8/10/2024
Maquoketa Speedway
Denning Scores Late Model Win On Fan Appreciation Night At Maquoketa Speedway
By: Jerry Mackey
Maquoketa, Iowa: The Maquoketa Speedway hosted Fan Appreciation night on Saturday night sponsored by our friends at Oly's Garage in Preston and the Hayes Family Farms of Monmouth. 124 race teams packed the pit area for another action packed night of racing on the ¼ mile dirt located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds.
The Kiinion Auto Sales IMCA Modified feature took the green with Michael Leal pacing the field early from his pole position start. Kelly Pestka applied pressure early while Travis Denning was steadily working to the front working the extreme high line around the smooth track. Denning was able to take the lead as the the feature closed in on the ten to go mark. Denning went on to record the win from his 9th position start. Steve Johnson turned in another strong run in advancing 7 spots to cross under the checkers in second ahead of Don Pataska.
The Veach Septic and Sewer IMCA Modifieds saw another first time winner in 2024 for point racing at the Maquoketa Speedway. The “Concrete Kid” Spencer Diercks shot to the front quickly from his 3rd position start and established himself as the class of the field on Saturday night. Diercks held the point despite having the field brought to his bumper following a couple minor caution flags. Diercks scored the 20 lap feature win ahead of Jason Schueller and Jeff Larson.
The QCJeeps.Com IMCA Stock Cars saw point leader and hometown driver Jacob Ellithorpe pad his point lead with the win on Saturday night. Ellithorpe came all the way from the tenth starting position to overtake Greg Gill with five laps to go. Ellithorpe went on to race to the checkers first ahead of Gill and 13th starting Andrew Burke.
The Amhof Trucking IMCA Sportmod feature saw Jarrett Franzen score his second feature win in a row at his hometown track on Saturday night. Franzen started back in the sixth row and steadily worked to the front using multiple lines on the track. Franzen got to the front ahead of fellow sixth row starter Shane Paris. The 17C of Paris was able to get to second but could not catch the 33 of Franzen. Early leader Patric Conner rounded out the top three.
The Hawkins Construction and Trucking IMCA Hobby Stocks took the green with veteran driver Randy Lamar pacing the field. LaMar led the main event flag to flag as several furious battles were going on behind the leader. Daniel Wauters came from tenth to take second at the checkers ahead of Jordan Miles.
Subbing in the 64 normally driven by Griffin McGrath, Parker Jones scored his first win of the season at the Maquoketa Speedway in the INEX Legends feature. Jones took the win after fighting off several challenges by Jeff Schmidt, early leader Dave Eberle rounded out the top three.
Cyle Hawkins continued his mastery of the Tri City Construction 4 cylinder class by scoring yet another win over Jacob Welter. The 49 of Welter led until the race crossed the halfway mark when Hawkins took over the top spot.
Our special guests on Saturday night were the Midwest Jalopies. Tom Honts drove his 1947 Ford to the win ahead of Austin Honts and the 34 Plymouth of Duke Fulton.
The stage is now set for the “Hawkeye 100” hosted by K Promotions and Hoker Trucking featuring the “World of Outlaws” Late Models. The best Late Model drivers in the country will race both Friday and Saturday, August 16 & 17 with a full show each night. Also in competition will be the IMCA Modifieds and Sportmods. Activities will be going on all weekend with live music following the races both night. The Jackson County Fairboard will be hosting a breakfast on Saturday morning in the Pearson Hall and a classic car show will be held from 9 am to 3 pm on the Fairgrounds. Also Jeff and Penny Hoker of Hoker Trucking will be hosting a toy drive for “Toys for Tots”. All fans are encouraged to bring a new toy to support the cause, the goal is to fill a semi trailer.
Article Credit: Jerry Mackey
Submitted By: Jake Montoya