Thursday, April 15, 2021

Stovall Wins MLRA at Stuart with Carter, Murty and DeVolder take IMCA wins

Two years ago the Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models put on a heck of a show with Bobby Pierce taking the win but last year's event scheduled event was cancelled because of the pandemic so on to 2021 which meant a new winner would add his name to the history books at Stuart. The Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models began their 2021 season on Tuesday at the I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska where Tony Jackson Jr took the win.

Wednesday Night, the MLRA Late Models invade the bullring of the Stuart International Speedway for Night two of the five night season opening swing. The night was sponsored by Karl Chevrolet of Stuart, Race XR, Conrad's Pillow Pets and Choice Inc. Joining the Late Models was VIP Contractors & Karl Chevrolet of Stuart IMCA Modifieds, Affordable Quality Roofing & Exteriors IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Pre-Owned IMCA Sport Mods, Rick's Towing IMCA Hobby Stocks and John's Tree Service IMCA Sport Compacts.

A total of One Hundred and Eighteen cars checked in for a cold and chilly April night. Thirty-One MLRA Late Models, 11 IMCA Modifieds, 23 IMCA Stock Cars, 18 IMCA Sport Mods, 19 IMCA Hobby Stocks and 16 IMCA Sport Compacts. Jesse Stovall claimed the MLRA Late Models meanwhile Brayton Carter (Sport Mods) and Dallon Murty (Stock Cars) repeated their wins from two weeks ago. Shane DeVolder was a first time winner in the Modifieds, Sport Compacts and Hobby Stocks features was cut short and will be made up next week. 

First feature of the night was the 16 lap Karl Pre-Owned IMCA Sport Mod Feature event. Father and Son, Bryan and Mitchell Morris led the field to the green flag with Bryan Morris grabbing the early lead. Shortly after the first lap was scored the caution came out when Jessiah Taylor spun in turn four. Bryan Morris continued to lead until the caution came out again on lap three when James Tarter spun in turn four. Brayton Carter blasted by Bryan Morris and Shane Paris on the restart to take over the race lead. The caution came out shortly after when Paris clipped an implement tire out on the race surface. Carter saw the caution come out two more times on lap seven and nine. The caution on lap seven, Taylor spun in turn four and then on lap nine, Tarter in turn two after making heavy contact with the turn one wall. Carter went on to take the feature win ahead of Brett Vanderheiden, Cam Reimers, Dusty Masolini and Garrett Nelson. 

As soon as the Affordable Quality Roofing & Exteriors IMCA Stock Cars 20 lap feature event started, the caution came out when Miciah Hidlebaugh spun in turn one. Bob Daniels inherited the pole position and took full advantage by jumping out to race lead but Dallon Murty was not far away but couldn't get by right away. Caution on lap five was for a tire in turn two and then the caution on lap six was for Cody Gustoff in turn four. Daniels held off Dallon Murty and his father Damon Murty until the caution came out on lap seventeen for Scott Bailey and Chad Legere in turns three and four. On the restart, Daniels blew up coming back to the green forcing the caution to come out one final time. Dallon Murty held off Buck Schafroth, Damon Murty and hard charging Gettler to take his second win of the season in Stuart. Gettler wrestled second away, Schafroth was third, Michael Sheen was fourth and Damon Murty was fifth. 

Cedar Creek Beef Jerky 40 lap feature for the Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models was up next on the 1/4 mile bullring. Frank Hecknast Jr and Jake Timm started on the front row but it was Jesse Stovall wasted no time as showed his strength by taking the early race lead. Stovall stretch the lead out until the first StopTech Brakes caution came out on lap ten for Blair Nothdurft spinning in turn three. The caution came out came out again on lap 11 when seventh running Billy Moyer Sr spun in turn one. Stovall continued to flex his muscle until lap traffic started getting heavy allowing Heckenast and hard charging Ryan Gustin reeling him in. The final caution came out on lap 27 when Jeff Herzog came to a stop in turn one as the leaders was navigating lap traffic. Stovall running the bottom tried to hold off Gustin, who was using the high side . Gustin pulled a slide job in turn one on lap 31 allowing him to grab the top spot. Gustin and Stovall continued to race side-by-side for multiple laps but Gustin came across the line first for the apparent victory. Gustin was disqualified in post-race tech inspection for top four bar rod was curved, the rule per MLRA rule book is added. Stovall takes the win, Quick Timer Garrett Alberson was second, Frank Heckenast was third, Chris Simpson was fourth and Timm was fifth.

Per MLRA rule book section 12.23 (H-vii), all radius rods must be straight with the exception of the left lower, that can have a bend for axle housing mount clearance. 

Chase Rudolf led the first lap of the VIP Contractors & Karl Chevrolet of Stuart IMCA Modifieds 16 lap feature event. Pacifica, California racer Shane DeVolder took the top spot away and pulled away to take the feature event win in the feature that went green-to-checkered. Tim Ward, Cayden Carter, Kyle Brown and Rudolf rounded out the top five. 

John's Tree Service IMCA Sport Compacts feature event was scheduled for 14 laps however as the field took the green, Clayton Portwood was spun in turn one by David Kimmel. As other cars turned to avoid Portwood, Dusty Champlin hit Portwood in the drivers door forcing the red flag to come out. Portwood was taken to a local hospital and according Iowa Racing News, suffered a sprained ankle and bruised. Champlin was also taken to a local hospital, and according to Iowa Racing News, he said he had a concussion and a sore neck. Kimmel was black flagged for rough driving.

Since it was going to take time for emergency crews time to attend to Portwood and Champlin, the races was called at 10:35pm because of the 11pm curfew fastly approaching. The Sport Compacts and Rick's Towing IMCA Hobby Stocks features will be made up next week as a part of the Jake Durbin Memorial.

Pictures I took are now posted on the Trackside Report Facebook Page in a photo Album called Stuart MLRA Late Models / IMCA Season Opener 4-14-21

Next Wednesday Night at the Stuart Speedway is the Jake Durbin Memorial with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts, IMCA Mod Lites and Outlaw Mini Mods. Plus make-up features in the Sport Compacts and Hobby Stocks. Hot Laps at 6:45p, Racing to Follow.

For more information about Stuart Speedway checked out stuartspeedway.net or like the Facebook page Stuart International Speedway or call promoter Mike Van Genderen at 641-521-0330.

Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models continue their 5 night swing on Thursday Night at the Davenport Speedway 1/4 mile for $5,000 to win along with Modifieds, Sport Mods and A.I.R.S. Hot Laps at 6p, Racing to Follow. Friday and Saturday they head to the 34 Raceway in West Burlington. Prelude to the Slocum $5,000 to win on Friday and 13th Annual Slocum 50 presented by Outpost Bar & Grill on Saturday for $10,555 to win. 305 Sprints and Mini Haulers also race on Friday, Saturday will have 305 Sprints and IMCA Stock Cars. Time Trials at 6:15p and Racing to Follow both nights.

For more information about the Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models check out mlraracing.com or like the Facebook page Lucas Oil MLRA or contact MLRA Series Director Ernie Leftwich at 417-309-3509. 

Stuart International Speedway
Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models / IMCA Season Opener
sponsored by Karl Chevrolet of Stuart, Race XR, Conrad's Pillow Pets & Choice Inc.

April 15th, 2021

MLRA Late Models
presented by Lucas Oil

Cedar Creek Beef Jerky Feature (40 laps) : 1. 00 Jesse Stovall (Billings, Mo.) [4]; 2. 59 Garrett Alberson (Shreveport, La.) [6]; 3. 99 Frank Heckenast Jr (Frankfort, Ill.) [1]; 4. 32S Chris Simpson (Oxford) [17]; 5. 49T Jake Timm (Winona, Minn.) [2]; 6. 25 Chad Simpson (Mt Vernon) [3]; 7. 12W Ashton Winger (Senoia, Ga.) [16]; 8. 93 Mason Oberkramer (Broseley, Mo.) [5]; 9. 75 Terry Phillips (Springfield, Mo.) [9]; 10. 91P Jason Papich (Nipomo, Calif) [14]; 11. 56JR Tony Jackson Jr (Lebanon, Mo.) [23]; 12. 20 Rodney Sanders (Happy, Texas) [12]; 13. 15 Justin Duty (Happy Valley, Ore.) [11]; 14. 91T Tony Toste (Arroyo Grande, Calif.) [10]; 15. 58 Jeremiah Hurst (Dubuque) [13]; 16. 77Y Jordan Yaggy (Rochester, Minn.) [20]; 17. 30 Todd Cooney (Des Moines) [22]; 18. 76 Blair Nothdurft (Renner, SD) [15]; 19. 3W Brennon Willard (Lebanon, Mo.) [24]; 20. 11 Jeff Herzog (Festus, Mo.) [19]; 21. 22B Gary Brown Jr (Brandon, SD) [18]; 22. 21 Billy Moyer Sr (Batesville, Ark.) [7]; 23. 11R Justin Reed (Camp Point, Ill.) [21]; DQ 19 Ryan Gustin (Marshalltown) [8]. 

Sunoco B-Feature (12 laps) : 1. Chris Simpson [3]; 2. Gary Brown Jr [1]; 3. Jeff Herzog [2]; 4. Jordan Yaggy [5]; 5. Justin Reed [7]; 6. Todd Cooney [10]; 7. 74 Mitch McGrath (Waukesha, Wis.) [6]; 8. Brennon Willard [12]; 9. 44W David Webster (Monroe, Wis.) [9]; 10. 22 Daniel Hilsabeck (Earlham) [13]; 11. 55K Chris Kratzer (Wichita, Kan.) [11]; 12. 3C Mike Collins (New Orleans, La.) [8]; 13. 14M Reid Millard (Jefferson City, Mo.) [15]; 14. 88L Larry Clawson (Kansas City, Mo.) [14]; 15. Tony Jackson Jr [4]. 

Casey's Heat 1 (10 laps) : 1. Heckenast Jr.; 2. Oberkramer; 3. Phillips; 4. Hurst; 5. Brown Jr; 6. Yaggy; 7. Webster; 8. Hilsabeck.

Midwest Sheet Metal Heat 2 (10 laps) : 1. Chad Simpson; 2. Moyer; 3. Duty; 4. Nothdurft; 5. Chris Simpson; 6. Reed; 7. Kratzer; 8. Millard. 

My Race Pass Heat 3 (10 laps) : 1. Timm; 2. Alberson; 3. Toste; 4. Papich; 5. Herzog; 6. McGrath; 7. Cooney; 8. Willard. 

Hooker Harness Heat 4 (10 laps) : 1. Stovall; 2. Gustin; 3. Sanders; 4. Winger; 5. Jackson Jr; 6. Collins; 7. Clawson. 

Illini Racing Supply Group A Qualifying : 1. Frank Hackenast Jr 13.096; 2. Justin Duty 13.192; 3. Mason Oberkramer 13.235; 4. Chad Simpson 13.270; 5. Terry Phillips 13.308; 6. Billy Moyer Sr 13.325; 7. David Webster 13.359; 8. Blair Nothdurft 13.366; 9. Gary Brown Jr. 13.498; 10. Chris Simpson 13.510; 11. Jordan Yaggy 13.567; 12. Chris Kratzer 13.597; 13. Daniel Hilsaebeck 13.636; 14. Justin Reed 13.745; 15. Jeremiah Hurst 14.261; 16. Reid Millard 14.535.

Illini Racing Supply Group B Qualifying : 1. Garrett Alberson 13.072; 2. Tony Jackson Jr 13.190; 3. Tony Toste 13.220; 4. Ashton Winger 13.292; 5. Jason Papich 13.330; 6. Larry Clawson 13.528; 7. Jake Timm 13.540; 8. Ryan Gustin 13.610; 9. Jeff Herzog 13.676; 10. Jesse Stovall 13.684; 11. Mitch McGrath 13.744; 12. Rodney Sanders 13.745; 13. Todd Cooney 13.763; 14. 3C Mike Collins 13.829; 15. Brennon Willard 14.188.

Casey’s "Hard Charger of the Race" – Chris Simpson (+13)O
DironDirt.com “Pole Award” – Frank Heckenast Jr.
Dynamic Drivelines Crew Chief of the Race –Tommy Rogers
Gorsuch Performance Solutions “10th Place Finisher” –Jason Papich
Hooker Harness "11th Place Finisher" –Tony Jackson Jr.
Illini Racing Supply “Fast Time Award" – Garrett Alberson
Midwest Sheet Metal "Points Leader Spoiler Challenge" –Tony Jackson Jr.
Performance Bodies "Performer of the Race" –Jesse Stovall
Racing Junk “Hard Luck Award” – Billy Moyer Sr.
StopTech Brakes “6th Place Finisher”-Chad Simpson
Sunoco “Rookie of the Race” –Jake Timm
Swift Springs “Move of the Race”—Garrett Alberson

IMCA Modifieds
presented by VIP Contractors & Karl Chevrolet of Stuart

Feature (16 laps) : 1. 44S Shane DeVolder (Pacifica, Calif.); 2. 4TW Tim Ward (Chandler, Ariz.); 3. 10C Cayden Carter (Oskaloosa); 4. 21K Kyle Brown (Madrid); 5. 8R Chase Rudolf (Norwalk); 6. 11X Tom Berry Jr (Des Moines); 7. 127 Drew Janssen (Pella); 8. 01 Jacob Hobscheidt (Plattsmouth, Neb.); 9. 14B Scott Bash (Windsor Heights); 10. 83G Josh Gilman (Earlham); DNS 49D Doug Heimbaugh (St. Joseph, Mo.). 

Heat 1 (8 laps) : 1. Brown; 2. Rudolf; 3. Hobscheidt; 4. Bash; 5. Heimbaugh; DNS Gilman. 
Heat 2 (8 laps) : 1. Carter; 2. DeVolder; 3. Berry; 4. Ward; 5. Janssen. 

IMCA Stock Cars
presented by Affordable Quality Roofing & Exteriors

Feature 
(20 laps) : 1. 99X Dallon Murty (Chelsea); 2. 20 Jeremy Gettler (Adair); 3. 92 Buck Schafroth (Orient); 4. 195 Michael Sheen (Lamesa, Texas); 5. 99D Damon Murty (Chelsea); 6. V31 Todd VanEaton (Orient); 7. 50B Brock Badger (Bagley); 8. 10B Brandon Pruitt (Stuart); 9. 23 Cody Gustoff (Scranton); 10. 3 Mike Albertsen (Audubon); 11. 71K Chad Keller (Indianola); 12. $ Cody Center (Mesa, Ariz.); 13. 38C Kellie Drury (Eldora); 14. 72H Miciah Hidlebaugh (Adel); 15. 71 Corey Piffer (Indianola); 16. 121 Kenzie Ritter (Keystone); 17. 5JR Jami Ritter (Keystone); 18. 71A Jason Alexander (Russell); 19. 7C Chad Legere (Ankeny); 20. 25D Bob Daniels (Des Moines); 21. 14 Scott Bailey (Carlisle); 22. 18 Anthony Goldsberry (Runnells); 23. 54 Robbie Merkle (Des Moines).

Heat 1 (8 laps) : 1. Gustoff; 2. Dallon Murty; 3. Sheen; 4. Bailey; 5. Drury; 6. Gettler; 7. Center; 8. Jami Ritter.
Heat 2 (8 laps) : 1. VanEaton; 2. Hidlebaugh; 3. Albertsen; 4. Damon Murty; 5. Merkle; 6. Pruitt; 7. Badger; 8. Alexander. 
Heat 3 (8 laps): 1. Schafroth; 2. Goldsberry; 3. Daniels; 4. Legere; 5. Piffer; 6. Kenzie Ritter; 7. Keller. 

IMCA Sport Mods
presented by Karl Pre-Owned

Feature (18 laps) : 1. 01 Brayton Carter (Oskaloosa); 2. 29V Brett Vanderheiden (Earlham); 3. 21 Cam Reimers (Kelley); 4. 8 Dusty Masolini (Des Moines); 5. 95N Garrett Nelson (Osceola); 6. 5T Tyler Inman (Altoona); 7. 26M Mitchell Morris (St Charles); 8. 26BM Bryan Morris (St Charles); 9. 34F Cole Fenske (Elkhart Lake, Wis.); 10. 93N Colton Nelson (Osceola); 11. 26 Mike Dullard (Winterset); 12. 28 Nic Runyan (Indianola); 13. 93 Hunter Longnecker (Woodward); 14. 7T James Tarter (Des Moines); 15. 5I Todd Inman (Altoona); 16. 193 Jessiah Taylor (Boone); 17. 17C Shane Paris (Muscatine); DNS 42 Tyler Heckart (Ottumwa). 

Heat 1 (8 laps) : 1. Masolini; 2. Garrett Nelson; 3. Paris; 4. Tyler Inman; 5. Longnecker; 6. Dullard.
Heat 2 (8 laps) : 1. Vanderheiden; 2. Colton Nelson; 3. Reimers; 4. Mitchell Morris; 5. Runyan; 6. Todd Inman. 
Heat 3 (8 laps) : 1. Carter; 2. Fenske; 3. Bryan Morris; 4. Tarter; 5. Heckart; 6. Taylor. 

IMCA Hobby Stocks
presented by Rick's Towing

Feature (15 laps) : Will be made up on April 21st

Lineup for Feature
7M Matt Tiernan - 17 Luke Ramsey
72 Matthew McAtee - 1K Tom Killen Jr
20A Steven Crees - 4 Jeremy Purdy
13N Dylan Nelson - 66 Brandon Cox
7B Eric Stanton - 11B Solomon Bennett
3Z Zach Hemmingsen - 84B Rusty Bates
22 Seth Butler - 01 Austin Barnes
28 Josh Killen - 20W Matt Wahl
71X Casen Keller - 43 Kevin LeBeau
13M Mason McNeill

Heat 1 (6 laps) : 1. 3Z Zach Hemmingsen (Marne); 2. 66 Brandon Cox (Norwalk); 3. 11B Solomon Bennett (Minburn); 4. 1K Tom Killen Jr (Des Moines); 5. 22 Seth Butler (Scranton); 6. 20W Matt Wahl (West Des Moines); 7. 13M Mason McNeill (Jamaica).

Heat 2 (6 laps) : 1. 4 Jeremy Purdy (Bedford); 2. 17 Luke Ramsey (Bedford); 3. 7B Eric Stanton (Carlisle); 4. 13N Dylan Nelson (Adel); 5. 01 Austin Barnes; 6. 71X Casen Keller (Indianola). 

Heat 3 (6 laps) : 1.  72 Matthew McAtee (Elkhart); 2. 84B Rusty Bates (Casey); 3. 7M Matt Tiernan (Stuart); 4. 20A Steven Crees (Des Moines); 5. 28 Josh Killen (Des Moines); 6. 43 Kevin LeBeau (Dallas Center). 

IMCA Sport Compacts
presented by John's Tree Service

Feature (14 laps) :  Will be made up on April 21st

Lineup for Feature
57 Clayton Portwood - 61F Tyler Fiebelkorn
12C Craig Furstenau - 00 Seth Meinders
69C Dusty Champlin - 33K David Kimmel
2JR Jerry Glass - 69X Owen Richards
9 Kolby Sabin - 16 Curtis Masterson
99 Joe Mastin - 22L Harold Robb Sr
81 Brandon Hartmann - M80 Mark Smith
83B Mitchell Bunch - 23K Russell Klisaris

Heat 1 (5 laps) : 1. 16 Curtis Masterson (New Virginia); 2. 9 Kolby Sabin (Des Moines); 3. 61F Tyler Fiebelkorn (Stuart); 4. 69C Dusty Champlin (Creston); 5. 57 Clayton Portwood (Mitchellville); 6. 99 Joe Mastin (Des Moines); 7. 81 Brandon Hartmann (Fairmont, Minn.); 8. 83B Mitchell Bunch (Des Moines).

Heat 2 (5 laps) : 1. 69X Owen Richards (Creston); 2. 33K David Kimmel (New Virginia); 3. 12C Craig Furstenau (Earlham); 4. 00 Seth Meinders (Ottumwa); 5. 2JR Jerry Glass (Des Moines); 6. 22L Harold Robb Sr (Creston); 7. M80 Mark Smith (Ankeny); 8. 23K Russell Klisaris (Earlham).