Dusty “Zoom Zoom” Zomer was headed home after a somewhat frustrating couple days racing in Ohio. The Sioux Falls, SD native decided that on the way home, why not take in another show.
The decision was well worth it as Zomer made his way past early race leader Bill Rose, and then fended off the challenges of seven-time series champion Bill Balog to earn a convincing win at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.
An occasional competitor with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints the victory was the first for Zomer in IRA action since taking the win at Amsoil Speedway in Superior just over a year ago.
The 25 lap main event on the high-speed half-mile oval saw title contender Rose start the contest from the pole position and he spent the early portions of the contest fending off the challenges of Jordan Goldesberry who was seeking his third IRA victory of the season.
Zomer who had started in the eighth spot joined the battle for the lead, supplanting Goldesberry in the second spot on lap 13. Four laps later Zomer shot past Rose for the lead and he started to check out on the field.
The only slowdown of the contest took place with six laps to go when Scotty Theil came to a halt in turn two.
Just prior to the yellow Balog had made his way past Rose for the second spot and he was tight on Zomer’s tail tank for the restart.
Zomer was quick to react to the green flag and with clean air in front of him Zomer managed to pull out to a six car length advantage that he would to the finish. Balog crossed the finish line in second place wheeling a machine owned by Brandon Thone. It was a bittersweet weekend for Balog as while this evening’s second place run was a highlight, a wild tumble while doing battle for the lead last evening at Luxemburg had severely damaged his normal ride owned by Hans Lein. Thone offered his ride to Balog this evening and together they teamed up for s second place run. Thone also fielded a second car for Robbie Pribnow who finished a respectable sixth, giving Thone a pair of top six finishes as a car owner.
Rose who had turned in the best performance of the title contenders claiming the final podium spot. Ben Schmidt had lead the standings by 34 points heading into the evening but a disappointing 15th place finish coupled with the third place run by Rose erased the lead.
The pair are now tied in points for the championship heading into the final night. Scotty Neitzel, seeking his third career Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint title sits third in points. He is unofficially 27 markers back after a tenth place run and is still in a good position should Rose and Schmidt falter on the final night.
Mike Reinke earned the fourth place finishing spot this evening followed by Goldesberry who completed the top five.
The final race of 2015 will be held on Saturday night October 3rd at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth.
For more information on the IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com or by logging onto the series Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irasprints the series is also on twitter @IRA_sprints
The IRA Sprints are presented by its long time supporting series partners. The series support is led by title sponsor Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, and associate series partners Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Hoosier Tire, Cedar Creek Motorsports, Cummins Onan, and Carriage Auto Body.
Story by Jeff Sachse of the IRA Outlaw Sprints
Photos by KZ Photography
Dusty “Zoom Zoom” Zomer in the winners circle at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway near Beaver Dam, WI
