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I-96 Speedway, May 2, 2009

Racing picked up early on Saturday, May 2 for the second round of racing at I-96 Speeway. The track personnel had the surface ready for some exciting action and drivers were not hesitant to begin the racing.

Younger fans were allowed to choose the first six starting positions for the Ultimate Champion Late Model Feature which created quite the setup to a great evening. Roger Wing was able to overcome the disappointment of the first round’s mechanical failure and deliver the team’s second win of the year. The real race was for second place as Wing Racing teammate, Rick Stout, as well as  Jeff Kohn, and Mike Nugent traded positions for the entire race.

After getting the win Wing was very thankful for his result and made no excuses for the fact that a little luck is needed for a successful night.

“The Late Model package is a good economy class and has been good for Wing Racing so far," Wing said. "The racing in these are just as strong as any other class. I would like to race it on a short track, however. If the car isn’t right, its extremely hard on the equipment. The economy makes owning a car crazy right now. If you can finish in the top five every weekend, it definitely makes it easier.”

Runner-up Kohn said “Roger really had his things together tonight … the engine package makes the field level and any little screw up on the track will allow the guy in front of you to getaway.”

Kohn said the idea appears to be a hit among the Late Model drivers.

“I would like to see a package like this (Ultimate Champion Late Model Series) on the 3/8 mile," Kohn said.

Mark Anderson redeemed himself from his first round mechanical failure when he went back into a dominating fashion for the UMP Modified Series feature.

“We are out there to win. We don’t sandbag. We probably should take it easier on our equipment, but I love to race and we love to win," Anderson
said. "Tonight the car is perfect and we‘re out here to gear up for this year’s goal, Eldora. The racing was fast and exciting.”

The UMP Street Stock Special offered four-wide racing as Aaron Wolf gained the lead early on and never looked back. The race was red-flagged at one point when Gary Buskirk slammed into the turn one tire barrier. Clean up occurred fairly quick and the racing resumed right where they had left off as the front three were able to pull away with an  entertaining race among the mid-pack drivers.

The Road Beaters feature was dominated by Rob Nieman and teammate Taven Kress until the mechanical failure shortened Kress’s night just after the halfway point. Scott Rumsey took advantage of the situation and walked away with second place as Nieman took home the victory.

I-96 Speedway has been working hard on 2009 fan participation with creating a more fan-friendly area. This year the Speedway is offering many activities for the spectators and their children. Fans have the chance to enter in spectator drag racing, a raffle for a chance to ride along in the two-seater late model and go-kart racing. The children can help choose the starting lineups for feature races, get close to the cars, and meet the drivers and “Dusty Dan.”. Parents and children can also enjoy the new playground where parents can safely check their children into for activities while the racing is underway.

I-96 Speedway Results for May 2, 2009:

Road Beaters 1. Rob Nieman 2. Scott Rumsey 3.John Primm;
UMP Street Stock 1. Aaron Wolf  2. David Mielke 3. Cody Denny;

UMP Modifieds 1. Mark Anderson 2. Todd Feutz 3. Johnny Deyoung;

Late Models 1. Roger Wing 2. Jeff Kohn 3. Mike Nugent

Upcoming schedule at I-96 Speedway :

May 9: SOD Sprints, UMP Street Stocks, UMP Modifieds, 4 Cylinders, Mini Sprints, and
a chance to win a Day Spa Package.

May 16: School Bus races, Ionia Sand Drags, Miss I-96 Speedway contest, The 40 lap
Ultimate Champion Late Models Series Special feature ($2,000 to win).

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