6/22/2019
Boone Speedway
Thornton from last to first in Modified win at Boone Speedway
Boone Speedway won the race against Mother Nature on Saturday night, getting its entire program completed before the rains came. Ricky Thornton, Jr. wowed the crowd by going from last to first in the IMCA Modified feature. It was Josh Daniels taking the honors in the IMCA Stock Cars. Jake McBirnie returned to Victory Lane in the IMCA Northern SportMod class. Mike Houseman also made a return visit to the winner's circle by taking the checkers in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint division. Daniel Smith repeated earlier wins in the IMCA Hobby Stocks, Joe Glick won the MADCRA Mod Lites, and once again the duo of Donny Mason and Junior Worley won the two-person Cruiser class.
Mike Houseman took his second visit to Victory Lane in winning the 20-lap feature for the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars. Houseman claimed the top spot on lap two and from there on, never looked back on his way to the checkers. Sixth place starter Tyler Thompson finished as the runner up, third went to C.J. Houseman, who was piloting the #10E ride of previous winner Brian Efkamp, fourth went to DJ Palmer, and Joel Thorpe completed the top five. Houseman started seventh on the starting grid, on his way to the checkers.
Next up were the Mod Lites for their 15-lap main event. Joe Glick took command at lap five of this contest, but had to fend off the advances of Brian Zehm. Zehm briefly snagged the lead at lap ten, only to have Glick come right back and take charge. He then held on to the flying checkers to capture his third victory of the year. Zehm finished second, trailing a distant third was Joel Huggins, fourth went to fifteenth place starter Mike Kennedy, and Randy Bryan finished fifth.
Tenth place starter Jake McBirnie showed just why he is the point leader in the IMCA Northern SportMod class, by hustling through the pack to take the top spot on lap five on his way to the win. Ronnie Hults ran at the front of the field the entire race, and finished as the runner up. Dusty Masolini took third, fourth went to Johnathon Logue, and Brett Vanderheiden from Earlham finished fifth after starting twelfth. This was McBirnie's third win of the year at Boone.
The IMCA Modified feature was quickly brought to the track with the radar appearing more ominous minute by minute. The 20-lap feature was one that most of the fans won't forget anytime soon, as Ricky Thornton, Jr. put on another of his amazing runs, starting twenty-fifth, and taking the checkers in the final few feet. He caught then leader Randy Havlik at lap thirteen, tried outside and inside for any way around, but only succeeded coming out of turn four as the checkers unfolded, to sneak past at the stripe for the win. Havlik had to be content with the runner up position. Cory Sauerman finished third, Jon Snyder started eleventh, and finished fourth, and early race leader, Eric Elliott was fifth. This is the second time this year that Thornton has come from the tail of a feature, to win it. He has three regular season wins under his belt, and also won the Frostbuster special.
The IMCA Stock Car 18-lap event saw Josh Daniels lead from flag to flag on his way to victory. Rod Richards reeled the leader in at the finish, but had to settle for second. Third went to Jay Schmidt, Scott Davis was fourth, and Devin Smith was fifth.
The IMCA Hobby Stock feature ended as the thunder and lightning was close by. The 15-lap A Main found Mike Smith leading the pack in the first few circuits, until cousin Daniel Smith came calling to take over as captain of the ship at lap four. From there on it was all Daniel at the helm as he went on to lead all remaining laps to take the comfortable win. Aaron Rudolph came from twelfth starting spot, to take the runner up position. Mike Smith was third, Eric Knutson was fourth, and Shaun Wirtz rounded out the top five.
Next Saturday, June 29, is another Super Saturday at the Boone Speedway. The IMCA Modifieds will be racing for $1,000, and the IMCA Stock Cars for $750. Hot laps are 5:45, and racing at 6:30.
Article Credit: Joyce Eisele
Submitted By: Josh Reynolds