June 6th proved to be another action packed night at I-96 Speedway. The 6 in 1 program plus a late addition of school bus races, always a fan favorite, made for a spectacular night.. In addition Saturday was also Wood TV 8 Where You Live Night with host Miranda. After a blistering fast hot lap session by the ASCS Sprints On Dirt Series, UMP Modifieds, UMP Hobby Stocks, 600c.c. Mini Sprints, Fwd Road Beaters and VROA vintage race cars was completed it was time start the show.
The nights events started off with a memorial for assistant flagman Kevin Buskirk.
The first feature of the night was the 20 lap Hobby Stock A feature. AJ Ward No. 20w led eleven other competitors to the green flag from flagman Tim Beebe. Ward was passed by last weeks hobby stock feature winner Aaron Wolf No. 08 as Wolf went on to win his fourth feature of the season. After the race Aaron said, “we had another tough draw again this week (for the inversion) we pulled a 6 which put us about mid pack but I just picked my way though the field. We caught AJ in lapped traffic, he went to the top and I went to the bottom. I guess I picked the right lane.” Wolf went on to thank his sponsors; Hillcrest Farms, Fisk Trucking, Clarksville Feed Store, Berger Chevrolet of Ionia, American Legion, Lucky Brand Chassis and Fop Motors.
The 600 cc Mini Sprint feature was won by Derek Donaldson No.91D. After the race Donaldson said “Despite winning the feature, the car was far from perfect. We tried a few new things that we will definitely be changing back this week. So you can expect us to be much faster next week”.
Next the 4 cylinder FWD Road Beaters took to the track to finish their rain delayed feature from earlier on in the night. Rob Neiman No. 28 piloting the No Bull Graphics car took home the trophy and check with another dominating win. Neiman was followed by Jason Feutz No. 81, and Neiman’s teammate Brad Kress No. 25
After a short rain delay the UMP Modifieds took to the ½ mile high banks of I-96 Speedway. Jacob Poel started on the pole and the clean air proved to be his ally as Poel took home his second feature win of the 2009 season at I-96. Poel withstood challenges from several drivers including third place finisher Shannon Fisk No. 42 and second place Rich Robinson Jr. No. 15 methodically working his way through the field from a last place starting position. After the race Poel said “The car was great, we got some rain before and during the feature and that made the car even better as the race went on”. Poel also thanked his sponsors; Pro-Act Chassis and Graphics, Poel Blueberry Farms, Poel’s Welding and Fabrication and DuraTech Racing Engines all of which help make racing possible every week at I-96 Speedway.
The ASCS Sprints On Dirt feature was the last race of the night as 20 SOD fire breathing sprint cars took to the ½ mile at I-96 Speedway. Gregg Dahlman No. 49, in a car put together in a tribute to a former crew member and friend Bobby Peacock, led his competitors to the green flag from the pole for the 25 lap event. Dustin Daggett No. 2M moved up through the field from the fourth row to challenge Dahlman for the lead. The two went on to battle for several laps until lapped traffic forced Daggett low and Dahlman high with Daggett coming out on top. Following the race Daggett said it was that moved that allowed him to get around and away from Dahlman and go on to take the win. This was Daggett’s fifth consecutive win at I-96 Speedway with the Sprints On Dirt. Dustin Daggett thanked his sponsors; Miles Petroleum, Brewster’s, Richardson Farms, and Gaerte Engines. Saturday marked the second of four SOD visits to I-96 Speedway for the 2009 season. The Sprints On Dirt head east of the border to Canada for a two day swing this weekend, first at Oshweken Speedway and then further south to South Buxton Speedway. The Sprints On Dirt return to I-96 Speedway on June 27th.
This coming weekend I-96 Speedway will have an action packed 5 in 1 program with the NeSmith Cheverolet Ultimate Late Model Series making their return after two weeks off. Come see if Rick Stout can return to victory lane or will Gary Vandermark make it two in a row. In addition theUMP Modifieds, UMP Hobby Stocks, 600 c.c. Mini Sprints and FWD 4 cyl Road Beaters will all be in action. Don't miss the action!
