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Once again, Mother Nature decided to interfere with my racing plans this weekend. A planned trip to the second annual UMP Dirt Car Roundup at I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. did not happen, as inclement weather on Thursday persuaded track officials to postpone the three day event to the last weekend in March of next year. So now I have my first scheduled event of 2010! With the season rapidly coming to a close, however, it seemed wrong to waste a dry Saturday, even if a cold wind continued to blow. So with racing buddy Darryl behind the wheel and Fred riding shotgun, we three headed to the Quad City Speedway in East Moline,Il. for the " Last Call. " Seven classes were on the card for the 3:00 P.M. start. The sun stayed out until we reached the Quad Cities, when clouds again took over. As expected, track conditions were less than ideal, but given the last couple of weeks, getting a good racing surface would have been tough. Around 120 race teams signed in, and although the late model count of 12 was disappointing, there was still good racing into the early evening. After reported issues with the local curfew at this show in 2008, officials did a good job of starting the show on time and keeping things moving, save a break to try and smooth out turn one in the middle of the program. Running the late models second on the card made we three travellers happy as well. Although the Street Stocks endured several caution periods, the 25 lap IMCA late model feature had only two breaks in the action. The passing points format was used in all classes, and a first heat win put Jason Bahrs on the pole for the main event. Jason raced in the late model division for several years before dropping down to the Street class. Last month at the Pepsi Nationals at Burlington, he landed a ride, but on Sunday he was in a new machine, one he apparently recently debuted. On this night he was the class of the field, leading all 25 laps in his # 96 machine to take home the $1,000.00 top prize. Former track champion Shawn Mulvany came home second, ahead of Nate Bueseling. Visiting late model rookie Ryan Giles collected fourth, and Todd Malmstrom was the hard charger of the race, coming from 12th starting spot to take fifth. Doug Nigh, Cory Goldbeck,veteran Leroy Brenner, Steve Gustaf,D.J. Burke, rookie Doug Curless and Missouri visitor Shawn Lee completed the field. The IMCA modifieds did a nice job on the challenging track, with Scott Hogan taking the $1,000.00 check home. With four features still to go, and the temps dropping, we headed for the car at 7:00 P.M. On a better night, we would have waited through the 4 cylinder race for a chance to watch the UMP modifieds fight over their $1,000.00 top prize, as Quincy Raceways regular Dave Weitholder was on hand to give us a rooting interest. It was however no surprise to learn that Leka put his # 3L in the winners circle, as he was strong in his heat race. All told, Five first place checks of $1,000.00 were handed out, with mini sprints and mod lites running for $500.00 and $300.00. Although the pit attendance was good, the grandstands held a sparse but hearty group on a cold day, and I hope that the bottom line was acceptable, because these late fall specials sure help to shorten up a long off season, and if things are not always perfect, it sure beats sitting on the couch watching the pavement boys! Thanks to Brian Stuart and SMI for going ahead with the show. Although there are a couple of events scheduled for the following two weekends, the way things look now, this coming Saturday will wrap up my racing season for 2009. Surprisingly, there are multiple choices for this weekend, including a two day UMP show in Lincoln,Il., the always popular Shiverfest at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa, and the rescheduled second day of the Iowa Governers Cup at the Cedar County Raceway in Tipton, Iowa. With IMCA late models on the card, and a 1:00 P.M. hot lap time, I am leaning towards the Tipton event. As always, especially in 2009, weather may play a part in the final decision. It was even suggested to me that if things move along quickly at Tipton, I could make it back to Donnellson for a feature or two. Now that would be a good way to end the season! If you still have the racing bug, take in a show this weekend, and say " Hi " if you see me there. Thats all for now, get out and enjoy the races.
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