By Bill W
April 13, 2010 – The time is almost here! The Ideal Ready Mix Sprint Invaders take to the racy 3/8 mile 34 Raceway near West Burlington, Iowa this Saturday night. A talented contingent of sprint car drivers is expected to duel for the inaugural “360 Sprint Challenge” that could double as many as three drivers prize money!
A normal racing program including heats, the Shake-up Dash, the B main and the feature is planned. The twist comes in the form of the challenge. After the Shake-up dash, the top six finishers will be brought to the frontstretch. The winner of the dash will roll the dice to determine his inversion spot. Then, the first three starters in the main event will have an opportunity to take the challenge! The challenge includes starting on the tail of the feature. Up to three drivers can take the challenge. If they finish in the top three at the end of the night, their earnings will be doubled!
That’s not all! In addition, fans may contribute to the challenge if they wish (as an incentive to drivers to take the challenge)! If drivers take the challenge and do not finish in the top three, any moneys put in by the fans would be donated to the Sprint Invaders Benevolent Society. If no drivers take the challenge, moneys would be returned to any fan donating to the challenge.
In 2009, champion Bobby Mincer, and 2007 series champ, Kaley Gharst, each won two out of the six features contested. Mike Houseman Jr. (non-wing) and Donnie Steward grabbed the other main event wins. Matt Rogerson, who retired following 2009, is the all-time feature winner leader with the Sprint Invaders, grabbing five wins over the years. A strong field of sprint car drivers is expected, with a handful of regular drivers from both the Knoxville (Joe Beaver, Josh Schneiderman to name a couple) and central Illinois (Jim and Joey Moughan) areas.
Tickets are $15 for adults, and $13 for seniors and students. Fans 10 and under are FREE. Pit gates open at 4 p.m., with grandstand seating available at 5 p.m. Racing gets underway at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.34Raceway.com!
Sprint Invaders Feature Winners at 34 Raceway (22 events, 25 features)
5, Matt Rogerson
3, Jerrod Hull
3, Bobby Mincer
2, John Schulz
2, Mike Houseman Jr.
2, Kaley Gharst
1, Bobby Hawks
1, Terry McCarl
1, Mike Reinke
1, Randy Plath
1, Jeff Mitrisin
1, Matt Sutton
1, Brian Brown
1, Donnie Steward
2010 Sprint Invaders Schedule (Subject to Change)
Saturday, April 17 – 34 Raceway (West Burlington, IA)
Friday, April 23 – Shepp’s Speedway (Alexander, IL)
Friday, May 7 – Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
Friday, May 28 – CJ Speedway (Columbus Junction, IA)
Saturday, May 29 – 34 Raceway (West Burlington, IA)
Wednesday, June 9 – Lee County Speedway (Donnellson, IA)
Saturday, June 12 – Shepp’s Speedway (Alexander, IL)
Friday, June 25 – Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
Saturday, July 3 – West Liberty Speedway (West Liberty, IA)
Thursday, July 8 – Bloomfield Speedway (Bloomfield, IA)
Friday, July 9 – Lee County Speedway (Donnellson, IA)
Thursday, July 15 – Cedar County Raceway (Tipton, IA)
Saturday, August 21 – 34 Raceway, Night of the Twins (West Burlington, IA)
Friday, September 3 – CJ Speedway (Columbus Junction, IA)
Friday, September 17 – Farley Speedway (Farley, IA)
Saturday, September 25 – Lee County Speedway, Season Championship (Donnellson, IA)
Past Ideal Ready Mix Sprint Invaders Champions
2002, 2006 – Ryan Jamison, Mediapolis, IA
2003 – Tyson Hart, Monmouth, IL
2004, 2009 – Bobby Mincer, Burlington, IA
2005 – Jesse Giannetto, Palo, IA
2007 – Kaley Gharst, Decatur, IL
2008 – John Schulz, West Burlington, IA