Irvine opens Stock Car Series run with Monday victory at Marshalltown Speedway

I was glad to see my schedule was going to get me back to Marshalltown for the Great American Stock Car Series. I missed the show there last year for the first time in a long time, so I was glad to be back. With 52 IMCA stock cars signing in, I was even happier that I was on hand.

In addition to the stock cars, 23 IMCA hobby stocks and 23 IMCA sportmods filled out the card. It was a beautiful night compared to some of the humidity fests we have had recently, and that must have put everybody in a good mood, because we ran off all of the heats in good order. The sun was still in the sky when the sportmods took to the track for their feature. Cayden Carter ran a solid low line to win that event.

Following three stock car B mains, the hobby stocks rolled out, and it was “take your best shot at Todd Reitzler” night. The 22R went up top and held on for the win as a series of challengers took their shot at the win. Scott Lograsso, Jacob Kohl and Michael Murphy among others looked to grab the lead, but Reitzler was stout in taking his second feature win in-a-row at the track.

Dave Smith and Abe Huls led the stock cars to the green for their 30-lap main event. The entire field went two and three-wide in the opening laps as everyone searched for the fastest line and looked to gain positions in a hurry. There was plenty to watch from front to back in this one.

Fourth-starting Brian Irvine kept the leaders in sight, and soon put himself out front. Once in the lead, Irvine set the pace, and held on for the win. Behind him, there was a lot going on. Dustin Smith, Damon Murty and Donavon Smith had some intense laps, and Huls raced all of them hard as he tried to stay at the front of the pack. Dustin Smith would end up second, Murty third, Donavon Smith fourth and Huls held on for fifth.

Monday night set the tone for what should be an exciting week for the stock cars as they raced at BVR on Tuesday, head to Independence on Wednesday and wrap up their week at Lee County Speedway on Thursday, double-heading with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour.

Here’s my advice for the week – don’t forget your bug spray as you head out to your favorite track. The abundance of rain we have had has blessed us with an abundance of mosquitoes, as the little biters are in rare form. They were attacking in formation on Monday night, and I expect follow-ups as the week progresses. Get out, don’t get bit, and enjoy your local track!

Victory Lane - Brian Irvine celebrates his Great American Stock Car Series win Monday night at Marshalltown. - BWJ photo

Winning car - The 26 of Brian Irvine had the front spot to itself Monday night. - BWJ photo

Three-wide - John Heinz (57), Jeff Wollam (3W) and Chris Ullrich (01U) mix it up. - BWJ photo

Four-wide fun - Donavon Smith (35), Mike Van Genderen (57V), Jay Schmidt (19J) and Trent Murphy (25) run their respective lines through turn one. - BWJ photo

Top 5 battle - Dustin Smith (85), Abe Huls (30c) and Damon Murty (99D) race for a spot in the top five. - BWJ photo

Hobby winner - Todd Reitzler was the IMCA hobby stock feature winner. - BWJ photo

Sportmod winner - Cayden Carter won Monday night's IMCA sportmod feature. - BWJ photo