Sports : Views from the Grandstands

Welcome to another round of Views from the Grandstands from the ¼-mile bullring we refer to as Benton County Speedway. Severe weather in the area passed to the north and south of the speedway leading to another great night of racing action. Before we get started tonight’s action was brought to us by Kioti Clean, which I am not familiar with any of their products. Also it appeared like the rack crew moved the large white tractor tires out about an additional groove from the bottom of the racing surface. From my vantage point it looks like it made passing a premium tonight. One thing about those tires, is that they could use a fresh coat of white paint. In my days of racing there, those tires can be hard to see especially going through turns three and four.

The first feature to take to the track was the IMCA Hobby Stocks. 19 of the 20 starters made the call as Russell Damme Jr was scratched for the night. Last week’s feature winner, Justin Lichty made quick work of getting to the front of the field from his outside third row start. Kyle Parizek made a not so clean pass for the lead in turn 4 by driving the Lichty car high on the track with about 5 laps left. Parizek would go on to take the win with Vince Buchholz second. Lichty, Scott Pippert, and Nathan Ballard rounded out the top 5. Heat races were won by Jacob Keisor, Pippert, and Matt Brown.

Next up was the IMCA Sport Compacts in which 15 of the 16 cars on hand made the call for the feature. Bill Whalen, Jr was scratched from the feature after flipping his machine on the backstretch on the first lap of the second heat. Duayne Herb took the early lead from the pole position. On lap two Bryce Bailey made his way around Herb for the lead. Just past the halfway point, Steve Meidke did an excellent job of driving as he was pushed toward the bottom of the track on the backstretch and was able to keep his car glued towards the bottom and made the pass on Bailey. Meidke would go on to win with Bailey second. Merv Chandler, Brad Chandler, and Nathan Chandler rounded out the top 5. I had to check the calendar as this year, Meidke won on both Easter and Mother’s Day. Heat races were won by Meidke and Jacob McVey.

Next to take to the track were the IMCA Northern Sportmods. It would take one B-Main to determine the 20 car starting field as 25 cars were on hand tonight. Race Hullen took off from the pole position and never looked back on his way to taking the flag-to-flag victory and his first ever career feature win. Jim Buhlman, Nick Roberts, Kip Siems, and Danny Dvorak were the unofficial top 5. Heat races were won by Ken Kositsky, Hullen, and Joel Rust. Drew Fish won the B Main.

Now it was time for the “Class Too Tough to Tame” IMCA Stock Cars. 13 cars were on hand tonight. Tommy Thompson took the lead from the pole, but it was short lived as Justin Temeyer would make a swifty move for the lead and would go on to win the race by a comfortable margin. Jim Schaefer finished second with Thompson, Bob Ahrendson, and Curtis Roster the top 5. Heat races were won by Damon Murty and Temeyer.

The final feature of the night was the “Knights of Thunder” IMCA Modifieds. 16 cars were here tonight. Mike Burbridge took the early lead from the outside pole and would hold it until lap 4 when Brandon Banks passed Burbridge and would hold the top spot through the finish. Scott Hogan finished second with Troy Cordes, Burbridge, and Jerry Dedrick the top 5. Heat races were won by Burbridge and Buck Swanson.

One final note is that I want to thank the loyal readers of this column, even those that disagree or dispute what I see, but it is my own opinion based on one person’s viewpoint. The reason for this note is that I will not be posting these for Vinton until July. This is due to my son’s t-ball games in June and as a Father, I want to be there for my kids every step of the way. Take care and we’ll see you all again, In the Grandstands.