The I-5 QMC kicked off the 2005 season with their Novice graduation race needing to be combined with a regular weekly points race due to the previous weeks rain-out of the ceremony.

8 Junior and 7 Senior drivers showed up Saturday to display what they have learned over the past few weeks in training classes. Each driver was recognized and rewarded for completing the training course. It was obvious the drivers had been well taught and they showed their appreciation to their trainer, Paul Mottner, by giving him a class picture, signed by each driver. It was easy to recognize the bond that this new group of kids have formed in just the few short weeks they have known each other. Testimony to the true nature of the organization itself.

After the trophy ceremony, practice and heat racing got underway. 47 cars showed up to dust off the cob webs and fuel their bodies and minds with the flavor of racing. The members have been eagerly awaiting the start of the racing season, and the opportunity to get back in the cars. With the previous weeks scheduled play day being rained out, drivers and handlers were forced to be on their toes. Combine in to the equation a track surface that was untested for the year, and many of the kids moving up to faster classes, and the odds were steep for a smooth event. But in the face of adversity, the track prep crew gave the racers the best track they have raced on since the facility was built, and the drivers were up to the challenge of more power and faster classes. Event organizers were a little rusty after a 6 month layoff, but the promises of a successful year and bright future for the club loomed in the air.

Adding to the excitement was the addition of a series points sponsor stepping up to help the children's organization. Kenworth Northwest has enthusiastically agreed to become the official sponsor for the 2005 I-5 QMC points series and Regional event, scheduled later this year. The I-5 QMC members welcome the relationship being formed with Kenworth Northwest, and look forward to helping them market "The Worlds Best" - Kenworth trucks.

Unfortunately the rains came midway through the first A-main event of the day, Lt 160, but heat race action was exciting in every class, and the unveiling of the new engine platform in the Jr 1/2 class had the crowd smiling.

Jr Novice group 1 heat race notables were Zachary Gee winning both of his heat races, with Nate Mueller, Tucker Holcomb, and Layne Buchanan all in hot pursuit. Zachary is sure to be moving up in the not to distant future and his intoxicating laugh is a welcome addition to the club.

Jr Novice group 2 heat race action found Colton Johansson taking both wins in front of Chance Brogan, Justin Sample, and Tanner Olson. Each of the drivers were on the gas working the track and searching for the fast way around the 1/20th mile clay oval.

Sr Novice had the Brogan sisters, Delaney and McKen'a, splitting the heat race wins. Jessica Sprague led most of the 2nd heat race, but a hesitation in traffic gave McKen'a the opportunity she was looking for and she capitalized. Jessica Bryant and Christina Buchanan completed the list of girl drivers that Jason Reed, the only boy in the class, had to contend with. Jason never stopped smiling though. Hmm, I wonder why!

Jr Honda was divided up into 3 groups of heat races. Enough cars signed in to relegate a B-main, and this looks to possibly have a C-main as the numbers will definitely increase as the year goes on.

In group 1, someone put some nitro in Kaitlyn Journey's morning beverage. She picked up her first ever win and earned the right to take a victory lap carrying the checkered flag. In the second heat race Riley Watkins did the same thing, winning his first ever race in his first appearance in Jr Honda. The crowd cheered for the young drivers and their competitors in hot pursuit - Alex Oster, Dylan Volz, and McKenzie Journey.

In group 2, "high side" Cale Shute, and Ryan Mottner, split the wins, making it the 3rd time of the day for first time winners in the class. Josiah Volz and Kailey Schlenz showed their ready to challenge this year as well by leading some laps.

Group 3 found veteran Jr Honda driver Janell McPeake, and first year Jr Honda driver Jeremiah Mueller splitting the wins. Autumn Johnson and Raina Magnuson gave chase and completed the list of the Jr Honda drivers who will take turns running in the front this year.

Raina Magnuson won her first ever race in grand style, leading all but 2 laps in the Jr Honda "B" main event. Josiah and Dylan Volz finished second and third respectively.

The Sr Honda class shrank considerably this year, but the competition was no less. Garret Johnson and Ariel Biggs split the wins, with Jessie Olson and Angie Magnuson in hot pursuit. This class looks to grow considerably as well over the next few races as Sr Novice drivers move up a division.

Lt 160. In one word - wow! Fast, exciting, action packed, and probably the most thrilling class in QMA. Add in 5 time defending champion TJ Hartman in a full field of 10 cars in a heat race and try to keep up. TJ wasted no time knocking the rust off of his winter layoff and jumped out to an early season points lead by winning both heat races. Austin Hespe and Garret Johnson chased him down for second place finishes, with the rest of the field including, Allison Journey, Hannah Shute, Ariel Biggs, Nicki Hartman, Angie Magnuson, Tucker Sprague, and Andrea Lytle dicing it out behind them. Winning both of his heat races, TJ earned the pole position for the A-main, and he wasted no time getting in to lapped traffic by lap 4. On lap 15 he was well in to the field and looked to be checked out, but the rains came and stopped the race, also ending the day for the season opener.

2005 finds the addition of a Heavy 160 class to the line up. No less exciting than the faster light 160 class, this class gives the bigger kids an opportunity to experience the power of the Honda 160 and still be competitive. Serina McPeake and James Alexander split the wins, making this the first win for James as well. 2nd year driver Cassy Olson chased them down for third.

In Jr 1/2, the debut of the new Briggs World Formula was the talk. With minimal testing, observers were skeptical if the engine would perform to expectations. In an agreement to help build a throttle control class for the clubs future, Seth Hespe and TJ Hartman took a step back in horsepower from last year, and unselfishly became the guinea pigs for what is certain to be the future for the club in affordable throttle control racing. Allison Journey enthusiastically climbed aboard in what otherwise would not have been a class for her or anyone else to enjoy - racer or spectator. The Briggs performed. Each driver wasted no time in finding the factory installed rev limiter. The tires struggled for traction on the top end as the engines pulled all the way through the RPM range. The handlers leaned on the fence and were able to enjoy watching a race run complete without any trouble. The crowd that had gathered to watch was impressed by the abilities of the drivers and the performance of the new engine. In the end, Seth and TJ split the heat race wins, Allison was smiling the entire time, and the crowd that had gathered got a taste of the future of 1/4 midgets.

The I-5 QMC would like to extend our appreciation to Seth Hespe, TJ Hartman, Allison Journey, and engine builder Gary Hansen of Hansen's Welding, for their selfless contribution to the future of QMA and the I-5 QMC.

Racing resumes next Saturday, April 30th, for race #2 in the Kenworth Northwest Points Series at the Grays Harbor Mini Raceway in Elma, Wa. Admission is free, and the fun never stops! See you in Elma!