Stellar Night of Racing at QCS

After a brief hiatus Slingin' Dirt returns!

I took some time away from the Slingin' Dirt blog to concentrate on the Ronnie Weedon Memorial shirts I was selling and more importantly the IMCA One Night Stand I co-promoted at the LaSalle Speedway. I couldn't have been happier with how both ventures turned out. The racing community really had my back on both and I can't thank them enough.

Now on to dirt track racing in the Quad Cities. After some rain showers Saturday night into Sunday morning, mother nature decided to play nice and put forward a beautiful Sunday evening for racing.

The first feature of the night was the 15 lap Street Stock feature. East Moline's Mike Anderson and Bettendorf's Keith Blum put on arguably the best feature of the night. They battled side by side for nearly the entire 15 laps. Anderson was  hugging the tires on the bottom while Blum ran the high side struggling with brake issues. Blum would take control of the lead has the white flag waved but Anderson would not give up and he threw it in hard going into turn 3 and was a rocket ship coming out of turn 4 and won the drag race to the checkered flag with a photo finish. Korey Peterson had a front row seat for the show with his solid third place finish.

Shon Sanders returned to his summer residence Sunday night, the Quad City Speedway victory lane. Sanders once again dominated the Mod Lite feature.

The IMCA Sport Mods put in their bid for race of the night with their 15 lap thriller. Maquoketa's Jarett Franzen wasted little getting to the point with an impressive move in turns one and two on the opening lap that shot him out in front. Meanwhile, Jake Waterman, who started at the rear of the field, started picking off spots and moving towards the front. A late caution was exactly what Waterman needed. Franzen had built an unsurmountable lead and had it set on cruise control before the caution. Waterman took full advantage of the caution though and on the last lap going down the backstretch, he took the lead and held off Franzen the rest of the way. Waterman is now two for two in the IMCA Sport Mods, both feature wins were in different cars too.

The IMCA Modifieds rolled out next. Over the last few weeks Kewanee's Ray Bollinger has been on the verge of putting the VerVynck owned 19C machine in victory lane but one thing or another has prevented that. Sunday night, Bollinger would not be denied en route to a convincing feature win. R.J. Gonzales and Matt Werner put on a great show for second with Gonzales second and Werner third.

The IMCA Late Models continued the streak of great racing Sunday night. Early on it truly looked like Todd Malmstrom was going to run away with it. He was on a rail but mechanical failures ended his night prematurely. Matt Ryan and Ray Guss Jr. had been making their way through the field and after the caution for Malmstrom they both shot to the front. As the laps ticked down Ryan seemed to have the "W" wrapped up but Guss would not quit. Guss would pull side by side with Ryan and going into turns three and four he would get under Ryan and make the pass for the win.

Dustin Forbes was untouchable in the 4-Cylinder feature with Brandon Setser taking second and Ryan Walker finishing third.

Racing continues in the Quad Cities next weekend with racing at the Davenport Speedway Friday night, after their annual two week break for the Mississippi Valley Fair, and racing at the Quad City Speedway Sunday night. Sunday night is the annual Quad City Speedway Hall of Fame night featuring the cars of the Vintage Racing of Illinois series. Last year they tore the house with the race of the year.

2 Exciting Nights of Racing & Golf plus a LaSalle IMCA Update

The heat and humid were sky high Friday night at the Davenport with yet another full pit area, the stage was set for exciting side by side action.

The 4-Stocks were up first and the action started right away. Zach Dahl gave Andy Loy everything he could handle and then Brandon Dahl made it three wide for lead and on lap eight Brandon was in the lead. Zach's night ended early on lap 10 with mechanical failure. B. Dahl would go onto to win with Loy second followed by Greg Benischek, Brandon Setser, and Allen Morris.

The Street Stocks were next and right off the bat Rick Schriner and Donnie Louck ran side by side for the lead and by lap 4 Louck had the lead. Lap 4 also saw Schriner pull his #8 machine into the pits for the night. It only took Cary Brown two more laps to find himself in the lead. Louck stayed on Brown with Perry Gellerstedt there too. Brown would take the checkered flag for the win with Louck and Gellerstedt running side by side with Gellerstedt taking second followed by Louck, Nick Claussen, and Jesse Owens.

The IMCA Late Models thundered onto the track next. Mike Zemo Jr. jumped out the lead at the drop of green with Brunson Behning on his heels. As they approached lap 10, Zemo began to pull away and Justin Kay began working on Behning for second. With the race winding down Kay began gaining ground on Zemo and with five laps to go Kay was all over Zemo. Coming to the white Kay made his move for the lead and got by Zemo. Kay would pick up yet another victory at the Davenport Speedway and Behning would get by Zemo for second. Jay Johnson would get fourth followed by Matt Ryan.

Out came the IMCA Modifieds next and by lap six, Rich Smith was in the lead. Joe Beal wouldn't let Smith get too far away though. Meanwhile, Bruce Hansford and Bob Dominacki were making their way through the field. A yellow with about four laps to go bunched the field up but that didn't matter to Smith and he would go on to grab the "W". Beal finished second followed by Beal, Dominacki, Hansford, and Matt Werner.

The IMCA Sport Mods were next and it was once again it was the Tony Olson show as he dominated the feature in his T23 machine. Austin Crear would finish second followed by Bryce Garnhart, Phil Anderson, and Jake Morris.

Thank you again to the entire Davenport Speedway for their hospitality.

Kyle and I had a busy Sunday as we took in some of the John Deere Classic PGA Tour event that Jordan Speith ended up winning. After the JDC, we ran home to cool off and then it was off to the Quad City Speedway.

The IMCA Sport Mods ran their feature first Sunday night. Second generation driver, Jake Morris, waited until about seven laps to go to take the lead. Morris, who's father Jeff as won countless times at QCS over the years, would go on to pilot the 86 to victory lane for his first QCS win. Patrick Phillips would finish after going all the way from the back after an early race incident. Rounding out the top five was Jacob Beal, David Norton, and Jarett Franzen.

The Mod Lites were next and believe it or not Shon Sanders won. No seriously, Shon Sanders won. Sanders started 10th and it only took a couple laps to get to the front. Brian Schnell took second followed by Mike Dominguez, Erik Close, and Dan Guss.

The INEX Legends were on hand Sunday night running for a $1,000 top prize. Local favorite Marty Diercks was leading early and appeared to be the man to beat but unfortunately Diercks bumper came off as he was leading and according to INEX rules if a piece of a drivers car comes off during a race that driver is disqualified. So Diercks night was over and that set up Justin Comer perfectly and he took full advantage of leading the rest of the way and taking the checkered flag. Second was Cody Apfelback, Hall Russell, Johnny Kringas, and Grayson Cox. 

The Street Stocks rolled out next for the Dwaine Hasson Memorial Race. Dwayne Smith Jr. ran a perfectly smooth race and parked his #3 Bat Mobile in victory lane. Jarett Franzen ran a solid race and looked like he might catch Smith but that didn't happen and he settled for second followed by Rob Henry, Mike Anderson, and Casey Wages.

Then the IMCA Modifieds took to the track and like every week they did not disappoint at all. After a bad roll over collected R.J. Gonzales, George Spence III, Jason Bahrs, and Leland Bushong ended their nights everyone calmed down and put on a show. Early on Eric Barnes and Tim Hamburg ran side by side for the lead with Jim Sandusky and Milo Veloz Jr. right behind them. Barnes would take control of the lead but a yellow flag with two laps to go would bring everyone to the edge of their seats. Barnes would not be denied though and in only second night out at QCS this season he put it in the winner's circle. Sandusky took second followed by Veloz, Doug Crampton, and Matt Werner.

The city of East Moline curfew prevented the 4-Cylinders from running feature Sunday night.

Thanks goes out to the Quad City Speedway for their continued hospitality.

 

Some exciting news to report for the IMCA One Night Stand at the LaSalle Speedway on Saturday, August 1st. The three IMCA divisions racing, Late Models, Modifieds, and Sport Mods, will be sanctioned by IMCA for National, Regional, and State points. It was also decided that the Late Models and Modifieds will have one lap group qualifying and the IMCA Sport Mods will use passing points. Group qualifying meaning you'll do a one lap time trial by yourself on the track but your time will be against the drivers in your group. Your group will time against each other and heat race against each other. The heats will be lined straight up from the time trials and then depending on how many heats we have, three heats the top two from each heat will redraw (heat winners draw first then second place finishers) and if we have four heats then the heat winners will redraw.

 

I want to thank everyone for their support of this event. Seems like it will be an historic night.

 



Family, Fun, & (of course) Racing

Its been pretty hectic around the Hines household and finding time to do the blog has been nearly impossible but with Bennett napping and Kyle playing with his cousins in the basement I figured I better take advantage of the opportunity.

Last Thursday, July 2nd, I took in my first UMP Summer National race of 2015 and it was at the LaSalle Speedway. The Izzo family did a wonderful job with the track, the program, and the fireworks.

After watching the UMP Modified feature that night and reading the UMP Modifieds results following Thursday night I think Mike Harrison is well on his way to a UMP Modified National Championship. Harrison started on the outside of the front row and immediately grabbed the lead and never looked back. Steven Brooks, Jacob Poel, Ray Bollinger, and Kenny Wallace rounded out the top 5.

I hitched a ride out to LaSalle with the famed announcer, Mike Sunken, and on the way there we were talking about some of the favorites to win and Chris Simpson's name came up. He tried to put Simpson's name into an online contest and replace his previous pick but he couldn't get it to work so he stayed with his original pick. Mike should of kept trying to change.

Simpson would battle with Jason Feger early on but couldn't quite get the momentum to get by Feger until the reached lapped traffic. Simpson used a lapped car to get by Feger and would set it on cruise control after that en route to his second career Summer National win. Shannon Babb would take third followed by Michael Kloos, and Ryan Unzicker.

After a lot of fun with family and friends on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon Kyle and myself found ourselves back at the Quad City Speedway on Sunday night.

A full grandstand and full pits set the stage for an entertaining night of racing. The Street Stocks were up first and Cary Brown looked to be the man to beat for a good majority of the race but Chad Coyne, in his IMCA Stock Car with a 4 barrel on it, had other ideas. Coyne would run Brown down and get by him with four laps to go. Dwayne Smith Jr. would take second followed by Brown, Jeremy Gustaf, and Rick Schriner.

An impressive field of 21 Mod Lites checked in Sunday night. More cars did not generate a new results though and Shon Sanders once again took the checkered flag for the win. Cory Sauerman finished second followed by Jared Miller, Mike Dominguez, and Erik Close.

It was a "long time no see" deal in the IMCA Sport Mods. Jake "The Snake" Waterman hopped in Jacob Beal's car to help figure out the handling issues he'd been having. I think he figured out the problem. It only took Waterman the first three laps to get to the front. Once he got the lead, he checked out. Jarett Franzen, in a borrowed ride, took second followed by Dave Engelkins, Phil Anderson, and Gary Weatherington Jr.

I think "The Shoe" Jim Sandusky is ready to defend his Ronnie Weedon Memorial crown in August. Sandusky dominated the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature, leading it wire to wire. Doug Crampton had second place locked down has Jason Bahrs come from the back, on his first night out in 2015, to take third followed by Brandon Durbin and Craig Crawford.

In the IMCA Late Model it looked like Jonathan Brauns was going to pick up his frist career QCS victory but Matt Ryan had other plans. Brauns led early on but Ryan would chase down Brauns, make the pass, and then pull away from the pack for the win. Brauns would still finish a strong second followed by Mike Garland, Andy Nezworksi, and Brunson Behning.

It was again the Dahl and Dahl show in the 4-Cylinders. Brandon would stay on Zach's bumper until Brandon suffered a flat tire. Zach would go pretty much untouched the rest of the way with Dustin Forbes taking second followed by Cameron Poci, Eric Stogdell and Ken Stogdell.

Thank you as always to the Quad City Speedway and K&S Promotions for their continued hospitality. Visit www.qcspeedwayracing.com for everything regarding the Quad City Speedway.

In other news and notes the Inaugural One Night Stand at the LaSalle Speedway on Saturday, August 1st, featuring the IMCA Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Hornets is progressing nicely. If you have any questions regarding the race please feel free to contact me at bradhines81@yahoo.com.

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I've also released the 10th Annual Ronnie Weedon Memorial t-shirts. They are $10 for size youth medium to adult XL, $12 for 2XL, $13 for 3XL, and $14 for 4XL. The deadline to pre-order money is July 15th. You can order them via PayPal at the top of this blog or make arrangements with me to pay before July 15th. There will be a limited selection of shirts available Sunday, July 27th, at the Quad City Speedway and Sunday, August 2nd, at the 10th Annual Ronnie Weedon Memorial night.

This week I will be at the Davenport Speedway Friday night and the Quad City Speedway with my side kick, Kyle. See you at the races!

Curless Adds Some New Nicknames in QCS Victory & LaSalle Speedway Running IMCA???

Well I spent the weekend in the Wisconsin Dells with the family and we had a blast up there. Once we got back in town, Kyle and I got ahold of my dad and we met up at the Quad City Speedway for some Father's Day racing.

"Low Side Hustler", "Fresh", and "Dougie Fresh" are some nicknames Doug Curless has had over the years and Sunday night he added couple more, "Showstoppa" and "The Show", to the list en route to his IMCA Modified victory.

Curless battled Matt Werner and traded the lead with him several times in the 20 lap feature. Curless ran the bottom like no other Sunday night while Werner was nearly as strong on the top side. The race was caution less until lap 18 which set up a green white checkered finish. Everyone was on the edge of their seat as Curless got out to the lead and after everyone took the white flag the yellow flag waved resulting in a yellow-checkered finish. Werner finished second followed by Bruce Hanford, Ray Cox Jr.(who started 12th), and Greg Durbin.

In the IMCA Late Models Matt Ryan moved his 07 machine to the top side of the track around the half way point of the feature and never looked back. Before that a couple of QCS all-time greats, LeRoy Brenner and Gary Webb, battled for the lead. Both Brenner and Webb would fade back and Travis Denning and Ray Guss Jr. would duke it out for the second spot. Denning would run up against the wall all the way around the track while Guss hugged the tires. Guss would ultimately take second with Denning third followed by Andy Nezworski and Todd Malmstrom.

Rob Henry came from the 10th starting spot to collect another win in the Street Stocks. Korey Peterson and Chad Coyne battled early on for the lead but once Henry was able to reach Peterson and Coyne he motored by them and went on to park the 00 in victory lane. Second was Peterson followed by Coyne, Rick Schriner, and Rob Nylin.

Shon Sanders once again put his #4 in the winners circle after the Mod Lite feature. Mike Pershing and Dan Guss battled side by side for a few laps for second with Pershing eventually taking second. Guss took third followed by Mike Morrow and Jeffrey Peterson.

He's only been back for a couple weeks but Gary Weatherington Jr. looked better then ever Sunday night picking off the "W". Weatherington would run down Brandon Jewell who ran well all race. Jewell would finish second followed by Phil Anderson, Jarett Franzen, and Dave Engelkins.

The 4-Cylinders had another great feature Sunday night. Brandon Dahl and Brandon Setser ran side by side for nearly the entire feature. Dahl would once again win with Cameron Poci getting by Setser on the last lap. Zach Dahl took forth followed by Ken Stogdell.

Once again thank you to K&S Promotions and the Quad City Speedway for allowing Kyle and I to cover racing at our favorite track.

In other exciting news, I will be partnering with Tony Izzo Jr. and Sixteen Promotions to bring an IMCA special event to the LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, IL. The event will take place Saturday, August 1st, and feature the IMCA Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, and IMCA Sport Mods. The IMCA Late Models will run for $2,000 to win and $250 to start while the IMCA Modifieds will run for $1,000 to win and $150 to start and the IMCA Sport Mods will run for $400 to win and $75 to start. Also racing will be the UMP Street Stocks and UMP Hornets (4-Cylinders). There will be no entry fee for any classes just a $35 pit pass. Grandstand admission will be $20 with kids 11 & under Free. Stay tuned to the LaSalle Speedway Facebook page and www.lasallespeedway.com for more details.

Hurst & Kay Keep Money Close to Home

Click the logo above to access the Jackson County Speedway website

The best of the best in the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Late Models took to the 1/4 mile at the Jackson County Speedway Tuesday night for a double main event.

The Hawkeye Dirt Tour, featuring the best IMCA Modifieds in the Midwest, ran their feature first. Denver, Iowa's, Ryan Maitland took control of the lead at the drop of the green flag. Maitland hugged the tires around the bottom of the track and held off an early charge by Ben Chapman. While they were racing up front, Jeremiah Hurst and Justin Kay were navigating through traffic and beginning to gain ground on Maitland. The last several laps or so Hurst in his #41 machine was all over Maitland in the #4. They ran side by side and coming to the checkered flag out of turn four, Hurst got by Maitland, and took home the big payday. Following them in the top five were Kay, who started deep in the field after qualifying through a consolation race, Chapman and Mike Van Genderen.

Then it was IMCA Late Model time with Deery Brothers Summer Series. After the Casey's Pizza top 12 draw was over, defending champion, Justin Kay found himself on the outside of the front row for their main event. Kay didn't immediately take the lead though. He slid back to third at the start of the race but wasted little time finding his groove and before long he was back up front and eventually he was at the point. Kay would dominate the rest of the feature and take home the $3,000 top prize. Dan Shelliam would finish second followed by Tyler Droste, Joe Zrostlik, and Jeff Aikey. With the win, Kay also took over the lead in the Deery Brothers Summer Series point standings from Andy Nezworski.

Due to the local curfew the IMCA Sport Mod was postponed.

I would like to thank Darkside Promotions for their hospitality. Kyle really enjoyed himself and we were able to pick up a couple more stickers for the fridge so it was a fun night for us.

I'm not sure if Kyle and I will end up getting any racing in this weekend. Between the iffy weather and Kyle's little brother, Bennett, being baptized on Sunday I'm not sure if we'll have time. If we can't make any this weekend we'll be back at it next week.

Drama Surrounds 22nd Annual Gary Reinhart Memorial

 

 

Well it was the first real hot evening Sunday night at the Quad City Speedway and by the end of the night tempering would be heating up as well.

 

An impressive field of 24 IMCA Modifieds checked in to try and capture one of the Quad City area's most prestigious races, the Gary Reinhart Memorial. After the heats were completed the field was set for the 22nd annual running of the event. After winning his heat, Milo Veloz Jr. drew the pole position and almost everyone thought it was a sure thing that Veloz would win his second Reinhart Memorial in three years.

 

Moline, Illinois', R.J. Gonzales had other plans though. After several good runs at QCS in the past few weeks, Gonzales took full advantage of his outside front row starting spot. Gonzales and Veloz battled for the lead with Gonzales coming out on top. Gonzales would maintain the lead through lapped traffic, lap after lap, in the caution free main event. The winner of the Davenport Speedway's $2,000 to win, Modified Madness 50, Tyler Droste would run down Gonzales and make several attempts at the lead with no success.

 

Then as the white flag flew with nearly every fan standing, the drama began. Droste got by Gonzales as they entered turn one, Gonzales drove it in as hard as I've seen and made contact with Droste and after that Gonzales was able to get by Droste and take the checkered flag. Droste would cross the line second followed by Veloz, Doug Curless, and Brandon Durbin. 

 

Then more drama ensued as the 39G of Gonzales did not pass post race inspections. The ruling by the track tech was a disqualification but the parts in question have been sent to IMCA for a final ruling. If Gonzales is in fact disqualified then Droste will collect the $1,500 payday, bringing his total to $3,500 from racing his IMCA Modified in the Quad City area in 2015.

 

Another solid field of IMCA Late Models competed in their 25 lap feature with Andy Nezworski picking up his second win in as many nights. Nezworski also won the feature Saturday night at the Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa, Iowa. Matt Ryan and Ray Guss Jr. charged through the field to finish second and third respectively with Todd Malmstrom forth and Mike Zemo Jr. fifth. Zemo brought out an early caution and powered through the field to collect his top five.

 

Better late then never for Rob Henry in the Street Stock feature. Henry would pick up his second victory in a row at QCS after passing Rob Nylin in dramatic fashion on the white flag lap. Nylin would finish second followed by Mike Anderson, Jarett Franzen, and Korey Peterson.

 

Starting ninth didn't seem to bother Shon Sanders in the Mod Lites. Sander was like a rocket getting to the front. Once he was up front it was clearing sailing for the former track champion. Mike Pershing came home second followed by Bob Miller, Erik Close, and A.J. Pappas.

 

Joe Grant parked his #44 machine in victory lane after holding off Jarett Franzen early on in the race. Franzen held on to second followed by Dave Engelkins, Gary Weatherington Jr. and David Norton.

 

Cameron Poci ran down a strong Brandon Setser in the 4-Cylinder feature and after several second place finishes, came home victorious. Setser crossed the line second followed by Zach Dahl, Ken Stogdell, and Mike Leathers.

 

Like always, thank you Quad City Speedway and K&S Promotions for your hospitality.

 

Kyle and I added several new stickers to our garage racing fridge so overall it was a great weekend for us.



 

 

We'll be heading to the Jackson County Speedway tonight for the Deery Brothers/Hawkeye Dirt Tour races and more then likely the Davenport Speedway on Friday and the Quad City Speedway on Sunday.

Veloz and Curless Steal the Show AGAIN at the Quad City Speedway



Kyle's t-ball team had a make up game Sunday night at six so after the game and a quick dinner we raced up to the Quad City Speedway. With several rainouts over the weekend it was another big car count so we made it just in tonight to see the finish of the Street Stock feature.

In the Street Stock feature it was a familiar face returning to victory lane. Rob Henry spent last season concentrating on his IMCA Modified but in what I believe was his second night out in a new Street Stock, Rob grabbed the lead in the last five laps and won the feature. Jeremy Gustaf took second followed by Jarett Franzen, Korey Peterson, and Rick Schriner.

The Mod Lites ran next and it was a Midwest Mod Lites Regional STARS race meaning a large car count for more money. When they rolled out to line up and Shon Sanders was on the outside of the first row it seemed like it was all but set in stone that he would be the winner. Galesburg, Illinois', Brad Lucy had another idea. Lucy was lined up to the inside of Sanders and at the wave of the green Lucy took the lead and never relinquished it. He would lead it wire to wire, hugging the tires, and holding off everything Sanders could throw at him. Sanders finished second followed by Mike Pershing, who fell back early and work his way all the way up to third by running up against the cushion, Brian Schnell, and Mike Morrow.

The race of the night was next  and it was in the IMCA Modifieds. A strong field of 20 cars took the green for their 20 lap feature. Milo Veloz Jr. wasted little time and by lap five he was at the point. "The Shoe" Jim Sandusky made his 2015 debut Sunday and was running up against the cushion and picking off cars left and right but mechanical issues ended his night. While Veloz was in control out front, Team Nasty (Doug Curless and R.J. Gonzales) were flying through the field on the high side up against the cushion as well. Curless started fifth but fell back to eighth before making his way to the front and his teammate Gonzales had the most impressive run of the night coming from 19th. Curless would catch Veloz and was all over him for the closing laps but Veloz did what he had to do and held off Curless and collected the victory. Curless was second followed Gonzales, Greg Durbin, who started 12th, and Brandon Durbin.

The 4-Cylidners ran next and first two laps were nothing short of crazy. Within the first two laps three cars rolled in turn one and thankfully all the drivers were ok. Once they got going it was another Brandon Dahl show as he again parked the D17 in victory lane. Cameron Poci had a solid second followed by Ken Stogdell, Brandt Cole, and Dustin Porter.

It was the IMCA Sport Mods turn next and Bryan Brinker took the lead and held it until he and Austin Moyer caught lapped traffic and that's when Moyer made his move for the lead and got by Brinker. Moyer led the rest of the way to take the checkered flag. Jarett Franzen would work his way up to second followed by Phil Anderson, Brinker, and Ben Hamburg.

A stout field of 19 IMCA Late Models took the green flag for their 25 lap main event. Early on it was Muscatine, Iowa's, Jonathan Brauns in command. Mike Zemo Jr. had an excellent run, catching Brauns, giving him everything he could handle, and nearly passing him for the lead. Unfortunately, Zemo would get tangled up in turns three and four, with 17 laps down, and bring out the caution. By this time Ray Guss Jr. had worked his up to the front from his eighth starting spot and began challenging Brauns. Guss and Matt Ryan would get by Brauns with Guss holding off Ryan putting the Roberts Motorsports #58 in the winner's circle. Following Ryan in second was Brauns, Leroy Brenner, and Mike Garland.  
 
Then the best part of the night happened. Kyle's favorite driver is Ray Guss Jr. and as we were walking to the pits Kyle asks me if Ray Guss Jr. got a trophy for winning and I said he sure does. Kyle said he wanted to see it and I said if you ask him I guarantee he'll let you see it. So after talking to few other drivers and telling them good job we worked our way over to the Roberts/Guss pit area and Kyle spotted the trophy in their trailer. So we made our way over there and Ray was by the trophy. Kyle told him good job and gave him a high five. Then he asked Ray if he could see the trophy and Ray said sure and then said you know what, you can have it! Kyle was so dang excited! He talked a mile a minute all the way home about the trophy. It was a night I know I won't forget and I'm pretty sure Kyle won't either.

 

 

Like always I want to thank the Quad City Speedway and K&S Promotions for allowing Kyle and I to cover the exciting racing Sunday nights there.

 

Next week we won't make any racing Friday night but hopefully we can make it to the LaSalle Speedway Saturday and the 22nd Annual Gary Reinhart Memorial on Sunday at the Quad City Speedway.

 



Droste Money in the Modified Madness

Click logo above to access the Davenport Speedway website



All week Kyle was excited to go to the races and he kept telling me he was going and then Friday rolls around and Dad takes a back seat to hang out with his cousin, Charlie. On a positive note I saved some money on buying M&M's.

An impressive 51 IMCA Modifieds checked into the pits at the Davenport Speedway Friday night to compete for $2,000 to win in the Modified Madness. After five heat races and three consolation races, 24 cars took the green flag for the 50 lap main event. Former Modified Madness champion, Milo Veloz Jr., took control of the lead right away. Jeremiah Hurst shot up to second from his fifth and began working over Veloz bumper. Veloz was running the very bottom of the track, hugging the tires/cones and lap after lap Hurst tried to get by Veloz but to no avail. Around the lap 15 marks Veloz started to build a lead but lapped traffic cut his lead back down and on lap 30 Hurst actually took the lead but it only lasted through turns one and two and Veloz took it back. A few laps later, Waterloo, Iowa's, Tyler Droste maneuvered is #92 pass Hurst and began working on Veloz. On lap 36, Droste got under Veloz and looked like he was going to get to first but Veloz slammed the door on him and remained at the point. Then with five laps to go Droste was once again able to get under Veloz and this time he powered by the #43 before the door slammed. Droste would lead the final laps and pocket the $2,000 paycheck. Veloz finished second followed by Hurst, Todd "Felix" Dart, and Richie Gustin, who qualified for the 50 lapper through a consolation race and started 15th.

In the IMCA Late Model feature it was the same old song and dance as Justin Kay used the first 11 laps to navigate the #15K from the 12th starting spot to the lead. Kay would go unchallenged the rest of way and take home the victory. Ray Guss Jr. had a very solid second place followed by Brian Harris, Matt Ryan, and Andy Nezworksi.

****BREAKING NEWS**** An orange car won the 4 Stock feature Friday night! It took Brandon Dahl one lap to get to the lead and he never looked back. A great race for second took place after that with Jake Benischek, Brandon Setser, Zach Dahl, and Josh Riley battling it out. Zach Dahl would take second followed by Benischek, Setser, and Riley.

The IMCA Sport Mod and Street Stock features were not ran due to curfew and will be made up next Friday night.

Thank you to Bob Wagener and DRT TRAK Inc. for their hospitality once again. Always a great time!

Up next will be the 22nd Annual Gary Reinhart Memorial at the Quad City Speedway tomorrow night, May 24th. Visit www.qcspeedwayracing.com for more info regarding Sunday night's special.

Kyle Hines Makes Debut at QCS



Sunday night at the Quad City Speedway in addition to the six divisions in action the highly anticipated box cars were in action. Several age groups competed, including two heats in the ultra competitive five year old division. Kyle Hines made his long awaited racing debut in the five year olds heat one in his brand new RGB (Roberts/Guss/Beuseling) Super Box Late Model. Kyle's box car was half red with a 58 like the Roberts/Guss IMCA Late Model and half black with a 46 like Nate Beuseling's IMCA Late Model. The flagman gave the instruction and after a countdown from five the green waved and apparently none of the kids listened to those instruction and instead rounding one of the helpers and coming back they started running the entire front stretch, almost getting to turn one before they stopped and began to sprint all the way back. Kyle would cross the line forth. Kyle ran a strong race and with a better set up from his crew chief, he will be back and better then ever next time.



As for the big cars, some familiar faces returned to victory lane, getting the monkeys off their backs. In the IMCA Late Models it was Todd Malmstrom returning his 75M machine to victory lane for the second time in 2015, after holding off a very strong Matt Ryan. Ryan has been on a tear lately and he tried several times coming out of turn four to get by Malmstrom on the very bottom but Malmstrom would not be denied. Travis Denning had an excellent run finishing third followed by Gary Webb and Mike Garland.

In the IMCA Modifieds, Matt Werner finally parked his Meier Construction #93 in the winner's circle. In 2015, Werner and his team have had there ups and downs and looked like the car beat to on many nights at Davenport and QCS but couldn't seem to get that elusive "W". Sunday night was a different story as Werner dominated final 10 laps of the 20 lap and picked up the win. Colona's Chris Lawrence had a solid run finishing second followed Jason Pershy, who started 11th, Greg Durbin, who started 15th, and Terry Rentfro.

Controversy surrounded the Street Stocks Sunday night. Korey Peterson appeared to make a triumphant return to the Street Stock, after a brief run in the IMCA Late Models, leading all 15 laps of the feature but unfortunately his 6K machine did not pass the post race inspection so Rock Island's Rick Schriner was awarded the victory and Jarett Franzen, who Schriner battled with throughout the feature, took second. Rob Henry finished behind Franzen but his car was also disqualified in the post race inspection so Randy Lamar was awarded third.

The IMCA Sport Mods put on probably the best race of the night with Austin Moyer and Bryce Garnhart battling it out lap after lap. Garnhart wasted little bolting to the front and grabbing the lead while Moyer, who was making his QCS debut, charged through the field from his 10th starting spot. Before long Garnhart and Moyer were all over each fighting for the lead. Moyer would get by Garnhart and put #2X Gade Race Engines car in victory lane. Garnhart finished second followed by Jarett Franzen, John Irwin, and Joe Grant.

Shon Sanders won again in the Mod Lites but it wasn't a walk in the park like the last couple Sundays. Clinton's Mike Morrow looked like he had the feature win locked up after leading the first 10 laps but on lap 11 Sanders would get by Morrow and go on to win. Morrow would take second followed by Brian Schnell, Erik Close, and Brad Lucy.

In the 4-Cylinders an orange car won again, shocking right? This time it was Zach Dahl piloting the D23 car from the 8th spot, through the field, and into the winner's circle. The top five cars were neck and neck for the first six laps but after a caution on lap six the field got spread out with Dahl winning followed by Dustin Forbes, Ken Stogdell, Cody Brewster, and Brandt Cole.

Thanks again to the K&S Promotions and the Quad City Speedway for allowing Kyle and myself to cover the races at QCS.

This coming weekend is a huge weekend for the IMCA Modifieds in the Quad City area. Friday night the Davenport Speedway is hosting their annual $2,000 to win Modified Madness special. Saturday night Darkside Promotions at the Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa, Iowa, are running $2,000 to win IMCA Modifieds. Then Sunday night is the Gary Reinhart Memorial at the Quad City Speedway paying $1,000 to win for the IMCA Modifieds. Kyle and I will be watching some racing this weekend we just don't know where yet. More then likely we will be doing the Friday and Sunday thing since Mom will be out of town Saturday so Kyle and I will be on Bennett (future box car racer in the Hines family) duty.





QCS Honors Hershel Roberts

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Its hard to believe it has been four years since the Hall of Famer, Hershel Roberts, passed away after an illustrious racing career and a courageous battle with cancer. Hershel was an amazing person and the epitome of what a race car driver should be on and off the track.

 

Sunday night the Quad City Speedway and the area racing community honored Hershel with the fifth annual Hershel Roberts Memorial featuring the IMCA Late Model Deery Brothers Summer Series. Also on the card were the IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Mod Lites.

 

I showed Kyle the Hall of Famer banner with Hershel on it by the concession stand at QCS and explained who Hershel was and the night was about him. They had a lot of Hershel memorabilia on display which Kyle thought was cool.

 



 

The first feature of the night was Street Stock 15 lap feature. Street Stock racing at the Davenport Speedway and Quad City Speedway this season has been top notch and Sunday night was more of the same. East Moline, IL's, Mike Anderson took the early lead and appeared to have the car to beat but after leading several laps his five year old motor let go ending his night. Perry Gellerstedt took over the lead from there, even with his right front suspension heavily damaged. Jarett Franzen would give Gellerstedt everything he could handle including running side by side with him for the final three laps. Gellerstedt would collect the "W", which I predicted on Facebook, with Franzen second followed by Chance Huston, Kevin Dickey, and Randy Lamar.

 

The Mod Lites were up next and it was the same old song and dance. Shon Sanders in his #4 machine led all 12 laps, winning in convincing fashion. Brad Lucy finished second followed by Mike Pershing, and Bob Miller. Dan Guss was the hard charger of the race coming from the 13th starting spot to finish fifth.

 

Once again the IMCA Modifieds had the fans on the edge of their seats for the finish of their 20 lap feature. Colona, IL's, Milo Veloz Jr. drew outside front row for the feature and he used that starting spot to take control of the lead at the grab of the green. Veloz held off an early challenge by Matt Werner while Doug Crampton and Greg Durbin were making their way to the front. The field was bunched up after the yellow flag waved with six laps to go. This was the opportunity Durbin had been waiting for all race. Durbin continued to run his normal line, as close to the tires as possible, and coming to the white flag Durbin got by Veloz and went on to win his third race in a row at QCS. Veloz took second followed by Crampton, Brandon Durbin, and Werner.

 



 

Then it was main event time, 58 laps of Deery Brothers Summer Series action, the Hershel Roberts Memorial. The large crowd new this was going to be ten times better then Mayweather-Pacquiao fight with a field full of heavyweights and horsepower. Ray Guss Jr., in Hershel's historic #58, drew the pole with the reigning and defending IMCA National Champion, Justin Kay to his outside. Kay would get by Guss on the first lap and like most Deery races in recent memory appeared to be the man to beat. Cedar Falls, IA's, Jeff Aikey kept up with Kay and as they got into heavy lapped traffic, Aikey was able to get under Kay and take over the lead. The multi-time Deery Brothers Summer Series and IMCA National Champion went on to lead the final 45 laps, piloting his #77 machine like a maestro through lapped traffic, and win the fifth annual Hershel Roberts Memorial. Seeing Aikey win at QCS took me back to a season he ran there every Sunday in the black car with the whiteish color #77. There was one night Aikey and Junior Shickel battled the entire feature for the lead, trading first place several times. Aikey ended up winning and Shickel brought his white car with the blue #S-10 over and they took photos together in victory lane. Aikey has always been a favorite of mine since that night and its nice to see one Iowa's greatest drivers add this race win to his already impressive resume.

 

Any who, Kay would finish second followed Matt Ryan, who came all the way from the 13th starting spot, Guss, and Andy Nezworski. Matt Ryan has been on an absolute tear as of late. He won last Sunday at QCS, Friday at Davenport, and Saturday at the Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa, Iowa.

 

Racing continues next Sunday at QCS with racing in all six divisions. Visit www.qcspeedwayracing.com for more details.

 

Kyle and I will more then likely be taking next weekend off. Work will prevent me from heading to Davenport Friday and with Sunday being Mother's Day I doubt we'll be able to make it. 

2015 Point Battles Begin at the Davenport Speedway

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A stellar field of cars in all divisions, including 42 IMCA Modifieds, started their quest to be crowned 2015 Davenport Speedway Track Champion. I wasn't even sure if I could make it but luckily I was able to get off work early so I shot over to the track, with the wife's approval of course.

The first feature of the night was the was the 15 lap Street Stock feature. Donnie Louck wasted little time, three laps, moving from his seventh starting spot to the lead. Cary Brown, who started 11th, was charging through the field, but a flat tire sent him to the pits. Brown had a little stroke of luck when the yellow came out right when he was about to get back on the track, allowing him to tag onto the back of the pack. The car and driver of the night though was the #86 of Nick Claussen. He started 13th and on lap 13 he took the lead and went on to pick up us first career feature win. Brown would make his way back through the field and cross the line second followed by Louck, Perry Gellerstedt, and Randy Lamar.

It was the IMCA Late Models turn with their, 23 car, 25 lap feature. Matt Ryan continued his hot streak he started last Sunday at the Quad City Speedway and led every lap Friday night to take home the win. Ray Guss Jr. got Andy Nezworski at the line for second with Jay Johnson forth and Joe Zrostlik fifth. After seeing Ryan in his last two races, it seems like he will be a force to be reckon with this season.

The 4-Stocks were up next and it was a heated battle. For the majority of the race you could throw a blanket over the top five cars. A caution with two laps to go made things even more excited. Brandon Dahl would edge out his brother Zach Dahl with Jake Benischek third followed by his brother Luke Benischek and Allen Morris.

The field of 42 IMCA Modifieds was trimmed down to 24 for their 20 lap feature. Tony VonDresky, running the bottom side of the track, dominated the final 13 laps and parked his #88 in victory lane. Bruce Hanford, who led early on, was second followed by Mitch Morris, Jeremy Marquette, and Scotty Powell.

The final feature of the night was for the IMCA SportMods and it was Tony Olson from the get go. Olson immediately jumped out to a big lead and went on  to score the victory. Even former track champion, Bryce Garnhart, couldn't run him down. Garnhart would finish second followed by Jarett Franzen, who started 13th, Mike McGarry, and Henry Carson.

Racing continues Friday, May 8th, at the Davenport Speedway when the open late models of the Lucas Oil MLRA take to the 1/4 mile. Also racing will be the IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, IMCA SportMods, and 4-Stocks. Check www.davenportspeedway.com for more details. 

Next up will be the Quad City Speedway Sunday with Kyle for the Hershel Roberts Memorial featuring the IMCA Late Model Deery Brothers Summer Series.

Ryan & Harris Dazzle Crowd at QCS

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It was a beautiful evening in East Moline, IL, and in front of a large crowd, 111 stock cars put on a great show at the Quad City Speedway Sunday night. It felt like old times with so many people in the stands and cars in the pits. I remember as a kid going to weekly shows there and it was the same atmosphere. After a tee ball game cancelation (the other team didn't have enough players) and several flip flops, Kyle decided to join me. He had to endure the wrath of Nate Beuseling after earlier in the week, while playing with his cars in the living room, declaring Ray Guss Jr. won the race and his friend Nate Beuseling had to be towed to the pits. I may have ratted him out on a Facebook with a photo and tagged Nate in it. They hashed out their differences with a high five at the end.

With six features on the card for Sunday night, the IMCA SportMods were the first to roll out. Logan Rogers was quick right at the drop of the green but it wasn't long before Bryce Garnhart was knocking on the door for the lead. The Shannon, IL, native used a couple cautions to his advantage and went on to pass Rogers and take home the win. Rogers would have his hands full holding off Phil Anderson and Joe Grant but Rogers did with Anderson third, Grant fourth, and Jarett Franzen fifth. Heat race winners were Garnhart and Rogers.

The Mod Lites were next and it was like old times with ole fashion Shon Sanders wire to wire victory. Galesburg, IL's, Brad Lucy was the real show in the B38 machine. Lucy started 13th and made it all the way up to second but Sander was too strong. No one was going to pass Sanders tonight, Lucy would finish second followed by Jake Halcomb, Brian Schnell, and Erik Close. Heat race winners were Jimmy Halcomb and Sanders.

It was another thriller in the Street Stock feature but this week there were 20 of them doing battle. Maquoketa, IA's, Joe Bonney grabbed the early lead with Perry Gellerstedt right with him. Keith Blum, who started 10th, use the first 10 laps to navigate through the field and with five laps to go, snuck by Bonney and went on to take the checkered flag for the win. Bonney took second followed by Gellerstedt, Schriner, and Kevin Dickey. Heat race winners were Randy Lamar, Bonney, and Blum.

A solid field of 20 IMCA Modifieds were up next for their 20 lap feature. At the beginning of the racing it was the same cast of normal front runners at QCS with Milo Veloz Jr., Doug Crampton, and Greg Durbin. After a caution a little pass the halfway point, Team Nasty (Doug Curless and R.J. Gonzales), made their charge to the front. Curless made it up to second and ran side by side with Veloz for several laps. As lapped traffic thickened both cars got tangled up bringing out the yellow and sending both cars to the rear of the field. This set up a double front row with Durbin and Crampton. Durbin would go on to make it two in a row at QCS. Crampton took second followed by Gonzales, Ray Bollinger (who was driving Mark VerVynck's 19C), and Mike Guldenpfennig. Heat race winners were Matt Werner, Crampton, and Gonzales.

An outstanding field of 23 IMCA Late Models rumbled to the track next and they did not disappoint. I believe it was his first night out in 2015 but Gary Webb could probably run a 25 lap feature at QCS blindfolded. Webb took the lead early on holding off Stephan Kammerer. A couple Davenport, IA, guys, Matt Ryan and Brian Harris, were right on Webb's bumper battling for second. They would both get by Webb and then proceed to run side by side for the lead for the next several laps. Ryan would hug the tires and Harris would the let sparks fly up against the wall. Harris would have the advantage for the beginning of their fight for the lead. Ryan kept plugging away though and the bottom line got better and better and eventually he had the lead. The yellow waved late in the race setting up a green-white-checkered finish. Harris gave it his all but Ryan would not be denied. Ryan put the 07 in victory lane with Harris second followed by Todd Malmstrom, Andy Nezworski, and Mike Garland. Heat race winners were Malmstrom, Ryan, and Brunson Behning.

The 4-Cylinders were the final feature of the night with 18 cars taking the green flag for the 12 lap feature. Brandon Setser had the early lead but mechanical problems ended his night. Zach Dahl looked very strong from the beginning of the race and once he took control of the lead the rest of the race was just a formality. His brother, Brandon Dahl, charged from his tenth starting spot to finish second followed by Cameron Poci, Dustin Forbes, and Jake Benischek. Heat race winners were Poci, B. Dahl, and Forbes.

Next Sunday, May 3rd, the IMCA Late Model Deery Brothers Summer Series invades the Quad City Speedway with some the best IMCA Late Model drivers in the Midwest. Also racing will be the IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Mod Lites.

I won't be able to make it to the Davenport Speedway on Friday this week (stupid work!) but Kyle and I will be at the Quad City Speedway Sunday for the Deery show. See ya there!

Point Battles Begin This Weekend at Davenport & QCS



 

 

It's that time of year again when drivers put those finishing touches on their cars and get set to begin the journey that is points racing in the Quad Cities. These drivers will scarifies their Friday and/or Sunday nights from the end of April until the end of August in the quest to be named Track Champion. Many drivers like, the Hall of Famer, Gary Webb have done it 17 times at the Quad City Speedway alone but there are many that will never win one but none the less they'll be out there week in and week out. So I thought I'd take a little time and do a preview and make some predictions for the 2015 points racing season at the Davenport Speedway and Quad City Speedway.

 

Here's my 2015 points chase preview for the Davenport Speedway:

 

- 4-Stocks - Last season Brandon Dahl collected his first of two career track championships in 2014 at the Davenport Speedway and the way the 2015 is starting off it is real hard to pick against him. His brother Zach Dahl will always be a threat as a former track champion himself. Brandon "The Kid" Setser has stepped his game up this off season and will be up towards the front of a lot of features. You also can't count out the Benischek boys, Jake & Luke, either. My prediction for the 2015 Davenport Speedway 4-Stock Track Champion is Zach Dahl (Its my turn this year bro)

 

- IMCA SportMods - Last season Bryce Garnhart dominated the division by winning six features and his second consecutive track championship. He'll be hard to pick against this season but out of all the divisions in the Quad City area, the IMCA SportMod division has grown the must which means more competition for Garnhart. Maquoketa's Jarett Franzen will be running weekly at the Davenport Speedway with closing of the Cedar County Raceway and I believe he'll pick off a few features. A young driver I'll be keeping my eye on will be Jake Morris. The son of many time track champion and feature winner, Jeff Morris, and brother of IMCA Modified driver Mitch Morris. Jake will have all the support and knowledge he'll need coming from his pit each week. A few other drivers to watch will be Jayson Wiggins, Jacob Beal, Joe Grant, Doug Burkhead, and Henry Carson. My predictions for the 2015 Davenport Speedway IMCA SportMod Track Champion is Jake Morris. (First of many to come in his career I'm sure)

 

- Street Stocks - It's the few, the proud, the Street Stocks. At one time in the Quad City area the Street Stock division approached 20 cars whether it was Friday or Sunday night. That number has shrunk but the racing is as exciting as ever. Last season Donnie Louck won the title with three feature wins. Louck will once again be hard to beat but he will definitely have his hands full with Cary Brown, Perry Gellerstedt, Kevin Dickey, Keith Blum, Phil Anderson, Cord Williams, Rick Schriner, and the 2014 Cedar County Raceway Street Stock track champion, Jarett Franzen. There's also drivers like Jeremy Gustaf and Rob Nylin that may not be every week but when they are will be running up front. My prediction for the 2015 Davenport Speedway Street Stock Track Champion is Phil Anderson. (In honor of Steven Jackson and Keith Jackson)

 

- IMCA Modifieds - With the Cedar County Raceway closing this off season, I could see the IMCA Modified car count at the Davenport Speedway over the 30 mark and probably closer to 40 more times then not. With that being said, there are a lot of drivers that could walkaway champion when it's all said and done. Bob Dominacki and his son Rob Dominacki will be point battling this season. Bob has been a mainstay at Davenport for many years now and Rob is still earning his stripes with one of the best drivers around guiding him along the way. Its quite the list of potential champs with Mitch Morris, Chris Zogg, Brad Tyler, Doug Crampton, Scotty Powell, Tony VonDresky, Nick Hixson, Joe Beal, Craig Crawford, Brian Bushong, Terry Rentfro, Bruce Fosdyck, and Matt Werner. My prediction for the 2015 Davenport Speedway IMCA Modified Track Champion is Doug Crampton (back to back track championships)

 

- IMCA Late Models - Some people might think I'm dumb and wasting time typing up a preview for this divisions. I've heard things like "Its a no brainer" and "Murf (Mike Murphy Jr.) isn't racing so there isn't anyone to beat him". The reigning and defending IMCA Late Model National Champion will be as tough as ever this season but his competitors are no slouches. Andy Nezworski is one of the competitors. Nezworski has recommitted himself to Late Model racing in 2015 and I see him winning at least a few features this year. The likes of Todd Malmstrom, Mike Garland, Mike Zemo Jr., Matt Ryan, Nate Beuseling, Brunson Behning, and Chuck Hanna. I haven't heard what Ray Guss Jr.'s plans are for 2015 but if he's in the pits at Davenport on any given Friday night he's a contender for the "W". My prediction for the 2015 Davenport Speedway IMCA Late Model Track Champion is Nate Beuseling. (I can see Nate finishing in the top 5 nearly every week)

 

Now lets tackle the Quad City Speedway:

 

- 4-Cylinders - It's kind of the same cast of characters as Davenport (the Dahl boys & Setser) with Cameron Poci, Dustin Forbes, Shawn Pappas, and Jake Smith added in. Poci, Forbes, and Pappas are forces each week and Smith has a new ride this year that is lightening fast. Another driver that will be up front each Sunday night is "The Beard" Steven Spiker. He captured his first career victory last season on the last night of racing. I'm sure that taste is still in his mouth and he's hungry for more. My prediction for the 2015 Quad City Speedway 4-Cylinder Track Champion is Steven Spiker. (Fear The Beard)

 

- Mod Lites - Well Shon Sanders is back this year so there's your champ, right? Not so fast! If Sanders is able to do it, it won't be easy at all. Mike Pershing already has 2 feature wins this season (non-point races) and Bob Miller (former Late Model driver) has looked good. Erik Close has ran well early on this season too. Mod Lite mainstays Brian Schnell, Brad Lucy, A.J. Pappas, and Dan Guss will be tough as well. Andy Warner and Mike Morrow will throw their names in the hat as well. My prediction for the 2015 Quad City Speedway Mod Lite Track Champion is Shon Sanders (after last season's injury I think he'll be a man on a mission)

 

- IMCA SportMods - Well every wins this championship will make history as the first every Quad City Speedway IMCA SportMod Track Champion. Former Street Stock Track Champion, Emily Gade, will make her return to the bullring, but this time, in the SportMod division and you know she'll be up front a lot. Brandon Jewell and Jarett Franzen will be up front with her as well. Other possible drivers to watch for are Timmy Current, Joe Grant, Doug Burkhead, Jon Scott, and Chad Vroman. My prediction for the very first 2015 Quad City Speedway IMCA SportMod Track Champion is Jarett Franzen. (He's running 2 cars dang near every night, one of them has to win a championship, right?)

 

- Street Stocks - These guys bring down the house almost every time they run their features. I would think Keith Blum would be the front runner for this season but Rob Nylin can never be counted out at QCS. Perry Gellerstedt and Jeremy Gustaf will win a couple features and of course, the grandfather of this division, Rick Schriner will be a threat each week. Other drivers like Mike and Mark Anderson have stepped their games up this and will be tough each Sunday. My prediction for the 2015 Quad City Speedway Track Champion is Keith Blum (Don't mess with "The Pitbull")

 

- IMCA Modifieds - Two weeks ago at QCS these guys put on one of the best features I've seen in a long time. This will be the most competitive division at QCS in 2015. I mean with guys like Greg Durbin, Brandon Durbin, Doug Crampton, Matt Werner, Milo Veloz Jr. Leland & Brian Bushong, Doug Curless, R.J. Gonzales, T.J. Patz, and Terry Rentfro you never who's going to win from week to week. I haven't heard plans from defending champ Ray Cox Jr. or Jason Pershy or Todd Dykema. It will be a fun year in the IMCA Modifieds. My prediction for the 2015 Quad City Speedway IMCA Modified Track Champion is Matt Werner. (Monkey off his back!)

 

- IMCA Late Models - With the defending track champ, apparently, not racing in 2015 the door is wide open in this division. The 2013 track champ, Todd Malmstrom, would appear to be the front runner but don't count out Mike Garland. Garland has a lot of racing and feature wins under his belt. Jon Brauns will be tough at QCS if he runs weekly there too. Mike Zemo Jr., LeRoy Brenner, Eric Sanders, Shawn Mulvany and B.J. Jackson will be right up there with them too. Of course there will always be those pop in drivers that will shake things up. My prediction for the 2015 Quad City Speedway IMCA Late Model Track Champion is Mike Garland. (He's back!) 

 

What do you get for being Track Champion? Drivers in the Street Stocks, 4-Cylinders/4-Stocks, and Mod Lites get a trophy at the track banquet at the end of the year. For the IMCA sanctioned classes (Late Models, Modifieds, & SportMods) there is a banquet at the end of the year, hosted by IMCA, and some money, trophies, and jackets are awarded but for most drivers it is not about that. It's the honor and prestige that for one summer, you were the best in your division, and that 20 years from now you say "I was the 2015 Track Champion".

 

  

 

Open Late Models Return to Davenport's 1/2 Mile

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One of the most anticipated races in the Quad City area every year are the open late models on the historic half mile at the Davenport Speedway. This year the best open late models that the Corn Belt Clash and MARS Series could offer did not disappoint. The mix of 36 open late models was comprised of seasoned Davenport Speedway half milers and several drivers that had never seen the track before.

The track was in wonderful shape after the heats races, which were won by Marshalltown, Iowa's, Ryan Gustin, Lebannon, Missouri's, Brandon McCormick, Mount Vernon, Iowa's, Chad Simpson, and Happy, Texas', Rodney Sanders and consolation races by Birch Tree, Missouri's, Justin Asplin and Las Cruces, New Mexico's, Garrett Alberson, and the stage was set for a barn burner.

"The River City Hustler" Ray Guss Jr. started on the pole, after accumulating the most passing points in the heat races, and the defending Corn Belt Clash champion Chad Simpson to his outside. Growing up I was always a Ronnie Weedon fan and a Ray Guss Jr. fan. So after watching Guss go from 8th to 2nd on the Davenport 1/2 mile it took me back to the days in the Precision Performance #50 and after that when he went out on his own in the #12.

Guss immediately grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and was a man on a mission. Simpson was able to keep up but not get close enough to make a move for lead. On lap 12 Simpson finally got his chance when Guss got tangled up with a lapped. Simpson took over the lead while Guss had to pull into the pits but he was able to return. Simpson would go pretty much untouched the rest of the way. The real show was El Paso, Illinois', Ryan Unzicker. After suffering mechanical problems earlier in the night and not being able to run his heat, Unzicker would be force to take a provisional and start dead last in the feature. Unzicker would have an incredible run and make it all the way up to the 4th when the checkered flag waved in the 35 lap main event from his 25th starting spot. Simpson would park his #25 in victory lane followed by Gustin, Jason Utter, Unzicker, and Jesse Stovall (who started 14th).

In the IMCA Modifieds, after a lap 5 caution, Davenport, Iowa's, Bruce Hanford took off and dominated the final 10 laps of their feature event. Steve Johnson had second place sown up and the real battle was third between Scotty Powell, Matt Werner, and Bob Dominacki. On the white flag lap, Werner was able to make the move for third with Powell taking fourth followed by Dominacki. The heat race winners were Johnson and Werner.

A few years ago you couldn't beat Jeff Stevens in a Street Stock. Friday night Stevens returned to that form driving the Jesse Owen's owned #95. Stevens took control of the lead from his outside front row starting spot and never looked back. Keith Blum tried everything he had to make a race of it on the last lap but he tagged the wall in turn one ending his shot at the lead. Stevens would take victory followed by Blum, Cary Brown, Donnie Louck, and Cord Williams. Heat winners were Blum and Louck.

Unfortunately, Sunday night's Corn Belt Clash vs. MARS race was canceled due to rain. They are working on rescheduling it.

Once again I can not thank Bob Wagener and Carrie Rouse enough for their hospitality.

Next week I won't be able to make it to the Davenport Speedway but I will be at the Quad City Speedway on Sunday. See you at the track!



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