$45,000+ Purse Awaits 410s as Iowa Telecom Summer Classic Caps Off Weekend This Saturday Night!
Monday, July 17, 2006
by Bill Wright - A $45,440 purse awaits the 410 class as this year’s addition of the Iowa Telecom Summer Classic brings a big weekend of racing to a close at Knoxville Raceway on Saturday night. While the winner’s share has been cut to $5,000 from previous seasons, the rest of the purse has been distributed throughout what should be a stellar field of drivers. The event will cap off a weekend that will see the Harris Clash for the Modifieds on Thursday and the first ever appearance of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt series on Friday. Friday’s Late Model contest will pay $10,000 to the winner, and be televised by the Speed Channel at a later date. The MidAmerican 305 sprint series will join the Late Models on Friday.
Brian Brown’s blown right rear tire on the final circuit last week, cost him the points lead, and we have a new leader as the 410s storm back into action Saturday night for the added incentives. Billy Alley (pictured) was the benefactor of Brown’s incident, and with a strong second place run, jumped ahead of Brown by a scant 20 tallies in the standings.
Australian, Skip Jackson, holds down third, after besting last week’s field for his first win of the season. Clint Garner is fourth, while Jesse Giannetto has quietly moved into the top five in the points race. Calvin Landis, Lynton Jeffrey, Dusty Zomer, Kaley Gharst and Bronson Maeschen round out the top ten.
The Interstate Racing Association (IRA) will be joining the strong field of sprinters, led by points leader Mike Reinke, Travis Whitney, Scott Neitzel, Donny Goeden and Bill Warren. Steve Meyer, Scott Biertzer, Kim Mock and KJ Skelton are among many more expected as the IRA always brings around 25 travelers to Knoxville. Reinke made an exciting last lap pass of Meyer to take “King of Wisconsin” honors on July 9 at Wilmot Speedway. The win was Reinke’s second of the season. Whitney has been consistent in IRA action, and has scored wins at Deer Creek (MN) and Cedar Lake (WI). Both drivers come to Knoxville as a threat to win the big money on Saturday night.
The 360 sprints will join the party on Saturday night, and return after thrilling action saw Johnny Anderson and Josh Higday battle to the end last Saturday night. The win was number three for Anderson this season, and his fifth overall at the raceway. Jake Peters continues to lead the 360 standings, holding a 133 point lead over Jeff Mitrisin. Anderson, John Kearney and rookie sensation, Dustin Lindquist round out the top five in the highly competitive 360 race.
Hot laps get underway at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are general admission, costing $20 for adults and $10 for children. Other visitors are expected to throw their hat in Iowa Telecom Summer Classic ring. For updated information, visit www.KnoxvilleRaceway.com, or call 641 842-5431.
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