It’s official. Billy Moyer will be racing in the UMP Summernationals “Hell Tour” Friday night at the Bullring.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances — or crashes this week — the legendary “Mr. Smooth” will make his first-ever appearance at the .29-mile facility. His son, Billy Jr., raced in Quincy at the 2006 Summernationals tour stop.

Moyer has won five of the eight Summernationals events he has entered this month, but only sits 10th in points because he has skipped five of the stops. No other driver has claimed more than two checkered flags.

Among the other big names who will be in town are two-time defending Summernationals champ Dennis Erb Jr., Brian Birkhofer, Kevin Weaver and Jeep Van Wormer. Other well-known hotshoes who should be in the pits are those atop the tour’s points list, including Randy “King Kong” Korte,  Jason “The Highside Hustler” Feger, Rodney Melvin, Shannon “The Moweaqua Missile” Babb, Terry Casey, Ryan Unzicker and Steve Sheppard Jr.

We’ll have more on the Summernats as the week progresses, both here on the blog and in the print edition of The Herald-Whig.

SCORING CHANGE

A change in Sunday night’s hobby stock feature scoring saw James Leffew moved to fifth from ninth, which resulted in Steve Carlin dropping from sixth to seventh. That cost Carlin a point in the standings and put him one (373-372) behind Jim Powell in the championship chase. The two had been tied at the end of Sunday night, until the scoring snafu was caught Monday morning.

Leffew sits third with 363 points, followed by Wes Mayfield and Miley, both with 354.

The hobby stocks and stock cars will join the UMP late models Friday night at the Bullring for the Summernationals show.

Action starts at 7:30 p.m. Late model qualifying will be at 7.

IMPROVEMENT POINTS

Here’s this week’s update on the drivers who have improved their positions most in the features, plus the latest Improvement Points standings.

The big news of the week was Jim Powell climbing 14 positions to win the hobby stock feature.

Late models:
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Keith Pratt, 7 positions (finished 7th)
April 23: Jason Frankel, 12 (finished 3rd) DEERY BROTHERS FEATURE
April 26: Justin Reed, 6 (finished 4th)
May 3: Keith Pratt, 3 (finished 9th), Bill Genenabcher, 3 (finished 4th)
May 10: Lonnie Bailey, 6 (finished 2nd)
May 17: Justin Reed, 7 (finished 3rd)
May 24: Justin Reed, 8 (finished 2nd)
May 31: Denny Woodworth, 7 (finished 3rd)
June 14: Justin Reed, 10 (finished 2nd) POINTS FEATURE
June 21: Bill Genenbacher, 7 (finished 8th)
June 28: Tommy Elston, 4 (finished 10th)

Improvement Points
Justin Reed, 54
Lonnie Bailey, 44
Jason Frankel, 26
Bill Genenabcher, 23
Keith Pratt, 22
Mark Burgtorf, 18
Denny Woodworth, 16
Robby Warner, 15
Ron Elbe, 12
Matt Bailey, 11

Modifieds
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Steven DeLonjay, 6 (finished 6th), Wyatt Lantz, 6 (finished 2nd)
April 26: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 3: Shawn Deering, 9 (finished 7th), Dean Vickers, 8 (finished 9th)
May 10: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 17: Vance Wilson, 14 (finished 3rd)
May 31: Dave Wietholder, 9 (finished 5th)
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, 15 (finished 1st)
June 21: Steven DeLonjay, 7 (finished 5th)
June 28: James Leffew, 9 (finished 11th)

Improvement Points
Steven DeLonjay, 41
Vance Wilson, 35
Dave Wietholder, 32
Richard Vander Maiden, 31
Justin Reed, 28
Trent Grotz, 25
Michael Long, 23
Wyatt Lantz, 23
James Leffew, 23
Donovan Lodge, 22

Stock cars
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Jeff Mueller, 7 (finished 1st)
April 23: Jeff Mueller, 8 (finished 6th)
April 26: Abe Huls, 7 (finished 4th)
May 3: Chris Wibbell, 7 (finished 3rd), Sarah Woodhurst, 7 (finished 6th)
May 10: Kevin Tomlinson, 8 (finished 2nd), Doug Huls, 8 (finished 4th)
May 17: Joe Gerdes, 7 (finished 6th)
May 24: Bobby Anders, 8 (finished 6th)
May 31: Andrew Griffin, 11 (finished 5th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 9 (finished 4th)
June 21: Abe Huls, 8 (finished 2nd)
June 28: Chris Wibbell, 7 (finished 4th)

Improvement Points
Abe Huls, 51
Kevin Tomlinson, 40
Chris Wibbell, 38
Doug Huls, 32
Andrew Griffin, 29
Jeff Mueller, 20
Michael Larsen, 16
Aaron Brocksieck, 13
John Oliver Jr., 13
Bobby Anders, 12
Sarah Woodhurst, 11

Hobby stocks
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Wes Mayfield, 6 (finished 3rd)
April 23: James Leffew, 8 (finished 2nd), Travis Booher, 8 (finished 8th)
April 26: Tanner Klingele, 5 (finished 8th)
May 3: Jim Powell, 7 (finished 1st)
May 10: Travis Booher, 11 (finished 4th)
May 17: Larry W. Powell, 10 (finished 4th)
May 24: Larry W. Powell, 8 (finished 6th), Matt Burgtorf, 8 (finished 7th)
May 31: Jake Powers, 8 (finished 7th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 6 (finished 5th), Jim Powell, 6 (finished 9th)
June 21: Wes Mayfield, 11 (finished 5th)
June 28: Jim Powell, 14 (finished 1st)

Improvement Points
Jim Powell, 47
Wes Mayfield, 43
Steve Carlin, 38
Larry W. Powell, 36
Travis Booher, 30
Jake Powers, 25
Andrew Griffin, 24
James Leffew, 23
Nathan Hayes, 19
Mike Wiley, 12
Adam Scott, 12

LATE MODEL FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Mark Burgtorf (started 3rd)
June 14: Tom Goble (started 4th)
June 21: Jason Frankel (started 5th)
June 28: Keith Pratt (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: LONNIE BAILEY, 74.127 (TRACK RECORD)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf, 71.649
May 24: Justin Reed, 66.932
May 31: Mark Burgtorf, 71.170
June 14: Lonnie Bailey, 71.326
June 21: Jason Frankel, 70.213
June 28: Mark Burgtorf, 70.379

Fast feature laps:
Mark Burgtorf, 4
Jason Frankel, 2
Lonnie Bailey, 2
Keith Pratt, 1
Justin Reed, 1
Ray Guss Jr., 1

Feature laps led:
Mark Burgtorf, 152
Keith Pratt, 80
Jason Frankel, 47
Matt Bailey, 18
Tom Goble, 14

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
May 31: Mark Burgtorf, 0.632
June 14: Tom Goble, 0.116
June 21: Jason Frankel, 5.701 TRACK RECORD
June 28: Keith Pratt, 0.356

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)
May 31: Clint Kirkham (finished 14th)
June 14: Nick Ingalls (finished 9th)
June 21: Clint Kirkham (finished 12th)
June 28: Mark Burgtorf (finished 2nd)

MODIFIED FEATURE DATA

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: modifieds did not race
May 31: Justin Reed (started 7th)
June 14: Wyatt Lantz (started 16th)
June 21: Wyatt Lantz (started 3rd)
June 28: Justin Reed (started 2nd)

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
May 31: Jared Schlipman, 64.855
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, 68.829
June 21: Wyatt Lantz, 63.531
June 28: Justin Reed, 67.095

Fast feature laps:
Michael Long, 3
Wyatt Lantz, 2
Justin Reed, 1
Jared Schlipman, 1
Steven DeLonjay, 1
Chris Spalding, 1

Feature laps led:
Steven DeLonjay, 42
Wyatt Lantz, 31
Michael Long, 30
Justin Reed, 26
Robbie Reed, 25
Jared Schlipman, 21

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
May 31: Justin Reed, 0.087
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, time limit race, ended under caution
June 21: Wyatt Lantz, 0.544
June 28: Justin Reed, 1.772

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
May 31: Jared Schlipman (finished 3rd)
June 14: Tony Dunker (finished 14th)
June 21: Todd Reed (finished 9th)
June 28: Donovan Lodge (finished 15th)

STOCK CAR FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Chris Wibbell (started 9th)
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck (started 6th)
June 21: Steve Steinkuhler (started 2nd)
June 28: 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
May 31: Chris Wibbell, 62.425
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck, 63.082
June 21: Abe Huls, 60.758
June 28: timing malfunction

Fast feature laps:
Chris Wibbell, 2
Kevin Tomlinson, 2
Terry Houston, 2
Abe Huls, 2
Jeff Mueller, 1
Aaron Brocksieck, 1

Feature laps led:
Terry Houston, 57
Andrew Griffin, 33
Abe Huls, 25
Kevin Tomlinson, 22
Jerry Jansen, 19

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
May 31: Chris wibbell, 2.525
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck, 0.198
June 21: Steve Steinkuhler, 0.330
June 28: timing malfunction

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)
May 31: Jerry Jansen (finished 3rd)
June 14: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 5th)
June 21: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 12th)
June 28: Terry Houston (WON)

HOBBY STOCK FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Larry W. Powell (started 4th)
June 14: Mike Wiley (started 5th)
June 21: James Leffew (started 6th)
June 28: Jim Powell (started 15th)

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)
May 31: Justin Bartz (finished 10th)
June 14: Nathan Anders (finished 17th)
June 21: Steve Watkins Jr. (finished 13th)
June 28: Nathan Hayes (finished 15th)

Feature laps led:
Jim Powell, 55
James Leffew, 31
Larry W. Powell, 30
Steve Carlin, 25
Steve Watkins Jr., 25

We can only hope the rest of the week at the Bullring matches Sunday night’s excitement.

The Keith Pratt-Mark Burgtorf 50-lap late model feature shootout was an amazing race to witness, and the standing ovation by the crowd of more than 2,000 illustrated that point.   

Pratt led all 50 laps with Burgtorf in hot pursuit. Through both lapped traffic and clean air the two went at it, the next lap just a little more nailbiting than the previous. And I don’t think the two ever touched, which should be a lesson to about a dozen — make that two dozen — other drivers in varied classes, who seem to think it “ain’t racin’ unless you’re rubbin’.”

Congrats to both Pratt and Burgtorf for an incredible show.

Next on tap is Friday’s UMP Summernationals tour stop, a $40,000 event with a $10,000 first prize. And then follow that up with next Sunday’s midseason championships in all four weekly classes.

Methinks the fun has just begun.

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.

We’re at about the halfway point of the SDRR season and I’d say the biggest surprise is the ease Burgtorf has controlled the rankings so far. This is his eighth straight week atop the heap in a year when I expected more of a fight for No. 1.

Only three Iowa drivers in the top 10 at this stage is also a surprise, but more Quincy drivers travel to all three tracks used for the SDRR. Only a handful of Iowa drivers the last few years venture as far south as Quincy except for special shows.

LATE MODELS

1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill., 338 points
2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 267
3. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 236
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 175
5. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 118
6. Keith Pratt, Quincy, Ill., 114
7. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 107
8. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 100
9. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 72
10. Tom Goble, Burlington, Iowa, 70

On the bubble
11. Jeff Aikey, Waterloo, Iowa, 69
12. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 64
13. Denny Woodworth, Mendon, Ill., 61
14. Boone McLaughlin, Mediaoplis, Iowa, 59

Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, 10
Jason Frankel, 5
Matt Bailey, 2

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 10: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 9: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 8: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
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

The hottest driver — other than Josh Foster — in this portion of the SDRR might be Kevin Blackburn, who has quietly crept into the No. 14 position. He’s apparently taken over for David Holder as the king of Moberly.

1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa, 307 points
2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 207
3. Wyatt Lantz, Augusta, Ill., 166
4. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Iowa, 138
5. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 132
6. Steven DeLonjay, Quincy, Ill., 126
7. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 124
8. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 111
9. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 102
10. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 97

On the bubble
11. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, Iowa, 95
12. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 78
13. Vance Wilson, Curryville, Mo., 76
14. Kevin Blackburn, Fulton, Mo., 70

Feature winners:
Michael Long, 7
Josh Foster, 6
Wyatt Lantz, 4

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 10: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 9: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 8: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
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.

STOCK CARS

Terry Houston has been systematically working his way up the rankings and is now on the verge of cracking the top 10. The former “B” mod driver figures to be a name to watch in the second half.

1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 300 points
2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 275
3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa, 209
4. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 165
5. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 142
6. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 139
7. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 117
8. Jim Redmann, Lockport, Iowa, 103
9. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 102
10. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 95

On the bubble
 11. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 86
12. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 77
13-tie. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 72
13-tie. Steve Steinkuhler, Camp Point, Ill., 72

Feature winners:
Jeff Mueller, 7
Abe Huls, 3
Jason Cook, 3

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 10: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 9: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 8: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 7: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 6: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
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.

QUINCY RACEWAYS SUNDAY NOTES

5 stars: Keith Pratt, who won the late model feature in a stirring duel with Mark Burgtorf. Pratt ledd all 50 laps, despite never-ending pressure from Burgtorf.

4 stars: Justin Reed, for winning his second modified feature and continuing to lead both the modified and late model points standings.

3 stars: Jim Powell, whose fifth hobby stock feature victory tied Burgtorf for the most at the track.

2 stars: Terry Houston, whose dominating stock car feature victory was his second of the season. Houston has led roughly 25 percent of all feature laps in the stock car series this season.

1 star: Mark Burgtorf, whose duel with Pratt showed how exciting hard, clean racing can be — with an emphasis on clean.

Heat winners
Late models: Bill Genenbacher (2nd), Lonnie Bailey (2nd), Justin Reed (1st)
Modifieds: Shawn Deering (1st), Vance Wilson (3rd), Justin Reed (1st).
Stock cars: Steve Steinkuhler (3rd), Terry Houston (2nd).
Hobby stocks: James Leffew (4th), Justin Bartz (4th).

Dash winners
Late models: Mark Burgtorf (1st).
Modifieds: Steven DeLonjay (4th).

B main
Modifieds: Robbie Reed (1st).

For the first time in years, there is no specific driver making an all-out assault on any of the Bullring single-season victory records.

The past two summers it was Michael Long taking no prisoners, and before that names like Mark Burgtorf, Hank DeLonjay and Eddie Dieker took turns dominating the summers.

In the NFL, it’s called parity. In dirt-track racing, I guess it’s called balance.

Here’s a look at some of the victory records and where the 2009 challengers stand heading into the weekend:

LATE MODELS

Total wins: Mark Burgtorf, 8
Record: Mark Burgtorf, 28, 2006

Feature wins: Mark Burgtorf, 5
Record: Mark Burgtorf, 13, 2006

Heat wins: Mark Burgtorf, 3; Nick Ingalls, 3
Record: Mark Burgtorf, 10, 2006

Dash wins: Lonnie Bailey, 2; Joey Gower, 2; Ron Elbe, 2
Record: Mark Burgtorf, 8, 2007

Money earned points races: Justin Reed, $3,340
Money earned non-points races: Mark Burgtorf, $2,740
Money earned all races: Mark Burgtorf, $5,830
Record points races: Mark Burgtorf, $10,460, 2006
Record non-points races: Mark Burgtorf, $7,050, 2006
Record all races: Mark Burgtorf, $17,510, 2006

MODIFIEDS

Total wins: Michael Long, 8
Record: Michael Long, 36, 2007

Feature wins: Michael Long, 3
Record: Michael Long, 16, 2007

Heat wins: Tony Dunker, 4
Record: Hank DeLonjay, 17, 2006

Dash wins: Steven DeLonjay, 3
Record: Michael Long, 7, 2007-2008

Money earned points races: Justin Reed, $2,320
Record: Michael Long, $6,650, 2007

STOCK CARS

Total wins: Kevin Tomlinson, 3; Chris Wibbell, 3; Abe Huls, 3; Levi Long, 3; Sarah Woodhurst, 3, Andrew Griffin 3
Record: Jeff Mueller, 14, 2008

Feature wins: Kevin Tomlinson, 2
Record: Jeff Mueller, 9, 2008

Heat wins: Levi Long, 3; Sarah Woodhurst, 3
Record: Jeff Mueller, 6, 2008

Money earned points races: Kevin Tomlinson, $1,700
Record: Jeff Mueller, $4,790

HOBBY STOCKS

Total wins: Jim Powell, 6
Record: Steve Carlin, 23, 2007

Feature wins: Jim Powell, 4
Recoord: Steve Carlin, 12, 2007

Heat wins: Steve Carlin, 4
Record: Eddie Dieker, 14, 2005

Money earned points races: Jim Powell, $950
Record: Steve Carlin, $2,160, 2007

Here we go, folks.

Arguably the biggest week of racing this season at the Bullring is only a few days away.

Sunday night’s $3,000-to-win Titan Wheel and Tire topless late model shootout will be the first of three major nights of action, followed by the $10,000-to-win July 3 UMP Summmernationals and July 5 midseason championships.

This is the fourth year for the $3,000-to-win event, which for the past three summers served as the big July 4 weekend race. But when the track acquired an earlier date for its Summernationals tour stop the decision was made to move the $3K special back a week.

Iowa drivers have won each of the previous $3,000 first prizes, starting with Jeff Aikey in 2006. Tom Darbyshire (2007) and Terry Neal (2008) were the others to cash the big check. In fact, Iowa drivers have won six of the previous nine July 4 specials (we’re counting this weekend as a July 4 special).

There’s a full lineup of classes for Sunday night, and all have increased purses. The modifieds are paying $500 to win, the stock cars $400 and the bobby stocks $250.

Here’s a look back at the $3,000-to-win/July 4 late model winners since 1992:

$3,000-to-win races:
2008: Terry Neal (27 cars)
2007: Tom Darbyshire (28 cars)
2006: Jeff Aikey (36 cars)

Previous Fourth of July weekend winners:
2005: Terry Neal
2004: Jamie Wilson
2003: Terry Gallaher
2002: Lonnie Bailey (Deery Brothers race)
2001: Rained out
2000: Jeff Aikey (Deery Brothers race)
1999: Curt Martin (Deery Brothers race)
1998: Tommy Elston
1997: Jason Frankel
1996: Jason Frankel
1995: Jason Frankel
1994: Mark Burgtorf
1993: Jim Swank
1992: Mark Burgtorf

Here’s the weekly update concerning which drivers have improved their starting positions the most in feature races, plus the latest Improvement Points standings.

Wes Mayfield was Sunday night’s hard charger, climbing from a 16th starting spot in the hobby stock main event and eventually finishing fifth.

The top individual performance to date has been turned by modified driver Wyatt Lantz, who moved up 15 positions in winning the June 14 feature.

Here’s a few oddities to ponder:

– When Jason Frankel won Sunday’s late model feature from the fifth starting spot that was the deepest any winner had started in that series. Six of the 10 late model winners have started in the front row.

– Only one modified and two stock car feature winners have started on the front row – Robbie Reed  (modifieds) on May 3,  Terry Houston (stock cars) on May 24 and Steve Steinkuhler (stock cars) on June 21.

– No hobby stock winner has started from the front row since April 23 (Jim Powell).

Late models:
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Keith Pratt, 7 positions (finished 7th)
April 23: Jason Frankel, 12 (finished 3rd) DEERY BROTHERS FEATURE
April 26: Justin Reed, 6 (finished 4th)
May 3: Keith Pratt, 3 (finished 9th), Bill Genenabcher, 3 (finished 4th)
May 10: Lonnie Bailey, 6 (finished 2nd)
May 17: Justin Reed, 7 (finished 3rd)
May 24: Justin Reed, 8 (finished 2nd)
May 31: Denny Woodworth, 7 (finished 3rd)
June 14: Justin Reed, 10 (finished 2nd) POINTS FEATURE
June 21: Bill Genenbacher, 7 (finished 8th)

Improvement Points
Justin Reed, 54
Lonnie Bailey, 44
Jason Frankel, 24
Bill Genenabcher, 23
Keith Pratt, 21
Mark Burgtorf, 18
Robby Warner, 15
Denny Woodworth, 15
Ron Elbe, 12
Jerry Weisenberger, 9

Modifieds
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Steven DeLonjay, 6 (finished 6th), Wyatt Lantz, 6 (finished 2nd)
April 26: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 3: Shawn Deering, 9 (finished 7th), Dean Vickers, 8 (finished 9th)
May 10: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 17: Vance Wilson, 14 (finished 3rd)
May 31: Dave Wietholder, 9 (finished 5th)
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, 15 (finished 1st)
June 21: Steven DeLonjay, 7 (finished 5th)

Improvement Points
Steven DeLonjay, 39
Vance Wilson, 30
Dave Wietholder, 27
Michael Long, 23
Justin Reed, 27
Trent Grotz, 23
Wyatt Lantz, 23
Richard Vander Maiden, 25
Donovan Lodge, 22
Jason Daggs, 17

Stock cars
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Jeff Mueller, 7 (finished 1st)
April 23: Jeff Mueller, 8 (finished 6th)
April 26: Abe Huls, 7 (finished 4th)
May 3: Chris Wibbell, 7 (finished 3rd), Sarah Woodhurst, 7 (finished 6th)
May 10: Kevin Tomlinson, 8 (finished 2nd), Doug Huls, 8 (finished 4th)
May 17: Joe Gerdes, 7 (finished 6th)
May 24: Bobby Anders, 8 (finished 6th)
May 31: Andrew Griffin, 11 (finished 5th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 9 (finished 4th)
June 21: Abe Huls, 8 (finished 2nd)

Improvement Points
Abe Huls, 46
Kevin Tomlinson, 40
Doug Huls, 32
Chris Wibbell, 31
Andrew Griffin, 29
Jeff Mueller, 20
Michael Larsen, 16
Aaron Brocksieck, 13
Bobby Anders, 12
Sarah Woodhurst, 11

Hobby stocks
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Wes Mayfield, 6 (finished 3rd)
April 23: James Leffew, 8 (finished 2nd), Travis Booher, 8 (finished 8th)
April 26: Tanner Klingele, 5 (finished 8th)
May 3: Jim Powell, 7 (finished 1st)
May 10: Travis Booher, 11 (finished 4th)
May 17: Larry W. Powell, 10 (finished 4th)
May 24: Larry W. Powell, 8 (finished 6th), Matt Burgtorf, 8 (finished 7th)
May 31: Jake Powers, 8 (finished 7th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 6 (finished 5th), Jim Powell, 6 (finished 9th)
June 21: Wes Mayfield, 11 (finished 5th)

Improvement Points
Wes Mayfield, 40
Jim Powell, 33
Travis Booher, 30
Steve Carlin, 29
Larry W. Powell, 25
Andrew Griffin, 24
Jake Powers, 24
James Leffew, 23
Nathan Hayes, 19
Adam Scott, 12

Today’s talking points:

– Jason Frankel’s late model feature victory Sunday at the Bullring kept fast-charging Lonnie Bailey at arm’s length in the battle for the second place in the Stevie Dirt Regional Rankings. Mark Burgtorf continues to build a cushion at No. 1, which should come as no surprise, considering he’s already won 10 features at SDRR tracks.

– When Wyatt Lantz won his second straight Quincy feature Sunday evening he climbed into third in int he SDRR modified listing. Lantz has an excellent opportunity to overtake Michal Long for the No. 2 position behind Josh Foster. Lantz is on a roll and Long is checking out some other tracks in the region.

– Abe Huls and Jeff Mueller continue their tremendous battle for No. 1 int he stock car rankings. Huls’ runner-up finish Sunday night allowed him to keep the SDRR lead he has owned for two months.

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., 306 points
2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 227
3. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 204
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 157
5. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 108
6. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 107
7. Keith Pratt, Quincy, Ill., 89
8. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 84
9. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 72
10. Jeff Aikey, Waterloo, Iowa, 69

Others (minimum45 points)
11. Tom Goble, Burlington, Iowa, 68
12. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 64
13. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa, 54
14-tie. Denny Woodworth, Mendon, Ill., 53
14-tie. Boone McLaughlin, Mediaoplis, Iowa, 53
16. Matt Strassheim, West Burlington, Iowa, 50
17. Robby Warner, Quincy, Ill., 49
18. Ron Elbe, Augusta, Ill., 48

Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, 10
Jason Frankel, 4
Matt Bailey, 2

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 9: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 8: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
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. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa, 295 points
2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 182
3. Wyatt Lantz, Augusta, Ill., 146
4. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Iowa, 138
5. Steven DeLonjay, Quincy, Ill., 111
6. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 109
7. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 107
8. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 102
9. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 101
10. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, Iowa, 93

Others (minimum 45 points)
11. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 91
12. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 78
13. Mark Van Winkle, Hannibal, Mo., 69
14. Robbie Reed, Quincy, Ill., 64
15-tie. Lonnie Heap, Media, Ill., 63
15-tie. Dusty Kraklio, Durant, Iowa, 63
17. Donovan Lodge, Moline, Ill., 60
18. Vance Wilson, Curryville, Mo., 56
19. David Holder, Clarence, Mo., 50
20. Dean McGee, Galesburg, Ill., 49
21. Kevin Blackburn, Fulton, Mo., 45

Feature winners:
Michael Long, 6
Josh Foster, 6
Wyatt Lantz, 4

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 9: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 8: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
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.

STOCK CARS

1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 270 points
2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 250
3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa, 192
4. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 165
5. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 139
6. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 130
7. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 105
8. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 102
9. Jim Redmann, Lockport, Iowa, 95
10. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 93

Others (minimum 45 points)
11. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 77
12-tie. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 71
12-tie. Chris Webb, Biggsville, Ill., 67
14. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 61
15. Jerry Jansem Plainville, Ill., 59
16. Steve Steinkuhler, Camp Point, Ill., 52

Feature winners:
Jeff Mueller, 6
Abe Huls, 3
Jason Cook, 3

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 9: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 8: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 7: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 6: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
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.

QUINCY RACEWAYS SUNDAY NOTES

5 stars: Wyatt Lantz, who became the first modified driver other than Michael Long or Hank DeLonjay to win back-to-back features in Quincy since May 2006 when Josh Foster turned the trick.

4 stars: Steve Steinkuhler, who won his first stock car feature of the year, ending a 19-race drought and moving him closer to regaining a top-10 points position.

3 stars: Late model driver and defending track and IMCA national champ Jason Frankel, who won his first feature at 8000 Broadway since May 3.

2 stars: James Leffew, who won his third hobby stock feature of the season. Only Jim Powell (48) has led more feature laps than Leffew (31) among hobby stockers.

1 star: Chief steward Jake Croxton for cracking down on the roughhouse driving that had plagued the track in recent weeks.

Heat winners
Late models: Jason Frankel (1st), Robby Warner (2nd).
Modifieds: Wyatt Lantz (3rd), Robbie Reed (1st), Trent Grotz (1st).
Stock cars: Steve Steinkuhler (2nd), Levi Long (3rd).
Hobby stocks: Steve Carlin (4th), James Leffew (2nd).

Dash winners
Late models: Bill Genenbacher (1st).
Modifieds: Steven DeLonjay (3rd).

LATE MODEL FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Mark Burgtorf (started 3rd)
June 14: Tom Goble (started 4th)
June 21: Jason Frankel (started 5th)

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: LONNIE BAILEY, 74.127 (TRACK RECORD)
May 17: Mark Burgtorf, 71.649
May 24: Justin Reed, 66.932
May 31: Mark Burgtorf, 71.170
June 14: Lonnie Bailey, 71.326
June 21: Jason Frankel, 70.213

Fast feature laps:
Mark Burgtorf, 4
Jason Frankel, 2
Lonnie Bailey, 1
Keith Pratt, 1
Justin Reed, 1
Ray Guss Jr., 1

Feature laps led:
Mark Burgtorf, 152
Jason Frankel, 47
Keith Pratt, 30
Matt Bailey, 18
Tom Goble, 14

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
May 31: Mark Burgtorf, 0.632
June 14: Tom Goble, 0.116
June 21: Jason Frankel, 5.701 TRACK RECORD

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)
May 31: Clint Kirkham (finished 14th)
June 14: Nick Ingalls (finished 9th)
June 21: Clint Kirkham (finished 12th)

MODIFIED FEATURE DATA

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: modifieds did not race
May 31: Justin Reed (started 7th)
June 14: Wyatt Lantz (started 16th)
June 21: Wyatt Lantz (started 3rd)

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
May 31: Jared Schlipman, 64.855
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, 68.829
June 21: Wyatt Lantz, 63.531

Fast feature laps:
Michael Long, 3
Wyatt Lantz, 2
Jared Schlipman, 1
Steven DeLonjay, 1
Chris Spalding, 1

Feature laps led:
Steven DeLonjay, 42
Wyatt Lantz, 31
Michael Long, 30
Robbie Reed, 25
Jared Schlipman, 21

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
May 31: Justin Reed, 0.087
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, time limit race, ended under caution
June 21: Wyatt Lantz, 0.544

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
May 31: Jared Schlipman (finished 3rd)
June 14: Tony Dunker (finished 14th)
June 21: Todd Reed (finished 9th)

STOCK CAR FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Chris Wibbell (started 9th)
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck (started 6th)
June 21: Steve Steinkuhler (started 2nd)

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
May 31: Chris Wibbell, 62.425
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck, 63.082
June 21: Abe Huls, 60.758

Fast feature laps:
Chris Wibbell, 2
Kevin Tomlinson, 2
Terry Houston, 2
Abe Huls, 2
Jeff Mueller, 1
Aaron Brocksieck, 1

Feature laps led:
Terry Houston, 37
Andrew Griffin, 33
Abe Huls, 25
Kevin Tomlinson, 22
Jerry Jansen, 19

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
May 31: Chris wibbell, 2.525
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck, 0.198
June 21: Steve Steinkuhler, 0.330

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)
May 31: Jerry Jansen (finished 3rd)
June 14: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 5th)
June 21: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 12th)

HOBBY STOCK FEATURE DATA

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)
May 31: Larry W. Powell (started 4th)
June 14: Mike Wiley (started 5th)
June 21: James Leffew (started 6th)

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)
May 31: Justin Bartz (finished 10th)
June 14: Nathan Anders (finished 17th)
June 21: Steve Watkins Jr. (finished 13th)

Feature laps led:
Jim Powell, 48
James Leffew, 31
Larry W. Powell, 30
Steve Carlin, 25
Steve Watkins Jr., 25

It might surprise you how long it has been since some of the track’s most familiar drivers have won a feature at the Bullring. It did me!

Late models:
Most recent winner: Tom Goble
Matt Burgtorf, 1 race
Matt Bailey, 2 races
Jason Frankel, 5 races
Keith Pratt, 6 races
Lonnie Bailey, 9 races
Justin Reed, 10 races
Denny Woodworth, 15 races
Dustin Griffin, 23 races
Robby Warner, 28 races
Tom Darbyshire, 42 races
Terry Gallaher, 43 races
Dustin Neese, 44 races
Sam Halstead, 46 races
Boone McLaughlin, 51 races
Jerry Weisenberger, 56 races

Modifieds:
Most recent winner: Wyatt Lantz
Justin Reed, 1 race
Steven DeLonjay, 2 races
Michael Long, 3 races
Robbie Reed, 4 races
Donovan Lodge, 7 races
Dave Wietholder, 15 races
Ryan Meyer, 44 races
Vance Wilson, 70 races
Tony Dunker, 105 races

Stock cars:
Most recent winner: Aaron Brocksieck
Chris Wibbell, 1 race
Terry Houston, 2 races
Andrew Griffin, 4 races
Abe Huls, 5 races
Kevin Tomlinson, 6 races
Jeff Mueller, 8 races
Steve Steinkuhler, 19 races

Hobby stocks:
Most recent winner: Mike Wiley
Larry Powell, 1 race
Jim Powell, 2 races
James Leffew, 3 races
Wes Mayfield, 4 races
Steve Carlin, 10 races
Travis Booher, 21 races

RECENT LATE MODEL FATHER’S DAY WINNERS

Here are the five most recent late model winners on Father’s Day:

2008: Rained out
2007: Dustin Neese
2006: Mark Burgtorf
2005: Brian Harris
2004: Lonnie Bailey
2003: Mark Burgtorf

I noticed something the other day I thought you might find interesting. Leading the points race does not necessarily translate into winning the most money — and vice versa. Only one of the four series points leaders also has the biggest bank account.

Here’s a look at the Bullring’s top money earners so far in each class:

LATE MODELS (points leader in bold face)

Points races only
1. Justin Reed, $2,925
2. Mark Burgtorf, $2,765
3. Lonnie Bailey, $2,715
4. Jason Frankel, $2,235
5. Keith Pratt, $2,220

All races
1. Mark Burgtorf, $5,505
2. Jason Frankel, $3,525
3. Justin Reed, $3,500
4. Lonnie Bailey, $3,340
5. Keith Pratt, $2,545
6. Jerry Weisenberger, $2,535

MODIFIEDS (points leader in bold face)

1. Steven DeLonjay $2,230
2. Justin Reed, $2,070
3. Michael Long, $1,805
4. Vance Wilson, $1,555
5. Tony Dunker, $1,545

STOCK CARS (points leader in bold face)

Points races only
1. Kevin Tomlinson, $1,525
2. Abe Huls, $1,455
3. Chris Wibbell, $1,430
4. Andrew Griffin, $1,110
5. Terry Houston, $1,085
6. Aaron Brocksieck, $1,080

All races
1. Kevin Tomlinson, $1,925
2. Abe Huls, $1,755
3. Chris Wibbell, $1,630
4. Terry Houston, $1,335
5. Andrew Griffin, $1,210
6. Aaron Brocksieck, $1,205

HOBBY STOCKS (points leader in bold face)

1. Jim Powell, $880
2. Wes Mayfield, $705
3. James Leffew, $680
4. Mike Wiley, $625
5. Larry W. Powell, $600
6. Steve Carlin, $565

Here’s a look at which drivers have improved their starting positions the most in each feature this season, plus the latest Improvement Points standings. The top individual performance to date has been turned by modified driver Wyatt Lantz, who moved up 15 positions Sunday night to win his first feature of the year at the Bullring:

Late models:
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Keith Pratt, 7 positions (finished 7th)
April 23: Jason Frankel, 12 (finished 3rd) DEERY BROTHERS FEATURE
April 26: Justin Reed, 6 (finished 4th)
May 3: Keith Pratt, 3 (finished 9th), Bill Genenabcher, 3 (finished 4th)
May 10: Lonnie Bailey, 6 (finished 2nd)
May 17: Justin Reed, 7 (finished 3rd)
May 24: Justin Reed, 8 (finished 2nd) POINTS FEATURE
May 31: Denny Woodworth, 7 (finished 3rd)
June 14: Justin Reed, 10 (finished 2nd)

Improvement Points
Justin Reed, 49
Lonnie Bailey, 42
Jason Frankel, 20
Keith Pratt, 19
Bill Genenabcher, 16
Robby Warner, 15
Denny Woodworth, 15
Mark Burgtorf, 13
Ron Elbe, 10

Modifieds
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Steven DeLonjay, 6 (finished 6th), Wyatt Lantz, 6 (finished 2nd)
April 26: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 3: Shawn Deering, 9 (finished 7th), Dean Vickers, 8 (finished 9th)
May 10: Michael Long, 9 (finished 1st)
May 17: Vance Wilson, 14 (finished 3rd)
May 31: Dave Wietholder, 9 (finished 5th)
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, 15 (finished 1st)

Improvement Points
Steven DeLonjay, 32
Vance Wilson, 30
Dave Wietholder, 27
Michael Long, 23
Justin Reed, 22
Trent Grotz, 22
Wyatt Lantz, 21
Richard Vander Maiden, 19
Donovan Lodge, 18

Stock cars:
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Jeff Mueller, 7 (finished 1st)
April 23: Jeff Mueller, 8 (finished 6th)
April 26: Abe Huls, 7 (finished 4th)
May 3: Chris Wibbell, 7 (finished 3rd), Sarah Woodhurst, 7 (finished 6th)
May 10: Kevin Tomlinson, 8 (finished 2nd), Doug Huls, 8 (finished 4th)
May 17: Joe Gerdes, 7 (finished 6th)
May 24: Bobby Anders, 8 (finished 6th)
May 31: Andrew Griffin, 11 (finished 5th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 9 (finished 4th)

Improvement Points
Abe Huls, 38
Kevin Tomlinson, 36
Chris Wibbell, 31
Doug Huls, 31
Andrew Griffin, 23
Jeff Mueller, 20
Michael Larsen, 16
Bobby Anders, 12
Sarah Woodhurst, 11
Joe Gerdes, 10

Hobby stocks:
Bold face indicates season high
April 12: Wes Mayfield, 6 (finished 3rd)
April 23: James Leffew, 8 (finished 2nd), Travis Booher, 8 (finished 8th)
April 26: Tanner Klingele, 5 (finished 8th)
May 3: Jim Powell, 7 (finished 1st)
May 10: Travis Booher, 11 (finished 4th)
May 17: Larry W. Powell, 10 (finished 4th)
May 24: Larry W. Powell, 8 (finished 6th), Matt Burgtorf, 8 (finished 7th)
May 31: Jake Powers, 8 (finished 7th)
June 14: Andrew Griffin, 6 (finished 5th), Jim Powell, 6 (finished 9th)

Improvement Points
Wes Mayfield, 29
Travis Booher, 28
Jim Powell, 28
Larry W. Powell, 25
Steve Carlin, 21
Andrew Griffin, 20
Jake Powers, 19
Nathan Hayes, 19
James Leffew, 18
Adam Scott, 12

Some late model-modified-stock car thoughts following an eventful weekend across the Tri-State area:

– Have you noticed what driver has held the No.1 position the longest this season in any of the the three Stevie Dirt Regional Rankings charts? Mark Burgtorf? Nope. Michael Long? Nah. If your guess was Honest Abe Huls you’d be 100 percent correct.

Huls is under attack from about a half-dozen challengers, but he’s held the top spot for seven straight weeks and shows no sign of weakening.

– Congrats to modified driver Wyatt Lantz, the “Augusta Assassin,” who won features on both IMCA and UMP tracks over the weekend. Lantz is a nice guy who struggled in 2008 and has blown three motors already in 2009. He was due for some good luck.

– Two late model drivers who are having nice, solid seasons and might be overlooked by many: No. 3 Lonnie Bailey, No. 6 Keith Pratt.

– Someone needs to make a run at Josh Foster pretty soon or the modified rankings will simply become a race to see who can finish No. 2.

– A couple of stock car drivers who have quietly shifted into second gear without much fanfare: No. 15 Jerry Jansen, No. 12 Andrew Griffin.

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

Most of the focus Sunday night was on the near-blanket feature finish of Tom Goble, Justin Reed and Lonnie Bailey, but sneaking in fourth was Mark Burgtorf, who picked up 12 big points to further pad his advantage.

1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill., 271 points
2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 202
3. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 171
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 145
5. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 102
6. Keith Pratt, Mendon, Ill., 89
7. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 75
8-tie. Jeff Aikey, Waterloo, Iowa, 69
8-tie. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 69
10. Tom Goble, Burlington, Iowa, 68

Others (minimum 40 points)
11. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 64
12. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 57
13. Denny Woodworth, Mendon, Ill., 53
14-tie. Boone McLaughlin, Mediapolis, Iowa, 49
14-tie. Robby Warner, Quincy, Ill., 49
16. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa, 44
17. Matt Strassheim, West Burlington, Iowa, 42

Feature victory leaders: Mark Burgtorf 9 (corrected total), Jason Frankel 3, Matt Bailey 2.

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 8: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
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

Wyatt Lantz’s big weekend launched him to fourth place, his highest ranking since the inception of the SDRR in 2008.

1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa, 270 points
2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 182
3. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Iowa, 123
4. Wyatt Lantz, Augusta, Ill., 121
5. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 109
6. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 102
7. Steven DeLonjay, Quincy, Ill., 101
8. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 95
9. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 91
10-tie. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 85
10-tie. Bill Roberts, Burlington, Iowa, 85

Others (minimum 50 points)
12. Mark Van Winkle, Hannibal, Mo., 69
13. Dusty Kraklio, Durant, Iowa, 62
14. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 58
15. Vance Wilson, Curryville, Mo., 56
16. Donovan Lodge, Moline, Ill., 54
17. Lonnie Heap, media, Ill., 51

Feature victory leaders: Michael Long 6, Josh Foster 5, Wyatt Lantz 3, Brandon Rothzen 2, David Holder 2.

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 7: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Ill.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 6: 1. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.
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

STOCK CARS

Aaron Brocksieck’s final-lap rally Sunday night cost Honest Abe Huls a fourth featrue victory — and a bigger lead over Jeff Mueller.

1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 250 points
2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 225
3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa, 172
4. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasn, Iowa, 165
5. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 130
6. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 127
7. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 104
8. Jim Redmann, Lockport, Iowa, 95
9. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 85
10. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 82

Others (minimum 40 points)
11. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 77
12-tie. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 67
12-tie. Chris Webb, Biggsville, Ill., 67
14. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 59
15. Jerry Jansen, Plainville, Ill., 44
16. Levi Long, Payson, Ill., 43

Feature victory leaders: Jeff Mueller 5, Abe Huls 3, Jason Cook 3, Kevin Tomlinson 2.

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 8: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 7: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 6: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
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.

SUNDAY NIGHT QUINCY RACEWAYS NOTES

5 stars: Modified driver Wyatt Lantz, whose Sunday night feature victory gave him weekend wins on both IMCA and UMP tracks.

4 stars: Tom Goble, whose feature victory was his first “official” late model checkered flag. He was awarded a first place in 2008 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington after the ”winner” was later disqualified.

3 stars: Aaron Brocksieck for winning his first stock car feature. He was the 2008 hobby stock champ and made the jump to stocks this season.

2 stars: Hobby stocker Mike Wiley gets one star for winning his first-ever feature and one star for providing everyone with a good chuckle. After a late-race caution, Wiley pulled into the infield while leading the race, thinking it had ended. Officials allowed him to rejoin the field — at the front.

1 star: Flagman Steve Blickhan, whose right arm is probably ready to fall off today after a season-high 27 cautions. And that number does not include another half dozen or so yellows for drivers jumping restarts. 

Heat Winners:

Late models: Ron Elbe (1st), Robby Warner (1st), Nick Ingalls (3rd).

Modifieds: Vance Wilson (2nd), Tony Dunker (4th), Ryan Meyer (3rd).

Stock cars: Abe Huls (3rd), Steve Steinkuhler (1st).

Hobby stocks: Justin Bartz (3rd), Mike Wiley (1st).

Dashes:

Late models: Robby Warner (1st).

Modifieds: Justin Reed (2nd).

B main:

Modifieds: Wyatt Lantz.