Sports : Brian's Views from the Grandstands

Welcome to another round of racing at Benton County Speedway. What originally looked like a washout according to earlier forecasts turned into another nice night of racing with Mother Natures help. The opening points night is being brought to you by the fine folks at Fisher Towing.

I know alot of folks have been complaining about the track surface, but it will take some time for the new dirt to settle in. The only problem with this is that a large rut formed off of turn 4 and any time a car hit the rut sideways, it shot dirt into the stands. Fortunately no one was injured and I firmly believe that the track crew will work harder to eliminate some of the holes that have developed on the racing surface.

The first feature up was the Hobby Stocks with 17 of the 18 cars that showed up taking the green flag. Vince Bucholz was the early leader from the pole as it would take two tries to get a lap inot the books. Last week's wiiner, Scottie Pippert passed Bucholz on the 5th circuit and would go on to take the win. Following Pippert at the stripe was Brad Forbes, Bill Bonnett, Justin Stander, and Matt Brown. Heat races were won by Pippert and Bucholz.

Next up was the 15 lap Sport Mod feature. 24 cars were on hand. Kyle Olson took the early lead from inside row 2 and went on to score the checkers. A very hard fought battle was staged for 2nd place as Danny Dvorak took second with Joel Rust, Troy Jeruvetz, and Ken Kositsky the top 5. Heat races were won by Rust, Jeruvetz , and Jim Buhlman.

15 Sport Compacts were on hand to battle on the tight 1/4-mile. Last year's point chamnpion, Gary Peiffer picked up where he left off and took the victory after a hard fought battle with Brad Chandler for the last 4 laps of the feature. Chandler would finish second with Merv Chandler third, Tyler Whalen and Bryce Bailey the unofficial top 5. Heat races were won by Brad Chandler and Steve Meidke.

The "Class Too Tough to Tame" IMCA Stock Cars were next with 11 cars on hand tonight. Paul Shepherd took the lead from teh pole and never looked back. Justin Temeyer finished second with Damom Murty, Norman Chesmore, and Scooter Dulin the top 5. Heat races were won by Chesmore and Randy Killen.

The final feature of the evening was the "Knights of Thunder" IMCA Modifieds. 21 modifieds were on hand tonight. 5 cautions would not slow down pole sitter, Scott Hogan as he took the win. Joe Docekal finished second with Shawn Fisher, and Mark Schulte the unofficial top 4. A tip of the hat to Tony Olson who spun out in turns 3 and 4 trying to work around Hogan on teh white flag lap. Heat races were won by Cody Schultz, Hogan, and Docekal.

We'll see everyone again next week and do it all over again. Take care.