Grabouski, Mullen, Nichols among winners at Thunder on the Hill

For the second straight year, I made the six hour drive to Mayetta, Kan., over the weekend for the season-ending Thunder on the Hill special at Thunder Hill Speedway. The event, which annually features two complete shows for IMCA sanctioned Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts, draws a number of the top drivers in the region for increased prize money in one of the final events of the season in the Midwest.

Former IMCA Modified national champion Jordan Grabouski pulled double duty Saturday night and made the evening a sweeping success as he topped both the Modified and Stock Car features. Grabouski, who was pestered late by Scott Drake in the 30-lap Mod main, held on to score the victory. His Stock Car win was a bit more dominant as Grabouski sailed to victory in that 25-lapper by a near straightaway ahead of Perry Misner.

Tyler Frye, who spent Thursday night watching coverage of practice on XSAN, loaded up his #55 Northern SportMod and made the trip from Belleville to Mayetta. He promptly made his way to victory lane as he beat Curtis Dreasher to the checkers Saturday night.

Kent Husted broke free midway through the Hobby Stock feature to drive to victory in that event ahead of former IMCA Super Nationals champ Cody Nielsen. Monte Honas dominated the Sport Compact feature to score the win.

Sunday afternoon's show (more on the event schedule later) offered thrilling racing in all five divisions, which was led by Brian Mullen's trip to the winner's circle in the Modified feature.

Mullen, from Seymour, Wis., held the lead early while Chris Abelson worked the top side into contention. Abelson raced his way into the lead and started to pull away before lapped traffic impeded his progress. Mullen, who remained committed to the low groove up until that point, slipped around the outside of Abelson exiting turn two with around 20 laps complete as Abelson worked the slower traffic.

The lapped traffic briefly allowed the top five to close together, however Mullen pulled away in the waning laps to secure the win. Drake raced his way past Abelson to score runner-up honors for the second straight day. Abelson ran third ahead of David Murray and Jesse Sobbing.

Grabouski appeared poised to sweep the Stock Car division for the weekend, however Mike Nichols, who was not there for Saturday's program, showed up and spoiled his bid at a repeat trip to victory lane.

Grabouski led early while Nichols raced the low groove and kept pace with the leader. Nichols slowly worked into position to challenge for the lead before escaping with the top spot near the midway point of that event. Grabouski closed on Nichols late in lapped traffic, however Nichols held on to win.

Bryan Rigsby won a thriller in the Northern SportMods. After chasing leader Shawn Harker for much of that 20-lapper, Rigsby closed in on Harker running the low groove of the slick, fast oval. Rigsby inched ahead in the final circuits while Tyler Frye, looking for his second win in as many days, raced the top groove into a challenge.

On the last lap, Rigsby and Harker touched, which slightly slowed Harker to the top of the back stretch. Harker was able to keep pace while Frye worked the high side to make it a three-car battle off of turn four. Rigsby held on to win while Frye slid around Harker and onto Rigsby's rear bumper for second at the line as all three drivers finished within a car-length of each other.

Multi-time Thunder Hill track champion Brian Stich appeared well on his way to victory in Sunday's Hobby Stock feature until a rare miscue on his part sent his #21 into a spin exiting turn two on the final lap. Cody Nielsen inherited the point and led the final half lap to score the win ahead of Jesse Vanlaningham.

Monte Honas was the lone driver to sweep the weekend as he walked away with the Sport Compact victory Sunday for his second victory in as many days.

NOTES FROM MAYETTA
* Complete results from the weekend are available by clicking on the results tab at www.racethunderhillspeedway.com and video of all the action is at www.xsan.tv.

* Multi-time national Modified champ David Murray suffered engine problems Saturday night and was offered the back-up power plant of Jesse Sobbing to run Sunday's show. Yes, it was the first time Murray ran a crate motor and, after qualifying through his heat, Murray quickly became comfortable with the crate and beat Sobbing to a fourth place finish. Murray admitted afterward that it will take some learning, but it seems likely you can expect Murray to run a crate at events in the future.

* Ponca City, Okla., Modified driver Brendon Gemmill suffered heavy contact from a fellow competitor in Sunday's feature. That contact sent Gemmill hard into a tractor tire inside turn one which in turn sent him into a hard spin to the infield. Unfortunately, he reported that the wild wreck destroyed his race car. It was a tough break for Gemmill, who is one of the nicest racers around.

* Saturday night, Modified drivers were given the opportunity to buy in for the chance to win an increased winner's share. Already billed as $2,000-to-win each night for the Modifieds, drivers could pay an additional $100 to enter Saturday's event for a chance at $3,000-to-win. Grabouski, Saturday's winner, paid the extra cash and walked out +$900 in that transaction.

* The Saturday evening/Sunday afternoon show was scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, however rain, sleet and snow - yes, snow - moved into the area overnight Thursday and into Friday morning forcing promoters Mike and Pam Conkwright to adjust the weekend schedule. Believe it or not, the weather was beautiful for both race programs. Although a strong breeze forced those in attendance to bundle up for Thursday night's practice, all I wore was a T-shirt and a windbreaker for both race programs. All the insulated clothing, hats and gloves I brought this year after last year's chilly event stayed in the suitcase all weekend... yes, despite snow interrupting the weekend.

* The adjusted schedule only slightly affected the car count. A number of drivers were unable to stick around for Sunday's show, but a few new ones arrived for the final day. Despite the schedule change, the car counts were fantastic both days as many opted to support the event. Among those who were unable to stay both days were Benji LaCrosse and Dustin Boney. Yes, Dustin Boney appeared in his career first IMCA sanctioned Modified event and drove to an impressive fourth place finish Saturday night. This was after he made heavy contact with the retaining wall off turn one during Thursday night's practice, which forced a lot of work for his #22 to be race ready Saturday. A birthday party for his daughter Sunday prevented him from sticking around. LaCrosse had to return to Wisconsin to go to work and was unable to race Sunday.

* As far as the day race Sunday, I asked some folks what they expected concerning track conditions. Surprisingly, there were minimal concerns. Writer Ed Reichert, who makes the yearly trip from Wisconsin, said he'd seen a day race there years ago and Thunder Hill was one of few tracks he would recommend to attend for day racing. He was right. The track was great all day, provided minimal dust and had multiple grooves all afternoon and into the evening.

* The weather forecast and eventual sleet and snow that fell at the track Friday would have scared many promoters. Rather than pulling the plug and calling it a lost weekend, the Conkwrights pushed the show back a day and were determined to get it completed if at all possible. Not only were they unfazed by the inclement weather, their attempts to dry out pit road and the pit area ran like a well-oiled machine. Their crew got into the track equipment and their own personal vehicles to ensure the races would go off without a hitch. As Pam Conkwright said, "We'll lose if we cancel or if we postpone it. We're here to race, so let's race."

* Due to the crazy weather, a number of haulers were unable to escape the pit area Friday, leaving them stranded. Of course, that meant the drivers and crews were stuck there, as well. Throughout the day Friday, photos began popping up on facebook of various race teams that were making the best of their time in their haulers and, if they were lucky, their campers, as the weather moved through. Modified driver Tom Charles and his family and crew were among those stranded in the pits and were forced to make their own entertainment before the pits were dried out Saturday. He later said that he had a TV in the camper, but they quickly came to realize they forgot the remote, leaving the TV out of commission. "Thankfully, we found a card deck," he joked Saturday afternoon.

* Despite Friday's postponement, I had a great time socializing with the Thunder Hill crew at Prairie Band Casino, which is only a couple miles from the race track. If you've never been to Mayetta, it's a "blink and you'll miss it" community a few miles east of the track. Aside from the casino, there's really not a whole lot within 15-20 miles. A number of us stayed at Prairie Band and had a great time passing the afternoon and evening with conversation, stories and the occasional casino game or two. Yes, I spent extended time in a casino and actually came out ahead!

* Thanks to announcer and track writer Bill Grit for letting me call a few races with him over the weekend and for letting me make occasional trips to the booth. Thanks also to XSAN announcer Chet Christner and camera pro Darren Shanley for letting me join them throughout the weekend. I also have to thank scorer Jeni Moore-Baxter for being the target of my sarcastic joking all weekend!

* Speaking of the Thunder Hill Speedway crew, a huge shout out goes to Mike and Pam Conkwright and the incredible staff they have assembled. I've been to a lot of tracks through the years and have met a lot of track workers, but the folks at Thunder Hill are special. I mean it when I say it is the friendliest and most professional staff I have ever seen at a race track. Whether you're talking about the track officials, concession workers, ticket sellers or security, if they work at Thunder Hill Speedway, they do it proudly. They are a top notch staff. Yes, the facility is awesome and the racing is incredible, but it's the people that make the entire experience worth the trip. You rarely see promoters thank their staff both prior to and after a show, but Mike and Pam do that on the track radios and in person every night without fail. And they mean every word of it. They are the definition of racing family. Some folks I spoke with over the weekend said Mike's past experience as a race car driver has given the Conkwrights the benefit of knowing how to run a track. That may very well be true, but I believe they run the track so well simply because they're great people who know how to treat others. The fantastic staff surrounding them is just one indication of that. I know I said this last year, but I'm going to say it again... You have to visit Thunder Hill Speedway if you have the opportunity. You often hear drivers and fans say, "I wish that track was closer to home because I'd be there every week." Thunder Hill Speedway IS that track. I guarantee I'll be back next year.

With 87 race nights in the books for me this season, I'm unsure if I'll make it to anymore this year. I'm still considering Shiverfest at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson this coming weekend, but those plans are still up in the air. I'm also uncertain about the Duel in the Desert in Las Vegas next month, but that is still a strong possibility. If there are any remaining races in your area, please be sure you get out and support a track before the season comes to an end.

As always, thanks for reading.

Lauritzen holds off Hogan in Fall Extravaganza at Lee County Speedway

After battling a nasty cold and sinus infection over the last two weeks, I felt well enough to make the trip south Saturday to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson for the Fall Extravaganza.

Ronn Lauritzen earned a thrilling win in the Modified division. After starting outside the front row next to fast dash qualifier Scott Hogan, Lauritzen worked the low side into the lead in the early going of that 25-lapper.

While Lauritzen put a little distance over the field, Kyle Brown worked through the pack to challenge Hogan for second. Hogan worked the top side with Brown down low and Lauritzen out front also running the low groove.

A couple cautions kept the field bunched, but Lauritzen took charge each time the green flag waved. Hogan, in fact, appeared to struggle exiting turn four over the final half of the event. While he seemed poised to challenge for the win early on, he found himself in a late tussle with Brown for second.

With less than a handful of laps to go, Hogan found something on the top of turn four. After the race, Hogan said he just "through it in harder and deeper," and that must have done the trick.

While Lauritzen was dealing with slower traffic on the bottom groove in the final laps, Hogan surged from the top side and was able to pull even with Lauritzen. One last dive to the bottom exiting turn four wasn't enough for Hogan, however, as Lauritzen escaped with the thrilling win.

Abe Huls raced the low groove to victory in the 25-lap Stock Car main. Huls slipped beneath John Oliver Jr. and then held off a pestering Todd Reitzler to take the victory.

Curtis Van Der Wal led throughout the 22-lap SportMod feature to score the victory. He was challenged late by Tony Dunker, but sailed to victory in an event that was stopped numerous times for caution - one that involved as many as eight cars.

Dustin Griffiths was the winner in the Hobby Stock feature after surviving early pressure from Mike Hughes. Adam Gates dominated the 18-lap Sport Compact feature to drive to victory. Those two drivers defended their Fall Extravaganza victories from a year ago.

I didn't intend to blog on Saturday night's event, however it's been so long since I've written, I figured I needed to let my readers know I'm still around! For a more thorough rundown of Saturday's action, visit Dick and Joyce Eisele's The 4dfan Report and check back later for Brian Neal's Midwest Racing News.

Rather than rehash the event, I did take a few mental notes. Bear with me, I hope my sinus congestion hasn't clouded anything I took from Saturday's show...

* The two-day show featured inverted heat race qualifying in all five divisions Friday. Drivers each raced two heat races Friday night - the first based on their draw upon signing in and the second an invert that also allowed them to compete with drivers different than during the first set of qualifiers. Saturday's last chance qualifiers and championship racing included fast dash races for top points earners from Friday's show. The dashes determined the starting lineups at the front of Saturday night's features. It was a unique format that offered a twist to the normal draw/redraw format. It seems a number of tracks have started to consider this for post-season non-points specials. It will be interesting too see how the trend will continue or be altered when spring specials approach in March and April.

* I enjoyed most of the show in a VIP booth with fellow bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. As we have done during many of the special events toward of the season, the three of us predicted the feature winners as the events rolled out of staging. I managed to get one correct winner on the night. Thank you, Curt Van Der Wal, for making me look smart for a brief moment in time! Of course, I was lucky enough to have the first pick of the SportMod main. If you've never taken the time to visit Van Der Wal, be sure to do so the next time you're at a track where he's competing. He is a class act and always makes time to chat. Not only is he one of the genuine, good guys in our sport, he has a hell of a race program. Congrats on the win, Curt! Plus, don't worry, awards season isn't far away in Hollywood, Nashville and all points in between. I'll try to entertain you with my snide award show remarks on facebook!

* Race day opportunities are quickly winding down in our area. Along with a special this coming weekend at Farley Speedway, I believe an October 19 special at Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa and Shiverfest in Donnellson October 26 will be your final chances to go racing in the Hawkeye state this season. Just across the border in Memphis, Mo., a two-day fall special will be held this coming weekend.

* A number of drivers I spoke with Saturday were uncertain of their plans for the next couple weeks. Many of them have followed the fall specials at Webster City, Oskaloosa and Donnellson, but were taking things day-by-day to determine just how long they'd extend their seasons. Most often I heard, "If we survive this weekend with little damage, we may race next weekend." One of those drivers was Modified driver Scott Hogan, who had a rough go of things in Webster City and Oskaloosa. Although he had a great run Saturday, his wife's facebook page indicates they're going to end the season on a high note and call 2013 complete. After chasing points for much of his career, Hogan limited his race nights this year and focused on fun rather than the work involved in chasing points. Although his plans are undecided for 2014, I wouldn't be surprised to see Team Hogan take the same approach next season.

* As I mentioned at the top of this blog, I was among the sickly for the last couple weeks. In short, I was knocked on my ass for a good two weeks. Along with a cold and sinus infection, my history with cluster headaches reared its ugly head again. Although it had been almost two years since my most recent episode, I was either in bed or on the couch for five straight days while also battling whatever bug I had. I'm getting back up to speed, though, so I hope to take in a few more races before the season is over.

Saturday night was my 85th race of the year - a personal record. I joked with Positively Racing web mistress Sue McDaniel on Saturday that my readers probably had no idea I've been to that many races. As I mentioned in my most recent entry, this is the time of year I enjoy socializing and watching the races without worrying about what to write, but I got the itch after last night's show and it's good to be back.

My next race will include a six hour trip later this week as I head to Thunder Hill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., for the second straight year for Thunder on the Hill. If you haven't been there and are still able to make plans to go, GO! The event starts Thursday, Oct. 17 with practice and then complete shows both Friday and Saturday. The facility is awesome, the racing is incredible and Mike and Pam Conkwright are top-notch promoters.

After that, I plan to make it back to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson for Shiverfest the following weekend. It's one of few special events in eastern Iowa I've never attended, but I'm hoping to finally make it this year. After Shiverfest, I'm hoping for one more racing weekend and that's to make the trip to Las Vegas next month for the Duel in the Desert. Plans are still in the works for that one, but it would be a great way to end the season before banquet time begins.

Speaking of banquets, the Independence Motor Speedway banquet is slated for Saturday, November 23. Invitations should be sent in the mail this week. I'm hoping to have details finalized and ticket order forms mailed out before I head to Kansas.

Also, I'm honored to say I've been invited back to be an emcee at the IMCA National Banquet in Lincoln, Neb., November 30. It will be my third year in Lincoln and I'm looking forward to spending that weekend celebrating and honoring the best in IMCA racing.

I hope to see many of you in Kansas this week. If not, make plans to head to Farley, Maquoketa or Memphis. Race days in the Midwest are numbered and we need to get our fix while we can.

As always, thanks for reading!