Denning scores Fan Appreciation Night win at Maquoketa

Hobby Stock, Late Model, Modified, Northern SportMod, Results, Stock Car

Travis Denning was first to the IMCA Sunoco Late Model checkers on Fan Appreciation Night Saturday at Maquoketa Speedway. (Photo by BA Photography)

By Jerry Mackey

MAQUOKETA, Iowa (Aug. 10, 2024) – The Maquoketa Speedway hosted Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday sponsored by our friends at Oly’s Garage in Preston and the Hayes Family Farms of Monmouth and 124 race teams packed the pit area for another action-packed night of racing on the ¼-mile dirt oval located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds. 

The IMCA Sunoco Late Model feature took the green with Michael Leal pacing the field early from his pole position start.

Kelly Pestka applied pressure early while Travis Denning was steadily advancing to the front, working the extreme high line around the smooth track. Denning was able to take the lead as the feature closed in on the 10 to go mark.

Denning went on to record the win from his ninth position start. Steve Johnson turned in another strong run in advancing seven spots to cross under the checkers in second ahead of Don Pataska. 

The Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds saw another first time winner in 2024 for point racing at the Maquoketa Speedway. The Concrete Kid Spencer Diercks shot to the front quickly from his third position start and established himself as the class of the field.

Diercks held the point despite having the field brought to his bumper following a couple minor caution flags. He scored the 20-lap feature win ahead of Jason Schueller and Jeff Larson. 

The IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars saw hometown driver Jacob Ellithorpe pad his point lead with the win.

Ellithorpe came all the way from the 10th starting position to overtake Greg Gill with five laps to go. Ellithorpe went on to race to the checkers first ahead of Gill and 13th starting Andrew Burke. 

The Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod feature saw Jarrett Franzen score his second feature win in a row at his hometown track.

Franzen started back in the sixth row and steadily worked to the front using multiple lines. Franzen got to the front ahead of fellow sixth row starter Shane Paris, who was able to get to second but could not catch the 33 of Franzen. Early leader Patric Conner rounded out the top three. 

The IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks took the green with veteran Randy LaMar pacing the field. LaMar led the main event flag to flag as several furious battles were going on behind him.

Daniel Wauters came from 10th to take second at the checkers ahead of Jordan Miles. 

The stage is now set for the “Hawkeye 100” hosted by K Promotions and Hoker Trucking featuring the World of Outlaws Late Models Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17 with a full show each night. Also in competition will be the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods.

Activities will be going on all weekend with live music following the races both night. The Jackson County Fair Board will be hosting a breakfast on Saturday morning in the Pearson Hall and a classic car show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fairgrounds.

Also, Jeff and Penny Hoker of Hoker Trucking will be hosting a toy drive for Toys for Tots and fans are encouraged to bring a new toy to support the cause, the goal of which is to fill a semi-trailer. 

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