15 racers showed up at Randy’s Raceway for the 3rd annual Summer IROC
Series to race in some or all of the 3 races offered at Randy’s fine
facility.
By Sam Heller
The racers then moved downstairs out of the air conditioning and into the humidity of Randy's basement and Monk's Race Rink for some hot action with the Storm cars. The Hiester brothers, Sheldon and Shane showed their talents by running 1-2 respectively in the event, with the top 3 racers including defending race winner Sam Heller finishing within 9 track sections of each other. Completing the top 5 was the inaugural Series winner Bob Amore then Troy Bowers. 1st race winner Rich Schmidt had to leave in the middle of this race, so former rookie of the year Crystal Bowers took over the driving chores for Rich and finished 10th. After the 2nd event was competed, the racers voted to take a break from the hot action to indulge themselves with the feast put out by Randy.
The 3rd and final race of this addition of Randy's now summer classic proved to be a barnburner on Randy's intimidating 8-lane oval in pan-chassis Tycos. Sheldon and Sam were tied for the point lead going into the finale and both racers stumbled leaving the door open for opportunities for Randy and Shane to steal the prize. Shane Hiester took the win by 11 sections of track over Bob Amore and Randy Haydt. Young Steven Kercher turned in the drive of his young career finishing 4th ahead of Sheldon Hiester.
When the final points were tallied, young veteran Shane Hiester with his clutch win in the finale, squeeked out a 2-point series Summer Championship over Randy Haydt. and Sheldon Hiester. Bob Amore and Sam Heller, who were the 1st annual and 2nd annual winners of this event, ironically finished this year tied for 4th in points. Bob Amore donated a beautiful trophy to this year's winner. Before the delicious desert was served Randy passed around a box for fellow racer Eric Wenrich who is dealing with some serious health issues. Some of the racers donated their race winnings to Eric. Our prayers go out to Eric who is one of the nicest guys you'll race with.
