The 2nd Annual Kevin “The Pup” Huntley Memorial Race attracted an impressive field of 44 IMCA 305 Racesavers representing 6 different states. This substantial turnout necessitated a format with 6 qualifying groups, taking only 2 drivers from each heat and 4 from each of 2 B mains.
Qualifying began with group fast times recorded by Jacob Gomola (11.508), Jeremy Kornbau (11.439), Jeff Wimmenauer (11.294), Justin Matthews (11.169), Jordan Welch (11.142) and Nate Franklin (11.217). The Bloomington Speedway red clay proved exceptionally fast, with lap times approaching the 10-second mark early in the evening.
A wheel spin resulted in a 1, placing these six fastest qualifiers on pole for their respective heats. Heat race victories went to Pennsylvania’s Jacob Gomola (over Carson Dillion), Jeremy Kornbau (over Dirk McGuyer), Jeff Wimmenauer (over Ethan Barrow), Justin Matthews (over Rod Henning), Jordan Welch (over Andy Bradley), and Nate Franklin (over Ryan Tusing).
Two talent-packed B mains followed, with only four transfer spots available in each. B main 1 saw Keith Langley secure the win, followed by Chris Miller, Kevin Newton, and Logan Anderson (advancing from 6th to claim the final transfer position). John Paynter Jr. won B main 2, with Roman Gephart (from 5th), Bryce Norris, and Bradley Galedrige (from 6th) also advancing.
The top two finishers from each heat participated in the invert draw for the feature. The number 12 was selected, giving the pole position to Ryan Tusing (2nd place finisher in heat 6), with Andy Bradley alongside him for the 35-lap, $5,000-to-win Kevin Huntley A main. The starting field comprised 16 Indiana drivers plus two each from Pennsylvania and Ohio.
In the early laps, Ryan Tusing and Andy Bradley battled intensely for the lead. By lap 6, Tusing had secured the top spot and begun approaching lapped traffic. Meanwhile, Ethan Barrow had advanced from 4th to challenge Bradley for 2nd position. As Tusing attempted to navigate around the first lapped car, contact slowed his momentum, allowing Barrow in the #14 to seize the lead.
By the halfway point, John Paynter Jr. (14th to 9th) and Bradley Galedrige (20th to 15th) were making impressive charges through the field. Up front, Barrow built his advantage by skillfully using multiple racing lines to clear lapped traffic. With just one lap remaining, a caution bunched the field for a final-lap shootout. Barrow executed flawlessly on the restart to secure the victory, followed by Ryan Tusing, Andy Bradley, Nate Franklin, and Jeremy Kornbau.
IMCA officials conducted thorough post-race technical inspections on the 305 motors and cars, confirming the validity of this outstanding competitive showcase.
Non Wing 410 Sprints Deliver Thrilling Action
The Non Wing 410 Sprint Car division brought 21 entries to the track, with group fast times set by Braxton Cummings (11.526), Harley Burns (11.656), and Brayden Fox (11.614). Heat races featured a single-position invert.
Heat 1 saw Braxton Cummings win from the pole, holding off Dave Darland who advanced from 4th to 2nd, followed by Alec Sipes, Gabriel Gilbert, and Hunter Maddox. Harley Burns claimed Heat 2 from the pole position, besting Brandon Spencer, Geoff Ensign, Jordan Kinser, and Matt Thompson. In Heat 3, Brady Short drove from 3rd to victory over Tye Mihocko, Trey Osborne, Brayden Fox, and John Sluss.
For the A main, a 2-car invert positioned Harley Burns on the pole with Braxton Cummings alongside. The 25-lap feature provided spectacular entertainment as Burns and Cummings exchanged the lead multiple times, with Burns working the bottom groove and Cummings riding the cushion. The track’s excellent condition allowed both drivers to turn consistent 11-second laps throughout the race.
At the midpoint, Tye Mihocko (from 6th) and Geoff Ensign (from 8th) had advanced to battle for 3rd. The leaders’ fierce competition continued with some contact three laps from the finish. Burns maintained precision on the bottom line during the closing laps to secure the victory over Cummings, Mihocko, Ensign, and Short.
UMP Hornets Round Out Racing Program
Eight UMP Hornets competed in Friday’s program. Alex Wilson charged from 3rd to win the heat race over Jeremy Shemwell, AJ Hobbs, Conner Garrison, and Abby Stierwalt. A 2-car invert for the feature positioned Shemwell and Wilson on the front row.
The 15-lap main event featured an excellent battle between the front runners. Wilson grabbed the early lead from Shemwell, while behind them, Abby Stierwalt (from 5th) and AJ Hobbs contested the 3rd position. At halfway, Wilson maintained his advantage with Shemwell in close pursuit. Wilson executed flawlessly in the closing laps to deny Shemwell any opportunity to pass, taking the checkered flag ahead of Shemwell, Stierwalt, Hobbs, and Dale Hobbs.
Circle City Pyrotechnics provided an impressive fireworks display to cap an exceptional night at Bloomington Speedway. Special thanks go to the Kevin Huntley family and all sponsors who contributed to the substantial purse for the 305 race. The event showcased remarkable talent across all divisions, particularly the 44 IMCA 305 competitors who traveled from multiple states to honor the memory of Kevin “The Pup” Huntley.
Racing continues next Friday at Bloomington Speedway. For those visiting the area, be sure to check out historic Jungle Park Speedway and Terre Haute Speedway, both important parts of Indiana racing heritage. 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 convenient services are available at the Speedway Post Office.
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