In Staging

A few thoughts on Independence and Tim Tebow

2012-01-16T22:34:00.002-06:00

Yes, I'm still alive. To those who follow In Staging, I'd first like to offer an apology for taking so much time between my most recent blog (September of 2011) and this one. To the rest of you, I hope you enjoyed my four-plus month hiatus.

I never intended to go so long between blog entries, but there really wasn't anything going on that compelled me to write. Believe it or not, I try not to write to simply fill space. I'd rather have something to actually say rather than waste anyone's time. Sure, I've had my opinions about various racing news items out of other areas of the state, but I felt that was best left to bloggers from those immediate areas. They are far more informed on the tracks in their areas and I felt it best suited to leave those topics for them to discuss.

Note: To prevent me from wasting your time, if you have no interest in Independence Motor Speedway or my thoughts on Tim Tebow, you can stop reading now. As for the rest of you, feel free to proceed if the desire remains.

** Following the 2011 racing season, there was a lot of chatter about the future of Independence Motor Speedway. Cam Granger just finished his third season at the helm of the facility, the longest tenure of anyone since Jerry Blue's 16 years from 1984-1999, yet many questions remained concerning 2012. After a lot of speculation, the fair board voted in November of last year to award the new contract to Darin Burco and his business partner, Todd Summers. For those unfamiliar with Burco, he is an Independence-area businessman who was a Late Model driver for a number of years. In fact, he won 14 features at Independence over a 15-year span and was the 2000 track champion. He also had a lot of success in the weekly battles at Fayette County Raceway (now Speedway) in West Union. Burco is no stranger to racing, nor is he a stranger to running a successful business. His partner, Summers, is an expert in dirt and has made it clear from the start that he expects to make huge improvements to the racing surface.

The timing of the announcement came as a bit unexpected to many. Considering the Independence awards banquet has traditionally been held sometime in November, the change at the top not only left banquet plans, but also plans for 2012, up in the air. I spoke with Darin shortly after he was awarded the contract, at which time he asked me to stay on board at Independence to announce the races and to help run the racing program. His main priorities were to start working on improving the racing surface and to review areas needing improvement in the racing program. Since that time, however, not much news was publicized about the upcoming season at Independence. Specifics were, for lack of a better word, elusive.

As I mentioned, Burco and Summers have already acted on plans to improve the facility by hauling in many loads of new dirt, a need that any race fan in the area has come to know in recent years. They also plan to make structural improvements to existing buildings and, in general, make the Buchanan County Fairgrounds one of the best facilities in the region. With Burco and Summers on board, race fans can expect great things to come at Independence.

The news of those improvements has been welcomed by everyone, however details specific to the racing program had people asking questions. Yes, they are hoping to draw some new specials to the 3/8-mile oval, but most people have been more concerned with the weekly racing program; specifically, will it remain IMCA sanctioned or will there be a change?

While those discussions went on, officials were still considering a date to hold the 2011 awards banquet to honor last season's champions. After that date (January 14) was set, and as it approached, Burco continued his research and announced at the banquet that Independence Motor Speedway would remain committed to IMCA in 2012.

In the weeks and months prior to that announcement, it was interesting to listen to and read the debates on the direction Independence would take. In the end, without a doubt in my mind, the decision to remain IMCA sanctioned wasn't just the best, but the only decision Independence could make.

Some will (and have) said that "it's time for a change at Independence," while others have stated Independence "wouldn't survive" if it switched sanctions or dropped a sanctioning body altogether. I found many of the arguments intriguing, however I felt many of them were without merit and truly baffling.

Yes, Independence is the longest sanctioned IMCA track in the country. This season will be our 29th consecutive season with IMCA Modifieds and the 19th straight with IMCA Stock Cars. The track first sanctioned Late Models 26 years ago, the Hobby Stocks will begin their 11th season sanctioned with IMCA and 2012 will be the fifth season for the IMCA SportMods. The simple fact that it is the longest tenured IMCA track isn't necessarily the reason it should remain IMCA in 2012, although it does say a lot for its stability, durablity and history.

If you remove from the equation all seasons prior to, oh, let's randomly use 2007 (just the past five seasons), that right there is enough to convince even the most casual race fan that Independence should stay sanctioned. How many tracks have we all seen struggle in recent years? How many were struggling even before the economy took a turn a few short years ago? How many tracks don't get car counts worthy of putting on a credible show? How many tracks have seen fan counts dwindle to the point they can barely keep the gates open week to week? How many tracks have closed in that time? How many tracks have closed just in the past few months or the past year? How many tracks are still up in the air as we approach the 2012 season? We all know the scary answers to those questions.

On the other hand, how many tracks that have been committed to the same divisions for their weekly shows have averaged over 100 cars? In fact, Independence had the highest Modified car count in the state in 2011, averaging just under 25 every Saturday night. Despite the competitive options vying for everyone's entertainment dollar, how many tracks have maintained a solid, committed fan base? How many of those tracks have been committed to staying IMCA sanctioned, especially through the tough economic times Independence Motor Speedway leads that list and, for those reasons, has put itself in the best position as we move forward. Why would there be a need or desire for change?

How many other tracks that have changed their rules packages or sanctioning body from IMCA have returned because they ultimately realized IMCA is their only option to provide a successful weekly racing program? It isn't only because IMCA is the "best of what's available," it's simply because IMCA is a great option.

Those who insist that Independence should change to something else really have no basis for argument. When considering other tracks in our area, no other option has established itself with long-term success as has IMCA. Aside from the tracks who have switched away from IMCA only to return, there are as many tracks who were never IMCA sanctioned in the past, but have realized that's the route to go if they want to survive and give themselves the opportunity to thrive.

I've heard arguments that Independence should have dropped IMCA so that "so-and-so" would show up on a given Saturday or because we'd "gain" a couple names who don't compete with us regularly. I feel there are two problems with that argument. The first is that the drivers we would have gained wouldn't have committed to racing weekly with us. If and when "special" events were scheduled at other tracks during a weekly race night at Independence, those drivers would have hit the road to travel to those specials. I'm not placing blame on them, I'm just saying that's the type of racing that many pursue when they don't race IMCA. IMCA is for the weekly racer and, there's no other way to say it than this - IMCA offers race tracks the best opportunities for a weekly racing program. You can have as many special events as you want at your local track, but unless you're Boone, Knoxville or Eldora, your weekly program will determine your success. To believe otherwise is foolish.

The second problem I struggle with is the argument that we need to make a change in order to get other "names" to race at Independence. Why? Our fan base is pretty proud of the 100-plus names that already race with us weekly. Changing would only result in sacrificing those drivers who have already committed to Independence for much, if not all, of their careers. I won't apologize when I say I would rather have five, 10 or 20 drivers in a division who have remained faithful to Independence over the years continue to join us weekly than hope to get anyone else to race with us at the expense of our traditional and career-long drivers. Having drivers committed to our program is due to the fact that it has offered the most economical brand of racing with an established set of recognizable, fair and enforceable rules that we wouldn't have at our disposal with any other option. Yes, I'd rather have 20-plus drivers in any division and their fans who have committed to us for years, rather than a handful of drivers who people find "recognizable." Besides, I'd go to bat for every one of our weekly racers. Why? Because they're damn good, have proven they can compete anywhere and have chosen to be a part of our racing family at Independence.

Some have said that Independence hasn't changed through the years because we're "afraid" of change. That comment is completely unfounded. We have made changes through the years at Independence. We've eliminated some divisions and transformed others in order to continually offer a fan and racer-friendly program for as long as I can remember. No, that doesn't mean we have changed or dropped sanctioning bodies. Why would we? As I said before, we average over 100 cars per night and have averaged over that number for two decades. Despite tough economic times, our drivers and fans have done their part to remain faithful to our program. You'd be hard-pressed to find any other track in the region who could boast those numbers or sentiments.

Some question the financial benefit for the drivers when sanctioning with IMCA. Whether during the season or at season's end, people believe there are other options that provide a better return. What is offered by IMCA is a guaranteed return... A guarantee of your point fund money, a guarantee of an established set of rules when you pull through the gate and a guarantee that you can pull your car into the pits at your hometown track on Saturday night or another track within 30, 40 or 50 miles on Friday and Sunday night knowing not only the rules are on a level playing field, but they provide you the most level competition dollar for dollar.

Along with that, take a look at the other tracks in the area. To drop or change our sanction would, in effect, not only put Independence on an island, but a deserted island. The drivers we pull are committed to IMCA racing and the tracks around us promote the same message. We all know racing is expensive, but IMCA has made it more affordable than any other option. Other tracks in the area realize and understand this, as well. We want to work with those tracks, just as we want to work with our drivers. Remaining committed to IMCA is remaining committed to our drivers. Again, to think otherwise is foolish.

I realize there will be some people who question why I lean toward IMCA. Some have already told me that I'm biased because I grew up and live in Vinton, that IMCA is located here and simply because it's all I've known my entire life. I honestly couldn't disagree more with those thoughts.

Many of you know that I was once editor of Hawkeye Racing News, a publication that provided race results from throughout the region and, in many instances, from across the nation. To me, HRN was a racer's newspaper. It didn't matter if a race was IMCA, USRA, WISSOTA, UMP, WoO or affiliated with any other sanction. If it was circle track racing in our region, it belonged in HRN. I wasn't biased toward IMCA and I was passionate about expressing those feelings. Despite the fact that our newspaper was in the same office building as IMCA and, at the time, owned by the same family, my commitment was to the readers of our newspaper, not to any sanctioning body, including IMCA. Why? Because the newspaper represented more than a single sanctioning body. While discussions may have gotten heated many times, I was passionate about providing what I felt was the best product our newspaper could offer. Those I worked alongside and those in the IMCA offices will be quick to tell you that my passion was for the racer and the race fan, nobody else.

It is that exact same passion I feel for Independence. I have been a lifelong race fan of the track 27 miles north of my home in Vinton and have worked there for the better part of the last 12 years. I want to see IMS not only survive, but thrive. For Independence to do that, IMCA isn't just the best option, it is the only option that will give it the opportunity to build on the success it has established through the years. It is the only option that will ensure continued average car counts of 100-plus, just as it is the only option that will provide for a grandstand full of fans to witness the most competitive and affordable racing. Without IMCA, Independence Motor Speedway would not have established itself as the successful track it is today. Likewise, it certainly would not be able to carry and build on that success in the future.

As I said earlier, from my time at HRN to just being a casual race fan to being a track official, I've been around the sport my entire life. I've seen tracks part ways from IMCA and I've seen them struggle. Many have returned, while others have closed their gates. While there may be other options for other race tracks, I believe there is no other option for Independence and I am proud to return there in 2012 under the IMCA banner.

In the end, whether you agree or disagree with the decision to remain IMCA sanctioned, you can rest assured that we are going to work our tails off to provide Independence drivers and fans the best show possible.

** Why all of the animosity toward Tim Tebow, anyway? What is wrong with all of you Tebow haters? He's a football player who gave his team the chance to win ballgames this season, despite the fact that he is non-traditional at his position.

Yeah, the guy has a strong faith and isn't afraid to wear that faith on his sleeve. Rather than condemn the guy, how about we teach our kids that it's okay to express a belief in God, if they so choose? How about we teach our kids that it's okay to have compassion for others and passion for our life's work? How about we teach our kids that it's okay to be humble in our achievements and have a genuine appreciation for the opportunities that life has to offer us? How about we sit back and enjoy the fact that Tebow doesn't appear to be like many of the money-hungry, arrogant, unappreciative criminals that we do let our kids worship?

We should appreciate Tim Tebow. We should like what he offers the sports world when there appear to be so few role models out there for our children. Tim Tebow has done nothing except play the game of football and apparently lived a good, clean life in the process. He has values that he doesn't sacrifice and a work ethic that has taken him far in his craft.

There's only one thing I don't like about Tebow and it really has nothing to do with him. If you want to be mad at someone (and most people in today's world seem only content if they are at odds with someone), why not direct your animosity toward the media? Blame ESPN and other media outlets for dedicating endless segments to his game, his personality and his beliefs. I would venture to guess that Tebow himself is less than thrilled with the attention he receives throughout the week, let alone any given gameday. Appreciate that American sports don't always offer the greedy, unappreciative dolts that we've come to know.

To clarify, I'm not a Broncos fan. In fact, I'm a Green Bay fan. Honestly, the Tebow haters frustrate me more than the New York Giants. Yes, even the day after. I witnessed Aaron Rodgers have one of the best seasons a quarterback has ever enjoyed in the NFL. His accomplishments, along with those of Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Matthew Stafford have been overshadowed by Tebow's presence. Does it piss me off? Nope, not at all. They've all had remarkable years in their own right and deserve the attention they receive. What irks me is the Tebow hater and how he/she thinks his presence somehow takes away from their enjoyment of the game. Get a grip and use that energy to cheer for your team; don't use it to come down on someone who represents not only what's good in sport, but good for society.

That's all for this time around. Hopefully, I'll return in a more timely fashion before my next entry. Until then, enjoy what's left of the off-season and I look forward to seeing everyone in the spring!

Stats Blitz! A final look at the numbers for 2011 at Independence Motor Speedway; including historical comparisons

2011-09-01T00:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the fourth and final installment of the 2011 Stats Blitz! The statistics included here are through all 14 nights of weekly racing at Independence Motor Speedway. There are some all-time statistics included at the end, dating back to 1967. While the track opened in 1965, my records date back to the beginning of the 1967 season. All of the “all-time” statistics include races from only the five divisions that currently compete today. For those wondering, Modifieds started competing in 1983, Hobby Stocks in 1989, Stock Cars in 1993 and SportMods in 2008. The information included for the Late Models dates back to 1967.

All photos included here are courtesy of Scott Tjabring of Action Track Photos, the official track photographer of the speedway. Around two dozen photos were added to break up the monotony of my 10,000-plus word rant. That's right, settle in, it's a long one. In fact, it covered nearly 40 pages of a Microsoft Word document...

Following the numbers from 2011, which are directly below, I added the season's totals to the all-time statistics. New records and other interesting all-time marks are listed at the end of this blog. When you get to the historical data, all changes due to the accomplishments during the 2011 season, along with new records and matched records will be pink in color. Grab a drink and kick back, this Blitz is the longest (and most informative!) yet. Without further delay, here is the final Stats Blitz of 2011! Enjoy!

Car Count
Division - Average - High - Low
Late Model - 22.1 - 29 - 18
Modified – 24.8 - 29 - 19
Stock Car – 15.9 - 18 - 13
SportMod – 16.8 - 24 - 12
Hobby Stock – 21.3 - 26 - 14
TOTAL – 100.9 - 111 - 83

Points
* 191 drivers earned points this season.
* Among those 191 drivers, 68 different hometowns were represented.
* For the first time since 2007, all five track champions won features.
* No driver held the points lead all 14 weeks. Vince Buchholz (Hobby Stock) led for 11 weeks, Tyler Droste (SportMod) for eight weeks, Adam Johnson (Modified) for six weeks, Sean Johnson (Stock Car) for three weeks and Jon Passick (Late Model) for three weeks.

IN THE HUNT
* 25 drivers remained in the top-10 in the points every week of the season. Those drivers included:
Late Model (4): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Jon Passick, Travis Smock;
Modified (5): Mike Burbridge, Troy Cordes, Patrick Flannagan, Adam Johnson, Jerry Luloff;
Stock Car (6): Norman Chesmore, Austin Evens, Tim Helle, Sean Johnson, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (6): Jim Buhlman, Tyler Droste, Danny Dvorak, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry, Josh Sherbon;
Hobby Stock (4): Vince Buchholz, Nathan Christie, Chris Wiltse, Steve Wiltse.

* 11 drivers remained in the top-5 in the points every week of the season. Those drivers included:
Late Model (3): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Travis Smock;
Modified (2): Patrick Flannagan, Adam Johnson;
Stock Car (4): Norman Chesmore, Sean Johnson, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (1): Tyler Droste;
Hobby Stock (1): Vince Buchholz.

MR. CONSISTENT - IMCA Late Model driver Travis Smock ranked third, fourth or fifth in the division standings after every race night in 2011.

Feature Winners

* There were 37 different feature winners in 70 feature events this season.
* In August alone, there were 14 different winners in 20 events. Only Adam Johnson (Modified), Sean Johnson (Stock Car), Tyler Droste (SportMod) and Chris Luloff (Hobby Stock) won multiple features during the month.
* Despite having 37 different winners, incredibly, 15 drivers managed to earn multiple feature wins. They included: Sean Johnson (Stock Car, 9 wins), Tyler Droste (SportMod, 7), Vern Jackson (Modified, 4), Adam Johnson (Modified, 4), Tyler Bruening (Late Model, 3), Chris Luloff (Hobby Stock, 3), Jon Passick (Late Model, 2), Luke Merfeld (Late Model, 2), Troy Cordes (Modified, 2), Dave Stricker (Stock Car, 2), Danny Dvorak (SportMod, 2), Josh Sherbon (SportMod, 2), Chris Wiltse (Hobby Stock, 2), Quinton Miller (Hobby Stock, 2), August Bach (Hobby Stock, 2).
* The five track champions in 2011 accounted for 23 of the 70 total feature wins.

THREE-TIMER - In June, Vern Jackson became the first IMCA Modified driver at Independence to win three straight features since Troy Cordes won the final three events of the 2006 season.

Top-10s
* 142 drivers earned at least one top-10 finish this season. The top-10 leaders in each division were as follows:
Late Model (29 drivers with at least one top 10): Jon Passick (13 top-10s), Tyler Bruening (12), Darren Ackerman (12), Greg Kastli (11), Travis Smock (11);
Modified (32): Jerry Luloff (13), Adam Johnson (12), Patrick Flannagan (12), Troy Cordes (11);
Stock Car (28): Jarod Weepie (the only driver this season with top-10 finishes every week of the season), Dave Stricker (13), Sean Johnson (12), Norman Chesmore (11), Kirk Fauser (10), Austin Evens (10);
SportMod (28): Danny Dvorak (13), Tyler Droste (12), Jim Buhlman (12), Ray Lundry (11), Josh Sherbon (10), Lucas Lundry (10);
Hobby Stock (25): Vince Buchholz (13), Chris Wiltse (11), Rod Grother (11), Justin Lichty (10), Steve Wiltse (10).

PERFECT 10 - IMCA Stock Car driver Jarod Weepie was the only driver this season to earn top-10 finishes all 14 weeks. Dating back to May of 2010, Weepie has earned 26 straight top-10s in the Stock Cars.

Top-5s
* 89 drivers earned at least one top-5 finish this season. The top-5 leaders in each division were as follows:
Late Model (21): Jon Passick (10), Tyler Bruening (10), Greg Kastli (8);
Modified (20): Adam Johnson (8), Jerry Luloff (8), Vern Jackson (7);
Stock Car (16): Jarod Weepie (12), Sean Johnson (10), Dave Stricker (9), Norman Chesmore (7);
SportMod (17): Tyler Droste (11), Jim Buhlman (9), Danny Dvorak (8), Ray Lundry (8), Josh Sherbon (8);
Hobby Stock (15): Vince Buchholz (10), Chris Wiltse (7), Rod Grother (7), Justin Lichty (7), Jamie Whitaker (7), Quinton Miller (7).

FIVE ALIVE - Jim Buhlman (00) earned seven straight top-5 finishes in the middle of the season to stay in the IMCA SportMod points race all year.

Top-3s
* 66 drivers earned at least one top-3 finish this season. The top-3 leaders in each division were as follows:
Late Model (15): Tyler Bruening (7), Jon Passick (6), Greg Kastli (6);
Modified (15): Adam Johnson (6), Vern Jackson (6), Jerry Luloff (5), Troy Cordes (5), Darin Duffy (5);
Stock Car (13): Sean Johnson (9), Dave Stricker (6), Jarod Weepie (5);
SportMod (10): Tyler Droste (10), Jim Buhlman (6), Ray Lundry (6), Danny Dvorak (5);
Hobby Stock (13): Jamie Whitaker (7), Quinton Miller (6), Vince Buchholz (4), Rod Grother (4), Chris Wiltse (4), August Bach (4), Chris Luloff (4).

THREE'S NO CROWD - IMCA SportMod driver Tyler Droste led all drivers at the speedway this season by scoring 10 top-3 finishes in 14 nights of competition.

Feature Lap Leaders
* 80 drivers led at least one lap of feature competition.
* Division lap leaders included:
Late Model (18 total different lap leaders): Luke Merfeld (50 laps led), Jon Passick (47), Tyler Bruening (45), Dean Wagner (36), Luke Pestka (33);
Modified (18): Vern Jackson (50 laps led), Adam Johnson (46), Troy Cordes (27), Justin O'Brien (20), Ronn Lauritzen (17);
Stock Car (13): Sean Johnson (131 laps led), Dave Stricker (26), Kirk Fauser (14), Tim Helle (12), Paul Fauser (7);
SportMod (13): Tyler Droste (50 laps led), Danny Dvorak (45), Josh Sherbon (24), Jim Aschenbrenner (24), Matt McCahen (19);
Hobby Stock (18): Chris Luloff (47 laps led), Jamie Whitaker (30), Rod Grother (17), Justin Stander (16), Scott Pippert (14), Steve Wiltse (14), Quinton Miller (14).

EFFECTIVE LEADER - Luke Merfeld led the most feature laps (50) in IMCA Late Model competition this season. He did so by leading only twice - flag-to-flag during the 25-lap features on June 11 and July 2.

Heat Races

* There were 71 different heat race winners in 171 heat races.
* 35 drivers won multiple heat races this season.
* The heat race wins leaders in each division were as follows:
Late Model (16 winners in 36 heats): Tyler Bruening (9), Jon Passick (6), Bryan Klein (5), Greg Kastli (4);
Modified (11 winners in 40 heats): Vern Jackson (8), Johnathan Thimmesch (6), Mike Burbridge (4), Jerry King (4);
Stock Car (12 winners in 26 heats): Sean Johnson (5), Tim Helle (4), Norman Chesmore (3), Paul Fauser (3), Phil Holtz (3);
SportMod (16 winners in 32 heats): Danny Dvorak (5), Josh Sherbon (5), Tyler Droste (4), Lucas Lundry (3);
Hobby Stock (16 winners in 37 heats): Chris Luloff (7), Jamie Whitaker (7), Justin Lichty (4), Rod Grother (3).

FEELING THE HEAT - Tyler Bruening won nine of the 12 IMCA Late Model heat races he entered this season, the best among all drivers at the speedway. He earned second place finishes in each of the other three heats.

Efficiency Stats
* A total of 247 races were run this season.
* A total of 2,660 laps were completed.
* A total of 285 caution flags were thrown.
* The Stock Car division (35 cautions in 40 total events) had the best caution per race ratio by averaging .88 cautions for every race.
* The Stock Cars (35 cautions in 429 total laps) had the best race lap per caution ratio by averaging 12.26 laps of competition completed between caution flags.
* The SportMods had the most cautions per race, averaging 1.50 cautions per event with 69 caution flags thrown during their 46 races. A close second was the Modified division, as they averaged 1.37 cautions per race event with 78 caution flags in 57 races.
* The SportMods had the worst average when it came to laps completed between cautions. They averaged 6.65 laps between yellows. Their 69 cautions came during 459 laps of competition.
* The Hobby Stock division had the best percentage of caution-free races - 30 of their total 51 events ran without a single stoppage (58.8%). The SportMods had the worst percentage of caution-free races - 32 of their 46 races had at least one yellow (69.6%).
* The Stock Cars had the fewest number of cautions during feature competition. The yellow flag waved only 29 times during 14 Stock Car features. The Modifieds had the most, with 52 caution flags in 14 features.
* Overall, 209 of the total 285 cautions (73.3%) came during feature racing.
* The average lap that the first caution waved in the Late Model features was lap 10.79, the best among all divisions. Four Late Model features ran caution-free in 2011, all within a five week span. The Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks each also had one feature go flag-to-flag.
* The average lap that the first caution flag waved in the SportMod features was 2.07, the worst in all divisions. Ten different weeks, the SportMod feature was slowed prior to the completion of the second lap.
* Only once this season did a division make it through an entire program without a single caution - the Late Models on July 16.

JUST ANOTHER SATURDAY - Two, three and even four-wide racing was common in the IMCA Stock Car division this season. Despite the close racing, the Stock Car division had the fewest caution flags in feature competition.

Since the year 1967...
* 658 Late Model feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 97 different winners. On average, a new Late Model winner visits victory lane every 6.8 events.
* 428 Modified feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 78 different winners. On average, a new Modified winner visits victory lane every 5.5 events.
* 272 Stock Car feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 40 different winners. On average, a new Stock Car winner visits victory lane every 6.8 events.
* 51 SportMod feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 14 different winners. On average, a new SportMod winner visits victory lane every 3.6 events.
* 337 Hobby Stock feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 86 different winners. On average, a new Hobby Stock winner visits victory lane every 3.9 events.
* Overall, in the last 45 seasons, 1,746 features have been completed in the five divisions that currently compete at the speedway.

Qualifying Streaks
* The longest currently active feature qualifying streaks for weekly competition in each division include:
Late Model: Darren Ackerman has qualified for 73 consecutive features. His last miss was June 3, 2006.
Modified: Jerry Luloff has qualified for 211 consecutive features. His last miss was July 5, 1997.
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie has qualified for 150 consecutive features. His last miss was June 9, 2001.
Hobby Stock: Rod Grother has qualified for 29 consecutive features. His last miss was August 22, 2009.
SportMod: Jim Buhlman has qualified for all 51 features dating back to the first one at the speedway on June 21, 2008.

"THE ICON" - Jerry Luloff continued to live up to his nickname in 2011. Dating back to July 5, 1997, he has qualified for 211 consecutive IMCA Modified features. He will carry that streak into 2012.

Stuff Nobody Should Know…
* Of the 70 feature winners, 34 came from inside starting spots and 36 from the outside.
* The starting position to produce the most feature winners was outside of row four. A total of 11 feature winners started in that position.
* Five times the Stock Car feature winner came from outside of row four. No other starting position produced more than three feature winners within a division.
* Ten different starting positions produced the 14 Late Model feature winners. No starting position in the Late Models produced more than two winners.
* 80 different drivers cracked the top-10 in his division’s points for at least one week this season.
* 17 different drivers held or shared their division's points lead at some point during the season, including three different Late Models, three Modifieds, three Stock Cars, five SportMods and three Hobby Stocks.
* Adam Johnson (Modified) was the only driver to win a feature after failing to qualify for the point invert in his heat race. He won from the 14th starting spot (after finishing fifth in the second heat) on July 30.
* Adam Johnson's (Modified) final five feature finishes, in order, were 1, 7, 1, 7, 1.
* In 14 nights of racing Jarod Weepie (Stock Cars) finished in a total of five different finishing positions. In 14 features, he had one second place finish, four third places, three fourth places, four fifth places and two eighth place finishes.
* Sean Johnson (Stock Cars) held the lead at some point during 11 of the 14 Stock Car features.
* A car with a letter in its number led 210 of 214 total Stock Car feature laps.
* A car with a letter in its number led only 8 of 203 total Hobby Stock feature laps.

"D"ELIVER- Kirk Fauser was one of many lettered IMCA Stock Cars to lead laps at Independence this season. In fact, he led 14 laps on July 2, on his way to his first career win in the division at Independence.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING...

Okay, here it is, the impact 2011 had on the grand scheme of things - the track history of the speedway. As I mentioned at the top of the blog, all changes, new records or matched records are included in pink text. Again, the numbers listed below relate to weekly points races only. Special events are not included in any statistics provided in the Stats Blitz.

LATE MODEL (1967-2011, 45 seasons)
NOTE: My records go back to the start of the 1967 season. The 1965 and 1966 seasons are not included in any of the statistics listed below.

92 AND COUNTING - Curt Martin earned his 92nd career Late Model victory in Independence weekly racing history this season. He now has twice as many wins as Gary Crawford, who sits second on that list.

Feature Wins (97 drivers)
1. Curt Martin 92
2. Gary Crawford 46
3. Ed Sanger 43
4. Greg Kastli 41
5. Rick Wendling 34
6. Jim Burbridge 32
7. Red Dralle 21
8. Greg Hunter 20
T9. Chub Liebe 16
T9. Darren Ackerman 16
11. Denny Osborn 15
T12. Bill Zwanziger 14
T12. Darin Burco 14
T14. Glen Martin 13
T14. Kevin Pittman 13
T16. Al "Doc" Mayner 10
T16. Darin Duffy 10
T16. Red Droste 10
T16. Tyler Bruening 10
20. Bill Barthelmes 9
Dan Nesteby 8
Jeff Aikey 8
Joe Schaefer 8
Curt Hansen 7
Dale Stolte 6
Dale Hackwell Jr. 5
Dean Wagner 5
Les Verly 5
Rick Dralle 5
Terry Neal 5
Bill Beckman 4
Cal Swanson 4
Dennis Dugan 4
Karl Sanger 4
Chad Lerch 3
Dave Bentley 3
Dave Gerner 3
Dave Thorsten 3
Gary Henderson 3
LaVern Carey 3
Tom Fitzpatrick 3
Tysus Pattee 3
Wes Merritt 3
Bob Hesse 2
Bob Hilmer 2
Dan Forsyth 2
Dick Schiltz 2
Gary Tigges 2
Jack Mitchell 2
John Connolly 2
Jon Passick 2
Larry Schmidt 2
Layne Meyer 2
Levi Benn 2
Luke Goedert 2
Luke Merfeld 2
Luke Pestka 2
Lynn Idler 2
Paul Fitzpatrick 2
Randy Wheeler 2
Rob Toland 2
Travis Smock 2
Ty Burger 2
Bernard Reinking 1
Blaine Blessing 1
Brad Osborn 1
Bryan Klein 1
Darrell Sells 1
Dave Bedard 1
Dave Merfeld 1
Dave Noble 1
Dave Plum 1
Dave Stricker 1
Dave Trower 1
Dennis Schwake 1
Dick Heiden 1
Drew Johnson 1
Em Fretheim 1
Greg Bruening 1
Jason Rauen 1
Jim Burger 1
Jim Decker 1
Jim Gallery 1
Joel Brasch 1
John Weers 1
Josh McGowan 1
Ken Kennedy 1
Klaus Stricker 1
Larry Wasserfort 1
Randy Frush 1
Rich Picha 1
Roger Bruggeman 1
Roger Klingfus 1
Scott Welsh 1
Steve Auringer 1
Tom Hughes 1
Vern Jackson 1

MR. BIG - Jon Passick drove to his first career track championship this season in the IMCA Late Model division. Along the way, he picked up his first two career Late Model victories.

Track Champions
NOTE: I have incomplete track champion records for a few years prior to 1981 in the Late Model division so I chose not to include any of them here. Below are the last 31 Late Model track champions.
1981 Greg Kastli
1982 Jim Burbridge
1983 Greg Kastli
1984 Curt Martin
1985 Curt Martin
1986 Curt Martin
1987 Rick Wendling
1988 Greg Hunter
1989 Denny Osborn
1990 Curt Martin
1991 Curt Martin
1992 Greg Hunter
1993 Gary Crawford
1994 Greg Kastli
1995 Rick Wendling
1996 Rick Wendling
1997 Curt Martin
1998 Kevin Pittman
1999 Curt Martin
2000 Darin Burco
2001 Greg Kastli
2002 Greg Kastli
2003 Greg Kastli
2004 C. Martin / D. Ackerman
2005 Curt Martin
2006 Curt Martin
2007 Darren Ackerman
2008 Dale Hackwell Jr.
2009 Darren Ackerman
2010 Tyler Bruening
2011 Jon Passick
Most consecutive seasons with win (all-time/includes 3+ seasons)
18 - Curt Martin (1990-2007)
9 - Gary Crawford (1974-1982)
8 - Greg Kastli (1996-2003)
8 - Glen Martin (1973-1980)
8 - Darren Ackerman (2004-2011)
7 - Jim Burbridge (1986-1992)
7 - Ed Sanger (1968-1974)
6 - Darin Burco (1996-2001)
6 - Chub Liebe (1967-1972)
5 - Red Dralle (1982-1986)
5 - Red Dralle (1974-1980)
5 - Greg Hunter (1997-2001)
5 - Curt Hansen (1969-1973)
4 - Rick Wendling (1987-1990)
4 - Rick Dralle (2007-2010)
4 - Red Droste (1967-1970)
4 - Jim Burbridge (1980-1983)
4 - Greg Hunter (1986-1989)
4 - Gary Crawford (1984-1987)
4 - Al "Doc" Mayner (1970-1973)
3 - Tyler Bruening (2006-2008)
3 - Rick Wendling (1982-1984)
3 - Kevin Pittman (1996-1998)
3 - Jeff Aikey (2005-2007)
3 - Greg Kastli (1981-1983)
3 - Greg Hunter (1993-1995)
3 - Ed Sanger (1984-1986)
3 - Ed Sanger (1980-1982)
3 - Denny Osborn (1996-1998)
3 - Darin Duffy (2003-2005)
3 - Bill Zwanziger (1968-1970)
3 - Bill Barthelmes (1974-1976)
3 - Arthur Nesteby (1974-1976)
Most consecutive seasons with win (active)
8 - Darren Ackerman (2004-?)

PROVEN WINNER - In 2011, Darren Ackerman won an IMCA Late Model feature for the eighth consecutive season at Independence. He is now tied for third all-time in that category.

First-time winners per month
27 - June
24 - July
23 - August
22 - May
1 - April
1 - September
Longest win streak (same season)
3 - Gary Crawford (1977, 1979, 1985, 1993)
3 - Ed Sanger (1972, 1973, 1973)
3 - Curt Martin (1992, 1999, 2004)
3 - Rick Wendling (1996, 1996)
Longest win streak (over two seasons)
4 - Ed Sanger (1973-1974)
Most wins in single season
8 - Ed Sanger (1973)
8 - Curt Martin (2002)
Most number of different winners in a season
12 - 1975
11 - 1970
10 - 1976, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2011
Most consecutive different winners (same season)
9 - 1975
Most consecutive different winners (two seasons)
9 - 1975-1976, 1979-1980
Most consecutive different winners to start season
8 - 1970, 1985
Most consecutive different winners to end season
9 - 1975
Most opening night feature wins
13 - Curt Martin (1984, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007)
4 - Ed Sanger (1971, 1974, 1978, 1981)
3 - Glen Martin (1967, 1973, 1975)
3 - Bill Barthelmes (1969, 1970, 1976)
3 - Rick Wendling (1982, 1995, 1996)
2 - Gary Crawford (1987, 2003)
2 - Greg Hunter (1993, 1997)
2 - Greg Kastli (2001, 2005)
1 - Red Droste (1968)
1 - Chub Liebe (1972)
1 - Dave Trower (1977)
1 - Tom Fitzpatrick (1979)
1 - Al "Doc" Mayner (1980)
1 - Gary Henderson (1983)
1 - Jeff Aikey (1988)
1 - Red Dralle (1989)
1 - Dean Wagner (2004)
1 - Darren Ackerman (2008)
1 - Rob Toland (2009)
1 - Travis Smock (2010)
1 - Tyler Bruening (2011)
Most season championship feature wins
8 - Curt Martin (1984, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005)
5 - Ed Sanger (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1981)
4 - Rick Wendling (1982, 1987, 1995, 1996)
3 - Gary Crawford (1977, 1978, 1993)
2 - Red Droste (1967, 1969)
2 - Joe Schaefer (1974, 1975)
2 - Darren Ackerman (2007, 2009)
2 - Tyler Bruening (2008, 2010)
1 - Red Dralle (1985)
1 - Paul Fitzpatrick (1968)
1 - Kevin Pittman (1994)
1 - Jim Burbridge (1980)
1 - Greg Kastli (1999)
1 - Greg Hunter (1988)
1 - Glen Martin (1979)
1 - Denny Osborn (1989)
1 - Dennis Dugan (1992)
1 - Darin Duffy (2004)
1 - Darin Burco (2000)
1 - Dale Hackwell Jr. (2006)
1 - Bill Zwanziger (1983)
1 - Bill Beckman (1976)
1 - Jon Passick (2011)
Rained out twice (2001, 2003)
Most points nights (season)
19 (1997)
Fewest points night (season)
9 (2008)
Most 2 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
14 - Curt Martin
4 - Ed Sanger
4 - Jim Burbridge
3 - Rick Wendling
3 - Bill Zwanziger
2 - Gary Crawford
2 - Greg Kastli
2 - Chub Liebe
2 - Darin Duffy
1 - Red Dralle
1 - Greg Hunter
1 - Darin Burco
1 - Glen Martin
1 - Kevin Pittman
1 - Darren Ackerman
1 - Red Droste
1 - Bill Barthelmes
1 - Arthur Nesteby
1 - Rick Dralle
1 - Jeff Aikey
1 - Tyler Bruening
Most 3 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
4 - Gary Crawford
3 - Ed Sanger
3 - Curt Martin
2 - Rick Wendling
Seasons with no back-to-back feature winners
1980, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2007
Bookend wins (won opener and championship features in same season)
6 - Curt Martin (1984, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1998, 2002)
3 - Rick Wendling (1982, 1995, 1996)
2 - Ed Sanger (1971, 1981)
Most days between first and most recent/last feature wins
11732 - Red Dralle (32 years, 1 month, 14 days)
11732 - Greg Kastli (32 years, 1 month, 14 days)
11004 - Rick Wendling (30 years, 1 month, 17 days)
10584 - Gary Crawford (28 years, 11 months, 22 days)
9926 - Curt Martin (27 years, 2 months, 4 days)
9912 - Denny Osborn (27 years, 1 month, 20 days)
9114 - Jeff Aikey (24 years, 11 months, 14 days)
8330 - Ed Sanger (22 years, 9 months, 21 days)
8050 - Dean Wagner (22 years, 15 days)
7728 - Jim Burbridge (21 years, 1 month, 26 days)
Average number of different winners per season
8.13
Average number of race nights per season
14.62

THE LEGEND - In 2011, Greg Kastli earned the 41st weekly Late Model win of his career at Independence. Coming 32 years, one month and 14 days after his first win in the division at the speedway, he is now tied with the late Red Dralle for the greatest span between first and last/most recent wins.

MODIFIED (1983-2011, 29 seasons)

TOP OF THE CLASS - Four wins in 2011 lifted Vern Jackson back to the top of the all-time IMCA Modified wins list at Independence. In 15 years in the division, Jackson has earned 39 wins in weekly competition at the speedway.

Feature Wins (78 drivers)
1. Vern Jackson 39
2. Darin Duffy 37
3. Troy Cordes 28
4. Tom Bartholomew 22
5. Jerry Luloff 21
6. Jack Mitchell 19
T7. Duane Van Deest 13
T7. Steve Droste 13
9. Scott Hogan 11
10. Timm Jensen 9
T11. Adam Johnson 8
T11. Greg Kastli 8
T11. Joey Schaefer 8
T11. Kevin Pittman 8
T15. Deon Turner 7
T15. Ed Thomas 7
T15. John Light 7
T15. Mark Noble 7
T15. Max Corporon 7
T15. Mike Sampson 7
T15. Ron Barker 7
T15. Tim McBride 7
Corey Dripps 6
Craig Haupt 6
Garry Stuber 6
J.D. Auringer 6
Todd Jensen 6
Keith Pittman 5
Larry Schmidt 5
Tom Fitzpatrick 5
Dan Bohr 4
Don Erger 4
Jason Snyder 4
Jeff Barkdoll 4
Justin O'Brien 4
Mike Krall 4
Owen Grube 3
Randy Trefz 3
Travis Heyer 3
Adam Bolin 2
Dave Bentley 2
Dennis Fink 2
Jamie Aikey 2
Jerry King 2
Jim Abben 2
Johnathan Thimmesch 2
Kevin Peverill 2
Merlin Benning 2
Mike Schulte 2
Ronn Lauritzen 2
Arlo Becker 1
Ben Metcalf 1
Brett Ladehoff 1
Buck Swanson 1
Cory Bauer 1
Dean Mahlstedt 1
Dennis Betzer 1
Denny Ansel 1
Dick Feckers 1
Doug Hillson 1
John Irwin 1
Ken Irvine 1
Kenny Hoeppner 1
Kevin Schroeder 1
Larry Engen 1
Merv Chandler 1
Mike Burbridge 1
Patrick Flannagan 1
Richard Von Krog 1
Richie Gustin 1
Ron Becker 1
Ron Hurst 1
Ron Little 1
Shawn Fisher 1
Tim Donlinger 1
Todd McCombs 1
Tom Hanson 1
Tony Olson 1

NUMBER ONE - Adam Johnson drove to his first career IMCA Modified track championship in 2011. Also the Hobby Stock champion in 1997, this was Johnson's second track title at the speedway.

Track Champions
1983 Jack Mitchell
1984 Jack Mitchell
1985 Duane Van Deest
1986 Greg Kastli
1987 Mark Noble
1988 Craig Haupt
1989 Tom Bartholomew
1990 Tom Bartholomew
1991 Tom Bartholomew
1992 Tom Bartholomew
1993 Owen Grube
1994 Steve Droste
1995 Steve Droste
1996 Steve Droste
1997 Scott Hogan
1998 Scott Hogan
1999 Jerry Luloff
2000 Jerry Luloff
2001 Darin Duffy / Jerry Luloff
2002 Troy Cordes
2003 Scott Hogan
2004 Vern Jackson
2005 Jerry Luloff
2006 Jerry Luloff
2007 J.D. Auringer
2008 Troy Cordes
2009 Darin Duffy
2010 Troy Cordes
2011 Adam Johnson
Most consecutive seasons with win (all-time)
10 - Jerry Luloff (1996-2005)
9 - Vern Jackson (2000-2008)
7 - Tom Bartholomew (1986-1992)
6 - Troy Cordes (2002-2007)
6 - Darin Duffy (1997-2002)
5 - Duane Van Deest (1990-1994)
4 - Steve Droste (1993-1996)
4 - Scott Hogan (1994-1997)
4 - Max Corporon (2007-2010)
4 - Jerry Luloff (2007-2010)
4 - Deon Turner (1989-1992)
3 - Scott Hogan (2002-2004)
3 - Ron Barker (1987-1989)
3 - Owen Grube (1992-1994)
3 - Corey Dripps (1995-1997)
3 - Darin Duffy (2009-2011)
Most consecutive seasons with win (active)
3 - Darin Duffy (2009-2011)
First-time winners per month
25 - May
17 - August
17 - June
14 - July
5 - April
Total features
428
Total winners
78
Longest win streak (same season)
6 - Jack Mitchell (1984)
Longest win streak (over seasons)
4 - Steve Droste (1995-1996)
Most wins in single season
10 - Jack Mitchell (1984)
Most number of different winners in a season
11 (1994, 15-week season)
Career track championships
5 - Jerry Luloff (1999, 2000, co-2001, 2005, 2006)
4 - Tom Bartholomew (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
3 - Steve Droste (1994, 1995, 1996)
3 - Scott Hogan (1997, 1998, 2003)
3 - Troy Cordes (2002, 2008, 2010)
2 - Jack Mitchell (1983, 1984)
2 - Darin Duffy (co-2001, 2009)
1 - Vern Jackson (2004)
1 - Owen Grube (1993)
1 - Mark Noble (1987)
1 - J.D. Auringer (2007)
1 - Greg Kastli (1986)
1 - Duane Van Deest (1985)
1 - Craig Haupt (1988)
1 - Adam Johnson (2011)
Most consecutive different winners (same season)
8 - 1992, 1993 (3 separate times within 1993 season)
Most consecutive different winners (two seasons)
9 - 1992-1993; 1993-1994
Most consecutive different winners to start season
8 - 1993
Most consecutive different winners to end season
8 - 1993
Most opening night feature wins
3 - Vern Jackson (2001, 2003, 2008)
2 - Steve Droste (1995, 1996)
1 - Jack Mitchell (1983)
1 - Mike Krall (1984)
1 - Tom Fitzpatrick (1985)
1 - Greg Kastli (1986)
1 - Todd Jensen (1987)
1 - Craig Haupt (1988)
1 - Kevin Pittman (1989)
1 - John Irwin (1990)
1 - Larry Schmidt (1991)
1 - Deon Turner (1992)
1 - Tim Donlinger (1993)
1 - Duane Van Deest (1994)
1 - Travis Heyer (1997)
1 - Jerry Luloff (1998)
1 - Garry Stuber (1999)
1 - Troy Cordes (2000)
1 - Jerry King (2002)
1 - Scott Hogan (2004)
1 - Joey Schaefer (2005)
1 - Jason Snyder (2006)
1 - J.D. Auringer (2007)
1 - Max Corporon (2009)
1 - Richie Gustin (2010)
1 - Mike Burbridge (2011)
Note: It took 14 years before a driver won his second opening night feature. Prior to 1996, there were 13 different opening night winners.
Most season championship feature wins
4 - Darin Duffy (1997, 1998, 2009, 2010)
3 - Tom Bartholomew (1990, 1991, 1992)
3 - Jerry Luloff (1999, 2002, 2004)
2 - Vern Jackson (2005, 2007)
2 - Troy Cordes (2000, 2006)
2 - Steve Droste (1994, 1995)
2 - Jack Mitchell (1983, 1984)
2 - Duane Van Deest (1985, 1986)
1 - Scott Hogan (1996)
1 - Ron Barker (1989)
1 - Owen Grube (1993)
1 - Mark Noble (1987)
1 - Johnathan Thimmesch (2008)
1 - Craig Haupt (1988)
1 - Adam Johnson (2011)
Rained out twice (2001, 2003)
Track champion with fewest feature wins
0 - Scott Hogan (1998), Jerry Luloff (2006), Troy Cordes (2008, 2010)
Most points nights (season)
19 - 1997
Fewest points night (season)
7 - 1986
Most 2 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
6 - Darin Duffy
Most 3 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
3 - Darin Duffy
Most 6 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Jack Mtchell
Season championship winners/points champion (same season)
3 - Tom Bartholomew (1990, 1991, 1992)
2 - Jack Mitchell (1983, 1984)
2 - Steve Droste (1994, 1995)
1 - Duane Van Deest (1985)
1 - Mark Noble (1987)
1 - Craig Haupt (1988)
1 - Owen Grube (1993)
1 - Jerry Luloff (1999)
1 - Darin Duffy (2009)
1 - Adam Johnson (2011)
Seasons with no back-to-back feature winners
1993, 1994, 2003, 2010
Bookend wins (won opener and championship features in same season)
Jack Mitchell (1983)
Craig Haupt (1988)
Steve Droste (1995)
Troy Cordes (2000)
Most days between first and most recent feature wins
6608 - Timm Jensen (18 years, 1 month, 4 days)
6594 - Darin Duffy (18 years, 20 days)
6552 - Ed Thomas (17 years, 11 months, 9 days)
5530 - Troy Cordes (15 years, 1 month, 22 days)
5159 - Vern Jackson (14 years, 1 month, 15 days)
5089 - Jerry Luloff (13 years, 11 months, 7 days)
5054 - Deon Turner (13 years, 10 months, 2 days)
4326 - Garry Stuber (11 years, 10 months, 4 days)
4081 - Jack Mitchell (11 years, 2 months, 2 days)
3633 - Mike Sampson (9 years, 11 months, 12 days)

CLOSING IN - Darin Duffy picked up his 37th career IMCA Modified win in weekly racing at Independence this season, just shy of 18 years and three weeks after his first win in the division. He now sits just 14 days behind Timm Jensen's record of 18 years, one month and four days between first and most recent wins.

Average number of different winners per season
7.79
Average number of race nights per season
14.76
1st feature winner in division history
Jack Mitchell (5/21/83)
50th feature winner in division history
John Light (6/28/86)
100th feature winner in division history
Deon Turner (7/1/89)
150th feature winner in division history
Timm Jensen (8/15/92)
200th feature winner in division history
Steve Droste (7/6/96)
250th feature winner in division history
Darin Duffy (7/19/99)
300th feature winner in division history
Ben Metcalf (8/17/02)
350th feature winner in division history
J.D. Auringer (5/6/06)
400th feature winner in division history
Darin Duffy (8/29/09)
Monthly sweeps (minimum of 3 races run that month)
June 1984 - Jack Mitchell (3 races)
August 1984 - Jack Mitchell (4 races)
May 1987 - Mark Noble (3 races)
Season opening win following championship night win the season before
1 - Steve Droste (1994-1995)
1 - Scott Hogan (2003-2004)
1 - Vern Jackson (2007-2008)
Won opening night feature and track championship same year
2 - Steve Droste (1995, 1996)
1 - Jack Mitchell (1983)
1 - Greg Kastli (1986)
1 - Craig Haupt (1988)
1 - J.D. Auringer (2007)
Days as career wins leader (days through 8/27/11)
3556 - Tom Bartholomew (8/24/91-5/19/01)
3346 - Jack Mitchell (5/21/83-7/18/92)
2233 - Darin Duffy (5/19/01-8/27/05, 8/8/09-6/11/11)
1855 - Vern Jackson (8/27/05-8/29/09, 7/31/10-8/14/10, 8/21/10-8/27/11)

STOCK CAR (1993-2011, 19 seasons)

PLUS ONE - Although he didn't compete weekly in 2011, IMCA Stock Car driver Dan Trimble (20) did race long enough (his first night at Indee on July 16) to score his 69th career Stock Car win in weekly racing at Independence.

Feature Wins (40 drivers)
1. Dan Trimble 69
2. Brian Irvine 31
T3. Jarod Weepie 18
T3. Justin Temeyer 18
5. Sean Johnson 17
6. Larry Portis 16
7. Tom Schmitt 15
8. Norman Chesmore 14
9. Chris Wessner 9
10. Ken Irvine 7
T11. Curtis Roster 5
T11. Darrin Treptow 5
T11. Lon Gadow 5
T14. Damon Murty 4
T14. Dave Stricker 4
T14. Tony Schimmels 4
T17. Brad Holtkamp 3
T17. Dale Hackwell Jr. 3
T17. Forrest Frost 3
T17. Jerry Schipper 3
David Adams 2
Phil Holtz 2
Robert Walters 2
Bernard Reinking 1
Bob Ahrendsen 1
Chad Albert 1
Cliff Gray 1
Dain Sires 1
Doug Walker 1
Eric Weber 1
Fabian Seitz 1
Jeff Franck 1
Kirk Fauser 1
LaVern Carey 1
Max Leonard 1
Richard Quail 1
Roger Samec 1
Scooter Dulin 1
Steve Meyer 1
Todd Suhr 1

SHOW STEALER - Sean Johnson (8R) led all drivers at the speedway this season with nine feature wins in 14 nights of racing. Those wins carried Johnson to the IMCA Stock Car track championship, the first of his career.

Track Champions
1993 Lon Gadow
1994 Dan Trimble
1995 Larry Portis
1996 Jerry Schipper
1997 Jerry Schipper
1998 Dan Trimble
1999 Dan Trimble
2000 Dan Trimble
2001 Dan Trimble
2002 Dan Trimble
2003 Dan Trimble
2004 Dan Trimble
2005 Jarod Weepie
2006 Dan Trimble
2007 Jarod Weepie
2008 Jarod Weepie
2009 Brian Irvine
2010 Jarod Weepie
2011 Sean Johnson
Most consecutive seasons with win
13 - Dan Trimble (1994-2006)
8 - Jarod Weepie (2000-2007)
Most consecutive seasons with win (active)
4 - Dan Trimble (2008-?)
First-time winners per month
10 - May
10 - June
10 - July
8 - August
2 - April
Total features
276
Total winners
40
Longest win streak (same season)
6 - Dan Trimble - 7/2/94 to 8/6/94 (Norman Chesmore on 8/13/94)
6 - Larry Portis - 7/8/95 to 8/26/95 (end of season)
Longest win streak (over seasons)
7 - Larry Portis - 7/8/95 to 4/27/96 (Jerry Schipper on 5/4/96)
7 - Dan Trimble - 8/14/99 to 6/3/00 (Curtis Roster on 6/10/00)
Most wins in single season
10 - Larry Portis (1995)
Most number of different winners in a season
9 - 2005 (in 16 nights)
Career track championships
9 - Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006)
4 - Jarod Weepie (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010)
2 - Jerry Schipper (1996, 1997)
1 - Lon Gadow (1993)
1 - Larry Portis (1995)
1 - Brian Irvine (2009)
1 - Sean Johnson (2011)
Most consecutive different winners (same season)
7 - 5/28/05 to 7/16/05
Most consecutive different winners (two seasons)
NA (not as long as streak directly above)
Most consecutive different winners to start season
5 - 2003 season
Most consecutive different winners to end season
6 - 2006 season
Most opening night feature wins
5 - Dan Trimble
3 - Brian Irvine
2 - Larry Portis
2 - Tom Schmitt
1 - Lon Gadow
1 - Ken Irvine
1 - Jarod Weepie
1 - Fabian Seitz
1 - Norman Chesmore
1 - Justin Temeyer
1 - Sean Johnson
Most season championship feature wins
7 - Dan Trimble
3 - Brian Irvine
2 - Jarod Weepie
1 - Tom Schmitt
1 - Lon Gadow
1 - Larry Portis
1 - Darrin Treptow
1 - Sean Johnson
(Rained out twice - 2001, 2003)
Track champion with fewest feature wins
0 - Jerry Schipper (1997), Jarod Weepie (2008)
Most points nights (season)
19 - 1997 (only season on record with no rainouts)
Fewest points night (season)
9 - 2008 (Wind storm destroyed grandstands in spring)
Most 2 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
9 - Dan Trimble (13 drivers with 2 race win streak)
Most 3 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
3 - Dan Trimble (6 drivers with 3 race win streak)
Most 4 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
2 - Brian Irvine (2 drivers with 4 race win streak)
Most 5 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Chris Wessner, Sean Johnson
Most 6 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Larry Portis and Dan Trimble (2 drivers with 6 race win streak)
Season championship winners/points champion (same season)
5 - Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002)
1 - Lon Gadow (1993)
1 - Larry Portis (1995)
1 - Brian Irvine (2009)
1 - Jarod Weepie (2010)
1 - Sean Johnson (2011)
Seasons with no back-to-back feature winners
2006
Bookend wins (won opener and championship features in same season)
4 - Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000)
2 - Brian Irvine (2007, 2009)
1 - Lon Gadow (1993)
1 - Larry Portis (1995)
1 - Tom Schmitt (2004)
1 - Sean Johnson (2011)
Most days between first and most recent feature wins
6258 - Dan Trimble (17 years, 1 months, 18 days)
5488 - Norman Chesmore (15 years, 9 days)
3668 - Jarod Weepie (10 years, 16 days)
3612 - Justin Temeyer (9 years, 10 months, 21 days)
2205 - Sean Johnson (6 years, 14 days)
2163 - Tony Schimmels (5 years, 11 months, 3 days)
1898 - Tom Schmitt (5 years, 2 months, 9 days)
1855 - Brian Irvine (5 years, 29 days)
1435 - Curtis Roster (3 years, 11 months, 5 days)
1393 - Ken Irvine (3 years, 9 months, 24 days)
Average number of different winners per season
5.84
Average number of race nights per season
14.53
1st feature winner in division history
Lon Gadow (4/24/93)
50th feature winner in division history
Larry Portis (7/20/96)
100th feature winner in division history
Tom Schmitt (7/10/99)
150th feature winner in division history
Tom Schmitt (4/26/03)
200th feature winner in division history
Jarod Weepie (5/27/06)
250th feature winner in division history
Brian Irvine (5/15/10)
Monthly sweeps (minimum of 3 races run that month)
August 1993 - Lon Gadow (3 races)
July 1994 - Dan Trimble (5 races)
August 1995 - Larry Portis (4 races)
July 2007 - Brian Irvine (4 races)
August 2011 - Sean Johnson (4 races)

MAKING HISTORY - No stranger to victory lane in 2011, Sean Johnson added his name to a few other categories in the history book. Johnson became just the sixth different driver in division history to earn book-end victories at Independence - winning on both opening and season championship nights. He also became just the fifth driver in division history to sweep a single calendar month when at least three race nights were completed - he won all four Stock Car features in the month of August.

Season opener win following championship night win season before

3 - Dan Trimble (1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2005-2006)
1 - Larry Portis (1995-1996)
1 - Brian Irvine (2008-2009)
Won opening night feature and track championship same year
5 - Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006)
1 - Lon Gadow (1993)
1 - Larry Portis (1995)
1 - Brian Irvine (2009)
1 - Sean Johnson (2011)
Days as career wins leader (through 8/27/11)
6574 - Dan Trimble (7/16/94-6/8/96, 6/29/96-8/3/96, 8/24/96-8/27/11)
651 - Lon Gadow (4/24/93-7/23/94)
350 - Larry Portis (4/27/96-5/11/96, 5/18/96-7/6/96, 7/20/96-5/3/97)

SPORTMOD (2008-2011, 4 seasons)

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE - Josh Sherbon added a pair of wins in 2011 to bring his all-time division leading total to 12 career IMCA SportMod wins at Independence.

Feature Wins (14 drivers)
1. Josh Sherbon 12
2. Danny Dvorak 9
3. Tyler Droste 8
4. Austin Kaplan 5
T5. Chris Luloff 3
T5. Lucas Lundry 3
T5 Ray Lundry 3
8. Joel Rust 2
T9. Austin Lucas 1
T9. Jim Aschenbrenner 1
T9. Jim Buhlman 1
T9. Joe Docekal 1
T9. Kurt Hogan 1
T9. Kyle Bentley 1

IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY - First-time IMCA SportMod track champion Tyler Droste poses with his father, former IMCA Modified track champion Steve Droste, following the youngster's feature win on season championship night.

Track Champions
2008 Danny Dvorak
2009 Kyle Bentley
2010 Austin Kaplan
2011 - Tyler Droste
Most consecutive seasons with win
4 - Josh Sherbon (2008-2011)
3 - Lucas Lundry (2009-2011)
2 - Danny Dvorak (2008-2009)
2 - Austin Kaplan (2009-2010)
Most consecutive seasons with win (active)
4 - Josh Sherbon (2008-?)
3 - Lucas Lundry (2009-?)
First-time winners per month
5 - July
5 - August
2 - June
2 - May
0 - April
Total features
51
Total winners
14
Most wins in single season
7 - Tyler Droste (2011)
6 - Josh Sherbon (2010)
4 - Danny Dvorak (2009)
Most number of different winners in a season
7 - 2009 (in 14 nights)
Career track championships
1 - Danny Dvorak (2008)
1 - Kyle Bentley (2009)
1 - Austin Kaplan (2010)
1 - Tyler Droste (2011)
Most consecutive different winners (same season)
6 - 6/27/09 to 8/8/09
Most consecutive different winners (two seasons)
NA (not as long as streak directly above)
Most consecutive different winners to start season
3 - 2009 season
Most consecutive different winners to end season
5 - 2008 season
Most opening night feature wins
2 - Josh Sherbon (2008, 2009)
1 - Austin Lucas (2010)
1 - Tyler Droste (2011)
Most season championship feature wins
2 - Tyler Droste (2010, 2011)
1 - Jim Buhlman (2008)
1 - Joel Rust (2009)
Track champion with fewest feature wins
0 - Kyle Bentley (2009)
Most points nights (season)
14 - 2009, 2010
Fewest points night (season)
9 - 2008
Most 2 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
3 - Josh Sherbon (all in 2010 season)
3 - Tyler Droste (all in 2011 season)
1 - Chris Luloff (2009)
1 - Austin Kaplan (2010)
Most 3 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
None
Most 4 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
None
Seasons with no back-to-back feature winners
2008
Won opening night feature and track championship same year
1 - Tyler Droste (2011)
Season championship winners/points champion (same season)
1 - Tyler Droste (2011)
Bookend wins (won opener and championship features in same season)
1 - Tyler Droste (2011)
Most days between first and most recent feature wins
1127 - Danny Dvorak (3 years, 1 month, 1 day)
1113 - Josh Sherbon (3 years, 18 days)
700 - Lucas Lundry (1 year, 11 months)
392 - Ray Lundry (1 year, 27 days)
364 - Tyler Droste (11 months, 30 days)
322 - Austin Kaplan (10 months, 18 days)
Average number of different winners per season
6.00
Average number of race nights per season
12.75
1st feature winner in division history
Josh Sherbon (6/21/08)
50th feature winner in division history
Tyler Droste (8/20/11)
Season opener win following championship night win season before
1 - Tyler Droste (2010-2011)
Monthly sweeps (minimum of 3 races run that month)
None
Days as career wins leader (through 8/27/11)
756 - Josh Sherbon (6/21/08-8/2/08, 8/16/08-6/20/09, 7/17/10-8/27/10)
728 - Danny Dvorak (7/5/08-7/12/08, 7/19/08-5/2/09, 5/23/09-7/31/10)

HOBBY STOCK (1989-2011, 23 seasons)

WITHIN A PAIR - Chris Luloff scored three Hobby Stock wins in 2011, drawing him to within two victories of Chris Wessner atop the division's all-time wins list at the speedway. Wessner has reigned as the Hobby Stock wins leader since mid-1995.

Feature Wins (86 drivers)
1. Chris Wessner 20
2. Chris Luloff 18
3. Brian Irvine 16
4. Josh Irvine 13
T5. Patrick Stansbery 11
T5. Vince Buchholz 11
T7. Ken Irvine 10
T7. Nick Wroten 10
T7. Rick Johnson 10
T10. Forrest Frost 9
T10. Jeff Roete 9
T12. Justin Lichty 7
T12. Quinton Miller 7
T14. Chris Schares 6
T14. Rod Grother 6
T14. Steve Holthaus 6
T14. Tim Bartholomew 6
T14. Todd Temeyer 6
T19. Bret Dage 5
T19. David Rice 5
T19. Doug Otto 5
T19. Jerry Luloff 5
T19. Justin Temeyer 5
T19. Kevin Hoehne 5
T19. Lon Gadow 5
T19. Rick Suckow 5
August Bach 4
J.R. Kahler 4
Jamie Whitaker 4
Jarod Weepie 4
Paul Shepherd 4
Scooter Dulin 4
Tim Meeker 4
Adam Johnson 3
Chad Clubine 3
Chris Wiltse 3
Danny Dvorak 3
Derek Reisner 3
Don Arnold 3
Jason Goedken 3
John Meyer 3
Matt Brown 3
Milo Matthias 3
Quinton Reinking 3
Zac Boehmer 3
Bill Meyer 2
Brandon Davis 2
Butch Reid 2
Dwan Waddell 2
Jeff Wedemeier 2
Jim Achenbrenner 2
Joel Brasch 2
John Roete 2
Josh Steere 2
Shane Ebaugh 2
Wes Stanek Jr. 2
Brad Forbes 1
Brian Happel 1
Cliff Tharp 1
Craig Coventry 1
Dale Hackwell Jr. 1
Duane Duffy 1
Greg Sweerin 1
Guy Stacy 1
Jason Rohde 1
Jeremiah Wilson 1
Jim Ball Jr. 1
Joe Sprague 1
Kevin Robinson 1
Kyle Scheel 1
Lloyd Bacon 1
Mark Butler 1
Max Leonard 1
Micheal Smith 1
Mike Ihde 1
Perry Thomsen 1
Randy Wheeler 1
Roger Ciesielski 1
Ron Hufford 1
Russell Damme Jr. 1
Ryan Bochmann 1
Scott Pippert 1
Steve Farr 1
Steve Wiltse 1
Travis Michels 1
Troy Cordes 1

EXCLUSIVE COMPANY - Vince Buchholz became just the third Hobby Stock driver in track history to win a second track championship. The 2011 champion earned his first division title in 2003.

Track Champions
1989 Steve Holthaus
1990 Lon Gadow
1991 Jerry Luloff
1992 Forrest Frost
1993 Bret Dage
1994 Kevin Hoehne
1995 Chris Wessner
1996 Todd Temeyer
1997 Adam Johnson
1998 Nick Wroten
1999 Doug Otto
2000 Jeff Roete
2001 Scooter Dulin
2002 Patrick Stansbery
2003 Vince Buchholz
2004 Brian Irvine
2005 Patrick Stansbery
2006 Paul Shepherd
2007 Josh Irvine
2008 Chris Luloff
2009 Josh Irvine
2010 Rod Grother
2011 Vince Buchholz
Most consecutive seasons with win
6 - Patrick Stansbery (1998-2003)
Most consecutive seasons with win (active)
5 - Justin Lichty (2007-?)
5 - Quinton Miller (2007-?)
3 - August Bach (2009-?)

MIRROR IMAGE - Quinton Miller (shown above) and Justin Lichty (shown below) have been chasing each other up the all-time wins list at Independence since their first career wins in 2007. Lichty's first career wins came in back-to-back weeks that season (July 7 and 14), while Miller's first career wins came in back-to-back formation the following two weeks (July 21 and 28). They are the only two drivers to earn at least one Hobby Stock feature win every season over the last five years. That consistency has paid off for both as they now sit (where else) tied on the all-time wins list with seven victories apiece. They are the only two drivers tied for 12th on the all-time wins list for the Hobby Stocks.

First-time winners per month
25 - July
19 - June
19 - August
19 - May
4 - April
Total features
337
Total winners
86
Longest win streak (same season)
5 - Chris Wessner (1995), Nick Wroten (1998)
Longest win streak (over seasons)
7 - Brian Irvine (2003-2004)
Most wins in single season
9 - Chris Wessner (1995)
Most number of different winners in a season
11 (2006, in 14 nights)
Career track championships
2 - Patrick Stansbery (2002, 2005)
2 - Josh Irvine (2007, 2009)
2 - Vince Buchholz (2003, 2011)
1 - Steve Holthaus (1989)
1 - Lon Gadow (1990)
1 - Jerry Luloff (1991)
1 - Forrest Frost (1992)
1 - Bret Dage (1993)
1 - Kevin Hoehne (1994)
1 - Chris Wessner (1995)
1 - Todd Temeyer (1996)
1 - Adam Johnson (1997)
1 - Nick Wroten (1998)
1 - Doug Otto (1999)
1 - Jeff Roete (2000)
1 - Scooter Dulin (2001)
1 - Brian Irvine (2004)
1 - Paul Shepherd (2006)
1 - Chris Luloff (2008)
1 - Rod Grother (2010)
Most consecutive different winners (same season)
8 (2005)
Most consecutive different winners (two seasons)
7 (1990-1991, 2001-2002)
Most consecutive different winners to start season
6 (2002, 2010)
Most consecutive different winners to end season
8 (2005)
Most opening night feature wins
2 - Lon Gadow
2 - Chris Wessner
1 - Ken Irvine
1 - Forrest Frost
1 - Rick Johnson
1 - Kevin Hoehne
1 - Jason Rohde
1 - Danny Dvorak
1 - Doug Otto
1 - Jeff Roete
1 - Patrick Stansbery
1 - John Meyer
1 - J.R. Kahler
1 - Brian Irvine
1 - Josh Steere
1 - Rod Grother
1 - Micheal Smith
1 - Chris Luloff
1 - Josh Irvine
1 - August Bach
1 - Scott Pippert
Most season championship feature wins
3 - Chris Wessner
2 - Brian Irvine
2 - Chris Luloff
2 - Josh Irvine
1 - Ken Irvine
1 - Rick Suckow
1 - Derek Reisner
1 - Forrest Frost
1 - Rick Johnson
1 - Tim Bartholomew
1 - Nick Wroten
1 - Doug Otto
1 - Patrick Stansbery
1 - Jeff Wedemeier
1 - Rod Grother
1 - Jamie Whitaker
1 - Vince Buchholz
Track champion with fewest feature wins
0 - Patrick Stansbery (2005)
0 - Rod Grother (2010)
Most points nights (season)
19 (1997)
Fewest points night (season)
9 (2008)
Most 2 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
4 - Chris Wessner
Most 3 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Chris Wessner, Brian Irvine, Chris Luloff, Vince Buchholz, Kevin Hoehne, J.R. Kahler
Most 4 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Brian Irvine, Josh Irvine
Most 5 race win streaks (each streak within same season)
1 - Chris Wessner, Nick Wroten
Season championship winners/points champion (same season)
Josh Irvine (2007, 2009)
Forrest Frost (1992)
Chris Wessner (1995)
Nick Wroten (1998)
Doug Otto (1999)
Brian Irvine (2004)
Chris Luloff (2008)
Vince Buchholz (2011)
Seasons with no back-to-back feature winners
1993, 2005, 2008
Bookend wins (won opener and SC features in same season)
Chris Wessner (1995, 1996)
Ken Irvine (1989)
Forrest Frost (1992)
Rick Johnson (1993)
Doug Otto (1999)
Brian Irvine (2004)
Chris Luloff (2008)
Josh Irvine (2009)
Most days between first and most recent feature wins
6664 - Vince Buchholz (18 years, 2 months, 29 days)
2611 - Chris Luloff (7 years, 1 month, 25 days)
2555 - Rod Grother (6 years, 11 months, 30 days)
2191 - Todd Temeyer (5 years, 11 months, 30 days)
2170 - John Meyer (5 years, 11 months, 9 days)
2107 - Derek Reisner (5 years, 9 months, 7 days)
1904 - Jeff Roete (5 years, 2 months, 16 days)
1848 - Patrick Stansbery (5 years, 22 days)
1491 - Rick Johnson (4 years, 30 days)
1491 - Quinton Miller (4 years, 30 days)
Average number of different winners per season
7.61
Average number of race nights per season
14.65
1st feature winner in division history
Ken Irvine (4/29/89)
50th feature winner in division history
Rick Suckow (6/6/92)
100th feature winner in division history
Chris Wessner (8/26/95)
150th feature winner in division history
Jarod Weepie (8/22/98)
200th feature winner in division history
Guy Stacy (6/8/02)
250th feature winner in division history
Bill Meyer (7/9/05)
300th feature winner in division history
Josh Irvine (6/20/09)
Seasn opener win following championship night win season before
2 - Chris Wessner (1994-1995, 1995-1996)
1 - Patrick Stansbery (2000-2001)
1 - Brian Irvine (2003-2004)
Won opening night feature and track championship same season
1 - Lon Gadow (1990)
1 - Forrest Frost (1992)
1 - Kevin Hoehne (1994)
1 - Chris Wessner (1995)
1 - Doug Otto (1999)
1 - Jeff Roete (2000)
1 - Brian Irvine (2004)
1 - Chris Luloff (2008)
1 - Josh Irvine (2009)
Monthly sweeps (minimum of 3 races run that month)
July 1995 - Chris Wessner (3 races)
July 2002 - J.R. Kahler (3 races)
May 2004 - Brian Irvine (3 races)
Days as career wins leader (through 8/27/11)
5894 - Chris Wessner (7/8/95-8/27/11)
2282 - Ken Irvine (4/29/89-7/29/95)
700 - Rick Johnson (8/28/93-7/29/95)

RAINOUT TRENDS
Since 1967, there have been a total of 813 weekly events scheduled at Independence. Of those 813 race nights, 172 were canceled. The monthly breakdown is as follows:
April: 12 rainouts in 26 events for a 53.8% success rate
May: 67 rainouts in 200 events for a 66.5% success rate
June: 37 rainouts in 192 events for an 80.7% success rate
July: 27 rainouts in 200 events for an 86.5% success rate
August: 29 events in 195 events for an 85.1% success rate

April: 7.0% of all rainouts
May: 39.0% of all rainouts
June: 21.5% of all rainouts
July: 15.7% of all rainouts
August: 16.9% of all rainouts

When considering the season in separate halves, where May and June comprise the first half of the season and July and August are the second half (I omitted April since it accounts for so few of the overall events), there have been 104 rainouts in 392 events scheduled for the first half of the season, whereas there have only been 56 rainouts in 395 events scheduled for the second half of the season. That means, historically, 65% of all rainouts have come during the first half of the season, nearly twice as many as in the second half.

The earliest date the track has scheduled a weekly points race is April 24, while the latest date in August has been August 31. When you consider those dates and all dates in between, three to seven races have been scheduled at the speedway on each of those dates over the past 45 years. The most rainouts for a single date in the last 45 years is four. Just four dates - May 7, May 17, May 22 and June 2 - hold that dubious distinction. While no date has rained out every year, there are 31 dates that have never rained out at all.

Here is a look back at the dates that comprised the 2011 schedule, along with the rainout trends as we entered the past season. The status of the 2011 program for each date follows:
April 30: 2 successful shows in 3 attempts (66.6% success rate) / Rained out in 2011
May 7: 1 for 5 (20%) / Completed program in 2011
May 14: 3 for 5 (60%) / Rained out
May 21: 3 for 5 (60%) / Rained out
May 28: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
June 4: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
June 11: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
June 18: 4 for 5 (80%) / Completed
June 25: 4 for 5 (80%) / Completed
July 2: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
July 9: 4 for 5 (80%) / Completed
July 16: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
July 23: 5 for 5 (100%) / Rained out for the first time in track history
July 30: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
August 6: 4 for 5 (80%) / Completed
August 13: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed
August 20: 4 for 5 (80%) / Completed
August 27: 5 for 5 (100%) / Completed

If the 2012 reflects the same scheduling pattern as previous years, the following dates will be scheduled next season. Listed with those dates below are their rainout trends over the last 45 years:
April 28: 2 successful shows in 3 attempts (66.6% success rate)
May 5: 4 for 6 (66.6%)
May 12: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
May 19: 4 for 6 (66.6%)
May 26: 3 for 6 (50%)
June 2: 4 for 6 (66.6%)
June 9: 4 for 6 (66.6%)
June 16: 3 for 6 (50%)
June 23: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
June 30: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
July 7: 6 for 6 (100%)
July 14: 6 for 6 (100%)
July 21: 3 for 6 (50%)
July 28: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
August 4: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
August 11: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
August 18: 5 for 6 (83.3%)
August 25: 4 for 6 (66.6%)

Years when the above dates have fallen on the schedule, the track averages 4.8 rainouts for the season, meaning 2012 could be a wetter than average season. Afterall, the average number of weekly races run per season over the last 45 years is 14.62 out of an average of 18.1 scheduled. That means the dates that may fall on the schedule in 2012 result in one more rainout than average. Also, we entered 2011 with nine dates on the calendar that had never rained out. Looking ahead to 2012, there are only two such projected dates on the schedule.

With that, I'm Blitzed out for 2011. Thank you to everyone for your support of the speedway this season. While there will be no more Blitzes until next spring, I do hope to throw out some random facts and other oddities throughout the course of the off-season. Also, if you have old photos from Independence and want to share them with other race fans from the area, I will gladly post them on here and/or the Independence facebook page. If you haven't already checked out the facebook page, there are a number of old driver photos, points sheets and souvenir programs on there in the Days Gone By album.

Since I've been working on this during the week and finishing up some other odds and ends in preparation for my week-long visit to Boone Speedway for next week's IMCA Super Nationals, I didn't schedule any races to hit this week. There are still a lot of specials on the calendar in the coming weeks, along with a few weekly shows remaining in 2011. Be sure to check out the remaining schedule for this season on the Positively Racing Special Events Calendar! I'll see you at the races!

Burbridge, Murty, Parizek among winners at Benton County Speedway

2011-08-29T00:04:00.003-05:00

Benton County Speedway closed out the month of August with great racing in all five divisions on one of the best racing surfaces of the year, which is saying a lot considering the Vinton 1/4-mile has been in tip-top shape all season. Eighty cars signed in to compete as the season enters its stretch run.

Mike Burbridge picked up his third win of the season in the IMCA Modified division. From his third row starting spot, Burbridge used the low groove to make his way into contention as he battled Tony Olson and Brandon Banks for the lead.

Olson held the early lead as he put his #T23 on the high side of the speedway while Banks ran the middle groove with Burbridge down low. Olson, Burbridge, Banks and Troy Cordes worked side-by-side, two rows deep during the early stages before Burbridge and Banks both pulled to the inside of Olson for the lead. The leaders ran three-wide down the back stretch before Burbridge took over on the third lap.

As Burbridge led, Banks settled into second while Joe Docekal and Scott Hogan worked through the field from fourth row starting spots. They made their way into the top four before Docekal's engine let go, forcing him to an early exit. Hogan pestered Banks for the runner-up spot while Burbridge pulled away for the win. Banks crossed the line second ahead of Hogan.

1. 11B Mike Burbridge
2. 22 Brandon Banks
3. 33D Scott Hogan
4. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
5. 71 Troy Cordes
6. F7 Patrick Flannagan
7. T23 Tony Olson
8. 32 Chris Snyder
9. 7 Todd Jensen
10. 17X Mike Krall
11. 5 Jerry Dedrick
12. 7T Tim McBride
13. 12D Joe Docekal
14. 17 Dawn Krall
15. 25 Shawn Fisher
16. 111 Buster Pate (DNS)

Damon Murty raced through the field from a fifth row starting spot to earn his fifth IMCA Stock Car win of the season. It was inside second row starter Andrew Burk who held the early advantage. Burk worked past Rick Kriegel and John Schaefer to secure the lead by the completion of the first lap.

Burk maintained the top spot while Murty was charging both high and low through the field. He reeled in Burk by lap five, then made his way around him one lap later to steal the lead. Murty survived a trio of cautions over the final half of the event to earn the win in the 15-lapper. John Emerson, who started in the sixth row, came home second ahead of points leader Scooter Dulin.

1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 287 John Emerson
3. 3T Scooter Dulin
4. 15 Norman Chesmore
5. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
6. G1 Mike Padden
7. 17R Rick Kriegel
8. 76 Mike Galli
9. 8 Curtis Roster
10. 10 John Schaefer
11. 37C Roger Ciesielski
12. 20B Andrew Burk
13. 7H Phil Holtz

Kyle Parizek scored his second IMCA Hobby Stock win of the season, his first since May 22. Parizek held off persistent challenges from Jacob Keiser to score the exciting win.

From his pole position start, Parizek took charge at the drop of the green and held the point running the low groove while Keiser worked the top side of the speedway. Matt Brown and points leader Scott Pippert pursued the leaders in double-wide formation.

Keiser proved to be too fast on the high side throughout much of the event until Parizek inched ahead with five laps remaining. He held off a late surge from Brown to score the victory. Pippert worked past Keiser with three laps to go to finish third. Parizek's victory brought an end to Pippert's five race winning streak, which dated back to July 24.

1. 17K Kyle Parizek
2. 78 Matt Brown
3. 47 Scott Pippert
4. 07 Jacob Keiser
5. 09 Brad Forbes
6. 2P Cale Petersen
7. 67 Justin Stander
8. 45 Justin Wacha
9. 55 Vince Buchholz
10. 19K Erick Knutsen
11. 77 Rod Grother
12. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
13. 44J Gabe Phelps
14. 25 Doug Laughridge
15. 6JN Justin Ginther
16. 1 Scott Siems

Steve Miedke led the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature in its entirety, however Jacob McVay stood in the winner's circle for the first time this season after Miedke was disqualified during post-race inspection.

1. 8M Jacob McVay
2. 51 Bryce Bailey
3. 2ND Brad Chandler
4. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
5. 1 Merv Chandler
6. 35 Brett Vanous
7. 22 Nathan Chandler
8. 36DD Gary Peiffer
9. 007 Adam Gates
10. 07X Tyler Whalen
11. 83 Travis Ross
12. 3S Craig Streeter
13. A1 Louis Trachta
14. 07 Joe Goodenbauer

Chaos ensued in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod main event. A number of cautions involving questionable driving at the front of the pack led to a number of lead changes well into the late stages of that feature. Bryan Rodman took the lead at the drop of the green from his pole position start. He showed the way while Jared Van Deest gave chase.

Danny Dvorak, who started in the sixth row, was making his way through the pack before being blindsided by Kyle Olson exiting turn four a couple of laps into the event. Although the contact slowed Dvorak's progress and affected a number of cars, everyone kept moving, with the exception of Olson who was pulled from the race for questionable driving. The race stayed green until the yellow flag waved for another incident on lap four.

On the restart, Dvorak continued his march to the front, settling into second just past the midway point. By that time, Rodman built half of a straightaway advantage. Dvorak reeled in the leader a couple laps later and made his bid for the lead as the flying green waved. Contact between the leaders, however, sent Dvorak to the infield with substantial damage and Rodman to the pits for questionable driving.

Curt Hilmer inherited the lead for the ensuing restart with Jared Van Deest and Kyle Brown behind him. When the green flag waved, Brown shot to the inside of Van Deest in turns one and two in a battle for second. The only problem with that, you ask? There was juuuuuust enough room to the inside of Van Deest's machine to spread out a crying towel a number of the SportMod drivers (and many fans in the stands) needed tonight. Needless to say, Brown wheel-hopped Van Deest, spinning both of them out, littering the corner with debris to bring out another caution.

With Van Deest in the pits after having suffered too much damage and Brown at the tail of the field due to his involvement in the incident, Ken Kositzky and Drew Fish restarted in second and third. Hilmer held on over the course of the final green-white-checkered finish (as much as I don't like NASCAR, their "mercy rule" of green-white-checker finishes would have worked well tonight) to take his second win of the season, both in the last three weeks.

1. 22H Curt Hilmer
2. K0 Ken Kositzky
3. 3D Drew Fish
4. J2 Dave Schulze
5. 14 Shane Ebaugh
6. 3B Brian Anderson
7. 21X Kyle Brown
8. 00 Jim Buhlman
9. 28P Rick Paulson
10. 21A Mark Angotti
11. 80 Jared Van Deest
12. 08 Bryan Rodman
13. 3R Danny Dvorak
14. 33 Ed O'Brien
15. 3 Dave McCalla
16. K3 Kyle Olson
17. 14E Al Sweerin
18. 23 Jeramia Boynton
19. B7 Blake Carson
20. 57R (no driver info)

Joining flagman John Huff in the flagstand the last couple weeks has offered me a different perspective from which to both view the races and listen to the fans in the stands. Tonight, plenty of entertainment was offered from both sides of the front stretch wall.

While writing tonight's blog, I've been trying to determine which side offered the more embarrassing form of entertainment - the applause one SportMod driver offered when a fellow competitor was knocked out of the event or the unnecessary grumblings from those in the grandstands.

Let's start with the driver side of things. Not only is it inappropriate to cheer when someone is knocked out of a race, it's unprofessional and embarrassing to crew, fans and sponsors when a driver makes a spectacle of himself by leading the parade as he, himself, is being towed from the infield following his own act of questionable driving.

As for the fans, there were many boos when the black flag came out tonight. Apparently, drivers and fans want fairness and consistency in calls unless, of course, it applies to "their" driver.

From where I was standing tonight, I honestly feel the right calls were made on the track, especially in the SportMod feature. The drivers that were penalized for the cautions were rightly scolded and sent to the corner. I will be the first to agree that not all "questionable" driving is equivalent to "intentional" driving, meaning some drivers may not mean to create contact or be the reason for a caution, however a call needs to be made if and when it happens.

While the contact in the first caution involving questionable driving appeared to be intentional from my vantage point, the contact in the second and third incidents didn't appear to be quite so blatant. Heck, it may even have been accidental or the case of a driver just racing for the lead. Either way, blame must be assessed by the track officials and in both cases, whether intentional or not, the driving was certainly questionable. As a result, whether everyone may or may not like it, the correct calls were made in both cases. I've always been a believer that if the caution flag waves, there must have been a reason. And, if there's a reason, a penalty must be assessed. It doesn't mean anyone "meant to," it just means that someone "did."

In the end, I feel sorry for Danny Dvorak tonight being the human pinball (I guess he found a place to spend that extra money he earned from the Cash Dash and Australian Pursuit on Saturday night), as much as I feel bad for Bryan Rodman, who was in search of his first win of the season. As for anyone who is upset at the calls that were made, let me grab that towel for you, I think it's sitting down in turns one and two...

Johnson brothers sweep features, track titles at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

Adam and Sean Johnson entered season championship night at Independence Motor Speedway in similar fashion - each holding three point leads in their respective divisions. They finished the night, and the season, the same way as the brothers from Independence made track history by becoming the first immediate family members to earn track titles in the same season.

Sean Johnson was simply dominant throughout the season in the IMCA Stock Car division. Entering championship night, his eight feature wins led all drivers at the speedway. He ended the night with his ninth win of the year as he earned the first track championship of his career.

At the start of the 15-lapper, Sean set the pace from his pole position start while Jarod Weepie gave chase. Needing only a top four finish to guarantee the track title, Johnson left no doubt as he led the event in its entirety to score the win.

Jarod Weepie, who entered the night second in points, battled Dave Stricker for second throughout much of the event. Weepie won that fight by crossing the line in second. Stricker, Roger Ciesielski and Norman Chesmore completed the top five.

It was Johnson's 17th career Stock Car win at the speedway, which moved him into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time list. He now sits just one win behind both Justin Temeyer and Weepie, who are tied for third. Johnson's win on championship night was his fifth straight in the division. The last time (and only time) a driver won that many in a row to finish a season in the division was when Larry Portis drove to six straight wins to close out the 1995 season.

For those wondering, the longest winning streak to span multiple seasons in the Stock Car division is seven straight wins. Portis did it by winning the opening night feature in 1997 to extend his streak from 1996. Dan Ttimble also won seven straight when he closed out the 1999 season with three straight wins before opening 2000 with four wins in a row.

Another category Johnson led this season was in total feature laps led. While I normally save this info for the monthly Stats Blitz, I think Sean is probably curious how he compared this season to the rest of the competition. With his 15 laps led on Saturday, Johnson reach 131 total feature laps led for the season. Not only did that lead all drivers at the speedway this season, nobody else was even close. In fact, three drivers from three other divisions tied for the second number of laps led. That number? 50. Luke Merfeld (Late Models), Vern Jackson (Modifieds) and Tyler Droste (SportMods) tied at that mark. The driver who led the second most Stock Car feature laps behind Johnson? Dave Stricker with 26.

Weepie, who was arguably the most consistent driver at the speedway this season, came up just four points shy in the final standings. He was the only driver at the speedway to record top-10 finishes in all 14 features this season.

Adam Johnson looked to match hs brother's efforts in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. From his pole position start, Adam took command at the drop of the green while Troy Cordes slipped past front row starter Jerry Luloff for second. Johnson paced the field and extended his advantage while his pursuers battled and Darin Duffy cahrged through the pack from a fourth row start.

Johnson entered lapped traffic just prior to the first caution at the midway point as Duffy closed in on Cordes and Luloff. When racing resumed, Duffy worked the top groove to battle for second while Johnson again took charge. Luloff and Duffy both slipped past Cordes for second and third before one final pair of stoppages on lap 12.

On the final restart, Duffy worked past Luloff with just five laps to go. He tried both high and low to make his way around Johnson, however Johnson had the field covered as he drove to the win. Duffy, Luloff, Cordes and Vern Jackson completed the top five.

It was Johnson's fourth win of the season and the eighth of his career in the Modifieds at Independence. The victory moved him into a tie for 11th on the division's all-time wins list at the speedway. He shares that spot with Greg Kastli, Joey Schaefer and Kevin Pittman.

Johnson closed the season with three wins in the last five weeks. He also had seven straight top-10 finishes to finish the season, the longest such streak in the division.

By virtue of his win on Saturday, Johnson joined Jackson as four-time winners in the division this season. Multiple drivers with at least four wins in the same season is a rarity in the Modifieds as it has now happened only five times in the 29-year history of the division at the speedway. Previous years and drivers to accomplish that feat were Tom Bartholomew (4 wins) and Ron Barker (4) in 1989, Vern Jackson (4) and Keith Pittman (4) in 1997, Darin Duffy (5) and Tim McBride (4) in 1998, and Darin Duffy (4) and Troy Cordes (4) in 2000.

Additional records were matched or set in other championship features, as well. Vince Buchholz became only the third driver in 23 years to earn his second track championship in the IMCA Hobby Stocks and Tyler Droste became the fourth different IMCA SportMod track champion in as many years. Doing so, Droste may very well have become the youngest track champion in track history. Jon Passick also earned title honors as he won his first career championship in the IMCA Late Models.

In the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature, Rod Grother worked past pole-sitter Buchholz for the early lead from his second row starting spot. Grother paced the field for a pair of laps until Buchholz inched ahead just prior to a lap three caution.

On the restart, Buchholz held the point and survived another mid-race caution to take track title honors with his first win of the season. Grother ran second ahead of a hard-charging Quinton Miller, who started in the sixth row. Chris Wiltse edged his father, Steve Wiltse, at the line for fourth.

Buchholz, the 2003 Hobby Stock titlist, joined Patrick Stansbery (2002, 2005) and Josh Irvine (2007, 2009) as the only Hobby Stock drivers in track history with multiple titles. The win on championship night gave Buchholz 11 in the division at Independence. That moved him into a tie with Stansbery for fifth on the all-time list. Buchholz closed the season with four straight top-five finishes, the longest such streak in the division.

Buchholz also extended another record he already held in the division entering the night. Following his win, 6,664 days now span his first and most recent wins in the division. That 18 year, two month and 29 day span is more than double of any other Hobby Stock driver. Second on that list? Chris Luloff, whose first and most recent Hobby Stock wins span seven years, one month and 25 days.

Droste made his first-ever championship run an entertaining one in the SportMod division. The 15-year old driver took the challenge and started at the tail of his feature, in attempt to double his money with a feature win. Although he was given an extra five laps to take the challenge, he didn't even need the 15 laps normally allotted for the SportMods as he scored the come-from-behind win and earned the track title in the process.

Danny Dvorak, the division's first-ever track title winner in 2008, inherited the pole when Droste elected to start at the rear. Dvorak held the point throughout a trio of cautions over the first three laps. Matt McCahen and Jim Buhlman pursued the leader while Droste made his way through the field when racing resumed.

Droste worked his way back into the runner-up spot just shy of the midway point, then set his sights on Dvorak. He worked the low side of Dvorak's #3R and made his bid for the lead just after the completion of the 13th lap. Droste then survived a pair of late cautions to score the victory and track championship.

It was the seventh win for Droste this season, which eclipsed the mark of six SportMod wins in a season at the speedway. That record was set by Josh Sherbon last season. The victory was the eighth of Droste's career, dating back to season championship night last season when he earned his first win at Independence. He finished the season third on the division's all-time wins list behind Sherbon (12 wins) and Dvorak (9).

Droste finished the season with nine straight top-4 finishes, the longest top-4 streak at the speedway all season. Five of those finishes were feature wins.

Passick completed the list of first time track titlists as he earned top honors in the IMCA Late Model division. Darren Ackerman held the early in that 30-lapper, which was lengthened by five laps when Tyler Bruening and Greg Kastli took the challenge and started at the tail.

From his outside front row start, Ackerman shot into the lead at the drop of the green before Passick made his way to the front by lap two. A pair of cautions slowed the early going, however Passick maintained the lead throughout the yellows.

Passick extended his advantage while Travis Smock and Dale Hackwell Jr. battled for second. Dean Wagner and Curt Martin, who each started in the middle of the pack, made strong runs through the field and into the top five.

As Passick approached lapped traffic at the midway point, Smock and Hackwell started to close the gap. A scary moment for Passick came when the leader ventured upon the lapped car of Scott Welsh. Welsh spun in the middle of the straightaway as Passick was exiting turn four. He narrowly missed contact with the backmarker while Hackwell took advantage of the scattering cars to pass Smock for second.

Passick welcomed clear track in front of him when the caution flag reappeared with 10 laps to go. He maintained the point while Martin and Wagner challenged Hackwell for second after Smock faded to fifth. Martin worked past Hackwell, but was unable to chase down Passick, allowing Passick to drive to the win and track title. Hackwell fought off challenges from Wagner to take third. Bruening came home fifth.

It was the second career win for Passick, his first coming just seven weeks ago, and his first track title. Passick became the fourth conseuctive different Late Model track champion at the speedway, the longest stretch of different winners in 10 years. The last time the Late Models saw four straight different titlists was during a span from 1998-2001 when Kevin Pittman, Curt Martin, Darin Burco and Greg Kastli won championships.

Passick finished the season with four straight top-5 finishes, the longest such streak in the division. He was also the only Late Model driver to record 13 top-10 finishes in 14 nights of racing this season.

Another record was matched last night, although I mentioned at the track that it was a first-time occurrence this season. (Yes, Mike Neilly, I do make my share of mistakes!) I stated last night that it was the first time in track history that all feature winners on championship night earned track championships. Since the track went to a minimum of four weekly divisions in the 1980s, one other time have all season championship winners earned track titles the same season. Last night was the second time in track history that was accomplished, the first time coming in 1995. Drivers who won championship features and track titles that season included Rick Wendling (IMCA Late Models), Steve Droste (IMCA Modifieds), Larry Portis (IMCA Stock Cars), Chris Wessner (Hobby Stocks) and Vern Jackson (Pro Stocks).

A number of other statistical oddities stand out this season, as well. In the Late Models, there were 10 different feature winners over the course of the 14-week season. That ties for the third most in the last 45 years and the most since 1975 when there were 12 winners. There were 11 different winners in 1970. Having 10 different winners in the Late Model division appears to be the norm. This season was the 10th time since 1976 that there were exactly 10 different winners in the division. This season was also the third time in the last five years there were exactly 10 different winners. That theme doesn't stop at the Late Models...

The Modifieds offered similar numbers as, for the fifth time in the last seven years, there were exactly seven different feature winners in the division. Nine times in 29 years have exactly seven different drivers won Modified features.

Despite Sean Johnson's dominance, there were five different feature winners in the Stock Cars. Again, five winners is the norm in that division, as well, as the division has produced exactly five different winners six times in the division's 19 year history at the speedway. There have been exactly five different Stock Car winners in three of the last four seasons.

In the short four-year history of the SportMod division at the speedway, the number of feature winners per year has ranged from five to seven. This season, and for the second time in track history, there were six different winners. It is the second straight year that exactly six different drivers won SportMod features.

For the second straight year and the fourth year overall, the Hobby Stock division produced nine different feature winners. Chris Luloff kept a strak alive in that division this season. Every year since the division started competing at Independence (1989), at least one driver every season has won a minimum of three features. Including 2011, Luloff alone now has four seasons in a Hobby Stock with three-plus wins, the most of any driver in the division's history.

Special thank you to Cam and Jodi Granger of CJ Promotions and the Buchanan County Fair Board for another great year of racing at the speedway. While the racing is done, there are still a bunch of numbers to be crunched. I'll have the final Stats Blitz of the season posted sometime this week. I'm hoping for tomorrow night, but this one will be a doozy so it may be later in the week. I'm heading back to Benton County Speedway in Vinton tonight and then bowling league Tuesday (yes, I joined a bowling league for the first time in nearly 15 years), so the Blitz will be posted either early or late this week.

At the end of the week, I plan to head to 34 Raceway in Burlington for the annual two-day Pepsi USA Late Model Nationals, the next event on the Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA Late Models schedule. Then, next Sunday, I'll be at Cresco Speedway for the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series before heading to Boone Speedway to help call the action all week at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals. That will be nine straight days of racing so, yeah, I guess I better get my tail started on that Stats Blitz! Hope to see everyone at Vinton tonight!

Lauritzen fitting winner at Benton County Speedway

2011-08-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

On the night Stickfort Construction sponsored Autism Awareness Night at Benton County Speedway, the car Stickfort sponsors made its way to victory lane in the IMCA Modified division. Ronn Lauritzen ran the high groove to the lead just past the midway point to take top honors in the 20-lap feature.

At the drop of the green, it was pole-sitter Jerry Dedrick taking command. He paced the field for a single circuit before second row starter Brandon Banks made his way to the front one lap later. A pair of early cautions slowed the action, but didn't slow down Banks as he held the point on each restart.

As Banks led, Mike Burbridge ran second, repeatedly trying to stick the nose of his #11B to the inside of Banks. Banks, however, remained glued to the tractor tires on the low side of the speedway and fought off his challenges.

Lauritzen, meanwhile, ran the high groove into contention. Following the final caution midway through the race, Lauritzen pulled to the outside of Burbridge as the pair tried from every angle to challenge for the lead. At the 12 lap mark, Burbridge pulled to the inside of Banks as Lauritzen made his move to the outside in a three-wide battle for the lead off turn four. Lauritzen escaped with the lead and then held off a late charge from Burbridge to score the victory.

1. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
2. 11B Mike Burbridge
3. 22 Brandon Banks
4. 12D Joe Docekal
5. 33D Scott Hogan
6. F7 Patrick Flannagan
7. 18L Jerry Luloff
8. 2AC Dustin Creer
9. T23 Tony Olson
10. 25 Shawn Fisher

Although it took Phil Holtz until mid-August to earn his first win of the season, the IMCA Stock Car driver wasted little time capturing victory number two as he drove to his second straight win on the quarter-mile.

Rick Kriegel held the early lead until Norman Chesmore inched ahead on lap three. Chesmore held the point for a pair of circuits while Holtz worked his way to the front after starting in the third row. As the leaders battled, a terrific display of three-wide racing three rows deep at the front of the pack entertained the crowd. Holtz made his way beneath Chesmore on the fifth lap to take charge.

With Holtz out front, Chesmore worked on holding off Andrew Burk for second. Burk made his way beneath Chesmore for the position late in the event, but Holtz had already set sail for the checkers.

While the dance at the top of the division's points continues to be close, the order shuffled a bit following tonight's action. By virtue of his fourth place finish in the feature, Scooter Dulin unofficially made his way past Bob Ahrendsen by three points atop the division standings. Norman Chesmore is log-jammed between them, just two points behind Dulin.

1. 7H Phil Holtz
2. 20B Andrew Burk
3. 15 Norman Chesmore
4. 3T Scooter Dulin
5. G1 Mike Padden
6. 76 Mike Galli
7. 17R Rick Kriegel
8. 76S Chad Siems
9. 10 John Schaefer
10. 6X Bob Ahrendsen

Jesse Belez took the lead at the drop of the green in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature. He paced the field while Kyle Olson challenged. Olson made his way around Belez on the third lap aa Curt Hilmer looked to follow him to the front. Hilmer made the pass for second on the low side of Belez at the six lap mark while Drew Fish dialed in his #3D on the high groove.

Running fifth and sixth throughout the first half of the event, Fish quickly made his way to the front during the second half of the race. He made his way into fourth on the eighth lap, then swept past Dave Schulze and Hilmer for second one lap later. As the leaders navigated through lapped traffic, Fish rocketed by Olson with five laps to go as he drove to the impressive victory. Olson eventually left with mechanical problems, leaving Hilmer to finish second.

Note: For the Fish fans who read my blog (yes, I've been told there are some followers from the school of Fish who read "In Staging"), I apologize that I didn't make any fish puns in tonight's entry. There was nothing about wading through traffic or floundering through lapped traffic or even taking advantage of the oppor-tuna-ty that lapped traffic presented, nor was there a mention of being hooked up on the top side and nary a mention of Drew's whale of a run tonight. I didn't even say how Fish flew around the top side while the rest were all bottom suckers. I didn't even get all Dr. Seuss and say "one fish, two fish, 3D, Drew Fish." Maybe next time I'll focus a bit better and write with a little more "sole" just for the halibut. I hope my lack of Fish references wasn't offensive, Jake!

1. 3D Drew Fish
2. 22H Curt Hilmer
3. 3R Danny Dvorak
4. K0 Ken Kositzky
5. 00 Jim Buhlman
6. 08 Bryan Rodman
7. J2 Dave Schulze
8. 42M Lon Mercer
9. B7 Blake Carson
10. 3B Brian Anderson

Scott Pippert continued his dominance in the IMCA Hobby Stock division. Pippert took command on the seventh lap to drive to his 12th feature win of the season at Vinton. Pippert took control when he made his way around race-long leader Kyle Parizek just shy of the midway point.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 17K Kyle Parizek
3. 78 Matt Brown
4. 67 Justin Stander
5. 29 Nathan Ballard
6. 45 Justin Wacha
7. 77 Rod Grother
8. 25 Doug Laughridge
9. 55 Vince Buchholz
10. 2P Cale Petersen

Nathan Chandler cut into his dad, Merv's, points lead by a half dozen markers in the IMCA Sport Compact division. The younger Chandler took command in that 12-lapper on the third circuit when he made his way past leader Bill Whalen Jr. He then pulled away from the field to score the dominant win.

1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 2ND Brad Chandler
3. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
4. 8M Jacob McVay
5. 35 Brett Vanous
6. 51 Bryce Bailey
7. 1 Merv Chandler
8. 36DD Gary Peiffer
9. 007 Adam Gates
10. 3S Craig Streeter

Thanks to flagger John Huff for letting me join him in the flagstand tonight. It was great to get a different view of the action on the track. After another busy weekend, I have no races scheduled for the upcoming workweek. My 52nd event of the year will take me back to Independence on Saturday for Budweiser Season Championship Night. Have a great week!

Wagner gets first win in seven years at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-21T14:50:00.002-05:00

For the second straight week, rain showers just prior to the start of the show delayed racing action at Independence Motor Speedway. After pesky sprinkles and a brief, light shower moved out of the area Saturday evening, race fans were provided with a great show in the final weekly racing program prior to next week's season championships.

A strong field of 101 race teams filed into the pits and perhaps the happiest of the lot was IMCA Late Model driver Dean Wagner. Wagner, who has competed in the division for the better part of the last 25 years, earned his first feature win in over seven years.

At the start of the 25-lapper, second row starting Wagner quickly worked past front row starters Drew Johnson and Scott Welsh to assume command by the end of the first lap. He put a few car-lengths on the field while Luke Pestka gave chase. Darren Ackerman and Tyler Bruening, who both started in the middle of the pack, made their way into the top four after four laps and set their eyes on the leaders. The top four started to pull away from the field until the race's only stoppages, a pair of cautions on lap 13.

On the final restart, Bruening and Ackerman quickly worked past Pestka as he faded to sixth. Wagner, however, maintained the point throughout the event, leading the 25-lapper in its entirety to score the win. Bruening, Ackerman, Bryan Klein and points leader Jon Passick completed the top five.

For Wagner, it was his fifth career weekly Late Model win at Independence and his first since opening night (May 1) of the 2004 campaign. The win moved Wagner into a tie with Dale Hackwell Jr., Les Verly, Rick Dralle and Terry Neal for 26th on the all-time Late Model wins list at the speedway.

Wagner's trip to victory lane made him the eighth straight different winner in the division this season, which is one shy of the all-time record of nine straight different Late Model winners. That record was set in 1975. The names on the list from 36 years ago? Darrell Sells, Red Dralle, Jim Burger, Dave Bedard, Gary Crawford, Bill Barthelmes, Denny Osborn, Dan Nesteby and Joe Schaefer. The names included in the current streak are Tyler Bruening, Luke Merfeld, Curt Martin, Jon Passick, Luke Pestka, Travis Smock, Greg Kastli and Wagner.

Late Model Season Championship Scenarios
1. Jon Passick: Passick sits atop the division's standings, carrying a 21 point edge over Tyler Bruening into next Saturday's championship event. A top-21 finish in that feature will earn Passick his first career track championship.
2. Tyler Bruening: If Bruening can beat Passick by at least 21 positions in the feature, he will earn his second straight track title. All other drivers are mathematically eliminated.

Troy Cordes benefitted from a mid-race miscue to take the win in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Outside front row starter Jeff Kriz took the early lead while Todd Conrad moved into contention after starting in row two. Conrad swept past Kriz for the lead just prior to the first caution on lap three.

When racing resumed, Conrad pulled away from the pack, putting a handful of car-lengths between himself and his competitors. As Conrad led, Troy Cordes and Ronn Lauritzen reeled in Kriz for second. With Cordes up top and Laurtizen running the low side, the pair searched for a way around Kriz.

As the leaders were coming around to complete lap 11, Conrad got sideways exiting turn four, spinning his #83C and collecting Kriz in the process to bring out the final caution. With both cars penalized, Cordes and Lauritzen started side-by-side on the front row for the restart.

When the green flag waved, Cordes took charge with Lauritzen settling in behind him. Jerry Luloff, who started in the fifth row, was charging on the low side of the speedway and into contention. Luloff made his way past Lauritzen on lap 12 while Vern Jackson was running the top groove. He entered the mix a few laps later and settled into third with only a haldful of laps remaining. Cordes, however, proved too strong out front as he drove to his second win of the season. Luloff, Jackson, Lauritzen and Keith Pittman rounded out the top five. It was the 28th career weekly Modified win for Cordes at Independence.

Modified Season Championship Scenarios
1. Adam Johnson: Adam Johnson will take a three point lead over Jerry Luloff into next week's championship event. A top-four feature finish will lock up Johnson's first-ever track title in the division. If he does not finish in the top four, Johnson will still earn title honors if he finishes within three positions of Luloff in next Saturday's feature and if he does not finish more than 18 positions behind Troy Cordes.
2. Jerry Luloff: Luloff will win the track title if he beats Johnson by at least four positions and finishes no worse than 14 positions behind Cordes.
3. Troy Cordes: Cordes must beat Johnson by 19 positions (only 18 positions if Cordes wins the feature) and Luloff by 15 positions to earn the championship. He must also finish within eight positions of Patrick Flannagan in the feature (which is a foregone conclusion if he accomplishes picking up 19 points on Johnson).
4. Patrick Flannagan: Flannagan still has an extreme outside chance of winning the track title, but his only way to do it is by winning the feature (assuming Jerry Luloff takes the green flag in the feature) and a series of other things happen. Flannagan can win if he wins the race, Johnson fails to take the green flag in the feature, Luloff finishes outside the top 23 and Cordes finishes no better than ninth. Good luck with all that, Pat! All other drivers have been mathemtically eliminated.

Sean Johnson continued his dominance in the IMCA Stock Car division. Although he entered the night a single point out of the lead, Johnson drove to his fourth straight win to take over the points lead with one week remaining in the season.

At the start of the 15-lapper, Paul Fauser and Roger Ciesielski shared time out front before a pair of cautions slowed the early going. Just prior to the second stoppage on lap five, Johnson made his way into the lead after starting in the fourth row.

On the restart, Johnson fought off the challenges of Dave Stricker to take the win, his eighth of the season. Jason Hocken, who made his first appearance of the season, made an impressive run to finish third ahead of Norman Chesmore and Jarod Weepie. It was Johnson's 16th career win in the division at Independence, which moved him into a tie with Larry Portis for fifth on the all-time list.

Stock Car Season Championship Scenarios
1. Sean Johnson: Just like his brother, Johnson takes a three point lead into championship week. A top-four finish in next week's feature will guarantee Johnson his first career track title. If Johnson finishes outside the top four, he will still lock up the title as long as he finishes within three positions of Weepie and within 11 positions of Dave Stricker in the feature.
2. Jarod Weepie: Weepie must beat Johnson by four positions and within seven positions of Stricker to earn his second straight division title and the fifth of his career.
3. Dave Stricker: Stricker must beat Johnson by 12 positions and Weepie by eight positions to earn his first track title.
4. Norman Chesmore: The longest shot of all drivers still mathemtically alive to earn a track title at Independence this season, Chesmore can win his first career track championship if Johnson, Weepie and Stricker all fail to take the green flag in the feature and Chesmore finishes in the top three next Saturday. All other drivers have been mathematically eliminated.

Tyler Droste earned his division-leading sixth win of the season in the IMCA SportMod division. Droste chased race-long leader Matt McCahen until a mid-race caution on lap seven. On the restart, Droste swept beneath McCahen to take the lead, en route to the victory. McCahen, Dave Schulze, Danny Dvorak and Shane Ebaugh rounded out the top five.

SportMod Season Championship Scenarios
1. Tyler Droste: Droste carries a 26-point lead into championship night. Simply taking the green flag in that event will earn Droste his first-ever track championship.
2. Danny Dvorak: Droste must fail to take the green flag in Saturday's feature and Dvorak must finish within six positions of Jim Buhlman to win the track title.
3. Jim Buhlman: Droste must fail to take the green flag in Saturday's feature and Buhlman must beat Dvorak by seven positions to take the track title. All other drivers have been mathematically eliminated.

Cautions plagued the IMCA Hobby Stock feature, forcing it to time out after only eight laps. Shawn Kuennen held the early advantage and led throughout a quartet of stoppages while Quinton Miller worked through the field from a fifth row start. Miller took the lead following a lap six restart and held the point until the final caution waved just past the midway point.

It was Miller's second win this season and the seventh of his career. He moved into a tie with Justin Lichty for 12th on the all-time list.

Hobby Stock Season Championship Scenarios
1. Vince Buchholz: A top-20 finish will lock up the second track title for Buchholz. He is looking to become only the third Hobby Stock driver in track history with multiple titles in the division.
2. Chris Wiltse: Wiltse must finish 20 positions ahead of Buchholz, at least one position ahead of Grother, within two positions of Whitaker, within five positions of Lichty (four positions if Lichty wins the feature) and within eight positions of Steve Wiltse (seven positions if Steve Wiltse wins the feature) to earn his first track title.
3. Rod Grother: Grother must finish 20 positions ahead of Buchholz, at least one position ahead of Chris Wiltse, within two positions of Whitaker (must finish second if Whitaker wins the feature), within five positions of Lichty (four positions if Lichty wins the feature) and within eight positions of Steve Wiltse (seven positions if Steve Wiltse wins the feature) to earn his second straight track title.
4. Jamie Whitaker: Assuming Buchholz takes the green flag in the feature, Whitaker must finish in the top two to have any shot at winning the track title. Combined with this, Buchholz would need to finish 24th or worse (23rd or worse if Whitaker wins the feature) and Whitaker must beat Chris Wiltse by three positions and beat Rod Grother by three positions (only two positions if Whitker wins the feature).
5. Justin Lichty: For Lichty to win the track title, Buchholz would need to fail to take the green flag in next week's feature and Lichty must also beat Chris Wiltse by six positions (only five positions if Lichty wins the feature), beat Rod Grother by six positions (only five positions if Lichty wins the feature), beat Whitaker by three positions and finish within three positions of Steve Wiltse.
6. Steve Wiltse: For Steve Wiltse to win the track title, Buchholz would need to fail to take the green flag in next week's feature and Wiltse must also beat Chris Wiltse by nine positions (eight if Steve Wiltse wins the feature), beat Rod Grother by nine positions, beat Whitaker by six positions and beat Lichty by four positions (three positions if Steve Wiltse wins the feature.) All other drivers have been mathematically eliminated.

The number of feature wins breaks any ties in the standings. If drivers are still tied, then most second place finishes, third place finishes, etc. will determine the tie breaker. Also, since championship features are lined up straight-up based on total season points, the same tie-breaker criteria is used for lineups. For instance, although Chris Wiltse and Rod Grother are tied for second in the Hobby Stock points, Wiltse will be lined up outside of the front row for the feature since his two feature wins this season is better than Grother's one feature win. On the points sheet for next week's races, the ties are broken and drivers are listed in the order they will line up.

Whew! After all of that, I sure as hell hope we don't get rained out next weekend! Although season championship racing traditionally offers only feature events, next week's schedule will be loaded with activities. Along with the features, the "challenge" will be offered to the top four in the standings in each division. Each driver in the top four will be given the chance to double his winnings if any elect to start at the tail and come through to win his respective feature.

In addition, there will be beer specials for Budweiser Night, plus there will be a candy dash for the kids. Bill Horn Memorial Dash races will also be held in each of the five divisions. The $100 winners of those dashes will have the opportunity to take part in an Australian Pursuit, which will award $250 to the winner.

If you want an additonal take on Independence, fellow Positively Racing blogger Danny Rosencrans brought a group to Independence last night. While it was Danny's first time at Indee for a weekly show, it was the first time ever at Indee for another in his party. He will have his thoughts up later Racin' Down the Road. Thanks for making the three-plus hour trip to join us, Danny!
Up next for me is a trip to Benton County Speedway tonight. After scoring two weeks ago and announcing last week, I may venture up to the flagstand and hang out with flagman John Huff for tonight's show. It's a beautiful day outside so come on out to the races!

Dysart delivers two feature winners at Benton County Speedway

2011-08-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

A pair of drivers from the Tama county community of Dysart celebrated victories Sunday night at Benton County Speedway. Joe Docekal scored his second IMCA Modified win in the last three weeks while Curt Hilmer drove to his first IMCA SportMod win of the season.

Jerry Dedrick set the pace at the drop of the green in the 20-lap Modified main event while Mike Burbridge quickly moved into a challenge for the lead from his third row start. Burbridge put the nose of his #11B to the inside of Dedrick and came away with the lead following a lap two restart.

Burbridge held the point through a myriad of cautions over the next four laps while Troy Cordes and Joe Docekal advanced through the field to settle into second and third, respectively. Following the final stoppage on lap six, Cordes went to work on the high side while Docekal ran down low. Docekal inched ahead of Cordes on the eighth circuit, then flew past Burbridge for the lead at the midway point.

Docekal pulled away from the field and hid in lapped traffic to score the victory. Ronn Lauritzen, who started in the fifth row, made a great run through traffic to finish second ahead of Burbridge. Docekal's victory, combined with a 13th place finish by points leader Scott Hogan, cut Docekal's deficit nearly in half. Entering the night, Hogan held a 25-point lead, however Docekal unofficially pulled to within 13 points entering the final four weeks of the season.

1. 12D Joe Docekal
2. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
3. 11B Mike Burbridge
4. 71 Troy Cordes
5. 22 Brandon Banks
6. F7 Patrick Flannagan
7. 91 Shawn Ryan
8. T23 Tony Olson
9. 7 Todd Jensen
10. 17 Dawn Krall
11. 5 Jerry Dedrick
12. 25 Shawn Fisher
13. 33D Scott Hogan
14. 111 Buster Pate
15. 71M Tim McBride

A trio of cautions prior to the completion of the first lap slowed action in the IMCA SportMod feature. Pole-sitter Curt Hilmer took command each time the green flag waved, only to see those efforts thwarted when the yellow waved.

Hilmer took command again on the first long green flag run with Jared Van Deest and Brad Iverson in pursuit. Hilmer extended his advantage while that pair battled for position until Drew Fish and Duane Van Deest entered the battle for second.

Another trio of cautions slowed the event following lap six, however Hilmer held his position on each ensuing restart. Duane Van Deest made his way into second prior to a lap seven yellow, but was unable to catch Hilmer as the Dysart driver earned his first win of the season when the race timed out after the final caution on lap nine.

1. 22H Curt Hilmer
2. 80V Duane Van Deest
3. 505 Racer Hulin
4. 9X Austin Lucas
5. 3R Danny Dvorak
6. 8I Brad Iverson
7. 00 Jim Buhlman
8. 21X Kyle Brown
9. K0 Ken Kositzky
10. 08 Bryan Rodman
11. J2 Dave Schulze
12. 3D Drew Fish
13. 3 Dave McCalla
14. 33 Ed O'Brien
15. 95 Mike McDonald
16. 11 Jody Mitchell
17. 28P Rick Paulson
18. K3 Kyle Olson
19. 3B Brian Anderson
20. B7 Blake Carson
21. 80 Jared Van Deest
22. 72L Brett Lowry
23. 11Z Justin Zimmerman
24. 81 Jesse Belez

IMCA Hobby Stock points leader Scott Pippert drove to his 11th win on the Vinton quarter-mile this season, but it took most of the 15-lap distance to get the job done.

Pole-sitter Kyle Parizek held the early lead while Nathan Ballard worked through the field from a fifth row starting spot. Ballard made his way around the leader following a mid-race caution and just before the final yellow flag waved.

On the restart, Parizek chased Ballard out front until contact between the two sent Ballard sideways to the infield on the backstretch. He regrouped and kept moving just before Parizek spun in front of the field exiting turn four to bring out the caution.

Ballard regained the point for the restart as Pippert found himself in third after starting alongside Ballard in the fifth row. When racing resumed, Pippert made his way beneath Russell Damme Jr. for second and then made his bid for the lead as the flying green waved. Pippert pulled away to score the victory and extend his points lead.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 29 Nathan Ballard
3. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
4. 77 Rod Grother
5. 25 Doug Laughridge
6. 45 Justin Wacha
7. 2P Cale Petersen
8. 67 Justin Stander
9. 07 Jacob Keiser
10. 78 Matt Brown
11. 55 Vince Buchholz
12. 17K Kyle Parizek
13. 76S Adam Streeter

Phil Holtz took the win in a caution-free IMCA Stock Car feature that took just over four minutes to complete. Andrew Burk made his way to the front from a second row starting spot to lead the first lap. He continued to show the way until mechanical problems slowed him on lap four.

Holtz, who was already making his way to the front on the low groove, took charge after starting in the third row. Holtz led the remainder of the event to score his first win of the season ahead of a hard-charging Bob Ahrendsen and Justin Temeyer.

1. 7H Phil Holtz
2. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
3. 56T Justin Temeyer
4. 3T Scooter Dulin
5. 99D Damon Murty
6. 8 Curtis Roster
7. 15 Norman Chesmore
8. 287 John Emerson
9. 17R Rick Kriegel
10. 10 John Schaefer
11. 09M Brett Mather
12. 9E Austin Evens
13. 76 Mike Galli
14. 76X Chad Siems
15. 9 Dave Ballsteadt
16. 20B Andrew Burk

Steve Miedke was a wire-to-wire winner in the IMCA Sport Compact division. From his second row starting spot, Miedke took command on the first circuit, then held off the challenges of Nathan Chandler and Brett Vanous to score his fourth win of the season. It was Miedke's first win since suffering a scary rollover a couple months ago. Points leader Merv Chandler raced from a sixth row start to come home third.

1. 11 Steve Miedke
2. 35 Brett Vanous
3. 1 Merv Chandler
4. 8M Jacob McVay
5. 2XX Dallas Chandler
6. 22T Travis Losenicky
7. 3S Craig Streeter
8. 83 Travis Ross
9. 36DD Gary Peiffer
10. A1 Louis Trachta
11. 22 Nathan Chandler
12. 07X Tyler Whalen
13. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
14. 51 Bryce Bailey
15. K12 Cody Swanson
16. 07 Joe Goodenbauer
17. 2ND Brad Chandler
18. 80 Terry Sandberg

Special thanks to track announcer Bucky Doren and race director Dana Benning for asking me to fill in for Bucky tonight. Next week is Autism Awareness Night at the races. A minimum of 13 bicycles will be given away, plus bike races are scheduled for the kids. Stickfort Construction is sponsoring the night's events.

There is no mid-week racing on my schedule for the upcoming week. Although I was initially planning on heading to the State Fair for the Deery Brothers Summer Series event tomorrow for my 50th race of the season, my body (not to mention my employer) will probably enjoy the night away from the track. My next scheduled venture is to return to Independence on Saturday night for the next-to-last weekly race for 2011 at the Buchanan County Fairgrounds. Have a great week!

Kastli wins, matches history at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-14T02:25:00.000-05:00

The calendar offered some eerie coincidences for a pair of drivers Saturday night at Independence Motor Speedway. For one, a trip to the winner's circle matched an all-time record at the speedway while another driver's victory came six years to the date of his first win.

In the IMCA Late Model division, Greg Kastli drove to his 41st career win in weekly racing at Independence - 32 years, one month and 14 days after his first win in the division on June 30, 1979. That span of 11,732 days exactly matches the span between the first and final feature wins for Red Dralle at the speedway. The span is the longest between first and last (most recent?) wins of all drivers in Independence track history.

At the start of the 25-lap feature, first-year Late Model driver and pole-sitter Russell Hesse shot into the lead. He quickly pulled away from the field, leaving Tysus Pattee, Curt Martin and Joel Brasch to battle for second. Kastli, meanwhile, was racing through traffic from a fifth row start and into the top three after just three laps.

Running the low groove, Kastli swept past Pattee for second at the five lap mark, then worked to run down the leader. Kastli reeled in Hesse and was making his move for the lead when the race's first caution waved on lap 10.

On the restart, Kastli made his way around Hesse to take command before the caution flag waved a final time on the following lap when Hesse spun in turn four. Kastli then pulled away from Jon Passick to score the milestone win. Passick ran second ahead of Curt Martin, Jeff Aikey and Darren Ackerman.

Passick took over the points lead since points leader Tyler Bruening was absent from the night's program. Bruening was serving as best man in a college friend's wedding in Wisconsin and was probably one of few who was hoping for a rain out on Saturday. Your friends need to schedule their social events a little better, Tyler!

Sean Johnson also had Father Time on his side Saturday night. The IMCA Stock Car driver earned his seventh feature win of the season and the 15th of his career at Independence on the six-year anniversary of his first win at the speedway.

Front row starter Tim Helle took the early lead in the 15-lapper. Helle paced the field by a few car-lengths while Norman Chesmore, Jason Niedert, John Emerson, Austin Evens, Kirk Fauser and Johnson battled three-wide, two rows deep behind him. The caution flag slowed the action when Evens spun in turn four on the fourth lap.

On the restart, Helle continued to show the way as Johnson drove the low line to the front in his #8R. Johnson swept beneath his competitors and into the top three by lap eight, then rocketed past Helle and Chesmore to snare the lead as the front-runners exited lap four on the following lap.

Johnson pulled away to lead the remainder of the event to score the victory ahead of Helle, Chesmore, points leader Jarod Weepie and Fauser. His track-leading seventh win of the season and the 15th of his career at Independence, Johnson moved into a tie for sixth on the all-time list with Tom Schmitt. He now sits a single win behind Larry Portis for fifth in that category.

Just two weeks ago, Johnson and his brother Adam shared the spotlight when both drivers won features in their respectrive divisions. They repeated that feat Saturday as Adam Johnson took top honors in the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event.

Outside front row starter Keith Pittman took the early lead and paced the field through two early cautions. On a lap four restart, Troy Cordes, who started inside of row five, made his way around Pittman to assume the lead. Cordes led while Johnson, who started in the seventh row, was making his way through traffic. By the time the final caution waved on lap eight, Johnson was sitting in third place.

Running the low groove when racing resumed, Johnson stayed close to Cordes, then took advantage when Cordes pushed in turn four on the ninth lap. Johnson took command at that point and led the remainder of the event to score the victory, his third of the season. Cordes crossed the line in second ahead of Darin Duffy, who started in the sixth row. Shawn Ryan and Ronn Lauritzen completed the top five.

Johnson's win marked the first time this season that a driver won a feature after failing to qualify for the point invert in his heat. The seventh Modified win of his career at Independence, Johnson is now tied for 14th on the all-time wins list with Deon Turner, Ed Thomas, John Light, Mark Noble, Max Corporon, Mike Sampson, Ron Barker and Tim McBride.

A pair of drivers led wire-to-wire in their respective divisions to earn feature victories. In the IMCA SportMod division, Jim Aschenbrenner took command at the drop of the green from his pole position starting spot. Aschenbrenner fought off the challenges of Jim Buhlman and then Tyler Droste to earn his first-ever SportMod win.

Droste made a late charge through traffic from his fifth row start to battle for the lead following a lap 12 caution in the 15-lapper. Droste's bid came up a bumper short at the line as the points leader settled for second. Buhlman, Matt McCahen and Brennen Chipp rounded out the top five. Aschenbrenner became the 14th different SportMod winner in the division's four year history at the track.

Chris Luloff soared to his second straight win in the IMCA Hobby Stock division and third victory in the last five weeks. From his outside second row start, Luloff took charge by the completion of the first lap, then drove away from the field to score the convincing win. Steve Wiltse edged out Chris Wiltse by half of a car-length for second. Points leader Vince Buchholz and Justin Wacha completed the top five.

Only two weeks of racing remain on the calendar for Independence and three divisions have extremely close points battles. The leading contenders in the Modifieds, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks are separated by single digits atop the standings, so the final two weeks of racing should provide more than its share of excitement.

Up next for me is a return trip to Benton County Speedway in Vinton for another Sunday of action on the quarter-mile. Hope to see you there!

Richards wins first-ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series event at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-09T02:09:00.000-05:00

At around 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, nobody believed we'd be racing on Monday night at Independence Motor Speedway. After two-tenths of an inch of rain fell in the morning hours, another soaker came through just past the lunch hour which dropped an additional half inch of rain on the Buchanan County Fairgrounds. Additional, pesky sprinkles throughout the afternoon had everyone in disbelief at the track - the first-ever appearance of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series was postponed by rain in mid-July... there was no way rain could throw a wrench into the works in early August, too, was there?

The disbelief at the thought of two mid-summer storms turned into relief when the sun came out and allowed for a fantastic night of racing at the speedway.

After Chad Simpson set the track record of 14.665 seconds, Josh Richards topped the field of 34 Late Models to earn the victory in the speedway's milestone event. Richards started outside of the front row and held off mid and late-race challenges from Rick Eckert to take the $10,000 top prize in the 50-lap feature.

For Richards, it was his sixth series win of the season and second in three days following a victory in the 24th annual USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., on Saturday night.

Eckert was able to stay close to Richards following a mid-race caution as the leaders encountered lapped cars, which they battled throughout most of the second half of the event. Although the traffic kept the leaders close, and also allowed Clint Smith and Brian Birkhofer to stay within a straightaway of the frontrunners, Richards proved why he's been the man to beat of late as he drove to the win.

Darin Duffy started in the seventh row of the IMCA Modified feature, but methodically made his way through traffic and into a challenge for the lead in the waning laps to take home the $1,000 winner's share. Duffy drove the high line around race-long leader Justin O'Brien in the final stages of the 35-lapper to earn the thrilling win.

Although the weather looked doubtful for much of the day, the evening offered a great program for the packed house as the final checkers waved just prior to 10:30. Special thanks to the entire WoO crew. They are a great group of folks who were fantastic to work with!

That's all for tonight. Complete results are listed below and, for a detailed report of the night's action, visit www.independencemotorspeedway.com.

After a couple days off, my focus will turn back to the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series at the end of the week. We're headed north to Redwood Speedway in Redwood Falls, Minn., on Thursday, then Chateau Raceway in Lansing, Minn., on Friday for a Minnesota doubleheader. Hope to see you there!

LATE MODEL
Feature / 50 laps (starting positions)
1. (2) 1 Josh Richards (Shinnston, W. Va.)
2. (5) 24 Rick Eckert (York, Pa.)
3. (10) 44 Clint Smith (Senoia, Ga.)
4. (4) 15B Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine)
5. (3) 19H Austin Hubbard (Seaford, Del.)
6. (1) 21 Billy Moyer (Batesville, Ark.)
7. (6) 25F Jason Feger (Bloomington, Ill.)
8. (20) 11 Pat Doar (New Richmond, Wis.)
9. (19) 32C Vic Coffey (Caledonia, N.Y.)
10. (12) 29 Darrell Lanigan (Union, Ky.)
11. (18) 1* Chub Frank (Bear Lake, Pa.)
12. (16) 21B Chip Brindle (Chatsworth, Ga.)
13. (21) 28 Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, Ill.)
14. (22) 71D Ron Davies (Warren, Pa.)
15. (24) 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls)
16. (14) 98 Jason Rauen (Farley)
17. (17) 99JR Frankie Heckenast Jr. (Orland Park, Ill.)
18. (8) 19 Tim Fuller (Watertown, N.Y.)
19. (7) 39 Tim McCreadie (Watertown, N.Y.)
20. (9) 25S Chad Simpson (Mount Vernon)
21. (13) 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction)
22. (23) 1L John Lobb (Frewsburg, N.Y.)
23. (15) 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford)
24. (11) 25 Shane Clanton (Locust Grove, Ga.)

First heat (10 laps, 4 qualify, 2 redraw): 1. Hubbard; 2. Birkhofer; 3. Chad Simpson; 4. Utter; 5. Heckenast; 6. 45 Curt Martin (Independence); 7. 77 Jason McBride (Carbondale, Ill.); 8. Erb; DNS 15H Jeremiah Hurst (Dubuque).
Second heat: 1. Eckert; 2. Moyer; 3. Smith; 4. Rauen; 5. 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin); 6. Coffey; 7. George; 8. 1D Don O’Neal (Martinsville, Ind.); DNS 38S Dain Sires (Cedar Falls).
Third heat: 1. Richards; 2. McCreadie; 3. Clanton; 4. Chris Simpson; 5. Frank; 6. Doar; 7. 93 Jay Johnson (West Burlington); 8. Davies.
Fourth heat: 1. Feger; 2. Fuller; 3. Lanigan; 4. Brindle; 5. 16 Tyler Bruening (Decorah); 6. Lobb; 7. 11X Ace Ihm (Hazel Green, Wis.); 8. 78 Rick Wendling (Hazleton).
First B feature (3 transfer): 1. Heckenast; 2. Coffey; 3. Erb; 4. Eckrich; 5. O’Neal; 6. Martin; 7. McBride; 8. George; 9. Sires; DNS Hurst.
Second B feature: 1. Frank; 2. Doar; 3. Davies; 4. Lobb; 5. Bruening; 6. Johnson; 7. Wendling; 8. Ihm.

MODIFIED
Feature / 35 laps (starting positions)
1. (13) 19D Darin Duffy (Hazleton)
2. (2) 12J Justin O’Brien (West Union)
3. (7) 18 Jerry Luloff (Independence)
4. (6) 64 Vern Jackson (Waterloo)
5. (3) 24R Adam Johnson (Independence)
6. (1) 91 Shawn Ryan (Waterloo)
7. (17) 37B Ron Barker (Dubuque)
8. (11) 19G Richie Gustin (Gilman)
9. (19) 27M Mark Schulte (Delhi)
10. (5) 10K Ronn Lauritzen (Jesup)
11. (14) 70 Jerry King (Waterloo)
12. (20) 11B Mike Burbridge (Delhi)
13. (12) 5R Bill Roberts Jr. (Burlington)
14. (8) 71 Troy Cordes (Dunkerton)
15. (16) 00 J.D. Auringer (Evansdale)
16. (9) 8 Tony Snyder (Readlyn)
17. (22) 85 Johnathan Thimmesch (Independence)
18. (21) 57B Dennis Betzer (Central City)
19. (18) 12D Joe Docekal (Dysart)
20. (15) 1 Al Wolfgram (Boone)
21. (23) 41P Keith Pittman (Waterloo)
22. (24) 11JR Ben Chapman (Clarence)
23. (4) 83 Kellen Chadwick (West Union)
24. (10) 01 Ed Thomas (Waterloo)

First heat (8 laps, 4 qualify, 3 redraw): 1. Jackson; 2. Chadwick; 3. Thomas; 4. Duffy; 5. Flannagan; 6. Docekal; 7. 12EH Riley Emmel (Estivan, Canada); 8. Burbridge.
Second heat: 1. Johnson; 2. Lauritzen; 3. Cordes; 4. King; 5. Schulte; 6. Barker; 7. Pittman.
Third heat: 1. Richie Gustin; 2. Ryan; 3. Snyder; 4. Wolfgram; 5. 26 Luke Miller (Dubuque); 6. Thimmesch; 7. 19 Jimmy Gustin (Marshalltown).
Fourth heat: 1. O’Brien; 2. Luloff; 3. Roberts; 4. Auringer; 5. Betzer; 6. Chapman; 7. 15 Matt Stagman (Lancaster, Wis.).
B Feature (8 transfer): 1. Barker; 2. Docekal; 3. Schulte; 4. Burbridge; 5. Betzer; 6. Thimmesch; 7. Pittman; 8. Chapman; 9. Flannagan; 10. Miller; DNS Emmel; DNS Jimmy Gustin; DNS Stagman.

Hulin comes away with unexpected win at Benton County Speedway

2011-08-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

For the second night in-a-row, the driver in the cat bird's seat came away with the win in the IMCA SportMod divsion. After Danny Dvorak's last lap triumph last night at Independence, Racer Hulin also made what may be called an unexpected trip to the winner's circle at Benton County Speedway on Sunday.

At the start of the 15-lap feature, third row starter Kyle Olson worked quickly to the lead. He paced the field for the first lap with Dave McCalla and Dave Schulze in tow. A trio of cautions slowed the action over the first five laps, which allowed fourth row starter Drew Fish to enter the battle for the lead.

Fish settled into second following the first caution on lap two, then stayed on Olson's tail through the next two stoppages. When the first long green flag run developed following the lap five restart, Fish went to the high side and made his way around Olson just shy of the midway point.

As Fish led and Olson followed, Racer Hulin ran in the third spot as he kept the leaders within his sights. Hulin reeled in Olson and made his way around the outside of the #K3 by the time the yellow waved on lap 12.

After racing resumed, Fish got loose in turn four and spun to the low side of the track, collecting Olson and Duane Van Deest, who were also top-five runners at the time. On the restart, Hulin held the point and fought off challenges from Danny Dvorak to take the exciting win.

1. 505 Racer Hulin
2. 3R Danny Dvorak
3. 00 Jim Buhlman
4. J2 Dave Schulze
5. K0 Ken Kositzky
6. 80V Duane Van Deest
7. 08 Bryan Rodman
8. 40J Jason Doyle
9. 33 Ed O'Brien
10. K3 Kyle Olson

Kyle Parizek held the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. From his second row starting spot, Parizek motored into the lead by the completion of lap one. As Parizek led, Rod Grother and Scott Pippert quickly worked through traffic from mid-pack starts.

Pippert ran the low line to the front, inching ahead of his foes by the completion of lap six. He led the remainder of the event uncontested to score the victory in the caution-free event. After sliding back in the top five, Grother made a nice run late to nip Parizek at the line for second. Vince Buchholz ran a close fourth.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 77 Rod Grother
3. 17K Kyle Parizek
4. 55 Vince Buchholz
5. 25 Doug Laughridge
6. 45 Justin Wacha
7. 78 Matt Brown
8. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
9. 6 Randy Vandevegte
10. 12J Jeremy Floyd

Damon Murty drove the high side to victory in the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. After an unsuccessful initial attempt at trying the low groove, Murty was offered a second glance when the race was slowed for caution prior to the completion of the first lap. When the green flag waved again for the straight-up restart, however, Murty tested his luck on the high side.

Murty, who started outside of the third row, rocketed into second place by the completion of lap two, then went to work on running down Curtis Roster out front. Murty made his bid for the lead on the high side as the field exited turn four on the following circuit. From there, Murty set sail to drive to the victory ahead of Roster and Scooter Dulin.

1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 8 Curtis Roster
3. 3T Scooter Dulin
4. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
5. 56T Justin Temeyer
6. 7H Phil Holtz
7. 20B Andrew Burk
8. 15 Norman Chesmore
9. 09M Brett Mather
10. 10 John Schaefer

A trio of drivers held the lead at various points during the early stages of the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature. Bryce Bailey, Brad Chandler and Steve Miedke exchanged time at the front of the field over the first few laps before Chandler was able to wrestle away the lead from Miedke at the midway point. Chandler led the final half of the event to take the win over Nathan Chandler and Brett Vanous, who started alongside each other in the fourth row.

1. 2ND Brad Chandler
2. 22 Nathan Chandler
3. 35 Brett Vanous
4. 11 Steve Miedke
5. 1 Merv Chandler
6. 51 Bryce Bailey
7. 2XX Dallas Chandler
8. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
9. 8M Jacob McVay
10. 22T Travis Losenicky

After a pair of early cautions in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature, Mike Burbridge pulled away from the field to score the win. Tony Olson held the early advantage as Burbridge chased the leader for two laps before taking over on lap three, just prior to the race's final caution. Burbridge led the final 17 non-stop laps to take the win over Patrick Flannagan, who worked past Olson for second as the white flag waved.

1. 11B Mike Burbridge
2. F7 Patrick Flannagan
3. T23 Tony Olson
4. 25 Shawn Fisher
5. 22 Brandon Banks
6. 12D Joe Docekal
7. 33D Scott Hogan
8. 25T Duane Peterson
9. 111 Buster Pate
10. 17 Dawn Krall

Thanks to Mick Trier, Dana Benning and the crew for another great night at Vinton. Also, thanks to Kevin Kemp for asking me to fill in for him in the scoring tower. It was my first night scoring races since June of last season for mid-season championships at Vinton. While it was enjoyable, I'll just say I don't think I miss doing it every week!

Up next is the World of Outlaws Late Model Series at Independence Motor Speedway tomorrow. Don't forget, IMCA Modifieds will also be on-hand, competing in a $1,000-to-win event. See you there!

Smock, Dvorak surprise winners at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

I generally follow the same routine after a Saturday night of racing at Independence. I put together my report for IMCA, calculate the points, write my blog and then go to work on updating the season stats and all-time stats. Last night, however, I changed up my routine (easier said than done for me) after an exciting night of racing that resulted in a few surprises by the time the final checkers waved.

Instead of writing my blog right after the track web site was updated, I decided to update my stats files because I figured there would be a few mentionables that I didn't want to leave out after the night's events. There turned out to be a few tidbits that I'll include in last night's recap below.

A strong field of 109 race cars filed into the pits last night to put on a show in front of a great crowd for the fifth annual Dick Frye Memorial. The event is held in honor of the late Buchanan County Fair Board president who passed away in January of 2007. Traditionally held during the Saturday night of the fair, this season's edition was postponed when the July 23 program was rained out.

Not only did the car count match last week's second best total of the season, but a season high 26 IMCA Hobby Stocks signed in to compete along with 23 IMCA Late Models, 24 IMCA Modifieds, 21 IMCA SportMods and 15 IMCA Stock Cars.

A pair of surprise winners emerged, not because those drivers aren't expected to win, but because they didn't appear to be in contention for trips to the winner's circle until the checkers waved.

In the 25-lap IMCA Late Model feature, pole-sitter Scott Welsh led at the drop of the green while Bobby Hansen and Tysus Pattee pursued. Hansen worked the low groove while Pattee went upstairs as they attempted to make their way to the front.

Pattee was dialed in on the high side as he sailed past Welsh on the sixth circuit, then proceeded to pull away from the field. As Pattee worked out front, Jon Passick was a rocket on the low side, slicing through traffic from a fifth row start before settling into second one lap after Pattee took control.

The race's only stoppage came on lap nine, which put the hard-charging Passick on Pattee's rear bumper for the restart. Pattee picked up where he left off before the yellow flag and quickly pulled away from the field when racing resumed. Passick remained in second while Travis Smock made his way past Welsh for third.

The top three remained unchanged as Pattee was enjoying a comfortable advantage. Smock, meanwhile, closed the gap on Passick for second as those two dueled for a number of laps as the race entered its final stages. This is when things got interesting.

With only a handful of laps to go, Pattee slowed on the high side of the speedway, allowing Passick and Smock to close. After Pattee eventually left the track with a broken axle, Passick and Smock worked side-by-side in what turned out to be a battle for the lead. Smock inched ahead as the flying green waved and held on for the remainder of the event to score the thrilling win. Passick ran second ahead of Greg Kastli, Darren Ackerman and points leader Tyler Bruening. It was the second career win for Smock, his first since opening night of the 2010 season. It was also Smock's ninth straight top-10 finish.

Late race excitement also played a factor in the outcome of the 15-lap IMCA SportMod main event. Front row starter Brennen Chipp held the early advantage in that race until Matt McCahen made his way by for the lead at the lap four mark.

McCahen quickly pulled away from traffic while Danny Dvorak was running the low groove to the front. Dvorak, who started in the third row, slipped beneath Kim Siems for second following a mid-race caution. Dvorak slowly cut into McCahen's lead until his efforts were assisted when the caution flag waved once again on lap 12.

On the restart, McCahen again took control with Dvorak and Siems in pursuit. Exiting turn four on the final lap, it appeared as though McCahen was set to make his first-ever trip to victory lane when his #63 slipped off the high side of the corner. This allowed Dvorak to sneak by for the victory. Just after Dvorak took the checkers, the yellow flag came out for a pile-up on the low side of turn four. Since Dvorak had taken the checkers, the rest of the field was reverted back to the running order on the white flag lap. This allowed McCahen to salvage second ahead of Siems, points leader Tyler Droste and Ray Lundry.

It was the second win for Dvorak this season and the ninth SportMod win of his career at Independence. He is now within three victories of Josh Sherbon at the top of the all-time list.

Entering the night in the IMCA Hobby Stock division, seven straight different winners graced victory lane, one short of tying the all-time record. A winner just a few weeks ago, however, Chris Luloff looked to break that cycle in the 15-lap feature.

Outside front row starter Marcus Wayne took command at the drop of the green while Luloff quickly challenged from his third row starting spot. Luloff worked beneath Wayne after just two laps to take the lead while Jamie Whitaker was making noise. From a fifth row start, Whitaker slipped past second-running Andrew Lokenvitz after only four laps.

Luloff and Whitaker ran first and second over a pair of mid-race cautions that kept the field bunched. Following the final restart on lap eight, the leaders put on a whale of a show, as the Hobby Stocks have done week-in and week-out all season.

Swapping racing grooves, the lead pair also swapped positions over the final seven circuits. Luloff held the point until Whitaker made his way beneath the leader with just five laps to go. Luloff, however, fought back on the low side to take charge as the flying green waved. He pulled away late to score the victory, his second of the season. Whitaker ran second for the third straight week and fourth time in the last five weeks. Points leader Vince Buchholz finished third ahead of Quinton Miller and Rod Grother, who drove to his eighth straight top-10 finish.

For Luloff, it was the 17th Hobby Stock win of his career at Independence. The victory moved him past Brian Irvine for second on the all-time list. He now sits just three wins shy of tying Chris Wessner at the top over the division's 23-year history at the speedway.

Sean Johnson continued his dominance in the IMCA Stock Car division. After Jason Niedert and Tim Helle swapped the lead over the first two laps of the 15-lapper, Johnson worked into the lead from his fourth row start just prior to the race's only caution on lap three.

On the restart, Johnson pulled away from the field to win in convincing fashion ahead of Justin Temeyer. Mike Padden crossed the line in third, however he was disqualified for an illegal engine. This moved Kirk Fauser into the third finishing spot. Phil Holtz and points leader Jarod Weepie completed the top five.

It was Johnson's track-leading sixth feature win this season and the 14th of his career in the division. The victory moved him into a tie with Norman Chesmore for seventh on the all-time list. Johnson is now within a single victory of Tom Schmitt and within two wins of Larry Portis in that category.

Despite problems with the caution flag for the second straight week, the IMCA Modified feature offered some great racing in that 20-lap event. Pole-sitter Sean Rupp held the early advantage as he paced the field through a trio of stoppages over the first three laps. When racing resumed following the third caution, Ronn :Lauritzen entered the battle out front after starting in the third row.

Lauritzen worked past Rupp on lap six, just before the caution flag waved again. Following another pair of cautions on lap seven, Lauritzen set sail and pulled away from the field. Meanwhile, Patrick Flannagan, who started in the ninth row, made his way into second at the mid-way point.

Flannagan quickly went to work on cutting into Lauritzen's straightaway lead. He trimmed the margin to a couple car-lengths however he couldn't get any closer as Lauritzen drove to the victory. Flannagan and Rupp completed the top three. Tony Snyder and Johnathan Thimmesch ran fourth and fifth, repsectively.

It was Lauritzen's second Modified win at Independence. Ironically, while his first win came on his 50th night in a race car on August 22, 2009, his second career win at the speedway made him the 50th different Modified driver in track history with multiple wins. A busy guy behind the wheel this season, it was Lauritzen's 55th start in 2011.

Track promoter Cam Granger offered up $500 of additional incentives in honor of the Dick Frye Memorial. He gave $100 in random bonus money to five mystery positions, one position in each feature. The positions awarded the money were related to Frye's birthdate. Earning the extra cash were Luke Peskta (Late Model), Dennis Betzer (Modified), Paul Fauser (Stock Car), Tyler Droste (SportMod) and Vince Buchholz (Hobby Stock).

Prior to the night's events, all 109 cars pulled onto the front stretch in honor of the late Frye. Following a moment of silence, Frye's eight year old grandson, Carson, wowed the crowd by singing the national anthem, a duty he has proudly performed each year at the Memorial.

Tonight, I'll be back at Benton County Speedway in Vinton. I've been dusting off my scoring pen as I am scheduled to fill in for scorer Kevin Kemp tonight. Tomorrow, the World of Outlaws Late Models will be making its first-ever visit to Independence in an event that was postponed last month due to rain. IMCA Modifieds will also be competing for a $1,000 winner's share. Then, on Thursday, Corn Belt Clash action continues for a two-day swing in Minnesota. On Thursday, the Late Model tour heads to Redwood Speedway in Redwood Falls before a Friday stop at Chateau Raceway in Lansing. I'll have reports on all of those events right here at Positively Racing. See you at the races!

Birkhofer best in Corn Belt Clash at Cedar Lake Speedway

2011-08-05T17:26:00.001-05:00

Brian Birkhofer turned a Thursday night warm-up session into a $5,000 payday as the Muscatine, Iowa, driver won the Dart Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series presented by Cen-Pe-Co Lubricants feature at Cedar Lake Speedway. The event kicked off the 24th annual USA Nationals on the famed 3/8-mile oval in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and guaranteed Birkhofer a starting spot in the $50,000-to-win 100-lapper on Saturday.

Birkhofer, who won the first of five heats, started on the pole of the 10-lap fast dash. His win in the dash resulted in an outside second row starting spot for the 50-lap feature when he drew the #2 during the invert draw.

From his outside front row start, Birkhofer used the high side to drive to the lead. From there, he held off the early challenges of Jimmy Mars, Rick Eckert and then Mars once again following a pair of early restarts to drive to his first-ever series win.

Mars and Eckert swapped the runner-up spot during the early stages before Mars pulled ahead for good following the second stoppage. Clint Smith and Chris Simpson completed the top five.

FEATURE (50 laps / with starting positions)
1. (2) 15B Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, Iowa)
2. (1) 28M Jimmy Mars (Menomonie)
3. (5) 24 Rick Eckert (York, Pennsylvania)
4. (4) 44 Clint Smith (Senoia, Georgia)
5. (7) 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford, Iowa)
6. (10) 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon, Iowa)
7. (3) 11 Pat Doar (New Richmond)
8. (18) 1R Josh Richards (Shinnston, West Virginia)
9. (15) 58X A.J. Diemel (Nichols)
10. (20) 777 Jared Landers (Batesville, Arkansas)
11. (6) 39 Tim McCreadie (Watertown, New York)
12. (8) 2 Brady Smith (Solon Springs)
13. (23) 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield)
14. (11) 1 Brian Shirley (Chatham, Illinois)
15. (13) 98 Jason Rauen (Farley, Iowa)
16. (19) 18H Ronny Lee Hollingsworth (Northport, Alabama)
17. (24) 1* Chub Frank (Bear Lake, Pennsylvania)
18. (12) 32C Vic Coffey (Caledonia, New York)
19. (9) 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction, Iowa)
20. (14) 71 Andrew McKay (Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
21. (17) 93 Ray Moore (Haughton, Louisiana)
22. (25) 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
23. (26) 18 Dustin Hapka (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
24. (16) 89S Mike Spatola (Manhattan, Illinois)
25. (21) 21 Billy Moyer (Batesville, Arkansas)
26. (22) 15 Steve Francis (Ashland, Kentucky)

While working in the Corn Belt registration trailer, the biggest topic of discussion on the night was the draw/redraw format used by the series. Many of the touring Late Model drivers are not only used to time trial qualifying, they weren't overly excited at the "chance" involved in drawing random numbers to determine qualifying heat race lineups. In fact, of the 49 drivers signed in to compete at Cedar Lake, four didn't even make an attempt to qualify after they realized why they had drawn a number.

As I explained the procedure for the evening's events to a number of drivers and crews, the reactions I witnessed weren't exactly pleasant. One driver explained to me that a draw/redraw format might be good for a weekly show or for a regular CBC series race, however it wasn't a good idea when racers of this "caliber" were competing against each other. This driver indicated that even the best of the best would struggle to qualify if starting at the back of a heat with similar drivers.

My reaction to this was what my reaction always has been to those who prefer time trial qualifying and/or a passing points system. The show is for the fans and the drivers are there to entertain. In short, time trials are boring and generally result in lackluster heat races anyway when they are lined up based on fast times. As for passing points, they take the enjoyment out of the show. No race fan wants to decipher who qualified based on where a driver started versus where that driver finished compared to the other competitors.

I think our conversation went south when I made a simple comment - "You did come here to race, right?"

I did a little number crunching on last night's draws, lineups and finishes. The most glaring thing that jumped out at me to "defend" the draw/redraw format was the driver who drew the worst number of the night. While there were 49 drivers in attendance, 48 drivers drew for their starting spot. (One driver forgot to draw and started at the back of a heat.) Of the 48 who drew, however, Josh Richards drew the worst number of the field, putting him in the final starting spot of the 10-car third heat (which turned into a nine-car heat when one driver opted not to start).

The top four finishers in each heat qualified for the feature, with the top two qualifying for the fast dash. Richards drove from a last place starting spot to a fourth place finish, which landed him 18th on the starting grid for the feature. From there, Richards drove to an eighth place finish. I'd say going from a 48th place draw to an eighth place feature finish makes it possible to out-race your draw.

Also, for those who didn't make it out of their heats, there were two last-chance races. The top two finishers from each of the last chance races tagged the tail of the heat race qualifiers for the feature. The rank of the original draw numbers of the four B feature transfers to the feature were 28, 30, 34 and 36... out of 48. None of those qualifiers came from the top half of the draw and, yes, there were plenty of the top-half draw cars in the field.

When not counting the two provisional starters for the feature, who qualified based on CBC points, there were 24 "qualified" cars in the main event. Of those 24 cars, 11 were in the bottom half of the original draw pool. That's one car shy of half the feature field coming from the bottom half of the draw. You can split hairs over it not being an even 50-50 split from top to bottom, if you insist.

While the draw did seem to bring with it some unnecessary attention last night, I want to thank the entire CLS crew for their hospitality. Special thanks goes out to track announcer Chris Stepan for taking care of the announcing duties for the Late Models while I worked on results, lineups and payout.

After a night off tonight, it's back to Independence Motor Speedway on Saturday for the rescheduled Dick Frye Memorial. Then, on Sunday, I'll be back at Benton County Speedway in Vinton prior to a return trip to Independence on Monday for the rescheduled World of Outlaws Late Model Series. It should be a great three days of racing!

Thanks for reading.

Stats Blitz! Numbers through July at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-08-01T22:31:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the third installment of the 2011 Stats Blitz! Throughout the year, I’ll offer month-by-month updates of all things statistical at Independence Motor Speedway. The statistics included here are through 10 nights of weekly racing (the end of July).

There are some all-time statistics included, dating back to 1967. While the track was believed to have opened in 1965, my records date back to the beginning of the 1967 season. All of the “all-time” statistics here include races from only the five divisions that currently compete weekly at the speedway. Modifieds started competing in 1983, Hobby Stocks in 1989, Stock Cars in 1993 and SportMods in 2008. The information included for the Late Models dates back to 1967.

As always, special thanks to track photographer Scott Tjabring of Action Track Photography for allowing me to use his photos. Check out his excellent work at Action Track Photos. This month, there are a few "oldies" thrown in. Thanks to Mark Jacobs of Speed Shots and Les Houser for offering up old pics.

Car Count
Division - Average - High - Low
Late Model – 22.0 - 29 - 18
Modified – 25.6 - 29 - 20
Stock Car – 15.7 - 18 - 13
SportMod – 17.6 - 24 - 13
Hobby Stock – 21.3 - 23 - 19
TOTAL – 102.2 - 111 - 96

Points
* 181 drivers have earned points so far this season.
* 63 different hometowns are represented on the points sheet.
* Points leaders account for eight of the 50 total feature wins through 10 weeks. Jerry Luloff (Modifieds), Jarod Weepie (Stock Cars) and Vince Buchholz (Hobby Stocks) lead the standings in their respective divisions, but have yet to record a feature win in 2011.

IN THE HUNT
* 27 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points following all 10 weeks of the season. Those drivers include:
Late Model (4): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Jon Passick, Travis Smock;
Modified (6): Mike Burbridge, Troy Cordes, Patrick Flannagan, Adam Johnson, Jerry Luloff, Tony Olson;
Stock Car (6): Norman Chesmore, Austin Evens, Tim Helle, Sean Johnson, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (6): Jim Buhlman, Tyler Droste, Danny Dvorak, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry, Josh Sherbon;
Hobby Stock (5): August Bach, Vince Buchholz, Nathan Christie, Chris Wiltse, Steve Wiltse.

* 13 drivers have remained in the top-5 in the points following all 10 weeks of the season. Those drivers include:
Late Model (3): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Travis Smock;
Modified (2): Patrick Flannagan, Adam Johnson;
Stock Car (4): Norman Chesmore, Sean Johnson, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (3): Tyler Droste, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry;
Hobby Stock (1): Vince Buchholz.

FRONT-RUNNER - Adam Johnson has remained in the top 5 of the IMCA Modified points all season at Independence. His two feature wins this season have kept him in contention for his first track championship in the division.

Feature Winners
* There have been 31 different feature winners in 50 feature events this season.
* There have been five different winners the last five weeks in both the Late Model and Modified divisions.

Making history…
Late Model: Tyler Bruening carries a 22-point lead into the final month of the season. The defending track champion in the division, Bruening looks to become the first back-to-back titlist in the Late Models since Curt Martin won three straight from 2004-2006. Martin was also the last Late Model driver to record his first two track championships in back-to-back seasons. He did that in 1984-1985, then won the division again in 1986.

BACK-TO-BACK BRUENING? - Tyler Bruening is looking to repeat as track champion in the IMCA Late Model division. He is four weeks away from becoming the first repeat champion in the division in five years.

Modified: Jerry Luloff is the all-time leader in Modified track championships at Independence. Entering the 2011 season, he won four titles outright and shared one, giving him five championships. The points leader entering the final month of the season, Luloff is positioning himself to earn his sixth track championship in the division at the track. He currently has no feature wins this season, however he won his last title in 2006 without a single trip to the winner's circle. In fact, three of the last five Modified champions at Independence won their titles without a single feature win (Luloff, 2006; Troy Cordes, 2008 and 2010).

SIX PACK - Jerry Luloff is a month shy of becoming the first-ever six-time IMCA Modified track champion at the speedway. No other Modified driver currently has more than four titles.

Stock Car: Jarod Weepie is seeking his fifth Stock Car championship in the last seven years. Entering August, Weepie carries a slim eight-point margin over both Sean Johnson and Dave Stricker. While it is uncommon for a track champion to win a title without a feature win, Weepie hasn't even finished in the top two of a feature yet this season. His consistency has carried him to the top as he has scored four third place finishes and a pair each of fourth, fifth and eighth place finishes through 10 weeks.

FIVE OF SEVEN? - Jarod Weepie is looking to earn his fifth IMCA Stock Car title at Independence in the last seven years.

SportMod: Tyler Droste leads the points heading the final month of the 2011 season. In the closest points battle at the track this season, there are five other drivers within 16 points of his lead. All 10 SportMod feature wins have come from the top six in points. The only driver in that group without a win yet this season is Jim Buhlman, however seven straight top-5 finishes from June 4 to July 16 have kept him in the hunt. Danny Dvorak, currently sixth in points, is the only driver in the top six who has won the SportMod title at Indee (2008). Droste ended June sitting fourth in the standings, however five straight top-3 finishes, including three wins, have propelled him to the top of the standings.

UNCHARTERED TERRITORY - Tyler Droste is seeking his first career track championship in the IMCA SportMod division. He leads a close battle among six drivers heading into the final month of the season.

Hobby Stock: Entering the July 30 racing program, Vince Buchholz held the largest lead of any points leader at the speedway, a 17 point margin. The only driver in the division to possess top-10 finishes through the first nine nights of the season, Buchholz' streak came to an end on July 30 when he left the feature early and was scored 18th. Despite that finish, Buchholz still holds a slim two-point margin over Chris Wiltse and an eight-point edge over Jamie Whitaker. The 2003 Hobby Stock champion, Buchholz is looking to become just the third driver in the 23-year history of the division at Independence to earn a second track title (Patrick Stransbery in 2002 and 2005; Josh Irvine in 2007 and 2009). The biggest mover in the division, Whitaker sat eighth in points at the end of June. He used four straight top-three finishes in July (and six top-threes in the last seven nights), to launch to third in the standings. Likewise, Wiltse has kept pace with five straight top-10s.

DOUBLE TROUBLE - Vince Buchholz is looking to become just the third Hobby Stock driver in speedway history to earn a second track title in the division.

Top-10s

* 128 drivers have earned at least one top-10 finish this season.
* 5 drivers have earned top-10 finishes in all 10 features:
Late Model (0): None; Tyler Bruening, Jon Passick and Travis Smock lead the division with nine top-10s;
Modified (1): Jerry Luloff;
Stock Car (1): Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (3): Danny Dvorak, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry;
Hobby Stock (0): None; Vince Buchholz leads the division with nine top-10s.

PERFECT 10 - Ray Lundry has earned 10 top-10 feature finishes in the IMCA SportMod division this season to remain within striking distance of the track championship.

Top-5s
* 80 drivers have earned at least one top-5 finish this season.
* No drivers have earned top-5 finishes in all features this season. The drivers with the most top-5 feature finishes in each division are as follows:
Late Model: Tyler Bruening (7);
Modified: Adam Johnson, Jerry Luloff (6 each);
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie (8);
SportMod: Josh Sherbon (8);
Hobby Stock: Vince Buchholz, Justin Lichty, Jamie Whitaker (6 each).

FIVE UP HIGH - Nobody has more top-5 feature finishes this season than Josh Sherbon. The IMCA SportMod driver has earned eight top-5 finishes in 10 nights of racing.

GOING STREAKING
The longest current top-5 streak in each division includes:
Late Model: Tyler Bruening (3 straight top-5 finishes);
Modified: Adam Johnson (3);
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie (2);
SportMod: Tyler Droste, Josh Sherbon (5 each);
Hobby Stock: Jamie Whitaker (4).

Top-3s
* 58 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish this season.
* No drivers have earned top-3 finishes in all features this season. The drivers with the most top-3 feature finishes in each division are as follows:
Late Model: Tyler Bruening (6);
Modified: Vern Jackson (5);
Stock Car: Sean Johnson (5, all wins);
SportMod: Tyler Droste (7);
Hobby Stock: Jamie Whitaker (6).

HOT SHOT - Jamie Whitaker is currently on one of the hottest streaks at the speedway. The IMCA Hobby Stock driver has recorded four consecutive top-3 feature finishes and six top-3s in his last seven outings.

Feature Lap Leaders
* 69 drivers have led at least one lap of feature competition.
* Division lap leaders include:
Late Model (13 total different lap leaders): Luke Merfeld (50 laps led), Tyler Bruening (45), Luke Pestka (33), Rob Toland (25), Curt Martin (23);
Modified (16): Vern Jackson (50 laps led), Justin O'Brien (20), Leon Wilson (16), Adam Johnson (14), Troy Cordes (13);
Stock Car (11): Sean Johnson (85 laps led); Dave Stricker (26); Kirk Fauser (14); Thomas Thompson and Paul Fauser (6 each);
SportMod (13): Tyler Droste (36 laps led); Danny Dvorak (31); Josh Sherbon (24); Lucas Lundry and Ray Lundry (13 each);
Hobby Stock (16): Jamie Whitaker (28 laps led); Chris Luloff (20); Justin Stander (16); Rod Grother (15); Scott Pippert and Steve Wiltse (14 each).

PURSUIT OF 100 - IMCA Stock Car driver Sean Johnson has led 85 laps of feature action this season, tops among all drivers at the speedway. A flag-to-flag feature win next week will give him 100 laps led for the season.

Heat Races
* There have been 62 different winners in 132 heat races.
* Tyler Bruening (Late Models) leads all drivers with eight heat wins in 10 weeks, including six straight heat wins entering August. He has finished no worse than second in a heat this season, meaning 28 of his 389 points have come in heat race competition which is 12 points more than Jon Passick, who sits second in the Late Model standings.
* Vern Jackson (Modifieds) is the only seven-timer in heat race competition. He has won his heat each of the past two weeks. No other Modified driver has more than four heat wins.
* No other driver has more than five heat wins this season. The five-time winners include Josh Sherbon (SportMods) and Chris Luloff (Hobby Stocks).

Efficiency Stats
* A total of 188 races have been run this season.
* A total of 1,990 laps have been completed.
* A total of 213 caution flags have been thrown.
* Of the 188 races this season, 93 have been caution-free.
* 155 of the 213 cautions have occurred during features.
* The Hobby Stock division (33 cautions in 39 total events) has had the best caution per race ratio by averaging .85 cautions for every race.
* The Late Model division (40 cautions in 489 total laps) has had the best caution per race lap ratio by averaging 12.23 laps of green flag racing between caution flags. The Late Model feature ran caution-free four times over a five week stretch from June 18 to July 16.
* The caution flag has flown only four times in 29 heat races for the Hobby Stocks this season and just five times in the 20 Stock Car heats.
* The Late Model division leads the way by averaging 11.40 completed laps of feature racing before the first yellow flag. The Hobby Stocks have the second best mark in this category with an average of 5.30 feature laps completed before the first caution.

Since the year 1967...
* 654 Late Model feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 97 different winners. On average, a new Late Model winner visits victory lane every 6.74 events.
* 424 Modified feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 78 different winners. On average, a new Modified winner visits victory lane every 5.43 events.
* 272 Stock Car feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 40 different winners. On average, a new Stock Car winner visits victory lane every 6.8 events.
* 47 SportMod feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 13 different winners. On average, a new SportMod winner visits victory lane every 3.61 events.
* 333 Hobby Stock feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 86 different winners. On average, a new Hobby Stock winner visits victory lane every 3.87 events.
* Overall, in the last 44-plus seasons, there have been 1,730 features completed in the five divisions that currently compete at the speedway.

Qualifying Streaks
* The longest currently active feature qualifying streaks for weekly competition in each division include:
Late Model: Darren Ackerman has qualified for 69 consecutive features. His last miss was June 3, 2006.
Modified: Jerry Luloff has qualified for 207 consecutive features. His last miss was July 5, 1997.
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie has qualified for 146 consecutive features. His last miss was June 9, 2001.
Hobby Stock: Rod Grother has qualified for 25 consecutive features. His last miss was August 22, 2009.
SportMod: Jim Buhlman has qualified for all 47 features dating back to the first one at the speedway on June 21, 2008.

Rainout Trends
* The month of July was scheduled for five race events and four of them were completed successfully. July 2, 16 and 30 remain perfect all-time at Independence as all six times each of those dates have had weekly racing scheduled, the show was successfully completed. July 23 rained out for the first time in track history this season and 1988 remains the only July 9 rainout.

THE FORECAST
* There are four dates scheduled for weekly racing in the month of August this season (6, 13, 20, 27). Of those, only August 6 and August 20 have ever rained out - August 6, 1977 and August 20, 1983. August 13 and 27 are both a perfect 5-0 for scheduled weekly racing at Independence, meaning the combined record for weekly racing on the August dates on this year's calendar is 18-2.
* There have been 22 rain-free Augusts of racing, all in the last 35 years. There have been no rainouts at Independence in the month of August since August 4, 2007. That means there have been 16 straight Saturdays of August racing at Independence. Prior to the rainout in 2007, the last August rainout was August 28, 2004, meaning 24 of the last 25 weekly races scheduled in August at Indee have been successful.
* Since 1967, there have been 172 rainouts in 809 total weekly races scheduled. The month of August has had the second-best race-to-rainout ratio as only 29 events have been rained out of the 191 scheduled. That means 84.8% of all weekly shows scheduled for the month of August have been successfully completed.
* When breaking down the season into halves where May and June comprise the first half of the season (not including any April dates) and July and August comprise the second half, historically, there are nearly half as many rainouts during the second half of the season than there are in the first half. Entering August of 2011, there have been 104 rainouts during the first half of the season and only 55 rainouts during the months of July and August.

Stuff Nobody Should Know…
* The starting spot to produce the largest number of feature winners is inside row five. That position has produced eight winners overall this season.
* The starting spot in the first five rows to produce the fewest number of feature winners is the pole position. Only one time this season (Luke Merfeld on June 11) has a feature winner started on the pole. In the previous six seasons, by the end of July there had been a combined 30 winners from the pole position.
* No feature winners have come from the front row in the Modified, Stock Car and SportMod divisions. Only three front row starters have won this season, twice in Late Models and once in Hobby Stocks. No drivers won from the front row in the month of July.
* Dave Stricker (Stock Car) and Justin Lichty (Hobby Stock) are the only drivers to have earned at least one finish in each of the top-5 finishing positions so far this season.
* Prior to his first win of the season on July 30, Quinton Miller (Hobby Stock) had three second place finishes this season to three different drivers (August Bach, Rod Grother and Chris Luloff). The only other driver at the speedway with three runner-up finishes is Jamie Whitaker (Hobby Stock). He, too, has finished second to three different winners (Chris Wiltse, Steve Wiltse and Quinton Miller).
* Of all top-10 feature finishing positions among all divisions (a combined 50 positions), only three have not produced duplicate finishes by the same driver. Huh? Well, to make it clear (I hope), through 10 weeks, there have been 10 different fifth place finishers in the Late Model division, 10 different 10th place finishers in the Late Model division and 10 different 10th place finishers in the Modified division.
* Sean Johnson (Stock Car) has led the most feature laps of any driver at the speedway this season. He has led 85 of 154 total Stock Car feature laps. Johnson has held the lead in seven of the 10 features so far this season, including each of the last three weeks. The other five combined Stock Car feature winners have led a total of 16 laps.
* Every Late Model feature winner has taken the lead by lap 15.
* A car with a letter in its number has led 151 of 154 total Stock Car feature laps.
* A car without a letter in its number has led 142 of 150 total Hobby Stock feature laps.
* Tyler Bruening (Late Model), Dave Stricker (Stock Car), Ray Lundry (SportMod) and Vince Buchholz (Hobby Stock) are the only drivers to remain in the top three of his division's points every week this season. Bruening and Buchholz have been no lower than second. Adam Johnson leads the Modifieds in this category as his lowest position this season has been fourth.
* Danny Dvorak (SportMods) has recorded nine straight top-3 finishes in heat race competition, Justin Lichty (Hobby Stock) has recorded eight straight top-3s and Chris Luloff (Hobby Stock) has recorded a top-3 heat race finish in each of the seven nights he has competed this season.
* Six features have gone caution-free this season - Late Model (4 times), Hobby Stock (1), Stock Car (1).
* Since the 1989 season, 87 track champions have been crowned among the five divisions that currently compete at Independence. Of those track champions, 64 were leading the points in their respective division at the end of July. The breakdown is as follows:

Late Model: 17 of 22 Late Model track champions held the points lead at the end of July, including Denny Osborn (1989), Curt Martin (1990, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2006), Gary Crawford (1993), Greg Kastli (1994, 2002, 2003), Rick Wendling (1995, 1996), Kevin Pittman (1998), Darren Ackerman (2007, 2009), and Tyler Bruening (2010). CURRENT LEADER: Tyler Bruening - Dating back to the start of the 2010 season, Bruening has led the Late Model points at the end of seven consecutive months. It is the longest such Late Model streak in at least the last 23 years.

TWICE AS NICE - Rick Wendling earned two consecutive Late Model track championships in 1985 and 1986. He is shown here during his 1985 run. Tyler Bruening hopes to join Wendling as a back-to-back titlist in the division this season. (photo courtesy of Les Houser)

Modified: 14 of 22 Modified track champions held the points lead at the end of July, including Tom Bartholomew (1989, 1992), Owen Grube (1993), Steve Droste (1994, 1996), Scott Hogan (1997, 2003), Jerry Luloff (1999, 2000, 2001, 2006), Troy Cordes (2002, 2010) and Darin Duffy (2009). CURRENT LEADER: Jerry Luloff - Not including this year, in the past 12 seasons Luloff has held the points lead six times heading into the final month ('99, '00, '01, '04, '06, '07). He has earned five track titles in that time ('99, '00, '01, '05, '06). The year he won the title after not leading the points at the end of July (2005), Luloff was second in the standings heading into the final month, 12 points behind Troy Cordes.

MID-90s MODS - No stranger to the winner's circle, Steve Droste earned three straight track championships from 1994-1996. Jerry Luloff entered the division in 1997 and is seeking his sixth title since 1999. (photo courtesy of Mark Jacobs/Speed Shots)

Stock Car: 13 of 18 Stock Car track champions held the points lead at the end of July, including Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004), Larry Portis (1995), Jarod Weepie (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010). CURRENT LEADER: Jarod Weepie - Not including this year, in the past six seasons, Weepie has held the points lead five times heading into the final month ('05, '06, '07, '08, '10). He has earned four track titles in that time ('05, '07, '08, '10).

PORTIS POWER - Larry Portis (shown here in 1995) is one of only three IMCA Stock Car drivers to earn a track championship after leading the points entering the final month of the season. (photo courtesy of Les Houser)

Hobby Stock: 17 of 22 Hobby Stock track champions held the points lead at the end of July, including Steve Holthaus (1989), Lon Gadow (1990), Jerry Luloff (1991), Forrest Frost (1992), Kevin Hoehne (1994), Chris Wessner (1995), Todd Temeyer (1996), Nick Wroten (1998), Doug Otto (1999), Scooter Dulin (2001), Patrick Stansbery (2002, 2005), Vince Buchholz (2003), Brian Irvine (2004), Josh Irvine (2007, 2009) and Chris Luloff (2008). CURRENT LEADER: Vince Buchholz - Buchholz has led the points twice entering the final month of the season ('03, '10) and earned the track title in 2003.

WHOOP WHOOP - During both of his championship runs, Josh Irvine (shown here in 2007) led the points entering the month of August.

SportMod: All three IMCA SportMod track champions held the points lead entering the final month of the season: Danny Dvorak (2008), Kyle Bentley (2009), Austin Kaplan (2010). CURRENT LEADER: Tyler Droste - In only his second year in the division, Droste has held the points lead at the end of a calendar month twice in his career - May and July of this year. He is in search of his first career track championship.

INAUGURAL CHAMP - Danny Dvorak (yes, he drove the #45) works the low side of Travis Brown in the first season of IMCA SportMod racing at Independence in 2008. Dvorak drove to the track's first championship. No repeat winners since that time, Tyler Droste is looking to become the fourth different titlist in as many seasons.

While 64 of 87 seems to be a guarantee that the current points leaders are bound for title honors, it still leaves a few questions. Odds are, one of the current leaders will not carry home the hardware. Who will it be, if any? With the tightest points battles in recent memory heading into the final month, the last four nights of weekly racing are bound to add a little more history to the speedway.

That will take care of this month. Check back at the end of August for the final Blitz of the summer! Thanks for reading!

Docekal dominates IMCA Modifieds at Benton County Speedway

2011-07-31T22:35:00.002-05:00

Joe Docekal put on a clinic in the IMCA Modifieds at Benton County Speedway on Sunday night. After the field was bottle-necked in turns one and two on the first lap, Docekal emerged in second place after starting in the fourth row. He chased down Patrick Flannagan one lap later, then swept past the race leader to assume command. Docekal started to pull away from the field until the race's only caution on lap six.

On the restart, Docekal picked up where he left off and ran away from the pack. As Docekal approached lapped traffic around the midway point of the 20-lapper, Shawn Ryan worked through the field and challenged Flannagan for second. Ryan, who started in the fifth row, slipped beneath Flannagan on the 10th circuit, but remained a straightaway behind Docekal.

Docekal pulled away from the field to score the win by nearly half of a track ahead of Ryan and Flannagan on the ultra-fast, smooth quarter-mile. In the tech area, Joe asked how the race looked. When I joked to him it was "boring" from an excitement standpoint, he laughed. Docekal said it "felt good" and then I informed him he was nearly half a track ahead of the second place car. His response was simply, "Really?" Docekal was truly the class of the field tonight.

1. 12D Joe Docekal
2. 91 Shawn Ryan
3. F7 Patrick Flannagan
4. 33D Scott Hogan
5. T23 Tony Olson
6. 22 Brandon Banks
7. 25T Duane Peterson
8. 01 Ed Thomas
9. 7 Todd Jensen
10. 111 Buster Pate

Curt Hilmer set the early pace in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature. Hilmer distanced himself from second-running Dave Schulze while Kyle Olson marched through the field from a fourth row starting spot. By the time the first caution waved on lap five, Olson was running fourth and quickly disposed of Brennen Chipp when racing resumed.

As Olson worked toward the front, Schulze made his to the inside of Hilmer for the lead just prior to the midway point. Two laps later, Olson snuck below Hilmer to take second and then set his sights on the leader. Olson inched ahead just before the caution flag waved again on lap nine. The caution flag waved again on lap 11 for debris on the speedway, which turned out to be Olson's left rear spring. Despite his newly altered low-rider, Olson held on to score the win ahead of Schulze. Danny Dvorak made a strong run through the field to come home third after starting 11th.

1. K3 Kyle Olson
2. J2 Dave Schulze
3. 3R Danny Dvorak
4. 22H Curt Hilmer
5. 3D Drew Fish
6. 3 Dave McCalla
7. 00 Jim Buhlman
8. 28P Rick Paulson
9. 505 Racer Hulin
10. 33 Ed O'Brien

Three features ran without a single stoppage tonight as the IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Sport Compacts ran flag-to-flag.

In the Hobby Stock 15-lapper, outside front row starter Justin Wacha took command at the drop of the green. He paced the field while Justin Stander and Matt Brown gave chase. As the leaders battled, Scott Pippert worked into the mix from a fifth row start as the foursome ran side-by-side, two rows deep at the front of the pack.

Stander made his way around the outside of Wacha on lap five while Pippert worked the low groove. Pippert quickly pulled even with Stander and took over on the following lap. He led the remainder of the event to score the win and extend his points lead. Brown worked past Stander midway through the event to drive to a second place finish.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 78 Matt Brown
3. 67 Justin Stander
4. 25 Doug Laughridge
5. 45 Justin Wacha
6. 09 Brad Forbes
7. 2P Cale Peterson
8. 55 Vince Buchholz
9. 07 Jacob Keiser
10. 11 Brian Bries

In the Stock Car division, pole-sitter Andrew Burk took the lead at the start of that 15-lapper. Burk paced the field as Austin Evens pursued. Evens snuck beneath Burk to take charge for a couple of laps before Burk fought back to assume the top spot once more on the fourth circuit.

As Burk led, Curtis Roster made some noise as he slipped past Evens at the midway point of the event, then went to work on chasing down Burk. Although Roster closed the gap, Burk was too strong as he powered to his first win on the Vinton oval. In victory lane, track announcer Bucky Doren asked Burk why he started pulling from the Quad Cities to run on Sundays at Vinton. Without hesitation, Burk explained that he used to race at Quad City Speedway in East Moline, Ill., but was recently kicked out. Ahhh, gotta love victory lane interviews.

1. 20B Andrew Burk
2. 8 Curtis Roster
3. 9E Austin Evens
4. 3T Scooter Dulin
5. 56T Justin Temeyer
6. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
7. 15 Norman Chesmore
8. 76 Mike Galli
9. 10 John Schaefer
10. 17 Jason Niedert

Although he was one of the last cars at the track Sunday, Nathan Chandler proved to be the fastest Sport Compact in attendance. From his third row starting spot, Chandler ran the low groove past leader Tyler Whalen on just the second circuit to take command of the 12-lap feature. Chandler pulled away from the pack to continue his hot streak at the speedway by taking a convincing win ahead of Bill Whalen Jr.

1. 22 Nathan Chandler (drove his own car tonight and avoided the Chandler Sport Compact Carousel)
2. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
3. 2 Merv Chandler (normally the #1)
4. 1 Tyler Whalen (normally the #07X)
5. 51 Bryce Bailey
6. 8M Jacob McVay
7. 35 Brett Vanous
8. 13X James Stevens
9. 07 Joe Goodenbauer
10. 2ND Brad Chandler (also avoided the Chandler Chinese fire drill at the start of Sport Compact qualifying)

After a whirlwind tour of six different tracks in the last eight days, my schedule will take a breather for the first half of the week. My next trip will be to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., on Thursday night for the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series.

Prior to the next CBC stop, I plan to post this month's installment of the Stats Blitz for Independence Motor Speedway. A lot of the numbers have already been crunched so I hope to have that online sometime tomorrow night or Tuesday night, depending how my return to my "real job" goes tomorrow after a week of vacation. Have a great week!

Johnsons sweep for first time at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-07-31T11:52:00.002-05:00

Although Adam and Sean Johnson had each spent a fair amount of time in victory lane, the brothers had never won features on the same night in front of their hometown fans at Independence Motor Speedway - until Saturday night. After Sean dominated the IMCA Stock Car feature, Adam made an impressive run through the field to survive the time-shortened IMCA Modified main.

A nice field of 109 race teams signed in to the pit area, matching season highs in the Modified and Hobby Stock divisions for McDonald's Night at the Races.

Pole sitter Tim Helle held the early lead in the 15-lap Stock Car feature as Sean Johnson worked the low groove into contention from a fourth row start. Mike Padden made his way around Helle for the lead on lap two as Johnson continued his charge toward the front. Johnson slipped beneath Helle and Roger Ciesielski for second after just three laps and then made his way past Padden for the lead one lap later.

As Johnson led, Justin Temeyer was making his way through the field after starting in the fifth row. Temeyer worked into second just shy of the midway point. Temeyer uncharacteristically spun out on the low side of turn two one lap later, ending his bid for the win. Johnson skated away to score his division-leading fifth win of the season. Ciesielski ran second ahead of Kirk Fauser and Dave Stricker. Points leader Jarod Weepie completed the top five. It was Johnson's 13th win in his Stock Car career at Independence. The victory pulled him to within a single victory of Norman Chesmore for seventh on the all-time wins list.

Ed Thomas and Keith Pittman provided an entertaining battle at the front of the IMCA Modified feature while three and four-wide racing was common throughout the front half of the 23-car field. The pair swapped the lead over a trio of cautions that plagued the first five laps. As they battled, Adam Johnson worked through the field from a sixth row start, settling into second just prior to the lap five stoppage.

Johnson shot to the low side of Thomas when racing resumed to take command. He then held off the persistent challenges of Mike Burbridge to score his second win of the season in an event that timed out after 13 laps. Burbridge ran second ahead of Jerry King and Shawn Ryan. Points leader Jerry Luloff, who was forced to qualify through the B feature, made a nice run through traffic to come home fifth after starting 18th. It was Johnson's sixth trip to the winner's circle in the Modifieds at Independence, tying him for 22nd on the all-time list with Corey Dripps, Craig Haupt, Garry Stuber, J.D. Auringer and Todd Jensen.

Quinton Miller added another hometown name to the list of winners as the Independence driver topped the IMCA Hobby Stock division. It was outside front row starter Shawn Kuennen who led the field to green in the 15-lapper. Kuennen paced the field as Miller quickly challenged from his second row start.

Miller dropped to the low side of Kuennen exiting turn two on the fifth lap to snare the lead. He survived a pair of late cautions to score the victory, his first of the season. Jamie Whitaker ran second ahead of Chris Wiltse, who edged Rod Grother by a bumper at the line for third. August Bach came home fifth. Points leader Vince Buchholz was black-flagged midway through the event after his #55 was displaying substantial amounts of smoke. His DNF allowed Wiltse to close to within two points of the division lead.

For Miller, it was the sixth win of his career at Independence, moving him into a tie for 13th on the all-time list with Chris Schares, Rod Grother, Tim Bartholomew and Todd Temeyer. It also marked the fifth consecutive season with a feature win for Miller. He joins Justin Lichty as the only drivers with the longest such current streak in the division.

A 12-car pile-up in the IMCA Late Model feature turned the line-up upside down after the lap five stoppage. Entering turn three on that circuit, a couple of the front-runners got together, which created a chain reaction throughout the field, forcing red flag conditions. When the dust settled, all drivers were okay, and only two were unable to continue - Dean Wagner and Joel Brasch.

To show how the pile-up affected the running order, Darren Ackerman brought out the caution on the previous lap for a solo spin. He restarted at the tail of the 25-car field for that restart. For the restart on the following lap, however, he realigned tenth.

Luke Pestka, who started outside of row two, quickly made his way to the front and out of harm's way. He took charge on the first lap and never looked back to take his second career win at Independence, his first since August 9, 2008. Tyler Bruening and Travis Smock, who were involved in the lap five melee, worked their way back through the pack for respective second and third place finishes. Luke Merfeld ran fourth ahead of division rookie Rory Metcalf.

Ray Lundry ran the high side around leader Danny Dvorak to drive to his first IMCA SportMod win of the season. From his fourth row start, Lundry ran the top groove to perfection as he challenged for the lead a handful of laps into the 15-lapper. He swept past Dvorak just past the midway point to drive to the victory. Tyler Droste, who was penalized four spots for jumping a restart midway through the event, made a nice run through the field to come home second ahead of Dvorak. Josh Sherbon and Lucas Lundry completed the top five.

The third SportMod win of Lundry's career, he is now tied with Chris Luloff and Lucas Lundry for fifth on the all-time list at Indee.

Last night's show completed the July schedule for this season at Independence. As time allows this week, I'll try to get the latest Stats Blitz compiled and posted. Tonight, it's back to Benton County Speedway in Vinton for its weekly show. Then, on Thursday night, I'm scheduled to head to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., for the next installment of the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series.

"C"had "B"anks "C"ash, Simpson tops CBC field at CJ Speedway

2011-07-29T01:40:00.001-05:00

Chad Simpson completed the sweep of three straight days of Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series racing with a triumph at CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction on Thursday night during the Louisa County Fair. Simpson, who started the 30-lapper from the fifth row, made his way to the front 10 laps into the event to take home the $3,000 winner's share.

Pole-sitter Kurt Kile held the early lead and paced the field until he slipped off the high side in turns one and two following the completion of the ninth lap. By that time, Simpson was in the cat bird's seat and slid past for the lead. He ran uncontested over the final 20 circuits to earn his third series wins in as many days.

Chris Simpson, who started alongside his brother in the fifth row, had a nice run of his own as he finished second ahead of Kevin Kile. Tim Isebnerg ran fourth for the second consecutive night ahead of Jeremiah Hurst, who earned his first top-five finish of the season. Justin Mitchell was the hard-charger on the night, advancing seven positions from a 13th starting spot to finish sixth.

FEATURE (30 laps, with starting positions)
1. (9) 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon)
2. (10) 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford)
3. (2) 88 Kevin Kile (West Liberty)
4. (5) 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield, WI)
5. (3) 15H Jeremiah Hurst (Dubuque)
6. (13) 28X Justin Mitchell (Cedar Rapids)
7. (4) 3 Kevin Sather (Ankeny)
8. (12) 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin)
9. (16) 1M Rob Moss (Iowa City)
10. (1) 77 Kurt Kile (Nichols)
11. (11) 58 Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove)
12. (15) 45H Todd Hansen (Muscatine)
13. (14) 15K Justin Kay (Wheatland)
14. (7) 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction)
15. (8) 33 Nick Marolf (Moscow)
16. (6/DNS) 20 Jake Meier (Tipton)
17. (17/DNS) 3X Skip Frey (Ely)

In other action, Steve Stewart continued his dominance on the CJ oval as he drove to the win in the Modifieds. Stewart made his way to the front just shy of the midway point to drive to the win. Justin Buchholz finished the Mod Lite feature right where he started it. From the drop of the green, Buchholz dominated the 12-lapper to take the win. In the IMCA Sport Compacts, Tyler Whalen was also a green-to-checkers winner as he led the 10-lap feature in its entirety to score the victory.

Thanks to the entire crew at CJ for their hospitality and a fun night at the track. Despite a rain delay just after the start of the heat races, the final checkers waved at 10:20.

Up next for the Corn Belt Clash is a trip to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., next Thursday, August 4, before a two-day Minnesota swing August 11 and 12 at Redwood Speedway and Chateau Raceway.

Following a night away from the track tomorrow, it's back to weekly racing for me at Independence Motor Speedway on Saturday. This weekend it's McDonald's Night and Ronald himself is scheduled to make an appearance. Bring the entire family for another night of Fast Family Fun!

Simpson scores again, wins CBC at Highway 3 Raceway

2011-07-28T02:48:00.001-05:00

Chad Simpson scored his second win in as many days during the Corn Belt Clash stop at Highway 3 Raceway on Wednesday night. Simpson, who started outside the third row, engaged in a great battle with pole-sitter Dave Eckrich for much of the 25-lapper before finally taking charge with seven laps to go.

Eckrich set the pace at the drop of the green while Simpson made his way through traffic and into second place just three laps into the event. Simpson quickly chased down Eckrich and the leaders provided a great battle for the top spot for a dozen laps.

Simpson ran the low side with Eckrich a groove above him as the two swapped the lead throughout most of the event. Simpson finally broke free with seven laps to go to drive to the win, his fifth on the tour this season. Chris Simpson made his way around Eckrich late to take second.

For Chad, it was his 15th career series win as he extended his points lead to 18 markers over Chris.

FEATURE (25 laps, with starting positions)
1. (6) 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon)
2. (5) 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford)
3. (1) 58 Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove)
4. (3) 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield, WI)
5. (10) 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction)
6. (4) 28X Justin Mitchell (Cedar Rapids)
7. (8) 33 Nick Marolf (Moscow)
8. (16) 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin)
9. (15) 88 Kevin Kile (West Liberty)
10. (2) 1M Rob Moss (Iowa City)
11. (14) 77 Kurt Kile (Nichols)
12. (11) 20 Jake Meier (Tipton)
13. (20) 3X Skip Frey (Ely)
14. (13) 15H Jeremiah Hurst (Dubuque)
15. (18) 3 Kevin Sather (Ankeny)
16. (19) 45H Todd Hansen (Muscatine)
17. (17) 15C Curt Schroeder (Ames)
18. (7) 98 Jason Rauen (Farley)
19. (9/DNS) 5M Mike Fryer (Freeport, IL)
20. (12/DNS) 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls)

In other action, Jimmy Broszeit ran the high groove to victory in the B Mod main. Broszeit, Brandon Hare and Jake Timm entertained the crowd with a terrific three-car battle for the lead throughout the latter stages of the event. Hare held on for second at the line.

1. 88X Jimmy Broszeit
2. 56H Brandon Hare
3. 19 Jake Timm
4. 32Z Alex Zwanziger
5. 20G Mike Grantham
6. 30 Scott Demmer
7. 76X Troy Hovey
8. 10T Trevor Fecht
9. 198 Sam Wieben
10. 14E Chase Ellingson
11. 5 Steve Brass
12. 18J Mike Jaeger
13. 84W Jeff Welter

Tory Reicks made it a clean sweep in the Stock Car division. After winning the heat, Reicks quickly made his way to the front in the 12-lap feature to take the convincing win ahead of Dan Trimble.

1. 27T Tory Reicks
2. 20 Dan Trimble
3. 121G Arlen Hoy
4. 29 Dean Everts
5. 85 Ron Carey
6. 00 Tony Schimmels

Chris Wiltse took advantage of his pole position start to top the Hobby Stock feature. Austin Wolfgram denied the persistent challenges of Marvin Enabnit to finish second.

1. 96 Chris Wiltse
2. 24 Austin Wolfgram
3. 00 Marvin Enabnit
4. 62 Ryan Bochmann
5. 69 Steve Wiltse

The third and final stop on the three-day Corn Belt swing will take me to CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction on Thursday. I hope to see you there!

Simpson tops Corn Belt Clash action at Fayette County Fair

2011-07-27T03:32:00.001-05:00

Despite pulling the #6 from the hat after winning the Fast Dash, Chad Simpson didn't let a third row start deter him as he powered to the win in the Dart Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series at Fayette County Speedway.

Twenty-two Late Models signed in to compete on the opening night of the 2011 Fayette County Fair and a few of those entries played a role in the outcome of the 35-lapper when they became lapped traffic to the leaders.

At the start of the feature, Chris Simpson took the lead from his pole position starting spot. He paced the field for two laps until the caution flag waved. While under caution, the leader exited to the pits with a flat tire, leaving Jason Utter and Justin Mitchell on the front row for the restart.

Utter took command when racing resumed as Chad Simpson made his way to the front after restarting fourth. Running the low groove, Simpson squeezed beneath Utter to take the lead a couple laps later while Jason Rauen worked into the top five running the high groove.

Midway through the race, Rauen made his way into second and attempted to cut into Simpson's straightaway lead. With the assistance of lapped traffic blocking Simpson's progress on the low side of the smooth, fast oval, Rauen was able to close the gap in quick fashion.

With five laps to go, Rauen pulled even with Simpson, then shot passed him for the lead as Simpson struggled with the lapped cars. Simpson made his way below the backmarkers and was able to stay close to Rauen when the new leader encountered lapped traffic of his own a short time later. This allowed Simpson to sneak beneath Rauen when the flying green waved as Simpson drove to the exciting win.

For Simpson, it was his fourth series win this season and the 14th of his career. The current points leader's 14 career wins have come at 11 different tracks. It was Simpson's second win this season at West Union.

FEATURE (35 laps, with starting positions)
1. (6) 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon)
2. (11) 98 Jason Rauen (Farley)
3. (2) 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction)
4. (7) 45 Curt Martin (Independence)
5. (5) 28X Justin Mitchell (Cedar Rapids)
6. (12) 77 Kurt Kile (Nichols)
7. (20) 15H Jeremiah Hurst (Dubuque)
8. (14) 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin)
9. (1) 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford)
10. (10) 1M Rob Moss (Iowa City)
11. (19) 20 Jake Meier (Tipton)
12. (15) 78 Rick Wendling (Hazleton)
13. (17) 5M Mike Freyer (Freeport, IL)
14. (3) 3 Kevin Sather (Ankeny)
15. (22) 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield, WI)
16. (21) 58 Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove)
17. (18) 15C Curt Schroeder (Ames)
18. (16) 45H Todd Hansen (Muscatine)
19. (9) 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls)
20. (13) 33L Joe Ludemann (Grand Meadow, MN)
21. (8) 88 Kevin Kile (West Liberty)
22. (4) 15K Justin Kay (Wheatland)

In other action, Jimmy Broszeit ran the high side to the big early lead in the 15-lap B Mod main event. As Broszeit distanced himself from the field, Jake Timm made an impressive run on the low side. Assisted by a few cautions, Timm stayed close with the leaders and made his bid for the lead following a lap 11 restart. He pulled away from the field to score the victory ahead of Broszeit and Troy Hovey.

1. 19 Jake Timm
2. 88X Jimmy Broszeit
3. 76X Troy Hovey
4. 56H Brandon Hare
5. 23B Brett Bumgardner
6. 21 Curtis Engen
7. 14M Brian Mahlstedt
8. 8X Josh Roney
9. 21K Ron Kruger
10. 98 Kyle Anderson
11. 17 Boyd Halverson
12. 14 Brian Schrage
13. 7 Chad Dugan
14. 21W Chris Weigert
15. 10T Trevor Fecht
16. 29X Paul Fauser
17. 96 Lucas Lundry
18. 12B Paul Brandenburg
19. 25 Alan Wessels
20. 198 Sam Wieben

Chris Hovden used the high line to make a mid-race pass on leader Scott Spilde to drive to the win in the Hobby stock feature.

1. 70C Chris Hovden
2. 18 Scott Spilde
3. 22 Steve Larson
4. 70 Steve Holthaus
5. 16 Dan Hovden
6. 30 Steve Ritter
7. 35B Shawn Kuennen
8. 98R John Roete
9. 82 Al Niles
10. 000 Ruth Fels
11. 95 Matt Lundry
12. 79 Benji Irvine

Adam Gates swapped the lead with Matt Durnan during the early stages of the Hornet feature before Gates broke free from that battle to drive to the convincing win.

1. 007 Adam Gates
2. 99 Matt Durnan
3. 2X Nate Becker
4. 19 Paul Seabrooke
5. 18 Dylan Clinton
6. 68 Matt Kimball
7. 70 Brian Kimball
8. 7X Zach Marmann
9. 14 Arthur Schott

After the leaders engaged in early three and four-wide battles at the front of the pack, Brian Irvine slipped through to take the lead on his way to victory in the Stock Car feature.

1. 26 Brian Irvine
2. 67 Kyle Falck
3. 25 Dan Jones
4. 20 Dan Trimble
5. 23 Matt Jones
6. 97 Lynn Panos
7. 00 Danny Cole Jr.
8. 55 Derek Dettmann
9. 00B Jeff Fels
10. 37 Loren Kuennen
11. 98 Jeff Roete
12. 68 Tracy Quigley
13. G1 Mike Padden
14. 42 Dan Christopher

Tuesday was the first of three straight nights of Corn Belt Clash action. On Wednesday, I'll be behind the mic at Highway 3 Raceway in Allison for night number two before the final night of the three day stretch on Thursday at CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction. I hope to see you there!

Luloff, Holt, Amthauer top Demolition Derby during Buchanan County Fair

2011-07-21T23:13:00.000-05:00

While this may be a blog about circle track racing and Demolition Derby participants don't race their cars, those individuals put as much time and dedication into their programs to make them worthy of an "In Staging" mention. Afterall, it took place on the race track! Tonight's event in Independence kicked off three nights of grandstand action at the 2011 Buchanan County Fair.

While the annual Demo was traditionally held on Friday nights, this year's edition was bumped ahead one night to make room for a new attraction, the NTPA Truck and Tractor Pull tomorrow night at the fairgrounds. Car counts seem to be shrinking at many Demos throughout the area, so it was nice to see a field of 40 cars sign into the three divisions tonight, as well as a healthy crowd in the grandstands. In addition to the 40 entries, three cars were offered for auction to those in the grandstands.

In the 4-Cylinder division, Glenn Luloff earned his second win in as many years during the fair special. Having won twice before in the 6-Cylinder division, including last year, Luloff put together a 4-Cylinder to test his luck. He out-lasted Shawn "Chevy" Tevis to take home the trophy.

4-Cylinder
1. 79 Glenn Luloff, Independence
2. C78 Shawn "Chevy" Tevis, Independence
3. 18D Dave Lynch, Independence
4. 19 Megan Mohlis, Fayette
5. 23 Jake Stamp, Oelwein (auction car)
6. 1E Tyler Etten, Independence
7. 56T Travis Foley, Independence
8. 1 Jess Ender, Independence
9. 00 Kensey Lee, Hawkeye
10. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence
11. R Jim Rasmussen, Hazleton
12. 11 Tim Close, Independence (auction car)
13. 88 Luke Bird, Winthrop
14. 21 Thomas Faust, Independence
15. 71 Brad Bird, Winthrop
16. 7 Austin Neuhaus, Quasqueton
17. 23 William Bernard, Independence
18. 69JR Josh Stamp, Oelwein

In the 6-Cylinders, former Buchanan County resident Gary Lynn, who now calls Liberty, Mo., home, proved one final hit to be the difference in that event. Unfortunately, a nose-to-nose hit he placed on Austin Holt ended his own night, leaving Holt with the winner's trophy.

During the race, those in attendance witnessed a rarity when the red flag came out for P.J. Flaucher's #32F. From my view in the tower, it appeared as though Flaucher may have been having a seizure, however his steering wheel caught on fire. He was head-butting the steering wheel to put out the flames. Flaucher was uninjured and provided some extra entertainment for the fans.

6-Cylinders
1. 87H Austin Holt, Independence
2. 56 Gary Lynn, Liberty, Mo.
3. 313 Kyle Harland, Independence
4. 577 Cody Tournier, Stanley
5. 56T Travis Foley, Independence
6. 57 Clint Franck, Walker
7. 7 Ryan Haar, Oelwein
8. 78 Matt Brown, Independence
9. 32F P.J. Flaucher, Jesup
10. 31D Bo Yearous, Oelwein
11. 126M Kyle Mentzer, Brandon
12. 16 Charles Conklin, Independence
13. 7 Kevin Moffet, Hazleton (auction car)
14. 95R Jim Rasmussen, Hazleton
15. 2 Russ Gager, Walker
16. 35 Brett Vanous, Quasqueton

Nick Amthauer topped a field of nine 8-Cylinder machines to take home the winner's share. His #6T out-lasted the #6C of Mike Letts.

8-Cylinders
1. 6T Nick Amthauer, Mt. Vernon
2. 6C Mike Letts, Manchester
3. 069 Cody Hahesy, Manchester
4. 8 Ed Pape, Manchester
5. 4-1/2C Curt Schultz, Waterloo
6. C78 Shawn "Chevy" Tevis, Independence
7. 34 Butch Peyton, Independence
8. 26 Matt Krempges, Independence
9. 35 James Marsh, Independence

Following tomorrow night's tractor pull, the showcase event of the weekend will hit Independence Motor Speedway on Saturday night for the fifth annual Dick Frye Memorial, a weekly points race for the IMCA Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks. See you there!

Cooney scores IMCA Late Model win at Highway 3 Raceway

2011-07-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

After last month's Butler County Fair races were rained out, fair officials rescheduled the event for Tuesday night and added IMCA Late Models to the program. Despite the hot and humid temperatures, a decent crowd made its way to Highway 3 Raceway for the make-up event.

In the Late Model division, pole-sitter Todd Cooney took the early lead as fellow front row starter Ryan Griffith settled into second. The lead pair pulled away from the field leaving Darrel DeFrance in third. Griffith stayed close with Cooney throughout the first half of the event as he ran the low groove while Cooney ran the middle-to-high line.

Griffth pulled to the inside of Cooney numerous times before Cooney dropped to a groove lower to fend off Griffith's challenges. The leaders approached lapped traffic in the waning laps of the 15-lapper, which allowed Cooney to drive away to the victory. Griffith followed in second a few car-lengths back.

1. 30 Todd Cooney
2. X Ryan Griffith
3. 99D Darrel DeFrance
4. 60 Dean Wagner
5. 5 Dave Hubbard
6. H2O Paul Watters
7. 29 Nick Pedersen
8. 4 Leon Thomsen

Brian Irvine topped an entertaining Stock Car feature after a late battle with Mike Van Genderen and Tory Reicks. It was outside front row starter Van Genderen setting the early pace in the 15-lapper. As Van Genderen led, John Emerson ran second with Irvine running the high side and Reicks down low.

Irvine and Reicks ran wheel-to-wheel in the waning laps as they closed in on Ven Genderen. Irvine swept to the outside of the leader to nab the top spot as he drove to the win. Van Genderen held off Reicks for second.

1. 26 Brian Irvine
2. 57V Mike Van Genderen
3. 27T Tory Reicks
4. 20 Dan Trimble
5. 00 Tony Schimmels
6. 121G Arlen Hoy
7. 287 John Emerson
8. G1 Mike Padden
9. 85 Ron Carey
10. 32 Dan Feltus

Outside front row starter Brian Mahlstedt held the early lead in the 15-lap B Mod main event. While Mahlstedt paced the field, Cayden Carter chased the leader to the front from his second row start. The leaders engaged in a side-by-side battle for the top spot before Carter edged ahead a handful of laps into the event.

Last place starter Brandon Hare, who left his heat early with mechanical problems, surged through the field and kept pace with the leaders during a trio of caution periods. He worked his way into the top three just after a mid-race caution. He then slipped past Mahlstedt following a late restart.

Carter, however, proved to be too strong out front as he sailed to the victory. Jake Timm, who also started deep in the field, made a nice run through traffic to beat Hare to the line for second.

1. 10 Cayden Carter
2. 19 Jake Timm
3. 56H Brandon Hare
4. 7X Carter Vandenberg
5. 14M Brian Mahlstedt
6. 32Z Alex Zwanziger
7. 88X Jimmy Broszeit
8. 86 Dan Tenold
9. 22A Shawn Albert
10. 10T Trevor Fecht

Despite a low turnout in the Hobby Stock division, Dan Hovden and Danny Sacquitne provided an entertaining race for the fans. Hovden held the early advantage at the drop of the green, but Sacquitne made a quick move to the front a short time later. The leaders pulled away, but never more than a car-length or two from each other throughout the event.

Hovden used both the high and low lines to try to make the pass on Sacquitne, however Sacquitne withstood those challenges to score the win. Alex George had a vicious head-on hit into the turn two wall, however was not injured.

1. 6 Danny Sacquitne
2. 16 Dan Hovden
3. 51N Nate Bonin
4. 37G Alex George

The 4-Cylinder Hornets closed the show with Adam Gates taking the lead from his pole position start. As Gates attempted to pull away, Andrew Lokenvitz moved from his second row start into the second spot after one lap.

Lokenvitz reeled in the leader in the waning laps of the eight-lapper and shot to the low side of the leader the final time around the speedway. Lokenvitz' bid came up short as Gates pulled away to lead the event in its entirety to take the victory.

1. 007 Adam Gates
2. 7 Andrew Lokenvitz
3. 39R Ben Rausch
4. 4X Mike Ludemann
5. 37 Ryan Brandt
6. 7K Ruben Standbrough
7. 79 Blake Fosaaen

While the weather was the topic of discussion for many tonight, my hat is off to the Butler County Fair Board and Highway 3 Raceway Committee for not pulling the plug on the night's show. Yes, it was less than desirable weather-wise, however it cooled off more than anticipated. The crew in Allison is dedicated to making the racing program successful in Allison and their willingness to stick with the show tonight proved that.

If you haven't already been to Highway 3 Raceway this year, the track is always in tip-top shape and offers oustanding racing. Not to mention, it is the home of the famous giant tenderloin! Your next chance to visit the facility is next Wednesday, July 27, when the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series makes its annual stop. USRA B Mods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks are also scheduled to compete. That Corn Belt race is the second in a three-day swing next week. On Tuesday the 26th, the tour travels to Fayette County Speedway in West Union and then, after the stop in Allison on Wednesday, heads south to CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction on Thursday, July 28.

After a night off tomorrow, I'll be back in Independence for some funnel cake, fresh squeezed lemonade and Demolition Derby action. Big, Mid-Size and Small Car divisions will take to the front straightaway at 7 p.m. An old friend will be returning on Thursday, as well. Former IMS grandstand announcer Marc Magers will be back behind the mic as we split duties calling the action on Thursday. It should be a great time so come on out and support the Buchanan County Fair!

Laughridge, Lauritzen log wins at Benton County Speedway

2011-07-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

The Benton County Fair came to an end Sunday night so I made the trek south to Vinton for the weekly points races. Despite the hot temperatures, a decent crowd was on-hand for the fesitivites. I spoke with many out-of-towners in attendance who had seen on the news the destruction caused by last Monday's storm. Most were amazed at the damage and even more surprised that the community came together to ensure that this year's fair would go on as scheduled. The pride of Benton County and the Vinton community was certainly on display this weekend!

While the car count was down due to the warm weather and the continued clean-up efforts, those in attendance witnessed another night of great racing on the quarter-mile oval. After helping my mom work the ticket gate and then helping stock the pit area concession, taking notes from the night's action wasn't high on my list of priorities. Instead, flagman John Huff welcomed me to the flagstand where I was able to take in the last couple of heat races and the five features.

In what was arguably the best race of the night, Doug Laughridge beat points leader Scott Pippert by a nose to take an exciting victory in the IMCA Hobby Stock division. At the start of the 15-lapper, however, it was pole-sitter Justin Wacha taking the early lead. Wacha built a half-straightaway lead in just a couple of laps while Laughridge settled into the second spot.

From the flagstand, it appeared that Wacha was fighting to control his #45 off turn four, which allowed Laughridge to close the gap. A handful of laps into the event, Wacha lost control on the low side of turn four, allowing Laughridge to skate by for the lead.

On the restart following Wacha's spin, Laughridge took charge while Pippert made his way around the high side of the speedway and into contention. When he settled into second, however, Pippert struggled both high and low to make a bid for the lead. Pippert was able to pull alongisde the leader in turn four on the final lap, but came up a bumper short at the line as Laughridge earned the popular hometown win.

Ronn Lauritzen took an emotional win in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Lauritzen, whose mother-in-law passed away last week, worked the low side of the speedway and into the lead only a couple of laps into the event. He then pulled away from the field to score the win by nearly a straightaway ahead of Patrick Flannagan.

Drew Fish tussled with Dave Schulze throughout the first half of the IMCA SportMod main. Schulze held the early lead as Fish worked from a mid-pack start and into contention just a few laps into the event. The leaders ran side-by-side, swapping positions for a handful of laps before Fish pulled away to score the dominant win by nearly a straightaway.

Scooter Dulin stayed glued to the bottom of the speedway and fought off the challenges of numerous pursuers to take the win in the IMCA Stock Car division. In the IMCA Sport Compacts, Bill Whalen Jr. took advantage of his front row starting spot and dominated that 12-lapper to drive to the win.

It was announced during the program that start times will change in Vinton for the remainder of the season. Due to the hot summer temperatures, the program will be pushed back by 30 minutes starting next week. Hot laps will now be at 6 p.m. with racing to follow.

The calendar only gets busier from here. Tuesday night is the Butler County Fair make-up race at Highway 3 Raceway in Allison. IMCA Late Models have been added to that program, which was rained out in June. Following that, the Buchanan County Fair kicks off in Independence on Thursday night with the annual Demolition Derby. The annual Dick Frye Memorial will be held in Independence on Saturday night during the 10th night of weekly points racing at the track this season. On Sunday, there's a double-dip at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello. The afternoon schedule offers stock car racing on the half-mile to be followed up with the annual Demolition Derby that evening. Assuming my voice holds out, I'll be there to call all of those events. There's plenty going on this time of year, so please get out to support a track (or county fair!) near you. I'll see you at the races!

Passick picks up first career Late Model win at Independence

2011-07-17T02:51:00.002-05:00

Jon Passick had been close.

Entering Saturday night, Passick was the only IMCA Late Model driver at Independence Motor Speedway to earn top-10 finishes in all eight features this season (five of which were top-5s) and he sat 10 points out of the division lead. By night's end, he earned his first-ever trip to Late Model victory lane, the 97th driver to do so at the speedway in the last 45 years.

At the start of the 25-lapper, pole-sitter Luke Pestka paced the field with second row starter Bobby Hansen in second. Along with Russell Hesse, the top three broke free from the field while Passick quickly worked into the mix driving the low groove of the speedway from a fifth row starting spot.

By lap three, Passick made his way into fourth, sweeping beneath Darren Ackerman, Dean Wagner and Hesse while Greg Kastli also powered to the front to settle into third. Just four laps later, Passick reeled in the lead trio and made his way around Kastli and Hansen before running down Pestka out front.

Passick made his bid for the lead on the low side of Pestka on the ninth circuit before Kastli slipped beneath Pestka just prior to the midway point. Passick and Kastli quickly motored away from the field, however Kastli was able to keep Passick in his sights as the leaders navigated through lapped traffic. Unfazed by the backmarkers, Passick held on to the point to drive to the impressive victory. Kastli ran second ahead of Pestka. Points leader Tyler Bruening made a nice run through traffic to come home fourth ahead of Hesse. The Late Models ran a caution-free feature for the fourth time in five weeks, taking just over seven minutes to complete.

Steve Wiltse joined Passick as another first-time winner as he visited victory lane following the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. From his second row starting spot, Wiltse chased Jerry Wilson the first time around the 3/8-mile oval before taking command on lap two. Although a trio of cautions slowed the early stages of the event, Wiltse held serve as he fought off the challenges of Jamie Whitaker.

Despite two more stoppages midway through the race, Wiltse led the remainder of the event to take the milsestone win ahead of Whitaker and Rod Grother. Wiltse's son, Chris, came home fourth ahead of Justin Lichty. The elder Wiltse became the 86th different Hobby Stock winner in weekly competition at Independence since the division was added to the Saturday night program in 1989.

Jeff Kriz held the early lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. From his pole-position starting spot, Kriz set the pace while Ronn Lauritzen and Darin Duffy were making their way through traffic from respective fourth and fifth row starts. Running the low groove, Lauritzen entered a battle for the lead on lap seven while Duffy ran the high groove into contention.

Lauritzen slipped beneath the leader on the following circuit with Duffy close behind. As the leaders made their way down the back stretch following the completion of the ninth lap, however, contact from the lapped car of Richard Hinz sent Lauritzen's #10K into a spin up the track. He collected Duffy in the process to bring out the caution. Following a pit stop to repair a flat tire, Lauritzen joined Duffy at the tail for the restart.

When racing resumed, with the leader gone, Kriz inherited the pole position in the double-file restart with Vern Jackson to his outside. Jackson, who made his way to the front after starting in the fifth row, worked the outside groove to take command. Despite a pair of late cautions that bunched the field and heavy pressure from Jerry Luloff, Jackson sailed to his fourth win of the season. Luloff ran second ahead of Justin O'Brien, Adam Johnson and Kriz. The all-time wins leader in the division, Jackson celebrated his 39th Modified win at the speedway.

Tyler Droste earned his fifth IMCA SportMod win of the season and, in the process, returned to the top of the point standings for the first time since May 28. From a fifth row start, Droste quickly raced through the field and settled into second after just two laps. He made his way into the lead when Brennen Chipp pushed high in turn four on lap three.

Droste held the point while Josh Sherbon was working through traffic from a mid-pack start. Running the high groove, Sherbon settled into second on the seventh circuit, then tried both the low and high grooves in attempt to reel in the leader. His attempts fell short as Droste sailed to the win. Sherbon ran second ahead of Lucas Lundry, Jim Aschenbrenner and Jim Buhlman.

Dan Trimble won a wild IMCA Stock Car main that was uncharacteristically slowed by numerous cautions. Paul Fauser held the early lead while Sean Johnson worked into contention from a fourth row starting spot. Johnson motored past the leader after just four laps and appeared to be on the way to his fifth win of the season until a flat tire with five laps to go put an early end to those plans.

Tim Helle inherited the point, but was quickly challenged by Austin Evens. Evens stole the lead when Helle pushed high in turn four on the 11th lap. As Evens led, Trimble worked the high side of the speedway while Jarod Weepie worked the low groove. Trimble proved to be too fast up top as he took charge when the white flag waved to drive to his first win of the season. Evens ran second ahead of Weepie, Helle and Tony Schimmels. It was Trimble's first appearance at the speedway this season, however the veteran showed he hasn't lost his touch. No stranger to victory lane at Independence, it was the nine-time track champion's all-time leading 69th career Stock Car win at the speedway.

Despite the hot temperatures, it was another great night of racing at Independence. Following a trip to Vinton for the Benton County Fair races tomorrow, I'm scheduled to head to Highway 3 Raceway in Allison on Tuesday for a make-up from last month's rainout. In addition to Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, B Mods and 4-Cylinders, I understand IMCA-sanctioned Late Models will be joining the card. Following that event, it's back to Independence as the Buchanan County Fair gets underway this week. Prior to next Saturday's Dick Frye Memorial, I'll be calling the action at the annual Demolition Derby this Thursday night at the fairgrounds in Independence. I'll wrap up next weekend with the annual trek to the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello next Sunday. An afternoon of stock car racing on the half-mile in Monticello will be followed up with the annual Demolition Derby that night. It's going to be a busy week of racing so make plans to get out and support your local track!

Luloff victorious in Hogan Memorial thriller at Benton County Speedway

2011-07-11T00:55:00.000-05:00

Jerry Luloff hadn't competed at Benton County Speedway all season until Sunday night. He made his first visit to the Vinton quarter-mile this year a memorable one as the Independence driver made a late pass on leader Scott Hogan to take the win in the 40-lap Hogan Memorial feature. The event, held annually as a tribute to Hogan's parents, Dick and Janet, welcomed 33 entries in the IMCA Modified division.

Qualifying for the 40-lapper came via four heat races and two B features. The top four finishers in each heat qualified for the feature, with the top three redrawing for their starting spots on the front stretch prior to the main event. Two transfers came from each B main and provisionals were given to the two non-qualifiers highest in current track points, along with two provisionals for past champions.

The annual special, which paid $1,250 to the winner, along with lap money and a midway bonus, was split into two parts. A mandatory caution following lap 20 allowed drivers five minutes to work on their cars and make adjustments on the front straightaway.

Following a pair of early cautions, outside front row starter Hogan took the lead in the 24-car field. Running the high side, Hogan pulled away from pole-sitter Dan Chapman and J.D. Auringer. The lead trio distanced themselves from the pack with Hogan holding a comfortable lead. His lead evaporated when he came upon the lapped car of Keith Pittman just six laps into the event.

With Hogan looking for a way around Pittman, Chapman and Auringer closed the gap. Hogan was pinched into a spin on the top side of turn one as he worked the high side of Pittman. This allowed Auringer to shoot beneath the leaders as they battled for the top spot. Hogan collected his #33D and powered back on the high side to retain the lead down the back stretch. Meanwhile, Auringer held the second position as the leaders navigated lapped traffic, relegating Chapman to third.

The top three remained unchanged as Jerry Luloff was battling Jeff Waterman for fourth. Luloff slipped beneath Waterman to take the position at the 15-lap mark. Hogan, Auringer, Chapman and Luloff continued in that order until the mandatory stop on lap 20. Mike Burbridge, who started in the seventh row, was making his way through the field running the low groove as he entered the top five by the time the yellow waved.

Lap 20 running order (starting positions in parentheses)
1. (2) 33D Scott Hogan (Vinton)
2. (4) 00 J.D. Auringer (Evansale)
3. (1) 1 Dan Chapman (Clarence)
4. (5) 18 Jerry Luloff (Independence)
5. (13) 11B Mike Burbridge (Delhi)
6. (3) 71W Jeff Waterman (Quincy, IL)
7. (6) 22 Brandon Banks (Washington)
8. (16) F7 Patrick Flannagan (Cedar Rapids)
9. (7) 71 Troy Cordes (Dunkerton)
10. (9) 57V Mike Van Genderen (Newton)
11. (17) 73 Dan Ratajczak (Frog Station, WI)
12. (19) 12D Joe Docekal (Dysart)
13. (8) 32 Chris Snyder (Raymond)
14. (10) 10K Ronn Lauritzen (Jesup)
15. (14) 5 Jerry Dedrick (Vinton)
16. (20) T23 Tony Olson (Cedar Rapids)
17. (21) 25 Shawn Fisher (Garrison)
18. (18) 19G Richie Gustin (Gilman)
19. (23) 01 Ed Thomas (Waterloo)
20. (15) 85 Johnathan Thimmesch (Independence)
21. (12) 7M Mike Weikert (Muscatine)
22. (11) 41P Keith Pittman (Waterloo)
23. (24) 11 Timm Jensen (Dunkerton)
OFF (22) 17 Dawn Krall (Waterloo)

When action resumed, Hogan again held serve with Auringer, Chapman and Luloff in tow. The top three broke away from the field by nearly a straightaway margin when Auringer made a bid for the lead on lap 29. As the leaders entered turns one and two, Auringer, who was on Hogan's rear bumper, shot to the low side of the leader. He appeared to have made a successful pass for the lead when he spun his #00 to the high side of turn two. Hogan snuck past him, however Chapman had no place to go as he T-boned Auringer's parked car. Both cars were done for the night as the yellow flag waved again.

For the restart, Luloff found himself in second place and Brandon Banks, who masterfully worked the high groove through traffic, in third. Joe Docekal, who started in the 10th row, restarted in fourth and Burbridge ran fifth. When the green flag waved, Hogan again went to the top side as Luloff attempted to make a quick charge to the front on the low groove of turns one and two. Hogan proved to be too fast off the corner as he continued to show the way.

Docekal, meanwhile, was challenging Banks for third with five laps to go when he slid a little high exiting turn two. He made contact with the Banks machine and slipped off the top of the back stretch. Although Banks escaped without any problems, Docekal's miscue brought a premature end to his strong run.

Following the final caution on lap 36, Hogan remained out front with Luloff in second. On that restart, Luloff again tried his luck on the low side. He powered to the inside of Hogan and cleared the leader exiting turn two to take the lead. Hogan attempted to reel him in over the final three laps, but was unable to make a charge as Luloff drove to the exciting victory.

Banks made a late charge on Hogan for second, but came up just short at the line, settling for a great third place run. Waterman made a late charge to nip Burbridge at the line for fourth.

FINISH (lap 20 positions / starting positions in parentheses)
1. (4 / 5) 18 Jerry Luloff
2. (1 / 2) 33D Scott Hogan
3. (7 / 6) 22 Brandon Banks
4. (6 / 3) 71W Jeff Waterman
5. (5 / 13) 11B Mike Burbridge
6. (11 / 17) 73 Dan Ratajczak
7. (8 / 16) F7 Patrick Flannagan
8. (9 / 7) 71 Troy Cordes
9. (18 / 18) 19G Richie Gustin
10. (10 / 9) 57V Mike Van Genderen
11. (14 / 10) 10K Ronn Lauritzen
12. (16 / 20) T23 Tony Olson
13. (12 / 19) 12D Joe Docekal
14. (13 / 8) 32 Chris Snyder
15. (15 / 14) 5 Jerry Dedrick
16. (23 / 24) 11 Timm Jensen / past champion provisional
17. (19 / 23) 01 Ed Thomas / past champion provisional
18. (17 / 21) 25 Shawn Fisher / track points provisional
19. (22 / 11) 41P Keith Pittman
20. (21 / 12) 7M Mike Weikert
21. (3 / 1) 1 Dan Chapman
22. (2 / 4) 00 J.D. Auringer
23. (20 / 15) 85 Johnathan Thimmesch
24. (24 / 22) 17 Dawn Krall / track points provisional

Ratajczak was the hard charger, gaining 11 positions during the event. Perhaps the driver who passed the most cars without it showing in the final results was Van Genderen. Following the lap 20 stoppage, Van Genderen suffered a flat tire before the race returned to green. He was able to make the tire change, but restarted at the tail. Running 10th at the 20-lap stoppage, he worked back up to that same position at the checkers.

The nine non-qualifiers in the Modifieds included Dusty Kraklio (Durant), Jeff Kriz (Waterloo), Kevin Goben (Sherrard, IL), Kyle Krampe (Baxter), Todd Reed (Parkview), J.J. Scott (Iowa City), Jake Bowman (Maquoketa), Tony Snyder (Readlyn) and Brett Ladehoff (Marshalltown).

While the Modifieds were not running for track points, the other four weekly divisions were competing for weekly track points, in addition to added Hogan Memorial money.

Brett Vanous held the early lead in the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact main event, then lost the lead to Brad Chandler, only to inch ahead at the stripe to score the thrilling win.

Vanous worked into the lead on the first lap from his second row start while Chandler drove the low groove into second following a lap eight caution. On the restart, Chandler slipped past Vanous for the lead, however Vanous kept close by working the low side of the speedway. He snuck between Chandler and the tractor tire in turn four on the final lap to steal the victory.

1. 35 Brett Vanous
2. 2ND Brad Chandler
3. 2 Merv Chandler
4. 8M Jacob McVay
5. 36DD Gary Peiffer
6. 1 Tyler Whalen
7. 45 Jeremy Wheeler
8. 3S Craig Streeter
9. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
10. 51 Bryce Bailey

John Schaefer held the point throughout the first half of the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. While Schaefer led, Scooter Dulin, Justin Temeyer and Damon Murty battled for runner-up honors as that trio reeled in the leader. The lead quartet engaged in a pair of two-wide battles for position before condensing into a four-wide battle out front as they entered turn three on lap eight. Contact from Murty sent Temeyer into Schaefer, who was running the extreme top side of the speedway. The contact forced Schaefer off the track for the race's only caution.

On the restart, Temeyer drove the high side as Dulin worked the low groove. Temeyer motored past Dulin on the 10th circuit as he cruised to the win. Murty worked the high side around Dulin a short time later to take second. Temeyer also earned hard charger honors.

1. 56T Justin Temeyer
2. 99D Damon Murty
3. 3T Scooter Dulin
4. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
5. 77 Andy Bryant
6. 287 John Emerson
7. 19J Jay Schmidt
8. 15 Norman Chesmore
9. 76 Mike Galli
10. 20B Andrew Burk

Greg Sweerin paced the field through a pair of early cautions in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock main event. Sweerin's machine, however, started smoking as he took his #1S to the pits. This allowed Doug Laughridge to take the lead on lap five.

As Laughridge led, Justin Stander and Scott Pippert were closing the gap on the leader. The pursuers reeled in the leader with six laps to go as the trio entered a three-wide battle for the lead. Pippert drove the high side to the lead as he drove away to the victory. Stander held on for second while Brad Forbes made a late surge past Laughridge for third.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 67 Justin Stander
3. 09 Brad Forbes
4. 25 Doug Laughridge
5. 77 Rod Grother
6. 45 Justin Wacha
7. 78 Matt Brown (crossed in fifth, but was penalized two spots for jumping on a lap 12 restart)
8. 166 Justin Lichty
9. 07 Jacob Keiser
10. 55 Vince Buchholz

Aric Becker held the early lead in the IMCA SportMod feature while Curt Hilmer drove the low groove into contention from a third row starting spot. Hilmer closed the gap on Becker and swept beneath the leader to steal the top spot on lap five.

While Hilmer led, Racer Hulin was making huge strides running the top side of the speedway. Hulin swept around Hilmer following a mid-race caution to drive to the impressive victory. Danny Dvorak made a strong run through traffic to come home second after starting 12th. For his efforts, Dvorak was the hard charger of the event.

1. 505 Racer Hulin
2. 3R Danny Dvorak
3. 87 Aric Becker
4. K0 Ken Kositzky
5. 22H Curt Hilmer
6. J2 Dave Schulze
7. K3 Kyle Olson
8. 80 Jared Van Deest
9. 3B Brian Anderson
10. 8I Brad Iverson

It was a great night as 113 race teams filled the pit area. While he always does a great job with his track prep, a shout goes out to Don Burkey for tonight's racing surface. I've seen a number of great tracks in Vinton over the years, but tonight was among the best. Dad taught you well, Don!

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is next up on my schedule. I'll be back at Independence Motor Speedway on Tuesday for the series' first-ever visit to the Buchanan County Fairgrounds. I'll see you there!

Martin, Cordes, Luloff return to victory lane at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-07-10T04:53:00.000-05:00

Saturday night at Independence Motor Speedway turned into "throwback" night as a trio of drivers returned to victory lane after lengthy absences.

Topping that list was IMCA Late Model veteran Curt Martin, who earned his 92nd career Late Model win in weekly competition at the speedway. Prior to Saturday, Martin's most recent win came on April 21, 2007. That win over four years ago wasn't even a points race as it fell one week prior to the opening weekend of IMCA Late Model points racing that season. You'd have to look back to July 29, 2006, when Martin won his last feature in weekly points racing at the speedway.

At the start of the 25-lapper, a trio of cautions slowed the action. Inside second row starter Babby Hansen paced the field before the race's first long green flag run following the third restart on lap two. By that time, Martin, who started inside the fourth row, made his way into third.

Martin quickly worked past Russell Hesse and Hansen to secure the lead on the third circuit, then proceeded to pull away from the field. As Martin led, Greg Kastli, who started outside of row four, made his own charge through the field. He worked past Hansen for second just three laps later, then attempted to cut into Martin's huge advantage.

Kastli's efforts were assisted when the leader encountered lapped traffic midway through the event, allowing Kastli to pull to within a few car-lengths of the leader. Unable to gain significant ground, Kastli was given one final shot when the final caution waved with just five laps to go. By that time, Tyler Bruening, who made an early pit stop, worked from the back of the pack and into third for the final restart.

When racing resumed, Bruening used the top side to settle into second. The defending track champion, current points leader and leader in feature wins over the past two seasons, Bruening then tried to reel in the leader. Martin proved he was still the man to beat at the Independence oval as he drove to the convincing win. Kastli ran third ahead of Jon Passick and Joel Brasch. The 92nd weekly Late Model win in his career at Independence, Martin now has exactly twice as many feature wins as the man who sits second on that list - Gary Crawford with 46 victories.

Although he is the defending track champion in the IMCA Modified division, Troy Cordes hadn't visited the winner's circle at Independence since July 25, 2009. He updated his résumé as Cordes drove to the convincing win in the 20-lap feature.

Pole-sitter Jeff Kriz held the point at the drop of the green while Cordes slowly marched through the field. By the time the first caution waved on lap four, Cordes advanced two positions, then went to work when racing resumed.

On the restart, Johnathan Thimmesch worked the low side of Kriz to steal the lead as Cordes advanced two more positions just prior to a lap six caution. Following that restart, Cordes quickly worked the high groove of the speedway and into second on the following lap. He made his way around Thimmesch one lap later to take command. He survived one more caution to drive to the dominating victory ahead of Thimmesch and Adam Johnson. Ed Thomas and Tony Olson completed the top five. Although it was his first win in nearly two years at Indee, it was the 27th Modified win in Cordes' career at the speedway. He sits third on the all-time list.

After a brief stint in the IMCA SportMod division the past two years, Chris Luloff returned to the IMCA Hobby Stock ranks partway into the 2011 season. In just his fifth night back in the division, Luloff made his way to victory lane in the 15-lap feature.

Dave Wheeler and Jeremiah Wilson swapped the lead during the first two laps while Luloff made his move to the front from a third row start. Luloff worked past the leaders on the third lap to take the top spot. As Luloff led, Quinton Miller was charging through the field from a sixth row starting spot. He was able to reel in the leader with only a handful of laps remaining.

Luloff and Miller swapped the lead over the final few laps, but Luloff was able to take the reins in the waning moments to score the victory in the caution-free event that took five minutes to complete. Following the leaders to the checkers were Jamie Whitaker, points leader Vince Buchholz and Steve Wiltse. His first Hobby Stock win at Independence since August 23, 2008, it was the 16th career win in the division for Luloff. The victory moved him into a tie for second on the all-time list with Brian Irvine. Chris Wessner holds the mark in the division with 20 career wins.

Sean Johnson made his fourth trip to victory lane this season in the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. After Austin Evens and Paul Fauser shared time at the front of the pack over the first two laps, Johnson swept past the leaders on the third circuit to take control. He held the point for the remainder of the event to take the victory ahead of Evens and Roger Ciesielski. John Emerson and Dave Stricker completed the top five.

It was Johnson's 12th career Stock Car win at the speedway. While he remains eighth on the all-time list, Johnson pulled to within two wins of Norman Chesmore for seventh in that category. Johnson also became the first driver since Brian Irvine (2006 and 2007) to record back-to-back seasons with at least four wins.

Josh Sherbon took the lead on the fourth lap of the IMCA SportMod 15-lapper to drive to his second win of the season. Slowed only once for caution, Sherbon set sail to take the impressive win ahead of points leader Ray Lundry. Tyler Droste, who won back-to-back features entering the night, had his streak snapped with a third place finish. Jim Buhlman recorded his sixth straight top-five finish as he came home fourth. Kim Siems completed the top five. It was Sherbon's career-leading 12th win in the division at Indee.

My next stop will be at Benton County Speedway in Vinton on Sunday for the annual Hogan Memorial. Always a great event, which honors the memory of Dick and Janet Hogan, the Modified winner at Sunday's show has the opportunity to take home $3,500.

Following a trip to Vinton on Sunday, it's back to Independence for the first-ever appearance of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series on Tuesday night. Accompanying the Late Models will be a $1,000-to-win event for the IMCA Modifieds. It promises to be a great event as the best Late Model drivers in the country will converge on the Buchanan County Fairgrounds. I hope to see you there!

Zimmerman scores first career win at Benton County Speedway

2011-07-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Earning your first career feature win is always special, but doing it in front of a packed house on a holiday weekend makes it a little bit better; just ask IMCA SportMod driver Justin Zimmerman, who earned his first-ever feature win on Sunday night at Benton County Speedway.

Zimmerman, who lives in Cedar Rapids, but normally makes the long tow to Algona Raceway on Sunday nights due to obligations at the north central Iowa facility, recently decided to "try his luck" on the 1/4-mile Vinton oval. That "luck" paid off as he led all 15 times around the smooth, fast oval on Sunday night.

A trio of cautions slowed the first couple laps of the SportMod main and Zimmerman, who started on the pole in his second night ever at the speedway, maintained his composure on each restart to hold the point. When racing resumed for the final time following a lap three stoppage, Zimmerman kept his #11Z glued to the bottom of the track while Racer Hulin worked the low side of Dave McCalla for second.

The low groove was the preferred line for most of the field as the slick, fast oval was a "driver's track" on this night. The leaders remained committed to the bottom side, each looking to take advantage of a driver error in front of him to gain position.

With Hulin chasing Zimmerman, Kyle Brown made a strong run through the field from his fifth row starting spot before settling into third after just four laps. Likewise, Ken Kositzky, who started behind Brown, worked through the field and into fourth.

The top four ran nose-to-tail throughout much of the event, pulling away from the field as Danny Dvorak broke free from traffic late in the race to move into fifth after starting 12th. With laps winding down, Dvorak joined the group of leaders, nearly a straightaway ahead of the field.

Zimmerman ran the perfect line to lead the event in its entirety to take the milestone win in just his second year in the division. Brown made a late push beneath Hulin to take second at the line.

1. 11X Justin Zimmerman
2. 21X Kyle Brown
3. 505 Racer Hulin
4. K0 Ken Kositzky
5. 3R Danny Dvorak
6. 00 Jim Buhlman
7. K3 Kyle Olson
8. 3 Dave McCalla
9. J2 Dave Schulze
10. 22H Curt Hilmer

Patrick Flannagan earned his first win of the season in dramatic fashion in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. A late pass of Troy Cordes left the fans on their feet as the division had one final week to prepare for next week's Hogan Memorial at the speedway.

Buck Swanson took the early lead from his pole position starting spot. Swanson ran the low groove while Mike Burbridge and Flannagan pursued him on the low-line. Meanwhile, Troy Cordes ventured to the middle-to-high side of the speedway and quickly made his way to the front. Cordes nipped Flannagan for third on lap three, then swept around the outside of both Burbridge and Swanson to secure the lead just prior to the race's first caution on lap four.

When racing resumed, Cordes ran the middle groove of the track and quickly extended his advantage over the field. The top four remained unchanged until Swanson spun to bring out the second caution three laps later.

On the restart, Cordes again dominated while Flannagan went to work on the low side of Burbridge. He squeezed beneath the 11B at the midway point of the event and attempted to cut into the big lead Cordes built. Those efforts were assisted when the third and final caution waved for Swanson, whose engine went south with eight laps to go.

Flannagan remained glued to Cordes' rear bumper for the final restart as those two pulled away from the field. Working the low groove, Flannagan pulled even with Cordes with only two laps remaining. Running side-by-side, Flannagan proved the low groove to be just a tad faster as he inched ahead on the final lap. He made his way past Cordes in the final corner to come away with the thrilling win. Burbridge ran third, nearly a straightaway behind the leaders.

1. F7 Patrick Flannagan
2. 71 Troy Cordes
3. 11B Mike Burbridge
4. 19G Richie Gustin
5. 33D Scott Hogan
6. 22 Brandon Banks
7. 12D Joe Docekal
8. 01 Ed Thomas
9. 25 Shawn Fisher
10. 2AC Dustin Crear

Justin Wacha held the early lead in the IMCA Hobby Stock headliner. Wacha ran the high groove out front until Jacob Keiser was able to work the low side into the lead on lap two. As Keiser made his way to the front, fellow third row starter Brad Forbes followed him through traffic and settled into second on lap three.

Following the event's only cautions on lap three, Keiser again took charge. Forbes remained glued to his bumper as Rod Grother and Scott Pippert joined the fray out front a short time later. With five laps to go, Pippert made his way around Grother for third, just a couple of laps before the leaders entered lapped traffic.

Forbes remained close to Keiser as the leaders dodged lapped cars, with Keiser showing the way until the leaders worked their way through turns one and two on the final lap. In the middle of the corner, contact from Forbes sent Keiser spinning to the infield. Forbes took over the lead and Keiser scrambled to hold his position. Coming off turn four, Forbes raced to the win with Scott Pippert behind him. Keiser salvaged a third place finish ahead of Grother.

1. 09 Brad Forbes
2. 47 Scott Pippert
3. 07 Jacob Keiser
4. 77 Rod Grother
5. 2P Cale Peterson
6. 12J Jeremy Floyd
7. 25 Doug Laughridge
8. 17K Kyle Parizek
9. 45 Justin Wacha
10. 67 Justin Stander

Justin Temeyer made his third straight trip to victory lane in the IMCA Stock Car division. From his fifth row starting spot, Temeyer worked the low groove into contention as the field ran two, three and four-wide over the first few laps before things got sorted out.

A quick mover to the front, Temeyer started 10th, was in seventh after one lap, in sixth on lap two, third on lap three and held the lead just prior to the race's only caution on lap four. When racing resumed, Temeyer checked out on the field, building nearly a straightaway advantage by the halfway point of the 15-lapper. He continued to extend that lead, winning by over a straightaway ahead of Bob Ahrendesen, who made a nifty pass for second with only a handful of laps to go.

Points leader Norman Chesmore was running fourth on the white flag lap, however he spun in turns one and two on that final lap, relegating him to a 10th place finish. Despite missing a night earlier in the year, by virtue of his hot streak, Temeyer sits just six points behind Chesmore at the top of the standings. Likewise, Ahrendsen's strong second place run leaves him now just two points out of the lead as six points separate the top three in the division.

1. 56T Justin Temeyer
2. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
3. 3T Scooter Dulin
4. 7H Phil Holtz
5. 99D Damon Murty
6. 10 John Schaefer
7. 8 Curtis Roster
8. 77 Andy Bryant
9. 46 Leremy LaPlant
10. 15 Norman Chesmore

A horrifying rollover at the start of the IMCA Sport Compact main event briefly delayed the program. As the field was running three-wide at the line to complete lap one, Travis Ross was tagged when he was running the extreme low groove. This sent him sideways in front of the field. His car dug in and entered a barrel roll that took him into the front stretch catch fence before landing on his roof on the straightaway. He walked away uninjured.

When racing resumed, it was the Chandler Express making noise as Nathan Chandler took the lead and Merv and Brad Chandler worked through the field from mid-pack starts. Brett Vanous tried to break up the Chandler parade as he snuck into second after just four laps, but Merv and Brad were able to make their way around him following a lap six caution.

Nathan held the point throughout the 12-lap event with Merv and Brad in tow. Those three remained unchanged over the final half of the event, leaving the Chandlers with a 1-2-3 finish on the night.

1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 2 (1) Merv Chandler
3. 2ND Brad Chandler
4. 35 Brett Vanous
5. 51 Bryce Bailey
6. 1 (07X) Tyler Whalen
7. 8M Jacob McVay
8. 22T Travis Losenicky
9. 12 Duayne Herb
10. 57K Ross Kitner

Despite the Sport Compact delay, a kids' candy dash and an unexpected 30 minute intermission when the ambulance had to leave for a call, the program was completed before the 9 o'clock hour. Next on my schedule is a trip to 34 Raceway tonight for the UMP Summernationals Hell Tour. As I write this, I'm sitting about two miles from the track in Middletown, getting ready to head to the speedway to help prepare for tonight's show. I'm leaving my pen and notebook home tonight, however, as I plan to enjoy the holiday, catch up with some long-time friends and just enjoy the show. Wherever your travels take you this July 4th, please have a safe and enjoyable holiday! I'll see you at the races!

Fauser earns first win at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-07-03T03:28:00.000-05:00

A new face graced victory lane at Independence Motor Speedway on Saturday night as Kirk Fauser earned his first career win at the speedway. Fauser became the 40th different driver to make his way to the winner's circle in the 19th season of the Stock Car division at Independence.

Following a caution after the completion of the first lap of the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car main event, Fauser, who was running fourth at the time, motored past Paul Fauser, Tim Helle and Austin Evens to take the lead on lap two. Pursued by Roger Ciesielski, Fauser maintained a couple car-length advantage while Tom Schmitt worked the low side of Ciesielski for second.

While Ciesielski successfully held Schmitt at bay, Fauser was able to hold onto his advantage out front. He led the remainder of the event to earn the milestone win. Ciesielski ran second at the line ahead of Jarod Weepie, Sean Johnson and Phil Holtz. Questionable driving both during and following the event resulted in the disqualifications of Schmitt and points leader Dave Stricker. Relegated to a finish toward the back, Stricker lost the points lead to Weepie.

FAST FAUSER - Kirk Fauser earned his first-ever win on the Independence oval as he topped the field in the IMCA Stock Car division. (all photos courtesy of Scott Tjabring / Action Track Photography)

Chris Wiltse took advantage of a late caution to take his second win of the season in the IMCA Hobby Stock division. Jeremy Floyd held the point for the first two circuits before Jamie Whitaker slipped beneath him to snag the lead on lap three.

While Whitaker led, Wiltse was running the low groove into contention after starting in row four. He entered the top four just prior to a lap five caution. As Wiltse made his march to the front, Justin Lichty was running the high groove from a fifth row start, settling into fifth.

Just two laps after the restart, Wiltse worked into second, then Lichty followed him into third just prior to the race's second stoppage on lap 10. Following that restart, Whitaker again took charge while Wiltse and Lichty battled behind him. When it appeared that Whitaker was headed for his second straight Independence Day weekend victory at the speedway, the caution flag waved one final time with just two laps to go.

On the final restart, Wiltse shot to the inside of Whitaker and inched ahead as the leaders entered turn one. He pulled away from the field to take the exciting win. Whitaker held off Lichty for second and points leader Vince Buchholz finished fourth ahead of Rod Grother. The third win of his career, Wiltse moved into a tie for 34th on the all-time list at the speedway.

LATE MOVER - Chris Wiltse (96) works the low groove past Jamie Whitaker (25) to drive to victory in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature.

Tyler Droste earned a track-leading fourth win of the season in exciting fashion in the IMCA SportMod 15-lapper. Pole-sitter Kim Siems took the lead at the drop of the green until the race was slowed for caution following lap one. By that time, fourth row starter Danny Dvorak made quick work of the field and found himself in fourth place for the ensuing restart.

When racing resumed, Dvorak sped past Matt McCahen and Droste to settle into second on lap two. He chased Siems until he was able to make his bid for the lead on the low side following a lap six caution. Dvorak then held the point until he exited turn four on the final lap. He spun in the low side of the corner, which allowed Droste to sneak by for the win. Siems ran second ahead of Jim Buhlman, points leader Ray Lundry and Josh Sherbon. The fifth win of his career, Droste now sits tied for third on the all-time list with Austin Kaplan.

UNEXPECTED DESTINATION - Tyler Droste was expecting a second place run as the laps disappeared in the IMCA SportMod feature. A late spin by the leader, however, changed those fortunes as Droste drove to his fourth win of the season.

Justin O'Brien led all 20 laps of the IMCA Modified feature to score his first win of the season. From his second row start, O'Brien rocketed beneath front row starters Jeff Kriz and Jeff Streeter and quickly pulled away from the field. He encountered lapped traffic just prior to the midway point of the race as the only caution of the event waved on lap nine.

By that time, Darin Duffy, who started outside of the fifth row, was running the high side of the speedway into contention. He restarted in fourth and made his way into the runner-up position on lap 13. Although he was able to cut into O'Brien's sizable lead, O'Brien held on to score the wire-to-wire win. King, Ronn Lauritzen and points leader Jerry Luloff completed the top five. The fourth win of his career at Independence, O'Brien moved into a tie for 31st on the all-time list.

JUST WIN JUSTIN - Justin O'Brien led all 20 laps of the IMCA Modified feature to score his first win of 2011.

The IMCA Late Model division continues to impress as that division's 25-lap feature ran caution-free for the third consecutive week. Inside second row starter Luke Merfeld made his way past Joel Brasch and Drew Johnson to take over the top spot on lap one. He quickly distanced himself from the field while Travis Smock gave chase.

Merfeld encountered lapped traffic at the 11-lap mark, allowing Smock to close the gap. Smock momentarily pulled to within a car-length of the leader, however Merfeld was smooth through the backmarkers and escaped with the win, his second of the season. Smock ran second ahead of Brasch, Greg Kastli and Curt Martin.

WIRE-TO-WIRE WINNER - Luke Merfeld led the IMCA Late Model feature from green to checkers to take his second win of the season in the caution-free event.

Mark Woodley of KWWL in Waterloo was also on-hand for tonight's program. The TV station plans to profile the city of Independence as part of its Iowa Proud series. Mark was all over the fairgrounds tonight and shot a lot of footage and conducted interviews with Late Model driver Drew Johnson and SportMod driver Tyler Droste. You can check out the story on the speedway when it airs next Sunday, July 10.

That's all for tonight. I'm headed back to Benton County Speedway in Vinton tomorrow, followed up by a trip to Burlington on Monday for the UMP Summernationals stop at 34 Raceway. I hope to see you there!

Aikey victorious in exciting Red Dralle Memorial at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-06-30T11:43:00.001-05:00

Race fans filled the grandstands at Independence Motor Speedway on Wednesday night for the Red Dralle Memorial as the Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA Late Models made its annaul visit to the Buchanan County Fairgrounds. A track record-tying 50 Late Models signed in to compete in the event, which honored Red Dralle, a veteran Late Model driver at the speedway who passed away last October. By the end of the 84-lap feature, a distance recognizing Dralle's first car number, Jeff Aikey took home the $5,004 winner's share in a thrilling event that left fans on the edges of their seats until the checkers waved.

At the drop of the green, pole-sitter Joe Zrostlik paced the field with fellow front row starter Nate Beuseling in tow. Third row starter Colby Springsteen made it a three-car break-out at the front of the pack as he joined the lead pair following the first lap.

The leaders remained unchanged, but within striking distance of each other until Beuseling was able to make his way around Zrostlik just prior to the race's first caution on lap 17. Just prior to the caution, Zrostlik fell back to fourth as Justin Reed, who started in the third row outside of Springsteen, and Ray Guss Jr advanced positions. Reed then began to reel in the leaders when the caution waved.

When racing resumed, Reed motored around the high side of Springsteen and chased Beuseling for a number of laps. The leaders briefly ran in three-wide formation with Reed holding the point before a pair of stoppages on laps 35 and 37. Stephan Kammerer and Aikey, who started in rows four and five, worked into the top five a few laps prior to the pair of cautions and restarted in row three behind the leaders.

On the lap 37 restart, Aikey swept past Kammerer, Springsteen and Beuseling in just a couple of laps to settle into second as the race reached its midway point. Aikey chased down the leader as those two battled for the lead, entering lapped traffic on lap 49. Aikey was able to take advantage of the backmarkers and slipped beneath Reed on the 55th circuit. He never looked back as drove to the exciting win. Reed ran second at the line. Springsteen and Kammerer were able to close late as the leaders raced through traffic, running a close third and fourth, respectively. Beuseling completed the top five.

A trio of drivers advanced 12 positions from thier starting spots, however Bryan Klein earned the best finish among those drivers by moving from 19th to seventh. As a result, he earned a $504 bonus as the race's hard charger. All purse money ended in "4" on the night in recognition of the car number Dralle drove at the end of his career.

Feature (starting positions in parentheses)
1. (10) 77 Jeff Aikey, Waterloo
2. (6) 1ST Justin Reed, Collinsville, IL
3. (5) 38 Colby Springsteen, Morning Sun
4. (8) 77K Stephan Kammerer, Blue Grass
5. (2) 46 Nate Beuseling, Silvis, IL
6. (4) 58 Ray Guss Jr., Milan, IL
7. (19) 25 Bryan Klein, Cedar Rapids, IA
8. (16) 28C Terry Neal, Ely
9. (9) 56 Andy Eckrich, Iowa City
10. (22) 33 Nick Marolf, Moscow (hard charger provisional)
11. (23) 16 Tyler Bruening, Decorah (points provisional)
12. (11) 73 Greg Kastli, Waterloo
13. (24) 42 Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun (points provisional)
14. (20) 22 Charlie McKenna, Clear Lake
15. (1) 50 Joe Zrostlik, Long Grove
16. (7) 2P Jon Passick, Waterloo
17. (14) 12J T.J. Criss, Oskaloosa
18. (13) 21B Joel Brasch, Dunkerton
19. (12) 145 Dale Hackwell Jr., Washburn
20. (17) 14M Mike Murphy Jr., Colona, IL
21. (3) 16S Dan Shelliam, Hazel Green, WI
22. (18) 07 Matt Ryan, Davenport
23. (21) 7B Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, IL
24. (15) 45 Curt Martin, Independence

First heat (3 qualify, 2 redraw) - 1. Eckrich; 2. Reed; 3. Kastli; 4. Neal; 5. Murphy; 6. G1 Mike Garland, Morrison, IL; 7. 53 Darren Ackerman, Readlyn; 8. 98 Travis Smock, Independence; 9. Sam Halstead, New London; 10. 21 Ryan Duhme, Lamotte.
Second heat - 1. Kammerer; 2. Beuseling; 3. Hackwell; 4. Klein; 5. McKenna; 6. 99 Luke Pestka, Robins; 7. Darbyshire; 8. 40 Joel Callahan, Dubuque; 9. 60 Dean Wagner, Evansdale; 10. 4 Leon Thomsen, Waverly.
Third heat - 1. Shelliam; 2. Aikey; 3. Brasch; 4. Ryan; 5. Bruening; 6. 42S Matt Strassheim, Morning Sun; 7. 76 Jason Hahne, Webster City; 8. 21M Luke Merfeld, Dubuque; 9. 14 Boone McLaughlin, Mediapolis; 10. 88 Drew Johnson, Belle Plaine.
Fourth heat - 1. Zrostlik; 2. Springsteen; 3. Criss; 4. 38S Dain Sires, Cedar Falls; 5. 4D Rick Dralle, Waterloo; 6. 78 Rick Wendling, Hazleton; 7. 15K Justin Kay, Wheatland; 8. 777 Dirk Hamilton, Jesup; 9. 95 Eric Sanders, Coal Valley, IL; 10. 68 Tysus Pattee, Vinton.
Fifth heat - 1. Passick; 2. Guss; 3. Martin; 4. 44 Luke Goedert, Holy Cross; 5. Burgtorf; 6. 99D Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown; 7. 93 Jay Johnson, West Burlington; 8. 3 Kevin Sather, Ankeny; 9. Marolf; 10. 2V Vic Lovejoy, Manilla.
First B feature (top 3 transfer) - 1. Neal; 2. Ryan; 3. McKenna; 4. Goedert; 5. Garland; 6. Strassheim; 7. Dralle; 8. DeFrance; 9. Darbyshire; 10. Merfeld; 11. Sather; 12. Duhme; 13. Kay; 14. Smock; 15. Lovejoy; 16. Sanders; 17. D. Johnson; 18. Wagner.
Second B feature - 1. Murphy; 2. Klein; 3. Burgtorf; 4. J. Johnson; 5. Marolf; 6. Sires; 7. Pestka; 8. McLaughlin; 9. Callahan; 10. Ackerman; 11. Wendling; 12. Pattee; 13. Bruening; 14. Hahne; 15. Halstead; 16. Thomsen; DNS Pattee.

Along with the Late Models, 35 IMCA Stock Cars signed in for the second night of the Great American Stock Car Series. After being rained out at Buena Vista Raceway in Alta on Monday, the the three-day series was shortened to two days with the first night of action taking place on Tuesday at Marshalltown Speedway.

At the start of the 30-lapper at Independence, Justin Temeyer took the lead. He paced the field until an early caution following lap one. On the restart, Sean Johnson shot to the inside of both Temeyer and second-running Damon Murty to take command by lap two until the second of three caution flags waved on lap three.

On the restart, Johnson set sail, leaving Temeyer to battle with pole-sitter Murty for second. Murty quickly worked beneath Temeyer and then attempted to reel in Johnson, who was pulling away from the field on the high groove. As Johnson led, Tuesday night's winner, Donavon Smith, was making his way through traffic from a fourth row start. Smith snuck past Temeyer for third on lap seven, then went to work on cutting into his sizable deficit. Johnson, Murty and Smith ran 1-2-3 until the third and final caution waved on lap 21, just as the leaders entered lapped traffic.

When racing resumed and with a clear track in front of him, Johnson again showed the way despite having defending series champion Murty and current series points leader Smith hot on his heels. He led the remaining nine circuits to score the first series win of his career, earning $1,004 in the process. Murty and Smith followed. By virtue of his first and third place finishes, I believe Smith clinched the series title by a single point over Johnson, who finished fourth at Marshalltown on Tuesday. Trent Murphy, who earned one of the final qualifying spots from a B feature, made an impressive run through the field to finish fourth after starting 21st.

Feature
1. (3) 8R Sean Johnson, Independence
2. (1) 99D Damon Murty, Chelsea
3. (7) 35 Donavon Smith, Lake City
4. (21) 25 Trent Murphy, Jefferson
5. (9) 21X Devin Snellenberger, Pulaski, WI
6. (2) 56T Justin Temeyer, Independence
7. (10) 36 Larry Karcz, Pulaski, WI
8. (14) 3W Jeff Wollam, Marshalltown
9. (11) 19J Jay Schmidt, Tama
10. (8) 57 John Heinz, Green Bay, WI
11. (18) 3 Jarod Weepie, Dunkerton
12. (16) 32 Derek Green, Granada, MN
13. (4) 1330 Justin Jacobsen, Black Creek, Wi
14. (24) 17 Kenny Hansen, Audubon
15. (22) 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo
16. (20) 27J Jason Cook, Mt. Pleasant
17. (6) 09M Brett Mather, Lamont
18. (19) 24 Eric Brown, Boone
19. (15) 89B Dave Stricker, Waterloo
20. (13) R31 Ryan Leeman, Roland
21. (23) 1SW Tony Ritterbush, Dunlap
22. (12) 20M Perry Misner, Garden City, KS
23. (5) 75 Curt Hook, Ackley
24. (17) Steve Meyer, Grundy Center

First heat (top 4 qualify, 3 redraw) - 1. Karcz; 2. Hook; 3. Misner; 4. Leeman; 5. Meyer; 6. 69 Jake Ludeking, Decorah; 7. 10 John Schaefer, La Porte City; 8. Ritterbush; 9. Murphy.
Second heat - 1. Smith; 2. Temeyer; 3. Murty; 4. Wollam; 5. Brown; 6. 321 Dan Feltus, Allison; 7. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 8. 20L Lauren Vis, LeGrand; 9. 18 Tom Schmitt, Independence.
Third heat - 1. Jacobsen; 2. Snellenberger; 3. Heinz; 4. Stricker; 5. 83E Thomas Thompson, Hopkinton; 6. 9E Austin Evens, Independence; 7. 92 Dan Mackenthun, Hamburg, MN; 8. Weepie; 9. 37C Roger Ciesielski, Waterloo.
Fourth heat - 1. Johnson; 2. Schmidt; 3. Mather; 4. Green; 5. J. Cook; 6. Rose; 7. Hansen; 8. 27R Ryan Cook, New London.
First B feature (top 4 transfer) - 1. Meyer; 2. Brown; 3. Murphy; 4. Ritterbush; 5. Schaefer; 6. Ludeking; 7. Galli; 8. Vis; 9. Feltus; DNS Schmitt.
Second B feature - 1. Weepie; 2. J. Cook; 3. Rose; 4. Hansen; 5. Evens; 6. Mackenthun; 7. Thompson; 8. R. Cook; 9. Ciesielski.

The IMCA SportMods were also on-hand as 18 open wheel machines signed in to compete. In that 20-lap feature, Brad Lautenbach made his first-ever visit to the speedway pay off as the Wisconsin driver took the $504 winner's share back to the Badger state.

Racer Hulin, also making his first-ever visit to Independence, took the early lead as Tyler Droste and Ken Kositzky gave chase. Meanwhile, Lautenbach, who did not qualify for the redraw and started the feature in 11th, quickly worked through the field. He sped past Kositzky for third just four laps into the event, then reeled in Droste for second just prior to the midway point on lap nine.

The lone caution of the race came on lap 12, bunching the field for the restart. When racing resumed, Lautenbach took just two laps to dispose of Hulin as he drove to the impressive victory.

SPORTMOD
Feature
1. (11) 21L Brad Lautenbach, New Franken, WI
2. (2) 505 Racer Hulin, Laurel
3. (4) 92 Tyler Droste, Waterloo
4. (3) 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton
5. (12) 25 Tyler Hackett, Algoma, WI
6. (8) 3D Drew Fish, Vinton
7. (7) 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center
8. (14) 96 Lucas Lundry, Maynard
9. (9) 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls
10. (13) Kip Siems, Cedar Falls
11. (5) Ray Lundry, Maynard
12. (18) 86 Rod McDonald, Manchester
13. (1) K0 Ken Kositzky, Cedar Rapids
14. (15) 36 Matt Pittman, Jefferson
15. (17) 66E Cory Evans, Independence
16. (16) 28P Rick Paulson, Tripoli
17. (6) T17 Tom Rawlins, Kellogg
18. (10) 24B Kyle Bentley, Independence

First heat (top 5 redraw) - 1. Dvorak; 2. Rust; 3. Rawlins; 4. Kositzky; 5. Hulin; 6. Lautenbach; 7. Siems; 8. Pittman; 9. Evans.
Second heat - 1. Buhlman; 2. R. Lundry; 3. Fish; 4. Droste; 5. Bentley; 6. Hackett; 7. L. Lundry; 8. Paulson; 9. McDonald.

It was a beautiful night to honor Red Dralle and a number of Late Model veterans were also on-hand to take in the show. Among those in attendance were Late Model veterans Ed Sanger, Gary Crawford, Bill Zwanziger, Bob Hilmer, Gary Henderson, Larry Wasserfort and Tom Fitzpatrick. Combined, those seven drivers alone account for 112 weekly Late Model wins in the 650+ Late Model features in track history. With Sanger and Crawford being in attendance and Curt Martin, Greg Kastli and Rick Wendling competing in the event, all of the top five in career Late Model wins in speedway history were on-hand. Those five drivers account for 254 career wins in weekly Late Model racing alone at Independence.

Special thank you to Rick Dralle and his crew for all the hard work they did to make last night a success. It definitely paid off as the tribute to his father was undoubtedly a showcase event. After a couple days off, my next race will be the seventh weekly points race of the season at Independence this Saturday night. Hope to see you there!

Stats Blitz! Facts and Figures through June at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-06-28T00:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the second installment of the 2011 Stats Blitz! Throughout the year, I’ll offer month-by-month updates of all things statistical at Independence Motor Speedway. The statistics included here are through six weeks of weekly racing (the end of June).

There are some all-time statistics included, dating back to 1967. While the track was believed to have opened in 1965, my records date back to the beginning of the 1967 season. All of the “all-time” statistics here include races from only the five divisions that currently compete today. Modifieds started competing in 1983, Hobby Stocks in 1989, Stock Cars in 1993 and SportMods in 2008. The information included for the Late Models dates back to 1967.

As always, special thanks to track photographer Scott Tjabring of Action Track Photography for allowing me to use his photos. Check out his excellent work at www.actiontrackphotos.com

Car Count
Division - Average - High - Low
Late Model – 21.8 - 29 - 18
Modified – 25.3 - 29 - 20
Stock Car – 15.5 - 18 - 13
SportMod – 19.5 - 24 - 14
Hobby Stock – 21.3 - 23 - 19
TOTAL – 103.5 - 111 - 97

Points
* 162 drivers have earned points so far this season.
* 55 different hometowns are represented on the points sheet.
* Points leaders account for five of the 30 total feature wins through six weeks. Jerry Luloff (Modifieds), Ray Lundry (SportMods) and Vince Buchholz (Hobby Stocks) lead the standings in their respective divisions, but have yet to record a feature win in 2011.

CONSISTENCY THE KEY - IMCA Modified driver Jerry Luloff sits atop the division's standings despite no victories through six weeks of the 2011 season. Although he'd rather pick up a win or two along the way, Luloff is one of four Modified champions in track history to win a title without a win (2006).

IN THE HUNT
* 29 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points following all six weeks of the season. Those drivers include:
Late Model (5): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Dirk Hamilton, Jon Passick, Travis Smock;
Modified (6): Mike Burbridge, Troy Cordes, Patrick Flannagan, Adam Johnson, Jerry Luloff, Tony Olson;
Stock Car (6): Norman Chesmore, Austin Evens, Tim Helle, Sean Johnson, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (6): Jim Buhlman, Tyler Droste, Danny Dvorak, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry, Josh Sherbon;
Hobby Stock (6): August Bach, Vince Buchholz, Nathan Christie, Russell Damme Jr., Chris Wiltse, Steve Wiltse.

TOP DOG - Dave Stricker has been on top of the IMCA Stock Car standings for five consecutive weeks. That's the longest stretch for any current points leader at the speedway.

Feature Winners

* There have been 20 different feature winners in 30 feature events this season.

* There have been four different winners the last four weeks in both the SportMod and Hobby Stock divisions.

Making history…
Late Model: With his win on June 25, Tyler Bruening guaranteed that there will be at least one three-time winner in the Late Models this season. Only four times in the last 45 years has there not been at least one Late Model driver with three feature wins (1975, 1989, 2008 and 2010). Bruening is looking to become the first Late Model driver since Curt Martin in 2004 to earn three consecutive trips to Late Model victory lane. On June 25, he became the 21st Late Model driver since 1967 to earn back-to-back wins. The record of three straight Late Model wins at Independence is shared by four drivers – Ed Sanger, Gary Crawford, Curt Martin and Rick Wendling.

A SHOT AT HISTORY - IMCA Late Model driver Tyler Bruening is looking to become only the fifth driver in 45 years to string together three consecutive feature wins in the division.

Modified: On June 18, Vern Jackson became only the seventh Modified driver in track history to win three consecutive features. He joined Darin Duffy (three 3-race win streaks), Jack Mitchell (2), Troy Cordes (1), Greg Kastli (1), Mark Noble (1) and Duane Van Deest (1) as the only drivers on that list. By virtue of his third win of the season, Jackson guaranteed that there will be at least one three-time Modified winner this season. In the 29 years the Modifieds have competed at Independence, all but three times has there been at least one three-time winner. The only years there wasn’t at least one three-timer included 1993, 1994 and 2008. With his victory on June 25, Darin Duffy’s feature wins in the Modifieds now span just over 18 years. His first win came on June 5, 1993, meaning his first win to his most recent win spans 6,594 days. He is 14 days shy of tying Timm Jensen for the all-time mark at Independence for “win span” in the Mods.

OLD MAN ON THE BLOCK - Darin Duffy has the second longest span between his first and most recent wins in the IMCA Modified division. At 18 years and 20 days between those wins, he is 14 days shy of Timm Jensen on the all-time list for the division. A win on July 9 will tie him with Jensen and any win after that date will give him the outright lead in that caregory.

Stock Car: With his June 18 feature win, Sean Johnson became the first three-time winner in the Stock Car division this season. Every year since the Stock Cars joined the weekly program at Independence (1993), there has been at least one three-time winner. Johnson became the 13th Stock Car driver to earn back-to-back wins in the division by virtue of his victories on June 11 and June 18. The others include Dan Trimble (14 streaks of at least two consecutive wins), Brian Irvine (7), Larry Portis (4), Justin Temeyer (3), Lon Gadow (2), Chris Wessner (2), Tom Schmitt (2), Jarod Weepie (1), Norman Chesmore (1), Darrin Treptow (1), Damon Murty (1), Brad Holtkamp (1).
SportMod: Josh Sherbon is the only SportMod driver to earn at least one feature win in every season the division has competed at Independence (since 2008). Lucas Lundry is the only other driver in the division to record at least one win in three straight seasons (2009-current). Tyler Droste is currently the only driver in the division with multiple wins this season. In its brief history, the SportMods have never had fewer than two multi-race winners at Independence.
Hobby Stock: On June 18, Justin Lichty earned the Hobby Stock win, bringing his current streak to five straight seasons with at least one feature win. That mark ties Chris Luloff as the second longest such streak for the Hobby Stocks in track history. Only Patrick Stansbery (1998-2003) won a feature in each of six consecutive seasons. Quinton Miller, who has four straight seasons with at least one win, will match Lichty and Luloff if he can make it to the winner’s circle in 2011.

DRIVE FOR FIVE - Justin Lichty earned the seventh IMCA Hobby Stock win of his career at Independence on June 18, giving him at least one win in each of the last five seasons. His first win at Independence came exactly 50 weekly race nights ago. He sits 12th on the all-time list at Independence.

Top-10s
* 111 drivers have earned at least one top-10 finish this season.
* 10 drivers have earned top-10 finishes in all six features:
Late Model (2): Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening;
Modified (1): Jerry Luloff;
Stock Car (3): Norman Chesmore, Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie;
SportMod (3): Danny Dvorak, Lucas Lundry, Ray Lundry;
Hobby Stock (1): Vince Buchholz.

COUNT TO TEN - Darren Ackerman has opened the 2011 season with six straight top-10 finishes in the IMCA Late Model division. Dating back to the start of the 2009 season, Ackerman has earned 28 top-10s in 34 nights of racing.

Top-5s
* 67 drivers have earned at least one top-5 finish this season.
* No drivers have earned top-5 finishes in all features this season. The drivers with the most top-5 feature finishes in each division are as follows:
Late Model: Darren Ackerman, Tyler Bruening, Jon Passick (4 each);
Modified: Mike Burbridge, Vern Jackson (4 each);
Stock Car: Dave Stricker, Jarod Weepie (5 each);
SportMod: Jim Buhlman, Danny Dvorak, Ray Lundry, Josh Sherbon (4 each);
Hobby Stock: August Bach, Vince Buchholz, Justin Lichty (4 each).

GOING STREAKING
The longest current top-5 streak in each division includes:
Late Model: Darren Ackerman (3 straight top-5s);
Modified: Vern Jackson (4);
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie (3);
SportMod: Jim Buhlman (4);
Hobby Stock: Jim Ball, Justin Lichty, Chris Luloff (2 each).

GIMME FIVE - IMCA SportMod driver Jim Buhlman has earned four consecutive top-5 finishes, the longest such streak in the division this season.

Top-3s
* 49 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish this season.
* While nobody has finished in the top three every week, exactly one driver in each of the five divisions has earned four top-3 finishes this season. They include Tyler Bruening (Late Models), Vern Jackson (Modifieds); Dave Stricker (Stock Cars), Ray Lundry (SportMods) and August Bach (Hobby Stocks).

THREE'S NO CROWD - Ray Lundry has recorded four top-3 finishes this season, including back-to-back third place finishes to close out the month of June. His consistency has propelled him to the top of the IMCA SportMod points at Independence for the first time in his career.

Feature Lap Leaders
* 46 drivers have led at least one lap of feature competition.
* Division lap leaders include:
Late Model (10 total different lap leaders): Tyler Bruening (45 laps led); Luke Merfeld and Rob Toland (25 each); Dain Sires (14); Darren Ackerman (13);
Modified (10): Vern Jackson (40 laps led), Leon Wilson (16), Mike Burbridge (12), Tony Snyder (10), Jerry King (9);
Stock Car (8): Sean Johnson (54 laps led), Dave Stricker (26), Thomas Thompson (6), Mike Padden (3), Justin Temeyer (2);
SportMod (9): Tyler Droste (23 laps led), Danny Dvorak (18), Lucas Lundry (13), Josh Sherbon (12), Jim Aschenbrenner (9);
Hobby Stock (9): Jamie Whitaker (17 laps led); Justin Stander (16); Rod Grother (15); Scott Pippert (14); Chris Luloff and August Bach (8 each).

LEADER OF THE PACK - IMCA Stock Car driver Sean Johnson has led 54 laps of feature competition this season, the most of any driver at the speedway. Included in his time out front are three feature wins, all of which he led from green to checkers.

Heat Races
* There have been 44 different winners in 80 heat races.
* Vern Jackson (Modifieds) leads all drivers with five heat wins through six weeks. Those five wins have come in the last five weeks.
* Four-time heat winners include Tyler Bruening (Late Models), Justin Lichty (Hobby Stocks) and Jamie Whitaker (Hobby Stocks)
* Three-time heat winners include Bryan Klein (Late Models), Mike Burbridge (Modifieds); Johnathan Thimmesch (Modifieds), Norman Chesmore (Stock Cars), Sean Johnson (Stock Cars) and Lucas Lundry (SportMods).
* Only four drivers have finished in the top three of all six of their heats this season. They include Late Model drivers Tyler Bruening and Jon Passick, and Hobby Stock drivers August Bach and Jamie Whitaker.

FEELING THE HEAT - Vern Jackson has been dominating in IMCA Modified qualifiers this season. He has won five straight heat races entering July

Efficiency Stats
* A total of 115 races have been run this season.
* A total of 1,216 laps have been completed.
* A total of 142 caution flags have been thrown.
* Of the 42 races this season, 78 have been caution-free.
* 101 of the 142 cautions have occurred during features.
* The Hobby Stock division (20 cautions in 23 total events) has had the best caution per race ratio by averaging .87 cautions for every race.
* The Hobby Stock division (20 cautions in 227 total laps) has had the best caution per race lap ratio by averaging 11.35 laps of green flag racing between caution flags.
* There has been a total of only one caution flag in 17 heat races for the Hobby Stocks this season.
* The Late Model division leads the way by averaging 9.83 completed laps of feature racing before the first yellow flag. The last two Late Model features have been caution-free. Overall, the last 56 laps of Late Model feature racing have been completed without a single caution.

BEST OF CLASS - The IMCA Hobby Stocks may be considered an entry-level division, but they have put on the cleanest and most competitive shows week in and week out in 2011. The caution flag gets a breather when the Hobby Stocks go green as they have been slowed only 20 times all season. Of the 23 total Hobby Stock races this season, 16 have gone caution-free.

Since the year 1967...
* 650 Late Model feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 96 different winners. On average, a new Late Model winner visits victory lane every 6.8 events.
* 420 Modified feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 78 different winners. On average, a new Modified winner visits victory lane every 5.4 events.
* 268 Stock Car feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 39 different winners. On average, a new Stock Car winner visits victory lane every 6.9 events.
* 43 SportMod feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 13 different winners. On average, a new SportMod winner visits victory lane every 3.3 events.
* 329 Hobby Stock feature events have been completed in weekly competition with 85 different winners. On average, a new Hobby Stock winner visits victory lane every 3.9 events.
* Overall, in the last 44-plus seasons, there have been 1,710 features completed in the five divisions that currently compete at the speedway.

Qualifying Streaks
* The longest currently active feature qualifying streaks for weekly competition in each division include:
Late Model: Darren Ackerman has qualified for 65 consecutive features. His last miss was June 3, 2006.
Modified: Jerry Luloff has qualified for 203 consecutive features. His last miss was July 5, 1997.
Stock Car: Jarod Weepie has qualified for 142 consecutive features. His last miss was June 9, 2001.
Hobby Stock: Russell Damme Jr. has qualified for 25 consecutive features. His last miss was July 25, 2009.
SportMod: Jim Buhlman has qualified for all 43 features dating back to the first one at the speedway on June 21, 2008.

Rainout Trends
* The month of June was successfully completed without a single rainout. It marked the 74th time in 45 seasons that a calendar month during a single season saw no rainouts. Although the month of June has gone without a single rainout 20 times in the last 45 years, 2011 was the first time since 2004 that June did not have at least one rained out program. The last time any month went without a single rainout was August of 2010.

THE FORECAST
* There are five dates scheduled for weekly racing in the month of July this season (2, 9, 16, 23, 30). Of those, the only date to see a rainout in weekly racing history at Independence was July 9, 1988. All other 24 combined shows scheduled for those dates were successfully completed. The last time the month of July did not have a single rainout was 2008. The last time a July with five Saturdays didn’t have a rainout was 2006.
* Since 1967, there have been 20 months with five Saturdays that were completed without a single rainout at Independence. The most recent was August 2009.
* Since 1967, there have been 171 rainouts in 803 total weekly races scheduled. The month of July has had the best race-to-rainout ratio as only 26 events have been rained out of the 195 scheduled. That means 86.7% of all weekly shows scheduled for the month of July have been successfully completed.
* When breaking down the season into halves where May and June comprise the first half of the season (not including any April dates) and July and August comprise the second half, historically, there are nearly half as many rainouts during the second half of the season than there are in the first half. Entering 2011, there were 102 rainouts (now at 104 – remember, don’t count this April’s rainout for this) during the first half of the season and only 55 rainouts during the months of July and August.

Stuff Nobody Should Know…
* All six Late Model feature winners have come from different starting positions (1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10). Coincidentally, Luke Merfeld’s feature win from the pole position on June 11 is the only pole-sitter to finish the night in victory lane. In the first six weeks of each of the previous six seasons, there were 17 feature winners who started on the pole.
* The starting spot to produce the largest number of feature winners is outside row four. That position has produced six winners overall this season. The inside fifth row starting spot has produced five feature winners.
* The starting spots in the first five rows to produce the fewest number of feature winners include the pole position and inside row three (one winner each).
* No feature winners have come from the front row in the Modified, Stock Car and SportMod divisions. Only three front row starters have won this season, twice in Late Models and once in Hobby Stocks.
* Danny Dvorak and Lucas Lundry (SportMods) have finished in the top 10 all six nights, however neither has finished in the same position twice. Dvorak’s finishes, in order so far this season, are 5, 3, 1, 10, 4, 7. Lundry has had finishes of 2, 9, 3, 8, 1, 6. Likewise, in the Modifieds, Jerry Luloff has had six non-duplicated top-10 finishes of 7, 6, 9, 2, 5, 3. In the Late Models? Darren Ackerman has had six top-10 finishes of 4, 9, 1, 2, 6, 5. It may sound insignificant (and I’m sure it is), but it’s very uncommon, especially for four different drivers to have done it through six weeks of the same season.
* Aside from the four three-time feature winners this season (Tyler Bruening, Vern Jackson, Sean Johnson and Tyler Droste), only two other drivers have finished in the same top-10 finishing position on three separate occasions. Ray Lundry (SportMods) has had three third place finishes and Tony Schimmels (Stock Cars) has had three fifth place finishes. No Hobby Stock driver has finished in the same top-10 finishing position more than twice.
* Jamie Whitaker (Hobby Stocks) has the dubious distinction of leading the most feature laps through six weeks without a feature win. He has led 17 laps over the course of two separate features.
* Two drivers share the “honor” of leading the fewest laps this season, but still earning a win. Justin Temeyer (Stock Cars) has led a total of two laps this season - the final two laps of his feature win on June 4. Justin Lichty (Hobby Stocks) led only the final lap during his feature win on June 18, however he also led the very first lap of the opening night Hobby Stock feature on May 7.

WHEN IT COUNTS - Justin Temeyer has led only two laps of IMCA Stock Car action this year, but he did it when it mattered most. He led the final two laps on June 4 to make the trip to victory lane.

* Vern Jackson (Modifieds) has led at least one lap in each of the last five Modified features. In fact, he has led a minimum of four laps in each of those events. He seems to be most dominant in the middle of feature racing as he has led laps 9-12 in four of the last five weeks this season.
* Sean Johnson (Stock Cars) led all 15 laps in each of the three features he has won. He has held the lead in four of the six features so far this season, 54 of the 94 total Stock Car feature laps. While Johnson has led 45 laps during features he has won, the winners of the other three features in the division (Justin Temeyer and Dave Stricker) led for a combined 15 laps during their victory runs.
* On June 25, Jim Ball (#7B) became the first Hobby Stock driver with a letter in his car number to lead a lap of feature action. In the other divisions’ 24 combined features, a lettered number has led in 16 events.
* No driver has held the points lead following every week of the season. This will guarantee that, for the fifth consecutive year, there will be no wire-to-wire track champion. The last to do it? Brian Kunkle in the B Mod division in the 14-week 2006 season.
* Since the 1989 season, 87 track champions have been crowned among the five divisions that currently compete at Independence. Of those track champions, 49 were leading the points in their respective division at the end of June. The breakdown is as follows:
Late Model: 15 of 22 Late Model track champions held the points lead at the end of June, including Curt Martin (1991, 1999, 2006), Greg Hunter (1992), Gary Crawford (1993), Greg Kastli (1994, 2002, 2003), Rick Wendling (1995, 1996), Darren Ackerman (2004, 2007, 2009), Dale Hackwell Jr. (2008) and Tyler Bruening (2010).
Modified: 11 of 22 Modified track champions held the points lead at the end of June, including Tom Bartholomew (1990, 1992), Owen Grube (1993), Scott Hogan (1997, 2003), Jerry Luloff (1999, 2000, 2001), Troy Cordes (2002, 2010) and Darin Duffy (2009).
Stock Car: 10 of 18 Stock Car track champions held the points lead at the end of June, including Dan Trimble (1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004), Larry Portis (1995), Jarod Weepie (2005, 2007).
Hobby Stock: 12 of 22 Hobby Stock track champions held the points lead at the end of June, including Steve Holthaus (1989), Lon Gadow (1990), Forrest Frost (1992), Chris Wessner (1995), Doug Otto (1999), Jeff Roete (2000), Scooter Dulin (2001), Patrick Stansbery (2002, 2005), Brian Irvine (2004), Josh Irvine (2007) and Chris Luloff (2008).
SportMod: Austin Kaplan in 2010 is the only SportMod track champion to lead the points at the end of June the season he won a title. No SportMod driver has led the points at the end of every month during a championship season.

That will take care of this month. Check back at the end of July for the third Blitz of the summer! Thanks for reading!

Hogan, Dvorak, Pippert extend points leads at Benton County Speedway

2011-06-26T23:26:00.000-05:00

A trio of points leaders added a little more cushion atop the standings on another exciting night at Benton County Speedway. IMCA Modified driver Scott Hogan and IMCA SportMod driver Danny Dvorak, along with Scott Pippert in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, all extended their leads by winning their respective features.

Track announcer Bucky Doren spent the weekend in Des Moines at his son's baseball tournament so he asked me to fill in for him Sunday night. While I've called a few races in Vinton over the years, this was my first time behind the mic there for a weekly show. It was a lot of fun, but that did take away from my note taking, so the following recap may lack just a bit in the accuracy (and substance?) department.

Outside front row starter Jerry Dedrick was looking for his second career win in the IMCA Modified feature just one week after his first trip to the winner's circle. He took command at the drop of the green and paced the field for the first two laps until the caution flag waved. A pileup that collected Scott Hogan and Brandon Banks forced those two to the tail for the following restart.

When racing resumed, Dedrick again took charge running the low groove of the speedway. That's when the deja vu settled in... Mike Burbridge and Patrick Flannagan pursued the leader by also running the low groove of the speedway. In nose-to-tail formation, those three drivers led the parade in the same fashion as they did one week ago.

Flannagan eventually worked beneath Burbridge to steal second, just a lap before Burbridge slowed and came to a stop with mechanical problems a short time later. By this time, Hogan worked back through traffic and found himself in fifth for the ensuing restart.

On the restart, Hogan motored around Ronn Lauritzen and Chris Snyder, then challenged Flannagan for second. He made the pass for second and then sped past Dedrick with only a few laps to go. Hogan then pulled away to score the victory, his fourth of the year. Dedrick, Joe Docekal and Lauritzen completed the top four. Banks made a great run through the field to come home fifth.

1. 33D Scott Hogan
2. 5 Jerry Dedrick
3. 12D Joe Docekal
4. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
5. 22 Brandon Banks
6. 25 Shawn Fisher
7. 32 Chris Snyder
8. 7 Todd Jensen
9. F7 Patrick Flannagan
10. 8 Tony Snyder

Danny Dvorak scored his sixth win of the season in the IMCA SportMod division after taking command from leader Racer Hullin midway through the 15-lapper.

At the drop of the green, Hullin went to work on front row starters Brian Anderson and Rick Paulson to take the early advantage. As Hullin led, Dvorak and Drew Fish worked through the field from midpack starts. Dvorak worked his way into contention on the low side as Fish ran the high groove. Around the midway point of the event, Dvorak worked around Hullin, then sped away to victory. Fish finished a close third.

1. 3R Danny Dvorak
2. 505 Racer Hullin
3. 3D Drew Fish
4. K0 Ken Kositzky
5. 00 Jim Buhlman
6. 80V Duane Van Deest
7. J2 Dave Schulze
8. K3 Kyle Olson
9. 22H Curt Hilmer
10. 3B Brian Anderson

From a fifth row starting spot, IMCA Hobby Stock points leader Scott Pippert made quick work of the field and broke into the top four just prior to a caution following the completion of the first lap. Only a couple of laps after the restart, he powered beneath Justin Wacha, Adam Streeter and Cale Peterson to assume command. Pippert never looked back as he drove to the dominating win.

1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 2P Cale Peterson
3. 45 Justin Wacha
4. 25 Doug Laughridge
5. 67 Justin Stander
6. 55 Vince Buchholz
7. 09 Brad Forbes
8. 07 Jacob Keiser
9. 4X Gary Pfantz
10. 12J Jeremy Floyd

Brett Mather held the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. He paced the field until the caution flag waved just a couple of laps into the event. By that time, fourth row starter Justin Temeyer worked into the second position. Temeyer quickly challenged when racing resumed as he put his #56T to the inside of Mather's machine. Temeyer came away with the lead on the following lap as he drove away from the field to score the win. Damon Murty followed Temeyer to the front, but couldn't reel in the leader as he finished second.

1. 56T Justin Temeyer
2. 99D Damon Murty
3. 7H Phil Holtz
4. 09M Brett Mather
5. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
6. 8 Curtis Roster
7. 77 Andy Bryant
8. 3T Scooter Dulin
9. 46 Jeremy LaPlant
10. 76 Mike Galli

Bill Whalen Jr. took advantage of his outside front row starting spot to drive to his first win of the season in the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature. Whalen extended his advantage to over half of a straightaway and maintained that lead throughout the event while Merv Chandler and Nathan Chandler battled for second behind him. Merv eventually edged Nathan for second in that race-long tussle.

1. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
2. 1 Merv Chandler
3. 22 Nathan Chandler
4. 2ND Brad Chandler
5. 8M Jacob McVay
6. 35 Brett Vanous
7. 51 Bryce Bailey
8. 07X Tyler Whalen
9. 22T Travis Losenicky
10. 57K Ross Kitner

It was another excellent night of racing on the smooth 1/4-mile. There was plenty of two, three and sometimes four-wide racing throughout the night that offered fans a great show. Thanks again to Bucky Doren for asking me to fill in tonight and to Mick Trier and Dana Benning for being okay with his evening's substitute!

Up next for me is the Deery Brothers Summers Series Red Dralle Memorial this Wednesday night at Independence Motor Speedway. Along with the $5,004-to-win 84-lap feature for the Late Models, the three-day Great American Stock Car Series will wrap up in Independence that evening for a $1,000 winner's share. Also competing will be IMCA SportMods for $500-to-win. Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7.

Prior to Wednesday's big race, I'll be compiling another Stats Blitz for Independence Motor Speedway. I hope to have that posted sometime tomorrow night. In addition, if you're friends with Independence Motor Speedway on facebook, I've made it a routine to post feature win milestones every Monday from that week in track history. Tomorrow will be no different as a whopping 50 milestone wins occurred this week in Independence Motor Speedway history. All 50 of those will be posted sometime Monday night.

That's all for tonight! I hope to see you Wednesday night at the Red Dralle Memorial!

Bruening tops stellar Late Model field at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-06-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

On a night when rain forced the cancellation of a number of racing programs in eastern Iowa, only a few pesky showers and occasional sprinkles fell at Independence Motor Speedway. This allowed for a stellar field of Late Models to converge on the 3/8-mile oval in preparation for the Deery Brothers Summer Series Red Dralle Memorial this Wednesday. Including seven new entries on Saturday, an outstanding field of 29 Late Models were on-hand to compete.

After the field was pared down to 24 for the feature, outside front row starter and division rookie Dain Sires took command at the drop of the green for the 25-lapper. Sires set a torrid pace as he put a few car-lengths on second-running Jon Passick. Passick, who started in the fourth row, made his way into second after just one lap and attempted to reel in the leader.

As Passick pursued Sires, Tyler Bruening was making his way through traffic from a fifth row start. Running the low groove, Bruening powered into third after three laps and started to chase down Bruening. That pair battled for the runner-up spot as, together, they closed in on Sires. Bruening made his way beneath Passick for second on the 11th circuit, then slipped beneath Sires for the lead four laps later.

While Bruening made his way to the front, Ray Guss Jr. was making noise of his own as he raced through the field from his sixth row starting spot. He made his way past Dale Hackwell Jr. at the same time Bruening took the lead, then worked into a battle with Passick for third. While Bruening was trying to run away in lapped traffic with a handful of laps to go, Guss battled Passick and Sires for position.

Guss made his way past Sires for third as Bruening navigated through the backmarkers with six laps to go, then made his bid for second with only two laps remaining. Bruening's advantage, however, was too much to overcome as he drove to the win, his second straight and third of the season. Guss ran second ahead of Passick, Sires and Darren Ackerman in a feature that saw no cautions for the second straight week, taking just over seven minutes to complete. It was Bruening's 10th career win at Independence.

Vern Jackson was looking to become the first IMCA Modified driver at Independence in 27 years to win four consecutive features. Midway through the 20-lapper it appeared that victory for him was all but a certainty.

After a number of cautions prior to the completion of the first lap, Jackson, who started inside of row six, quickly made a charge to the front. He settled into third after only three laps, then made his way around Mike Burbridge for second just prior to a lap seven caution.

Jerry King, who held the lead throughout those first seven laps, took charge when racing resumed. Jackson took just two laps to make his way to the front and quickly pulled away from the field. As Jackson led, Darin Duffy was running the high groove and into contention. He worked into second on the 12th lap, then quickly went to work on chasing down the leader.

With just six laps to go, Duffy swept to the outside of Jackson to take command. He then pulled away from the field to score the win by nearly a staightaway advantage. Jackson ran second ahead of points leader Jerry Luloff, King and Burbridge. It was Duffy's first win of the season, but the 37th of his career at Independence in the Modifieds. He is now back to within a single win of Jackson atop the all-time list.

Just a week after winning the IMCA Hobby Stock feature in a three-wide photo finish at the line, Justin Lichty came up just short of his second consecutive thrilling win at the speedway. Jim Ball set the early pace as he worked the high side into the lead on the first lap after starting in the second row. Ball held the point while Jamie Whitaker worked through the field from the fourth row. He challenged Ball for the lead following a lap three caution, then took over the top spot three laps later.

Meanwhile, August Bach was charging on the low side of the speedway and into the top three just prior to the midway point of the 15-lapper. Bach snuck past Lichty on lap eight, then worked his way below Whitaker for the lead on lap 12. A short time later, Whitaker spun to the low side of turns three and four to bring out the final caution.

On the restart, Lichty remained glued to Bach's rear bumper as that pair ran nose-to-tail and side-by-side over the final three laps. Lichty motored to the outside of the leader exiting turn four on the final lap, but Bach proved to be too strong down low as he held on to win by mere inches. Chris Luloff, Steve Wiltse and Ball completed the top five.

Tyler Droste took the lead from Matt McCahen on the third lap of the 15-lap IMCA SportMod main event. Droste held the top spot while Josh Sherbon made his way into contention during a pair of mid-race cautions. Sherbon, running third following a lap seven caution, swept around Ray Lundry and Droste to take charge just one lap later.

After a final caution slowed the event on lap 11, Droste worked the low groove to stay close to Sherbon when racing resumed. On the final lap, Droste powered to the low side of Sherbon in turn three and slid in front of the leader as they exited turn four. Droste shut the door to drive to his third win of the season and fourth of his career. Sherbon, Lundry, Jim Buhlman and Rod McDonald rounded out the top five.

Sean Johnson took the lead on the third lap of the IMCA Stock Car feature as points leaer Dave Stricker was making noise from a mid-pack start. Stricker made his way into second on the sixth lap of the 15-lapper, then pressured Johnson for the lead. After contact between the two on lap 12, Stricker found himself out front with Johnson slowing to a crawl and headed toward the pits. Stricker went on to extend his points lead by winning his second feature of the year. Norman Chesmore, Jarod Weepie, Justin Temeyer and Tony Schimmels completed the top five. Johnson, who made quick repairs to his machine, rejoined the field following a late restart to salvage an eighth place finish.

Despite the gloomy morning and afternoon, it turned out to be a beautiful night at the speedway and those in attendance were provided their money's worth. Aside from newcomer Guss, Late Model drivers Nate Bueseling, Stephan Kammerer, Luke Goedert, Luke Pestka and Justin Kay also made their first appearances of the season. Iowa City's Todd Davis also made his first visit of the year, wheeling Rick Dralle's backup machine. In the Stock Cars, Perry Misner made the long haul from Garden City, Kansas, to compete as he plans to run this week's three-day Great American Stock Car Series that concludes at Independence during this Wednesday's Deery Brothers Summer Series event.

With the Deery Series coming to town on Wednesday, Saturday night was a great primer for the 84-lap Red Dralle Memorial Late Model headliner. Prior to that, however, I'm heading back to Benton County Speedway in Vinton tonight. Track announcer Bucky Doren is enjoying some family time this weekend and he asked me to fill in for him. I'm looking forward to calling the races at my hometown track. Hope to see you there!

Highway 3 Raceway fair races rained out, but busy Butler County Fair schedule awaits

2011-06-21T21:02:00.001-05:00

After it appeared that Highway 3 Raceway would dodge the weather Tuesday night when a dark storm cloud slid past the northwest side of Allison, a smaller, but persistent cell washed out the racing program. The special event, which was scheduled to kick off the 2011 Butler County Fair and included USRA Stock Cars, B Mods and Hobby Stocks, along with 4-Cylinder Hornets, was called off just following hot laps as the heavy rains began to fall. The event is expected to be rescheduled, however a rain date has yet to be announced. Check www.highway3raceway.com in the coming days for the make-up date.

Although the Tuesday night portion of the fair schedule was canceled, a loaded schedule is on tap for fairgoers for the remainder of the week and through the weekend. Included is a packed grandstand schedule that resumes tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with a Demolition Derby. On Thursday, two days of music kicks off with Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s performing at 7 p.m. Country group Gloriana headlines Friday's schedule at 7:30 p.m. following the opening act of Katie Armiger. A pair of grandstand events highlights the Saturday portion of the fair schedule as Chuckwagon races will be held at 1 p.m. with Scrambles set for 7 p.m. Figure 8 races close out grandstand entertainment for this year's fair at 6 p.m. Sunday night. For a detailed list of fair events, be sure to check out www.butlercountyfair.com.

Although I originally planned to head north to Cresco Speedway on Thursday night for the Hawkeye Dirt Tour, I don't believe I'll be able to make it to that event. If you haven't been to Cresco and are looking for some great racing, make the trip to the Howard County Fairgrounds on Thursday night as Tom Barnes and his crew always put on a great show!

Packed house on-hand for mid-season championships at Benton County Speedway

2011-06-19T23:32:00.002-05:00

On a Sunday when the weather finally wasn't a major player in the course of the evening's events, a grandstand full of race fans came out for mid-season championship racing, sponsored by Gary's Auto, at Benton County Speedway in Vinton.

Going away from the traditional mid-season format of lining up cars based on total points (more on that later), a regular night of racing was in store for race fans as heat race qualifying and average point inverts determined the starting lineups.

First out of the gate was the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. At the drop of the green in that event, pole-sitter Justin Wacha took command. Wacha, in search of his first career win in the Hobby Stocks, was impressive early as he skated away from the pack by a few car-lengths. Third row starter Justin Stander made an impressive run through traffic to take over second place from Cale Peterson following a lap three caution. Stander started to cut into Wacha's advantage and found himself on the leader's rear bumper following the race's final caution on lap seven.

On the restart, Stander remained glued to Wacha's rear bumper as the leaders ran the low groove of the speedway. Stander tried a couple of times to work the low side of Wacha, but was unable to make the move until the white flag waved. Stander then shot to the inside of the the leader in the first set of turns and exited turn two with a slight advantage.

Despite contact between the two, both drivers held their positions entering turns three and four. Stander pulled away from the pack as Wacha faded when he bobbled on the low side, leaving Stander to drive away with the win. For Stander, it was a bit of redemption as he lost the lead on the final lap of the Hobby Stock feature the night before at Independence Motor Speedway.

1. 67 Justin Stander
2. 77 Rod Grother
3. 78 Matt Brown
4. 17K Kyle Parizek
5. 55 Vince Buchholz
6. 2P Cale Peterson
7. 1S Greg Sweerin
8. 4X Gary Pfantz
9. 07 Jacob Keiser
10. 25 Doug Laughridge

Nathan Chandler went to work on the high side to make an early charge to the front in the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature. Chandler, who started inside of row three, quickly made his way to the high groove and took over second on the first lap. Just one lap later he worked around James Stevens to take control out front. As Chandler extended his lead, Gary Peiffer settled into second on lap three.

Slowed three times for caution over the final eight laps, the field remained bunched together. On each restart, Chandler pulled away as Peiffer worked to hold off Brad Chandler for the runner-up spot. Nathan Chandler survived each caution period to drive to the win while Peiffer held off Brad Chandler at the line for second.

1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 36DD Gary Peiffer
3. 2 Brad Chandler
4. 51 Bryce Bailey
5. 07X Tyler Whalen
6. 8M Jacob McVay
7. 13X James Stevens
8. 35 Brett Vanous
9. 83 Travis Ross
10. A1 Louis Trachta

Pole-sitter Jesse Belez held the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature. Quick to challenge, third row starter Dave Schulze dropped to the low side and battled for the lead on the first lap. He came away with the lead as the field completed lap two and showed the way until the first caution waved on lap five. By this time, Kyle Brown worked through traffic after starting alongside Schulze, and found himself in second for the ensuing restart.

When racing resumed, Brown worked the low side of the leader while Drew Fish was running the high groove after restarting in fourth. Fish inched ahead at the completion of lap nine with Schulze and Brown still running the low side. Schulze briefly took command on the following lap as the trio battled three-wide for the lead. Brown, however, snuck ahead on the following lap before the caution flag waved again.

Brown restarted out front and never looked back when the green flag waved as he drove to his first win in Vinton. Fish remained committed to the high groove to beat Schulze to the line for second.

1. 21X Kyle Brown
2. 3D Drew Fish
3. J2 Dave Schulze
4. K0 Ken Kositzky
5. 3R Danny Dvorak
6. K3 Kyle Olson
7. 00 Jim Buhlman
8. 81 Jesse Belez
9. 95 Mike McDonald
10. 33 Ed O'Brien

Andy Bryant was in search of his first IMCA Stock Car win on the Vinton oval and appeared poised to take home the hardware as the pole-sitter rocketed to the lead at the drop of the green. He quickly extended his lead to multiple car-lengths while Paul Shepherd fought to hold off a hard-charging Justin Temeyer for second.

Temeyer, who started eighth, worked the low side of Shepherd to take second place just three laps into the event, then set his sights of Bryant. Temeyer quickly reeled in the leader, making his bid for the lead on the low side of the speedway on lap five. Temeyer pulled away from the pack to sail to victory. Phil Holtz, who was nearly a straightaway behind the leaders by the time he made his way into third on lap six, made an impressive run to chase down Bryant and sneak beneath him for second at the checkers.

1. 56T Justin Temeyer
2. 7H Phil Holtz
3. 77 Andy Bryant
4. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
5. 3T Scooter Dulin
6. 31S Paul Shepherd
7. 15 Norman Chesmore
8. 09M Brett Mather
9. 22R Todd Reitzler
10. 76 Mike Galli

By the time the IMCA Modifieds made their way to the speedway for the evening's 20-lap finale, the surface became dry slick and proved driver ability would prevail. In the end, Jerry Dedrick made his first career trip to the winner's circle in the division.

At the drop of the green, Dawn Krall held the top spot, but Dedrick was able to make his way by her on the second circuit. He worked the low side of the speedway as Mike Burbridge and Patrick Flannagan gave chase. The first to challenge for the lead, Burbridge closed on Dedrick's four car-length advantage and was able to stick his nose beneath the leader with five laps to go. Unable to take advantage, Burbridge settled back into second with Flannagan hot on his heels.

Flannagan worked the low side of Burbridge as the flying green was displayed as he took over the second position. Like Burbridge, Flannagan's attempts to work the low side of Dedrick were unsuccessful as Dedrick drove to the milestone win.

1. 5 Jerry Dedrick
2. F7 Patrick Flannagan
3. 11B Mike Burbridge
4. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
5. 12D Joe Docekal
6. 33D Scott Hogan
7. 32 Chris Snyder
8. 8 Tony Snyder
9. 25 Shawn Fisher
10. 22 Brandon Banks

As I mentioned earlier, the racing format for tonight's mid-season event was the standard qualify/invert format you'll see any other night throughout the season. It was great to see BCS use the qualifying format for tonight's show. As a kid, I always liked to see out-of-car introductions and the points leaders start up front, but the older I've gotten (insert own jokes here), the more I've come to appreciate a "regular" race night for mid-season. Quite frankly, mid-season serves as no more than a reminder that the season is already halfway gone (as if we want to be presented with that terrible notion, anyway); not a reason to alter the racing format. In fact, it wouldn't bother me if tracks did away with a proclaimed "mid-season championships" event altogether, unless, of course, you do it the right way. They did it the right way tonight in Vinton. Gary Peiffer of Gary's Auto in Troy Mills did a phenomenal job in sponsoring tonight's show. With the Frisbee toss, giveaways (including 10 bikes for the kids), and T-shirt cannon, he showed he really knows how to sponsor a night of fun for the whole family. I realize the old saying that "drivers work all year to start up front," and I agree with that sentiment... AFTER they've worked all year, they can start up front during season championship events. It takes away from the ebb and flow of a season to lineup by points for mid-season and it makes championship night mean that much more.

Up next for me is the Butler County Fair race at Highway 3 Raceway in Allison this Tuesday night. It will be my first time at Allison this summer and I'm looking forward to the long climb to the crow's nest to call the night's action. USRA Stock Cars, B Mods and Hobby Stocks, along with 4-Cylinder Hornets, will be on-hand. Come on out as county fair season in Iowa gets underway! I hope to see you there!

Jackson, Johnson stay hot at Independence Motor Speedway

2011-06-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

On a night when storm cells littered eastern Iowa, only a few sprinkles of rain fell at Independence Motor Speedway, allowing for a great night of racing on the smooth, fast 3/8-mile oval. By night's end, a pair of drivers continued their hot streaks at the speedway while another pair earned their first wins of the season.

In the IMCA Modified division, Vern Jackson joined an elite group of drivers as he drove to his third consecutive feature win in the division, becoming only the seventh Modified driver in speedway history to record three straight victories.

Outside front row starter Jason Snyder held the early advantage while Jackson worked into contention after starting in the fifth row. Following a pair of cautions on laps one and three that kept the field bunched together, Jackson worked into a battle for the lead a handful of laps into the event. He made his way past Snyder for the lead on lap six and then set sail.

Adam Johnson made his way through traffic and settled into second on lap 14, then went to work on closing in on Jackson. Although he made up ground late in the event when the leader encountered lapped traffic, Jackson's margin was too large to overcome as he drove to the win. Johnson finished second ahead of Troy Cordes, Mike Burbridge and points leader Jerry Luloff.

For Jackson, it was his division-leading 38th career Modified win at the speedway and 94th overall at Independence. He joined Darin Duffy, Jack Mitchell, Troy Cordes, Duane Van Deest, Greg Kastli and Mark Noble as the only drivers in track history to earn three straight wins in the division. Jackson also moved atop another category in the Modified ranks. He now has seven seasons with three-plus wins, the most of any Modified driver in track history.

Sean Johnson also earned his third win of the year as he topped the 15-lap IMCA Stock Car main event. From an inside third row starting spot, Johnson shot to the inside at the drop of the green and came away with the lead by the completion of the first lap. A pair of early cautions allowed Damon Murty, who made his first appearance of the season, to stay close with the leaders. Murty swept around the outside of his competitors to steal third after just two laps from a fifth row starting spot. He closed on Johnson and pulled alongside of the leader just as the final caution waved on lap four.

On the restart, Johnson led the field to green and fought off a couple more challenges from Murty. He then pulled away to score the victory, his second straight and third of the season. Murty ran second ahead of Justin Temeyer, Jarod Weepie and points leader Dave Stricker.

It was Johnson's 11th career trip to the winner's circle in the Stock Car division at Independence and his fifth win in the last eight Stock Car features at the speedway. He remains eighth on the division's all-time wins list and now sits within three victories of Norman Chesmore for seventh.

Pole-sitter Rick Wendling paced the field at the start of the 25-lap IMCA Late Model feature. Wendling held the point while Rick Dralle gave chase and Tyler Bruening worked through the field from a fifth row start.

As Bruening made his way through traffic, Dralle closed the gap out front and slid past Wendling for the lead at the 10-lap mark. As Dralle made his bid for the lead, Bruening closed the gap on the leaders, working below Wendling one lap later. Bruening then snuck past Dralle for the lead on lap 12.

Bruening came upon lapped traffic just two laps later while Jon Passick was charging through the field. Running the high groove, Passick chased Bruening through the backmarkers as he tried to cut into the straightaway advantage Bruening held out front. Passick closed the gap late in the race, but remained a few car-lengths back at the line. This allowed Bruening to take his second win of the season, and first since opening night, in the caution-free event. Dralle ran third ahead of Curt Martin and Greg Kastli, who both started in the sixth row. Darren Ackerman came from a 17th starting spot to finish sixth.

The win was Bruening's ninth career at Independence, moving him into a tie with Bill Barthelmes for 19th on the all-time list. Bruening's win propelled him back into a tie atop the division's standings with Ackerman. Passick's good run kept him within two points of the division leaders.

A three-wide finish wowed the crowd as the IMCA Hobby Stocks arguably put on the best show of the night. At the drop of the green, Chris Luloff held the point from his pole-position start. Luloff extended his advantage throughout the first few laps of the 15-lapper while Jim Ball and Steve Wiltse battled for position.

With Luloff nearly half of a straightaway ahead of the field, Justin Stander worked into contention from a fifth row starting spot as he drove the high groove into third on lap seven. Stander's progress was assisted when the caution flag waved on lap eight.

On the restart, Stander quickly challenged Luloff for the lead and came away with the top spot on the following lap. Stander held the point until the race's final caution waved on lap 11. When racing resumed one last time, Luloff, Justin Lichty and Jamie Whitaker challenged Stander for the lead as the quartet went four-wide down the front stretch to complete lap 12. Stander still held the advantage a lap later, but Lichty and Whitaker remained wheel-to-wheel with the leader as Luloff faded to fourth.

The leaders ran three-wide throughout the remainder of the event with Stander holding a slight edge in turn four on the final lap. Lichty, however, went to the high side and had a great run off the corner. He surged ahead by a bumper at the line to earn the thrilling win. Stander finished second with Whitaker third as that trio ran in three-wide formation to the end. Luloff and Ball completed the top five.

It was Lichty's seventh career win in the division at Independence, moving him into sole possession of 12th on the all-time Hobby Stock wins list at the speedway. It was also Lichty's first win of the season, which extends his streak to five consecutive years at Independence with at least one Hobby Stock win. That ties him with Chris Luloff for second all-time in that category. Patrick Stansbery, who won at least one Hobby Stock feature for six consecutive years (1998-2003), is at the top of that list.

Cory Evans held the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature while Matt McCahen and Tyler Droste gave chase. Evans worked the high line while Droste, who made his way past McCahen on lap three, ran the low groove. Droste pulled even with Evans as the caution flag waved on lap five.

Following the restart, Droste worked past Evans on the low side, however contact between the two brought out another stoppage a short time later, sending both to the back for the ensuing restart. For that restart, Lucas Lundry inherited the pole as he led the remainder of the event to take his first win of the season. Jim Buhlman finished second ahead of Ray Lundry, Danny Dvorak and Drew Fish.

The third SportMod win of his career at Independence, Lucas Lundry is now tied for fourth with Chris Luloff and Tyler Droste on the all-time list. Lundry now has one win in each of the last three seasons, the second longest streak in the division.

With the threat of rain in the area, track officials made every attempt to keep the show moving. After getting underway just past the 6 p.m. hour, the 102 cars on-hand competed in 19 events in a program that ended at 9:10. Great job to promoter Cam Granger and his track crew for nailing the track prep on Saturday!

After a return to Vinton tonight (weather permitting), I'll head to Highway 3 Raceway in Allison this Tuesday for the Butler County Fair race program, then (tentatively) I'm planning a trip to Cresco Speedway for the JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt tour event on Thursday.

Barker is best in Hawkeye Dirt Tour action at Cedar County Raceway

2011-06-15T01:19:00.001-05:00

A strong field of 33 IMCA Modifieds were on-hand at Cedar County Raceway in Tipton on Tuesday night for the third event of the 2011 JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour. When the checkers waved, Modified veteran Ron Barker stood in victory lane for his first HDT win.

Pole-sitter Ronn Lauritzen paced the 23 starters at the drop of the green. Running the low groove of the smooth, multi-groove 1/4-mile, Lauritzen powered ahead of Jeff Waterman. A pair of early cautions kept the field bunched together and allowed Kurt Krauskopf to challenge Waterman for second. Krauskopf made his way past Waterman following the second caution on lap four, then worked the high side to chase down Lauritzen. Those efforts were assisted when the final caution of the event waved three laps later.

On the restart, Lauritzen held the point while Krauskopf elected to start on the outside of the second row with Waterman to his inside. Krauskopf again went to work up top with Lauritzen a groove off the bottom while Dusty Kraklio battled his way into contention. As Kraklio went to work on the low side of Lauritzen in turns one and two on the eighth lap, the field battled three and four-wide behind them for position.

Kraklio inched ahead for the lead one lap later while Barker settled into the top four after starting eighth. Running the high side, Barker swept past Krauskopf on the 11th circuit, then made his way past Lauritzen one lap later. Following Barker on the high side of the track was Jacob Waterman, who started deep in the field, but made his way into fourth as Barker passed for second.

Committed to the high groove, Barker made his way around Kraklio on the following lap as Jacob Waterman tried to keep pace with the new leader. Waterman took the high side around Lauritzen and Kraklio just past the midway point.

Barker's lead appeared insurmountable until he reached lapped traffic with just five laps to go. As he navigated the backmarkers, Waterman closed the gap while Brian Webb reeled in the leaders. Barker shot beneath the lapped car of Larry Herring with just two laps to go, putting traffic between himself and Waterman to close the deal as Barker drove to the exciting win. Waterman held off Webb for second.

1. 37B Ron Barker
2. 69 Jacob Waterman
3. 6 Brian Webb
4. 2 Dusty Kraklio
5. 60 Kurt Krauskopf
6. X Ryan Dolan
7. 1 Dan Chapman
8. 21A Kelly Meyer
9. 71W Jeff Waterman
10. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
11. 19G Richie Gustin
12. 27M Mark Schulte
13. 62 Greg Cox
14. 70 Mitch Morris
15. 8 Rich Smith
16. 11B Mike Burbridge
17. 25X Jake Bowman
18. 67 John Ahlers
19. 12 Mark Elliott
20. 8T Tony Snyder
21. 96 Larry Herring
22. 57B Dennis Betzer
23. 21 Todd Hansen
24. 17D Todd Dykema (DNS)

Josh Foster, who suffered mechanical problems throughout the night, was scheduled to be the series provisional for the feature, however he was unable to make repairs in time so that position went to Tony Snyder. Todd Dykema, the track provisional, was also unable to make the starting call.

My main duty of the night was to fill in and sell HDT T-shirts on the grandstands side so I was unable to see the Stock Car or 4-Cylinder features. Tim Current broke Chip Kohl's winning streak in the Stock Car division to take the win in that feature while Nathan Chandler came out on top in the 4-Cylinders.

Although I wasn't able to take in all of the action on the track tonight, it was a pleasant change of pace to have the chance to visit with race fans in attendance. It was nice to meet Mike Weikert Sr., the father of Modified driver Mike Weikert Jr., although Mike Jr. struggled throughout the event and was unable to qualify for the feature. I had the chance to chat with former Pro Stock and Late Model driver Tom Struve of Palo. While he hasn't been racing this year, Struve's weekend schedule has been kept busy with six grandchildren. I also enjoyed watching the Modified feature with Ginny Thomas, the mother of Modified driver Ed Thomas. While I've spent a lot of time at the Thomas Racing shop in Waterloo over the years, it was the first time Ginny and I had actually watched a race together. Thanks for saving my spot, Ginny!

Thanks also to tour director Bucky Doren for inviting me down to help out tonight. It was a blast. And, as always, I have to give credit to promoters Al and Kathy Dlouhy. Some of the friendliest people you will meet, they truly define the word "promoter" when it comes to our sport. While many people in charge of racing facilities simply "put on races," the Dlouhys take pride in their product and truly care for their drivers and fans. They not only have a successful weekly program, but they are willing to bring in specials that they know drivers and fans want to see in that area. They don't just stick out their necks, take a chance and hope for the best - they work their tails off to get the job done right.

To top it off, they know what they're doing. The Dlouhys don't saturate and lengthen a mid-week show by adding numerous classes in support of the headlining division. Three divisions for a mid-week special is the perfect number and they proved it again tonight by providing a great show that had people on their way home by the 10 o'clock hour. Their efforts are shown each time I make the trip to Cedar County and they have a top notch staff in place to ensure your visit to Tipton is well worth it. If you still haven't put Cedar County Raceway on your schedule for this season, take the time to do it. The hospitality and quality of racing are second-to-none

That's all of the mid-week racing for me this time around. Another weekend of weekly racing at Independence and Vinton are up next before my schedule starts to slowly pick in anticipation of the "blur" that is July. Have a great week!

Bonus Blitz! Mid-June numbers, and then some...

2011-06-13T19:26:00.001-05:00

I decided to leave my lawn mower in the garage for one more night, turn on an NCIS rerun and crunch some numbers for a Bonus Stats Blitz for Independence Motor Speedway. The following stats stray from the normal information I provide at the end of each calendar month. Actually, all of it could probably fall under the “Stuff Nobody Should Know” section at the end of the monthly Blitz. Call it corny, unnecessary, just something to do on a Monday night or anything else that comes to mind… Enjoy the Bonus Blitz!

***There have been four consecutive different Late Model winners to open the current season. Although that seems like it would be a rare occurrence, in 47 years, at least four consecutive different drivers opened the season with a win in 28 separate seasons. Of those, nine times five consecutive different Late Model drivers opened the season in victory lane, three times there were six straight winners, five times there were seven straight winners and two times (in 1970 and 1985) a record eight different Late Model drivers won features through the first eight weeks of the season.

***There have been four consecutive different Hobby Stock winners to open the current season. In the division’s 23 seasons at Independence, at least four consecutive different drivers opened the season with a win in 10 seasons. Of those, three times five consecutive different Hobby Stock drivers opened the season in victory lane and two times (in 2002 and 2010) a record six different Hobby Stock drivers won features through the first six weeks of the season.

***With his Modified victory on June 11, Vern Jackson won back-to-back features in the division for the third time in his career at Independence. He is one of 18 drivers in the division’s history to win consecutive Modified features at Independence. The others, in alphabetical order, are J.D. Auringer, Jeff Barkdoll, Ron Barker, Tom Bartholomew, Troy Cordes, Max Corporon, Steve Droste, Darin Duffy, Craig Haupt, Greg Kastli, Tim McBride, Jack Mitchell, Mark Noble, Keith Pittman, Kevin Pittman, Mike Sampson and Joey Schaefer. For those scanning the list, no, Jerry Luloff’s name is not on it. Although he is fifth on the all-time wins list at the speedway for the Modifieds, none of his 21 career wins have come in consecutive weeks. To his credit, his 21 wins have come in 14 different seasons, which leads the Modified division. Jackson is second on that list with at least one Modified win in 13 different seasons. One reason Luloff probably doesn’t mind? He leads the division all-time with five track championships. You can read more about the wins-to-championships ratio at the end of this blog.

***Jackson’s first Modified win at Indee came in 1997. Of those 15 years, he has had seasons with multiple wins a record 11 times. Darin Duffy is second on that list with eight seasons of multiple Modified wins at the speedway. Saturday night’s win for Jackson was his ninth in the month of June at Independence. His nine wins are the most all-time for the division in June.

***Dating back to July 17, 2010, Josh Sherbon and Tyler Droste have won eight of the last 10 IMCA SportMod features. Sherbon has won five of the last 10 and Droste three times in that span.

***Dating back to August 14, 2010, Sean Johnson has won four of the last seven IMCA Stock Car features. No other driver has more than one win in that span.

***Through 20 features so far this season, there have been 17 different feature winners. Those drivers have earned a combined 135 career wins in their respective divisions at Independence.

***June 11 was the fourth weekly points race of the 2011 season. My apologies in advance to Luke Merfeld, Vern Jackson, Sean Johnson, Josh Sherbon and Rod Grother… In the last 30 seasons, only 15.8% of all feature winners during the fourth week of the season have gone on to win track championships. The percentage for the fourth week is tied for the least likely to produce a track champion. With which week is it tied? Week 5.

To put it into perspective, since 1981, only six of 30 eventual Late Model track champions won in week four, five of 28 Modifieds, one of 18 Stock Cars, three of 22 Hobby Stocks and one of three SportMods. Of the past 30 track champions (among all divisions since 2005), only two champions won during week four – Curt Martin (Late Models, 2005) and Danny Dvorak (SportMods, 2008).

The numbers for week five are as follows: Only three of 30 eventual Late Model track champions won during week five of the season, four of 28 Modifieds, three of 18 Stock Cars, six of 22 Hobby Stocks and none of three SportMods.

To take it a step further (because I tend to like to do that), 128 track champions have been crowned since 1981. Of those titlists, only five times has an eventual track champion won back-to-back features during the fourth and fifth weeks of racing. They include Jack Mitchell (Modifieds, 1984), Greg Kastli (Modifieds, 1986), Dave Gerner (Sportsmen, 1987), Curt Martin (Late Models, 1999 and 2004). So, yeah, sorry guys, but it looks like you’re doomed if you win again on night five!

For an overall look at how often track champions visit victory lane, here are those numbers. Since 1981, Late Model champions have won 112 of 437 features (25.6%), Modified champions have won 106 of 414 features (also 25.6%), Stock Car champs are 79 of 262 (the highest percentage at 29.8%), Hobby Stock champions are 88 of 323 (27.2%) and SportMod track champions are six of 37 (16.2%).

***While wins help a driver move up the standings, consistency (not necessarily feature wins) equates to a division title. While Jack Mitchell (Modifieds, 1984) and Larry Portis (Stock Cars, 1995) earned 10 wins (the most all-time in a season) on their way to track championships, three-time and five-time winners during the course of the season have produced the most champions since 1985. Of the 95 champions crowned since 1985 in the divisions that currently compete at the speedway, 15 were three-time winners during their championship seasons and 15 were also five-time winners. There have been 14 two-time winners to earn championships and 12 four-time winning titlists. An astounding 11 times has a driver earned a track title without earning a feature win while, on the flip-side, only seven times has a one-time feature winner earned championship honors. Just 21 times (22%) has a track champion earned more than five feature wins in a season since 1985. Of the 95 track champions mentioned above, 42 did not even lead their division in the number of feature wins during their championship seasons.

I think that’s enough for tonight. I’ll be back sometime in late June or early July with the next Blitz!

Just your typical Sunday...

2011-06-12T22:55:00.004-05:00

There's a town in east central Iowa that has boasted many things over the years. The community of just over 5,000 people, nestled along the Cedar River in Benton County, was known as the "Popcorn Capital" of Iowa due to its popular Vinton Popcorn Company that was located on West 4th Street for many years. Although that business closed a number of years ago, the rural community is still known as the "City of Lights" for its numerous, beautiful Christmas light displays which draw many travelers during the holiday season.

The community of Vinton is a proud little town. When you enter the city from the north on Highway 150, you feel as though you've entered a small town like those depicted in annual holiday TV specials. You always tend to feel you're visiting the right place as you travel across the bridge and down the hill, greeted by old fashioned street lights and murals that grace the buildings as you make your way downtown. The residents of Vinton take pride in their community and they know how to get things done.

On the southeast corner of town you'll find the Benton County Fairgrounds, the location of the annual Benton County Fair in late July and, more recently, the Boomtown Vinton fireworks celebration that was started just a few years ago, along with weekly stock car racing from April through mid-September every year . When it comes to getting things done in Vinton, you won't find a better example than a Sunday night at the fairgrounds. This Sunday night, June 12, was no different.

4:00 p.m. - Normally a bustling place around this time, the gate to the pit area of the race track and main grandstand entrance were relatively quiet on this night. A few regulars, committed to reserving their seats for the weekly racing program, were in attendance, as were a couple of race teams wanting to be sure to get their parking spots in the pits. It was casual, however, almost giving you an uneasy feeling that the hard work put into the week's program was done in vain. The clouds were present for most of the day and a few light, random sprinkles were starting to make their way to the ground.

Those rain drops didn't materialize into anything more than a nuisance over the next hour or so as the line of cars to the pit entrance and the line of race fans at the main gate continued to lengthen. "It's Sunday and we're in Vinton. We will race tonight," appeared to be the sense shared by everyone who made their way to the track despite the increasingly threatening skies to the west.

5:22 p.m. - Race cars were called to the race track to help pack in the racing surface in order to get the program underway in a timely manner and, hopefully, to dodge as many rain drops as possible.

5:31 p.m. - The many cars on the track were ushered off of the speedway by track official as the track packing was quick, efficient and thorough. It was time for hot laps.

5:52 p.m. - With hot laps complete and the show opened by announcer Bucky Doren, the first heat of IMCA Hobby Stocks makes its way to the speedway... then the second... then the IMCA Sport Compacts as the drops became slightly bigger and greater in number. Cars entered and left the track in quick, orderly fashion. We don't rain out in Vinton. We race.

6:27 p.m. - Thirty-five minutes after the first heat race took the first green flag of the night, the final heat race took the checkered flag - 11 heat races, 35 minutes, 0 caution flags.

6:28 p.m. - A quick check of the radar revealed there were still showers in the area. Actually, from the looks of Accuweather radar, it WAS raining in Vinton. Nevermind that, we had work to do... It was time for feature racing.

6:33 p.m. - After a parade lap for the IMCA Hobby Stocks, the field took the green flag for the first feature of the night. Inside second row starter Russell Damme Jr. swept past front row starters Justin Wacha and Cale Peterson to lead the first time around the fast 1/4-mile oval. Damme maintained a nice advantage out front while fellow second row starter Jacob Keiser worked past Wacha and Peterson on lap three as Justin Stander followed him into third.

Keiser reeled in Damme on the seventh lap and applied pressure to the leader's back bumper as Vince Buchholz made his way into fourth after starting in the fifth row. The order remained unchanged until the 13th lap when Stander bobbled exiting turn two. As he was trying to regain control of his machine, Buchholz slipped past him as the two made contact, sending Stander into a spin off the back stretch to bring out the first caution of the race. Check that, the first caution of the night... during race 12... on lap 93. When racing resumed, Damme held off the persistent Keiser to score his first win of the season.

1. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
2. 07 Jacob Keiser
3. 55 Vince Buchholz
4. 78 Matt Brown
5. 2P Cale Peterson
6. 47 Scott Pippert
7. 17K Kyle Parizek
8. 45 Justin Wacha
9. 77 Rod Grother
10. 64JR Jeremiah Wilson

6:40 p.m. - Russell Damme Jr. made his way to victory lane for his interview as the IMCA Sport Compacts prepared to roll out of the staging area for their 12-lap feature event and the pesky rain drops stopped, at least momentarily.

6:44 p.m. - The green flag waved for the IMCA Sport Compact main event with pole-sitter Ross Kitner showing the way to lead lap one. Nathan Chandler, who started a row behind Kitner to the outside, quickly made his way past Jacob McVay and the leader to secure the top spot on lap two. Three laps later, Brad Chandler worked his way into second from a fourth row start as the lead pair quickly pulled away from the field.

The Chandlers were a straightaway ahead of third-running Brett Vanous when the race's only caution waved on lap eight after Gary Peiffer and Merv Chandler came together in turn four. When racing resumed, the leaders again pulled away from the pack with Nathan holding off Brad to score the victory.

1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 2 Brad Chandler
3. 35 Brett Vanous
4. 51 Bryce Bailey
5. 07 Tyler Whalen
6. 57K Ross Kitner
7. 1 Merv Chandler
8. 22T Travis Losenicky
9. 83 Travis Ross
10. 23 Brad Vanous

6:50 p.m. - As Nathan Chandler exited his car to prepare for the victory lane interview, the IMCA SportMods remained in staging, anxiously awaiting their turn on the speedway for their 15-lap feature.

6:54 p.m. - The green flag waved for the 21-car IMCA SportMod field with second row starter Racer Hullin powering to the front on the low groove of the speedway. He disposed of front row starters Ed O'Brien and Curt Hilmer to lead lap one. Hilmer remained in second while Ken Kositzky quickly made his way into third on lap three following a caution one lap prior.

Hullin held a decent advantage over the field when he entered lapped traffic just past the midway point, allowing Kositzky, who drove the low line into second, and Hilmer to close the gap. A caution one lap later removed the lapped traffic, but placed Kositzky and Hilmer on his rear bumper for the restart. When racing resumed, Hullin pulled away from the field and survived one final stoppage to motor to his second win of the season.

1. 505 Racer Hullin
2. K0 Ken Kositzky
3. 22H Curt Hilmer
4. 30X Josh Modde
5. J2 Dave Schulze
6. 00 Jim Buhlman
7. 3R Danny Dvorak
8. 3D Drew Fish
9. K3 Kyle Olson
10. 23R Nick Roberts

7:09 p.m. - Racer Hullin prepared for his second career victory lane interview with the IMCA Stock Cars at the ready to start their 15-lap feature as the light, pesky rain drops returned to the southeast corner of town.

7:12 p.m. - John Schaefer shot into the lead at the start of the IMCA Stock Car main event. Schaefer was among a trio of different drivers to hold the lead over the course of the first three laps. After Mike Galli briefly assumed command on lap two, the middle of the pack saw four-wide action for position on lap three with Damon Murty sneaking through for fourth as Scooter Dulin took a turn out front.

As Dulin led, Paul Shepherd settled into second and briefly challenged to the low side while Murty worked the top groove. Murty worked the high side around Shepherd, then quickly dropped to the bottom to inch ahead of Dulin for the lead on lap seven. Dulin led the remainder of the caution-free event to score the victory, his second straight.

1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 3T Scooter Dulin
3. 31S Paul Shepherd
4. 81X Randy Killen
5. 10 John Schaefer
6. 76 Mike Galli
7. 17 Jason Niedert
8. 15 Norman Chesmore
9. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
10. 7H Phil Holtz

7:17 p.m. - Damon Murty prepared to answered questions about his second straight trip to victory lane as the evening's finale, the IMCA Modified feature, was ready to give the night a memorable finish.

7:21 p.m. - IMCA Modified feature pole-sitter Tony Olson, who has made it an undesirable habit of starting mid-pack or worse the past couple of weeks, took the green flag from the pole in the night's feature. Following a caution on the initial start of the 20-lap event, Olson rocketed into the lead only to have action slowed one final time after the completion of lap two.

On that restart, Olson again took charge, running the extreme high groove of the speedway. Fellow front row starter Brandon Banks gave chase while Troy Cordes and Joe Docekal worked the bottom groove into third and fourth. Olson allowed his competitors to stay in the hunt via a miscue exiting turn four midway through the event and getting a little too high in the corners late in the race.

Banks, Docekal and Cordes switched grooves throughout the event, running high and low at various times as they tried to cut into Olson's lead. The top four were running just a couple of car-lengths apart when the white flag waved. At that time, both Cordes and Docekal shot to the low side of Banks as Olson's pursuers worked the low side of the leader. Olson, Cordes and Docekal stayed three-wide down the back stretch as Olson regained the edge in the final set of turns. He powered off turn four to take the thrilling win in a photo finish that separated all three drivers by mere inches. Cordes edged Docekal at the line for second.

1. T23 Tony Olson
2. 71 Troy Cordes
3. 12D Joe Docekal
4. 22 Brandon Banks
5. 33D Scott Hogan
6. F7 Patrick Flannagan
7. 25 Shawn Fisher
8. 11B Mike Burbridge
9. 5 Jerry Dedrick
10. 7 Todd Jensen

7:34 p.m. - With the sprinkles slowly fading away, Tony Olson made his way to victory lane for the final celebration of the night. Sixteen races and an hour and 42 minutes after the first green flag waved, the track officials quietly gathered their belongings, loaded their ATVs and made their way to the pit office to drop off their radios while concession manager Dan Engledow and his staff worked to close down and clean up below the grandstands. Judy Burkey - ticket taker, grandstand greeter, grounds worker, track prep worker (yes, she spent two hours on the sheeps foot on Saturday night as she has for many years) and master of all trades at the speedway, exited to her car while Don Burkey quietly pulled the road grader onto the track to get an early start for next week's show.

They say rain was in the forecast for Vinton on Sunday. Those on-hand at Benton County Speedway, however, had racing in the forecast. And racing wins out over rain on Sundays in Vinton. They know how to get the job done and, on this Sunday, the racing in the forecast made for a typical Sunday night at the speedway.

Points leaders struggle, Jackson notches another win at Independence

2011-06-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

On a night when all five division points leaders had their share of problems, including three who lost their positions atop the standings, Vern Jackson added another victory to a remarkable career at Independence Motor Speedway.

Dating back to his first feature win in weekly racing in the Roadrunner division in 1979, Jackson's IMCA Modified win on Saturday night gave him 93 career wins at Independence in weekly competition, more than any other driver in track history.

At the start of the 20-lap Modified feature, pole-sitter Leon Wilson jumped to a big early advantage. He quickly put a handful of car-lengths on the field while Jackson made his way from a third row start and into second place after just two laps. Jackson then went to work on running down the race leader while Jerry King and Mike Burbridge pursued.

As Wilson battled lapped traffic midway through the event, Jackson closed the gap and appeared set to challenge for the lead when the race's first caution flag waved on lap 10 for King, who slid off the high side of the front straightaway. By this time, Jerry Luloff and Troy Cordes, both working from fifth row starts, made their way into contention.

On the restart, Jackson again dropped in behind Wilson, but had difficulty making a bid for the lead. The field closed once again when the caution flag waved on lap 16. By this time, Johnson made his way beneath Luloff for second, putting him in the second row when racing resumed. For that restart, Wilson still held the point, but a loaded field of veterans was close behind. Along with points leader Johnson, four of the top five in career wins in the division completed the top six, including Jackson, Luloff, Cordes and Darin Duffy.

When the green waved again, Johnson shot beneath Wilson off of turn four as the field attempted to complete lap 17. After Johnson made his way past Wilson for the lead, he slid to the top side and Wilson shot to the bottom to try to regain the top spot. Halfway down the front straightaway, Wilson and Johnson made contact with Johnson slipping off the high side of the front stretch to bring out the final caution. With Johnson stopped on the track, he was sent to the rear of the pack for the final restart, as was Wilson for his involvement in the incident. This set up a two-wide restart out front when racing resumed with the bevy of career wins leaders making up the front two rows.

When racing resumed the final time, Jackson took control and held off Luloff to score the wild victory. Duffy ran third ahead of Burbridge and Kellen Chadwick. Cordes faded to a 14th place finish. If hard charger points had any cash value, Tony Olson would be swimming in the green stuff following his last three outings at Independence and Benton County Speedway in Vinton. Last Saturday in Independence, Olson gained 12 positions to finish third after starting 15th, then worked from a sixth row start to finish fourth in Vinton last Sunday. He did it again on Saturday night by finishing sixth after starting last in the 27-car starting field. I would say advancing 40 positions in three nights of racing is a job well done. Now we just need to work on getting you qualified for the invert out of the heats so you don't have to work so hard in the feature, Tony!

For Jackson, the 93rd win of his career now places him ahead of Curt Martin by two victories. All of Martin's victories have come in a stellar Late Model career while Jackson's have come in a track-high six different divisions. Along with his wins in the Roadrunners and Modifieds, Jackson also had wins in the Sportsman, Late Model, Street Stock and Pro Stock divisions.

Johnson, the points leader entering the night, finished 20th as he lost the lead in the division to Jerry Luloff. Luloff, who qualified for his 201st consecutive Modified feature on Saturday, moved to the top of the standings for the first time since August 18, 2007.

In the IMCA SportMod division, Jim Aschenbrenner took command on the first lap after starting in the second row. He paced the field through a myriad of early cautions while Josh Sherbon made his way through traffic and into second from a fourth row start after just three laps.

Following a lap nine restart, Sherbon went to work on the high side of Aschenbrenner to assume command. He led the remaining six laps to drive to the win ahead of Aschenbrenner and Jim Buhlman. Austin Lucas, who made his first appearance of the season, made a stout run to finish third after starting 19th. Curt Hilmer and Dave Schulze completed the top five.

The win was the 11th of Sherbon's career in the division at Independence, best among all drivers. He is also now the only driver to have won a feature in each of the four seasons the SportMods have competed at Independence. Since no other driver had won features in each of the first three years in the division at the track, he is guaranteed to hold that honor by himself as long as he continues to win.

Additionally, points leader Danny Dvorak held onto a 10th place finish (the best finish for all points leaders on the night), but gave up the lead to Sherbon, who moved to the top of the standings for the first time since May 23, 2009. Sherbon was fifth in the standings entering the night, giving him a four spot boost in the points to take the top spot. It is the biggest jump in position in one night to take over a points lead at Independence since a pair of drivers did it in 2009. Darren Ackerman moved from fifth to first in one week on June 27, 2009, while Jason Hocken also advanced from fifth to first in one week on June 20 of that same year.

Defending IMCA Hobby Stock track champion Rod Grother led the entire 15-laps in that main event to take the victory. From his outside front row starting spot, Grother took charge and never looked back to score the win, his first at the speedway since April 22, 2006. He remained the car to beat throughout a trio of cautions during the first half of the event to see the checkers first ahead of Quinton Miller, Jamie Whitaker, Justin Stander and Vince Buchholz. The sixth win of his career at Indee, Grother now sits tied for 12th on the division's all-time wins list.

Entering the night, August Bach held the points lead, however he left the race early after he and Chris Luloff engaged in some extra-curriculars while the race was under caution. By virtue of his 18th place finish and Buchholz' fifth place finish, Buchholz took over the points lead. Coincidentally, Buchholz is the only driver at the speedway to record top-five finishes in each of the first four nights this season. Also, his 10-point edge in the standings is the largest point lead of any of the five divisions at this point in the season.

Sean Johnson drove to his second win of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division. Johnson motored into the lead from his second row start after just one lap, leaving Roger Ciesielski and Tim Helle to do battle behind him. Brian Irvine entered that battle just past the midway point and moved into second with a handful of laps remaining. His progress, however, stopped there as Johnson powered to the victory ahead of Irvine, Ciesielski, Tim Helle and Jarod Weepie. Just like his win on opening night, Johnson led the event in its entirety. He also started in fourth during both of his wins.

Although Dave Stricker was one of only two drivers to not give up his lead in the standings, his 10th place finish did nothing to help his position. He now sits just three points ahead of Norman Chesmore in the standings, four ahead of Weepie and nine ahead of Johnson.

The last time Luke Merfeld was in victory lane at Independence was on July 4, 1998, after he earned the win in the Pro Stock division. Nearly 13 years later, Merfeld made a return trip to the winner's circle after taking top honors in the 25-lap IMCA Late Model feature.

Starting on the pole, Merfeld shot into the lead with Bryan Klein in pursuit. Despite a trio of cautions early in the event, the leaders built nearly a straightaway lead on the field by the time the caution waved again on lap 13. By that time, Greg Kastli worked from a fifth row starting spot and into the top three.

On the restart, Merfeld again took command and held the point through a pair of cautions for debris late in the race. Darren Ackerman, who started in row six, made his way through traffic and past Kastli on lap 20. His attempts to sneak beneath Merfeld came up short, however, as Merfeld drove to the milestone win. Ackerman finished second ahead of Kastli, Jon Passick and Dirk Hamilton. Through 20 feature events at the speedway this season, Merfeld became the first driver to win from the pole position.

Points leader Tyler Bruening suffered engine problems early in the event, forcing him to a 20th place finish. This allowed Ackerman to take the points lead by eight markers ahead of him in the division standings.

Tonight, it's back to Benton County Speedway in Vinton for another night of weekly racing, then on Tuesday I'm going to try something a little different and maybe a little more laidback. I'm heading to Cedar County Raceway in Tipton on Tuesday night for the JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour for IMCA Modifieds. If you want to stop by and say hi, I'll be helping tour director Bucky Doren by working souvenir sales on the grandstand side. It should be an interesting change of pace, but I hope to be done by feature time so I can provide a report on the night's action here at Positively Racing. Have a great week!