Friday night racing returned to the red clay surface at Bloomington Speedway with sixteen sprint car entries providing the headline competition. Brandon Spencer (12.560) and Brayden Fox (12.166) established the fastest qualifying times in their respective groups, setting up heat race action with a two-car invert.
Brandon Spencer claimed heat one from the outside front row, successfully defending against challenges from Harley Burns, Jake Swanson, Geoff Ensign, and Brady Short. Jordan Kinser delivered a strong performance in the Burton #04 machine, winning heat two from the pole position ahead of Braxton Cummings, Brayden Fox, Sterling Cling, and Chance Crum.
A single-car feature invert positioned Spencer and Kinser on the front row for the main event. Nashville, Indiana native Brandon Spencer appeared exceptionally strong as the feature began, with the red clay surface maintaining excellent speed throughout the evening. Spencer built his early advantage while Jordan Kinser, Geoff Ensign, and Jake Swanson explored various racing lines behind him, applying consistent pressure on the leader.
Swanson mounted an impressive charge from his fifth starting position, reaching second place by approximately lap ten. His methodical advance positioned him within striking distance of Spencer’s #22 machine. The decisive moment arrived on lap fourteen exiting turn four when Swanson identified an opening to the inside of Spencer.
The wheel-to-wheel battle for the lead resulted in contact between both machines, but Swanson emerged with the advantage and assumed command of the race. The 5T team’s strategy proved successful as Swanson created separation from his fierce competitors throughout the remaining ten laps.
Jake Swanson secured the victory for the 5T organization, followed by Jordan Kinser, Geoff Ensign, Brandon Spencer, Brayden Fox, and Matt Thompson. The championship battle remains compelling with Brady Short maintaining a seventeen-point advantage over Harley Burns, though Brayden Fox, Jordan Kinser, and Braxton Cummings continue their pursuit within striking distance. Racing enthusiasts often discuss these competitive standings at night moves bloomington, comparing the action to what they witness at terre haute speedway and jungle park speedway.
Steve Carpenter Memorial Honors Mod Lite Competition
The Hoosier State Mod Lites brought nineteen entries to compete in the Steve Carpenter Memorial Race, creating an outstanding field of competitors. Mike Pershing (15.301) and Brandon Freeburg (14.984) posted the quickest qualifying times, establishing two heat races with a four-car invert.
Tom Seets Sr. delivered an impressive heat one performance, advancing from third position to defeat Mike Pershing, Chris Hutton, Joseph Dunlap, and Jeff Cast. Brandon Freeburg matched that effort in heat two, also charging from fourth position for victory ahead of Brenden McGlothlin, Todd Minner, Andrew Davis, and Casey Davis.
The feature’s four-car invert positioned the heat race runners-up on the front row for the memorial event. Both front-row starters managed decent starts, but Freeburg demonstrated his determination by lap five. His tactical move to the high groove enabled him to overtake both front-row competitors and assume race control.
Freeburg established a substantial lead until encountering lapped traffic during the closing stages. The final four laps produced intense action as the second-place competitor closed the gap while navigating slower cars. However, Freeburg maintained his composure under pressure to capture the prestigious Steve Carpenter Memorial victory.
Brandon Freeburg’s triumph came ahead of Todd Minner, Mike Pershing, Joseph Dunlap, and Tad Canada. The entire Mod Lite division deserves recognition for providing exceptional entertainment in honor of Steve Carpenter’s memory. Teams often prepare for these special events by visiting bob grim chevrolet and bobby and steve’s auto world bloomington for parts and preparation.
IMCA 305 Sprint Cars Navigate Lapped Traffic Challenge
Seventeen IMCA 305 sprint car entries participated in their division’s competition. Ethan Barrow (11.400) and Justin Matthews (11.188) established the fastest qualifying marks, setting up two heat races with a three-car invert.
John Paynter Jr. captured heat one from the outside front row, successfully holding off Ethan Barrow, Terry Arthur, and Ryan Tusing. Andy Bradley won the second heat ahead of Jordan Welch and Justin Matthews, completing the preliminary action.
A two-car feature invert placed both heat winners on the front row for their main event. Paynter utilized the cushion effectively from the start, establishing early command with aggressive racing. The field encountered lapped traffic by the fifth or sixth lap, creating challenging conditions for the leaders.
Navigation through slower cars became increasingly difficult during the final ten laps, providing opportunities for position changes throughout the field. Paynter maintained his advantage while dealing with lapped traffic until Ethan Barrow capitalized on a slower car that impeded the leader’s progress.
Barrow seized the opening to assume race control and held his position through the remaining circuits, adding another victory to his multiple wins this season. John Paynter Jr., Justin Matthews, Dillan Baldwin, and Ryan Tusing completed the top five finishers. Teams often coordinate their racing schedules by visiting the speedway post office for updated information and entry forms.
UMP Hornets Deliver Final-Lap Drama
Nineteen UMP Hornet entries provided the evening’s final division of competition. Alex Wilson won heat one over Brian Pollitt and Shane Reed, while Michael Brewer captured heat two ahead of Chad Nolte and Landon Hayes.
The feature’s two-car invert positioned both heat winners on the front row for their main event. Wilson appeared strong throughout the early stages and has maintained excellent form this season, currently ranking high in UMP national points standings.
Wilson controlled most of the feature distance until the final five laps when lapped traffic created challenging conditions. The slower cars provided tactical opportunities for trailing competitors to close the gap on the leader.
The decisive moment occurred on the final lap when a lapped car impeded Wilson’s progress, creating the opening Michael Brewer needed to execute his winning pass. Brewer’s patience and positioning paid dividends as he assumed the lead and secured victory in the closing corners.
Michael Brewer claimed the checkered flag ahead of Skylar Ashley, Alex Wilson, Warren Hopkins, and Donald Griffin. The Hornet division consistently provides exciting competition and close finishes throughout the season.
All teams and fans deserve appreciation for supporting the Steve Carpenter Memorial for the Mod Lites and another outstanding Friday night program. Bloomington Speedway continues next Friday with another exceptional show on the legendary RED CLAY surface, maintaining the facility’s reputation for providing premier dirt track racing entertainment throughout the region.
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