DeFrance pockets the feature win and adds another track championship to his impressive resume at The Hamilton County Speedway.

By: Ryan Bergeson

Fall is in the air at The Hamilton County Speedway and that means track championship time is right around the corner. The final night for the IMCA Late Models was this Saturday night at The Hamilton County Speedway. Every Saturday night, the Historic Half Mile is graced with some of the best Late Model racers in the Midwest. In 2007, the fans were treated to nine different feature winners and there are several drivers that are very close to pocketing that first win.

The night was kick started by Gary Pfieffer picking up his first ever win at the speedway in The IMCA Sport Compact division. Pfieffer was able to take the lead on Jennifer Frank and he would not look back. Barthelmus, Frank, and Daniel Ayers would finish in the top four positions.

The Performance Electric Hobby Stocks would take over the speedway. Brandon LaFrentz would burst out to the early lead but he would have company. LaFrentz would be challenged by Kevin Schmauss the entire race and on lap ten, Schmauss would get his chance. A yellow flag would bunch the cars and put Schmauss on the back bumper of LaFrentz. LaFrentz would hold on to the lead until the final lap. Schmauss would duck to the bottom and grab the lead and the feature win. Kevin Schmauss would be the winner and pad his points lead followed by Brandon LaFrentz and Brandon Tofftee.

The Neighbors Stock Cars saw Bob Sutherland steal the show as he would lead early on. Adam Silvey would tuck himself into the number two position followed early by Minnehan and Todd Foster. As the laps would count off, Silvey would make several attempts at the lead but could not make the pass on Sutherland. On the final turn, Silvey would move to the bottom for one last effort but would be out of time. Sutherland would pick up the feature win followed by Silvey, Scott Bloemke and Jason Wagoner.

The Conleys Trucking Limited Modified feature saw Matt Lettow increase his points lead and he would also become the eventual feature winner. Lettow was able to take the lead on Todd Vesterby on lap three and Lettow would set sail on the rest of the field. Bugs Vincent was able to move to second but would have nothing for the leader. Lettow would power to the feature win followed by Vincent, Paul Nagle, and Ryan Giles.

The Modifieds were next onto the speedway. The Wild One would take the lead at the drop of the green flag. Greg Elliott would continue to hold the lead as the laps counted off until Jason Toppenberg would power to the second position. Toppenberg would chase Elliott all over the speedway but could not make the pass. Elliott would lead all fifteen laps and capture another feature win. Toppenberg, Scott Olson, and Jon Snyder would round out the top four.

The Motor Inn of Webster City IMCA Late Models would come to the speedway for the final time of the 2007 racing season. The drivers would be introduced to the fans and started in order of points on the final night. Todd Cooney would take the early lead as he was followed by Darrel DeFrance. DeFrance would eventually make a bid for the lead as the two drivers went side by side for several laps. Finally, Darrel DeFrance would power to the lead and eventually pocket another feature win. Todd Cooney would settle for second on this night followed by Craig Jacobs, and Jason Hahne. Darrel DeFrance would also be crowned the 2007 Track Champion at The Hamilton County Speedway.

Another exiting night of racing this Saturday night at The Hamilton County Speedway. Congratulations to all our feature winners and to Darrel DeFrance for becoming this years Late Model Track Champion. Special thanks to all our competitiors in 2007 and to the great fans and sponsors. The Motor Inn of Webster City was title sponsor all season long in 2007 on the Late Models and we thank them for all their support. Next Saturday night we will do it all again. Season Championships for our five other classes will be starting next Saturday with Hot Laps at 6:00 p.m with racing to follow. We will see you next Saturday night.