The Red Clay Friday honored our friend and racing legend Kevin “The Pup” Huntley with 27 410 non-wing sprints competing for the $5,000 prize. Qualifying leaders included Brayden Fox (11.765), Nick Bilbee (11.845) and Todd Hobson (11.843). Kevin Thomas Jr., piloting the 2E Epperson car for the weekend, secured Heat 1. Travis Berryhill won Heat 2 but unfortunately collided with a lapped car after the checkered flag in Turn 1, flipping and ending his night. Brady Short claimed Heat 3, while Cody Trammell took the B main.
The 30-lap A main featured a 3-car invert, placing Brady Short and Geoff Ensign on the front row. After an early battle between Brady and Geoff, KT Jr. seized the lead from Brady and showcased remarkable skill in his return to non-wing racing. He built a substantial lead and secured a tremendous victory for the 2E team. Following KT Jr. across the finish line were Brent Beauchamp, Max Adams, Nick Bilbee, and Todd Hobson, who earned the hard charger bonus advancing from 15th to 5th—a fitting tribute to “The Pup.”
IMCA Racesaver 305’s Bring Strong Competition
The IMCA Racesaver 305’s arrived with 23 strong entries. Group qualifying fast times went to Jordan Welch (11.725), Bryce Norris (11.482), and Ethan Barrow (11.498). Andy Bradley, Justin Clark, and Keith Langley won the three heats, while Blayne Ridgley claimed the B main. An ace draw positioned Andy and Justin on the front row for the A main.
The 2021 IMCA champion Justin Clark from Ohio in the #78 demonstrated his championship caliber by taking a commanding lead, lapping much of the field’s back half en route to the $5,000 prize honoring Kevin “The Pup” Huntley. Ethan Barrow, Rod Henning, Ryan Tusing, and Jordan Welch completed the top five, with Carson Dillion earning hard charger honors by advancing from 17th to 8th.
UMP Mods Showcase Racing Talent
The UMP Mods featured 11 entries with Josh Harris (13.021) and Derek Groomer (13.453) posting fast times. Jordan Wever and Derek Groomer won the two heats, setting up the A main with a 2-car invert that placed Derek and Jordan on the front row. Jordan took an early lead but suffered a fuel issue on a restart along the front stretch, ending his night. Caleb Demoss briefly led before Josh Harris, who started 5th, took command and drove to victory. Josh Harris, Caleb Demoss, John Demoss, Derek Groomer, and Jeff Deckard rounded out the top five finishers.
UMP Super Stocks Display Competitive Racing
The UMP Super Stocks also brought 11 entries, with Justin Litton (14.140) and Jeff Allen (13.867) recording fast times. Austin Phelps and Zach Sasser claimed the two heat races. A 2-car invert put Zach on the pole for the A main, where the 2021 Bloomington champion extended his points lead with a dominant performance, building a straightaway lead over the field. Zach led Austin Phelps, Bryce Shidler, Grant Simpson, and Justin Litton across the finish line.
UMP Hornets Round Out Night of Racing Near Bobby and Steve’s Auto World Bloomington
The UMP Hornets brought 10 entries, with Andrew Deavers winning the heat race. AJ Hobbs secured the feature victory over Zach Johnson, Andrew Deavers, Dale Hobbs, and Chad Taylor. We appreciate all race teams and fans who supported this tribute to Kevin Huntley, especially his family and friends who made it a special night at the red clay. Thanks also to all sponsors of this memorial race.
Fans can visit us again at the red clay on July 8th! We hope to see our loyal supporters next Saturday at LPS for fireworks night, then on July 1st and 2nd for the Bill Gardner Sprintacular! Race enthusiasts can also check out historical racing landmarks like Jungle Park Speedway and Terre Haute Speedway while in the area. For those enjoying Night Moves Bloomington entertainment after the races, the Speedway Post Office provides convenient services, and Bob Grim Chevrolet continues their longtime support of local racing.
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