OPENING NIGHT 2021 AT HUMBOLDT SPEEDWAY: THE BOYS (AND GIRLS) ARE BACK!
By Scott Lee Stewart
After last week’s “King of America/Battle of The Bullring” mega race at Humboldt Speedway, opening night of the ’21 season was underway at “The Hummer”, and this year promises to be an extremely speedy one!
Beginning with the Love’s Travel Stops Midwest Modified main event, it becomes clear that Chanute Ks. driver Jacob Ellison will, once again, be a force to be reckoned with. Ellison took the outside pole position and proceeded to wire the field in the 16 lap event. Jackson McGowen of Humboldt mounted a hard charge from mid pack to capture the runner up spot. Altoona’s Brad Jarman locked down the third spot, while Carter Brownsberger of Nevada to Hummer a, Mo. was fourth, and Scott Lucke of Humboldt rounded out the top five finishers of the 15 car field.
A familiar face to Hummer fans, Jeremy Chambers, formerly from Yates Center, now based in Baldwin City, Ks., dominated the Ray’s Metal Depot B-Mod feature, winning the race start to finish, despite an outstanding performance by second place Tyler Kidwell of Chanute. Brian McGowen of Pittsburg, another Hummer B-Mod regular, claimed a strong third place finish. Gabe Hodges of Lebo, Ks. and Chanute driver Kenton Allen completed the fabulous five in the event.
Fifteen cars started the USRA Tuners (formerly known as Sport Compacts) feature, and when all was said and done, Devin Schmidt of Nortonville, KS. topped the 4 cylinder field. St. Joesph, Mo. Barry Luthi of Topeka was third, Cayden Vance of Chanute claimed fourth, and David Frost of Parsons was fifth.
Home Savings Bank Factory Stock feature action was topped by Chanute driver Derrek Wilson, while Ethan Vance, another Chanute driver, was fifth.
Next week’s Hummer action will star the Cash Money Late Model Series, a huge crowd favorite, in addition to the “regular” line up of local action heros competing in all divisions. Gates open at 6:00 pm, racing at 8:00pm.