The Park Jefferson Speedway opened its doors to a loud ruckous crowd this past Saturday night for its IMCA opener. Billed Salute to Jimmy Cole night, fans were treated to full fields of cars shaking the rust off and getting things going for the 2017 racing opener.
The feature event of the night was the $1,555 to win SignMasters Modified feature. Thanks to donations from Razor Racing, Frame Aligners and a number of individuals, the purse was increased to make this seasons first IMCA Fast Shafts qualifier. Taking home the top check was Anthony Roth. Roth, whose family owns Razor racing and contributed to the top prize, was able to start the feature up front. After a torrid battle with Abelson, which saw Abelson slingshot to lead, Roth was able to retake the top spot. Locals Chris Abelson and Bob Moore rounded out the podium.
In the J&J Fitting stock cars, it was perennial favorite Elijah Zevenbergen taking home the checkers. Zevenbergen began his 2017 campaign in good style by working all parts of the track to secure the win, after taking hime 6 checkered flags last year. Casey Jones wheeled his 013 to a great finish in 2nd and local Max Hoffer had his strongest run in years to round out the podium.
The Schaeffer Oil Sport Modifieds were won by Vermillion’s Karl Brewer. Brewer held off multiple challenges from many competitors to take the checkers. In an act of unselfishness, Brewer donated his winning check of $355 to the Jimmy Cole medical fund. Nicholas Peters from Le Mars has a strong 2nd place finish and former sport compact competitor Cody Thompson finished 3rd.
Craig Clift took home the top spot in the IMCA Hobby Stocks. Clift continues his streak of wins at Park Jefferson and the blue 77 looks to be force every Saturday night this year at Park Jefferson. Jeremy Hoskinson and Dustin Gulbrandson both raced hard, with both holding the lead at different points of the evening.
The younger Thompson, Tyler, was once again the victor in the IMCA Sport Compact division. Thompson was the class of the field which saw him best Cain Mahlbeg and Beatrice visitor Dillon Richards round out the top 3.
Saturday night Park Jefferson returns to action for another full night of IMCA weekly racing. Gates open at 5pm with racing at 7pm. The following Saturday night will see the sprint cars begin their weekly racing as Park Jefferson adds the championship sprint cars to the docket.
- administrator on Apr 11, 2017
- Article Date: 4/11/2017