Sunday night marked the eighth straight show the modifieds have collected 10 or more caution flags. (Did someone just say, “Yikes!”?)
Since most of the cautions come during the 22-car features, that means they often cut into the track’s time limits established for the various main events, which is basically one minute per scheduled lap. In the mods’ case, that means 25 minutes for 25 laps.
Five of 13 modified features have been cut short this summer, including Sunday night to 19 laps. And in each case, track officials have bent the rules a bit, allowing for some extra time in an effort to try and get all the scheduled laps run. On Sunday, the mod feature went almost 33 minutes and still could not be finished.
Personally, the cautions don’t bother me. I would gladly wait there an hour because I think it’s important to complete whatever the designated amount of laps are, but I understand not everyone feels that way and at some point the crashfests have to end.
Here’s an idea that might work. How about shortening the modified features to 20 laps, but still allowing 25 minutes? Or keep them at 25 laps and increase the time limit to 30? Or, as I have heard some tracks do, each time there is a caution a lap is cut off the feature.
The modifieds have proven year after year they’re going to crash and spin more frequently than the other series. It’s like death and taxes, modified cautions are a part of life and I think we have to find a better way to deal with them.
Here’s a look the ongoing streak of 10-plus cautions for modified shows:
May 31: 11 yellow flags
(June 7: rained out)
June 14: 13 yellow flags
June 21: 11 yellow flags
June 28: 14 yellow flags
(July 3: modifieds did not race)
July 5: 10 yellow flags
July 12: 16 yellow flags
July 19: 11 yellow flags
July 26: 16 yellow flags
Total cautions during streak: 102
Average cautions per week during streak: 12.5
STEVIE DIRT REGIONAL RANKINGS: YEAR 2
The following rankings are based on feature performances at Quincy, West Burlington and Donnellson for late models; Quincy, West Burlington, Donnellson and Moberly for modifieds; and Quincy, Donnellson and West Burlington for stock cars. Points are earned on a 25-20-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale.
LATE MODELS
This makes 12 straight weeks at No. 1 for Mark Burgtorf as Quincy drivers continue to dominate the late model rankings.
1. Mark Burgtorf, Quincy, Ill., 425 points
2. Lonnie Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 320
3. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill., 295
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 234
5. Tom Goble, Burlington, Iowa, 160
7. Matt Bailey, Quincy, Ill., 157
6. Keith Pratt, Quincy, Ill., 151
8. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa, 140
9. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa, 112
10. Denny Woodworth, Mendon, Ill., 106
On the bubble
11. Jeff Aikey, Waterloo, Iowa, 99
12-tie. Joey Gower, Quincy, Ill., 96
12-tie. Matt Strassheim, West Burlington, Iowa, 96
14. Jerry Weisenberger, Quincy, Ill., 77
15-tie. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa, 75
15-tie. Boone McLaughlin, Mediaoplis, Iowa, 75
17. Bill Genenbacher, Camp Point, Ill., 62
18. Nick Ingalls, Quincy, Ill., 54
19. Sam Halstead, Danville, Iowa, 53
20. Tom Bowling, Danville, Iowa, 50
21-tie. Jason Perry, Payson, Ill., 49
21-tie. Robby Warner, Quincy, Ill., 49
23. Ron Elbe, Augusta, Ill., 48
24-tie. Clint Kirkham, Camden, Ill., 40
24-tie. Tony Fraise, Donnellson, Iowa, 40
Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, 10
Jason Frankel, 6
Matt Bailey, 4
Tom Goble, 3
Previous weekly leaders:
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.
MODIFIEDS
Barring a major meltdown, Josh Foster will be the first Iowa driver to claim an SDRR championship.
1. Josh Foster, Montrose, Iowa, 393 points
2. Michael Long, Quincy, Ill., 257
3. Wyatt Lantz, Augusta, Ill., 242
4. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill., 202
5. Vance Wilson, Frankford, Mo., 198
6. Rich Smith, Davenport, Iowa, 184
7. Scott Hogan, Vinton, Iowa, 164
8. Steven DeLonjay, Quincy, Ill., 182
9. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington, Iowa, 155
10. Tony Dunker, Quincy, Ill., 147
On the bubble
11. Tyler Cale, Donnellson, Iowa, 128
12. Kevin Blackburn, Fulton, Mo., 123
13. David Holder, Clarence, Mo., 107
14. Donovan Lodge, Moline, Ill., 106
15. Jeff Waterman, Quincy, Ill., 105
16. Brandon Rothzen, Raritan, Ill., 103
17. Robbie Reed, Quincy, Ill., 101
18. Dusty Kraklio, Durant, Iowa, 88
19. Mark Van Winkle, Hannibal, Mo., 81
20. Lonnie Heap, Media, Ill., 73
21-tie. Dave Wietholder, Liberty, Ill., 64
21-tie. Shawn Deering, Quincy, Ill., 64
23. Dean McGee, Galesburg, Ill., 61
24. Adam Birck, Canton, Mo., 46
25-tie. Jared Schlipman, Quincy, Ill., 43
25-tie. Ryan Meyer, Liberty, Ill., 43
Feature winners:
Michael Long, 9
Josh Foster, 6
Wyatt Lantz, 5
Previous weekly leaders:
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.
STOCK CARS
This is the only one of the three series that has drivers from Illinois, Iowa and Missouri in the top five.
1. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill., 419 points
2. Jeff Mueller, New London, Iowa, 325
3. John Oliver Jr., Danville, Iowa, 231
4. Kevin Tomlinson, New London, Mo., 209
5. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 178
7. Chris Wibbell, Dallas City, Ill., 175
6. Aaron Brocksieck, Camp Point, Ill., 168
9. Doug Huls, Carthage, Ill., 148
8. Darin Thye, Burlington, Iowa, 128
10. Terry Houston, Mount Sterling, Ill., 124
On the bubble
11. Jim Redmann, Lockport, Iowa, 111
12. Jerry Jansen, Plainville, Ill., 91
13. Steve Steinkuhler, Camp Point, Ill., 90
14. Chris Webb, Biggsville, Ill., 89
15. Andrew Griffin, Golden, Ill., 88
16. Corey Strothman, New London, Iowa, 81
17. Chris Larson, Keokuk, Iowa, 77
18. Michael Larsen, Hannibal, Mo., 72
18. Kirk Kinsley, Wapello, Iowa, 64
20. Tim Breuer, Burlington, Iowa, 46
21. Cole Simmons, Morning Sun, Iowa, 44
22. Levi Long, Payson, Ill., 43
23. Bo Hunter, Burlington, Iowa, 42
24. Cale Samberg, Burlington, Iowa, 40
25. Todd Holsteen, Burlington, Iowa, 37
Feature winners:
Jeff Mueller, 9
Abe Huls, 4
Kevin Tomlinson, 4
Terry Houston, 3
Jason Cook, 3
Previous weekly leaders:
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: Clint Kirkham (2nd), Nick Ingalls (5th) .
Modifieds: Robbie Reed (2nd), Jared Schlipman (3rd), Ronnie Woods (1st).
Stock cars: Michael Larsen (1st), Doug Huls (3rd)..
Hobby stocks: Nathan Hayes (1st), Bobby Anders (3rd).
Dash wins
Late models: Dustin Griffin (1st).
Modifieds: Tony Dunker (2nd).
STARS OF THE NIGHT
5 stars: Late model driver Matt Bailey, who won his second straight feature and now has more points than any other driver in the series in the second half of the season.
4 stars: Stock car driver Kevin Tomlinson, who won his fourth feature and moved into with with No. 1-ranked Abe Huls for the track points lead.
3 stars: Modified hotsoee Steven DeLonjay, whose second feature win came in flag-to-flag fashion.
2 stars: Joey Gower, the late model driver who overpowered the feature field for 27 laps, but wound up a close second to Matt Bailey.
1 star: Tanner Klingele, who officially has his first hobby stock checkered flag. Klingele was awarded the victory when Bobby Anders was disqualified for having illegal heads on his motor.
OVERALL TRACK LEADERS
Total victories:
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 10
Justin Reed, late models-modifieds, 9
James Leffew, hobby stocks, 9
Michael Long, modifieds, 8
Wyatt Lantz, modifieds, 8
Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 7
Terry Houston, stock cars, 7
Steven DeLonjay, modifieds, 7
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 7
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 6
Kevin Tomlinson, stock cars, 6
Vance Wilson, modifieds, 6
Travis Booher, hobby stocks, 6
Jason Frankel, late models, 5
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 5
Wes Mayfield, hobby stocks, 5
Travis Booher, hobby stocks, 5
Nick Ingalls, late models, 5
Robbie Reed, modifieds, 5
Matt Bailey, late models, 5
Feature victories:
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 5
Jim Powell, hobby stocks, 5
James Leffew, hobby stocks, 4
Kevin Tomlinson, stock cars, 4
Justin Reed, modifieds-late models, 3
Wyatt Lantz, modifieds, 3
Jason Frankel, late models, 3
Terry Houston, stock cars, 3
Michael Long, modifieds, 3
Matt Bailey, late models, 3
Heat victories:
Nick Ingalls, late models, 5
Vance Wilson, modifieds, 5
James Leffew, hobby stocks, 5
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 5
Steve Steinkuhler, stock cars, 4
Steve Carlin, hobby stocks, 4
Justin Bartz, hobby stocks, 4
Steve Steinkuhler, stock cars, 4
Sarah Woodhurst, stock cars, 4
Wes Mayfield, hobby stocks, 4
Wyatt Lantz, modifieds, 4
Travis Booher, hobby stocks, 4
Terry Houston, stock cars, 4
Ryan Meyer, modifieds, 4
Dash victories:
Steven DeLonjay, modifieds, 4
Lonnie Bailey, late models, 3
Justin Reed, late models-modifieds, 3
Mark Burgtorf, late models, 2
Ron Elbe, late models, 2
Joey Gower, late models, 2
Dave Wietholder, modifieds, 2
Tony Dunker, modifieds, 2
