Post by jkelly57 on Mar 3, 2007 6:56:59 GMT -6
Icebreaker @ Abilene Speedway 2/23/07
By J M Hallas and Bill "Sarge" Masom
Abilene, Tx.(Feb. 23 2007) - The IMCA season kicked off in Texas with the annual Icebreaker at Abilene Speedway on the 1/4 mile red clay. Drivers from the mid-south and midwest made the trip to battle for top honors and shake down new cars. Sunny skies, but windy conditions greeted the nearly 200
contestants, with many of nicest looking cars beginning the night.
Grabouski Grabs Gold in Modified Main
Jordan Grabouski certainly isn’t a household name around Texas, former National and multi-time Regional champion Herny Witt jr. is. So was the 18 year old, Nebraskan intimidated? Obviously not, as Grabouski from the 10th starting spot was undaunted, even after contact, as the duo fought for the win in the 20 lap Modified A-Main in a tremendous battle.
As the green waved on the 20-car field, Kelly Allen beat polesitter
Danny Patterson into turn 1, but in the pack Allen Williams spun and David Trauernicht did a 360 into the infield. The next start, Patterson got the jump on Allen and held him off to lead lap 1. Mickey Helms brought out the caution on lap 1 when he had problems dropping fluid on the track, Williams
got spun again coming to yellow.
The restart saw Jason Borlace get turned around after contact with Robby Edwards in turn 1, which was still slick on the bottom. Finally the race got back under green with Patterson on the point and Witt getting inside Harvey Wojtek as they battled wheel to wheel for third. On lap 2 Neal Debord, Wojtek and Grabouski ran three wide for fourth.
Witt grabbed second from Allen on lap 3, while Trauernicht got by
Wojtek on the high side for sixth. Trauernicht then saw his top five run come to an and as he spun from fifth on lap 4. When green waved, Grabouski moved past Debord for fourth as he began his run to the front. Lap 5 saw Grabouski get
third from Allen as he made the high line pass.
Vince Ogle, Josh McGaha and Levi Hodges were three wide for seventh on lap 7, with the lead trio within a car length of each other up front. Coming to the crossed flags Patterson and Witt were side by side, with Grabouski, Allen and Wojtek rounding out the top five. Witt led lap 11, as Grabouski passed Patterson for second. Bo Newton brought out the yellow on lap 14
after he turned around on the front straight.
On the restart, Grabouski looked high then low as he tried to get by Witt, who was showing he still had his form after a years hiatus. Grabouski got along side Witt on lap 16 and had the bumper of his car ahead at the line to lead lap 16. Witt dove in low going into turn 1, hit the slick spot, slid up and body slammed Grabouski to wrestle the lead back on lap 17.
Grabouski fought back and after a bumper shot on Witt down the back stretch, retook the top spot on lap 18 using the high side. The young Grabouski would then hold off the veteran central Texas hotshoe Witt to snag the victory in his Yancey’s Automotive, North East Auto, Delabar Construction,
Williams Farms, Billsbuilt Chassis.
“I just ran around the top the first half of the race,” said the pumped up, Grabouski. “It went away and I had to go to the bottom, by that time I was behind Witt. On a restart I went back to the top and got around him. He came back and door slammed me, as we exchanged the lead. It was a fun race!”
“Henry(Witt) is an excellent driver and won a National Championship. We run against some tough competition in Nebraska, Like Johnny Saathoff and David Trauernicht. This is my third year in a modified, coming from the Mini-Sprints. It’s really my brothers car and he’s going to race it later.”
IMCA Modified A-main
1. 30 Jordan Grabouski, Beatrice, Ne.
2. 701 Henry Witt, Waco, Tx.
3. 48 Danny Patterson, Merkel, Tx.
4. 59 Kelly Allen, Lubbock, Tx.
5. 911 Josh McGaha, Clyde, Tx.
6. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx.
7. 431 Robby Edwards, Eastland, Tx.
8. 08 Levi Hodges, Ft. Worth, Tx.
9. 04 Harvey Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx.
10. 31 Neal Debord, Amarillo, Tx.
11. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx.
12. 02 David Davis, Sweetwater, Tx.
13. 2 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx.
14. 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, Tx.
15. 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, Tx.
16. 07 Allen Williams, Hutto, Tx.
17. 71 Chad Melton, Springtown, Tx.
18. 37 David Trauernicht, Beaqtrice, Ne.
19. 125 Jason Borlace, San Antonio, Tx.
20. 174 Mickey Helms, Victoria, Tx.
Heat races (top two to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 30 Jordan Grabouski, Beatrice, Ne
2. 125 Jason Borlace, San Antonio, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 71 Chad Melton, Springtown, Tx
2. 04 Harvey Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx
Heat race #3
1. 911 Josh McGaha, Clyde, Tx
2. 37 David Trauernicht, Beatrice, Ne
Heat race #4
1. 08 Levi Hodges, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 48 Danny Patterson, Merkel, Tx
Heat race #5
1. 31 Neal DeBord, Amarillo, Tx
2. 701 Henry Witt Jr, Waco, Tx
Heat race #6
1. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx
2. 59 Kelly Allen, Lubbock, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 07 Allen Williams, Hutto, Tx
2. 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, Tx
3. 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, Tx
4. 174 Mickey Helms, Victoria, Tx
Blake Pigeon, DQ for rough driving, was 4th
B Main #2
1. 431 Robby Edwards, Eastland, Tx
2. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx
3. 02 David Davis, Sweetwater, Tx
4 2 Charles Brewer
Hayes Hustles to SportMod Honors
Steve Hayes, shaking down his wife’s SportMod, got the lead early in the 20-car, 20 lap IMCA Southern SportMod Main. Hayes was then able to lengthen his advantage after halfway in a race that went green to checkers, in the blink of an eye and without a hitch.
Mike Lay Jr, was first out into turn 1, but was quickly passed on the back stretch by young hotshoe, Dillon Smith. Hayes got around Lay and was side by side with Smith for the lead on lap 2. Hayes eased out into the lead on lap 3 as the top six sorted out, while the rest of the pack battled 2-3 wide.
On lap 7 Allen Colyer and Lay were side by side for third, with Jerry Graves and Chad Wilson wheel to wheel for fifth. At halfway the top five showed Hayes, Smith, Colyer, J. Graves and Wilson, with Hayes running away. Smith took an excursion through the infield on lap 12 with second through sixth now nose to tail.
In the meantime Jeff Turner was on the charge catching and passing Lay for sixth on lap 16, then got around Wilson for fifth on lap 18. With Hayes cruising out front on the final lap, Turner contined on his tear using the high line. From the time Turner took the white, he motored past Colyer, J. Graves, and finally Smith as he came to the checkers but well behind Hayes
driving the Braka Operating, R&B Energy, Pflugerville Machine, Big Tex Pipe, Larson Chassis.
“It was mainly just luck,” replied Hayes. “I got to start up front, the car handled good and I stayed smooth on the bottom. This is my first race in a SportMod. I’ll probably talk to my wife into giving me the SportMod, it’s actually her car. We may have to do some talking.” “We raced at several tracks last year. I may focus on trying to win a championship here this year. We’ll be at the IMCA Texas Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track with both cars, too.”
IMCA Southern SportMod A-main
1. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx.
2. 14 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx.
3. 03 Dillon Smith, Waco, Tx.
4. 12 Jerry Graves, Lubbock, Tx. .
5. 141 Chad Wilson, Lubbock, Tx
6. 2 Allen Colyer, Abilene, Tx.
7. 00 Mike Lay Jr, Abilene, Tx.
8. 007 Chris Meyers, Eunice, NM.
9. 809 Roger Sisson, Lubbock, Tx.
10. 122 Tyler Young, Midland, Tx.
11. 58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock, Tx.
12. 8 Ronnie Johnson, Abilene, Tx.
13. 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, Tx.
14. 121 Travis Graves, Lubbock, Tx.
15. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx.
16. 9 Gary Underwood, Abilene, Tx.
17. 63 Donny Miller, Tom Bean, Tx.
18. 90 Todd Poor, Abilene, Tx.
19. 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, Tx.
20. 19 Michael Sheen, Midland, Tx.
Heat races (top two to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 951 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx
2. 121 Travis Graves, Lubbock, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, Tx
2. 007 Chris Meyers, Eunice, NM
Heat race #3
1. 00 Mike Lay Jr, Abilene, Tx
2. 2 Allen Colyer, Abilene, Tx
Heat race #4
1. 12 Jerry Graves, Lubbock, Tx
2. 122 Tyler Young, Midland, Tx
Matt Mueller, DQ for rough driving, was 2nd
Heat race #5
1. 03 Dillion Smith, Waco, Tx
2. 141 Chad Wilson, Lubbock, Tx
Heat race #6
1. 809 Roger Sisson, Lubbock, Tx
2. 19 Michael Sheen, Midland, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx
2 8 Ronnie Johnson, Abilene, Tx
3. 63 Donny Miller, Tom Bean, Tx
4. 58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock, Tx
B Main #2
1. 90 Todd Poor, Abilene, Tx
2. 14 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
3. 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, Tx
4. 9 Gary Underwood, Abilene, Tx
Turner Tops Tough I-Stock Field
Perennial front runner, Jeff Turner showed he could again be a
contender for IMCA Stock Car title in 2007 as he took the 20 car feature in convincing fashion. Turner worked his way to the front against a field of former I-Stock Regional/National champions and got by early I-Stock points leader, Kevin Sustaire, to snag the checkers in the 20 lapper.
As green flew James Brower jumped a tire of another competitor and stacked up the field. Brower suffered a flat right tire as he limped around causing another complete start. Polesitter Jerry West grabbed the early lead, but Sustaire was able to work around West to lead lap 1. Turner, using the high side, and Damon Murty using the low, both made their way past West for
second and third.
Turner wasted little time as he grabbed the lead from Sustaire on lap 2. Lap 3 saw Murty take a short trip across the turn 2 infield while Scotty Brown, also using the high line, took over third. By lap 5 the field had strung out with Turner sailing along until a yellow waved on lap 9 for an infield tire on the track. This erased Turner’s lead and rebunched the pack.
Back under green the top three got away clean coming to the crossed flags showing Turner, Sustaire, Brown, Murty and Bobby Sikes Jr. in the top five. Brown eased by Sustaire for second on lap 11 while Duain Pritchett caught and passed Sikes to get a top five spot.
Brown then closed on Turner as the two B&B Concrete teammates diced through traffic. Brown was on Turner’s bumper with three laps to go, first looking low then jumping back up on the high side. Turner held steady as Brown slipped and lost ground as the white flag waved. Coming to the checkers it
was Turner in the B&B Concrete Sawing, Rite-a-Way Delivery, Smiley’s Race Products, Jet Chassis claiming the victory.
** (I was unable to find driver after the races for an interview.)
IMCA Stock Car A-Main
1. 41 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
2. 87 Kevin Sustaire, Emory, Tx
3. 99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia.
4. 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, Tx.
5. 416 Bobby Sikes Jr, Eunice, NM.
6. 15 Kelly Sheen, La Mesa, Tx.
7. 7 J W Johnson, Brownwood, Tx.
8. 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx.
9. Fred Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx.
10. 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, Tx.
11. 119 Windle Gaston, Alba, Tx.
12. 21 Delmar, Sloan, Christoval, Tx.
13. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx.
14. 28 Alex Bullock, Mesquite, Tx.
15. 122 Bill Brzezinski, Roby, Tx.
16. 14 Charles Brown, Merkel, Tx.
17. 91 Jerry West, Ft. Worth.
18. 8 Dustin Locke, Eunice, NM.
19. 80 James Brower, Sanborn, Ia.
20. 144 Scotty Brown, Seagoville(DQ did not stop on track--finished
2nd)
Heat races (top three to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, Tx
2. 41 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
3. 119 Windle Gaston, Alba, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 87 Kevin Sustaire, Emory, Tx
2. 416 Bobby Sikes Jr, Eunice NM
3. 7 J. W. Johnson, Brownwood, Tx
Heat race #3
1. 91 Jerry West, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 21 Delmar Slone, Christoval, Tx
3. 14 Charles Brown, Merkel, Tx
Heat race #4
1. 99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia
2. 80 James Brower, Sanborn, Ia
3. 122 Bill Brzezinski, Roby, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 15 Kelly Sheen, Lamesa, Tx
2. 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx
3. 44 Fred Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx
4. 8 Dustin Locke, Eunice, NM
B Main #2
1. 144 Scotty Brwon, Seagoville, Tx
2. 28 Alex Bullock, Mesquite, Tx
3. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx
4. 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, Tx
Godwin Goes Green to Checkers for Hobby Win
Nyle Godwin put in the most miles to take the IMCA Hobby Stock feature win, not necessarily on the track though. The Redfield, Iowa driver made his long haul pay off as he scored the win in the 15 lap event, taking home the Texas trophy and cash.
On the initial start Bryan Sewell lost an axle to bring the yellow
quickly back out. Lynn Gibson got the lead going into turn 1, but Sewell forged ahead coming out of turn 4 to lead lap 1. On lap 3 Charles Cosper did a half spin in turn 4, the resulting melee behind him saw Willie Free and Jason Lingnau spin into the infield. Free was able to do a 360 and continue, Lingnau wasn’t as lucky as he got caught on a guide wire and rolled over on
his lid. Lingnau was not injured, but done for the night.
On the restart, Godwin got away clean and built a good lead over the rest of the field. Stephan Robison and Gibson battled for second, with Chris Ater closing in. Ater got past Robison on lap 7 for third, then Gibson for second, on lap 8. Nathan Sodek and Allen Montgomery broke clear of the pack battling for fifth as the race came to halfway. At the midpoint it was Godwin, Ater, Gibson, Robison and Sodek in the top five.
Quentin Noel went around on lap 10, collecting Gene Hadley and Richard Craig in turn 2 to bring out the caution. Ater tried to stay with Godwin on the restart, but Godwin was able to slowly inch away. Robison lost several spots on lap 12 as Sodek, Montgomery and Cosper all made their way past for fourth
through sixth.
Montgomery got along side Sodek on lap 13, but Sodek held him off and moved beside Gibson to Battle for third. In a race, shortened to 15 laps due to impending weather, Sodek, Montgomery, and Cosper all got by Gibson on the final lap, while Godwin was taking the checkers in the Baker Machine
Shop, Hummel Brothers Auto Service, Cheetah Graphics, reworked Shannon kit chassis with an in-house motor.
“It was luck, lots of luck,” said Godwin. “This is my second time down here. I came down a couple years ago, had fun, so I decided to come down again. You just have to have your car ready and drive clean. I run two tracks in Iowa that are similar, but they all have their own characteristics. Gear and
RPM wise they’re pretty much the same. It would be nice to sweep the weekend, but I think it will be a tough job job.”
IMCA Hobby Stock
1. 11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia.
2. 17 Chris Ater, Ft Worth, Tx.
3. 60 Nathan Sodek, Temple, Tx.
4. 38 Allen Montgomery, Rhome, Tx.
5. 033 Charles Cosper, Belton, Tx.
6. 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, Tx.
7. 07 Stephan Robison, Abilene, Tx.
8. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx.
9. 35 Noel Jones, Ft Worth, Tx.
10. 3 Paul Norman, Abilene, Tx.
11. 1 Willie Free, Snyder,. Tx.
12. 106 Richard Craig, Clyde, Tx.
13. 73 Gene Hadley, Burleson, Tx.
14. 01 Quentin Noel, Dublin, Tx.
15. 83 Jim Bates, Breckenridge, Tx.
16. 80 Jason Lingnau, Abilene, Tx.
17. 97 John Wagonblast, Deshler, Ne.
18. 44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville, Tx.
19. 33 Dale Roys, Merkel, Tx.
20 27 Mark Bullock---DNS
Heat races (top three to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 60 Nathan Sodek, Temple, Tx
2. 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, Tx
3. 01 Quentin Noel, Dublin, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia
2. 83 Jim Bates, Bredkenridge, Tx
3. 97 John Wagenblast, Deshler, Ne
Heat race #3
1. 17 Chris Ater, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville, Tx
3. 1 Willie Free, Synder, Tx
Allen Montgomery, DQ for rough driving, was 2nd.
Heat race #4
1. 07 Stephen Robison, Abilene, Tx
2. 033 Charles Cosper, Belton, Tx
3. 27 Mark Bullock Jr, Sunnybale, Tx
B Main (top eight to A Main)
1. 73 Gene Hadley, Burleson, Tx
2. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx
3. 38 Allen Montgomery, Rhome, Tx
4. 80 Jason Lingnau, Abilene, Tx
5. 106 Richard Craig, Clyde, Tx
6. 35 Noel Jones, Fort Worth, Tx
7. 3 Paul Norman, Abilene, Tx
8. 33 Dale Roys, Merkel, Tx
Pure Stock
1. 11 Bud Ohlinger, Abilene, Tx.
2. 72 John Neal jr., Stamford, Tx.
3. 62 Steven Bolderas, Abilene, Tx.
4. 677 David Nichols, Merkel, Tx.
5. 462 Paul Cornell, Abilene, Tx.
6. 5 Ric Butz, Abilene, Tx.---DNS
Jr Mini Stock
1. 821 Shelby Williams, Dodd City, Tx.
2. 7 Tyler Fain, Tuscola, Tx.
By J M Hallas and Bill "Sarge" Masom
Abilene, Tx.(Feb. 23 2007) - The IMCA season kicked off in Texas with the annual Icebreaker at Abilene Speedway on the 1/4 mile red clay. Drivers from the mid-south and midwest made the trip to battle for top honors and shake down new cars. Sunny skies, but windy conditions greeted the nearly 200
contestants, with many of nicest looking cars beginning the night.
Grabouski Grabs Gold in Modified Main
Jordan Grabouski certainly isn’t a household name around Texas, former National and multi-time Regional champion Herny Witt jr. is. So was the 18 year old, Nebraskan intimidated? Obviously not, as Grabouski from the 10th starting spot was undaunted, even after contact, as the duo fought for the win in the 20 lap Modified A-Main in a tremendous battle.
As the green waved on the 20-car field, Kelly Allen beat polesitter
Danny Patterson into turn 1, but in the pack Allen Williams spun and David Trauernicht did a 360 into the infield. The next start, Patterson got the jump on Allen and held him off to lead lap 1. Mickey Helms brought out the caution on lap 1 when he had problems dropping fluid on the track, Williams
got spun again coming to yellow.
The restart saw Jason Borlace get turned around after contact with Robby Edwards in turn 1, which was still slick on the bottom. Finally the race got back under green with Patterson on the point and Witt getting inside Harvey Wojtek as they battled wheel to wheel for third. On lap 2 Neal Debord, Wojtek and Grabouski ran three wide for fourth.
Witt grabbed second from Allen on lap 3, while Trauernicht got by
Wojtek on the high side for sixth. Trauernicht then saw his top five run come to an and as he spun from fifth on lap 4. When green waved, Grabouski moved past Debord for fourth as he began his run to the front. Lap 5 saw Grabouski get
third from Allen as he made the high line pass.
Vince Ogle, Josh McGaha and Levi Hodges were three wide for seventh on lap 7, with the lead trio within a car length of each other up front. Coming to the crossed flags Patterson and Witt were side by side, with Grabouski, Allen and Wojtek rounding out the top five. Witt led lap 11, as Grabouski passed Patterson for second. Bo Newton brought out the yellow on lap 14
after he turned around on the front straight.
On the restart, Grabouski looked high then low as he tried to get by Witt, who was showing he still had his form after a years hiatus. Grabouski got along side Witt on lap 16 and had the bumper of his car ahead at the line to lead lap 16. Witt dove in low going into turn 1, hit the slick spot, slid up and body slammed Grabouski to wrestle the lead back on lap 17.
Grabouski fought back and after a bumper shot on Witt down the back stretch, retook the top spot on lap 18 using the high side. The young Grabouski would then hold off the veteran central Texas hotshoe Witt to snag the victory in his Yancey’s Automotive, North East Auto, Delabar Construction,
Williams Farms, Billsbuilt Chassis.
“I just ran around the top the first half of the race,” said the pumped up, Grabouski. “It went away and I had to go to the bottom, by that time I was behind Witt. On a restart I went back to the top and got around him. He came back and door slammed me, as we exchanged the lead. It was a fun race!”
“Henry(Witt) is an excellent driver and won a National Championship. We run against some tough competition in Nebraska, Like Johnny Saathoff and David Trauernicht. This is my third year in a modified, coming from the Mini-Sprints. It’s really my brothers car and he’s going to race it later.”
IMCA Modified A-main
1. 30 Jordan Grabouski, Beatrice, Ne.
2. 701 Henry Witt, Waco, Tx.
3. 48 Danny Patterson, Merkel, Tx.
4. 59 Kelly Allen, Lubbock, Tx.
5. 911 Josh McGaha, Clyde, Tx.
6. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx.
7. 431 Robby Edwards, Eastland, Tx.
8. 08 Levi Hodges, Ft. Worth, Tx.
9. 04 Harvey Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx.
10. 31 Neal Debord, Amarillo, Tx.
11. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx.
12. 02 David Davis, Sweetwater, Tx.
13. 2 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx.
14. 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, Tx.
15. 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, Tx.
16. 07 Allen Williams, Hutto, Tx.
17. 71 Chad Melton, Springtown, Tx.
18. 37 David Trauernicht, Beaqtrice, Ne.
19. 125 Jason Borlace, San Antonio, Tx.
20. 174 Mickey Helms, Victoria, Tx.
Heat races (top two to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 30 Jordan Grabouski, Beatrice, Ne
2. 125 Jason Borlace, San Antonio, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 71 Chad Melton, Springtown, Tx
2. 04 Harvey Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx
Heat race #3
1. 911 Josh McGaha, Clyde, Tx
2. 37 David Trauernicht, Beatrice, Ne
Heat race #4
1. 08 Levi Hodges, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 48 Danny Patterson, Merkel, Tx
Heat race #5
1. 31 Neal DeBord, Amarillo, Tx
2. 701 Henry Witt Jr, Waco, Tx
Heat race #6
1. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx
2. 59 Kelly Allen, Lubbock, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 07 Allen Williams, Hutto, Tx
2. 89 Bo Newton, Bangs, Tx
3. 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, Tx
4. 174 Mickey Helms, Victoria, Tx
Blake Pigeon, DQ for rough driving, was 4th
B Main #2
1. 431 Robby Edwards, Eastland, Tx
2. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx
3. 02 David Davis, Sweetwater, Tx
4 2 Charles Brewer
Hayes Hustles to SportMod Honors
Steve Hayes, shaking down his wife’s SportMod, got the lead early in the 20-car, 20 lap IMCA Southern SportMod Main. Hayes was then able to lengthen his advantage after halfway in a race that went green to checkers, in the blink of an eye and without a hitch.
Mike Lay Jr, was first out into turn 1, but was quickly passed on the back stretch by young hotshoe, Dillon Smith. Hayes got around Lay and was side by side with Smith for the lead on lap 2. Hayes eased out into the lead on lap 3 as the top six sorted out, while the rest of the pack battled 2-3 wide.
On lap 7 Allen Colyer and Lay were side by side for third, with Jerry Graves and Chad Wilson wheel to wheel for fifth. At halfway the top five showed Hayes, Smith, Colyer, J. Graves and Wilson, with Hayes running away. Smith took an excursion through the infield on lap 12 with second through sixth now nose to tail.
In the meantime Jeff Turner was on the charge catching and passing Lay for sixth on lap 16, then got around Wilson for fifth on lap 18. With Hayes cruising out front on the final lap, Turner contined on his tear using the high line. From the time Turner took the white, he motored past Colyer, J. Graves, and finally Smith as he came to the checkers but well behind Hayes
driving the Braka Operating, R&B Energy, Pflugerville Machine, Big Tex Pipe, Larson Chassis.
“It was mainly just luck,” replied Hayes. “I got to start up front, the car handled good and I stayed smooth on the bottom. This is my first race in a SportMod. I’ll probably talk to my wife into giving me the SportMod, it’s actually her car. We may have to do some talking.” “We raced at several tracks last year. I may focus on trying to win a championship here this year. We’ll be at the IMCA Texas Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track with both cars, too.”
IMCA Southern SportMod A-main
1. 7 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx.
2. 14 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx.
3. 03 Dillon Smith, Waco, Tx.
4. 12 Jerry Graves, Lubbock, Tx. .
5. 141 Chad Wilson, Lubbock, Tx
6. 2 Allen Colyer, Abilene, Tx.
7. 00 Mike Lay Jr, Abilene, Tx.
8. 007 Chris Meyers, Eunice, NM.
9. 809 Roger Sisson, Lubbock, Tx.
10. 122 Tyler Young, Midland, Tx.
11. 58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock, Tx.
12. 8 Ronnie Johnson, Abilene, Tx.
13. 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, Tx.
14. 121 Travis Graves, Lubbock, Tx.
15. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx.
16. 9 Gary Underwood, Abilene, Tx.
17. 63 Donny Miller, Tom Bean, Tx.
18. 90 Todd Poor, Abilene, Tx.
19. 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, Tx.
20. 19 Michael Sheen, Midland, Tx.
Heat races (top two to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 951 Steve Hayes, Eastland, Tx
2. 121 Travis Graves, Lubbock, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, Tx
2. 007 Chris Meyers, Eunice, NM
Heat race #3
1. 00 Mike Lay Jr, Abilene, Tx
2. 2 Allen Colyer, Abilene, Tx
Heat race #4
1. 12 Jerry Graves, Lubbock, Tx
2. 122 Tyler Young, Midland, Tx
Matt Mueller, DQ for rough driving, was 2nd
Heat race #5
1. 03 Dillion Smith, Waco, Tx
2. 141 Chad Wilson, Lubbock, Tx
Heat race #6
1. 809 Roger Sisson, Lubbock, Tx
2. 19 Michael Sheen, Midland, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx
2 8 Ronnie Johnson, Abilene, Tx
3. 63 Donny Miller, Tom Bean, Tx
4. 58 Brandon Hopper, Lubbock, Tx
B Main #2
1. 90 Todd Poor, Abilene, Tx
2. 14 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
3. 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, Tx
4. 9 Gary Underwood, Abilene, Tx
Turner Tops Tough I-Stock Field
Perennial front runner, Jeff Turner showed he could again be a
contender for IMCA Stock Car title in 2007 as he took the 20 car feature in convincing fashion. Turner worked his way to the front against a field of former I-Stock Regional/National champions and got by early I-Stock points leader, Kevin Sustaire, to snag the checkers in the 20 lapper.
As green flew James Brower jumped a tire of another competitor and stacked up the field. Brower suffered a flat right tire as he limped around causing another complete start. Polesitter Jerry West grabbed the early lead, but Sustaire was able to work around West to lead lap 1. Turner, using the high side, and Damon Murty using the low, both made their way past West for
second and third.
Turner wasted little time as he grabbed the lead from Sustaire on lap 2. Lap 3 saw Murty take a short trip across the turn 2 infield while Scotty Brown, also using the high line, took over third. By lap 5 the field had strung out with Turner sailing along until a yellow waved on lap 9 for an infield tire on the track. This erased Turner’s lead and rebunched the pack.
Back under green the top three got away clean coming to the crossed flags showing Turner, Sustaire, Brown, Murty and Bobby Sikes Jr. in the top five. Brown eased by Sustaire for second on lap 11 while Duain Pritchett caught and passed Sikes to get a top five spot.
Brown then closed on Turner as the two B&B Concrete teammates diced through traffic. Brown was on Turner’s bumper with three laps to go, first looking low then jumping back up on the high side. Turner held steady as Brown slipped and lost ground as the white flag waved. Coming to the checkers it
was Turner in the B&B Concrete Sawing, Rite-a-Way Delivery, Smiley’s Race Products, Jet Chassis claiming the victory.
** (I was unable to find driver after the races for an interview.)
IMCA Stock Car A-Main
1. 41 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
2. 87 Kevin Sustaire, Emory, Tx
3. 99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia.
4. 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, Tx.
5. 416 Bobby Sikes Jr, Eunice, NM.
6. 15 Kelly Sheen, La Mesa, Tx.
7. 7 J W Johnson, Brownwood, Tx.
8. 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx.
9. Fred Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx.
10. 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, Tx.
11. 119 Windle Gaston, Alba, Tx.
12. 21 Delmar, Sloan, Christoval, Tx.
13. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx.
14. 28 Alex Bullock, Mesquite, Tx.
15. 122 Bill Brzezinski, Roby, Tx.
16. 14 Charles Brown, Merkel, Tx.
17. 91 Jerry West, Ft. Worth.
18. 8 Dustin Locke, Eunice, NM.
19. 80 James Brower, Sanborn, Ia.
20. 144 Scotty Brown, Seagoville(DQ did not stop on track--finished
2nd)
Heat races (top three to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, Tx
2. 41 Jeff Turner, Kaufman, Tx
3. 119 Windle Gaston, Alba, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 87 Kevin Sustaire, Emory, Tx
2. 416 Bobby Sikes Jr, Eunice NM
3. 7 J. W. Johnson, Brownwood, Tx
Heat race #3
1. 91 Jerry West, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 21 Delmar Slone, Christoval, Tx
3. 14 Charles Brown, Merkel, Tx
Heat race #4
1. 99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia
2. 80 James Brower, Sanborn, Ia
3. 122 Bill Brzezinski, Roby, Tx
B Mains (top four to A Main)
B Main #1
1. 15 Kelly Sheen, Lamesa, Tx
2. 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, Tx
3. 44 Fred Wojtek, Robert Lee, Tx
4. 8 Dustin Locke, Eunice, NM
B Main #2
1. 144 Scotty Brwon, Seagoville, Tx
2. 28 Alex Bullock, Mesquite, Tx
3. 49 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, Tx
4. 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, Tx
Godwin Goes Green to Checkers for Hobby Win
Nyle Godwin put in the most miles to take the IMCA Hobby Stock feature win, not necessarily on the track though. The Redfield, Iowa driver made his long haul pay off as he scored the win in the 15 lap event, taking home the Texas trophy and cash.
On the initial start Bryan Sewell lost an axle to bring the yellow
quickly back out. Lynn Gibson got the lead going into turn 1, but Sewell forged ahead coming out of turn 4 to lead lap 1. On lap 3 Charles Cosper did a half spin in turn 4, the resulting melee behind him saw Willie Free and Jason Lingnau spin into the infield. Free was able to do a 360 and continue, Lingnau wasn’t as lucky as he got caught on a guide wire and rolled over on
his lid. Lingnau was not injured, but done for the night.
On the restart, Godwin got away clean and built a good lead over the rest of the field. Stephan Robison and Gibson battled for second, with Chris Ater closing in. Ater got past Robison on lap 7 for third, then Gibson for second, on lap 8. Nathan Sodek and Allen Montgomery broke clear of the pack battling for fifth as the race came to halfway. At the midpoint it was Godwin, Ater, Gibson, Robison and Sodek in the top five.
Quentin Noel went around on lap 10, collecting Gene Hadley and Richard Craig in turn 2 to bring out the caution. Ater tried to stay with Godwin on the restart, but Godwin was able to slowly inch away. Robison lost several spots on lap 12 as Sodek, Montgomery and Cosper all made their way past for fourth
through sixth.
Montgomery got along side Sodek on lap 13, but Sodek held him off and moved beside Gibson to Battle for third. In a race, shortened to 15 laps due to impending weather, Sodek, Montgomery, and Cosper all got by Gibson on the final lap, while Godwin was taking the checkers in the Baker Machine
Shop, Hummel Brothers Auto Service, Cheetah Graphics, reworked Shannon kit chassis with an in-house motor.
“It was luck, lots of luck,” said Godwin. “This is my second time down here. I came down a couple years ago, had fun, so I decided to come down again. You just have to have your car ready and drive clean. I run two tracks in Iowa that are similar, but they all have their own characteristics. Gear and
RPM wise they’re pretty much the same. It would be nice to sweep the weekend, but I think it will be a tough job job.”
IMCA Hobby Stock
1. 11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia.
2. 17 Chris Ater, Ft Worth, Tx.
3. 60 Nathan Sodek, Temple, Tx.
4. 38 Allen Montgomery, Rhome, Tx.
5. 033 Charles Cosper, Belton, Tx.
6. 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, Tx.
7. 07 Stephan Robison, Abilene, Tx.
8. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx.
9. 35 Noel Jones, Ft Worth, Tx.
10. 3 Paul Norman, Abilene, Tx.
11. 1 Willie Free, Snyder,. Tx.
12. 106 Richard Craig, Clyde, Tx.
13. 73 Gene Hadley, Burleson, Tx.
14. 01 Quentin Noel, Dublin, Tx.
15. 83 Jim Bates, Breckenridge, Tx.
16. 80 Jason Lingnau, Abilene, Tx.
17. 97 John Wagonblast, Deshler, Ne.
18. 44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville, Tx.
19. 33 Dale Roys, Merkel, Tx.
20 27 Mark Bullock---DNS
Heat races (top three to A Main)
Heat race #1
1. 60 Nathan Sodek, Temple, Tx
2. 37 Lynn Gibson, Rhome, Tx
3. 01 Quentin Noel, Dublin, Tx
Heat race #2
1. 11 Nyle Godwin, Redfield, Ia
2. 83 Jim Bates, Bredkenridge, Tx
3. 97 John Wagenblast, Deshler, Ne
Heat race #3
1. 17 Chris Ater, Fort Worth, Tx
2. 44 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville, Tx
3. 1 Willie Free, Synder, Tx
Allen Montgomery, DQ for rough driving, was 2nd.
Heat race #4
1. 07 Stephen Robison, Abilene, Tx
2. 033 Charles Cosper, Belton, Tx
3. 27 Mark Bullock Jr, Sunnybale, Tx
B Main (top eight to A Main)
1. 73 Gene Hadley, Burleson, Tx
2. 23 Tanner Cox, Colorado City, Tx
3. 38 Allen Montgomery, Rhome, Tx
4. 80 Jason Lingnau, Abilene, Tx
5. 106 Richard Craig, Clyde, Tx
6. 35 Noel Jones, Fort Worth, Tx
7. 3 Paul Norman, Abilene, Tx
8. 33 Dale Roys, Merkel, Tx
Pure Stock
1. 11 Bud Ohlinger, Abilene, Tx.
2. 72 John Neal jr., Stamford, Tx.
3. 62 Steven Bolderas, Abilene, Tx.
4. 677 David Nichols, Merkel, Tx.
5. 462 Paul Cornell, Abilene, Tx.
6. 5 Ric Butz, Abilene, Tx.---DNS
Jr Mini Stock
1. 821 Shelby Williams, Dodd City, Tx.
2. 7 Tyler Fain, Tuscola, Tx.