By Ben Deatherage
DUBUQUE, Iowa (Jun. 8, 2025) — Joel Callahan put on a clinic in the 25-lap, $1,000-to-win Sunoco IMCA Late Model main event at Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway. The three-time track champion used the high line to power into the lead on the opening circuit and built a commanding advantage on the historic 3/8-mile oval.
Despite persistent pressure from Clay Simpson, Callahan looked unshakable. Simpson’s challenge cooled as Ron Klein took over second and began to close in. But Klein’s charge ended with a spin in turn four on lap 22, setting up a three-lap sprint to the finish.
Callahan executed a flawless restart to earn his second Dubuque win of the season and the coveted Sunoco Race Fuels Bonus, which included a commemorative door panel, fuel jug, hat, and $300 prize. Simpson held on for second over two-time defending track champion Eric Pollard.
Joel Callahan celebrates in victory lane after scoring the $1,000 Sunoco IMCA Late Model win on June 8 at Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway. The Dubuque, Iowa, veteran also earned the Sunoco Race Fuels bonus, collecting a commemorative door panel, hat, fuel jug, and a $300 cash prize. (Photo by Joe Hayes)
Freiburger Finds Familiar Form in Modifieds
The Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature saw Mark Schulte take the early lead, but it wasn’t long before Jed Freiburger powered his way into the top spot a few laps in.
Freiburger, the three-time defending track champion at Dubuque, worked the top side to perfection and drove away from the field. He collected his first Razor Chassis North Central Region win of the season, leading comfortably to the checkers from his fourth-place starting spot.
Former 2017 track champion Jason Schueller finished second, with Grant Manthe completing the podium in third.
Robbins Rockets to Stock Car Victory
Benton, Wisconsin racer Jason Robbins thrilled the crowd in the 15-lap Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature with a charge from sixth to the lead.
Andrew Burk paced the early laps until a pair of cautions reset the field. On the final restart, Robbins rolled the high groove and pulled away in the Spooky Pinball Motorsports-owned No. 211 machine, claiming his fourth EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region win of 2025—and third at Dubuque.
Veteran Jerry Miles, a five-time track champion in his 40th year behind the wheel, claimed second. Burk, the 2023 Dubuque Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock champ, held on for third.
Franzen Overcomes Cautions to Take SportMod Main
The Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod feature was interrupted by several cautions, but Maquoketa’s Jarett Franzen stayed smooth under pressure to win his fourth feature of the season and first at Dubuque in 2025.
After starting ninth, Franzen steadily picked off cars using both the high and low grooves. He finally slipped beneath early leader Wes Digman on lap 11, then held off a late restart to seal the deal. The 2022 Dubuque track champ and 2023 Iowa State titleholder showed mastery under pressure.
Digman finished second, while Ian Hurst advanced ten spots to finish third from the 11th starting position.
Teenager Bennett Earns First Career Hobby Stock Victory
In the Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, 17-year-old David Bennett of Shullsburg, Wisconsin capitalized on a lap six restart to take the lead and never relinquish it, fending off multiple challenges over the remaining laps.
Bennett’s win was his first career victory and his first triumph in the B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region in 2025. Former champion Daniel Wauters gave chase in second, while Marshal Van De Vegte rounded out the top three.
The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV affiliate Done Right TV. Catch every lap again with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available for just $24.99/month. And don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, now streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.
