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Hoffses Sizzles at Sunset

Hindered by a weak battery in Qualifying, Mitch Hoffses of Hillsboro, OR rocketed from the tenth starting berth to win the WMRA Feature at Sunset Speedway Saturday night.

Rob Lindsey of Wilsonville, OR set Fast Time in his Pontiac at 13.393. Springfield Oregon’s Allison Journey was just tick slower in her Super Focus with 13.488. Reno Marr and Tim Pyle both hailing from Gresham, OR were third and fourth respectively. Their clockings of 13.608 and 13.675 just eclipsed young Garret Johnson’s (Poulsbo, WA) 13.793 making it an all Oregon fast car Dash. Unfortunately Glenn Bittrolf (also of Springfield, OR) popped the motor in his VW/Beast on his first qualifying lap.(Though he was finished for night, Bittrolf’s lap was good for seventh quick time.)

Hoffses won the First Heat with ease but it was McMinnville (OR) shoe Lance Hallmark that made the move of the race, diving into the second spot as the field entered turn one. Hallmark hung on for a runner-up finish, followed closely by Ariel Biggs, Michael Millard and Annika Johanson all driving Washington based Focuses.

Marr created some drama in the second Heat when he drove over an infield tire entering the first turn. The marker launched Marr into the path of Pyle who essentially prevented him from flipping. Both cars suffered light damage in the mishap but Pyle was able to restart. On the green Johnson snatched the lead in his Focus running a bit higher line than his competitors. The Grays Harbor Feature Winner impressed all by leading every lap! In the final turn Pyle dove inside and goosed his Brayton for all it was worth. The bonsai move resulted in a win for Pyle as he edged past Johnson at the line. Journey blasted to third with Lindsey in hot pursuit.

Marr had his Stewart/Pontiac repaired in time for the Trophy Dash. In the hotly contested four lapper, Pyle won his second race of the evening. Lindsey slid his Ellis/ Pontiac off course allowing Marr and Journey to grab the second and third spots.

The thirty lap Feature was lined up with Pyle and Marr sharing the front row. Marr jumped to an early lead with Pyle on his heels, Hoffses choosing the higher line passed four cars on the first lap. The Gresham pilots distanced themselves from the dogfight for third which consisted of Lindsey, Journey and Hallmark. Johnson meanwhile led a third pack, this one featuring a great battle between Millard, Biggs and Johanson.

Within a handful of laps Hoffses caught and passed the threesome racing for the show position, still utilizing the second groove. Up front Pyle was trying everything in his bag of tricks to get around Marr but to no avail. Marr was having another of his great drives and seemed destined to claim his first WMRA win.

At fifteen laps Hoffses was closing on the leaders, a blanket could have covered Lindsey, Journey and Hallmark and the Focuses continued to swap positions. Hoffses surprised first Pyle then Marr a lap later with outside passes. After that, Pyle seemed to let up on Marr though he remained comfortably ahead of Lindsey. The same can’t be said for Journey and Hallmark however as they nipped at Lindsey all the way to the checkered. Johanson got into the infield in the closing laps but it didn’t draw a yellow nor change the finishing order. The event ran green, white, checkered and showcased Hoffses in perhaps his finest drive. Marr again finished second but again, impressed all. Pyle settled for third followed by Lindsey, Journey, Hallmark, Johnson, Biggs, Millard and Johanson.

Thanks to Jerry Schram for inviting us to participate. I think I speak for all when I say we felt welcome.

Next up for the WMRA Dirt Series is Cottage Grove on August 27th- We hope to see you there!

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