Macon Gets Taught a Lesson By Brett Zerfowski

May 1, 2011 - PRLog -- (Macon, IL) After two weeks of rain and more rain, Macon Speedway was able to open its gates again for stock car racing but not without the threat of more of the wet stuff. However, no precipitation fell and Teacher Appreciation Night sponsored by The Teacher’s Lounge went off without a hitch.

With thoughts on the teachers and educators of our youth, Macon Speedway premiered the second season of High School Hornets. Another season filled with young drivers ranging from ages 12-18 from junior high schools or high schools controlled the four-cylinder Hornets and the first night brought seven drivers with ages ranging from 13-17 years of age. The feature race would be won by Warrensburg-Latham student Dalton Jacobs, a 13-year-old from W-L Junior High School.

Kyle Logue took advantage of a late-race miscue by racing leader Cory Daugherty to seal the deal on his first Chevrolet Late Model feature. The race was led by Roger Brickler from Springfield until the 11th lap when he would fall victim to a flat right rear tire. That would put Daugherty into the driver’s seat of the race with Logue trailing behind and Brian Diveley creeping up on the inside. On the 19th lap into the second turn, Daugherty had troubles and lost the lead to Logue. Following a yellow flag and restart on lap 23 to set up a green-white-checkered flag situation, it would be Logue grabbing the A-Main in the Chevrolet Late Model feature.

Nick Macklin has had quite a journey in 2011. From beating defending Touchstone Energy Sportsman champion Dave Crawley, Jr., in consecutive weeks, Macklin extended his streak to three after Crawley’s car fell apart with five laps to go. A smoking drive shaft and a cloud of smoke fell onto the backstretch. Crawley was leading the race and being chased by Macklin and Scott Landers. Landers took second as 2009 division champion Rick Roedel placed third.

Aaron Burcham of Decatur claimed his first Billingsley Towing Modified feature of the season as he led all 20 laps. Mark Tullis and Dave Crawley, Jr. put up a fight for the lead but Burcham was too quick on the bottom groove. Crawley would take the runner-up spot from Tullis as the drivers came out of the final turns.

It felt like old times in the Street Stock class with Steve Ewing in the “Lightning McQueen” car taking the checkered flag in run-away style. His dominance in the division through the years was once again showcased as he ran the table for 12 laps. A caution with three laps to go tried to make things interesting but Blake Shelley couldn’t get enough momentum as placed second. Bobby Beiler was followed by Larry Russell, Jr. for third and fourth, respectively, and Mike Pundt, Jr. grabbed a top five finish.

Adam Webb was the winner of the Pro Hornets class, his second feature of 2011, and dedicated the win to a late family member. Garrett Lewis, son of former Bomber champion Gary Lewis, took top honors in the Amateur Hornet class. It came down to the wire as Jerad Matherly made things close into the final lap.

Macon Speedway gathered another car count into the hundreds with seven racing divisions, including Chevrolet Late Model qualifying, and still managed to finish the show before 10pm CDT.


Next week brings the month of May and the Mother Dear program headlined by the Crazy Chicks in Cars ladies race. Also on the show is the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

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Illinois 1/5 mile dirt racing sports venue. Owned by Tony Stewart,Ken Schader,Kenny Wallace and Bob Sargent. Sanctioned by UMP and NALMS