Des Moines, Iowa

JJAM Racing Promotions

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April 25, 2003

by David Wilkinson

(Des Moines, Iowa) (April 25, 2003) Mike Smith won the race for IMCA late models Friday night at the Iowa State Fair Speedway with nearly 160 cars and drives were on hand for the five classes of racing. Other winners were Bill Davis Jr (IMCA modified), Steve Jackson (IMCA stock car), Randy Strong (Karl Chevrolet dirt trucks), and Ryan Lundy, Jimmy Hayes, and Rick Gladson in IMCA hobby stock features.

For the first time this season, IMCA late models returned to competition. Mike Smith drew the pole position for the feature and made the best of it as he lead from the drop of the green to the checkered. Steve Borts followed Smith, looking for any opportunity to pass as they weaved through lapped traffic. No opportunity occurred. The top four finishers were Smith, Borts, Todd Cooney and Darrell DeFrance.

Twenty-two of the 25 IMCA modifieds on hand started the feature, but a first-lap accident depleted the field. Tony Hofbauer was in the lead with Danny Wallace charging, when Hofbauer’s drive shaft went out. The two cars hit, spun, and six other cars then were involved in the crash. When the race was launched a second time, only 14 cars took the green flag from starter Bob Moses. Pat Graham took the lead with Bill Davis Jr. chasing him. Graham looked the eventual winner when his engine gave out just prior to the white flag lap. As his car coasted along, Davis sped by and then took the checkered ahead of Dave Farren Jr., Matt Donald, and Todd Shute. After the race, Chad Porter claimed Shute’s engine.

The IMCA stock car feature saw Todd Fisher acquired the lead on the first lap, but Travis DeWitt passed him on the second lap. On lap four, Steve Jackson who started eighth, drove under DeWitt to take the lead. Jackson extended his lead for a commanding victory. Finishing behind him were Paul Anderson, Don Killen, and Fisher.

Gary Stajcar jumped into the lead of the first IMCA hobby stock main. Halfway through the race, Ryan Lundy passed Stajcar in turn four. Lundy held on for the win. John Watson finished second, Stajcar third, and Craig Hower fourth. In the second hobby feature, Ralph Jones led lap one, Bill Bonnett lap two, and Jimmy Hayes led the rest. Finishing behind Hayes were Bonnett, John Thoren, and Randy Casner. After the race, Tim Gannon claimed the engine of Hayes. The final hobby stock race was lead by Kirk Brown at the start and Rick Gladson at the conclusion with Gladson passing Brown on the fifth lap. The top four finishers were Gladson, Justin Maschke, Adam Hagen, and Frank Grove. After the race, Jamie Daughenbaugh claimed Hagen’s engine. Hagen declined the claim and thus was disqualified. Grove was moved to third place and Kirk Brown to fourth.

In the Karl Chevrolet dirt truck main, Sean Allen passed early leader Matt Waugh. His time in the lead did not last long, as Randy Strong was able to move under and past Waugh coming out of turn four. Strong led the remainder of the race was followed to the green by Allen, Lou Sipolt, and Waugh. After the race, three drivers were disqualified for an on-track incident: Brett Moyer, Kevin Stoa, and Jim Phillipsen.

Racing continues next Friday evening with IMCA late models, modifieds, stock cars, and hobby stocks as well as Karl Chevrolet dirt trucks competing. Hot laps are at 6:15 PM with racing following.

Heat Winners

1. Todd Cooney, DM

2. Steve Borts, Ames

3. Jeff Ellsworth

Feature

Heat Winners

1. Tony Hofbauer, Slater

2. Todd Shute, DM

3. Danny Wallace, DM

Feature

Heat Winners

1. Paul Anderson, DM

2. Travis DeWitt, Indianola

3. Steve Jackson, DM

Feature

Heat Winners

1. Bob Green

2. Gary Stajcar

3. Bill Bonnett

4. John Thoren

5. Rick Gladson

6. Justin Maschke

Feature # 1

Feature # 2

Feature # 3

Heat Winners

1. Sean Allen, DM

2. Randy Strong, Ankeny

Feature

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