Hamilton County Speedway springs back into action
By: Ryan Bergeson

Webster City, Ia (Saturday, April 8, 2006) - After a long winter and battling with Mother Nature for the last several weeks, The Hamilton County Speedway made the official start to the 2006 season. The die-hards of racing came to the speedway to see some great racing and the drivers would not disappoint.

The econo stocks took to the track for their first feature of the season. Mason Gilbert would grab the lead early as T.J. Mortenson would pick his way through the field. On lap 3 Mortenson powered up his machine and took over the top spot and he would not look back. Mortenson would take the first checkered flag of the 2006 season. Mortenson was followed by Perne Struchen and Mason Gilbert. Mortenson would also pick up the heat race win.

The Chalfant Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Hobby Stocks were next out on the Speedway. Justin Ades would grab the lead early and battle with Haglund and Scmauss for the first several laps. On lap 3, Mark Haglund would power to the top side and grab the race lead. Curt Hook would make his way through the field and advance to the runner up position, but he was no match for Haglund. Haglund would go on to take the checkered flag. Curt Hook, Scmauss, and Ron Stein would round out the top four. Haglund and Scmauss would pick up heat race wins.

The Conley’s Trucking Limited Modifieds saw Ryan Giles take the early race lead. Giles would continue to lead as he tried to hold off contenders Ryan Gustin and Matt Lettow. Gustin would make the move along the bottom of the racetrack and take the lead and not look back. Matt Lettow was able to make his was to the second spot and he was followed by Ryan Giles and Doug McCollough. Ryan Gustin would pick up the feature win. Doug McCollough and Ryan Gustin would pick up heat race wins.

The Neighbors Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Stock Cars were next on the speedway. Adam Silvey would go out front and show the way for first several laps as he was followed by Jason Wagoner and Mitchell Griffith. As the laps counted off Griffith was able to make the move for the top spot and take over the race lead. The smooth racing surface allowed for battles all over the speedway from second on back but they would all fall short on this night. Mitchell Griffith would take home the checkered flag. Adam Silvey, Jason Wagoner and Jon Snyder would round out the top four. Jon Snyder and Scott Bloemke would pick up heat race wins. Mitchell Griffith was presented the Karl Chevrolet Hard Charger Award presented by Bryan Denekas.

The finale of the evening was the West Wind Logistics Modified Feature. Joe McBirnie would waste no time taking the machine to the front as Dave Doughty would sling shot to second. Scott Olson and Bob Sutherland make their way to the front as the laps would count off. A late race caution would realign the field single file but McBirnie was in a league of his own. Joe McBirnie would pick up the feature win. Doughty, Olson, and Sutherland would round out the top four. Scott Olson and Joe McBirnie would pick up heat race wins.

Truly a great start to the 2006 season. The die-hards were out in full force and the drivers put on a great show for the fans. The racing surface allowed for 3 and 4 wide racing all over the speedway and that was attributed by the hours of hard work to get the track in shape for opening night. Special thanks goes out to all in attendance Saturday night and to all our sponsors in 2006. On Behalf of Al Uhrhammer and Pro Track Promotions and the entire staff. We will see you this Saturday, April 15, for hot laps at 6:00 p.m. with racing to follow