Kevin Tomlinson has been awarded last-place feature points following Sunday night’s post-feature disqualification for not having a muffler. The disqualification cost Tomlinson the stock car championship.

Tomlinson had filed a protest with the IMCA following the DQ, but the ruling was upheld. There had been a question whether Tomlinson would then receive last-place feature points or zero points. The IMCA ruled he should receive last-place points.

If Tomlinson had received zero points, he would have finished third, instead of second.

Here’s how the final top 10 stock car leaders look:

1. Abe Huls, 610 points CHAMPION
2. Kevin Tomlinson, 605
3. Terry Houston, 593
4. Andrew Griffin, 566
5. Michael Larsen, 564
6-tie. Aaron Brocksieck, 563
6-tie. Chris Wibbell, 563
8. Doug Huls, 546
9-tie. Steve Steinkuhler, 541
9-tie. Jerry Jansen, 541

Track officials said early Monday the IMCA has upheld Sunday night’s post-feature disqualification of Kevin Tomlinson, which will cost the first-year New London, Mo., stock car driver the track title.

Tomlinson will finish either second or third in the points, depending on whether the IMCA rules that he receives last-place points or zero points. That part of the ruling is expected later today.

Tomlinson was disqualified for not having a muffler on his car. He then filed an official protest with the IMCA.

Tomlinson had finished third in the feature behind winner Abe Huls of Carthage, Ill., and Aaron Brocksieck of Camp Point, Ill.

Hulls appeared to have finished three points (613-610) behind Tomlinson in the final standings, but the DQ of Tomlinson elevated Huls to the championship. Huls also won the track title at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.

Ten things I’m still thinking about concerning Sunday night’s wacky end to the points season at the Bullring:

1. Not one, but two disqualifications in the features, with one directly affecting a track championship.

Kevin Tomlinson was DQ’d after apparently wrapping up the stock car title with a third-place feature finish, only to be credited with last-place points — which cost him the championship — when a protest about him driving without a muffler was upheld. Tomlinson followed with a protest of his own about the decision, so the track title — which was awarded to feature winner Abe Huls, who entered the night five points in back of Tomlinson — is technically in limbo as this is being written. An official decision should be rendered by the IMCA at some point Monday or Tuesday.

And then there was the hobby stock feature, “won” by Steve Watkins Jr., who minutes later was disqualified during post-race inspection for having illegal control arms. That set off a semi-comedic 30 minutes or so in which the Watkins team refused to give back the championship trophy (they ultimately did) and saw the driver break his hand when he punched his car in anger.

2. Stock car driver Chris Wibbell’s worst August in his racing life continued when his transmission exploded about five seconds into hot laps. It looked like a bomb had gone off on the front stretch.

3. Justin Reed’s late model feature victory might have been his most impressive run of the season in that series. He set an IMCA engine record for the track with a 74.295 mph lap and was strong from start to finish. He wound up losing the track title by six points to Lonnie Bailey, with the difference being his sometimes-erratic second half of the season. Reed was only fifth in track points during the second half of the schedule.

4. I am still amazed Lonnie Bailey was able to win not one, but two track titles (Quincy, West Burlington) without winning at least one feature.

5. When late model driver Jerry Weisenberger started the feature, that marked five straight years he has taken the green flag for every points feature — 81 in a row. That’s the most by far of any late model driver at the track. (Hobby stock driver Steve Carlin has a streak of six years going, 109 features.)

6. Lonnie Bailey’s six-point margin of victory (622-616) in the late model division was the second-closest since IMCA scoring was adopted in 1998. Ironically, Bailey’s four-point margin (570-566) over the late Brent Slocum in 2004 is the closest.

7. Lonnie Bailey is just the fourth late model driver to win two or more titles in 35 years of racing at 8000 Broadway. Mark Burgtorf (14), Steve Farise (9) and Terry Gallaher (4) are the others.

8. Steve Carlin’s third hobby stock title left him one shy of Eddie Dieker’s series record of four. Dieker retired after the 2005 season.

9. The power and grace of Michael Long continue to amaze me. Since the modifieds went to a single class in 2006, he has won 37 features — and he has only raced the equivalent of 2 1/2 of those four seasons at Quincy. The next-highest feature victory total is Hank DeLonjay’s 11, and “The Crank” retired after the 2007 season.

10. The stock cars have been around just two years, but only one driver — Andrew Griffin — has started every feature in 2008-09.

FINAL 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.

FINAL LATE MODELS

Matt Strassheim falls just short in his late-season bid for a top-10 position.

1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill., 583 points 2009 SDRR champ
2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 420
3. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 369 2008 SDRR champ
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 308
5. Tom Goble, Burlington, Iowa, 228
6. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 212
7. Keith Pratt, Quincy, Ill., 193
8. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 182
9-tie. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 139
9-tie. Denny Woodworth, Mendon, Ill., 139

On the bubble
11. Matt Strassheim, West Burlington, Iowa, 133
12. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 122
13. Jeff Aikey, Waterloo, Iowa, 119
14. Jason Perry, Payson, Ill., 104
15. Colby Springsteen, Morning Sun, Iowa, 92
16. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa, 89
17. Boone McLaughlin, Mediaoplis, Iowa, 81
18. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 85
19. Bill Genenbacher, Camp Point, Ill., 76
20. Sam Halstead, Danville, Iowa, 71
21. Gary Russell, Biggsville, Ill., 67
22. Nick Ingalls, Quincy, Ill., 62
23. Tony Fraise, Donnellson, Iowa, 60
24. Tom Bowling, Danville, Iowa, 56
25. Ron Elbe, Augusta, Ill., 54

Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, 13
Jason Frankel, 7

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 19: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 18: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 17: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 16: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 15: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 14: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill.
Week 13: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 12: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
Week 11: 1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill.; 2. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.
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.

FINAL MODIFIEDS

Scott Hogan finishes with a flourish — and a No. 4 ranking.

1. Josh Foster, Montrose Iowa, 499 points 2009 SDRR champ
2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 397 2008 SDRR champ
3. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 296
4. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Ill., 259
5. Vance Wilson, Frankford, Mo., 258
6. Wyatt Lantz, Augusta, Ill., 243
7. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 235
8. Steven DeLonjay, Quincy, Ill., 209
9. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, Iowa, 203
10. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 195

On the bubble
11. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 160
12. Donovan Lodge, Moline, Ill., 148
13. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 143
14. David Holder, Clarence, Mo., 127
15. Kevin Blackburn, Fulton, Mo., 123
16. Robbie Reed, Quincy, Ill., 119
17. Dusty Kraklio, Durant, Iowa, 118
18. Andy Krieger, Burlington, Iowa, 111
19-tie. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 105
19-tie. Lonnie Heap, Media, Ill., 105
21. Dave Wietholder, Liberty, Ill., 92
22. Jared Schlipman, Mendon, Ill., 86
23-tie. Shawn Deering, Quincy, Ill., 81
23-tie. Mark Van Winkle, Hannibal, Mo., 81
25. Dean McGee, Galesburg, Ill., 78

Feature victoies:
Michael Long, 14
Josh Foster, 9

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 19: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 18: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 17: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 16: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 15: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 14: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 13: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 12: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 11: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa.; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 10: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 9: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 8: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa; 2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill.
Week 7: 1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa; 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.

FINAL STOCK CARS

Depending on the outcome of the protest at the Bullring, Abe Huls wins two track titles in the same weekend.

1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 613 points 2009 SDRR champ
2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 510
3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa, 307
4. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 297
5. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 233
6. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 223
7. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 205
8. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 204
9. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 198
10. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 174

On the bubble
11. Corey Strothman, New London, Iowa, 140
12. Steve Steinkuhler, Camp Point, Ill., 136
13. Jim Redmann, Lockport, Iowa, 131
14. Jerry Jansen, Plainville, Ill., 119
15. Chris Webb, Biggsville, Ill., 112
16. Kirk Kinsley, Wapello, Iowa, 112
17. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 111
18. Michael Larsen, Hannibal, Mo., 94
19. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 77
20. Todd Holsteen, Burlington, Iowa, 70
21. Brian Holmes, Wapello, Iowa, 57
22. Greg Johnson, Burlington, Iowa, 54
23-tie. Tim Breuer, Burlington, Iowa, 51
23-tie. Cale Samberg, Burlington, Iowa, 51
25. Cole Simmons, Morning Sun, Iowa, 44

Feature victories:
Jeff Mueller, 14
Abe Huls, 7

Previous weekly leaders:
Week 19: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 18: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 17: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 16: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 15: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 14: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 13: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 12: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
Week 11: 1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill.; 2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa.
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

Heat wins
Late models: Jerry Weisenberger (4th), Clint Kirkham (3rd).
Modifieds: Dave Wietholder (1st), Ryan Meyer (6th), Tony Dunker (6th). B main: Robbie Reed (3rd).
Stock cars: Andrew Griffin (3rd), Steve Steinkuhler (6th).
Hobby stocks: Adam Scott (3rd), Andrew Griffin (2nd).

Dash wins
Late models: Season championship Sept. 13.
Modifieds: Season championship Sept. 13.

STARS OF THE NIGHT

5 stars (tie): Lonnie Bailey for winning the late model track title and becoming one of only nine drivers to win three or more track championships in the 35-year history of Quincy Raceways.

5 stars (tie): Hobby stock driver Steve Carlin for winning his third series title and joining Bailey as one of just nine men to win three or more track titles.

3 stars: Justin Reed, who won the modified track crown in his first full season in the series. Reed also won the late model feature and finished second in points.

2 stars: Abe Huls for winning the stock car track title at West Burlington (and probably in Quincy, too), not to mention the Stevie Dirt Regional Rankings championship.

1 star: Michael Long for another impressive modified feature victory. He leads all drivers in all series with 14 total victories. That gives him 85 wins at 8000 Broadway in the past three seasons.

OVERALL TRACK LEADERS

Total victories:
Michael Long, modifieds, 14
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 13
Justin Reed, late models-modifieds, 11
James Leffew, hobby stocks-modified 10
Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 10
Jason Frankel, late models, 10
Terry Houston, stock cars, 10

Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 7
Michael Long, modifieds, 6
Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 6
Terry Houston, stock cars, 5

Heat victories:
Nick Ingalls, late models, 6
James Leffew, hobby stocks-modifieds, 6
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 6
Steve Steinkuhler, stock cars, 6
Ryan Meyer, modifieds, 6
Vance Wilson, modifieds, 5
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 5
Jason Frankel, late models, 5
Terry Houston, stock cars, 5
Michael Long, modifieds, 5

Dash victories:
Steven DeLonjay, modifieds, 4
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 3
Justin Reed, late models-modifieds, 3
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 3

One down, one to go?

Lonnie Bailey put the finishing touches on the late model title at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, Saturday night when he finished second in the feature to Tom Darbyshire.

Bailey wound up leading Darbyshire in the final standings by 21 points (495-474). The championship was Bailey’s second in three years at the Iowa track and the third straight for a Quincy driver.

Bailey will try and finish off his Quincy Raceways title run tonight. He is currently eight points (584-576) ahead of Justin Reed.

Other champs of note at West Burlington include Scott Hogan in the modifieds and Abe Huls in the stock cars. Both Hogan and Huls won Saturday features to cement their titles. Hogan finished six points (567-561) ahead of Josh Foster, while Huls held a 570-526 margin over Darin Thye.

34 RACEWAY LATE MODEL TRACK CHAMPS (since 1998)
2009: Lonnie Bailey
2008: Jason Frankel
2007: Lonnie Bailey
2006: Gary Russell
2005: Rob Toland
2004: Brent Slocum
2003: Boone McLaughlin
2002: Gary Russell
2001: Gary Russell
2000: Boone McLaughlin
1999: Chris Smyser
1998: Jeff Laue

Here’s a look at recent late model track champs at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. Lee County’s points season ended Friday when rain washed out the final night.

LEE COUNTY SPEEDWAY LATE MODEL TRACK CHAMPS (since 1998)
2009: Mark Burgtorf
2008: Jay Johnson
2007: Tom Darbyshire
2006: no late models
2005: no late models
2004: Lonnie Bailey
2003: Tommy Elston
2002: Tommy Elston
2001: Tommy Elston
2000: Tommy Elston
1999: Mark Burgtorf
1998: Mark Burgtorf

Along with deciding the track championships Sunday night at the Bullring, up for grabs are the Dependable Driver Leaderboard (DDL) and Driver Dominance Index (DDI) bragging rights.

Personally, the DDL fascinates me. If nothing else, it demonstrates what drivers find a way to keep their cars on the track during the money event (s) — the feature(s).

Two drivers, Lonnie Bailey in late models and Mike Wiley in bobby stocks, have perfect scores this season. A year ago, only Chris Wibbell in stock cars managed the ironman feat.

Competition for both the DDL and DDI end Sunday night with the conclusion of points racing.

DEPENDABLE DRIVER LEADERBOARD

1-tie. Lonnie Bailey, late models, 530 of 530 laps, 1.000
1-tie. Mike Wiley, hobby stocks, 350 of 350, 1.000
3. Justin Reed, late models, 521 of 530, .983
4. Bill Genenbacher, late models, 516 of 530, .973
5. Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 338 of 350, .966
6. Steven DeLonjay, modifieds, 400 of 415, .963
7. Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 334 of 350, .954
8. Justin Reed, modifieds, 394 of 415, .949
9. Jake Powers, hobby stocks, 331 of 350, .946
10. Abe Huls, stock cars, 299 of 320, .934

DRIVER DOMINANCE INDEX

The DDI also winds up Sunday night with the end of points pacing. The DDI offers a tool to measure a driver’s dominance in his own series with the top hotshoes in other classes. The DDI percentage comes from dividing the number of point earned by the number of points available in a specific series. Think of it as a driver’s batting average.

1. Kevin Tomlinson, stock cars, 575 of 640, .898
2. Abe Huls, stock cars, 570 of 640, .891
3. Chris Wibbell, stock cars, 563 of 640, .880
4. Terry Houston, stock cars, 556 of 640, .869
5. Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 669 of 774, .864
6. Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 667 of 774, .862
7. Lonnie Bailey, late models, 584 of 688, .849
8. Justin Reed, late models, 576 of 688, .837
9. Andrew Griffin, stock cars, 531 of 640, .830
10. Michael Larsen, stock cars, 531 of 640, .828
11-tie. Jake Powers, hobby stocks, 640 of 774, .827
11-tie. Justin Reed, modifieds, 1,063 of 1,285, .827

Rain has again forced cancellation of a Friday night program at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa. As a result, the season point totals are final and the track champions are set:

Late models: Mark Burgtorf. (This is Burgtorf’s first late model crown at Lee County since 1999.)
Stock cars: Jeff Mueller. (Jason Cook and Abe Huls tied for second.)
Modifieds: Josh Foster. (Rich Smith was five points behind.)
Hobby stock: Derek St. Clair. (Jim Lynch finished seven back.)
Wild thing: Dakota Fenton.
Sport Mod: Roger Dresden. (Phillip Cossel was two points behind.)

The rainout is Lee County’s eighth of the season.

QUINCY RACEWAYS VICTORY LEADERS

Late models

Total wins: Mark Burgtorf 13, Jason Frankel 10.
Record: Mark Burgtorf 28, 2006.

Feature wins: Mark Burgtorf 7, Jason Frankel 4.
Record: Mark Burgtorf 13, 2006.

Heat wins: Nick Ingalls 6, Jason Frankel 5.
Record: Mark Burgtorf 10, 2006.

Dash wins: Mark Burgtorf 3, Lonnie Bailey 3.
Record: Mark Burgtorf 8, 2007.

Modifieds

Total wins: Michael Long 13, Justin Reed 8, Wyatt Lantz 8, Vance Wilson 7, Steven DeLonjay 7.
Record: Michael Long 36, 2007.

Feature wins: Michael Long 5, Justin Reed 4.
Record: Michael Long 16, 2007.

Heat wins: Vance Wilson 5, Tony Dunker 5, Michael Long 5, Ryan Meyer 5.
Record: Hank DeLonjay 17, 2006

Dash wins: Steven DeLonjay 4, several with 2.
Record: Michael Long, 7, 2008-2007.

Stock cars

Total wins: Terry Houston 10, Kevin Tomlinson 7.
Record: Jeff Mueller 14, 2008.

Feature wins: Terry Houston 5, Kevin Tomlinson 4.
Record: Jeff Mueller, 9

Heat wins: Steve Steinkuhler 5, Terry Houston 5, Sarah Woodhurst 4, Michael Larsen 4.
Record: John Oliver Jr. 6, 2008.

Hobby stocks

Total wins: Jim Powell 10, James Leffew 9.
Record: Steve Carlin 23, 2007.

Feature wins: Jim Powell 6, James Leffew 4.
Record: Steve Carlin 12, 2007.

Heat wins: Steve Carlin 5, James Leffew 5 (corrected from last week).
Record: Eddie Dieker 14, 2005

MISCELLANEOUS VICTORY DATA

Wins from the pole
Late models: 1 of 20 features, 5 percent
Modifieds: 3 of 17 features, 17.7 percent
Stock cars: 2 of 18 features, 11 percent
Hobby stocks: 1 of 19 features, 5.3 percent
Total: 7 of 74 features, 9.5 percent

Wins from the front row
Late models: 8 of 20, 40 percent
Modifieds: 4 of 17, 23.5 percent
Stock cars: 4 of 18, 22 percent
Hobby stocks: 2 of 19, 10.5 percent
Total: 18 of 74 24.3 percent

Wins from the first two rows
Late models: 15 of 20, 75 percent
Modifieds: 7-17, 41.2 percent
Stock cars: 8 of 18, 44 percent
Hobby stocks: 5 of 19, 26.3 percent
Total: 35 of 74, 47.3 percent

THREE OR MORE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Late model points leader Lonnie Bailey and hobby stock points leaders Steve Carlin are both trying to wrap up their third track titles Sunday night. Here are the other drivers with three or more track championships in the Bullring’s history: 

Mark Burgtorf, 14 (all late model)
Hank DeLonjay, 13 (10 “A” modified, 3 sportsman)
Steve Fraise, 9 (all late model)
Eddie Dieker, 4 (all bomber)
Terry Gallaher, 4 (all late model)
Sam Burgtorf, 4 (3 “A” modified, 1 bomber)
Larry Larson, 3 (2 sportsman, 1 hobby)

If nothing else, Justin Reed has proven he is capable of being right in the middle of the action on more than one occasion.

Note only has Reed won the closest feature since the track adopted its electronic scoring system two years ago, but he has finished second in four of the top 10 closest features.

Reed will undoubtedly have more on his mind Sunday than being in another photo finish. He’s trying to win at least one — and hopefully two — track championships. He has a huge lead in the modified division over Steven DeLonjay, but has to make up an eight-point deficit on Lonnie Bailey to claim the late model championship. No driver in the track’s 35 years has ever won two titles the same season.

CLOSEST FEATURE FINISHES

Key:
Late models
Modifieds
Stock cars

Winner (Runner-up), Margin of Victory, Date
1. Justin Reed (Steven DeLonjay), 0.087, May 31, 2009.
2. Jake Wenig (John Oliver Jr.), 0.096, May 18, 2008
3. Tom Goble (Justin Reed), 0.116, June 14, 2009
4. Andrew Griffin (Kevin Tomlinson), 0.164, May 10, 2009
5. Matt Bailey (Justin Reed), 0.178, July 19, 2009
6. Aaron Brocksieck (Abe Huls), 0.198, June 14, 2009
7. Jason Perry (Justin Reed), 0.212, Aug. 23, 2009 MOST RECENT
8. Terry Houston (Aaron Brocksieck), 0.238, Aug. 9, 2009
9. Matt Bailey (Joey Gower), 0.251, July 26, 2009
10. Keith Pratt (Justin Reed), 0.252, May 4, 2008
11. Aaron Brocksieck (Damon Murty), 0.253, July 3, 2009

FEATURE DATA

LATE MODELS

Feature winners:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf (started 2nd)
April 23: Mark Burgtorf (started 3rd) Deery Brothers
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) Titan Wheel Shootout
July 3: Shannon Babb (started 3rd) UMP Summernationals
July 5: Jason Frankel (started 9th) Midseason Championship
July 12: Clint Kirkham (started 2nd)
July 19: Matt Bailey (started 3rd)
July 26: Matt Bailey (started 7th)
Aug. 2: Mark Burgtorf (started 10th)
Aug. 9: Jason Frankel (started 6th)
Aug. 23: Mark Burgtorf (started 4th)
Aug. 23: Jason Perry (started 4th)

Fastest feature laps:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf, 68.915 mph
April 23: Ray Guss Jr., 70.048 Deery Brothers
April 26: Keith Pratt, 68.396
May 3: Jason Frankel, 69.438
May 10: LONNIE BAILEY, 74.127 IMCA 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 Titan Wheel Shootout
July 3: JEEP VAN WORMER, 78.284 UMP TRACK RECORD Summernationals
July 5: Jason Frankel, 71.610 Midseason Championship
July 12: Lonnie Bailey, 71.219
July 19: Lonnie Bailey, 68.517
July 26: Matt Bailey, 72.099
Aug. 2: Jason Perry, 70.275
Aug. 9: Mark Burgtorf, 70.689
Aug. 23: Mark Burgtorf, 69.730 Monster Midwest
Aug. 23: Matt Bailey, 67.268

Fast feature laps:
Mark Burgtorf, 6
Lonnie Bailey, 4
Jason Frankel, 3
Matt Bailey, 2
Jason Perry, 1
Keith Pratt, 1
Justin Reed, 1
Ray Guss Jr., 1
Jeep Van Wormer, 1

Feature laps led:
Mark Burgtorf, 187
Jason Frankel, 90
Keith Pratt, 80
Jason Perry, 54
Matt Bailey, 48
Rodney Melvin, 33
Clint Kirkham, 30
Joey Gower, 27
Sam Halstead, 16
Tom Goble, 14
Ray Guss Jr., 13
Nick Ingalls, 12
Jerry Weisenberger, 10
Jason Feger, 9
Shannon Babb, 7
Ron Elbe, 5
Vance Wilson, 3
Jason Perry, 1
Dustin Neese, 1

Second-place feature finishes
Justin Reed, 5
Lonnie Bailey, 3
Jason Frankel, 2
Matt Bailey, 2
Mark Burgtorf, 2
Jason Perry, 1
Joey Gower, 1
Denny Woodworth, 1
Ray Guss Jr., 1
Jason Feger, 1

Margins of victory:
April 12: Mark Burgtorf, 0.868
April 23: Mark Burgtorf, 3.784 Deery Brothers
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 closest of season
June 21: Jason Frankel, 5.701 TRACK RECORD
June 28: Keith Pratt, 0.356 Titan Wheel Shootout
July 3: Shannon Babb, 1.187 UMP Summernationals
July 5: Jason Frankel, 2.982 Midseason Championship
July 12: Clint Kirkham, 0.415
July 19: Matt Bailey, 0.178
July 26: Matt Bailey, 0.251
Aug. 2: Mark Burgtorf, 1.345
Aug. 9: Jason Frankel, 0.762
Aug. 23: Mark Burgtorf, 2.806 Monster Midwest
Aug. 23: Jason Perry, 0.212

Pole-sitters:
April 12: Jerry Weisenberger (finished 4th)
April 23: Terry Schlipman (finished 6th) Deery Brothers
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) Titan Wheel Shootout
July 3: Rodney Melvin (finished 12th) UMP Summernationals
July 5: Sam Halstead (finished 3rd) Midseason Championship
July 12: Sam Halstead (finished 15th)
July 19: Clint Kirkham (finished 11th)
July 26: Dustin Neese (finished 4th)
Aug. 2: Nick Ingalls (finished 9th)
Aug. 9: Clint Kirkham (finished 11th)
Aug. 23: Jason Feger (finished 2nd)
Aug. 23: Ron Elbe (finished 8th) Monster Midwest

MODIFIEDS

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)
July 3: modifieds did not race
July 5: Vance Wilson (started 4th) Midseason Championship
July 12: Wyatt Lantz (started 6th) River City Rumble
July 12: Justin Reed (started 3rd)
July 19: Robbie Reed (started 5th)
July 26: Steven DeLonjay (started 1st)
Aug. 2: Justin Reed (started 5th)
Aug. 9: Michael Long (started 1st) Gem City Shootout
Aug. 23: Michael Long (started 8th)

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
May 17: Steven DeLonjay, 69.791
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
July 3: modifieds did not race
July 5: Justin Reed, 64.970 Midseason Championship
July 12: Justin Reed, 70.441 TRACK RECORD River City Rumble
July 12: Justin Reed, 67.207
July 19: Vance Wilson, 62.541
July 26: Steven DeLonjay, 67.481
Aug. 2: Rusty Griffaw, 64.620
Aug. 9: Michael Long, 66.013 Gem City Shootout
Aug. 23: Michael Long, 63.373

Fast feature laps:
Michael Long, 5
Justin Reed, 4
Wyatt Lantz, 2
Steven DeLonjay, 2
Vance Wilson, 1
Jared Schlipman, 1
Chris Spalding, 1
Rusty Griffaw, 1

Feature laps led:
Michael Long, 76
Steven DeLonjay, 61
Jared Schlipman, 50
Wyatt Lantz, 45
Justin Reed, 42
Robbie Reed, 37
Vance Wilson, 23
Ryan Meyer, 18
Dave Wietholder, 18
Shawn Deering, 16
Rusty Griffaw, 13
Tony Dunker, 9
Donovan Lodge, 3
Todd Reed, 2
Trent Grotz, 2

Second-place feature finishes
Steven DeLonjay, 4
Vance Wilson, 4
Tony Dunker, 2
Donovan Lodge, 2
Justin Reed, 2
Wyatt Lantz, 1
Jared Schlipman, 1
Rusty Griffaw, 1

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 17: Steven DeLonjay, 3.995
May 10: Michael Long, 4.128 BEST OF SEASON
May 24: modifieds did not race
May 31: Justin Reed, 0.087 closest of season
June 14: Wyatt Lantz, time limit race, ended under caution
June 21: Wyatt Lantz, 0.544, shortened by 3 laps by time limit
June 28: Justin Reed, 1.772
July 3: modifieds did not race
July 5: Vance Wilson, 0.989 Midseason Championship
July 12: Wyatt Lantz, 3.481 River City Rumble
July 12: Justin Reed, 0.630
July 19: Robbie Reed, 3.097
July 26: Steven DeLonjay, 0.607
Aug. 2: Justin Reed, 0.716
Aug. 9: Michael Long, 1.009 Gem City shootout
Aug. 23: Michael Long, 2.428

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)
July 3: modifieds did not race
July 5: Trent Grotz (finished 7th) Midseason Championship
July 12: Dave Wietholder (finished 4th) River City Rumble
July 12: Shawn Deering (finished 4th)
July 19: Justin Reed (finished 3rd)
July 26: Steven DeLonjay (WON)
Aug. 2: Rusty Griffaw (finished 2nd)
Aug. 9: Michael Long (WON) Gem City
Aug. 23: Jared Schlipman (finished 2nd)

STOCK CARS

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)
July 3: Aaron Brocksieck (started 2nd) Tri-State Shootout
July 5: Terry Houston (started 4th) Midseason Championship
July 12: Kevin Tomlinson (started 9th)
July 19: Stock cars did not race
July 26: Kevin Tomlinson (started 8th)
Aug. 2: Aaron Brocksieck (started 6th)
Aug. 9: Terry Houston (started 6th)
Aug. 23: Terry Houston (started 6th)

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 fastest by track regular
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
July 3: SHAWN JOHNSON, 64.393 TRACK RECORD Tri-State Shootout
July 5: Kevin Tomlinson, 61.834 Midseason Championship
July 12: Terry Houston, 62.937
July 19: Stock cars did not race
July 26: Aaron Brocksieck, 63.085
Aug. 2: Terry Houston, 60.559
Aug. 9: Terry Houston, 60.715
Aug. 23: Abe Huls, 61.383

Fast feature laps:
Terry Houston, 5
Abe Huls, 3
Kevin Tomlinson, 3
Chris Wibbell, 2
Aaron Brocksieck, 2
Jeff Mueller, 1

Feature laps led:
Terry Houston, 108
Aaron Brocksieck, 56
Michael Larsen, 34
Andrew Griffin, 33
Kevin Tomlinson, 31
Abe Huls, 25
Jerry Jansen, 19
Steve Steinkuhler, 19
Jeff Mueller, 16
Doug Huls, 11
Levi Long, 9
Chris Wibbell, 8
Sarah Woodhurst, 7
Chris Larson, 4

Second-place feature finishes
Abe Huls, 3
Kevin Tomlinson, 3
Doug Huls, 3
Aaron Brocksieck, 2
Chris Wibbell, 2
Terry Houston, 1
Levi Long, 1
Jerry Jansen, 1
Steve Steinkuhler, 1
Damon Murty, 1

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 closest of season
May 17: Chris Wibbell, 0.267
May 24: Terry Houston, 1.803
May 31: Chris Wibbell, 2.525 BEST OF SEASON
June 14: Aaron Brocksieck, 0.198
June 21: Steve Steinkuhler, 0.330
June 28: timing malfunction
July 3: Aaron Brocksieck, 0.253 Tri-State Shootout
July 5: Terry Houston, 0.265 Midseason Championship
July 12: Kevin Tomlinson, 0.522
July 19: Stock cars did not race
July 26: Kevin Tomlinson, 0.536
Aug. 2: Aaron Brocksieck, 1.952
Aug. 9: Terry Houston, 0.238
Aug. 23: Terry Houston, 1.053

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)
July 3: Jeff Joldersman (finished 4th) Tri-State Shootout
July 5: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 8th) Midseason
Championship
July 12: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 11th)
July 19: Stock cars did not race
July 26: Sarah Woodhurst (finished 8th)
Aug. 2: Steve Steinkuhler (finished 4th)
Aug. 9: Steve Steinkuhler (finished 4th)
Aug. 23: Joe Gerdes (finished 11th)

HOBBY STOCKS

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)
July 3: James Leffew (started 2nd)
July 5: Steve Carlin (started 1st) Midseason Championship
July 12: Travis Booher (started 5th)
July 19: Travis Booher (started 6th)
July 26: Tanner Klingele (started 2nd) (Bobby Anders DQ)
Aug. 2: Jim Powell (started 7th)
Aug. 9: Jake Powers (started 6th)
Aug. 23: Jake Powers (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)
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)
July 3: Jake Powers (finished 9th)
July 5: Steve Carlin (WON) Midseason Championship
July 12: Nathan Anders (finished 11th)
July 19: Nathan Hayes (finished 10th)
July 26: Nathan Hayes (finished 3rf)
Aug. 2: Nathan Hayes (finished 6th)
Aug. 9: Steve Watkins Jr. (finished 2nd)
Aug. 23: Nathan Anders (finished 9th)

Feature laps led:
Jim Powell, 59
James Leffew, 46
Steve Carlin, 45
Steve Watkins Jr., 42
Tanner Klingele, 31
Larry W. Powell, 30
Travis Booher, 27
Nathan Anders, 23
Wes Mayfield, 20
Adam Scott, 13
Jake Powers, 12
Andrew Griffin, 5
Bobby Anders, 5
Nathan Hayes, 4
Mike Wiley, 3
Corrie Eifert, 2

Second-place feature finishes
Steve Carlin, 3
Wes Mayfield, 3
Jim Powell, 3
Steve Watkins Jr., 2
Adam Scott, 2
Nathan Hayes, 2
James Leffew, 1
Travis Booher, 1
Larry W. Powell, 1
Matt Burgtorf, 1

POLE-SITTERS BY SERIES

Late models:
Clint Kirkham, 4
Mark Burgtorf, 3
Nick Ingalls, 2
Sam Halstead, 2
Ron Elbe, 2
Dustin Neese, 2
Jerry Weisenberger
Matt Bailey
Terry Schlipman
Rodney Melvin
Winner: Burgtorf (May 10)

Modifieds:
Shawn Deering, 2
Jared Schlipman, 2
Michael Long
C.J. Ostrander
Robbie Reed
Benn Huff
Ryan Meyer
Tony Dunker
Todd Reed
Donovan Lodge
Trent Grotz
Dave Wietholder
Justin Reed
Steven DeLonjay
Rusty Griffaw
Winners: R. Reed (May 3), DeLonjay (July 26), Long (Aug. 9)

Stock Cars:
Sarah Woodhurst, 5
Jerry Jansen, 3
Terry Houston, 3
Steve Steinkuhler, 3
Andrew Griffin
Jeremy Buss
Joe Gerdes
Winners: Houston (May 24, June 28)

Hobby Stocks:
Nathan Anders, 5
Nathan Hayes, 4
Steve Watkins Jr., 3
Justin Bartz
Steve Carlin
Jake Powers
Larry W. Powell
Travis Booher
Mike Wiley
Jim Powell
Winner: Carlin (July 5)

Mathematically, Chris Wibbell still has a chance at his first track title at the Bullring — thanks to a stock car scoring error that was caught.

Track officials contacted this blog earlier today, informing us that Wibbell had been shorted 10 points because of a computer glitch in how the IMCA points were applied following Sunday’s race.

Wibbell now has 563 points, good for third place. He is 12 points behind leader Kevin Tomlinson (575) and seven in back of runner-up Abe Huls (570). Sunday night is the final points racing show of the season. Champs will be crowned in all four classes.

Wibbell has been the victim of late-season heartbreak for straight years at 8000 Broadway. A year ago, he wound up deadlocked for first in points but lost the championship on a tiebreaker (most features won) to Jeff Mueller. This year he has been in contention all season, and was one of three drivers who figured to have a shot on the final night until a crash in a heat race last Sunday knocked him out of the feature and cost him dearly in the points standings.

SECOND-HALF POINTS

Here’s a look at the drivers who have performed the best since the midseason championship races. Make sure you scan the hobby stocks. That’s what you call close:

Late models:
Mark Burgtorf, 225
Lonnie Bailey, 217 (overall leader)
Bill Genenbacher, 216
Jason Perry, 210
Justin Reed, 203
Nick Ingalls, 201

Modifieds:
Justin Reed, 434 (overall leader)
Donovan lodge, 403
Tony Dunker, 376
Vance Wilson, 369
Steven DeLonjay, 364
Robbie Reed, 362
Shawn Deering, 354

Stock cars:
Terry Houston, 187
Kevin Tomlinson, 185 (overall leader)
Aaron Brocksieck, 183
Jerry Jansem, 179
Doug Huls, 177
Chris Wibbell, 175
Steve Steinkuhler, 173

Hobby stocks:
Jake Powers, 223
Steve Carlin, 222 (overall leader)
Jim Powell, 222
Nathan Hayes, 220
Adam Scott, 218
Travis Booher, 217
Tanner Klingele, 214
Mike Wiley, 208

At the beginning of the season, I had no idea how the “Improvement Points” thing might turn out, but with only three weeks of racing remaining I think the proof is in the proverbial pudding.

The leaders in all four weekly series are at or near the top of the points standings, which would be only logical. By this time of the season, the points leaders are those drivers who regularly work their way through the feature traffic. (Drivers receive one improvement point for each position improved from his original starting spot.)

I would say the only aberration might be in the hobby stocks where Wes Mayfield still sits second (and will probably wind up third), even though he has not raced since early in the month. But remember, before Mayfield sold his car (which ended his season) he was second in points.

The only improvement points title in the bag looks to be in the modifieds where Steven “Li’l Crank” DeLonjay has built a whopping, 33-point advantage, which again only makes sense considering the ability he has shown to slice and dice a mod feature lineup. Remember the night he climbed from that 23rd starting spot to his final resting place in fourth? That was worth 19 (of his 102) points right there.

DeLonjay has had the top improvement score six times this season, which ties him with Justin Reed in late models for the single-series track high. Reed, however, deserves kudos for an overall mark of seven top weekly scores when you throw in his modified success.

IMPROVEMENT POINTS

LATE MODELS:
Justin Reed, 76
Lonnie Bailey, 71
Mark Burgtorf, 71
Jason Frankel, 61
Bill Genenbacher, 45
Keith Pratt, 39
Denny Woodworth, 33
Matt Bailey, 20
Ron Elbe, 19
Robby Warner, 19

Weekly top score leaders (track regulars):
Justin Reed, 6
Mark Burgtorf, 3
Keith Pratt, 3
Jason Frankel, 3
Lonnie Bailey, 2
Bill Genenbacher, 2
Denny Woodworth, 1

Top weekly improvements:
Jason Frankel, 12, Aug. 2
Jason Frankel, 12, April 23
Justin Reed, 11, Aug. 23
Terry Casey, 11, July 3
Justin Reed, 10, June 14

MODIFIEDS:
Steven DeLonjay, 102
Justin Reed, 61
Vance Wilson, 59
Donovan Lodge, 52
Trent Grotz, 48
Shawn Deering, 46
Tony Dunker, 45
Wyatt Lantz, 44
Dave Wietholder, 44
Richard Vander Maiden, 41

Weekly top score leaders (track regulars):
Steven DeLonjay, 6
Wyatt Lantz, 3
Michael Long, 2
Vance Wilson, 1
Shawn Deering, 1
Donovan Lodge, 1
Dav Wietholder, 1
Justin Reed, 1
James Leffew, 1
Jerry Lierly, 1
Kendal Watkins, 1

Top weekly improvements (track regulars):
Steven DeLonjay, 19, Aug. 9
Steven DeLonjay, 17, July 5
Shawn Deering, 15, July 5
Wyatt Lantz, 15, June 14
Donovan Lodge, 14, Aug. 2
Donovan Lodge, 14, June 14
Vance Wilson, 14, May 17
Trent Grotz, 12, Aug. 9
Jerry Lierly, 12, July 19
Justin Reed, 10, July 12
Richard Vander Maiden, 19, June 14
Joe Kindhart, 10, June 14

STOCK CARS:
Kevin Tomlinson, 80
Abe Huls, 71
Chris Wibbell, 56
Doug Huls, 50
Andrew Griffin, 43
Aaron Brocksieck, 40
John Oliver Jr., 24
Sarah Woodhurst, 22
Michael Larsen, 20
Jeff Mueller, 20

Weekly top score leaders
Kevin Tomlinson, 5
Abe Huls, 3
Chris Wibbell, 2
Andrew Griffin, 2
Jeff Mueller, 2
Aaron Brocksieck, 1
Doug Huls, 1
Sarah Woodhurst, 1
Joe Gerdes, 1
Bobby Anders, 1
Steve Steinkuhler, 1
Terry Houston, 1

Top weekly improvements (track regulars)
Doug Huls, 12, July 3
John Oliver Jr., 11, July 3
Andrew Griffin, 11, May 21
(Overall top mark: Jason Cook, 15, July 3)

HOBBY STOCKS
Jim Powell, 77
Wes Mayfield, 65
Steve Carlin, 64
Travis Booher, 46
Larry W. Powell, 42
Jake Powers, 41
Mike Wiley, 32
Andrew Griffin, 29
Steve Watkins Jr., 25
Nathan Hayes, 25

Weekly top score leaders:
Jim Powell, 4
Larry W. Powell, 3
Wes Mayfield, 3
Steve Watkins Jr., 3
Travis Booher, 3
Andrew Griffin, 2
Jake Powers, 1
Steve Carlin, 1
Mike Wiley, 1
Tanner Klingele, 1
James Leffew, 1
Matt Burgtorf, 1

Top weekly improvements:
Jim Powell, 14, June 28
Jim Powell, 12, Aug. 23
Larry W. Powell, 11, June 28
Wes Mayfield, 11, June 21
Travis Booher, 11, May 10
Larry W. Powell, 10, May 17

 Another dirt track has closed.

Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Ill., is no more. An announcement on its Web site reads:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have no choice but to end the 2009 season at Vermilion County Speedway. There will be no more races promoted this year by Joe Spiker Productions.”

For those keeping track, that is three tracks that have hoisted the white flag this season. Montgomery County Speedway and Macomb Raceway called it quits earlier this summer.

SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP RACES

It’s the end of points racing Sunday night at the Bullring, capped by the annual season championship races.

Listed below are the season championship race winners since 1992. Drivers in bold face indicate they won the points title that year, too.

Recent Late Model Winners

2008: Jason Frankel
2007: Mark Burgtorf
2006: Mark Burgtorf
2005: Rained out
2004: Lonnie Bailey
2003: Mark Burgtorf
2002: Lonnie Bailey
2001: Mark Burgtorf
2000: Jamie Wilson
1999: Mark Burgtorf
1998: Hank DeLonjay
1997: Mark Holtmeyer
1996: Dick Crane
1995: Lonnie Bailey
1994: Mark Burgtorf
1993: Mark Burgtorf
1992: Lonnie Bailey

Recent Modified Winners

2008: Michael Long
2007: Michael Long
2006: Robbie Reed

“A” Modifieds
2005: Michael Long
2004: Hank DeLonjay
2003: Michael Long
2002: Hank DeLonjay
2001: Vance Wilson
2000: Sam Burgtorf
1999: Vance Wilson
1998: Vance Wilson
1997: Hank DeLonjay
1996: Hank DeLonjay
1995: Ted Allen
1994: Hank DeLonjay
1993: Hank DeLonjay
1992: Ron Gough

“B” Modifieds
2005: Wyatt Lantz
2004: Tony Dunker
2003: Wyatt Lantz
2002: Gary Dreyer
2001: Kelly Bartz
2000: Joe Bliven
1999: Greg Uppinghouse
1998: Greg Uppinghouse
1997: Kelly Smith
1996: Jerry Poor
1995: Joey Gower
1994: Jerry Poor
1993: Lonnie Carter

Recent Stock Car Winners

2008: Jeff Mueller

Recent Hobby Stock/Bomber Winners

2008: Wes Mayfield
2007: Steve Carlin

Bombers
2006: Adam Birck
2005: Adam Birck
2004: Adam Birck
2003: Eddie Dieker
2002: Eddie Dieker
2001: Dave Wietholder
2000: Eddie Dieker
1999: Eddie Dieker
1998: Eddie Dieker
1997: Larry W. Powell
1996: Jay Holler
1995: Junior Tuggle
1994: Jeff Klingele
1993: Sam Burgtorf
1992: Joe Hooper