The I-5 Quarter Midget Club resumed racing June 19^th at the Grays Harbor Mini Raceway. Weather was sunny and hot, and the drivers were ready for it.

The action started with the make up race from June 5^th for the Senior Honda and Junior ½ class.

In Senior Honda, Nikolas Larson led the first 10 laps with Ariel Biggs in hot pursuit. On lap 11 Ariel made her move in lapped traffic and never looked back. Nikolas then had his hands full with Allison Journey and with 7 to go spun out and had to go to the tail. Allison held on to third while Nikolas worked his way back into the third spot.

In Jr ½, Logan Forler got the jump on the start from his #2 starting position and never looked back. TJ Hartman gave chase with DJ McPeake, but neither driver had anything for Logan on the tacky morning track. TJ finished second with DJ winding up third.

The scheduled race for the day then proceeded with the Jr Novice class. Cale Shute and Jeremiah Mueller started side by side on the front row, but the heat race action and afternoon sun had taken its toll on the outside groove. Jeremiah spun on the opening lap and lined up dead last for the restart. Cale looked to have the race in hand leading the first nine laps. Ryan Mottner had found his groove by then and passed Cale for the lead. A yellow bunched up the field and Jeremiah found himself within striking distance with 10 laps to go. He was ready and at the drop of the green passed three cars to take the lead and never looked back. Dylan Volz took second with Ryan Mottner ending up third.

Sr Novice had newcomer sisters Jessie and Cassy Olson swapping heat race wins for the day. In the main Cassy got the jump on her sister from the outside and led every lap in route to her first ever A-main win. Both had a great time on the new track, and we are glad to have yet another family join our ranks in 2004.

Jr Honda found the drivers racing for second behind Janell McPeake. A zero invert pill put Janell on the poll, and she led every lap in route to her second straight A-main win. Nicki Hartman, Tucker Sprague, Kaitlyn Journey, Shyan Zammito, and Josiah Volz put on a good show racing for second place, with Nicki eventually getting the spot and Tucker winding up third.

Sr Honda proved once again to be the excitement for the day. Allison Journey started on the poll, survived 4 restarts, and looked to lead every lap until with just 4 laps to go, she spun in turn 4. Her disappointment was good news for Nikolas Larson, who had been putting the heat on, and now was able to take over the lead, with Ariel Biggs in second. Serina McPeake had worked her way back up to third after an earlier spin. The final five laps went uneventful with the drivers finishing in their respective positions.

Lt 160 found the drivers looking for traction on the dry slick track. TJ Hartman led every lap with Allison Journey and Nikolas Larson close enough to take advantage if he made a mistake. They finished nose to tail in their respective positions. Coming in fourth, and deserving a pat on the back was first time 160 driver Garret Johnson. Garret proved he is for real doing a very respectable job on a very tough track.

The start of the Jr ½ A-main was exciting before the cars ever pushed off. A quick glance around the track found the fences lined with spectators. Most of them were crew and drivers from the big track waiting for the NW Modified Nationals to get under way. They got a glimpse of their future competition, and they were not disappointed. They watched as the drivers worked their way around the dry slick track, using throttle control and finesse to put on a great display of driving talent. TJ Hartman was able to avoid a spinning DJ Mcpeake on lap 8, and went on to win the race by a half a lap. Seth Hespe worked out some electrical problems from earlier in the day, and was having a great run in second, until he slipped in the final corner and DJ McPeake was there to take advantage. James Alexander wound up third.

The I-5 QMC would like to thank everyone for coming out and cheering on the kids. We sincerely appreciate your support. Racing resumes on July 3^rd and 4^th. The 2-day annual event is dubbed the Mudslinger Shootout. Drivers compete for savings bonds and leather jackets to the winners. We hope to see you there.

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