Close Finishes Highlight Lee County Action

    Lee County Speedway was one a handful of tracks spared by Mother Nature on Friday night. In fact, the cloudy skies made for a very pleasant racing evening. The pits were already filling with a larger than average turnout when a late shower forced cancellation during check in fifty plus miles up the road in Columbus Junction, and brought a steady stream of competitors rolling through the Donnellson pit gate even as race time approached. In fact, a handful of cars would miss the heat races. In the end, the final car count wound up in the low nineties, including surprise visitor Kenny Schrader with his IMCA Modified making for a long and full night of action. The regular six divisions saw the addition of the Crown Vics, the first time the fledgling class has appeared at Lee County. They would bring nine competitors who regularly race at Quincy Raceways for a test run on the three eighths mile oval. 

   The action still kicked off in time, and a dozen heat races clicked off quickly, followed by a brief intermission. 

   IMCA Modifieds would be up first in the feature lineup, with fourteen cars racing for twenty laps. Dennis Laveine would lead his row one mate Jace Whitt ahead of the first yellow flag with one lap scored. Bill Roberts Jr. would clear Whitt for second on the restart, and as the laps clicked off those two would swap the position in a hard fought battle behind Laveine. Austen Becerra had lined up in row four, and with eight circuits remaining on the lightning fast surface, he would power to third. Laveine had built a nice lead, but a second and final caution came as a tire was kicked onto the racing surface with just three laps remaining. As the green flag waved, fifth running Mark Burgtorf moved to the high line and charged all the way to the runner up spot while second running Whitt was shuffled back through the field. Becerra was now also on the gas, and he cleared Burgtorf for second, then closed quickly on the leader. That duo exited turn four to the checkers side by side, with Laveine holding on by 0.2 seconds for the thrilling victory. Burgtorf, Roberts Jr., and Whitt completed the top five. 

   An excellent field of twenty one IMCA Late Models signed in, with all making the twenty five lap feature call. Jason Oenning and Dalton Simonsen brought the field to green with Simonsen jumping out ahead of fourth starting Denny Woodworth. Lap two saw the Late Model lawyer power to the lead while sixth starting Jake Griffin advanced to third. The next time around it was Griffin in second and Rickey Frankel III following in third. Woodworth opened a sizable lead until the lone caution came with six laps scored. Back under green, Griffin executed a "bad" slider in turn four, making contact with Woodworth while taking over the lead. Now it was Woodworth, Frankel III, and ninth starting Tommy Elston battling three wide for second, a position Elston would secure about lap ten. By this time Griffin was well out front but beginning to catch the back of the pack. Elston methodically cut into the gap, and with three laps to go he was within striking distance. But at that point Griffin was able to clear a slower car, giving him enough cushion to race home with his second win of the season, both coming at LCS. Elston crossed the line in second, as those two reversed their finish from the night before at Eldon Raceway. Frankel III had a strong run in third while Curtis Glover and twelfth starting C. J. Horn rounded out the front five. Visiting third generation driver Cruz Birkhofer ran sixth ahead of Blaise Lewis, Darin Weisinger Jr., Mitch Boles, and Spencer Havermale. 

   Eighteen cars would line up for the twenty lap IMCA Northern Sport Mod money race. Brandon Lambert got the jump on his front row partner Tanner Klingele ahead of a lap two caution, Back to racing Cole Gillenwater powered to the lead with Klingele still in second. One lap later Klingele took his first lead while fifth starting John Oliver Jr. drove to third. Row four starter Adam Birck was on the move, and he secured the third spot on lap six. Klingele had a sizable lead, but a lap eight yellow flag brought him back to the pack, and on the restart Birck rode the top side to the front. With Klingele staying in the low line, the two veterans raced side by side before Tanner reclaimed the top spot near the halfway mark. Again Klingele would open a nice lead ahead of a caution with just two laps remaining. That is when the wheels came off of an otherwise entertaining race. Caution after caution flag flew as the field was unable to complete even one more lap, including a turn three melee that eliminated several top contenders. Mercifully the time limit was invoked with a final single file run to the checkers. Klingele held on for the win trailed by Birck and Brandon Dale. A. J. Tournear was involved in an early caution, restarted deep in the field then rebounded to fourth at the checkers while Lambert came home fifth. Only eight cars were still on track at the end.

   The Mini Hauler division continues to be a mostly failed experience, as only Five trucks showed up. Nick Wilkerson is established as a dominant force in the division as he took over the lead on lap three of twelve, then drove away to a full straightaway win. Sheldon Brockett and Larry Hooper filled out the final spots still racing at the checkers. 

   The lineup showed nine, but including Gordon Blankenship Jr. there were ten IMCA Sport Compacts taking the green flag. Luke Fraise grabbed the early lead with fourth starting Brandon Reu close behind. That duo raced side by side with Reu nosing ahead on the fifth circuit. Fraise would stay close, battling side by side and nose to tail with Reu, lap after lap. The white flag was replaced with a lone yellow as Drew Stanek would lose a wheel while fighting for a top five spot. The green, white, checkers finish was no problem for Reu as he picked up another win. Fraise held second while three cars crossed the line side by side by side for third! Kimberly Abbott took the podium finish trailed closely by David Prim and Deep River, Iowa driver Ryan Cheney. 

   After witnessing two frustrating Stock Car features this week, this fourteen car IMCA group staged an entertaining twenty lapper. Beau Taylor was the early leader from outside row one chased by fourth starting double duty John Oliver Jr. Oliver would grab the lead on lap two while Nathan Wood moved one lap later to second. Oliver Jr. drove away to a straightaway lead, moving effortlessly through slower traffic before the yellow flag flew six laps from the checkers for a spinner.  As racing resumed, the red flag came quickly as the #15RS of Reid Sammons gave up in a heavy cloud of smoke. With a clear track ahead, Oliver Jr. again drove away into the Lee County night to claim victory. Wood hung around in the runner up position while Bernard, Iowa driver Jordon Miles made a late charge to slip around Taylor for third. Austin O'Donnell made the quick drive to Donnellson to take home fifth. Among the surprise entrants on this night were a pair of racers from Oklahoma presumably making their way north for some upcoming specials. Brandon Gritz from Edmond and Hesston Shaw from Hennessey, apparent teammates with similar looking #42 and 42S machines would cross the line seventh and eighth in the main event. 

   The clock ticked near 11:00 as we slipped out ahead of the Crown Vic twelve lap finale. Lewistown, Missouri racer Brian Kaylor will be the answer to a trivia question as the first driver to capture a feature win in the division at LCS. With a decent first night turnout, I suspect we may see the Vics again in 2026.

   Thanks as always to the Weisinger family and their crew for their hospitality and hard work turning an early week swamp into a very raceable surface on a fun Friday night. And we even got to here a couple of interviews from one of the best, Dustin Jarrett!

   With other commitments, this will put a wrap on weekend racing for me, next stop will be the UMP Summer Nationals stop at Quincy Raceways on Wednesday. The touring Super Late Models and Modifieds will be joined by B Modifieds and Crown Vics, you won't want to miss this one! 

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!

   

   

Chris Simpson Leads an All Iowa Sweep at West Liberty

     Ill-timed rains continue to put a crimp in out 2026 racing plans, indeed I have quit counting the rain outs. So we were excited to see clear skies and pleasant temps on Tuesday as we made our first visit of the season to West Liberty Raceway. The evening would mark a rare appearance by the UMP Dirtcar Summernationals at the storied Muscatine County Fairgrounds track, the first since Rick Aukland drove to victory in 1995. It was also one of the few "Hell Tour" races contested on a half mile surface, as the bulk of the events are staged on the Illinois quarter mile bullrings. Jeff Struck,  SR Promotions are in charge of the limited schedule at West Liberty this season. Also racing on this night would be IMCA type Modifieds, Stock Cars and Sport Mods, plus a pair of vintage classes, a heavy load for week night racing. Seventy three race teams in the regular four divisions signed in, led by a solid twenty seven Late Models, with another nineteen of the vintage variety filling out the pit areas. Obviously hungry for racing at the big ole half mile, the grandstands were packed, end to end, with many late arriving fans traversing the main covered stands searching for a prime viewing area. 

   Time trial qualifying is a UMP staple, thankfully on the west side of the Mighty Mississippi it is only the headline class that does so. And it was the first car out, one of the local favorites, Chris Simpson, who would set quick time for the night. In fact, #32 would delight the crowd as he eclipsed the track record with time of 18.165 seconds! And as is frequently the case with time trial racing, this form of qualifying would set the tone for the evening. 

   Chris would motor on the capture the first of three Late Model heats from the pole, while brother Chad Simpson would take heat two from outside row one. Pole sitter Tanner English grabbed the early lead in heat three, but slowed suddenly on lap two with a flat tire. Late Model rookie Dallon Murty would take over and drive to the win, making it an Iowa sweep of heat race action. The "hometown" dominance would continue to be a theme, as Jonathon Brauns used an outside row one start to collect the B main win. With twenty cars qualified, four provisional starters were added, giving us a full field of two dozen for the forty lap, $5,000 to win headliner late in the program.

   Stock Cars would line up for the first money race, twenty strong for eighteen laps. Iowa race fans will tell you that this class is perhaps the most well balanced, well behaved, and entertaining group of racers night in and night out. However a visiting fan might be left scratching their head at that statement after Tuesday night. By my count, it was six yellow flags separated by a lengthy red flag period that would turn this race into a marathon. Greg Gill and David Brandies would battle early with Norman Bean and John Oliver Jr. joining the leaders following a trio of early cautions. Six laps had been scored when a grinding crash in turn one saw Rusty Zook take an ugly one and a half tumble in his #18Z.

    In fact, the racing up front was excellent around the frustrating cautions, as there were three different leaders from that point as the laps clicked off. Oliver Jr. would be out front for a lap before Brandies eased back in front. Another yellow saw Nathan Wood climb first to the runner up spot, then following the last interruption he would overtake Brandies, driving to victory. Brandies, Oliver Jr., Gill, and Bean would follow to complete the top five. 

   Surprisingly only ten Sport Mods would come to race this night, but all would make the feature call for fifteen laps. Young Bryson Eckrich, who could boast of a sizable fan club on this night took the early lead trailed closely by Trey Rock. Shaun Slaughter would take up the chase on lap two, pulling even with Eckrich on lap three, then moving to the front the next trip past the flag stand. Slaughter would gradually increase his advantage until he drove too high in turn one, turning the lead back over to Eckrich. The only stoppage of the race then came as Slaughter smacked the turn one wall just past the half way mark. Only six cars remained for the restart, and it was seventh starting Colten Livezey now lurking in the runner up spot. He would motor around Eckrich on lap ten, then drive off to a comfortable lead and the win. Eckrich and Rock would follow, while Justin Schroeder and Nick Aupperle completed the top five. 

   Late Model feature time saw Chris Simpson and Murty in row one, and they paced the field in that order as the green flag waved. The yellow flag waved for the first time five laps in as Tyler Millwood slowed on the front stretch, driving past the exit. Following the Delaware restart, Chad Simpson would take up the chase in second. As the race stayed green, Chris would catch the back of the pack at the mid point, and his considerable lead began to quickly disappear. Murty would find his way back to second and was bearing down on the #32 when an ill timed (for Murty!) final caution came with twenty laps scored. Clear track would now greet the leader, and although Murty stayed close for a bit, Chris Simpson was simply too strong as he drove on to a clean sweep of the night. Murty and Chad Simpson filled out the all Iowa podium, again to the obvious delight of the gathered throng. Robeline, Louisiana driver Cade Dillard interrupted the Iowa party in fourth after lining up ninth, while " part time" Iowan Dylan Thornton rounded out the top five. Former Iowan, Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Billy Moyer made a surprise visit to the track, finishing where he started in sixth. SummerNats overall point leader Jason Feger advanced four positions to seventh, Ainsworth, Iowa's Derrick Stewart was eighth. Frank Heckenast Jr came next and the Hard Charger of the race was English, who advanced eleven spots from his provisional position to round out the top ten. 

   With post race ceremonies complete, all sixteen Modifieds came to the track for eighteen laps. Unfortunately thirty laps of the big tires had taken its toll on the racing surface, and after the initial scramble the Modifieds pretty much lined up in the low groove and concentrated on holding their position. Spencer Diercks powered to the early lead for outside row one, eventually opening a full straightaway advantage over pole sitter Kurt Kile. The race stayed clean and green, with Diercks cruising unchallenged to the win. Behind Kile it was Jace Eckrich, Matt Fulton Jr., and Chris Zogg with top five runs. 

   The clock was now ticking to 11:00 as we took our leave ahead of the vintage finales. Thanks to My Race Pass, I can report that Michael Hulsing topped the Midwest Jalopies in his #09, while Bert McDaniel raced his Curt Hansen tribute #9 to the victory in the Midwest Vintage Late Models. 

   The SummerNats crew is headed to Davenport Speedway tonight before wrapping up their Iowa swing Thursday at Dubuque Speedway. We have an eye on the weather radar this morning before making a decision about tonight. Also on our personal "radar" is a potential visit to Eldon, Iowa on Thursday where IMCA Late Models headline a night of racing on the big half mile during the Wapello County Fair, then back to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson on Friday. Hope to see you somewhere as we go Racin' Down the Road!

  

Jackson Jr. Tops MLRA at 34 Raceway

    Pretty much everyone, including yours truly had been closely monitoring the weather apps this week, hoping sometimes against daunting odds that the three night MLRA Late Model swing along the Mighty Mississippi would be a "go." Previously scheduled events on Friday at Davenport and Saturday at 34 Raceway in West Burlington were combined with a rescheduled Sunday night date at Quincy Raceways, dubbed the "Triple Threat" weekend. Ernie Leftwich, owner/promoter of the southwest Missouri based Midwest Late Model Racing Association conceded that the rather ominous forecasts gave that title a double meaning. Unfortunately those weather models held true, and it was early Friday morning when the plug was pulled on the Davenport weekend opener. 

   The forecast for Saturday looked much better as all eyes turned south towards 34 Raceway in West Burlington. Brad Stevens and Jessi Mynatt had put together a tight lineup with the high powered Super Late Models backed up by IMCA Late Models, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mini Hauler Trucks. The MLRA headliner would pay a cool $5,000 to the feature winner, $800 just to start. Lebanon, Missouri veteran Tony Jackson Jr. in his car #56 rolled into town the current series points leader.

   Even as we approached the Burlington area, passing clouds gave us pause, especially with the now high humidity. But as things turned out, it was a beautiful evening for racing with just enough cloud cover but still an awesome sunset. While the car count for the headline division suffered a bit due to the weather related issues, there was still plenty of high powered machines in the pits, the track was in absolutely pristine condition and the on track action was intense!

   Following hot laps, the Super Late Models lined up for time trials. Dylan Thornton was the first of the twenty two cars out, and he turned the high banked three eighths mile oval in 15.030 seconds. It looked for a while that fast time would hold up until the final five cars hit the track. Whether the track gained speed or the best simply came last, three of those final five to time eclipsed the fifteen second mark, with Richmond, Missouri driver Aaron Marrant tripping the clock at 14.798 seconds followed by Caden McWhorter, and Jeff Herzog. 

   Seventeen IMCA Late Models would contest a pair of heat races won by Tommy Elston and Darin Weisinger Jr. Hobby Stock heats went to Randy LaMar and Jorden Patz while Nick Wilkerson topped the lone Mini Hauler heat. 

   MLRA ten lap qualifiers lined up straight up from time trials, and the first two were captured from the front row by pole sitter Marrant and outside starter Jackson Jr. Heat three was a barn burner, with Herzog leading most of the way from the pole despite heavy pressure from third starting Chad Simpson. On the final lap Chad was able to ease past for the lead and exiting turn four brother Chris Simpson also slipped around Herzog for second. But come feature time it was announced that Chad had apparently failed the "droop rule" in post race tech, which resulted in a four position penalty, dropping him from a row two feature start all the way back to row eight.

   Intermission was brief as all but two, Mitch Boles and Ed Hollenbeck,  IMCA Late Models lined up for twenty five laps. Pole sitter Denny Woodworth shot to the front ahead of third starting Mark Burgtorf. Fifth starting Dustin Smith, who was racing different #53 machines in both classes, was the man on the move, jumping to third on lap two, second on lap three, then running down the leader and grabbing the top spot the fifth time around the oval. Meanwhile Elston charged from row four to second on lap six and the lead duo quickly separated from the pack. Both cars were running the inside line, and as the race clicked past the halfway point Elston moved up a lane to try and gain extra momentum. With sixteen circuits scored, the only caution of the race came when Jesse Bodin was crossed up between turns three and four. As the field was lining back up, Smith suddenly stopped on the front stretch with mechanical woes which ended his run. Elston now assumed the top spot on the Delaware Style restart, and he drove well off into the Des Moines County night. Blaise Lewis had been running near the front after starting sixth and he now powered to second as Austen Becerra worked from row five to third. Woodworth and Burgtorf would complete the top five, chased by Weisinger Jr., Glover, Sam Halstead, Jay Johnson, and Jake Griffin. Griffin had required brief medical attention during his heat race, but came back to complete all twenty five laps in the feature. 

   Mason Rash made a first time haul from Shelbina, Missouri as one of the thirteen Hobby Stcks signed in, finished second in his heat but was unable to make the feature call. Luke Phillips jumped out front early with his row one mate Tucker Richardson close behind. Running nose to tail, they pulled a bit away as LaMar and Patz battled behind. As lap nine was scored, Richardson was ahead by a nose. Phillips refused to go away and now Patz was closing fast. The leaders took the white flag scoring lap fourteen, and were heading down the back stretch when the yellow light came on for a car sitting cross ways between turns three and four. With the field reset it would be a one lap dash to the checkers. Richardson held on for the win followed by Phillips, Patz, twelfth starting Kale Hemsley, and Garrett Porter. All twelve starters completed all fifteen laps and all were on the lead lap. 

   Mini Haulers would contest a dozen lap feature with Hayden Delzell and Austin Roose leading the pack to green. The pack ran four wide down the back chute with row two starters Dawson Tipps and Wilkerson pacing lap one. The yellow flag would fly on lap two for Jason Delzell and following the restart seventh starting Caleb Ealey powered to the runner up spot. He quickly moved in to challenge for the lead, taking over on lap five. It would be a three truck battle including Tipps and Wilkerson before Ealey began to pull away. A final caution came with eight laps scored and Wilkerson was out with a flat tire. As racing resumed Ealey again opened a commanding lead, driving to victory over Tipps, Roose, and the Delzells, Hayden and Jason. 

   Saving the best for last, all twenty two MLRA competitors lined up for thirty laps. Again the straight up start found Marrant and Jackson Jr. bringing the field to green. Jackson Jr. would jump out front and eventually lead all thirty non stop circuits! Marrant, Chris Simpson, and Thornton would follow in the early laps. The leader would catch the tail of the pack about lap nine, but the veteran ace would move smoothly through the slower traffic. Thornton would find another gear as the race passed the mid point, climbing to second. But his charge would stop there, as Jackson Jr. kept lapped cars between himself and second place, cruising to his third series win of the season to increase his points lead. With no yellow flags slowing the action he would by my count lap all the way to eighth position. Following the top two it was Chris Simpson, Marrant, and Herzog. Derrick Stewart came home sixth while Chad Simpson was the hard charger, gaining eight spots to run seventh. Daniel Hilsabeck, Caden McWhorter, and number two points man going into the night, Brennon Willard completed the top ten. 

   The final checkers waved just before 9:30, putting a cap on a tight, well run event. Thanks as always to Brad, Jessi, and their crew for a fun night!

   Tonight, Sunday, the MLRA  series is set to move ninety miles south to Quincy Raceways for another $5,000 to win headliner. IMCA Late Models will again be on the card along with Dirtcar Modifieds, IMCA Northern Sport Mods, Dirtcar 4 Cylinders, and Crown Vics. Hot laps kick off around 5:30. Hope to see you there! 

   Edit: Quincy Raceways canceled due to rain.