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!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Pippert wins again, Mother Nature does not... Just another Sunday at Benton County Speedway
Scott Pippert standing in IMCA Hobby Stock victory lane and Mother Nature doing a dance around Benton County, yet somehow managing to miss the little 1/4-mile oval on the south side of Vinton... Ahh, yes, just another Sunday night at Benton County Speedway.
Although it's been a few weeks since Scott Pippert last visited the winner's circle at Benton County Speedway, the Elberon hot shoe once again found himself celebrating in victory lane on Sunday night. Including the Frostbuster event in early April, Pippert is now batting .500 as he's won four times in eight nights of racing at Vinton this season. Contrary to Pippert's success, Mother Nature's threatening ways came up short once again on Sunday night. Despite rainy weather in the area (forecast details and promoter Mick Trier's apparent deal with the man upstairs to follow), only once have the elements prevailed during the regular season, that being on April 17.
At the start of the IMCA Hobby Stock main event, outside front row starter Nathan Christie was in search of his first win as he shot past pole-sitter Russell Damme Jr. for the early lead. Christie put a few car-lengths on the field while a terrific battle for second ensued behind him.
Jacob Keiser and Rod Grother first did battle for the runner-up spot with Keiser holding the advantage until Grother inched ahead around the outside just prior to the race's only caution on lap four. On the restart, Vince Buchholz used the low groove to sweep past Keiser from his fourth place restart position as the trio engaged in an exciting battle for second.
Meanwhile, Pippert was working through the field from a sixth row start and into contention a few moments later. He worked beneath Damme to enter the top five on the sixth lap, then set his sights on the leaders. Running the high groove, Pippert made his way around Buchholz at the midway point of the event just as Grother slid beneath Christie for the lead.
Just two laps later, Pippert powered between Christie and Keiser to take second place as the field made its way into turn one. Pippert then went to work on chasing down Grother as the leaders exited turn two. He worked to the low side of the leader on lap 12 to take command. Pippert led the remainder of the 15-lapper to take the impressive win.
1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 77 Rod Grother
3. 07 Jacob Keiser
4. 55 Vince Buchholz
5. 67 Justin Stander
6. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
7. 166 Justin Lichty
8. 17K Kyle Parizek
9. 4X Gary Pfantz
10. 25 Doug Laughridge
Pole-sitter Johnathan Thimmesch held the early lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. At the drop of the green, fellow front row starter Mike Burbridge dropped in behind the leader as the two ran nose-to-tail for two laps. As the leaders made their way off of turn four to complete lap three, Burbridge shot to the inside of Thimmesch to take command. He held the point until the race's only caution on lap eight.
On the restart, Burbridge pulled away from the field while Dustin Crear worked to hold off Scott Hogan and Shawn Fisher for third. Hogan and Fisher had a fantastic battle for fourth for a number of laps with Hogan working the high groove and Fisher down low. Hogan made his way around Fisher and Crear, then moved to the low side of the speedway to challenge Thimmesch while Burbridge extended his lead to a straightaway.
Hogan worked the low side of Thimmesch until he was able to make the pass on lap 13. Fisher followed Hogan's line past Thimmesch one lap later. In just three laps, Hogan pulled to within a car-length of Burbridge, a straightaway ahead of the pack. Hogan's late charge came up short at the line, however, as Burbridge held on at the checkers to score the win. Fisher ran third ahead of Tony Olson, who had another great run (check out the Independence results from Saturday night) by finishing fourth after starting in the sixth row.
1. 11B Mike Burbridge
2. 33D Scott Hogan
3. 25 Shawn Fisher
4. T23 Tony Olson
5. 85 Johnathan Thimmesch
6. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
7. 2AC Dustin Crear
8. F7 Patrick Flannagan
9. 32 Chris Snyder
10. 22 Brandon Banks
Damon Murty earned his second win of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division. Murty, who started outside of the fourth row, made his way into the top four after only two laps. As Murty worked through the field, Andy Bryant paced the field with Scooter Dulin in tow.
Dulin made the pass for the lead working the low side of Bryant on the fifth lap as Murty followed him to the front. Murty quickly slipped beneath Dulin in turn two and came away with the advantage down the back stretch. Murty survived a pair of late cautions to take the win. Bob Ahrendsen made his way past Dulin late in the race to earn an impressive runner-up finish. Norman Chesmore also snuck past Dulin late to take third.
1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
3. 15 Norman Chesmore
4. 3T Scooter Dulin
5. 56T Justin Temeyer
6. 287 John Emerson
7. 77 Andy Bryant
8. 9E Austin Evens
9. 10 John Schaefer
10. 31S Paul Shepherd
During qualifying heat races, Drew Fish made it known that his goal was to make it to IMCA SportMod victory lane in consecutive weeks. After three-wheeling his way to the front of his heat race in dominating fashion, Fish showed there was a little more grease in the fryer (yes, I went there) as he filleted (uh huh, one more time) the field in the 15-lap feature.
Following a pair of cautions prior to the completion of the first lap, Fish powered to the low side of the speedway and rocketed past a school (even puns are better in threes) of cars into the lead by the end of lap one. He built a straightaway advantage over Ken Kositzky by the time he entered lapped traffic on the ninth circuit. Although Kositzky cut into the huge gap as Fish nibbled (eh, what's one more) through the backmarkers, Fish had plenty of (and for good measure...) wiggle room as he motored to the win, his second straight.
1. 3D Drew Fish
2. 0K Ken Kositzky
3. 3R Danny Dvorak
4. 1 Austin Kaplan
5. 00 Jim Buhlman
6. 505 Racer Hullin
7. 28P Rick Paulson
8. 42M (Didn't get a name, your guess is as good as mine)
9. K3 Kyle Olson
10. J2 Dave Schulze
Nathan Chandler took command on the second lap of the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature to drive to the victory in convincing fashion. Bryce Bailey, who failed to qualify for the invert out of his heat, made a great run through the field to finish second after starting 14th.
1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 51 Bryce Bailey
3. 36DD Gary Peiffer
4. 35 Brett Vanous
5. 1 Merv Chandler
6. 15 Ross Neal
7. 007 Adam Gates
8. 22T Travis Losenicky
9. 52 (Not a clue here, either. For all I know, it's the same guy who drove the 42M SportMod, but I doubt it)
10. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
Notes: IMCA Modified driver Joe Docekal entered the night second in points, 15 back of Scott Hogan. Unfortunately for Docekal, contact from another driver while the feature was already under caution left Docekal with a flat tire. Since the race went caution-free from that point, Docekal was unable to return, leaving him with a finish toward the back and digging him a deeper hole in the standings... Norman Chesmore, who had a similar deficit to Justin Temeyer just a couple weeks ago, is finding himself back in the hunt in that division's standings. Last week's DNF by Temeyer and Chesmore's third place run tonight pulled Chesmore back to within a single point of the lead... BCS Race Director Dana Benning had a "come to Jesus" meeting with the IMCA Sport Compact drivers prior to the races. That division, which must secretly pay roughly half-a-million to win, has had its share of "aggressive" driving in recent weeks. The drivers must have taken Benning's scolding to heart as the quality of driving in tonight's feature was much improved... A few of the BCS regulars were noticeably absent tonight, including Stock Car driver Curtis Roster, SportMod driver Kurt Hogan and Hobby Stock drivers Brad Forbes and Nathan Ballard. Despite their lack of attendance, a stout field of 90-plus signed into the pits.
As I mentioned earlier, it seems to never rain in Vinton on Sunday... well, at least not after the races start, anyway. Great job to Mick Trier and crew for running an efficient program even though the rain on the radar didn't seem to hit the area tonight. As track announcer Bucky Doren referred to it during a chat in the tower, Benton County Speedway is part of the "Trier Triangle" as the rain always comes up missing in Vinton on Sundays. I took it upon myself to be track meteorologist tonight, constantly refreshing the radar on my BlackBerry. At first, it looked as though the rainy area split into two lines bypassing Vinton both to the north and to the south. Eventually, one line of storms appeared to heading straight for Vinton. In an eerie turn of events, every time the rain approached Vinton, it simply disappeared from the radar. I'm not sure what Mick has worked out with Mother Nature, but whatever it is, I hope he can extend his order for another three months of dry Sundays. Also, RACEceiver radio man Mike Van Genderen earned his keep tonight. He had cars shuffling on and off the track at a steady clip throughout the night to ensure the show would dodge any potential raindrops. It's the fastest I've seen him move since I last saw him in a race car last fall!
Prior to heading to Vinton tonight, I had a chance to speak with my neighbor, Alice Klingfus, wife of former Late Model driver Roger Klingfus. She seemed shocked when I told her I mentioned Roger's name last week at the races in Independence. May 28, 1977, was Roger's last win at Indee, 34 years to the day of last Saturday night's program. Even she refers to him as an "old-timer"!
Tonight marked the end of five consecutive race days for me. After 90 races, 1,004 laps of green flag action, 24 features and over 930 miles on the odometer, it's time to adjust to the real world for a few days. There's nothing on my racing calendar for the week until Saturday night for the next weekly show at Independence. See you then!
Although it's been a few weeks since Scott Pippert last visited the winner's circle at Benton County Speedway, the Elberon hot shoe once again found himself celebrating in victory lane on Sunday night. Including the Frostbuster event in early April, Pippert is now batting .500 as he's won four times in eight nights of racing at Vinton this season. Contrary to Pippert's success, Mother Nature's threatening ways came up short once again on Sunday night. Despite rainy weather in the area (forecast details and promoter Mick Trier's apparent deal with the man upstairs to follow), only once have the elements prevailed during the regular season, that being on April 17.
At the start of the IMCA Hobby Stock main event, outside front row starter Nathan Christie was in search of his first win as he shot past pole-sitter Russell Damme Jr. for the early lead. Christie put a few car-lengths on the field while a terrific battle for second ensued behind him.
Jacob Keiser and Rod Grother first did battle for the runner-up spot with Keiser holding the advantage until Grother inched ahead around the outside just prior to the race's only caution on lap four. On the restart, Vince Buchholz used the low groove to sweep past Keiser from his fourth place restart position as the trio engaged in an exciting battle for second.
Meanwhile, Pippert was working through the field from a sixth row start and into contention a few moments later. He worked beneath Damme to enter the top five on the sixth lap, then set his sights on the leaders. Running the high groove, Pippert made his way around Buchholz at the midway point of the event just as Grother slid beneath Christie for the lead.
Just two laps later, Pippert powered between Christie and Keiser to take second place as the field made its way into turn one. Pippert then went to work on chasing down Grother as the leaders exited turn two. He worked to the low side of the leader on lap 12 to take command. Pippert led the remainder of the 15-lapper to take the impressive win.
1. 47 Scott Pippert
2. 77 Rod Grother
3. 07 Jacob Keiser
4. 55 Vince Buchholz
5. 67 Justin Stander
6. 4JR Russell Damme Jr.
7. 166 Justin Lichty
8. 17K Kyle Parizek
9. 4X Gary Pfantz
10. 25 Doug Laughridge
Pole-sitter Johnathan Thimmesch held the early lead in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. At the drop of the green, fellow front row starter Mike Burbridge dropped in behind the leader as the two ran nose-to-tail for two laps. As the leaders made their way off of turn four to complete lap three, Burbridge shot to the inside of Thimmesch to take command. He held the point until the race's only caution on lap eight.
On the restart, Burbridge pulled away from the field while Dustin Crear worked to hold off Scott Hogan and Shawn Fisher for third. Hogan and Fisher had a fantastic battle for fourth for a number of laps with Hogan working the high groove and Fisher down low. Hogan made his way around Fisher and Crear, then moved to the low side of the speedway to challenge Thimmesch while Burbridge extended his lead to a straightaway.
Hogan worked the low side of Thimmesch until he was able to make the pass on lap 13. Fisher followed Hogan's line past Thimmesch one lap later. In just three laps, Hogan pulled to within a car-length of Burbridge, a straightaway ahead of the pack. Hogan's late charge came up short at the line, however, as Burbridge held on at the checkers to score the win. Fisher ran third ahead of Tony Olson, who had another great run (check out the Independence results from Saturday night) by finishing fourth after starting in the sixth row.
1. 11B Mike Burbridge
2. 33D Scott Hogan
3. 25 Shawn Fisher
4. T23 Tony Olson
5. 85 Johnathan Thimmesch
6. 10K Ronn Lauritzen
7. 2AC Dustin Crear
8. F7 Patrick Flannagan
9. 32 Chris Snyder
10. 22 Brandon Banks
Damon Murty earned his second win of the season in the IMCA Stock Car division. Murty, who started outside of the fourth row, made his way into the top four after only two laps. As Murty worked through the field, Andy Bryant paced the field with Scooter Dulin in tow.
Dulin made the pass for the lead working the low side of Bryant on the fifth lap as Murty followed him to the front. Murty quickly slipped beneath Dulin in turn two and came away with the advantage down the back stretch. Murty survived a pair of late cautions to take the win. Bob Ahrendsen made his way past Dulin late in the race to earn an impressive runner-up finish. Norman Chesmore also snuck past Dulin late to take third.
1. 99D Damon Murty
2. 6X Bob Ahrendsen
3. 15 Norman Chesmore
4. 3T Scooter Dulin
5. 56T Justin Temeyer
6. 287 John Emerson
7. 77 Andy Bryant
8. 9E Austin Evens
9. 10 John Schaefer
10. 31S Paul Shepherd
During qualifying heat races, Drew Fish made it known that his goal was to make it to IMCA SportMod victory lane in consecutive weeks. After three-wheeling his way to the front of his heat race in dominating fashion, Fish showed there was a little more grease in the fryer (yes, I went there) as he filleted (uh huh, one more time) the field in the 15-lap feature.
Following a pair of cautions prior to the completion of the first lap, Fish powered to the low side of the speedway and rocketed past a school (even puns are better in threes) of cars into the lead by the end of lap one. He built a straightaway advantage over Ken Kositzky by the time he entered lapped traffic on the ninth circuit. Although Kositzky cut into the huge gap as Fish nibbled (eh, what's one more) through the backmarkers, Fish had plenty of (and for good measure...) wiggle room as he motored to the win, his second straight.
1. 3D Drew Fish
2. 0K Ken Kositzky
3. 3R Danny Dvorak
4. 1 Austin Kaplan
5. 00 Jim Buhlman
6. 505 Racer Hullin
7. 28P Rick Paulson
8. 42M (Didn't get a name, your guess is as good as mine)
9. K3 Kyle Olson
10. J2 Dave Schulze
Nathan Chandler took command on the second lap of the 12-lap IMCA Sport Compact feature to drive to the victory in convincing fashion. Bryce Bailey, who failed to qualify for the invert out of his heat, made a great run through the field to finish second after starting 14th.
1. 22 Nathan Chandler
2. 51 Bryce Bailey
3. 36DD Gary Peiffer
4. 35 Brett Vanous
5. 1 Merv Chandler
6. 15 Ross Neal
7. 007 Adam Gates
8. 22T Travis Losenicky
9. 52 (Not a clue here, either. For all I know, it's the same guy who drove the 42M SportMod, but I doubt it)
10. 00W Bill Whalen Jr.
Notes: IMCA Modified driver Joe Docekal entered the night second in points, 15 back of Scott Hogan. Unfortunately for Docekal, contact from another driver while the feature was already under caution left Docekal with a flat tire. Since the race went caution-free from that point, Docekal was unable to return, leaving him with a finish toward the back and digging him a deeper hole in the standings... Norman Chesmore, who had a similar deficit to Justin Temeyer just a couple weeks ago, is finding himself back in the hunt in that division's standings. Last week's DNF by Temeyer and Chesmore's third place run tonight pulled Chesmore back to within a single point of the lead... BCS Race Director Dana Benning had a "come to Jesus" meeting with the IMCA Sport Compact drivers prior to the races. That division, which must secretly pay roughly half-a-million to win, has had its share of "aggressive" driving in recent weeks. The drivers must have taken Benning's scolding to heart as the quality of driving in tonight's feature was much improved... A few of the BCS regulars were noticeably absent tonight, including Stock Car driver Curtis Roster, SportMod driver Kurt Hogan and Hobby Stock drivers Brad Forbes and Nathan Ballard. Despite their lack of attendance, a stout field of 90-plus signed into the pits.
As I mentioned earlier, it seems to never rain in Vinton on Sunday... well, at least not after the races start, anyway. Great job to Mick Trier and crew for running an efficient program even though the rain on the radar didn't seem to hit the area tonight. As track announcer Bucky Doren referred to it during a chat in the tower, Benton County Speedway is part of the "Trier Triangle" as the rain always comes up missing in Vinton on Sundays. I took it upon myself to be track meteorologist tonight, constantly refreshing the radar on my BlackBerry. At first, it looked as though the rainy area split into two lines bypassing Vinton both to the north and to the south. Eventually, one line of storms appeared to heading straight for Vinton. In an eerie turn of events, every time the rain approached Vinton, it simply disappeared from the radar. I'm not sure what Mick has worked out with Mother Nature, but whatever it is, I hope he can extend his order for another three months of dry Sundays. Also, RACEceiver radio man Mike Van Genderen earned his keep tonight. He had cars shuffling on and off the track at a steady clip throughout the night to ensure the show would dodge any potential raindrops. It's the fastest I've seen him move since I last saw him in a race car last fall!
Prior to heading to Vinton tonight, I had a chance to speak with my neighbor, Alice Klingfus, wife of former Late Model driver Roger Klingfus. She seemed shocked when I told her I mentioned Roger's name last week at the races in Independence. May 28, 1977, was Roger's last win at Indee, 34 years to the day of last Saturday night's program. Even she refers to him as an "old-timer"!
Tonight marked the end of five consecutive race days for me. After 90 races, 1,004 laps of green flag action, 24 features and over 930 miles on the odometer, it's time to adjust to the real world for a few days. There's nothing on my racing calendar for the week until Saturday night for the next weekly show at Independence. See you then!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Five new winners visit victory lane at Independence Motor Speedway
On a night when a season-high 111 race teams entered the pit gates, five drivers earned their first wins of the season at Independence Motor Speedway. It was Pink Night at the speedway as area Relay for Life respresentatives were on-hand to promote cancer awareness. Along with a walk-through in the pits, a handful of drivers took part in a helmet drive through the grandstands during intermission to help raise $1,127 for the fight against cancer.
In the IMCA Late Model division, a trio of cautions slowed the event before the first lap could be scored in the 25-lap event. Following those early stoppages, the field ran green to checkers as Darren Ackerman came away with his first win of the season.
Bryan Klein held the early advantage until outside front row starter Dean Wagner worked beneath him to take control on the second lap. Wagner slowly pulled away from the field while second row starting Ackerman battled Klein for the runner-up spot.
Ackerman worked past Klein on just the second lap then quickly reeled in Wagner, who built a half-straightaway lead. Ackerman tried numerous times to stick his nose beneath Wagner's #60 and was able to take advantage when Wagner slid a little high in turn four as the race reached its midway point.
Sweeping beneath the leader, Ackerman quickly moved away from the pack. He dodged lapped cars over the final half of the event to score the victory. Wagner held on for second ahead of points leader Tyler Bruening. Curt Martin and Travis Smock engaged in a good battle for fourth with Martin winning out at the line. For Ackerman, it was his 16th career win in weekly Late Model racing at Independence. Entering the night he was tied with Denny Osborn on the all-time list, but ended the night all alone in 10th in that category.
Tim Helle and Mike Padden each enjoyed time at the front in the early stages of the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Points leader Dave Stricker, who started in the fifth row, rocketed beneath the leaders and assumed command just prior to the race's first caution on lap four.
While Stricker led, Norman Chesmore pulled onto his rear bumper when racing resumed as those two battled for the top spot. Meanwhile, Justin Temeyer was making his way through traffic from a fourth row start and settled into third just before the race's only other caution on lap eight.
When racing resumed one last time, the top three broke away from the pack with all three leaders working the low groove of the speedway. Temeyer squeeked beneath Chesmore on the 12th circuit, then ran down Stricker, making his bid for the lead as the white flag waved. Temeyer went on to record the win ahead of Stricker and Chesmore. Phil Holtz and Tony Schimmels completed the top five. For Temeyer, it was the 18th Stock Car win of his career in weekly action at Independence, moving him into a tie with Weepie for third on the all-time list.
Pole-sitter Justin Stander shot into the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. He led throughout a pair of early cautions while Jamie Whitaker, Rod Grother and Chris Wiltse battled for second. Wiltse, the only driver among the leaders to try to top side, swept past both Whitaker and Grother to steal second a handful of laps into the event.
Following the final caution on lap nine, Wiltse changed his line and powered beneath Stander with five laps to go to score the victory. Vince Buchholz drove from a sixth row start to come home second ahead of fellow sixth row starter and points leader August Bach. Justin Lichty motored from a fifth row start to come home fourth ahead of Stander. It was Wiltse's second career win at Independence, however it was also his second feature win in the last week as he scored a Memorial Day win at I-35 Speedway in Mason City earlier in the week.
Vern Jackson made his way around front row starter Johnathan Thimmesch on the second lap to assume command in the IMCA Modified feature. Jackson then drove away from the pack to take the win in a caution-filled feature that eventually timed out after 12 laps. Chris Snyder finished second ahead of a hard-charging Tony Olson, who started inside the eighth row. Kellen Chadwick, making his first-ever appearance at Independence, came home fourth ahead of Thimmesch. The win was the 36th of Jackson's career at Independence, moving him into a first place tie with Darin Duffy on the all-time list. Jerry Luloff, who finished ninth, qualified for his 200th consecutive Modified feature at Independence, dating back to July of 1997.
Confusion momentarily reigned in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature. Outside front row starter Kip Siems led the 15-lapper in its entirety to cross the finish line first before the confusion began. Siems, who normally drives the S16 SportMod, wheeled the K16 on this night, however he failed to mention the driver change when signing in at the pit gate.
Kim Siems, who normally drives the K16, has a much lower point average than Kip Siems so when lineups were made for the SportMods, the point average for the K16 was used since the scorers were not informed of the driver change. As a result, the K16, believed to be Kim Siems when lineups were made, was placed in the second row of his heat. Had Kip Siems signed in under his own name, his starting spot would have been toward the back of the pack since he has the fourth best average points in the division.
After the K16 qualified for the feature, it was lined up outside of the front row since the K16 had the second lowest point average of all qualified cars. Had Kip Siems signed in under his own name and the exact same 12 cars qualified for the feature, he would have started outside of the fourth row. As a result, he was disqualified for failing to properly sign in. Danny Dvorak, who crossed the line in second in the feature, was awarded the victory. Jim Buhlman, Lucas Lundry, Josh Sherbon and Curt Hilmer completed the top five.
The win was the eighth of Dvorak's career at Independence, second only to Sherbon's 10. By virtue of his victory, Dvorak took over the points lead in the division by five markers ahead of a trio of drivers, including Tyler Droste, Lucas Lundry and Ray Lundry.
Since grandstand announcer Mike Neilly wasn't in attendance last night, I pulled double duty and walked back and forth between the grandstands and infield tower. I hadn't watched any racing from the grandstand side since the new grandstands were installed a couple years ago. The view from the top of the stands is spectacular and is as good of a view as you'll find at any facility. While on that side, I spoke to quite a few folks on the mic, including Late Model driver Greg Hunter. Hunter, who "retired" a few seasons back, has been hoping to get back behind the wheel in recent years and assured us he will be back in the next few weeks.
Up next is my fifth straight race day as I return home to Vinton tonight for more weekly racing at Benton County Speedway. After four straight days of announcing, it will be nice to rest my voice, but you can be assured I'll have pen and paper in-hand to provide a full report of tonight's action right here at Positively Racing. See you there!
In the IMCA Late Model division, a trio of cautions slowed the event before the first lap could be scored in the 25-lap event. Following those early stoppages, the field ran green to checkers as Darren Ackerman came away with his first win of the season.
Bryan Klein held the early advantage until outside front row starter Dean Wagner worked beneath him to take control on the second lap. Wagner slowly pulled away from the field while second row starting Ackerman battled Klein for the runner-up spot.
Ackerman worked past Klein on just the second lap then quickly reeled in Wagner, who built a half-straightaway lead. Ackerman tried numerous times to stick his nose beneath Wagner's #60 and was able to take advantage when Wagner slid a little high in turn four as the race reached its midway point.
Sweeping beneath the leader, Ackerman quickly moved away from the pack. He dodged lapped cars over the final half of the event to score the victory. Wagner held on for second ahead of points leader Tyler Bruening. Curt Martin and Travis Smock engaged in a good battle for fourth with Martin winning out at the line. For Ackerman, it was his 16th career win in weekly Late Model racing at Independence. Entering the night he was tied with Denny Osborn on the all-time list, but ended the night all alone in 10th in that category.
Tim Helle and Mike Padden each enjoyed time at the front in the early stages of the 18-lap IMCA Stock Car feature. Points leader Dave Stricker, who started in the fifth row, rocketed beneath the leaders and assumed command just prior to the race's first caution on lap four.
While Stricker led, Norman Chesmore pulled onto his rear bumper when racing resumed as those two battled for the top spot. Meanwhile, Justin Temeyer was making his way through traffic from a fourth row start and settled into third just before the race's only other caution on lap eight.
When racing resumed one last time, the top three broke away from the pack with all three leaders working the low groove of the speedway. Temeyer squeeked beneath Chesmore on the 12th circuit, then ran down Stricker, making his bid for the lead as the white flag waved. Temeyer went on to record the win ahead of Stricker and Chesmore. Phil Holtz and Tony Schimmels completed the top five. For Temeyer, it was the 18th Stock Car win of his career in weekly action at Independence, moving him into a tie with Weepie for third on the all-time list.
Pole-sitter Justin Stander shot into the early lead in the 15-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. He led throughout a pair of early cautions while Jamie Whitaker, Rod Grother and Chris Wiltse battled for second. Wiltse, the only driver among the leaders to try to top side, swept past both Whitaker and Grother to steal second a handful of laps into the event.
Following the final caution on lap nine, Wiltse changed his line and powered beneath Stander with five laps to go to score the victory. Vince Buchholz drove from a sixth row start to come home second ahead of fellow sixth row starter and points leader August Bach. Justin Lichty motored from a fifth row start to come home fourth ahead of Stander. It was Wiltse's second career win at Independence, however it was also his second feature win in the last week as he scored a Memorial Day win at I-35 Speedway in Mason City earlier in the week.
Vern Jackson made his way around front row starter Johnathan Thimmesch on the second lap to assume command in the IMCA Modified feature. Jackson then drove away from the pack to take the win in a caution-filled feature that eventually timed out after 12 laps. Chris Snyder finished second ahead of a hard-charging Tony Olson, who started inside the eighth row. Kellen Chadwick, making his first-ever appearance at Independence, came home fourth ahead of Thimmesch. The win was the 36th of Jackson's career at Independence, moving him into a first place tie with Darin Duffy on the all-time list. Jerry Luloff, who finished ninth, qualified for his 200th consecutive Modified feature at Independence, dating back to July of 1997.
Confusion momentarily reigned in the 15-lap IMCA SportMod feature. Outside front row starter Kip Siems led the 15-lapper in its entirety to cross the finish line first before the confusion began. Siems, who normally drives the S16 SportMod, wheeled the K16 on this night, however he failed to mention the driver change when signing in at the pit gate.
Kim Siems, who normally drives the K16, has a much lower point average than Kip Siems so when lineups were made for the SportMods, the point average for the K16 was used since the scorers were not informed of the driver change. As a result, the K16, believed to be Kim Siems when lineups were made, was placed in the second row of his heat. Had Kip Siems signed in under his own name, his starting spot would have been toward the back of the pack since he has the fourth best average points in the division.
After the K16 qualified for the feature, it was lined up outside of the front row since the K16 had the second lowest point average of all qualified cars. Had Kip Siems signed in under his own name and the exact same 12 cars qualified for the feature, he would have started outside of the fourth row. As a result, he was disqualified for failing to properly sign in. Danny Dvorak, who crossed the line in second in the feature, was awarded the victory. Jim Buhlman, Lucas Lundry, Josh Sherbon and Curt Hilmer completed the top five.
The win was the eighth of Dvorak's career at Independence, second only to Sherbon's 10. By virtue of his victory, Dvorak took over the points lead in the division by five markers ahead of a trio of drivers, including Tyler Droste, Lucas Lundry and Ray Lundry.
Since grandstand announcer Mike Neilly wasn't in attendance last night, I pulled double duty and walked back and forth between the grandstands and infield tower. I hadn't watched any racing from the grandstand side since the new grandstands were installed a couple years ago. The view from the top of the stands is spectacular and is as good of a view as you'll find at any facility. While on that side, I spoke to quite a few folks on the mic, including Late Model driver Greg Hunter. Hunter, who "retired" a few seasons back, has been hoping to get back behind the wheel in recent years and assured us he will be back in the next few weeks.
Up next is my fifth straight race day as I return home to Vinton tonight for more weekly racing at Benton County Speedway. After four straight days of announcing, it will be nice to rest my voice, but you can be assured I'll have pen and paper in-hand to provide a full report of tonight's action right here at Positively Racing. See you there!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Rauen rules, scores Corn Belt Clash win at Mississippi Thunder Speedway
The three-day Dart Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series swing wrapped up on Friday night when the tour traveled north to Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin.
A nice field of 29 Open Late Models signed in to compete on the fast 3/8-mile oval. Three heat races served as qualifiers with the top three from each of those advancing to the fast dash to determine the front nine positions of the 35-lap feature field.
Heat qualifier Justin Mitchell earned the win in the nine-lap dash, then proceeded to draw the #3 pill at the scales, inverting the top three finishers of that event for the feature. This placed Tim Isenberg on the pole for the main event with Jason Rauen outside of the front row.
When the green flag waved, it was Rauen who quickly shot into the lead as Mitchell worked the low side of Isenberg for second. Those two battled while Rauen pulled away from the field. Rauen built a straightaway advantage by the time he reached lapped traffic 10 laps into the event.
Shortly after Rauen made his way through the first of many backmarkers in his way, the caution flag waved for the first time on lap 12 when Dave Eckrich slowed to a crawl on the back stretch. This put Mitchell, who was running second at the time, and Isenberg on his tail for the restart.
When racing resumed, Rauen again took command and built the same advantage he had before the stoppage. Isenberg, however, ran the high side past Mitchell and into the runner-up spot by the time the only other caution of the event waved on lap 19 for a pile-up in turns one and two that involved a half dozen cars. All competitors from that fracas were able to continue when racing resumed. By the time the second caution waved, defending series champion Chad Simpson, who started 15th after a miscue in his heat left him out of the dash lineup, made his way into the top five behind his brother, Chris Simpson.
On the restart, Rauen again took charge while Isenberg, who elected to restart on the outside of the second row, rocketed ahead of Mitchell. Isenberg was able to momentarily close the gap in the waning laps when Rauen again encountered lapped cars, but was unable to reel in the leader as Rauen drove to the win, leading the event in its entirety. Isenberg ran a strong second ahead of Mitchell. Chris Simpson held off a furious challenge from Chad Simpson to hold onto fourth at the line.
1. 98 Jason Rauen (Farley, IA)
2. 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield, WI)
3. 28X Justin Mitchell (Cedar Rapids, IA)
4. 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford, IA)
5. 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon, IA)
6. 90 Lance Matthees (Winona, MN)
7. 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin, IA)
8. 24 Brad Waits (Rochester, MN)
9. 96 Doug Herrick (West Concord, MN)
10. 19 Mike Sorensen (Rochester, MN)
11. 16 Tyler Bruening (Decorah, IA)
12. 6 Nick Herrick (West Concord, MN)
13. 20 Jake Meier (Tipton, IA)
14. 71 Andrew McKay (Eden Prairie, MN)
15. 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction, IA)
16. 01 Kyle Jumbeck (Houston, MN)
17. 8 Kelly Anderson (Hager City, WI)
18. 18 Dustin Hapka (Grand Forks, ND)
19. 7 Dennis Hillson (Blooming Prairie, MN)
20. 55 Kevin Kuehn (Winona, MN)
21. 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls, IA)
22. 4G Chris Gilbertson (Trembeleau, WI)
23. 35B Jerry Bloom (Rochester, MN)
24. 3 Kevin Sather (Ankeny, IA)
25. 58 Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove, IA)
Non-Qualifiers
9H Roger Herrick (West Concord, MN)
33L Joe Ludemann (Grand Meadow, MN)
61 Jon Rogers (German Valley, IL)
97X Don Schaefer (Dover, MN)
While my duties with the Corn Belt portion of the show prevented me from taking in much of the action in the other divisions, I was able to see the 25-lap USRA Modified feature.
In that event, Josh Angst was the man to beat as he paced the field to the green flag and quickly pulled away from the field. While Angst led, a number of multi-car battles for position ensued behind him. Jay Ihrke edged John Doelle for runner-up honors while Keith Foss and Les Duellman completed the top five in the caution-free event.
Drew Lawson made the long tow from Oskaloosa, Iowa, (and a fifth row starting spot) to take home the win in the USRA B Mod main event. Elma, Iowa’s Brandon Hare chased Lawson to the checkers. Ben Anderson, Troy Langowski and Parker Hale rounded out the top five.
In other action, Jeff Brauer came from a fourth row start to take the win in the Super Stock feature, beating Dennis Earney to the checkers. Mike Stevens won the A Mini Mod feature on the 1/10th mile oval on the infield of the speedway and Matthew Stevens scored the win in the B Mini Mod feature.
Thank you to the crew at Mississippi Thunder Speedway for an excellent show tonight. The facility and racing surface are both top notch and it is definitely worth your while to make the trip to Fountain City sometime this season. Despite taking time to do some track prep following qualifying events, the final checkered flag waved at 10:30 p.m. That’s about as efficient as a track can be when racing started shortly after 7 p.m. for the multiple divisions competing.
With the three-day Corn Belt swing in the books, it’s time to return to weekly action tonight at Independence Motor Speedway for Pink Night. Be sure to wear pink to the races as we promote cancer awareness at tonight’s show. Hope to see you there!
A nice field of 29 Open Late Models signed in to compete on the fast 3/8-mile oval. Three heat races served as qualifiers with the top three from each of those advancing to the fast dash to determine the front nine positions of the 35-lap feature field.
Heat qualifier Justin Mitchell earned the win in the nine-lap dash, then proceeded to draw the #3 pill at the scales, inverting the top three finishers of that event for the feature. This placed Tim Isenberg on the pole for the main event with Jason Rauen outside of the front row.
When the green flag waved, it was Rauen who quickly shot into the lead as Mitchell worked the low side of Isenberg for second. Those two battled while Rauen pulled away from the field. Rauen built a straightaway advantage by the time he reached lapped traffic 10 laps into the event.
Shortly after Rauen made his way through the first of many backmarkers in his way, the caution flag waved for the first time on lap 12 when Dave Eckrich slowed to a crawl on the back stretch. This put Mitchell, who was running second at the time, and Isenberg on his tail for the restart.
When racing resumed, Rauen again took command and built the same advantage he had before the stoppage. Isenberg, however, ran the high side past Mitchell and into the runner-up spot by the time the only other caution of the event waved on lap 19 for a pile-up in turns one and two that involved a half dozen cars. All competitors from that fracas were able to continue when racing resumed. By the time the second caution waved, defending series champion Chad Simpson, who started 15th after a miscue in his heat left him out of the dash lineup, made his way into the top five behind his brother, Chris Simpson.
On the restart, Rauen again took charge while Isenberg, who elected to restart on the outside of the second row, rocketed ahead of Mitchell. Isenberg was able to momentarily close the gap in the waning laps when Rauen again encountered lapped cars, but was unable to reel in the leader as Rauen drove to the win, leading the event in its entirety. Isenberg ran a strong second ahead of Mitchell. Chris Simpson held off a furious challenge from Chad Simpson to hold onto fourth at the line.
1. 98 Jason Rauen (Farley, IA)
2. 9T Tim Isenberg (Marshfield, WI)
3. 28X Justin Mitchell (Cedar Rapids, IA)
4. 32 Chris Simpson (Oxford, IA)
5. 25 Chad Simpson (Mt. Vernon, IA)
6. 90 Lance Matthees (Winona, MN)
7. 50 Denny Eckrich (Tiffin, IA)
8. 24 Brad Waits (Rochester, MN)
9. 96 Doug Herrick (West Concord, MN)
10. 19 Mike Sorensen (Rochester, MN)
11. 16 Tyler Bruening (Decorah, IA)
12. 6 Nick Herrick (West Concord, MN)
13. 20 Jake Meier (Tipton, IA)
14. 71 Andrew McKay (Eden Prairie, MN)
15. 31 Jason Utter (Columbus Junction, IA)
16. 01 Kyle Jumbeck (Houston, MN)
17. 8 Kelly Anderson (Hager City, WI)
18. 18 Dustin Hapka (Grand Forks, ND)
19. 7 Dennis Hillson (Blooming Prairie, MN)
20. 55 Kevin Kuehn (Winona, MN)
21. 22 Jill George (Cedar Falls, IA)
22. 4G Chris Gilbertson (Trembeleau, WI)
23. 35B Jerry Bloom (Rochester, MN)
24. 3 Kevin Sather (Ankeny, IA)
25. 58 Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove, IA)
Non-Qualifiers
9H Roger Herrick (West Concord, MN)
33L Joe Ludemann (Grand Meadow, MN)
61 Jon Rogers (German Valley, IL)
97X Don Schaefer (Dover, MN)
While my duties with the Corn Belt portion of the show prevented me from taking in much of the action in the other divisions, I was able to see the 25-lap USRA Modified feature.
In that event, Josh Angst was the man to beat as he paced the field to the green flag and quickly pulled away from the field. While Angst led, a number of multi-car battles for position ensued behind him. Jay Ihrke edged John Doelle for runner-up honors while Keith Foss and Les Duellman completed the top five in the caution-free event.
Drew Lawson made the long tow from Oskaloosa, Iowa, (and a fifth row starting spot) to take home the win in the USRA B Mod main event. Elma, Iowa’s Brandon Hare chased Lawson to the checkers. Ben Anderson, Troy Langowski and Parker Hale rounded out the top five.
In other action, Jeff Brauer came from a fourth row start to take the win in the Super Stock feature, beating Dennis Earney to the checkers. Mike Stevens won the A Mini Mod feature on the 1/10th mile oval on the infield of the speedway and Matthew Stevens scored the win in the B Mini Mod feature.
Thank you to the crew at Mississippi Thunder Speedway for an excellent show tonight. The facility and racing surface are both top notch and it is definitely worth your while to make the trip to Fountain City sometime this season. Despite taking time to do some track prep following qualifying events, the final checkered flag waved at 10:30 p.m. That’s about as efficient as a track can be when racing started shortly after 7 p.m. for the multiple divisions competing.
With the three-day Corn Belt swing in the books, it’s time to return to weekly action tonight at Independence Motor Speedway for Pink Night. Be sure to wear pink to the races as we promote cancer awareness at tonight’s show. Hope to see you there!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Chad Simpson takes Corn Belt Clash win at Fayette County Speedway
Following his second place showing Wednesday night at Cedar County Raceway in Tipton, Chad Simpson left little doubt early on that he wasn’t going to settle for first runner-up honors Thursday night when the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series invaded Fayette County Speedway in West Union.
From his outside second row starting spot, Simpson took just two laps to dispose of front row starters Tim Isenberg and Kurt Kile to drive to a convincing win in the 35-lap Late Model headliner.
Simpson quickly snuck past Isenberg shortly after the green flag waved, then shot beneath Kile exiting turn four on the second lap to take command. He then pulled away from the pack, leaving Kile and Isenberg to battle for second until the caution flag waved on lap seven.
On the restart, Simpson resumed his run out front while Isenberg made his way around Kile for second on lap nine. Simpson, who built his lead to a straightaway margin, approached lapped traffic by the time the field was shown the crossed flags at the halfway point.
Simpson pulled away from the field as he strategically maneuvered through the backmarkers, winning by over a straightaway ahead of Isenberg.
1. 25 Chad Simpson
2. 9I Tim Isenberg
3. 77 Kurt Kile
4. 20 Jake Meier
5. 31 Jason Utter
6. 32 Chris Simpson
7. 50 Denny Eckrich
8. 88 Kevin Kile
9. 28X Justin Mitchell
10. 16 Tyler Bruening
11. 3 Kevin Sather
12. 78 Rick Wendling
13. 5M Mike Fryer
14. 90 Lance Matthees
15. 58 Dave Eckrich
16. 71 Andrew McKay
17. 18 Dustin Hapka
18. 22 Jill George
19. 61 Jon Rogers
20. 45H Todd Hansen
21. 33L Joe Ludemann
22. 1M Rob Moss
23. 98 Jason Rauen
In other action, Junior Boyer made a late race pass of Troy Hovey to take the win in the 15-lap B Mod feature. Brandon Hare built a big lead early in the event from his starting spot at the front of the pack. His lead was half of a straightaway by the time Hovey worked into the second position. Hare’s lead disappeared, however, when the caution flag waved on lap nine.
Following another restart one lap later, Boyer took the lead running the high groove of the speedway to take the win over Hovey. Hare, Brian Mahlstedt and Curtis Engen completed the top five.
Steve Larson may have started outside of the front row of the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature, but he had to work every step of the way to earn the win in that event. Running the middle to high groove for much of that race, Larson received persistent pressure from a number of drivers all race long. By the waning laps, Dan Hovden, Chris Hovden, Scott Spilde and Steve Holthaus were all within striking distance of the leader.
Chris Hovden was working the low groove while Dan Hovden worked the middle and Spilde ran the extreme high side with Holthaus following down below. Over the final three laps, it appeared that Larson was having problems getting off the corners, which allowed his competitors to stay close. Larson was able to hold off a high-side charging Spilde at the line for the victory. Chris Hovden, Dan Hovden and Holthaus completed the top five.
Second row starter Brian Irvine shot to the inside at the drop of the green and immediately challenged for the lead in the 15-lap Stock Car feature. Irvine swept beneath Dan Jones exiting turn four in the very early stages of that event to assume command. He then pulled away from the field to take the win ahead of Jones, Dan Trimble, Lynn Panos and Dan Cole Jr.
Pole-sitter Mike Burbridge pulled out to an early lead in the Modified main and never looked back to take the win in that 20-lapper. Burbridge built half of a straightaway lead and maintained that advantage throughout the event to take the win ahead of Dan Bohr. Mike Darnall, Darin Duffy and Kurt Kroskopf completed the top five.
Up next is the final of three straight nights of Corn Belt Clash action when the series heads to Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin, tonight. Then, tomorrow is Pink Night at Independence Motor Speedway during the third weekly points night of the season. Everyone is invited to Independence tomorrow night to show your support of cancer awareness!
From his outside second row starting spot, Simpson took just two laps to dispose of front row starters Tim Isenberg and Kurt Kile to drive to a convincing win in the 35-lap Late Model headliner.
Simpson quickly snuck past Isenberg shortly after the green flag waved, then shot beneath Kile exiting turn four on the second lap to take command. He then pulled away from the pack, leaving Kile and Isenberg to battle for second until the caution flag waved on lap seven.
On the restart, Simpson resumed his run out front while Isenberg made his way around Kile for second on lap nine. Simpson, who built his lead to a straightaway margin, approached lapped traffic by the time the field was shown the crossed flags at the halfway point.
Simpson pulled away from the field as he strategically maneuvered through the backmarkers, winning by over a straightaway ahead of Isenberg.
1. 25 Chad Simpson
2. 9I Tim Isenberg
3. 77 Kurt Kile
4. 20 Jake Meier
5. 31 Jason Utter
6. 32 Chris Simpson
7. 50 Denny Eckrich
8. 88 Kevin Kile
9. 28X Justin Mitchell
10. 16 Tyler Bruening
11. 3 Kevin Sather
12. 78 Rick Wendling
13. 5M Mike Fryer
14. 90 Lance Matthees
15. 58 Dave Eckrich
16. 71 Andrew McKay
17. 18 Dustin Hapka
18. 22 Jill George
19. 61 Jon Rogers
20. 45H Todd Hansen
21. 33L Joe Ludemann
22. 1M Rob Moss
23. 98 Jason Rauen
In other action, Junior Boyer made a late race pass of Troy Hovey to take the win in the 15-lap B Mod feature. Brandon Hare built a big lead early in the event from his starting spot at the front of the pack. His lead was half of a straightaway by the time Hovey worked into the second position. Hare’s lead disappeared, however, when the caution flag waved on lap nine.
Following another restart one lap later, Boyer took the lead running the high groove of the speedway to take the win over Hovey. Hare, Brian Mahlstedt and Curtis Engen completed the top five.
Steve Larson may have started outside of the front row of the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature, but he had to work every step of the way to earn the win in that event. Running the middle to high groove for much of that race, Larson received persistent pressure from a number of drivers all race long. By the waning laps, Dan Hovden, Chris Hovden, Scott Spilde and Steve Holthaus were all within striking distance of the leader.
Chris Hovden was working the low groove while Dan Hovden worked the middle and Spilde ran the extreme high side with Holthaus following down below. Over the final three laps, it appeared that Larson was having problems getting off the corners, which allowed his competitors to stay close. Larson was able to hold off a high-side charging Spilde at the line for the victory. Chris Hovden, Dan Hovden and Holthaus completed the top five.
Second row starter Brian Irvine shot to the inside at the drop of the green and immediately challenged for the lead in the 15-lap Stock Car feature. Irvine swept beneath Dan Jones exiting turn four in the very early stages of that event to assume command. He then pulled away from the field to take the win ahead of Jones, Dan Trimble, Lynn Panos and Dan Cole Jr.
Pole-sitter Mike Burbridge pulled out to an early lead in the Modified main and never looked back to take the win in that 20-lapper. Burbridge built half of a straightaway lead and maintained that advantage throughout the event to take the win ahead of Dan Bohr. Mike Darnall, Darin Duffy and Kurt Kroskopf completed the top five.
Up next is the final of three straight nights of Corn Belt Clash action when the series heads to Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin, tonight. Then, tomorrow is Pink Night at Independence Motor Speedway during the third weekly points night of the season. Everyone is invited to Independence tomorrow night to show your support of cancer awareness!
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