RUMSEY WINS “POOL CARE INC. 100” AT MAGIC VALLEY SPEEDWAY
NP4A Media – Bob Coply Boise, ID – The Northwest Pro4
Alliance made its southern swing out of the Northwest
to Twin Falls, Idaho, for the “Pool Care Inc. 100” at
Magic Valley Speedway. Thirty-five of the best Pro4
cars from around the west converged on the third-mile
oval to see who would prevail.
Friday saw 29 teams sign-in for practice in an effort to
assure themselves a spot in the 100 lapper. As practice
ended, not one team had suffered any race car
problems. Magic Valley Speedway owner, Eddy
McKean, hosted a BBQ for all of the teams on hand,
and the evening ended with many questions as to who
would be the team to beat on Saturday.
On race day, the pits saw teams from five western
states, including a list of more than 20 four-cylinder
racing champions. The excitement intensified during
practice, as multiple teams were clocked below the
official track record of 15.259. As the cars were lined-up
for qualifying, everyone was aware that the record
would fall. Veteran Pro4 driver, Steve Thompson from
Prosser, WA, set a new track record of 14.619. This was nothing new for Thompson, as this
would be his second track record for 2010. A closer look at the qualifying list showed that
another 14 drivers had also beaten the old mark, proving that the feature would be anyone’s
race to win.
Impressed with the field of Pro4s, track officials added a Fast Six Dash for $100.00 to win. Two-
time Meridian Speedway Pro4 Champ, Kale Freedman, stepped-up to the challenge and
showed his muscle by taking the cash and the win. Ken Chandler of Boise took second, on the
back spoiler of Freedman’s Ford.
B-Main action saw Neal Latham lead two-thirds of the event before a flat tire sent the Boise
driver to the pits, handing the lead and eventual win to #65 Eric Kaas of Federal Way, WA. Salt
Lake City’s Bruce Rennemann placed second for the final transfer spot.
The “Pool Care Inc. 100” Pro4s lined-up on the front straight, looking as good as the sleekest
Super Late Models anywhere. The drivers waved to the Magic Valley Speedway fans as their
names were announced, and the pit crews worked to set-up the infield pits for any service their
cars may need. With drivers In their cars and the pace laps complete, flagman Troy Blanton
turned the 24-car field loose. #10 John Grosvenor jumped out to the early lead. The pack was
close and tight, when on lap seven the car of Kevin Winders spun in turn four, triggering a big
pile up that saw points leader #16 Rick Thompson knocked off the track as cars spun in all
directions. Once the dust settled, R. Thompson had suffered some heavy damage but was still
able to continue, while #55 Kale Freedman was out with a broken ball joint.
On the restart, Grosvenor continued in the lead until a cut right front tire caused him to pit,
giving up the lead to a very fast and tight pack of cars including Steve Thompson, Eddie Secord
and Bud Rumsey. A lap 47 caution quickly turned into a red flag for the blown engine of R.
Thompson. The oil down caused all of the leaders to spin, with the exception of Rumsey,
relegating them to the back of the field. Once the track was cleared, the race resumed with
Rumsey in the lead and the 2009 Meridian Speedway Champ, Rob Powers, and Utah’s Kurt
Madsen in hot pursuit. The fans’ attention then moved from the front of the pack to the back of
the pack, as Secord and S. Thompson were charging to the front, moving inside and outside of
cars to reach the lead. On lap 87, S. Thompson fell out of the race due to engine failure.
In the closing laps Rumsey would pull to a 7-second lead, with Powers in second. Madsen
would fade to fourth, and Secord’s charge would bring him home third. Rounding out the top
five would be two-time Alliance Champ Kameron McKeehan from Lewiston, ID.
The excitement of Pro4 racing has to be experienced; and, the Magic Valley Speedway fans were absolutely thrilled by the door-to-door action and the limitless driving ability displayed by the Alliance drivers.