5/4/2024
Marshalltown Speedway
Third try at Season Opener with wins to Gaylord, Mueller, Avila, Dhondt, Padilla, and Bunch
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa
May 3, 2024
After two prior weeks of rain outs at the Karl Auto Group Marshalltown Speedway, the third time was the charm, and the regular points season got underway for the UAW Local 893 Cliff Chambers Memorial. One hundred fifty-eight cars were on hand for the evening's program.
Tripp Gaylord took the honors in the IMCA Friesen Performance Modified division, and it was Jeff Mueller taking the win in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars. Calvin Dhondt took the IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock feature in a thrilling event. Matt Avila led flag to flag in the IMCA Friesen Performance Northern SportMods, and Jon Padilla dominated in the IMCA Stealth STARS Mod Lites. Also on tap last evening were the IMCA Mach-1 Sport Compacts, and Mitchell Bunch won out in a tight back and forth contest.
Feature racing kicked off with the Mod Lite 15 lap feature, presented by Knight Sanitation. Polesitter Bryan Zehm held the top spot for the first lap. A caution flew with just one lap in, and it was Padilla taking over at lap two in a race that would then continue caution free. It was all Padilla as he motored off and won easily as the checkers flew. Alex Eischeid started sixth and took the runner up position. Third place went to Bryan Zehm, fourth was seventh place starter Cory Sonner, and Joe Glick rounded out the top five.
Matt Avila led the entire 20 lap IMCA SportMod feature, presented by Rugged Radios, but it was a close finish for second with Cam Reimers dogging him constantly in the closing laps. It wasn't to be however, as Avila took the win and Reimers had to settle for second place. There was a good battle behind the leaders most of the race as cars swapped places. At the finish line it was Logan Anderson taking third place ahead of Brayton Carter in fourth, and Taylor Kuehl completing the top five.
The IMCA 20 lap Hobby Stock feature, presented by Big 8 Tyre Center had the fans on their feet as Calvin Dhondt and Eric Stanton went lap after lap nearly side by side. Early leader of the race was Solomon Bennett who jumped to the immediate lead from his pole starting spot. Most eyes were then on Calvin Dhont, who started back in twelfth and was flying on the topside of the High Banks. Dhondt took command on lap seven and a couple of laps later, Eric Stanton took over second spot and was throwing challenge after challenge at the leader. From lap eleven to the checkers flying, the two would run nearly side by side in an exciting run to the finish. Calvin Dhondt was able to withstand all that Stanton threw at him however, and he took home the trophy on this night. Following Stanton's second place finish was Bradly Graham taking third, fourth went to Curt Reed, and early leader Solomon Bennett was fifth.
Jimmy Gustin and Jeff Mueller put on quite a show in the early laps of the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car feature, presented by Drury Automotive. Gustin held down the top spot until lap seven when Mueller was able to get under him. Mueller never gave up that lead then the rest of the way to the checkers and sealed the win. A tight battle ensued behind the leader in the closing laps with Buck Schafroth taking second, and Gustin going third. Fourth place was Casey Woken, and fifth went to ninth place starter, David Brandies.
The IMCA Modifieds, presented by Tire Demon by Love Tap saw a visitor from Mooresville, North Carolina stop by for a little racing at the Marshalltown Speedway. Matt Crafton, who races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and was in the region for his race at the Kansas Speedway this weekend, started on the pole of the 20 lap feature. He was leading the race at lap six when a big pile up stopped the racing action on the frontstretch. This eliminated numerous cars when the race went back to green, and just a few laps later, Crafton also exited the race. By this time, it was Tripp Gaylord as the leader of the pack, and from there on to the flying checkers, it was all Gaylord. He took the win by a lengthy margin over second place finisher Jake McBirnie. Johnathon Logue started tenth and took third, fourth went to Drew Janssen, and twelfth place starter Ronn Lauritzen was fifth.
The night ended with 15 laps of IMCA Sport Compacts racing, presented by Hy-Vee of Marshalltown. This too was a close one at the checkers. Tenth place starter Cristian Grady and eleventh place starter Mitchell Bunch made it interesting the final handful of laps as they raced nearly side by side. Bunch was able to take the lead at lap ten, but Grady never went away and the closing moments was anyone's guess as to who would be the winner. Bunch won out as he took the lead for good on the final circuit and took home the win. Grady had to settle for second place. Third went to hometown driver John Gill, ninth place starter, Nolan Tuttle was fourth, and Mitchell Gardner started twelfth and took fifth.
Next Thursday night, May 9, will be KIX 101.1 FM Thursday Night Thunder at the Marshalltown Speedway and no racing on Friday night. All six IMCA classes will be in action. Hot laps are 6:45 and racing at 7:30.
Article Credit: Joyce Eisele
Submitted By: Jerry Vansickel
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