Action-Packed Opener at Miami County Speedway

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- A cloudy day gave way to an awesome night of racing, as Miami County Speedway hosted an exciting season opener on Saturday night.

Before the racing started, I learned that Miami County Speedway has locked up two key sponsors for the 2011 campaign. "We would like to thank Rock Auto.com, an online auto parts dealer, for jumping on board for 2011," Track Co-Owner Julie Bailey said.

"We would also like to thank White's Meat Market, out of Kokomo and Tipton, Indiana, for their support this season," Bailey continued. White's Meat Market is set to sponsor the Fan Appreciation/ Cancer Benefit Race at Miami County Speedway on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Kokomo, IN. native Jared Van Ness ( Red, Pictured Left) took the first feature win in the Junior Class. After his big win, an excited Van Ness said, "My car was good all night. We are out to win this season. I would like to thank my Papa and my Dad for their support."

Van Ness was followed by another hard charging racer from Kokomo, IN. Kameron Butcher. Third belonged to Kayaleb Bolton, while fourth and fifth went to Seth Ireland and Noah Brooks.

Next up in the five features was the 25 lap Restrictor Class Finale. Zane Devault (#43 Pictured Right) of Columbus, Indiana took his first checkered flag of his career. After his exciting victory, Devault said, "My car was good. This is my first win. I would like to thank Hoosier Tire, my Dad Jeff Devault, my mom Angia Devault, and Karen and Jim Ray for their support."

New Palestine, IN. native Callie Wolsiffer came away with a hard fought second place finish in the Restrictor Final. Third went to Lebanon, IN. racer Spencer Bayston. Flora, IN. native Cole Angle came home fourth, while Kokomo, IN.'s Deaven Bolton grabbed a fifth place finish. 

Remlington, IN. racer Sara Elrod (#23 Pictured Left) made her way to the front in a hurry, winning the 25 lap Wing Class Crown on Saturday night. "My car was fast all night. I was able to get through the field on the high side. I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, Megan, and Chris for their support."

Austin Mead put together a solid 25 laps to take second place, while Ryan Leek drove his way through the field to take third. Former USAC Sprint Car racer Ron Dennis came home in fourth, while Zeke Lewis raced his way to the final spot in the top five runners during the Restrictor Class Feature

 Next up on the five feature schedule was the 25 lap Non Wing A-Main. The Non Wing Class kicked off the first leg of MCS's Front Row Challenge. The Front Row Challenge (in either Non Wing or Wing) gives the polesitter a shot to go to the back of the field and see if they can race their way to the win from the back. If they do race their way from the back, they get the money pot. If the pole sitter decides to turn the Front Row Challenge down, they stay up front as the pole sitter. The second place starter then gets a shot at the Front Row Challenge.

Non Wing Feature Pole Sitter Ryan Kline and second place starter Steven Cloum both refused the Challenge on Saturday night. The Challenge will move over to the Wing Class Finale next Saturday, this time $40.00 dollars will be on the line.

 Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose (#2 Pictured Right) took the lead in the closing laps, to win Saturday night's Non Wing A-Main. "We had a fast car all night. It feels great to get a win this early in the season," Rose said. "I would like to thank Rick Haley, Advanced Welding, and my Dad Kevin for their support." Amboy, IN. racer Laine Hite came away with a hard fought second place finish. Third belonged to Pole Sitter Ryan Kline. Jake Moore and USAC Silver Crown racer Russ Gamester raced their way to fourth and fifth respectively.

The final feature of the night came in the Senior Class. Sharpsville, IN. native Bob Bourff (#97 Red Pictured Left) collected another impressive feature win in the Senior Class. "We didn't get to the test-n-tune last Sunday, so tonight was our test-n-tune. Early on, we were bad, but we got everything worked out. This is a good win to start off the season for us. I would like to thank my Dad Dave for his support.," Bourff said.

Taking a strong second place finish behind Bourff was Jeff Weideman. Brookston, IN. racer Bob Harrington held off a hard-charging Russ Gamester to pick up third. Gamester was followed by Wesley Bigger in fifth.

Next Saturday, April 30th, Miami County Speedway will host more live micro sprint racing action.