8/8/2019
Rapid Speedway
Gulbrandson Claims A Summit Shootout Spot And A Big Payday While Deboer, VanVeldhuizen, and Arends Claim First Wins
It was the Hobby Stock Special with an increased purse at the Rapid Speedway, and to add to it a qualifying spot in the Summit Shootout at the USRA Nationals was also on the line. Dustin Gulbrandson is a multiple time track champion as well as a multiple time USRA National Champion and proved why he is one of the best in the hobby stock division. Gulbrandson drew the pole position for the race and never looked backed as he raced to victory Friday night. “It was a good night to start up front.” A couple hard chargers worked their way through the field to try and challenge Gulbrandson, but it was to no avail as on every restart the 6 car would pull away. Brady Klaassen would come from 6th to take the runner-up honors while Tracy Halouska came from 10th to finish third. Last week’s winner Dylan Fitzpatrick came from 9th to 4th and Michael Weidert rounded out the top 5. Nick Brady, Blake Arends, and Gulbrandson took home the heat wins.
The rest of the night went to first time winners at the Speedway.
In the Sportsmans class Roger Deboer used his front row starting spot to race to the win in a non-stop feature. Leading every lap flag to flag is exactly what the Rock Rapids driver needed after a tough season. “I’ve tried lots of different set ups and worked hard each week and I think I finally have it figured out, at least for tonight.” Bill Kroon would come home in second on the night with Brian Kroon in third. Tyler Bradley and Logan Fitzpatrick would finish up the top 5. The Kroon’s captured each of the 2 heat races.
The Bmod feature was a little bit of redemption for Dereck VanVeldhuizen who had a win taken away from him earlier in the season, but there were no question marks this time around as he would pilot his #20 modified from the outside of row two and grab the lead away from Trevor Tesch on lap 5 and was never really challenged as he would go on to claim his first career win. “I have to thank Miah Christensen for all the help with the set-ups, the car was really good tonight.” Tyler Johnson garnered 2nd ahead of Dave Kennedy. Brock Hess’ string of 3 straight wins came to an end as he came from 10th to finish 4th. Point leader Tyler Tesch rounded out the top 5. Heat wins went to Kevin Joachim and Tyler Johnson.
Another first win was handed out in the USRA Stock Cars as Colten Arends was credited with the win after Chad Overgaard failed post-race tech. Arends came from the ninth starting spot and jumped into second halfway through the race using the bottom of the track on a restart. Arends would challenge Overgaard to his inside in the closing laps and his efforts were rewarded as he picked up his first career stock car win. Scott Overgaard would claim second on the night followed by Darrin Korthals in third. Some hard chargers would complete the top five as Roger Verdoorn came from 10th to 4th and Justin Regnerus ran from 18th to 5th. The two Overgaards and Travis VandenTop were the heat winners.
Next Friday night will feature the Stock Car Shootout and the Good Old Time Racing Association (GOTRA) Vintage Cars. Hot Laps at 7 with racing to follow.
Article Credit: Joel Vis
Submitted By: Geoff Kruse