By Jerry Mackey
OSKALOOSA — Wednesday night was night number three of the 2026 racing season at the Southern Iowa Speedway with Nutrien Ag and Clow Valve hosting the Hall of Fame voting night for the class of inductees to be honored in June. A beautiful night greeted a nice large enthusiastic crowd to the Mahaska County Monster 1/2 mile dirt track. A large purse was posted thanks to the sponsors and track side advertisers. A great night of racing was held with the final checkered flag of the night waving at 9:20 pm.
The Mid States Machine Stock Cars saw a great field of the very best Stock Car drivers line up for their main event on Wednesday night. The redraw put last weeks winner Zach VanDerBeek on the outside front row and the New Sharon driver drove his new VB Stock Car to his second consecutive feature win on the perfectly prepared racing surface. VanDerBeek was not able to shake Maguire DeJong who raced in the shadow of the VB1 the entire main event. DeJong was able to get alongside VanDerBeek a couple of times but was not able to make the pass for the lead. Jason See ran a very strong race in taking third ahead of Dustin Griffiths.
The Stout Trucking Hobby Stocks also saw a driver pick up back to back feature wins. Dustin Griffiths shot into the lead at the dropping of the green and sailed on to his second consecutive feature win. Griffiths stated in victory lane, ” the track was wide and smooth and slick, just the way I like it and I was fortunate enough to have the best starting spot tonight.” The battle for second saw a pack of five cars swap the runner up position as the race passed the halfway point. Brad Stephens was able to break out of the pack to take second ahead of Keaton Gordon and Rick VanDusseldorp rounded out the top four.
The Oskaloosa Quality Rentals Sportmods saw Brayton Carter score his second consecutive win on Wednesday night. Carter wrestled the lead away from Will Wolf in the early laps and went on to score an impressive win. Wolf took second ahead of Colton Livezey.
The Sport Compacts continue to put on very entertaining races on the big 1/2 mile, Wednesday nights feature saw Seth Meinders shoot into the lead from his outside second row start and race on to the victory. 5th starting Brandon Allison was able to take a very close second spot ahead of Katelyn Watts.
The Doug’s Four Wheelers Crown Vics feature win went to Wade Francis who scored his second win in three starts at the Southern Iowa Speedway in 2026. 15 year old Cole Hughes took second on Wednesday night and the youngster showed that he is adapting to the competition very quickly, a win will be coming soon for Hughes. Last weeks Crown Vic winner, Trent Kerr ran third.
Wednesday night, May 20th will be “Salute The Troops Night” with all active and retired Military being admitted absolutely free. Kool Seamless Gutters will be the presenting sponsor for the night. Hot laps will take to the track at 7:15 pm with racing to follow.
