Elston Cashes in at Eldon

    Thursday we made our way to the Wapello County Fairgrounds in Eldon, Iowa. It is county fair time, with a pair of race nights scheduled on the fast half mile where many fun nights were spent by yours truly a half century ago. On this special night, IMCA Late Models topped the card, racing for a $1,200 payday backed by $300 to start the main event. Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders, and Crown Vics were also on the card. 

   Hot laps kicked off about thirty minutes late, but after that the show moved along at a reasonable pace. A couple quick spritzes of water solved an early dust issue, and by race time a nice sized crowd filled in to both the rustic covered grandstands and the open air concrete seating closer to turn four. 

   Car counts are not the best at Eldon, and this night was no different, with only Stock Cars and Late Models able to register double digit counts. Tony Paris was doing his usual fine job on the mic, however there were some issues with the PA throughout the evening in the main grandstands, and I must confess to missing more than a couple names of drivers with whom I am unfamiliar. So I apologize in advance for any I may misidentify. Rumor has it that the track is working on collaborating with My Race Pass, which would be a positive development to the many race fans and reporters who rely on it. 

   Compacts would run the first feature of the night, contesting ten laps on the big half mile. Katelynn Watts shot to the early lead, and stayed out front for the distance despite heavy pressure from Seth Meinders. Cole Hughes, competing in two classes this night would race home in third followed by James Haring. 

   Sport Mods would also go ten circuits. with Colton Livezey jumping out front of Chase Johnson and Brandon Dale early on. As lap two was completed, Dale powered to second and began to stalk the leader in what shaped up to be a two car scrum. Eventually Livezey was able to put some distance on his challenger. For the second feature in a row, the race stayed green to the end, with Colton picking up his second win in three nights. Dale ran second, followed by VanZandt and Johnson.

   Crown Vics brought our first feature caution. Cole Hughes grabbed the lead after the front runner spun exiting turn four on the opening lap. The lone caution came on lap five, but Hughes stayed out front. Folkerts worked to cut into his lead, and crossed the finish line a scant half car length behind. Carter Stutsman would come home third.

   Next up it was Hobby Stocks. Keaton Gordon grabbed the lead over Rick VanDusseldorp. Top contender Dustin Griffiths, who was an early exit in the heat race, was out on the opening lap. VanDusseldorp was ahead by a nose as lap two went in the books only to see Gordon regain the spot two laps later. Once back in the lead, Gordon pulled away to a convincing win while VanDusseldorp held on for the runner up honors. Dan Honderd was strong in third.

  For our second straight night, the usually reliable Stock Cars had issues completing their twelve lap main event. Five yellow flags marred the action. Jason McDaniel powered to the lead as the green flag waved with Dustin Griffiths on his tail. Andrew Schroeder joined the fray ahead of the first stoppage,  Three more cautions came rapid fire, and on the final one of the three Griffiths headed to the work area with a flat tire following on track contact. Schroeder, who found himself at the tail early after triggering one of the cautions soon found himself back in second as the race passed the mid point. The final restart came at lap nine, and back under green Schroeder completed his come back, roaring to the front. He then drove away from the pack for a popular win. McDaniel held second ahead of Aaron Martin, Leremy Jackson, and Griffiths.

   A dozen IMCA Late Models put a wrap on the action. Dalton Simonsen and Gary Webb brought the field to green with Simonsen out front, but a complete restart followed the lone caution of the race. On the next attempt Dalton again took the lead with third starting Jake Griffin now in second. Griffin began to apply pressure to the leader while fourth starting Tommy Elston found his footing, moving to third on lap six and quickly closing on the leaders. Both Jake and Tommy drove around the front runner on lap seven, quickly putting distance on the pack in an entertaining two car duel. Lap eleven saw Elston make the move of the race as he grabbed the top spot. From there he would hold off Griffin for the $1,200 payday. Simonsen grabbed a podium spot in third, followed by "Superman" Sam Halstead, and C.J.Horn (I vividly recall watching his grandfather Fred win a feature here opening night in 1975!) A pair of wily veterans, Webb and Ron Boyse came next, chased by Jay Johnson, Mitch Boles, and Denny Woodworth.

   Racing wrapped up ahead of the 11:00 hour and there were fireworks in the distance as we headed out on Highway 16. 

   Tonight we will be back at Lee County Speedway where seven classes will be on the card. Maybe we will see you there!