*This past Saturday night had some of the best racing action we have seen this season, but let’s wait on that for just a minute!! This night meant more, it felt different, it was special. We first need to thank Carl Crossette and his entire Hall of Fame committee for putting in all the hours in to make sure that the great ones are honored. The 2024 HOF Class was inducted during the intermission ceremony as many family members, friends and supporters alike watched as the awards were given and speeches read. We at F.O.E want to congratulate and welcome Dennis Shipman, David Blocher, Wes Mohr jr., and Floyd Myers to the 81 Speedway Hall of Fame!! Your contributions to dirt track racing will forever be engrained into the fabric here at the speedway.
*Now back to the racing…. Sort of … As the TM Fencing LLC Super stocks took to the track the hall of famer himself along side his son Kyle put on a show the last few laps finishing side by side and David beating Kyle for 7th place by just .058 seconds!! At the front the race was on with Kenny Sweet, Chris Pitts, Jerrod Reimer and the 5 of McGehee all battling for the top spot. The final 5 laps Reimer held off Pitts and scored another victory for the 24’ season. Pitts 2nd, Sweet 3rd, McGehee 4th and JD Eveland rounding out the top 5.
*The Rage Jerky Mini Stocks pulled out under the Musco lit 3/8 mile track next. In just a few quick laps it was Big-T Titus Bortzfield to the front leaving the newly energized Joshua Caudell in chase. Justin Esparza was battling his way to the top 5 when a last turn bump pushed him out of contention. Ken Hapy 3rd, The Jaeger Bros finishing (Drake) 4th and (Joseph) 5th! The class continues to grow and had a really good race with only one caution all night.
*So the part about more than racing…. In the Kansas Tow Co. USRA B-mods we watched K.C. Mullin Lead all but 3 laps but not easily as he was being challenged Slade Mohr and Cory Janasek most of the race. When Guest announcer Hollywood Tyler Davis went to victory lane to meet Mullin, K.C. Was at a loss for words, these moments will last forever and we were so happy for that young man getting that victory!! The points battle tightened up and with just 3 more races left this season it will be down to the last night !!
*The Allied Battery and Energy Stock Cars checked in 27 cars again this week. I’m willing to say that 15-16 of these guys could win on any given night. It just takes a small mistake, a bobble, or slight miss on your setup and it could cost you 10 spots. First time this year visitor J.D. Choate was strong from the jump and was in a war with Rocket Reimer, Joey Richmond, and Clint Smith but also had to battle with the Yellow cloth that kept flying “(9A) wink. wink.” After the authority in the tower said the race hit the time limit, they lined em up nose to tail for a GWC finish. Jayce looked to be faster and made a run at Choate, but probably wished he wouldn’t have chosen to follow him into turn one as Choate’s car pushed up the track causing Jayce to check up, J.D. Choate went on to win, Jayce Reimer 2nd, late charging Clint Smith 3rd, Joey Richmond 4th and Bad Beau Davis 5th!! What a great group of people and racers, and this one is gonna come down to the wire for the points championship, 5 Drivers can still win, come see em at the races !!
*Last in the evening but first in your hearts was the Alternative Pest Management USRA Modifieds. The front of this one was a doozy, The top 3 in points put on a show!! Payday Paden Phillips, Dan Powers, and Wyatt Gaggero swapped places lap after lap, When Dan looked to be faster, Paden would get back around him, Wyatt stayed lurking on the bottom and would get by Powers, but Powers Powered Past him again. This one had some back of pack cautions making Paden restart a few times to get it in the books, coming to the Checkered flags it was Paden Phillips , Dan Powers over Wyatt Gaggero by .002 seconds, Gabe Hodges 4th, and with a goodish last restart Kirby Robe Rounded out the top 5. The USRA mods points is another close one as Dan Powers, Paden Phillips and Wyatt Gaggero all have to hit their marks in the last few races to get this one done.
*We have to thank Tyler Davis for stepping in on the infield microphone, far from the seat he normally is in, he did a magnificent job even when out of his element. Thank you to all the fans that endured the heat, the crews, drivers, and track workers for making this all possible!! We will return to action 9/7/24 as the Heartland Modified Tour stops in for the show.
photo credit : Just Good Old Racing-Gary