Memorable Night for MCS

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

PERU, IN.- A lengthy rain delay set up for a fast track, as Miami County Speedway hosted their 5th Annual Salute To The Troops race. Ninety-four micro sprints came from all over, to take part in a very special night of racing, as we honored those brave men and women who fought or continue to fight for the freedoms we have today.

Nearly half of the drivers in the program, raced in honor and/or memory of a member of our Armed Forces. These drivers were given an American flag to put on their micro sprints.

The five class program kicked off with the twenty lap Junior Class A-Main. Kokomo, IN. native Jared Van Ness (Pictured Left) put together another solid race to pick up his third consecutive Junior Class feature. After the race, an excited Van Ness said, "It's pretty cool to win my third straight race, especially at a race this big. I would like to thank my Papa for his continued support."

Denver, IN. racer Seth Ireland came home with a hard fought second place finish, while third belonged to Garrett Jameson. Noah Brooks and Conner Lane rounded out the top five features in Saturday's Junior Class A-Main.

Next up was the Nonwing Class. They had a twelve lap B-Main  Josh Daughtery won the twelve lapper. The other four  transfer spots went to Steve Cloum, Ben Taylor, Craig Swartz, and Jordan Sterling.

Peru, IN. racer KC Hughes (Pictured Right) won the twenty-five lap Nonwing A-Main from the pole. After the big win, Hughes said, "It was pretty cool to win on a special night like this. My Uncle was here. He was a service man. I would like to thank my Dad, George and Tammy Gamester, and everyone at GRP Chassis for their support."

Warsaw, IN. native Stuart Hanft raced his way to second, while another Warsaw, IN. racer Kylee Brown took the checkers in third. Fourth went to Delphi's Matt Johnson, while Jorgan Montel raced his way through the pack to take fifth.

After a top three finish in the Non Wing A-Main, Johnson (Pictured Left) raced Wayne Miller's black #19W to victory in the Restrictor Class Feature. "It was awesome to get a big win like this. It felt great to double up. We won the Non Wing feature in last year's Salute To The Troops race. I would like to thank Gary and Wayne Miller, as well as Miller Dyno and Injection. I would also like to thank my Dad, and Skyline Designs for all their support this season."

Indianapolis, IN. racer Callie Wolsiffer finished right behind Johnson in second. Third went to Jared Elberly. Cole Angle and Deavan Bolton rounded out the top five in Saturday's twenty-five lap Restrictor A-Main.

Logansport, IN. racer Dennis Corcoran (Pictured Right) won both his heat race and the feature in the Senior Class on Saturday night. "It feels pretty good to get another win. My half brother is in the military, so it was special. I want to thank my Dad for all his hard work on this car."

Delphi, IN. native Rob Johnson raced his way to a strong second place finish. Third went to Dennis Veach, who raced a micro sprint that was sponsored by the US Army. Cory Angle came home with fourth, while Wesley Bigger rounded out the top five in Saturday's Senior A-Main.

The five features concluded with the Wing Class A-Main. Columbia City, IN. racer Blane Culp (Pictured Left) returned to victory lane, winning the Wing Crown on Saturday night. "It's been awhile since we won at MCS. The last time we won at MCS was in 2009. I want to thank the track personnel for all their hard work on the track, and for getting the race in tonight. I want to thank my Dad and Joe Leek for all the help with the car tonight."

Kris Knox turned in another solid race to finish second. Kendallville, IN. native Ben Taylor came home third, while fourth went to Indianapolis, IN. native Zac Taylor. Former USAC Mopar Midget Champion Bryan Stanfill put together a solid run, to collect his first top five finish at Miami County Speedway.

Miami County Speedway is set to host another special two night event next Saturday and Sunday. The two night racing event kicks off with the Denny Miller Memorial next Saturday, May 28th. Racers in the Wing, Non Wing, Restrictor and Senior Classes will be racing for an additional $50.00 added to the purse. The Junior Class racers will be racing for an additional $25.00 on Saturday night.

Sunday night will feature another exciting night of micro sprint racing action, as MCS hosts their exciting five class feature regular program. A 2-Day Pit pass will be available for $40.00 at the track office. Hot laps start at 5:30 PM with live heat racing action to follow. If you would like more information on upcoming events, please log on to Miami County Speedway's official website (www.miamicountyspeedway.com). See ya next weekend!