2012 Race Tab Special

Page 1

10 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

Kidwell brothers together in racing The Kidwell family of Chanute is a racing family. Kidwells have raced at Humboldt Speedway a long time. Todd Kidwell followed his father, Mike, and now Tyler Kidwell is following his brother Todd. "Our dad, Mike, raced for 20 years and he helped at the race track when Dale Hobart had it," Todd said. "I'm in my 17th year of racing. There are 13 years difference between Tyler and me. It's what we did together. Dad had stopped racing by the time Tyler came around." Todd won a B-Mod points championship at Humboldt Speedway in 2008. He is getting ready to compete in the factory stock division this season. "This is the way our cars are most of the time — up on jack stands — so we can work on them until race day," Tyler said. Tyler heads into his second full season. As a "rookie" in the pure stock division last year Tyler won 13 races. He was fourth in points at Nevada., Mo., and sixth in points at Humboldt. "He had a solid rookie year

The Iola Register Racing Special

Complete Automotive Department Name Brand Merchandise & Speedy Service

2200 N. State Iola 365-7765 Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

PUMP 'N PETE'S 709 N. State Iola 317 S. 9th – Humboldt Jct. 54 & 59 – Moran Hwy 54 – Gas Jct. 54 & 75 – Yates Center 701 N. Santa Fe – Chanute

this season. He said it was close to being done. Todd said he hasn't raced that much the past couple of years. He said he has been helping Tyler get a foot in the door. The Kidwells build their cars from the ground up. Ty-

Todd Kidwell is getting his street stock car ready to roll this season. The No. 154 hasn't hit the track yet but should be set to go soon.

ler builds the motors. "It's just been a natural progression in our lives. Racing has always been a common thread for us," Todd said. "I started out in the four-cylinder Pony division." Todd said he went out and found himself a 1984 Ford Pinto and planned to turn it into his race car. He bought it from his paper route money. "My dad said it was too nice of a car and I had to drive it a couple of years before I could make it a race car." Tyler began racing in gokarts. In 2009 and 2010, he started getting into the "big" cars, then 2011 was his first full season. Tyler graduated from Chanute High School in 2011. He said he loves racing and putting the time in on his race car. "Todd has taught me a lot here in the shop and on how to compete on the track," Tyler said. "It takes a lot of work every day to make sure the car is ready for Friday night." Last year, Tyler said he won six races in a row at the Nevada, Mo., race track

"and they were about to put a bounty on me." A price is offered for the driver who can beat a winning driver. Tyler said they race at every area track — Humboldt, Butler, Mo., Nevada, Caney Valley and Coffeyville. "Humboldt is the nicest dirt track we run. Ron and Rhenda (Whitworth) have taken Humboldt and really made it into a great facility not just to race at but to come and watch races," Todd said. "They really promote the sport well." Every winter the Kidwells go through their cars completely. Tyler said they refresh the motors and build new bodies. "Kidwells have raced with No. 54 on their cars. It was our dad's number and he came up with it by adding his age, my mom's age and my age and it came to 54," Todd said. "Since Tyler is running with 54, I've gone to 154." The Kidwells said they were fortunate to have good sponsors such as The ToothDoctor of Chanute, Iola Transmission and The Rendezvous Club of Chanute.

15

Now is the perfect time to make the move to

Tara Gardens or Arrowood Lane!

6 close-by locations to serve you:

Tyler Kidwell (left) has learned a lot growing up in a racing family and has the experience of older brother, Todd (right), to help him in the shop, the pits and on the track as he gets his career started. Tyler is racing in the pure stock division at Humboldt Speedway. and came out this year and won the first two races of the season," Todd said. "Then there was last weekend (April 6) and I ran into problems and didn't finish the race," Tyler said. Todd's factory stock car hasn't been on the track yet

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Leave the spring cleaning to us so that you can enjoy the important things in life! • We can provide assistance with bathing, medications and many more activities. • We serve three, warm & delicious meals each day. • We provide a full calendar of activities to allow you to be as active as you wish.

Rooms are filling fast! Come in soon for a tour and lunch!

HOT FRESH COFFEE COLD DRINKS

Eat Fresh, Stay Fit,

WIN!

708 N. State, Iola * (620) 365-8088 Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

SERVING THE CLEANEST UNLEADED GASOLINES AND DIESEL FUELS Each store has a snack area offering everything from breakfast items to deli sandwiches, chicken, pizza & more!

Arrowood Lane (620) 473-3456 - Humboldt or

Tara Gardens (620) 365-3107 - Iola www.arrowood-tara.com

We’re Proud To Support ALL Our Area Drivers! Here’s To A Great Johnson Season For L aw O ffice, P.A . All! R ob ert E . Johnson II D aniel S chow eng erdt G eneral L aw Practice

103 E . M adison, S u ite A • Iola (620) 365-3778


12 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Tech Crew: keeping Humboldt Speedway competitors on the level

13

can do the job." Russ and Churning both said when they get to the track they take a walk through the pit area. They look at the cars and if they see something questionable, then they talk to the driver. "Race cars have changed so much and so quickly. In the old days, you just got a regular car — a stock car from the factory — and raced with it. We had a family friend who'd take the head lights and tail lights out of his car, race, then put the lights back in because it was the car he had to drive home," Russ said. "Now, the cars are specially built for racing. How special depends on which class you are racing in. Every class has its set of standards and rules and we have to know those things to be able to do the technical inspections." Churning said after he has looked at the cars to a certain point in the pit area at Humboldt, he goes to the infield to set the car scales. Cars have a minimum weight they have to meet but there's no maximum weight limit. See TECH | page 18

This is one of several gauges used to check race car carburetors following a race. There are standards all cars in each division have to meet. A car can win a race but be disqualified if a technical inspection doesn't go well after the feature race.

Russell (left) and Carl (right) Flowers drive two hours from Topeka to be technical inspectors of all the race car divisions at Humboldt Speedway.

Flowers brothers, Churning enforce racing rules Every sport has rules. Each sport has those charged with enforcing the rules. At Humboldt Speedway, there is the technical crew — a trio of two brothers from Topeka and an area man, a veteran of the local dirt track. Carl and Russell “Russ” Flowers and Chris Churning are the Speedway’s technical inspectors. One of the many things the three men have in common is their love of dirt stock car racing. "Years ago we were considered an outlaw track because we didn't have the same rules for cars as other tracks. We decided to go by standard rules and have inspectors at the track to enforce those rules," said Ron Whitworth, owner of Humboldt Speedway. "We wanted to make it easier for drivers to compete at our track and other tracks. We're making it an equal playing field so to speak for every division we race here." Carl and Russ Flowers grew up around racing. Neither were race car drivers but their family was involved in racing around the Topeka area. Carl was a technical official at Thunder Ridge race

track at Mayetta then left there to take a similar job at Heartland Park's dirt track in Topeka. "A few years ago Ron Whitworth called and asked if I'd be interested in coming down to Humboldt to help with the tech inspections. Chris Churning was already there and I asked my brother, Russell, to help out," Carl said. "Ron wanted to come in line with the tracks in the Topeka and Kansas City area. He had a set of rules and needed people to help bring Humboldt competition to an equal opportunity situation." Carl said the three men work well together inspecting the race cars after the division feature race at Humboldt. He said they decide how many cars to pull out of each feature — the top three to five cars — and what things to inspect that night. "If we inspected everything on every car, it would be two hours on each car, at least," Russ said. "We make the decision then divide up what needs to be inspected among the three of us." Churning came to the technical side of racing after years behind the steering wheel of a race car. He began racing when he was 14. The 42-year-old from

Iola has been on the Speedway tech crew for four years. "You grow up in the sport and you learn what the rules are and there's new things each year," Churning said. "When I stopped competitive racing, I still wanted to be around the sport. Carl said the race drivers really welcomed the technical inspections and the set of rules for each division. "Ron gave us three the full reins of inspecting and enforcing the rules. Drivers are looking for that edge to win and they will go right to the limits," Carl said. "But for the most part, all of them follow the rules" Carl said Churning worked hard to learn how to use the "tools of the trade" which consists of gauges for almost every aspect of the car. This season it has been Russ and Churning working the inspections. Carl said he has run into some health problems that have kept him from coming down to Humboldt in the early part of the season. "I'm hoping things clear up soon and I'm back down there by summer," Carl said. "Russ and Chris

Chris Churning has been a technical inspector at Humboldt Speedway four years now. Churning broke into stock car racing as a driver at the age of 14 then got out of the sport as a competitor. Being an inspector keeps him around the sport he loves.


14 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Service Department Open Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2501 N. State, Iola 800-407-TWIN • 620-365-3632 Locally Owned. Locally Operated. Parts. Sales. Service. Body Shop.

ArtCarved Class Rings Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Jeremy Willard opened the 2012 racing season at Humbodt Speedway with two second place finishes and a feature win in the pure stock division.

Willard out to defend pure stock title On the first night of 2012 points racing at Humboldt Speedway, Jeremy Willard set the tone for his defense of the track’s pure stock points championship. Willard ran second in the first two nights and claimed a win the third night. Willard, who is from Mound City, won the 2011 pure stock championship. No one is underestimating the black and pink No. 35 on the Speedway track. “This is my third season of racing with my own car,” Willard said. “I’ve helped my brother, Jessy, with his race car since I was 18. I’m 29 now. He raced in the pure stock and factory divisions.” Willard said he made the decision to drive himself when Humboldt came up with the pure stock division. He drove a car owned by John Maloney, who is now Willard’s pit guy. Willard said he found a car, gutted it and put a roll cage in it.

The Iola Register Racing Special

“We built it from the ground up. I really love coming to the track. It’s like a group of buddies, you know. Although, when you’re on the track racing, you are out to win the race,” Willard said. He said last year’s success came through making sure he kept his car sound. He said he learned to drive a clean race and keep his car under control throughout the race. “I go through the whole car after a race. I

At right, Jeremy Willard drove his blue and orange No. 35 to a 2011 points championship in pure stock at Humboldt Speedway.

make sure we find even the smallest problem with it and fix it. Sure, you want to win each time out but it is also important that you finish the race. You build up points by finishing,” Willard said. Willard really likes racing at Humboldt Speedway. “The Whitworths have the track prepared and you can almost count on the track being ready to race on. I learn

more about the sport each race. If you have a good car going in and a good surface to race on, you’re going to be successful,” he said. Like most race car drivers, Willard had a hard time putting into words what it is like out on the track and why he stays in the sport. “It’s the adrenaline rush, the speed and just racing,” he said. “I’m ready to get

back into the racing season and go after another points championship.” Willard said he’s had a lot of success at the pure stock division, which is the least expensive level of stock car racing at Humboldt. He said he’d like to move up to factory but “I just can’t afford it and the pure stock allows me to stay in the sport.”

Stop by and see your multitude of choices!

We invite you to come enjoy a Friday night of family fun at the Humboldt Speedway.

Best Wishes To Our Area Racers!

Fertilizer, Chemicals, Seed, Feed & Custom Application

Reliable Equipment

Experienced Applicators Agronomist & Nutritionist On Staff

203 N. LOCUST MORAN (620) 237-4668

JONES JEWELRY 5 N. Jefferson • Iola • (620) 365-2681 Diamonds – Watches – Jewelry & gifts JO ANN BUTLER, OWNER

Open 7 Days A Week — Serving Fresh, Piping Hot, Delicious Mexican Food!

Call Ahead For Carry Out! 19 W. Madison S.W. Corner Iola Square

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

We are a proud supporter of the Humboldt community!

11

(620) 365-7771

And to all of our area drivers we wish a fast start, a safe race and a great finish.

YUTZY

CONSTRUCTION LLC

(785) 248-1397 Home Builders & Remodelers • Metal Roofing • New Construction • Room Additions Free Estimates • Shingles • Vinyl Siding 16 Years’ Experience • Windows


16 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

The Iola Register Racing Special

H Murcko Continued from page 6

he started. He said he didn't know any better and just got in the car and drove. "You have that one perfect lap and man, you continue to do it again." Murcko said another reason he loves racing — it's a family-oriented sport, especially at the local level. He said Ron and Rhenda Whitworth have worked hard to make Humboldt Speedway a family atmosphere and have improved the facility over the years they have

owned the track. Murcko works at Gates Inc., in Iola. About four nights a week he's at his parents' home in Humboldt to work on his car. His father has a shop across the street from the house and it works out well. "We live near Piqua but we come here. I love working on the cars with my dad. "I get to spend time with him and my four girls get to spend time with me here. They can be over at the house with their grandma

and come over here and see me," he said. "Tina (his wife) and the girls help out with the car in the pits at times — checking the tires — and my two youngest girls wash the car after the races. It's a family operation." Tina works at Columbia Metal in Iola. Their daughter Ty, is married to Chase Sigg, who is a race car driver. Their other daughters are Codi, Callie and Jorja. Murcko said drivers spend a lot of time throughout the

week preparing their cars. He said the car has to be checked and re-checked. He said preparation is the key. "We work all week on it then go race. I love that. I love solving problems and I love working on the car, getting it put together just right," Murcko said. "That first fast lap and everything feels good with the car. No one does it (race) alone." Murcko didn't race in 2004 because they were building their house. In 2005, he raced

a few times. "Being a father, I found that there are things more important than racing. I love it, but family comes first. In June and July, there are ball games to go to and I don't race as much." Murcko said he gets nervous outside the car at the race track. "But once I'm in the car, I'm so comfortable in there. I get so excited on Friday that I can hardly do anything else because it's race day," he said.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Legacy Lives On!

CORONADO’ S

MEXICAN RESTAURANT The Food You Grew Up On!

Started by Papa Cleto & Mama Sally. It’s A Family Tradition.

Our 44th Year Serving You!

We’ll Do The Cookin’ & The Dishes! 1401 East St. • Iola

(620) 365-8352 Call In Your Order For Quick Pick-Up

Check Out Our Complete Menu Of Mexican Appetizers & Entrees

PLUS Enjoy Your Favorite Beverage! Operated by Cleto Coronado, Jr.

5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Open For Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

This Summer Take In A Night Of Racing At The Humboldt Speedway! Your TOTAL Car Care Center Since 1974

Don’t Miss Any Of The Action At The Humboldt Speedway!

GENERAL REPAIR & SUPPLY INC.

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Beyer Motor Co.

* Certified Service Department * Body Shop * Program Cars * Large Selection Used Cars & Trucks

17 ,100

$

John Deere 3038E Tractor Loader

• 37.1 hp, Foot Operated Hydro Drive, HD R4 Tires, 4WD with Single Lever Control • John Deere 305 Loader with 61� Quick Tach Bucket • Frontier RC2060 60� Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch Driveline.........................................................Add $1,695 • Frontier BB2060 60� Fixed Bar Box Blade...........................Add $805 • 16’ HD Trailer with Ramp & No Brakes..........................Add $1,650

2701 N. State St., IOLA

TOLL FREE (800) 367-2187 (620) 365-2187

1008 N. Industrial Rd. • Iola • (620) 365-5954 See us for: Structural Steel Square and Rect Tubing Pipe and Shafting Bolts and Nuts Sprockets and Hubs Hay Hooks

GO TEAM! We’re rooting for your school every day.

915 N. 9th, Humboldt (620) 473-3161

324 N. State Iola (620) 365-3401

herffjones.com ‹ +HUII -RQHV ,QF

SPRING INTO COMFORT See us for all your tai lgati ng suppli es!

OMAHA Bedding

Prices Starting As Low As: $

199 $ Full Set 299 $ Q ueen Set 399 Tw in Set

Choose from Latex, Memory & Gel

Financing Available • Trade-Ins Welcome 510 Main St. • Gridley, KS 620-836-3181 or Toll Free 1-800-554-4277

Here’s to another great season!

9

ULRICH Furniture, Inc. EASY TERMS! • NO INTEREST! West Side Iola Square (620) 365-2781


18 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

H Tech

Continued from page 13

Part of the duties of the three inspectors is to make sure all the safety features are on the cars. That is something the three men look at before the races begin. "We check to see if the seat belt is correctly mounted. The drivers' helmets and fire suits are up to specifications," Carl said. Carl said the body, the carburetor, the engine, the shocks, the suspension bar and every aspect of the cars have certain specifications for each division. The modified cars are the ones which have the most regulations. "There's a science to making tires softer than they are supposed to be. Tires have to be a certain hardness and we have a durometer, which checks how hard or how soft the tire is. The softer the tires, the better they grip," Carl said. On the pure stock division at Humboldt, cars have to run on regular gasoline not racing fuel. Carl said they check on that. "We make a list of what we're going to look at that night before the races start. We pull out the number we set up to pull out following a feature race and do the in-

spections," Carl said. Russ said at Humboldt they have the tech area set up in the infield. Cars are pulled out, weighed then go through the inspection as another class is racing on the track. "We get through it pretty quickly. Any problems are solved right there with us and the driver," Russ said. Russ used to work at the Topeka area tracks as a tech inspector but now only works Humboldt Speedway. "I work in a machine shop up here and build race engines for a lot of the Topeka area drivers. I stopped being an inspector here so no conflict of interest would develop," Russ said. All three men have glowing remarks about Humboldt Speedway and its owners, Ron and Rhenda Whitworth. "Humboldt has some of the best racing in Kansas. Ron and Rhenda do a great job with their track facility," Carl said. "The family atmosphere at Humboldt is great and I really enjoy coming down there to work and watch the races," Russ said. "Ron runs an excellent show here and it's a great place to race and work," Chris said.

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

W E R EPAIR A NYTHING E LECTRICAL

Heating & A/C Sales and Service

Iola

AUCTION

STOUT

Gary Stout

ELECTRIC & MECHANICAL

(620) 365-7112 • (620) 496-7434

Best of Luck to All Area Racing Teams! Russ (left) and Carl Flowers use a pressure gauge on an engine to see if it meets specifications. Below right, Carl Flowers checks spring pressure on an engine. Below, a durometer tests the hardness of racing tires.

ANDERSON PLUMBING LLC Kenton “Kenny” Anderson Shop 365-0402 • Cell 228-4182 When it comes to plumbing we do it all!

Planning an Auction?

www.allen county auction.com

Allen County Realty and Auction Service Auctioneer: Jack Franklin

www.allencountyauction.com

Shaughnessy Construction,

Builders of FINE HOMES for over 40 Years!

15 W. Madison, Iola, KS 66749 BUS: (620) 365-7311 • terry.sparks.b563@statefarm.com

statefarm.com® State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

COMMUNITY NATIONAL BANK & TRUST Member

“Committed To Our Community”

IOLA (620) 365-6000

HUMBOLDT (620) 473-2211

www.mybankcnb.com

FAST LUBE of IOLA 207 N. State, Iola • (620) 365-5533

Home of the Full-Service 10-Minute Oil Change

We change oil and filter, air the tires, lubricate chassis, vacuum the interior, check and fill all fluids, wash the windshield Up to five quarts of oil — Your choice of oil brand AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FILTER AND TOTAL FLUID EXCHANGE

Most Cars

$

149.95

FUEL & AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM CLEANING

$

48.95

ANTI-FREEZE COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH w/EXTENDED LIFE

$

69.95

Open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30; Saturday 8-Noon NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!

ace On Up! R

Make a pit stop at our place for all your auto insurance needs. STATE FARM IS THERE.™

Best Wishes For A Great Season To All Drivers, Workers, Sponsors & Fans.

(620) 365-3178

Your "BUDGET CONSCIOUS" contractor with a proven reputation of staying within our bid for your job!

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

C We Salute Our N Area Racers! B

See us at:

LLC

Terry Sparks

7

The

We'll do your room additions, kitchen and bath remodeling, replacement windows, siding and much more.

See Ya At The Speedway!

523 Briarwood Drive • Iola (620) 365-6815 Cell (620) 228-1303

Country Diner Delicious Home Cookin’

Specialties: • Chicken Fried Steaks • Pork Tenderloins • Homemade Pies • Bread • Cinnamon Rolls OPEN: Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Owned and operated by Ed & Nancy Ellington

Downtown Colony, KS • (620) 852-3007


2 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Good Luck To All Of Our Area Racers Have A Great Season!

Chedder Onion Crunch & Reg. Fries

From all of us at... Deluxe Cheeseburger & Reg. Fries

Coney Cheese Dog & Reg. Fries

J-D’s Tire & Muffler, Inc.

BBQ Bacon Crunch & Reg. Fries

1421 East St. Iola (620) 365-3011

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Sunday -Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

For the second year in a row, Humboldt Speedway has been home to the USMTS King of America Modified Nationals. In October 2011, the track hosted the first King of America four-day event then in March the four-day event returned. Stormy Scott (2) of Las Cruces, N.M., won the 2012 King of America II Modified Nationals in Humboldt.

though. The drive was well worth it. I expected to be there really late and being forced to get a room but you got it over and done with in time that my son and I drove home. Thanks again for all you did to make our trip worth it. I'll be back next year for sure. Kendall Kilgore Lavaca, Arkansas"

"We drove up yesterday from Fort Smith, Ark. for the King of America race and my first visit to your track. You guys know how to run a show. Track was great and your facilities are top notch (Cheeseburger was one of the best track burgers we have ever had). First time I had ever seen a track reworked for the features and you guys had that system down. Wish more tracks would show as much pride in pleasing the fans and putting on a good show. I only wish you had more viewing areas from the pits. The trailer stands were the best

Those were just two of the many emails and comments made following last October's four-day event held at Humboldt Speedway. The United States Modified Touring Series awarded its King of America Modified Nationals to the local dirt track. The King came back in 2012 in March. Ron and Rhenda Whitworth have owned and op-

erated Humboldt Speedway now for 22 years. Drivers and fans alike have nothing but good things to say about the 3/8-mile, high-banked oval dirt track and the facilities around it. "Last year, we did a lot of big projects to get ready for the USMTS event in October. This year we've just finished those projects," said Ron. "We did add some more bleachers on the south side of the track in the pit area." Rhenda said they completed the concession stand and rest rooms in the pit area. The one big change for drivers in 2012 is in the BMod division. Humboldt's B-Mods are now sanctioned

by United States Racing Association. The modified class at Humboldt has been under USRA for several years. "It was a good time to make the move. Other tracks in the area were taking the BMods under USRA and this makes it standard from track to track for the drivers," Ron said. This season B-Mods are still under the local track rules but in 2013 it will be under USRA rules entirely, Ron said. "Our drivers will race for our own track points money but also the USRA points money," Ron pointed out. "It helps put the drivers and the tracks all on the same page.

"Our modified drivers have done well in the USRA standings and we believe this change will be good for our B-Mod drivers." Ron said the USMTS will bring the King of America event back next March. "There will be some changes. We're going to cut it back to a three-day show. To be honest, the four days was too much for me to keep up with track prep. We strive to have the best dirt track around and it was tough keeping it the way we want it for the drivers," Ron said. "We'd really like to find some corporate sponsors for the event." See SPEEDWAY | page 4

“ON THE FARM” TIRE SERVICE

Jim and Barbie Daugharthy, local owners

New Shipment of State-of-the-Art FLAT PANEL TELEVISIONS

For The Fam ily Room !

150

For as little as

$

You C an A dd A 5-Year Extended W arranty O n Parts & Labor

W ith the purchase of a new appliance or television. Stop by or call for all the details.

Financing available on appliances and televisions

Flynn Appliance & Hi-Def Center 11 N. Jefferson • East side Iola square (888) 702-9390 or 365-2538 SALES & SERVICE Open M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

620-365-3163 (Mechanic Shop) 620-363-4652 (Farm Service)

"Ron/Rhenda, Thanks for the great time my wife & I had at your facilities. Other owners/promoters should come see how a class track is ran. Again, thanks to you and your amazing staff on a job well done. Can't wait 'til March! Thanks! Wayde & Amy Klingsick"

Tire Sales & Service

Goodyear • Firestone Bridgestone • Toyo Mastercraft • Cooper

Humboldt Speedway is a big small track

Complete Auto Care

511 S. S TATE S T . I OLA , KS

Badger® 5

Solid, dependable performance with 1/2 horsepower

• 1/2 Horsepower DuraDrive® Induction Motor • 2 Year We Come To You® In-Home Parts & Labor Service Warranty • Galvanized Steel Construction • Quick Lock™ Sink Mount

Get

an

The Strong, Silent Disposer.

Evolution Compact®

23

Perfect for smaller households or restricted cabinet space

• MultiGrind® Technology • SoundSeal® Technology at least 30% quieter • 34.6 oz. Grind Chamber and Stainless Steel Grind Components • 3/4 Horsepower DuraDrive® Induction Motor • 4 year, We Come To You® In-Home Parts & Labor Service Warranty • Quick Lock™ Sink Mount

D & R Plumbing & Electric, Inc. 204 N. Washington, Iola (620) 365-2704


20 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

Fast-Lane Smarts

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

IOLA TRANSMISSION “G et Y our Shift T ogether�

F olk B rothers R acing T radition L ives O n! T hanks to our very loyalcustom ers,including those in the racing field,for your continued patronage & trust in our engine and transm ission w ork.Y our business is appreciated!

Jesse Jr. & Justin Folk, Owners IOLA TRANSMISSION

T aking C are of A L L your autom atic & standard transm ission needs. A L L W O R K G U A R A N TE E D

Discounts on multiple car policies!

Move up to high-performance insurance for less.

You’ll enjoy fast, friendly service that’s tailored to your needs. It’s the smart way to handle your car insurance. Call today for an appointment with our agents. Loren Korte

9GĹ?TG [QWT 5JKGNF 9GĹ?TG [QWT 5JGNVGT

211 South St., Iola — (620) 365-6908 Box 357, Moran — (620) 237-4631 713 Bridge St., Humboldt — (620) 473-3831

r dy Fo a e R W e’ re it i ng c x E r e A no t h so n a e S g R a c in b o l dt m u H At T h e dw a y ! Spee

Sigg Motors #V 5JGNVGT YG MPQY VJG ĹżTUV NQXG QH [QWT NKHG OC[ JCXG DGGP OCFG QH UVGGN

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Humboldt Speedway's 2011 B-Mod Points Champion — Dalton Kirk

$JHQW $ $JHQ $J JHQ HQWW 3KRWR +HUH

AUTO • HOME • LIFE

Jim #IGPV #FFTGUU Talkington

#IGPV 0COG

#IGPV %KV[ 5VCVG <KR 20 N. Washington • Iola #IGPV 2JQPG (620) 365-2042 5JGNVGT+PUWTCPEG EQO 5JGNVGT

Laci Sicka

INSURANCE & REALTY

Humboldt Speedway's 2011 Modified Points Champion — Justin Folk

Cathy Greenwood

PSI, Inc.

620-365-8200

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

5

LLC

1721 East St. (620) 365-3343

Stub’s Market 129 W. Randolph Moran (620) 237-4591

Hats off to our Area Racing Teams! Hope your seasons are great!


22 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

onvenie C r u o Y r o F st mea We’re not ju

TOMATOES

nce MILK

t

LETTUCE

Color Style Interior Latex Semi-Gloss Wall & Trim • 20 Year Warranty

ONIONS

POTATOES

SALAD MIX Breadsticks

BUNS EGGS

Farm Fresh Brown Eggs Allen Co. Raised Cage Free

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Bolling’s Meat Market 201 S. State, Iola • (620) 380-MEAT (6328) Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

THE BOLLINGS: MITCH, SHARON & CARA

Nelson Quarries Inc.

$

30

99

• One Coat Coverage • Highly Washable

26200 SERIES

• Spot & Stain Resistant

The New Klein Lumber Co., Inc. • Soap & Water Clean Up

201 W. Madison, Iola (620) 365-2201

We mix Art with our Concrete! Let us show you our Stamped & Colored Concrete. The only limit is your imagination.

Patios • Sidewalks • Driveways

Burlington Construction, Inc.

• Patented Serpentine Tines spin at up to 240 RPM and are guaranteed for a lifetime against breakage.

• Powerful commercial-grade 2-cycle engine spins the tines twice as fast as other tillers. • Push Button Priming makes for quick and easy starts.

2795 N. State St. — Iola, (620) 365-2341

Ray, the King of Convenience, is right on your way to the Speedway!

— You name it, Ray has it! — HOME OF THE “I Want

ICE

A 32 Swigger OZ. ” SWIGGER Lowest

Stop by for breakfast. We have BISCUITS & GRAVY!

THE LOWEST PRICED Priced Fountain Drinks! SOFT DRINK AROUND!

RAY’S

MINI MART 205 S. State • Iola (620) 365-5795

ConocoPhillips

1327 W. Hwy. 54 Iola (620) 365-2200

Selling crushed rock of all type and agricultural lime, washed and grading.

• Speed Control and Shut Off Switch are both right at your fingertips. Allow variable speed control and quick shut off.

J&W EQUIPMENT, INC.

Or, stop by for lunch or dinner! Hot Dogs BBQ Beef BBQ Pork

3

STORAGE & RV OF IOLA

2–CYCLE TILLER/CULTIVATOR

• Fast Dry, Low Odor

GALLON

307 Neosho St. Burlington, KS 66839 (620) 364-5689

2661 Nebraska Rd. LaHarpe, KS www.dieboltlumber.com

Saturday, April 21, 2012

• Ideal for Walls & Woodwork

30 years’ concrete experience

1-888-444-4346

The Iola Register Racing Special

South Side Iola Square (620) 365-6642

TOWN & COUNTRY

1307 2000 St. • Gas (620) 365-5300

Chancy’s

rill & Sha k’s G ke Kir Jct. 54 and 59 Hwy Moran (620) 237-4534 Chancy’s, we’re more than a restaurant, we’re family!

Great food, a friendly game of pool and cheering Wildcat athletes on to victory. Wide variety of sandwiches including the “Jackman Burger” and Grilled Chicken Fish Dinner Taco Salad Ice Cream Malts Shakes Sundaes Several Kid’s Dinner Choices – all $3.75

Open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & 6 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday

Western & Casual Wear

Miller’s Gas Body Shop

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Let’s all head for the Humboldt Speedway! As you travel over your busy track through life, fast lane or slow lane, we’ll be there for you. We’ll cover you on every curve and at the finish line. Stop by soon for an

I Iola Insurance Associates AUTO INSURANCE Quote

Deborah A. Taiclet, CISR

P.O Box 653

√ Lots of storage units, various sizes √ Boat & RV storage building √ Fenced & under lock & key - supervised 24/7 √ RV park for trailers & self-contained vehicles √ Concrete pad & picnic table √ Ferrellgas propane sales √ Laundry facility √ Showers & Restrooms

I A •

203 South Chestnut

Michelle M. Bigelow

Iola, Kansas 66749

(620) 365-7601

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n C o l l i s i o n R e p a i r a n d P a i n t i n g

Our professional service team has the knowledge and experience to treat your car right . . . the first time! We guarantee it! NOW USING R VALSPA IVE T O AUTOM PAINT

• Completely modern paint booth and up-to-date frame repair equipment. • Large stock of windshields • Windshield repair – we fix bull’s eyes right here! • No job is too big or too small!

F REE ESTIMATES ON ALL INSURANCE WORK.

Hwy. 54 in Gas • (620) 365-6136 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. • David (Duke) Miller, owner


1

24 Saturday, April 21, 2012

#

The Iola Register Racing Special

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

BECKMAN MOTORS

In GM Sales Performance*

For All of Kansas Seven Years Running

NO DOCUMENT FEES

*As reported by R.L. Polk & Co. using GM data

59 Highway North • Garnett, KS • 1-800-385-5441 • www.beckmanmotorsinc.com

Humboldt Speedway is living large Humboldt Speedway 2012 racing schedule Rick Murcko loves racing at home track Jeremy Wilson comes from a racing family Kidwell brothers find their groove on track Tech crew checks out at Humboldt Jeremy Willard defending points championship

page 2 page 4 page 6 page 8 page 10 page 12 page 14

Stories and photos by Jocelyn Sheets

1


4 Saturday, April 21, 2012

HUMBOLDT SPEEDWAY 2012 Race Schedule

April 20 — Weekly racing series plus Vintage cars April 27 — Midwest Lightning Sprints and weekly racing series May 4 — OCRS Sprints and weekly racing series May 11 — Weekly racing series May 18 — Kids night (bicycle races) and weekly racing series May 25 — Weekly racing series May 27 — Dwaine Whitworth Memorial NCRA vs. USRA Modified/ Gates Night June 1 — 4th annual Old Timers Reunion, Vintage cars, weekly racing series June 8 — Weekly racing series June 15 — Weekly racing series June 22 — USMTS $4,000-to-win modified June 29 — Mid-Season Championship. Sponsor: First Baptist Church July 3 — McCarthy Auto Blowout, fireworks July 6 — Rain-out make-up race July 13 — Weekly racing series July 20 — Weekly racing series July 27 — Vintage cars and weekly racing series Aug. 3 — Kids Night (autographs with drivers) and weekly racing series Aug. 4 — Allen County Fair Demo Derby Aug. 10 — USMTS Hunt Race $3,000-to-win Aug. 14 — Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints (Speedweek) Aug. 17 — Weekly racing series Aug. 24 — Mechanic races Aug. 31 — Last points races, Powder Puff races, Vintage cars Sept. 8 — Shriners Combine Derby Oct. 5-6 — $3,000-to-win modified $1,000-to-win B-Mod $1,000-to-win factory $600-to-win pure stock

The Iola Register Racing Special

H Speedway Continued from page 2

Ron said he was also turning over some of his duties as promoter to the Whitworth's son, Ryan, who had decided to race this year and is learning the "family business." "Ryan is taking over the greetings and the working with the drivers and I'll work on the track. He is learning the behind-the-scenes aspect of the business. It gives us some fresh blood on the business side." The Whitworths and their staff work hard to provide the best racing experience for drivers and fans. They've always built the racing at Humboldt Speedway around a family atmosphere. The racing season at Humboldt goes from mid-March to early-October. They have over 2,500 seats in the grandstand and over 1,500 in the

bleachers in front of the pit area. There is also "lawn chair" seating at the track. "We have a great fan base here. They come out and support us and the drivers every week," Ron said. "We believe we have one of the premier dirt tracks in the area." There are nice rest rooms and concession stands now on both sides of the race track. Concrete walkways are on the grandstand side. The Whitworths point to their strong and steady workers who come in every week to make the races go smoothly. They pride themselves in having a clean facility and hire a cleaning crew. Whatever the race, they also pride themselves on their punctuality. "We start on time, put on a good show and get our fans out at a decent time," Ron said.

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

TRUSTED PRODUCT

TRUSTED SERVICE

Specializing in Family Practice

Chronic Care

Diabetic Care Family

Our Family Is Growing To Meet The Needs Of Yours.

112 E. Broad COLONY (620) 852-3550

Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

304 N. Cedar MORAN (620) 237-4621

111 S. 9th St. HUMBOLDT (620) 473-3666

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-noon

Mon. & Fri. 8 a.m.-Noon Tue. & Thur. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed. 1-5 p.m

www.familyphysiciansks.com

Medicine After-Hour Services Dale’s Sheet Metal, Inc.

OB Care

620-365-3534

Women’s Health Care

211 N . Jefferson Iola, KS 66749

Newborn to Geriatric Care Urgent Care

SPRING INTO Receive up to

$1,375 in Rebates

*

on a qualifying Lennox® Home Comfort System Offers expire 6/15/2012. *Rebate offer is valid only with the purchase of qualifying Lennox® products. © 2012 Lennox Industries Inc. See your participating Lennox dealer for details. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses.

PIQUA STATE BANK

Piqua, KS (620) 468-2555 or (620) 365-6692

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

1408 East St. IOLA (620) 365-3115

21

We’ll see you at the

Races!

BANK OF GAS Member FDIC

ATM machines at 3 convenient locations to better serve you.

205 S. State Iola

BANK OF GAS 301 W. 1st on Hwy. 54 in Gas

12 GROUND PORK PATTIES 12 GROUND BEEF PATTIES 12 POLISH SAUSAGES 12 HOT DOGS 1 PACKAGE YOUR CHOICE OF OUR HOMEMADE BRATS

46

$

No Substitutions

Gas, KS (620) 365-3195

RAY’S MINI-MART

GRILLIN’ SEASON

PUMP ‘N PETE’S

301 S. Frye Yates Center

For your convenience — Internet banking

Bolling’s Meat Market 201 S. State, Iola • (620) 380-MEAT (6328)

Open Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

& Moran Locker H wy. 59 S , D owntown M oran • (620) 237-4331 Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon

THE BOLLINGS: MITCH, SHARON & CARA


6 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Murcko is home on Speedway track “It takes just that one perfect lap. Then you’re hooked for at least another two years chasing that next perfect lap,” said Rick Murcko, Iola. The Humboldt native got hooked at the age of 19 and continues his quest for those perfect laps at Humboldt Speedway. "We went to the races but I was into other sports when I was in high school. I hurt my knee running cross country at Allen Community College," Murcko recounts. "My mom had an old car that she didn't drive and my parents were leaving for the weekend. I told them I was going to take the old car and make it a race car." Murcko laughed remembering the day he got into racing because "I had never used a wrench. I didn't know anything about cars." He said by the time his parents returned, he had learned to turn a wrench and had the car stripped down. "Dad looked at it and at me and said, 'I guess we have to build a race car.'"

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

That's how it started. Twenty-one years later Murcko is racing in the modified division at his home track. "It's so great to be just three miles away from the track. Once I started racing modifieds in 1996, the expense of this class has continued to increase. So I build my own car and race at the

home track," Murcko said. Murcko ran in the factory stock division, the lowest class in terms of expense, then had a couple years running in the street stock division. Murcko "does all right" in the modified class. "I just love the sport. I raced motorcycles when I was younger. That's prob-

ably how I got the bug and of course, we went to the races every weekend here." Murcko's father, Ron, was a mechanic and builds the motors for the car. OMM Motors — Old Man Murcko. "I couldn't weld. Nothing. But I can now," Murcko said. Murcko said in the 1990s he bought a blueprint of a modified chassis which he

followed on his first modified car. "I still have the blueprint but I've learned different things over the years. I look at other cars and watch as they race to get ideas," Murcko said. He's never won a points championship at Humboldt Speedway. It would be nice, he admitted. "But the competition in this division is really, really tough. And a lot of the drivers just have better cars than I do. They put in a lot of money on their cars. "Justin and Jesse Folk build their own cars. They've had more success and can put more money back into the cars. Same with John Allen of Chanute. But all of those guys have helped me throughout the years. "That's what I like about the sport. We're all friends. We all want to win the races but we get along and help someone who needs it." Murcko said he was a better driver "back then" when

EVERYDAY

Family Fun At The Speedway

VALUE MENU

W h eth er y o u ’re a fa m ily th a t ra ce s o r o n e th a t en jo y s w a tch in g , h ere’s to a g rea t su m m er a t th e tra ck ! W e S u ppo rt o u r K a n sa s Y o u th O n E very L evel!

FIRST TITLE SERVICE COMPANY 112 S. Washington, Iola

Title Insurance Abstracting Closings

Mon. thru Thur. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-Midnight; Closed Sunday

Title policy records to 1959, representing history back to patent

See MURCKO | page 16

Rick Murcko has been stock car racing since 1991. He and his father, Ron Murcko of Humboldt, build his race cars from the ground up. He also gets help from his "crew" including daughters Callie (left) and Jorja (in car).

19

(620) 365-8311

Great Food! Fun Atmosphere!

108 W. Jackson — Iola (620) 365-2615

Good Luck Drivers! Have A Great Season!

SEE OUR WEBPAGE FOR PRICING:

RVBTRUCKSALES.COM

1-620-365-6823 WE SELL BIG TRUCKS TOO!

Thanks to all for a Great Season of Racing Entertainment!

WILLIAMS MONUMENTS Helping families since 1906

Large indoor display Many sizes, colors and shapes

11 W. Broadway ~ Iola, Kansas ~ (620) 365-3741

y H ap pr H ou 7 D ays a W eek 2-4 p.m . Slushes & D rinks

1/2 Price!

OF IOLA

301 W. Madison (620) 365-5282

CALL-IN ORDERS WELCOME


8 Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Iola Register Racing Special

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Stop in and Cool Off with a Sweet Treat on your way to the races!

IOLA DAIRY QUEEN 323 S. State • Iola • (620) 365-3691 Jim and Laura Baker, owners

PAYLESS CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC

Jeremy Wilson captured the 2011 Humboldt Speedway points championship in the factory stock division. This season he moves up into the B-Mod division driving the No. 14.

Wilson rolls into new division in 2012 Jeremy Wilson won a street stock points championship at Caney Valley Speedway in 2009. Wilson claimed the 2011 points championship in the factory stock division at

The Iola Register Racing Special

his home track — Humboldt Speedway. In between, Wilson was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the Kansas Army National Guard.

Wilson, who is 32, is back home and ready to hit the race track in 2012. "I love this sport. I've been racing since I was 13 and my dad, Curtis Wilson, raced,"

Dayton Sutterbly/FinishLine Photography

Wilson said. "I figured I'd try it and really enjoyed it." Wilson said he had two cars racing last year, going in the factory and street divisions. He travels around to all the area race tracks. Wilson said he has a lot of help and good sponsors to help him participate in the sport. "There's a lot of work that goes into keeping a race car in top condition for each race. I work on it every day. I have a routine I go through in checking everything on the car," Wilson said. He said the move from factory to B-Mod brought new rules and standards to follow. Wilson said he was learning and running pretty good early in the season. "I'm competitive but want to push for the victories." Wilson enjoys racing at

Humboldt Speedway. He said the Speedway is one of the best facilities around. "They keep the track well prepared to race on and with the rules and the technical inspectors, it helps keep an even playing field for all the drivers," Wilson said. As for his success, Wilson believes his army training comes into play. "I'm a very observant and I'm aware of what is going on around me. That's important out there on the track," he said. "You drive defensively and look ahead to see what is happening in front of you on the track. You learn where to run to stay out of trouble." Wilson and his brothers all take to the track in the spring. "We're a racing family and it's something we all enjoy."

802 N. INDUSTRIAL ROAD IOLA (620) 365-5588

• Ready mix concrete to your specifications • Any size order • Delivery by appointment • Prompt and dependable service

For The B est In A uto B ody Repair A nd R efinishing – Ref

SOUTH TOWN BODY O ur

2 8 th

Year!

All W ork Guaranteed!

17

Everyone’s A Winner When John & His Pit Crew Get Your Vehicle Back On Track & Running Smooth!

QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE 10 5 S. Main - Gas (right beside Mille r’s Gas Body Shop)

Elvin & Jason N elson

O pen M on. - Fri. 8 a.m .-5 p.m .

617 S. State St. in Iola

(620) 365-6643

(620) 365-0029

Mon. thru Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

John “Punk” Kress, Owner

Deep Creek Engineering, LLC

10 N. Sycamore St.

Iola, Kansas 66749

Ph: 620-365-8004

Southeast Kansas Local Structural Design Resource Tanks - Foundation - Buildings Design - Inspection - Problem Solving

P ut us in the Driver’s Seat for all of your accounting needs.

Best of luck on a Great Season!

Drivers, Pit Crews & Spectators We applaud your efforts & dedication! Here’s To A Great Racing Season! JAGER, Beer - 30 pks. & 12 pks.

Hey Race Fans Red Bull • Monster • Bomb Cups • Ice

Your ICE COLD BEER pit stop on your way to the races! See our ad on the back inside cover of

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE

®

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane.

THOLEN’S HEATING and COOLING, INC. 824 N. CHESTNUT • IOLA • (620) 365-6445

,

16 W .

P.A.

J ACKSON (620) 365-3125

OxShaughnessy Liquor & Shag-Mart Party Warehouse 1211 East St. • Iola • 365-5702

Open A s 7 Day k! e We


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.