Gaylord and Brown Finally Break Into Victory Lane

by Brian Neal
Donnellson, IA (Friday, July 27, 2018) – After severe thunderstorms and tornado’s raced across Iowa last Thursday, July 19th that damaged the fairgrounds, which forced last Friday nights action to be cancelled. The Pepsi Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa got everything put back together to get back to racing on Wilson Brothers BBQ and Catering Night. At the end of the night two drivers scored their career first feature wins at the track, while four other drivers visited victory lane for another time in 2018.

The 14 lap Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compact feature was the first to take to the track, with Kenny Smith and Mike Reu leading the field to green. Mike Reu used his starting spot to his advantage, as he jumped out into the lead on lap 1 over Kimberly Abbott and Brandon Reu. But that lead only lasted for 1 lap, as Abbott slipped by to grab the top spot away on lap 2. Mike Reu would try to work back under Abbott, but also had to try and hold off Barry Taft for the runner up spot. Taft would over take Mike Reu for second on lap 6, and then went to work on chasing down Abbott for the lead. But without a caution to slow the event, Abbott would go on to win her third feature of the season at the track. Taft was 2nd, Mike Reu was 3rd, Darin Smith started 8th and edged out Brandon Reu for 4th, with Brandon Reu rounding out the top 5.

Up next was the 18 lap Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMod feature, with Bob Cowman and Austen Becerra making up the front row. Just as the green flag waved the yellow light would come on, as Daniel Fellows spun in turn 4 to bring out the yellow. On the original restart John Renier would spin in turn 4 to bring the yellow back out. The following original restart saw Becerra grab the lead on lap 1 over Cowman and Austin Howes. Then just after lap 1 was scored complete Kyle Hamelton would spin in turn 4 to bring out the yellow. Becerra jumped back out front on the restart, with Adam Birck and Howes following close behind. Birck would try to work under Becerra, when the action was slowed on lap 16 to set up a two lap finish. Contact between Brandon Dale and Howes, who were battling for 5th, sent both drivers spinning in turn 2 to bring out the yellow. On the restart Becerra moved back out front, with Birck and Sean Wyett, who started 9th, close behind. Birck would try to get under Becerra over the final lap, but Becerra was able to hold him off to claim his third win of the season at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Birck was 2nd, Wyett was 3rd, Brandyn Ryan finished 4th after starting in 8th, with Fellows recovering from his spin on the start to come back up to finish 5th.

Kevin Koontz and Chad Krogmeier led the field to green in the 20 lap Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Car feature, when Eric Glass elected to go to the rear. But it was third place starter Beau Taylor who grabbed the lead on lap 1 over Krogmeier and Jeremy Pundt. Pundt would over take Krogmeier for second on lap 2, and then tried to work under Taylor. At the same time John Oliver Jr., who started 7th, worked himself into third on lap 3, and was trying to get under Pundt for second. On lap 14 Oliver Jr. would slip under Pundt for the runner up spot and then two laps later, lap 16, he would slip under Taylor for the lead. Taylor then had to work to hold back Pundt for second. As Oliver Jr. would go on to lead the final laps to pick up his third win at the track. Pundt won the battle for 2nd, Taylor was 3rd, Jason Cook was 4th, with Krogmeier finishing in 5th.

The 20 lap 305 Sprint feature was up next, with Joe Simbro and Brayden Gaylord drawing the front row. Simbro took advantage of his starting spot to grab the lead on lap 1 over Gaylord and Joe Laue. Laue, who was running the top of the track, used the momentum off the top coming out of turn 4 to grab the lead away from Simbro on lap 3. One lap later, lap 4, Mason Campbell, who started 6th, worked himself into second and then went to work on Laue for the lead. But disaster would strike Campbell and Harold Pohren on lap 7, as Campbell slowed in turn 4 with mechanical troubles. Pohren, who was glued to his back bumper, had no where to go and went over Campbell’s left rear to get upside down to bring out the red. Pohren would climb from his car okay. On the restart Gaylord shot under Laue to take over the top spot, with Laue and Simbro following. Before lap 9 was scored complete, Simbro did a 360 spin in turn 4 to bring out the yellow. Gaylord once again grabbed the lead on the restart, with Laue and Bailey Goldesberry, who started 7th, close behind. While Gaylord started to pull away, the battle was for second between Laue and Goldesberry. Goldesberry was able to grab the runner up spot from Laue on lap 18, but ran out of laps to chase down Gaylord. As Gaylord went on to claim his first ever 305 Sprint feature at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Goldesberry was 2nd, Laue was 3rd, Jarrod Schneiderman was 4th, with Dave Getchell coming from 8th to finish 5th.

Scott Boles and Craig Spegal led the field to green in the 20 lap Budweiser IMCA Modified feature, with Boles jumping out front on lap 1 over Jeff Waterman, who started 6th, and Dean McGee. Just after lap 1 was scored complete Dustin Crear came to a stop in turn 1 to bring out the yellow. On the restart Waterman would over take Boles for the lead, as McGee followed him into second. While Waterman started to pull away, Jarrett Brown, who started 8th, and Colby Springsteen, who started 7th, were trying to work themselves to the front. On lap 6 Brown would slip past McGee for second, while Springsteen moved into third on lap 10. They both then went to work on chasing down Waterman for the top spot. Brown would chase down Waterman on lap 15, and then coming to the wave of the green flag, Brown went high in turn 3 and then cut to the bottom coming off turn 4 to edge out front on lap 18. Brown then held off Waterman over the final lap to claim his first ever feature win at the track. Waterman was 2nd, Springsteen was 3rd, McGee was 4th, with John Oliver Jr., who was driving Dennis LaVeine’s #71, coming from 10th to finish in 5th.

The final feature to take to the track was the 20 lap Steffes Late Models, with Jeff Guengerich and Sam Halstead making up the front row. Halstead used his starting spot to his advantage by grabbing the lead on lap 1 over Guengerich and Tommy Elston. Just after lap 1 was scored complete Todd Frank slowed in turn 4 to bring out the yellow. On the restart Halstead jumped back out front, with Elston and Guengerich close behind. Elston then tried to work under Halstead over the entire race, but Halstead was able to hold him off to pick up his second win of the season at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Elston was 2nd, Guengerich was 3rd, Ron Boyse was 4th, with Vance Wilson coming home in 5th.

Coming up next at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway will be $5 Fan Appreciation Night on Friday, August 3rd, with the action being presented by Archies Auto Service. In action will be the Steffes Late Models, Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars, Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMods, and Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts.

Gates will open at 5:30 PM, hot laps at 7 PM, and racing at 7:30 PM. Grandstand admission will be adults, seniors (60+), and students (11-17) $5, and kids 10 & under FREE!! Pit passes are $25, age 7-13 $15, ages 4-6 $10, and ages 3 & under $3.

For more information about the Pepsi Lee County Speedway you can visit their website at www.leecountyspeedway.com, like them on Facebook, or call Brian Gaylord at 319-371-6744.

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Pepsi Lee County Speedway, Donnellson, Iowa

Friday July 27, 2018 – Wilson Brothers BBQ

 

305 Sprint Cars

A-Feature: 1.  Brayden Gaylord, Wever, IA; 2.  Bailey Goldesberry, Springfield, IL; 3.  Joe Laue, Morning Sun, IA; 4.  Jarrod Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA; 5.  Dave Getchell, Sperry, IA; 6.  Jeff Wilke, Genoa, IL; 7.  Joe Simbro, Solon, IA; 8.  Nick Guernsey, Burlington, IA; 9.  Kelly Graham, Hedrick, IA; 10. Harold Pohren, New London, IA; 11. Mason Campbell, New Berlin, IL; 12. Daniel Bergquist, Burlington, IA

Heat 1: 1.  Joe Laue; 2.  Jarrod Schneiderman; 3.  Joe Simbro; 4.  Bailey Goldesberry; 5.  Daniel Bergquist; 6.  Nick Guernsey

Heat 2: 1.  Harold Pohren; 2.  Mason Campbell; 3.  Brayden Gaylord; 4.  Dave Getchell; 5.  Kelly Graham; 6.  Jeff Wilke

 

Steffes Late Models

A-Feature: 1.  Sam Halstead, New London, IA; 2.  Tommy Elston, Keokuk, IA; 3.  Jeff Guengerich, Washington, IA; 4.  Ron Boyse, Kalona, IA; 5.  Vance Wilson, Quincy, IL; 6.  Brandon Queen, Keokuk, IA; 7.  Darin Weisinger Jr., Mendon, IL; 8.  Chase Frank, Montrose, IA; 9.  Todd Frank, Montrose, IA

Heat: 1.  Jeff Guengerich; 2.  Tommy Elston; 3.  Sam Halstead; 4.  Vance Wilson; 5.  Ron Boyse; 6.  Darin Weisinger  Jr.; 7.  Brandon Queen; 8.  Chase Frank; 9.  Todd Frank

 

Budweiser IMCA Modifieds

A-Feature: 1.  Jarrett Brown, Ainsworth, IA; 2.  Jeff Waterman, Quincy, IL; 3.  Colby Springsteen, Wapello, IA; 4.  Dean McGee, Galesburg, IL; 5.  John Oliver Jr., Danville, IA; 6.  Logan Anderson, Eddyville, IA; 7.  Jerad Fuller, Memphis, MO; 8.  Dakota Simmons, Douds, IA; 9.  Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, IA; 10. Brandon Banks, Washington, IA; 11. Mitch Boles, New London, IA; 12. Kelly Buckallew, Memphis, MO; 13. Levi Smith, Donnellson, IA; 14. Bob Jennings, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 15. Craig Spegal, New London, MO; 16. Dustin Crear, West Burlington, IA; 17. Dugan Thye, Burlington, IA

Heat 1: 1.  Jeff Waterman; 2.  Dean McGee; 3.  Dustin Crear; 4.  Jerad Fuller; 5.  John Oliver Jr.; 6.  Brandon Banks; 7.  Kelly Buckallew; 8.  Levi Smith; 9.  Dugan Thye

Heat 2: 1.  Mitch Boles; 2.  Colby Springsteen; 3.  Jarrett Brown; 4.  Dakota Simmons; 5.  Craig Spegal; 6.  Bob Jennings; 7.  Bill Roberts Jr.; 8.  Logan Anderson

 

Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars

A-Feature: 1.  John Oliver Jr., Danville, IA; 2.  Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson, IA; 3.  Beau Taylor, Canton, MO; 4.  Jason Cook, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 5.  Chad Krogmeier, Burlington, IA; 6.  Brandon Jay, Columbus Junction, IA; 7.  Darin Thye, Burlington, IA; 8.  Kevin Koontz, Memphis, MO; 9.  Dean Kratzer, Ft. Madison, IA; 10. Eric Glass, Memphis, MO; 11.  Brandon Savage, Canton, MO (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  John Oliver Jr.; 2.  Jeremy Pundt; 3.  Beau Taylor; 4.  Kevin Koontz; 5.  Darin Thye; 6.  Brandon Jay

Heat 2: 1.  Chad Krogmeier; 2.  Jason Cook; 3.  Dean Kratzer; 4.  Eric Glass; 5.  Brandon Savage (DNS)

 

Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMods

A-Feature: 1.  Austen Becerra, Bowen, IL; 2.  Adam Birck, Canton, MO; 3.  Sean Wyett, Danville, IA; 4.  Brandyn Ryan, Coatsburg, IL; 5.  Daniel Fellows, Keokuk, IA; 6.  Bob Cowman, Quincy, IL; 7.  Ron Kibbe, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 8.  John Renier, Ursa, IL; 9.  Jim Powell, Hannibal, MO; 10. Darin Peters, Quincy, IL; 11. Jeffrey DeLonjay, Quincy, IL; 12. Jim Walker, Mystic, IA; 13. Tom Lathrop, Ottumwa, IA; 14. Kyle Hamelton, Keokuk, IA; 15. Austin Howes, Memphis, MO; 16. Brandon Dale, Arbela, MO; 17. Jace Morrow, Memphis, MO; 18. Andrew Swailes, Anisworth, IA; 19. Dakota Sapp, Ottumwa, IA; 20.  Colton Bowman, Burlington, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  Austen Becerra; 2.  Adam Birck; 3.  Brandyn Ryan; 4.  Ron Kibbe; 5.  Andrew Swailes; 6.  Tom Lathrop; 7.  Kyle Hamelton

Heat 2: 1.  Daniel Fellows; 2.  Brandon Dale; 3.  Sean Wyett; 4.  Darin Peters; 5.  Jim Walker; 6.  Colton Bowman; 7.  Dakota Sapp (DNS)

Heat 3: 1.  Austin Howes; 2.  Jeffrey DeLonjay; 3.  Bob Cowman; 4.  John Renier; 5.  Jim Powell; 6.  Jace Morrow

 

Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts

A-Feature: 1.  Kimberly Abbott, Camp Point, IL; 2.  Barry Taft, Argyle, IA; 3.  Mike Reu, Donnellson, IA; 4.  Darin Smith, Wapello, IA; 5.  Brandon Reu, Donnellson, IA; 6.  David Prim, Hamelton, IL; 7.  William Michel, Burlington, IA; 8.  Kenny Smith, Donnellson, IA; 9.  Jared Heule, Keokuk, IA; 10.  Chuck Fullenkamp, West Point, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  Barry Taft; 2.  Brandon Reu; 3.  William Michel; 4.  Kenny Smith; 5.  Chuck Fullenkamp

Heat 2: 1.  Kimberly Abbott; 2.  Mike Reu; 3.  David Prim; 4.  Darin Smith; 5.  Jared Heule

Springsteen Becomes a New Winner During the Lee County Fair Night

by Brian Neal

Donnellson, IA (Thursday, July 12, 2018) – Iowa’s oldest running county fair, the Lee County Fair in Donnellson, Iowa, kicked off on Wednesday, with the stock car races being the grandstand attraction on Thursday night. When the final checkered flag waved about 9:40 PM three driver’s extended there winning streaks, another claimed his second win of the season, and another won for the first time this season at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway.

The first feature to take to the track was the 14 lap Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts, with Mike Hornung Jr. and Brandon Reu drawing the front row. But on the drop of the green the yellow light would come on, as Hornung Jr. got sideways in turn 1 and collected Kenny Smith to bring out the yellow. This would move Mike Reu to the pole position for the restart, and he would take advantage of this move to grab the lead on lap 1 over Josh Barnes, who started 7th, and Brandon Reu. Mike Reu then held the top spot until lap 3, when Barnes slipped by for the lead. While Barnes set the pace out front, Barry Taft, who started 8th, worked himself into the runner up spot on lap 8 and then went to work in cutting into Barnes’ lead. Just when it looked like Barnes would hold Taft off to pick up the win, Barnes would slow in turn 4, which handed the lead over to Taft. Taft then held off Kimberly Abbott, who started 5th, to claim his third win in a row and seventh of the season at the track. Abbott was 2nd, Mike Reu was 3rd, Jake Dietrich was 4th, with Brandon Reu rounding out the top 5.

Up next was the 18 lap Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMod feature, with Bob Cowman and Brandon Dale drawing the front row for the event. Dale used his starting spot to his advantage, as he jumped out into the lead on lap 1 over Brandon Lennox and Austen Becerra. Then just after lap 1 was scored complete the caution would come out for Daniel Campbell, who stopped in turn 2. On the restart Dale moved back out front, with Lennox and Becerra close behind. The action up front was slowed for the second and final time of the race on lap 3. Campbell once again stopped in turn 2 to bring out the yellow. Dale jumped back out front on the restart, with Lennox and Becerra following. Lennox would try the low side of the speedway and the top of the track to get the lead away from Dale over the final laps. But Dale was able to hold him off to pick up his second win of the season at the track. Lennox was 2nd, Adam Birck was 3rd, Blaine Webster started 9th and finished 4th, with Daniel Fellows coming from 10th to finish in 5th.

Jeremy Pundt and John Oliver Jr. drew the front row for the 20 lap Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Car feature, with Oliver Jr. grabbing the lead on lap 1 over Abe Huls and Pundt. While Oliver Jr. worked the bottom of the track, Huls would work the top side, as the two raced side-by-side around the 3/8th mile. Oliver Jr. would hold the lead at the line each lap, that was until lap 4, when Huls edged him out to take over the top spot. Huls then started to pull away, as Oliver Jr. tried to hold off Pundt for the runner up spot. Pundt would slip under Oliver Jr. on lap 13 and then went to work on chasing down Huls for the lead. But without a caution there was no catching Huls, who went on to win his second in a row and fourth overall at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Pundt was, 2nd, Oliver Jr. was 3rd, Jason Cook was 4th, with Chad Krogmeier finishing 5th after starting in 8th.

Up next was the 20 lap Budweiser IMCA Modified feature, with Mitch Boles and Colby Springsteen leading the field to green. Springsteen would take advantage of his starting spot to grab the lead on lap 1 over Boles and Dakota Simmons. Disaster would strike Boles on lap 3, as the motor locked up on his car and caused him to spin down the front stretch to bring out the yellow. On the restart Springsteen jumped back out front, with Simmons and Bill Roberts Jr. following close behind. Springsteen then started to put some distance between himself and the battle behind him. David Brown, who started 6th, slipped into the runner up spot on lap 10, with Jeff Waterman, who started 9th, following him into third. Those two driver’s then went to work on cutting into Springsteen’s lead. Coming to the white flag, Brown, who was working the bottom, and Waterman, who was working the top, had cut the lead down to a car lengths. But Springsteen was able to hold on to claim his first win of the season at the track. Brown was 2nd, Waterman was 3rd, Simmons was 4th, with Bruce Hanford coming from 10th to finish 5th.

The final feature to take to the track on the night was the 20 lap Steffes Late Model, with Ron Boyse and Dayton Lynch drawing the front row. Boyse would use his starting to his advantage, as he grabbed the lead on lap 1 over Rob Toland and Tommy Elston. While Boyse worked the bottom of the track, Elston would work the top to try and get the lead away from Boyse. Boyse was able to hold him off each lap, that was until lap 8 when Elston used the momentum off the top of turn 4 to edge out Boyse at the line for the top spot. Elston then pulled away over the final laps to score his third win in a row and fourth overall at the track. Boyse was 2nd, Toland was 3rd, Sam Halstead started 7th and finished 4th, with Todd Frank holding on to finish a close 5th.

Coming up next at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway will be $5 Fan Appreciation Night on Friday, July 20, with the action being presented by Wilson Brothers BBQ. In action will be the Steffes Late Models, Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars, Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMods, and Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts.

Gates will open at 5:30 PM, hot laps at 7 PM, and racing at 7:30 PM. Grandstand admission will be adults, seniors (60+), and students (11-17) $5, and kids 10 & under FREE!! Pit passes are $25, age 7-13 $15, ages 4-6 $10, and ages 3 & under $3.

For more information about the Pepsi Lee County Speedway you can visit their website at www.leecountyspeedway.com, like them on Facebook, or call Brian Gaylord at 319-371-6744.

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Pepsi Lee County Speedway, Donnellson, Iowa

Thursday, July 12, 2018 – Lee County Fair Night

 

Steffes Late Models

A-Feature: 1. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, IA; 2. Ron Boyse, Kalona, IA; 3. Rob Toland, Colona, IL; 4. Sam Halstead, New London, IA; 5. Todd Frank, Montrose, IA; 6. Gunner Frank, Montrose, IA; 7. Jeff Guengerich, Washington, IA; 8. Brandon Queen, Keokuk, IA; 9. Darin Weisinger Jr., Mendon, IL; 10. Dayton Lynch, Bloomfield, IA; 11. Cliff Powell, Hannibal, MO; 12. Mike Hynes, Shuisun, CA

Heat 1: 1. Rob Toland; 2. Ron Boyse; 3. Dayton Lynch; 4. Cliff Powell; 5. Brandon Queen; 6. Darin Weisinger Jr.

Heat 2: 1. Tommy Elston; 2. Sam Halstead; 3. Todd Frank; 4. Jeff Guengerich; 5. Gunner Frank; 6. Mike Hynes

 

Budweiser IMCA Modifieds

A-Feature: 1. Colby Springsteen, Wapello, IA; 2. David Brown, Kellogg, IA; 3. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, IL; 4. Dakota Simmons, Douds, IA; 5. Bruce Hanford, Davenport, IA; 6. Steve Stewart, Burlington, IA; 7. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, IA; 8. Dean McGee, Galesburg, IL; 9. Craig Spegal, New London, MO; 10. Levi Smith, Donnellson, IA; 11. Mitch Boles, New London, IA

Heat 1: 1. Steve Stewart; 2. David Brown; 3. Colby Springsteen; 4. Bill Roberts Jr.; 5. Mitch Boles; 6. Craig Spegal

Heat 2: 1. Jeff Waterman; 2. Bruce Hanford; 3. Dean McGee; 4. Dakota Simmons; 5. Levi Smith

 

Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars

A-Feature: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, IL; 2. Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson, IA; 3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, IA; 4. Jason Cook, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 5. Chad Krogmeier, Burlington, IA; 6. Corey Strothman, Mt. Union, IA; 7. Tom Bowling Jr., Danville, IA; 8. Kevin Koontz, Memphis, MO; 9. Brandon Lambert, Carthage, IL

Heat: 1. Abe Huls; 2. John Oliver Jr.; 3. Jason Cook; 4. Jeremy Pundt; 5. Tom Bowling Jr.; 6. Corey Strothman; 7. Brandon Lambert; 8. Chad Krogmeier; 9. Kevin Koontz

 

Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMods

A-Feature: 1. Brandon Dale, Arbela, MO; 2. Brandon Lennox, New London, MO; 3. Adam Birck, Canton, MO; 4. Blaine Webster, Ottumwa, IA; 5. Daniel Fellows, Keokuk, IA; 6. Bob Cowman, Quincy, IL; 7. James Roose, Grandview, IA; 8. Kyle Hamelton, Keokuk, IA; 9. Austin Howes, Memphis, MO; 10. Austen Becerra, Bowen, IL; 11. Colton Pohren, Keokuk, IA; 12. Daniel Campbell, Muscatine, IA; 13. Brian Bergheger, Keokuk, IA; 14. Dean Kratzer, Ft. Madison, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1. Austen Becerra; 2. Blaine Webster; 3. Adam Birck; 4. Daniel Fellows; 5. James Roose; 6. Kyle Hamelton; 7. Dean Kratzer

Heat 2: 1. Brandon Lennox; 2. Brandon Dale; 3. Austin Howes; 4. Bob Cowman; 5. Daniel Campbell; 6. Colton Pohren; 7. Brian Bergheger

 

Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts

A-Feature: 1. Barry Taft, Argyle, IA; 2. Kimberly Abbott, Camp Point, IL; 3. Mike Reu, Donnellson, IA; 4. Jake Dietrich, Keokuk, IA; 5. Brandon Reu, Donnellson, IA; 6. Kenny Smith, Donnellson, IA; 7. Mike Hornung Jr., Keokuk, IA; 8. Dylan Schantz, Luray, MO; 9. Josh Barnes, Keokuk, IA; 10. Robert Sturms, Burlington, IA; 11. Michael Grossman, Keokuk, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1. Kimberly Abbott; 2. Mike Reu; 3. Brandon Reu; 4. Kenny Smith; 5. Josh Barnes; 6. Michael Grossman

Heat 2: 1. Barry Taft; 2. Jake Dietrich; 3. Mike Hornung Jr.; 4. Dylan Schantz; 5. Robert Sturms

Jamison Scores Inaugural 305 Winged Nationals Victory

by Brian Neal

Donnellson, IA (Saturday, June 23, 2018) – Mother nature played havoc with many tracks in the area on Friday night, as drenching rains most of the week forced tracks to cancel their Friday night shows. Including the Pepsi Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. But when 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa made the decision to cancel their Saturday night racing program on Friday, the officials at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway decided to move Friday nights program to Saturday night.

The move would pay off, as close to 100 cars packed the pit area and a very nice crowd was on hand to witness the action. Highlighting the night would be the Inaugural 305 Winged Nationals, being presented by Mohrfeld Electric and Hoenig Lawn Care. The 305 Sprint Cars would be chasing a top prize of $1,000, with the Steffes Late Models, Budweiser Modifieds, Donnellson Tire & Service Stock Cars, Discount Tire & Service SportMods, and Armstrong Tractor Sport Compacts also on the card.

After 14 heat races and a dash were completed to help set the feature line ups, it was time to go feature racing. The 16 lap Discount Tire & Service SportMods were up first, with Ron Kibbe and Adam Birck drawing the front row. Kibbe would take advantage of his starting spot to grab the lead on lap 1 over Levi Layman, who started 5th, and Birck. Kibbe then held the top spot until lap 4, when Layman slipped by to take the lead. Meanwhile, Daniel Fellows, who started 10th, was working his way towards the front. On lap 5 Fellows worked himself into second and then went to work on Layman for the lead. The action was slowed for the first time on lap 8, as debris in turn 1 brought out the yellow. On the restart Fellows used the top of the track to take over the top spot, leaving Layman to battle Kibbe, and Austen Becerra, who started 9th, in the battle for second. Just when it looked like Fellows would pull away to an easy win, the second and final caution of the race appeared on lap 14. Bob Cowman slowed to a stop in turn 2 to bring out the caution and set up a two lap dash to the finish. Fellows once again grabbed the lead on the restart, with Becerra and Kibbe close behind. Despite a last lap challenge from Becerra, Fellows would hold on to claim his third win of the season at the track. Becerra settled for 2nd, Brandon Dale charged from 11th to finish 3rd, Kibbe was 4th, with Shaun Slaughter coming from 8th to finish in 5th.

Up next was the 16 lap Donnellson Tire & Service Stock Car feature, with David Brandies and Jeremy Pundt leading the field to green. Brandies took advantage of his draw to jump out into the lead on lap 1 over Dean Kratzer and John Oliver Jr. Kratzer would work under Brandies to take over the top spot on lap 2, and then started to put some distance on the battle for second. But a few laps later he would loose his brakes, which allowed Oliver Jr. and Jason Cook, who started 8th, to close in on him. On lap 8 Oliver Jr. slipped under Kratzer to take over the lead, with Cook following him into second. Cook then tried to work under Oliver Jr. coming off the corners over the next 5 laps, with Oliver Jr. holding him off at the line each lap. Disaster would strike Kratzer on lap 13, as he slowed down the backstretch after loosing a motor to bring out the yellow. On the restart Oliver Jr. jumped back out front, with Cook and Brandies glued to his back bumper. Oliver Jr. would hold on over the final laps to score his second win of the season at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Cook was 2nd, Pundt was 3rd, Corey Strothman finished 4th after starting in 9th, with Jason See coming home in 5th.

Bruce Hanford and Jordan Walker drew the front row for the 18 lap Budweiser Modified feature, with Hanford jumping out into the lead on lap 1 over Jeff Waterman and Walker. Just after lap 1 was scored complete, Bill Roberts Jr. slowed down the backstretch to bring out the yellow. On the restart Hanford moved back out front, with Waterman and Mike Van Genderen, who started 8th, close behind. While Hanford worked to hold off Waterman, Steve Stewart, who started 7th, was quickly working his way into the battle. On lap 11 Stewart over took Van Genderen for third and then one lap later he made the pass of Waterman to move into second. But disaster would strike Stewart on lap 13, as he tried to work under Hanford coming off turn 4 and made contact with Hanford’s left rear. Which resulted in Stewart spinning to bring out the yellow. Hanford once again grabbed the lead on the restart, with Van Genderen and Dakota Simmons following. Van Genderen would close in on Hanford’s back bumper on the final lap, but Hanford held on to pick up his first win of the season at the track. Van Genderen was 2nd, Simmons was 3rd, Mitch Boles was 4th, with Kelly Buckallew coming from 11th to finish in 5th.

The 20 lap Inaugural 305 Winged Nationals Sprint Car feature was up next, with Harold Pohren and John Schulz leading the field to the drop of the green flag. Schulz used his starting spot to jump out into the lead on lap 1 over Pohren and Ryan Jamison. The lead for Schulz only lasted for 1 lap, as Jamison shot under him on lap 2 to take over the top spot. Debris in turn 1 on lap 4 would bring out the first caution of the race. On the restart Jamison jumped back out front, with Tanner Gebhardt and Schulz close behind. The fast pace that Jamison was setting would put him into lapped traffic on lap 9. But that wasn’t enough to slow him down, as he built up a straight-away lead. The only thing that did slow Jamison down was the second and final caution of the race. As debris in turn 3 on lap 12 brought out the yellow. Jamison once again grabbed the lead on the restart, with Gebhardt and Schulz following. Without another caution to slow the pace, Jamison would pull away to claim the win and the $1,000 check to go with it. Gebhardt was 2nd, Schulz was 3rd, Pohren was 4th, with Brayden Gaylord coming home in 5th.

Sam Halstead and Tim Simpson drew the front row for the 20 lap Steffes Late Model feature, with Halstead grabbing the lead on lap 1 over Todd Frank and Simpson. The action was slowed for the first and only time on lap 2, as debris under the flag stand brought out the yellow. On the restart Halstead moved back out front, with Tommy Elston, who started 4th, over taking Frank for second. One lap later, lap 4, Elston used the top of the track to take the top spot away from Halstead. While Halstead battled Jay Johnson, who started 5th, and Jeff Guengerich, who started 8th, for second, Elston would pull away to claim his second win of the season at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway. Johnson won the battle for 2nd, Guengerich was 3rd, Halstead was 4th, with Frank rounding out the top 5.

The final feature to take to the track on the night was the 14 lap Armstrong Tractor Sport Compacts, with Barry Taft and Mike Reu making up the front row. Taft took advantage of his draw to jump out into the lead on lap 1 over Reu and Ryan Havel. While Taft set a fast pace out front, Reu, Havel, and Kimberly Abbott, who started 5th, battled for second. Just when it looked like Taft would cruise to an easy win, the red flag appeared on lap 11 to slow the action. Havel, who was running 3rd, caught fire in turn 4 and slowed to a stop under the flag stand to bring out the red. On the restart Taft moved back out front, with Abbott and Jake Dietrich, who charged from 20th, glued to Taft’s back bumper. Coming off turn 4 to get the checkered flag, Abbott would get up beside Taft. But Taft would hold her off at the line to pick up his fifth win of the season at the track. Abbott settled for 2nd, Trent Orwig, who started 10th, over took Dietrich on the final lap to finish in 3rd, Dietrich was 4th, with William Michel finishing 5th after starting in 8th.

Coming up next Friday, June 29th at the Pepsi Lee County Speedway will be another points night, presented by Pilot Grove Savings Bank. Doing battle for points will be the Steffes Late Models, Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars, Discount Tire & Service IMCA SportMods, and Armstrong Tractor IMCA Sport Compacts.

Gates will open at 5:30 PM, hot laps at 7 PM, and racing at 7:30 PM. Grandstand admission will be adults $10, seniors (60+) $9, students (11-17) $5, and kids 10 & under FREE!! Pit passes are $25, age 7-13 $15, ages 4-6 $10, and ages 3 & under $3. Any military person with an I.D. will be admitted into the grandstands for FREE! Plus there will be a huge fireworks display after the races, thanks to J&M Displays.

For more information about the Pepsi Lee County Speedway you can visit their website at www.leecountyspeedway.com, like them on Facebook, or call Brian Gaylord at 319-371-6744.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Pepsi Lee County Speedway, Donnellson, Iowa

Saturday, June 23, 2018 – Mohrfeld Electric & Hoenig Lawn Care Night

 

305 Sprints

A-Feature: 1.  Ryan Jamison, Mediapolis, IA; 2.  Tanner Gebhardt, Burlington, IA; 3.  John Schulz, West Burlington, IA; 4.  Harold Pohren, New London, IA; 5.  Brayden Gaylord, Wever, IA; 6.  Dave Getchell, Sperry, IA; 7.  Rob Kubli, Milo, IA; 8.  Nick Guernsey, Burlington, IA; 9.  Matt Krieger, Burlington, IA; 10. Frank Rodgers, Lucas, IA; 11. Kelly Graham, Hedrick, IA; 12. Damian Getchell, Sperry, IA; 13. Colton Fisher, Mediapolis, IA; 14. Jarrod Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA; 15. Daniel Bergquist, Burlington, IA; 16. Justin Parrish, Oquawka, IL; 17. Travis Porter, Rock Island, IL

Heat 1: 1.  Harold Pohren; 2.  Brayden Gaylord; 3.  Rob Kubli; 4.  Dave Getchell; 5.  Damian Getchell; 6.  Kelly Graham; 7.  Jarrod Schneiderman; 8.  Travis Porter

Heat 2: 1.  Ryan Jamison; 2.  John Schulz; 3.  Tanner Gebhardt; 4.  Frank Rodgers; 5.  Nick Guernsey; 6.  Justin Parrish; 7.  Colton Fisher; 8.  Matt Krieger; 9.  Daniel Bergquist

Shake-up Dash: 1.  John Schulz; 2.  Ryan Jamison; 3.  Tanner Gebhardt; 4.  Brayden Gaylord; 5.  Rob Kubli; 6.  Harold Pohren

 

Steffes Late Models

A-Feature: 1.  Tommy Elston, Keokuk, IA; 2.  Jay Johnson, West Burlington, IA; 3.  Jeff Guengerich, Washington, IA; 4.  Sam Halstead, New London, IA; 5.  Todd Frank, Montrose, IA; 6.  Tim Simpson, West Btranch, IA; 7.  Ron Boyse, Kalona, IA; 8.  Clint Kirkham, Camden, IL; 9.  Darin Weisinger Jr., Mendon, IL; 10. Brandon Queen, Keokuk, IA; 11. Gunner Frank, Montrose, IA; 12. Aric Becker, Cedar Rapids, IA

Heat 1: 1.  Tommy Elston; 2.  Jeff Guengerich; 3.  Tim Simpson; 4.  Todd Frank; 5.  Aric Becker; 6.  Clint Kirkham

Heat 2: 1.  Jay Johnson; 2.  Sam Halstead; 3.  Ron Boyse; 4.  Gunner Frank; 5.  Darin Weisinger Jr.; 6.  Brandon Queen

 

Budweiser Modifieds

A-Feature: 1.  Bruce Hanford, Davenport, IA; 2.  Mike Van Genderen, Newton, IA; 3.  Dakota Simmons, Douds, IA; 4.  Mitch Boles, New London, IA; 5.  Kelly Buckallew, Memphis, MO; 6.  Jordan Walker, Cedar Rapids, IA; 7.  Dean McGee, Galesburg, IL; 8.  Steve Stewart, Burlington, IA; 9.  Colby Springsteen, Wapello, IA; 10. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, IL; 11. Logan Anderson, Eddyville, IA; 12. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, IA; 13. Chris Zogg, New Liberty, IA (DNS); 14. Dugan Thye, Burlington, IA (DNS); 15. Dustin Crear, West Burlington, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  Bill Roberts Jr.; 2.  Colby Springsteen; 3.  Jeff Waterman; 4.  Mitch Boles; 5.  Dean McGee; 6.  Kelly Buckallew; 7.  Chris Zogg; 8.  Dugan Thye

Heat 2: 1.  Steve Stewart; 2.  Mike Van Genderen; 3.  Bruce Hanford; 4.  Dakota Simmons; 5.  Jordan Walker; 6.  Logan Anderson; 7.  Dustin Crear (DNS)

 

Donnellson Tire & Service Stock Cars

A-Feature: 1.  John Oliver Jr., Danville, IA; 2.  Jason Cook, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 3.  Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson, IA; 4.  Corey Strothman, Mt. Union, IA; 5.  Jason See, Albia, IA; 6.  Chad Krogmeier, Burlington, IA; 7.  Matt Gavin, Monmouth, IL; 8.  Kevin Koontz, Memphis, MO; 9.  Jordan Gerling, Columbus Junction, IA; 10. David Brandies, Wilton, IA; 11. Dean Kratzer, Ft. Madison, IA; 12. Ray Raker, Burlington, IA; 13. Brandon Lambert, Carthage, IL (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  John Oliver Jr., 2.  Jeremy Pundt; 3.  David Brandies; 4.  Matt Gavin; 5.  Jordan Gerling; 6.  Kevin Koontz; 7.  Ray Raker (DNS)

Heat 2: 1.  Jason Cook; 2.  Chad Krogmeier; 3.  Corey Strothman; 4.  Dean Kratzer; 5.  Jason See; 6.  Brandon Lambert

 

Discount Tire & Service SportMods

A-Feature: 1.  Daniel Fellows, Keokuk, IA; 2.  Austen Becerra, Bowen, IL; 3.  Brandon Dale, Arbela, MO; 4.  Ron Kibbe, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 5.  Shaun Slaughter, Iowa City, IA; 6.  Levi Layman, Muscatine, IA; 7.  Tyler Burton, Quincy, IL; 8.  Trent Brink, Bussey, IA; 9.  Tom Lathrop, Ottumwa, IA; 10. Colton Pohren, Keokuk, IA; 11. Dakota Sapp, Ottumwa, IA; 12. Cody Benjamin, Hamilton, IL; 13. Sean Wyett, Danville, IA; 14. Nick Aupperle, Iowa City, IA; 15. Adam Birck, Canton, MO; 16. Bob Cowman, Quincy, IL; 17. Brandon Lennox, New London, MO; 18. Kyle Hamelton, Keokuk, IA; 19. Colton Bowman, Burlington, IA

Heat 1: 1.  Brandon Dale; 2.  Shaun Slaughter; 3.  Tom Lathrop; 4.  Trent Brink; 5.  Sean Wyett; 6.  Dakota Sapp; 7.  Kyle Hamelton

Heat 2: 1.  Brandon Lennox; 2.  Daniel Fellows; 3.  Tyler Burton; 4.  Adam Birck; 5.  Bob Cowman; 6.  Nick Aupperle

Heat 3: 1.  Austen Becerra; 2.  Levi Layman; 3.  Ron Kibbe; 4.  Colton Pohren; 5.  Cody Benjamin; 6.  Colton Bowman

 

Armstrong Tractor Sport Compacts

A-Feature: 1.  Barry Taft, Argyle, IA; 2.  Kimberly Abbott, Camp Point, IL; 3.  Trent Orwig, Ottumwa, IA; 4.  Jake Dietrich, Keokuk, IA; 5.  William Michel, Burlington, IA; 6.  Seth Keiser, Fruitland, IA; 7.  Mike Reu, Donnellson, IA; 8.  Jason Ash, Burlington, IA; 9.  David Prim, Hamelton, IL; 10. Billy Cain, Bloomfield, IA; 11. Aaron Berry, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 12. Robert Sturms, Burlington, IA; 13. Wesley Talley, Monmouth, IL; 14. Eric Eye, Winfield, IA; 15. Larry Miller, Burlington, IA; 16. Ryan Havel, Iowa City, IA; 17. Ashton Blain, Burlington, IA; 18. Kenny Smith, Donnellson, IA; 19. Shane Barnes, Washington, IA; 20. Brandon Reu, Donnellson, IA (DNS); 21. Cody Bowman, Mt. Pleasant, IA (DNS)

Heat 1: 1.  Barry Taft; 2.  David Prim; 3.  Larry Miller; 4.  Brandon Reu; 5.  Jason Ash; 6.  Eric Eye; 7.  Cody Bowman

Heat 2: 1.  William Michel; 2.  Robert Sturms; 3.  Mike Reu; 4.  Ryan Havel; 5.  Aaron Berry; 6.  Wesley Talley; 7.  Jake Dietrich

Heat 3: 1.  Trent Orwig; 2.  Kimberly Abbott; 3.  Kenny Smith; 4.  Seth Keiser; 5.  Ashton Blain; 6.  Billy Cain; 7.  Shane Barnes