6/1/2024
Cottage Grove Speedway
Jesse Williamson Earns Breakthrough Win At Ralph Bloom Memorial Preliminary Night; Melissa Bryant Also Victorious
Jesse Williamson Earns Breakthrough Win At Ralph Bloom Memorial Preliminary Night; Melissa Bryant Also Victorious
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Jason Davenport)
Cottage Grove, Oregon-Friday, May 31st closed out the fifth month of the calendar but opened up the highly anticipated Ralph Bloom Memorial weekend at Cottage Grove Speedway. This memorial event, held in honor of the late Ralph Bloom, a beloved figure in the motorsports community, featured two Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program divisions, including the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern Sport Mods, presented by Roadhouse Billiard and Brew, and the Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, presented by Kiefer.
The main event for the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern Sport Mods, presented by Roadhouse Billiards and Brew, started off with Jesse Williamson seizing the top spot after performing a slider in turn three on the opening lap. The Coburg chauffeur, running the Jerry Schram-fielded entry, set a great pace and distanced himself from the rest of the field.
A great battle ensued for second between Springfield’s Hunter Bloom and Matt Sanders from Brookings, with Sanders securing the position on lap six. The race was not without its challenges, as a stoppage on the seventh circuit slowed things down, allowing Sanders to challenge Williamson several times, but on each occasion, Williamson's skill and determination allowed him to retain the lead.
As the frontrunners started to negotiate traffic, the race intensified with another caution flag coming out with eighteen complete. On the ensuing restart, Central Point pilot Jorddon Braaten had a brilliant restart, catapulting him into the runner-up position. This set the stage for a thrilling three-car melee for first between Braaten, Williamson, and Sanders, with all three jockeying for position with Williamson still staying ahead.
The final stoppage occurred with twenty-five laps logged in, bringing about a five-lap showdown to the finish. The three aforementioned drivers razzled and dazzled the crowd, but Williamson earned the victory and was particularly significant as it marked his first career win in the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern Sport Mod, presented by Roadhouse Billiards and Brew, class.
Braaten was credited with second, with Sanders behind him in third. Yreka, California traveler Ethan Killingsworth placed fourth, while the Top 5 was wrapped up with David Schmidt, from Roseburg, scoring fifth.
The Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, presented by Kiefer, main event saw hometown driver Jim Simmons jet out to the front when the green flag waved. Simmons would be overtaken coming out of the final turn on lap two. Melissa Bryant, representing Roseburg, made the pass.
It proved to be a decisive move for the Lady Eagle racer as she turned up the wick tremendously against the rest of the competition and was able to build a massive lead. The crowd was on their feet, cheering her on, as Bryant did have a few instances in which Charles Trissell tried his best to close down the gap. Still, the Springfield teenager was unable to get around the leader. It would be Bryant’s first career win at Cottage Grove Speedway and in dominating fashion, a moment that was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
Trissell was second at the line over third finishing Dusten Henderson, of Cottage Grove. Springfield’s Mark Delange and Kerry Cooper, from Cottage Grove, were fourth and fifth.
The final leg of the 2024 Ralph Bloom Memorial, set to take place on Saturday, June 1st, promises to be an exciting continuation of the weekend's events. It will feature the two divisions in action on Friday and two additional classes, the Todd’s Auto Body Limited Sprints and the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds presented by Wheeless Trailer Sales and Repair. For more information, visit www.cottagegrovespeeway.com.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage
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