Speedway drivers starting up the leader boards

Speedway drivers starting up the leader boards

May 31, 2001

STAFF REPORT

The points standings are out after the first two weeks of racing at Fairgrounds Speedway. Drivers are beginning to set the pace and are starting to make their run towards end-of-season track championships in the various classes.

Ralph Klemish and Ryan Neely are leading the way with 78 points each in the IMCA Stock Car competition. But Daniel Christensen is right behind with 74 and Paul Milano has 73. Roger Cordary is in the hunt with 70, Gary Smouse has 68, David Higgins 67, Jim Montgomery 65, Bucky Knipp 64, John Hank 40, and Jeff Graham 31. Neely of Cahone is the defending track champ.

In the IMCA Modifieds, Larry Cornell is leading with 77. Craig Nelson checks in with 75. Robert Gallegos, Dennis Reib, and Rick Hobbs all have 71. Rick Anderson is next at 67, followed by Tony Hill 64, Duane Cocleasure and Chase Burson 63, Tom Cadle 62, Vern Hisel 61, and Michael Barber 40. Reib of Cortez is the defending champ.

Bill Kibel is the leader in the Dwarf Cars with 72 points. Raymie Bristow is right behind him with 71. Nick DeVilbiss has 68, Harry Nelson 66, Shannon Haun 61, Jerrett Guillory 59, Dale Kibel 58, Shane DeVilbiss 54, Casey Hofer 40, Jim Sweet and Matthew Clugston 39, and J.D. Gardner 38. Nelson of Bayfield is the defending track champ.

In the Hobby Stock Class, Russ Hammell heads the group with 76 points. Dave McFalls has 71, Jason Duggins 69, Marvin Cramer 68, Michelle McDonald 67, Ryan Leonard 66, Cody DuFrene 61, Iley Jackson 39, Jeff Jennings 36, and R.L. Henley 33. Cramer of Cahone is the defending track champ.

Billy Schaaphok is leading the Mini-Stock Car Class with 70 points. Jimmy Scott is next at 69. Steve McDaniel has 67. Vern Rucker and Christine Yates have 34, Jimmy Wilson 33, and Daniel Nelson III and Ryan Henley each have 32. Levi Hill is the defending track champ.

The big event last weekend was the first Dwarf Shoot-Out. A total of 32 cars raced. It was one of the largest fields in the whole Four Corners area. The Dwarf Class has just exploded in popularity. For instance, last year at Fairgrounds Speedway and at Aztec, N.M., only three or four cars would be on the track. Now the average is around 19.

Hofer, in car no. 12c, was the winner. Sweet came in second, Gardner third, Bryan Titlelson fourth, Kibel fifth, Nick DeVilbiss sixth, Jim Ward seventh, Jon Phelps ninth, and Bristow 10th. Kevin Vick, Bruce Gibson, Harry Nelson, Haun, Dale Kibel, Haun, Shane DeVilbiss, Guillory, Jessie Chinn, Carey Haugler, and M.E. Eddleman rounded out the next group.

Scott, driving car no. 1, took first place in the Mini-Stock competition at last week’s races. Schaaphok came in second, Rucker third, and Wilson fourth.

Hobbs, in car no. 82, captured first in the Modifieds. Cornell came in second, Hill third, Danny Nelson Jr., fourth, Craig Nelson fifth, Rieb sixth, Gallegos seventh, Anderson eighth, and Cadle ninth.

Klemish took top honors in the Street. Neely finished second, followed by Milano, Christensen, Cordary, Smouse, Knipp, Montgomery, and Hank.

In the Hobby Stocks, Hammel captured first. McDonald came in second, Cramer third, McFalls fourth, Jason Duggins, Ron Leonard, and DuFrene followed.

Racing continues this Friday, June 1. Mini, Dwarf, Hobby and Stocks will be on the track. A children’s foot race for 8-9 year olds will be held. Quads will be running around the track as a featured attraction. Coming up all classes will be running June 8. The fourth annual Bill Simmons Street Stock Shoot-Out will be held June 9. For more information, phone Fairgrounds Speedway Association president Dennis Beaty at 882-2304 or vice president Duane Randol at 565-7124.

Fairgrounds Speedway is located about three miles east of Cortez. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, children 6-12 are $3, and under 5 free (add $1 for special events). Regular pit admission is $20. Gates open at 6 p.m. Races start at 8.