One of the largest crowds of the season was treated to some superior racing action at Aztec Speedway on Saturday night. With the weather perfect for racing, the racing was perfect for the weather.....hot, fast and furious.
The IMCA stock car feature was one of the best edge of the seat races at this speedway in some time. Traci Jennings took the lead at the drop of the green and was soon challenged by three others. After four laps of side by side racing, five wide at times, Kenny Hendershot squeezed his famiiiar #7 into the lead. He was followed by Stephan Carey in the Witten Warrior's #3 and Jason Batt (of Harker Heights, Texas) in his red #9. Kenny and Stephan ran door to door, swapping the lead several times till the last lap. As the double checkers were flying both cars came off turn four side by side all the way to the finish. Carey was on the outside and picked up enough momentum to pickup the win by .069 sec. over Kenny Hendershot. Thank goodness for transponders and the scoring tower. Here is how the rest finished: In the 3rd was Jason Batt, 4th was Richard Trujillo and Ron Brewer 5th. ^th on down were: Larry Bradley, Traci Jennings, Michael Farley, Jereamy Bradley, Jerald Wright, Skylar Heath, Josh Turnbull, and Travis Southerlin DNF. Heat race winners in this class were: Stephan Carey, Frankie Hendershot, Kenny Hendershot.
The stock cars were also picked for a dash for cash. Tyler Mann of Four Corner Family Dental put up 410 bucks for the winner. The top three cars from each heat drew a pill to determine the lineup. Kenny Hendershot chose not to participate. Richard Trujillo started on the front row and held off the hard charging field to claim his first win here this year and the $410.
The IMCA sport modified feature had 17 cars taking the green with some more very close racing. Jordan Eddleman jumped out to an early lead but was soon challenged by Julie Boettler on lap 3. Boettler moved her #97 in front on lap 4 and went on to win her 9th race of the year. Eddleman was about 3 car lengths back for 2nd with Joey Klemish 3rd in the Mopar car #22. Fourth went to Brian Carey and fithe to Jessie Baldwin (in Bub Hughes car). Sixth on back were: Porter Smith (in Ryan Henley's car), Kilian Carey, Rex Higgins, Juanita Faddis, Roger Cordary, Darrell Cordary, Luke McCormick, RL Henley, Dylan Terry, Marshal Moody and Tom Dutton. Heat race winners were: Jordan Eddleman, Rex Higgins, and Jessie Baldwin.
In the Modified feature, Jody Cornell took the early lead but surrendered it on lap 2 to Jeremy Farley. Farley enjoyed the lead for one lap as Zane Devilbiss came charging up from his 4th row starting spot to take the lead on lap 3. Zane was challenged mid race by Regan Tafoya but Tafoya just couldn't complete the pass after a few attempts and settled back into 2nd. Third went to Shane Devilbiss with Jody Cornell 4th and Allen Bradley 5th. Sixth on back were: Jeremy Farley, Ryan Roath of Phoenix, Robbie Chiles, Dereck Rhoden, Ed Mangum, and David Davis. Heat race winners were: Jeremy Farley and Jody Cornell.
The late models had a slim showing of four cars. Andy Hockinhull won easily over Alan Bowers, Mike Tenski and Jeff Whyman. Yep, MIKE Tenski drove his son Brandon's car. For some reason I wanted to sing Jingle Bells as Mike went by. Hockinhull also won the heat.
In the hobby feature, Leon Shim took it down with Paul Dorsett 2nd and 3rd went to Freddie Brooks. Fourth was Kelly Klemm and fifth was Jessica Radojits. Luke Klemm lost a wheel and finished 6th with Jordan Hockinhull 7th after his car just wouldn't run. Luke Klemm and Leon Shimm won the heats.
The sport compacts heat and feature winner was Ranai Toler. In the feature, Camron Spangler was 2nd with Travis Bray next and Michael Cody 4th.
Thanks to Dustin Jarrett of Ohio for dropping by and chatting with me during intermission. Dustin was named "house" announcer at the famous Eldora Speedway in Ohio. Nascar's Tony Stewart is the currnet owner of that old and very famous track. New Mexico's Johnny Herrera is a former winner there in the King's Royal $50,000 to win sprint car show which just happens to be the next big event at Eldora. Thanks for coming to Aztec Speedway Dustin and enjoy your tenure at Eldora.
That's it my friends for another fun race weekend at Aztec Speedway. We will race again on July 12th with the sprint car show coming up on July 19th.
Absolutely one of the best managed races I have ever been to. I honestly can't remember watching people race anywhere else that had as much respect for their competitors equipment as they did their own. Very few cautions. A Complete Class Act by everyone involved up there, drivers & crew, officials, concessions, track prep, and even the fans were respectful and courteous. You guys make it real hard to leave!
on June 29, 2014, 10:24 am