McGaha, Abbey, Davis, Anderson, Kristenek, Pritchett pace Saturday’s Icebreaker action at Abilene Speedway
February 27, 2012
Night two of Abilene Speedway’s annual Icebreaker on the ¼ mile, high-banked, red clay, oval saw several new cars sign in for the evening including former IMCA Modified Champion, PJ Egbert in his recently finished new ride. As part of the Icebreaker, tonight’s show was also the first race of IMCA’s Lone Star Series, for all four classes - Modified, Sportmod, Stock Car and Hobby.
Along with the IMCA Classes, the Street Stocks, Jr. Mini Stock and Pure Stocks were also on hand for a second night of track points racing.
Sunday concludes the weekend with racing starting at 1:00pm for the IMCA Modifieds, Southern Sportmods, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks as they do battle for round 2 of the Lone Star Series.
McGaha Out Muscles Sustaire in Mod Main
Abilene’s Josh McGaha was able to hold off last night’s winner Kevin Sustaire in the 20-lap IMCA Modified main, but the win came at a price. McGaha had his motor blow up on the final lap as he and Sustaire swapped the lead on the final circuit. Andy Gage got out front early before giving up the top to McGaha at halfway. Sustaire, who battled to get past Gage in the waning laps, quickly caught McGaha as his motor began to sour. Sustaire got a sniff at the lead in turns 1-2, but McGaha fought back in the final corner to eke out the victory.
Modified driver Josh McGaha came to victory lane in the Icebreaker. Debbie Johnson photo.
On the initial start of the IMCA Modified main, Gage got out front with Tristan Sikes, McGaha and John Gober on his tail, but Ben Ketteman, Bo Newton and Danny Hogue tangled in turn 2 for a complete restart. On the second try Sikes hung on top beside Gage through turns 1-2, but Gage got the advantage off turn 4 for the lead. Sikes fell in line second with Gober, McGaha and Monte Bolton in pursuit.
Sustaire got by Bolton for fifth While McGaha looked outside Gober for third, taking the spot on lap 2. Sustaire was next to put Gober back a spot, while Keith White worked past Bolton for sixth. Tyler Iverson and Bolton made contact fighting for a spot with Iverson going around for a lap 6 caution. On the restart McGaha continued to pressure Sikes for second and took the spot.
Just as McGaha jumped outside Gage, and White took fifth from Gober an infield tire on the track brought out yellow on lap 9. Once back to green McGaha looked high again, with Sikes, Sustaire and White almost three wide for third. At the crossed flags it was McGaha out front, Gage, Sikes, Sustaire and White in the top five.
Sustaire finally took third from Sikes as Jimmy Gustin made his way up to sixth. White put Sikes back to fifth on lap 11. As the top six ran single file, there was still side by side racing from seventh on back. Sustaire began to put the heat on Gage for second and got the spot with three to go.
With two to go Sustaire had closed on McGaha to within two car lengths. On the final lap Sustaire got the nose out front off turn 2 as the leaders ran wheel to wheel down the back stretch and into turn 3. McGaha got the edge back coming off (turn) 4 beating Sustaire back to the checkers in the Texas Roadhouse, A City Speed, Showtime Signs & Designs, Extreme Bodies, L&M Farms, Fletchers Custom Engines, Dirt Works Chassis.
“The car was perfect the whole time,” commented McGaha. “I couldn’t ask for a better car. I put a hole in the radiator at some time and noticed the water temperature was going up. I saw it was up to 230, but it wasn’t slowing down, so I didn’t either. On the last lap it nosed over and it was all it had to make the last lap. I couldn’t be happier with Russ Fletcher’s motor, anyone else’s wouldn’t have taken the abuse I give this one.”
Kevin (Sustaire) got by me on one end on the last lap in turn 1. He slipped a little bit in turn 3 and I was able to get back by him and nose him out at the line. I just got lucky I guess. I cost me a motor to do it though. Kevin and I race a lot, but I didn’t know that he was there till the last couple laps. Every time we race with Kevin, it’s clean.”
“I think in the heat we may be to do some passing today, but the feature is going to be tough. Hopefully we have some luck on the draw and get a good starting. If not, we’ll try something, even if it’s the high side.”
IMCA Modifieds
911 Josh McGaha, Abilene
71 Kevin Sustaire, Emory
021 Andy Gage, Whiting, Ia.
1 Keith White, Academy
99 Tristan Sikes, Eunice, NM
19 Jimmy Gustin, Marshalltown, Ia.
23 Chris Elliott, Eastland
72 Charles Brewer, Abilene
52 John Gober, Poolville
7 Vince Ogle, Lubbock
12 Brandon Stewart, Forney
29 Jamie Campbell, Adkins
371 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville
02 David Davis, Sweetwater
707 PJ Egbert, Copperas Cove
98 Tyler Iverson, Albion, Nebr.
444 Joe Spillman, Marble Falls
69 Danny Hogue, Abilene
89 Bo Newton, Bangs
41 Monte Bolton, Lubbock
IMCA Modified B-mains(Top 4 to A-main)
B-main #1 19 Jimmy Gustin, Marshalltown, Ia., 69 Danny Hogue, Abilene, 29 Jamie Campbell, Adkins, 371 Ben Ketteman, Pflugerville
B-main #2 23 Chris Elliott, Eastland, 12 Brandon Stewart, Forney, 444 Joe Spillman, Marble Falls. 89 Bo Newton, Bangs
IMCA Modified heats(Top 2 to A-main)
Heat 1 7 Vince Ogle, Lubbock, 1 Keith White, Academy
Heat 2 98 Tyler Iverson, Albion, Nebr., 02 David Davis, Sweetwater
Heat 3 72 Charles Brewer, Abilene, 911 Josh McGaha, Abilene
Heat 4 021 Andy Gage, Whiting, Ia., 707 PJ Egbert, Copperas Cove
Heat 5 41 Monte Bolton, Lubbock, 52 John Gober, Poolville
Heat 6 71 Kevin Sustaire, Emory, 99 Tristan Sikes, Eunice, NM
Abbey goes Flag to Flag in Sportmod Scramble
Defending IMCA Southern Sportmod champion, Dean Abbey (Haslet) took a step towards repeating at the head of the class scoring the first of the Lone Star Series events for 2012. Abbey got the point in turn 1, then never looked back as he ran wire to wire to the checkers. Kevin Green kept Abbey honest challenging Abbey early and keeping the pressure on during the final stages of the 20-lapper, but was unable to mount a serious challenge at the end.
Dean Abbey was the Sportmod winner at the Icebreaker. Debbie Johnson photo.
It was nearly three wide for the lead as the 23-car IMCA Southern Sportmod main took the green between Abbey, Green and Mike Easterwood. As lap 1 sorted the field it was Green, Johnny Torres, Easterwood and Kevin Rutherford trailing Abbey. Sid Kiphen made quick work of Rutherford for fifth as Torres closed the gap on Green.
As Abbey began to creep away, Green, Torres and Kiphen were nose to tail for second. Easterwood spun from a five car for sixth after contact with Ronnie Welborn, who was sent to the tail. Once back under green, Abbey and Green broke away from Torres and Kiphen while James Blaylock again worked his way up from starting in the back, to seventh.
At the crossed flags it was Abbey, Green, Torres, Kiphen and Rutherford in the top five with Blaylock and Cody Leonard wheel to wheel for sixth. Cory Williams spun on lap 10 to bring out the yellow. On the restart Abbey got a good jump, while Blaylock got by Leonard for sixth and along side Rutherford.
Abbey was just about to stretch his legs when Robby Crabtree and Williams tangled for a lap 18 caution, rebunching the field. On green, Abbey broke away, while Blaylock slowed from fifth and Justin Shaw had trouble running seventh. Both were able to limp off track leaving Abbey in the Abbey Racing, Braka Operating, Pro Fit, E&E Kustom Paint & Body, JL Racing, Tumbleweed BBQ, Abilene Powder Coating, TM Racing, Centex Motorsports, Chase Me Race Engines, Express Race Car to snag the victory.
“It was a mixture of things to get the win tonight,” stated Abbey. “This new Express will come off the corner like nothing I’ve ever driven before. I couldn’t do this without the help and support of family and crew. The way they had the car set was amazingly good. Everything has just come together and it’s been a good weekend.”
“When I got this new I just was hoping to be consistent. We weren’t able to practice any until Thursday night. We spent the night trying to get used to the car and learn what the car liked. We wanted to have a strong start in the new and hopefully pick up some wins.”
“The best of the best are here for the Icebreaker, and the competition is really tough. I’m just glad to be able to run up front like we have this weekend. This car is really good on the dry slick and I hope will be good today too. We’ll see how the draw goes, starting position is important on Sunday’s track.”
IMCA Southern Sportmods
26 Dean Abbey, Haslet
15 Kevin Green, Robinson
166 Johnny Torres, San Antonio
58 Sid Kiphen, Gatesville
88 Doug Easterling, Rule
9 Kevin Rutherford, Flower Mound
37 Cody Leonard, Sinton
77 Tyler Fain, Tuscola
48 Bradley Poor, Abilene
59 Chad Hertel, Abilene
223 Nick Roberts, Des Moines, Ia.
5 Tad Reutzel, Burt. Ia.
690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene
97 Julie Boettler, Farmington, NM
387 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth
30 Josh Modde, Des Moines, Ia.
80 Mike Easterwood, Sundown
511 Cory Williams, Slaton
20 Ronnie Welborn, Princeton
12 James Blaylock, Altus, Okla
55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater
118 Robby Crabtree, Abilene
38 Matt Mueller, Abilene
IMCA Southern Sportmod B-mains(Top 4 to A-main)
B-main #1 30 Josh Modde, Des Moines, Ia., 387 Allen Montgomery, Ft. Worth, 223 Nick Roberts, Des Moines, Ia., 88 Doug Easterling, Rule
B-main #2 48 Bradley Poor, Abilene, 59 Chad Hertel, Abilene, 12 James Blaylock, Altus, Okla., 77 Tyler Fain, Tuscola
IMCA Southern Sportmod heats(Top 2 to A-main)
Heat 1 118 Robby Crabtree, Clyde, 5 Tad Reutzel, Burt, Ia.
Heat 2 58 Sid Kiphen, Gatesville, 9 Kevin Rutherford, Flower Mound
Heat 3 55 Justin Shaw, Sweetwater, 80 Mike Easterwood, Sundown
Heat 4 690 Todd Bartlett, Abilene, 166 Johnny Torres, San Antonio
Heat 5 15 Kevin Green, Robinson, 20 Ronnie Welborn, Princeton
Heat 6 26 Dean Abbey, Haslet, 37 Cody Leonard, Sinton
Davis Does It in I-Stock
Eunice, New Mexico’s Cory Davis didn’t lead much of the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Stock Car feature, but he led the most important part, the last lap. Shane Priddy grabbed the lead early and looked like he might use his home track advantage for the win. Davis battled with Jason Batt before taking over second and closing up on Priddy under caution. Davis tried the top side several times and got the bumper ahead at one point only to be spoiled by a late caution. Davis again jumped outside of Priddy, while Keith White lurked in third. It was door to door the final lap for the lead with White looking to go three wide coming off turn 4 it was Davis edging out Priddy and White at the line.
Cory Davis took the I-Stock feature. Debbie Johnson photo.
As green flew on the IMCA Stock Car feature it was Priddy getting a good jump out front trailed by Killen, Damon Murty, Jason Batt and Angel Munoz. Killen slipped high in the corner allowing Batt and Murty to get past. Davis was making his charge to the front getting fifth from Munoz on lap 2. Killen went around in turn 4 and stopped on the front straight for a lap 3 caution.
Back under green Batt, Davis and Murty were three wide for second with Davis getting the position on lap 6. Jeff Turner caught Munoz for sixth and after a brief side by side battle took the spot. Munoz tried to come back as he, Murty and Turner went three abreast for fourth. Munoz and Turner were still side by side on lap 8 while White made his way up to sixth.
Batt and Davis were battling for second coming to halfway when yellow waved for a spin by JC Howell in turn 4. Priddy got a four car length advantage on the restart, while Davis retook second from Batt. At halfway it was Priddy, Davis, Batt, Munoz and Murty in the top five. Davis began looking outside on Priddy for the lead on lap 12, but fell back in line. Davis took the high road again on lap 14, while White and Murty ran door to door for fifth.
Lap 15 saw White, Murty and Munoz three wide for fourth with White getting the spot. Davis, on the top, got along side Priddy on lap 16 with a dead heat at the line on lap 17. As the leaders scrapped it out, White got under Batt for third. Davis got the nose out front on lap 18, but caution for spins by Murty and David Phillips negated the pass.
When green waved again Davis was back up top, and running side by side with Priddy, with White waiting to pounce on any mistake. Coming to take the white flag it was anyone’s call on who was leading as the two continue to run together. Behind them Howell was charging back, with positions changing nearly every turn. Coming to the checkers it was Davis in the Davis Repair Service, Mendoza Motorsports, 5 Star Inn, Cardinal Hardware, Valentine Auto, Victory Services, Centex Motorsports, Medieval Chassis edging out Priddy for the win.
“It was a lot of hard work to get that win,” explained Davis. “We committed to running the top before the race and try to run them down. That’s what I did all night long, was stay up there and passed him(Priddy) at the end.”
“After having that first pass negated because of the caution I was even more determined to get back by him. We knew we had a real fast car and I knew if I did before, that I could do it again. You just have the tires heated up again, I made the move, it stuck and I was able to win the race.”
“The Modifieds and Sportmods were running a half lane and it was working them. In turns 1-2 the top was real good I had the kept the left rear as close to the middle as I could where it was rubbering up. The shock package we had on last night was awesome.”
IMCA Stock Cars
28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM
77 Shane Priddy, Abilene
10 Keith White, Academy
103 JC Howell, Mabank
91 Jason Batt, Harker Heights
19 Angel Munoz, Lamar, Colo
44 Jeff Turner, Seagoville
182 Adam Schwarz, Waco
501 Matt Guillaume, Tomball
38 Richard Vogt, Fairfield, Ia.
07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville
311 Kyle Clough, Wallace, Nebr
100 Doug Kennemer, Boyd
18 David Phillips, Abilene
20 Brandon Clough, Wallace, Nebr.
22 Billy Wade, San Angelo
221 Duain Pritchett, Combine
99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia
81 Don Killen, Des Moines, Ia.
55 Mart Wampler, Snyder
IMCA Stock Car B-mains(Top 4 to A-main)
B-main #1 10 Keith White, Academy, 103 Jason Adcock, San Angelo, 18 David Phillips, Abilene, 311 Kyle Clough, Wallace, Nebr.
B-main #2 07 Dennis Bissonnette, Stephenville, 22 Billy Wade, San Angelo, 100 Doug Kennemer, Boyd, Brandon Clough, Wallace, Nebr.
IMCA Stock Car heats(Top 2 to A-main)
Heat 1 77 Shane Priddy, Abilene, 99 Damon Murty, Chelsea, Ia.
Heat 2 44 Jeff Turner, Seagoville, 38 Richard Vogt, Fairfield, Ia.
Heat 3 182 Adam Schwarz, Waco, 28 Cory Davis, Eunice, NM.
Heat 4 81 Don Killen, Des Moines, Ia., Angel Munoz, Lamar, Colo.
Heat 5 221 Duain Pritchett, Combine, 55 Mart Wampler, Snyder
Heat 6 501 Matt Guillaume, Tomball, 91 Jason Batt, Harker Heights
Anderson on the Attack for Hobby Stock Honors
Multi-time IMCA Hobby Stock champion, Shannon Anderson (Des Moines, Ia.) showed why he’s a champion. Anderson again had to work his way through the pack to catch last night’s runner up John Watson. Using the high line, Anderson drove around Watson for the lead on lap 15, but Watson wasn’t ready to give. Watson kept digging on the bottom getting along side Anderson on lap 17 and 18. Adam Armstrong, who edged Watson last night, joined the battle on the last lap. Anderson eked out the win over Watson who he shares a shop with.
Shannon Anderson drove his Hobby Stock to the Icebreaker win. Debbie Johnson photo.
Watson led the pack into turn 1 at the start of the 20-car, 20-lap IMCA Hobby Stock feature. It was three wide for second behind him and after some beatin’ and bangin’ Jeremy Carter, Bryan Sewell, Chase Neill and Anderson sorted themselves out. Anderson then picked off Neill for fourth followed by Armstrong to fifth. As Anderson and Sewell battled, Armstrong was able sneak past both on lap 5.
Anderson was able to get by Sewell and retake the spot from Armstrong and started looking high on Carter for second. As Anderson and Carter slugged it for second, Watson was able to distance himself. Carter got crossed up and lost several spots, but caught a break when Brian Stich hit a tire and took a trip through the infield for a lap 9 yellow.
On the restart coming to halfway it was Watson, Carter, Anderson, Armstrong and Sewell in the top five. Jon Grindstaff brought out the yellow after contact and spin with David Bissonnette. The ensuing restart saw Anderson get along side and by Carter for second, again trailed by Armstrong to third a lap later. Anderson got to the bumper of Watson on lap 12 and was looking outside on lap 14.
Anderson grabbed the top spot on lap 15 with Watson trying to dive back under. The two were side by side on laps 17 and 18, with Armstrong now waiting for a mistake on the last lap. The two fought it out to the line with Anderson in the Johns Tree Service, Supreme Lawn & Landscaping, Outlaw Racing, Supreme Quarter Horses, Immel Farms, Sanborn Auto, Nutz Graphics & Vinyl, JR Motorsports, Grandma & Grandpa Anderson, Quick Performance, Victory Chassis.
“I came through on the bottom early to get to fourth then for into third passing (Bryan)Sewell.” replied Anderson. “I caught (Jermey)Carter and worked on trying to find a way by him. I got above him and we got together a little in three but luckily the yellow came out and restacked us. Lining up in third I made the decision that I wasn’t going to stay on the bottom like I did last night. I moved to the top and got by Carter and went back to bottom to catch Watson. I knew the top wasn’t there in 3 and 4 so i waited to make the pass in(turns) 1 and 2. Watson and I have our cats in the same shop together in Des Moines and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get the win tonight with him starting on the pole and Adam Armstrong starting in the second row . Everything just went right during the feature tonight to make up for my (bad) draw .”
“I have had some bad luck drawing this weekend with 12th starting spot last night and 10th tonight. With the competition down here it’s hard to get through the field. Friday night I felt like I could have won if I would of moved to the top quicker. It was a good learning experience that helped me get the win tonight. One of the biggest changes for me this year was switching to a Victory Chassis. I drove a Terminator my first three years in a hobby and had a lot of success. Then the last two years I’ve been in a Big Daddy. I switched to a Victory Chassis this winter. I was highly impressed in my hot lap sessions Thursday practice and then last night coming through the feature. It feels like the car is getting faster every lap I’m getting more comfortable in the car. These cars are amazing and I can drive it anywhere, on any track conditions . Randy Havlik and Mark Elliott have designed a really good car. Victory Chassis and JR Motorsports have a good thing going up there and I think they’re going have a lot of success this year with all of their cars.”
“I would like to thank my wonderful girlfriend, Ashley, for letting me come down here. She puts up with a lot of this racing stuff and thanks to my mom and dad, Ed Sorensen, Mike Kim and Ally Anderson”
IMCA Hobby Stocks
78 Shannon Anderson, Des Moines, Ia.
4 John Watson, Des Moines, Ia.
6 Adam Armstrong, Beatrice, Nebr.
25 Jeremy Carter, Joshua
144 Bryan Sewell, Seagoville
1 Chase Neill, Ft. Worth
0 Rodney Sparks, Hawley
27 Chase Parson, Abilene
56 Justin Cass, Abilene
18 Jim Hall, Jackson, Nebr
94 Todd Gereau, Sioux City, Ia.
10 Taylor Bellomy, Brighton, Colo.
34 Tracy Haynes, Willow Park
85 David Bissonnette, Stephenville
15 Terry Comer III, Hawley
21 Aaron Elliott, Hawley
121 Brian Stich, Topeka, Kan.
17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus
46 Billy Taylor, Gatesville
IMCA Hobby Stock B-main(Top 8 to A-main)
21 Aaron Elliott, Hawley, 18 Jim Hall, Jackson, Nebr., 10 Taylor Bellomy, Brighton, Colo., 46 Billy Taylor, Gatesville, 34 Tracy Haynes, Willow Park, 15 Terry Comer III, Hawley, 56 Justin Cass, Abilene, 62 Johnathon Davis, Sweetwater
IMCA Hobby Stock heats(Top 3 to A-main)
Heat 1 Adam Armstrong, Beatrice, Nebr, 121 Brian Stitch, Topeka, Kan., 0 Rodney Sparks, Hawley
Heat 2 4 John Watson, Des Moines, 85 David Bissonnette, Stephenville, 25 Jeremy Carter, Joshua
Heat 3 144 Bryan Sewell. Seagoville. 1 Chase Neill, Fort Worth, 94 Todd Gereau, Sioux City, Ia.
Heat 4 78 Shannon Anderson, Des Moines,Ia., 96 Jamie Songer, Ankeny, Ia., 17 Jon Grindstaff, Venus
Kristenek Captures Street Stocks
In a race that it might appear no one wanted to win, Littlefield’s Scott Kristenek decided he wanted it. Early leader Justin Lewis had trouble and pulled off while leading under caution. Ken Boatman, who took a birthday win last night was unable to hold the point spinning himself out from the lead. Dustin McGaha looked to be the winner in the later stages but gave way to Kristenek on the last lap.
Street Stocks
44 Scott Kristenek, Littlefield
111 Dustin McGaha, Hawley
67 Tony Marcum, San Angelo
77 Jason Parker, Hamlin
124 Ryan Wilkerson, Midland
75 Ken Boatman, Bullard
8 Billy Lindsey, Merkel
66 Michael Bowen
500 William McNeely, Hamlin
27 Brandy Hamlin,
82 Richard Wells, Pleasanton
28 Jayson Garner, Hamlin
15 William Malloy, San Angelo
83 Chris Brock, Elmendorf
183 Justin Lewis, Whiteface
444 Luke Lindsey, Granbury
21 Jaxon Elliott, Hawley
71 n/a
1 John Rister, Anson
223 Clint Pelzel, Miles—DNS
Street Stock heat winners; 44 Scott Kristenek, Littlefield, 75 Ken Boatman, Bullard, 111 Dustin McGaha
Calton Pritchett again swept the Jr, Mini Stocks easily winning the heat and feature races. Pritchett’s only hiccup was a lazy spin while to pass a lapped car, but with a half-track lead, he was able to recover and cruise to his second weekend win..
Jr Mini Stocks
12 Calton Pritchett, Combine
00 Jesney Reagan, Abilene
31 Kody Priddy, Abilene
01 Shelly Lusk, Merkel
26 Tylan Davis, Sweetwater
13 Madison Pillow, Cisco—DNS
Jr Mini Stock heat winner; Calton Pritchett, Combine
Charles Stevens took the Pure Stock win by default after both Taylor Johnson and Eddie Rose broke and were unable to finish.
Pure Stocks
57 Charles Stevens
33 Eddie Rose, Cross Plains
44 Taylor Johnson, Cross Plains
By J M Hallas
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