6/10/2024
81 Speedway
Mike's Night
*Some things in life do not make sense, and are just plain hard to understand. Losing former track Super Stock Champion Mike McIlvain too soon is one of those. This Last Saturday Mikes Family and Friends alongside the speedway put together a special evening to remember Mike and celebrate his life. From 50/50 Raffles, Item raffles and loads of good memories being shared in the concourse area. The most special moment in the night came during the TM Fencing LLC Super Stock heat races, One of Mikes best friends and understudies Tim Ozbun dominated his heat and was on the mic explaining how Mike got him into the sport, and how thankful he is for it. The night was topped off with a “missing man” formation leaving the pole spot open in memory of Mike! Miss ya Champ!
*The night started with 89 cars checked in on just 4 divisions, The JLR Property 316 Mods did not disappoint. After the B feature won by a Big B-mod guy Josh Lanterman and some quick prep over intermission the 316 Mods took to the track to battle for a victory. From the 4th starting spot Flyin Ryan McAninch took the lead on the first lap, although after a few challenges he held them off cruising to victory. Kendall Kemp 2nd, Kevin Newell 3rd and Tanner Thiel 4th.
*In a division that continues to grow the Rage Jerky MiniStocks boasted a 22 car field!! It was Big-T Titus Bortzfield on the point and he led all 10 Laps of the feature but not without a fight. David Bice was running him down and looked to be in position to pass for the lead coming to the white flag but an apparent mechanical failure left him sputtering and holding on for 8th. Justin Esparza up four spots to take 2nd, Fast Rustin Allen 3rd, and Josh Caudell in the Carter racing owned 99c in 4th! This has become a fun class to watch and even more fun to compete in, if you have interest come to the races and learn more about the Rage Beef Jerky mini stocks.
*The LM Fencing LLC Super Stocks were all about Mike! Several drivers joined the field in support of him and his family. The track was in great shape slick and smooth from top to bottom, this provided really good racing action throughout the field. It was a familiar face at the front of the pack with Jerrod Reimer battling with Kenny Sweet, Jason McGehee and George Ramey (in the Blocher 09) for the top spot. When the checkered flew it was again Reimer standing on the roof of the 75 in Victory Lane, leaving McGehee 2nd, Sweet 3rd, George Ramey 4th, and Jerry Eveland Sr. 5th
Thanks you fans, drivers, crews and staff for the support. See ya next week for O’Reilly Auto Parts night at the speedway with special events planned throughout the night.
Photos - Just Good Old Racing Gary
Article Credit: 81 Speedway
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