The conditions couldn’t have been better after rain narrowly missed the famous red clay of Bloomington Speedway, setting an ideal stage to honor Josh Burton during the 11th Annual Memorial Race. The event drew 34 sprint cars featuring an impressive lineup of racing talent. Following the established format, four heats advanced the top four drivers, with the fastest pair from each heat redrawing before the crowd to determine the front four rows of the $10,000-to-win 30-lap A-main.
Braxton Cummings, Jake Swanson, Kevin Thomas Jr., and Ricky Lewis recorded the quickest times in their respective groups, arranging the four preliminary heats. In Heat 1, Shane Cottle charged from third to victory, holding off Tye Mihocko (who advanced from sixth), Braxton Cummings, and Harley Burns. Heat 2 saw Jake Swanson pilot the 5T to victory ahead of Kyle Cummins, Brayden Fox, and Jadon Rogers – further evidence of the night’s star-studded field that rivaled events at both Jungle Park Speedway and Terre Haute Speedway.
Ricky Lewis claimed Heat 3 over Cody Trammell, Rylan Gray, and Brandon Spencer, while Kevin Thomas Jr. bested Robert Ballou, Hunter Maddox, and Max Adams in the final heat. This set up the B-main’s last-chance qualifier with considerable drama unfolding. Chase Stockon secured the win to transfer, but fans erupted when Jeff Bland in the #04 surged from sixth to third to make the main event. Charles Davis Jr. and Daylan Chambers rounded out the qualifiers.
Front Row Draw Sets Stage for Thrilling Main Event
The redraw used poker chips numbered 1-8 placed in the iconic #04 orange sock, creating suspense for starting positions. Tye Mihocko and Kyle Cummins pulled the top spots to lead the field for the 30-lap showcase. Similar to the exciting atmosphere that makes Night Moves Bloomington such a popular venue, the energy at the speedway was electric.
Mihocko showed tremendous strength early, establishing his lead while positions 3-10 saw constant battles throughout the first 10 laps. Multiple caution periods sent cars to the work area for repairs, raising concerns about fuel consumption as officials hoped for extended green-flag running.
On restarts, Mihocko’s 24P consistently built impressive leads. Meanwhile, Jadon Rogers charged from 14th and was battling for 7th with 10 laps remaining. Robert Ballou’s #12, starting fifth, had moved into second with just five laps left and began closing on the leader.
Ballou’s Last-Lap Heroics Secure Victory
With two laps remaining, Ballou appeared to momentarily lose momentum on the cushion in turn 2, allowing Mihocko some breathing room. As the white flag waved, Ballou had closed back in, positioning himself for a potential move. Entering turn 3 on the final circuit, the #12 launched a massive slide job, clearing Mihocko’s 24P to take the checkered flag in one of the most dramatic finishes in Josh Burton Memorial history.
Following Ballou across the line were Tye Mihocko, Kyle Cummins, Kevin Thomas Jr., Cody Trammell, Jadon Rogers, Ricky Lewis, Jake Swanson, Brayden Fox, and Shane Cottle. Special appreciation goes to all 34 teams that delivered an outstanding show, particularly the Burton family who invest tremendously in this race, along with sponsors including Bob Grim Chevrolet, whose contributions make this Bloomington Speedway’s premier annual event.
UMP Modifieds Showcase Talent and Competition
The UMP Modified division brought 13 entries, with Jacoby Hines and Derek Groomer recording the fastest times and winning their respective heats. In a tradition reminiscent of the sprint car division, a young fan drew poker chips from the orange #04 sock, resulting in Jacoby Hines and Tyler Loughmiller occupying the front row.
These two maintained the top positions through the race’s first half, with Hines gradually building a substantial advantage. He maintained his lead throughout the 20-lap feature to secure victory. Derek Groomer, Brayden Watson, Tyler Loughmiller, and Cole Parker completed the top five finishers.
Boknecht Charges to Super Stock Victory
The UMP Super Stock class featured 14 competitors with Jeff Allen and Zach Sasser setting quick times in their groups. Jeff Allen took Heat 1 ahead of Matt Boknecht and Ralph Groomer, while Tucker Chastain won Heat 2 over Zach Sasser and Isaiah Sasser.
The main event draw positioned Tucker and Zach on the front row for their 20-lap feature. In a display reminiscent of the professional service at Bobby and Steve’s Auto World Bloomington, Matt Boknecht methodically worked through traffic, advancing from fourth to pass several national UMP points leaders and claim victory. Zach Sasser, Tucker Chastain, Isaiah Sasser, and Trey Chastain completed the top five.
Special thanks extends to all competing teams and the fantastic fans who attended the 11th Josh Burton Memorial Race. The Burton Family’s dedication in honoring Josh and Darlene, who surely watched over the memorable event from above, continues to make this race special. Even fans who stopped by the Speedway Post Office before arriving didn’t miss a moment of the spectacular racing action that unfolded throughout the evening.
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