​DeYoung cruises at Crystal

By Ben Deatherage CRYSTAL, Mich. (Apr. 12, 2025) — The 20-lap Friesen Performance IMCA Modified main event at Crystal Motor Speedway delivered a dramatic finish during the track’s 2025 opener, ultimately awarding Austin Harnick the win after a post-race penalty. Kody Johnson, the 2017 Tri-City Motor Speedway champion, edged out Nathan Paitrick to lead the opening lap before a caution slowed the field. Chase Rosebrugh jumped into second on the restart and powered around Johnson to take command on lap 5. Rosebrugh, the 2023 DeVilbiss Racing Eastern Region Rookie of the Year, set a blistering pace and opened a sizable gap over the field. Harnick, the reigning Merritt Speedway track titlist and defending Great Lakes Nationals winner, settled into second and began to chip away at the lead. As Rosebrugh encountered thick lapped traffic, Harnick closed in to set up a tense final-lap showdown. The two battled fiercely coming to the white flag with slower cars still in play. Rosebrugh crossed the finish line first, but following post-race technical inspection, he was penalized two positions for [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Mar. 13, 2026) — Two Michigan race tracks will host Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars on a regular basis during the 2026 season, creating additional opportunities for drivers in the Great Lakes region. Crystal Motor Speedway and Mt. Pleasant Speedway will both sanction the division this year, with track, Michigan State, EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region and national IMCA points awarded at both facilities. Crystal Motor Speedway first hosted IMCA Stock Cars during the 2024 Great Lakes Nationals and will expand the division significantly in 2026. Approximately 20 nights for the class are currently scheduled, beginning with the season opener on April 11. Promoter Brian Le Baron believes the division will be a great fit for the speedway moving forward. “I love the class and the racing is great,” Le Baron said. “Our local Stock Car class had gotten to the point where the motors were getting out of hand and expensive. IMCA has a great package to keep everything under control.” “We’re going to run them quite a few times this [Read More]

By Ben Deatherage CRYSTAL, Mich. (May 3, 2025) — The Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature at Crystal Motor Speedway delivered a career-defining moment for Lady Eagle racer Bree Wonch, who stormed to her first-ever victory in the DeVilbiss Racing Eastern Region. After a daring pass on the bottom of turn four on lap 4, she surged to the lead and began to distance herself from the field. Despite a mid-race caution erasing her substantial advantage, Wonch nailed the restart and once again pulled away. Behind her, husband Austin Wonch, the 2019 Crystal track champion, worked his way into second, setting up a family one-two finish that brought the Crystal crowd to its feet. With the win, Bree not only captured her first feature victory but also became eligible to qualify for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational, set to be held during the 2025 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Austin held on for second, while Casey Smith completed the podium in third. The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV. Catch every lap [Read More]