Stevie Dirt

Denny Woodworth

Four first-time honorees and a pair of repeater winners highlight the 2012 ZZ Top Sharp-Dressed Man Awards for the best-looking cars at Quincy Raceways.

In the Most Improved Look Award category, four new winners and one repeater spice this year’s list of names.

In the ZZ Top department, Denny Woodworth headlines the recipients for his sharp-looking blue late model. Woodworth was also honored in 2001 with his famous lightning-effect car.

“This is the first blue car I’ve ever had,” he said. “We just wanted to try something different.”

Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn’t. This one did.

Shawn Deering earned his third ZZ Top Award in the modifieds. Deering, who has won three times since 2006, has won his awards by going for both a traditional look and pushing the envelope. This year’s car, with the eye-catching red(-ish) No. 16 on the side, captures both elements.

14th annual ZZ Top Sharp-Dressed Man Awards

First-time winners are Terry Houston in the stock cars, Brandon Dale in the sport mods, Jeremy Buss in the hobby stocks and Kimberly Abbott in the sport compacts. Buss deserves extra kudos for emerging from this year’s hobby stock class, which arguably ahs its finest collection of great-looking cars in its 26-year history. Selecting a ZZ Top hobby was extremely difficult.

Int he Most Improved Look, stock car driver Aaron Brocksieck won his second award and second in three years. Brocksieck broke new ground in 2011 with his pink car in support of breast cancer, and came through with an even better-looking No 40A this season. The bright(er) pink and white look this season is tremendous.

14th ANNUAL ZZ TOP SHARP DRESSED MAN AWARDS

LATE MODELS

2012: Denny Woodworth
2011: Keith Pratt
2010: Matt Bailey
2009: Robby Warner
2008: Jason Frankel
2007: Lonnie Bailey
2006: Terry Gallaher
2005: Mike Dyche
2004: Brent Slocum
2003: Jamie Wilson
2002: Jamie Wilson
2001: Denny Woodworth
2000: Mark Burgtorf
1999: Terry Gallaher

MODIFIEDS

2012: Shawn Deering
2011: Ryan Morrison
2010: Shawn Deering
2009: Tony Dunker
2008: Jared Schlipman
2007: Tony Dunker
2006: Shawn Deering

“A” Modifieds
2005: Ted Allen
2004: Robby Warner
2003: Michael Long
2002: Steve Grotz
2001: Ryan Meyer
2000: Bob Dale
1999: Steve McCarley

“B”Modifieds
2005: Tony Dunker
2004: Wyatt Lantz
2003: Tony Dunker
2002: Tony Dunker
2001: Joe Hooper
2000: Rob Carter
1999: Greg Uppinghouse

SPORT MODS

2012: Brandon Dale

HOBBY STOCKS/BOMBERS

2012: Jeremy Buss
2011: Brandon Symmonds
2010: Bobby Anders
2009: Adam Scott
2008: Bobby Anders
2007: Todd Reichert
2006: Michael Larsen
2005: Todd Reichert
2004: Jim Powell
2003: Jim Powell
2002: Brent Chapman
2001: Eddie Dieker
2000: Eddie Dieker
1999: Rick Coats

IMCA STOCK CARS

2012: Terry Houston
2011: Aaron Brocksieck
2010: Steve Steinkuhler
2009: Kevin Tomlinson
2008: Jeff Mueller

SPORT COMPACTS

2012: Kimberly Abbott
2011: Todd Nelson

MOST IMPROVED LOOK

LATE MODELS

2012: Vance Wilson
2011: Clint Kirkham
2010: Darin Weisinger
2009: Dustin Griffin
2008: Dustin Neese
2007: Bill Genenbacher
2006: Justin Reed
2005: Terry Gallaher
2004: Terry Schlipman
2003: Mike Dyche
2002: Keith Pratt
2001: Joey Gower

MODIFIEDS

2012: Danny Lake
2011: Ben Huff
2010: Troy Grotz
2009: Wyatt Lantz
2008: Frankie Wellman
2007: Shawn Deering
2006: Brandon Lennox

“A” Modifieds
2005: Jim Powell
2004: Danny Lake
2003: Tim Warning
2002: Brandon Brown
2001: Les Harding

“B” Modifieds
2005: Wes Mayfield
2004: Wes Mayfield
2003: Rob Carter
2002: Bill Baker
2001: Rob Carter

SPORT MODS

No award in this category until 2013.

HOBBY STOCKS/BOMBERS

2012: Nathan Hayes
2011: Tanner Klingele
2010: Nathan Anders
2009: Nathan Anders
2008: Mike Wiley
2007: Bruce Hatfield
2006: Aaron Brocksieck
2005: Steve Carlin
2004: Steve Carlin
2003: Brian Kenning
2002: Richie Wagy
2001: Brent Chapman

STOCK CARS

2012: Aaron Brocksieck
2011: Kevin Tomlinson
2010: Aaron Brocksieck
2009: John Oliver Jr.

SPORT COMPACTS

2012: Brandon Gallaher

Those wild-and-crazy UMP modified drivers are dominating the fourth edition of this season’s “Dirty Thirty” rankings, owning six of the top seven positions (nine of 10 if you count the sport mods). Their consistency has been the key, and in No. 1 Michael Long’s case, his added late model success has helped him claim the catbird’s seat.

1. (3.) Michael Long: Somebody put Michael in a stock car, hobby stock or a sport compact and see what he can do. It’s obvious the modifieds and late models are no problem.
2. (7.) Dave Wietholder: Do you sense No. 05 is on the cusp of what could be his finest season ever at the Bullring?
3. (5.) Tony Dunker: Hey Tony, the UMP mod is a great-looking car. We need to see it on the track more!
4. (6.) Justin Reed: Justin now has the late model points lead as he bids for a second straight track crown. The last driver not named Mark Burgtorf to win two straight late model titles? Would you believe Steve Fraise in 1989-90?
5. (1.) Robbie Reed: The Blonde Girls will be checking out Robbie’s Florida tan come Sunday night.

Michael Long

6. (4.) Steven DeLonjay: Steven had almost zilch mechanical woes a year ago when he won the track title. Hopefully, Sunday night’s problem was not a harbinger of things to come this season.
7. (11.) Jared Schlipman: Jared’s next checkered flag will be the 40th of his still-developing career.
8. (16.) Tanner Klingele: Tanner ran a combined four races Sunday night (two heats, two features) and his “worst” finish was fourth in the sport mod feature.
9. (17.) Jim Gillenwater: Jim’s return to Quincy on a full-time basis has been a resounding success. He has led the last 40 feature laps in the sport mods.
10. (14.) Jeremy Buss: It’s time for everyone to hop on The Buss.

11. (12.) Jason Perry: For those trivia fans, Jason was No. 1 in the inaugural Dirty Thirty back in April 2011.
12. (23-tie) Abe Huls: Honest Abe is the first two-time feature winner among the stock car drivers.
13. (8.) Terry Houston: Terry, Dave says I shouldn’t pick you to win anymore.
14. (13.) Aaron Brocksieck: Aaron finished second in the stock car feature and dropped one spot in the rankings. He was a victim of what went around him in the other five classes at the track. Even making the Dirty Thirty this season is an accomplishment.
15. (21.) Denny Woodworth: D.W. needs one more win to become the fifth driver to reach 100 victories since 1999.

Jake Griffin

16. (10.) Jake Powers: Watch out for those tires, Jake.
17. (-) Dustin Griffin: Get ready for the former Central High School running back’s assault on No. 1. He says, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he’ll be running Quincy all season. Is the No. 20 the best Super Late Model at the track?
18. (23.) Jake Griffin: Here’s a second Griffin on the fast track up the rankings.
19. (20.) Shawn Deering: Has Shawn ever had a bad-looking car?
20. (30-tie) Mark Burgtorf: Love that “Blonde No. 7″ on the right side of the car.

21. (9.) Matt Bailey: Gotta keep that No. 52 on the track and out of the pits.
22. (15.) Jerry Jansen: I thought I saw Jerry at one of the local dealerships checking out the new Malibus and Impalas.
23. (22.) James Leffew: Three top-10 finishes in four tries.
24. (27-tie.) Seth Woodruff: As Darrell Waltrip would say, “Seth Woodruff is bad fast.”
25. (27-tie.) Brandon Symmonds: How does Brandon keep that car looking so good week after week?
26. (18.) Joe Bliven: Of all the comments I have read this week, Joe’s reference to November through March being for family time and the rest of the year for racing was the best. A classic.
27. (-) Bobby Anders: Sunday’s third-place finish was top performance of the season — so far.
28. (-) Kimberly Abbott: Best-looking sport compact? We’ll know soon. The annual ZZ Top Sharp-Dressed Man Awards are due to be released later this week.
29. (30-tie) Troy Grotz: Seriously, another first-lap mishap? Troy, you need to start carrying a four-leaf clover in that car.
30. (23-tie) Keith Pratt: Hope there is good news on the motor front.

The North American Late Model Series (NALMS) suspended operations Monday, citing economical problems. NALMS was scheduled to have tour stops at Quincy Raceways Sunday night and July 22.

“Tracks, teams and fans are having a hard time these days with the cost of living in general,” said Shawn Hall, co-owner of the NALMS series. “With the cost of fuel, parts, tires, tickets and lodging, many people just cannot afford to travel to our shows, so we feel it’s best to stop for now and try to regroup for the 2013 season.”

Quincy Raceways ownership issued the following response late Monday might:

“It is with great disappointment that Quincy Raceways will not be able to present the two scheduled NALMS events. We were very excited to be able to schedule these events for the Quincy Raceways fans and drivers and hoped that they would be a great addition to the schedule for 2012,” the statement read. “We respect the decision that the owners of NALMS have made but do wish to express our intent to provide the best racing entertainment possible. Quincy Raceways was fully prepared to present the NALMS race events as scheduled and had expected those events to be very successful.”

In related news, the track has obtained permission from IMCA to add back to the schedule for Sunday night the Northern Sport mods and stock cars for points racing. There will be a complete regular weekly lineup for Sunday, including late models, UMP modifieds, hobby stocks and sport compacts.

Dustin Griffin, shown in a 2010 photo at Quincy Raceways, was Sunday night's UMP Super Late Model feature winner. Like others, Griffin is excited about what he is seeing at his home track this season.

Dustin Griffin was excited. So was Paul Holtschlag.

Griffin steamrolled his way to the UMP Super Late Model feature win at Quincy Raceways, punctuating a Sunday evening that might be looked back on years from now as the night that ushered in a new golden era at 8000 Broadway.

A pit-busting 103 cars showed up to run in six different classes, further endearing the Broadway Bullring as the comeback track of 2012. Car counts and attendance figures had fallen dramatically in recent years, but an offseason commitment from the new ownership tandem of Holtschlag and Bob Rhinberger to rebuild the image of the .29-mile facility at the east edge of town is months — maybe years — ahead of schedule.

The 103 cars represented the second-largest such figure in at least 14 years, and only the second time the century mark had been reached in that period. Add another nice turnout of fans and the makings of a great season seems to be at hand.

“I am so excited about Quincy,” said Griffin, who finished 4.54 seconds — or an entire straightaway — ahead of runner-up Mark Burgtorf in the Super Late Model main event. “We need Qujincy Raceways, because if you lose it you have to travel so far to race. It’s nice to be able to drive 20 minutes to race, then go to Buffalo Wild Wings, get some thing to eat and still be home by 11 o’clock.”

The tradition of the Bullring is also important to Griffin and other drivers like him.

“Winning a track championship at Quincy is different … it’s important, and it means more than it does at other tracks I have raced at,” said Griffin, who won the 2011 UMP crate late model national title. “The guys at Quincy take that track championship seriously. They’re out for blood.”

Paul Holtschlag

Holtschlag, too, was all smiles after Sunday night’s final checkered flag fell.

“It’s a new era,” he said. “I could not be happier. The fans are coming back, the drivers are coming back … it’s fabulous. We’ll just keep trying to put on the best show we can, and have the best track we can.

“It’s (already) been a great year. It’s been amazing. There’s a new excitement, and t’s so good to see the pits filled again and having to use the auxiliary pit area.”

The track is averaging 92.8 cars a week after the first four shows of the season, or about 25 more a week than it did a year ago.

One of the biggest changes made at the track was the switch to UMP affiliation for the late models (from IMCA), a move that has not only bolstered the track’s marquee division, but has had a positive trickle-down effect on most of the other weekly series.

“The people are excited,” Holtschlag said.

MOTHER’S DAY PRESENT

Griffin said his feature victory was the perfect Mother’s Day present for his mom, Gale Griffin.

“She’s my crew chief and she said (the win) was the best present she could have gotten,” he said. “She wrenches, she changes tires, she is a vital part of our team.”

Griffin had that present all but wrapped up by about mid-race. He led flag-to-flag and was never seriously threatened. Following Griffin and Burgtorf across the finish line were Denny Woodworth, defending series champ (and new points leader) Justin Reed, Brian Dively, Jason Perry, Michael Long, Robby Warner, Ricky Frankel and Jake Griffin.

LONG BREAKS THROUGH

Highlights from the other series included:

– Michael Long winning his first modified feature of the season at the Bullring, the fourth different winner in as many shows. Dave Wietholder finished second a second straight week, but leads the points by five (253-248) over Long. Defending mod champ Steven DeLonjay looked poised to take over the points lead, but a left-front suspension problem forced him from the race and he had to settle for a 19th-place finish. He’s currently third in points with 227.

– Jim Gillenwater won his second straight flag-to-flag sport mod feature and climbed into second place in points — but still trails Tony Dunker, who finished second, by 18 points (159-141). Dunker won the first two features of the season and has finished second the past two.

– Abe Huls won his second feature of the season and climbed back into points contention. Aaron Brocksieck and Terry Houston completed the podium finish.

– Tanner Klingele captured his first hobby stock feature win of the season, but the real story may have been the continued success of Jeremy Buss, the new points leader. Buss added his third runner-up finish of the season to go with one third place to take over the series points lead for the first time.

– Defending sport compact champ Seth Woodruff came from the back of a 15-car field to win his first main event of the spring. Woodruff also took over the division points lead.

SUNDAY NIGHT FEATURE WINNERS

Late models: Dustin Griffin, 1st.  (Last week’s feature winner: Dennis Erb Jr.)
Modifieds: Michael Long, 1st. (Last week’s feature winner: Robbie Reed)
Sport mods: Jim Gillenwater, 2nd. (Last week’s feature winner: Jim Gillenwater)
Stock cars: Abe Huls, 2nd. (Last week’s feature winner: Terry Houston)
Hobby stocks: Tanner Klingele, 1st.  (Last week’s feature winner: Jake Powers)
Sport compacts: Seth Woodruff, 1st. (Last week’s feature winner: Andrew Davis)

FAST FEATURE LAPS

Late models: Dustin Griffin, 66.088 mph. (Last week’s fast lap: Dennis Erb Jr., 71.209 mph)
Modifieds: Michael Long, 63.385 mph. (Last week’s fast lap:Dave Wietholder, 68.693 mph)

HEAT WINNERS

Late models: Dustin Griffin (2nd), Clint Kirkham (1st), Mark Burgtorf (3rd).
Modifieds: Jared Schlipman (2nd), Dave Wietholder (2nd), Michael Long (2nd).
Sport mods: Tony Dunker (2nd), Joe Bliven (1st), Jim Gillenwater (4th).
Stock cars: Terry Houston (2nd), Ty Hill (1st).
Hobby stocks: Jamie Bevill (1st), Tanner Klingele (2nd).
Sport compacts: Thomas Angelo (2nd), Kimberly Abbott (1st).

LATE MODEL DASH WINNER: Dustin Griffin (2nd).

SUNDAY NIGHT STARS
10 stars: Dustin Griffin, for winning the UMP Super Late Model feature in such dominating fashion — and also adding heat race and the dash victories to his Sunday night dirt dossier.
9 stars: Michael Long, for winning his first mod main event of the year and running a strong seventh in the late model feature.
8 stars: Jeremy Buss, who is off to the best start of his career. He’s leading the hobby stock points and has three runner-up feature finishes (and a third place) in four tries.
7 stars: Dave Wietholder, who took over the mod points lead and has not finished lower than second in any of the last three features.
6 stars: Jim Gillenwater, who won his second straight sport mod main event and has led the last 40 feature laps in that series.
5 stars: Seth Woodruff, who was sent to the back of the sport compact feature field for rough driving following a mid-race mishap, but stormed through the pack to collect his first checkered flag of the season.
4 stars: Abe Huls, who made it look easy in winning his second stock car feature.
3 stars: Jake Griffin, who ran a strong fourth in the mod feature and was 10th in the late models.
2 stars: Gale Griffin, who received he perfect Mother’s Day present from son Dustin. She’s also Dustin’s crew chief for the No. 20 Super Late Model.
1 star: Kimberly Abbott, for sharing high school graduation cake with fellow drivers and fans after the races.

TRACK POINTS (unofficial)

Late models: Justin Reed 227, Matt Bailey 204, Denny Woodworth 194, Jason Perry 188.
Modifieds: Dave Wietholder 253, Michael Long 248, Steven DeLonjay 227, Jared Schlipman 220, Jake Griffin 206, Robbie Reed 205, Shawn Deering 204.
Sport mods: Tony Dunker 159, Jim Gillenwater 141, Rick Barlow Jr., 140, Joe Bliven 139, Bobby Anders 138.
Stock cars: Terry Houston 150, Aaron Brocksieck 147, Jerry Jansen 145, Abe Huls 145.
Hobby stocks: Jeremy Buss 159, Jake Powers 153, Brian Hoener 146, Brandon Symmonds 144.
Sport compacts: Seth woodruff 157, Anthony Davis 153, Kimberly Abbott 150.

CAR COUNTS

Late models: 20 (20.3 season average)
Modifieds: 23 (20.3 season average)
Sport mods: 18 (13.8 season average)
Stock cars: 10 (8.5 season average)
Hobby stocks: 16 (14.0 season average)
Sport compacts: 16 (15.5 season average)
Total: 103 (92.8 season average)

CAUTIONS

Late models: 2 (2.8 season average)
Modifieds: 9 (6.3 season average)
Sport mods: 9 (7.3 season average)
Stock cars: 0 (1.3 season average)
Hobby stocks: 2 (2.8 season average)
Sport compacts: 3 (2.3 season average)

Brandon Sheppard will NOT be at the Bullring Sunday as was reported earlier Friday. He updated his Facebook page later in the day with the following message:

“Sorry I made a mistake on the schedule this weekend … Farmer City tonight, LaSalle on Saturday and Peoria on Sunday … sorry for the confusion:) Hope everyone has a great weekend!”

That’s OK, Brandon. I imagine you have a lot on your mind these days!

Brandon Sheppard

Quincy Raceways fans will have the opportunity to say good-bye — and good luck — Sunday night to one of the brightest young talents in Dirt Nation.

Brandon Sheppard, the current late model points leader at Quincy Raceways who will replace Josh Richards in the Rocket car in the World of Outlaws tour, will run his final race in West-Central Illinois at the Bullring. He leaves his New Berlin, Ill., home Monday to join the Rocket team in West Virginia.

Sheppard announced on his Facebook page his weekend schedule, which included Quincy.

This will a chance for Bullring fans to show their class and give Sheppard an ovation for his accomplishment and appreciation of his talent. Sheppard is just 19 years old and his been wheeling a late model since he was 14.

OUR WEEKLY LOOK AT A BULLRING WEEKEND

Jason Perry

LATE MODELS

Pick to click: Since it’s always difficult predict a winner because of the uncertainty of which UMP travelers will be in the pits, I’ll continue to go with who I feel the top local finisher will be. This week I’m leaning toward Jason Perry, who if he’s at or near the top in points come midseason could be the driver to beat for the championship. Perry was my title pick going into 2011, but missed about half of the season after a little disagreement with track officials. But when he returned, he was a threat every week. And he hasn’t missed a beat this season. Keep an eye on No. 27.

Best comeback bet: Matt Bailey, who had another strong run going last Sunday, had to bow out about halfway through the feature with mechanical issues.

Noteworthy: One number to watch this summer is the number of features won that leads this series. Since we started tracking this stuff in 1999, the fewest features won by a leader was last year when Justin Reed and Perry each won four. I think this year’s number could be even lower, due to the overall balance of the class and the weekly guests who will drop in, much like Dennis Erb Jr. last Sunday. The victories are going to be spread out this season.

Dave Wietholder

MODIFIEDS

Pick to click: We’re three racing weeks into the season and Michael Long has to win a main event. I’m thinking he’s a good bet to change that come Sunday night.

Best comeback bet: James Leffew, who got caught up in a mishap near turn four in last week’s main event, looked like a good bet to land his second top five in three starts before getting turned around.

Noteworthy: Barring a disaster in the heat races, Dave Wietholder will make his 192nd consecutive points feature start Sunday evening.

SPORT MODS

Pick to click: Joe Bliven breaks through with his first feature victory of the season, then does his own rendition of the Bon Jovi classic, “Bliven On A Prayer.”

Best comeback bet: Rookie Brad Holtmeyer, who had a high finish erased last Sunday with a post-race DQ. Holtmeyer, the son of former late model driver Mark Holtmeyer, has been competitive from the drop of the first green flag this season.

Noteworthy: Rick Barlow Jr., who had a DQ after the second feature reversed a week later, is third in points behind Tony Dunker and Bliven. Otherwise, he would be 14th.

STOCK CARS

Pick to click: I’m sensing a strong month of May for Terry Houston.

Terry Houston

Best comeback bet: Gabe Harrison, who is due for a good run. Gabe has had one of those whatever-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong starts to the season. Abe Huls is also due for one of his flag-to-flag efforts.

Noteworthy: If Houston is superstitious, there could be trouble in the No. 97 camp. Last week’s feature win was his 13th  in the stock car series.

HOBBY STOCKS

Pick to click: Jeremy Buss has been knocking on the door three straight weeks. This week he cashes the first-place check.

Best comeback bet: Tanner Klingele, one of the preseason title faves, has yet to land a top-five feature finish. He’s due for a big Sunday night.

Noteworthy: Jake Powers’ feature win last week was the eighth of his young career. He needs two more to become the eighth hobby stock/bomber driver to reach 10 since 1999.

SPORT COMPACTS

Pick to click: The hottest driver on the sport compact circuit is Andrew Davis, and he shows no signs of slowing. I’m taking Davis to win a second straight feature.

Best comeback bet: Defending champ Seth Woodruff has been steady, notching three top-five finishes, but has yet to collect that first checkered flag. This could be the week.

Noteworthy: Steven DeLonjay remain the all-time four-cylinder victory leader (29) at the track, dating to his days in the 2006-07 hornet class. Since the introduction of the sport compacts in 2011, Kimberly Abbott (8) is the victory leader.

Gold medal: Jake the Snake

(Now, THIS was funny.)

“Thinking im gonna dye my hair to blonde. The blonde chix seem to use it to there advantage. AND IT WORKS LOL.”

Silver medal: Fordracer06

(I always appreciate a little Ford-Chevy needling.)

“You know stevie you should do a stat on the ratio of ford wins to chevy wins. It would have to be an average of some sort due to the fact that the chevys out number the fords by what 10 to 1. It would be interesting to know, even though the fords are a minority, how well we do against the odds. I bet Dave would be interested in this as well. Just something for thought.”

Bronze medal: Just a fan

(One of the Blonde Girls taking down showstopper.)

“Dear lord showstopper. I don’t mean to alarm ya old chap. But if your IQ keeps dropping at this rate, I will be significantly smarter than you by Friday. Sure do hope you are Just a fan also wouldn’t want you confused on which direction to turn.”

(Information compliments of IMCA)

VINTON, Iowa — The first out-of-state driver to win a JR Motorsports Hawkeye Dirt Tour main event was the winner when the IMCA Modified tour opened earlier this week at Benton County Speedway.

Former Quincy Raceways regular Jeff Waterman drew the pole and ran at the front all 30 laps, beating J.D. Auringer to the checkers by a car length after two of the race’s three caution flags wiped out big leads.

The victory paid $1,250 and put Waterman on the ballot for the 2012 Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational.

“We weren’t fast in the turns but I knew as long as I kept the car where I wanted on the track that we’d be OK,” said Waterman, who was pulling away from outside row one starter Ryan Dolanand the rest of the field before the first yellow, on lap eight. “This was probably the oldest car in the field tonight. I was probably the oldest driver, too.”

Jeff Waterman

Waterman’s career first Hawkeye Dirt Tour victory came in June 2010 at Cresco Speedway.

“Cresco was pretty special,” acknowledged Waterman, also one of the drivers being featured in the Fuel The Thunder 2 documentaries. “I’m generally not a small track guy but we always come to Vinton for the Frostbuster, the Hawkeye Dirt Tour and the Hogan Memorial. Benton County Speedway has always been good to me.”

Jim Gillenwater, a regular in the sport mod division at Quincy and former two-time bomber track champion, topped the $400 to win feature for Karl Chevrolet Northern Sport Mods.

The second of 13 series events this season is on Memorial Day Monday, May 28 at I-35 Speedway in Mason City.

Modified feature results: 1. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill.; 2. J.D. Auringer, Evansdale; 3. Richie Gustin, Gilman; 4. Mitch Morris, Eldridge; 5. Mark Schulte, Delhi; 6. Kelly Meyer, Tipton; 7. Mark Elliott, Webster City; 8. Jimmy Gustin, Marshalltown; 9. Scott Hogan, Vinton; 10. Rich Smith, Davenport.
Northern Sport Mod feature results: 1. Jim Gillenwater, Keokuk; 2. Racer Hulin, Laurel; 3. Scott Davis, Madrid; 4. Carter VanDenberg, Oskaloosa; 5. Austin Kaplan, Ankeny; 6. Ryan Ashton, Beaman; 7. Kurt Moeding, Mason City; 8. Jim Buhlman, Cedar Falls; 9. Curt Hilmer, Dysart; 10. Jamie Duinink, Pella.

Matt Bailey

One more thought tied to the announcement about Brandon Sheppard taking the Rocket Chassis ride on the World of Outlaws tour, meaning his future appearances at the Bullring will be limited at best.

What we need to remember is that the track title will come down to one of the Bullring regulars, which again is why this UMP affiliation thing is so cool. We will regularly get to see some of the top name name drivers in the region who will drop in once, twice, 10 times, maybe even race half or most of the season at 8000 Broadway. But in all likelihood, none of them will be here week in and week out. They will be chasing national points and big(ger) paydays at other tracks, too. And come Summernationals time, many will be concentrating on the Hell Tour for a month.

Quincy’s big ace in the hole is it is the only Sunday night UMP track in the region, and that makes it an automatic draw for those looking to try and cash in on some extra points. From one week to the next, it will be impossible to predict who might be in the pits.

So when you look at the weekly points standings, just concentrate on the Bullring regulars. That’s why Matt Bailey, who is second right now is actually first.

QUINCY RACEWAYS LATE MODEL POINTS STANDINGS
Track regulars in blue

1. Brandon Sheppard, 190 points
2. Matt Bailey, 171
3. Justin Reed, 167
4. Jason Perry, 138
5. Keith Pratt, 129
6. Jim Moon, 129
7. Denny Woodworth, 129
8. Bobby Pierce, 125
9. Vance Wilson, 124
10. Michael Long, 115

THE REAL STANDINGS?

1. Matt Bailey, 171
2. Justin Reed, 167
3. Jason Perry, 138
4. Keith Pratt, 129
5. Denny Woodworth, 129
6. Vance Wilson, 124
7. Michael Long, 115
8. Joey Gower, 115
9. Ron Elbe, 108
10. Jake Griffin, 107

Great news for Brandon Sheppard. Bad news for Bullring fans.

Brandon Sheppard, the current points leader at Quincy Raceways, will replace Josh Richards in the Rocket car in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series tour.

The 19-year-old from New Berlin, Ill., who had become a Quincy Raceways regular in the first year of the track’s UMP affiliation for its late model class, has been signed to drive “one of the sport’s most prestigious rides,” according to Joshua Joiner of DirtonDirt.com. Rocket chassis co-founder Mark Richards has named Sheppard to replace his son, Josh, who has left the family-run operation for a shot on the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Richard debuted last Saturday at Talladega, finishing 30th in the No. 39 Joy Ford Mustang fielded by Go Green Racing.

Sheppard is the reigning Northern Allstars champion and won a pair of races during the 2011 UMP Summernationals Hell Tour. He will be following Richards, a two-time World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion. Richards won 38 modern-era World of Outlaws races during the 2009-10 seasons when he won the series championship.

Sheppard is currently the points leader at Quincy Raceways, but will likely not be back. If he is, it will only be an occasional appearance. There’s a chance, however, another driver will replace him in the B5 car on at least some Sunday nights. That is still a developing situation.

Sheppard has been wheeling a late model since he was 14.