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Late Model Corn Belt Clash coming to CJ Speedway July 29 

COLUMBUS JUNCTION (July 26) - The Cornbelt Clash for late models will be coming to CJ Speedway, Columbus Junction, IA on Thursday, July 29  in the fourteenth schedule stop of its original sixteen race schedule. 

The Corn Belt Clash is unique compared to other Late Model series, in that it provides an opportunity for Late Model drivers and teams all over Iowa and the surrounding states to come and race together, regardless of what rules package they normally race under.  You’ll see visual evidence of the rules in the form of the cars that normally race under the IMCA banner.  You’ll recognize those cars, because they 

have a larger rear spoiler and an air dam on the front nose piece.  

The reason for this is that the IMCA cars have a spec engine that makes significantly less horsepower than the open competition engines that we also allow in the series.  The extra spoiler and air dam give the IMCA cars more down force and help negate their horsepower disadvantage versus the open-engine cars.  The cars with aluminum block and head, open competition engines, are required to run extra weight and a restricted 390 carburetor.  This reduces their horsepower and when combined with a smaller rear spoiler, the open competition cars are now on a more level playing field with the spec engine cars. 

What that all means in a practical sense, is close competition and exciting racing for you the fans. 

The traditional nature of Late Model racers has always been to have an outlaw kind of schedule and not necessarily follow one series.  But many of the region’s best have indicated strong interest in following the Corn Belt Clash this year.  They include 2008 WDRL Champion Chad Simpson, his younger brother, Chris Simpson, multi-time Yankee Dirt Track Classic Champion, Denny Eckrich, his brother’s Andy and Dave,

2008 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series National Runner-Up Brian Harris, former IMCA National Champion and Deery Series Champion Curt Martin, multi-time IMCA Deery Series Summer Series Champion Jeff Aikey and a myriad of regional stalwarts, like Terry Neal, Ace Ihm, Jason Utter, Jeremy Grady and one of the original outlaw schedule racers, Gary Webb. 

A solid field of cars were in attendance  at the Independence Motor Speedway July 14. Dave Eckrich started to advance himself from the field quickly but it was Jason Rauen who powered to the second spot within the first few laps of the race. The top two drivers quickly began to reel in the tail of the field as Rauen shot to the lead on lap ten. Jason Utter, Columbus Junction had moved into the third position with Terry Neal and Curt Martin right behind. At the halfway point Rauen had distanced himself from second place Eckrich as Utter was sitting solid in third. Martin was in fourth as Chad and Chris Simpson were side-by-side for the fifth position. One thing that Rauen didn’t want to see was a caution but with less then ten laps to go the final caution of the event took place. Rauen didn’t seem to be hurt by the restart as he pulled away from Eckrich and Utter. Utter used the restart to shoot pass Eckrich. Eckrich began slip back as Martin moved into fourth. The checkers quickly waved as Rauen took home the win. 

Utter, Martin with Chad and Chris Simpson following. Feature Results: 

1. Jason Rauen; 2. Jason Utter; 3. Curt Martin; 4. Chad Simpson; 5.  Chris Simpson; 6. Dave Eckrich; 7. Kevin Kile; 8. Rick Wendling; 9.  Jake Meier; 10. Terry Neal; 11. Justin Kay; 12. Jeremiah Hurst; 13.  Tyler Bruening; 14. Joel Callahan; 15. Jill George; 16. Kurt Kile; 17.  Kevin Sather; 18. Clint Wendel; 19. Travis Smock; 20. Joel Brasch; 21.  Randy Wheeler; 22. Jeff Aikey. 

Iron Man Challenge 

Also adding to the racing action will be point races for the IMCA Stock Cars, Mod Lites and 4 Cylinders. CJ Speedway promoters have offered a challenge by adding an extra $200 to the driver(s) who can with both Thursday and Friday night feature races in these classes. 

Both nighs will be draw/redraw.  CJ Speedway will be in action for its regular Friday night program with all five classes competing for points including Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Cars, 4 Cylinders and Mod Lites. For more information go to www.cjspeedway.com