Lake Odessa, MI - Despite a weather forecast that wasn't optimal, officials with I-96 Speedway refused to be denied their season opener another week. With rain threatening the area all evening long, the west Michigan facility only lost two features to mother nature by the time the night was over. A full program of Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, 4 Cylinders, Pro Stocks/Trucks, and Mini Wedges were on the slate for Friday night.
A total of 14 Michigan Late Models unloaded at the facility including names like Brandon Thirlby, Travis Stemler, Logan Nickerson, Garrett Wiles, and Mike Vandermark, Jr. Known for providing fans with a "racey" surface, the speedway didn't disappoint once again. Vandermark led the field to green on the outside of Zack Swartz. Vandermark took the top spot and was forced to hold off a hard-charging Stemler who was pushing forward from eighth, bringing Thirlby with him from sixth. Stemler was the event's hard charger up six spots. Vandermark, Stemler, and Thirlby completed the podium with Nickerson and Wiles completing the top five.
Mark Anderson and Chase Rosebrugh brought the IMCA Modified field to the green flag for their 20 lap feature. The pair wouldn't hold the top spots for long with a hungry field of drivers waiting behind them. In the end, Jeff Reay came from 6th to grab the win over AJ Ward who drove from 7th. Rosebrugh held on for third ahead of Jack Dalman and Brenten DeYoung. Dan Hubbell and Mike Harding were the hard chargers, both up six spots.
Brent Teneyck and Hunter Evans led the Street Stocks to the green for their 15 lap feature. Middleville, MI driver Carlind Forsythe got the win from the outside of row two over Travis Haynes and Teneyck. Marty French and Bill Brandt, Jr rounded out the top five.
Rain fell from the skies after just one lap was completed in the 4 Cylinders event washing away the remainder of the night including the Pro Stocks/Trucks feature event. The next event is scheduled for Friday, May 3rd for another regular night of racing at I-96 Speedway.
FULL RESULTS:
Late Models:
IMCA Modifieds:
Street Stocks:
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Donna Balentine File Photo