Dirt Racer Magazine "September - October 2016" by Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

Sept. - Oct. 2016

4 ~ Driver Profile : Sabreena Ekstrom 8 ~ USAC Hump Day Summer Series 14 ~ DRM Centerfold - UMP Modified Donovan Lodge with Lexie Hallowell 20 ~ DRM Flashback - The Davenport Mile 22 ~ Spokes Model Spotlight - Sydney 24~ Photographer Spotlight - Katelyn Damitz Sprint Invaders - 34 Raceway

www.DirtRacerMagazine.com dirtracermagazine@gmail.com

Publisher Chris Damitz Contributing Writers Bret Sievertsen Emily Gade Contributing Photographers Chris Damitz Bret Sievertsen Katelyn Damitz Jeff Hall Brendon Bauman Dirt Racer Magazine is published bi-monthly Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by Dirt Racer Magazine All Right Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without direct permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Rob is your Magazine 2016 IMCA Late September Model National -Champion - inset photo & cover photos by Chris Damitz 2 Toland Dirt Racer October 2016

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

Name : Sabreena Ekstrom

Track you race at : Farmer City Raceway

Birthday : December 21, 1991

Crew : J.R. Turner, Brennan Wilson

Occupation : Service Assistant

Sponsors : Iron Tide Gallery, HHT, Racing411.net, Blager Concrete, Mumm Home Builders, Black Market Race Cars, Brett Moist Photography, Silverback Barbell, Sidney Dairy Barn, Bobcat, Willard Farm, Crisis Nursery, Vogel Trucking, Heels on Wheels Radio, T3G

Class & Car # : UMP Modified â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20x Chassis builder : Bob Pierce Engine builder : Hedrick Precision Engines

Your Official Website : facebook.com/sabreenaekstromracing

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

1. How did you get into racing? I grew up as a fan, attending races with my family which is where the passion for it began. I crewed for someone for a short time, worked at several tracks and attended college for Automotive/Motorsports Technology. Then purchased a car and dove in head first. 2. What's the reason behind your car number? 20 has always been my favorite number. My dad, who is my biggest fan and my hero – his nickname is Ex. Therefore the 20x was born.

5. What's your least favorite racing moment? Taking the white flag at VCS June 28th of 2015 only to feel the motor let go. 6. Do you have any superstitions on race day? I have to park in the same spot at Farmer City. 7. What's your favorite track food? Cheeseburger 8. What’s in your CD player right now? That is a good question. I listen to a mix of music.

3. Who is you racing hero's? Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Steve Hillard

9. What is your favorite TV show / movie? the Fast & Furious Series

4. What's your favorite racing moment? Summer Nationals at Farmer City, 2016. I raced my butt off trying to make the show of the 33 modifieds there. After finishing towards the back of the B Main, I was pulling off the track pretty disappointed. Only to hear Kendra’s voice over the raceiver telling us that I had made the show as track provisional. Showing up weekly and never giving up put me higher in track points and allowed me the chance to race the show (and be a part of my first 4 wide salute!)

10. What do you do when you're not racing? Work. Sleep. Race. That’s my life.

photo by Chris Damitz

11. What's your favorite sport / team besides racing? Other sports exist? lol I am a Cubs Fan and Packers Fan 12. If you could have dinner with anyone, it would be? My dad’s best friend, Richard who we lost in 2009.

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

Written by: Anita Goodan with a contribution from Dick Jordan Drivers participating in the USAC Midget Division and the Dickies Restaurant 600 Open Sprints met for the first of three Hump Day Summer Series races on Wednesday, June 29. The evening opened with the Dickies Restaurant 600 Open Sprints Feature where Shane Cottle, of Kokomo, dominated the field of 15 drivers. Dylan Woodling, of Warsaw, followed behind Cottle with Bradley Jameson, of Logansport, in third. The running order stayed static until Eric Saunders, of Lakeville, began picking off competitors after starting tenth. He was using an outer groove in the bullring which allowed him to get up to fifth by lap 11, fourth by lap 13 and third by lap 17. On the last lap of the 201ap feature, Saunders was able to get by Woodling out of the second turn and claim the second place position on the podium. Cottle came away with the win with Woodling in third.

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photos by Chris Damitz

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Spencer Bayston #97, 2. Carson Macedo #71k, 3. Holly Shelton #67k, 4. Ryan Robinson #71, 5. Dave Darland #11AG, 6. Brayton Lynch #1k, 7. Ken Drangmeister #76 SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Gage Walker #7, 2. Justin Peck #7k, 3. Tanner Thorson #67, 4. Davey Ray #33, 5. Austin Nemire #91, 6. Gary Gipson #5, 7. Rich Drangmeister #3 FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Tanner Thorson, 2. Carson Macedo, 3. Spencer Bayston, 4. Ryan Robinson, 5. Holly Shelton, 6. Davey Ray, 7. Brayton Lynch, 8. Dave Darland, 9. Austin Nemire, 10. Gary Gipson, 11. Justin Peck, 12. Rich Drangmeister, 13. Ken Drangmeister, 14. Gage Walker

photos by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photos by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

If you’ve been to Maquoketa Speedway this season, you may have noticed quite a few changes and improvements. These changes didn’t happen overnight, and they didn’t happen easily. Scott Schurbon is far from a new face in the dirt track community, but he is the new face of the little dirt track on the outskirts of Maquoketa, IA. Schurbon blames Kris Vohringer for infecting him with the racing bug. The two started out sharing a ride and racing a 1978 Cordoba at the then Tipton International Speedway. Although the beer keg they used for a fuel cell the first night out leaked so bad in hot laps that they had to call it a night, from that moment on Schurbon was hooked. 16

Dirt Racer Magazine

Eventually, Schurbon began to get involved with building engines. His love for Mopars and seeing them do well eventually evolved from a hobby to a full blown business. Over the years he built and worked on many engines of all makes for people everywhere. After successfully operating his engine businessfor many years, he decided to grow out his hair and join a band. Walking away from the racing business was an extremely difficult decision but he decided it was time to start enjoying some time off and taking some time for him. Although he was away from the racers and the racing scene, he still never lost the itch nor the passion. It wasn’t until late 2015, though, that he had the opportunity to jump

September - October 2016

photo by Nick Joos

back in the world of dirt with both feet. It started out as a non-racing related call with a friend and the next thing he knew he was headed to thefairboard meeting. Before he left the meeting that night he was dubbed as the new promoter of Maquoketa Speedway. Although he had just gotten married and knew it would be a huge undertaking, he agreed to take on the challenge. The new venture has been both tough and rewarding. His biggest challenge has been having to make difficult decisions based off of uncertainties and “grey” areas. Trying to make everyone happy with every single call is almost impossible but he uses his best judgement week in and week out to make the right decisions to keep everyone safe and able to have fun. “I can’t speak for other promoters,” Schurbon says,

photos by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

“but we usually start watering Friday night and then again at 7:00 AM on Saturday, it’s an all-day thing. The dirt is very unpredictable and after the races start your bed is made, if it’s a good track it’s great, but when it’s bad there is no greater stress. I have been one of those racers that have yelled at a promoter, it’s all part of the job.” Trying to balance his time is a little bit of a struggle but even through the trying times he says it’s all worth it and would like to thank his wife for all of her support. Schurbon’s first year promoting (this 2016 season) started out a little rocky as he was trying to fix a lot of things that were broken and iron out a routine. He made it through the negative social media and 800 gallons of fuel later got the track going in the right direction. The fairboard has been very involved with helping him make these track improvements and others. One of the biggest progresses at Maquoketa Speedway this year has been the addition of Musco lighting to the track. The new lights have brightened the racing surface up and made it a safer place to compete. They also made improvements to the sound system to make the track more fan friendly. Schurbon believes his biggest reward is constantly taking steps forward 18

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photo by Nick Joos

to improve the attitudes in the stands and pits and he is also looking forward to even more improvements for the 2017 racing season. Some of his goals include finishing up their 2016 goals. One of their plans is to get the kids more involved by building little cars that look like little late models and pulling the young racers-to-be around in them. They are also working on building a victory lane in a location so fans have an easier time taking pictures with their favorite drivers. Building off of the great turnout on their Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night, Schurbon would like to have even more specials and fundraisers to give back to the many people who have done so much to help him get started and keep Maquoketa Speedway going. A few bigger projects Schurbon and the staff at Maquoketa Speedway are working on include new dirt for the race track and improving the drainage system. There are big things happening at Maquoketa Speedway and if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the chance to check it out, take the family to the races on Saturday nights! In closing, Schurbon would like to say Maquoketa Speedway is home to some of the greatest racers and fans around and would like to thank them for their support and loyalty! See you at the track! photo by Nick Joos

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

THE DAVENPORT SPEEDWAY MILE Written By: Phil Roberts Originally Published: Dirt Racer Magazine (July 2010) Did you know Davenport was once home to a one-mile dirt speedway? In this issue’s column, you’ll find some information about the track that once existed at what then was called the One Mile Track Club Grounds outside of Davenport and is now the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds (MVF) in Davenport. I’d heard over the years that a mile track, built originally for horse racing in the 1890s, sat about where the MVF half-mile now sits. And a book, “History of America’s Speedways Past and Present” (1994 America’s Speedways, Comstock Park, Mich.) by Allen E. Brown, briefly mentions the track and says it was “located at the old Scott County Fairgrounds.” It says the track was used for car racing from 1904 to approximately Aug. 16, 1916. I’ve done some additional research on this track by looking up old newspaper clippings. I came up with some interesting information: 1) The Davenport Mile Track in 1900 hosted an exhibition race between two automobiles, which were a new invention and a rarity at the time. That event likely was the first auto race in Iowa! People from Davenport got to the track’s rural location by train. 2) An actual auto race took place at the Davenport Mile Track as early as 1904, and it was won by nationally famous racer Pete Peterson of Davenport. An advance story about the exhibition race appeared July 13, 1900, in The Daven20

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port Weekly Leader. Following is some of the story: Baron Von Schaezler and J. Bert Richardson will have a thrilling automobile race at the Mile Track next week. It will be the first race of its kind ever held in Davenport and no doubt considerable interest will be manifested in it. Two automobiles in a race around the Mile Track will certainly be a sight worth seeing. The event will be one of the principal attractions during race week. The race is to be given under the management of the Mile Track Association. Mr. Richardson received word from the Locomobile Company of America, which has its factory located at Bridgeport, Conn., that it has shipped his Locomobile or automobile as it is more generally called. It was expected to arrive in the city yesterday but there is no doubt but that it will make its appearance here before next week. A feature story about the long-closed mile track in the Morning Democrat of Oct. 11, 1955, recalls: Speed came in 60-mile-anhour packages at the old Mile Track in Davenport, where the goggled racing demons of the day coaxed their snorting, roaring racers to “suicidal speeds.” In the years before, the Mile Track had been a favorite for horse racing. But now, in the early 1900s, it was the age of speed and daredeviltry. Racing cars raced airplanes, horses and motorcycles. There were obstacle races — and even stock car races. An excuse was always found for some new kind of race. And talk about speed! Wow! The Democrat commented in 1911 that the drivers are traveling at “suicidal paces” that will “some day give them a one-way tick-

September - October 2016

et to eternity.” At best, the drivers’ Pope-Toledo racers, or crude cutdown models souped up (could achieve) 60 miles an hour. “We could go 70 on the straight-away; 50 or 52 on the turns. We would average maybe 60 at best,” said Pete Peterson, the ex-Davenport alderman and one of the great old-time automobile racers. Peterson, who drove at Indianapolis in 1924 (he came out sixth) well remembers the first automobile race ever held in Davenport back in 1904. Yellowed clippings tell that “the feature of the afternoon was the running of a mile by Pete Petersen in a $3,000 Franklin car in the fast time of one minute and 34 seconds. “ Races were held weekend afternoons up to World War I days. They proved to be society events, and the elite of the Tri-Cities were always present in their own autos and fine carriages. Big-time drivers took part in the Davenport track races. Barney Oldfield, a regular visitor here. On Aug. 25, 1907, the Democrat had this to say: Barney Oldfield broke the track record at the Mile Track yesterday, making the mile in one minute, one-and-five-tenths seconds. He was trying to better his own all time record of 56 1/2 seconds. “In a $1,000 sweepstakes race between Oldfield in his Green Dragon and Ollie Savin’s Red Devil, Oldfield slackened to keep Savin close until near the finish; then the crafty Barney pumped across the tape, submerging his opponent in dust.” For variety, the racers raced airplanes – or anything else that could be dreamed up. “Do Anything” Niles, an area flier, challenged Petersen to a 50-mile race at the Mile Track in 1916. It was an exciting occasion, and 5,000 people were on hand as the plane winged the same circle overhead. “He cheated,” said Petersen. “He cut those corners with that air-

plane and I was afraid he would beat me. But I won — beat him by a mile and showed him that the ear was as fast as anything in the air.” Local automobilists took part in the stock car races. One of the early stock car racing fans was a well-known Davenport physician, Dr. A. L. Hageboeck. “The 10-mile stock car event for Tri-City cars was won bv Dr. Hageboeck, who proved himself one of the very best chauffeurs in this section of the country. He surprised his most intimate friends with his daring and skill, speeding his Maxwell around the curves,” The Democrat said. Toward the end of an afternoon of racing, the sign went up announcing the novelty race. Anything happened here. So the next time you head to your favorite local speedway, keep in mind that you’re following a long tradition around these parts. DRM

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

1. How did you get into racing? Every since I can remember my dads drove some sort of car whether it be a late model, modified, or mod-lite so I just grew up around racing and it's pretty much the only time my family and us have the time to do something we all enjoy.

keta Caves, Drive In Movies, Starved Rock, and a road trip to Oklahoma.

5. What's your favorite track food? Everyone likes a good hot dog!

3. What's your favorite racing moment? I don't have any particular "favorite" moment at the track, but any time dad gets in the winner's circle it's a good night.

6. What’s in your CD player right now? No CD player for me, but my Maroon 5 Pandora Station is always my go to!

2. What do you do when you’re not at the races? If I’m not at the gym first thing in the morning or working my life away, I love out of town adventures. So far we’ve gone to a dog beach in Chicago, Maquo-

4. Do you have any superstitions on race day? Before this year there was no superstitions, however, every since my new puppy Oakie has started coming to the races with us we've claimed him as our "good luck charm".

7. What is your favorite TV show / movie? Grey's Anatomy 8. What's your favorite sport / team besides racing? Football, GO BEARS! 9. What has been the best advise you've received? Always stay true to yourself and never worry about what others think. You won't ever please everyone by as long as you please yourself you'll live a healthy and happy life. 10. Describe yourself in three words. Adventurous, Quirky, and Friendly

photo by Chris Damitz

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

September - October 2016