2012 Race Tab Special

12
10 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 15 The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012 708 N. State, Iola * (620) 365-8088 Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Eat Fresh, WIN! Stay Fit, J o h n s o n Johnson L a w O f f i c e , P . A . Law O ffice, P.A . R o b e r t E . J o h n s o n I I R obert E. Johnson II D a n i e l S c h o w e n g e r d t D aniel Schow engerdt G e n e r a l L a w P r a c t i c e G eneral Law Practice 1 0 3 E . M a d i s o n , S u i t e A I o l a 103 E. M adison, Suite A Iola ( 6 2 0 ) 3 6 5 - 3 7 7 8 (620) 365-3778 We’re Proud To Support ALL Our Area Drivers! Here’s To A Great Season For All! 2200 N. State Iola 365-7765 Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Complete Automotive Department Name Brand Merchandise & Speedy Service P U M P PUMP ' N 'N P E T E ' S PETE'S Each store has a snack area offering everything from breakfast items to deli sandwiches, chicken, pizza & more! HOT FRESH COFFEE COLD DRINKS SERVING THE CLEANEST UNLEADED GASOLINES AND DIESEL FUELS 6 close-by locations to serve you: 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 ( 6 2 0 ) 4 7 3 - 3 4 5 6 - H u m b o l d t (620) 473-3456 - Humboldt o r or Arrowood Lane Tara Gardens ( 6 2 0 ) 3 6 5 - 3 1 0 7 - I o l a (620) 365-3107 - Iola w w w . a r r o w o o d - t a r a . c o m www.arrowood-tara.com N o w i s t h e p e r f e c t t i m e Now is the perfect time t o m a k e t h e m o v e t o to make the move to T a r a G a r d e n s Tara Gardens o r A r r o w o o d L a n e ! or Arrowood Lane! L e a v e t h e Leave the s p r i n g spring c l e a n i n g cleaning t o u s to us s o t h a t so that y o u c a n you can e n j o y t h e enjoy the i m p o r t a n t important t h i n g s things i n l i f e ! 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. R o o m s a r e f i l l i n g f a s t ! Rooms are filling fast! C o m e i n s o o n f o r a t o u r Come in soon for a tour a n d l u n c h ! and lunch! Kidwell brothers together in racing The Kidwell family of Chanute is a racing family. Kidwells have raced at Hum- boldt Speedway a long time. Todd Kidwell followed his father, Mike, and now Ty- ler 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 rac- ing. There are 13 years differ- ence 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 get- ting 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," Ty- ler said. Tyler heads into his sec- ond 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 and came out this year and won the first two races of the season," Todd said. "Then there was last week- end (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 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- 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 Pin- to 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 go- karts. In 2009 and 2010, he started getting into the "big" cars, then 2011 was his first full season. Tyler graduated from Cha- nute High School in 2011. He said he loves racing and put- ting 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 of- fered for the driver who can beat a winning driver. Tyler said they race at ev- ery 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 com- pletely. Tyler said they re- fresh 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 Tooth- Doctor of Chanute, Iola Transmission and The Ren- dezvous Club of Chanute. 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 divi- sion at Humboldt Speedway. 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.

description

2012 Race Tab Special

Transcript of 2012 Race Tab Special

Page 1: 2012 Race Tab Special

10 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 15The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

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

Eat Fresh,

WIN! Stay Fit,

Johnson Johnson L aw O ffice, P.A . L aw O ffice, P.A .

R ob ert E . Johnson II R ob ert E . Johnson II D aniel Schow engerdt D aniel Schow engerdt

G eneral L aw Practice G eneral L aw Practice 103 E . M adison, Su ite A • Iola 103 E . M adison, Su ite A • Iola

(620) 365-3778 (620) 365-3778

We’re Proud To Support

ALL Our Area Drivers!

Here’s To A Great Season For All!

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

Complete Automotive Department

Name Brand Merchandise & Speedy Service

PUMP PUMP 'N 'N

PETE'S PETE'S

Each store has a snack area offering

everything from breakfast items to deli sandwiches, chicken,

pizza & more!

� HOT FRESH

COFFEE � COLD DRINKS

SERVING THE CLEANEST UNLEADED GASOLINES AND DIESEL

FUELS

6 close-by locations to serve you:

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

(620) 473-3456 - Humboldt (620) 473-3456 - Humboldt or or

Arrowood Lane

Tara Gardens (620) 365-3107 - Iola (620) 365-3107 - Iola

www.arrowood-tara.com www.arrowood-tara.com

Now is the perfect time Now is the perfect time to make the move to to make the move to Tara Gardens Tara Gardens

or Arrowood Lane! or Arrowood Lane! Leave the Leave the

spring spring cleaning cleaning

to us to us so that so that you can you can

enjoy the enjoy the important important

things things in life! 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! Rooms are filling fast! Come in soon for a tour Come in soon for a tour

and lunch! and lunch!

Kidwell brothers together in racingThe Kidwell family of

Chanute is a racing family. Kidwells have raced at Hum-boldt Speedway a long time.

Todd Kidwell followed his father, Mike, and now Ty-ler 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 rac-ing. There are 13 years differ-ence 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 get-ting 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," Ty-ler said.

Tyler heads into his sec-ond 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

and came out this year and won the first two races of the season," Todd said.

"Then there was last week-end (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

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-

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 Pin-to 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 go-karts. In 2009 and 2010, he started getting into the "big" cars, then 2011 was his first full season.

Tyler graduated from Cha-nute High School in 2011. He said he loves racing and put-ting 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 of-fered for the driver who can beat a winning driver.

Tyler said they race at ev-ery 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 com-pletely. Tyler said they re-fresh 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 Tooth-Doctor of Chanute, Iola Transmission and The Ren-dezvous Club of Chanute.

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 divi-sion at Humboldt Speedway.

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.

Page 2: 2012 Race Tab Special

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 Churn-ing 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 be-cause 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 com-pete 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 Hum-boldt competition to an equal opportunity situation."

Carl said the three men work well together inspect-ing 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 af-ter 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," Churn-ing 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 work-ing 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

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 question-able, 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. Ev-ery class has its set of standards and rules and we have to know those things to be able to do the techni-cal 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.

12 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 13The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

Tech Crew: keeping Humboldt Speedway competitors on the level

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.

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

This is one of several gauges used to check race car carburetors following a race. There are stan-dards 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.

See TECH | page 18

Page 3: 2012 Race Tab Special

14 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 11The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

We invite you to come

enjoy a Friday

night of family fun

at the Humboldt Speedway.

And to all of our area

drivers we wish

a fast start, a safe race and a great

finish.

We are a proud

supporter of the

Humboldt community!

19 W. Madison S.W. Corner Iola Square

(620) 365-7771

Open 7 Days A Week — Serving Fresh,

Piping Hot, Delicious Mexican Food!

Call Ahead For Carry Out!

Locally Owned. Locally Operated. Parts. Sales. Service. Body Shop.

2501 N. State, Iola 800-407-TWIN • 620-365-3632

Service Department

Service Service Department Department

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

JONES JEWELRY 5 N. Jefferson • Iola • (620) 365-2681

D iamonds – W atches – J ewelry & gifts JO ANN BUTLER, OWNER

ArtCarved Class Rings Stop by and see your multitude of choices!

Best Wishes To Our Area Racers!

Fertilizer, Chemicals, Seed, Feed & Custom Application

Reliable Equipment

Agronomist & Nutritionist On Staff Experienced Applicators

203 N. LOCUST MORAN (620) 237-4668

Free Estimates �

16 Years’ Experience

• Metal Roofing •  New Construction • Room Additions

• Shingles • Vinyl Siding

• Windows

YUTZY CONSTRUCTION

LLC (785) 248-1397

Home Builders Home Builders & Remodelers & Remodelers

Willard out to defend pure stock titleDayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

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 divi-sion. 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.

“We built it from the ground up. I really love com-ing 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

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 be-ing 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 put-ting 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.”

At right, Jer-emy Willard drove his blue and orange No. 35 to a 2011 points champi-onship in pure stock at Hum-boldt Speed-way. 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.

Page 4: 2012 Race Tab Special

16 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 9The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

Your TOTAL Car Care Center

Since 1974 324 N. State

Iola (620) 365-3401

Open Monday-Friday

8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

This Summer

Take In A Night Of Racing At The Humboldt Speedway!

Beyer Motor Co. * Certified Service Department * Body Shop * Program Cars

* Large Selection Used Cars & Trucks

Financing Available • Trade-Ins Welcome

510 Main St. • Gridley, KS 620-836-3181 or Toll Free 1-800-554-4277

�CORONADO ’�S�MEXICAN�RESTAURANT

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.

Our 44th Year Serving You!

The Food You Grew Up On!

5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday Open For Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

We’ll Do The Cookin’ & The Dishes! We’ll Do The Cookin’ & The Dishes!

The Legacy The Legacy Lives On! Lives On!

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

2701 N. State St., IOLA TOLL FREE (800) 367-2187

(620) 365-2187

John Deere 3038E John Deere 3038E Tractor Loader 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

$ 17 , 100 $ 17 , 100 $ 17 , 100

Don’t Miss Any

Of The Action At The

Humboldt Speedway! GENERAL REPAIR

& SUPPLY

INC. 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

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

Here’s to another

great season!

See us for all your

tailgating supplies!

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

herffjones.com

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

ULRICH F urniture , I nc .

West Side Iola Square (620) 365-2781

EASY TERMS! • NO INTEREST!

SPRING INTO COMFORT OMAHA Bedding

Prices Starting As Low As:

Choose from Latex, Memory & Gel

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 rea-son he loves racing — it's a family-oriented sport, espe-cially at the local level.

He said Ron and Rhenda Whitworth have worked hard to make Humboldt Speed-way a family atmosphere and have improved the facil-ity over the years they have

owned the track.Murcko works at Gates

Inc., in Iola. About four nights a week he's at his par-ents' 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 — check-ing 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 daugh-ter 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 ner-vous 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.

H MurckoContinued from page 6

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Page 5: 2012 Race Tab Special

18 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 7The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

STOUT

W E R EPAIR A NYTHING E LECTRICAL

Heating & A/C Sales and Service

Gary Stout

Iola ELECTRIC & MECHANICAL

(620) 365-7112 • (620) 496-7434

ANDERSON PLUMBING LLC

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

Best of Luck to All Area

Racing Teams!

Make a pit stop at our Make a pit stop at our place for all your place for all your

auto insurance needs. auto insurance needs.

15 W. Madison, Iola, KS 66749 BUS: (620) 365-7311 • [email protected]

statefarm.com ®

State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

STATE FARM IS THERE.™

LIKE A GOOD

NEIGHBOR

Terry Sparks

We Salute Our Area Racers!

C N B

Member “Committed To Our Community”

C OMMUNITY N ATIONAL B ANK & T RUST

IOLA (620) 365-6000

HUMBOLDT (620) 473-2211

www.mybankcnb.com

Best Wishes For A Great Season To All Drivers,

Workers, Sponsors & Fans.

Planning an Auction? See us at: www.allen

county auction.com

Allen County Realty

and Auction Service

(620) 365-3178 Auctioneer:

Jack Franklin www.allencountyauction.com

AUCTION

S haughnessy C onstruction ,

LLC Your " BUDGET CONSCIOUS " contractor with a proven

reputation of staying within our bid for your job!

523 Briarwood Drive • Iola (620) 365-6815

Cell (620) 228-1303

See Ya At The Speedway!

We'll do your room additions, kitchen and

bath remodeling, replacement windows, siding and much more.

Builders of FINE HOMES for over 40 Years!

Builders of Builders of FINE HOMES for FINE HOMES for over 40 Years! over 40 Years!

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 FUEL & AIR ANTI-FREEZE TRANSMISSION INDUCTION COOLING SYSTEM

FILTER AND TOTAL SYSTEM FLUSH FLUID EXCHANGE CLEANING w/EXTENDED LIFE

Most Cars $ 149.95 $ 48.95 $ 69.95 Open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30; Saturday 8-Noon

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!

Downtown Colony, KS • (620) 852-3007

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

The

Country Diner

Delicious Home Cookin ’

�Race�On�Up!�Race�On�Up!

Part of the duties of the three inspectors is to make sure all the safety features are on the cars. That is some-thing 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 specifica-tions," 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 modi-fied cars are the ones which have the most regulations.

"There's a science to mak-ing 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 en-gines for a lot of the Topeka area drivers. I stopped being an inspector here so no con-flict of interest would devel-op," Russ said.

All three men have glow-ing 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 real-ly 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.

H TechContinued from page 13

Russ (left) and Carl Flowers use a pressure gauge on an engine to see if it meets speci-fications.Below right, Carl Flowers checks spring pressure on an engine. Below, a durometer tests the hardness of racing tires.

Page 6: 2012 Race Tab Special

2 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 23The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

1421 East St. Iola

(620) 365-3011

Jim and Barbie Daugharthy, local owners

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

Chedder Onion Crunch & Reg. Fries

Deluxe Cheeseburger & Reg. Fries

Coney Cheese Dog & Reg. Fries BBQ Bacon

Crunch & Reg. Fries

Get an

The Strong, Silent Disposer.

Badger ® 5 Solid, dependable performance with 1/2 horsepower

• 1/2 Horsepower Dura- Drive® Induction Motor

• 2 Year We Come To You® In-Home Parts & Labor Service Warranty

• Galvanized Steel Construction

• Quick Lock™ Sink Mount

Evolution Compact ®

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 Dura- Drive® 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

Flynn Appliance & Hi-Def Center Financing available on appliances and televisions

For The Fam ily Room !

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

For The Fam ily Room ! For The Fam ily Room ! For as little as

$ 150 You Can A dd A 5-Year Extended W arranty On Parts & Labor

W ith the purchase of a new appliance or television.

Stop by or call for all the details.

11 N. Jefferson • East side Iola square (888) 702-9390 or 365-2538

Open M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. SALES & SERVICE

Good Luck To All Of Our Area Racers - Have A Great

Season! From all of us

at...

J-D’s Tire &

Muffler, Inc.

Complete Auto Care

Tire Sales & Service “O N T HE F ARM ”

T IRE S ERVICE

62

0-3

65

-31

63

(Mec

hani

c S

hop)

6

20

-36

3-4

65

2 (F

arm

Ser

vice

)

Goo

dyea

r • F

irest

one

Brid

gest

one

• Toy

o M

aste

rcra

ft •

Coo

per

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

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.

"Ron/Rhenda, Thanks for the great time my wife

& I had at your facilities. Other own-ers/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"

"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

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 KilgoreLavaca, Arkansas"

Those were just two of the many emails and com-ments made following last October's four-day event held at Humboldt Speedway. The United States Modified Tour-ing Series awarded its King of America Modified Nation-als to the local dirt track.

The King came back in 2012 in March.

Ron and Rhenda Whit-worth 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 complet-ed the concession stand and rest rooms in the pit area.

The one big change for drivers in 2012 is in the B-Mod division. Humboldt's B-Mods are now sanctioned

by United States Racing As-sociation. 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 B-Mods 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 un-der 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 chang-es. 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."

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Humboldt Speedway is a big small track

See SPEEDWAY | page 4

Page 7: 2012 Race Tab Special

20 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 5The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

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.

Move up to high-performance insurance for less.

Discounts on multiple car policies!

PSI, Inc. INSURANCE & REALTY

211 South St., Iola — (620) 365-6908 Box 357, Moran — (620) 237-4631

713 Bridge St., Humboldt — (620) 473-3831

Cathy Greenwood Loren Korte Laci Sicka

F ast-Lane Smarts

IOLA TRANSMISSION “G et Your Shift Together”

Thanks to our very loyal custom ers, including those in the racing field, for your continued patronage & trust in our

engine and transm ission w ork. Your 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

620-365-8200

F olk B rothers R acing Tradition L ives O n!

AUTO • HOME • LIFE

J im T alkington

20 N. Washington • Iola (620) 365-2042

We’re Ready For

Another Exciting

Racing Season

At The Humboldt

Speedway!

We’re Ready For

We’re Ready For

Another Exciting

Another Exciting

Racing Season Racing Season

At The Humboldt

At The Humboldt

Speedway! Speedway!

Sigg Sigg Motors Motors

LLC LLC 1721 East St. 1721 East St.

(620) 365-3343 (620) 365-3343

Hats off Hats off to our to our Area Area

Racing Racing Teams! Teams!

Hope your Hope your seasons seasons

are great! are great!

Stub’s Stub’s Market Market 129 W. Randolph

Moran (620) 237-4591

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

Humboldt Speedway's 2011 Modified Points Champion — Justin Folk

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Page 8: 2012 Race Tab Special

22 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 3The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

Nelson Quarries Inc.

Nelson Nelson Quarries Inc. Quarries Inc.

Selling crushed rock of all type and agricultural lime,

washed and grading.

Selling crushed rock of all Selling crushed rock of all type and agricultural lime, type and agricultural lime,

washed and grading. washed and grading.

1307 2000 St. • Gas (620) 365-5300

1307 2000 St. • Gas 1307 2000 St. • Gas (620) 365-5300 (620) 365-5300

South Side Iola South Side Iola Square Square

(620) 365-6642 (620) 365-6642

TOWN & COUNTRY Western & Casual Wear TOWN & COUNTRY TOWN & COUNTRY Western & Casual Wear Western & Casual Wear

√ 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

STORAGE & RV

OF IOLA 1327 W. Hwy. 54

Iola (620) 365-2200

Jct. 54 and 59 Hwy Moran

(620) 237-4534

Chancy’s

Chancy’s, we’re more

than a restaurant,

we’re family!

K i r k ’ s G r i l l & S h a k e

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

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

AUTO INSURANCE Quote

P.O Box 653 203 South Chestnut Iola, Kansas 66749 (620) 365-7601

Iola Insurance Associates

I • I • A Deborah A. Taiclet, CISR Michelle M. Bigelow

NOW USING

VALSPAR

AUTOMOTIVE PAINT

Miller’s Gas Body Shop Miller’s Gas Miller’s Gas Body Shop Body Shop

 • 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!

 Our professional  service team 

 has the  knowledge 

 and experience  to treat your  car right . . . 

 the first time!  We guarantee it!

 FREE ESTIMATES ON ALL  INSURANCE WORK.

 Special iz ing  in  Col l ision  Repair and Painting

Hwy. 54 in Gas • (62 0 ) 365-6136 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Mon.-Fri. • David (Duke) Miller, owner

THE BOLLINGS: MITCH, SHARON & CARA

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.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits Breadsticks

For Your Convenience

We’re not just meat M ILK

Farm Fresh Brown Eggs

Allen Co. Raised Cage Free

E GGS

L ETTUCE T OMATOES

O NIONS P OTATOES

S ALAD M IX

B UNS

2661 Nebraska Rd. LaHarpe, KS

www.dieboltlumber.com

1-888-444-4346

26200 SERIES

Color Style Interior Latex Semi-Gloss Wall & Trim

• 20 Year Warranty • Ideal for Walls & Woodwork • One Coat Coverage • Highly Washable • Spot & Stain Resistant • Fast Dry, Low Odor • Soap & Water Clean Up

$ 30 99 GALLON

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

The New Klein Lumber Co ., Inc .

We mix Art with our Concrete! Let us show you our Stamped & Colored

Concrete. The only limit is your imagination.

Patios • Sidewalks • Driveways

307 Neosho St. Burlington, KS 66839

(620) 364-5689 30 years’ concrete experience

Burlington Construction, Inc.

— You name it, Ray has it! — HOME OF THE

32 OZ. SWIGGER

THE LOWEST PRICED SOFT DRINK AROUND!

RAY’S MINI MART

205 S. State • Iola (620) 365-5795

ICE

ConocoPhillips

Ray, the King of

Convenience, is right on

your way to the Speedway!

Or, stop by for lunch or

dinner! Hot Dogs BBQ Beef BBQ Pork

Stop by for breakfast. We have

BISCUITS & GRAVY!

“ I Want A

Swigger ”

Lowest Priced Fountain

Drinks!

J & W EQUIPMENT,

INC. 2795 N. State St. — Iola,

(620) 365-2341

2–C YCLE T ILLER /C ULTIVATOR

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

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

Page 9: 2012 Race Tab Special

24 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 1The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

BECKMAN MOTORS

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

*As reported by R.L. Polk & Co. using GM data NO DOCUMENT FEES

1 1 1 # # # In GM Sales Performance* In GM Sales Performance* For All of Kansas For All of Kansas Seven Years Running Seven Years Running

Humboldt Speedway is living large page 2Humboldt Speedway 2012 racing schedule page 4Rick Murcko loves racing at home track page 6Jeremy Wilson comes from a racing family page 8Kidwell brothers find their groove on track page 10Tech crew checks out at Humboldt page 12Jeremy Willard defending points championship page 14

Stories and photosby

Jocelyn Sheets

Page 10: 2012 Race Tab Special

4 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 21The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

Specializing in Family Practice

Chronic Care

Diabetic Care

Family

Medicine

After-Hour Services

OB Care

Women’s Health Care

Newborn to Geriatric Care

Urgent Care

1408 East St. IOLA IOLA

(620) 365-3115 Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.;

Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

304 N. Cedar MORAN MORAN

(620) 237-4621 Monday-Thursday

8 a.m.-noon

112 E. Broad COLONY COLONY

(620) 852-3550 Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;

Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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

Wed. 1-5 p.m

Our Family Is Growing To

Meet The Needs Of Yours. www.familyphysiciansks.com

GRILLIN’ SEASON

S PRING I NTO

12 G ROUND P ORK P ATTIES

12 G ROUND B EEF P ATTIES

12 P OLISH S AUSAGES

12 H OT D OGS

1 P ACKAGE Y OUR C HOICE O F O UR H OMEMADE B RATS

$ 46 No Substitutions

Bolling’s Meat Market 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 & Moran Locker H wy. 59 S , D owntown M oran • (620) 237-4331 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

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.

TRUSTED SERVICETRUSTED SERVICETRUSTED PRODUCTTRUSTED PRODUCT

Dale’s Sheet Metal, Inc.211 N. JeffersonIola, KS 66749

620-365-3534

Receive up to $1,375 in Rebates*

on a qualifying Lennox® Home Comfort System

PIQUA STATE BANK Piqua, KS

(620) 468-2555 or (620) 365-6692

BANK OF GAS Gas, KS

(620) 365-3195 Member FDIC

We’ll see you at the Races!

PUMP ‘N PETE’S

301 S. Frye Yates Center

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

in Gas

RAY’S MINI-MART 205 S. State

Iola

For your convenience — Internet banking

ATM machines at 3 convenient locations to better serve you.

HUMBOLDT SPEEDWAY2012 Race Schedule

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

Ron said he was also turn-ing over some of his duties as promoter to the Whit-worth's son, Ryan, who had decided to race this year and is learning the "family busi-ness."

"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 busi-ness 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 Hum-boldt goes from mid-March to early-October. They have over 2,500 seats in the grand-stand 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 sup-port 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 them-selves in having a clean facil-ity 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.

H SpeedwayContinued from page 2

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

Page 11: 2012 Race Tab Special

6 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 19The Iola Register Racing Special Saturday, April 21, 2012

� CALL-IN ORDERS WELCOME �

OF IOLA 301 W. Madison (620) 365-5282

H appy

H our

Slushes & Drinks Slushes & Drinks 1/2 Price! 1/2 Price!

7 Days a W eek 7 Days a W eek 2-4 p.m . 2-4 p.m .

EVERYDAY

VALUE MENU

EVERYDAY EVERYDAY

VALUE VALUE MENU MENU

Large indoor display � Many sizes, colors and shapes 11 W. Broadway ~ Iola, Kansas ~ (620) 365-3741

WILLIAMS WILLIAMS MONUMENTS MONUMENTS

Thanks to all for a Great Season of Racing Entertainment!

Thanks to all for a Great Thanks to all for a Great Season of Racing Entertainment! Season of Racing Entertainment!

Helping families since 1906 Helping families since 1906

WE SELL BIG TRUCKS TOO! WE SELL BIG TRUCKS TOO!

SEE OUR WEBPAGE FOR PRICING:

RVBTRUCKSALES.COM

1-620-365-6823

Good Luck Drivers! Have A Great Season!

Title Insurance Abstracting

Closings Title policy records to 1959,

representing history back to patent

FIRST TITLE SERVICE COMPANY

108 W. Jackson — Iola (620) 365-2615

112 S. Washington, Iola (620) 365-8311

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

Great Food! Fun Atmosphere!

Fami ly Fun At The Speedway Fami ly Fun At The Speedway Fami ly Fun At The Speedway W h eth er y o u ’re a fa m ily th a t

ra ces 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!

“It takes just that one per-fect 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 coun-try at Allen Community Col-lege," 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 remem-bering 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.'"

That's how it started. Twenty-one years later Murcko is racing in the mod-ified 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 ex-pense of this class has con-tinued 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 run-ning in the street stock divi-sion.

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 Mo-tors — 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 driv-ers just have better cars than I do. They put in a lot of mon-ey 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 bet-ter driver "back then" when

Murcko is home on Speedway track

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).

Dayton Sutterby/FinishLine Photography

See MURCKO | page 16

Page 12: 2012 Race Tab Special

8 Saturday, April 21, 2012 The Iola Register Racing Special 17The 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

QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE QUALITY QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE

1 0 5 S. Main - Gas 1 0 5 S. Main - Gas (r ight beside Mi l ler’s Gas Body Shop) (r ight beside Mi l ler’s Gas Body Shop)

(620) 365-0029 John “Punk” Kress, Owner

Everyone’s A Winner When John & His

Pit Crew Get Your Vehicle Back On Track &

Running Smooth!

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

See our ad on the back inside cover of

24 HOUR EMERGENCY

CARE

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

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane. ®

802 N. INDUSTRIAL ROAD

IOLA (620) 365-5588

PAYLESS CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC • Ready mix concrete to your specifications

• Any size order • Delivery by appointment • Prompt and dependable service

O x Shaughnessy Liquor & Shag-Mart Party Warehouse

1211 East St. • Iola • 365-5702

Your ICE COLD BEER pit stop on your way to the races!

Open 7 Days A

Week!

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

JAGER, Beer - 30 pks. & 12 pks.

D eep C reek E ngineering, 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

Drivers, Pit Crews & Spectators -

We applaud your efforts & dedication!

Here’s To A Great Racing Season!

Our 28 th

Year!

Open M on. - Fri. Open M on. - Fri. 8 a.m .-5 p.m . 8 a.m .-5 p.m .

617 S. State St. 617 S. State St. in Iola in Iola

(620) 365-6643 (620) 365-6643

All W ork All W ork Guaranteed! Guaranteed!

Elvin & Jason N elson Elvin & Jason N elson

For The Best For The Best In Auto Body In Auto Body Repair And Repair And Refinishing – Refinishing –

SOUTH TOWN BODY

,P.A.

16 W . J ACKSON

(620) 365-3125

�Put�us�in�the��Driver’s�Seat��for�all�of�your��accounting�

�needs. Best of luck on a Great Season!

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

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,"

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 di-visions. 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 fac-tory to B-Mod brought new rules and standards to follow. Wilson said he was learning and running pretty good ear-ly 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."

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

Dayton Sutterbly/FinishLine Photography