Quincy Raceways has announced a change since my last entry. The make up UMP Summernationals $5,000 to win feature will not be run this Sunday, August 30. Promoter Ken Dobson made the decision partly due to the fact that Sunday night would be the fifth straight night of UMP specials around the midwest, and he was not expecting more than half of the qualified drivers to be in attendance. As a result, Sunday will be a regular weekly show, and fans holding tickets from the Summernationals rainout can receive full value at either Quincy Raceways or Jacksonville Speedway for the remainder of the season. Anyone with questions can contact Ken at 217-371-3653 or kdobson@ciltrak.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Reed Goes Topless, Tops Quincy
Sunday night at Quincy Raceways was the culmination of a three night swing of " topless" racing for UMP late models and modifieds. Friday night, Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il, and Saturday night I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. hosted the first two nights. Sunday night, Quincy Raceways offered a $100.00 bonus to the feature winners in those divisions if they ran with the roof removed from their ride.
The night began a bit late, as track crews tried to pump plenty of water on the track on a scorching hot day, and it took all the cars and some extra time to get the track in racing shape. When action began, Michael Kloos of Trenton,Il set quick time for the late models at 13.760 seconds. It was the first laps ever turned at the Bullring by Kloos, who is quickly climbing the in the UMP national points race. It was more of the same in UMP modified time trials, with Michael Long toping the 15 entrants with a lap of 15.161 seconds. Kloos also picked up the heat one win, but rolled a " six " for the feature invert. Long picked up his heat win, and rolled a " three."
The first feature of the night was the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper, with 18 cars taking the green flag. Wes Mayfield led lap one, with the first yellow waving as the lap was completed. Another caution waved on the restart, but when racing resumed, point leader Tanner Klingele grabbed the lead, with Tony Dunker following him in second. The final yellow came on lap four, and back to racing, Klingele and Dunker crossed the line side by side completing lap six, with Dunker to the lead on lap seven. 12 circuits in, Joey Gower, who got shuffled back on the start, passed Patrick Phillips to grab third. Two laps later, Gower cleared Klingele for second, and began closing on Dunker as Phillips advanced to third. As the white flag waved, the leaders encountered a slower car, and Gower found the quicker way around, snatching the win from Dunker in much the same fashion as Dunker did to Klingele the week before, leading only one lap. Dunker, Phillips, and Klingele completed the top four.
The IMCA stock car 18 lap finale saw 11 cars come to the track, as heat winner Troy Brierton could not get his Dodge to fire in staging. Last weeks winner Brandon Savage, and John Oliver Jr in the Kratzer Brothers # 4K sat on row one. Savage paced the opening circuit, with Oliver leading lap two. Those two raced side by side for the lead, while Jake Powers and Abe Huls did the same behind them, dueling for third. Savage took command on lap seven, and lap eight saw a breakaway with Savage, Oliver, and Huls before the caution waved. On the restart, Oliver led lap nine, with Savage back on top one lap later. The final caution came on lap 11, and following this restart, it was Savage and Huls side by side for the lead. The two ran this way lap after lap, with Huls taking his first lead on lap 16. As the white flag flew, it was Savage on top, and everyone was on their feet as Savage made it two in a row by a fender at the checkers. Oliver also edged Powers for third by the slimmest of margins in front of the sizable crowd.
18 UMP late models checked in, but last weeks winner Jason Perry saw his night end in hot laps with a puff of smoke from his # 27. Jim Moon still did not have repairs complete on his # 1 machine, so he came to town with his # 124 car normally driven by John Hahler. Moon dropped some fluid in his heat, and did not start the 25 lap feature. The six car invert had point leader Mark Burgtorf and Dustin Griffin, two of the ten or so topless late models, on the front row. A caution debris on lap one slowed the action, but back to racing it was Burgtorf to the lead, taking third starting Jamie Wilson along in second. The caution waved on lap three, and on the restart heat two winner Justin Reed moved to second. The yellow came out on lap six as third running Jamie Wilson went over the top off turn two. Back under green, Green charged to second, then took the lead, with Burgtorf heading pitside with mechanical issues. On lap seven, Kloos worked his way to the runnerup spot, and a three car tussle developed with Griffin, Kloos and Reed. By the half way mark, Brian Dively was hooked up and closing on the top three. Reed moved to second on lap 16, and used a nifty slide job to take the lead one lap later, with Griffin and Kloos making contact, but holding their positions. Kloos and Griffin raced side by side for second with Dively looking for racing room when the caution came out for a slowing Mark Voigt on lap 21. Dively took third on the restart as the three challengers continued to mix it up behind Reed. at the checkers, it was Reed, Kloos, Griffin, and Dively, with Chuck Mitchell having a strong run in fifth. Alan Westling ran a season best sixth, followed by Denny Woodworth, Keith Pratt, Vance Wilson, and Trace Westling.
Rickey Frankel and Dave Weitholder sat on row one of what quickly developed into an ugly UMP modified feature. Weitholder took the early lead, with third starting Long chasing. Weitholder held the preferred high line, as Long used the whole track to try and find a way around the leader. Following the first yellow on lap six, Long took the top spot. For the next 18 laps, it was a yellow fest, with a total of nine stoppages marring the action. The final seven or so laps clicked off caution free, with Long picking up another win and regaining the points lead. Rickey Frankel ran in the top five throughout, eventually staging a mild challenge for the lead, bringing the Mike Begley # B4 home in second. Steven Delonjay started seventh and finished third, with Weitholder fourth.
The IMCA sport compact class boasted 11 cars, but their feature was stopped short after a red flag period early on. A collision found one of the competitors shaken up and it took some time to get him from his ride, and as it was now about 10:00, it was decided there would be double features next week.
Next Sunday, August 23, the late models will take the night off to make way for the Sprint Invaders. Then on Sunday, August 30, the make up feature from the rain shortened UMP Summernationals $5,000 to win late model show will be held along with a full program of action. Prior to that Sunday night, there will be $5,000 to win late model specials at Macon,Il Speedway, Granite City and Pevely, so indications are that many of the Summernational competitors will be in the area for the full weekend of racing.
Wherever you are, support your local tracks, and say " Hi" if you see me there!
The night began a bit late, as track crews tried to pump plenty of water on the track on a scorching hot day, and it took all the cars and some extra time to get the track in racing shape. When action began, Michael Kloos of Trenton,Il set quick time for the late models at 13.760 seconds. It was the first laps ever turned at the Bullring by Kloos, who is quickly climbing the in the UMP national points race. It was more of the same in UMP modified time trials, with Michael Long toping the 15 entrants with a lap of 15.161 seconds. Kloos also picked up the heat one win, but rolled a " six " for the feature invert. Long picked up his heat win, and rolled a " three."
The first feature of the night was the IMCA sport mod 18 lapper, with 18 cars taking the green flag. Wes Mayfield led lap one, with the first yellow waving as the lap was completed. Another caution waved on the restart, but when racing resumed, point leader Tanner Klingele grabbed the lead, with Tony Dunker following him in second. The final yellow came on lap four, and back to racing, Klingele and Dunker crossed the line side by side completing lap six, with Dunker to the lead on lap seven. 12 circuits in, Joey Gower, who got shuffled back on the start, passed Patrick Phillips to grab third. Two laps later, Gower cleared Klingele for second, and began closing on Dunker as Phillips advanced to third. As the white flag waved, the leaders encountered a slower car, and Gower found the quicker way around, snatching the win from Dunker in much the same fashion as Dunker did to Klingele the week before, leading only one lap. Dunker, Phillips, and Klingele completed the top four.
The IMCA stock car 18 lap finale saw 11 cars come to the track, as heat winner Troy Brierton could not get his Dodge to fire in staging. Last weeks winner Brandon Savage, and John Oliver Jr in the Kratzer Brothers # 4K sat on row one. Savage paced the opening circuit, with Oliver leading lap two. Those two raced side by side for the lead, while Jake Powers and Abe Huls did the same behind them, dueling for third. Savage took command on lap seven, and lap eight saw a breakaway with Savage, Oliver, and Huls before the caution waved. On the restart, Oliver led lap nine, with Savage back on top one lap later. The final caution came on lap 11, and following this restart, it was Savage and Huls side by side for the lead. The two ran this way lap after lap, with Huls taking his first lead on lap 16. As the white flag flew, it was Savage on top, and everyone was on their feet as Savage made it two in a row by a fender at the checkers. Oliver also edged Powers for third by the slimmest of margins in front of the sizable crowd.
18 UMP late models checked in, but last weeks winner Jason Perry saw his night end in hot laps with a puff of smoke from his # 27. Jim Moon still did not have repairs complete on his # 1 machine, so he came to town with his # 124 car normally driven by John Hahler. Moon dropped some fluid in his heat, and did not start the 25 lap feature. The six car invert had point leader Mark Burgtorf and Dustin Griffin, two of the ten or so topless late models, on the front row. A caution debris on lap one slowed the action, but back to racing it was Burgtorf to the lead, taking third starting Jamie Wilson along in second. The caution waved on lap three, and on the restart heat two winner Justin Reed moved to second. The yellow came out on lap six as third running Jamie Wilson went over the top off turn two. Back under green, Green charged to second, then took the lead, with Burgtorf heading pitside with mechanical issues. On lap seven, Kloos worked his way to the runnerup spot, and a three car tussle developed with Griffin, Kloos and Reed. By the half way mark, Brian Dively was hooked up and closing on the top three. Reed moved to second on lap 16, and used a nifty slide job to take the lead one lap later, with Griffin and Kloos making contact, but holding their positions. Kloos and Griffin raced side by side for second with Dively looking for racing room when the caution came out for a slowing Mark Voigt on lap 21. Dively took third on the restart as the three challengers continued to mix it up behind Reed. at the checkers, it was Reed, Kloos, Griffin, and Dively, with Chuck Mitchell having a strong run in fifth. Alan Westling ran a season best sixth, followed by Denny Woodworth, Keith Pratt, Vance Wilson, and Trace Westling.
Rickey Frankel and Dave Weitholder sat on row one of what quickly developed into an ugly UMP modified feature. Weitholder took the early lead, with third starting Long chasing. Weitholder held the preferred high line, as Long used the whole track to try and find a way around the leader. Following the first yellow on lap six, Long took the top spot. For the next 18 laps, it was a yellow fest, with a total of nine stoppages marring the action. The final seven or so laps clicked off caution free, with Long picking up another win and regaining the points lead. Rickey Frankel ran in the top five throughout, eventually staging a mild challenge for the lead, bringing the Mike Begley # B4 home in second. Steven Delonjay started seventh and finished third, with Weitholder fourth.
The IMCA sport compact class boasted 11 cars, but their feature was stopped short after a red flag period early on. A collision found one of the competitors shaken up and it took some time to get him from his ride, and as it was now about 10:00, it was decided there would be double features next week.
Next Sunday, August 23, the late models will take the night off to make way for the Sprint Invaders. Then on Sunday, August 30, the make up feature from the rain shortened UMP Summernationals $5,000 to win late model show will be held along with a full program of action. Prior to that Sunday night, there will be $5,000 to win late model specials at Macon,Il Speedway, Granite City and Pevely, so indications are that many of the Summernational competitors will be in the area for the full weekend of racing.
Wherever you are, support your local tracks, and say " Hi" if you see me there!
Monday, August 10, 2015
Hard Work Means Racing at Quincy
I woke up Sunday morning to what seems like the usual Sunday downpour. When someone asked me at church if we would race that night, I said I didn't see how. But the voice on the phone assured me that barring further rain, we would find a way, and that the program would be pushed back one hour to allow for more drying. When I arrived at the Broadway Bullring, the pits were a mud pit, and the track looked like a plowed field. But Tommy and the crew were working their tails off, and slowly but surely they built a racing surface. The car count was down a bit, but on this night that wasn't all bad, as there was about 60% of the pits usable, at best. Still, about 57 race teams checked in, and sure enough, the program started about an hour later than normal.
Jason Perry set quick time for the UMP late models at 13.659 seconds, and Michael Long paced the UMP mods at 15.039. The heat races ran off quickly, and although a five minute intermission was advertised, the track crew decided to try and smooth out the bump that had developed in turn three, a procedure that took only about 20 minutes.
The IMCA sport mods boasted 18 cars, and they all took the feature green flag. A three car pile up on the first lap brought out the caution, with Brandon Lennox and Austin Howes hooked togetrher as they tried to avoid a spinning Austen Becerra. Patrick Phillips then took the lead from row one, with another caution slowing the event on lap two. But after that, it was green flag racing to the checkers! Tanner Klingele was right on the back bumper of Phillips, and Tony Dunker vaulted to third on the restart in what quickly became a three car battle. The leaders hit slower traffic on lap 11 of the 18 lap race, and still they stayed nose to tail. On the final lap, Klingele made his move, and made contact with Phillips. From the best seat in the house, Dunker flew past both cars, and while Phillips led 17 and 3/4 laps, Dunker led when it counted. Phillips recovered for second, Klingele suffered a flat on the contact, limping home fourth behind Joey Gower. Gower had suffered heavy damge the night before at 34 Raceway, and was likely pleased to roll home in third. Becerra recovered to come home in fifth.
Next up was the ten car IMCA stock car main event. Brandon Savage got a bit of a late start on the season, and even though he has been fast, he had yet to finish a feature. The # 47S ran off with the heat race win, and started up front for the 18 lap finale. He rocketed to the lead with Jeremy Buss and Michael Larsen in tow. By the time Larsen moved to second on lap four, Savage had a sizable advantage. Larsen soon put distance between himself and the rest of the pack, as well. On lap 17, Abe Huls charged to third on the tacky, fast track, with Jim Lynch moving to fourth. But for Savage it was a flag to flag non stop win followed by Larsen, Huls, Lynch, and John Oliver Jr., who was shaking out the Kratzer Brothers # 4K.
It was now late model time, with ten of the 11 entrants coming to the .29 mile oval. Jim Moon had shadowed Reed to the checkers in his heat, but broke a rocker arm in the process, ending his night. Perry had followed his quick time with a heat race win, but rolled a " five " for the feature invert, putting Denny Woodworth and Moon on the front row. With the " Moonman " out, Justin Reed moved to the front row alongside Woodworth. Reed jumped to the lead, with Woodworth second, but Perry moved to second on lap two. It became a two car battle, as Perry tried every lap to overtake Reed. Perry finally made his move in traffic on lap 14, grabbing the lead for good. He stretched out a commanding lead in another non stop race. Mark Burgtorf began closing on Reed in the late stages, but settled for third. Woodworth and Jamie Wilson completed the top five, with Keith Pratt the only other car on the lead lap.
The UMP modifieds had their lowest count of the season, with nine cars timing in after Steve Grotz on on the road home early. Still, their 25 lap feature was a good one. Dave Weitholder got the jump on Steven Delonjay at the green, while Long powered from fifth to third as lap two was scored. When Michael cleared Delonjay on lap four, Weitholder had opened a healthy lead. By lap nine, Long was challenging in the middle groove, as Dave ran the preferred high line. The first yellow came on lap 13 for Spencer Havermale, and as the field slowed, it became obvious that the leader had a flat tire. Weitholder was able to get the tire changed to rejoin the pack, but Long used a clear track to open a huge lead over Delonjay. As the laps wound down, Rickey Frankel and Ryan Meyer began to crowd Delonjay for the runner up spot. On lap 24, Meyer had Frankel in his sights, bu went too hard into turn one, slipping over the cushion. We now had a green, white, checkers finish, with Long holding on for the win. Delonjay held off Frankel for second, Weitholder rebounded to fourth, and Danny Lake came home fifth.
With the later than usual start, it was now past my self imposed Sunday curfew, so I headed to the car as the IMCA sport compact finale came to the oval. Trent Orwig started the season as aregular, but had been missing for several events before returning last week. Last night, he picked up the feature checkers ahead of Brandon Lambert, points leader Kim Abbott, Jeffery Delonjay and Austin McClean.
Quincy Raceways will be back in action next Sunday for a regular race night before the Sprint Invaders take center stage on Sunday August 23.
Wherever you are, take in some races this weekend!
Jason Perry set quick time for the UMP late models at 13.659 seconds, and Michael Long paced the UMP mods at 15.039. The heat races ran off quickly, and although a five minute intermission was advertised, the track crew decided to try and smooth out the bump that had developed in turn three, a procedure that took only about 20 minutes.
The IMCA sport mods boasted 18 cars, and they all took the feature green flag. A three car pile up on the first lap brought out the caution, with Brandon Lennox and Austin Howes hooked togetrher as they tried to avoid a spinning Austen Becerra. Patrick Phillips then took the lead from row one, with another caution slowing the event on lap two. But after that, it was green flag racing to the checkers! Tanner Klingele was right on the back bumper of Phillips, and Tony Dunker vaulted to third on the restart in what quickly became a three car battle. The leaders hit slower traffic on lap 11 of the 18 lap race, and still they stayed nose to tail. On the final lap, Klingele made his move, and made contact with Phillips. From the best seat in the house, Dunker flew past both cars, and while Phillips led 17 and 3/4 laps, Dunker led when it counted. Phillips recovered for second, Klingele suffered a flat on the contact, limping home fourth behind Joey Gower. Gower had suffered heavy damge the night before at 34 Raceway, and was likely pleased to roll home in third. Becerra recovered to come home in fifth.
Next up was the ten car IMCA stock car main event. Brandon Savage got a bit of a late start on the season, and even though he has been fast, he had yet to finish a feature. The # 47S ran off with the heat race win, and started up front for the 18 lap finale. He rocketed to the lead with Jeremy Buss and Michael Larsen in tow. By the time Larsen moved to second on lap four, Savage had a sizable advantage. Larsen soon put distance between himself and the rest of the pack, as well. On lap 17, Abe Huls charged to third on the tacky, fast track, with Jim Lynch moving to fourth. But for Savage it was a flag to flag non stop win followed by Larsen, Huls, Lynch, and John Oliver Jr., who was shaking out the Kratzer Brothers # 4K.
It was now late model time, with ten of the 11 entrants coming to the .29 mile oval. Jim Moon had shadowed Reed to the checkers in his heat, but broke a rocker arm in the process, ending his night. Perry had followed his quick time with a heat race win, but rolled a " five " for the feature invert, putting Denny Woodworth and Moon on the front row. With the " Moonman " out, Justin Reed moved to the front row alongside Woodworth. Reed jumped to the lead, with Woodworth second, but Perry moved to second on lap two. It became a two car battle, as Perry tried every lap to overtake Reed. Perry finally made his move in traffic on lap 14, grabbing the lead for good. He stretched out a commanding lead in another non stop race. Mark Burgtorf began closing on Reed in the late stages, but settled for third. Woodworth and Jamie Wilson completed the top five, with Keith Pratt the only other car on the lead lap.
The UMP modifieds had their lowest count of the season, with nine cars timing in after Steve Grotz on on the road home early. Still, their 25 lap feature was a good one. Dave Weitholder got the jump on Steven Delonjay at the green, while Long powered from fifth to third as lap two was scored. When Michael cleared Delonjay on lap four, Weitholder had opened a healthy lead. By lap nine, Long was challenging in the middle groove, as Dave ran the preferred high line. The first yellow came on lap 13 for Spencer Havermale, and as the field slowed, it became obvious that the leader had a flat tire. Weitholder was able to get the tire changed to rejoin the pack, but Long used a clear track to open a huge lead over Delonjay. As the laps wound down, Rickey Frankel and Ryan Meyer began to crowd Delonjay for the runner up spot. On lap 24, Meyer had Frankel in his sights, bu went too hard into turn one, slipping over the cushion. We now had a green, white, checkers finish, with Long holding on for the win. Delonjay held off Frankel for second, Weitholder rebounded to fourth, and Danny Lake came home fifth.
With the later than usual start, it was now past my self imposed Sunday curfew, so I headed to the car as the IMCA sport compact finale came to the oval. Trent Orwig started the season as aregular, but had been missing for several events before returning last week. Last night, he picked up the feature checkers ahead of Brandon Lambert, points leader Kim Abbott, Jeffery Delonjay and Austin McClean.
Quincy Raceways will be back in action next Sunday for a regular race night before the Sprint Invaders take center stage on Sunday August 23.
Wherever you are, take in some races this weekend!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Tornado Tuesday a Big Success
With a vacation day in hand, we headed for the West Liberty Raceway on Tuesday night for the second night of the MLRA late model mini tour through Iowa. Promoter Keith Simmons took a chance in booking the open late model series to a pair of $10,000 to win shows, Monday at Farley Speedway, and Tuesday at West Liberty. And with IMCA late models - paying $1,000 to win - as the only other class, well it would be real tough for me to miss this one!
Jeff has a detailed recap on the Backstretch, so I will just add some observations.
Not saying it was good or bad, but I don't remember ever seeing track officials have the considerable cushion in the corners completely knocked down and smoothed out before the features. I thought especially the open guys liked a pronounced cushion?
Also can't remember when I have seen so many blown or " hurt " engines in the same night. But then it is August, and the big, fast half mile can be hard on the power plants. In fact, many IMCA drivers and especially open engine guys from east of the Mississippi avoid the big tracks unless the payout is simply too high to ignore. The Illinois bullrings produce some good close racing, but the speeds attained on the big half mile is awesome from the grandstand side.
The track started out tacky, and slicked up as the night progressed. With the talent level in the pits in both divisions, caution periods were at a minimum. If my count is correct, there were only three in 80 laps of late model feature racing!
In the IMCA division, Justin Kay reminds me of Mark Burgtorf throughout the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s. It seems with Justin it is not a matter of if he will take the lead and the win, but how soon. From the stands, I find my self with one eye on the leader and one on the 15K. and if he doesn't come to the front, the discussion always gets to why not? The finish of the IMCA feature Tuesday seemed like a bad movie script. Joel Callahan leads from lap two until lap 29 and 3/4, with Kay blasting past for the win. Kay was running in third place with five circuits to go, and it was like he simply decided then it was time to go.
Billy Moyer also seemed to be saving something in the MLRA headliner. He led every lap he raced on Tuesday, heat and feature, and when Tim McCreadie closed in traffic in the early stages, Moyer turned up the wick. Following the lone caution period of the race, Chris Simpson closed briefly, but the # 21 pulled away. And in the closing laps, the veteran pulled off a dandy move in turn one in lapped traffic, building a cushion in front of the quickly closing Mike Marlar, and sealing the victory.
Most of the touring open engine drivers prefer time trials, and MLRA uses a passing points system. The difference was minimal on Tuesday because of how the draw cam out, but yours truly is a big fan of passing points. It can turn " Ho-Hum " heat races into competitive ones, especially if there are a couple of top notch cars starting towards the back. But this is 2015, and I guess race drivers are like a lot of folks, they want it and they want it easy.
48 cars in the two classes at Farley, 46 at West Liberty. 7:00 hot laps, we stayed for the post race interviews and rolled out of the fairgrounds at 10:05. For we three old timers, this was truly like the " good old days" of racing.
My next race will be Sunday night at Quincy Raceways, UMP late models and modifieds, IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts. Maybe I will see you there!
Jeff has a detailed recap on the Backstretch, so I will just add some observations.
Not saying it was good or bad, but I don't remember ever seeing track officials have the considerable cushion in the corners completely knocked down and smoothed out before the features. I thought especially the open guys liked a pronounced cushion?
Also can't remember when I have seen so many blown or " hurt " engines in the same night. But then it is August, and the big, fast half mile can be hard on the power plants. In fact, many IMCA drivers and especially open engine guys from east of the Mississippi avoid the big tracks unless the payout is simply too high to ignore. The Illinois bullrings produce some good close racing, but the speeds attained on the big half mile is awesome from the grandstand side.
The track started out tacky, and slicked up as the night progressed. With the talent level in the pits in both divisions, caution periods were at a minimum. If my count is correct, there were only three in 80 laps of late model feature racing!
In the IMCA division, Justin Kay reminds me of Mark Burgtorf throughout the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s. It seems with Justin it is not a matter of if he will take the lead and the win, but how soon. From the stands, I find my self with one eye on the leader and one on the 15K. and if he doesn't come to the front, the discussion always gets to why not? The finish of the IMCA feature Tuesday seemed like a bad movie script. Joel Callahan leads from lap two until lap 29 and 3/4, with Kay blasting past for the win. Kay was running in third place with five circuits to go, and it was like he simply decided then it was time to go.
Billy Moyer also seemed to be saving something in the MLRA headliner. He led every lap he raced on Tuesday, heat and feature, and when Tim McCreadie closed in traffic in the early stages, Moyer turned up the wick. Following the lone caution period of the race, Chris Simpson closed briefly, but the # 21 pulled away. And in the closing laps, the veteran pulled off a dandy move in turn one in lapped traffic, building a cushion in front of the quickly closing Mike Marlar, and sealing the victory.
Most of the touring open engine drivers prefer time trials, and MLRA uses a passing points system. The difference was minimal on Tuesday because of how the draw cam out, but yours truly is a big fan of passing points. It can turn " Ho-Hum " heat races into competitive ones, especially if there are a couple of top notch cars starting towards the back. But this is 2015, and I guess race drivers are like a lot of folks, they want it and they want it easy.
48 cars in the two classes at Farley, 46 at West Liberty. 7:00 hot laps, we stayed for the post race interviews and rolled out of the fairgrounds at 10:05. For we three old timers, this was truly like the " good old days" of racing.
My next race will be Sunday night at Quincy Raceways, UMP late models and modifieds, IMCA stock cars, sport mods, and sport compacts. Maybe I will see you there!
Monday, August 3, 2015
Finally Sunday Racing at Quincy
For the first time in nearly a month, Quincy Raceways was able to get in a regular Sunday night show. Five divisions of racing featuring 67 entrants made for a fun night of action on what quickly became the type of dry slick track most racers prefer. The track did have some issues early on, but the grader driver went to work during a medical emergency in the grandstands, and by feature time, we were good to go for the rescheduled mid season championships.
IMCA sport mods drew the largest car count at 19, and they ran the first feature, an 18 lap event. Several of the cars had trouble hooking up on the dry, slick surface, as six caution flags marred the race. Austin Howes led the field through stoppages on laps two, three, and four. Back to green, there was a three way battle for the top spot on lap five, with Joey Gower emerging as the leader. With Gower hugging the bottom of the .29 mile oval, Brandon Lennox took to the high groove. The two were running side by side when the caution waved on lap eight. AQ multi car pile up on the restart was charged to third running Tanner Klingele. Back under green, Bobby Six took the third spot, but the final caution came at the half way point, lap nine. On the restart, Six challenged Lennox for second as Gower pulled away. When the checkers flew, Gower had his third feature win of the weekend, followed by Six , Lennox, Austen Becerra, and Klingele, who battled back into the top five.
The IMCA stock cars were up next for 18 laps. Brandon Savage, who dropped out while leading the heat race, was the only driver failing to make the starting grid. Jake Powers led the field through a lap two caution, with Jim Lynch coming from row three to second on the restart. Lynch ran the high line, while Michael Larsen challenged on the bottom of the now three groove track. On lap six, the two even swapped lines, and one lap later, Beau Taylor slipped around Larsen for third. At the mid race point, Lynch took the lead, surviving a yellow three laps later. The final six laps went under green, with Lynch taking the win and taking over the points lead from the missing Abe Huls. Taylor hugged the low line and came home second, with Larsen edging Powers for third. Andrew Hustead completed the top five.
The headline UMP late model class ran next for 25 fast paced laps. 17 drivers signed in, although Jason Oenning did not compete. Denny Woodworth had set quick time at 13.763 seconds, but it was Justin Reed topping heat one. Reed then rolled a three for the feature invert, putting Vance Wilson and heat two winner Mark Burgtorf on row one for the main event. Although Wilson jumped out front, Burgtorf had the lead as lap one was scored. The caution waved on lap two, with Burgtorf still in control on the Delaware restart. As Wilson pounded the cushion, Woodworth took over second running the bottom groove. Two laps later, tenth starting Jamie Wilson charged to the second spot. With Burgtorf running the top side, Wilson pulled even down low, taking the lead on lap nine. The two veterans battled as the moved in on slower traffic. As the laps wound down, Wilson began to stretch his lead, and picked up his second win of 2015 in a dominant performance. Burgtorf held on for second, with Jim Moon running a season best third. Reed and Woodworth rounded out the first five. Sixth through tenth went to Keith Pratt, Vance Wilson, Trace Westling, Brian Diveley, and Alan Westling.
All 14 UMP modifieds took the 25 lap feature green. Russ Coultas led from the start, but soon a four car battle developed for the lead. Shawn Deering was out front on lap three. Again on lap five the leaders raced three wide, with Michael Long emerging as the leader, taking Steven Delonjay along. The normally rim riding Long ran the bottom of the speedway, forcing the usually low riding Delonjay to the middle groove. The first yellow came on lap ten, and on the restart, Rickey Frankel in the Mike Begley # B4 climbed to third. Two more quick yellows came on laps 12 and 13, and back to racing it was now Deering chasing the two leaders. Dave Weitholder had started tenth after having handling problems in his heat, but when Delonjay pulled to the infield after the lap 13 restart, Weitholder charged to the runner up spot. After a lap 15 caution Deering moved to second, but lap 18 saw Weitholder back in second and reeling in the leader. A lap 22 caution spoiled a good run for Frankie Wellman, and back to green, Long moved up a lane on the track. Deering and Weitholder swapped the runner up spot, and with two laps to go, Frankel moved around Deering to retake third. At the checkers, it was Long with win number five this season at QR, followed by Weitholder, Frankel, Deering, and Jared Schlipman.
The final event on the card was the 15 lap IMCA sport compact feature. Point leader Kimberly Abbott jumped to a lap one lead, with Brandon Lambert in hot pursuit. Again, it was the leader running a lower groove, with Lambert pounding the cushion. On lap six, Lambert powered to the lead, and the caution came out one lap later. By lap ten, Abbott was pushing Lambert hard, and she regained the lead as the pack came to the white flag. Third went to Laine VanZandt in another Abbott car, with travelers John Girdley and Trent Orwig turning in top fives.
The final checkers waved before 9:30, none too soon, as I drove through some pretty strong lightning and light showers on the trip home.
We will try to take in the MLRA and IMCA late model Tornado Tuesday double header Tuesday night at West Liberty Raceway, and that will be it until next Sunday at Quincy Raceways. Hard to believe it is already August, and I just hit 20 nights of racing!
IMCA sport mods drew the largest car count at 19, and they ran the first feature, an 18 lap event. Several of the cars had trouble hooking up on the dry, slick surface, as six caution flags marred the race. Austin Howes led the field through stoppages on laps two, three, and four. Back to green, there was a three way battle for the top spot on lap five, with Joey Gower emerging as the leader. With Gower hugging the bottom of the .29 mile oval, Brandon Lennox took to the high groove. The two were running side by side when the caution waved on lap eight. AQ multi car pile up on the restart was charged to third running Tanner Klingele. Back under green, Bobby Six took the third spot, but the final caution came at the half way point, lap nine. On the restart, Six challenged Lennox for second as Gower pulled away. When the checkers flew, Gower had his third feature win of the weekend, followed by Six , Lennox, Austen Becerra, and Klingele, who battled back into the top five.
The IMCA stock cars were up next for 18 laps. Brandon Savage, who dropped out while leading the heat race, was the only driver failing to make the starting grid. Jake Powers led the field through a lap two caution, with Jim Lynch coming from row three to second on the restart. Lynch ran the high line, while Michael Larsen challenged on the bottom of the now three groove track. On lap six, the two even swapped lines, and one lap later, Beau Taylor slipped around Larsen for third. At the mid race point, Lynch took the lead, surviving a yellow three laps later. The final six laps went under green, with Lynch taking the win and taking over the points lead from the missing Abe Huls. Taylor hugged the low line and came home second, with Larsen edging Powers for third. Andrew Hustead completed the top five.
The headline UMP late model class ran next for 25 fast paced laps. 17 drivers signed in, although Jason Oenning did not compete. Denny Woodworth had set quick time at 13.763 seconds, but it was Justin Reed topping heat one. Reed then rolled a three for the feature invert, putting Vance Wilson and heat two winner Mark Burgtorf on row one for the main event. Although Wilson jumped out front, Burgtorf had the lead as lap one was scored. The caution waved on lap two, with Burgtorf still in control on the Delaware restart. As Wilson pounded the cushion, Woodworth took over second running the bottom groove. Two laps later, tenth starting Jamie Wilson charged to the second spot. With Burgtorf running the top side, Wilson pulled even down low, taking the lead on lap nine. The two veterans battled as the moved in on slower traffic. As the laps wound down, Wilson began to stretch his lead, and picked up his second win of 2015 in a dominant performance. Burgtorf held on for second, with Jim Moon running a season best third. Reed and Woodworth rounded out the first five. Sixth through tenth went to Keith Pratt, Vance Wilson, Trace Westling, Brian Diveley, and Alan Westling.
All 14 UMP modifieds took the 25 lap feature green. Russ Coultas led from the start, but soon a four car battle developed for the lead. Shawn Deering was out front on lap three. Again on lap five the leaders raced three wide, with Michael Long emerging as the leader, taking Steven Delonjay along. The normally rim riding Long ran the bottom of the speedway, forcing the usually low riding Delonjay to the middle groove. The first yellow came on lap ten, and on the restart, Rickey Frankel in the Mike Begley # B4 climbed to third. Two more quick yellows came on laps 12 and 13, and back to racing it was now Deering chasing the two leaders. Dave Weitholder had started tenth after having handling problems in his heat, but when Delonjay pulled to the infield after the lap 13 restart, Weitholder charged to the runner up spot. After a lap 15 caution Deering moved to second, but lap 18 saw Weitholder back in second and reeling in the leader. A lap 22 caution spoiled a good run for Frankie Wellman, and back to green, Long moved up a lane on the track. Deering and Weitholder swapped the runner up spot, and with two laps to go, Frankel moved around Deering to retake third. At the checkers, it was Long with win number five this season at QR, followed by Weitholder, Frankel, Deering, and Jared Schlipman.
The final event on the card was the 15 lap IMCA sport compact feature. Point leader Kimberly Abbott jumped to a lap one lead, with Brandon Lambert in hot pursuit. Again, it was the leader running a lower groove, with Lambert pounding the cushion. On lap six, Lambert powered to the lead, and the caution came out one lap later. By lap ten, Abbott was pushing Lambert hard, and she regained the lead as the pack came to the white flag. Third went to Laine VanZandt in another Abbott car, with travelers John Girdley and Trent Orwig turning in top fives.
The final checkers waved before 9:30, none too soon, as I drove through some pretty strong lightning and light showers on the trip home.
We will try to take in the MLRA and IMCA late model Tornado Tuesday double header Tuesday night at West Liberty Raceway, and that will be it until next Sunday at Quincy Raceways. Hard to believe it is already August, and I just hit 20 nights of racing!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Davenport Tops Erb at the PDC
My mini vacation started with the IMCA Deery Brothers late model show at Quad City Speedway on Wednesday, the continued with the World of Outlaw late models at Quincy Raceways on Thursday. On Friday, my wife and I took our youngest grandson, Peyton, to his first major league baseball game in St Louis. Along the way, UMP modified racer Jeff Curl called buddy Darryl with a chance to purchase some backstretch passes to the World of Outlaw late model Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury American Legion Speedway. It had been more than 15 years since my one visit to Fairbury, about a four hour jaunt from home, so we decided to take in the final night of the two night event.
Despite a threat of rain, we headed out on Saturday morning, checking in at a hotel, then arriving at the track early to take in the festivities, heat, humidity and all.
There would be a complete show for the UMP modifieds, plus two last chance races for the World of Outlaw late models, the 100 lap $26,000 to win feature on the 1/4 mile oval, followed by the $2,000 to win mod main event, then a 30 lap $1,500 to win non qualifiers feature for the late models.
Late model last chance race number one went to Morgan Bagley ahead of Rick " Boom " Briggs. The second 20 lap win went to Jason Feger ahead of Brian Shirey. 18 cars had qualified Friday through six heat races, and four provisional starters were now added to make up the 26 car field. Positions three through twelve, not counting provisionals would be eligible for the 20 car non qualifiers feature.
With the first of two modified B-mains for the modifieds on the track, first a light, then steady rain began to fall. Fortunately, the heaviest of the showers missed the fairgrounds, and after the rain stopped, the track crew went to work getting the surface back in racing condition. After about an hour delay, we were back to racing, with the order of events adjusted. Follwing the mod B-mains, the late model non qualifier feature was called to the track. 64 late models had signed in on Friday, with 60 back on Saturday. Following the delay, apparently some of the bigger names scheduled to run the $1,500 to win race elected to stay on the trailer, giving us 16 starters for the 30 laps.
The race got rolling after a first lap pile up, with Ryan Unzicker taking the lead. on the 14th circuit, Mike Spatola used a nifty slide job in turn four to take the top spot, stretching out to a big advantage. But with four to go, he suddenly slowed, ending his run. This put Unzicker back on the point. As the white flag came out, third running Derek Chandler smacked the wall. setting up a one lap shootout. To the delight of the large crowd, local favorite McKay Wenger pulled off a last lap pass for the win, leading 1/2 a lap of the 30. Unzicker settled for second ahead of Josh Rice, Chad Hollenbeck, and Bob Gardner. Steve Thorsten, Joe Harlan, and Steve Lance Jr. were the only other drivers to finish the race.
Officials then called for the 100 lap main event, pushing the modifieds to last on the card.
The redraw of the six heat winners saw Billy Moyer and Mason Ziegler start on row one. Moyer took off in the lead, as he and Ziegler opened an advantage on the field. The caution waved on lap eight for Bagley, who was forced to go to a back up car for the feature, starting him on the tail. Back to green, eighth starting Jonathon Davenport powered his way to third, shadowing Ziegler as Moyer opened up a lead. Following a stoppage on lap 13, Dennis Erb Jr took the third spot challenging Ziegler, taking the spot on lap 23. He then began to run down Moyer, and the two ran side by side, with Erb taking the lead on lap 31. The next yellow came on lap 44, with 14th starting Brandon Sheppard entering the top five. At the halfway point, Moyer retook the lead moving to the high line, as Sheppard moved to fourth. On lap 52, Moyer jumped the cushion in turn two, falling to third behind Erb and Davenport. Moyer repeated the move two laps later, apparently with a handling problem, with Sheppard going around. On lap 56, Moyer smacked the turn four fence, ending his run. On the restart, Davenport and Sheppard battled for second, with Davenport finally pulling ahead, going to the top side of the track,bumping the cushion, as Erb ran a low to middle line. As the leaders caught slower traffic on lap 77, Sheppard also jumped to the high line. A yellow on lap 85 saw the end of the night for Kevin Weaver. Back racing, 2014 winner Tim McCreadie moved to third, and two laps later, series points leader Shane Clanton brought out a yellow with a flat tire. Coming back to the track, Clanton showed some displeasure by " rubbing" Chub Frank, earning himself a black flag. On lap 91, Erb and Davenport ran side by side, with Davenport ahead on lap 93. With four circuits remaining, Frank Heckenast Jr was charging forward on the top side, but got into the turn two wall. The restart was now single file, with Davenport again running the top and Erb down low. On lap 99, Davenport eased ahead, but Erb again powered to the front. On the final lap, the two made contact in turn three, and Davenport came to the line first for the win. Erb settled for second, with Sheppard third. Josh Richards started 16th and finished fourth, with Chase Junghans starting and finishing fifth. Jimmy Owens came on late to run sisth, Bagley moved up 18 spots to seventh. McCreadie faded to eighth, Heckenast ninth, and Frank completed the top ten.
With the delay, it was now the midnight hour, and we headed for the motel with the mod feature still to go.
Quincy Raceways has a scheduled night off tonight, so I will try to recover and get ready to head back to work after a busy four days of racing and baseball!
Despite a threat of rain, we headed out on Saturday morning, checking in at a hotel, then arriving at the track early to take in the festivities, heat, humidity and all.
There would be a complete show for the UMP modifieds, plus two last chance races for the World of Outlaw late models, the 100 lap $26,000 to win feature on the 1/4 mile oval, followed by the $2,000 to win mod main event, then a 30 lap $1,500 to win non qualifiers feature for the late models.
Late model last chance race number one went to Morgan Bagley ahead of Rick " Boom " Briggs. The second 20 lap win went to Jason Feger ahead of Brian Shirey. 18 cars had qualified Friday through six heat races, and four provisional starters were now added to make up the 26 car field. Positions three through twelve, not counting provisionals would be eligible for the 20 car non qualifiers feature.
With the first of two modified B-mains for the modifieds on the track, first a light, then steady rain began to fall. Fortunately, the heaviest of the showers missed the fairgrounds, and after the rain stopped, the track crew went to work getting the surface back in racing condition. After about an hour delay, we were back to racing, with the order of events adjusted. Follwing the mod B-mains, the late model non qualifier feature was called to the track. 64 late models had signed in on Friday, with 60 back on Saturday. Following the delay, apparently some of the bigger names scheduled to run the $1,500 to win race elected to stay on the trailer, giving us 16 starters for the 30 laps.
The race got rolling after a first lap pile up, with Ryan Unzicker taking the lead. on the 14th circuit, Mike Spatola used a nifty slide job in turn four to take the top spot, stretching out to a big advantage. But with four to go, he suddenly slowed, ending his run. This put Unzicker back on the point. As the white flag came out, third running Derek Chandler smacked the wall. setting up a one lap shootout. To the delight of the large crowd, local favorite McKay Wenger pulled off a last lap pass for the win, leading 1/2 a lap of the 30. Unzicker settled for second ahead of Josh Rice, Chad Hollenbeck, and Bob Gardner. Steve Thorsten, Joe Harlan, and Steve Lance Jr. were the only other drivers to finish the race.
Officials then called for the 100 lap main event, pushing the modifieds to last on the card.
The redraw of the six heat winners saw Billy Moyer and Mason Ziegler start on row one. Moyer took off in the lead, as he and Ziegler opened an advantage on the field. The caution waved on lap eight for Bagley, who was forced to go to a back up car for the feature, starting him on the tail. Back to green, eighth starting Jonathon Davenport powered his way to third, shadowing Ziegler as Moyer opened up a lead. Following a stoppage on lap 13, Dennis Erb Jr took the third spot challenging Ziegler, taking the spot on lap 23. He then began to run down Moyer, and the two ran side by side, with Erb taking the lead on lap 31. The next yellow came on lap 44, with 14th starting Brandon Sheppard entering the top five. At the halfway point, Moyer retook the lead moving to the high line, as Sheppard moved to fourth. On lap 52, Moyer jumped the cushion in turn two, falling to third behind Erb and Davenport. Moyer repeated the move two laps later, apparently with a handling problem, with Sheppard going around. On lap 56, Moyer smacked the turn four fence, ending his run. On the restart, Davenport and Sheppard battled for second, with Davenport finally pulling ahead, going to the top side of the track,bumping the cushion, as Erb ran a low to middle line. As the leaders caught slower traffic on lap 77, Sheppard also jumped to the high line. A yellow on lap 85 saw the end of the night for Kevin Weaver. Back racing, 2014 winner Tim McCreadie moved to third, and two laps later, series points leader Shane Clanton brought out a yellow with a flat tire. Coming back to the track, Clanton showed some displeasure by " rubbing" Chub Frank, earning himself a black flag. On lap 91, Erb and Davenport ran side by side, with Davenport ahead on lap 93. With four circuits remaining, Frank Heckenast Jr was charging forward on the top side, but got into the turn two wall. The restart was now single file, with Davenport again running the top and Erb down low. On lap 99, Davenport eased ahead, but Erb again powered to the front. On the final lap, the two made contact in turn three, and Davenport came to the line first for the win. Erb settled for second, with Sheppard third. Josh Richards started 16th and finished fourth, with Chase Junghans starting and finishing fifth. Jimmy Owens came on late to run sisth, Bagley moved up 18 spots to seventh. McCreadie faded to eighth, Heckenast ninth, and Frank completed the top ten.
With the delay, it was now the midnight hour, and we headed for the motel with the mod feature still to go.
Quincy Raceways has a scheduled night off tonight, so I will try to recover and get ready to head back to work after a busy four days of racing and baseball!
Friday, July 24, 2015
Moyer and Abreu Top Historic Night at Quincy
The most significant night in the 41 year history of Quincy Raceways is in the books after a successful evening of racing in front of a standing room only crowd on Thursday night. I you were among the 3000 or so folks on hand, you experienced quite an evening. If you were not, boy did you miss out! The parking lot filled up hours before race time, the adjoining Scott family property was jammed with cars, and vehicles were parked along the four lane highway leading to the track as the crowd continued to filter in during late model qualifying. The beer stand had to be replenished twice, and the kitchen was cranking out food so fast one of the grills caught on fire!
Even though a job fair contributed to the evening as one of the title sponsors of the " Workforce 40, "
ultimately, this night was, as it should be, all about the racing.
Two classes of cars were on the card, with the Midwest Open Wheel Association 410 sprint cars supporting the World of Outlaw late models. 24 sprinters and 32 late models filled the regular and extended pit areas.
The night began with late model time trial qualifying. Brian Shirley paced the first group of 16 cars, but first time visitor Tim McCreadie, a New Yorker, set overall quick time with a lap of 13.112 seconds. A series of ruts developed in turn three, making early qualifying a bit of adventure, but it seemed to smooth out a bit as we went along, and some later track prep took care of the issue.
Three sprint heats were followed by four late model ten lappers. Shirley over Brandon Sheppard, Brandon Overton ahead of Shane Clanton, McCreadie followed by Bobby Pierce, and Billy Moyer topping Josh Richards all took heat wins from the front row.
Next up was the MOWA position dash. Cory Bruns took the win, holding off a challenge from Chili Bowl winner and NASCAR competitor Rico Abreau.
Two late model last chance races added six cars to the feature field, with Morgan Bagley and Jimmy Mars taking wins, and two provisionals, based on WoO points went to Boom Briggs and Jordon Yaggy, completing the 24 car field.
The 25 lap sprint feature ran first, with 23 cars taking the green. Things got off to a bit of a slow start, with Bruns taking off from the pole. Abreau grabbed the lead on lap one, and on the next circuit, Brady Bacon flipped his ride. Bacon was fast early on, but blew an engine in his heat race, changed it, and now was upside down in two laps! A false start on the restart saw Casey Shuman exit the track. Back to racing, Jeremy Stndridge came to a stop in turn two, and as the field slowed, Jimmy Hurley flipped hard in turn three. After one more false start, we were back to green. The field was scrambling for position behind Abreau, who encountered slower traffic on lap 12. Winning a low - high duel for second with Bruns, Hunter Schuerenberg was closing on the leader when his rim riding sent him over the cushion on lap 15, bring out the caution. With a clear track on the restart, Abreau opened up a lead. Jerrod Hull was now on the move, challenging for the runner up spot. At the checkers, it was Abreau, Bruns, and Hull in the top three, followed by Jake Blackhurst and Brad Loyet.
It was now time for the $8,000 to win, 40 lap headliner. The top two from each heat race had redrawn for their staring slot, and on lap one, sixth starting Shirley spun in turn three. According to WoO rules, Brian got his spot back on the false start, as Eric Wells and Justin Reed were also involved trying to avoid the # 3S. Back to green, polesitter Moyer grabbed the lead, with tour points leader Clanton moving to second on lap two from his row three starting spot. It quickly became a two car batlle, with Moyer now running a middle groove and pinching off the low riding Clanton in turns one and two, where a bump had formed. After the sprint feature, the top groove seemed to be used up, as Pierce was going backwards running there. However, McCreadie began to make a run to the front using the high line as we approached the half way mark. Moyer caught the back of the pack by lap 15, and on lap 19 Clanton made his move, the two leaders side by side on lap 20. Clanton grabbed the lead, then used a dandy move on lap 25, splitting the now lapped cars of Jason Feger and Jason Perry to open a lead, as Moyer was caught in the lapped traffic. With the race staying green, Clanton seemed to have things in hand, but with just two laps remaining, he was forced to check up for a slower car, and Moyer powered around to regain the lead. The veteran held on the final two laps for a popular win. The Georgia native Clanton settled for a runner up finish and $4,000 pay day. Richards advanced four spots to take third, Sheppard came from eighth to fourth, and Outside row one starter McCreadie grabbed fifth. Shirley started sixth and finished there, Chub Frank came from ninth to seventh, Baggley moved up nine spots to eighth. Rick Eckert wheeled the # 7V up four slots to ninth, with Frank Heckenast Jr advancing nine spots to complete the top ten. Mark Burgtorf was the highest finishing " local," coming from 21st to 16th.
The Outlaws now move to Fairbury,Il for a two day show, and the sprinters continue on their four day Illinois Sprint Week tour, going to Tri City Speedway in Granite City,Il tonight. Quincy Raceways will be idle this Sunday night, returning to action on August 2.
Thanks to the Ciltrak group for taking a big risk to bring a national tour to Quincy, it was a night that did not disappoint!
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