Kay Bounces Back at Rebel

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Last week at the opening Deery Brothers Summer Series race of 2015, Wheatland, Iowa's, Justin Kay looked mortal and actually didn't win the race or even finish it. Some people were wondering if last season's magic was just that, last season's. Friday night at the inaugural Rebel 5K at the Davenport Speedway, Kay bounced back and dominated the final 23 laps of the 40 lap, $5,000 to win, main event.

Long Grove, Iowa's, Joe Zrostlik jumped out to the early lead in the Z50 machine from his outside front row starting spot. Zrostlik would lead the first 15 laps before Davenport, Iowa's, Matt Ryan would use the bottom of the track to slip by Zrostlik. Ryan's time at the point would be short lived though. Two laps later Kay would take over the lead and not look back. A late caution with 4 laps to go would bunch the field back up but no one had anything for Kay. The top five following Kay were Ryan, Tyler Droste (who I was impressed with all night), Scott Fitzpatrick, and Jason Rauen.

It was a hoosier who dominated the IMCA Modifieds Friday night. Jake Ruefer, who normally pilots the #16 UMP Modified in the Indiana area, took full advantage of the opportunity given to him by Keith Haislip the owner of the #7 GRT IMCA Modified. After winning his heat race, Ruefer drew #1 for the feature. Reufer would lead every lap barely being challenged the whole race. Tony VonDresky was able to get within a couple car lengths but never close enough to make a move. The top five were Reufer, VonDresky, Jeremiah Hurst, Kurt Kile, and Mitch Morris.

They may have had the smallest car count but the Street Stocks put on the best feature of the night. Phil Anderson drew #1 for the feature and until lap 12 he held onto the lead. Bettendorf, Iowa's, Keith Blum was all over Anderson for the first 12 laps and then on lap 13 Blum took over the lead but it was Anderson who wouldn't be denied. Coming to the checkered flag Anderson would get back by Blum and take home the win. Donnie Louck would finish third followed by Cary Brown and Kevin Dickey.

Bryce Garnhart picked up right where he left off last season and won the IMCA SportMod feature in convincing fashion. Garnhart led wire to wire holding off a late charge by Tyler Soppe. Jason Wiggins crossed the line third followed by Bryan Brinker and Jake Morris.

The 4-Stocks put on a thrilling feature with the top three running three wide for the lead for the first half of the race. Blue Grass, Iowa's, Brandon Dahl would take full control of the lead just after halfway but you could throw a blanket over Zach Dahl, Jake Benischek, and Brandon Setser for second. B. Dahl would go onto pick up his second feature win of the short season with Z. Dahl second followed by J. Benischek, and Setser.

It was a great night at the Davenport Speedway and I got to have my first Racetrack Nacho of the year, which was delicious as always. Thank you to Bob Wagener, Carrie Rouse, and the entire Drt Trak Inc. staff for their hospitality.

I'll be taking Saturday night off but the plan is for Kyle and I to make our first trip to the Quad City Speedway of the season this Sunday for racing action in all six divisions.