7/28/2018
IRA Interstate Racing Association
Blackhurst Bags Career Win Number 2
Hanna City Illinois’ Jake Blackhurst backed up his win at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, picking up his 2nd career IRA win at the Langlade County Fairgrounds in dominate fashion over Schmidt and Thiel.
23 cars signed in for action Friday night at the big half mile Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wisconsin. Bill Balog set quick time over Jake Blackhurst, the most recent winner on a half mile track in IRA competition. Todd King would time in 3rd ahead of Scotty Neitzel and Jeremy Schultz.
Heat race number 1 would see IRA points leader Scotty Thiel take the lead in turn 2, and never look back. As the checkered flag waved Thiel was victorious over Ben Schmidt and Scotty Neitzel. Bill Balog brought the Rhine Auto car across in 4th ahead of local favorite Nick Matuszewski.
The 2nd heat race saw “the Badger” Jason Johnson take the lead in his first 410 race in 2018. Johnson lead much of the race until a caution bunched the field back up and allowed Jake Blackhurst to move past him and grab the win. Johnson would settle for 2nd followed by Jeremy Schultz. Scott Uttech would claim 4th place honors and Hunter Custer would finish in 5th.
Heat 3 saw IRA rookie of the year contender Brandon McMullen take the lead. After 8 laps, when the checkered flag dropped, McMullen had nearly a straight away lead over 2nd place finishing Todd King. Kris Spitz and Russel Borland finished 3rd and 4th, with Johnny Fahl in 5th.
The 20 lap A main saw Jake Blackhurst take the early lead in the Kitchen Cooked 25. Ben Schmidt stalked Blackhurst in 2nd while Scotty Thiel settled into 3rd. The first 7 laps clicked off in a hurry as the winged 410s ripped around the half mile, but the yellow would fly for a slowing Bill Balog, who had a set of gears break ending his night. Blackhurst was able to once again jump out to the lead on the restart but Schmidt followed closely behind. Thiel kept 3rd but soon became challenged as Jeremy Schultz moved into 4, and all over the back of Thiels 64. The last 13 laps went caution free, and Illinois Jake Blackhurst picked up the win, followed by Schmidt, Thiel was able to hold off Schultz for 3rd and Brandon McMullen rounded out the top 5.
Article Credit: Gared Tennyson
Submitted By: Kim Tennyson
