Nineteen 410 non-wing sprint cars assembled at Bloomington Speedway for Friday’s racing program, with qualifying leaders including Jadon Rogers (12.117), Charles Davis Jr. (11.706), and Sterling Cling (11.712) across their respective groups. A three-car invert wheel spin established the heat race lineups.
Nick Bilbee captured heat race one in his inaugural red clay appearance this season, defeating Brandon Spencer and Jadon Rogers. Charles Davis Jr. advanced from third position to win heat two ahead of Cody Trammell and Andy Bradley. The third heat produced the evening’s most dramatic story as Brady Short encountered qualifying troubles, forcing him to start from the rear of his heat race.
Short’s remarkable recovery saw him charge from sixth position to claim the heat victory over Harley Burns and Brayden Fox, setting up an intriguing feature lineup. Rain threatened throughout the evening, adding urgency to complete the twenty-five lap main event. The feature wheel spin produced a six-car invert, positioning Harley Burns and Cody Trammell on the front row.
Burns established early command using the bottom groove, building a substantial advantage while two drivers mounted serious challenges. Brady Short and Cody Trammell both advanced rapidly through the field, with Short exploring multiple racing lines to close the gap on the leader. Jadon Rogers also utilized the high groove effectively, making his own bid for the front.
Short’s patient approach paid dividends as he found speed in the middle groove, eventually overtaking Burns for the lead position. The race’s most frightening moment occurred when Jordan Kinser’s #04 Burton machine flipped violently over turn one after making contact. Fortunately, Kinser climbed from the wreckage uninjured, though the team faces significant rebuilding before the upcoming $10,000 Josh Burton Memorial event.
Short maintained his advantage following the restart, securing his return to victory lane at Bloomington Speedway. Harley Burns delivered a strong second-place finish, followed by Nick Bilbee, Jadon Rogers, and Charles Davis Jr. in the top five. Fans often discuss these thrilling battles at night moves bloomington and other local establishments, comparing the action to what they see at terre haute speedway and jungle park speedway.
UMP Super Stocks Showcase Elite Competition
Thirteen UMP Super Stock entries may have represented a smaller field, but the quality remained exceptional with many of the division’s top competitors present. Matt Boknecht (14.042) and Derek Groomer (13.759) posted the quickest qualifying times, establishing two heat races with a four-car invert.
Greg Amick won heat one over Cale Kern and Josh Litton, while Zach Sasser captured heat two ahead of Hayden Groomer and Jordan Almanza. A two-car feature invert placed Amick and Sasser on the front row for their main event.
The feature began with an outstanding battle between Amick and Sasser, but Matt Boknecht emerged as the driver to watch, advancing steadily from his seventh starting position. Boknecht demonstrated remarkable versatility, finding speed wherever he positioned his machine and eventually assuming race control.
Boknecht secured his second victory of the season ahead of Zach Sasser, Josh Litton, Greg Amick, and Cale Kern. Teams often prepare for these events by visiting bob grim chevrolet and bobby and steve’s auto world bloomington for parts and mechanical support.
Rain Postpones 305 Sprint Car and Hornet Features
Twenty IMCA Racesaver 305 sprint cars qualified for their portion of the program, led by Jordan Welch (11.362), Bradley Sterrett (11.352), and Ryan Tusing (11.557) across their groups. The three-car invert heat race format produced exciting preliminary action.
Jordan Welch demonstrated his strength by advancing from third to win heat one over Keith Langley and John Paynter Jr. Rod Henning showcased impressive speed in heat two, turning times comparable to his qualifying effort while defeating Carson Dillion and Bradley Sterrett. Ryan Tusing completed the heat race sweep by advancing from third position to beat Justin Matthews and Bryce Norris.
Unfortunately, heavy rain arrived after the Super Stock feature, forcing postponement of the 305 main event. Track officials will announce a makeup date for double features to complete their program.
The UMP Hornets brought fourteen entries to the red clay oval. Michael Brewer earned a convincing heat one victory over Jeremy Shemwell and Alex Wilson, while AJ Hobbs won heat two from the pole ahead of Shane Reed and Warren Hopkins. The Hornet feature also fell victim to the weather, requiring a future double-feature makeup date.
Teams often coordinate their racing schedules by visiting the speedway post office for information and updates on weather-related changes.
Josh Burton Memorial Weekend Approaches
Friday’s racing program showcased the talent that will compete in the upcoming Josh Burton Memorial, one of the most anticipated events on the Bloomington Speedway calendar. The MSCS (Midwest Sprint Car Series) will headline the memorial with a $10,000 winner’s purse and $500 to start. Non-qualifying sprint cars will compete in a second feature paying $500 to win and $404 to start, thanks to generous sponsor support.
UMP Modified and UMP Super Stock divisions will each compete for $1,000 victories, while MMSA provides the fourth class for this special tribute to the beloved #04 driver Josh Burton. The memorial weekend promises to fill the hillside spectator areas as fans honor their favorite racing hero.
All teams who braved Friday’s threatening weather conditions deserve recognition for providing outstanding entertainment while racing against the elements. The upcoming memorial event will undoubtedly showcase the same competitive spirit and camaraderie that makes Bloomington Speedway special within the regional racing community.
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