By Jerry Mackey
MAQUOKETA, Iowa (May 30, 2026) — Maquoketa Speedway hosted racing Saturday night as drivers contended with a slick and challenging racing surface that offered multiple racing grooves throughout the evening.
The Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars produced one of the night’s best races as Maquoketa native Jacob Ellithorpe scored his first hometown victory of the season.
Ellithorpe started on the front row and found himself locked in a race-long duel with fifth-starting Gage Neal. The lead changed hands several times as the two accomplished drivers put on a show for the fans before Ellithorpe edged Neal by a narrow margin at the checkers.
The victory was Ellithorpe’s third EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region win of 2026, his first at Maquoketa Speedway this season, and came one night after winning at Davenport Speedway.
Neal finished second ahead of Casey Shelliam. Kodey Miles advanced from 10th to fourth while Joe Bonney rounded out the top five.
The feature was red-flagged early following a hard rollover involving Mitch Current. Fortunately, Current was not injured.
Jewell Breaks Through for First Modified Win of ‘26
The Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature saw Brandon Jewell make a popular trip to victory lane.
The Camanche driver mastered the treacherous high groove and held off a persistent challenge from Shane Paris throughout the 20-lap main event. With several drivers slipping over the cushion and positions changing frequently, Jewell remained steady out front.
The victory was Jewell’s first Razor Chassis North Central Region win of the season.
Paris finished second ahead of Kurt Kile. Austin Stamm crossed the stripe fourth while Matt Werner charged from ninth to complete the top five.
Franzen Capitalizes on Restart for SportMod Victory
A strong field of Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods took the green for their 15-lap feature with Josh Starr leading much of the distance.
A late caution changed everything.
Jarrett Franzen, who started 10th, used the restart to make his move and slip past Starr for the lead. Starr mounted one final challenge on the last lap, but Franzen held on for the win.
The Maquoketa driver earned his fifth victory of the season and second triumph at his hometown speedway in 2026.
Starr settled for second while Ty Webster advanced from eighth to third. Nathan Silaggi and Corey Kuntzelman completed the top five.
White Credited with Hobby Stock Victory
The Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks saw the outcome decided in post-race technical inspection.
Apparent winner Brett Hahlen was disqualified for an illegal cage, elevating Brandon White to the victory.
White, who started 13th, collected his first B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region win of the season.
Maquoketa drivers Steven Shady and Lukas Short completed the podium, with Short advancing from 10th on the starting grid.
Carson Butt turned in one of the night’s most impressive drives, racing from 23rd to fourth. Karter Miles rounded out the top five.
