4/25/2021
Marshalltown Speedway
Opening track points night finds Rust, Hollatz, Olson, Reynolds, and Huggins in Victory Lane
Marshalltown Speedway held its first 2021 track points racing on Friday, presented by Iowa Air Barrier, and Sleeping Angels Fundraiser Night. It was also Driver Appreciation Night where last year's track champions were recognized on the front stretch before racing action began. Those track champions were Tom Berry, Jr. in the IMCA Modified, who went on to also be the IMCA National Champion of the division. Stock Car track champion was "The Game Changer", Dallon Murty, Northern SportMod track title went to Johnathon Logue, the Hobby Stock champion was Solomon Bennett, and Mod Lite title went to Bryan Zehm.
Joel Huggins picked up where he left off last week, taking home the win in the IMCA STARS Mod Lite feature. Huggins led the entire 15 laps on his way to victory. Randy Bryan chased Huggins across the finish line to take the runner up spot. A close third went to Josh May, Bryan Zehm was fourth and Mike Kennedy took fifth.
In the 20 lap IMCA Karl Kustoms Northern SportMod feature, Austin Schrage came from fourth into the lead by the time lap one was counted and appeared to be well on his way to a feature win as the race wore on. Schrage led much of the race until a late yellow proved to be his undoing. Kyle Olson was waiting in the wings on the restart and with two laps to go, made his move into the lead. He would lead those final circuits of the High Banks, and take the checkers ahead of Schrage, who had to settle for second place on this night. Kaylin Lopez, the Chowchilla, California racer came from twelfth starting spot to take third place. Jason Bass, Fort Dodge racer finished fourth, and 14 year old Izac Mallicoat took fifth.
Kaden Reynolds took the checkers in the 20 lap IMCA Hobby Stock main event. He nabbed the lead away from early leader Tom Killen, Jr. on lap eight, and from there on never looked back....pulling away from the competition to score the comfortable win. It was a dog fight behind him however as Nathan Ballard, Solomon Bennett, Luke Ramsey, and Braden Richards all jousted for second through fifth position. Reynolds had a four second lead vanish when a yellow flew with five laps to go. However, it was no issue for him as he took the win easily. Solomon Bennett, last year's track champion was second, Braden Richards finished third, Luke Ramsey was fourth, and Tom Killen, Jr. rounded out the top five.
Chanse Hollatz made the trip down from Clear Lake and went home $1,000 richer by seizing the win in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car main event. He ran down early race leader Scott Rice at lap eight and held off the competition the rest of the twelve laps to take home the trophy and the money. Last year's track champion, Dallon Murty started fifteenth, and finished second. Jeff Mueller was third, fourth went to Steve Meyer, and twelfth place starter Dusty Vis completed the top five.
Last year's IMCA Modified track champion, Tom Berry, Jr. started second and immediately took the lead. However, pole sitter Joel Rust was having none of that, pulled a perfect slide job and was scored the leader on lap two. Only one yellow at lap nineteen of the twenty-five event would halt the action, but it proved to be no hinderance to Rust as he sailed home the remaining distance and took the flying checkers. Veteran racer Kelly Shryock took second place, tenth place starter Cayden Carter was third, Tom Berry, Jr. finished fourth, and Tim Ward was fifth.
Next Friday night, April 30, will be the Local UAW 893 Cliff Chambers Memorial night at the races. The green flag drops at 7:30.
Article Credit: Joyce Eisele
Submitted By: Jerry Vansickel
Article Media
