I-5 QMC Points Race # 7 was held September 11 under threatening skies.  Track prep crews were out early Saturday morning to get the track ready.  It was the first event of the year for the ¼ midget families at Grays Harbor Raceway, without a show at the big track.  That added to a somewhat subdued atmosphere, along with the club fresh off its largest event ever.  Perhaps it was the worn out parents, maybe the kids being tired from their first week of school, maybe just the date of Sept 11.  The donkey tail was passed around twice, keeping most on their best behavior.  In any event, it seemed like something was missing.  It seemed like we were home alone.  Some of our new family in Grays Harbor were not there that day, and I can’t wait to see them next week when racing resumes.

 

Jr Novice Group 1 found several drivers showing they’re going to be a force in Jr Honda next year.  Jeremiah Mueller took over the lead on lap 3 from recent standout Kailey Schlenz.  Jeremiah won the race, but not before Kailey and newcomer Raina Magnuson gave him all he could handle.  Raina finished second, with Kailey in third.

 

Jr Novice Group 2 had Ryan Mottner  and Cale Shute once again battling it out for the lead.  Ryan prevailed, Cale came home second, and Autumn Johnson scored a podium finish for the girls in third.

 

Once in a while the crowd gets behind a driver.  We never know what makes the switch come on in our kids, but it eventually always does.  Kaitlynn Journey showed up this weekend ready for duty.  She won the second heat race, her first ever Jr Honda win, and earning the right to start on the poll for the A-main.  The entire crowd was pulling for her as she led the first 6 laps of the event.  A turn 4 slip though was all Nicki Hartman needed to take over the lead and take the field to the checkered flag.  Tucker Sprague had Nicki in his sights, but on the final lap he got loose and spun.  Janell McPeake took over the second position, with Shyan Zammito rounding out the top three. 

 

Sr Honda found Nikolas Larson dominating the day.  He led every lap from the poll while Ariel Biggs settled for second and Angie Magnuson brought home third.

 

Michael Styger fended off the girls in Heavy Honda and led the last 9 laps en route to victory.  Serina McPeake wound up second, and Cassy Olson finished third after a tangle with her sister while leading the race damaged both cars.  Jessie was ok, but unable to continue.

 

Nikolas Larson dominated his second class of the day in Lt 160, leading every lap from the poll, and the race was for second.  Hannah Shute and TJ Hartman worked their way from the back on 3 separate occasions after tangling.  Judges had their hands full making decisions, and in the end, Hannah finished a strong second with TJ in tow for third.

 

In the fastest race of the year for the Jr ½ class, TJ Hartman led the first 23 laps while DJ McPeake and James Alexander gave chase.  With 2 laps to go, TJ spun on his own, giving the lead to DJ.  Each driver was relieved to see the only caution of the race though, as the track and the long green flag run had their arms pumped.  DJ earned his second win of the season, with TJ winding up second, and James in third.

 

Racing resumes Sept 18 for the kids at Grays Harbor Mini Raceway.  See you there.