Bollinger, Egan, Glover, Archdale and Bollinger also get wins
(Peoria, IL) With several UMP regulars taking the weekend off after a grueling Summernationals Series, Bloomington driver Jason Feger decided to race and the decision paid off. After pocketing $6,000 the night before at Farmer City, Feger completed the weekend sweep with a win in Round 6 of the Budweiser Super Late Model Series and a $2,000 payday Saturday night at Peoria Speedway.
Kevin Weaver out-gunned fellow front-row starter Wes Steidinger until the first caution flew on lap 1. On the re-start, Feger went to the high side of the track and passed Weaver for the lead on lap 3. Weaver stayed withing striking distance over the first 8 laps, but Feger made several bold moves in heavy lapped traffic and distanced himself from Weaver.
By the time Weaver cleared lapped traffic on lap 11, Feger had stretched his lead to nearly a straightaway. Feger fought heavy traffic again with 5 laps to go but Weaver could never mount a serious challenge and had to settle for 2nd. Bobby Pierce had a great run, charging from 9th to 3rd, followed by Steidinger and Jason Jaggers.
“I finally feel like we’ve got something for them now”, Feger told the crowd in victory lane. “We just weren’t consistent enough in the Summernationals, so if feels good to finally win some money and get back on top. Thanks to the fans for coming out tonight and supporting your local race track.”
Ray Bollinger went to the middle of the track to pass pole sitter Derrick Doerr on lap 2 and ran away with the remainder of the UMP Modified feature event. Bollinger had a half track at times, but Doerr had his own battle going for 2nd. Erik Bruce, who started 7th, nipped Doerr at the line for the runner-up spot. Doerr, Mike Chasteen, Jr. and Steve Turner completed the top 5.
“You know we ran all those Summernationals races in all those states, but the competition here at Peoria is top notch”, said Bollinger. “I kept thinking Erik was going to be coming sooner of later, but I never did hear him so I’m glad to get the win.”
Kenny Egan led all 15 laps of the Limited Late Model feature, with Jim Carmody, Steve Shannon, Scott Schoener and Brian Crebo completing the top 5. “This is a lot of fun here”, said Egan. “We didn’t have much fun last year in the Modifieds, but winning in this division is really fun.”
Wally Zander jumped to the lead of the Street Stock feature, but was quickly challenged by Dan Glover, who made the pass on the front stretch on lap 2. John Farris pressured Zander for 2nd, and contact was made it turn 1 on lap 3, with Zander getting a flat right rear tire, which brought out a caution. Farris pressured Glover the remainder of the race, but could never make the pass and held off Virgil Nussel for 2nd. Jim Bolen and David Weaver III finished 4th and 5th.
“Not too bad for our first night out”, said Glover. “John is a tough customer, it was hard to hold him off for so long, but we made it happen.”
Brent Burrows led flag-to-flag in the Speedway Motors Illinois Lightning Sprint feature, but weighed 8 pounds light at the scales and was disqualified. Austin Archdale picked up the win, followed by Josh Brienen, Jake Sollenberger and AJ Hill.
Zach Bollinger, who is chasing the UMP National Championship in the Hornet division helped his cause with a win in the Hornet division. “We were 3rd in the nation last time I checked, so this win should help”, Bollinger told the crowd.
This Thursday, July 26, the Midwest Open Wheel Association 410 winged sprint car series invades the Peoria high banks. The winged warriors will be joined by UMP Modifieds and UMP Hornets, with track points being awarded.
Next Saturday, July 28 will be Bollinger Racing Night at the track, with bikes, school supplies, backpacks and a set of car tires among the many prizes to be handed out, courtesy of Bollinger Racing and its’ sponsors. UMP Modifieds, Limited Late Models, UMP Street Stocks, UMP Hornets and Speedway Motors Illinois Lightning Sprints will also be racing.