STUART PROVES “TOO HOT” FOR HUMBOLDT SPEEDWAY STREET STOCK COMPETITORS!
By Scott Lee Stewart
Dateline: 07-10-20 Humboldt Speedway
It was a hot night at The Hummer, and the racing action was even hotter…
The unusual aspect of Friday’s main event was the once a season appearance of the Lucas Oil POWRi Midget Series. This gave the night off to both the Factory Stock and Sport Compact drivers, making room for one of the most spectacular dirt racing shows to be found anywhere.
Leading off the festivities was The Whitworth Construction Street Stock “A” main. Devin Irvin of Cleveland, Mo., a Humboldt regular, took off from the pole position with the rest of the pack, lead by Chanute legend “Too Hot” Scott Stuart in rapid pursuit. Irvin lead the first half and more of the 16 lap event. Unfortunately, for Irvin, in his effort to hold Stuart at bay, his #67 Chevrolet succumbed to the hot and humid atmosphere, spewing coolant high into the air as he made a hasty exit. From that point Stuart, set sail to the checkered flag and the win, while behind him a tremendous battle ensued. Dennis Bishop was able to claw his way to the runner up spot, holding off third place Steve Herrick of Topeka. Yet another Topeka driver, Robert Garst, tagged fourth, with Joe Martin of Wellsville, Ks. completing the top five.
Up next, a field of 30 POWRi Midgets took the field. For those who haven’t seen Midgets in action, they resemble a small scale non winged Sprint car, powered by fuel injected 4 cylinder methanol fueled engines producing in excess of 400 hp., put to the track by extremely large tires and a sophisticated suspension set up that allows drivers to run virtually wide open all the way around the track, approaching speeds of 80 mph on the Hummer ¼ mile high banks. Racing is incredible as are the wrecks and flips that are a part of open wheel combat. A surprising number of these daredevils were lady drivers, with many being in their teens.
Friday’s midget feature was a speed junkies dream, with all the associated carnage that kept tow trucks busy and fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, the race was won by Buddy Kofoid of Penn Grove Ca. One of the afore mentioned young ladies, Kaylee Bryson of Muskogee, OK. drove a spectacular race to the runner up spot. Daison Pursley of Grove, OK was third, Zach Daum of Pocahontas, Il. Was fourth, while Sam Johnson of St. Peters, Mo. was fifth.
Apparently, observing the full throttle Midget action must have fired up the local action hero’s, as the racing that followed was some of the finest to be seen anywhere.
Love’s Travel Stops Midwest Modifieds feature action was next, and pitted arguably two of the divisions top guns, Ryan Smith of Moran and Chanute’s Jacob Ellison head to head on the front row. At the drop of the green, the battle began, with multiple lead changes, wide open slide jobs in the corners, and action throughout the entire 15 car field that had the cheering crowd on their feet. Ellison prevailed for the feature win, with Smith inches behind for second. Norman Mackley battled through the pack for third, while Bronson, KS driver Ronnie Coulter raced his way to fourth, with Mike Churning claimed fifth.
The grand finale of the evening was the Ray’s Metal Depot B-Mod feature, and what a show it became. The front row had Nick Atherton of Bartlesville OK on the pole, with Brian McGowen of Pittsburg on his outside. Directly behind McGowen was Tyler Kidwell, along with a dozen other hot shoes, all of whom were contenders for the top spot. From the drop of the green, racing was absolutely furious. Atherton and McGowen swapped the early lead numerous times, with literally the entire field in third. McGowen eventually wrestled the lead away and set sail. Then it became wheel to wheel combat between Atherton and Kidwell for second, featuring several spectacular slide jobs and close calls. Just as Kidwell gained the upper hand, a caution flag flew, and tightened up the field for one last blast of excitement. McGowen would prevail for the win, With runner up Kidwell right on his bumper. Atherton claimed third, With Jerry Morgan of Ft. Scott fourth, and Matthew Kay fifth.