By Jerry Mackey
MAQUOKETA, Iowa (July 25, 2026) — Reegan Merkes picked the perfect time to earn his first career Maquoketa Speedway victory, slipping past Blaise Watters coming to the checkers to win by just .067 seconds in a thrilling second round of the Summer Showdown for the Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks.
Twenty-nine Hobby Stocks answered the call, and the feature delivered another classic with only one caution slowing the 15-lap contest.
Several drivers spent time at the point before seventh-starting Watters, making his first appearance at Maquoketa Speedway, worked into the lead. Merkes remained glued to Watters’ rear bumper as the pair took the white flag virtually dead even.
The two raced side-by-side around the final circuit before Merkes found just enough room entering turn four to edge Watters at the finish line by a scant .067 seconds.
Richard Nelson completed the podium, Carson Butt finished fourth and Kile Vohringer rounded out the top five.
The victory added Merkes’ name to the list of 2026 B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region winners.
Diercks Cruises to Modified Victory
Spencer Diercks put together a dominant performance in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature.
Starting from the outside of the front row, Diercks quickly took command and led every lap of the caution-free main event while riding the high side of the smooth quarter-mile.
The victory was Diercks’ 16th Razor Chassis North Central Region win of the season and his third at Maquoketa Speedway.
Shane Paris finished second, Jed Freiburger charged from 10th to third, Eric Barnes crossed the stripe fourth, and Wes Digman completed the top five.
Miles Adds Another Stock Car Victory
The Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars put on another entertaining feature with Kodey Miles racing to victory lane.
Miles battled his way to the front to score a hard-fought victory over Kyle Merkes and Jacob Ellithorpe.
Jordan Miles finished fourth while Joe Zrostlik completed the top five.
The win was Miles’ sixth EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region victory of 2026, with three of those triumphs coming at Maquoketa Speedway.
Eckrich Continues Strong Rookie Campaign
Sixteen-year-old Bryson Eckrich continued his impressive rookie season in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods by leading every lap of the caution-free feature.
The victory was Eckrich’s fifth of the season and his third at Maquoketa Speedway.
Jacob Arp finished second, Sam Wieben ran third, Nathan Silaggi was fourth, and Josh Banes completed the top five.
