Soggy Month of May Finally Gives Way For Baer Field Season Opener

Soggy Month of May Finally Gives Way For Baer Field Season Opener
By Michael McIntyre


What would a Saturday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana be without a threat of rain. After starting a portion of the racing program back on May 14th to kick off the 2011 campaign, racers and fans alike once again flocked to Baer Field Speedway to what they hoped would be a dry night of racing.
Heat races were completed for part one of the double feature program back on the originally scheduled night of May 14th, and on June 4th the program would resume. Baer Field Mini Stock and FWD Compact make up heat races were completed. Dale Moses picked up the heat win in Mini Stocks, Mark Mason in FWD Compacts.
From there it was finally time to go feature racing, first with the NAPA Late Models make-up feature from May 14th. Chad Richardson picked up the victory in dominate fashion starting from pole as he held off 2010 track champion Steve Minich, Jr. who finished second, Derek Hoffman rounded out a strong top three. From there the Open Wheel Modifieds make-up feature took to the track, but not without a visit from mother nature once again.
Rain showers moved into the area for a brief half hour shower, putting the track on a delay, but with the help of many racers and safety personal, the track dried nicely, and racing resumed as 2010 track champion Jeremy Wallen worked his way up from sixth starting spot to win in the 30 lap feature. John Gatton, Jr. and Ron Stine wrapped up the top three. Andrew Royer took the win in Street Stocks Feature #1, Justin Kelly took the win in Mini Stocks Feature #1, and Bobby Smith became the 3rd 2010 track champion to win the first feature of the year in the FWD Compacts.
Upon the completion of the first features, it was time to line everyone back up and do it all over again. Dean Cook and Justin King started on the front row for NAPA Late Model Feature #2 and had a fantastic battle for the race lead during all 30 circuits, Cook eventually coming up with the race lead, and eventual victory as King’s tires began to drop off. Derek Hoffman once again showing he is going to be a strong contender in 2011 as he finished off the top three.
Meanwhile in the Open Wheel Modifieds Feature #2, several fans, track personal, and several others tried to figure out who was in the President of the United States the last time that John Gatton, Jr. won a feature event at Baer Field. None the less, the answer now should be pretty easy as Gatton held off Jeremy Wallen and Pete Wormcastle to take the victory. Brandon Barcus took the Street Stocks Feature #2 victory, Jake “The Snake” Hinton took victory Mini Stocks Feature #2, and Mark Mason made it a Blaine Miller sweep of the evening in FWD Compacts. Jim Long, Sr. ran unopposed to take the win in Fun Stocks.
Action returns to Baer Field Speedway this Saturday Night, June 11th with a full “Super Show” presented by Fort Wayne’s “Rock 104”FM consisting of NAPA Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, and FWD Compacts. This week’s program will also feature an on track autograph session for fan’s enjoyment.

Baer Field Speedway is promoted and operated by Tom Isch and Capitol Promotions. For more information regarding Baer Field Speedway call the track office at 260-478-7223 or visit www.baerfieldspeedway.net.