver Jr. took command as the pair exited turn two on lap two. From there, the top spot was never in doubt. By the halfway mark of the eighteen laps, Oliver had a straightaway lead which he maintained as the race went caution free. Huls rolled home in the runner up spot followed by Chad Krogmeier, Jeremy Pundt, and Jerry Jansen.
Fourteen IMCA late models checked in for a shot at the $1,000 prize. Andy Eckrich and Denny Woodworth lined up in row one, and they held the top two spots as lap one was scored. The youngest of the racing Eckrich brothers opened about a five car length lead as the crossed flags of starter Rodney Bleisner marked a dozen laps complete. With the leader beginning to negotiate slower traffic at lap fifteen, Sam Halstead rolled to a stop in turn one, bringing out the only yellow flag of the race. The restart proved no problem for Eckrich, as he cruised to a flag to flag win in his yellow #56. Woodworth took runner up honors over teammate Dustin Griffin. Nick Marolf captured fourth over the hard charger of the race, double duty Burgtorf, who started in row seven and finished on the bumper of Marolf. Tommy Elston came home sixth in front of Jay Johnson and Matt Strassheim, while Darin Weisinger Jr. slipped past Ray Raker on the final lap.
With the clock flirting with 11:00, all but one of the twenty one IMCA sport compacts came to the track. When it took several tries to get the first lap in the books, we headed for the exit. I see this morning that Brandon Reu picked up the win, congratulations to the #27 team.
Considering the predicted heat, we will take Saturday off, and get ready for what will now be our first UMP Summernationals event of 2020, Sunday at the Randolph County Raceway in Moberly, Mo. Hot laps are set to kick off at 6:00, hope to see you there!
Monday, July 13, 2020
Scenic Route to Dubuque, Ryans Takes Checkers
This past week might be a case of making lemonade out of lemons. On Thursday, against all odds and better judgement, we headed for the Marshalltown Speedway and the oh so elusive 500th and final IMCA Summer Series event. Driving through off and on heavy rain, we arrived just to the outskirts of Marshalltown as a message from fellow Positively Racing bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele informed us that the show had indeed been postponed, with a reschedule date of September 17.
So we regrouped, and with clear skies on Sunday, we loaded up and headed for our first UMP Summernationals race of 2020, back to the Bullring at RICO in East Moline, Il. where we had journeyed the Sunday before. Aware of some severe storms in the Quad City area on Saturday night, I made contact with the folks there before heading out to make sure things were still a go. But not so fast! As we crossed the Mississippi River from Davenport to Rock Island, the phone rang, and P.R. guru Jeff Broeg delivered the news that the race had been cancelled due to wet grounds. Having anticipated our dilemma, Jeff offered up a couple of alternatives for us as an alternative to turning around and heading for home once again. As the driver, I made the decision, with needed help from my navigator, Fred, to point north to the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway for weekly IMCA racing. Given our current location, this would now be a four hour trip, but fortunately our habit of being early to the track served us well in this instance.
Although we do not often make the three plus hour trip to the northeast Iowa facility, it remains high on our list of favorites, and we were not disappointed on Sunday. A solid field of ninety two cars across six classes signed in, boosted somewhat by the late cancellation at East Moline. There have been some improvements to the venue since our last visit, including the seating area in our preferred spot towards turn one. Also, I do not remember the P.A. system being so crisp and clear, and I want to take this time to compliment the track announcer whose name I do not know. He did a phenomenal job of giving lineups complete with names, car numbers, and hometowns, at least twice for each race. This was a tremendous help to those of us unfamiliar with many of the locals. It seems like such a basic task for a race announcer, yet one that we seldom have the pleasure of experiencing!
Hot laps started at the advertised time of 6:00, and heat race action actually began a few ticks before 6:30. It took just over an hour to complete the dozen qualifying events, followed by an intermission in the neighborhood of fifteen minutes, with a bit of track prep during that time. By 7:45, we were feature racing.
Hobby stocks were up first, and Dakota Simonsen kicked things off with a dominating win in his sharp looking #60, a look a like to brother Daltons' late model. Wayne Hora and his gas man topped a wild and woolly two person cruiser marathon.
All twenty four IMCA sport mods then lined up for fifteen laps, and I must confess, I had my doubts as to how that would go. But I hardly needed to worry, as the race was completed with only a pair of caution periods, and all but five of the cars took the checkered flag. Second generation driver Gage Neal, a real up and comer, turned in a strong performance to take the win after starting ninth. Lining up just behind Neal was another young hot shoe, Jason Roth, and he made a late charge to take runner up honors, while former late model pilot Kip Siems was third.
A couple of late arrivals in the IMCA modified class swelled the field to nineteen, but it was Jeff " Bone " Larson coming from row five to claim the win. It did not come easy, as he had a spirited battle with twelfth starting Matt Gansen. Ryan Duhme hung near the leaders for a third place finish.
Johnny Lovett made the long tow from Dekalb, Il.to take top honors in the four cylinder feature. He was one of those who had been headed to East Moline, but also made lemonade by grabbing the Dubuque dollars.
The final race on the card was the twenty five lap headliner for the IMCA late models. Fifteen cars signed in, and all took the green flag, even though Hazel Green, Wisconsin ace Darren Mish checked out of his heat race as the cars lined up. Colton Leal and Jason Udelhofen led the pack to green, but Luke Merfeld shot to the early lead, opening a several car length advantage over Udelhofen. Dalton Simonsen started fifth and moved to second on lap four using the low line around the 3/8 mile even as Merfeld pounded the cushion. Ron Klein stalked the leaders in third. The first caution came at lap seven for a spinning James Curran. By now, sixth starting Eric Pollard and East Moline regular Matt Ryan had joined the top five. As racing resumed, Simonsen grabbed the lead just ahead of a caution for Klein, who came to a stop, ending his run at lap eight. Now in third, Pollard used the Delaware restart to power to second, taking Ryan along in third. The yellow came again at lap ten as Terry Neal slowed in turn three, his night over. Ryan shot to the high side on the restart, grabbing the lead. It now became a back and forth duel between the rim riding Ryan and the catfishing Simonsen, and they shared the top spot ahead of a lap thirteen caution for Ryan Hill. Matt Ryan was out front for the restart, and he now found his preferred line on the bottom in turns one and two, while powering middle to high in three and four. Simonsen continued to work the low line. Pollard went to work at the top of the speedway, overtaking Simonsen at lap sixteen, and we now had a three car battle going. Just when it looked like Simonsen might be making a move, a final caution came out at lap twenty two for a stalled Udelhofen. Back to green for the final three laps, it was Ryan holding on for the hard earned win. Simonsen ran second, followed by Pollard, Logan Duffy, and David Webster. Udelhofen rebounded for sixth, followed by Mitch Manternach, Mish, Hill, and Luke Pestka.
The final checkers came about 9:45, and while a long one, the drive home was definitely shorter than the one to the track! Thanks to the crew at the Dubuque Speedway for saving our Sunday with some great racing.
There are some excellent choices for racing in the coming week, and at this time our plans are uncertain. But now is the time to take whatever precautions you feel comfortable with and head to the track of your choice!
So we regrouped, and with clear skies on Sunday, we loaded up and headed for our first UMP Summernationals race of 2020, back to the Bullring at RICO in East Moline, Il. where we had journeyed the Sunday before. Aware of some severe storms in the Quad City area on Saturday night, I made contact with the folks there before heading out to make sure things were still a go. But not so fast! As we crossed the Mississippi River from Davenport to Rock Island, the phone rang, and P.R. guru Jeff Broeg delivered the news that the race had been cancelled due to wet grounds. Having anticipated our dilemma, Jeff offered up a couple of alternatives for us as an alternative to turning around and heading for home once again. As the driver, I made the decision, with needed help from my navigator, Fred, to point north to the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway for weekly IMCA racing. Given our current location, this would now be a four hour trip, but fortunately our habit of being early to the track served us well in this instance.
Although we do not often make the three plus hour trip to the northeast Iowa facility, it remains high on our list of favorites, and we were not disappointed on Sunday. A solid field of ninety two cars across six classes signed in, boosted somewhat by the late cancellation at East Moline. There have been some improvements to the venue since our last visit, including the seating area in our preferred spot towards turn one. Also, I do not remember the P.A. system being so crisp and clear, and I want to take this time to compliment the track announcer whose name I do not know. He did a phenomenal job of giving lineups complete with names, car numbers, and hometowns, at least twice for each race. This was a tremendous help to those of us unfamiliar with many of the locals. It seems like such a basic task for a race announcer, yet one that we seldom have the pleasure of experiencing!
Hot laps started at the advertised time of 6:00, and heat race action actually began a few ticks before 6:30. It took just over an hour to complete the dozen qualifying events, followed by an intermission in the neighborhood of fifteen minutes, with a bit of track prep during that time. By 7:45, we were feature racing.
Hobby stocks were up first, and Dakota Simonsen kicked things off with a dominating win in his sharp looking #60, a look a like to brother Daltons' late model. Wayne Hora and his gas man topped a wild and woolly two person cruiser marathon.
All twenty four IMCA sport mods then lined up for fifteen laps, and I must confess, I had my doubts as to how that would go. But I hardly needed to worry, as the race was completed with only a pair of caution periods, and all but five of the cars took the checkered flag. Second generation driver Gage Neal, a real up and comer, turned in a strong performance to take the win after starting ninth. Lining up just behind Neal was another young hot shoe, Jason Roth, and he made a late charge to take runner up honors, while former late model pilot Kip Siems was third.
A couple of late arrivals in the IMCA modified class swelled the field to nineteen, but it was Jeff " Bone " Larson coming from row five to claim the win. It did not come easy, as he had a spirited battle with twelfth starting Matt Gansen. Ryan Duhme hung near the leaders for a third place finish.
Johnny Lovett made the long tow from Dekalb, Il.to take top honors in the four cylinder feature. He was one of those who had been headed to East Moline, but also made lemonade by grabbing the Dubuque dollars.
The final race on the card was the twenty five lap headliner for the IMCA late models. Fifteen cars signed in, and all took the green flag, even though Hazel Green, Wisconsin ace Darren Mish checked out of his heat race as the cars lined up. Colton Leal and Jason Udelhofen led the pack to green, but Luke Merfeld shot to the early lead, opening a several car length advantage over Udelhofen. Dalton Simonsen started fifth and moved to second on lap four using the low line around the 3/8 mile even as Merfeld pounded the cushion. Ron Klein stalked the leaders in third. The first caution came at lap seven for a spinning James Curran. By now, sixth starting Eric Pollard and East Moline regular Matt Ryan had joined the top five. As racing resumed, Simonsen grabbed the lead just ahead of a caution for Klein, who came to a stop, ending his run at lap eight. Now in third, Pollard used the Delaware restart to power to second, taking Ryan along in third. The yellow came again at lap ten as Terry Neal slowed in turn three, his night over. Ryan shot to the high side on the restart, grabbing the lead. It now became a back and forth duel between the rim riding Ryan and the catfishing Simonsen, and they shared the top spot ahead of a lap thirteen caution for Ryan Hill. Matt Ryan was out front for the restart, and he now found his preferred line on the bottom in turns one and two, while powering middle to high in three and four. Simonsen continued to work the low line. Pollard went to work at the top of the speedway, overtaking Simonsen at lap sixteen, and we now had a three car battle going. Just when it looked like Simonsen might be making a move, a final caution came out at lap twenty two for a stalled Udelhofen. Back to green for the final three laps, it was Ryan holding on for the hard earned win. Simonsen ran second, followed by Pollard, Logan Duffy, and David Webster. Udelhofen rebounded for sixth, followed by Mitch Manternach, Mish, Hill, and Luke Pestka.
The final checkers came about 9:45, and while a long one, the drive home was definitely shorter than the one to the track! Thanks to the crew at the Dubuque Speedway for saving our Sunday with some great racing.
There are some excellent choices for racing in the coming week, and at this time our plans are uncertain. But now is the time to take whatever precautions you feel comfortable with and head to the track of your choice!
Monday, July 6, 2020
Pierce Breaks, Looney Doubles Up at RICO
As planned, we were able to rejoin the MLRA holiday weekend swing Sunday as the mini tour finished up at the Bullring at RICO ( Rock Island County ) Fairgrounds in East Moline, Il. Sweltering heat greeted us and seventy five race teams in four classes, although for reasons unknown to this blogger, late model driver Mason Oberkramer loaded up and hit the road before any action had taken place. Edit: Mason had a family emergency at home.
I am sure partly due to the heat and its impact on the high banked 1/4 mile racing surface, the start time was pushed back thirty minutes from the advertised 4:00 hot laps.
Time trial qualifying for the twenty one MLRA late models followed hot laps, with Bobby Pierce besting the field. This was particularly impressive considering Pierce " broke a motor " in hot laps and was forced to pull out his " back up " car and prepare it while the other three classes went through warm ups. Although he has several victories in 2020, he has also been plagued with engine woes.
With the straight up heat race format, Pierce then captured the first ten lap event over Payton Looney, Brian Shirley, and Jeremiah Hurst. Outside pole sitter Tony Toste nabbed heat two in front of fifth starting Chad Simpson, Daniel Hilsabeck, and Travis Denning, in what looked like a brand new #56D. Jonathon Brauns started outside row one and topped Garrett Alberson, last through the gate Allen Weisser, and Jason Papich in the final qualifier.
With the nineteen modifieds, seventeen sport mods, and nineteen sport compacts having rolled through their heat races, the track crew then took a lengthy intermission, part of which was devoted to tilling and watering what had become a bit of a treacherous racing surface. The time spent proved successful, as the cars were able to run two grooves during the late model feature, especially in turns one and two.
The MLRA headliner would run first. What had been advertised as a $5,000 top prize swelled to $6,250 thanks to a $1,000 donation from Doug Curless, car owner of the Mike McKinney #99, and other donations. Four laps were also added to the race, making it forty four laps total in tribute to fallen driver Shaune Lewis, whose family also received the tracks share of the 50/50 drawing.
At the drop of the green by flagman Doug Haack, it was outside polesitter Toste putting his California based #91T out front, with Pierce and Looney in hot pursuit. The first caution came for a spin by Brennon Willard on lap three. At this time, Chad Simpson ducked to the pits trailing a bit of fluid and with a possible flat tire as well. He was able to rejoin the tail of the field in the nick of time. Toste continued to be a rocket high off turn two as Pierce looked at the low line, making up ground in turns three and four. Bobby then grabbed the lead in turn two on lap seven, and the yellow waved two laps later as Tegan Evans came to a stop in turn two and was collected by Gary Webb. Back under green, Pierce continued to set the pace, catching the back of the pack on lap fourteen. But another caution came two laps later, as Brauns slowed, his run over. Looney powered to second on the Delaware restart. As the crossed flags signaling the halfway mark were displayed, Weisser made contact with the concrete wall entering turn three and was hit hard by Denning. Both cars were done for the race, with Weisser suffering at least heavy cosmetic damage. Hurst had started in row four, and charged to third on the restart.
Two nights earlier, a second running Pierce had inherited the lead at 34 Raceway when the first place car of Tony Jackson Jr. fell victim to a fuel pump issue with four laps to go. But tonight, it was Bobbys' turn to suffer heartbreak, when he broke an axle while leading about lap twenty five. As he retired to the pits under yellow, Looney was the new leader. Payton needed only to remain patient through two more caution periods, on lap twenty nine when first Jackson Jr. spun during possible contact with McKinney, and on the restart when Willard again had trouble.
While Looney was in command as the laps wound down, there was a mad scramble behind him for positions two through five. Rookie of the year contender Justin Duty had started in row eight and quietly worked his way into contention, finally sliding by Hurst on the final lap for the runner up finish. Toste followed Hurst in forth, while Jeremiahs' teammate Alberson completed the top five. Shirley held off row ten starter Mike Chasteen Jr. for sixth, with Simpson, Jackson Jr., and McKinney completing the top ten. Hilsabeck and Willard were the final two cars running at the checkers. For Looney, it was his second victory of the weekend as he carried the MLRA checkers twenty four hours earlier at 300 Raceway in Farley, Iowa.
With an early wake up call due on Monday, we elected to head for the car as victory lane interviews were in progress. Checking the results, I see that Eric Barnes captured the modified main, while double duty Denning rebounded to finish second ahead of veteran Jim Sandusky. Trey Grimm was the sport mod victor over Jarett Franzen and Logan Veloz. And Jacob Reitter topped the compacts in front of Cyle Hawkins and Mike Cunz.
2020 is the first season of promotion for the Peterson family at the storied facility, and it has been a trying time, I am sure. And I both appreciate their hospitality and wish them nothing but good things going forward. As of now we are hoping to make it back next Sunday as the UMP Summernationals comes calling. In the meantime, this coming Thursday is our next target for the 500th and final IMCA Summer Series event at the Marshalltown Speedway. The event is the 3rd annual Dale Defrance Memorial where hometown legend Darrell Defrance will also be honored for perfect attendance at all 500 races. If you see me there, stop and say " Hi!"
Before I sign off, I would like to congratulate my grandson, Keagan who many of you know, and his wife Megan on the birth of my first great grand child, Chester Edward!
I am sure partly due to the heat and its impact on the high banked 1/4 mile racing surface, the start time was pushed back thirty minutes from the advertised 4:00 hot laps.
Time trial qualifying for the twenty one MLRA late models followed hot laps, with Bobby Pierce besting the field. This was particularly impressive considering Pierce " broke a motor " in hot laps and was forced to pull out his " back up " car and prepare it while the other three classes went through warm ups. Although he has several victories in 2020, he has also been plagued with engine woes.
With the straight up heat race format, Pierce then captured the first ten lap event over Payton Looney, Brian Shirley, and Jeremiah Hurst. Outside pole sitter Tony Toste nabbed heat two in front of fifth starting Chad Simpson, Daniel Hilsabeck, and Travis Denning, in what looked like a brand new #56D. Jonathon Brauns started outside row one and topped Garrett Alberson, last through the gate Allen Weisser, and Jason Papich in the final qualifier.
With the nineteen modifieds, seventeen sport mods, and nineteen sport compacts having rolled through their heat races, the track crew then took a lengthy intermission, part of which was devoted to tilling and watering what had become a bit of a treacherous racing surface. The time spent proved successful, as the cars were able to run two grooves during the late model feature, especially in turns one and two.
The MLRA headliner would run first. What had been advertised as a $5,000 top prize swelled to $6,250 thanks to a $1,000 donation from Doug Curless, car owner of the Mike McKinney #99, and other donations. Four laps were also added to the race, making it forty four laps total in tribute to fallen driver Shaune Lewis, whose family also received the tracks share of the 50/50 drawing.
At the drop of the green by flagman Doug Haack, it was outside polesitter Toste putting his California based #91T out front, with Pierce and Looney in hot pursuit. The first caution came for a spin by Brennon Willard on lap three. At this time, Chad Simpson ducked to the pits trailing a bit of fluid and with a possible flat tire as well. He was able to rejoin the tail of the field in the nick of time. Toste continued to be a rocket high off turn two as Pierce looked at the low line, making up ground in turns three and four. Bobby then grabbed the lead in turn two on lap seven, and the yellow waved two laps later as Tegan Evans came to a stop in turn two and was collected by Gary Webb. Back under green, Pierce continued to set the pace, catching the back of the pack on lap fourteen. But another caution came two laps later, as Brauns slowed, his run over. Looney powered to second on the Delaware restart. As the crossed flags signaling the halfway mark were displayed, Weisser made contact with the concrete wall entering turn three and was hit hard by Denning. Both cars were done for the race, with Weisser suffering at least heavy cosmetic damage. Hurst had started in row four, and charged to third on the restart.
Two nights earlier, a second running Pierce had inherited the lead at 34 Raceway when the first place car of Tony Jackson Jr. fell victim to a fuel pump issue with four laps to go. But tonight, it was Bobbys' turn to suffer heartbreak, when he broke an axle while leading about lap twenty five. As he retired to the pits under yellow, Looney was the new leader. Payton needed only to remain patient through two more caution periods, on lap twenty nine when first Jackson Jr. spun during possible contact with McKinney, and on the restart when Willard again had trouble.
While Looney was in command as the laps wound down, there was a mad scramble behind him for positions two through five. Rookie of the year contender Justin Duty had started in row eight and quietly worked his way into contention, finally sliding by Hurst on the final lap for the runner up finish. Toste followed Hurst in forth, while Jeremiahs' teammate Alberson completed the top five. Shirley held off row ten starter Mike Chasteen Jr. for sixth, with Simpson, Jackson Jr., and McKinney completing the top ten. Hilsabeck and Willard were the final two cars running at the checkers. For Looney, it was his second victory of the weekend as he carried the MLRA checkers twenty four hours earlier at 300 Raceway in Farley, Iowa.
With an early wake up call due on Monday, we elected to head for the car as victory lane interviews were in progress. Checking the results, I see that Eric Barnes captured the modified main, while double duty Denning rebounded to finish second ahead of veteran Jim Sandusky. Trey Grimm was the sport mod victor over Jarett Franzen and Logan Veloz. And Jacob Reitter topped the compacts in front of Cyle Hawkins and Mike Cunz.
2020 is the first season of promotion for the Peterson family at the storied facility, and it has been a trying time, I am sure. And I both appreciate their hospitality and wish them nothing but good things going forward. As of now we are hoping to make it back next Sunday as the UMP Summernationals comes calling. In the meantime, this coming Thursday is our next target for the 500th and final IMCA Summer Series event at the Marshalltown Speedway. The event is the 3rd annual Dale Defrance Memorial where hometown legend Darrell Defrance will also be honored for perfect attendance at all 500 races. If you see me there, stop and say " Hi!"
Before I sign off, I would like to congratulate my grandson, Keagan who many of you know, and his wife Megan on the birth of my first great grand child, Chester Edward!
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Jackson Falters, Pierce Grabs Fourth Slocum 50
After a delay of nearly three months, 34 Raceway in West Burlington was able to host the twelfth annual Slocum 50 on Friday, July 3, the tribute race for the popular track champion whose life was taken in a pit accident some fifteen years ago. The race has been staged under several sanctioning bodies, with this being the third consecutive year under the MLRA banner. The $10,555 first place check, in honor of Brent's identifiable " High 5 " racing, makes it one of the marquee events for the series and his home track, as well.
Normally run on the third Saturday in April when most other regional and national series are off, the Covid crisis necessitated an alternate date, and since the MLRA series was already slated to be at 34 on the holiday weekend, it seemed like the best option for a reschedule. As in recent years, a pair of regular classes at the track, the IMCA stock cars and 305 sprints were also on the card for the evening.
With the late afternoon sun bearing down, track officials gave the high banks a liberal dose of water and as a result it took a considerable amount of time to run in the facility, creating a bit of a late start, but leaving us with a fast and smooth 3/8 mile track.
Despite competition from some other marquee events, a solid field of thirty five super late models signed in, supported by seventeen IMCA stock cars and nineteen 305 sprints. Time trial qualifying for the late models was split into two groups, with the overall quick time going to one of the crowd favorites, Brian Birkhofer from just up the road in Muscatine. Brian tripped the clock at 15.547 seconds.
Four heat races set the first eight rows of the feature grid. Birkhofer went the distance to best Jeremiah Hurst, Johnny Scott, and Matt Furman in heat one. Lebanon, Missouri hot shoe Tony Jackson Jr. led flag to flag in his ten lapper ahead of Mike Spatola, Chris Simpson, and Mason Oberkramer. Heat three went to 2018 Slocum winner Shannon Babb in front of McKay Wenger, Chad Holladay, and Rickey Frankel. Finally, three time winner Bobby Pierce captured heat four over a turn four pass by Chad Simpson for second, Tony Toste, and Kolby Vandenbergh.
A pair of B mains qualified three drivers each. Brian Shirley topped Dave Eckrich and Jason Feger, then Tim Manville outran Garrett Alberson and Jason Papich. A whopping four series provisionals were added. Payton Looney, Justin Duty, and Brennon Willard lined up, while Mitch McGrath came to the track in the #77 borrowed from non qualifier Jordon Yaggy.
The IMCA stock car twenty lap main was up first. Heat two winner John Oliver Jr. was set to join the first heat winner Chad Krogmeier on row one, but he was a no show. The stock cars are known for quick, competitive low caution events, but such was not the case tonight, at least for the first half of the race. Numerous yellow flags marred the early laps, as several cars went for spins, creating mayhem. One of these early cautions sent Abe Huls to the work area for repairs, and he went from a row four start to the tail for the restart. Krogmeier was the early leader with Jeremy Pundt, Jason Cook, and eventually David Brandies battling for second. Pundt grabbed the lead on lap five, and the scramble up front found Krogmeier hung out to dry at the top of turn two. Fortunately for him another yellow waved, and he was able to restart in second. By now, Huls was up to fifth, and another quick yellow saw him restart in third. Following a lap eight caution, the field went single file for the restart. One more time the yellow waved on lap nine, then the laps clicked off until the final two circuits . Pundt was running the inside line up front, and Brandies pounded the cushion to take the lead at the halfway mark. Huls, Pundt, and Cook staged a thrilling battle for second and Brandies took advantage to begin stretching his lead. Following a final caurtion at lap eighteen, Cook tok the runner up spot. At the checkers, it was Brandies with the win followed by Cook, Pundt, Huls, and Krogmeier.
It was now late model time. Babb powered to the lead from outside row one, with Jackson moving to second ahead of Birkhofer. On lap four Jackson charged to the front, and by the time the large crowd held up five fingers to salute the fallen champion Slocum on lap five, Jackson was stretching his margin. The caution waved at lap nine as Holladay stopped, with Jackson barely avoiding hard contact. Back under green, Birkhofer used the high line to take second from the low riding Babb. Meanwhile Jackson was working a low line, and was particularly fast coming off turn four, again opening a lead. Pierce entered the top three, but Jackson was in control, especially with about to be lapped cars pulling to the infield as the leader approached. Finally Jackson had to negotiate slower traffic as the race neared halfway, and Babb began to close the distance to the leader. Pierce was now the car on the move, and as lap thirty was scored he overtook Babb for second. By now, the leader had a full straightaway lead. With Pierce starting to eat away at the lead, the caution came at lap forty one for a slowing Shirley. Babb temporarily regained second on the restart, but he drifted too high in turn four, and Pierce took back the spot. With an open track, Jackson was again pulling away when suddenly he slowed and stopped on the track with six laps remaining, his run ended. Now it was Pierce out front, and although Babb powered around the high line, Bobby was not to be denied, claiming his fourth Slocum 50 crown. Babb took runner up honors with Birkhofer joining on the podium. Hurst ran a solid fourth with Chris Simpson jumping to fifth in the closing laps. Scott claimed sixth in front of Spatola, Chad Simpson, Alberson, and Manville.
With the post race celebration complete, the sprint cars lined up for twenty laps. Nathan Murders redrew the pole position and paced the field on the opening lap, with row two starter Cody Wehrle taking over one lap later. Wehrle had his #27 in command when the caution waved at lap seven. As racing resumed, Dan Keltner was now in the runner up spot, but Wehrle remained in control until a lap eleven yellow when chaos ensued as several cars mixed it up. Again the restart was single file, and the race stayed clean and green until the checkers. The leader found himself in heavy traffic with about two circuits remaining, but by then his margin was enough that he had no worries. Murders rebounded to finish second, followed by Keltner, Nick Guernsey, and Dugan Thye. The three heat winners for the sprints were Mason Campbell, Devon Rouse, and Daniel Berquist.
Thanks to Brad, Jessi, and the 34 staff for persevering through a trying spring to offer both their hospitality and this very special event! They will follow up a highly successful night with a visit next Friday by the World of Outlaw sprint cars.
The MLRA tour moves to the 300 Raceway in Farley, Iowa for a holiday special tonight, and we hope to catch up with them as they complete the three night swing Sunday at the Bullring at the RICO ( Rock Island County) Fairgrounds in East Moline, Il.
Finally we are sad to announce the passing of IMCA late model racer Shaune Lewis. Shaune suffered a medical emergency and passed away while competing Thursday night at the Davenport Speedway. I did not know Shaune personally, but had watched him race cleanly and competitively on several occasions, even as recently as two weeks ago. Only 47 years old, he was also the boys varsity basketball coach at Kewanee High School. Condolences to his family, friends, racing family, and student athletes present and past. RIP, Coach Lewis.
Normally run on the third Saturday in April when most other regional and national series are off, the Covid crisis necessitated an alternate date, and since the MLRA series was already slated to be at 34 on the holiday weekend, it seemed like the best option for a reschedule. As in recent years, a pair of regular classes at the track, the IMCA stock cars and 305 sprints were also on the card for the evening.
With the late afternoon sun bearing down, track officials gave the high banks a liberal dose of water and as a result it took a considerable amount of time to run in the facility, creating a bit of a late start, but leaving us with a fast and smooth 3/8 mile track.
Despite competition from some other marquee events, a solid field of thirty five super late models signed in, supported by seventeen IMCA stock cars and nineteen 305 sprints. Time trial qualifying for the late models was split into two groups, with the overall quick time going to one of the crowd favorites, Brian Birkhofer from just up the road in Muscatine. Brian tripped the clock at 15.547 seconds.
Four heat races set the first eight rows of the feature grid. Birkhofer went the distance to best Jeremiah Hurst, Johnny Scott, and Matt Furman in heat one. Lebanon, Missouri hot shoe Tony Jackson Jr. led flag to flag in his ten lapper ahead of Mike Spatola, Chris Simpson, and Mason Oberkramer. Heat three went to 2018 Slocum winner Shannon Babb in front of McKay Wenger, Chad Holladay, and Rickey Frankel. Finally, three time winner Bobby Pierce captured heat four over a turn four pass by Chad Simpson for second, Tony Toste, and Kolby Vandenbergh.
A pair of B mains qualified three drivers each. Brian Shirley topped Dave Eckrich and Jason Feger, then Tim Manville outran Garrett Alberson and Jason Papich. A whopping four series provisionals were added. Payton Looney, Justin Duty, and Brennon Willard lined up, while Mitch McGrath came to the track in the #77 borrowed from non qualifier Jordon Yaggy.
The IMCA stock car twenty lap main was up first. Heat two winner John Oliver Jr. was set to join the first heat winner Chad Krogmeier on row one, but he was a no show. The stock cars are known for quick, competitive low caution events, but such was not the case tonight, at least for the first half of the race. Numerous yellow flags marred the early laps, as several cars went for spins, creating mayhem. One of these early cautions sent Abe Huls to the work area for repairs, and he went from a row four start to the tail for the restart. Krogmeier was the early leader with Jeremy Pundt, Jason Cook, and eventually David Brandies battling for second. Pundt grabbed the lead on lap five, and the scramble up front found Krogmeier hung out to dry at the top of turn two. Fortunately for him another yellow waved, and he was able to restart in second. By now, Huls was up to fifth, and another quick yellow saw him restart in third. Following a lap eight caution, the field went single file for the restart. One more time the yellow waved on lap nine, then the laps clicked off until the final two circuits . Pundt was running the inside line up front, and Brandies pounded the cushion to take the lead at the halfway mark. Huls, Pundt, and Cook staged a thrilling battle for second and Brandies took advantage to begin stretching his lead. Following a final caurtion at lap eighteen, Cook tok the runner up spot. At the checkers, it was Brandies with the win followed by Cook, Pundt, Huls, and Krogmeier.
It was now late model time. Babb powered to the lead from outside row one, with Jackson moving to second ahead of Birkhofer. On lap four Jackson charged to the front, and by the time the large crowd held up five fingers to salute the fallen champion Slocum on lap five, Jackson was stretching his margin. The caution waved at lap nine as Holladay stopped, with Jackson barely avoiding hard contact. Back under green, Birkhofer used the high line to take second from the low riding Babb. Meanwhile Jackson was working a low line, and was particularly fast coming off turn four, again opening a lead. Pierce entered the top three, but Jackson was in control, especially with about to be lapped cars pulling to the infield as the leader approached. Finally Jackson had to negotiate slower traffic as the race neared halfway, and Babb began to close the distance to the leader. Pierce was now the car on the move, and as lap thirty was scored he overtook Babb for second. By now, the leader had a full straightaway lead. With Pierce starting to eat away at the lead, the caution came at lap forty one for a slowing Shirley. Babb temporarily regained second on the restart, but he drifted too high in turn four, and Pierce took back the spot. With an open track, Jackson was again pulling away when suddenly he slowed and stopped on the track with six laps remaining, his run ended. Now it was Pierce out front, and although Babb powered around the high line, Bobby was not to be denied, claiming his fourth Slocum 50 crown. Babb took runner up honors with Birkhofer joining on the podium. Hurst ran a solid fourth with Chris Simpson jumping to fifth in the closing laps. Scott claimed sixth in front of Spatola, Chad Simpson, Alberson, and Manville.
With the post race celebration complete, the sprint cars lined up for twenty laps. Nathan Murders redrew the pole position and paced the field on the opening lap, with row two starter Cody Wehrle taking over one lap later. Wehrle had his #27 in command when the caution waved at lap seven. As racing resumed, Dan Keltner was now in the runner up spot, but Wehrle remained in control until a lap eleven yellow when chaos ensued as several cars mixed it up. Again the restart was single file, and the race stayed clean and green until the checkers. The leader found himself in heavy traffic with about two circuits remaining, but by then his margin was enough that he had no worries. Murders rebounded to finish second, followed by Keltner, Nick Guernsey, and Dugan Thye. The three heat winners for the sprints were Mason Campbell, Devon Rouse, and Daniel Berquist.
Thanks to Brad, Jessi, and the 34 staff for persevering through a trying spring to offer both their hospitality and this very special event! They will follow up a highly successful night with a visit next Friday by the World of Outlaw sprint cars.
The MLRA tour moves to the 300 Raceway in Farley, Iowa for a holiday special tonight, and we hope to catch up with them as they complete the three night swing Sunday at the Bullring at the RICO ( Rock Island County) Fairgrounds in East Moline, Il.
Finally we are sad to announce the passing of IMCA late model racer Shaune Lewis. Shaune suffered a medical emergency and passed away while competing Thursday night at the Davenport Speedway. I did not know Shaune personally, but had watched him race cleanly and competitively on several occasions, even as recently as two weeks ago. Only 47 years old, he was also the boys varsity basketball coach at Kewanee High School. Condolences to his family, friends, racing family, and student athletes present and past. RIP, Coach Lewis.
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