Jeff Aikey celebrates his $7,200 victory with a new race car.
What won the race: Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls, Iowa, advanced from his 10th starting spot to win Tuesday's Denny Osborn Memorial at Independence Motor Speedway, earning a $7,200 payday in topping runner-up Chad Simpson and third-place Justin Kay in the IMCA Late Model mid-week special.
Key notes: The Buchanan County Fair Late Model Showdown received a significant purse upgrade to $7,200-to-win with the newly named Denny Osborn Memorial paying tribute to the late driver of the No. 72. ... The event, originally scheduled to pay $3,000-to-win, carried a purse of more than $30,000 with Late Models running 12-lap heat races and a 60-lap main event for a 72-lap night of Late Model action. ... Local businessman Todd Summers approached event promoter Travis Smock about honoring Osborn, the 1989 IMCA Late Model champion and longtime supporter of racing through his Waterloo Auto Parts who died May 24. ... Summers rounded up numerous sponsors to boost the race's purse. ... Late Models will run under Indee Open-style rules and joined by IMCA modifieds and stock cars.
On the move: Charlie McKenna of Ames, Iowa, started 24th and finished 13th.
Winner's sponsors: Aikey’s Rick Dralle-owned Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Quam Trucking, Pat’s Auto Salvage, Red’s Limo Service, RE/MAX Home Group Rick Bauer, Simon’s Trucking, CRE, NXT Bank and Aschenbrenner Trucking.
Points chase: Hometown driver Sean Johnson leads Independence Motor Speedway's IMCA weekly standings with 320 points over Logan Duffy (316), Scott Welsh (269) and Curt Martin (268).
Current weather: Clear, 81°F
Car count: 38
Polesitter: Sean Johnson
Heat race winners: Brian Harris, Jason Rauen, Justin Kay, Luke Goedert, , , ,
Consolation race winners: Darin Duffy, Dave Eckrich, ,