HERBERS HEADLINES COVERT MEMORIAL; OLBERDING, NICHOLS, HENERY TAKE WINS

Jeff Herbers has very quietly put together a strong season in the IMCA Modified action at Thunder Hill Speedway.  “Quietly” because Herbers has been a regular visitor to the top five, but had not cracked Victory Lane until Saturday, July 17, at the Oren Covert Memorial.  Herbers was joined in Victory Lane by Kyle Olberding (IMCA Northern SportMods), Mike Nichols (IMCA Stock Cars), and Zachary Henery (IMCA Hobby Stocks).

The IMCA Modified feature showcased several occasional and first-time visitors to the Hill this season, but when the checkered waved, Herbers upheld the honor of the weekly IMCA competitors by advancing from his third row starting spot to take the feature win.  Taking a strong second was Steven Bowers Jr., while Danny Holt continued a string of strong runs by finishing third.  Taking home fourth place pay was Darron Fuqua, with Tom Charles rounding out the top five.  The night was doubly good for Herbers, who took the point lead for the first time this year, holding an 8-marker advantage over Brent Alverson.  Charles advanced one notch to third in points, while Mat Stallbaumer and Travis Patch are still well within striking distance in fourth and fifth places.

Kyle Olberding was able to make it two in a row, and four wins overall this season, in the IMCA Northern SportMod feature.  With the IMCA point handicap system, Olberding got plenty of practice at passing from his 12^th starting spot as he made his way forward to take the checkers.  Rob Holt Jr. also had a way to go to finish second, coming from the fourth row.  Polesitter Brian Neiberger took third, while Eddie Schwope Jr. and Devin Stock came home fourth and fifth.  Olberding’s winning ways have pulled him to within nine points of division point leader Eddie Schwope Jr., with Mike Taylor holding third, Rich Boyden in fourth, and Rodney Klinkner in fifth.

For the sixth time this year, Mike Nichols made the haul from Harlan, Iowa, to compete in the IMCA Stock Car feature.  And for the sixth time this year, Nichols took the trophy back North.  He was followed to the checkers by last week’s winner Jim Powell Jr., Eric Weyer, Matt Haid, and first-time visitor Josh Henery.  Nichols’ infrequent visits have taken him out of point contention, with Marvin Griffith Jr. holding a slim 8-point lead over Eric Weyer.  Matt Haid is third in points, with Greg Deters fourth and Tim Lange in fifth.

Zachary Henery brought his quick #97 machine back to the high banks, and took his second feature win of the year for his troubles.  Past feature winners Bryan Stich and Waylon Banks were second and third, Adam Fleagle finished fourth, and David Hirsch completed the top five.  Stich maintains a strong 37-point lead over Rodney Walker, while Melissa Bruning advanced one spot to third in the point standings.  Jim Streeter and John Bass round out the top five.

Next week, the O’Reilly NCRA Late Model Series makes its first Thunder Hill visit in several years. Gates open at 4:00 PM, with the driver’s meeting set for 6:30.  Hot laps will hit the track at 7:00, with heat races to follow.  Pit passes will be $30.00.  Grandstand general admission is $15.00, Seniors 65 and up are $13.00 each, kids 6-12 are $10.00, and kids 5 and under are free.  Thunder Hill Speedway is located at 11995 142^nd Road in Mayetta, KS (2 miles West of US-75 and 142^nd Road).  For more information, please visit http://www.racethunderhillspeedway.com.