Marshalltown Speedway Revs Up For Season Opener
April 10, 2008
By Tammy R. Lawson
MC Sun Staff Writer
Ladies and Gentlemen: Starchure engines!
With Marshalltown Speedway marking 44 years of Midwest racing, last Friday’s annual Frostbuster Event almost didn’t happen due to a wintery rain and snow blow-out that threatened to cancel the entire thing.
But instead, mud flew from tires, stands were sardine-packed, and history was made for the hometown dirt track.
A record 160 race teams came from four states to compete in 30 separate International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) races, which was a surprise to Susan Avery. “We have people here from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Missouri,” she said in between selling tickets to the dozens of people who waited in line. “I think the turnout is excellent for the first night of the year.”
And yes, according to staffer Kathy Link, “We have female drivers who race here, too…we have one here tonight.”
Incidentally, outside sponsors donated to the purse, and before all was said and done, the Modified Class would take home the largest payoff in speedway history-$2008 for the heat race.
Denny Grabenbauer kept with tradition, announcing that winner as Brian Mullen, who made his first appearance at the speedway, and by the sound of it, he was glad he made the trek from Wisconsin to participate. “The track was great! I’ve never won so much money in one race in my life!”
For the Stock Car division, Dustin Smith greeted the checkered flag first, while Luke Wanninger would be the Sport Mod Class winner.
Devin Smith joined his brother Dustin in victory lane by winning the Hobby Stock event, and Randy Bryan was also the front runner in the Dwarf Car feature, scoring his first win at the speedway in over two years.
In addition to several races lined up throughout the new season, the speedway is hosting several family events, including Faster Pastor Night on June 13th and the Cardboard Classic on August 15th.
After last Friday’s success, promoter Toby Kruse is gearing up with anticipation of tomorrow night’s Season Opener. “We [will] continue to grow this event into one of the premier events in the country.”
Marshall County Sun© Copyright 2008
