Olson, Ciesielski, Irvine beat the rain at Independence

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (Apr. 18) – Three of four features were run to completion before rain halted action Saturday night at Independence Motor Speedway.

The program, which was the final of two draw/redraw specials for IMCA state, regional and national points before weekly points racing starts at the speedway April 25, welcomed 90 race teams to the pit area.

Tony Olson took advantage of his pole position start by racing into the lead at the drop of the green in the 15-lap Tenacity Graphics IMCA Northern SportMod feature.

Olson paced the field while Jenae Gustin made her way into second from a third row start on the second circuit.

Olson, who built a quick half-straightaway lead, extended his advantage in lapped traffic before a trio of cautions slowed action with two laps to go. He pulled away on the final restart to take the win ahead of a hard-charging Alex Zwanziger and Gustin.

Roger Ciesielski drove the high side into the lead in the 15-lap Burco Sales IMCA Stock Car main.

From an outside third row start, Ciesielski swept past Jarod Weepie on the fourth lap and then survived a handful of stoppages to score the impressive victory. Scott Pippert beat Norman Chesmore to the stripe for second.

Two-time and defending Big Daddy Chassis IMCA Hobby Stock track champion Benji Irvine took the lead at the drop of the green in that 15-lapper.

From his outside front row starting spot, Irvine built a straightaway lead before a pair of late cautions bunched the field. He dominated when racing resumed to take the checkers ahead of Billy Rhoades and Quinton Miller.

The feature event for the Performance Bodies IMCA Modifieds was rained out. It will be made up April 25 following the conclusion of the regularly scheduled program.