Caruth, Ades, and DeFrance visit Victory Lane for the first time of the season at The Hamilton County Speedway.

By: Ryan Bergeson

The Hamilton County Speedway sprung back into action this Saturday night. Race teams from far and wide were checked into the infield to battle on the Historic Half Mile. Gorgeous weather offered spectators a great way to spend the Mothers Day holiday.

The night was started off with the Sport Compact Feature. Jena Barthelmus once again showed to be the class of the field as she cruised to another feature win. Barthelmus has claimed the first four feature wins in 2007. She was followed by Jer Pedersen, David Williams, and Tyler Pickett.

The Performance Electric Hobby Stocks were next to take the track. "Racin" Mason Gilbert powered his machine to the front of the field at the drop of the green flag. Gilbert would continue to lead until Mark Haglund would make the pass. Haglund would power to a huge lead until Kevin Schmuass tried to run him down. With laps counting down, Schmauss would be out of time. Haglund would take home the trophy followed by Schmauss, Justin Ades, and Brandon Toftee.

The Neighbors Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing Stock Cars would take center stage for their 15 lap feature event. Jeremy Ades would lead early while Jason Minnehan would give chase. Lance Deal was able to motor to the third spot when the caution flag would fly. On the restart, Deal would power to the inside looking for the lead. Ades would hammer down out of the corner and hold on to the top spot. As the race went on, Curt Hook and Scott Bloemke would make their way to the front but they all would be out of time. Justin Ades would win his first ever Feature in the Stock Car class. Curt Hook, Lance Deal, and Jason Minnehan would round out the top four.

The Conleys Trucking Limited Modifieds were next up on the speedway. Several cars would make their way from deep in the pack to the front of the field. Late in this event, a caution would realign the field with Caruth holding the top spot. Matt Lettow, Mike Giles, and Terrance Prochaska would all be waiting ready to pounce as the green flag came out once again. Caruth was able to hold on for the final two laps as he was followed by Lettow, Prochaska, and Mike Giles.

The Modifieds were next on the speedway for their 20 lap feature event. Jake Durbin would run the bottom of the speedway and was able to lead early on. Durbin would continue to lead while Elliott, Toppenberg, and Ruter would try to find the fast way around the race track. The triple nickel was able to find the quick way around first as he started using the top of the speedway. Ruter would make his way to second and it wouldn't take him long to pass Durbin on his way to his second win in a row. Ryan Ruter picked up the feature win followed by Mark Elliott, Jason Toppenberg, and Jake Durbin.

The Motor Inn of Webster City IMCA Late Models was the final race of the night and it would go down to the wire. Al Johnson was able to lead the race early as Kelly Tapper was right on his back bumper. Jeremy Grady made his way to the third spot as Johnson continued to use the bottom racing surface. As the three cars went through the turns, Tapper would go high and Grady would power to the bottom puting them three wide on the back shoot. Tapper was able to make the pass for the lead and Grady would travel up to second. That is how it would stay for the next few laps until DeFrance made his way to the third spot. As the drivers started getting into lapped traffic, DeFrance was able to make the move to second. With four laps to go, DeFrance was able to use the lapped traffic to his advantage and make the final pass for the lead of the night. DeFrance would see the checkered flag first followed by Tapper, Grady, and Clint Wendel.

The Hamilton County Speedway has put another night into the record books in 2007. Great racing from start to finish had the fans on the edge of their seat. We invite everyone back each and every Saturday night for hot laps at 6:00 p.m. with racing to follow.