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JUNE REVIEW
Weekly Racing
After the first five weeks of the season went off without the threat of rain, Mother Nature teased everyone with pesky rain showers that cost race fans the Memorial Day weekend show at the end of May. Showers forced the cancellation of two more events in June as torrential rains throughout the week into the morning hours each Saturday resulted in the cancellation of the June 2 and June 23 shows. In the three weekly shows held during the month of June (9, 16 and 30), 14 different drivers earned feature wins in a total of 15 feature events. With mid-season championships now in the books, eight weekly racing events have been completed and eight more remain on the 2007 schedule.
I.M.C.A. Late Models - Through the first seven weeks of the late model points season, Jeff Aikey is the only two-time winner. Aikey earned his second win of the season on June 16. Tyler Bruening opened June action with his first win of the season on the 9th and points leader Darren Ackerman thrilled the crowd with an exciting win during Budweiser mid-season championships on the 30th. Ackerman, who has remained in the top-five in points all season, has led the division's standings the last four weeks (since the completion of the May 19 program). He currently sits 11 points ahead of Luke Goedert.
I.M.C.A. Modifieds - Dating back to May 12, there have been five different modified feature winners in-a-row. Vern Jackson started the month with his first win of the season on June 9 and Adam Bolin became the first driver in the division this season to earn a feature win from the pole the following week. J.D. Auringer scored the mid-season win on June 30 as he remained one of the hottest drivers in the Midwest - it was his eighth win overall this season. Auringer became the seventh straight different modified winner on mid-season championship night. For the second consecutive season, the driver who won the modified feature on opening night also won the mid-season event. Jason Snyder completed the feat a year ago. Jerry Luloff competed in his 153rd consecutive I.M.C.A. modified feature on June 30 to extend his streak that dates back to July 12, 1997. By virtue of his second place finish that night, Luloff maintained a 10-point lead in the division standings ahead of Auringer.
I.M.C.A. Stock Car - Three different drivers also made trips to the winner's circle in the stock car division. Justin Temeyer opened the month with his second consecutive win at the speedway and Jarod Weepie followed suit with his second win of the season one week later. Sean Johnson scored his first win of the year on mid-season championship night. Health problems sidelined points leader Temeyer during the mid-season event, allowing Weepie to take over the lead in the standings. Weepie currently hold the advantage by 23 markers over Steve Meyer.
I.M.C.A. Hobby Stocks - Brandon Davis earned the second hobby stock win of his career on June 9. His first win came on May 27 of last season. Greg Sweerin earned his first career victory on June 16. It was the first win in his two-year racing career. Points leader Josh Irvine closed out the month with his third win of the season during mid-season championships. By virtue of that victory, Irvine extended what is the largest points lead of any division leader. He sits 28 points ahead of Rod Grother.
B Modifieds - Tony Olson was the only repeat winner during the month of June. After Josh Sherbon picked up his first-ever feature win on June 9, Olson reeled off back-to-back wins on June 16 and 30. Dating back to May, Olson has won three of the last four B modified features. Those victories helped catapult Olson to the division's points lead. He currently stands 14 points ahead of Jim Buhlman.
Climate Seal Insulation Indee Open Series
Mother Nature forced her hand on the Indee Open Series, as well. The series was expected to resume on Wednesday, June 6, in Independence, however rain showers forced that event to be rescheduled for Wednesday, August 1. The series held its only event last month at Fayette County Raceway in West Union on June 27 for its second of three visits this season.
Late Models - A regular follower of the series since it began seven seasons ago, Ace Ihm earned the first series win of his career in the June 27 event. Ihm drove the bottom groove to perfection to score the memorable victory ahead of Chris Simpson and Denny Eckrich. Following three of seven scheduled series events, Chad Simpson currently holds an eight-point lead over Ihm in the standings. Darin Duffy sits third, 16 points back.
Modifieds - Hometown driver Mike Darnall was a popular winner in the modified division in West Union. Driving the high side of the 3/8-mile oval, Darnall brought the fans to their feet as he beat Ron Barker and Jerry King to the checkers. It was the first series win of his career. Barker sits atop the modified standings following the June 27 event. He leads Mark Schulte by eight points. Layne Meyer is third, 20 points behind Barker.
Stock Cars - Jake Ludeking also earned his first series win with an impressive showing in the stock car division. He beat Tory Reicks and Lynn Panos to the checkers to pick up his first feature win in four seasons.
B Modifieds - Shane Panos rounded out the list of first-time series winners when he scored the win in the B mods. Alan Wessels and Jeremy LaPlant ran second and third.
INDEE FAST FACTS
Weekly Racing
I.M.C.A. Late Models
*** Jeff Aikey (5), Luke Goedert (5), Darren Ackerman (2), Darin Burco (2) and Curt Martin (2) are the only drivers with multiple top-3 feature finishes.
*** Darren Ackerman has finished in the top-5 in each of the division's seven feature races.
*** 12 drivers have led at least one lap of A-feature competition - Darren Ackerman, Jeff Aikey, Tyler Bruening, Darin Burco, Rick Dralle, Luke Goedert, Dirk Hamilton, Greg Kastli, Curt Martin, Jon Passick, Tysus Pattee, Travis Smock.
*** Feature winners have led 96 out of 176 total feature laps.
*** 4 drivers have completed all 176 laps of feature competition - Darren Ackerman, Levi Benn, Darin Burco, Tysus Pattee.
*** 7 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points standings every week of the season - Darren Ackerman, Levi Benn, Tyler Bruening, Darin Burco, Luke Goedert, Dale Hackwell Jr., Jon Passick.
*** The starting position to produce the best average feature finish - 8 (outside 4th row): Drivers starting in this position have an average feature finish of 5.86.
*** 25 drivers have earned at least one hard charger point.
*** 11 different drivers have earned at least one heat win and 24 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish in a heat race (18 total heats).
*** Dale Hackwell Jr. has qualified for the most consecutive feature events - 140 (every feature since he entered the division in 1998).
I.M.C.A. Modifieds
*** Jerry Luloff (5), Troy Cordes (4), J.D. Auringer (3), Vern Jackson (3), Adam Bolin (2), Max Corporon (2), Brett Ladehoff (2) and Brett Ladehoff (2) are the only drivers with multiple top-3 feature finishes.
*** 9 drivers have led at least one lap of A-feature competition - J.D. Auringer, Adam Bolin, Todd Conrad, Troy Cordes, George Cunha, Scott Hogan, Vern Jackson, Adam Johnson, Jerry Luloff.
*** Feature winners have led 114 out of 158 total feature laps.
*** Jerry Luloff is the only driver who has completed all 158 laps of feature competition.
*** 6 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points standings every week of the season - J.D. Auringer, Troy Cordes, Max Corporon, Scott Hogan, Vern Jackson, Jerry Luloff.
*** The starting position to produce the best average feature finish - 8 (outside 4th row): Drivers starting in this position have an average feature finish of 5.38.
*** 28 drivers have earned at least one hard charger point.
*** 12 different drivers have earned at least one heat win and 23 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish in a heat race (24 total heats).
*** Jerry Luloff has qualified for the most consecutive feature events - 153 (his last miss was on July 12, 1997).
I.M.C.A. Stock Cars
*** Jarod Weepie (5), Justin Temeyer (5), Sean Johnson (5) and Justin Temeyer (3) are the only drivers with multiple top-3 feature finishes.
*** 7 drivers have led at least one lap of A-feature competition - Brian Irvine, Sean Johnson, Jason Niedert, Justin Temeyer, Richard Quail, Eric Weber, Jarod Weepie.
*** Feature winners have led 99 out of 165 total feature laps.
*** 2 drivers have completed all 165 laps of feature competition - Steve Meyer, Jarod Weepie.
*** 6 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points standings every week of the season - Norman Chesmore, Brian Irvine, Steve Meyer, Tony Schimmels, Justin Temeyer, Jarod Weepie.
*** The starting position to produce the best average feature finish - 9 (inside 5th row): Drivers starting in this position have an average feature finish of 4.13.
*** 24 drivers have earned at least one hard charger point.
*** 11 different drivers have earned at least one heat win and 17 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish in a heat race (15 total heats).
*** Jarod Weepie has qualified for the most consecutive feature events - 92 (his last miss was on June 9, 2001).
I.M.C.A. Hobby Stocks
*** Josh Irvine (4), Vince Buchholz (3), Rod Grother (3), Chris Luloff (3), Bill Meyer (2) and Jamie Whitaker (2) are the only drivers with multiple top-3 feature finishes.
*** 13 drivers have led at least one lap of A-feature competition - Jim Ball, Vince Buchholz, Brandon Davis, Jeremy Floyd, Rod Grother, Josh Irvine, Chris Luloff, John Meyer, Travis Michels, Quinton Miller, Micheal Smith, Greg Sweerin, Jeremiah Wilson.
*** Feature winners have led 69 out of 120 total feature laps.
*** 1 driver has completed all 120 laps of feature competition - Josh Irvine.
*** 3 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points standings every week of the season - Rod Grother, Curt Hilmer, Josh Irvine.
*** The starting position to produce the best average feature finish - 3 (inside 2nd row): Drivers starting in this position have an average feature finish of 4.88.
*** 29 drivers have earned at least one hard charger point.
*** 13 different drivers have earned at least one heat win and 24 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish in a heat race (21 total heats).
*** Jim Ball has qualified for the most consecutive feature events - 26 (his last miss was on July 30, 2005).
B Modifieds
*** Joe Docekal (5), Josh Sherbon (4), Kyle Bentley (3), Travis Brown (3), Jim Buhlman (3) and Tony Olson (3) are the only drivers with multiple top-3 feature finishes.
*** 9 drivers have led at least one lap of A-feature competition - John Bates, Jim Buhlman, Craig Cordes, Joe Docekal, Mary Handberg, Russell Hesse, Tony Olson, Josh Sherbon, Alan Wessels.
*** Feature winners have led 80 out of 119 total feature laps.
*** 1 driver has completed all 119 laps of feature competition - Tony Olson.
*** 7 drivers have remained in the top-10 in the points standings every week of the season - Kyle Bentley, Travis Brown, Jim Buhlman, Joe Docekal, Tony Olson, Marty Rouse, Alan Wessels.
*** The starting positions to produce the best average finish - 8 and 9 (outside 4th row and inside 5th row): Drivers starting in these positions have an average feature finish of 6.00.
*** 21 drivers have earned at least one hard charger point.
*** 10 different drivers have earned at least one heat win and 15 drivers have earned at least one top-3 finish in a heat race (15 totals heats).
*** Travis Brown and Marty Rouse have qualified for the most consecutive feature events - 23 (the last miss for each was on August 20, 2005).
Stat Shakeup
*** Of the 39 features so far this season, 23 winners came from an inside row starting position.
*** 105 drivers have earned at least one top-10 feature finish this season.
*** A total of 166 races have been run for a total of 1,691 laps.
*** Since the start of the 2000 season, there have been 121 different feature winners in the 494 feature races. On average, there is a first-time winner every 4.08 races.
*** Darren Ackerman (late models); Jerry Luloff (modifieds); Steve Meyer and Jarod Weepie (stock cars); and Tony Olson (B modifieds) are the only drivers to earn top-10 feature finishes in every feature event in their respective divisions this season.
*** 123 drivers have spent at least one week in the top 10 of his/her division's points standings this season.
Climate Seal Insulation Indee Open Series
The following statistics include all 33 events in the history of the Indee Open Series, dating back to May 30, 2001.
Late Models
*** The late models have taken part in all 33 series events. A total of 15 different drivers have earned victories in the division. Those winners include:
Jeff Aikey, Waterloo (7 wins)
Curt Martin, Independence (7)
Terry Neal, Ely (4)
Jeremiah Hurst, Dubuque (3)
Greg Kastli, Waterloo (2)
Darin Duffy, Hazleton (1)
Andy Eckrich, Iowa City (1)
Tommy Elston, Keokuk (1)
Ray Guss Jr., Milan, Ill. (1)
Bobby Hansen, Center Point (1)
Steve "Ace" Ihm, Hazel Green, Wis. (1)
Kevin Kile, West Liberty (1)
Bobby Moyer, Dubuque (1)
Chad Simpson, Mt. Vernon (1)
Rob Toland, Hillsdale, Ill. (1)
*** Ace Ihm currently leads all drivers with five consecutive top-10 finishes. Darin Duffy, Jeremy Grady, Kevin Kile and Chad Simpson each have three straight top-10s.
*** Curt Martin is the career leader in top-3 finishes (14), top-5s (19) and top-10s (25).
*** 67 drivers have earned at least one top-10 finish in feature action, 43 drivers have earned at least one top-5 and 34 drivers have earned at least one top-3.
Modifieds
*** The modifieds have taken part in 28 series events. A total of 16 different drivers have earned victories in the division. Those winners include:
Kevin Pittman, Waterloo (5 wins)
Troy Cordes, Raymond (3)
Joey Schaefer, Waterloo (3)
Ron Barker, Dubuque (2)
Dan Bohr, Decorah (2)
Corey Dripps, Waterloo (2)
Mark Schulte, Delhi (2)
Mike Darnall, West Union (1)
Bob Dominacki, Bettendorf (1)
Darin Duffy, Hazleton (1)
Todd Hanson, Clear Lake (1)
Todd Ihde, Decorah (1)
Layne Meyer, West Union (1)
Jeff Morris, Long Grove (1)
Tommy Myer, Blooming Prairie, Minn. (1)
Steve Wetter, Platteville, Wis. (1)
*** Layne Meyer currently leads all drivers with 9 consecutive top-10 finishes. Ron Barker, Mark Schulte and Kevin Pittman have each earned three straight top-10s.
*** Kevin Pittman is the career leader in top-3 finishes (11), top-5s (14) and top-10s (20).
*** 80 drivers have earned at least one top-10 finish in feature action, 45 drivers have earned at least one top-5 and 29 drivers have earned at least one top-3.
CIRCLE TRACK TRIVIA
Question #1: Since the 2000 season, among the five divisions that currently complete weekly, how many drivers who led their division's points standings following mid-season championships went on to win the track championship that same season?
Question #2: Who has won mid-season championship features since 2000?
(Answers appear below the schedule of upcoming events.)
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Patrick Flannagan - #F7 I.M.C.A. Modified
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Years Raced: 12
Sponsors: Flannagan Siding
Crewmembers: Bill Flannagan, Roger McDonald, Mike Mitchell
Highlights of 2006: "Three wins, including $1,000-to-win fair race at Vinton that qualified me for the All Star Invitational voting (held during I.M.C.A. Super Nationals at Boone Speedway). Second in points at Vinton and fourth at Independence in my first full year of racing there."
Goals for 2007: "Championship! Top 10 in regional points. Win some races."
Take your pick ...
Ford, Chevy or Dodge? "Chevy engine/Ford frame."
1/4-mile, 3/8-mile or 1/2-mile? "1/4-mile."
Heat races ... Go all out or save it for the feature? "All you have to do is qualify."
Dominate from a pole position start or side-by-side at the checkers? "Side-by-side at the checkers."
Chase for the Nextel Cup or "the old way?" "Chase for the Nextel Cup."
Feature wins or track championships? "Track championships."
Iowa, Iowa State or UNI? "Iowa."
Deal Or No Deal or 1 vs. 100? "1 vs. 100."
Check out a new driver profile every Saturday night in the souvenir program on sale at the speedway!
UPCOMING EVENTS IN JULY
Tuesday, July 3 Deery Brothers Summer Series for I.M.C.A. Late Models - Late Models, Modifieds, Hobby Stocks - Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6:30, First Race at 7. Fireworks after the races!
Saturday, July 7 Weekly Points Racing Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6, First Race at 6:30.
Saturday, July 14 Weekly Points Racing Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6, First Race at 6:30.
Wednesday, July 18 Climate Seal Insulation Indee Open Series Independence Motor Speedway, Opening Night of the 2007 Buchanan County Fair Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6:30, Racing at 7.
Saturday, July 21 Weekly Points Racing (1st Annual Dick Frye Memorial) - Buchanan County Fair - Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6, First Race at 6:30.
Tuesday, July 24 Climate Seal Insulation Indee Open Series Fayette County Raceway (West Union), Opening Night of the 2007 Fayette County Fair Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, B Modifieds Gates Open at 4:30 p.m., Hot Laps at 6:30, Racing at 7.
Saturday, July 28 Weekly Points Racing Gates Open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps at 6, First Race at 6:30.
TRIVIA ANSWERS:
Question #1: Since 2000, 31 drivers have led the standings following mid-season championships. Of those 31, a total of 20 went on to win a track championship the same season. Only four of the last 10 track champions led following mid-season championships. The breakdown is as follows with the driver's name who led the points following mid-season listed first and the eventual track champion(s) listed second:
LATE MODEL
2000 - Greg Kastli - Darin Burco
2001 - Greg Kastli - Greg Kastli
2002 - Greg Kastli - Greg Kastli
2003 - Greg Kastli - Greg Kastli
2004 - Dale Stolte - Curt Martin and Darren Ackerman (co-champions)
2005 - Darin Duffy - Curt Martin
2006 - Curt Martin - Curt Martin
2007 - Darren Ackerman - ?
MODIFIED
2000 - Jerry Luloff - Jerry Luloff
2001 - Jerry King - Darin Duffy and Jerry Luloff (co-champions)
2002 - Troy Cordes - Troy Cordes
2003 - Scott Hogan - Scott Hogan
2004 - Jerry Luloff - Vern Jackson
2005 - Troy Cordes - Jerry Luloff
2006 - J.D. Auringer - Jerry Luloff
2007 - Jerry Luloff - ?
STOCK CAR
2000 - Dan Trimble - Dan Trimble
2001 - Norman Chesmore - Dan Trimble
2002 - Dan Trimble - Dan Trimble
2003 - Dan Trimble - Dan Trimble
2004 - Dan Trimble - Dan Trimble
2005 - Jarod Weepie - Jarod Weepie
2006 - Jarod Weepie - Dan Trimble
2007 - Jarod Weepie - ?
HOBBY STOCK
2000 - Jeff Roete - Jeff Roete
2001 - Scooter Dulin - Scooter Dulin
2002 - Patrick Stansbery - Patrick Stansbery
2003 - Vince Buchholz - Vince Buchholz
2004 - Brian Irvine - Brian Irvine
2005 - Patrick Stansbery - Patrick Stansbery
2006 - Rod Grother - Paul Shepherd
2007 - Josh Irvine - ?
B MODIFIED
2004 - Joe Docekal - Joe Docekal
2005 - Joe Docekal - Kip Siems
2006 - Brian Kunkle - Brian Kunkle
2007 - Tony Olson - ?
Question #2: The following list includes all mid-season championship feature winners in each division since the year 2000:
LATE MODEL
2000 - Greg Hunter
2001 - Greg Kastli
2002 - Curt Martin
2003 - Curt Martin
2004 - Darren Ackerman
2005 - Curt Martin
2006 - Curt Martin
2007 - Darren Ackerman
MODIFIED
2000 - Troy Cordes
2001 - Jerry Luloff
2002 - Troy Cordes
2003 - Tom Hanson (first career modified win)
2004 - Shawn Fisher (first career modified win)
2005 - Don Erger
2006 - Jason Snyder
2007 - J.D. Auringer
STOCK CAR
2000 - Dan Trimble
2001 - Dan Trimble
2002 - Tom Schmitt
2003 - Dan Trimble
2004 - Norman Chesmore
2005 - Brian Irvine
2006 - Dan Trimble
2007 - Sean Johnson
HOBBY STOCK
2000 - Jeff Roete
2001 - Patrick Stansbery
2002 - Patrick Stansbery
2003 - Patrick Stansbery
2004 - Chris Luloff (first career win)
2005 - Vince Buchholz
2006 - Paul Shepherd
2007 - Josh Irvine
B MODIFIED
2004 - Dan Feltus
2005 - Joe Docekal
2006 - Joe Docekal
2007 - Tony Olson
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