Twenty-one sprint cars assembled for the historic 100th season finale at Bloomington Speedway, featuring an exceptional field of competitors. Qualifying leaders included Trey Osborne at 11.871 seconds, Brayden Fox at 11.877, and Ricky Lewis posting the fastest time of 11.751. These times established three heat race lineups with a four-car invert.
Heat race one saw Geoff Ensign charge from fifth position, passing multiple strong contenders to claim victory ahead of Todd Hobson, Trey Osborne, and Ryan Thomas. The second heat featured polesitter Harley Burns securing a crucial victory worth one point in his tight championship chase against Jordan and Brady. Burns led Brayden Fox, Mario Clouser, Chance Crum, and Brady Short to the checkers. Matt Thompson dominated heat three from the pole, defeating Isaac Chapple, Ricky Lewis, Tye Mihocko, and Jordan Kinser.
A two-car feature invert positioned Harley and Geoff on the front row for the main event. Burns entered the feature trailing Brady Short by eleven points, with both Brady and Jordan starting fourteenth and fifteenth respectively. The championship math required Harley to finish six positions ahead of Brady and three ahead of Jordan, as each feature position carried a two-point value.
The twenty-five lap feature began with Burns and Ensign battling for the lead, Harley working the bottom groove while Geoff ran the cushion. At halfway, Burns maintained his position among the top three while Brady methodically advanced through the field. Short reached seventh or eighth position with five laps remaining, creating a mathematical scenario where he held a one-point championship advantage.
The final circuits proved crucial as Short fell back to ninth while Burns held off Brayden Fox for third position. After a complete season of competition, the championship was decided on lap twenty-five by a single point. Burns finished third with Short ninth and Jordan Kinser tenth, crowning the 16B team and Harley Burns as the 2023 Sprint Car Champion from Brazil, Indiana.
Ricky Lewis provided the feature highlight, changing his motor in the pits before charging from ninth to victory lane, beating Geoff Ensign, Harley Burns, Brayden Fox, and Tye Mihocko, who advanced from twelfth. The 36 Short Team and 04 Burton Team with Jordan Kinser deserve recognition for their outstanding seasons and the exceptional Friday night entertainment they provided, rivaling the action found at terre haute speedway and jungle park speedway.
Super Stock Title Decided in Closing Laps
Eleven UMP Super Stocks participated in another championship battle that remained undecided until the final laps. Isaiah Sasser (14.400) and Tucker Chastain (14.165) posted the quick times. Josh Litton held a narrow points lead over Isaiah Sasser by just two positions entering the night.
Kenny Carmichael Sr. captured heat race one, defeating Hayden Groomer and Isaiah Sasser after a four-car invert. Zach Sasser won heat two over Tucker Chastain and Josh Litton. The feature lineup featured a one-car invert, with neither Josh nor Isaiah earning heat race points. Sasser needed to finish three positions ahead of Litton to claim the championship.
Zach Sasser demonstrated early speed in the twenty-lap feature, overtaking Kenny Sr. for the lead and appearing formidable. At the midpoint, Josh ran fourth with Isaiah directly behind in fifth. Tucker moved into second behind Zach, hoping for an opening to challenge for victory.
Zach maintained his precision through the closing laps, holding on for victory over Tucker Chastain, Hayden Groomer, Josh Litton, and Isaiah Sasser. The 89 Litton Team celebrated their championship, preserving a four-point margin over Isaiah. Local businesses including bob grim chevrolet have supported these Super Stock teams throughout their Friday night campaigns.
305 Sprint Division Concludes Strong Season
Fourteen 305 sprint cars competed in the season finale, with Jordan Welch (11.129) and Ethan Barrow (11.207) leading their respective groups. Barrow had already secured the 305 championship, but the division continued delivering outstanding entertainment on the red clay surface.
Jordan Welch won heat one over Rod Henning, Charlie Stines, and Justin Matthews. Ethan Barrow captured heat two ahead of Cody Trammell, Keith Langley, and John Paynter Jr. A one-car feature invert placed both heat winners on the front row.
Champion Ethan Barrow took the initial lead but surrendered the position at halfway to Cody Trammell in the #75. Trammell showed exceptional skill navigating lapped traffic and held on for the final red clay victory over Ethan Barrow, Rod Henning, Jordan Welch, and John Paynter Jr. The 14 team earned congratulations for their championship, while the entire 305 racesaver group provided exceptional shows throughout 2023. Fans often discuss these races at night moves bloomington and other local gathering spots.
Hornet Championship Sealed in Feature Victory
Fourteen UMP Hornets contested the final points night of the historic season. Warren Hopkins won heat one over Michael Brewer, Dale Hobbs, and Jeremy Shemwell. Alex Wilson captured heat two, defeating Matt Miller, Cody Chambers, and Josh Arthur.
The feature invert spin produced a one-car invert, setting up the fifteen-lap championship showdown. Alex Wilson clinched the Bloomington Speedway title with his feature victory over Michael Brewer, Warren Hopkins, Matt Miller, and Jeremy Shemwell. Both Alex and Jeremy currently rank within the top ten in national UMP points standings, and their continued success represents the track well.
The 44 Alex Wilson team deserves recognition for their championship season. Teams often gather supplies at the speedway post office and bobby and steve’s auto world bloomington while preparing for their weekly competition.
The 100th season at Bloomington Speedway concluded with appreciation for every team that provided outstanding Friday night entertainment and the dedicated fanbase supporting red clay racing. Each team’s commitment and the passionate fans made this historic season memorable. The gates will reopen in April 2024 to begin year 101 of racing at this legendary facility.
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