Friday April 26, 2019
By Tyson Graves, RPM Writer
Farmer City, Illinois - Friday night the pits were packed at the Farmer City Raceway. After a week off due to weather the racing community was ready to race and Farmer City was the place. With the highest car count of the season so far, 109 cars had their hopes set on a victory in the 5 classes in action.
The nights action got started with qualifying for the Super Late Models and Modifieds. 24 Late Models took a crack at qualifying and early on Billy Drake set the pace with a lap of 12.880 seconds. But before Late Model qualifying was done it was Manhattan, IL driver "Opie" Mike Spatola who would have the quickest lap of the night with a lap of 12.770 seconds. Jason Feger rounded out the top 3 times with a lap of 12.970. In Modified qualifying action Indiana driver Nick Allen set the pace with a lap of 14.130 seconds over Randy Shuman & Missouri's Trey Harris.
After opening ceremonies racing got kicked off with three heat races in the Late Models. Starting on the front row and leading wire to wire Mike Spatola picked up the heat race 1 win holding off Brian Shirley and Lincoln, IL driver Myles Moos. In heat race 2 the veteran driver Billy Drake picked up the win holding off youngster Matt Shannon and Mike Glasscock. Heat race 3 was an exciting one three Illinois drivers battled for the heat race win. In the end it was "The Highside Hustler" Jason Feger who came out on top with Kevin Weaver second and Bob Gardner rounding out the top 3.
Next up was three Modified heat races. During heat number 1 the driver who won two weeks ago picked up right where he left off. Allen Weisser picked up the heat race win over fast qualifier Nick Allen and Jeff Leka. In heat race 2 there was plenty of action early including a scary moment when Rodney Standerfer went into a ball of flames due to an oil leak that halted the racing action. Rodney was unhurt but his night was done. The driver out of Owensboro, KY Tyler Nicely went on to pick up the victory in commanding fashion in the closing laps over Randy Shuman and James Walters. Heat race 3 went to Trey Harris holding off last years track champ Mike Chasteen Jr and Nick Clubb.
Pro Late Models made the next appearance on the race track for a pair of heat races to determine the starting spots for their feature event. In heat race 1 Darren Wireman held off St. Charles, MO driver Trevor Gundaker for the win. Heat race #2 went to Dakota Ewing with Chuck Mitchell in second.
The Street Stocks came out on the track next for 3 heat races to determine who would advance to the A main and who would have to come through the B-Main. Your heat race winners in 3 street stock heat races were Jason Maier, Andrew Funk, & Nick Seplak.
Heat race action was finished up with the B-Mods. Heat race number 1 started with a bang as Deece Schwartz and BJ Deal made contact and sent BJ in a barrel roll going down into turn one. All drivers were ok but Schwartz & Deal's nights were done. Charleston, IL driver Nick Miller went on to win heat 1 as Anthony Tucker picked up the other heat win.
Next up was B-Main action to determine the last few starting spots in the night's feature events. First up was a B-main for the Late Models. 9 cars would start the race with 6 transferring to the feature. The top two spots in the B feature went to out of state drivers Allen Murray from Texas and Jeff Roth from Arkansas. In Modified B main action we saw the 14 year old rookie Michael Ledford pick up his first ever checkard flag. Michael held off Troy Dodson for the win.
This all set the stage for some exciting feature action. The track was in great shape to provide some awesome racing to close out the night. An early miscue by early leader Mike Spatola brought out the first caution as he spun in turn 2. On the restart veteran driver out of Bloomington, IL Billy Drake took over the race lead. Billy would show the way for several laps with Brian Shirley trying to find a way around Drake. About midway through the race Shirley made a daring move to the bottom in turn 3 and slid up in front of Billy Drake and never looked back taking the feature victory. Jason Feger finished runner up as Billy Drake slipped back to finish third. Last years track champ Kevin Weaver finished 4th and Mckay Wenger rounded out the top five as hard charger coming from the 11th starting position. Shirley in his victory lane interview said he needed to race tonight, last weekend he had motor issues at 34 Raceway and needed to get things straightened back out. He did just that winning for his second time in 2019 at Farmer City. Brian also took home the opening night win of the Illini 100 weekend earlier this month.
In Modified feature action Allen Weisser picked up his second feature win of the season at Farmer City. Allen won 2 weeks ago on opening points night. Tyler Nicely finished runner up and fast qualifier Nick Allen completed the top 3.
Pro Late Model action went to Dakota Ewing, holding off hard charger Chris Dick who started 10th and Torin Mettille came home 3rd.
It was an exciting Street Stock feature as Jason Maier took off to an early race lead and looked to be the guy to beat. Jeremy Nichols, last years defending UMP National champ had issues with his car and got in Rudy Zaragoza's machine and started tail on the 20 car field. Jeremy worked his way through the field and after a couple cautions fell his way he was able to take the lead in the closing laps and win the Street Stock feature. In victory lane interview he thanked Rudy for letting him drive his car. Jeremy noted that it was his car for 2018 and still enjoyed driving it. Veteran driver Darrell Dick finished 3rd.
The night was closed out with Pocahontas, IL driver Billy Knebel picking up the B-Mod feature. He had to hold off a charging Tim Hancock who came from the 12th starting spot to finish runner up. Billy Nail rounded out the top 3.
It was a great night at Farmer City Raceway! Action will return to Farmer City this next Friday night May 3rd with a full night of racing and be joined by the Hornets for the 1st time of 2019. Also be sure to mark your calanders for May 9-10 3rd Annual Farmer City 74.
Dirt Late Models
A Feature 1
1 4 Brian Shirley Chatham, IL 3S
2 3 Jason Feger Bloomington, IL 25
3 2 Billy Drake Bloomington, IL 75D
4 6 Kevin Weaver Gibson City, IL B12
5 11 Mckay Wenger Fairbury, IL 42
6 9 Bob Gardner Washington, IL 4G
7 8 Mike Glasscock Leroy, IL 30
8 1 Mike Spatola Manhattan, IL 89
9 5 Matt Shannon Bartonville, IL 15
10 14 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL 2C
11 7 Myles Moos Lincoln, IL 84
12 15 Allen Murray San Antonio, TX 2
13 17 Kolby Vandenbergh Ashland, IL 15V
14 10 Donny Walden Bloomington, IL 1A
15 13 Jason Wagner Marion, IL J12
16 20 Callen Breeden Forrest, IL 09
17 16 Jeff Roth Bentonville, AR 14R
18 12 Joe Godsey Edinburgh, IN 14G
19 18 Russ Adams Princeville, IL 74
20 19 Lyle Zanker Rockford, IL 9
DNS - Bill Giannetti Champaign, IL 17G
B Feature 1
1 3 Allen Murray San Antonio, TX 2
2 1 Jeff Roth Bentonville, AR 14R
3 2 Kolby Vandenbergh Ashland, IL 15V
4 5 Russ Adams Princeville, IL 74
5 4 Lyle Zanker Rockford, IL 9
6 6 Callen Breeden Forrest, IL 09
7 7 Jeff Curl Fairbury, IL 12
8 9 Shane Piatt Crawfordsville, IL 75
9 8 Greg Wagner Polo, IL 79W
Heat 1
1 1 Mike Spatola Manhattan, IL 89
2 4 Brian Shirley Chatham, IL 3S
3 2 Myles Moos Lincoln, IL 84
4 3 Donny Walden Bloomington, IL 1A
5 8 Joe Godsey Edinburgh, IN 14G
6 6 Jeff Roth Bentonville, AR 14R
7 5 Lyle Zanker Rockford, IL 9
8 7 Jeff Curl Fairbury, IL 12
Heat 2
1 1 Billy Drake Bloomington, IL 75D
2 2 Matt Shannon Bartonville, IL 15
3 3 Mike Glasscock Leroy, IL 30
4 6 Mckay Wenger Fairbury, IL 42
5 5 Jason Wagner Marion, IL J12
6 4 Kolby Vandenbergh Ashland, IL 15V
7 7 Russ Adams Princeville, IL 74
8 8 Greg Wagner Polo, IL 79W
Heat 3
1 1 Jason Feger Bloomington, IL 25
2 2 Kevin Weaver Gibson City, IL B12
3 5 Bob Gardner Washington, IL 4G
4 4 Bill Giannetti Champaign, IL 17G
5 6 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL 2C
6 3 Allen Murray San Antonio, TX 2
7 7 Callen Breeden Forrest, IL 09
8 8 Shane Piatt Crawfordsville, IL 75
Qualifying 1
1 16 Mike Spatola Manhattan, IL 89 12.770
2 7 Billy Drake Bloomington, IL 75D 12.880
3 11 Jason Feger Bloomington, IL 25 12.970
4 8 Myles Moos Lincoln, IL 84 13.020
5 2 Matt Shannon Bartonville, IL 15 13.240
6 23 Kevin Weaver Gibson City, IL B12 13.240
7 12 Donny Walden Bloomington, IL 1A 13.280
8 13 Mike Glasscock Leroy, IL 30 13.290
9 18 Allen Murray San Antonio, TX 2 13.320
10 24 Brian Shirley Chatham, IL 3S 13.330
11 4 Kolby Vandenbergh Ashland, IL 15V 13.390
12 1 Bill Giannetti Champaign, IL 17G 13.400
13 17 Lyle Zanker Rockford, IL 9 13.400
14 5 Jason Wagner Marion, IL J12 13.420
15 9 Bob Gardner Washington, IL 4G 13.460
16 3 Jeff Roth Bentonville, AR 14R 13.520
17 15 Mckay Wenger Fairbury, IL 42 13.630
18 10 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL 2C 13.680
19 14 Jeff Curl Fairbury, IL 12 13.790
20 19 Russ Adams Princeville, IL 74 13.800
21 20 Callen Breeden Forrest, IL 09 13.890
22 6 Joe Godsey Edinburgh, IN 14G 13.980
23 22 Greg Wagner Polo, IL 79W 14.050
24 21 Shane Piatt Crawfordsville, IL 75 14.310
A Modifieds
A Feature 1
1 1 Allen Wiesser Peoria, IL 25W
2 2 Tyler Nicely Owensboro, KY 25
3 4 Nick Allen Wheatfield, IN 21A
4 3 Trey Harris Hillsboro, MO 57
5 6 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL C40
6 7 Jeff Leka Buffalo, IL 3L
7 5 Randy Shuman Danville, IL 62
8 13 Steven Brooks New Lenox, IL 5
9 10 Brock Bauman Eureka, IL 19
10 9 Nick Clubb Coal City, IL 22C
11 15 Wade Wenthe Effingham, IL 22
12 11 Gary Bentley St. Charles, MO A1
13 17 Troy Dodson Hammond, IL 21
14 18 Rory Overmyer Sr Champaign, IL R0
15 20 Matt Dillon Newman, IL 389
16 8 James Walters 34W
17 16 Michael Ledford Pontiac, IL 37L
18 14 AJ May Creve Coure, IL A9
19 12 Kyle Hammer Clinton, IL 45
20 19 Ryan Buckler Kansas, IL 7B
B Feature 1
1 1 Michael Ledford Pontiac, IL 37L
2 6 Troy Dodson Hammond, IL 21
3 9 Rory Overmyer Sr Champaign, IL R0
4 4 Ryan Buckler Kansas, IL 7B
5 2 Matt Dillon Newman, IL 389
6 5 Jon Raney 30
7 3 David Shain Humboldt, IL 87
8 7 Nathan Krengle Lafayette, IN 13
DNS - Rodney Standerfer Summerfield, IL 28
DNS - Kevin Morrow Pekin, IL 28M
DNS - Rich Dawson Lowell, IN 80
Heat 1
1 2 Allen Wiesser Peoria, IL 25W
2 1 Nick Allen Wheatfield, IN 21A
3 3 Jeff Leka Buffalo, IL 3L
4 4 Brock Bauman Eureka, IL 19
5 9 Steven Brooks New Lenox, IL 5
6 6 Michael Ledford Pontiac, IL 37L
7 7 Ryan Buckler Kansas, IL 7B
8 8 Nathan Krengle Lafayette, IN 13
9 5 Rich Dawson Lowell, IN 80
Heat 2
1 2 Tyler Nicely Owensboro, KY 25
2 1 Randy Shuman Danville, IL 62
3 5 James Walters 34W
4 6 Gary Bentley St. Charles, MO A1
5 9 AJ May Creve Coure, IL A9
6 8 Matt Dillon Newman, IL 389
7 7 Jon Raney 30
8 4 Rodney Standerfer Summerfield, IL 28
9 3 Kevin Morrow Pekin, IL 28M
Heat 3
1 1 Trey Harris Hillsboro, MO 57
2 2 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL C40
3 4 Nick Clubb Coal City, IL 22C
4 3 Kyle Hammer Clinton, IL 45
5 5 Wade Wenthe Effingham, IL 22
6 8 David Shain Humboldt, IL 87
7 6 Troy Dodson Hammond, IL 21
8 7 Rory Overmyer Sr Champaign, IL R0
Qualifying 1
1 3 Nick Allen Wheatfield, IN 21A 14.130
2 12 Randy Shuman Danville, IL 62 14.240
3 11 Trey Harris Hillsboro, MO 57 14.400
4 5 Allen Wiesser Peoria, IL 25W 14.410
5 1 Tyler Nicely Owensboro, KY 25 14.460
6 14 Mike Chasteen Jr Peoria, IL C40 14.560
7 26 Jeff Leka Buffalo, IL 3L 14.570
8 25 Kevin Morrow Pekin, IL 28M 14.660
9 15 Kyle Hammer Clinton, IL 45 14.670
10 19 Brock Bauman Eureka, IL 19 14.670
11 4 Rodney Standerfer Summerfield, IL 28 14.730
12 23 Nick Clubb Coal City, IL 22C 14.910
13 8 Rich Dawson Lowell, IN 80 14.940
14 21 James Walters 34W 15.020
15 10 Wade Wenthe Effingham, IL 22 15.150
16 24 Michael Ledford Pontiac, IL 37L 15.160
17 7 Gary Bentley St. Charles, MO A1 15.200
18 20 Troy Dodson Hammond, IL 21 15.210
19 16 Ryan Buckler Kansas, IL 7B 15.300
20 13 Jon Raney 30 15.410
21 2 Rory Overmyer Sr Champaign, IL R0 15.450
22 22 Nathan Krengle Lafayette, IN 13 15.460
23 18 Matt Dillon Newman, IL 389 15.520
24 17 David Shain Humboldt, IL 87 15.680
25 9 Steven Brooks New Lenox, IL 5 15.770
26 6 AJ May Creve Coure, IL A9 17.590
Pro Late Model
A Feature 1
1 1 Dakota Ewing Warrensburg, IL 25
2 10 Chris Dick Deland, IL 22D
3 7 Torin Mettille 116
4 3 Trevor Gundaker St. Charles, MO 11
5 2 Darren Wireman Wheatfield, IN 82
6 4 Chuck Mitchell Jacksonville, IL 75C
7 12 Chad Ziegler Oakwood, IL 39
8 11 Colton Billington Mclean, IL 2C
9 5 Logan Moody Catlin, IL 162
10 9 Devin McLean Mt Vernon, IL 33
11 17 Eric Wilson Downs, IL 46
12 15 Donnie Cheesman Fithian, IL 72
13 18 Nick Pasek 199
14 13 Jeremy Nichols Lovington, IL 01
15 8 Blaze Burwell Mt Vernon, IL 44
16 6 Tony Thoennes Normal, IL 32T
DNS - Dan LeMar ?, IL 47
DNS - Scott Williams Le roy, IL 112
Heat 1
1 3 Darren Wireman Wheatfield, IN 82
2 5 Trevor Gundaker St. Charles, MO 11
3 1 Tony Thoennes Normal, IL 32T
4 6 Torin Mettille 116
5 8 Devin McLean Mt Vernon, IL 33
6 4 Jeremy Nichols Lovington, IL 01
7 7 Scott Williams Le roy, IL 112
8 2 Dan LeMar ?, IL 47
Heat 2
1 5 Dakota Ewing Warrensburg, IL 25
2 2 Chuck Mitchell Jacksonville, IL 75C
3 4 Logan Moody Catlin, IL 162
4 6 Blaze Burwell Mt Vernon, IL 44
5 1 Chris Dick Deland, IL 22D
6 8 Colton Billington Mclean, IL 2C
7 10 Chad Ziegler Oakwood, IL 39
8 9 Donnie Cheesman Fithian, IL 72
9 3 Eric Wilson Downs, IL 46
10 7 Nick Pasek 199
Street Stocks
A Feature 1
1 5 Jeremy Nichols Lovington, IL J24
2 2 Jason Maier Thomasboro, IL 99
3 4 Darrell Dick Monticello, IL 22
4 7 Terry Reed Cerro Gordo, IL 199
5 11 Josh Griffith Charleston, IL 97
6 8 Zach Zuberbier Kingston, IL 4Z
7 18 Justin VanDrunen Crown Point, IN 71
8 9 Kyle Anderson Crown Point, IN 1A
9 14 Megan Erwin Attica, IN 14
10 3 Nick Seplak Coal City, IL 11S
11 15 Nolan Kaufman Marquette Heights, IL 83K
12 19 Jaret Duff Maroa, IL 21
13 12 Andy Zahnd White Heath, IL 2Z
14 17 John Stine Charleston, IL 11SJ
15 13 Josh Hetherington Fairbury, IL 15
16 10 Jerrad Krick Earl park, IN 99K
17 1 Andrew Funk Dwight, IL 23A
18 16 Andy Thompson Paxton, IL 63
19 6 Lance Evans Westville, IL 37
B Feature 1
1 1 Andy Thompson Paxton, IL 63
2 2 Jaret Duff Maroa, IL 21
3 3 John Stine Charleston, IL 11SJ
4 4 Justin VanDrunen Crown Point, IN 71
DNS - Rudy Zaragoza Jacksonville, IL 67R
DNS - Shawn Ziemer Boody, IL 23Z
DNS - Matt Mackey Delavan, IL 72
DNS - Adam Williams 14W
DNS - Chris Tippit RoseLawn, IN 14T
Heat 1
1 1 Jason Maier Thomasboro, IL 99
2 2 Lance Evans Westville, IL 37
3 6 Jeremy Nichols Lovington, IL J24
4 3 Josh Griffith Charleston, IL 97
5 8 Jerrad Krick Earl park, IN 99K
6 4 Jaret Duff Maroa, IL 21
7 5 John Stine Charleston, IL 11SJ
8 7 Rudy Zaragoza Jacksonville, IL 67R
Heat 2
1 6 Andrew Funk Dwight, IL 23A
2 1 Terry Reed Cerro Gordo, IL 199
3 5 Zach Zuberbier Kingston, IL 4Z
4 2 Andy Zahnd White Heath, IL 2Z
5 4 Megan Erwin Attica, IN 14
6 8 Andy Thompson Paxton, IL 63
7 3 Justin VanDrunen Crown Point, IN 71
8 7 Shawn Ziemer Boody, IL 23Z
Heat 3
1 1 Nick Seplak Coal City, IL 11S
2 3 Darrell Dick Monticello, IL 22
3 4 Kyle Anderson Crown Point, IN 1A
4 2 Josh Hetherington Fairbury, IL 15
5 5 Nolan Kaufman Marquette Heights, IL 83K
DNS - Matt Mackey Delavan, IL 72
DNS - Adam Williams 14W
DQ 6 Chris Tippit RoseLawn, IN 14T
B Modifieds
A Feature 1
1 2 Billy Knebel Pocohontas, IL 52
2 12 Tim Hancock Sr Mount Olive, IL 0
3 1 Billy Nail Decatur, IL B21
4 7 Nick Justice Decatur, IL 36
5 4 Anthony Tucker Charleston, IL 55
6 11 Ed Roley Mattoon, IL 11
7 8 Derrick DeFord Canton, IL 11D
8 10 Adam Rhoades 10
9 9 Brady Lynch Hillsboro, IL 14B
10 14 Jake Montgomery East Peoria, IL 82
11 6 Tim Hancock Jr Mount Olive, IL 22
12 5 Brian Deavers Bloomington, IL 9
13 17 Jordan Smith Villa Grove, IL 13
14 3 Nicholas Miller Charleston, IL 30
DNS - B.J. Deal Brownstown, IL 3W
DNS - Deece Schwartz Ashmore, IL 121
DNS - Jerremy Sebens 7S
Heat 1
1 1 Nicholas Miller Charleston, IL 30
2 9 Billy Nail Decatur, IL B21
3 7 Brian Deavers Bloomington, IL 9
4 6 Derrick DeFord Canton, IL 11D
5 8 Brady Lynch Hillsboro, IL 14B
6 5 Ed Roley Mattoon, IL 11
7 3 B.J. Deal Brownstown, IL 3W
8 2 Deece Schwartz Ashmore, IL 121
9 4 Jordan Smith Villa Grove, IL 13
Heat 2
1 1 Anthony Tucker Charleston, IL 55
2 6 Billy Knebel Pocohontas, IL 52
3 2 Nick Justice Decatur, IL 36
4 7 Tim Hancock Jr Mount Olive, IL 22
5 8 Adam Rhoades 10
6 5 Tim Hancock Sr Mount Olive, IL 0
7 3 Jake Montgomery East Peoria, IL 82
8 4 Jerremy Sebens 7S
Results via My Race Pass