Rockin’ In the USA Night wins taken by Spanjer, Armstrong, Landauer, Olsen and Martin
By Greg Soukup
The huge crowd that showed up for Rockin’ In the USA Night, presented by Sam’s Club Saturday were there for just one reason; to find out who would come out on top of the season’s points championship in all 5 classes. The track was extremely tacky, thanks to nearly 3 inches of rain Thursday and Friday and a consistent mist throughout Saturday morning. That meant three wide racing all over the high banks of America’s Home Track right up until the final checkered flag.
Jan Korth’s #42 got sideways in turn 4 during the first heat for the Kaplan University IMCA Modifieds and ended up barrel-rolling several times. Korth was not seriously hurt and massive repairs were made to his racer that allowed him to return for the A Feature.
Heat #2 for the Racesaver IMCA Sprint Cars saw Bill Garrow climb the rear wheel of another racer and flip the 3G sprinter. Garrow was not seriously hurt but the car could not be repaired in time for further racing.
Nate Thompson’s 3T, the 4J of Steve Osmon, Nick Beckman in the 22 and Brandon Spanjer’s 19XX were the first four at the end of lap 1 of the NAPA IMCA Sport Modified Feature. Spanjer moved up to third on lap 6. Trent Roth put the 14T into fourth on lap 7. That same lap saw Spanjer take second and Osmon fall to fourth. There was a big tangle in turn 4 on the 10th circuit as several cars spun. The yellow flag flew, although all cars got going again. Roth stopped coming out of turn 2 on the restart, moving the 18 of Dion Kovar into the fourth position. Kovar passed Osmon for third on the restart. Benji Legg got around Osmon the next time around before putting the 25B into third before the lap was completed. Spanjer also was on the move that same circuit as he grabbed the lead. Legg moved to second with 6 to go and advanced to the lead 2 laps later as Mark Leiting vaulted up to second in his 20M. The leaders were in heavy lapped traffic to the end and the top 3 spots changed numerous times with a thrilling conclusion that saw Spanjer, Legg and Leiting swapping the positions. As the checkered flag flew Spanjer crossed the finish line first, Leiting was second, Legg third and Kovar fourth.
This was Spanjer’s first ever victory in an IMCA Sport Modified, coming from his starting spot outside of row 3. Spanjer stated “This was a hammer-down track tonight, but had 2 great racing lines. I want to thank my Dad, Johnny Saathoff and Benji Legg, my crew guys Chase and Hardin and my teammate Derek Benes for all they do”. Spanjer’s sponsors include PBS Rental, Crete True Value, Jay’s Oil, Dent Buster, Little Peanuts Child Care, Jet Racing and LA Fireproof Door Company.
The Valentino’s IMCA Hobby Stock finale saw Sydney Yost out front in her #20 with Allyn Shiveley’s 01, the 38C of Casey Moyer and Khrysta Stransky in the 39 rounding out the top 4 on lap #1. Lap 3 saw Travis Albracht put the 38A into fourth. Shively took over the lead the next time around as Roy Armstrong put the 6R into second, Chad Borgman moved his 20X into third and Yost held onto fourth. Adam Armstrong passed Yost on lap 6 and the 6A was now in fourth. The next lap Roy Armstrong moved to the lead as Borgman and Adam Armstrong both followed him in passing Shiveley. That made the top 4 Roy Armstrong, Borgman, Adam Armstrong and Shiveley. Mark McKinney passed Shiveley with to go, making the final top 4 Roy Armstrong, Borgman, Adam Armstrong and the 23 of McKinney.
This marked Roy’s third Eagle Raceway win in 2015 after starting in 10th. “The track was so tacky and fast! It was actually a little too slick in the heats, but lots of times that’s what it takes for a great track in the features. I want to thank Roger; the track was great as it always is. I love coming to Eagle because it’s always good competition and good racing” said Armstrong. Armstrong’s sponsors include Schmidt Machine, Hummer Contracting and NEAPCO.
Next came the Kaplan University IMCA Modified A. Clint Homan led the first lap in the 27 followed by Dana Dankert’s 5, the 11N of Nathan Landauer and Justin Wulf’s 86. Landauer advanced 1 spot on each of the next 2 circuits as Wulf moved to third and Chad Andersen put the 8C into fourth. Andersen passed Wulf on lap 4 to take over third. Phillip Byfield’s #10 stopped in turn 4 with 10 to go. Andersen grabbed second on the restart and set his sights on Landauer. Wulf moved to third with 5 to go. Jared Hoefelman put the 15H into fourth the next time around. The last lap saw Andersen dive-bomb Landauer in turns 3 & 4 to come home first as Jordan Grabouski put his #30 into fourth. Andersen was penalized 1 position for rough driving making the final top four Landauer, Andersen, Wulf and Grabouski.
This was Landauer’s first Sport Modified victory after 7 or 8 years in the class after several seasons in hobby stocks and stock cars. “I need to thank my wife Jessica for letting me do this every week. Thanks to Mom and Dad for supporting me. Also my pit crew guys Dusty and TJ” he related. Landauer’s sponsors include Husker Auto Group, Zentner Transportation, Stuhr Farms and Don’s Service.
The Sam’s Club IMCA Sport Compact A Feature had Brian Haller’s 2CS out front after 1 lap with Tommy Etherton’s 24T, Melissa Cronin’s 5M and the 88K of RJ Maas close behind. Jeremy Baker’s 3J lost his left rear tire in turns 1 & 2 on lap 3, collecting the 19X of Evan Hrabik. Cronin took over second on lap 3. The next time around saw Sarah Cronin’s #8 stop near the pit entrance as her hood flew up. Maas took over third on the restart as Jeremy Bohlen moved to fourth in his 10J. Maas moved to second the next lap and then took the lead after another circuit. Cronin again took second with 9 to go with Justin Olsen’s 14J moving to third and Bohlen hanging onto fourth. Olsen and Bohlen both passed Cronin the next lap. Olsen took over the lead with 5 to go and Bohlen moved to second with 2 laps remaining. The first four to the checkers were Olsen, Bohlen, Maas and Melissa Cronin. Bohlen was disqualified. That made Olsen the winner with Maas, Melissa Cronin and Haller rounding out the top 4.
This marked win #2 for Olsen in 2015 at Eagle Raceway. “This was a tacky, fast track tonight. What fun!! Thanks to my Dad for all of his help” Olsen said. Olsen’s sponsors include Weistar Towing, Central Body Shop, Waverly Glass and Custom FX.
The Racesaver IMCA Sprint Cars then had their A to complete the night’s racing. Tim Hilfiker’s 20, Tim Fricke in the 62, Shayle Bade’s 03 and the 54 of Nate Weiler were out front on lap 1. Jason Martin vaulted his 5X all the way to third on lap 2 before advancing to second the next time around with Fricke and Hilfiker rounding out the top 4. Hilfiker bicycled in turn 1 on lap 6 and ended up flipping his mount. He was not seriously injured. That made the top 4 Martin, Fricke, Weiler and the 7KX of Toby Chapman. Bade jumped back into third on the restart. Tyler Drueke cracked the top 4 on lap 9 in his #12. Bade moved to second the next lap with Drueke following her into third the next circuit. Weiler again advanced to fourth on lap 12. Trevor Grossenbacher passed Weiler with 9 to go, making his #35 fourth. With just 4 laps left Adam Gullion’s 91 and the 18 of Terry Richards went for wild rides in turn 1, ripping the top wing nearly off of the 4X of Jason Danley. None of the drivers were seriously hurt. That set up a 5 lap run to the checkers. Unfortunately nobody had anything for Martin as he held on for the victory with Bade second, Grossenbacher moving to third on the final lap and Drueke coming home fourth.
This was Martin’s second consecutive win at Eagle Raceway. Martin stated “I hope Roger can keep the track this good for next week! I think we’re running as good as we were last year for the nationals, and I hope I can come back and do even better. I think the competition is going to be much higher this year, because I have friends coming from California and Texas, and they are all great racers”. Martin’s sponsors include Trucks Plus, Midwest Linings, Werner Cycle Works and EMI.
Next week is the big 3 day extravaganza of the Racesaver IMCA Sprint Nationals, presented by Precise Racing and NMC Cat Rental Store. The weekend kicks off on Thursday with an Open Practice night. The pits and grandstands will open at 6 P.M. Grandstand admission is free and pits cost just $10. The practice will run from 7 until 10. Then the Pit Party kicks off with live entertainment by Ashdown Forest.
Friday, September 4th sees the racing action resume with the first night of the Sprint Nationals. Front gates will open at 6 P.M. with hot laps starting at 6:30 and racing kicking off at 7:30. This will be the first night of qualifying for Sunday’s Big Dance and will set up the first 9 of the 27 positions for the final A Feature Sunday. Front gate admission for adults is $10, youths 6-12 are $5 and children 5 and under are free.
Pit gates open at 4 P.M. with pit admission being $25.
For a complete listing of all events and times, go to http://www.eagleraceway.com/EagleRaceway/special-events/racesaver-imca-sprint-super-nationals/
RESULTS:
IMCA Hobby Stock 08/29/2015 A Feature: 1. Roy Armstrong (Beatrice, NE), 2. Chad Borgman (Beatrice, NE), 3. Adam Armstrong (Beatrice, NE), 4. Mark McKinney (Omaha, NE), 5. Allyn Shiveley (Lincoln, NE), 6. Mark Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 7. Sydney Yost (Nebraska City, NE), 8. Travis Albracht (Lincoln, NE), 9. Casey Moyer (Auburn, NE), 10. Tyler Saathoff (Holland, NE), 11. Justin Busboom (Lincoln, NE), 12. David Carter (Fremont, NE), 13. Nick Lindblad (Beatrice, NE), 14. Tim LaPointe (Lincoln, NE), 15. Charlie Bartels (Lincoln, NE), 16. Tanner Dowty (Fremont, NE), 17. Chad Fegley (Eagle, NE), 18. Taylor Huss (Reynolds, NE), 19. Tyler Jackson (Lincoln, NE), 20. Khrysta Stransky (Lincoln, NE)
B Feature: 1. David Carter (Fremont, NE), 2. Tanner Dowty (Fremont, NE), 3. Tim LaPointe (Lincoln, NE), 4. Charlie Bartels (Lincoln, NE), 5. Rick Bradley (Council Bluffs, IA), 6. Brett Saathoff (Lincoln, NE), 7. Luke Nicholson (Omaha, NE), 8. Troy Dowty (Fremont, NE), 9. Ron Novak (Blair, NE), 10. Shane Wartele (Nebraska City, NE), 11. Jayde Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 12. Todd Newill (Fremont, NE), 13. Joe Wollenhaupt (Neola, IA), 14. Jacob Harms (Beatrice, NE), 15. Kile Casteel (Roca, NE), 16. Kenny Roberts (Lincoln, NE), 17. Dale Hoyle (Nebraska City, NE)
Heat 1: 1. Roy Armstrong (Beatrice, NE), 2. Chad Borgman (Beatrice, NE), 3. Casey Moyer (Auburn, NE), 4. Taylor Huss (Reynolds, NE), 5. Charlie Bartels (Lincoln, NE), 6. Tim LaPointe (Lincoln, NE), 7. Shane Wartele (Nebraska City, NE), 8. Jayde Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 9. Troy Dowty (Fremont, NE)
Heat 2: 1. Nick Lindblad (Beatrice, NE), 2. Sydney Yost (Nebraska City, NE), 3. Mark Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 4. Tyler Saathoff (Holland, NE), 5. Tanner Dowty (Fremont, NE), 6. Dale Hoyle (Nebraska City, NE), 7. Jacob Harms (Beatrice, NE), 8. Luke Nicholson (Omaha, NE)
Heat 3: 1. Chad Fegley (Eagle, NE), 2. Khrysta Stransky (Lincoln, NE), 3. Travis Albracht (Lincoln, NE), 4. Justin Busboom (Lincoln, NE), 5. Ron Novak (Blair, NE), 6. Kenny Roberts (Lincoln, NE), 7. Joe Wollenhaupt (Neola, IA), 8. Todd Newill (Fremont, NE)
Heat 4: 1. Adam Armstrong (Beatrice, NE), 2. Mark McKinney (Omaha, NE), 3. Allyn Shiveley (Lincoln, NE), 4. Tyler Jackson (Lincoln, NE), 5. Kile Casteel (Roca, NE), 6. David Carter (Fremont, NE), 7. Rick Bradley (Council Bluffs, IA), 8. Brett Saathoff (Lincoln, NE)
IMCA Modified 08/29/2015 A Feature: 1. Nathan Landauer (Davey, NE), 2. Chad Andersen (Omaha, NE), 3. Justin Wulf (Arlington, NE), 4. Jordan Grabouski (Beatrice, NE), 5. Jared Hoefelman (Lincoln, NE), 6. Johnny Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 7. Clint Homan (Bellevue, NE), 8. Shane Hiatt (Rising City, NE), 9. Dana Dankert (Columbus, NE), 10. Matt Boucher (Murdock, NE), 11. Trevor Baker (Lincoln, NE), 12. Rik Gropp (Lincoln, NE), 13. Tim Pickens (Bellevue, NE), 14. Jan Korth (Lincoln, NE), 15. Peter Shoup (Lincoln, NE), 16. Robert Brinkman (Omaha, NE), 17. Jared Deterding (Lincoln, NE), 18. Pat Wheeler (Omaha, NE), 19. Phillip Byfield (Auburn, NE), 20. Doug Deterding (Lincoln, NE), 21. Bob Zoubek (Dorchester, NE)
Heat 1: 1. Clint Homan (Bellevue, NE), 2. Bob Zoubek (Dorchester, NE), 3. Justin Wulf (Arlington, NE), 4. Johnny Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 5. Robert Brinkman (Omaha, NE), 6. Shane Hiatt (Rising City, NE), 7. Peter Shoup (Lincoln, NE), 8. Pat Wheeler (Omaha, NE), 9. Jan Korth (Lincoln, NE), 10. Doug Deterding (Lincoln, NE), 11. Rik Gropp (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 2: 1. Nathan Landauer (Davey, NE), 2. Chad Andersen (Omaha, NE), 3. Dana Dankert (Columbus, NE), 4. Matt Boucher (Murdock, NE), 5. Jared Hoefelman (Lincoln, NE), 6. Tim Pickens (Bellevue, NE), 7. Jared Deterding (Lincoln, NE), 8. Trevor Baker (Lincoln, NE), 9. Phillip Byfield (Auburn, NE), 10. Jordan Grabouski (Beatrice, NE)
IMCA Sport Compact 08/29/2015 A Feature: 1. Justin Olsen (Lincoln, NE), 2. RJ Maas (Wilbur, NE), 3. Melissa Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 4. Brian Haller (Lincoln, NE), 5. Cole Krichau (Lincoln, NE), 6. Spencer Pavey III (Sterling, NE), 7. Tommy Etherton (Lincoln, NE), 8. Melissa Etherton (Lincoln, NE), 9. Michelle Nicholson (Omaha, NE), 10. Tom Powell (Hickman, NE), 11. David Knoell Jr (Omaha, NE), 12. Rick Hollandsworth (Milford, NE), 13. Larry Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 14. Sarah Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 15. Kyle Owen (Nebraska City, NE), 16. Duke Bourassa (Lincoln, NE), 17. Tim Horsham (Raymond, NE), 18. Jeremy Baker (Nebraska City, NE), 19. Evan Hrabik (Bellevue, NE), 20. Jeremy Bohlen (Percival, IA)
B Feature: 1. Evan Hrabik (Bellevue, NE), 2. Kyle Owen (Nebraska City, NE), 3. Sarah Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 4. Rick Hollandsworth (Milford, NE), 5. Larry Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 6. Kevin Staack (Lincoln, NE), 7. Steven Rol (Hastings, NE), 8. Jacobi Evans (Lincoln, NE), 9. Zach Bohlmeyer (Beatrice, NE), 10. Matt Draeger (Bennet, NE), 11. Dillon Richards (Dewitt, ne), 12. Justin Callender (Lincoln, NE), 13. Greg Snow (Lincoln, NE), 14. Erica Cronin (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 1: 1. Jeremy Baker (Nebraska City, NE), 2. Brian Haller (Lincoln, NE), 3. RJ Maas (Wilbur, NE), 4. Tom Powell (Hickman, NE), 5. Melissa Etherton (Lincoln, NE), 6. Dillon Richards (Dewitt, ne), 7. Rick Hollandsworth (Milford, NE), 8. Matt Draeger (Bennet, NE), 9. Greg Snow (Lincoln, NE), 10. Erica Cronin (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 2: 1. Melissa Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 2. Tim Horsham (Raymond, NE), 3. Spencer Pavey III (Sterling, NE), 4. Tommy Etherton (Lincoln, NE), 5. David Knoell Jr (Omaha, NE), 6. Evan Hrabik (Bellevue, NE), 7. Jacobi Evans (Lincoln, NE), 8. Larry Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 9. Zach Bohlmeyer (Beatrice, NE), 10. Kyle Owen (Nebraska City, NE)
Heat 3: 1. Justin Olsen (Lincoln, NE), 2. Jeremy Bohlen (Percival, IA), 3. Michelle Nicholson (Omaha, NE), 4. Cole Krichau (Lincoln, NE), 5. Duke Bourassa (Lincoln, NE), 6. Sarah Cronin (Lincoln, NE), 7. Justin Callender (Lincoln, NE), 8. Kevin Staack (Lincoln, NE), 9. Steven Rol (Hastings, NE)
IMCA SportMod 08/29/2015 A Feature: 1. Brandon Spanjer (Crete, NE), 2. Mark Leiting (Lincoln, NE), 3. Benji Legg (Beatrice, NE), 4. Dion Kovar (Rising City, NE), 5. Nate Thompson (Fremont, NE), 6. Gary Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 7. Gunnar Pike (South Bend, NE), 8. Steve Osmon (Lincoln, NE), 9. Don Rinke (Lincoln, NE), 10. Ryan Gilland (Beatrice, NE), 11. Bob Ruisinger (Bennet, NE), 12. Lee Horky (Fairbury, NE), 13. Roger Sluka (Lincoln, NE), 14. Logan Thomsen (Lincoln, NE), 15. Adam Vrbka (Eagle, NE), 16. Bryan Adams (Nebraska City, IA), 17. James Hines (Bellevue, NE), 18. Nick Beckman (Lincoln, NE), 19. Lance Borgman (Beatrice, NE), 20. Trent Roth (Columbus, NE)
B Feature: 1. Roger Sluka (Lincoln, NE), 2. Mark Leiting (Lincoln, NE), 3. Lee Horky (Fairbury, NE), 4. Ryan Gilland (Beatrice, NE), 5. Mary Lenz (Elmwood, NE), 6. Ken Eckhoff (Hooper, NE), 7. Joe Schidler (Omaha, NE), 8. Mike Hansen (Weeping Water, NE), 9. Randy Fox (Lincoln, NE), 10. James Hopkins (Waterloo, NE), 11. Jason Harms (David City, NE), 12. Troy Sanford (Lincoln, NE), 13. Tracy Harr (, NE), 14. Braydon Latture (Omaha, NE), 15. Arie Schouten (Blair, NE), 16. Terry Callendar (Lincoln, NE), 17. Jeremy Peckham (Lincoln, NE), 18. Mike Scheinost (Ceresco, NE)
Heat 1: 1. Nate Thompson (Fremont, NE), 2. Trent Roth (Columbus, NE), 3. Bob Ruisinger (Bennet, NE), 4. Bryan Adams (Nebraska City, IA), 5. Roger Sluka (Lincoln, NE), 6. Ryan Gilland (Beatrice, NE), 7. Ken Eckhoff (Hooper, NE), 8. Mark Leiting (Lincoln, NE), 9. Braydon Latture (Omaha, NE)
Heat 2: 1. Steve Osmon (Lincoln, NE), 2. Don Rinke (Lincoln, NE), 3. Dion Kovar (Rising City, NE), 4. Gunnar Pike (South Bend, NE), 5. Arie Schouten (Blair, NE), 6. Terry Callendar (Lincoln, NE), 7. James Hopkins (Waterloo, NE), 8. Jeremy Peckham (Lincoln, NE), 9. Tracy Harr (, NE)
Heat 3: 1. Nick Beckman (Lincoln, NE), 2. Brandon Spanjer (Crete, NE), 3. Adam Vrbka (Eagle, NE), 4. James Hines (Bellevue, NE), 5. Lee Horky (Fairbury, NE), 6. Joe Schidler (Omaha, NE), 7. Troy Sanford (Lincoln, NE), 8. Randy Fox (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 4: 1. Gary Saathoff (Beatrice, NE), 2. Lance Borgman (Beatrice, NE), 3. Benji Legg (Beatrice, NE), 4. Logan Thomsen (Lincoln, NE), 5. Mary Lenz (Elmwood, NE), 6. Mike Hansen (Weeping Water, NE), 7. Jason Harms (David City, NE), 8. Mike Scheinost (Ceresco, NE)
IMCA Sprint 08/29/2015 A Feature: 1. Jason Martin (Lincoln, NE), 2. Shayle Bade (Lincoln, ne), 3. Trevor Grossenbacher (Hickman, NE), 4. Tyler Drueke (Eagle, NE), 5. Jake Bubak (Arvada, CO), 6. Joey Danley (Lincoln, NE), 7. Nate Weiler (Omaha, NE), 8. Toby Chapman (Panama, NE), 9. Doug Lovegrove (Waverly, NE), 10. Shon Pointer (Grand Island, NE), 11. Tim Fricke (Lincoln, NE), 12. Clint Benson (Papillion, NE), 13. Mark Pace (Lincoln, NE), 14. Dan Satriano (Papillion, NE), 15. Adam Gullion (Lincoln, NE), 16. Jason Danley (Lincoln, NE), 17. Terry Richards (Denton, NE), 18. Tim Hilfiker (Greenwood, NE), 19. Dwight Carter (Lincoln, NE), 20. Mike Boston (Lincoln, NE)
B Feature: 1. Clint Benson (Papillion, NE), 2. Dan Satriano (Papillion, NE), 3. Mark Pace (Lincoln, NE), 4. Joey Danley (Lincoln, NE), 5. Doug Lovegrove (Waverly, NE), 6. Nick Bryan (Lincoln, NE), 7. Brandon Horton (Omaha, NE), 8. Ryan King (Bennet, NE), 9. Keith Dragoo (Lincoln, NE), 10. Chase Weiler (Lincoln, NE), 11. Eric Reichwaldt (Plattsmouth, NE), 12. Boyd Peterson (Ithaca, NE), 13. Josh Dowding (Omaha, NE), 14. Ron Love (Lincoln, NE), 15. Dusty Ballenger (Harrisburg, SD), 16. Bill Garrow (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 1: 1. Shayle Bade (Lincoln, ne), 2. Trevor Grossenbacher (Hickman, NE), 3. Adam Gullion (Lincoln, NE), 4. Jason Martin (Lincoln, NE), 5. Shon Pointer (Grand Island, NE), 6. Dan Satriano (Papillion, NE), 7. Nick Bryan (Lincoln, NE), 8. Ryan King (Bennet, NE), 9. Chase Weiler (Lincoln, NE), 10. Boyd Peterson (Ithaca, NE), 11. Josh Dowding (Omaha, NE)
Heat 2: 1. Tim Fricke (Lincoln, NE), 2. Nate Weiler (Omaha, NE), 3. Toby Chapman (Panama, NE), 4. Terry Richards (Denton, NE), 5. Jake Bubak (Arvada, CO), 6. Clint Benson (Papillion, NE), 7. Doug Lovegrove (Waverly, NE), 8. Brandon Horton (Omaha, NE), 9. Ron Love (Lincoln, NE), 10. Bill Garrow (Lincoln, NE)
Heat 3: 1. Mike Boston (Lincoln, NE), 2. Tim Hilfiker (Greenwood, NE), 3. Tyler Drueke (Eagle, NE), 4. Jason Danley (Lincoln, NE), 5. Dwight Carter (Lincoln, NE), 6. Mark Pace (Lincoln, NE), 7. Joey Danley (Lincoln, NE), 8. Keith Dragoo (Lincoln, NE), 9. Dusty Ballenger (Harrisburg, SD), 10. Eric Reichwaldt (Plattsmouth, NE)
