California's Blank is back in victory lane at Double-X

A total of 27 drivers in the ASCS Sprint Region (from five states and Australia) competed in the main event Friday, July 5, at the Double-X Speedway.
A total of 27 drivers in the ASCS Sprint Region (from five states and Australia) competed in the main event Friday, July 5, at the Double-X Speedway.

Sunday Night Thunder at the Double-X Speedway July 7 completed the bookend of racing for the holiday weekend and the races did not disappoint. With the Winged Sprints racing for an increased purse, 20 drivers checked in to try their hand at collecting the top prize. The stands were buzzing with excitement as the feature line-up was led by the father-son duo of California's Randy Martin and Evan Martin. On the opening lap, Evan Martin took the point and led the first few laps with his father in tow. Tenth starter Tyler Blank, California, and 20th starter Jonathan Cornell, Sedalia, however, were advancing through the field.

A Lap 5 restart saw Randy Martin move to the front with a pass in turns three and four. He would lead until Lap 9 when Blank charged to the front of the field and took the lead, which he held to the finish. Randy Martin finished second, with Evan Martin in third. Clarksburg's Lanny Carpenter claimed fourth and Cornell advanced 15 spots to finish fifth.

Three qualifying heat races were won by Randy Martin, Evan Martin and Slater's Bryan Grimes.

The 600 cc Micro Sprints were on hand with Sweet Spring's Quinton Benson claiming his first victory of the season at the Double-X. Benson took the lead on Lap 1 and survived challenges from Mexico's Cole Campbell and Versailles' Ayrton Gennetten to claim the 15-lap feature event.

Columbia's Dean Hathmann finished third, Campbell fourth and Scott Hathmann, Columbia fifth.

Qualifying heats were won by Benson and Campbell.

The Street Stock division was also in competition Sunday night, with Russellville's Derek Henson returning to victory lane. Henson had the field covered for the entire 15-lap main event. Early challenger Dale Berry, Tuscumbia, claimed second place, followed by Fulton's Johnny Wyman in third, Henley's Andrew Roark in fourth and Jefferson City's Jerry Unger, fifth.

Henson and Berry claimed the heat races.

The Hobby Stock division completed the card Sunday night, with former track champion Will Register, Sedalia, claiming victory. Second place went to Gage Wineland, Syracuse, who drove an impressive race by voluntarily starting shotgun on the field. Third place went to California's AJ Wirts, followed by Mike Schrader and California's Rudy Wirts, respectively.

Heat races were claimed by AJ Wirts and Register.

Racing action will continue Sunday night, July 14, at the Double-X with the first "Race for Riley", the Riley Hudson Memorial Race. The ULMA Late Models will join the three weekly classes for this special event. Prizes will be available, and racing fans are encouraged to bring their children as there will be special give aways for them. A small auction of items will be presented at intermission with the proceeds to be divided between the Children's Hospital and the Race for Riley Memorial Fund to help make this an annual event.

For more information, like Double-X Speedway on Facebook, or go to www.xxspeedway.com.