145 race teams pack Maquoketa Speedway

By Jerry Mackey

MAQUOKETA, Iowa (June 29, 2024) – Maquoketa Speedway returned to weekly racing action following a rain out the previous week. A whopping 145 race teams took part in the action-packed Saturday night of racing. 

The IMCA Sunoco Late Model feature was one of several main events that ran flag to flag. Dave Wadsager led lap number one before Steve Johnson took over the top spot. Travis Denning started eighth and quickly worked to the front, taking the lead from Johnson before 10 laps were completed.

Denning went on to build a comfortable lead while the second spot was up for grabs. Matt Ryan held off a fast-closing Evan Miller at the checkers with Johnson rounding out the top four. 

The Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds also ran their race clean and green as the 20-lap main saw Jeff Larson add another win to his 2024 resume. Larson raced past early leader Patrick Moore and went on to record the win by holding off Jason Schueller and Scott Lemke. 

The IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars struggled to get their feature underway but once they did the racing was great.

Richard Nelson led early before a mechanical issue sidelined his 80N. Chase Zaruba was the next leader but he was also bitten by a mechanical issue.

Gage Neal worked to the front and was locked in a battle with Jacob Ellithorpe for the lead. This night belonged to Neal as he held off Ellithorpe for the win. 

The Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods ran their feature flag to flag, completing 15 laps of exciting racing in just five minutes and 13 seconds. 

The feature win was in doubt right to the checkers as Josh Starr held off Rayce Mullen for the win. Unfortunately Mullen failed post-race tech and was disqualified for an illegal shock mount. The DQ elevated Dakota Cole to second ahead of Austin Stamm. 

The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks put on their usual side-by-side racing throughout their entire feature and the win was a popular one for hometowner Lukas Short.

The season has not been great for Short as his racing has included a rollover that required lots of repairs on his car. Short was really good on Saturday night taking the checkers ahead of Kile Vohringer and Jordan Miles. 

Saturday, July 6 will be Downtown Nutrition Night at the races as Maquoketa Speedway will host a full program of racing headlined by the IMCA Late Models. The concession stand will feature $2 beers and hot dogs all night long. Hot laps will get underway at 6 p.m. with racing to follow. 

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