By Joyce Eisele
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (June 4) – After four straight weather outs, Marshalltown Speedway came back to life on a beautiful Friday night and new winners found their way to victory lane in the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, IMCA STARS Mod Lites and Mach-1 Sport Compacts.
The Modifieds ran their 20-lap main event caution free. Pole sitter Jake McBirnie led flag to flag on his way to victory. He was challenged most of the distance by Ethan Braaksma but to no avail, with Braaksma taking the runner up spot. Trailing a distant third was Dylan Thornton.
Eric Knutson took the lead on lap one, weathered the yellow flags, and led all laps to capture the Hobby Stock win. Eleventh place starter Kaden Reynolds made it interesting in the closing laps, but had to be content with a close second place finish. Carter Koop came from 12th to finish third.
National point leader Kaden Cochrun led all 15 laps of the feature on his way to the Mod Lite win. Cochrun, who hails from Bakersfield, Calif., but is racing in the area for the summer, had to fend off the advances of Doug Byers for most of the race, but Byers had to settle for the runner-up spot. Joe Glick took third.
Cochrun was a happy camper in his post-race interview, stating he could never have imagined being able to stand in victory lane at Marshalltown Speedway.
The Sport Compacts brought 15 cars strong to run their first full event of the year. They made their first appearance back on May 14, but the program was cut short due to rain. At the end of their 12-lap feature, it was Kolby Sabin standing in victory lane.
Brayton Carter won again in the Karl Kustoms Northern SportMods and Damon Murty scored another IMCA Sunoco Stock Car “W.”
Next Friday, June 11 will be Salute to Marshalltown Firefighters, EMTS, and First Responders night at the Speedway. The green flag drops at 7:30 p.m.
