Cooney captures Deery Series opener at Eagle

From IMCA

EAGLE, Neb. (April 5) – Todd Cooney proved up to the challenge in
Saturday’s opening night Deery Broth ers Summer Series feature for
IMCA J & J Steel Late Models at Eagle Raceway.

Cooney followed the top groove in catching leader Tom Darbyshire on
the 15th circuit, then led to the finish of the 35-lapper for a
$1,000 payday. The tour victory was his career fifth and headlined
the first of two Ice Breaker Challenge programs at Eagle this weekend.

“B” qualifier Boone McLaughlin made his way through the 24-car field
to finish second. Craig Roberts was third and Jason Frankel, another
qualifier from the “B” mains, ended in fourth.

Rounding out the top five was Mike Klinkhammer.

Mike Garland drew the pole and led the opening lap before giving way
to Darbyshire,

After a lap three caution, Darbyshire got settled into the fast lower
line but couldn’t shake Cooney, who found his way past on the high side.

The front pair got into lapped traffic before the second and last
caution of the contest came on lap 19. Cooney stayed in command
following the re-start and McLaughlin, Roberts, Frankel and
Klinkhammer mo tored by Darbyshire.

McLaughlin would get the edge in the battle for second but couldn’t
challenge Cooney in the race to the checkers. He’d finish a plus 18
spots on the night while Frankel moved up 13 places from his original
starting position.

Top prize for the Sunday Deery feature is $2,000. IMCA Modifieds,
IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks and sprint cars round out the program. The
Modified winner pockets $1,000 and joins the ballot for the 2008 Fast
Shafts All-Star Invitational.

Pit gates open at 11 a.m., hot laps are at 2 p.m. and racing starts
at 3 p.m.

Saturday’s race was the first at Eagle in the series’ 21-plus seasons.

Feature Results –
1. Todd Cooney, Des Moines, Iowa;
2. Boone McLaughlin, Mediapolis, Iowa;
3. Craig Roberts, Des Moines, Iowa;
4. Jason Frankel, Quincy, Ill.;
5. Mike Klinkhammer, West Liberty, Iowa;
6. Tom Darbyshire, Morning Sun, Iowa;
7. Andy Nezworski, Buffalo, Iowa;
8. Terry Neal, Ely, Iowa;
9. Charlie McKenna, Clear Lake, Iowa;
10. Mike Garland, Morrison, Ill.;
11. Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown, Iowa;
12. T.J. Criss, Oskaloosa, Iowa;
13. Clint Wendel, Mason City, Iowa;
14. Joe Zrostlik, Long Grove, Iowa;
15. Cory Goldbeck, Camanche, Iowa;
16. Jason Hahne, Webster City, Iowa;
17. Nate Beuseling, Silvis, Ill.;
18. Kyle Wahlert, Des Moines, Iowa;
19. Hershel Roberts, East Moline, Ill.;
20. Ben Nading, Ankeny, Iowa;
21. Bobby Hansen, Center Point, Iowa;
22. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa;
23. Al Johnson, Story City, Iowa;
24. Justin Reed, Quincy, Ill.
1st heat (top four) – 1. Criss; 2. Garland; 3. Zrostlik; 4. Wahlert.
2nd heat – 1. Klinkhammer; 2. Jay John son; 3. Nading; 4. McKenna.
3rd heat – 1. Darbyshire; 2. Reed; 3. Craig Roberts; 4. Al Johnson.
4th heat – 1. Wendel; 2. Nezworski; 3. Cooney; 4. Hahne.
1st “B” feature (top three) – 1. Frankel; 2. Hershel Roberts; 3.
Goldbeck. 2nd “B” feature – 1. Neal; 2. McLaughlin; 3. Beuseling.