Braaksma Doubles Up at Black Dirt Nationals in Modified Masterclass

Ethan Braaksma celebrates with his team and trophy girls after winning the IMCA Modified feature at the Black Dirt Nationals during the Hancock County Fair in Britt. The victory was his second straight Black Dirt Nationals win and 10th overall triumph of the 2025 season. (Photo by Amy Koester)

By Chad Meyer

BRITT, Iowa (July 22, 2025) — The Hancock County Fair’s Black Dirt Nationals continues to be good to Ethan Braaksma. Capitalizing on favorable heat race and main event draws, Braaksma held off Jeremy Mills to score his second straight Black Dirt Nationals IMCA Modified victory at Britt.

The Friesen Performance IMCA Modified main saw Braaksma, a consistent contender at the fairgrounds oval, stay steady on the cushion while Mills tried to reel him in. Chaz Baca Jr. came from seventh to round out the podium. The win marked Braaksma’s 10th overall win of the season, with nine of them in the Razor Chassis North Central Region.

Shryock Grabs Fourth Straight Britt Stock Car Win

In just its third night of competition, Kelly Shryock’s brand-new Skyrocket chassis found the front in the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature. Shryock continued his dominance at Britt, scoring his fourth consecutive win at the track and 13th EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region triumph of 2025.

Kevin Opheim was quick all night and kept Shryock honest through 20 laps but had to settle for second. Troy Swearingen came home third after battling inside the top five all night.

Appel Bounces Back for SportMod Redemption

After mechanical issues spoiled his Friday night, Josh Appel stormed back to win the Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Appel controlled the race from the front while Alec Fett and Doug McCollough put on a great battle behind him. Fett eventually shook loose to claim second, with McCollough right behind in third. The victory marked Appel’s fourth overall win of the 2025 season and first time he’s done so at Hancock County.

Nielsen Notches Fourth Hobby Stock Britt VIctory

Brandon Nielsen continued his hot streak in the Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, earning his fourth win at Britt this year in a strong performance over Chris Krug and Joshua Monson.

Nielsen’s car was smooth and fast all night as he carved through traffic and handled late pressure to secure the checkered flag. It was Nielsen’s sixth win of the year in the B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region.