Drueke, Braaskma score Icebreaker wins at Eagle Raceway
EAGLE, Nebr. — Saturday night at Eagle Raceway saw the 2024 Icebreaker Challenge night #2 take to the high banks of Eagle Raceway. The winners of the previous night’s Nebraska Lottery IMCA Modified feature and Avid Realty IMCA Sportmod feature were back in hopes of taking home an additional $1000 if they could complete the Twice As Nice challenge by repeating their victories.
There were 3 serious incidents in the preliminary action, all three in the Nebraska Septic IMCA Racesaver class. The first happened in their first heat when Shayle Bade’s #03 got loose and spun in turn one. Bryan Bosma attempted to slow down the #23 and go around Bade but slid up into the #53L of Ty Ledger, sending him up and over the turn 1 wall. The second incident came in the C Feature when Cole Cloud flipped the 11C over the wall in turn 2 before striking the catch fence and tearing out a large section of the fence. The final incident was in the B Feature when Alex Davenport rolled the 25A in turns 3 and 4. None of the drivers suffered significant injuries.
The Nebraska Septic IMCA Racesaver Sprints were also the first to roll out for an A Feature. Lap 1 saw a pileup in turn 2 when Clint Benson got sideways in the #100, collecting Gunnar Pike in the 25, the 77X of John Klabunde and Nick Barger in the 14N. Pike went to the pits but returned to the track, only to find out that he had a broken Jacobs Ladder forcing him to return a few laps later. Klabunde went off on the hook. The restart saw Bayley Ballenger’s 6B spin out in turn and collect the 18W of Cole Wayman 2 for another restart. Wayman went to the pits with damage to the left front. Matt Johnson’s 30 led the first official lap with Brandon Horton’s 1B, the 51 of Mike Boston and Tyler Drueke’s 12 rounding out the top 4. Trevor Grossenbacher jumped up to third the following circuit as Boston held onto the third spot. Boston vaulted into the lead the next time around with Grossenbacher following him into second, Johnson fell to third and Cody Ledger put the #47 into fourth. John Klabunde spun the 77X out in turn 2 the next lap. Grossenbacher snagged the lead on the restart with Ledger moving up to third. Horton stopped at the bottom of turn 1 the next lap for yet another caution. Ledger advanced to second on the restart with Drueke jumping all the way to second. Drueke passed Grossenbacher for the lead on lap 12. Ledger also passed Grossenbacher on lap 14 to advance to second place. With 10 circuits remaining Drueke had stretched his lead to a full straightaway. With 8 to go Gene Ackland got past Boston to put the 14G into fourth. The top 4 remained unchanged to the checkers with Drueke winning, Ledger second, Grossenbacher third and Ackland fourth.
Tyler was the 2023 points champion at Eagle. He raced Friday night at Knoxville Raceway in his 410, but they cancelled for Saturday so his first thought was Eagle Raceway. He said, “It’s always good to come back home”. He started from sixth and got the win, but it wasn’t that easy for him. “With all of the cautions in the beginning it was tough. I finally got going pretty good and I think I was going to take the lead coming off of turn 4 but the caution came out and put me back to fourth. Then on the next restart I got kind of pinballed around and fell back to sixth. I wasn’t very good on the top because I was too tight. I knew that I had to move around and find something that worked. I finally did find a good line and just stuck with it”. Tyler’s sponsors include Forbes Motorsports, MySalesman.com, Empire Fence and Netting, The Wave, Cherney Enterprises LLC and American Trailer Co., Zoz Farms, Drueke Trucking, Jeffries Trucking, Johnson Farms, Speedway Racing Engines, Angels Energy Services and J&J Auto Racing.
The Avid Realty IMCA Sportmods then rolled out for their A Main. Derek Hall put the 44D out front of lap 1 with Gary Saathoff’s 96 second, Mason Richards third in the 18M and Drake Bohlmeyer’s 24 fourth. Lap 3 saw Lance Borgman pass Bohlmeyer to out the #76 into fourth before moving up to third the next time around. Adam Vrbka got past Bohlmeyer on lap 6 in his 7V. With 9 to go Borgman advanced to second. 2 circuits later Vrbka moved up to third. Borgman snagged the lead with 5 laps left and Vrbka followed him into second 2 laps later. The next time around Richards’ 18M and the 31S of Jacob Swanson spun out on the front stretch after Richards made contact with the 66 of Trevor Noonan. That set up a green/white/checkered finish, giving Vrbka one last shot at the victory. Borgman held on for the win with Vrbka second, Hall third and Saathoff fourth.
I kidded Lance about coming up to Eagle Raceway every spring and taking our money, to which he replied “I kind of like taking all of Roger’s money! It just spends better. We had the racing gods on our side tonight. When we took off the cars got jumbled up a little bit but we got a real good break on the start and we worked our way to the front. I definitely didn’t want to see that caution. I would rather we ran green to checkered. Luckily, we ended up holding everybody off and got the win. Special thanks to my Dad, he’s with me endless hours every week. My wife and kids. Also, everyone who helps out because it takes a team to do this”. Lance’s sponsors include Hergott Farms, Coordsen Farms, Jet Racing, Biggs Sports Bar, Capital Signs, Max Harder, Popeye Racing Engines and Warnke Tree Shearing.
Neill Pella’s 13N was first back to the flag stand on lap 1 of the Valentino’s IMCA Hobby Stock A Feature. Brad Schreiner was second in the #10, Colin Hein’s 19H was third and Kaylyb Brunssen put the 00K into fourth. Adam Parrott spun the 63 out in turns 1 and 2 to bring out a caution. Hein moved to second on lap 5. Tyler Thompson spun his #17 on the front stretch on lap 5 as Michael Wade looped the 12 at the bottom of turns 1 and 2. Hein used the restart to move up to second. Brunssen advanced to third on lap 8 and passed Hein for second 2 laps later as Travis Landauer put the 45 into third with Hein falling back to fourth. Schreiner passed Hein for fourth the next lap as Brunssen fell back to fifth after getting loose out of turn 4. Brunssen got back to third with 9 to go when Landauer got loose allowing Hein to regain the second spot. A debris caution was called with 5 laps left to bunch the field back up. Landauer passed Brunssen on the restart to move back up to third. Tylan Lambertus experienced a fire under the hood the next lap and came to a halt in 1 and 2. Schreiner also stopped in turns 3 and 4 and ended up heading to the pits. That moved Landauer to second, Brunssen to third and Hein back to fourth. Brunssen passed Landauer on the restart but lost the spot back to him the next time around. The final change in the top 4 came on the final circuit at Dillon Richards passed Hein for fourth in the 24R. The top 4 were Pella, Schreiner, Landauer and Richards.
I mentioned to Neil that he got a good start and he said “I got out front, but when you start up front it’s kind of easy to win but it’s difficult to stay out front the whole time. I finally got into a nice little groove on the bottom for a little while and then was able to jump up high. After that it was just lap after lap. I wish we had had a lot less cautions so the race would have gotten over a little sooner, but that the way that racing is”. Neil’s sponsors include Foster Family Trucking, Stone Cold Restorations, Southwest Automotive, Trade Center Automotive, Adams Repair, HP Automotive, JTC Logistics, Rapland Hot Rods, Jet Racing, BBR Suspensions and Solberg Machine.
Ricky Stephan’s 25 led lap #1 of the Nebraska Lottery IMCA Modified finale, followed closely by Shawn Harker’s 40, the 8C of Chad Andersen and Nate Thompson’s 3t. Harker passed Stephan on lap 2 for the lead on lap 2 as Ethan Braaskma put the 111 into fourth. Andersen passed Stephan for second the next lap with Braaskma moving to third. Braaskma continued his march to the front on lap 7, getting past Andersen for second and then grabbing the lead from Harker on lap 11. Andersen got past Harker and Braaskma lap 13 when the 7M of Daniel Miller slowed in front of Harker in 1 and 2 but the passes were negated when Miller and Jordan Grabouski’s 30 came to a halt at the pit entrance. There were 10 circuits left when Aaron Pella’s 3A stopped in turn 4. Andersen again passed Harker with 7 circuits left to retake second. 2 laps later Ryan Jenkins put #6 into fourth. Just 3 laps remained when Jenkins spun to a stop at the bottom of turns 1 and 2. He headed for his pit, moving the 8A of Dustin Andersen into fourth. Stephan passed Dustin on the restart to regain fourth. The top 4 remained unchanged with Braaskma winning, Chad Andersen second, Harker third and Stephan fourth.
Ethan is from Newton, Iowa. His race started from outside of the third row. He related “It was a pretty good run. I just took my time and hit my marks. I was kind of searching there at the beginning but once I found the bottom I hit it really good. I could see where the others were messing up in front of me and that’s how I got to the lead. I just had to be sure to get the left side down in the moisture so I could get off of the corner. This place is really different. I don’t get over here a whole lot, although I did come here one time last year. It’s definitely different than what we’re used to back home. Eagle is unique. It’s high banked and very fast. I know that the banking here scares a lot of people. You definitely have to be up on the wheel and be hammer down”. Ethan’s sponsors include Rage Chassis, Trent Guest Motorsports, Hydrodig, Multi Packaging and Printing, Dave McCrory Construction, Janssen Fabrication, Kellogg Lawn and Snow, Grasshopper Lawn Mowers, Intellicents, Performance Bodies, RM Construction, Dirt Stars Pullbars,
Wehrs Machine and Racing Products, Fast Shafts, CPD Racing Shocks, Henry’s Exhaust Systems, Hesspower Fab, Jerovetz Shock Service, Rush Racegear by Austin Witt, PEM Rearends and Buzz Signs and Graphics.
Next week kicks off the regular season at Eagle Raceway as Pepsi presents Start Your Engines!
Front gates open at 5:15 with adult admission is just $15, youths 6-12 are $5 and children 5 and under are free.
Pit gates open at 3:30 with pit admission being #30.
All 5 classes will be competing, including the Nebraska Septic IMCA Racesaver Sprints, Nebraska Lottery IMCA Modifieds, Avid Realty IMCA Sportmods, A1 Iron
IMCA Stock Cars and Valentino’s IMCA Hobby Stocks.
RESULTS:
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Neil Pella Adams, Ne. 2. Travis Landauer Albion, Ne. 3. Kalyb Brunssen 4. Dillon Richards Wymore, Ne. 5. Colin Hein Columbus, Ne. 6. Brayden Hurley 7. Ryan Gilland Sterling, Ne. 8. Ian Roschewski Beatrice, Ne. 9. David Carter Fremont, Ne. 10. Adam Parrott Missouri Valley, Ia. 11. Brad Schreiner Weeping Water, Ne. 12. Fletcher Petersen Lincoln, Ne. 13. Tylan Lambertus Grand Island, Ne. 14. Tyler Thompson Juniata, Ne. 15. Dillon Thompson Hastings, Ne. 16. Trenton Dowty Fremont, Ne. 17. Adam Wasserman Fairbury, Ne. 18. Eric Chab Dewitt, Ne. 19. John Martinez Beatrice, Ne. 20. Michael Wade Dorchester, Ne.
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. David Carter Fremont, Ne. 2. Tyler Thompson Juniata, Ne. 3. Michael Wade Dorchester, Ne. 4. Fletcher Petersen Lincoln, Ne. 5. Tanner Dowty Fremont, Ne. 6. Patrick Huggins Cordova, Ne. 7. Tanner Jones 8. Ben Becher Lincoln, Ne. 9. Dan Markham Plattsmouth, Ne. 10. Nick Jensen Hickman, Ne. 11. Troy Dowty Fremont, Ne. 12. Robert Salts(r) Fremont, Ne. 13. Kirsten Bruce Lincoln, Ne. 14. Brad Burhenne Council Bluffs, Ia.
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker C-Feature
1. Tanner Jones 2. Nick Jensen Hickman, Ne. 3. Khrysta Stransky Lincoln, Ne. 4. Taylor Greuter 5. Mike Hansen Weeping Water, Ne. 6. Jason Hansen Glenwood, Ia. 7. Robert Gould Eagle, Ne. 8. Sam Blanton(r) Bellevue, Ne. 9. Matt Rotschafer(r) Denton, Ne. 10. Joe Copeland Jr. La Vista, Ne. DNS. Jeff Watts Beatrice, Ne.
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Ryan Gilland Sterling, Ne. 2. Colin Hein Columbus, Ne. 3. John Martinez Beatrice, Ne. 4. Trenton Dowty Fremont, Ne. 5. Tanner Dowty Fremont, Ne. 6. Patrick Huggins Cordova, Ne. 7. Fletcher Petersen Lincoln, Ne. 8. Tanner Jones 9. Nick Jensen Hickman, Ne. 10. Jason Hansen Glenwood, Ia.
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Eric Chab Dewitt, Ne. 2. Kalyb Brunssen 3. Brayden Hurley 4. Dillon Richards Wymore, Ne. 5. David Carter Fremont, Ne. 6. Robert Salts(r) Fremont, Ne. 7. Dan Markham Plattsmouth, Ne. 8. Jeff Watts Beatrice, Ne. 9. Joe Copeland Jr. La Vista, Ne. 10. Taylor Greuter
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Dillon Thompson Hastings, Ne. 2. Neil Pella Adams, Ne. 3. Tylan Lambertus Grand Island, Ne. 4. Ian Roschewski Beatrice, Ne. 5. Brad Burhenne Council Bluffs, Ia. 6. Michael Wade Dorchester, Ne. 7. Kirsten Bruce Lincoln, Ne. 8. Matt Rotschafer(r) Denton, Ne. 9. Khrysta Stransky Lincoln, Ne. 10. Mike Hansen Weeping Water, Ne.
Hobby Stock-Icebreaker Heat 4
1. Travis Landauer Albion, Ne. 2. Brad Schreiner Weeping Water, Ne. 3. Adam Wasserman Fairbury, Ne. 4. Adam Parrott Missouri Valley, Ia. 5. Tyler Thompson Juniata, Ne. 6. Ben Becher Lincoln, Ne. 7. Troy Dowty Fremont, Ne. 8. Robert Gould Eagle, Ne. 9. Sam Blanton(r) Bellevue, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Ethan Braaskma Desmoines, Ia. 2. Chad Andersen Ft Calhoun, Ne. 3. Shawn Harker Nebraska City, Ne. 4. Ricky Stephan South Sioux City, Ne. 5. Dustin Andersen Omaha, Ne. 6. Jaxon Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 7. Mike Densberger Cortland, Ne. 8. Clint Homan Bellevue, Ne. 9. Bob Zoubek Dorchester, Ne. 10. Scott Bivens Elmwood, Ne. 11. Terry Richards Denton, Ne. 12. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 13. Tyler Harr Ashland, Ne. 14. Brandon Verbeek Lincoln, Ne. 15. Ryan Jenkins Blair, Ne. 16. Aaron Pella Lincoln, Ne. 17. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 18. Daniel Miller Bar Nunn, Wy. 19. Bob Ruisinger Bennet, Ne. 20. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. Clint Homan Bellevue, Ne. 2. Tyler Harr Ashland, Ne. 3. Aaron Pella Lincoln, Ne. 4. Bob Zoubek Dorchester, Ne. 5. Bob Ruisinger Bennet, Ne. 6. Jared Deterding Lincoln, Ne. 7. James Mesenbrink Lincoln, Ne. 8. Jim Patterson Ashland, Ne. 9. Cameron Thompson(r) Fremont, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Shawn Harker Nebraska City, Ne. 2. Dustin Andersen Omaha, Ne. 3. Chad Andersen Ft Calhoun, Ne. 4. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 5. Scott Bivens Elmwood, Ne. 6. Clint Homan Bellevue, Ne. 7. Bob Zoubek Dorchester, Ne. 8. Tyler Harr Ashland, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Ricky Stephan South Sioux City, Ne. 2. Mike Densberger Cortland, Ne. 3. Ethan Braaskma Desmoines, Ia. 4. Jaxon Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 5. Brandon Verbeek Lincoln, Ne. 6. Aaron Pella Lincoln, Ne. 7. Bob Ruisinger Bennet, Ne. 8. Cameron Thompson(r) Fremont, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 2. Ryan Jenkins Blair, Ne. 3. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne. 4. Terry Richards Denton, Ne. 5. Daniel Miller Bar Nunn, Wy. 6. Jared Deterding Lincoln, Ne. 7. James Mesenbrink Lincoln, Ne. 8. Jim Patterson Ashland, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 2. Adam Vrbka Eagle, Ne. 3. Derek Hall Lincoln, Ne. 4. Gary Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 5. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 6. Adam Armstrong Pickrell, Ne. 7. Drake Bohlmeyer Beatrice, Ne. 8. Matt Andrews Malcolm, Ne. 9. McLain Reed Lincoln, Ne. 10. Joe Feyen Plattsmouth, Ne. 11. Brayton Carter 12. Noah Williams Ashland, Ne. 13. Dion Kovar Rising City, Ne. 14. Richard Flock Malcolm, Ne. 15. Theron Ahlman Lincoln, Ne. 16. Trevor Noonan Lincoln, Ne. 17. Mason Richards Denton, Ne. 18. Jacob Swanson Lincoln, Ne. 19. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 20. Shawn Pospisil Lincoln, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. Joe Feyen Plattsmouth, Ne. 2. Adam Armstrong Pickrell, Ne. 3. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 4. Theron Ahlman Lincoln, Ne. 5. Shawn Hein Beatrice, Ne. 6. Breanna Pfanstiel Lincoln, Ne. 7. Gregg Hamman Kingsley, Ia. 8. Robert Draper Valparaiso, Ne. 9. Nick Morris Bellevue, Ne. 10. Ray Harrington Lincoln, Ne. 11. Brady Papineau Lincoln, Ne. 12. Trenten Fugett Homesville, Ne. 13. Jared Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne. DNS. Aj Oaks Lincoln, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Jacob Swanson Lincoln, Ne. 2. Matt Andrews Malcolm, Ne. 3. Gary Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 4. Dion Kovar Rising City, Ne. 5. Theron Ahlman Lincoln, Ne. 6. Nick Morris Bellevue, Ne. 7. Shawn Hein Beatrice, Ne. 8. Brady Papineau Lincoln, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Trevor Noonan Lincoln, Ne. 2. Derek Hall Lincoln, Ne. 3. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 4. Noah Williams Ashland, Ne. 5. Adam Armstrong Pickrell, Ne. 6. Joe Feyen Plattsmouth, Ne. 7. Aj Oaks Lincoln, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Adam Vrbka Eagle, Ne. 2. Drake Bohlmeyer Beatrice, Ne. 3. Mason Richards Denton, Ne. 4. Brayton Carter 5. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 6. Gregg Hamman Kingsley, Ia. 7. Jared Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne. 8. Robert Draper Valparaiso, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 4
1. Shawn Pospisil Lincoln, Ne. 2. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 3. Richard Flock Malcolm, Ne. 4. McLain Reed Lincoln, Ne. 5. Trenten Fugett Homesville, Ne. 6. Breanna Pfanstiel Lincoln, Ne. 7. Ray Harrington Lincoln, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Tyler Drueke Eagle, Ne. 2. Cody Ledger Omaha, Ne. 3. Trevor Grossenbacher Panama, Ne. 4. Gene Ackland Martell, Ne. 5. Mike Boston Lincoln, Ne. 6. Cole Vanderheiden Papillion, Ne. 7. Bill Johnson St. Peter, Mn. 8. Stuart Snyder Lincoln, Ne. 9. Brandon Bosma Rock Rapids, Ia. 10. Matt Johnson Saint Peter, Mn. 11. Nick Barger Madison, Sd. 12. Bayley Ballenger Harrisburg, Sd. 13. Bret Klabunde Omaha, Ne. 14. Brandon Horton Waterloo, Ne. 15. Gunnar Pike South Bend, Ne. 16. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 17. Clint Benson Papillion, Ne. 18. John Klabunde Fort Calhoun, Ne. DNS. Nathan Weiler Omaha, Ne. DNS. Jason Danley Lincoln, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. John Klabunde Fort Calhoun, Ne. 2. Brandon Bosma Rock Rapids, Ia. 3. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 4. Bill Johnson St. Peter, Mn. 5. Michalob Voeltz Madison, Sd. 6. Shayle Bade Raymond, Ne. 7. Tim Hilfiker Greenwood, Ne. 8. Alex Salzman Lincoln, Ne. 9. Andrew Jackson Fremont, Ne. 10. Kyle Magnuson 11. Alex Davenport Lincoln, Ne. 12. Tanner Anderson Wynot, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker C-Feature
1. Shayle Bade Raymond, Ne. 2. Andrew Jackson Fremont, Ne. 3. Tanner Anderson Wynot, Ne. 4. Kyle Magnuson 5. Cole Cloud Fairbury, Ne. 6. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. DNS. James Reed Kearney, Ne. DNS. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne. DNS. Ty Ledger Omaha, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Trevor Grossenbacher Panama, Ne. 2. Brandon Horton Waterloo, Ne. 3. Stuart Snyder Lincoln, Ne. 4. Cole Vanderheiden Papillion, Ne. 5. Brandon Bosma Rock Rapids, Ia. 6. Bill Johnson St. Peter, Mn. 7. Kyle Magnuson 8. Shayle Bade Raymond, Ne. 9. Ty Ledger Omaha, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Bret Klabunde Omaha, Ne. 2. Mike Boston Lincoln, Ne. 3. Tyler Drueke Eagle, Ne. 4. Gunnar Pike South Bend, Ne. 5. John Klabunde Fort Calhoun, Ne. 6. Michalob Voeltz Madison, Sd. 7. Andrew Jackson Fremont, Ne. 8. Cole Cloud Fairbury, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Bayley Ballenger Harrisburg, Sd. 2. Matt Johnson Saint Peter, Mn. 3. Clint Benson Papillion, Ne. 4. Nick Barger Madison, Sd. 5. Alex Salzman Lincoln, Ne. 6. Alex Davenport Lincoln, Ne. 7. James Reed Kearney, Ne. DNS. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne.
Sprint-Icebreaker Heat 4
1. Gene Ackland Martell, Ne. 2. Cody Ledger Omaha, Ne. 3. Nathan Weiler Omaha, Ne. 4. Jason Danley Lincoln, Ne. 5. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 6. Tim Hilfiker Greenwood, Ne. 7. Tanner Anderson Wynot, Ne. 8. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne.
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DYLAN SCHMEER AND CHRIS ANDERSON TAKE FRIDAY NIGHT ICEBREAKER WINS AT EAGLE
By Greg Soukup
EAGLE, NE -- If you let the chilly temperatures keep you away from Eagle Raceway Friday, shame on you!! You not only missed out on some great racing action you didn’t have the chance to witness a near miracle. Something that hasn’t happened since 2019 finally occurred; we finally got night #1 of the Icebreaker Challenge in!!! Between Covid-19 and Mother Nature it’s been a tough few years.
The rain on Thursday didn’t set too well with the new dirt and made for a challenging racing surface, but that didn’t deter the drivers from putting on a whale of a show!!!The only serious incident in the preliminary action came in heat one for the Avid Realty IMCA Sportmods. Dylan Zimmerman’s 08Z appeared to have mechanical issues, causing his racer to make a hard right turn in turn 2. The left tires dug in and sent the car into 2 barrel rolls, coming to rest on its wheels. Roger wasn’t significantly injured, but the car was too damaged to continue.
The first A Feature was for the IMCA Late Models. Jacob Kubicka put the #23 out front of lap 1 with the J2K of Jordan Krug second, Dylan Schmeer’s 5S in third and the 35 of Kale Kosiski fourth. Schmeer passed Krug on lap 3 for second and got around Kubicka 2 laps later to snag the lead. Lap 6 saw Jesse Sobbing put the 18S into fourth and move to third the next circuit. Drew Baker cracked the top 4 with 6 to go, putting 136 into the fourth spot. Schmeer went unchallenged to the checkered flag for the victory, Kubicka was second, Sobbing third and Baker fourth.
Dylan is a 22 year racing veteran. He moved to Aurora from Wyoming 12 years ago. “There wasn’t much racing out there, so I came here where there’s more racing”. I asked Dylan if this was his first visit to Eagle Raceway, to which he replied “I’ve been here a couple times before with the SLMR, running a crate motor. That was like bringing a spoon to a nuke fight! Those times I was kind of unequal motor wise. I’ve always liked Eagle, but my 2 other experiences here were not great, but the third time is the charm!”. I inquired about his sponsors and he said “Myself. I don’t have any. I work, I afford what I can. I’ve got a nice car and a used motor”. Perhaps this showing will help convince someone to step up and help Dylan.
Next on the track were the A1 Iron IMCA Stock Cars. Gary Laflin spun his #9 on lap 1, causing a complete restart. The first official lap swathe X7 of Cole Wayman out front, Jordan Grabouski second in the 30, Nick Beckman’s 22 third and Benji Legg in the 84 in the fourth spot. Legg moved up to third on lap 2. Grabouski kept battling passing Wayman for the lead on lap 4 as Thomas Etherton took over fourth in the 24T. Lap 5 saw a slowing of the action as the 53E of Tyler Easterday spun at the top of turns 3 & 4 collecting the 21 of Eric Rempl, Tyler Jackson’s 13T and the 6 of Jeremy Down. Legg took advantage of the restart to advance to second with Kyle Vanover putting the19 into fourth. Vanover jumped up to second on lap 7 and started closing the gap to Grabouski. Legg regained the second spot with 6 laps left. Matt Fraling put the7P into position # 4 the following lap. One final caution came with 2 circuits left when the 17TK of Travis Patterson looped it in turn 4. The green/white/checkered finish saw Grabouski hold off the field for the win with Legg, Vanover and Patterson rounding out the top 4.
Grabouski related “The track was cowboy up tonight. With new dirt on the racetrack I think it’s going to provide some great racing here all year because it will hold moisture better. Roger is going in the right direction”. Jordan’s sponsors include Twin Rivers Auto Group, Friesen Chevrolet crate engines, Chad Smith, Integra Racing Shocks, Wehrs Machine and Schmidt’s Inc.
Gary Saathoff led the first circuit of the A Main for the Avid Realty IMCA Sportmods in the 96 with Lee Horky’s 7, the 33J of Josh Pfeifer and Joe Feyen’s 25X second through fourth. Pfeifer spun to the infield on lap 3, bringing out the yellow flag. On the restart, the top 4 were Saathoff, Horky, the 7X of
Brayton Carter and Feyen. Carter passed Horky for second on lap 6 but lost the spot back to him the next time around. Carter regained second on lap 8 but lost it back to Horky with 10 to go. Carter again moved past Horky with 6 circuits left. Feyen also passed Horky with 4 to go, making the final top 4 Saathoff, Carter, Feyen and Horky.
Saathoff said “I drew #1 in the computer draw for the heat, then drew #1 again for the feature. I was watching the stock cars and they were all running around the
top, then the track started changing on them and they started getting down in 3 and 4. Sobbing was running hard low in 1 and 2 so I decided to start running the bottom and see what happens. That was a safe bet for me. The track was a little bumpy tonight but the car drove smooth with very little tire spin. I got some new tires from Jeremy at ProCut Tires tonight, ran them in the heat and feature and they still had the nibs showing after the feature, so I need to thank him”. I asked him how many more wins he expected to get this year, to which he replied “My girlfriend Kathy told me that I’ve been too much of a nice guy lately and that I need to be more of a jackass like I used to be and start driving harder. So, I’m going to shoot for 4 more this year”. Gary’s sponsors include Baker Boys Racing Shocks, Stone Cold Restoration and Travis Gillman Construction.
The finale for the evening was the feature for the Nebraska Lottery IMCA Modifieds. Lap 1 saw Jared Deterding’s 13J, the 96 of Jaxon Saathoff and Clint Homan’s 27 come to a halt in turns 3 & 4 after the 11 of Drew Jenssen slowed coming out of turn 3. On the restart Chad Andersen’s 8C was first back to the flag stand with Terry Richards’ 18, the 30 of Jordan Grabouski and John Saathoff in the 96J fourth. Lap 2 saw the 6 of Ryan Jenkins get a huge run out of turns 3 & 4 to jump all of the way up to second, moving Richards to third and Grabouski to fourth. Grabouski passed Richards for third the following lap. The next circuit saw the 7M of Daniel Miller come to a halt on the front stretch and the yellow lights were lit in the corners and went to the pits on the hook. Lap 6 saw the 8A of Dustin Andersen pass Richards for fourth. Chad Andersen pulled out to a straightaway lead as Jenkins and Grabouski battled for second. Grabouski finally got past Jenkins for second with 7 to go. The final change in the top 4 came 2 laps later when Janssen passed Dustin Andersen for fourth., making the final top 4 Chad Andersen, Grabouski, Jenkins and Janssen who had made a fantastic run after being a part of the yellow on lap 1.
Andersen is the 2023 track points champion. Chad stated “I think the track was pretty good tonight. It was a little different from last year with the new dirt. It was smooth with a couple of dips, but for the first race of the year it was awesome. Props to Roger. It’s going to be racey and will be a lot of fun this year. We came up with a game plan after the heat race because we felt really good. I just wasn’t quite as comfortable as I wanted to be in the heat, so we made a couple of changes for the feature and it felt like the car came to life. Hopefully, that means that we’re on to something sooner than everybody else so we can keep this going. Everything is just clicking for us right now. There is a lot of great competition here so we just take the wins when we get them. I wouldn’t be able to win if it wasn’t for my crew guy Andy. We didn’t go to any specials and we missed practice last Sunday with the kids and their activities. We’ll go through the car, regroup and see what the car will do tomorrow and hopefully wind up in victory lane again”. I asked if he thought he could win the $1000 Twice As Nice Bonus to which he replied “I hope so! We’ve come to the Icebreaker ever since I started racing a modified and we’ve been close, but we get a third or a second but never seem to have enough to lead the final lap”. He continued with “I couldn’t do this without all of the people who help me, especially my sponsors”. Chad’s sponsors include Five Star Frameworks, Utility Trenching, Bobcat of Omaha, Countryside Contracting, Flatfoot Trucking, Carquest, Logeman Automotive, Only Pro Decals, Paddy McGowens, Dinkers Bar and Grill and Jerovitz Motorsports.
Saturday brings night 2 of the 2024 Icebreaker Challenge presented by AutoTransmatic with the Nebraska Septic IMCA Racesaver Sprints replacing the IMCA Late Models on the card.
Will Gary Saathoff or Chad Andersen manage to grab the $1000 Twice As Nice Bonus? Better come out and see.
Front gates open at 4:45. Adult admission is $18, youths 6-12 are $5 and children 5 and under are free. Hot laps start at 5:00 with racing kicking off at 6:00.
Pit gates open at 3:00 with pit passes being $35.
RESULTS:
Late Model-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Dylan Schmeer 2. Jacob Kubicka Juniata, Ne. 3. Jesse Sobbing Malvern, Ia. 4. Drew Baker Omaha, Ne. 5. Mike Collins New Orleans, La. 6. Jacob Brown 7. J.j. Rodeman Cairo, Ne. 8. Jordan Krug Council Bluffs, Ia. 9. Kale Kosiski Omaha, Ne. 10. Cory Beckstrom Omaha, Ne. 11. Matt Haase Winside, Ne.
Late Model-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Jesse Sobbing Malvern, Ia. 2. Mike Collins New Orleans, La. 3. Kale Kosiski Omaha, Ne. 4. Cory Beckstrom Omaha, Ne. 5. Jordan Krug Council Bluffs, Ia. 6. Matt Haase Winside, Ne.
Late Model-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Dylan Schmeer 2. Jacob Kubicka Juniata, Ne. 3. Drew Baker Omaha, Ne. 4. J.j. Rodeman Cairo, Ne. 5. Jacob Brown
Modified-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Chad Andersen Ft Calhoun, Ne. 2. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 3. Ryan Jenkins Blair, Ne. 4. Drew Janssen Pella, Ia. 5. Dustin Andersen Omaha, Ne. 6. Mike Densberger Cortland, Ne. 7. Johnny Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 8. Ricky Stephan South Sioux City, Ne. 9. Clint Homan Bellevue, Ne. 10. Brandon Verbeek Lincoln, Ne. 11. Terry Richards Denton, Ne. 12. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 13. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne. 14. Hunter Weber Council Bluffs, Ia. 15. Scott Bivens Elmwood, Ne. 16. James Mesenbrink Lincoln, Ne. 17. Cameron Thompson(r) Fremont, Ne. 18. Jared Deterding Lincoln, Ne. 19. Daniel Miller Bar Nunn, Wy. 20. Bob Zoubek Dorchester, Ne. 21. Jaxon Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. DNS. Shawn Harker Nebraska City, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Shawn Harker Nebraska City, Ne. 2. Ryan Jenkins Blair, Ne. 3. Johnny Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 4. Bob Zoubek Dorchester, Ne. 5. Mike Densberger Cortland, Ne. 6. Clint Homan Bellevue, Ne. 7. Daniel Miller Bar Nunn, Wy. 8. Cameron Thompson(r) Fremont, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Ricky Stephan South Sioux City, Ne. 2. Scott Bivens Elmwood, Ne. 3. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 4. Terry Richards Denton, Ne. 5. Jaxon Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 6. Brandon Verbeek Lincoln, Ne. 7. Jared Deterding Lincoln, Ne.
Modified-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Drew Janssen Pella, Ia. 2. Chad Andersen Ft Calhoun, Ne. 3. Dustin Andersen Omaha, Ne. 4. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne. 5. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 6. Hunter Weber Council Bluffs, Ia. 7. James Mesenbrink Lincoln, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Gary Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 2. Brayton Carter 3. Joe Feyen Plattsmouth, Ne. 4. Lee Horky Fairbury, Ne. 5. Matt Andrews Malcolm, Ne. 6. Adam Armstrong Pickrell, Ne. 7. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 8. Trevor Noonan Lincoln, Ne. 9. Adam Vrbka Eagle, Ne. 10. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 11. Mason Richards Denton, Ne. 12. Noah Williams Ashland, Ne. 13. Drake Bohlmeyer Beatrice, Ne. 14. Jacob Swanson Lincoln, Ne. 15. Josh Pfeifer St. Paul, Ne. 16. McLain Reed Lincoln, Ne. 17. Riley Osantowski 18. Michael Sherwood Beatrice, Ne. 19. Shawn Hein Beatrice, Ne. 20. Gregg Hamman Kingsley, Ia.
SportMod-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. Noah Williams Ashland, Ne. 2. Drake Bohlmeyer Beatrice, Ne. 3. Riley Osantowski 4. McLain Reed Lincoln, Ne. 5. Richard Flock Malcolm, Ne. 6. Shawn Pospisil Lincoln, Ne. 7. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 8. Hunter Poston Villisca, Ia. 9. Theron Ahlman(r) Lincoln, Ne. 10. Breanna Pfanstiel Lincoln, Ne. 11. Brady Papineau Lincoln, Ne. DNS. Robert Draper Valparaiso, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker C-Feature
1. Riley Osantowski 2. Richard Flock Malcolm, Ne. 3. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 4. Theron Ahlman(r) Lincoln, Ne. 5. Nick Morris Bellevue, Ne. 6. Ray Harrington Lincoln, Ne. DNS. Trenten Fugett Homesville, Ne. DNS. Jared Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne. DNS. Dylan Zimmerman(r) Elk Horn, Ia.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Gary Saathoff Beatrice, Ne. 2. Josh Pfeifer St. Paul, Ne. 3. Jacob Swanson Lincoln, Ne. 4. Mason Richards Denton, Ne. 5. Drake Bohlmeyer Beatrice, Ne. 6. Shawn Pospisil Lincoln, Ne. 7. Riley Osantowski 8. Nick Morris Bellevue, Ne. 9. Dylan Zimmerman(r) Elk Horn, Ia.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Lee Horky Fairbury, Ne. 2. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 3. Shawn Hein Beatrice, Ne. 4. Michael Sherwood Beatrice, Ne. 5. Breanna Pfanstiel Lincoln, Ne. 6. Brady Papineau Lincoln, Ne. 7. Theron Ahlman(r) Lincoln, Ne. 8. Trenten Fugett Homesville, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Joe Feyen Plattsmouth, Ne. 2. Brayton Carter 3. Adam Vrbka Eagle, Ne. 4. Matt Andrews Malcolm, Ne. 5. Noah Williams Ashland, Ne. 6. McLain Reed Lincoln, Ne. 7. James Hines Bellevue, Ne. 8. Richard Flock Malcolm, Ne.
SportMod-Icebreaker Heat 4
1. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 2. Trevor Noonan Lincoln, Ne. 3. Adam Armstrong Pickrell, Ne. 4. Gregg Hamman Kingsley, Ia. 5. Robert Draper Valparaiso, Ne. 6. Hunter Poston Villisca, Ia. 7. Ray Harrington Lincoln, Ne. 8. Jared Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker A-Feature
1. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 2. Benji Legg Beatrice, Ne. 3. Kyle Vanover Beatrice, Ne. 4. Matt Fralin Beatrice, Ne. 5. Jesse Sobbing Malvern, Ia. 6. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 7. Arie Schouten(r) Lincoln, Ne. 8. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 9. Tim Drake Louisville, Ne. 10. Thomas Etherton(r) Eagle, Ne. 11. Matt Boucher Murdock, Ne. 12. Shane Stutzman Milford, Ne. 13. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 14. Gary Laflin Beatrice, Ne. 15. Eric Rempel Lincoln, Ne. 16. Tyler Easterday Kearney, Ne. 17. Jeremy Down Nebraska City, Ne. 18. Travis Patterson Ashland, Ne. 19. Nick Beckman Lincoln, Ne. 20. Tyler Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker B-Feature
1. Arie Schouten(r) Lincoln, Ne. 2. Matt Boucher Murdock, Ne. 3. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 4. Tyler Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne. 5. John Meyer Odell, Ne. 6. Dana Rasmussen 7. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne. 8. Jerod Bussen Fremont, Ne. 9. Riley Ruisinger(r) Bennet, Ne. 10. Roger Elliot Omaha, Ne. 11. Jeremy Bohlen Percival, Ia. 12. Dylan Haney Fremont, Ne. DNS. Jeff Ware Columbus, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker Heat 1
1. Jesse Sobbing Malvern, Ia. 2. Shane Stutzman Milford, Ne. 3. Cole Wayman Lincoln, Ne. 4. Gary Laflin Beatrice, Ne. 5. Matt Boucher Murdock, Ne. 6. Arie Schouten(r) Lincoln, Ne. 7. Jeremy Bohlen Percival, Ia. 8. Roger Elliot Omaha, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker Heat 2
1. Kyle Vanover Beatrice, Ne. 2. Jordan Grabouski Beatrice, Ne. 3. Benji Legg Beatrice, Ne. 4. Lance Borgman Beatrice, Ne. 5. Dan Jackson Ceresco, Ne. 6. Dylan Haney Fremont, Ne. 7. Jerod Bussen Fremont, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker Heat 3
1. Matt Fralin Beatrice, Ne. 2. Thomas Etherton(r) Eagle, Ne. 3. Tyler Easterday Kearney, Ne. 4. Travis Patterson Ashland, Ne. 5. Jeff Ware Columbus, Ne. DNS. Dana Rasmussen DQ. Riley Ruisinger(r) Bennet, Ne.
Stock Car-Icebreaker Heat 4
1. Tim Drake Louisville, Ne. 2. Eric Rempel Lincoln, Ne. 3. Nick Beckman Lincoln, Ne. 4. Jeremy Down Nebraska City, Ne. 5. Tyler Jackson(r) Lincoln, Ne. 6. John Meyer Odell, Ne. 7. Nate Thompson Fremont, Ne.
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