Despite rain forecasts throughout the day, racing fans at Bloomington Speedway enjoyed an outstanding Roddy Strong Memorial as dark clouds bypassed the facility. The event attracted an impressive 42-car field representing nine different states, all battling for the substantial $9,999.99 top prize.
The format split competitors into two qualifying groups. Group A saw Josh Harris lead with a 13.301 time, followed by Chris Arnold (13.371), Austin Holcombe (13.439), Todd Neihiser (13.452), and Dillon Nusbaum (13.502). Group B was topped by Will Krup with the overall fast time of 13.198, with Drake Troutman (13.412), Cole Falloway (13.483), Charlie Mefford (13.507), and Kyle Steffens (13.521) completing the top five.
Six heat races followed with a 2-car invert and the top two finishers advancing. Heat winners included Josh Harris (over Logan Mounce), Will Krup (over Derek Groomer), Dillon Nusbaum (over Chris Arnold), Kyle Steffens (over Drake Troutman), Austin Holcombe (over Bradley Jameson), and Cole Falloway (over Caleb Demoss). Falloway also captured the Dash for Cash against other heat winners.
The 12-position invert wheel landed on 6, giving Falloway the pole position for the main event. Thanks to an anonymous sponsor, each of the two B-mains transferred six drivers instead of four. California’s Ethan Dotson won the first B-main, joined by Todd Neiheiser, Jacoby Hines, Trent Young, John Clippinger, and Jeff Deckard in transferring. David Stremme took the second B-main win, with Jordan Wever, John Demoss, Tyler Nicely, Dylan Woodling, and Danny Schwartz also qualifying.
In the 30-lap A-main, Falloway and Holcombe led the field to green. Falloway established an early advantage while Holcombe and Steffens battled intensely for second position, allowing Falloway to extend his lead until cautions regrouped the field. Drake Troutman and Jordan Wever provided mid-pack excitement, with Wever advancing from 16th to 10th within the opening ten laps. Troutman climbed from 10th to 5th utilizing the high line.
The Owensboro, Kentucky native Cole Falloway in his #66 Elite Chassis executed flawlessly on the bottom groove during the final ten laps. He secured the significant victory ahead of Kyle Steffens, Austin Holcombe, Josh Harris, Dillon Nusbaum, and Jordan Wever, who earned Hard Charger honors by advancing from 16th to 6th. Victory lane included a penny presentation, bringing Falloway’s winnings to an even $10,000. The event successfully honored Roddy Harris and Rod Harris Sr. with some of the nation’s finest UMP Modified talent.
Non-Wing Sprint Cars Feature Intense Competition
The Non-Wing Sprint division brought 19 entries to the track. Qualifying groups were paced by Brayden Fox (12.221), Jadon Rogers (11.990), and Jordan Kinser (12.088). A 4-car invert positioned the fast qualifiers fourth in their respective heats.
Alec Sipes won the first heat from the pole ahead of Brayden Fox and Sterling Cling. Brady Short claimed heat two over Brandon Spencer and Trey Osborne. Tye Mihocko took the final heat, besting Jordan Kinser and Harley Burns.
A 5-car invert for the A-main put Brandon Spencer and Brayden Fox on the front row. Spencer seized the early lead utilizing the bottom groove, which proved quickest around the track. The race was interrupted on lap four when Harley Burns brought out a red flag in turn one; fortunately, he was uninjured.
Spencer maintained the lead after the restart, but found Mihocko’s #24P on his bumper awaiting an opportunity to pass. At halfway, Jadon Rogers tried the cushion while most competitors ran the bottom line. His high-line strategy temporarily paid off as he advanced from 11th to 5th, but he faded in the final seven laps.
With approximately eight laps remaining, Mihocko made his move to take the lead from Spencer. Mihocko held on to secure the 25-lap victory, followed by Brayden Fox, Alec Sipes, Brandon Spencer, and Brian Hayden.
305 Racesavers Provide Clean, Fast Action
The 305 Racesaver division attracted 22 entries. Qualifying group fast times went to Jordan Welch (12.200), Rod Henning (12.172), and Ryan Tusing (12.009). A 4-car invert set the stage for the heats.
Jeff Wimmenauer won the first heat from the outside front row over Jordan Welch and Roman Gephart. Rod Henning charged from fourth to win heat two ahead of John Paynter Jr. and Dustin Clark. Ethan Barrow took the final heat from the outside front row, followed by Ryan Tusing and Keith Langley.
A wheel spin of 6 for the feature invert positioned Ryan Tusing on the front row. The 20-lap A-main ran exceptionally smoothly, with all 22 competitors maintaining clean racing. Santa Claus, Indiana native Tusing in the #3C grabbed the early lead and displayed remarkable speed, encountering lapped traffic by lap five. He navigated traffic skillfully to build an 8-9 car length advantage by halfway.
While Ethan Barrow, Jordan Welch, and John Paynter Jr. contested the second position, Tusing expanded his lead further. He maintained control throughout to claim the victory, with Ethan Barrow securing second ahead of Jordan Welch, John Paynter Jr., and Rod Henning.
UMP Super Stocks Round Out Racing Card
Eleven UMP Super Stocks entered the evening’s competition, including the top four in UMP points standings: Josh Litton, Jordan Almanza, Ryan Freeland, and Zach Sasser. Qualifying group fast times belonged to Ryan Freeland (14.632) and Cale Kern (14.309).
A 2-car heat invert positioned these fast qualifiers on the outside front row. Brad Cummings won the first heat over Ryan Freeland and Kenny Carmichael Sr., while Cale Kern took the second heat ahead of Isaiah Sasser and Zach Sasser.
Another 2-car invert for the A-main put Cale Kern on the pole alongside Brad Cummings. The pair battled early for the top spot until Kern found his rhythm on the bottom groove to take command. Past halfway, Isaiah Sasser closed the gap and shadowed Kern while looking for a mistake. Josh Litton made an impressive charge from eighth to third.
In the closing laps, Isaiah Sasser attempted passes outside the bottom groove, but Kern maintained perfect lines to secure the victory. Isaiah Sasser finished second, followed by Josh Litton, Kenny Carmichael Sr., and Brad Cummings.
The Bloomington Speedway staff extends appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful Roddy Strong Memorial and to all 94 racing teams and fans who filled the hillside. Racing returns next Friday featuring 410 Non-Wing Sprints, 305 Racesavers, Super Stocks, and Hornets—serving as the final preparation before the major MSCS Josh Burton Memorial on May 26th.
Racing enthusiasts visiting the area should also check out historic venues like Jungle Park Speedway and Terre Haute Speedway. After the races, many fans enjoy Night Moves Bloomington for evening entertainment. Local businesses supporting racing include Bob Grim Chevrolet, Bobby and Steve’s Auto World Bloomington, and services are available at the Speedway Post Office.
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