Plymouth Speedway World Series of Dirt
Showcases Dynamic Racing, Support

By: Anita Soltis

(Plymouth, IN)  The World Series of Dirt challenge Saturday night at Plymouth Speedway not only showed strength on the track, but strength as a racing community when the green flag dropped on the third annual event.  The night proved the best of each class and the best of how to help others in need.

Drivers and fans came to the aid of driver Kevin Swindell who was injured in a Sprint Car accident in August while qualifying for the Knoxville Nationals.  Swindell continues to recover from multiple surgeries.  On Saturday night, Sprint Car driver Randy Hannagan spoke of the passion drivers have to be active in the sport as that passion can be dangerous at times.  Helmets were passed through the crowd where money was collected to aid the Swindell family for whatever need they see a priority.  The #BulldogStrong 30, run by 410 and 360 Sprint car drivers, was featured as a tribute to Swindell. 

Tyler Courtney, of Indianapolis, looked to have the race sewn up by the halfway point, but had trouble coming out of turn two on the 19th lap of the feature.  That allowed Tracey Hines of Wilkinson, Indiana to go by him on the inside and take over the lead.  It wasn’t long after that pass when Courtney was into the wall and brought out the first caution.  Hines would hold onto the first position to claim the victory.  Kody Kinser, of Bloomington, Indiana, started ninth and used the outside groove to finish second while Randy Hannagan started third and finished third. 

“I’m still learning how to drive a Winged Sprint and I’ve got a lot to learn,” said Hines.  “I think this win is is good start.”

Kody Kinser won the Hard Charger award presented by Smiley Auto Parts ($100 gift certificate); Dakota Bushe won the 10th place award; Randy Hannagan was the recipient of the $300 top 360 Sprint finisher award presented by Michiana Balloon Rides; Matthew VanderVere won a right rear Hoosier tire thanks to Huffman Electric and Timberline Tree Service; and Tyler Courtney was the winner of the Dash worth $100 offered by Boggs Automotive. 

A rookie took top honors in the Swan Lake Resort UMP Modifieds race on Saturday.  Logansport’s Bradley Jameson started on the pole and wheeled his Modified to a victory for the first time in 2015.  He had a little trouble out of turn one on a mid-race restart and went high which allowed Dan Hamstra to briefly take the lead.  Jameson was able to get the car back to the proper handling and resumed the front spot of the running order.  Hamstra, of Wheatfield, moved his way from fourth to a second place podium finish within seven laps.  Steven Brooks came through the field from ninth to finish third.  The New Lenox, Illinois driver battled David Stremme for position for several laps before making his way to the final spot on the podium. 

“This is really great!  I’d like to thank Dan Hamstra for racing me clean for the battle for the lead.  It’s a great first win and I can’t believe this is happening!” smiled Jameson. 

In the Modifieds division, the Dillon Nusbaum received the 10th place finisher prize while Zeke McKenzie got the Hard Luck award.  Both drivers received a certificate from Racing Optics.  Lynn Johns won the seventh place award.

Eric Saunders claimed another win the Dickies Restaurant 600 Open Sprints race.  Saunders, of Lakeville, started third in the feature but shot to the lead like a rocket by the second lap.  Even with two cautions in the 20-lap feature, Saunders had a three-second lead over second place finisher Brad Nichols, of South Bend, when the race concluded.  Chad Hartzell, of Granger, took the last spot on the podium after falling a spot to pole-sitter Nichols. 

“I have a great family and so many people to help me.  It’s been a rough road, but life is what you make of it.  I’m achieving goals,” stated Saunders. 

Kyle Burns won the 10th place finisher award, Bud McCune received the Hard Luck award and Blake Lamb claimed the seventh place award. 

It was another dominating performance for David Short Saturday night in the WTCA Super Streets division.  The Winamac, Indiana driver took hold of the lead and didn’t see another place in the running order throughout the feature.  There were plenty of drivers racing for the second place spot.  Michael Clark had damage to his No. 91 and fell to the bottom of the order after spinning out of turn one following a side-by-side contact battle with Calvin Peek, Jr. on the fifth lap.  That allowed Randy Akers to slide into the second place position with Dave Fritz on his bumper.  As much as he tried, Peek couldn’t get by Fritz for third.  Short won the feature with Akers from Gary, Indiana in second and Winamac’s Fritz came in third. 

“This is our 13th win of this season!  We had a lot of work to do as we were under the car for much of the week for this race,” smiled Short. 

Nate Payton was the winner of the 10th place finisher award with Michael Clark with the Hard Luck award.  Bear Cooley claimed the 7th place finish award.

Warsaw’s Mike Hoagland was able to keep John Rhoads from victory Saturday night in the Walmart Thunder Stocks feature.  Starting in the third spot, Hoagland claimed the lead on the second lap after Douglas Payton and Bryan Banta fell from the front row.  John Rhoads, from Mentone, started dead last in the feature after not being able to show for the heat race.  He fought through traffic to get into the second spot before the halfway point of the race.  Rhoads didn’t have enough for Hoagland’s No. 27H as Hoagland powered to the finish for the win.  Banta, of South Bend, was able to hold on to the third place position at the end of the feature. 

“It’s been a long night, but it was great.  What a great race!” stated Hoagland. 

Doug Payton received the 10th place finisher award and Jason Fritz was the winner the Hard Luck award.  Mike Yacullo finished 7th for that specific award. 

A special thank you goes out to our contingency award sponsors and to our division sponsors for the gracious support this season.  More great things are planned for 2016.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and on www.plymouthspeedway.net for more information throughout the off-season.  On behalf of Owner Ed Kennedy, thank you all for a great year.