For the second straight year, I made the six hour drive to Mayetta, Kan., over the weekend for the season-ending Thunder on the Hill special at Thunder Hill Speedway. The event, which annually features two complete shows for IMCA sanctioned Modifieds, Stock Cars, Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts, draws a number of the top drivers in the region for increased prize money in one of the final events of the season in the Midwest.
Former IMCA Modified national champion Jordan Grabouski pulled double duty Saturday night and made the evening a sweeping success as he topped both the Modified and Stock Car features. Grabouski, who was pestered late by Scott Drake in the 30-lap Mod main, held on to score the victory. His Stock Car win was a bit more dominant as Grabouski sailed to victory in that 25-lapper by a near straightaway ahead of Perry Misner.
Tyler Frye, who spent Thursday night watching coverage of practice on XSAN, loaded up his #55 Northern SportMod and made the trip from Belleville to Mayetta. He promptly made his way to victory lane as he beat Curtis Dreasher to the checkers Saturday night.
Kent Husted broke free midway through the Hobby Stock feature to drive to victory in that event ahead of former IMCA Super Nationals champ Cody Nielsen. Monte Honas dominated the Sport Compact feature to score the win.
Sunday afternoon's show (more on the event schedule later) offered thrilling racing in all five divisions, which was led by Brian Mullen's trip to the winner's circle in the Modified feature.
Mullen, from Seymour, Wis., held the lead early while Chris Abelson worked the top side into contention. Abelson raced his way into the lead and started to pull away before lapped traffic impeded his progress. Mullen, who remained committed to the low groove up until that point, slipped around the outside of Abelson exiting turn two with around 20 laps complete as Abelson worked the slower traffic.
The lapped traffic briefly allowed the top five to close together, however Mullen pulled away in the waning laps to secure the win. Drake raced his way past Abelson to score runner-up honors for the second straight day. Abelson ran third ahead of David Murray and Jesse Sobbing.
Grabouski appeared poised to sweep the Stock Car division for the weekend, however Mike Nichols, who was not there for Saturday's program, showed up and spoiled his bid at a repeat trip to victory lane.
Grabouski led early while Nichols raced the low groove and kept pace with the leader. Nichols slowly worked into position to challenge for the lead before escaping with the top spot near the midway point of that event. Grabouski closed on Nichols late in lapped traffic, however Nichols held on to win.
Bryan Rigsby won a thriller in the Northern SportMods. After chasing leader Shawn Harker for much of that 20-lapper, Rigsby closed in on Harker running the low groove of the slick, fast oval. Rigsby inched ahead in the final circuits while Tyler Frye, looking for his second win in as many days, raced the top groove into a challenge.
On the last lap, Rigsby and Harker touched, which slightly slowed Harker to the top of the back stretch. Harker was able to keep pace while Frye worked the high side to make it a three-car battle off of turn four. Rigsby held on to win while Frye slid around Harker and onto Rigsby's rear bumper for second at the line as all three drivers finished within a car-length of each other.
Multi-time Thunder Hill track champion Brian Stich appeared well on his way to victory in Sunday's Hobby Stock feature until a rare miscue on his part sent his #21 into a spin exiting turn two on the final lap. Cody Nielsen inherited the point and led the final half lap to score the win ahead of Jesse Vanlaningham.
Monte Honas was the lone driver to sweep the weekend as he walked away with the Sport Compact victory Sunday for his second victory in as many days.
NOTES FROM MAYETTA
* Complete results from the weekend are available by clicking on the results tab at www.racethunderhillspeedway.com and video of all the action is at www.xsan.tv.
* Multi-time national Modified champ David Murray suffered engine
problems Saturday night and was offered the back-up power plant of Jesse
Sobbing to run Sunday's show. Yes, it was the first time Murray ran a
crate motor and, after qualifying through his heat, Murray quickly
became comfortable with the crate and beat Sobbing to a fourth place
finish. Murray admitted afterward that it will take some learning, but
it seems likely you can expect Murray to run a crate at events in the future.
*
Ponca City, Okla., Modified driver Brendon Gemmill suffered heavy
contact from a fellow competitor in Sunday's feature. That contact sent Gemmill
hard into a tractor tire inside turn one which in turn sent him into a
hard spin to the infield. Unfortunately, he reported that the wild
wreck destroyed his race car. It was a tough break for Gemmill, who is one of the nicest racers around.
* Saturday night, Modified drivers were given the opportunity to buy in for the chance to win an increased winner's share. Already billed as $2,000-to-win each night for the Modifieds, drivers could pay an additional $100 to enter Saturday's event for a chance at $3,000-to-win. Grabouski, Saturday's winner, paid the extra cash and walked out +$900 in that transaction.
* The Saturday evening/Sunday afternoon show was scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, however rain, sleet and snow - yes, snow - moved into the area overnight Thursday and into Friday morning forcing promoters Mike and Pam Conkwright to adjust the weekend schedule. Believe it or not, the weather was beautiful for both race programs. Although a strong breeze forced those in attendance to bundle up for Thursday night's practice, all I wore was a T-shirt and a windbreaker for both race programs. All the insulated clothing, hats and gloves I brought this year after last year's chilly event stayed in the suitcase all weekend... yes, despite snow interrupting the weekend.
* The adjusted schedule only slightly affected the car count. A number of drivers were unable to stick around for Sunday's show, but a few new ones arrived for the final day. Despite the schedule change, the car counts were fantastic both days as many opted to support the event. Among those who were unable to stay both days were Benji LaCrosse and Dustin Boney. Yes, Dustin Boney appeared in his career first IMCA sanctioned Modified event and drove to an impressive fourth place finish Saturday night. This was after he made heavy contact with the retaining wall off turn one during Thursday night's practice, which forced a lot of work for his #22 to be race ready Saturday. A birthday party for his daughter Sunday prevented him from sticking around. LaCrosse had to return to Wisconsin to go to work and was unable to race Sunday.
* As far as the day race Sunday, I asked some folks what they expected concerning track conditions. Surprisingly, there were minimal concerns. Writer Ed Reichert, who makes the yearly trip from Wisconsin, said he'd seen a day race there years ago and Thunder Hill was one of few tracks he would recommend to attend for day racing. He was right. The track was great all day, provided minimal dust and had multiple grooves all afternoon and into the evening.
* The weather forecast and eventual sleet and snow that fell at the track Friday would have scared many promoters. Rather than pulling the plug and calling it a lost weekend, the Conkwrights pushed the show back a day and were determined to get it completed if at all possible. Not only were they unfazed by the inclement weather, their attempts to dry out pit road and the pit area ran like a well-oiled machine. Their crew got into the track equipment and their own personal vehicles to ensure the races would go off without a hitch. As Pam Conkwright said, "We'll lose if we cancel or if we postpone it. We're here to race, so let's race."
* Due to the crazy weather, a number of haulers were unable to escape the pit area Friday, leaving them stranded. Of course, that meant the drivers and crews were stuck there, as well. Throughout the day Friday, photos began popping up on facebook of various race teams that were making the best of their time in their haulers and, if they were lucky, their campers, as the weather moved through. Modified driver Tom Charles and his family and crew were among those stranded in the pits and were forced to make their own entertainment before the pits were dried out Saturday. He later said that he had a TV in the camper, but they quickly came to realize they forgot the remote, leaving the TV out of commission. "Thankfully, we found a card deck," he joked Saturday afternoon.
* Despite Friday's postponement, I had a great time socializing with the Thunder Hill crew at Prairie Band Casino, which is only a couple miles from the race track. If you've never been to Mayetta, it's a "blink and you'll miss it" community a few miles east of the track. Aside from the casino, there's really not a whole lot within 15-20 miles. A number of us stayed at Prairie Band and had a great time passing the afternoon and evening with conversation, stories and the occasional casino game or two. Yes, I spent extended time in a casino and actually came out ahead!
* Thanks to announcer and track writer Bill Grit for letting me call a few races with him over the weekend and for letting me make occasional trips to the booth. Thanks also to XSAN announcer Chet Christner and camera pro Darren Shanley for letting me join them throughout the weekend. I also have to thank scorer Jeni Moore-Baxter for being the target of my sarcastic joking all weekend!
* Speaking of the Thunder Hill Speedway crew, a huge shout out goes to Mike and Pam Conkwright and the incredible staff they have assembled. I've been to a lot of tracks through the years and have met a lot of track workers, but the folks at Thunder Hill are special. I mean it when I say it is the friendliest and most professional staff I have ever seen at a race track. Whether you're talking about the track officials, concession workers, ticket sellers or security, if they work at Thunder Hill Speedway, they do it proudly. They are a top notch staff. Yes, the facility is awesome and the racing is incredible, but it's the people that make the entire experience worth the trip. You rarely see promoters thank their staff both prior to and after a show, but Mike and Pam do that on the track radios and in person every night without fail. And they mean every word of it. They are the definition of racing family. Some folks I spoke with over the weekend said Mike's past experience as a race car driver has given the Conkwrights the benefit of knowing how to run a track. That may very well be true, but I believe they run the track so well simply because they're great people who know how to treat others. The fantastic staff surrounding them is just one indication of that. I know I said this last year, but I'm going to say it again... You have
to visit Thunder Hill Speedway if you have the opportunity. You often hear drivers and fans say, "I wish that track was closer to home because I'd be there every week." Thunder Hill Speedway IS that track. I guarantee I'll be back next year.
With 87 race nights in the books for me this season, I'm unsure if I'll make it to anymore this year. I'm still considering Shiverfest at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson this coming weekend, but those plans are still up in the air. I'm also uncertain about the Duel in the Desert in Las Vegas next month, but that is still a strong possibility. If there are any remaining races in your area, please be sure you get out and support a track before the season comes to an end.
As always, thanks for reading.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Lauritzen holds off Hogan in Fall Extravaganza at Lee County Speedway
After battling a nasty cold and sinus infection over the last two weeks, I felt well enough to make the trip south Saturday to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson for the Fall Extravaganza.
Ronn Lauritzen earned a thrilling win in the Modified division. After starting outside the front row next to fast dash qualifier Scott Hogan, Lauritzen worked the low side into the lead in the early going of that 25-lapper.
While Lauritzen put a little distance over the field, Kyle Brown worked through the pack to challenge Hogan for second. Hogan worked the top side with Brown down low and Lauritzen out front also running the low groove.
A couple cautions kept the field bunched, but Lauritzen took charge each time the green flag waved. Hogan, in fact, appeared to struggle exiting turn four over the final half of the event. While he seemed poised to challenge for the win early on, he found himself in a late tussle with Brown for second.
With less than a handful of laps to go, Hogan found something on the top of turn four. After the race, Hogan said he just "through it in harder and deeper," and that must have done the trick.
While Lauritzen was dealing with slower traffic on the bottom groove in the final laps, Hogan surged from the top side and was able to pull even with Lauritzen. One last dive to the bottom exiting turn four wasn't enough for Hogan, however, as Lauritzen escaped with the thrilling win.
Abe Huls raced the low groove to victory in the 25-lap Stock Car main. Huls slipped beneath John Oliver Jr. and then held off a pestering Todd Reitzler to take the victory.
Curtis Van Der Wal led throughout the 22-lap SportMod feature to score the victory. He was challenged late by Tony Dunker, but sailed to victory in an event that was stopped numerous times for caution - one that involved as many as eight cars.
Dustin Griffiths was the winner in the Hobby Stock feature after surviving early pressure from Mike Hughes. Adam Gates dominated the 18-lap Sport Compact feature to drive to victory. Those two drivers defended their Fall Extravaganza victories from a year ago.
I didn't intend to blog on Saturday night's event, however it's been so long since I've written, I figured I needed to let my readers know I'm still around! For a more thorough rundown of Saturday's action, visit Dick and Joyce Eisele's The 4dfan Report and check back later for Brian Neal's Midwest Racing News.
Rather than rehash the event, I did take a few mental notes. Bear with me, I hope my sinus congestion hasn't clouded anything I took from Saturday's show...
* The two-day show featured inverted heat race qualifying in all five divisions Friday. Drivers each raced two heat races Friday night - the first based on their draw upon signing in and the second an invert that also allowed them to compete with drivers different than during the first set of qualifiers. Saturday's last chance qualifiers and championship racing included fast dash races for top points earners from Friday's show. The dashes determined the starting lineups at the front of Saturday night's features. It was a unique format that offered a twist to the normal draw/redraw format. It seems a number of tracks have started to consider this for post-season non-points specials. It will be interesting too see how the trend will continue or be altered when spring specials approach in March and April.
* I enjoyed most of the show in a VIP booth with fellow bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. As we have done during many of the special events toward of the season, the three of us predicted the feature winners as the events rolled out of staging. I managed to get one correct winner on the night. Thank you, Curt Van Der Wal, for making me look smart for a brief moment in time! Of course, I was lucky enough to have the first pick of the SportMod main. If you've never taken the time to visit Van Der Wal, be sure to do so the next time you're at a track where he's competing. He is a class act and always makes time to chat. Not only is he one of the genuine, good guys in our sport, he has a hell of a race program. Congrats on the win, Curt! Plus, don't worry, awards season isn't far away in Hollywood, Nashville and all points in between. I'll try to entertain you with my snide award show remarks on facebook!
* Race day opportunities are quickly winding down in our area. Along with a special this coming weekend at Farley Speedway, I believe an October 19 special at Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa and Shiverfest in Donnellson October 26 will be your final chances to go racing in the Hawkeye state this season. Just across the border in Memphis, Mo., a two-day fall special will be held this coming weekend.
* A number of drivers I spoke with Saturday were uncertain of their plans for the next couple weeks. Many of them have followed the fall specials at Webster City, Oskaloosa and Donnellson, but were taking things day-by-day to determine just how long they'd extend their seasons. Most often I heard, "If we survive this weekend with little damage, we may race next weekend." One of those drivers was Modified driver Scott Hogan, who had a rough go of things in Webster City and Oskaloosa. Although he had a great run Saturday, his wife's facebook page indicates they're going to end the season on a high note and call 2013 complete. After chasing points for much of his career, Hogan limited his race nights this year and focused on fun rather than the work involved in chasing points. Although his plans are undecided for 2014, I wouldn't be surprised to see Team Hogan take the same approach next season.
* As I mentioned at the top of this blog, I was among the sickly for the last couple weeks. In short, I was knocked on my ass for a good two weeks. Along with a cold and sinus infection, my history with cluster headaches reared its ugly head again. Although it had been almost two years since my most recent episode, I was either in bed or on the couch for five straight days while also battling whatever bug I had. I'm getting back up to speed, though, so I hope to take in a few more races before the season is over.
Saturday night was my 85th race of the year - a personal record. I joked with Positively Racing web mistress Sue McDaniel on Saturday that my readers probably had no idea I've been to that many races. As I mentioned in my most recent entry, this is the time of year I enjoy socializing and watching the races without worrying about what to write, but I got the itch after last night's show and it's good to be back.
My next race will include a six hour trip later this week as I head to Thunder Hill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., for the second straight year for Thunder on the Hill. If you haven't been there and are still able to make plans to go, GO! The event starts Thursday, Oct. 17 with practice and then complete shows both Friday and Saturday. The facility is awesome, the racing is incredible and Mike and Pam Conkwright are top-notch promoters.
After that, I plan to make it back to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson for Shiverfest the following weekend. It's one of few special events in eastern Iowa I've never attended, but I'm hoping to finally make it this year. After Shiverfest, I'm hoping for one more racing weekend and that's to make the trip to Las Vegas next month for the Duel in the Desert. Plans are still in the works for that one, but it would be a great way to end the season before banquet time begins.
Speaking of banquets, the Independence Motor Speedway banquet is slated for Saturday, November 23. Invitations should be sent in the mail this week. I'm hoping to have details finalized and ticket order forms mailed out before I head to Kansas.
Also, I'm honored to say I've been invited back to be an emcee at the IMCA National Banquet in Lincoln, Neb., November 30. It will be my third year in Lincoln and I'm looking forward to spending that weekend celebrating and honoring the best in IMCA racing.
I hope to see many of you in Kansas this week. If not, make plans to head to Farley, Maquoketa or Memphis. Race days in the Midwest are numbered and we need to get our fix while we can.
As always, thanks for reading!
Ronn Lauritzen earned a thrilling win in the Modified division. After starting outside the front row next to fast dash qualifier Scott Hogan, Lauritzen worked the low side into the lead in the early going of that 25-lapper.
While Lauritzen put a little distance over the field, Kyle Brown worked through the pack to challenge Hogan for second. Hogan worked the top side with Brown down low and Lauritzen out front also running the low groove.
A couple cautions kept the field bunched, but Lauritzen took charge each time the green flag waved. Hogan, in fact, appeared to struggle exiting turn four over the final half of the event. While he seemed poised to challenge for the win early on, he found himself in a late tussle with Brown for second.
With less than a handful of laps to go, Hogan found something on the top of turn four. After the race, Hogan said he just "through it in harder and deeper," and that must have done the trick.
While Lauritzen was dealing with slower traffic on the bottom groove in the final laps, Hogan surged from the top side and was able to pull even with Lauritzen. One last dive to the bottom exiting turn four wasn't enough for Hogan, however, as Lauritzen escaped with the thrilling win.
Abe Huls raced the low groove to victory in the 25-lap Stock Car main. Huls slipped beneath John Oliver Jr. and then held off a pestering Todd Reitzler to take the victory.
Curtis Van Der Wal led throughout the 22-lap SportMod feature to score the victory. He was challenged late by Tony Dunker, but sailed to victory in an event that was stopped numerous times for caution - one that involved as many as eight cars.
Dustin Griffiths was the winner in the Hobby Stock feature after surviving early pressure from Mike Hughes. Adam Gates dominated the 18-lap Sport Compact feature to drive to victory. Those two drivers defended their Fall Extravaganza victories from a year ago.
I didn't intend to blog on Saturday night's event, however it's been so long since I've written, I figured I needed to let my readers know I'm still around! For a more thorough rundown of Saturday's action, visit Dick and Joyce Eisele's The 4dfan Report and check back later for Brian Neal's Midwest Racing News.
Rather than rehash the event, I did take a few mental notes. Bear with me, I hope my sinus congestion hasn't clouded anything I took from Saturday's show...
* The two-day show featured inverted heat race qualifying in all five divisions Friday. Drivers each raced two heat races Friday night - the first based on their draw upon signing in and the second an invert that also allowed them to compete with drivers different than during the first set of qualifiers. Saturday's last chance qualifiers and championship racing included fast dash races for top points earners from Friday's show. The dashes determined the starting lineups at the front of Saturday night's features. It was a unique format that offered a twist to the normal draw/redraw format. It seems a number of tracks have started to consider this for post-season non-points specials. It will be interesting too see how the trend will continue or be altered when spring specials approach in March and April.
* I enjoyed most of the show in a VIP booth with fellow bloggers Dick and Joyce Eisele. As we have done during many of the special events toward of the season, the three of us predicted the feature winners as the events rolled out of staging. I managed to get one correct winner on the night. Thank you, Curt Van Der Wal, for making me look smart for a brief moment in time! Of course, I was lucky enough to have the first pick of the SportMod main. If you've never taken the time to visit Van Der Wal, be sure to do so the next time you're at a track where he's competing. He is a class act and always makes time to chat. Not only is he one of the genuine, good guys in our sport, he has a hell of a race program. Congrats on the win, Curt! Plus, don't worry, awards season isn't far away in Hollywood, Nashville and all points in between. I'll try to entertain you with my snide award show remarks on facebook!
* Race day opportunities are quickly winding down in our area. Along with a special this coming weekend at Farley Speedway, I believe an October 19 special at Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa and Shiverfest in Donnellson October 26 will be your final chances to go racing in the Hawkeye state this season. Just across the border in Memphis, Mo., a two-day fall special will be held this coming weekend.
* A number of drivers I spoke with Saturday were uncertain of their plans for the next couple weeks. Many of them have followed the fall specials at Webster City, Oskaloosa and Donnellson, but were taking things day-by-day to determine just how long they'd extend their seasons. Most often I heard, "If we survive this weekend with little damage, we may race next weekend." One of those drivers was Modified driver Scott Hogan, who had a rough go of things in Webster City and Oskaloosa. Although he had a great run Saturday, his wife's facebook page indicates they're going to end the season on a high note and call 2013 complete. After chasing points for much of his career, Hogan limited his race nights this year and focused on fun rather than the work involved in chasing points. Although his plans are undecided for 2014, I wouldn't be surprised to see Team Hogan take the same approach next season.
* As I mentioned at the top of this blog, I was among the sickly for the last couple weeks. In short, I was knocked on my ass for a good two weeks. Along with a cold and sinus infection, my history with cluster headaches reared its ugly head again. Although it had been almost two years since my most recent episode, I was either in bed or on the couch for five straight days while also battling whatever bug I had. I'm getting back up to speed, though, so I hope to take in a few more races before the season is over.
Saturday night was my 85th race of the year - a personal record. I joked with Positively Racing web mistress Sue McDaniel on Saturday that my readers probably had no idea I've been to that many races. As I mentioned in my most recent entry, this is the time of year I enjoy socializing and watching the races without worrying about what to write, but I got the itch after last night's show and it's good to be back.
My next race will include a six hour trip later this week as I head to Thunder Hill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., for the second straight year for Thunder on the Hill. If you haven't been there and are still able to make plans to go, GO! The event starts Thursday, Oct. 17 with practice and then complete shows both Friday and Saturday. The facility is awesome, the racing is incredible and Mike and Pam Conkwright are top-notch promoters.
After that, I plan to make it back to Lee County Speedway in Donnellson for Shiverfest the following weekend. It's one of few special events in eastern Iowa I've never attended, but I'm hoping to finally make it this year. After Shiverfest, I'm hoping for one more racing weekend and that's to make the trip to Las Vegas next month for the Duel in the Desert. Plans are still in the works for that one, but it would be a great way to end the season before banquet time begins.
Speaking of banquets, the Independence Motor Speedway banquet is slated for Saturday, November 23. Invitations should be sent in the mail this week. I'm hoping to have details finalized and ticket order forms mailed out before I head to Kansas.
Also, I'm honored to say I've been invited back to be an emcee at the IMCA National Banquet in Lincoln, Neb., November 30. It will be my third year in Lincoln and I'm looking forward to spending that weekend celebrating and honoring the best in IMCA racing.
I hope to see many of you in Kansas this week. If not, make plans to head to Farley, Maquoketa or Memphis. Race days in the Midwest are numbered and we need to get our fix while we can.
As always, thanks for reading!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Docekal doubles up on championship night at Benton County Speedway
Joe Docekal flipped the script from 2012 by earning
his career first IMCA Modified track title Sunday night at Benton County Speedway. (complete results follow)
Docekal led the points following 14 of 17 weeks in 2012 only to finish second in the final standings. This year, he led the points only once through 20 nights of racing - following Sunday's season finale.
The unique championship qualifying format allowed point leaders the opportunity to race their way into front row starting spots, yet also gave fans their money's worth by making the heat races a meaningful component of the season finale. While heat race lineups were structured like a regular weekly program - inverted based on season point averages - drivers lined up for features in the same order they finished their heat races. In divisions with two heats, the first heat comprised the inside row of the feature and the second heat the outside row. In divisions with more than two heat races (Modifieds and SportMods), the heat race winner who had the highest point total started on the pole. This guaranteed those drivers front row starts if they won their qualifiers.
Heat winner Docekal started the 20-lap Modified main from the pole position and quickly extended his advantage ahead of fellow front row starter Jerry Luloff. While Docekal pulled away, Luloff was challenged on the top side by Patrick Flannagan. Flannagan worked his way into second before the caution flag waved with seven laps scored complete.
On the restart, Docekal again held command with Flannagan and Luloff continuing their battle for second while Mark Schulte raced his way past Troy Cordes for fourth. Meantime, Ronn Lauritzen, who entered the night with a three point edge over Docekal in the standings, was working through the pack after contact from another driver in his qualifier forced him to a 10th place start. Lauritzen, who needed to finish within two spots of Docekal to secure the track title, made his way into fifth just before the final stoppage came to set up a green, white, checker finish.
When racing resumed, Docekal held on to lead the event in its entirety to score the win ahead of Flannagan and Luloff. Schulte came home fourth ahead of Lauritzen. Docekal edged Laurtizen in the final standings to earn the title by a single point.
The win was Docekal's fourth of the season, all coming in the final six nights of racing. It was his first on season championship night. Docekal has now earned 11 Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, tying him for 14th on the all-time list with Mike Burbridge.
John Emerson entered the night needing a top-five finish to earn track champion honors in the IMCA Stock Car division. From his outside front row starting spot, Scott Pippert was hoping to gain five points on Emerson to claim the title for himself.
Pippert took command at the drop of the green with Damon Murty in tow. Emerson, who started alongside Murty in row two, chased the leaders until Pippert stopped off the top of turns three and four with a flat tire.
On the restart, Murty set sail to score the victory in the 15-lap event, his sixth win of the season and his fifth straight (yes, five-in-a-row) on championship night in Vinton. For his career, Murty has now earned 61 Stock Car wins in weekly racing in Vinton, which leads all drivers. In addition to his season championship feature wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Murty also took top honors on championship night in 2005.
By virtue of his runner-up finish, Emerson locked up the track title and became the fifth straight different Stock Car driver to wear the crown in Vinton.
An excellent field of 33 IMCA Northern SportMods signed in to do battle for 20 starting spots in that championship feature. Outside front row starter Dakoda Sellers shot into the lead at the drop of the green in the 15-lapper.
From his second row start, Brennen Chipp slipped past pole-sitter Curt Hilmer to snag second. Chipp then went to work on Sellers for the lead as the two swapped the point numerous times until caution slowed action just past the midway point.
Chipp led the field back to green with Sellers heavy on the gas for the restart. The race was slowed for debris and Sellers was penalized two positions for jumping the restart. That put Hilmer back into the runner-up spot.
When racing resumed, Chipp took command with Hilmer in pursuit. Hilmer shot past Chipp and held off the furious pressure from a handful of drivers to score his second win of the season and the first of his career on championship night.
Hilmer has now won multiple features three straight years in the division. His eight career SportMod wins in Vinton tie him with Drew Fish for fourth on the all-time list.
Points leader Danny Dvorak came home fifth to secure his third straight points title and the fifth of his career in the nine-year history of SportMod racing in Vinton. His three straight SportMod titles in Vinton (2011, 2012, 2013) matches Austin Kaplan's record of three straight championships (2008, 2009, 2010).
Brian Happel simply needed to stay out of trouble to earn the first track title of his career in the IMCA Hobby Stock division. Happel, who entered the night with a nine point lead over Chris Luloff, needed to secure a ninth place or better finish in the 13-car field to guarantee title honors.
Pole-sitter Happel slipped back to fourth at the start of the 15-lapper while Jacob Keiser and Nathan Ballard worked by the point leader. Keiser quickly pulled away from the pack until Ballard was able to apply pressure in lapped traffic.
Keiser spun in the low side of turns three and four when navigating a backmarker, leaving Ballard on the point for the lap nine restart. Ballard led the remainder of the event to earn his first season championship win in Vinton ahead of Matt Brown, which was also Ballard's first win at the speedway since May of 2012.
With six career Hobby Stock wins in Vinton, Ballard now ranks tied for 21st on the all-time list with Bill Bonnett, Curt Hilmer, Curtis Roster and Rick Johnson.
Happel finished fourth to win his first championship by eight markers over Luloff, who ran third Sunday night.
Bill Whalen Jr. already had his first BCS track title locked up entering Sunday night in the IMCA Sport Compact division, but it was Merv Chandler out front for all 12 laps in the championship feature.
From his pole position start, Chandler took command and pulled away to victory, his fourth of the year. He became the first Sport Compact driver to win from the pole in 22 events this season. With 12 wins in his weekly racing career, Chandler is alone in fourth on the division's all-time list at the speedway.
Championship Night Notes: Sunday night marked the end of the 2013 season in Vinton. Twenty-two points nights were held in the SportMod, Hobby Stock and Sport Compact divisions, 21 nights in the Stock Cars and 20 in the Modifieds. The best thing about it? Four of the five track championships were still up-for-grabs entering Sunday night.
It was the 13th consecutive season championship program when at least one track champion finished the night in victory lane. Docekal was the lone titlist to get the job done. Ironically, he was also the only champion to enter the night not with the points lead.
Docekal became the fourth track champion in speedway history to earn all of his wins after August 1. And, he's the only champion to earn four wins in the same season after that date without a victory prior to August. Ironically, all of the other three champions to wait until August 1 to reach victory lane were Modified drivers, as well. Scott Hogan earned one win in 2012 and it came after August 1 in that championship season. Jerry Luloff's one win during his 2001 title run came in August. Aside from Docekal, the only driver to win multiple times during a championship season, but not once before August? Dave Burrell, whose three wins during his 1993 title run all came during the month of August. Those folks from Dysart must be late bloomers...
Only two drivers in track history have earned track titles without a single feature win during their championship seasons. Any ideas? This is a tough one so I'll give you some time to think. The answer follows below the complete results from Sunday night...
For those who may be curious, Docekal finished the month of July fifth in points. He moved to fourth August 11, to third August 18 and to second September 1 before his climb to the top Sunday night.
You have to feel for Modified driver Ronn Lauritzen. The 2013 Karl Performance Hawkeye Dirt Tour presented by XSAN champion had a stellar season in both weekly racing and his travels throughout Iowa, but he is still in search of his first track championship. And, boy, has he been close. In fact, Sunday night, Lauritzen was dangerously close to celebrating his fourth track title in the last two years.
Along with his runner-up finish to Docekal by a single point in this year's Modified standings in Vinton, Lauritzen was one point shy of Marshalltown Speedway track champion Jon Snyder, as well. He finished just four points behind Tyler Droste for top honors at Independence Motor Speedway. Yes, that's a combined six points away from three track titles. Lauritzen also finished second last year in Independence to Mark Schulte - by three points. Four runner-up finishes by a combined nine points. It's coming, Ronn. And when it does, many more will follow.
Thoughts are with IMCA Modified driver Mike Burbridge, a weekly regular in Vinton. Burbridge was recently hospitalized with a Staph infection in his leg. I hope you're feeling better soon, Mike!
A number of first-time visitors made their way to Vinton for championship night. Among them? A pair of SportMod drivers who traveled great distances to get another race night in the books. Matt Webb made the haul from Des Moines and Matthew Looft made the four hour trek from Swea City. Looft said he was still short on race nights and needed to go where they were still racing. I think a second place finish in a field of 33 made the trip worthwhile. If you're not sure where Swea City is, it's in extreme northern Iowa, about 25 minutes east of Estherville. If you still don't know, draw a line straight north from Fort Dodge to the Minnesota border. It's just west of there and it's a loooong drive for a Sunday night. Thanks for making the trip to join us, Matt!
Special thanks to BCS announcer Bucky Doren for asking me to announce the championship program with him. It was great to be behind the mic one final time this year and a pleasure to call the action with you, Bucky!
Although the season is now complete in both Independence and Vinton, my racing travels are far from over. Sunday night was my 81st race of the year and I may reach 90 before the end of the season. Next weekend I'm considering splitting time between post-season specials at Knoxville Raceway and Hamilton County Speedway. The following weekend, I plan to spend at least one day at Southern Iowa Speedway's Fall Challenge and I hope to make it to Shiverfest at Lee County Speedway in October. After that, I plan to make my second visit to Thunder Hill Speedway in Mayetta, Kansas, for the Thunder on the Hill special in mid-October. You never know, there may be more racing in store beyond those events!
A number of people have questioned my lack of race reports the last few weeks here at Positively Racing. They tell me they've seen me at the races, but that I haven't written much lately. I can honestly answer that by saying my focus shifts starting in mid-August. At that point in time, my attention always turns to preparation for season championship night at Independence and the IMCA Super Nationals. After Super Nationals, I like to attend post-season specials to socialize and catch up with folks I may not get the pleasure of seeing in the off-season. I dedicate this part of year to "me time" and love every minute interacting with friends and fellow fans as the season winds down without taking notes on all the action.
To those who are regular readers, thank you for your loyalty and fear not! I may or may not include notes here and there of the next few events I attend, but I guarantee I'll have a stronger presence this off-season compared to past years. I plan to do some writing through the off-season to keep the winter blahs from setting in.
One thing is certain - the five years I've written for Jeff Broeg and his crew has been a truly rewarding experience. I've made a lot of new friends that I may not have met otherwise and it's an honor that so many people look forward to the race reports I provide through this web site. In fact, I'm rapidly approaching 100,000 hits on my page alone at Positively Racing. That's incredibly humbling.
As we continue making our way through the post-season schedule, please support a track in your area or, if you're able, plan a trip to see a show at a track you've always wanted to visit, but have never been able to attend. The season may be winding down, but there are a number of great specials out there in the coming weeks. If we happen to cross paths at one of them, be sure to say hello.
As always, thanks for reading!
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 2. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 3. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 4. 27M Mark Schulte, Delhi; 5. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 6. 71 Troy Cordes, Dunkerton; 7. 93K Jeff Kriz, Waterloo; 8. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 9. 98 Jason Snyder, Dunkerton; 10. 20L Zach Less, Hopkinton; 11. 171 Buck Swanson, Waterloo; 12. 7 Todd Jensen, Waterloo; 13. 01 Ed Thomas, Waterloo; 14. 77 Tim McBride, Denver; 15. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 16. 81 Jesse Belez, Marengo; 17. 49 Mike Manson, Manchester; 18. 10 Kaleb Bentley, Fairbank; 19. 111 Buster Pate, Hiawatha; 20. 7S Robbie Schmuecker, Vinton.
Heat one: 1. Docekal; 2. Thomas; 3. Kriz; 4. McBride; 5. Pate; 6. Schmuecker; 7. Snyder.
Heat two: 1. Luloff; 2. Schulte; 3. Dedrick; 4. Lauritzen; 5. Swanson; 6. Burbridge; 7. Bentley.
Heat three: 1. Flannagan; 2. Less; 3. Cordes; 4. Belez; 5. Jensen; 6. Manson.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 99D Damon Murty, Chelsea; 2. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 3. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 4. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 5. 7H Phil Holtz, Manchester; 6. 4JR Russell Damme; 7. 4Q Richard Quail, Waterloo; 8. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 9. 17 Jason Niedert, Winthrop; 10. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 11. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 12. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 13. 76S Chad Siems, Shellsburg; 14. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon.
Heat one: 1. Damme; 2. Emerson; 3. Roster; 4. Quail; 5. Siems; 6. Holtz; 7. Daggett.
Heat two: 1. Pippert; 2. Murty; 3. Rose; 4. Niedert; 5. Beauregard; 6. Galli; 7. Chesmore.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart; 2. 9L Matt Looft, Swea City; 3. 21 Brennen Chipp, Waterloo; 4. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 5. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 6. 72L Brett Lowry, Montezuma; 7. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 8. 4 Ryan Maitland, Waterloo; 9. CH19 Colby Heishman, Brooklyn; 10. J2 Dave Schulze, Keystone; 11. K3 Kyle Olson, Cedar Rapids; 12. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 13. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 14. 14 Shane Ebaugh, Evansdale; 15. 51X Matt Webb, Des Moines; 16. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 17. 80 Duane Van Deest, Grundy Center; 18. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 19. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 20. 15B Troy Burkhart, Urbana.
Heat one (3 qualify): 1. Lowry; 2. Heishman; 3. Schulze; 4. Webb; 5. Van Deest; 6. Burkhart; 7. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; 8. 35B Kyle Bentley, Quasqueton; 9. 35 Josh Miller, Lisbon.
Heat two: 1. Hilmer; 2. M. McDonald; 3. Dvorak; 4. Anderson; 5. 9 Scott Williams, Atkins; 6. T17 Tom Rawlins, Kellogg; 7. 14A T.J. Hampton, Waterloo; DNS 115 Bob Ebaugh, Raymond.
Heat three: 1. Sellers; 2. Rust; 3. S. Ebaugh; 4. Maitland; 5. 86U Rod McDonald, Manchester; 6. Olson; 7. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 8. 45 Matt Petrzelka, Norway.
Heat four: 1. Chipp; 2. Schaefer; 3. Looft; 4. King; 5. 44G Brady Graham, Brooklyn; 6. Buhlman; 7. 339 Kevin Hurst, Janesville; 8. 50H Steve Wimer, Toddville.
B feature one (4 transfer): 1. Webb; 2. Van Deest; 3. Anderson; 4. Burkhart; 5. Burrell; 6. Miller; 7. Williams; 8. Rawlins; DNS Hampton; DNS Miller; DNS B. Ebaugh.
B feature two: 1. Maitland; 2. King; 3. Olson; 4. Buhlman; 5. Mitchell; 6. Wimer; 7. Petrzelka; 8. Hurst; 9. R. McDonald; DNS Graham.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 29 Nathan Ballard, Marengo; 2. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 3. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence; 4. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton; 5. 23S Adam Streeter, Walker; 6. 07 Jacob Keiser, Marengo; 7. 45 Justin Wacha, Vinton; 8. 4P Matt Pohlman, Keystone; 9. 90 Chris Moore, Fairfax; 10. T64 Jeremiah Wilson, Waterloo; 11. 75D Dale Kite, Keystone; 12. 19B Jim Sheldon, Marion; 13. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine.
Heat one: 1. Happel; 2. Ballard; 3. Wacha; 4. Streeter; 5. Pohlman; 6. Sheldon; 7. Parizek.
Heat two: 1. Keiser; 2. Brown; 3. Luloff; 4. Wilson; 5. Moore; 6. Kite.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 2 Merv Chandler, Urbana; 2. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 3. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 4. 69 Bill Michel, Muscatine; 5. 3 Neil Nabholz, Waterloo; 6. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 7. 7B Brad Schmidt, Cedar Rapids; 8. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 9. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax; DNS 9 Toby Denning, Mt. Auburn.
Heat one: 1. Chandler; 2. Streeter; 3. Michel; 4. Schmidt; DNS Denning.
Heat two: 1. Whalen; 2. Nabholz; 3. Lerch; 4. Witten; 5. Scott.
Have you figured out the only two drivers in Benton County Speedway history to win a track title without a single feature win during their championship seasons? Hobby Stock driver Max Leonard was the first to do it in 1993. Leonard was winless in 16 events that season, but still earned title honors. The other was 2002 Hobby Stock champ Steve Kesl. Kesl won seven times in his career in Vinton, but none came during his title season, which included 18 Hobby Stock events.
Docekal led the points following 14 of 17 weeks in 2012 only to finish second in the final standings. This year, he led the points only once through 20 nights of racing - following Sunday's season finale.
The unique championship qualifying format allowed point leaders the opportunity to race their way into front row starting spots, yet also gave fans their money's worth by making the heat races a meaningful component of the season finale. While heat race lineups were structured like a regular weekly program - inverted based on season point averages - drivers lined up for features in the same order they finished their heat races. In divisions with two heats, the first heat comprised the inside row of the feature and the second heat the outside row. In divisions with more than two heat races (Modifieds and SportMods), the heat race winner who had the highest point total started on the pole. This guaranteed those drivers front row starts if they won their qualifiers.
Heat winner Docekal started the 20-lap Modified main from the pole position and quickly extended his advantage ahead of fellow front row starter Jerry Luloff. While Docekal pulled away, Luloff was challenged on the top side by Patrick Flannagan. Flannagan worked his way into second before the caution flag waved with seven laps scored complete.
On the restart, Docekal again held command with Flannagan and Luloff continuing their battle for second while Mark Schulte raced his way past Troy Cordes for fourth. Meantime, Ronn Lauritzen, who entered the night with a three point edge over Docekal in the standings, was working through the pack after contact from another driver in his qualifier forced him to a 10th place start. Lauritzen, who needed to finish within two spots of Docekal to secure the track title, made his way into fifth just before the final stoppage came to set up a green, white, checker finish.
When racing resumed, Docekal held on to lead the event in its entirety to score the win ahead of Flannagan and Luloff. Schulte came home fourth ahead of Lauritzen. Docekal edged Laurtizen in the final standings to earn the title by a single point.
The win was Docekal's fourth of the season, all coming in the final six nights of racing. It was his first on season championship night. Docekal has now earned 11 Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, tying him for 14th on the all-time list with Mike Burbridge.
John Emerson entered the night needing a top-five finish to earn track champion honors in the IMCA Stock Car division. From his outside front row starting spot, Scott Pippert was hoping to gain five points on Emerson to claim the title for himself.
Pippert took command at the drop of the green with Damon Murty in tow. Emerson, who started alongside Murty in row two, chased the leaders until Pippert stopped off the top of turns three and four with a flat tire.
On the restart, Murty set sail to score the victory in the 15-lap event, his sixth win of the season and his fifth straight (yes, five-in-a-row) on championship night in Vinton. For his career, Murty has now earned 61 Stock Car wins in weekly racing in Vinton, which leads all drivers. In addition to his season championship feature wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Murty also took top honors on championship night in 2005.
By virtue of his runner-up finish, Emerson locked up the track title and became the fifth straight different Stock Car driver to wear the crown in Vinton.
An excellent field of 33 IMCA Northern SportMods signed in to do battle for 20 starting spots in that championship feature. Outside front row starter Dakoda Sellers shot into the lead at the drop of the green in the 15-lapper.
From his second row start, Brennen Chipp slipped past pole-sitter Curt Hilmer to snag second. Chipp then went to work on Sellers for the lead as the two swapped the point numerous times until caution slowed action just past the midway point.
Chipp led the field back to green with Sellers heavy on the gas for the restart. The race was slowed for debris and Sellers was penalized two positions for jumping the restart. That put Hilmer back into the runner-up spot.
When racing resumed, Chipp took command with Hilmer in pursuit. Hilmer shot past Chipp and held off the furious pressure from a handful of drivers to score his second win of the season and the first of his career on championship night.
Hilmer has now won multiple features three straight years in the division. His eight career SportMod wins in Vinton tie him with Drew Fish for fourth on the all-time list.
Points leader Danny Dvorak came home fifth to secure his third straight points title and the fifth of his career in the nine-year history of SportMod racing in Vinton. His three straight SportMod titles in Vinton (2011, 2012, 2013) matches Austin Kaplan's record of three straight championships (2008, 2009, 2010).
Brian Happel simply needed to stay out of trouble to earn the first track title of his career in the IMCA Hobby Stock division. Happel, who entered the night with a nine point lead over Chris Luloff, needed to secure a ninth place or better finish in the 13-car field to guarantee title honors.
Pole-sitter Happel slipped back to fourth at the start of the 15-lapper while Jacob Keiser and Nathan Ballard worked by the point leader. Keiser quickly pulled away from the pack until Ballard was able to apply pressure in lapped traffic.
Keiser spun in the low side of turns three and four when navigating a backmarker, leaving Ballard on the point for the lap nine restart. Ballard led the remainder of the event to earn his first season championship win in Vinton ahead of Matt Brown, which was also Ballard's first win at the speedway since May of 2012.
With six career Hobby Stock wins in Vinton, Ballard now ranks tied for 21st on the all-time list with Bill Bonnett, Curt Hilmer, Curtis Roster and Rick Johnson.
Happel finished fourth to win his first championship by eight markers over Luloff, who ran third Sunday night.
Bill Whalen Jr. already had his first BCS track title locked up entering Sunday night in the IMCA Sport Compact division, but it was Merv Chandler out front for all 12 laps in the championship feature.
From his pole position start, Chandler took command and pulled away to victory, his fourth of the year. He became the first Sport Compact driver to win from the pole in 22 events this season. With 12 wins in his weekly racing career, Chandler is alone in fourth on the division's all-time list at the speedway.
Championship Night Notes: Sunday night marked the end of the 2013 season in Vinton. Twenty-two points nights were held in the SportMod, Hobby Stock and Sport Compact divisions, 21 nights in the Stock Cars and 20 in the Modifieds. The best thing about it? Four of the five track championships were still up-for-grabs entering Sunday night.
It was the 13th consecutive season championship program when at least one track champion finished the night in victory lane. Docekal was the lone titlist to get the job done. Ironically, he was also the only champion to enter the night not with the points lead.
Docekal became the fourth track champion in speedway history to earn all of his wins after August 1. And, he's the only champion to earn four wins in the same season after that date without a victory prior to August. Ironically, all of the other three champions to wait until August 1 to reach victory lane were Modified drivers, as well. Scott Hogan earned one win in 2012 and it came after August 1 in that championship season. Jerry Luloff's one win during his 2001 title run came in August. Aside from Docekal, the only driver to win multiple times during a championship season, but not once before August? Dave Burrell, whose three wins during his 1993 title run all came during the month of August. Those folks from Dysart must be late bloomers...
Only two drivers in track history have earned track titles without a single feature win during their championship seasons. Any ideas? This is a tough one so I'll give you some time to think. The answer follows below the complete results from Sunday night...
For those who may be curious, Docekal finished the month of July fifth in points. He moved to fourth August 11, to third August 18 and to second September 1 before his climb to the top Sunday night.
You have to feel for Modified driver Ronn Lauritzen. The 2013 Karl Performance Hawkeye Dirt Tour presented by XSAN champion had a stellar season in both weekly racing and his travels throughout Iowa, but he is still in search of his first track championship. And, boy, has he been close. In fact, Sunday night, Lauritzen was dangerously close to celebrating his fourth track title in the last two years.
Along with his runner-up finish to Docekal by a single point in this year's Modified standings in Vinton, Lauritzen was one point shy of Marshalltown Speedway track champion Jon Snyder, as well. He finished just four points behind Tyler Droste for top honors at Independence Motor Speedway. Yes, that's a combined six points away from three track titles. Lauritzen also finished second last year in Independence to Mark Schulte - by three points. Four runner-up finishes by a combined nine points. It's coming, Ronn. And when it does, many more will follow.
Thoughts are with IMCA Modified driver Mike Burbridge, a weekly regular in Vinton. Burbridge was recently hospitalized with a Staph infection in his leg. I hope you're feeling better soon, Mike!
A number of first-time visitors made their way to Vinton for championship night. Among them? A pair of SportMod drivers who traveled great distances to get another race night in the books. Matt Webb made the haul from Des Moines and Matthew Looft made the four hour trek from Swea City. Looft said he was still short on race nights and needed to go where they were still racing. I think a second place finish in a field of 33 made the trip worthwhile. If you're not sure where Swea City is, it's in extreme northern Iowa, about 25 minutes east of Estherville. If you still don't know, draw a line straight north from Fort Dodge to the Minnesota border. It's just west of there and it's a loooong drive for a Sunday night. Thanks for making the trip to join us, Matt!
Special thanks to BCS announcer Bucky Doren for asking me to announce the championship program with him. It was great to be behind the mic one final time this year and a pleasure to call the action with you, Bucky!
Although the season is now complete in both Independence and Vinton, my racing travels are far from over. Sunday night was my 81st race of the year and I may reach 90 before the end of the season. Next weekend I'm considering splitting time between post-season specials at Knoxville Raceway and Hamilton County Speedway. The following weekend, I plan to spend at least one day at Southern Iowa Speedway's Fall Challenge and I hope to make it to Shiverfest at Lee County Speedway in October. After that, I plan to make my second visit to Thunder Hill Speedway in Mayetta, Kansas, for the Thunder on the Hill special in mid-October. You never know, there may be more racing in store beyond those events!
A number of people have questioned my lack of race reports the last few weeks here at Positively Racing. They tell me they've seen me at the races, but that I haven't written much lately. I can honestly answer that by saying my focus shifts starting in mid-August. At that point in time, my attention always turns to preparation for season championship night at Independence and the IMCA Super Nationals. After Super Nationals, I like to attend post-season specials to socialize and catch up with folks I may not get the pleasure of seeing in the off-season. I dedicate this part of year to "me time" and love every minute interacting with friends and fellow fans as the season winds down without taking notes on all the action.
To those who are regular readers, thank you for your loyalty and fear not! I may or may not include notes here and there of the next few events I attend, but I guarantee I'll have a stronger presence this off-season compared to past years. I plan to do some writing through the off-season to keep the winter blahs from setting in.
One thing is certain - the five years I've written for Jeff Broeg and his crew has been a truly rewarding experience. I've made a lot of new friends that I may not have met otherwise and it's an honor that so many people look forward to the race reports I provide through this web site. In fact, I'm rapidly approaching 100,000 hits on my page alone at Positively Racing. That's incredibly humbling.
As we continue making our way through the post-season schedule, please support a track in your area or, if you're able, plan a trip to see a show at a track you've always wanted to visit, but have never been able to attend. The season may be winding down, but there are a number of great specials out there in the coming weeks. If we happen to cross paths at one of them, be sure to say hello.
As always, thanks for reading!
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 2. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 3. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 4. 27M Mark Schulte, Delhi; 5. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 6. 71 Troy Cordes, Dunkerton; 7. 93K Jeff Kriz, Waterloo; 8. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 9. 98 Jason Snyder, Dunkerton; 10. 20L Zach Less, Hopkinton; 11. 171 Buck Swanson, Waterloo; 12. 7 Todd Jensen, Waterloo; 13. 01 Ed Thomas, Waterloo; 14. 77 Tim McBride, Denver; 15. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 16. 81 Jesse Belez, Marengo; 17. 49 Mike Manson, Manchester; 18. 10 Kaleb Bentley, Fairbank; 19. 111 Buster Pate, Hiawatha; 20. 7S Robbie Schmuecker, Vinton.
Heat one: 1. Docekal; 2. Thomas; 3. Kriz; 4. McBride; 5. Pate; 6. Schmuecker; 7. Snyder.
Heat two: 1. Luloff; 2. Schulte; 3. Dedrick; 4. Lauritzen; 5. Swanson; 6. Burbridge; 7. Bentley.
Heat three: 1. Flannagan; 2. Less; 3. Cordes; 4. Belez; 5. Jensen; 6. Manson.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 99D Damon Murty, Chelsea; 2. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 3. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 4. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 5. 7H Phil Holtz, Manchester; 6. 4JR Russell Damme; 7. 4Q Richard Quail, Waterloo; 8. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 9. 17 Jason Niedert, Winthrop; 10. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 11. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 12. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 13. 76S Chad Siems, Shellsburg; 14. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon.
Heat one: 1. Damme; 2. Emerson; 3. Roster; 4. Quail; 5. Siems; 6. Holtz; 7. Daggett.
Heat two: 1. Pippert; 2. Murty; 3. Rose; 4. Niedert; 5. Beauregard; 6. Galli; 7. Chesmore.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart; 2. 9L Matt Looft, Swea City; 3. 21 Brennen Chipp, Waterloo; 4. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 5. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 6. 72L Brett Lowry, Montezuma; 7. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 8. 4 Ryan Maitland, Waterloo; 9. CH19 Colby Heishman, Brooklyn; 10. J2 Dave Schulze, Keystone; 11. K3 Kyle Olson, Cedar Rapids; 12. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 13. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 14. 14 Shane Ebaugh, Evansdale; 15. 51X Matt Webb, Des Moines; 16. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 17. 80 Duane Van Deest, Grundy Center; 18. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 19. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 20. 15B Troy Burkhart, Urbana.
Heat one (3 qualify): 1. Lowry; 2. Heishman; 3. Schulze; 4. Webb; 5. Van Deest; 6. Burkhart; 7. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; 8. 35B Kyle Bentley, Quasqueton; 9. 35 Josh Miller, Lisbon.
Heat two: 1. Hilmer; 2. M. McDonald; 3. Dvorak; 4. Anderson; 5. 9 Scott Williams, Atkins; 6. T17 Tom Rawlins, Kellogg; 7. 14A T.J. Hampton, Waterloo; DNS 115 Bob Ebaugh, Raymond.
Heat three: 1. Sellers; 2. Rust; 3. S. Ebaugh; 4. Maitland; 5. 86U Rod McDonald, Manchester; 6. Olson; 7. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 8. 45 Matt Petrzelka, Norway.
Heat four: 1. Chipp; 2. Schaefer; 3. Looft; 4. King; 5. 44G Brady Graham, Brooklyn; 6. Buhlman; 7. 339 Kevin Hurst, Janesville; 8. 50H Steve Wimer, Toddville.
B feature one (4 transfer): 1. Webb; 2. Van Deest; 3. Anderson; 4. Burkhart; 5. Burrell; 6. Miller; 7. Williams; 8. Rawlins; DNS Hampton; DNS Miller; DNS B. Ebaugh.
B feature two: 1. Maitland; 2. King; 3. Olson; 4. Buhlman; 5. Mitchell; 6. Wimer; 7. Petrzelka; 8. Hurst; 9. R. McDonald; DNS Graham.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 29 Nathan Ballard, Marengo; 2. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 3. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence; 4. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton; 5. 23S Adam Streeter, Walker; 6. 07 Jacob Keiser, Marengo; 7. 45 Justin Wacha, Vinton; 8. 4P Matt Pohlman, Keystone; 9. 90 Chris Moore, Fairfax; 10. T64 Jeremiah Wilson, Waterloo; 11. 75D Dale Kite, Keystone; 12. 19B Jim Sheldon, Marion; 13. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine.
Heat one: 1. Happel; 2. Ballard; 3. Wacha; 4. Streeter; 5. Pohlman; 6. Sheldon; 7. Parizek.
Heat two: 1. Keiser; 2. Brown; 3. Luloff; 4. Wilson; 5. Moore; 6. Kite.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 2 Merv Chandler, Urbana; 2. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 3. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 4. 69 Bill Michel, Muscatine; 5. 3 Neil Nabholz, Waterloo; 6. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 7. 7B Brad Schmidt, Cedar Rapids; 8. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 9. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax; DNS 9 Toby Denning, Mt. Auburn.
Heat one: 1. Chandler; 2. Streeter; 3. Michel; 4. Schmidt; DNS Denning.
Heat two: 1. Whalen; 2. Nabholz; 3. Lerch; 4. Witten; 5. Scott.
Have you figured out the only two drivers in Benton County Speedway history to win a track title without a single feature win during their championship seasons? Hobby Stock driver Max Leonard was the first to do it in 1993. Leonard was winless in 16 events that season, but still earned title honors. The other was 2002 Hobby Stock champ Steve Kesl. Kesl won seven times in his career in Vinton, but none came during his title season, which included 18 Hobby Stock events.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Lauritzen wins in borrowed car at Benton County Speedway
With his car already at Boone Speedway ready for this week's IMCA Speedway Super Nationals fueled by Casey's, Ronn Lauritzen drove a borrowed car to victory lane in the IMCA Modified feature Sunday night at Benton County Speedway. (complete results follow.)
Not only was Sunday night's hot lap session Lauritzen's first time behind the wheel of Kaleb Bentley's machine, but Bentley's car has seen action only a handful of times.
Lauritzen, who started inside of row four, found himself in second place to Mike Burbridge after an early caution slowed action. Following another restart, Lauritzen worked the top side around Burbridge and pulled away to a near-straightaway lead. He led the field through lapped traffic to score the win in the 20-lapper, his third of the season.
With eight Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, Lauritzen moved into a tie for 19th on the all-time list with Joey Schaefer, Kevin Pittman and Mike Sampson. Lauritzen joined Kyle Brown, Mike Burbridge and Joe Docekal as three-time winners this season. It's just the fourth time in track history the Modifieds have produced four three-time winners in a season and it is the first time since 2006. It was also done in 2004 and 2005.
Lauritzen took over the division's points lead and carries a three point margin over Docekal heading into the September 15 season championship program. Sunday's win was Lauritzen's second career win in Vinton during the month of September.
John Emerson made his way past race-long leader Jared Daggett on the seventh of 15 laps to win in IMCA Stock Car action. Emerson led the remainder of the event going away to secure his fifth win of the year.
Emerson has earned six IMCA Stock Car wins in weekly racing history, tying him with Brian Irvine for eighth on the track's all-time list. It was his first win during the month of September.
Emerson joined Norman Chesmore (six wins) and Damon Murty (five wins) as five-time winners this season, making it the first time in track history three drivers have won at least five Stock Car features in the same calendar year.
Joel Rust was the fourth and final leader in the IMCA Northern SportMod 15-lapper as he raced to his fifth win of the year. Josh Burrell held the early advantage before Troy Burkhart worked around the leader on the fifth circuit, only to give way to Dakoda Sellers following the race's first stoppage on lap 10.
By the time the yellow flag waved, Rust found himself in fourth, then took to the high side to challenge for the lead when racing resumed. Rust worked past the outside of Sellers on the final circuit to score the thrilling win.
Rust has now earned six career SportMod wins in weekly racing history at the speedway, placing him in a tie with Kyle Bentley and Kyle Olson for ninth on the all-time list. It was his first Vinton win during the month of September.
From his outside second row starting spot, Chris Luloff took command by the completion of lap one, then led all 15 caution-free laps to earn his sixth win of the year in the IMCA Hobby Stock division.
Luloff extended his advantage to a straightaway by the time points leader Brian Happel made his way into second on lap two. Happel chipped away at Luloff's lead, but fell short by a couple car-lengths at the line.
Luloff remains third on the track's career Hobby Stock wins list with 23 trips to the winner's circle. With his first career win in September, Luloff has now won in Vinton during every calendar month from April through September. Vince Buchholz, Scott Pippert and Brad Forbes are the only other Hobby Stock drivers to accomplish that feat in Vinton.
Luloff and Happel have each won six times, making 2013 the first season in the division's 24-year history in Vinton to produce two six-time winners.
Nathan Chandler drove to his 10th win of the season in the IMCA Sport Compact division. Chandler passed front row starter A.J. Witten on the first lap and led the entire 12-lapper going away to record the victory, his second straight. Chandler now owns 10 separate streaks of at least two straight wins in the division in Vinton.
His third career win during September, Chandler owns 45 Sport Compact wins in weekly racing history at the speedway, the most of any driver. With his third place finish, Bill Whalen Jr. locked up the track's point title.
Tonight, it's back to Boone Speedway for the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey's. The first of six straight nights of racing starts tomorrow and I am privileged to once again call all the action with Jerry Vansickel and Chet Christner. If you're in Boone, be sure to say hi!
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday!
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 2. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 3. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 4. 12T Ty Glass, Cedar Rapids; 5. 11B Mike Burbridge, Delhi; 6. 93K Jeff Kriz, Waterloo; 7. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 8. 7S Robbie Schmuecker, Vinton; 9. 77 Tim McBride, Denver; 10. T23 Tony Olson, Cedar Rapids; 11. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 12. 81 Jesse Belez, Marengo; 13. 19D Darin Duffy, Urbana; 14. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 15. 32 Chris Snyder, Raymond.
Heat one: 1. Flannagan; 2. Docekal; 3. Dedrick; 4. Kriz; 5. Glass; 6. Schmuecker; 7. McBride; 8. Belez.
Heat two: 1. Olson; 2. Snyder; 3. Luloff; 4. Lauritzen; 5. M. Burbridge; 6. S. Burbridge; DNS Duffy.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 2. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon; 3. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 4. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 5. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 6. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 7. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 8. 4JR Russell Damme Jr., Waterloo; 9. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 10. 7H Phil Holtz, Manchester.
Heat one: 1. Daggett; 2. Pippert; 3. Chesmore; 4. Rose; 5. Galli.
Heat two: 1. Emerson; 2. Roster; 3. Holtz; 4. Damme; 5. Beauregard.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 2. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 3. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 4. 15B Troy Burkhart, Urbana; 5. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 6. 80 Duane Van Deest, Grundy Center; 7. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; 8. 16K Brandon Morris, Ely; 9. 44G Brady Graham, Broolyn; 10. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 11. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 12. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 13. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 14. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 15. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart.
Heat one: 1. Burrell; 2. Hilmer; 3. Dvorak; 4. Sellers; 5. Burkhart; 6. Anderson; 7. Morris.
Heat two: 1. McDonald; 2. Schaefer; 3. Buhlman; 4. Rust; 5. Graham; 6. King; 7. Van Deest; 8. Mitchell.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence; 2. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton; 3. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine; 4. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 5. 23 Andrew Torkelson, Lisbon; 6. 90 Chris Moore, Fairfax; 7. 4P Matt Pohlman, Keystone; 8. M35 Tyler Mannion, Waterloo.
Heat: 1. Luloff; 2. Brown; 3. Parizek; 4. Happel; 5. Torkelson; 6. Moore; 7. Pohlman; 8. Mannion.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 22 Nathan Chandler, Norway; 2. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 3. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 4. 22T Travis Losenicky, Garrison; 5. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 6. 7B Brad Schmidt, Cedar Rapids; 7. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 8. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax.
Heat: 1. Chandler; 2. Witten; 3. Whalen; 4. Losenicky; 5. Streeter; 6. Scott; 7. Lerch; 8. Schmidt.
Not only was Sunday night's hot lap session Lauritzen's first time behind the wheel of Kaleb Bentley's machine, but Bentley's car has seen action only a handful of times.
Lauritzen, who started inside of row four, found himself in second place to Mike Burbridge after an early caution slowed action. Following another restart, Lauritzen worked the top side around Burbridge and pulled away to a near-straightaway lead. He led the field through lapped traffic to score the win in the 20-lapper, his third of the season.
With eight Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, Lauritzen moved into a tie for 19th on the all-time list with Joey Schaefer, Kevin Pittman and Mike Sampson. Lauritzen joined Kyle Brown, Mike Burbridge and Joe Docekal as three-time winners this season. It's just the fourth time in track history the Modifieds have produced four three-time winners in a season and it is the first time since 2006. It was also done in 2004 and 2005.
Lauritzen took over the division's points lead and carries a three point margin over Docekal heading into the September 15 season championship program. Sunday's win was Lauritzen's second career win in Vinton during the month of September.
John Emerson made his way past race-long leader Jared Daggett on the seventh of 15 laps to win in IMCA Stock Car action. Emerson led the remainder of the event going away to secure his fifth win of the year.
Emerson has earned six IMCA Stock Car wins in weekly racing history, tying him with Brian Irvine for eighth on the track's all-time list. It was his first win during the month of September.
Emerson joined Norman Chesmore (six wins) and Damon Murty (five wins) as five-time winners this season, making it the first time in track history three drivers have won at least five Stock Car features in the same calendar year.
Joel Rust was the fourth and final leader in the IMCA Northern SportMod 15-lapper as he raced to his fifth win of the year. Josh Burrell held the early advantage before Troy Burkhart worked around the leader on the fifth circuit, only to give way to Dakoda Sellers following the race's first stoppage on lap 10.
By the time the yellow flag waved, Rust found himself in fourth, then took to the high side to challenge for the lead when racing resumed. Rust worked past the outside of Sellers on the final circuit to score the thrilling win.
Rust has now earned six career SportMod wins in weekly racing history at the speedway, placing him in a tie with Kyle Bentley and Kyle Olson for ninth on the all-time list. It was his first Vinton win during the month of September.
From his outside second row starting spot, Chris Luloff took command by the completion of lap one, then led all 15 caution-free laps to earn his sixth win of the year in the IMCA Hobby Stock division.
Luloff extended his advantage to a straightaway by the time points leader Brian Happel made his way into second on lap two. Happel chipped away at Luloff's lead, but fell short by a couple car-lengths at the line.
Luloff remains third on the track's career Hobby Stock wins list with 23 trips to the winner's circle. With his first career win in September, Luloff has now won in Vinton during every calendar month from April through September. Vince Buchholz, Scott Pippert and Brad Forbes are the only other Hobby Stock drivers to accomplish that feat in Vinton.
Luloff and Happel have each won six times, making 2013 the first season in the division's 24-year history in Vinton to produce two six-time winners.
Nathan Chandler drove to his 10th win of the season in the IMCA Sport Compact division. Chandler passed front row starter A.J. Witten on the first lap and led the entire 12-lapper going away to record the victory, his second straight. Chandler now owns 10 separate streaks of at least two straight wins in the division in Vinton.
His third career win during September, Chandler owns 45 Sport Compact wins in weekly racing history at the speedway, the most of any driver. With his third place finish, Bill Whalen Jr. locked up the track's point title.
Tonight, it's back to Boone Speedway for the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey's. The first of six straight nights of racing starts tomorrow and I am privileged to once again call all the action with Jerry Vansickel and Chet Christner. If you're in Boone, be sure to say hi!
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday!
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 2. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 3. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 4. 12T Ty Glass, Cedar Rapids; 5. 11B Mike Burbridge, Delhi; 6. 93K Jeff Kriz, Waterloo; 7. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 8. 7S Robbie Schmuecker, Vinton; 9. 77 Tim McBride, Denver; 10. T23 Tony Olson, Cedar Rapids; 11. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 12. 81 Jesse Belez, Marengo; 13. 19D Darin Duffy, Urbana; 14. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 15. 32 Chris Snyder, Raymond.
Heat one: 1. Flannagan; 2. Docekal; 3. Dedrick; 4. Kriz; 5. Glass; 6. Schmuecker; 7. McBride; 8. Belez.
Heat two: 1. Olson; 2. Snyder; 3. Luloff; 4. Lauritzen; 5. M. Burbridge; 6. S. Burbridge; DNS Duffy.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 2. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon; 3. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 4. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 5. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 6. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 7. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 8. 4JR Russell Damme Jr., Waterloo; 9. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 10. 7H Phil Holtz, Manchester.
Heat one: 1. Daggett; 2. Pippert; 3. Chesmore; 4. Rose; 5. Galli.
Heat two: 1. Emerson; 2. Roster; 3. Holtz; 4. Damme; 5. Beauregard.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 2. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 3. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 4. 15B Troy Burkhart, Urbana; 5. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 6. 80 Duane Van Deest, Grundy Center; 7. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; 8. 16K Brandon Morris, Ely; 9. 44G Brady Graham, Broolyn; 10. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 11. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 12. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 13. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 14. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 15. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart.
Heat one: 1. Burrell; 2. Hilmer; 3. Dvorak; 4. Sellers; 5. Burkhart; 6. Anderson; 7. Morris.
Heat two: 1. McDonald; 2. Schaefer; 3. Buhlman; 4. Rust; 5. Graham; 6. King; 7. Van Deest; 8. Mitchell.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence; 2. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton; 3. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine; 4. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 5. 23 Andrew Torkelson, Lisbon; 6. 90 Chris Moore, Fairfax; 7. 4P Matt Pohlman, Keystone; 8. M35 Tyler Mannion, Waterloo.
Heat: 1. Luloff; 2. Brown; 3. Parizek; 4. Happel; 5. Torkelson; 6. Moore; 7. Pohlman; 8. Mannion.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 22 Nathan Chandler, Norway; 2. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 3. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 4. 22T Travis Losenicky, Garrison; 5. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 6. 7B Brad Schmidt, Cedar Rapids; 7. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 8. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax.
Heat: 1. Chandler; 2. Witten; 3. Whalen; 4. Losenicky; 5. Streeter; 6. Scott; 7. Lerch; 8. Schmidt.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Docekal, Happel get back-to-back wins for first time in Vinton
Although Joe Docekal and Brian Happel have won numerous features at Benton County Speedway, they both earned back-to-back wins for the first time in their careers Sunday night in Vinton.
Tony Olson took the lead at the drop of the green in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Olson paced the field on the low groove while Mike Burbridge pursued. Burbridge slid beneath the leader on lap six, just before Olson spun in turn two to bring out the caution.
Burbridge led the field through another caution one lap later while Docekal ran second. Docekal followed Burbridge on the low side before moving to the top at the midway point. He worked around the outside of the leader on the 12th circuit before returning to the low groove on the way to his second straight victory.
With 10 Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, Docekal is now tied for 15th on the all-time list with Darin Duffy, Don Erger and Jeff Barkdoll. He has won at least three features in three of the last four seasons.
All three of Docekal's wins this season have come in the last four events, making him the 13th member of that club. Other Modified drivers who have won a minimum of three features in a four week span in speedway history include:
Arlo Becker - 1979 (three straight wins);
Dave Venenga - 1980 (three straight wins);
Jack Mitchell - 1981 (four straight wins), 1982 (three straight wins), 1983 (one streak of four straight wins and another separate streak of five straight wins, the track record for Modifieds);
Kevin Pittman - 1990 (four straight wins and a separate streaks of three straight wins);
Dave Burrell - 1993 (three wins in four weeks);
Scott Hogan - 1995 (three wins in four weeks), 1996 (three wins in four weeks), 2005 (three wins in four weeks); 2010 (three straight wins);
Robbie Schmuecker - 1999 (three wins in four weeks), 2000 (three wins in four weeks);
Darin Duffy - 2000 (three straight wins);
Vern Jackson - 2001 (three straight wins), 2004 (three straight wins);
Troy Cordes - 2003 (three wins in four weeks), 2007 (four wins in five weeks);
J.D. Auringer - 2007 (three wins in four weeks and another separate streak of three straight wins);
Mike Burbridge - 2012 (three wins in four weeks).
Happel survived a wildly entertaining IMCA Hobby Stock feature that was slowed six times for caution. Although he started last in the 12-car field, Happel quickly found himself in the front half of the field following a first lap caution that involved numerous cars.
Following the fourth stoppage with two laps in the books, Happel made his way into the top five and raced his way into the top three on lap four. He chased Kyle Parizek and Justin Wacha at the front of the pack as the lead pair battled in side-by-side formation.
Happel went to the top side and followed Parizek past Wacha before the caution flag waved again on lap nine. On the restart, Parizek left the track with engine problems as Happel took command. He led the remainder of the event to score the victory, his second straight and sixth of the season.
With nine career Hobby Stock wins in Vinton, Happel tied Todd Temeyer for 14th on the all-time list. His sixth win of the year broke the tie with Chris Luloff as the most in the division. By virtue of his win and Luloff's DNF following the first lap mishap, Happel took the points lead. Unofficially, he will enter the final two nights of racing with a 10 point advantage.
Shane Ebaugh made his first visit to victory lane in over five years in the IMCA Northern SportMod division. Ebaugh took command from Colby Heishman midway through that 15-lapper, then held off heavy pressure from Jim Buhlman on the low side of the speedway to score the win, his first since May 11, 2008.
The span of 1,932 days (five years, three months and 14 days) between victories is the largest in division history in Vinton. Ebaugh's first win came on August 12, 2007, giving him the second longest span between first and most recent wins in SportMod history at the speedway. Danny Dvorak holds the record in that category.
Ebaugh's three career SportMod wins in Vinton place him in a tie for 15th on the all-time list with Chris Luloff, Damon Murty and Ken Kositzky.
Speaking of Murty, he was also victorious Sunday night and reached a milestone in the IMCA Stock Car division. Murty worked the high side around leader Scott Pippert to assume command at the midway point of that 15-lapper to drive to his division-leading 60th Stock Car win in weekly racing history at the speedway.
With the win, his fifth of the season, Murty has won at least five features in each of the last five seasons in Vinton. Of his 60 wins, 14 have come in the month of August.
Nathan Chandler picked up his ninth win of the year in the IMCA Sport Compact division. From his second row starting spot, Chandler worked past A.J. Witten on the fifth of 12 laps to drive to the win, the 44th of his weekly racing career in Vinton. The all-time leader in Sport Compact wins in Vinton, Chandler has now won eight times in the month of August.
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 2. 00 J.D. Auringer, Waterloo; 3. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 4. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 5. 71 Troy Cordes, Dunkerton; 6. T23 Tony Olson, Cedar Rapids; 7. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 8. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 9. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 10. 17S Alex Schmuecker, Vinton; 11. 11B Mike Burbridge, Delhi.
Heat one: 1. Dedrick; 2. Luloff; 3. Flanngan; 4. Lauritzen; 5. Schmuecker; 6. S. Burbridge.
Heat two: 1. M. Burbridge; 2. Auringer; 3. Docekal; 4. Cordes; 5. Olson.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 99D Damon Murty, Chelsea; 2. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon; 3. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 4. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 5. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 6. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 7. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 8. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 9. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 10. 4JR Russell Damme Jr., Waterloo; 11. 9E Mitch Evens, Independence; 12. 56T Justin Temeyer, Independence.
Heat one: 1. Damme; 2. Beauregard; 3. Chesmore; 4. Emerson; 5. Rose; 6. Evens.
Heat two: 1. Daggett; 2. Pippert; 3. Murty; 4. Roster; 5. Galli; 6. Temeyer.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 14 Shane Ebaugh, Evansdale; 2. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 3. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 4. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart; 5. CH19 Colby Heishman, Brooklyn; 6. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 7. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 8. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 9. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 10. 4 Ryan Maitland, Vinton; 11. 44G Brady Graham, Brooklyn; 12. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 13. T17 Tom Rawlins, Kellogg; 14. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 15. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 16. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; DNS/17. J2 Dave Schulze, Keystone; DNS/18. 72 Mike Hogencamp, Waterloo.
Heat one: 1. Heishman; 2. Buhlman; 3. McDonald; 4. Rawlins; 5. Burrell; 6. Schulze.
Heat two: 1. Maitland; 2. Ebaugh; 3. Dvorak; 4. King; 5. Graham; 6. Mitchell.
Heat three: 1. Sellers; 2. Rust; 3. Anderson; 4. Hilmer; 5. Schaefer; 6. Hogencamp.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton/Van Horne/Newhall/somewhere in Benton County; 2. 23 Andrew Torkelson, Lisbon; 3. 45 Justin Wacha, Vinton; 4. 2 Nick Welch, Cedar Falls; 5. 4P Matt Pohlman, Kesytone; 6. 21J Jason Williams, Belle Plaine; 7. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine; 8. 07 Jacob Keiser, Marengo; 9. 88 C.J. Dall, Marshalltown; 10. 19B Jim Sheldon, Marion; 11. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 12. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence.
Heat one: 1. Luloff; 2. Wacha; 3. Parizek; 4. Torkelson; 5. Dall; 6. Williams.
Heat two: 1. Brown; 2. Keiser; 3. Welch; 4. Pohlman; 5. Sheldon; 6. Happel.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 22 Nathan Chandler, Norway; 2. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 3. 2 Merv Chandler, Urbana; 4. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 5. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 6. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax; 7. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 8. 9 Toby Denning, Mt. Auburn.
Heat: 1. Witten; 2. N. Chandler; 3. Whalen; 4. M. Chandler; 5. Scott; 6. Lerch; 7. Streeter; DNS Denning.
Tony Olson took the lead at the drop of the green in the 20-lap IMCA Modified feature. Olson paced the field on the low groove while Mike Burbridge pursued. Burbridge slid beneath the leader on lap six, just before Olson spun in turn two to bring out the caution.
Burbridge led the field through another caution one lap later while Docekal ran second. Docekal followed Burbridge on the low side before moving to the top at the midway point. He worked around the outside of the leader on the 12th circuit before returning to the low groove on the way to his second straight victory.
With 10 Modified wins in weekly racing history in Vinton, Docekal is now tied for 15th on the all-time list with Darin Duffy, Don Erger and Jeff Barkdoll. He has won at least three features in three of the last four seasons.
All three of Docekal's wins this season have come in the last four events, making him the 13th member of that club. Other Modified drivers who have won a minimum of three features in a four week span in speedway history include:
Arlo Becker - 1979 (three straight wins);
Dave Venenga - 1980 (three straight wins);
Jack Mitchell - 1981 (four straight wins), 1982 (three straight wins), 1983 (one streak of four straight wins and another separate streak of five straight wins, the track record for Modifieds);
Kevin Pittman - 1990 (four straight wins and a separate streaks of three straight wins);
Dave Burrell - 1993 (three wins in four weeks);
Scott Hogan - 1995 (three wins in four weeks), 1996 (three wins in four weeks), 2005 (three wins in four weeks); 2010 (three straight wins);
Robbie Schmuecker - 1999 (three wins in four weeks), 2000 (three wins in four weeks);
Darin Duffy - 2000 (three straight wins);
Vern Jackson - 2001 (three straight wins), 2004 (three straight wins);
Troy Cordes - 2003 (three wins in four weeks), 2007 (four wins in five weeks);
J.D. Auringer - 2007 (three wins in four weeks and another separate streak of three straight wins);
Mike Burbridge - 2012 (three wins in four weeks).
Happel survived a wildly entertaining IMCA Hobby Stock feature that was slowed six times for caution. Although he started last in the 12-car field, Happel quickly found himself in the front half of the field following a first lap caution that involved numerous cars.
Following the fourth stoppage with two laps in the books, Happel made his way into the top five and raced his way into the top three on lap four. He chased Kyle Parizek and Justin Wacha at the front of the pack as the lead pair battled in side-by-side formation.
Happel went to the top side and followed Parizek past Wacha before the caution flag waved again on lap nine. On the restart, Parizek left the track with engine problems as Happel took command. He led the remainder of the event to score the victory, his second straight and sixth of the season.
With nine career Hobby Stock wins in Vinton, Happel tied Todd Temeyer for 14th on the all-time list. His sixth win of the year broke the tie with Chris Luloff as the most in the division. By virtue of his win and Luloff's DNF following the first lap mishap, Happel took the points lead. Unofficially, he will enter the final two nights of racing with a 10 point advantage.
Shane Ebaugh made his first visit to victory lane in over five years in the IMCA Northern SportMod division. Ebaugh took command from Colby Heishman midway through that 15-lapper, then held off heavy pressure from Jim Buhlman on the low side of the speedway to score the win, his first since May 11, 2008.
The span of 1,932 days (five years, three months and 14 days) between victories is the largest in division history in Vinton. Ebaugh's first win came on August 12, 2007, giving him the second longest span between first and most recent wins in SportMod history at the speedway. Danny Dvorak holds the record in that category.
Ebaugh's three career SportMod wins in Vinton place him in a tie for 15th on the all-time list with Chris Luloff, Damon Murty and Ken Kositzky.
Speaking of Murty, he was also victorious Sunday night and reached a milestone in the IMCA Stock Car division. Murty worked the high side around leader Scott Pippert to assume command at the midway point of that 15-lapper to drive to his division-leading 60th Stock Car win in weekly racing history at the speedway.
With the win, his fifth of the season, Murty has won at least five features in each of the last five seasons in Vinton. Of his 60 wins, 14 have come in the month of August.
Nathan Chandler picked up his ninth win of the year in the IMCA Sport Compact division. From his second row starting spot, Chandler worked past A.J. Witten on the fifth of 12 laps to drive to the win, the 44th of his weekly racing career in Vinton. The all-time leader in Sport Compact wins in Vinton, Chandler has now won eight times in the month of August.
RESULTS
IMCA MODIFIED
Feature: 1. 12D Joe Docekal, Dysart; 2. 00 J.D. Auringer, Waterloo; 3. 10K Ronn Lauritzen, Jesup; 4. F7 Patrick Flannagan, Cedar Rapids; 5. 71 Troy Cordes, Dunkerton; 6. T23 Tony Olson, Cedar Rapids; 7. 80 Jerry Dedrick, Vinton; 8. 14B Shane Burbridge, Manchester; 9. 18 Jerry Luloff, Independence; 10. 17S Alex Schmuecker, Vinton; 11. 11B Mike Burbridge, Delhi.
Heat one: 1. Dedrick; 2. Luloff; 3. Flanngan; 4. Lauritzen; 5. Schmuecker; 6. S. Burbridge.
Heat two: 1. M. Burbridge; 2. Auringer; 3. Docekal; 4. Cordes; 5. Olson.
IMCA STOCK CAR
Feature: 1. 99D Damon Murty, Chelsea; 2. 47 Scott Pippert, Elberon; 3. 87 John Emerson, Waterloo; 4. 8B Scott Beauregard, Center Point; 5. 15 Norman Chesmore, Rowley; 6. 8 Curtis Roster, Vinton; 7. 76 Mike Galli, Urbana; 8. 22D Jared Daggett, Marshalltown; 9. 22K Kevin Rose, Waterloo; 10. 4JR Russell Damme Jr., Waterloo; 11. 9E Mitch Evens, Independence; 12. 56T Justin Temeyer, Independence.
Heat one: 1. Damme; 2. Beauregard; 3. Chesmore; 4. Emerson; 5. Rose; 6. Evens.
Heat two: 1. Daggett; 2. Pippert; 3. Murty; 4. Roster; 5. Galli; 6. Temeyer.
IMCA NORTHERN SPORTMOD
Feature: 1. 14 Shane Ebaugh, Evansdale; 2. 00 Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 3. 26J Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 4. 22H Curt Hilmer, Dysart; 5. CH19 Colby Heishman, Brooklyn; 6. 95 Mike McDonald, Cedar Rapids; 7. 7D Dakoda Sellers, Vinton; 8. 57R Ryan King, Montour; 9. 3R Danny Dvorak, Vinton; 10. 4 Ryan Maitland, Vinton; 11. 44G Brady Graham, Brooklyn; 12. 10S John Schaefer, La Porte City; 13. T17 Tom Rawlins, Kellogg; 14. 11M Mike Mitchell, Cedar Rapids; 15. 3B Brian Anderson, Garrison; 16. 93 Josh Burrell, Dysart; DNS/17. J2 Dave Schulze, Keystone; DNS/18. 72 Mike Hogencamp, Waterloo.
Heat one: 1. Heishman; 2. Buhlman; 3. McDonald; 4. Rawlins; 5. Burrell; 6. Schulze.
Heat two: 1. Maitland; 2. Ebaugh; 3. Dvorak; 4. King; 5. Graham; 6. Mitchell.
Heat three: 1. Sellers; 2. Rust; 3. Anderson; 4. Hilmer; 5. Schaefer; 6. Hogencamp.
IMCA HOBBY STOCK
Feature: 1. 46 Brian Happel, Vinton/Van Horne/Newhall/somewhere in Benton County; 2. 23 Andrew Torkelson, Lisbon; 3. 45 Justin Wacha, Vinton; 4. 2 Nick Welch, Cedar Falls; 5. 4P Matt Pohlman, Kesytone; 6. 21J Jason Williams, Belle Plaine; 7. 17K Kyle Parizek, Belle Plaine; 8. 07 Jacob Keiser, Marengo; 9. 88 C.J. Dall, Marshalltown; 10. 19B Jim Sheldon, Marion; 11. 78 Matt Brown, Dysart; 12. 18 Chris Luloff, Independence.
Heat one: 1. Luloff; 2. Wacha; 3. Parizek; 4. Torkelson; 5. Dall; 6. Williams.
Heat two: 1. Brown; 2. Keiser; 3. Welch; 4. Pohlman; 5. Sheldon; 6. Happel.
IMCA SPORT COMPACT
Feature: 1. 22 Nathan Chandler, Norway; 2. 00W Bill Whalen Jr., Riverside; 3. 2 Merv Chandler, Urbana; 4. 3S Craig Streeter, Vinton; 5. 99J Jeremy Lerch, Vinton; 6. 44 Troy Scott, Fairfax; 7. 111 A.J. Witten, Cedar Rapids; 8. 9 Toby Denning, Mt. Auburn.
Heat: 1. Witten; 2. N. Chandler; 3. Whalen; 4. M. Chandler; 5. Scott; 6. Lerch; 7. Streeter; DNS Denning.
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