Andy Nezworski of Buffalo, Iowa, won Tuesday night’s Deery Brothers Summer Series race at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa — but that was only part of the story.

Quincy Raceways regulars garnered the next four places, with Justin Reed finishing second, Mark Burgtorf third, Denny Woodworth fourth and Lonnie Bailey fifth.

Two other Quincy drivers qualified for the 24-car feature. Joey Gower was 19th and Jason Frankel 23rd.

Nezworski picked up $2,000 for winning the race.

The tour stops at Quincy Raceways tonight at 7. No rain is in the forecast, according to WGEM meteorologist Rich Cain.

Rob Toland has won four Deery Brothers
races at Quincy Raceways since 2003.
(Photo courtesy of Hulett Photography)

The first major event of the season at Quincy Raceways is tonight when the Deery Brothers Summer Series late model tour visits the .29-mile track.

Racing starts at 7, with modifieds serving as the support series.

Here’s some clip-and-save information:

IMCA DEERY BROTHERS SUMMER SERIES LATE MODEL TOUR

Quincy History

Total Deery events at Quincy Raceways: 18.

First Deery race in Quincy: April 1998, won by Jeff Aikey.

Driver wins at Quincy: Mark Burgtorf 6, Rob Toland, 4, Jeff Aikey 2, Boone McLaughlin 2, Lonnie Bailey, Terry Neal, Cut Martin, Johnny Johnson.

Quincy Winners
2007 (2): Mark Burgtorf
2007 (1): Boone McLaughlin
2006 (2): Mark Burgtorf
2006 (1): Rob Toland
2005 (2): Rob Toland
2005 (1): Terry Neal
2004 (2): Rob Toland
2004 (1): Rob Toland
2003: Mark Burgtorf
2002 (3): Johnny Johnson
2002 (2): Lonnie Bailey
2002 (1): Mark Burgtorf
2001 (2): Mark Burgtorf
2001 (1): Mark Burgtorf
2000: Jeff Aikey
1999 (2): Boone McLaughlin
1999 (1): Curt Martin
1998: Jeff Aikey

* one race was held in 1998, 2000 and 2005.
** three races were held in 2002.

Deery Brothers Champions (Since 1998)
Note: Quincy became an IMCA-affiliated track in 1998.

2007: Jeremy Grady
2006: Jeff Aikey
2005: Terry Neal
2004: Rob Toland
2003: Mark Burgtorf
2002: Terry Schlipman
2001: Mark Burgtorf
2000: Mike Smith
1999: Jeff Aikey
1998: Mark Burgtorf

IMCA Deery Brothers Driver Victories (1998-2007)

26: Jeff Aikey
18: Rob Toland
16: Mark Burgtorf
15: Terry Neal
11: Mike Smith
7: Curt Martin
5: Darrel DeFrance
4: Darrin Duffy, Gary Russell
3: Brian Harris, Lonnie Bailey, Terry Schlipman, Ray Guss Jr., Jeremy Grady
2: Terry Gallaher, Darren Miller, Jeremiah Hurst, Jason Friesen, Ken Schrader
1: Brent Slocum, Bobby Toland, Tom Darbyshire, Johnny Johnson, Todd Cooney, Kevin Blum, Billy Tuckwell, Todd Bennett, Tommy Elston, Joe Kosiski, Greg Kastli, Dennis Erb Jr., Mark Preston, Johnny Spaw

IMCA National Champions (Since 1998)

2007: Darrel DeFrance
2006: Darrel DeFrance
2005: Rob Toland
2004: Justin Wells
2003: Justin Wells
2002: Todd Cooney
2001: Rob Toland
2000: Jacob Friesen
1999: Curt Martin
1998: Mark Burgtorf

Some big-name drivers at Quincy Raceways are looking to end some notable winless streaks.

Here are some familiar late model and modified drivers who have gone at least 10 feature races without accepting the checkers:

Late models:

Lonnie Bailey, 13 races, last win July 8, 2007.
Terry Gallaher, 15 races, June 24, 2007.
Dustin Neese, 16 races, June 17, 2007.
Denny Woodworth, 17 races, June 12, 2007
Keith Pratt, 18 races, June 10, 2007.
Jerry Weisenberger, 29 races, Aug. 20, 2006.
Justin Reed, 43 races, May 28, 2006.

Modifieds:

Brandon Lennox, 28 races, Sept. 3, 2006.
Rob Carter, 29 races, Aug. 20, 2006.
Danny Lake, 28 races, July 2, 2006.
Vance Wilson, 43 races, June 6, 2006.
Wyatt Lantz, 51 races, Sept. 11, 2005.
Tony Dunker, 53 races, Aug. 21, 2005.
Joe Bliven, 65 races, May 29, 2005.
Joe Hooper, 78 races, Aug. 15, 2004.

QUINCY RACEWAYS PERFORMER OF THE WEEK

Robby Warner’s first career feature
victory earns him Performer of the Week honors.

With the advent of points racing in all classes, we start another regular feature: Performer of the Week.

This week’s selection is an easy one — late model driver Robby Warner, who won his first career feature at 8000 Broadway.

Warner, looks primed for his breakthrough season, was third in the fans’ preseason voting in this space for the driver most likely to replace Mark Burgtorf as track champion. Jason Frankel and Lonnie Bailey were Nos. 1-2.

Warner comes from good lineage. His dad, Tony, is a former pure stock track champ who last raced in the modifieds in 1988.

Runner-up: Defending modified track champ Michael Long, who pulled off his first hat trick of the year, winning the feature, a heat race and the trophy dash.

Special mention: Stock car contender John Oliver Jr. rolled to both a feature victory and heat race victory.

FIRST ROLLOVER

The first rollover of the season went to Keith Dawson of Bowling Green, Mo. Dawson was unhurt when rolled his hobby stock during hot laps. He even returned to run the feature, finishing a respectable eighth.       
 
IN THE BANK

The top money earners from points races only:

Late models: Robby Warner $700, Joey Gower 580, Denny Woodworth 510, Dustin Neese 415, Lonnie Bailey 345.

Modifieds: Michael Long $435, Wyatt Lantz 360, Tony Dunker 270, Steven DeLonjay 200, Brandon Lennox 175.

Stock cars: Jeff Mueller $625, Chris Wibbell 625, Abraham Huls 625, John Oliver Jr. 605, Doug Huls 485.

Hobby stocks: Aaron Brocksieck $150, Jams Leffew 100, Wes Mayfield 80, Chad Cannady 70, Bobby Anders 70.

MORE FROM CARMAGEDDON

I continue to love the essays and analysis found at the Carmageddon Web site. Here’s another sampling:

"The pressure and chicanery of Formula One is obviously far behind Scott Speed, who came from a lap down to win his first career stock car race — the Kansas Lottery $150 Grand ARCA RE/MAX event on Friday.

"I had a chance to watch the race, which was televised on SPEED Saturday night, and Speed was a unique victory lane interview. His hat was sideways, he excitedly plugged (drank) his sponsor Red Bull and was not lacking in confidence.

"One day later at Kansas, Speed would score his highest finish in the Craftsman Truck Series with an eighth-place run, his second top 10 in three Truck starts this year.

"As the lone American in F1, I found myself pulling for him and rooting for any small victories that were few and far between.

"Speed worked his way up the F1 ladder after winning the Red Bull Driver Search program in 2003. He landed a ride with the newly formed Scuderia Toro Rosso team for 2006 but failed to score a point. A year later, he competed in the first 10 events but only finished three before being ousted from the team.

"It seems that Speed has finally found his place. He debuted in the ARCA RE/MAX Series last fall at Talladega with a seventh-place finish. After four races and one win this season, he sits fourth in points. Hopefully he is able to run some Nationwide Series events and make his way to Sprint Cup, because Team Red Bull needs all the help it can get.

"Oh, and I’m pretty sure he is the first driver ever to compete in Formula one and win an ARCA RE/MAX Series race."

Finally.

More than two weeks after its original date was rained out, the Deery Brothers Summer Series late model tour will visit Quincy Raceways on Wednesday night.

And the weather report looks — keep your fingers crossed — GREAT! Temperatures in the 70s and no rain. Racing is supposed to start at 7 in what should be an action-packed night. The only support series will be the modifieds, so the kids should get home in plenty of time for school the next day.

This will be the 19th time the Deery series has visited Quincy and it always provides some insight to how well the local late models stack up against their regional rivals. Quincy drivers have won seven of the previous 18 events at the Broadway Bullring, six thanks to Mark Burgtorf and one via Lonnie Bailey.

Two-time defending IMCA national champ Darrel DeFrance, 48, of Marshalltown, Iowa, is expected to be hand — as usual. The popular DeFrance has NEVER missed a Deery race since the series inception in 1987.

Fans who have a ticket stub from either April 20 or Sunday night will receive $2 off the admission price.

Those who don’t mind a relatively short road trip to West Burlington, Iowa, can catch the Deery cars there Tuesday night. Racing starts at 7.

SLOWER TIMES

Sunday’s black and slick track provided less grip and it showed in the night’s fast times. The quick laps in all four features were considerably slower than the previous week when a much stickier surface allowed for better handling and higher mph.

Here’s a look at Sunday evening’s top times in each division, with the previous week’s in parentheses:

Late models: Robby Warner, 15.372 seconds, 67.916 mph (Mark Burgtorf, 14.895, 70.091).

Modifieds: Michael Long, 16.446 seconds, 63.480 mph (Long, 14.971, 69.735).

Stock cars: John Oliver Jr., 17.524 seconds, 59.575 mph (Chris Wibbell, 16.997, 61.423).

Hobby stocks: Steve Carlin, 18.187 seconds, 57.404 mph (Jim Powell, 17.427, 59.907).

MISSING IN ACTION

Did you notice two of the track’s biggest names were not on hand Sunday for the first night of points racing? Neither late model driver Mark Burgtorf or modified hotshoe Robbie Reed were in the pits.

Burgtorf’s son, Cale, was playing baseball in Burlington, Iowa, and he was unable to get back in time. Those who were holding out hope that Mark would change his mind and run for another track title can now officially erase those thoughts. He is obviously serious about his plan to concentrate on a regional schedule, and if he is to win a 15th track title, it will come no sooner than 2009.

Burgtorf had also won five straight features in Quincy, dating back to the end of last season.

Reed’s absence was probably a bigger surprise. He won the 2006 track championship and was a strong fourth in 2007. No word why he was not in attendance.

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT

John Oliver Jr. won his third stock car heat race in as many weeks Sunday night. That kind of start, coupled with the fact Oliver is one of the strongest cars in the class, means he may have a good chance to challenge for the track record for heat victories.

The retired Hank DeLonjay’s 17 heat wins in 2007 stand as the high-water mark. No other driver has come closer than three to that mark since statistics started being kept at the .29-mile track in 1999.

Season heat-race victory leaders:

2007: Michael Long, 13, modified.
2006: Hank DeLonjay, 17, modified.
2005: Eddie Dieker, 14, bomber.
2004: Wyatt Lantz, 11, "B" modified; Adam Birck, 11, bomber.
2003: Michael Long, 11, "A" modified.
2002: Adam Birck, 8, bomber.
2001: Rob Carter, 8, "B" modified.
2000: Eddie Dieker, 8, bomber.
1999: Bruce Hatfield, 9, bomber.

Here are the heat-race points leaders following Sunday night:

Late models: Justin Reed 3, Lonnie Bailey 3, Joey Gower 3, Denny Woodworth, 2, Dustin Neese, 2, Dustin Griffin 2, Robby Warne 1, Ron Elbe 1, Jason Frankel 1.

Modifieds: Jeff Waterman 3, Michael Long 3, Tony Dunker 3, Wyatt Lantz 2, Ryan Meyer 2, Steven DeLonjay 2, Joe Bliven 1, Bob Woodrow 1, Travis Griffith 1.

Hobby stocks: Steve Carlin 3, Corrie Eifert 3, Bobby Anders 2, James Leffew 2, Chad Cannady 1, Wes Mayfield 1.

HERALD-WHIG PERFORMANCE POINTS

The late models and modifieds will likely see some dramatic swings with the first "special" show on tap Wednesday (Deery Brothers night) when points are 25-20-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for the feature, 3-2-1 for heats and one point for dashes and any type of consolation.

Late models: Mark Burgtorf 22, Denny Woodworth 15, Joey Gower 12, Robby Warner 10, Keith Pratt 8.

Modifieds: Michael Long 30, Dave Wietholder 16, Joe Bliven 7, Wyatt Lantz 7, Tony Dunker 5.

Stock cars: John Oliver Jr. 17, Abraham Huls 15, Jeff Mueller 12, Chris Wibbell 12, Doug Huls 8.

Hobby stocks: Aaron Brocksieck 21, Steve Carlin 13, Bobby Anders 11, Jim Powell 11, James Leffew 7.

FRANKEL WINS AT 34 RACEWAY

Jason Frankel of Quincy won his first late model feature of the season when he captured the checkers Saturday night at 34 raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. Frankel, the preseason pick to win the title at Quincy, was eighth Sunday night at the Broadway Bullring.

Tom Darbyshire, Matt Ryan, Keith Pratt and Tom Bowling rounded out the top five. Other Quincy regulars who participated included Lonnie Bailey (sixth), Joey Gower (12th) and Clint Kirkham (18th).

EARLY LOOK AT REGIONAL RANKINGS

While the first official "Stevie Dirt Regional Rankings (SDRR)" do not come out until next week, we’re giving blog readers an earlybird look at how they currently stand following the weekend. With a busy late model week ahead, there is bound to be a major reshuffling.

Features at Quincy, 34 Raceway and Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa, are eligible for points. So is Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo., when/if the track schedules some late model main events.

1. Mark Burgtorf, 50 points
2. Denny Woodworth, 47
3. Keith Pratt, 43
4. Joey Gower, 40
5. Jason Frankel, 37
6. Jason Perry , 29
7. Robby Warner, 25
8. Lonnie Bailey, 24
9-tie. Dustin Neese, 20
9-tie. Tom Darbyshire, 20
On the bubble: Matt Ryan 15, Bill Genenbacher 13, Tom Bowling 10.

QUINCY RACEWAYS SUNDAY PREVIEW

When: 6:30 p.m.

Weather forecast: A chance of showers. It looks like it could be an extremely wet weekend. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the low 40s are expected on race night.

LATE MODELS

Points: IMCA points do not not begin until April 27.

Most recent winner: Mark Burgtorf, April 20.

The skinny: Look for some travelers Sunday night, specifically drivers from Iowa who will want to fine-tune their cars for Wednesday’s looming Deery Brothers Summer Series race at the track … Burgtorf drawing the pole last week practically erased any doubt about who the winner would be. I’m still receiving comments about how much he dominated that race. It was almost scary. If not for a couple of cautions, Burgtorf seemed to have the ability — and horsepower — to lap the entire field … I’m expecting some of the local drivers to step it up this week, notably Lonnie Bailey, whose great-looking new car should steadily be moving frontward eal soon.

Pick to click: Burgtorf.

MODIFIEDS

Points: Points do not begin until April 27

Most recent winner: Michael Long, April 20.

The skinny: Only two weeks into the season, we are far from seeing all this division will offer. The modifieds take a lot of heat for all of those cautions, but the bottom line is they may be the most-balanced series at the track. Sure, Long is unquestionably the top dog, but there is a pack of 8-10 cars right behind him just waiting for him to falter. I’m very excited about watching this series unfold … If Vance Wilson fails to show tonight, who can blame him? He’s had major engine problems each of the first two weeks at the track … There was a nice representation of drivers from Northeast Missouri last week, but where are the hotshots from Jacksonville and central Illinois who were supposed to frequent the Broadway Bullring this season?

Pick to click: Michael Long.

IMCA STOCK CARS

Points: Chris Wibbell 77, Abraham Huls 77, Jeff Mueller 75, Doug Huls 74.

Most recent winner: Chris Wibbell, April 20

The skinny: The balance in this class is one of its greatest appeals. Right now, any one of at least five drivers can win a feature … Keep an eye on Carthage cousins Abraham and Doug Huls. They look like the real deal. Doug has a great looking car, too … Marty Hull Jr., of Hannibal finished eighth a week ago for the top finisher among the former Quincy regulars making the switch to this new division at the track.

Pick to click: Mueller.

HOBBY STOCKS

Points: Points do not begin until April 27

Most recent winner: Jim Powell, April 20

The skinny: It was nice to see a few more cars on hand last Sunday, raising the entries to 11, but the count still needs to reach about 15 for a quality series … It’s also nice to see Powell back in the hobbies. He tried for several years to crack the elite level of local modified drivers, but it never worked out. Powell always was a threat in the old bomber division, and showed he hasn’t lost his touch with last week’s hobby stock feature victory … While Steve Carlin remains the favorite to win a third title, there seems to be a definite line of challengers forming on his back bumper — starting with Powell, Bobby Anders and Aaron Brocksieck.

Pick to click: Brocksieck

LEE COUNTY OPENS TONIGHT

Weather permitting, Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa, will open its season tonight with a lineup of late models, modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks and wild things.

This will be only one of five nights the late models will run at the track. Tom Darbyshire is the defending “mini-series” late model champ.

Gates open at 5:30, with hot laps at 7 and racing beginning at 7:30.

Grandstand general admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for students 11-17. Kids 10-under are free.

ZZ Top: Recognizing the sharpest-looking cars at
Quincy Raceways for a decade.

Four first-time winners highlight the 10th annual Herald-Whig ZZ Top Sharp-Dressed Man Awards for the best-looking cars in the four classes of competition at Quincy Raceways.

Jason Frankel in late models, Jared Schlipman in modifieds, Jeff Mueller in IMCA stock cars and Bobby Anders in hobby stocks are the sharpest of the sharp in the opinion of a one-man panel. That would be me, of course.

Also in line for some notice are those cars with the Most Improved Look from a year ago: Dustin Neese in late models, Frankie Wellman in modifieds and Mike Wiley in hobby stocks. There is no MIL award for the stock cars since this their first year of operation at the Broadway Bullring.

Here’s a look at all of the category winners, with a comment about each of this year’s honorees:

ZZ TOP SHARP DRESSED MAN AWARD

LATE MODELS

2008: Jason Frankel  (Easy to spot at any point on the track with that huge No. 0, Frankel’s car possesses the classic black look with a blue front end that punctuates a great design.)
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

2008: Jared Schlipman (Jared’s dad, former late model driver Terry Schlipman, always drove some sweet-looking rides. Like father, like son. The central color yellow looks great under the lights.)
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

HOBBY STOCKS

2008: Bobby Anders (The black, white and orange work well together. Fans should see quite a bit of this car in 2008 at the head of the pack.)
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: Rock Coats

IMCA STOCK CARS

2008: Jeff Mueller (There are several potential ZZ Top cars in this class, but Mueller’s gets the nod. You can never go wrong with well-crafted flames.)

MOST IMPROVED LOOK

LATE MODELS

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

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

HOBBY STOCKS

2008: Mike Wiley
2007: Bruce Hatfield
2006: Aaron Brocksieck
2005: Steve Carlin
2004: Steve Carlin
2003: Brian Kenning
2002: Richie Wagy
2001: Brent Chapman

ALL-TIME BEST LOOKING CAR

Jamie Wilson’s 2002 late model with the silver, green and black color scheme remains the best of them all. Wilson always had a great knack for putting together a winning look.

Runner-up would be Mark Burgtorf’s 2000 blue late model, which was used sparingly in Quincy. Burgtorf’s rides always possess a traditional look, subtle yet commanding.  The blue car stood out so much because all of Burgtorf’s other cars in the 10-year history of this award have been red.

NATIONAL RANKINGS

Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., continues to dominate the Gary Jacob Memorial National Rankings, solidifying his hold over Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn., and Steve Francis of Ashland Ky.

The rankings record every race in the United States and Canada that pays a minimum $3,000 to win. Each race awards the top six finishers 9-6-4-3-2-1 points, respectively. A second tier has been added for 2008, races that pay $10,000 to win or more will offer 1 1/2 times the points. Double points are awarded in the national rankings for events that pay $25,000 to win or more.

This week’s rankings, which can be found at www.latemodelracer.com, again feature no Illinois or Missouri drivers in the top 10:

1. Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark., 164 points (10 wins)
2. Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn., 118.5 points (5 wins)
3. Steve Francis, Ashland, Ky., 96.5 points
4. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn., 74 points
5. Earl Pearson, Jr., Jacksonville, Fla., 61.5 points
6. Josh Richards, Shinnston, W. Va., 57 points
7. Terry Casey, New London, Wis., 43 points.
8-tie. Clint Smith, Senoia Ga., 40 points
8-tie. Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, Wis., 40 points
8-tie. Don O’Neal, Martinsville, Ind., 40 points

Other Notable Drivers

13. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, Ill.
14. Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Ill.
25. Chub Frank, Bear Lake, Pa.
30. Darren Miller, Chadwick, Ill.
36-tie. Donnie Moran, Dresden, Ohio
36-tie. Wes Steidinger, Fairbury, Ill.

ERB WINS WDRL EVENT

Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., a name familiar to Quincy area race fans, outlasted the field as he drove to the World Dirt Racing League win last Sunday at Quad City Raceway in East Moline, Ill.

Darren "The Thriller" Miller of Chadwick, Ill., who won the WDRL season opener at Davenport, Iowa, Speedway on April 16, started fourth and raced in the top five through the entire main event. Miller eventually found himself on Erb’s back bumper, but he was unable to get by and settled for second.

Wes "The Fairbury Flyer" Steidinger of Fairbury, Ill., had an impressive run to the front. After starting 18th, Steidinger put himself into the top five by mid-race, and he was battling for the lead just past the halfway point. Steidinger finished third.

Another driver who fought his way from the back of the pack to the front was Steve Lance of Cuba, Ill., another driver who usually frequents Quincy at least once a season for a UMP event. Starting 20th, Lance quietly worked his way through the field to finish fourth. "Flyin’" Brian Harris of Davenport, Iowa, rounded out the top five.

For more information on the World Dirt Racing League or the latest WDRL Late Model Series schedule, check out the World Dirt Racing League’s Web site.

OUTLAWS vs. MARS

The traveling stars of the Dirt Track Late Model Racing World Of Outlaws will be heading to the high-banks of the Lebanon I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Mo., on May 3 to battle the Cars-N-Stars of the MARS Racing Series in the Silver Anniversary Challenge.

Heading the roster for the Outlaws will be defending Series Champion Steve Francis, Billy Moyer, "Kid Rocket" Josh Richards, Rick Eckert and "Chubzilla," Chub Frank.

Leading the list for the MARS CARS-N-Stars will be Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., defending MARS Champion Bill Frye of Greenbrier, Ark., Brandon McCormick of Lebanon and Jeremy Payne of Springfield, Mo.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Quincy’s Mark Burgtorf was seventh last Saturday in the 21-car outlaw feature at Lincoln Speedway near Clinton, Ill. Steve Sheppard Jr., of New Berlin, Ill., garnered the checkered flag ahead of Matt Taylor of
Springfield, Ill. … Erb warmed up for his WDRL win last Sunday with a victory in the Don Bohlander 100 in Peoria the night before … Chub Frank had never flipped a car during his 30-year racing career, until last Saturday night in the World of Outlaws main event in Concord, N.C. While biding his time running 11th on lap 45 of the 100, Frank�s machine bicycled onto its right side between turns three and four and went flipping. He got some serious air time before the car landed on its wheels in turn four. "It felt like when you’re watching a crash on those in-car cameras, when the camera is behind the driver. At one point I was standing on my nose and looking right at the ground, and I’m thinking, ‘This ain’t gonna be good."

A late model championship this season
would be Terry Gallaher’s fifth. His last
title was in 1991.

Some Quincy Raceways drivers have an opportunity to join select company with a track championship this season.

The most notable is Terry Gallaher, who figures to be in the hunt for the late model championship. A title would be Gallaher’s fifth, and only three men have won more than four championships.

Gallaher’s last title came in 1991, but he is in the midst of a career renaissance, having finished third in points in 2007.

Tony Dunker and Steven DeLonjay in the modifieds, Lonnie Bailey and Bill Genenbacher in late models and Steve Carlin in hobby stocks have all won two track titles. Only seven drivers in the 34-year history of the .29-mile facility have won three or more.

Modified drivers Michael Long and Robbie Reed are gunning for a second championship. Just 19 drivers have two or more titles to their credit.

Here’s a look at the multiple title winners at Quincy Raceways:

TOTAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

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

Steve Carlin, 2 (bomber)
Bill Genenbacher, 2 (bomber)
Tony Dunker, 2 (”B” modified)
Lonnie Bailey, 2 (1 late model, 1 sportsman)
Gary Dreyer, 2 (”B” modified)
Greg Uppinghouse, 2 (”B” modified)
Lonnie Carter, 2 (”B” modified)
Hal Roach, 2 (roadrunner)
Jim Gillenwater, 2 (bomber)
Junior Tuggle, 2 (1 bomber, 1 street stock)
Jeff Klingele, 2 (1 street stock, 1 hobby)
Steven DeLonjay, 2 (hornet)

Michael Long reached the century mark Sunday night at Quincy Raceways.

When Long, the defending modified track champ, won a heat race it marked his 100th career victory at the Broadway Bullring.

Long didn’t have to wait long — no pun intended — to get a start on the second hundred. He won the modified feature later in the evening.

Here’s a look at the track’s career victory leaders since 1999:

TOTAL VICTORIES
Through April 27

Mark Burgtorf, 153
Hank DeLonjay, 138
Michael Long, 101
Eddie Dieker, 91
Tony Dunker, 80
Lonnie Bailey, 75
Denny Woodworth, 68
Steve Carlin, 66
Wyatt Lantz, 64
Adam Birck, 64

TOTAL FEATURE VICTORIES
Through April 27

Mark Burgtorf, 71
Hank DeLonjay, 42
Eddie Dieker, 39
Michael Long, 32
Vance Wilson, 28
Steve Carlin, 26
Adam Birck, 24
Wyatt Lantz, 21
Lonnie Bailey, 20
Joe Hooper, 18

SPEED, BABY, SPEED

Mark Burgtorf established his second track record in as many weeks with a 70.091 mph lap in Sunday night’s late model feature. He covered the .29-mile track in 14.895 seconds, according to the electronic scoring system used by Quincy Raceways.

Modified feature winner Michael Long was only a heartbeat off Burgtorf’s pace. Long turned in a 69.735 mph lap (14.971 seconds).

The top IMCA stock car lap belonged to Chris Wibbell at 61.423 mph (16.997), with Jim Powell (59.907, 17.427) posting the leading hobby stock time.

BURGTORF WILL BE AT QUINCY NEXT TWO WEEKS — MAYBE

Mark Burgtorf is hoping to be at the track next Sunday, but he cannot guarantee it. It seems his son, Cale, will be playing baseball in Burlington, Iowa, Saturday and Sunday, and since dad is not running for the track championship he plans on staying until his son’s games are over.

Good for you, Mark!

"I think we’ll be able to get to the track in time, though," Burgtorf said.

Burgtorf also plans on racing in Quincy at the April 30 Deery Brothers Summer Series tour stop and for the weekly May 2 show before hitting the outlaw circuit for more than a month. He won’t be back in Quincy until June 10.

HERALD-WHIG PERFORMANCE POINTS

Here’s how they stand after Sunday night:

Late models: Mark Burgtorf 22, Denny Woodworth 10, Keith Pratt 8.

Modifieds: Michael Long 18, Dave Wietholder 16, Joe Bliven 7.

IMCA stock cars: Chris Wibbell 12, Jeff Mueller 11, Abraham Huls 11, Doug Huls 8.

Hobby stocks: Steve Carlin 12, Bobby Anders 11, Jim Powell 11, Aaron Brocksieck 11.

MONEY EARNED
Points races only

Late models: Points start April 27

Modifieds: Points start April 27

Hobby stocks: Points start April 27

IMCA stock cars: Chris Wibbell $500, Jeff Mueller $450, Abraham Huls $425, Doug Huls $350.

YELLOW FEVER

There have been 34 cautions the first two weeks of action at Quincy Raceways — and 21 of them have come in the modified division, including 14 Sunday night.

The breakdown:

Late models: 4

Modifieds: 21

IMCA stock cars: 4

Hobby stocks: 5

Yearly leaders

2007: Modifieds, 9.8 per night
2006: Modifieds, 7.8 per night
2005: Late models, 6.1 per night
2004: "B" modifieds, 6.1 per night

Single-night records

Late models: 18 – July 3, 2005
Modifieds: 20 – April 29, 2007
Hobby stocks: 12 – May 13, 2007

CAR COUNTS

Sunday night saw 84 cars in the pits at 8000 Broadway, led by 33 modifieds and 24 late models. That’s a 43 percent hike over opening night April 6 when 59 cars showed up.

Rounding out the lineup were 16 IMCA stock cars and 11 hobby stocks.

After two nights of racing, here are the averages:

Modifieds: 26.5
Late models: 19.5
IMCA stock cars: 15.5
Hobby stocks: 10.0
Total: 71.5

FROM CARMAGEDDON

Thought you might enjoy this comment from the "Carmageddon" Web site:

A classic moment on NASCAR Now (last week) on ESPN2. While interviewing Carl Edwards and David Pearson about their day together at Darlington Raceway, Nicole Manske asked them both what they thought about the current state of NASCAR.

Their responses pretty much said it all:

"NASCAR isn’t doing anything I like right now," said Pearson, who went on a small rant about how you cannot bump and bang or say what you want without getting fined.

"Uhh …," said Edwards, speechless.

"We had a lot more fun racing…than he’s having today," Pearson said later in the discussion.

I have seen footage of old races and read up on the early days. It was certainly a different era, with a few "Hot Dogs" dominating the circuit and a plethora of independents and "strokers" battling for a Top 10. For the most part, Pearson is right. You cannot say what you want without being assaulted financially, but "back in the day," there was little or no TV coverage and most drivers were swearing up a storm among themselves and not in front of a microphone.

Don’t get me wrong, though, I wouldn’t mind hearing Dale Jr. drop an F-bomb once in a while. Anything is better than the head-down, laid-back "Hendrick" version of Little E.

FRANCIS ROLLS AT LOWE’S

Latemodelracer.com reports Steve Francis, known to dirt late model fans as the "Kentucky Colonel," marched to a $50,000 victory Saturday night in winning the third annual Circle K Colossal 100 at The Dirt Track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

The defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion started from the pole in the 100-lap race and survived 16 caution flags en route to one of the biggest victories of his career.

Despite the high number of caution flags, the Ashland, Ky., resident pulled away on each restart and became the first driver to lead the Circle K Colossal 100 from start to finish.

"That car was just absolutely phenomenal tonight," Francis said. "This was probably the best car I’ve ever had in a 100-lap race. It never changed a characteristic the whole race. I could run right around the bottom, and I could go the top. When you get a car like that, it makes your job way, way easier."

While Francis was cruising at the front, Chris Madden was charging through the field. The Gaffney, S.C., driver lined up 25th in the 36-car field and moved into second when Darrell Lanigan’s machine slowed on lap 90. However, he was no match for Francis and settled for the $20,000 runner-up prize for the second consecutive year.

Twenty-year-old Josh Richards started 13th and earned $10,000 for finishing third, while Jimmy Owens moved up from the 16th-starting spot to claim fourth. Dale McDowell completed the top five.

Shannon Babb, driving the No. 18 owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Clint Bowyer, finished sixth with Tim McCreadie, John Blankenship, Eddie Carrier Jr. and Ricky Weeks rounding out the top 10.

The most serious incident and the only red flag came on lap 45 when veteran Chub Frank flipped violently in Turn 4. The Bear Lake, Pa., driver was running 11th when his car hooked the cushion and tumbled through the air. Frank climbed from his heavily damaged machine and walked away.

Two-time Colossal 100 winner Scott Bloomquist was among those who had a tough night. The Mooresburg, Tenn., driver pitted three times early in the race for adjustments and eventually got tangled up in a  four-car crash on lap 82. He ended up 16th.

WoO SPRINTS COMING TO 34 RACEWAY

The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will be making their debut at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, on July 30. The high-banked 3/8-mile hosted its first sprint car race in 1973.

Sprint car legends like 20-time series champion Steve Kinser and two-time defending series winner Donny Schatz will headline the WoO entries.

Terry McCarl, the lone World of Outlaws driver who hails from Iowa, has raced the most of any series driver at 34 Raceway. He has competed 10 times at the track since 1988, winning three of those events and finishing in the top 10 each time. The six-time Knoxville Raceway track champion last competed at West Burlington in 2005 in a 360-sprint car.

Danny Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaws champion also has had a great deal of success at 34 Raceway, earning three wins in just four starts. He won in his debut at the track in 1992, driving for Guy Forbrook, and also swept a pair of events in 1996, his most recent stop at the track.

Craig Dollansky, the current World of Outlaws championship point leader, competed twice at 34 Raceway in 1995, picking up two top-five finishes in both events.

Tickets for the event will be available May 5. For more information on tickets visit: www.34raceway.com or www.slspromotions.com.

QUINCY RACEWAYS
SUNDAY PREVIEW

When: 6:30 p.m.

Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, chance of possible showers ending by around noon. Temperature in the evening should be in the 50s.

LATE MODELS

Points: IMCA points do not not begin until April 27.

Most recent winner: Mark Burgtorf, April 6.

The skinny: Sunday night should provide our first look at what the full field for this year’s championship pursuit will look like … Jason Frankel, Justin Reed and Kevin Tomlinson are among those who were not on hand April 6 who are expected to be in the lineup this week … It will also be the first time Frankel and 14-time track champ Mark Burgtorf go head-to-head this season.

Pick to click: Burgtorf.

MODIFIEDS

Points: Points do not begin until April 27

Most recent winner: Dave Wietholder, April 6

The skinny: This is the deepest series at the track this season, with no fewer than eight legitimate candidates to reach victory lane each week … It will be interesting to watch how well former "B" modified track champ Wyatt Lantz performs in his first full season of banging heads with some of the old "A" mod guys … It will also be interesting to see if Robbie Reed unveils his late model.

Pick to click: Michael Long.

IMCA STOCK CARS

Points: Jeff Mueller 43, John Oliver Jr. 41, Abraham Huls 41, Chris Wibbell 39, Chris Webb 38.

Most recent winner: Jeff Mueller, April 6.

The skinny: Expect the northern drivers to dominate this series early in the season. Veterans such as Mueller and Oliver Jr. have made it no secret they are in search of a national championship and are racing three nights each weekend … The top local finisher in the April 6 feature was Dave Wietholder in seventh … Abraham and Doug Huls are from Carthage but have never raced regularly in Quincy before this season.

Pick to click: Mueller.

HOBBY STOCKS

Points: Points do not begin until April 27

Most recent winner: Steve Carlin, April 6

The skinny: Hopefully, there will be a few more cars in the pits Sunday night. Only nine were on hand April 6. Track officials are expecting between 12-16 once all the expected competitors have their cars ready … Barring a major surprise, the championship race is expected to be between Carlin and Aaron Brocksieck … Wes Mayfield is back in a bomber after a taking two years off following the consolidation of the modified classes. Mayfield drove a "B" mod from 1998-2005.

Pick to click: Carlin

WORLD DIRT RACING LEAGUE

Thanks to Bucky Doren of the World Dirt Racing League and Jack Walbring of Quincy Raceways for supplying the following information:

The World Dirt Racing League kicked off its 2008 season Wednesday at Davenport, Iowa, Speedway, with Darren Miller of Chadwick, Ill., posting the victory.

After winning the Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation Pole Dash, Miller started up front for the 40-lap feature. Jimmy Mars of Menomonie , Wis., started to Miller’s outside. Miller beat Mars into the first corner and quickly moved to this high side with Mars in tow.

"I thought maybe winning the dash was going to hurt me," Miller said afterward. "After the dash, it looked the high side was the place to be. I was a little worried that Jimmy (Mars) was going to get the jump on me at the start of the A-main, but I ended up beating him into the first corner.

"The yellows really helped me tonight. Every time I was closing in on slower cars at the end of the race, we’d see a yellow."

Despite the caution flags, Miller held of the rest of the field.

Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, started 17th and raced his way to a second-place finish. Mars held on for third. Frank Heckenast of Orland Park, Ill., and Tim Lance of Brimsfield , Ill., rounded out the top five.

Up next for the WDRL is a stop at Freeport, Ill., Raceway Park Saturday. Quad Ciy Raceway in East Moline, Ill., will host the tour Sunday.

With defending track champ Michael Long, it is not a question of “if,” but rather “when” his next modified victory will come at Quincy Raceways.

And when it does, he will have reason to celebrate.

Long’s next victory at he track will be the 100th of his career in Quincy and will come on the heels of his amazing 2007 season when he won 36 races, including 16 features.

“What Michael did last year was just amazing,” late model driver Jason Frankel said.

Midway through the summer of  ‘07, one of Long’s chief rivals in the modified division told me that the rest of the drivers in the class knew they were simply racing for second. I think he was only half-kidding. It was that kind of year for Long.

Here’s how Long’s ‘07 victory totals stacked up to other recent leaders:

SEASON LEADERS

Total Victories

2007: Michael Long, modified, 36
2006: Mark Burgtorf, late model, 28
2005: Hank DeLonjay, modified, 23
2004: Wyatt Lantz, “B” modified, 24
2003: Makr Burgtorf, late model, 20
2002: Hank DeLonjay, “A” modified, 15
2001: Mike Karhoff, “A” modified, 10
2000: Sam Burgtorf, “A” modified, 12
1999: Vance Wilson, “A” modified, 13

Feature Victories

2007: Michael Long, modifieds, 16
2006: Mark Burgtorf, late model, 13
2005: Wyatt Lantz, “B” modified; Hank DeLonjay, “A” modified, 9
2004: Eddie Dieker, bomber, 9
2003: Mark Burgtorf, late model, 9
2002: Mark Burgtorf, late model; Hank DeLonjay, “A” modified, 6
2001: Mark Burgtorf, late model; Mike Karhoff, “A” modified, 5
2000: Eddie Dieker, bomber; Vance Wilson, “A” modifieds, 6
1999: Greg Uppinghouse, “A” modified, 8

DEERY BROTHERS TOUR BACK IN ACTION

The Deery Brothers Summer Series late model tour travels to Iowa stops in Davenport and Maquoketa this weekend.

The Deery cars stop at Davenport Speedway on Friday, followed by a date at Jackson County Speedway the next day.

For local fans making the haul, pit gates at Davenport open at 4 p.m. Hot laps are at 6 and racing starts at 6:30 p.m. Gates at Jackson County open at 4 p.m., hot laps are at 5:30 p.m. and race time is 6.

Both events pay $2,000 to win.

Jeff Aikey has won four of the previous 13 series events held at Davenport. Mark Preston became a first-time Deery winner there last April.

Terry Neal has won the last three tour stops at Jackson County.

Todd Cooney and Mike Collins were feature winners when the 22nd annual Deery series  opened April 5-6 at Eagle, Neb., Raceway.

A NOTE FROM OUR FRIENDS

This is from our friends at the www.geoffreystephens.com “Carmageddon” Web site on Sunday’s NASCAR race:

“I’ve honestly never seen anything like the fuel mileage dice roll  … where crew chief Chad Knaus repeatedly told driver Jimmie Johnson to keep going slower.

“And it worked.

“Go SLOW to WIN the race? Who woulda thunk it?

“As much as I hate fuel mileage races, this was quite entertaining.

“While most of the leaders darted off to pit road late in the race, Johnson and second-place finisher Clint Bowyer stayed out. Luckily for JJ, he had a huge lead and could afford to ‘slow down’ and cross the finish line first.

“Mark Martin, undoubtedly the crowd favorite, pitted from the lead with 10 laps to go and probably assumed everyone would follow but unfortunately he ended up in fifth place.

“In his ‘Cale Yarborough Part-Time Role,’ Martin has yet to reach victory lane while Cale racked up 14 of his 83 career wins during his 1981-1988 twilight run.”

Good stuff from “Carmageddon.”