By BOB LIBBEY, Lakeside Speedway
Springfield, Mo. driver, Jeremy Payne, needed only eight laps to shoot from his outside row-3 starting spot to take the lead in the 30-lap USMTS Modified feature.
It was a hard fought battle as Ryan Gustin called upon his feature-winning notes from 2012 to advance from 14th to 2nd by the half-way point of the event. Gustin would challenge for the lead right down to the checkers, but would have to settle for second. Jason Hughes, Rodney Sanders and Johnny Scott rounded out the top five.
Hats off to Lakeside regular, Johnny Allen, who after Heat issues had to qualify through the B to make the feature. The 2007 Modified Track Champion, starting toward the back of the 25 car field, battled through the field to finish 10th.
Lakeside Speedway has a new Iron-Man and his name is Gene Claxton.
The Kansas City, Mo., driver masterfully powered his way to the Iron Man B-Mod feature win after winning his heat to quality for the event.
Leading every lap wasn’t a walk in the park however as three challengers came calling. Second generation driver, Brad Smith, was the first to mount a challenge with a great inside move coming out of two. Unfortunately for the Smith team mechanical failure would end their night early.
Chad Clancy and Jacob Bleess would find themselves in contention for the top spot a number of times while entertaining the crowd with a great battle for second. Clancy would best Bleess for second.
Another second generation driver, Jake Richards, was the top motivator of the night in the B-Mods as he, like Allen in the A-Mods, had to qualify through the B to make the show. Two time Factory Stock champion, Richards, would finish 5th in the 22 car field, right next to 4th place finisher, Troy Carlyle.
Vic Tranckino reintroduced himself to victory lane in the Factory Stock division after taking a lengthy hiatus from racing. The Basehor, Kan., driver last found victory lane at Lakeside Speedway back in 2004, but you wouldn’t have known it by watching his consistent lines around the half-mile facility.
Taking the lead early, Tranckino, would fall to second briefly before taking the lead for good from Kearney, Mo.'s,Nate Barnes. Barnes would finish second. Sean Foster edged out last week’s feature winner, Joe Smith, Jr, for third and defending Factory Stock champion, Justin Siefert, rounded out the top-5.
“Racing on the rivers edge” continues every Friday night through October with the USRA A-Modifieds, Grand Nationals, USRA B-Modifieds and Factory Stocks.
Gates open at 5 p.m., hot laps at 6:45pm, and the first race gets under way at 7:30 p.m. Adult ticket prices are $12, kids 7-12 $6, and children 6 and younger admitted free. Senior citizens and military personnel with ID are admitted for $10.
For more information on special events or ticket information call the Lakeside Speedway office at (913) 299-9206 or visit our official website at www.lakesidespeedway.net. You can also find us on Facebook at Lakeside Speedway or Tweet us at #lakeside.
