2020 Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series champions crowned
Officials from the United States Racing Association (USRA) recently unveiled the official and final 2020 points standings for the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series, as well as the Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge.
Among them are nine national and regional champions plus 96 track champions. Three are first-time USRA national champs and three earned their second title. One driver claimed his record-setting seventh crown while another nabbed his sixth in the last seven seasons.
2020 Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series national champions include Lucas Schott (USRA Modifieds), Mitch Hovden (American Racer USRA Stock Cars), Jim Chisholm (USRA B-Mods), Tommy Davis Jr. (USRA Limited Mods), Dustin Gulbrandson (Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks), Walter Hamilton (Sunoco USRA Factory Stocks), Lucas Peterson (USRA Late Models) and Brian Schoenbaum Jr. (USRA Tuners).
USRA Modifieds
Returning to the top of the heap in the USRA Modified division, Lucas Schott of Chatfield, Minnesota, enjoyed a solid season en route to his second Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series national title. His first came in 2016.
Despite being winless at his home track Deer Creek Speedway, Schott scored 15 victories during the 2020 campaign, many times having to travel away from his home state due to government restrictions surrounding COVID-19.
‘Cool Hand Luke’ racked up five wins at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa—including a victory in the Summit USRA Nationals—and four at the Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin.
He was a three-time winner at the Mason City Motor Speedway in Mason City, Iowa, and added four more wins at four different racetracks in four states: Sports Park Raceway in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Longdale Speedway in Longdale, Oklahoma; Monarch Motor Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas; and a win on November 1 in the season finale at the Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kansas.
The win at Humboldt was a spectacular one as he started the main event on the front row alongside 2015 USRA Modified national champ Jake Gallardo of Las Cruces, New Mexico—his lone challenger for the 2020 title. Schott went on to take the win and pocket $5,000 for his efforts.
It was the second straight USRA Modified crown for a Gopher State racer and the ninth overall for a competitor from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Schott earned $10,000 for his USRA Modified national championship plus additional cash in the PBM Performance Products Northern Region and track points funds plus numerous contingency awards.
Final 2020 USRA Modified national points:
1. Lucas Schott, Chatfield, Minn. ... 4535
2. Jake Gallardo, Las Cruces, N.M. 4512
3. Clyde Dunn Jr., Rockwall, Texas ... 4388
4. Tyler Wolff, Fayetteville, Ark. ... 4319
5. Josh Angst, Winona, Minn. ... 4295
6. Fito Gallardo, Las Cruces, N.M. ... 4275
7. Jacob Bleess, Chatfield, Minn. ... 4211
8. Jack Sartain, Terrell, Texas ... 4204
9. Jason Cummins, New Richland, Minn. ... 4203
10. Kale Westover, Blair, Okla. ... 4177
11. Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas ... 4170
12. Max Eddie Thomas, Quinlan, Texas ... 4163
13. Tyler Hibner, Chillicothe, Mo. ... 4083
14. Chase Ellingson, Iowa Falls, Iowa ... 3911
15. Jason Ingalls, Longview, Texas ... 3890
16. Mark Dotson, Cameron, Mo. ... 3875
17. Philip Houston, Odessa, Texas ... 3865
18. Joe Duvall, Claremore, Okla. ... 3857
19. Dustin Sorensen, Rochester, Minn. ... 3855
20. Devon Havlik, Iowa Falls, Iowa ... 3757
USRA Modified national champions include Lucas Schott (2020 and 2016), Brandon Davis (2019 and 2012), Darron Fuqua (2018), Jason Cummins (2017 and 2010), Jake Gallardo (2015), Fito Gallardo (2014), Matt Dotson (2013), Johnny Bone Jr. (2011), Greg Skaggs (2009), Brad Waits (2008 and 2007), Larry Herring (2006) and Ron Luitjens (2005).
American Racer USRA Stock Cars
Decorah, Iowa’s Mitch Hovden garnered an eighth national championship trophy from the USRA after snaring his seventh in the last ten seasons in the American Racer USRA Stock Cars presented by Medieval Chassis.
Hovden, who claimed the last two crowns as well as back-to-back titles in 2015-2016 and 2011-2012, won track championships at the Fayette County Speedway in West Union, Iowa, and his hometown Upper Iowa Speedway.
He scored seven feature wins in ten starts at the Upper Iowa Speedway and five more of his 14 total wins happens at the Fayette County Speedway. He also picked up a Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge win at the Deer Creek Speedway and topped it off with a win during the Summit USRA Nationals at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa.
Perhaps the most amazing statistic for Hovden was his 29 top-five finishes in 31 starts. In the last two seasons he has taken the green flag in 71 main events and was one of the first five races to see the checkered flag in all but five of those.
Hovden is the most decorated driver in USRA history with 11 titles in all. Along with his seventh American Racer USRA Stock Car crown, he also captured the Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge championship in 2020 to go along with his 2013 and 2014 titles. His first USRA national championship came in 2007 in the Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stock class.
The 33-year-old’s effort is worth $2,000 with as much as $1,200 heading his way for his two track championships and even more for his Iron Man title and PBM Performance Products Northern Region.
Final 2020 American Racer USRA Stock Car national points:
1. Mitch Hovden, Decorah, Iowa ... 4445
2. Doug Keller, Easton, Mo. ... 4340
3. Kyle Falck, Decorah, Iowa ... 4255
4. Dillon Anderson, Decorah, Iowa ... 4087
5. Kevin Donlan, Decorah, Iowa ... 4081
6. Jeff Dixon, Jamesport, Mo. ... 4005
7. Bill Crimmins, Fort Dodge, Iowa ... 3998
8. Darrin Korthals, Rock Rapids, Iowa ... 3938
9. Jason Josselyn, Alamogordo, N.M. ... 3896
10. Patrick Graham, Ankeny, Iowa ... 3885
11. Jesse Brown, Nashua, Iowa ... 3860
12. Lynn Panos, Calmar, Iowa ... 3851
13. Reid Keller, Webster City, Iowa ... 3847
14. Todd Staley, Webster City, Iowa ... 3821
15. Troy Hansmeier, Waukon, Iowa ... 3656
16. Blake Adams, McIntire, Iowa ... 3626
17. Rich Gregoire, Russell, Minn. ... 3452
18. Dylan Suhr, Waterloo, Iowa ... 3425
19. Austin Bouzek, Trenton, Mo. ... 3413
20. Brayden Gjere, Mabel, Minn. ... 3411
American Racer USRA Stock Car national champions include Mitch Hovden (2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012 and 2011), Elijah Zevenbergen (2017), Justin Lasiter (2014), Donavon Flores (2013), Rich Gregoire (2010), Tory Reicks (2009), Tom Schmitt (2008 and 2007) and Scotty Pratt (2006).
USRA B-Mods
In a class filled with talent and experience from top to bottom and border to border, somehow Jim Chisholm set himself apart as the USRA B-Mod driver to beat at any racetrack on any given night. Overall, he registered 15 wins in 41 starts with 35 top-five and 40 top-ten finishes.
Seven of those wins happened at the Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minnesota, where the 17-year-old high school senior from Osage, Iowa, captured his third straight USRA B-Mod track championship. He shared it in 2018 with Kadden Kath.
As part of his dominance at ‘The Creek,’ he also swept both nights of the Featherlite Fall Jamboree. Last year he swept the event when it was a three-day show.
Chisholm also picked up three wins at the Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin, and two each at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa, and Mason City Motor Speedway in Mason City, Iowa.
To secure the title over two-time and defending USRA B-Mod national champ Kris Jackson, Chisholm had to hit the road and hit paydirt on Halloween night at the 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas, where he won the Modster Mash main event over some of the best in the country.
While Chisholm pocketed $2,000 for his first USRA B-Mod national championship, he’ll also be making a deposit from his track championship earning and PBM Performance Products Northern Region, as well as a slew of contingency awards.
Final 2020 USRA B-Mod national points:
1. Jim Chisholm, Osage, Iowa ... 4577
2. Kris Jackson, Lebanon, Mo. ... 4554
3. Ty Griffith, Webster City, Iowa ... 4505
4. Dillon McCowan, Urbana, Mo. ... 4456
5. Dan Hovden, Decorah, Iowa ... 4449
6. Jake Richards, Lansing, Kan. ... 4405
7. J.C. Morton, Springfield, Mo. ... 4403
8. Tyler Kidwell, Chanute, Kan. ... 4309
9. Cody King, Fanshawe, Okla. ... 4235
10. Ben Moudry, Protivin, Iowa ... 4235
11. Taylor Skauge, Caledonia, Minn. ... 4212
12. Jackie Dalton, Carthage, Mo. ... 4143
13. Brandon Maitland, Waterloo, Iowa ... 4106
14. Doug McCollough, Webster City, Iowa ... 4100
15. Brandon Hare, Elma, Iowa ... 4066
16. Shadren Turner, St. Joseph, Mo. ... 4059
17. Kenton Allen, Chanute, Kan. ... 4052
18. J.C. Newell, Buffalo, Mo. ... 4024
19. Josh Roney, Postville, Iowa ... 4018
20. Derek Van Veldhuizen, Rock Rapids, Iowa ... 4014
USRA B-Mod national champions include Jim Chisholm (2020), Kris Jackson (2019 and 2018) Ryan Gillmore (2017), J.C. Morton (2016), Andy Bryant (2015), Chad Clancy (2014), Troy Hovey (2013), Scott Drake (2012), Brandon Hare (2011 and 2010), Matt Jones (2009, 2008 and 2007) and Tony Dunker (2006).
USRA Limited Mods
In addition to his runner-up effort in the Sunoco USRA Factory Stock national points, Tommy Davis Jr. pulled double-duty again this season and claimed the USRA Limited Mod national championship for the second year in a row.
Davis, who hails from Wills Point, Texas, held off a strong early challenge from North Texas racer Rowdy Day and South Texas hotshoes Johnny Torres and Jared Maupin to pull away late for his second straight title.
While winning the track championship at the RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas, for the second straight season as well as the regular season crown at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, Davis registered 16 feature wins in 42 starts with 37 of those finishing in the top-five.
He scored nine wins at the RPM Speedway and four at Devil’s Bowl. He added main event wins at the Big O Speedway in Ennis, Texas; Superbowl Speedway in Greenville, Texas; and 82 Speedway in Petty, Texas, too.
The 44-year-old Davis fattened his bank account by $1,500 with his USRA Limited Mod national championship and as much as $1,000 for his dual track championships, plus a lot of valuable contingency awards.
Final 2020 USRA Limited Mod national points:
1. Tommy Davis Jr..., Wills Point, Texas ... 4551
2. Rowdy Day, Greenville, Texas ... 4298
3. Johnny Torres, San Antonio, Texas ... 4220
4. Jared Maupin, College Station, Texas ... 4205
5. Ryan Thomas, Lubbock, Texas ... 4005
6. Gregory Muirhead, Mabank, Texas ... 4003
7. Jonathan Powers, Iowa Park, Texas ... 3993
8. Thomas Blackwell, Crandall, Texas ... 3982
9. Michael Bowles, Italy, Texas ... 3902
10. Josh Cournoyer, Wichita Falls, Texas ... 3901
11. Rickey Haney, Seagoville, Texas ... 3850
12. Cody Phillips, Denison, Texas ... 3816
13. Mitchell Henson, Indiahoma, Okla. ... 3757
14. Steven Ashcraft, Forney, Texas ... 3690
15. Michael Martin, Kaufman, Texas ... 3684
16. Brian Rye, Corpus Christi, Texas ... 3667
17. Shane Little, Snyder, Okla. ... 3658
18. Chase Raymond, Scurry, Texas ... 3593
19. Kyle Phillips, Greenville, Texas ... 3561
20. Brandon Decker, Wichita Falls, Texas ... 3554
USRA Limited Mod national champions include Tommy Davis Jr. (2020 and 2019) and Jordan Eddleman (2017 and 2016).
Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks
In 2019, the Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stock national championship trophy wound up somewhere other than Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the first time in six years when Eric Stanton snared the title, but it returned to its natural habitat in 2020 after Dustin Gulbrandson’s dominating campaign.
After Stanton snapped Gulbrandson’s string of five straight Hobby Stock titles, Gulbrandson came back with a vengeance and laid down a wire-to-wire performance that netted him a USRA-best 26 victories in 2020. He started 51 races and won just over half of them while finishing in the top-five 46 times and all but once in the top-ten.
Ten of his wins took place at the Rapid Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa, and he was a winner nine times at the I-90 Speedway in Hartford, South Dakota. He cruised to the track championship at both venues. He also won three times at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa; twice at the Sports Park Raceway in Fort Dodge, Iowa; and once each at the Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minnesota, and Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin.
For his efforts, Gulbrandson garnered $1,500 from the Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stock national points fund and as much as $1,000 for his track championships.
Final 2020 Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stock national points:
1. Dustin Gulbrandson, Sioux Falls, S.D. ... 4685
2. Chris Hovden, Cresco, Iowa ... 4491
3. Tyler Schlumbohm, Sioux Falls, S.D. ... 4439
4. Eric Stanton, Carlisle, Iowa ... 4412
5. Scott Dobel, Manly, Iowa ... 4242
6. Levi Vander Weide, Sioux Falls, S.D. ... 4124
7. Tracy Halouska, Worthing, S.D. ... 4077
8. Joshua Ludeking, Decorah, Iowa ... 4064
9. Scott Spilde, Cresco, Iowa ... 4038
10. Matthew Machen, Roswell, N.M. ... 4034
11. Dylan Fitzpatrick, Magnolia, Minn. ... 4008
12. Jeremy Crimmins, Fort Dodge, Iowa ... 3963
13. Austin Hoeft, Charles City, Iowa ... 3875
14. Nick Brady, Sioux Falls, S.D. ... 3874
15. Steve Larson, Decorah, Iowa ... 3863
16. Todd Uhl, Sheldon, Iowa ... 3859
17. David Males, Roswell, N.M. ... 3776
18. Dylan Clinton, Edgewood, Iowa ... 3764
19. Bryce Sommerfeld, Fort Dodge, Iowa ... 3753
20. Nathan Machen, Roswell, N.M. ... 3688
Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stock national champions include Dustin Gulbrandson (2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014), Eric Stanton (2019), Adam Cline (2013), Dillon Anderson (2012), Dan Strandberg (2011), Shane Klaassen (2010), Chris Hovden (2009), Jason McDaniel (2008), Mitch Hovden (2007) and Nathan Wood (2006).
USRA Late Models
For a fourth straight year, a national champion was crowned in the USRA Late Model division, and for the second straight time the honor went to Lucas Peterson.
Peterson found the winner’s circle four times in 2020 at the Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin, where he captured the track championship. His four wins wound up being the tie-breaker for the track championship with James Anneliese settling for second place.
In his 23 starts, Peterson added 8 top-five and 18 top-ten finishes to his four triumphs.
The 38-year-old will pocket more than $1,000 for his 2020 titles, as well as contingency awards from several generous USRA marketing partners.
Final 2020 USRA Late Model national points:
1. Lucas Peterson, Grand Meadow, Minn. ... 3646
2. Shaun Mann, Buffalo City, Wis. ... 3509
3. Gavin Tarras, New Richmond, Wis. ... 2894
4. James Kannegiesser, Boyceville, Wis. ... 2667
5. Lance Hofer, Cochrane, Wis. ... 2639
6. Miranda Carlson, Afton, Minn. ... 2576
7. Alex Williamson, Rushford, Minn. ... 2385
8. Larry Fitzsimmons, East Bethel, Minn. ... 2377
9. Joe Provinzino, Chanhassen, Minn. ... 2364
10. Jordan Langer, Menomonie, Wis. ... 2341
11. Derek Nelson, Buffalo City, Wis. ... 2296
12. Michael Bruggeman, Gem Lake, Minn. ... 2280
13. Barry Johnson, Nelson, Wis. ... 2266
14. Nick Panitzke, Lonsdale, Minn. ... 2257
15. Douglas Ferguson, Winona, Minn. ... 2105
16. Triton Krause, Fountain City, Wis. ... 2058
17. Johnny Emerson, Clear Lake, Wis. ... 2026
18. Kory Ressie, Alma, Wis. ... 1918
19. Justin Sass, Elgin, Minn. ... 1832
20. Matt LaDuke, Cochrane, Wis. ... 1765
USRA Late Model national champions include Lucas Peterson (2020 and 2019) and Lance Hofer (2018 and 2017).
Sunoco USRA Factory Stocks
Walter Hamilton took on all challengers and drove his way to the front when it counted and the 41-year-old from Dallas secured the 2020 Sunoco USRA Factory Stock national championship—his first under the USRA banner.
Hamilton was challenged throughout the season by fellow Texans Tommy Davis Jr., Chris Davis, Nate Dixon and Kyle Blanton—competing head to head with each other on many occasions—but Hamilton sealed the deal on November 6 with a win at the RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas, during the second night of the Summit USRA Southern Nationals.
In his 47 starts this year, Hamilton recorded 33 top-five and 39 top-ten finishes while snagging 17 checkered flags in the Lone Star State. Eleven of those took place at the Superbowl Speedway in Greenville where he rolled to a track championship against tough competition.
He grabbed two wins at the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite and one each at the Big O Speedway in Ennis, 82 Speedway in Petty and Monarch Motor Speedway in Wichita Falls.
Tommy Davis Jr., who won the USRA Limited Mod national title, settled for runner-up honors behind Hamilton after a fifth-place results last year. His brother, Chris Davis was third, followed by Dixon and Blanton.
Final 2020 Sunoco USRA Factory Stock national points:
1. Walter Hamilton, Dallas, Texas ... 4513
2. Tommy Davis Jr..., Wills Point, Texas ... 4484
3. Chris Davis, Wills Point, Texas ... 4326
4. Nate Dixon, Ennis, Texas ... 4294
5. Kyle Blanton, Blossom, Texas ... 4289
6. Joshua Sewell, Kingsville, Texas ... 4155
7. Michael Bowles, Italy, Texas ... 4074
8. G.W. Hessong, Edna, Texas ... 3972
9. Lee McCullough, Combine, Texas ... 3967
10. Brian Holland, Winnsboro, Texas ... 3910
11. Jeff Hammitt, Terrell, Texas ... 3846
12. Greg Hammitt, Edgewood, Texas ... 3759
13. T.J. Evans, Sabine, Texas ... 3757
14. Cameron Cook, Grand Prairie, Texas ... 3704
15. Jackie Hefti, Kemp, Texas ... 3643
16. Bryce Pritchett, Crandall, Texas ... 3642
17. Colton Tanner, Rice, Texas ... 3638
18. Jesse Sandoval, Corpus Christi, Texas ... 3588
19. Ken Morris, Edgewood, Texas ... 3577
20. Dylan Moss, Waxahachie, Texas ... 3575
Sunoco USRA Factory Stock national champions include Walter Hamilton (2020) and Josh Landers (2019).
USRA Tuners
The 2020 Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series campaign was the fourth year for crowning a national champion in the exploding USRA Tuner division and Brian Schoenbaum Jr. took his game to another level throughout the year.
In his 41 starts, Schoenbaum claimed 14 feature wins while scoring 34 top-five and 39 top-ten finishes. Many of his starts came hundreds of miles from his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, as he traveled as far north as Webster City, Iowa, to test his skills against his peers.
En route to the 2020 USRA Tuner crown, Schoenbaum picked up six wins at the I-37 Speedway in Pleasanton, Texas; four wins at the RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas; two victories at the Monarch Motor Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas; and one win apiece at the Buffalo Creek Speedway in Edgewood, Texas; and South Texas Speedway in Corpus Christi, Texas.
With a round trip of nearly nine hours and 600 miles every Friday, Schoenbaum secured the track championship at the RPM Speedway. He traveled to eight different racetracks in total while holding off 2018 USRA Tuner national champ Ryan Bryant.
Final 2020 USRA Tuner national points:
1. Brian Schoenbaum Jr., San Antonio, Texas ... 4352
2. Ryan Bryant, Mason City, Iowa ... 4185
3. Jade Lange, Humboldt, Iowa ... 4152
4. Daniel Thompson, Mesquite, Texas ... 4148
5. Chris Lynn, Quinlan, Texas ... 4129
6. Josh Hills, Elkader, Iowa ... 3915
7. John Gill, Marshalltown, Iowa ... 3899
8. Brad Stahl, Castalia, Iowa ... 3893
9. Colton Mooney, Rhome, Texas ... 3881
10. Rick Saupp, Morgan Mill, Texas ... 3853
11. Matt Oberhelman, Fort Dodge, Iowa ... 3741
12. Josh Harms, Postville, Iowa ... 3679
13. Katie Stahl, Castalia, Iowa ... 3455
14. Hunter Howard, Wolf City, Texas ... 3440
15. Keyton Adams, Randlett, Okla. ... 3362
16. Patrick Miller, Rhome, Texas ... 3242
17. Bobby Kephart, Longview, Texas ... 3186
18. Nathan Forgason, Glenn Heights, Texas ... 3177
19. Jeremiah Anderson, La Crosse, Wis. ... 3106
20. John Dahlsten, Pomeroy, Iowa ... 3080
USRA Tuner national champions include Brian Schoenbaum Jr. (2020), Seth Scholl (2019), Ryan Bryant (2018) and Kyle Balik (2017).
USRA Regional Champions
Racers competing in the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series garnered regional points throughout the season based on their total accumulated track points within each region.
The following drivers claimed regional championships in 2020:
CP-Carrillo Central Region presented by MVT – Tyler Hibner, Chillicothe, Mo. (Modified); Doug Keller, Easton, Mo. (Stock Car); Dillon McCowan, Urbana, Mo. (B-Mod).
The CP-Carrillo Central Region includes track points earned at the 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan.; Caney Valley Speedway in Caney, Kan.; Dallas County Speedway in Urbana, Mo.; Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kan.; I-35 Speedway in Winston, Mo.; Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Mo.; Lebanon Midway Speedway in Lebanon, Mo.; Legit Speedway Park in West Plains, Mo.; Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo.; and Springfield Raceway in Springfield, Mo.
PBM Performance Products Northern Region presented by MVT – Josh Angst, Winona, Minn. (Modified); Kevin Donlan, Decorah, Iowa (Stock Car); Brandon Hare, Elma, Iowa (B-Mod) Dustin Gulbrandson, Sioux Falls, S.D. (Hobby Stock) John Gill, Marshalltown, Iowa (Tuner).
The PBM Performance Products Northern Region includes track points earned at the Chateau Speedway in Lansing, Minn.; Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn.; Fayette County Speedway in West Union, Iowa; Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa; I-90 Speedway in Hartford, S.D.; Mason City Motor Speedway in Mason City, Iowa; Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis.; Rapid Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa; Sports Park Raceway in Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah, Iowa.
MSD Performance Southern Region presented by MVT – Jack Sartain, Terrell, Texas (Modified).
The MSD Performance Southern Region includes track points earned at the 82 Speedway in Petty, Texas; Alien Motor Speedway in Roswell, N.M.; Big O Speedway in Ennis, Texas; Buffalo Creek Speedway in Edgewood, Texas; Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas; I-37 Speedway in Pleasanton, Texas; Lawton Speedway in Lawton, Okla.; Monarch Motor Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas; Outlaw Motor Speedway in Wainwright, Okla.; Route 66 Motor Speedway in Amarillo, Texas; RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas; South Texas Speedway in Corpus Christi, Texas; Superbowl Speedway in Greenville, Texas; Texana Raceway Park in Enda, Texas; Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Okla.; Vado Speedway Park in Vado, N.M.; and West Texas Raceway in Lubbock, Texas.
Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge
Launched in 2010 as a series for Stock Cars, the USRA B-Mod division was added to the Iron Man Challenge lineup in 2011. Between the two classes, 14 different champions have emerged from 21 title chases.
No new names were added to the list in 2020 as brothers Dan and Mitch Hovden of Decorah, Iowa, emerged as the 2020 Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge champions. Both are previous series champs.
This was Mitch Hovden’s third title in the American Racer USRA Stock Cars after winning it in 2013 and 2014 also. He garnered three main event wins in 14 starts and seized the points lead from Pat Graham with a late-season charge.
Final 2020 Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge American Racer USRA Stock Car points:
1. Mitch Hovden, Decorah, Iowa ... 1143
2. Pat Graham, Ankeny, Iowa ... 1050
3. Dillon Anderson, Decorah, Iowa ... 1010
4. Kevin Donlan, Decorah, Iowa ... 971
5. Troy Hansmeier, Waukon, Iowa ... 925
6. Jesse Brown, Nashua, Iowa ... 924
7. Lynn Panos, Calmar, Iowa ... 918
8. Todd Staley, Webster City, Iowa ... 895
9. Doug Keller, Easton, Mo. ... 859
10. Kyle Falck, Decorah, Iowa ... 31
Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge American Racer USRA Stock Car champions include Mitch Hovden (2020, 2014 and 2013), Dillon Anderson (2018), Derek Green (2017), Kyle Falck (2016), Tom Schmitt (2015 and 2012), Mike Van Genderen (2011) and Nathan Wood (2010).
For Dan Hovden, it was his third Iron man hardware in four years after winning it in 2018 and 2017 as well. He finished third in 2019. Consistency paid off for the champ as he need just one victory to go along with his 12 top-five finishes in 17 starts, holding off USRA B-Mod national champ Jim Chisholm by a single point.
Final 2020 Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge USRA B-Mod points:
1. Dan Hovden, Decorah, Iowa ... 1106
2. Jim Chisholm, Osage, Iowa ... 1105
3. Josh Roney, Postville, Iowa ... 1034
3. Ben Moudry, Protivin, Iowa ... 1034
5. Trevor Fecht, Allison, Iowa ... 912
6. Troy Hovey, Decorah, Iowa ... 864
7. Doug McCollough, Webster City, Iowa ... 834
8. Taylor Skauge, Caledonia, Minn. ... 829
9. Ty Griffith, Webster City, Iowa ... 684
10. Brandon, Hare Elma, Iowa ... 593
Christie Door Company Iron Man Challenge USRA B-Mod champions include Dan Hovden (2020, 2018 and 2017), Andy Bryant (2016), Dakota Foster (2015), Cory Crapser (2014 and 2013), Trevor Hunt (2012) and Cayden Carter (2011).
Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series
Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series competitors in eight divisions battled throughout 2020 as 36 USRA-sanctioned racetracks in nine states produced 96 track champions at .
2020 Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series track champions:
81 Speedway – Brendon Gemmill (Modified), Kenton Allen (B-Mod).
82 Speedway – Ross Malone (Modified), Wyatt Payne (Limited Mod), Kyle Blanton (Factory Stock), Chris Lynn (Tuner).
Alien Motor Speedway – Christy Barnett (Modified), Jason Josselyn (Stock Car), Mingo Jauregui (B-Mod), Matthew Machen (Hobby Stock).
Big O Speedway – Lance Hanson Jr. (Modified), Michael Bowles (Limited Mod), Michael Bowles (Factory Stock).
Buffalo Creek Speedway – John Burnett (Limited Mod), Greg Hammitt (Factory Stock), Chris Lynn (Tuner).
Caney Valley Speedway – Tyler Kidwell (B-Mod).
Cedar Lake Speedway – Lucas Peterson (Late Model).
Chateau Speedway – Jason Cummins (Modified), Noah Grinstead (B-Mod).
Dallas County Speedway – John Gamble (Stock Car), J.C. Morton (B-Mod).
Deer Creek Speedway – Brandon Davis (Modified), Jim Chisholm (B-Mod).
Devil’s Bowl Speedway – Clyde Dunn Jr. (Modified), Tommy Davis Jr. (Limited Mod), Tommy Davis Jr. (Factory Stock).
Fayette County Speedway – Mitch Hovden (Stock Car), Dan Hovden (B-Mod), Josh Ludeking (Hobby Stock), Brad Stahl (Tuner).
Hamilton County Speedway – J.D. Auringer (Modified), Bill Crimmins (Stock Car), Ty Griffith (B-Mod), Scott Dobel (Hobby Stock), Ryan Bryant (Tuner).
Humboldt Speedway – Tyler Kidwell (B-Mod).
I-35 Speedway – Tyler Hibner (Modified), Doug Keller (Stock Car), Nic Hanes (B-Mod).
I-37 Speedway – Johnny Torres (Limited Mod), Josh Sewell (Factory Stock), Brian Schoenbaum Jr. (Tuner).
I-90 Speedway – Tyler Myers (B-Mod), Dustin Gulbrandson (Hobby Stock).
Lake Ozark Speedway – Cole Campbell (B-Mod).
Lawton Speedway – Kale Westover (Modified), Shane Little (Limited Mod).
Legit Speedway Park – Brandon Baldridge (B-Mod).
Lucas Oil Speedway – Robbie Reed (Modified), Kris Jackson (B-Mod).
Mason City Motor Speedway – Josh Angst (Modified), Andrew Borchardt (Stock Car), Brandon Hare (B-Mod), Chris Hovden (Hobby Stock), Ryan Bryant (Tuner).
Midway Speedway – Dillon McCowan (B-Mod).
Mississippi Thunder Speedway – Josh Angst (Modifieds), Ryan Olson (B-Mods), Chris Hovden (Hobby Stocks).
Monarch Motor Speedway – Sam Cox (Modified), Brandon Decker (Limited Mod), Claytan Alford (Factory Stock), Rick Saupp (Tuner).
Outlaw Motor Speedway – Dalton Clay (Modified), Daniel Tarkington (B-Mod).
Rapid Speedway – Darrin Korthals (Stock Car), Derek Van Veldhuizen (B-Mod), Dustin Gulbrandson (Hobby Stock).
Route 66 Motor Speedway – Dee Gossett (Modified), Kalvin King (B-Mod).
RPM Speedway – Clyde Dunn Jr. (Modified), Tommy Davis Jr. (Limited Mod), Tommy Davis Jr. (Factory Stock), Brian Schoenbaum Jr. (Tuner).
South Texas Speedway – Johnny Torres (Limited Mod), Josh Sewell (Factory Stock).
Sports Park Raceway – Duke Erickson (Modified), Bill Crimmins (Stock Car), Ty Griffith (B-Mod), Eric Stanton (Hobby Stock), Ryan Bryant (Tuner).
Springfield Raceway – Jackie Dalton (B-Mod).
Superbowl Speedway – Rowdy Day (Limited Mod), Walter Hamilton (Factory Stock).
Texana Raceway Park – Jared Maupin (Limited Mod), Collin Hodges (Factory Stock).
Tri-State Speedway – Lonnie Robins (Modified), Cody King (B-Mod)
Upper Iowa Speedway – Mitch Hovden (Stock Car), Dan Hovden (B-Mod), Steve Larson (Hobby Stock), Brad Stahl (Tuner).
West Texas Raceway – Philip Houston (Modified), Jordan O'Neil (Stock Car), Ryan Thomas (Limited Mod).
USRA Rookie of the Year
For the first time in USRA history, rookies were recognized with their own award and drivers here honored in four divisions: USRA Modifieds, American Racer USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods and Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks.
In the Modified ranks, 26-year-old Lance Hanson Jr. might have 12 years of racing experience under his belt but was a first-year USRA Modified competitor and eon the Big O Speedway track championship en route to national Rookie of the Year honors. The Palmer, Texas, racer had 20 starts in 2020 with 11 top-five and 19 top-ten finishes.
Lance Hanson Jr. lost his sister on January 29, 2019. His car was wrapped to honor her memory during the 2020 season.
While certainly no stranger to the cockpit the 2020 racing season was the first for Doug Keller in the American Racer USRA Stock Car division.
The Easton, Mo., driver compiled 20 wins on his way to grabbing the I-35 Speedway track championship and finished second in national points. Keller, who celebrated his 48th birthday on December 4, had 32 top-five and 37 top-ten results in his 44 starts.
John Ross of Independence, Mo., raced throughout the Show-Me State and garnered the USRA B-Mod Rookie of the Year honors. As a 26-year-old this season, Ross posted 1 top-five and 13 top-ten finishes in 23 starts.
In the Mensink Racing Products USRA Hobby Stocks, Austin Hoeft of Orchard, Iowa, was the top rookie. Hoeft wound up sixth in points at the Upper Iowa Speedway in Decorah, and 13th in the national standings.
The 26-year-old started 38 events and crossed the finish line in the top five on 14 occasions while getting a top-ten finish in 32 main events.
To be eligible for the USRA Rooke of the Year Award, a competitor may have participated in no more than 10 USRA-sanctioned events in his/her division prior to the current year. B-Mod competitors may not have participated in a Late Model or Modified event in a prior season. Hobby Stock competitors may not have participated in a Late Model, Modified or Stock Car event in a prior season. Competitors must designate their intention to be eligible for rookie status when registering for their USRA Competitor License.
USRA Awards Banquet Canceled
Due to ongoing restrictions related to COVID-19, officials from the United States Racing Association last month were forced to cancel this year’s annual awards banquet.
The pandemic of 2020 caused many families and businesses to achieve their day-to-day objectives through virtual tools such as Zoom meetings and streaming.
The USRA and RacinDirt.com are working to provide a virtual celebration to recognize the drivers, crew members and sponsors who defied the odds and made the 2020 season the biggest ever.
Those drivers and others will be recognized with special highlight videos and live interviews, podcasts and other special features on the USRA website and social medial channels.
Visit usraracing.com for schedules, points, photos, souvenirs, videos and more. Follow our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Click here to get USRA news delivered to your inbox.
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USRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Chevrolet Performance, Christie Door Company, CP-Carrillo, Fast Shafts, Jobbers Warehouse Supply, K1 RaceGear by Ryan Bowers Motorsports, KS Engineering, KSE Racing Products, Mesilla Valley Transportation, MSD Performance, MyRacePass, Nitroquest Media, Pace Performance, PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain, RacinDirt.com, Summit Racing Equipment, Sunoco Race Fuels.
USRA PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: Boubin Tire & Automotive, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Mensink Racing Products, PBM Performance Products, Traeger Wood Pellet Grills by Elliott Motorsports, YouDirt.com.
USRA CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, Allstar Performance, Beyea Headers, Bryke Racing, BSB Manufacturing, Champ Pans, Edelbrock, Forty9 Designs, Genesis Racing Shocks, Hooker Harness, Integra Racing Shocks and Springs, JE Pistons, Jerovetz Motorsports Racing Parts, Keyser Manufacturing, Landrum Performance Springs, Medieval Chassis, QA1, RacerWebsite.com, Real Racing Wheels, Sybesma Graphics, Wehrs Machine & Race Products, Wilwood Racing.
USRA RACE TRACKS: 81 Speedway, 82 Speedway, Ark-La-Tex Speedway, Big O Speedway, Buffalo Creek Speedway, Caney Valley Speedway, Cedar Lake Speedway, Chateau Speedway, Creek County Speedway, Cresco Speedway, Dallas County Speedway, Deer Creek Speedway, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Fayette County Speedway, Gondik Law Speedway, Hamilton County Speedway, Humboldt Speedway, Huset’s Speedway, I-35 Speedway, I-37 Speedway, I-90 Speedway, Lake Ozark Speedway, Lawton Speedway, Lebanon Midway Speedway, Legit Speedway Park, Longdale Speedway, Lucas Oil Speedway, Mason City Motor Speedway, Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Monarch Motor Speedway, Nevada Speedway, Nobles County Speedway, Outlaw Motor Speedway, Rapid Speedway, Red Dirt Raceway, Route 66 Motor Speedway, RPM Speedway, South Texas Speedway, Southern Iowa Speedway, Sports Park Raceway, Springfield Raceway, Superbowl Speedway, Texana Raceway Park, Tri-State Speedway, Upper Iowa Speedway, Vado Speedway Park, West Texas Raceway.
