Great action in all 5 classes at I-44 on Saturday night
Lebanon, Mo / September 15, 2014 – For Immediate Release
Despite 2 straight rainouts and very cool temps, United Insurors Night At The “High-Banks” of Lebanon I-44 Speedway provided plenty of hot racing action as the track point leaders in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series battled it out going into the Monster Energy Season Championships next Saturday. At the beginning of the season both Kevin and Kyle Donahue were newcomers to I-44 but now they are both winners.
Wildwood, Missouri 18 year old Kevin Donahue and his very fast O’Reilly Auto Parts Pro Late Model has had a roller-coaster season as the rookie season jinx hit the team despite having 1 win coming into Saturday night. On Saturday Night, Donahue took advantage of his front row pole starting spot and held off several challenges from Veteran Steve Holt early and then point leader Kaleb Allison late in the 40 lap feature to grab his 2nd victory of the season. The field rolled out missing points runner-up JC Newell after crashing in the heat race and defending track champion Cole Williams as the team had major chassis issues during pre-race testing.
As the green waved, Donahue wasted no time in jumping to the lead with Brennon Willard and Holt following closely. On lap 2 Holt moved around Willard and was glued to the bumper of Donahue as Willard, Peyton Lucas and Terry Limberopolous were in a tight pack. Up front, Holt would continueously pressure Donahue as Holts machine was carrying better corner speed, but Donahue would pull ahead on the straights. By lap 4, current track and NASCAR Missouri State point leader Kaleb Allison began his charge to the front as he moved into the top 5 from his 8th starting spot. Up front, the quick moving Donahue couldn’t shake Holt as Willard, Lucas and Allison along with Jimmy Van Zandt had the crowd watching the battle for 3rd place. With a long green run, Donahue started to open a 3 car length lead as Allison was on a roll and moved around Lucas on lap 8 and was gaining on Willard. By lap 10, Holt gained back ground on the flying Donahue and looked to the outside lane trying for the lead. Allison shot under Willard on lap 12, but had lost several car lengths to the lead duo while working through traffic. Caution waved on lap 23 as current NASCAR Missouri State Rookie leader Kyle Donahue went around in turn 4 while Lucas quickly got on the brakes to avoid contact. This bunched-up the field as Kevin Donahue was quick to bring the field back to green with Holt staying close and Allison trying to pick-up another spot. Donahue pulled away leaving Holt and Allison to battle for 2nd place. On the 31st circuit, Allison made the move to secure the runner-up spot but couldn’t catch the flying Donahue as he took his 2nd win with Allison, Holt, Willard and Van Zandt completing the top 5. For Allison it was a big point night as Newell was on the trailer early with severe front damage to his car and Donahue was all smiles in the winner’s circle. Allison continues his drive to become the youngest ever Pro Late Model Champion in the history of I-44 at the age of 15 years old. Heat race wins went to Kevin Donahue and Van Zandt.
For Budweiser Modified point leader Stephen Counterman it had been several races since he took home a feature win as the point battle with Tim Swearengin had the young-gun protecting the lead. On Saturday night, Counterman got up on the wheel and showed why he has been in the points race for much of the season as he had to withstand a late restart with Ricky Icenhower on his bumper to take his 3rd win of the season. The start of the 25 lap feature saw 3 wide action as Counterman shot quickly from his 3rd row starting spot to attempt to take the lead. The yellow flew quickly as Mark Riddle, David Strode, Terry Taylor and Swearengin were involved in an incident in turn 2. Swearengin and Taylor would go to the pits and make repairs as Riddle continued but Strode was out for the night. On the restart, almost same song same verse as Counterman shot to the middle and would lead the opening lap with 6 time winner and former NASCAR Regional Champion Icenhower glued to his bumper. With a fast paced field, Ken Dickinson subbing for Roderick Icenhower moved into the 3rd place spot as Swearengin and Taylor were coming through the pack. Up front Icenhower was putting the heat on Counterman. This battle up front was nip and tuck until the caution waved on lap 9 as Chris Johnson spun on the backstretch. As the field was gearing-up for the start, Taylor ducked into the pits with an oil leak ending his night. At the restart Counterman, Icenhower, Dickinson, Swearengin and Richard Lewis were bumper to bumper as Counterman fired on turn 4. Icenhower quickly shot up the track in turn 2 as he spun the right rear tire losing several spots and Counterman shot away and never looked back. A late caution on lap 18 would give the pack another chance, but Counterman was too strong this evening taking the win with Icenhower fending off Dickinson for 2nd place and Swearengin and Lewis completed the top 5. Heat race victories were claimed by Dickinson and Counterman.
Monster Energy Sportsman point leader Paul Jepsen had been shut out of victory lane for a long stretch, but tonight he powered ahead on the start and then withstood several late charges from Justin Blake to capture his 9th win of the season. Jepsen got the jump on veteran JC Newell and opened-up a quick advantage. Two time winner Toby Harden was back in action but retired on lap 2 with rear-end problems. Up front, Jepsen was holding the lead but Justin Blake was eating away at the deficit. Aaron Douglas was back Saturday night with a new powerplant but other issues forced him to retire on lap 8. By lap 10, Blake had caught Jepsen and the lead duo kept the cool night action heated-up. Blake attempted several times to get around Jepsen, but on lap 17, Jepsen shot ahead as Blake entered the turn hot as he gathered up the car but had lost too many car lengths to make up. Following Jepsen to the stripe was Blake, Ronnie Hartford, Newell and Mike Bartig in the top 5. Jepsen also took home the heat race win.
Keyser Manufacturing Road Warrior point leader Carl Harlow had to drive the wheels off his “Hot Rod” Camaro to earn his 7th win of the season after a hard fought battle with leader Riley Sharp. Sharp jumped to the front in his “Grocery Getter” Station-Wagon and was setting a super-quick pace until a restart for Tony Johnson’s broken hub ending his night early. Sharp again shot quickly to the lead with point’s runner-up Les Mallard following along with Geoff Ledford and Harlow. Harlow was on the move trying to keep Ledford at bay while moving even with Mallard. By lap 3, Harlow moved into 2nd place as Sharp was driving the wheels off his number 99. Harlow and Ledford both were gaining and on lap 6, Harlow shot to the top spot with Sharp on his bumper. By lap 9, Ledford moved into the runner-up position and attempted to run down the leader Harlow. With the race staying green, Harlow matched his win number with his car number by capturing the 7th feature of the season with Ledford, early leader Sharp, Mallard and Michael Juergensen completing the top 5. Sharp and Ledford captured the heat race victories.
With a very tight point battle up for grabs, the Coca-Cola Chargers provided a Green, White, Checkered feature with 2-3 wide racing all night long. Rookie Japheth Nesbitt shot to the opening lead with older brother Jordan close behind as a very tight and action-packed battle was behind them with defending champion Jimmy Poindexter, point leader Jason Walls, John Huhn and Ben White all swapping positions lap to lap. With Japheth making his strongest run of the season, early season point leader Jordan was looking inside and out to get the lead. On lap 4, Walls moved around Poindexter as the top 2 in points were swapping spots. Up front it wasn’t until lap 9 when Jordan grabbed the lead from little brother as Walls followed through. With Walls putting on pressure to the new leader, Ben White shot around both Nesbitt and Poindexter to move into 3rd place. Up front, Jordan Nesbitt was able to fend off Walls and capture his 4th win of the season as White, Poindexter and Huhn completed the top 5. Qualifying heats went to Huhn and White.
The I-44 Speedway will be in action on Saturday September 20th with the Monster Energy Season Championships and a full evening of Asphalt NASCAR short-track racing action. The Budweiser Modifieds will compete in the Inaugural Roper Family Classic with a 54 lap Modified feature, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Pro Late Models battle for 50 laps and the Monster Energy Sportsman go 40 laps along with a full show for the Keyser Manufacturing Road Warriors and a special barrel race for the Coca-Cola Chargers while the Baby grands make their final appearance for 2014 as well.
Gates for the Budweiser Party Deck, Monster Energy Grandstands and Budweiser “Wildside” Tier Parking open at 5PM with Qualifying for the Modifieds to start at 6PM and racing to follow for the final event of the 2014 season with class champions will be crowned. For more information visit the website at www.i44speedway.net or for the most up to date information please like I-44 Speedway on Facebook.
Results-United Insurors Night at Lebanon I-44 Speedway / NASCAR Whelen All American Series
COCA-COLA CHARGER – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 4 15 John Hunn Rolla , Mo 25.00
2 5 95 Jordan Nisbett Lebanon , Mo 20.00
3 3 22 Japheth Nisbett – 15.00
4 2 7 Amanda Anderson Lebanon , Mo 10.00
5 1 40 Mark Glorfeld Springfield , Mo 8.00
COCA-COLA CHARGER – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 44 Benjamin White Rolla , Mo 25.00
2 4 10 Jason Walls St. James, Mo 20.00
3 2 5 Jimmy Poindexter Willard , Mo 15.00
4 5 25 Luke Oster Linn Creek, Mo 10.00
5 3 11 Lauren Buhr Neosho, Mo. 8.00
COCA-COLA CHARGER – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 5 95 Jordan Nisbett Lebanon , Mo 100.00
2 8 10 Jason Walls St. James, Mo 96.00
3 6 44 Benjamin White Rolla , Mo 92.00
4 7 5 Jimmy Poindexter Willard , Mo 88.00
5 4 15 John Hunn Rolla , Mo 84.00
6 10 11 Lauren Buhr – 80.00
7 3 22 Japheth Nisbett – 76.00
8 2 7 Amanda Anderson Lebanon , Mo 72.00
9 1 40 Mark Glorfeld Springfield , Mo 68.00
10 9 25 Luke Oster Linn Creek, Mo 64.00
KEYSER MANUFACTURING ROAD WARRIOR – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 99 Riley Sharp Fair Grove, Mo 25.00
2 4 7 Carl Harlow Exeter , Mo 20.00
3 6 14 Chris Nichols Lebanon , Mo 15.00
4 3 00 Michael Juergensen Lebanon , Mo 10.00
5 2 27 Nick Cherry Springfield, Mo. 8.00
6 5 35 Gary Ball Lebanon , Mo 6.00
KEYSER MANUFACTURING ROAD WARRIOR – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 4 45 Geoff Ledford Neosho , Mo 25.00
2 2 21 Les Mallard Fair Grove, Mo 20.00
3 1 0 Tony Johnson Lebanon , Mo 15.00
4 5 5 Shawn Schmidt Springfield , Mo 10.00
5 3 90 Steve Shaw Rogersville, Mo. 8.00
KEYSER MANUFACTURING ROAD WARRIOR – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 7 7 Carl Harlow Exeter , Mo 100.00
2 8 45 Geoff Ledford Neosho , Mo 96.00
3 1 99 Riley Sharp Fair Grove, Mo 92.00
4 5 21 Les Mallard Fair Grove, Mo 88.00
5 3 00 Michael Juergensen Lebanon , Mo 84.00
6 9 5 Shawn Schmidt Springfield , Mo 80.00
7 6 90 Steve Shaw Rogersville, Mo. 76.00
8 11 35 Gary Ball Lebanon , Mo 72.00
9 2 27 Nick Cherry Springfield, Mo. 68.00 DNF
10 10 14 Chris Nichols Lebanon , Mo 64.00 DNF
11 4 0 Tony Johnson Lebanon , Mo 60.00
MONSTER ENERGY SPORTSMAN – HEAT
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 44 Paul Jepsen Rolla , Mo 25.00
2 6 97 Ron Hartford – 20.00
3 5 7 Aaron Douglas Lebanon , Mo 15.00
4 4 1 Toby Harden – 10.00
5 1 84 James Newell Decaturville , Mo 8.00
6 3 15 Robert Blake Lebanon , Mo 6.00
7 7 27 Mike Bartig – 5.00
MONSTER ENERGY SPORTSMAN – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 3 44 Paul Jepsen Rolla , Mo 100.00
2 4 15 Robert Blake Lebanon , Mo 96.00
3 7 97 Ron Hartford – 92.00
4 2 84 James Newell Decaturville , Mo 88.00
5 1 27 Mike Bartig – 84.00
6 6 7 Aaron Douglas Lebanon , Mo 80.00
7 5 1 Toby Harden – 76.00
BUDWEISER MODIFIED – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 6 29 Ken Dickinson Camdenton , Mo 25.00
2 4 64 David Strode Independence , Mo 20.00
3 3 9 Brian Lewis Willard , Mo 15.00
4 1 0 Chris Kerperien Lebanon Mo 10.00
5 2 11 Mark Riddle Springfield , Mo 8.00
6 5 00 Chris Johnson Lebanon , Mo 6.00
BUDWEISER MODIFIED – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 25 Stephen Counterman Fair Grove, Mo 25.00
2 4 7 Ricky Icenhower Fair Grove, Mo 20.00
3 3 14 Tim Swearengin Springfield, Mo 15.00
4 5 66 Terry Taylor Fair Grove, Mo 10.00
5 6 21 Adam Carmichael Kansas City, Mo 8.00
6 1 6 Richard Lewis Willard , Mo 6.00
BUDWEISER MODIFIED – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 6 25 Stephen Counterman Fair Grove, Mo 100.00
2 8 7 Ricky Icenhower Fair Grove, Mo 96.00
3 10 29 Ken Dickinson Camdenton , Mo 92.00
4 7 14 Tim Swearengin Springfield, Mo. 88.00
5 5 6 Richard Lewis Willard , Mo 84.00
6 12 00 Chris Johnson Lebanon , Mo 80.00
7 1 0 Chris Kerperien Lebanon, Mo 76.00
8 11 21 Adam Carmichael Kansas City, Mo 72.00
9 2 11 Mark Riddle Springfield , Mo 68.00
10 3 9 Brian Lewis Willard , Mo 64.00
11 9 66 Terry Taylor Fair Grove, Mo 60.00
12 4 64 David Strode Independence , Mo 56.00
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS PRO LATE MODEL – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 7 Kevin Donahue Wildwood , Mo 25.00
2 3 35 Steve Holt Strafford , Mo 20.00
3 2 3 Brennon Willard Sleeper , Mo 15.00
4 4 26 Payton Lucas Fair Grove, Mo 10.00
5 5 8 Cole Rouse Fort Smith, Ark. 8.00
6 6 98 Terry Smith Belton , Mo 6.00
7 7 33 Mark Remboldt Topeka, Kan. 5.00
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS PRO LATE MODEL – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 67 Jimmy Vanzandt Fair Grove, Mo 25.00
2 4 47 Kaleb Allison Mexico, Mo. 20.00
3 3 2 Kyle Donahue Wildwood , Mo 15.00
4 6 27 Joe Ross Kansas City, Mo 10.00
5 1 07 Terry Limberopoulos Cuba, Mo 8.00
6 5 15 JC Newell Stoutland , Mo 6.00 DNF
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS PRO LATE MODEL – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 7 Kevin Donahue Wildwood , Mo 100.00
2 9 47 Kaleb Allison Mexico, Mo. 96.00
3 4 35 Steve Holt Strafford , Mo 92.00
4 3 3 Brennon Willard Sleeper , Mo 88.00
5 7 67 Jimmy Vanzandt Fair Grove, Mo 84.00
6 5 26 Payton Lucas Fair Grove, Mo 80.00
7 11 27 Joe Ross Kansas City, Mo 76.00
8 8 2 Kyle Donahue Wildwood , Mo 72.00
9 6 07 Terry Limberopoulos Cuba, Mo 68.00
10 12 98 Terry Smith Belton , Mo 64.00
11 1 33 Mark Remboldt Topeka, Kan 60.00
12 10 8 Cole Rouse Fort Smith, Ark 56.00 DNF
13 13 15 JC Newell Stoutland , Mo 0.00
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About Lebanon I-44 Speedway
Lebanon I-44 Speedway is Missouri’s only NASCAR facility and weekly Asphalt Racing Oval settled nearly 300 miles from any other and proudly flies the NASCAR Whelen All American Series banner. Located in Lebanon, Missouri, along Interstate 44 on Route 66 adds easy access from any direction. Just about 45 minutes to the East of Springfield, Missouri on I-44 and just 2 hours West of St. Louis on I-44 as well as just 30 minutes south of Lake of the Ozarks.
Lebanon I-44 Speedway has a history of producing great racecar drivers, and some of the biggest stars in American motorsports honed their skills on our tracks high banked 3/8-mile asphalt oval. Legends such as the great Larry Phillips, the only 5-time national champion in NASCAR’s weekly racing series, along with NASCAR stars like Mike Wallace, Jamie McMurray, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart and the late Tony Roper have either won races or even track championships over the years.
Lebanon I-44 Speedway has perhaps the smoothest racing surface of any weekly racing facility in the nation along with new aluminum backed Monster Energy Grandstand seating, Budweiser “Wild Side” tier parking that you can pull up in your car or tailgate in your pickup and enjoy all of the racing from a great view, the beautiful VIP Suites in the middle of the front stretch and entering turn one is the newest addition, the Budweiser Fan Deck.
Lebanon I-44 Speedway runs many special events throughout the race season as well as an exciting NASCAR weekly show that consists of Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Road Warriors and the Chargers with special appearances by the United States Super Truck Series, Pro National Baby Grand Cars, NASCAR racing special events and various Concerts.
For more information visit the website at www.i44speedway.net and be sure to visit and like the ever growing Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for updated information as drivers from Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Illinois compete each Saturday Night.
2014 Lebanon I-44 Speedway Official Partners:
NASCAR – National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
Big Surf Water Park – Preferred Amusement Park
Budweiser – Official Beer
Caddy Shack Golf Cars – Official Golf Cars
Hampton Inn / Lebanon – Preferred Hotel
Holiday Inn Express / Lebanon – Preferred Hotel
Hoosier Tire – Official Race Tire
K&N Engineering – Preferred Performance Filter
Lindsay Auto Group – Official NASCAR Pace Vehicle
Mercy – Official Health Care Provider
Missouri Eagle – Official Beer, Energy Drink & Tea Supplier
Monster Energy – Official Energy Drink
O’Reilly Auto Parts – Preferred Auto Parts Store
Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr. Pepper – Official Supplier: Soft Drinks, Water, Sports Drinks
Peace Tea – Official Tea
Racing Electronics – Official Communications Supplier
Safety-Kleen – Preferred Environmental Services Company
Sportsland Accessories – Preferred Truck Accessories
Springfield Powersports – Official UTV & ATV Supplier
Sunoco – Official Racing Fuel
Super 8 / Lebanon – Preferred Hotel
2014 Lebanon I-44 Speedway Supporting Partners:
Auto Body Supply, Auto Meter, Commerce Bank, Cometic Gaskets, Dickey’s Barbecue, Emerson Climate Technologies, ESPN Radio, E-Z Disposal, Graven Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Headley’s Value Tire Center, Helton’s Home Furnishings, Heritage Bank, Independent Stave Inc., JEGS, KZNN Superstation, Lebanon Ready Mix, Liberty Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, Missouri Tool & Automation, Owens Sandblasting, Ozarks Harley Davidson, Regional Radio – KJEL, Reliable Toyota, Rock Auto, Royal Purple, Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, Sherwin Williams, Show Me Guns, Sprint, Starnes Auto, Totally You, Toyota Motorsports, Unilever, United Insurors, Waffle House, Whelen Engineering, Willard Asphalt, Z102.3 Radio, 107.9 The Coyote