Catching Up

The last couple of weeks have been a bit hectic, and it seems typical of this season that when I can head for the race track it is raining, and when the weather is good, something else demands attention. We did get in our final night at Quincy Raceways this past Sunday, with an unprecedented seven classes on the card, making for a long night. A particular highlight of the evening came at intermission when we inducted our first six members in the newly formed Quincy Raceways Hall of Fame. As a member of the five person selection committee, I was pleased to be able to present the first award to the founding family of the track, the Scotts. Albert Scott constructed the facility in time to open midway through the 1975 season, and three generations of Scotts took a turn promoting the facility through the 2006 season. Alberts son Bob, Bobs' wife Jan and their son Jeff were on hand to receive their plaque. The Quincy Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. received the sponsor award, and long time track employee Don Hummell was also honored. In the driver category, three drivers who have dominated at different times through the years were the first to be inducted. Nine time late model champion Steve Fraise, who was a force during QRs' NASCAR years before retiring in 1992 made the trip down from Montrose, Iowa to the delight of the fans who still talk of his exploits. Henry Delonjay who captured three sportsman titles as well as ten in the modified division before hanging up his helmet to mentor son Steven was also a popular selection. Finally, 14 time late model champ Mark Burgtorf, who was competing in two classes, climbed from his # 7B modified to receive his award. There could be no questioning the inclusion of all these folks in the first of what we hope will be many classes of those who have given QR its rich history.
In racing action, Steven Delonjay made the night doubly special for his father by picking up the UMP modified feature win, thereby clinching the track championship, his first in the mod after two earlier 4 cylinder crowns.
Although the late model title was decided a month earlier, a dozen cars contested the 30 lap finale, with Joey Gower making it two wins in a row to end the season. Interestingly, Burgtorf finished a close second in both features. Terry Houston topped the IMCA stocks, but lost the point title by one point to first half sensation Aaron Brocksieck. Second half hot shoe Jake Powers picked up the hobby main, with Steve Carlin scoring a fifth track title. Kimberly Abbott scored another Wild Thing win, with Seth Woodruff claiming the championship. Joe Bliven took the four race sport mod crown, with Jim Gillenwater taking the main event. Logan Mitchell grabbed the KIDZ MODZ finale.
Promoter Tony Rhinberger announced that sport mods will be added to the weekly card for 2012, with more information forthcoming.
This weeks plans are to head to Knoxville, Iowa Saturday for the final night of the Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals. While the season is winding down, apparently I may be able to add one more race to the schedule with the preliminary announcement that the Memphis, Mo. Fall Nationals will be moved to the weekend of October 21-22. Again, details to follow.
See you at the races!