The Left Turn
By: Ron Burt
On Saturday September 12th at the Indianapolis Speedrome the Outlaw Modified Figured 8 Cars were racing for the World Championship 3-Hour Endurance Race with $50,000.00 on the line. A riot in the pits broke out after an unsportsmanlike crash angered other drivers, pit crews and fans. This led to a led to an angry mob swarming the driver’s race car in the pits, with police officers caught in the middle. The driver at the center of the crowd’s attention was Dana Tunny. He has been charged with two Level 6 felonies for criminal recklessness. According to court documents, Tunny is accused of purposely crashing his race car into a disabled car on the racetrack. While the driver of that car was trying to excite his disabled race car Police said the disabled vehicle had just spun out after becoming entangled with Tunny’s brother during the race. The racetrack runs good events and is very popular to fans that enjoy Outlaw Figure 8 racing. A racetrack can control most situations, but they have no idea what’s going on in a driver’s mind. This was a very rare occasion where tempers lost control, and the situation became ugly and the crowd took sides. These are high-dollar race cars that can cost 65-100K. It’s extreme Figure 8 racing and drivers at this skill level try to avoid crashing.
Last Saturday the largest crowd in the history of Eldora Speedway watched Nick Hoffman win the 56th Annual World 100 for Late Models and pick up $100,000.00. The veteran driver has won many races, but this is the biggest win in his career. Ryan Gustin started on the pole and lead most of the prestigious race for the Super Late Models, but the caution flag waved on the 88th lap of the event. On the restart with 12 circuits remaining, Gustin lost his drive shaft, and this opened the door for Hoffman, who was running 2nd at the time. Hoffman pulled away from defending World 100 Champion Ricky Thornton, Jr. on the final restart. Thornton held on to finish second. Tyler Erb charged from his 17th starting spot to round out the podium. Brandon Sheppard and Hudson O’Neal completed the top five. Shane Unger Rookie of The Year went to 11th place Dustin Sorensen.
This year’s winners of the 50/50 drawings at Eldora received Thursday $31,868.00, Friday $52,310.00, and Saturday $128,372.00.
Friday, Attica Raceway Park closed the 2026 season with the Mark Keegan Classic on Championship night. In the Winged 410 Sprints, Craig Mintz was the feature winner and took home $5,000.00 followed by Cap Henry and Jordan Ryan. Zanesville’s, Todd Brennan found victory lane in the DIRTcar Late Model Feature and $3,000.00. Ryan Missler and Ryan Markham round out the podium. The Winged 305 Sprints had Steve Rando waving the checked flag and adding $1,500.00 to his bank account. Paul Weaver and Seth Schneider finished behind your winner.
Fremont Speedway closed out their regular season on Saturday. Next week, I will list the 2026 Track Points Champions. On Championship Night, 410 Winged Sprints Zeth Sabo won the Feature followed by Cap Henry and Creed Kemenah. Shawn Valenti put his Dirt Truck in victory lane and Keith Sorg and Jamie Miller followed him. Bryan Sebetto, Jamie Miller and Paul Weaver stood on the podium for the Winged 305 Sprints.
Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon will close out their 2026 season on Saturday, September 26th with the Hammer Down Showdown, featuring the Oakshade Dominator Stocks racing against the Fremont Trucks. The Late Model Sportsmen and Compacts will be racing.
Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!
