Marolf and Eckrich Claim “Drive For 5” Qualifying Victories

by Brian Neal
Donnellson, IA (Friday, June 24, 2022) – Mother nature tried to dampen the racing action before and during Friday, June 24th at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. But the track crew was prepared for it, and was able to complete round four of the Iowa Corn Growers Association IMCA Late Model “Drive For 5”, presented by Floyd’s Waste Systems, JJ Nichting Company Case IH Company, Ideal Ready Mix, Triple 777 Trucking, Woodworth Attorney at Law, KQ92, and Big Country 103.1. Plus the B&B Propane IMCA Modified “Drive For 5”, presented by Kohlmorgan Hauling, Golden Eagle Distributing Co – Budweiser dealer, Mike Campbell’s Body Shop & Towing, Donnellson Tire & Service, Hinkle Auto Sales, and JandJ Ag Auto & Truck. And the Discount Tire & Services IMCA Northern SportMod “Drive For 3”, presented by TONUP Inc., Xpert Automotive & Sales, and Conrad Trucking Inc.

The 18 lap Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Car feature was the first to take to the track, with Beau Taylor and Chris Wibbell making up the front row. Wibbell took advantage of his starting spot to jump out into the lead on lap 1 over Josh Foster and Jeremy Pundt. But the lead for Wibbell lasted for 1 lap, as Foster slipped past him on lap 2 to take over the top spot. The action was only slowed twice during the eighteen lap event, both for single car spins. On both restarts Foster jumped back out front, with David Brandies, who started 8th, close behind. While Brandies tried everything to get by Foster, Pundt, Andrew Schroeder, Abe Huls, who started 9th, Chad Krogmeier, and Jason Cook all battled two and even three wide at times for third through seven. Foster held off a last lap challenge from Brandies to score his first win of the season at the track, and became the sixth different winner in six feature events in 2022. Pundt won the battle for 3rd, Krogmeier was 4th, with Schroeder edging out a 5th place finish.

Up next was the 22 lap B&B Propane IMCA Modified “Drive For 5” qualifying feature, with Dennis LaVeine and Bill Roberts Jr. drawing the front row. LaVeine would edge out Roberts Jr. at the line by inches to grab the lead on lap 1. While LaVeine paced the field out front, fifth place starter Denny Eckrich was working his way towards the front. On lap 6 Eckrich slipped past Roberts Jr. for the runner up spot, and then went to work on LaVeine for the top spot. Eckrich would slip under LaVeine for the lead on lap 10. The event would caution free, as Eckrich pulled away to claim his first win of the season at the Lee County Speedway worth $1,000. LaVeine was 2nd, Austen Becerra came from 13th to finish 3rd, Chris Zogg was 4th, with Roberts Jr. coming home 5th.

Ray Raker and Darin Weisinger Jr. led the field to green in the 25 lap Iowa Corn Growers Association IMCA Late Model “Drive For 5” qualifying feature, with Raker grabbing the lead on lap 1 over Weisinger Jr. and Jeff Guengerich. The lead for Raker only lasted for 1 lap, as Weisinger Jr. slid past him on lap 2 to take over the top spot. Coming off turn 2 to complete lap 8 Nick Marolf went three wide off the top of the track to emerge with the lead, with Chuck Hanna moving into the runner up spot one lap later. Hanna’s run up front came to an end on lap 16, as he slowed and pulled into the pits with mechanical troubles. This handed the runner up spot over to Dalton Simonsen. Without a caution to bunch the field up there was no catching Marolf on this night, as he went on to score the $1,000 victory. Simonsen was 2nd, Tommy Elston came from 10th to finish 3rd, Andy Nezworski finished 4th after starting 8th, with Weisinger Jr. holding on for 5th.

Up next was the 20 lap Discount Tire & Services IMCA Northern SportMod “Drive For 3” qualifying feature, with Jim Gillenwater and Austin Schrage making up the front row. But it was fourth place starter Logan Anderson who moved out front on lap 1 over Gillenwater and Schrage. Seven cautions throughout the event would slow the pace, with six of those cautions for solo spins. On each restart Anderson jumped back out front, with Brayton Carter, who started 9th, trying to slide in front of him. But Anderson would hold him off to claim his second win of the season at the Lee County Speedway. Sean Wyett finished 3rd after starting in 12th, Dakota Girard was 4th, with John Oliver Jr. coming home in 5th.

The best feature of the night was the last one, and that was the 15 lap AVIS Car Rental IMCA Sport Compacts. Tim Schnathorst and Luke Fraise led the field to green, with Schnathorst grabbing the lead on lap 1 over Chevy Barnes and Fraise.  The lead for Schnathorst only lasted for 1 lap, as Chevy Barnes slipped past him to take the top spot on lap 2. Chevy’s father Josh Barnes, who started 7th, edged out son for the lead on lap 3, only to have Chevy Barnes get back by him to get the top spot back on lap 4. Then Barry Taft, who started 6th, would edge out Chevy Barnes at the line to grab the lead on lap 5. Chevy Barnes got back by Taft for the top spot on lap 7, only to have Taft slip back by on lap 8. You could throw a blanket over the top five over the final seven laps. Coming off turn 2 to race to the checkered flag Taft was low, Chevy Barnes was in the middle, and Jason Ash, who started 10th, went high, as these three raced into turn 3 three wide. Ash would use the momentum off turn 4 to pull even with Taft coming to the line. But Taft would edge out Ash in a dead even finish to claim his first win of the season at the track. Chevy Barnes was 3rd, Brandon Reu came from 8th to finish 4th, with Josh Barnes rounding out the top 5.

Coming up next Friday, July 1st will be round 5 of the Iowa Corn Growers Association IMCA Late Model “Drive For 5”, presented by Floyd’s Waste Systems, JJ Nichting Company Case IH Company, Ideal Ready Mix, Triple 777 Trucking, Woodworth Attorney at Law, KQ92, and Big Country 103.1. Plus the B&B Propane IMCA Modified “Drive For 5”, presented by Kohlmorgan Hauling, Golden Eagle Distributing Co – Budweiser dealer, Mike Campbell’s Body Shop & Towing, Donnellson Tire & Service, Hinkle Auto Sales, and JandJ Ag Auto & Truck. And the Discount Tire & Services IMCA Northern SportMod “Drive For 3”, presented by TONUP Inc., Xpert Automotive & Sales, and Conrad Trucking Inc.. The IMCA Late Models and IMCA Modifieds will be gunning for the $1,000 top prize, while the IMCA Northern SportMods are racing for $600 to win. All three classes will be draw / redraw. Also in action will be the Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars, AVIS Car Rental IMCA Sport Compacts, and Mini Hauler Trucks.

Gates open at 5:30 PM, Hot Laps at 7 PM, and Racing to follow. Grandstand admission will be Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students (11-17) $5, with Veterans and Kids 10 & under FREE! Pit passes will be $30, ages (7-13) $20, ages (4-6) $10, and ages (3 & under) $5. All Veterans your admission into the grandstand on Friday is being paid for by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, all you need to do is bring your military ID to get in for FREE!

For more information about the Lee County Speedway you can visit their website at www.leecountyspeedway.com, like them on Facebook, or call Brian Gaylord at 319-371-6744.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Lee County Speedway, Donnellson, IA
Friday, June 24, 2022 – “Drive For 5” & “Drive For 3” Qualifying Night

Iowa Corn Growers Association IMCA Late Models

A-Feature: 1. 33-Nick Marolf, Moscow, IA; 2. 60-Dalton Simonsen, Fairfax, IA; 3. 54-Tommy Elston, Keokuk, IA; 4. 7-Andy Nezworski, Blue Grass, IA; 5. 11-Darin Weisinger Jr., Mendon, IL; 6. 01-CJ Horn, Cedar Rapids, IA; 7. 93-Jay Johnson, West Burlington, IA; 8. 07-Ray Raker, Danville, IA; 9. 52J-Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson, IA; 10. 92-Dustin Schram, Sterling, IL; 11. 8L-Chris Lawrence, Colona, IL; 12. 84-Sam Halstead, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 13. 65-Chuck Hanna, Port Byron, IL; 14. 42-Fred Remley, Anamosa, IA; 15. 15R-Jeff Guengerich, Washington, IA

Heat 1: 1. 01-CJ Horn; 2. 33-Nick Marolf; 3. 54-Tommy Elston; 4. 60-Dalton Simonsen; 5. 07-Ray Raker; 6. 92-Dustin Schram; 7. 93-Jay Johnson; 8. 42-Fred Remley

Heat 2: 1. 7-Andy Nezworski; 2. 15R-Jeff Guengerich; 3. 11-Darin Weisinger Jr.; 4. 65-Chuck Hanna; 5. 84-Sam Halstead; 6. 52J-Jeremy Pundt; 7. 8L-Chris Lawrence

B&B Propane IMCA Modifieds

A-Feature: 1. 50-Denny Eckrich, Tiffin, IA; 2. 71-Dennis LaVeine, West Burlington, IA; 3. 22-Austen Becerra, Carthage, IL; 4. 9Z-Chris Zogg, New Liberty, IA; 5. 5R-Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, IA; 6. 03B-Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, IL; 7. 11-Daniel Fellows, Keokuk, IA; 8. 4B-Mitch Boles, New London, IA; 9. 3W-Garett Wilson, Carlisle, IA; 10. 110-Jerad Fuller, Memphis, MO; 11. 2R-Fisher Reese, Memphis, MO; 12. 51-Michael Benjamin, Montrose, IA; 13. 19J-Levi Smith, Donnellson, IA

Heat 1: 1. 71-Dennis LaVeine; 2. 9Z-Chris Zogg; 3. 3W-Garett Wilson; 4. 11-Daniel Fellows; 5. 19J-Levi Smith; 6. 51-Michael Benjamin

Heat 2: 1. 50-Denny Eckrich; 2. 5R-Bill Roberts Jr.; 3. 4B-Mitch Boles; 4. 110-Jerad Fuller; 5. 03B-Mark Burgtorf; 6. 2R-Fisher Reese

Donnellson Tire & Service IMCA Stock Cars

A-Feature: 1. 77-Josh Foster, Fairfax, IA; 2. 71-David Brandies, Wilton, IA; 3. 52J-Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson, IA; 4. 12-Chad Krogmeier, Burlington, IA; 5. 57-Andrew Schroeder, Fremont, IA; 6. 30C-Abe Huls, Carthage, IL; 7. 3D-Jason Cook, Mt. Pleasant, IA; 8. 2T-Beau Taylor, Canton, MO; 9. 20V-Dustin Vis, Martelle, IA; 10. 10G-Dustin Griffiths, Hedrick, IA; 11. 43-Kevin Koontz, Memphis, MO; 12. 82-Peter Stodgel, Fowler, IL; 13. 35G-Eric Glass, Memphis, MO; 14. 52-Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, IL; 15. 06-Jerry Jansen, Plainville, IL

Heat 1: 1. 3D-Jason Cook; 2. 10G-Dustin Griffiths; 3. 12-Chad Krogmeier; 4. 52-Chris Wibbell; 5. 30C-Abe Huls; 6. 43-Kevin Koontz; 7. 82-Peter Stodgel; 8. 06-Jerry Jansen

Heat 2: 1. 77-Josh Foster; 2. 71-David Brandies; 3. 52J-Jeremy Pundt; 4. 2T-Beau Taylor; 5. 57-Andrew Schroeder; 6. 20V-Dustin Vis; 7. 35G-Eric Glass

Discount Tire & Services IMCA Northern SportMods

A-Feature: 1. 53-Logan Anderson, Eddyville, IA; 2. 01-Brayton Carter, Oskaloosa, IA; 3. 12S-Sean Wyett, Danville, IA; 4. 0-Dakota Girard, Moberly, MO; 5. 557-John Oliver Jr., Danville, IA; 6. 14X-Austin Schrage, Knoxville, IA; 7. 00-Matt Tucker, Lomax, IL; 8. 20-Nicholas Profeta, Keokuk, IA; 9. 14L-Brandon Lambert, Carthage, IL; 10. 14SR-Brian Schrage, Cresco, IA; 11. 1X-Rex Widmer, Keokuk, IA; 12. 3-Matt Thomas, Danville, IA; 13. 14C-Bob Cowman, Quincy, IL; 14. 03-Rob Wilsey, Keokuk, IA; 15. 10C-Cole Gillenwater, Keokuk, IA; 16. 68-Brandon Symmonds, Keokuk, IA; 17. 14-Austin Penick, Kirksville, MO; 18. 69-Kelly Buckallew, Memphis, MO; 19. 10-Trayton Buckallew, Memphis, MO; 20. 10D-Dakota Anderson, Basco, IL; 21. 112-Adam Birck, Canton, MO; 22. 10G-Jim Gillenwater, Keokuk, IA; 23. 6-Bobby Six, Warsaw, IL; 24. 117-Dylan Van Wyk, Oskaloosa, IA

B-Feature: (Top 4 to A) 1. 14-Austin Penick; 2. 14C-Bob Cowman; 3. 3-Matt Thomas; 4. 10D-Dakota Anderson; 5. 77F-John Rockwood, Moulton, IA; 6. 0M-Seth Meinders, Ottumwa, IA; 7. 51-Carson Shondel, Moulton, IA

Heat 1: (Top 5 to A) 1. 53-Logan Anderson; 2. 557-John Oliver Jr.; 3. 01-Brayton Carter; 4. 14L-Brandon Lambert; 5. 10C-Cole Gillenwater; 6. 14-Austin Penick; 7. 77F-John Rockwood

Heat 2: 1. 12S-Sean Wyett; 2. 14SR-Brian Schrage; 3. 112-Adam Birck; 4. 20-Nicholas Profeta; 5. 68-Brandon Symmonds; 6. 14C-Bob Cowman; 7. 0M-Seth Meinders

Heat 3: 1. 14X-Austin Schrage; 2. 6-Bobby Six; 3. 69-Kelly Buckallew; 4. 10-Trayton Buckallew; 5. 1X-Rex Widmer; 6. 3-Matt Thomas; 7. 51-Carson Shondel

Heat 4: 1. 117-Dylan Van Wyk; 2. 10G-Jim Gillenwater; 3. 0-Dakota Girard; 4. 00-Matt Tucker; 5. 03-Rob Wilsey; 6. 10D-Dakota Anderson

AVIS Car Rental IMCA Sport Compacts

A-Feature: 1. 57-Barry Taft, Argyle, IA; 2. 3J-Jason Ash, Burlington, IA; 3. 13C-Chevy Barnes, Keokuk, IA; 4. 27-Brandon Reu, Donnellson, IA; 5. 13B-Josh Barnes, Keokuk, IA; 6. 48C-Chandler Fullenkamp, West Point, IA; 7. 63-Tim Schnathorst, Burlington, IA; 8. 746-Garrett Porter, Libertyville, IA; 9. 11-Patrick McKasson, Burlington, IA; 10. 9-Luke Fraise, Houghton, IA; 11. 77K-Kyle Hamelton, Keokuk, IA; 12. 94X-Justin Stevenson, Burlington, IA; 13. 71-Kimberly Abbott, Camp Point, IL (DNS); 14. 11E-Ethan Prim, Elvaston, IL (DNS)

Heat 1: 1. 13C-Chevy Barnes; 2. 13B-Josh Barnes; 3. 71-Kimberly Abbott; 4. 63-Tim Schnathorst; 5. 746-Garrett Porter; 6. 77K-Kyle Hamelton; 7. 11-Patrick McKasson

Heat 2: 1. 3J-Jason Ash; 2. 57-Barry Taft; 3. 27-Brandon Reu; 4. 48C-Chandler Fullenkamp; 5. 9-Luke Fraise; 6. 11E-Ethan Prim; 7. 94X-Justin Stevenson

Category: Iowa