The Left Turn
Once again, most racetracks were forced to cancel last weekend’s events. Some tracks were too wet and waterlogged and other speedways closed because the cooler temps would be uncomfortable for race teams and fans. Two tracks decided to brave the weather and fans flocked to both.
Eldora Speedway opened their 2026 season last Saturday with Family Fun Night and fireworks. Headlining the first night was the USAC Midwest D2 Thunder Midgets. 26 cars checked into the track and all 26 made the feature. Luke Hall drove his #74 into victory lane, with Bryce Massingill and Drew Rader making the podium. Due to weather no qualifying heats were ran. Eldora and USAC decided to have two shootouts with 13 cars in both. Matt Lux and Bryce Massingill were the shootout winners. Bryce Massingill was Quick Time!! Fast qualifier with a 17.810, edging Matt Lux by 0.08 sec. The USAC Thunder Midgets will be back at it at Limaland Motorsports Park, this Friday, May 8th for the annual Mike Streicher Memorial Race. It will also be opening night for the speedway.
Rob Trent won the Eldora Stock Car Feature and Jonathan Taylor took the trophy in the Modified class.
Some of our area asphalt race fans took the trip north of Toledo for opening night at Flat Rock Speedway and witnessed two track records set. Cool temps helped all the drivers reach maximum speeds around the semi banked oval. Jonathan Rangel set a new track record in the Street Stock division fast time qualifying, putting together a lap time of 12.742 seconds and just taking Stevie Cronenwett Jr’s single-lap record in the process. Avery Vanderhoof set a new track record in Figure 8 division fast time qualifying, putting together a lap time of 20.113 seconds and besting Dennis Whisman Jr’s single-lap record of 20.202 seconds from 2025 in the process.
Three classes of cars opened the 2026 season Outlaw Super Late Models, Figure 8’s and Street Stocks. Brian Bergakker had several challenges during the Super Late Model Feature but was able to hang on for the win. Scott Hantz and Paul Pelletier made the podium in victory lane. Greg Studt showed why he’s an ace in the Street Stock division, adding another win to his resume. Jonny Rangel finished 2nd and Landon Schuster 3rd. One of the big crowd draws at Flat Rock Speedway is the Figure 8’s. Fan’s hold their breath as cars avoid meeting in the middle of the track and passing each other by inches. The ones that don’t end up on wrecker hooks. Tonight was a good night for the drivers, cars, and sheet metal. Record setter, Avery Vanderhoof held his own but couldn’t reel in the winner Billy Earley. Travis Earley came in second and Vanderhoof was 3rd.
If the weather holds, many area tracks will open in the next two weeks. Make sure you check your tracks Facebook or web page and make sure they’re racing before heading out. Keep your wheels down. Ron out! www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz
