The First Leg of Illinois Sprint Week and
Night Two of the Madison County Fair
HIGHLAND IL (7-25-12) As part of Illinois Sprint week and part of the Madison County Fair, the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) invaded the hallowed walls of the Highland Speedway. This is the first time in over twenty years winged sprint cars raced at Highland and the showing was exciting. Race fans endured the hottest day of this sweltering heat and saw action on the track even hotter on the track. 24 winged sprints were on hand and the MOWA Officials put on a quality show with driver introductions, The MOWA girls, and give a ways for the kids and fans
MOWA Sprints
The MOWA Sprints started the nights racing with their heat races Heat 1 went to the number 14 driven by Jimmy Bridgeman, Heat two winner was Chris Urish in the 77U, and the winner of heat three was Danny Smith in the number 4. MOWA runs an 8 car dash with heat winners and drivers who earn their way in using the passing point system. Chris Urish was the dash winner followed by Smith and Jerrod Hall in the 12H.The B-Main winner was Logan Fancon in the 52F.
The feature pitted Urish and Smith on the front row, row two was Hull and Jim Moughan Jr in the 1M. The first five laps were plagued with caution as the drivers learned their way around the paper clip 1/4 mile speedway. Lap five found Urish on point followed by Smith, Moughan, and Hull. For the next four laps Smith was eyeing up the 77U and on lap 10 he made a slide job pass and took the lead. Lap twelve found the leaders in lap traffic and the slicing and dicing that sprint car drivers are famous for had the crowd on their feet.
Caution on lap 18 for debris re racked the field with Smith still the leader, followed now by the 12 of Hull, Urish in the 77U, and Brett Triplett in the 22 who started the feature in the 15th spot. Racing just got under way and within three laps caution waved for an incident in turns one. The leaders stayed the same at the restart while no one had anything for Smith, Triplett made his presence known by staying on the bottom and advancing one more spot to earn him a podium finish. Hull finished second and your 2011 Illinois Sprint Week Champion Danny Smith was the winner.
For more information about the MOWA Series visit their web site at http://midwestopenwheel.com/
SportsMods
Tyler Deibert has been knocking on the door for a victory in the newly formed SportsMod Division and tonight he took home the trophy. Following Deibert to the finish were Marty Smith Jr, Rob Lee, Jeremy Thoele and Rick Johnson.
Micro’s
The 600cc Outlaw Micro’s were also on the card and Joe Miller took home the $700 check, Derek LeMaster, Jake Neuman, Lucas Pejakovich, and Luke Hanning rounded out the top five.
Up Coming Schedule
It’s Fair Week
July 26 – Combine Demo Derby sponsored by Midwest Tractor Sales
July 27 – Car Demolition Derby Fair Week
July 28 – UMP Challenge of Champions night sponsored by SnapOn & First Mid Illinois featuring Scott Wernle Memorial Night featuring 25 lap Street Stock race
July 29 – Lawn Mower Demo Derby Fair Week featuring KidzMods and Gateway Vintage Cars
For more information about the Highland Speedway and the Madison County Fair Association visit their respective web sites: HighlandSpeedway.com, and MadCoFair.com. Also visit their respective Face Book pages.
(Photos by Photo Billy used by Permission)
