Early Sunday morning, I made my way to Monticello for the Great Jones County Fair to call the action in the annual stock car races and demolition derby. Following the afternoon races and evening demo, I rushed back to Vinton to see if I could make it in time for any of the features at Benton County Speedway.
I received a phone call when I was 20 minutes from town only to be told the final feature of the night had just taken the green flag. A couple of miles out of town, I got another call to say there were only a few laps left and Jerry Luloff was leading the IMCA Modified feature. I figured I had no chance to catch any action, but made my way to the track anyway.
As I crossed the bridge north of town on Highway 150, I heard race cars at speed so I zig-zagged my way through town to see if I could make it in time for the last couple of laps. (Note: Although I grew up in Vinton, I had never before been in town, but away from the track while racing was underway. I now know why the Benton County Fairgrounds packs the house of Sunday nights. I encountered nobody - ZERO automobile or pedestrian traffic - on my way through town on my way to the track. The place looked abandoned.)
Anyway, as I picked up the pace (nope, no police, either), I made it to the fairgrounds entrance to see the Modified feature going green. I quickly parked at the grandstand entrance, then raced up the stairs to see Luloff coming out of turn four to take the checkers.
While it was the first race in Vinton that I've missed this season, the details and complete results from Sunday's show are listed at the end of this blog. I heard many years ago that you can tell every at-bat, every base-runner and every play of a baseball game if you have the ability to properly read the box score. I'm going to try that theory in this blog entry as scorer Kevin Kemp provided me with the lap sheets from Sunday's show in Vinton. While my attempt at writing about a race without actually being there (a feat regularly attempted by 96.87% of all message board users) follows, capsules from Saturday night in Independence and Sunday afternoon in Monticello come first.
Irvine, Peterson first-time winners at Independence Motor Speedway
A pair of drivers earned their first career wins on Independence soil Saturday during the sixth annual Dick Frye Memorial at Independence Motor Speedway. The event, which honors the late fairboard president, is held annually during the Buchanan County Fair.Benji (curiously known as "George") Irvine scored the win in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. After Shawn Kuennen and Nathan Christie split time out front over the first 10 circuits, Irvine took charge with five laps to go to score his first career win in Independence.
With the win, Irvine became the 89th different Hobby Stock driver in track history to make it to victory lane. He joined fellow Hobby Stock drivers Nathan Ballard and Justin Stander as first-time winners this season.
Travis Peterson led all 15 laps to take his first career win in the IMCA SportMod division. Peterson took charge at the drop of the green to drive to the memorable win in the caution-free event. Peterson became the 17th different SportMod winner in track history. Kip Siems and Matt McCahen were first-time winners earlier this season.
Once Curt Martin got out front, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that the veteran would be making his 94th career trip to the Independence winner's circle in the Late Model division. Travis Smock, however, had other ideas.
Smock made his way into second just shy of the midway point, then slowly cut into Martin's half-straightaway lead to take charge with five laps to go. Smock went on to lead the remainder of the event to score his second win of the season, along with his second straight Dick Frye Memorial victory. Although Darren Ackerman and Tyler Bruening are also two-time winners of the event in the Late Model division, Smock is the only one to win it in back-to-back seasons.
The fourth win of his career in Independence, Smock is now tied with Bill Beckman, Cal Swanson, Chad Lerch, Dennis Dugan and Karl Sanger for 31st on the all-time list. His first win in the month of July, Smock now owns one career win each in the months of May, June, July and August at the speedway. Of his four wins, two have come the week following rained out events.
Sean Johnson battled Brian Irvine throughout much of the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Johnson led early before being passed by Irvine late in the event, then came back to make a late-race pass to steal the win at the line. It was Johnson's fifth win of the season and his second straight Dick Frye Memorial crown. He is the only Stock Car driver with multiple wins in the event.
With 22 wins in his career in Independence, Johnson pulled to within nine victories of Irvine for second on the all-time list. It was Johnson's sixth career win in the month of July and his fifth all-time in events following rainouts. When considering overall career wins at the speedway, Johnson's 22 trips to victory lane match Jarod Weepie and Keith Knox for 19th on the all-time list.
Johnson's brother, Adam, took top honors in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Johnson pursued Johnathan Thimmesch for a handful of laps before making his way into the lead. Johnson survived a pair of caution flags to pull away to the win, his third of the season. Johnson now has eight wins in the last three seasons, more than any other Modified driver at the speedway.
The 11th Modified win of his career in Independence, Johnson is now tied with Scott Hogan for ninth on the all-time list. Johnson has three career wins during the month of July, along with three wins all-time following rainouts.
Steve Miedke took the win in the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact division. He chased Nathan Chandler for a pair of laps before taking over the lead and pulling away to the victory. Miedke won the first two track points races in the class, joining a host of other drivers who accomplished that feat in other divisions at the speedway. Jack Mitchell (1983) won the first two IMCA Modified features in track history, Tim Anderson (1984) won the first two Street Stock features, Lon Gadow (1993) won the first two Stock Car features and Kurt Roose (2004) won the first two B Mod features.
Cox collects Monticello Modified money at Great Jones County Fair
After being challenged early by fellow front row starter Ron Barker, Ray Cox Jr. pulled away in dominant fashion to take the win in the Modified feature Sunday afternoon at the Great Jones County Fair. Ron Barker held off Mark Schulte for second, nearly half of a track behind Cox. Jerry King and Kevin Pittman completed the top five.Corey Rupp pulled away early, then held off late pressure from Wayne Hora and Doug Yates to take the win in the 15-lap Stock Car feature. Rupp, who led at the drop of the green, started to distance himself from traffic before his pursuers started to close the gap.
While Hora reeled in Yates for second, Yates was busy trying to catch the leading Rupp. The trio ran in nose-to-tail formation during the final few laps before Hora went to the high side in the final set of turns. Although Hora nipped Yates for the runner-up spot, Rupp held on for the win. Mark Massey and Shane Oberbreckling rounded out the top five.
Travis Tedrow challenged early, then received some assistance to get to the front of the pack on his way to winning the 4-Cylinder feature. Tedrow challenged Mike Barten and Jake Montoya for the lead in the early going until Barten and Montoya got together in turn four to bring out the caution with four laps to go.
With the leaders relegated to the back of the pack, Tedrow held the point for the ensuing restart. While Tedrow led, Barten and Montoya quickly worked their way back through the field and then challenged late. Montoya's efforts came up just short at the line as Tedrow drove to the exciting win. Barten finished third ahead of Justin Schroeder and Cody Kolka.
Three 2-Person Cruisers signed in to compete on the big half-mile. When all was said and done, the team of Sheldon Hunter and Landon Hunter held off Travis Hansen and Jake Harms to score the victory.
Thanks again to Jerry and Donna Blue for asking me to be a part of their team on the annual trip to Monticello. Although two events spread out over the course of the entire day may seem like a long Sunday, it's always an enjoyable time in Monticello. It's an honor to work with the Greater Iowa Racing crew! By the way, Mr. Feller, don't forget those extra scoring sheets on Friday! Oh yeah, Kaleb, did you know a nine year-old painted the "best decorated" car?
Luloffs sweep Sunday at Benton County Speedway
Jerry and Chris Luloff made it a family affair Sunday night at Benton County Speedway. The father and son each made trips to victory lane in their respective divisions.Jerry Luloff topped a 21-car field in the IMCA Modified division. After Mike Burbridge took command from Tony Olson at the front of the pack on lap two, Luloff was making a run to the front from his third row starting spot.
Luloff worked past Olson seven laps into the event, then reeled in Burbridge to make the pass for the lead at the midway point of the 20-lapper. Luloff then survived a trio of late-race cautions to earn his first win of the season. While Luloff was the 2011 Hogan Memorial winner at the speedway, Sunday's win was his first in weekly points racing in Vinton since August 8, 2010. The win was the 14th of Luloff's career in weekly racing in Vinton, moving him into a tie with Corey Dripps for seventh on the all-time list. Vern Jackson sits sixth with 16 trips to the BCS winner's circle.
Although Chris Luloff sat seventh on the starting grid in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature, he quickly advanced positions due to a multi-car first lap accident. The red flag was brought out during that incident when the #78 of Matt Brown rolled exiting turn two.
On the restart, Luloff made his way into the second spot behind race leader Brian Happel. After chasing Happel 10 times around the 1/4-mile, Luloff took charge on lap 11 to drive to the victory. Luloff's second win of the season, he now has 17 career Hobby Stock wins in Vinton. He ranks fourth on that list, one win behind Brad Forbes for third.
Norman Chesmore took the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Phil Holtz made his way into a battle for the top spot after just a couple of laps, then stole the lead just prior to the race's only caution on lap three.
When racing resumed, Holtz led the rest of the way to score his second straight victory and fourth of the season. With 12 career Stock Car wins in Vinton, Holtz is now tied for sixth with Scooter Dulin in that category. If Holtz can get his next win before Chesmore, the two will be tied for fifth on the all-time list.
Curt Hilmer came from the fourth row to take his first win of the season in the IMCA SportMod division. Just two laps following a lap three restart, Hilmer made his way past Tom Rawlins for the lead. Hilmer then survived a late caution to take the victory, the fourth of his career in Vinton. Hilmer is now tied with Frankie Dulin, Jim Buhlman and Troy Burkhart for ninth on the track's all-time list of SportMod winners.
(Note: I submitted a request with Hilmer's PR staff for an interview with him in the pits following his win. Unfortunately, Hilmer's "people" informed me that there were too many interview demands following Sunday's performance. If I wanted to talk to him, I would be required to schedule an appointment for later in the week. Since the SportMods are racing during this Thursday's special for the Benton County Fair, I plan on waiting until then to talk to him. Afterall, winning one feature was an over-achievement. I would venture to guess his pit area won't be so crowded following Thursday's show... Thanks, Curt. You make this too easy! Haha)
Steve Miedke has been on a tear in the IMCA Sport Compact division. Along with three wins in the last four events at Independence, Miedke reeled off his third straight win in Vinton Sunday night.
Coming from the fifth row, Miedke made his way into the top five on the fourth lap, then settled into second behind Merv Chandler with five laps to go. Miedke chased the leader until the final lap when he beat Chandler to the checkers. It was the Miedke's 10th career win in Vinton, which leaves him fourth on the all-time list.
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature - 1. 18 Jerry Luloff; 2. 33D Scott Hogan; 3. 11B Mike Burbridge; 4. 10K Ronn Lauritzen; 5. 12D Joe Docekal; 6. 80 Jerry Dedrick; 7. 36H Joe Haresky; 8. 1XX Tom Hanson; 9. 26 Luke Miller; 10. 14B Shane Burbridge; 11. 21K Kyle Brown; 12. T23 Tony Olson; 13. 17 Dawn Krall; 14. 15D Dustin Johnson; 15. F7 Patrick Flannagan; 16. 92 Shawn Bistline; 17. 57B Dennis Betzer; 18. 1J Jeff Streeter; 19. 8 Tony Snyder; DNS 21 David Brown; DNS 96 Eric Tuttle.
First heat - 1. Lauritzen; 2. Hogan; 3. Dedrick; 4. Streeter; 5. Betzer; 6. Haresky; DNS Tuttle.
Second heat - 1. Docekal; 2. Luloff; 3. Flannagan; 4. Bistline; 5. Johnson; 6. D. Brown; 7. S. Burbridge.
Third heat - 1. Olson; 2. M. Burbridge; 3. K. Olson; 4. Krall; 5. Snyder; 6. Hanson; 7. Miller.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature - 1. 7H Phil Holtz; 2. 19J Jay Schmidt; 3. 89 Jarod Weepie; 4. 21DE Jason Deshaw; 5. 15 Norman Chesmore; 6. 77 Andy Bryant; 7. 76 Mike Galli; 8. 8 Curtis Roster; 9. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.; DNS 87 John Emerson.
Heat - 1. Roster; 2. Bryant; 3. Schmidt; 4. Chesmore; 5. Holtz; 6. Galli; 7. Deshaw; 8. Weepie; 9. Damme; 10. Emerson.
IMCA SPORTMOD
Feature - 1. 22H Curt Hilmer; 2. T17 Tom Rawlins; 3. K3 Kyle Olson; 4. 95 Mike McDonald; 5. 10S John Schaefer; 6. J2 Dave Schulze; 7. 00 Jim Buhlman; 8. 28P Rick Paulson; 9. 42L Lonnie Mercer; 10. 7D Dakoda Sellers; 11. 42C Larry Clausen; 12. 72 Mike Hogencamp; 13. 3R Danny Dvorak; 14. B3 Russ Olson; 15. 16K Brandon Morris; 16. 15B Troy Burkhart; 17. 93 Josh Burrell; 18. 3B Brian Anderson; 19. 81 Jesse Belez.
First heat - 1. Hilmer; 2. Dvorak; 3. Clausen; 4. Schaefer; 5. K. Olson; 6. Sellers; 7. Morris.
Second heat - 1. McDonald; 2. Paulson; 3. Hogencamp; 4. Mercer; 5. Burrell; 6. Buhlman.
Third heat - 1. Schulze; 2. Rawlins; 3. R. Olson; 4. Burkhart; 5. Anderson; 6. Belez.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature - 1. 18 Chris Luloff; 2. 46 Brian Happel; 3. 47 Scott Pippert; 4. 19X August Bach; 5. 25 Doug Laughridge; 6. 07 Jacob Keiser; 7. 55 Vince Buchholz; 8. 2P Cale Petersen; 9. 45 Justin Wacha; 10. 77 Rod Grother; 11. 78 Matt Brown; 12. 51D Dustin Filloon; 13. 20W Bruce Fraser; 14. 76S Adam Streeter; DNS 7J Gabe Phelps.
First heat - 1. Luloff; 2. Pippert; 3. Streeter; 4. Bach; 5. Filloon; 6. Buchholz; 7. Grother; 8. Petersen.
Second heat - 1. Keiser; 2. Brown; 3. Happel; 4. Wacha; 5. Fraser; 6. Phelps; 7. Laughridge.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature - 1. 11 Steve Miedke; 2. 2 Merv Chandler; 3. 35 Brett Vanous; 4. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.; 5. 3S Craig Streeter; 6. 83 Travis Ross; 7. 71 Kimberly Abbott; 8. 57 Duayne Herb; 9. 03 Neil Nabholz; 10. 23 Corbin McCombs; 11. 22 Nathan Chandler; DNS 111 A.J. Witten.
First heat - 1. N. Chandler; 2. Vanous; 3. Abbott; 4. Streeter; 5. Herb; 6. McCombs.
Second heat - 1. Miedke; 2. M. Chandler; 3. Whalen; 4. Nabholz; 5. Ross; 6. Witten.
Last week's five day stretch of racing went to well as I'm planning on doing it again this week. I'm tentatively planning on making my way to Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway on Wednesday for the Dubuque County Fair special. It's been many years since my last visit to Dubuque, so I'm thrilled to be making the trip back there.
On Thursday, I'll be back in Vinton for the annual mid-week fair race at Benton County Speedway. From what I understand, I'll be sharing duties in the tower with promoter Mick Trier. Mick and I will each announce and score Thursday's event. I assume we'll rotate duties, but I am curious to try to do both at the same time...
Have a great week!
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