VanderBeek vaults into victory lane at Cedar Lake Speedway

NEW RICHMOND, Wis. (June 15) -- Zack VanderBeek may not be thinking about what he'll do with Saturday's $50,000 winner's share of the prize money, but he posted a convincing down payment worth $3,000 Thursday night to kick off Modified Masters weekend at the Cedar Lake Speedway.

The 32-year old from New Sharon, Iowa, drove away from the field at the start of Thursday's RHRSwag.com USMTS Northern Region main event, survived three cautions-including one with 13 laps to go-and drove underneath the checkered flag with a nearly five-second cushion over runner-up Terry Phillips.

"We've really got a nice piece here," VanderBeek said of his VanderBuilt Race Cars modified-a chassis creation of his own and J.D. Gresham they debuted back in February. "We made a few minor changes after the heat and the car was really good in the feature. No matter where we put it on the track, it responds well so that give us a lot of confidence out there.

"If we can avoid trouble and have some luck, I feel pretty confident going into Saturday."

While tonight's 40-lap main event put $3,000 in VanderBeek's pocket, a win in Saturday's 70-lap Modified Masters finale would pad that total by another $50,000. With two wins and nothing short of a fourth-place finish in the month of June, "The Z-Man" would be at the top of the Las Vegas odds-makers betting line.

While VanderBeek went uncontested the entire distance, Phillips and third-place finisher Rodney Sanders gave the fans their money's worth with a spirited side-by-side battle that included a couple of slide jobs and lasted for most of the race.

Cade Dillard avoided disaster midway through the race when he checked up for a car in front of him and nearly spun. Instead, Dillard powered through the infield and back to the racing surface without bringing out the yellow flag. He rebounded to finish fourth in front of polesitter Travis Saurer.

Thirteenth-starting Lucas Schott was sixth and 14th-starting Jason Hughes claimed the seventh spot. Craig Thatcher-the winningest Modified driver in Cedar Lake Speedway's history-was eighth, Darrell Nelson nabbed the ninth spot and Ryan Gustin claimed the final position inside the top ten.

The largest purse in the history of the USMTS happens in this weekend with Saturday's main event producing the biggest winner's check in the 19-year history of the USMTS. Known for hosting a number of national marquee events, this is also the first time in track history the Cedar Lake Speedway will pay out $50,000 to win a Modified event.

Friday is qualifying night with each competitor running two 12-lap heat races with starting positions and drivers mixed. Last chance races and alphabet soup features on Saturday will lead up to the 70-lap, $50,000-to-win finale.

Points will be combined for the two heat races with the top 12 drivers locked into Saturday's championship race. The next 12 in points (13th-24th) will be locked into Saturday's "B" Main, the next 12 into the "C" Main and the remainder will run in "Last Chance" races on Saturday.

Midwest Mods will also compete on Friday and Saturday.

SATURDAY'S PAYOUT

"A" Main: 1. $50,000, 2. $20,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $6000, 5. $5000, 6. $4000, 7. $3500, 8. $3250, 9. $3000, 10. $2800, 11. $2650, 12. $2500, 13. $2400, 14. $2300, 15. $2200, 16. $2100, 17. $2075, 18. $2050, 19. $2040, 20. $2030, 21. $2025, 22. $2020, 23. $2015, 24. $2010, 25. $2005, 26. $2000.

Drivers not advancing out of the "B" Main are guaranteed a minimum of $500 to start. Drivers not advancing out of the "C" Main will get no less than $350 with a minimum of $200 for all non-qualifiers in the Last Chance Races.

DRIVER ENTRIES

Jimmy Mars, Brad Gerdes, Brent Dutenhoffer, Zack VanderBeek, Curt Myers, Terry Phillips, Chris Oertel, Adam Ayotte, Matt Leer, Jason Gross, Chase Junghans, Jacob Bleess, Cory Crapser, Cory Bruggeman, Jake Hartung, Dave Cain, Shawn Peterson, Brad Dierks, Craig Thatcher, Cade Dillard, Jake Timm, Lucas Schott, Joey Jensen, Lance Mari, Kenny Gaddis, Zane DeVilbiss, Tyler Townsend, Kyle Strickler, Joe Duvall, Scott Drake, Tyler Wolff, R.C. Whitwell, Jake Gallardo, Stormy Scott, Johnny Scott, Dan Ebert, Ricky Thornton Jr., Jason Hughes, Ryan Gustin, Clayton Wagamon, Kyle Prauner, Travis Saurer, Adam Kates, Tanner Mullens, Austin Arneson, Rodney Sanders, Bobby Malchus, Mike Mashl, A.J. Diemel, Thomas Tillison Jr., Mike Densberger, Pat Doar, Darrell Nelson, Pat Graham, Dereck Ramirez, Kelly Estey, Paul Niznik, Jay Richardson, Jardin Fuller, Michael Truscott, Steve Wetzstein, Cory Mahder, Adam Hensel, Brad Waits, Shane Sabraski, Skeeter Estey, Austin Howes, John Doelle, Tony Leiker, Jeff Wood, Owen Grube and Gene Nicholas.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday:
8:30-11:00 Breakfast served
6:30 Hot laps
7:00 Heat races and dash for Modifieds plus full program of Midwest Mods
Party in the arena with live band following the races

Saturday:
8:30 Breakfast served in west restaurant
12:00 Apple River tubing
6:30 Hot laps
7:00 Last Chance Races, "C" Main, "B" Main and 70-lap $50,000-to-win Modified main event plus full program of Midwest Mods

TICKET INFORMATION

Friday only $30 Adults, $12 Students, $35 Pits
Saturday only $35 Adults, $15 Students, $45 Pits

THINGS TO DO BEFORE/AFTER THE RACES

Apple River Tubing: If you haven't tried what has made the Apple River famous you are missing out! Tubing down the river is an experience in itself but add nearly another thousand people and you have a party! For a small fee we provide to and from Float-Rite park and a inner tube to enjoy the day under the sun! We will have you back to the track way before hot laps start!

Driver and Meet & Greet: Before the races come to souvenir alley and purchase an event T-shirt, your favorite driver's shirt or die-cast and get him to sign it as the top drivers will be there to answer your questions, snap a couple pictures and sign your souvenirs.

Pit Party: Rub elbows with your favorite drivers, buy them a beer enjoy the music in the arena both Thursday and Friday night after the races.

RULES

USMTS/USRA rules apply with the following variances: Tire permitted is American Racer KK704 racing tire (no grooving or siping on rear tires). Chip rule is 8,000 RPM. Five-inch spoiler permitted for all cars. Rest of USMTS/USRA spoiler rules will be in effect. All USMTS/USRA shock, spring and body rules will apply. Weight for USMTS/USRA spec engine, USMTS/USRA, Wissota and IMCA-type flat tappet steel head motors and GM 525 crate (standard USMTS rules will apply) will all be 2,450 pounds. Weight for GM 604 crate, USMTS/USRA or Wissota concept engine will be 2,400 pounds. All other engines with 23-degree heads must be 2,500 pounds. Any engine utilizing heads less than 23 degrees will be 2,550 pounds. If utilizing aluminum heads for either option, must add 25 pounds in front of motor plate. All cars are welcome to run this race. For rules questions email tech@usmts.com. Draw for heat race starting spot on Friday ends 15 minutes before hot laps. RACEceivers and AMB transponders are mandatory and available for rent or purchase at USMTS trailer. See complete USMTS rules at www.usmts.com or USRA rules at www.usraracing.com.

QUALIFYING PROCEDURES

Each driver will run two heat races on Friday. Starting positions and drivers will be mixed. Each heat race will feature 12 or more starters for 12 laps, giving drivers the chance to advance as much as possible. USMTS passing points will be combined for the two heat races with the top 12 drivers in overall points locked into Saturday's "A" Main. The next 12 in points (13th-24th) will be locked into Saturday's "B" Main, the next 12 drivers (25th- 36th) will be locked into Saturday's "C" Main and the remainder will run in "Last Chance" races on Saturday. Top 14 finishers from the LCQ races will join the 12 already qualified drivers from Friday in the "C" Main. Top 14 finishers from the "C" Main will join the 12 already qualified cars in the "B" Main. Top 14 finishers in the B main will join the 12 cars already qualified or the "A" Main bringing the total field to 26 starters battling 70 laps or a $50,000 pay day. Promoter reserves the right to adjust qualifying procedures due to unforeseen circumstances or weather conditions.

RAIN POLICY

If Friday rains out, we will run it at 1 p.m. Saturday followed by the regular Saturday show at 6 p.m. Purse is the exact same except first place pays $30,000. If Saturday rains out, we will run Sunday. Purse is the exact same except first place pays $30,000. If both Friday and Saturday rain out, will either issue refunds or reschedule event for late September.

LIVE BROADCAST ON RACINDIRT

If you are unable to attend, RacinDirt will have the entire production live on www.racindirt.com. This will be an explosive broadcast with a multi-camera production, a dedicated host, pre- and post-race interviews, FK Rod Ends Instant Replay and other video elements mixed in as time allows. Visit www.racindirt.com to order your pay-per-view package today.

The Cedar Lake Speedway is a high-banked 3/8-mile clay oval located 1.0 mile east of SR 35 on SR 64, then 4.2 miles north on CR C to CR CC, then left 1.8 miles. For more information, call (612) 363-0479 or (715) 248-7119 or check out www.cedarlakespeedway.com online.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, visit www.usmts.com online or call 515-832-7944. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usmts, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usmts and Instagram at www.instagram.com/usmts or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/usmtstv. Keep up to speed with everything USMTS by joining our email list at www.usmts.com/subscribe.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
United States Modified Touring Series
Casey's USMTS National Tour powered by S&S Fishing & Rental - RHRSwag.com USMTS Northern Region presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Prelude to The Modified Masters
Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis.
Thursday, June 15, 2017

Showing finishing position, starting position in parentheses, car number, driver, hometown, chassis/engine builder, laps completed and money won.

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS HEAT RACE #1 (8 laps):
1. (2) 75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo.
2. (4) 4w Tyler Wolff (R), Fayetteville, Ark.
3. (5) 90 Steve Wetzstein, West Concord, Minn.
4. (7) 96 R.C. Whitwell (R), Tucson, Ariz.
5. (3) 05 A.J. Diemel, Elk Mound, Wis.
6. (8) 37 Kelly Estey (R), Hibbing, Minn.
7. (1) 29D Brad Dierks, Clarence, Iowa.
8. (6) 89x Dave Cain, Corcoran, Minn.
9. (9) G3 Jake Gallardo, Las Cruces, N.M.

FAST SHAFTS HEAT RACE #2 (8 laps):
1. (2) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas.
2. (4) 7A Shane Sabraski, Rice, Minn.
3. (5) 2 Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, Wis.
4. (1) 30 Pat Doar (R), New Richmond, Wis.
5. (3) 2s Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, N.M.
6. (8) 49jr Jake Timm, Winona, Minn.
7. (6) 10 Austin Arneson, Fargo, N.D.
8. (7) 1st Austin Howes, Memphis, Mo.

EDELBROCK HEAT RACE #3 (8 laps):
1. (1) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa.
2. (2) 2x Brady Gerdes, Villard, Minn.
3. (4) 18z Zane DeVilbiss (R), Farmington, N.M.
4. (3) 05M Mike Mashl, DePere, Wis.
5. (6) 20rt Ricky Thornton Jr., Chandler, Ariz.
6. (5) 8 Kyle Strickler (R), Mooresville, N.C.
7. (7) 4B Cory Bruggeman (R), Stillwater, Minn.
8. (8) 37x Skeeter Estey, Kelly Lake, Minn.

THE JOIE OF SEATING HEAT RACE #4 (8 laps):
1. (2) 51 Chris Oertel, Marshfield, Wis.
2. (3) 1M Curt Myers, Cameron, Wis.
3. (6) 21 Joey Jensen, Harris, Minn.
4. (1) 2T Tanner Mullens, Wichita, Kan.
5. (8) 55 Cory Mahder (R), Eau Claire, Wis.
6. (7) 91 Joe Duvall, Claremore, Okla.
7. (5) 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas.
8. (4) 1g Pat Graham, Ankeny, Iowa.

VP RACING FUELS HEAT RACE #5 (8 laps):
1. (1) 1st Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, N.M.
2. (4) 97 Cade Dillard, Robeline, La.
3. (3) 48 Brent Dutenhoffer, Watertown, S.D.
4. (2) 94jr John Doelle, Arcadia, Wis.
5. (8) 07 Cory Crapser, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
6. (7) R1 Jay Richardson (R), Spring Valley, Wis.
7. (6) 29 Tony Leiker, Gillette, Wyo.
8. (5) 32 Shaun Peterson (R), Alexandria, Minn.

RHRSWAG.COM HEAT RACE #6 (8 laps):
1. (1) 91 Craig Thatcher, Knapp, Wis.
2. (4) 30 Matt Leer, Bruce, Wis.
3. (5) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa.
4. (6) 12 Jason Hughes, Watts, Okla.
5. (2) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla.
6. (9) 7 Tyler Townsend, Longview, Texas.
7. (8) 21 Jacob Bleess (R), Chatfield, Minn.
8. (7) 19sb Lance Mari (R), Imperial, Calif.
9. (3) 55 Jeff Wood, Chisholm, Minn.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT HEAT RACE #7 (8 laps):
1. (2) 1s Travis Saurer (R), Elizabeth, Minn.
2. (3) 69 Lucas Schott, Chatfield, Minn.
3. (5) 44 Darrell Nelson, Hermantown, Minn.
4. (1) 33F Jardin Fuller (R), Memphis, Mo.
5. (4) 12 Jason Gross, Osceola, Wis.
6. (9) 2g Kenny Gaddis, Diana, Texas.
7. (7) 00 Owen Grube (R), Cambridge, Minn.
8. (8) 04jr Adam Ayotte, St. Paul, Minn.
9. (6) 11N Gene Nicholas, Lowell, Ark.

REAL RACING WHEELS "B" MAIN #1 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (1) 69 Lucas Schott, Chatfield, Minn.
2. (3) 44 Darrell Nelson, Hermantown, Minn.
3. (5) 07 Cory Crapser, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
4. (4) 48 Brent Dutenhoffer, Watertown, S.D.
5. (10) 91 Joe Duvall, Claremore, Okla., MBCustom/Hatfield, $90.
6. (9) 12 Jason Gross, Osceola, Wis., BeakBuilt/Adams, $75.
7. (6) 2T Tanner Mullens, Wichita, Kan., Hughes/Mullins, $75.
8. (11) 21 Jacob Bleess (R), Chatfield, Minn.
9. (12) 4B Cory Bruggeman (R), Stillwater, Minn., MBCustom/Tims, $90.
10. (13) 00 Owen Grube (R), Cambridge, Minn., SSR/KSE, $90.
11. (16) 55 Jeff Wood, Chisholm, Minn., Shaw/Sputs, $75.
12. (8) 05 A.J. Diemel, Elk Mound, Wis., MBCustom/Baril, $75.
13. (15) 19sb Lance Mari (R), Imperial, Calif., MRT/Yeoman, $90.
14. (7) 20rt Ricky Thornton Jr., Chandler, Ariz., Shaw/Mullins, $90.
15. (14) 37x Skeeter Estey, Kelly Lake, Minn., TRC/Tims, $75.
16. (2) 90 Steve Wetzstein, West Concord, Minn., MBCustom/Sputs, $75.

REAL RACING WHEELS "B" MAIN #2 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (4) 12 Jason Hughes, Watts, Okla.
2. (1) 21 Joey Jensen, Harris, Minn.
3. (3) 18z Zane DeVilbiss (R), Farmington, N.M.
4. (7) 7 Tyler Townsend, Longview, Texas.
5. (5) 30 Pat Doar (R), New Richmond, Wis., Rocket/Baxter, $90.
6. (13) 89x Dave Cain, Corcoran, Minn., GRT/, $75.
7. (9) 37 Kelly Estey (R), Hibbing, Minn., SSR/Tims, $90.
8. (10) R1 Jay Richardson (R), Spring Valley, Wis., SSR/MAS, $90.
9. (15) 04jr Adam Ayotte, St. Paul, Minn., Shaw/Mullins, $75.
10. (16) 11N Gene Nicholas, Lowell, Ark., Hughes/Kelly, $75.
11. (2) 2 Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, Wis., MBCustom/Tims, $75.
12. (11) 29D Brad Dierks, Clarence, Iowa., MasterSbilt/Sperry, $75.
13. (12) 4m Bobby Malchus, Red Oak, Texas., Rocket/Wells, $75.
14. (14) 1g Pat Graham, Ankeny, Iowa., Victory/Karl, $90.
15. (6) 94jr John Doelle, Arcadia, Wis., Rocket/Sputs, $90.
16. (8) 2s Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, N.M., GRT/Mullins, $400.

REAL RACING WHEELS "B" MAIN #3 (15 laps, top 4 advance):
1. (2) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa.
2. (3) 96 R.C. Whitwell (R), Tucson, Ariz.
3. (4) 55 Cory Mahder (R), Eau Claire, Wis.
4. (5) 05M Mike Mashl, DePere, Wis.
5. (11) 10 Austin Arneson, Fargo, N.D., GRT/GMPP, $90.
6. (8) 4r Dereck Ramirez, Woodward, Okla., LG2/Cornett, $400.
7. (10) 8 Kyle Strickler (R), Mooresville, N.C., Longhorn/VED, $90.
8. (14) 32 Shaun Peterson (R), Alexandria, Minn., MasterSbilt/Sputs, $90.
9. (15) G3 Jake Gallardo, Las Cruces, N.M., LG2/ProPower, $75.
10. (12) 29 Tony Leiker, Gillette, Wyo., MasterSbilt/Mullins, $75.
11. (1) 2x Brady Gerdes, Villard, Minn., SSR/Sputs, $90.
12. (7) 2g Kenny Gaddis, Diana, Texas., MBCustom/PTS, $90.
13. (9) 49jr Jake Timm, Winona, Minn.
14. (6) 33F Jardin Fuller (R), Memphis, Mo., Hughes/Mullins, $90.
15. (13) 1st Austin Howes, Memphis, Mo., Harris/, $75.

CASEY'S GENERAL STORES "A" MAIN (40 laps):
1. (2) 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa, VanderBuilt/Sputs, 40, $3000.
2. (3) 75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo., GRT/Durham, 40, $1700.
3. (4) 20 Rodney Sanders, Happy, Texas, MBCustom/Hatfield, 40, $1200.
4. (10) 97 Cade Dillard, Robeline, La., MBCustom/ASI, 40, $1000.
5. (1) 1s Travis Saurer (R), Elizabeth, Minn., MBCustom/Dakota, 40, $900.
6. (13) 69 Lucas Schott, Chatfield, Minn., MBCustom/Sputs, 40, $800.
7. (14) 12 Jason Hughes, Watts, Okla., Hughes/Mullins, 40, $700.
8. (5) 91 Craig Thatcher, Knapp, Wis., GRT/TriStar, 40, $650.
9. (16) 44 Darrell Nelson, Hermantown, Minn., MBCustom/Tims, 40, $500.
10. (15) 19r Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, Iowa, Hughes/Mullins, 40, $550.
11. (9) 7A Shane Sabraski, Rice, Minn., SSR/Scotts, 40, $400.
12. (17) 21 Joey Jensen, Harris, Minn., MBCustom/Tims, 40, $450.
13. (11) 30 Matt Leer, Bruce, Wis., MBCustom/Sputs, 40, $425.
14. (19) 07 Cory Crapser, Chippewa Falls, Wis., MBCustom/Troys, 40, $400.
15. (7) 51 Chris Oertel, Marshfield, Wis., MBCustom/, 40, $375.
16. (18) 96 R.C. Whitwell (R), Tucson, Ariz., MBCustom/Mullins, 40, $350.
17. (22) 48 Brent Dutenhoffer, Watertown, S.D., Lethal/Sputs, 39, $325.
18. (23) 7 Tyler Townsend, Longview, Texas, MBCustom/PTS, 32, $250.
19. (21) 55 Cory Mahder (R), Eau Claire, Wis., MBCustom/PowerLine, 27, $300.
20. (12) 1M Curt Myers, Cameron, Wis., LG2/Sputs, 27, $300.
21. (8) 1st Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, N.M., GRT/Durham, 26, $300.
22. (20) 18z Zane DeVilbiss (R), Farmington, N.M., DeVilbiss/DeVilbiss, 21, $300.
23. (25) 49jr Jake Timm, Winona, Minn., MBCustom/Sputs, 15, $400.
24. (24) 05M Mike Mashl, DePere, Wis., MBCustom/Baril, 15, $250.
25. (6) 4w Tyler Wolff (R), Fayetteville, Ark., MBCustom/Mullins, 15, $300.
26. (26) 21 Jacob Bleess (R), Chatfield, Minn., MBCustom/Sputs, 6, $400.

(R) = Grant Junghans Rookie of the Year contender

Lap Leader: VanderBeek 1-40.
Total Laps Led: VanderBeek 40.
Margin of Victory: 4.613 seconds.
Time of Race: 19 minutes, 11.369 seconds (3 cautions).
Provisional Starters: Timm, Bleess.
KSE Racing Products Hard Charger: Schott (started 13th, finished 6th).
Entries: 59.
Next Race: Friday-Saturday, June 16-17, Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis.
RHRSwag.com Northern Region Points: VanderBeek 574, Hughes 547, Dillard 462, Timm 457, Saurer 431, Gustin 418, Bleess 411, S. Scott 399, Whitwell 379, Crapser 365.
Grant Junghans Rookie of the Year Points: Whitwell 1894, Saurer 1766, Wolff 1685, Adam Kates 1328, Billy Vogel 982.
Engine Builder of the Year Points: Mullins 303, ASI 253, Sputs 253, Durham 206, Hatfield 185.
Manufacturers Championship Points: MBCustoms 309, Hughes 300, GRT 266, VanderBuilt 257, LG2 205.