Jeep Takes The  Money at I-96 Speedway

By Richard Bila

Lake Odessa, MI. Pinconning Michigan racer Jeep VanWormer topped a strong field of 39 of some of the best UMP late models in the tri state area to take home the 30 lap Sunoco American Late model feature Saturday night at I-96 Speedway.

VanWormer, driving a Rocket chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies Monte Carlo, took the lead from his third starting spot and held challenges from several different drivers to take home the $2,000 first place money.

“I would like to thank all my sponsors, and my family for making all this possible”, stated Jeep. “The track was a little rough, but I know Mike Mouch will continue to work hard to get it just right. I look forward to returning June 29th for the summer nationals stop”.

After a four wide salute to the fans, Carl Ries and Jerry Bowersock brought the 23 starters to the green flag. The yellow flag waved in turn three during the first lap resulting in a complete restart. Once back under way, Jeep made a power move on the outside to take the lead.

Several caution flags and two red flags slowed the action. During the 14th lap restart, former track champion Eric Spangler, slid under Jeep in turn two and took the lead for a brief minute. Coming out of turn four, Jeep once again took over and was never passed again.

Jeep held on for the win over 17th starting Dusty Moore, 11th starting Bill Bray, 20th starting and two time ALMS champion Brian Ruhlman and Spangler. The rest of the top ten were, Brandon Thirlby from 16th, Curtis Roberts from 19th, six time champ Kris Patterson from 23rd, JR Hotovy from 22nd and Troy Cattarene.

Heats for the 39 UMP late models were won by Trevor Sloan, Bowersock, Spangler and VanWormer. B main number one was taken by Moore and B main number two by Sam Epling

The UMP modified feature turned into a real barn burner as a six car pack broke away early and put on a great show!  Ionia racer Tim Stemler and his son Travis brought another strong field of 23 mods to the green. T. Stemler took the lead and had a mirror full of his son, Curt Spalding, Zach Olger, Mark Anderson and Todd Feutz.

Lap 11 brought out the red flag for Portland racer, and senior honor roll student Chance Hoppes as he did a slow roll in turn two. Hoppes was ok.  Back under green and the great racing continued as by lap 14, the eighth starting Anderson made the outside groove work and took the lead and went on to the win.

Chasing the Lowell veteran to the win were, T. Stemler, 14th starting Jared Guinn, Spalding, and Tim Stemler. The rest of the top ten were, Feutz, Shannon Fisk, Tim Dalman, 19th starting Justin Fleming and 15th starting Larry Vanderwoude. Heats for the mod squad were won by Zach Olger and Stemler.

The UMP street stock feature found defending track champ Aaron Wolf in the early lead. Lap 3 saw Gary Vandermark take over and check out for the feature win. Chasing another Lowell racer to the win were, Wolf, Richard Hyvarinen, Ron Harper, Larry Zander, Hillary Smith, Joel Hummel, Ron Hodges Jr, Richard Sweet, Steve Piercefield and Harvey Wyskowski. Vandermark took the heat win as well.

The I-96 four cylinder feature looked like a replay from opening night as Ada’s Dan Reimersma took the 15 lap victory. Kyle Shattuck was second, Scott Rumsey, Richard Peck, Jason Feutz, William Morgan, Colee Ruesink, Steve Wawiemia, Dillon Gentry, Calvin Stemler, Terry Henderson, Tyler Quillan Greg Pinard and Michael Vezino followed. Reimersma and Rumsey took home heat wins.

This Saturday night, May 22, the World of Outlaw Sprint cars take over the ½ mile track. Kasey Kane driver Joey Saldana has a slim point lead over 20 time champ Steve Kinser.

Joining the sprint cars on the ½ will be the UMP modifieds.

For all the information on tickets and gate times go to www.i96speedway.com.

Photos at www.randyellenphotography.com

I-96 Speedway is located at Exit 64 off of interstate 96. Go south ½ mile to Portland rd, then west to the track.