Last weekend, McCarthy Auto Group Night at I-35 Speedway faced challenges from Mother Nature, resulting in the races being rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday. Despite the weather, the drivers and fans were eager for next week’s Generational Buildings Finish Strong Mike Tanner Memorial, and they put on a great show for the spectators.
The evening started with the June 3rd makeup feature for the Jr Sport Compacts, and Brycen Bouzek claimed his second feature win of the season. Payton Hanes secured the second spot, followed by Grant Sheets, Maddy Barr, and Betty Wright.
In the E-mod feature, Casey Burnett emerged victorious, marking his second win of the season. Richard Layne, driving his son Tony’s car, finished second. Mark Anderson secured a third-place finish, while 14-year-old Londen McClure achieved his best career finish in fourth place. Brayden Abrams rounded out the top 5 with his best run of the season at I-35 Speedway.
Tyler Starmer celebrated his first feature win of the season in the Pure Stock class, holding off a strong field of drivers. Last year’s track champion, Ava Dixon, finished second for the second consecutive week. Points leader Jeffery Sears came in third, followed by Jakub Hisel in fourth and Jon Boller Jr in fifth.
In the Midwest Limited Late Models, Houston Johnson, the points leader, continued his winning streak by securing another victory. Newcomer Joe Walkenhorst finished second, while Bobby Ruff, another newcomer, claimed the third spot. Jimmy Dowell finished fourth, and Jackson Brawner took fifth place.
The Vintage Open class made another appearance at I-35 Speedway, and Mike Lefholz became the first repeat winner, securing his second feature win in a row. DJ Barnes, who had briefly taken the lead during the race, finished second. Ron Lefholz claimed the third spot, with Allen Guthrie in fourth and Steve Tanner in fifth.
In the USRA B-Mods, Corey Myers held a solid lead for most of the race, but Tyler Cadwallader closed in on Myers towards the end. On the final lap, they were neck and neck at the line, but Myers adjusted his line in turns three and four, breaking Cadwallader’s momentum and clinching his first feature win of the season. Cadwallader finished second, followed by Stephen Clancy in third, Jeff Stotts in fourth, and Chris Wright in fifth.
Jeff Dixon, the points leader in the Medieval USRA Stock Cars, was aiming for his first win of the season but suffered a flat tire under caution with three laps remaining. Chad Clancy, driving for Tommy Ground, inherited the lead and secured his first stock car win at I-35 Speedway. Doug Keller had a strong race, finishing second, while Jason Estes made his first appearance at I-35 Speedway and took third place. Gerald Wahwahsuck and Kristchon Hisel rounded out the top five.
Tyler Hibner claimed his fourth feature win of the season in the USRA Modifieds. However, Tyler Grooms started to close in on Hibner before a late caution disrupted Grooms’ momentum. Grooms engaged in an exciting side-by-side battle with Lee Hibner and ultimately finished second, with Hibner in third. Points leader Houston Johnson, still adjusting to his new car, came in fourth, while Terry Vantrump secured a fifth-place finish.
Brad Mick, the points leader in the Sport Compact class, added another feature win to his tally. Harold Robb Jr finished second after a fierce battle with Jonnathon Hartman, who claimed third place. Jeremy Sims finished fourth, and Michael Gardner Jr took fifth.
Brycen Bouzek secured his second feature win of the night and third win of the season in the Junior Sport Compacts, while Grant Sheetz made a late-race pass on Payton Hanes to finish second, with Hanes settling for third place. Betty Wright finished fourth, and Maddy Barr rounded out the top five.
The Fifth Annual Finish Strong Mike Tanner Memorial Race will take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at I-35 Speedway. The event is sponsored by Generational Buildings and will feature a night of thrilling racing starting at 7:00 P.M. The Midwest Lightning Sprints will kick off the racing action.
This race night promises to provide great value for spectators, with weekly racing, bonus money, a bonus class, and a bonus USRA Modified feature from June 3, 2023. In honor of Mike Tanner, there will be extra position money, with the Medieval USRA Stock Cars offering a $2,020 prize for the winner and $170 to start. Bonus payouts will be provided throughout the field, and there will be a longest haul bonus. The Sport Compacts will offer a $300 prize for the winner, along with other bonuses. The race also serves as a fundraiser for the Finish Strong Foundation, which provides scholarships to athletes in need. Tanner Memorial T-Shirts, raffle items, and 50/50 sales will contribute to the donation pool for the foundation.
The classes racing in this event include the USRA Modifieds, Medieval USRA Stock Cars, USRA B Mods, E Mods, Pure Stocks, Sport Compacts, Junior Sport Compacts, and the Midwest Lightning Sprints. However, the Midwest Limited Late Models will not be participating.
For those who missed the previous week’s races, a quick recap and the latest point standings can be found on MyRacePass by selecting I-35 Speedway.
For race fans, the grandstand gates will open at 4:30 P.M., with ticket prices set at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military personnel, and free admission for youth aged 18 and under (ID may be requested). The venue is conveniently located at Exit 64 off Interstate 35, a quarter-mile east of the interstate. Free parking and well-maintained restrooms are available.
Concessions will be provided at Trackside Bar and Grill (Turn 1) and at the gate entrance (Turn 4), offering a variety of food options such as funnel cakes, chili dogs, tenderloins, hot fries, walking tacos, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, as well as a selection of beverages including tea, water, soda, coffee, hot chocolate, and beer.
McCarthy Auto Group will be offering upgrades for lucky fans each week, providing opportunities for suite seats, pit passes, and food vouchers.
Fans also have the chance to be recognized as the Fan of the Week, so be sure to enter at the gate entrance.
Drivers and pit crew members can access the pit area starting at 3:30 P.M. The driver’s meeting and pill draw will close at 6:00 P.M., followed by hot laps from 6:20 P.M. to 6:50 P.M. The first heat race will commence at 7:00 P.M.
Pit pass prices are set at $35 for drivers, $40 for pit crew members and pit spectators, $25 for kids aged 6-10, and free admission for kids under 5.
