McBirnie wins Modified Challenge

  • June 13, 2002
  • by Christina Danielsen

BRITT, Ia. (June 7, 2002) - Rain threatened the kids night festivities at the Hancock County Speedway on Friday but the fans and drivers came out victorious as the night's races, sponsored by Pritchard Auto of Britt and Garner and Chrysler of Forest City, unfolded once again.

Joe McBirnie of Boone accepted the $600 Modified Challenge after winning last week's feature. Starting at the back of the field, McBirnie worked his way into the top spot for his second straight feature win on lap eight of the 20 lap event to cruise to a historic victory. Following McBirnie across the finish line was Keith Schmitz of Swaledale and Josh Omans of Garner. In just his eighth time in a race car, 2002 Algona High School graduate Jake Simpson claimed his first-ever feature win in the Limited 360 Modified division. Jamie Anderson of Mason City followed Simpson to victory lane along with Shawn Plymesser of Forest City.

Travis Hoeft of Forest City won his second straight feature in Britt on Friday with a clean sweap in the IMCA Stock Car class. Hoeft won all three of his races for an added cash bonus of $50. John Pletcher of Britt claimed the second spot while Rob Hughes of Humboldt finished third.

ory Gansen of Clear Lake jumped into the No. 1 spot on lap two of the 15-lap feature in the Econo class and held on to the end for his second feature win of the season at Hancock County Speedway. Harry Armstrong of Badger finished third while Matt Byrne of Woolstock claimed third.

In the IMCA Hobby Stock class, Shane Monson of Clear Lake came from half way through the pack to claim another feature win over Tim Smith of Clarion and Calvin Lange of Clear Lake.

Racing action continues next Friday with races sponsored by KLSS of Mason City. Hot laps begin at 7 p.m. with racing to follow at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the races or results click on www.hcspeed.com.