The pit area overflowed with activity during a late August Friday at Bloomington Speedway as 103 total entries packed the facility. The Sprint Car division brought 26 competitors for their final preparation before the upcoming Josh Burton Memorial scheduled for September 2nd.
Qualifying group fast times were recorded by Matt Thompson (12.129), Max Adams (11.829), and Brent Beauchamp (11.544). Heat races utilized a four-position invert and produced intense competition on an exceptionally quick racing surface that approached the 10-second lap barrier.
Brady Short, Harley Burns, and Jadon Rogers claimed heat race victories. A notable moment occurred during the draw when Brady Short mentioned that August 19, 2005—17 years prior—marked his first Sprint Car A-main victory at Bloomington’s red clay oval. Braxton Cummings won the last-chance qualifier to secure his position in the feature.
A three-position invert for the A-main positioned Jadon Rogers on the pole with Harley Burns alongside. While the front row battled early, Rogers quickly established command by mastering the high line around “the ledge” and began building his advantage. Rogers displayed growing confidence following his win the previous weekend at Lincoln Park Speedway.
His dominance continued throughout the 25-lap main event, including skillful navigation through lapped traffic. At times, Rogers even rode beyond the ledge directly in front of the flagstand before seamlessly transitioning back onto the racing surface to set up his entry into turn one.
Rogers secured his second consecutive victory, following his Lincoln Park triumph the previous weekend. Brent Beauchamp finished second, followed by Jordan Kinser, Ricky Lewis, and Cody Trammell. Both Beauchamp and Trammell earned hard charger honors by advancing ten positions each to reach the top five.
UMP Super Stocks Feature Championship Battle
The UMP Super Stock division attracted 17 entries with qualifying group fast times set by Jeff Allen (13.959) and Zach Sasser (13.708). Troy Knorr and Greg Amick claimed heat race victories.
A four-position invert for the feature placed Zach Sasser and Jeff Allen on the front row. Sasser appeared poised for another victory until mechanical issues with just three laps remaining ended his night prematurely.
Greg Amick inherited the lead and demonstrated impressive strength in the #0027, capturing what appears to be his first Bloomington victory since previously competing in the Modified division years ago. His substantial fan contingent celebrated enthusiastically in victory lane.
Austin Perry finished second, followed by Derek Groomer, Josh Litton, and Troy Knorr. With a sixth-place finish, Austin Phelps overtook the points lead by 10 markers over the sidelined Sasser, setting up an intense championship battle with just two races remaining in the season.
305 Sprints Showcase Speed and Talent
The 305 Sprint division featured 15 entries with qualifying fast times recorded by Bryce Norris (11.563) and Ethan Barrow (11.351). With just a single-position invert implemented, both drivers started from the pole in their respective heats and secured victories.
The feature lineup also utilized a single-position invert, setting up a head-to-head battle between these qualifying leaders. Norris gained the upper hand throughout the main event, navigating lapped traffic efficiently to maintain his advantage.
Norris took the checkered flag ahead of Ethan Barrow, Bradley Sterrett, Jeff Wimmenauer, and John Paynter Jr. Many competitors in this division now look ahead to the IMCA 305 Nationals scheduled two weeks later.
Hornets Provide Action-Packed Racing
The Hornet division brought 17 entries with heat race victories going to Greg Garrison and Dale Hobbs. A single-position invert for the feature put Greg Garrison at the front for the 15-lap main event.
Midway through the race, contact between Garrison and Owens forced both competitors to restart at the rear of the field. Conner Garrison showed strength at the front following this incident, but Michael Brewer ultimately seized the lead.
Brewer secured the victory, followed by Conner Garrison, Shannon Walp, Jeremy Shemwell, and Matt Miller.
MMSA Midgets Draw Large Field
The MMSA Midget division attracted an impressive 28-car field. Heat race wins went to Kayla Roell, Scotty Bradley, Bryan Brewer, and Brandon Coffey.
Bryan Brewer dominated the A-main, delivering a masterclass in navigating through lapped traffic to secure a convincing victory. Kayla Roell finished second, followed by Scott Bradley, Brad Strunk, and Samantha Alloway.
Bloomington Speedway management extends appreciation to all 103 teams that participated in this successful racing program. Attention now turns to the highly anticipated Josh Burton Memorial on September 2nd, which will include a major fireworks display honoring Josh’s memory, featuring the traditional orange tires and multi-colored socks that celebrate his legacy.
Racing enthusiasts visiting the area should consider exploring other historic racing venues nearby, including Jungle Park Speedway and Terre Haute Speedway. After the races, many fans enjoy visiting Night Moves Bloomington for entertainment. Local businesses supporting racing include Bob Grim Chevrolet and Bobby and Steve’s Auto World Bloomington, while the Speedway Post Office offers convenient services for visitors.
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