This is the series that should attract all ages of Bullring watchers. Sprinkled throughout the top 10 in points are drivers ranging in age from 14-year-old Tanner Klingele and two other teenagers to wily veteran Jim Powell, who come June 13 will be just three years away from getting his AARP card.

Not only is this series approved for all generations, it is also guaranteed of seeing a fifth different champ in as many years. Aaron Brocksieck, the 2008 winner, is now plying his skills in the stock car division.

A close finish should probably be considered a given, too, since the last two titles have been decided by one point and five the past six have been won by 11 points or less.

HOBBY STOCK REPORT CARD

Track points: Jim Powell 229, Wes Mayfield 228, Steve Carlin 222, Mike Wiley 211, Jake Powers 211, James Leffew 209, Travis Booher 207.

Feature points: Wes Mayfield 225, Jim Powell 219, Steve Carlin 210, Mike Wiley 208, Jake Powers 206, James Leffew 202.

Heat points : Steve Carlin 12, Jim Powell 10, Travis Booher 8, James Leffew 7, Adam Scott 7.

Improvement points: Travis Booher 27, Wes Mayfield 24, Jim Powell 21, nathan Hayes 18, Steve Carlin 14.

Herald-Whig Performance Points: Jim Powell 91, James Leffew56, Wes Mayfield 37, Steve Carlin 30.

Money earned (points races): Jim Powell $760, Wes Mayfield $595, James Leffew $550.

Money earned (all races): Jim Powell $1,010, James Leffew $725, Adam Scott $650, Wes Mayfield $645.

Total wins: Jim Powell 6, James Leffew 3, Wes Mayfield 3, Steve Carlin 3. 

Feature wins: Jim Powell 4, James Leffew 2, Wes Mayfield 1. 

Feature laps led: Jim Powell 46, James Leffew 22, Nathan Anders 17, Larry W. Powell 15, Steve Watkins Jr., 14, Steve Carlin 13, Wes Mayfield 11. 

Fast feature laps: No electronic timing in hobby stock series.

Feature second places:  Jim Powell 2, five with 1.

Feature laps run: Mike Wiley 120, Jake Powers 120, Wes Mayfield 120, Steve Carlin 108, Jim Powell 107, Adam Scott 100..

Heat wins: Steev Carlin 3, Jim Powell 2, Wes Mayfield 2, Adam Scott 2.

Dash wins: No dashes in hobby stock series.

Feature winners:
April 12: James Leffew (started 2nd)
April 23: Jim Powell (started 2nd)
April 26: Jim Powell (started 4th)
May 3: Jim Powell (started (8th)
May 10: Wes Mayfield (started 4th)
May 17: James Leffew (started 4th)
May 24: Jim Powell (started 7th)

Pole-sitters:
April 12: Jim Powell (finished 10th)
April 23: Mike Wiley (finished 11th)
April 26: Travis Booher (finished 2nd)
May 3:  Larry W. Powell (finished 2nd)
May 10: Nathan Anders (finished 13th)
May 17: Nathan Anders (finished (11th)
May 24: Steve Watkins Jr. (finished 16th)

Car counts:
April 12: 15
April 23: 17
April 26: 16
May 3: 15
May 10: 17
May 17: 17
May 24: 16
Season average: 16.1

Cautions:
April 12: 4
April 23: 4
April 26: 6
May 3: 3
May 10: 3
May 17: 5
May 24: 8
Season average: 4.6

The hardest thing for me to get a grasp on this year with the modifieds is the new UMP scoring system being used at the Bullring. Since the track sanctioned the mods with UMP in the offseason that also meant a new points format. The other three weekly series at the track — late models, hobby stocks and stock cars — continue to operate under the IMCA scoring system.

I’m still not certain if the UMP format benefits or hinders a driver trying to play catch-up in the hunt for a track title. My gut feeling is it helps because of the wider discrepancy in how points are awarded to the top finishers, but I’m holding final judgment for later in the season. 

For those who might be as confused as me, here’s how the new scoring system works for mod features only (and remember, there are no heat points awarded in the UMP system):

1st: 75 points
2nd: 70
3rd: 65
4th: 60
5th: 55
6th: 50
7th: 48
8th: 46
9th: 44
10th: 42
11th: 40
12th: 39 (one point difference from 12th place on down)

BONUS POINTS

This is the part of the UMP system I really like. For every car over 20 entered in the feature there is an extra point added to each place. For example, on a night when there are 24 modifieds in the pits that means first place in the feature is worth 79 points, instead of 75. Four points are also added on to each descending position. That, friends, is a great concept.

I still see no earthly reason, however, why UMP does not award heat points like the IMCA does. That 3-2-1 heat format does not sound like much, but as we’ve tried to illustrate here over the past two years it can mean the difference in being a champion and finishing runner-up.

AT THE TOP

Take a look at the championship points leaders. Those are the names we’ll probably see jockeying for position the rest of the year: Justin Reed, Michael Long, Tony Dunker, Steven DeLonjay and Vance Wilson. There’s no surprises there, and no should there be as this rough-and-tumble division begins to take shape.

Realistically, I don’t see any other driver challenging for the title outside of maybe Dave Wietholder, who is currently seventh with 244 points, but has managed just one top five finish so far this season.

Reed’s story is one that should be quality entertainment to watch evolve. Not only is he trying to win the modified title in his first full year in that series, but he’s also eyeing a late model championship. It’s just the end of May, but to be leading two series at this stage of the calendar is quite an accomplishment. And he’s a nice guy, too!

MODIFIED REPORT CARD

Track points: Justin Reed 321, Michael Long 299, Tony Dunker 293, Steven DeLonjay 288, Vance Wilson 259.

Feature points: Same.

Heat points (not awarded for track championship purposes, but I keep track of them for comparison purposes with other series): Tony Dunker 11, Michael Long 11, Jared Schlipman 8, Ryan Meyer 8.

Improvement points: Vance Wilson 30, Michael Long 23, Steven DeLonjay 21, Justin Reed 17, Dave Wietholder 16, Trent Grotz 16.

Herald-Whig Performance Points: Michael Long 35, Steven DeLonjay 19, Vance Wilson 16, Justin Reed 12, Robbie Reed 12.

Money earned (points races): Michael Long $1,690, Justin Reed $1,470, Steven DeLonjay $1,385, Vance Wilson $1,305, Tony Dunker $1,195.

Money earned (all races): Same.

Total wins: Michael Long 8, Steven DeLonjay 3, Tony Dunker 3, Ryan Meyer 2. 

Feature wins: Michael Long 3, Robbie Reed 1, Steven DeLonjay 1. 

Feature laps led: Steven DeLonjay 30, Michael Long 30, Robbie Reed 25, Dave Wietholder 12.

Fast feature laps: Michael Long 3, two with 1.

Feature second places:  Wyatt Lantz 1, Justin Reed 1, Donovan Lodge 1, Vance Wilson 1, Steven DeLonjay 1.

Feature laps run: Justin Reed 109, Tony Dunker 109, Trent Grotz 108, Save Wietholder 97.

Heat wins: Tony Dunker 3, Michael Long 3, Ryan Meyer 2.

Dash wins: Steven DeLonjay 2, three with 1.

Feature winners:
April 12: Michael Long (started 6th)
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: Michael Long (started 10th)
May 3: Robbie Reed (started 1st)
May 10: Michael Long (started 10th)
May 17: Steven DeLonjay (started 3rd)
May 24: modifeids did not race

Fastest feature laps:
April 12: Michael Long, 64.942 mph
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: Michael Long, 63.841
May 3: Chris Spalding, 64.954
May 10: MICHAEL LONG, 69.791 (TRACK RECORD)
May 17: STEVEN DELONJAY, 69.791 (TRACK RECORD)
May 24:  modifieds did not race

Margins of victory:
April 12: Michael Long, time limit race, ended under caution
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: Michael Long, 0.426
May 3: Robbie Reed, 0.526
May 10: Michael Long, 4.128
May 17: Steven DeLonjay, 3.995
May 24: modifieds did not race

Pole-sitters:
April 12: C.J. Ostrander (finished 17th)
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: Shawn Deering (finished 9th)
May 3:  Robbie Reed (WON)
May 10: Ben Huff (finished 20th)
May 17: Ryan Meyer (finished 4th)
May 24: modifieds did not race

Length of features:
April 12: time limit race, ended under caution
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: 18:08.992
May 3: 23:55.359
May 10: 43:09.195
May 17: 24:00.307
May 24: modifieds did not race

Car counts:
April 12: 20
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: 18
May 3: 24
May 10: 24
May 17: 22
May 24: modifieds did not race
Season average: 21.6

Cautions:
April 12: 11
April 23: modifieds did not race
April 26: 5
May 3: 9
May 10: 9
May 17: 5
May 24: modifieds did not race
Season average: 7.8

Before the start of the 2008 season, I was somewhat wary of how well the IMCA stock cars would work at the Bullring. I had seen them run at Iowa tracks in Donnellson and West Burlington for years and it was always a great show, but I was a bit skeptical of how well they might adapt at the smaller venue in Quincy.

About two weeks into the ‘08 campaign I had my answer. The match was perfect. I personally congratulated track officials for making the switch from the hornets to stock cars.

The four-cylinder hornets never took off as expected and most of the time wound up being — I’m going to be brutally honest here — the equivalent of a second intermission. Whenever the hornets came on the track, there was a mad dash to the restrooms or concession stands. And that was a shame, because in the two years the hornets ran I got to meet some great people associated with them, guys like Bill Winkle, Zach Bruenger, Steven DeLonjay and others, but as a class they failed to capture the fans’ fancy.

On the other hand, the stock cars were a hit from the start. Fender to fender racing and much deeper fields than most expected for a first-year series. And year two has been even better. The arrival of drivers the caliber of former late model hotshoe Kevin Tomlinson and modifed pilot Terry Houston only strengthened an already strong division.

On any given Sunday night, there are at least a dozen cars capable of winning the feature. We’ve already seen six different feature winners in seven main events. You can’t ask for much more than that.

There are now four quality features every Sunday night, which is great except for one thing. When can I go to the bathroom?

STOCK CAR REPORT CARD

Track points: Kevin Tomlinson 229, Abe Huls 218, Chris Wibbell 217, Michael Larsen 197, Andrfew Griffin 196, Terry Houston 195, Levi Long 192.

Feature points: Same.

Heat points (not awarded for track championship purposes, but I keep track of them for comparison purposes with other series): Andrfew Griffin 10, Kevin Tomlinson 8, Jerry Jansen 7, Terry Houston 7, Chris Wibbell 7, Sarah Woodhurst 7.

Improvement points: Kevin Tomlinson 36, Abe Huls 25, Chris Wibbell 22, Doug Huls 22, Jeff Mueller 20.

Herald-Whig Performance Points: Kevin Tomlinson 73, Abe Huls 51, Terry Houston 43, Chris Wibbell 42, Andrew Griffin 24.

Money earned (points races): Kevin Tomlinson $1,360, Abe Huls $1,125, Chris Wibbell $1,005, Terry Houston $880, Andrew Griffin $860, Levi Long $780.

Money earned (all races): Kevin Tomlinson $1,760, Abe Huls $1,425, Chris Wibbell $1,205, Terry Houston $1,130.

Total wins: Kevin Tomlinson 3, Andrew Griffin 3, seven with 2. 

Feature wins: Kevin Tomlinson 2, five with 1. 

Feature laps led: Terry Houston 37, Andrew Griffin 33, Kevin Tomlinson 18, Abe Huls 17, Jeff Mueller 16.

Fast feature laps: KevinTomlinson 2, Terry Houston 2, three with 1.

Feature second places: Chris Wibbell 2, Kevin Tomlinson 2, three with 1.

Feature laps run: Chris Wibbell 120, Kevin Tomlinson 120, Abe Huls 109, Michael Larsen 109, Doug Huls 100.

Heat wins: Chris Wibbell 2, Sarah Woodhurst 2, Levi Long 2, Andrrew Griffin 2, Doug Huls 2, four with 1.

Dash wins: No dashes in stock car division.

Feature winners:
April 12: Jeff Mueller (started 8th)
April 23: Kevin Tomlinson (started 4th)
April 26: Kevin Tomlinson (started 7th)
May 3: Abe Huls (started 5th)
May 10: Andrew Griffin (started 4th)
May 17: Chris Larson (started 4th)
May 24: Terry Houston (started 1st)

Fastest feature laps:
April 12: Jeff Mueller, 62.221 mph
April 23: Kevin Tomlinson, 62.325
April 26: Terry Houston, 61.629
May 3: Abe Huls, 61.354
May 10: Kevin Tomlinson, 63.342
May 17: CHRIS WIBBELL, 63.376 (TRACK RECORD)
May 24: Terry Houston, 60.574

Margins of victory:
April 12: Jeff Mueller, timing system malfunction
April 23: Kevin Tomlinson, 0.678
April 26: Terry Houston, 0.777
May 3: Abe Huls, 0.612
May 10: Kevin Tomlinson, 0.164
May 17: Chris Wibbell, 0.267
May 24: Terry Houston, 1.803

Pole-sitters:
April 12: Steve Steinkuhler (finished 4th)
April 23: Terry Houston (finished 3rd)
April 26: Andrew Griffin (finished 11th)
May 3:  Jeremy Buss (finished 7th)
May 10: Jerry Jansen (finished 9th)
May 17: Jerry Jansen (finished 4th)
May 24: Terry Houston (WON)

Length of features:
April 12: timing malfunction
April 23: 8:01.146
April 26: 17:12.426
May 3: 5:43.166
May 10: 5:43.166
May 17: 24:26.175
May 24: 12:36.600

Car counts:
April 12: 14
April 23: 16
April 26: 14
May 3: 17
May 10: 14
May 17: 15
May 24: 15
Season average: 15.0

Cautions:
April 12: 1
April 23: 4
April 26: 1
May 3: 7
May 10: 1
May 17: 5
May 24: 4
Season average: 2.7

Initially, I was going to break down the late model division today from a performance aspect, but before we get to that it’s time to address another issue.

The phone calls, e-mails and face-to-face questions have all been the same in recent weeks. “What’s happened to the late model car count?” at the Bullring?

Well, nothing, really.

First of all, racing is cyclical, like most anything in sports. And right now we’re in down cycle with the late models, as far as sheer numbers are concerned. There were only 13 on hand Sunday night, which I’ll be the first to admit was a shame, what with 3,200 fans on hand. It would have been a golden opportunity to showcase what is supposed to be the track’s marquee division.

Minus the 40 cars that turned out for the Deery Brothers tour event Aprl 23, the average late model car count has been 14.8. What makes that total look worse than it probably is in today’s economical climate are the averages from the four previous seasons. From 2005 through 2008, the weekly average was between 20 and 25, which was incredible for a track of Quincy’s size and location.

Generally speaking, the late model count was on the rise for about a decade, but  it couldn’t continue upward forever. I think that’s one of those laws of physics, but since I struggled mightily with that subject in high school I’m certainly no expert.

There had to be a leveling off at some point, due to retirements, driver’s deciding to sew their oats elsewhere, etc. Those things happen everywhere, at every track. This year might go down as some sort of transition season at the Bullring.

The overall car count at the track is higher than 2008. The other three weekly series are up, but when the late models are down that tends to draw more attention. Don’t lose any sleep over the situation. These things have a way of rectifying themselves, sooner or later.

In the meantime, here are the average late model car counts at 8000 Broadway since 1991:

2009: current average 18.4 (14.8 minus the April 23 Deery Brothers tour event)
2008: 20 (IMCA)
2007: 22 (IMCA)
2006: 25 (IMCA)
2005: 20 (IMCA)
2004: 17 (IMCA)
2003: 16 (IMCA)
2002: 16 (IMCA)
2001: 16 (IMCA)
2000: 16 (IMCA)
1999: 18 (IMCA)
1998: 15 (IMCA)
1997: 13
1996: 14
1995: 16
1994: 13
1993: 17
1992: 16
1991: 15

 LATE MODEL REPORT CARD

Track points: Justin Reed 188, Lonnie Bailey 181, Jerry Weisenberger 176, Keith Pratt 174, Ron Elbe 172,  Joey Gower 172, Jason Perry 171, Bill Genenbacher 170.

Feature points: Justin Reed 185, Lonnie Bailey 180, Jerry Weisenberger 172.

Heat points: Joey Gower 7, Mark Burgtorf 7, Jason Perry 6, Nick Ingalls 5, Clint Kirkham 5.

Improvement points: Justin Reed 32, Lonnie Bailey 27,  Jason Frankel 17, Bill Genenbacher 16, Keith Pratt 16, Robby Warner 11, Ron Elbe 10.

Herald-Whig Performance Points: Mark Burgtorf 60, Jason Frankel 36, Justin Reed 35, Matt Bailey 35, Lonnie Bailey 30, Keith Pratt 27, Jerry Weisenberger 26.

Money earned (points races): Justin Reed $2,200, Lonnie Bailey $1,860,  Mark Burgtorf $16,90, Keith Pratt $1,680, Matt Bailey $1,590.

Money earned (all races): Mark Burgtorf $4,430, Jason Frankel $2,820, Justin Reed $2,725, Lonnie Bailey $2,485, Jerry Weisenberger $2,240, Keith Pratt $2,005.

Total wins: Mark Burgtorf 6, Lonnie Bailey 3, Joey Gower 3. 

Feature wins: Mark Burgtorf 4, three with 1. 

Feature laps led: Mark Burgtorf 125, Jason Frankel 35, Keith Pratt 30, Matt Bailey 18.

Fast feature laps: Mark Burgtorf 3, four with 1.

Feature second places: Justin Reed 2, Lonnie Bailey 2, three with 1.

Feature laps run: Justin Reed 180, Jerry Weisenberger 180, Lonnie Bailey 180, Keith Pratt 169, Ron Elbe 161.

Heat wins: Mark Burgtorf 2, Jerry Weisenberger 2, 10 with 1.

Dash wins: Ron Elbe 2, Joey Gower 2, two with 1.

Feature winners:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf (started 2nd)
April 23: Mark Burgtorf (started 3rd)
April 26: Keith Pratt (started 2nd)
May 3: Jason Frankel (started 2nd)
May 10: Mark Burgtorf (started 1st)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf (started 1st)
May 24: Matt Bailey (started 2nd)

Fastest feature laps:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf, 68.915 mph
April 23: Ray Guss Jr., 70.048
April 26: Keith Pratt, 68.396
May 3: Jason Frankel, 69.438
May 10: MARK BURGTORF, 74.127 (TRACK RECORD)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf, 71.649
May 24: Justin Reed, 66.932

Margins of victory:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf, 0.868
April 23: Mark Burgtorf, 3.784
April 26: Keith Pratt, 1.872
May 3: Jason Frankel, 1.100
May 10: Mark Burgtorf, 0.687
May 17: Mark Burgtorf, 0.348
May 24: Matt Bailey, 0.756

Pole-sitters:
April 12: Jerry Weisenberger (finished 4th)
April 23: Terry Schlipman (finished 6th)
April 26: Matt Bailey (finished 2nd)
May 3: Ron Elbe (finished 5th)
May 10: Mark Burgtorf (WON)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf (WON)
May 24: Dustin Neese (finished 9th)

Length of features:
April 12: 7:55.851
April 23: 19:43.673 (50 laps)
April 26: 17:56.420
May 3: 9:52.355
May 10: 11:33.392
May 17: 17:09.221
May 24: 10:31.531

Car counts:
April 12: 15
April 23: 40 (Deery Brothers tour event)
April 26: 17
May 3: 14
May 10: 15
May 17: 15
May 24: 13
Season average: 18.4; minus Deery Brothers tour event average is 14.8.

Cautions:
April 12: 1
April 23: 6
April 26: 1
May 3: 3
May 10: 2
May 17: 4
May 24: 2
Season average: 2.7.

Before we get to the new Stevie Dirt Regional Rankings and the Sunday night “stars” at the Bullring, here’s some food for thought:

– Could you believe that crowd Sunday night? Track co-owner Tony Rhinberger said he would not know the exact number of fans until all tickets were counted, but he was estimating 3,200 were on hand at 8000 Broadway. That might be a hint of what’s to come in about six weeks when the United Midwestern Promoter Summernationals late models come to town.

The 410 sprints obviously drew part of that big crowd and before the end of the night there was already talk of adding another open-wheel special later in the season. We’ll keep you posted.

– Jim Powell became the first driver to win four features this season when he rallied past Steve Watkins Jr. in the hobby stock feature. Powell’s fourth victory matches the total that led the division for the entire 2008 season.

Powell looks like he has the car to take a run at Steve Carlin’s record 12 series victories in 2007, or at the least become just the second hobby stocker to reach double figures in victories.

Powell (229), Wes Mayfield (228) and Carlin (222) are the points leaders.

– Terry Houston’s flag-to-flag victory in the stock car feature was his first of the year and only the fourth at the track from the pole in the first two months of the season.  Twenty-seven features, only four pole winners. That’s borderline amazing.

Points leader Kevin Tomlinson worked his way to a second-place finish, which gave him a series-leading sixth top-five finish. Tomlinson, who started ninth, picked up seven more Improvement Points to give him a stock-car (and track) best 36 for the season.

Tomlinson (229), Abe Huls (218) and Chris Wibbell (217) are the points leaders.

– Matt Bailey won his second career late model feature, partially because he was in the right place at the right time. Mark Burgtorf looked well on his way to a fifth checkered flag when a right front flat dashed those hopes with 16 laps remaining. Bailey, running second at the time, pulled away and was never challenged.

Points leader Justin Reed has yet to win, but his second-place finish gave him four top fives in points races. No other late model driver has more than two in what is becoming a topsy-turvy — and highly interesting — season in the late model division. Reed (188), Lonnie Bailey (181) and Jerry Weisenberger (176) are the top three in points.

– Jim Moughan of Springfield, Ill., was the 410 sprint winner, coasting to a 1.81-second victory over Tom Dickerman of Cedar Hill, Mo., in the 30-lap O’Reilly Midwest All-Star Spring Series finale.

Bill Rose of Plainfield, Ind., has the top time trial clocking of 11.969 seconds around the .29-mile facility. That’s a lap speed of 87.225 mph.

– Jason Masengarb of Colona, Ill., won the 20-lap dward car (or mod lite) main event.

STEVIE DIRT REGIONAL RANKINGS: YEAR 2

The following rankings are based on feature performances at Quincy, West Burlington and Donnellson for late models; Quincy, West Burlington, Donnellson and Moberly for modifieds; and Quincy, Donnellson and West Burlington for stock cars. Points are earned on a 25-20-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale.

LATE MODELS

1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill., 195 points
2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 148
3. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 122
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 97
5. Keith Pratt, Mendon, Ill., 75
6. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 85
7. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 57
8. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 53
9. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., Iowa, 48
10. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 37

On the bubble (minimum 30 points)
11. Terry Schlipman, Mendon, Ill., 36
12. Ray Guss Jr., Milan, Ill., 35
13. Matt Strassheim, West Burlington, Iowa, 34
14. Robby Warner, Quincy, Ill., 33
15. Tom Bowling, Danville, Iowa, 32
16-tie. Ron Elbe, Augusta, Ill., 30
16-tie. Bill Genenbacher, Liberty, Ill., 30

Feature victories: Burgtorf 7, Jason Frankel 2.

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 5: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 4: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 3: 1. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.
Week 2: 1-tie. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill; Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.
Week 1: 1-tie. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.; Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.

MODIFIEDS

1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 182 points
2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa, 175
3. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 84
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 70
5. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Iowa, 66
6. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 65
7. Steven Delonjay, Quincy, Ill., 61
8. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, Iowa, 60
9. Vance Wilson, Curryville, Mo., 56
10. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 53

Others (minimum 45 points)
11. Dusty Kraklio, Durant, Iowa, 52
12. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 50
13. Robbie Reed, Quincy, Ill., 49
14. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 45

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 5. 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
Week 4: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
Week 3: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
Week 2: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
Week 1: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa; 2. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill.

Feature victories: Long 6, Josh Foster 5, David Holder 2.

STOCK CARS

1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 187 points
2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 133
3. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 127
4. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 122
5. John Oliver, Jr., Danville, Iowa, 120
6. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 91
7. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 76
8-tie. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 69
8-tie. Jim Redmann, Lockridge, Iowa, 69
10. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 51

On the bubble (minimum 35 points)
11. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 50
12. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 45
13. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 40

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 5: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Week 4: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Week 3: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa
Week 2: 1. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; 2. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.
Week 1: 1. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa; 2. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa.

Feature winners: Abe Huls 3, Kevin Tomlinson 2, Jeff Cook 2, Jeff Mueller 2.

QUINCY RACEWAYS NOTES

Sunday Night Stars

5 stars: Hobby stocker Jim Powell, who became the first four-feature winner of the season at the track in a wild, slam-bang main event. Powell finally wrestled the lead away from Steve Watkins Jr. with six laps to go.

4 stars: Terry Houston, who won his first stock car feature despite heavy pressure from points leader Kevin Tomlinson, John Oliver Jr. and SDRR No. 1 Abe Huls.

3 stars: Matt Bailey was there when late model feature leader Mark Burgtorf’s right front tire went flat with 16 laps to go and led the rest of the way to earn his first checkered flag of the season.

2 stars: Justin Reed, who started 10th in the late model feature, but carefully worked his way to an eventual second-place finish on an extremely slick surface. Reed’s showing helped him keep the series points lead.

1 star: Chris Wibbell ran his streak of consecutive stock car feature laps to 500. He has not missed a lap since the class started at the Bullring in April 2008.

HEAT RACE WINNERS

Late models: Mark Burgtorf (2nd), Matt Bailey.

Stock cars: Chris Wibbell (2nd), Jerry Jansen.

Hobby stocks: Jim Powell (2nd), Justin Bartz.

DASH WINNER

Late models: Justin Reed

At different points this season I thought you night like to monitor how your favorite Bullring drivers  stack up in some of the track’s all-time totals I have been keeping since 1999.

I’ll be tossing out a variety of categories as we work our way through the season. I thought an interesting place to start would be the top single-season victory totals for overall races, features, heats and dashes. In addition, when posting this kind of all-time material, I’ll include the current season leaders (or whatever category might be most applicable) so you can compare.

At the bottom of this list I included — for the sake of conversation — the top 40 in career victories. To me, the most surprising name on that list is 17-year-old Steven DeLonjay, already No. 19 on the all-time list.

TOP SEASON TOTALS
Since 1999

TOTAL VICTORIES
Michael Long, modifieds, 36 (2007)
Michael Long, modifieds, 35 (2008)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 28 (2006)
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 25 (2006)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 24 (2007)
Wyatt Lantz, “B” modifieds, 24 (2004)
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 23 (2007)
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 23 (2005)
Tony Dunker, “B” modifieds, 21 (2005)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 20 (2002)
Wyatt Lantz, “B” modifieds, 19 (2005)

2009 leaders
Michael Long, modifieds, 8
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 5

FEATURE VICTORIES
Michael Long, modifieds, 16 (2007)
Michael Long, modifieds, 15 (2008)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 13 (2006)
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 12 (2007)
Jeff Mueller, stock cars, 9 (2008)
Adam Birck, bombers, 9 (2006)
Wyatt Lantz, “B” modifieds, 9 (2005)
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 9 (2005)
Eddie Dieker, bombers, 9 (2004)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 9 (2003)

2009 leaders
Mark Burgtorf, 4
Michael Long, modifieds, 3
Jim Powell, 3
Kevin Tomlinson, stock cars, 2
James Leffew, 2

HEAT VICTORIES
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 17 (2003)
Eddie Dieker, bombers, 14 (2005)
Michael Long, modifieds, 13 (2008)
Michael Long, modifieds, 13 (2007)
Tony Dunker, “B” modifieds, 12 (2005)
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 12 (2005)
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 11 (2007)
Adam Birck, bombers, 11 (2004)
Michael Long, “A” modifieds, 11 (2003)
Hank DeLonjay, “A” modifieds, 10 (2007)
Steven DeLonjay, hornets, 10 (2007)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 10 (2006)

2009 leaders
Michael Long, modifieds, 3
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 3
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 3

DASH VICTORIES
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 8 (2007)
Michael Long, modifieds, 7 (2008)
Michael Long, modifieds, 7 (2007)
Denny Woodworth, late models, 6 (2005)
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 6 (2004)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 5 (2008)
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 5 (2006)
Robbie Reed, modifieds, 5 (2006)
Vance Wilson, “A” modifieds, 5 (2001)
Jamie Wilson, late models, 5 (2000)
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 5 (1999)

2009 leaders
Ron Elbe, late models, 2
Joey Gower, late models, 2
Steven DeLonjay, modifieds, 2

CAREER LEADERS
Since 1999

TOP 40 TOTAL VICTORIES
Totals are going into Sunday, May 24, 2009; Bold face drivers are either retired or not active in 2009.
Mark Burgtorf, 172
Michael Long, 146
Hank DeLonjay, 138
Eddie Dieker, 91
Tony Dunker, 89
Lonnie Bailey, 85
Steve Carlin, 76
Denny Woodworth, 74
Dave Wietholder, 70
Wyatt Lantz, 70

Adam Birck, 64
Vance Wilson, 59
Bill Genenbacher, 51
Joe Hooper, 47
Brandon Lennox, 44
Mike Karhoff, 43
Jerrt Weisenberger, 42
Joe Bliven, 42
Steven DeLonjay, 40
Joey Gower, 36

Brent Slocum, 35
Jamie Wilson, 34
Terry Gallaher, 33
Robbie Reed, 33
Wes Mayfield, 32
Rob Carter, 31
Brandon Brown, 31
Larry W. Powell, 31
Jim Powell, 31
Jim Leffew, 27

James Leffew, 26
Bruce Hatfield, 26
Mike Dyche, 26
Gary Dreyer, 25
Ron Elbe, 25
Kelly Bartz, 23
Bobby Cookson, 23
Bobby Uppinghouse Jr., 23
Dustin Neese, 22
Aaron Brocksieck, 22

Justin Reed not only leads the late model and modified points races, but he’s doing quite nicely at the payout window, too.

Reed leads late model drivers in money won during points races and is fourth behind to Mark Burgtorf, Jason Frankel and Lonnie Bailey when non-points events are counted. Reed is second to Michael Long in modifid money won.

Here’s the breakdowns going into Memorial weekend:

Late models (points races only)
Justin Reed, $1,600
Lonnie Bailey, 1,560
Mark Burgtorf, 1,540
Jason Frankel, 1,520
Bill Genenbacher, 1,185
Keith Pratt, 1,180
Joey Gower, 1,175
Ron Elbe, 1,050
Jason Perry, 1,045
Robby Warner, 995
Jerry Weisenberger, 995

Late models (all races):
Mark Burgtorf, $4,280
Jason Frankel, 2,820
Lonnie Bailey, 2,185
Justin Reed, 2,175
Jerry Weisenberger, 1,890

Modifieds
Michael Long, $1,690
Justin Reed, 1,470
Steven DeLonjay, 1,385
Vance Wilson, 1,305
Tony Dunker, 1,195

Stock cars
Kevin Tomlinson, $1,060
Abe Huls, 925
Chris Wibbell, 880
Andrew Griffin, 710
Levi Long, 685

Hobby stocks (points races only) 
Jim Powell, $510
James Leffew, 470
Wes Mayfield, 445
Steve Carlin, 360
Adam Scott, 340
Travis Booher, 340

Hobby stocks (all races)
Jim Powell, $760
James Leffew, 645
Wes Mayfield, 495
Adam Scott, 490
Steve Carlin, 460

BURGTORF, RAIN HAVE BEEN BIG MEMORIAL WEEKEND WINNERS

Mark Burgtorf is seeking his fourth late model feature victory on Memorial Weekend since 2003. The only other multiple “winner” in that same period has been the rain. Two of the last five events have been washed out..

Here’s a list of the recent Memorial Weekend winners at the Bullring:

2008: Rain
2007: Mark Burgtorf
2006: Justin Reed
2005: Mark Burhtorf
2004: Rain
2003: Mark Burgtorf
2002: Lonnie Bailey
2001: Brent Slocum
2000: Gary Russell
1999: Tommy Elston
1998: Gary Wilson

 CORRECTED HOBBY STOCK IMPROVEMENT POINTS

A computer is only as good as the human operating it. I am living testimony. Below is a corrected version of this week’s Improvement Points for the hobby stocks. It seems someone (that would be me) did not enter all of last Sunday’s points into an updated standings report that appeared in this space earlier this week.

Here’s how this week’s hobby stock Improvement Points leaders should look:

Travis Booher, 27 points
Wes Mayfield 18
Nathan Hayes, 18
Jim Powell, 15
James Leffew, 15
Steve Carlin, 14
Tanner Klingele, 11
Andrew Griffin. 11
Larry W. Powell, 10
Mike Wiley, 7

I’m not exactly sure what this proves, but it seems mighty interesting.

None of the four points leaders at the Bullring have led the most feature laps in their respective series. In fact, none are even close.

Easily the most intriguing part of this revelation is that Justin Reed, who is currently leading the points in both the late models and modifieds, has not led a feature lap in either class.

Here’s how the feature-lap leaders break down:

Late models (points leader Justin Reed):
Mark Burgtorf, 113 laps
Jason Frankel, 35
Keith Pratt, 30
Ray Guss Jr., 13
Jerry Weisenberger, 9
2008 leader: Jason Frankel, 129

Modifieds (points leader Justin Reed):
Michael Long, 30 laps
Steven DeLonjay, 30
Robbie Reed, 30
Dave Wietholder, 12
Ryan Meyer, 5
Shawn Deering, 3
Tony Dunker, 1
2008 leader: Michael Long, 196

Stock cars (points leader Kevin Tomlinson):
Andrew Griffin, 33 laps
Kevin Tomlinson, 18
Abe Huls, 17
Jeff Mueller, 16
Jerry Jansen, 16
Doug Huls, 9
Terry Houston, 7
Chris Larson, 4
2008 leader: Jeff Mueller, 162

Hobby stocks (points leader Wes Mayfield):
Jim Powell, 40
James Leffew, 22
Nathan Anders, 17
Larry W. Powell, 15
Steve Carlin, 13
Wes Mayfield, 11
Corrie Eifert, 2
2008 leader: James Leffew 73

RUNNER-UP FEATURE FINISHES

We all know who wins the races, but how about the second-place guys? Here’s a look at the runners-up:

Late models:
Lonnie Bailey, 2
Jason Frankel, 1
Justin Reed, 1
Matt Bailey, 1
Ray Guss Jr., 1
2008 leader: Jason Frankel, 3; Mark Burgtorf, 3; Keith Pratt, 3.

Modifieds:
Wyatt Lantz, 1
Vance Wilson, 1
Justin Reed, 1
Donovan Lodge, 1
Steven DeLonjay, 1
2008 leader: Wyatt Lantz, 6; Vance Wilson, 6.

Stock cars:
Jim Powell, 2
James Leffew, 1
Larry W. Powell, 1
Steve Carlin, 1
Travis Booher, 1
2008 leader: James Leffew, 3; Bobby Anders, 3; Jim Powell, 3; Wes Mayfield, 3.

Is there really that big of an advantage to starting on the pole at a short track like we have at the Bullring?

That depends on how you define success:

– Last week in this space I illustrated how few pole-sitters have actually won races. The count is now three out of 23 this season, two victories coming from Mark Burgtorf in late models and one from Robbie Reed in modifieds. That’s a 13 percent success rate.

– Eight winners have come from the front row, including five of six in the late model series.

– Only seven pole-sitters have finished outside the top 10.

– Concerning those drivers who have won features this season, 15 of the 23 have started no farther back than fourth — or the second row. That’s 65 percent of the winners coming from the first two rows.

Obviously, a good starting position has its merit. Exactly to what degree is up for debate.

Here’s where this year’s feature winners have started the race:

Late models
April 12: Mark Burgtorf, 2nd
April 23: Mark burgtorf, 3rd
April 26: Keith Pratt, 2nd
May 3: Jason Frankel, 2nd
May 10: Mark Burgtorf, 1st
May 17: Mark Burgtorf, 1st

Modifieds
April 12: Michael Long, 6th
April 26: Michael Long, 10th
May 3: Robbie Reed, 1st
May 10: Michael Long, 10th
May 17: Steven DeLonjay, 3rd

Stock cars
April 12: Jeff Mueller, 8th
April 23: Kevin Tomlinson, 4th
April 26: Kevin Tomlinson, 7th
May 3: Abe Huls, 5th
May 10: Andrew Griffin, 4th
May 17: Chris Larson, 5th

Hobby stocks
April 12: James Leffew, 2nd
April 23: Jim Powell, 2nd
April 26: Jim Powell, 4th
May 3: Jim Powell, 8th
May 10: Wes Mayfield, 4th
May 17: James Leffew, 4th

Here’s an updated breakdown on how the pole-sitters have fared:

Late models
April 12: Jerry Weisenberger (finished 4th)
April 23: Terry Schlipman (finished 6th)
April 26: Matt Bailey (finished 2nd)
May 3: Ron Elbe (finished 5th)
May 10: Mark Burgtorf (WON)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf (WON)

Modifieds
April 12: C.J. Ostrander (finished 17th)
April 26: Shawn Deering (finished 9th)
May 3: Robbie Reed (WON)
May 10: Ben Huff (finished 20th)
May 17: Ryan Meyer (finished 4th)

Stock cars
April 12: Steve Steinkuhler (finished 4th)
April 23: Terry Houston (finihed 3rd)
April 26: Andrew Griffin (finished 11th)
May 3: Jeremy Buss (finished 7th)
May 10: Jerry Jansen (finished 9th)
May 17: Jerry Jansen (finished 4th)

Hobby stocks
April 12: Jim Powell (finished 10th)
April 23: Mike Wiley (finished 11th)
April 26: Travis Booher (finished 2nd)
May 3: Larry W. Powell (finished 2nd)
May 10: Nathan Anders (finished 13th)
May 17: Nathan Anders (finished 11th)

IMPROVEMENT POINTS

Drivers are awarded one point for each position they improve their original starting spot on the feature grid.

Late models: Lonnie Bailey 24, Justin Reed 24, Jason Frankel 17, Keith Pratt 16, Bill Genenbacher 11, Robby Warner 11, Ron Elbe 9.
Modifieds: Vance Wilson 30, Michael Long 23, Steven DeLonjay 21, Justin reed 17, Dave Wietholder 16.
Stock cars: Kevin Tomlinson 29, Abe Huls 22, Chris Wibbell 21, Jeff Mueller 20, Doug Huls 19.
Hobby stocks: Travis Booher 20, James Leffew 15, Jim Powell 15, Steve Carlin 14, Wes Mayfield 14.

VICTORY LEADERS

Late models:
Total: Mark Burgtorf 5, Lonnie Bailey 3, Joey Gower 3.
Features: Mark Burgtorf 4, two others with 1.
Heats: Jerry Weisenberger 2, many with 1.
Dashes: Ron Elbe 2, Joey Gower 2.

Modifieds
Total: Michael Long 8, Steven DeLonjay 3, Tony Dunker 3.
Features: Michael Long 3, Robbie Reed 1, Steven DeLonjay 1.
Heats: Michael Long 3, Tony Dunker 3, Ryan Meyer 2.
Dashes: Steven DeLonjay 2, three others with 1.

Stock cars
Total: Andrew Griffin 3, Kevin Tomlinson 3.
Features: Kevin Tomlinson 2, four others with 1.
Heats: Sarah Woodhurst 2, Levi Long 2, Andrew Griffin 2, Doug Huls 2.

Hobby stocks
Total: Jim Powell 4, Steve Carlin 3, Wes Mayfield 3, James Leffew 3.
Features: Jim Powell 3, James Leffew 2.
Heats: Steve Carlin 3, dam Scott 2, Wes Mayfield 2.

Ten things that have impressed me most as we await a big Memorial Weekend of dirt-track racing:

1. DOUBLE DUTY: Justin Reed leading both the late model and modified series in points. Could he possibly win two titles?

2. THERE GOES ANOTHER ONE: What’s with all of the rollovers this year? It’s an epidemic. Everyone seems to have a theory, but I don’t think there is any one specific answer or reason. Here’s a list of drivers I can remember going end over end. Let me know if I missed anyone:

Keith Pratt
Terry Gallaher
Dustin Neese
Richard Vander Maiden
Matt Englund
Abe Huls
Wyatt Lantz
Aura Griffith

3. REMEMBER HIM? It was easy to dismiss 14-time late model track champ Mark Burgtorf after he was unable to race in those back-to-back features and was buried in the points race, but do you realize he has already won EIGHT features this season? Four of those have come at Quincy, with the remaining four spread over Iowa tracks in West Burlington, Donnellson and Davenport. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the No. 7 car has not given up the idea of winning another track championship. He’s currently 47 points out of first place with 15 weeks of points racing remaining. Hmmmm … maybe another title is not out of the question.

4. MOST IMPROVED: One of the drivers who immediately comes to mind is Clint Kirkham in the late models. Kirkham’s competitive improvement reminds me quie a bit of the jump Jason Perry made a couple of years ago. All of sudden it became obvious when he was running in the front pack each week. Same With Kirkham.

5. MIRROR IMAGE: I doubt if many caught this last Sunday, but Steven DeLonjay matched Michael Long’s track record for fastest modified feature lap at 69.791 mph — the exact same speed. What were the odds of something like that happening when those transponders can measure the speed down to a thousandth of a second? And the two did on back-to-back weeks on the same sticky track conditions.

6. YOUTH WILL BE SERVED: Have you noticed how many teen drivers are running this year? Here’s a list, with their current age or the age they will turn during racing season:

Tanner Klingele, 14 (hobby stock)
Steven DeLonjay, 17 (modified)
James Leffew, 18 (hobby stock, modified)
Levi Long, 18 (stock car)
Sarah Woodhurst, 18 (stock car)
Jake Powers, 18 (hobby stock)

7. WHAT LEARNING CURVE? Kevin Tomlinson’s switch from late models to stock cars has been a seamless one. Tomlinson leads the points, has won a couple of features and brought some if-it-ain’t-rubbin’-it-ain’t-racin’ excitement to the series.

8. HE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THIS SOONER! Remember all of the trouble Wes Mayfield used to have controlling that modified of his? Those days seem long gone with the way he handles that No. 21 hobby stock. Mayfield missed he track title by one point in 2008 and currently leads the series, thanks to a virtual mistake-free style that has made him a weekly threat to reach victory lane.

9. A NEW MEANING OF DEPENDABLE: Stock car driver Chris Wibbell continues to finish what he starts. His streak of consecutive feature laps run will reach 500 this week, barring a green-flag flat tire or turn one crash on a restart.

10. BEST NICKNAME: Stock car driver Levi Long is known as “Chunk Nugget.”

DEPENDABLE DRIVERS LEADERBOARD

These are the drivers who have kept their cars on the track for every lap of all Sunday night shows this season:

Jerry Weisenberger, late models, 150 of 150, 1.000
Justin Reed, late models, 150 of 150, 1.000 (No. 6 in 2008)
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 150 of 150, 1.000
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 109 of 109, 1.000
Justin Reed, modifieds, 109 of 109, 1.000
Kevin Tomlinson, stock cars, 100 of 100, 1.000
Chris Wibbell, stock cars, 100 of 100, 1.000 (No. 1 in 2008)
Jake Powers, hobby stocks, 100 of 100, 1.000
Wes Mayfield, hobby stocks, 100 of 100, 1.000
Mike Wiley, hobby stocks, 100 of 100, 1.000