Sports

Although car counts traditionally drop at many tracks toward the end of the season, the highest count since opening night filled the pits Saturday at Independence Motor Speedway. It was the last Saturday of action prior to next week’s Budweiser Season Championships.   Greg Kastli appeared to be on his way to his first win of the season in the IMCA Late Model division until a late caution bunched the field and changed the complexion of that 25-lapper.

The four day "We Build Champions" football camp took place this past week.    Here is a team photograph of all the campers who participated.     The camp focused on fundamentals and schemes on defense, offense, and special teams. For more information on Union football go to www.followtheknights.

Click to view 2012 Softball Standings

  Darrell Lanigan continued his hot streak in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, but it wasn’t without a fight. Lanigan, who held off Clint Smith throughout the second half of the Dirt Late Model Magazine 50, took his fifth straight series win at Independence Motor Speedway.   The second heat winner, Lanigan redrew the pole position for the 50-lap feature and quickly took charge at the drop of the green.

Vinton's legendary chainsaw artist Brian Parr has put his talents to work once again, this time donating one of his latest creations for Alzheimer's Awareness Night at the Benton County Speedway. The five-foot-plus tall masterpiece will be up for bids starting at 4:30pm on Sunday, August 12. Other items up for bid include a car care package provided by Koop's Automotive and G&G Auto, Newton Club tickets to the Iowa Speedway courtesy of IMCA Racing, a 'Music Box' with an iPod Shuffle and iTunes gift card and several other great packages.

  Winners Sunday at the Benton County Speedway included: Stock Car: Damon Murty Modifieds: Mike Burbridge Sports Mod: Curt Hilmer (third win in a row) Hobby Stock: Scott Pippert Sports Compact: Nate Chandler See complete results HERE.

Alzheimer's Awareness Night at the Benton County Speedway! Sunday, August 12, 2012 Silent auction from 4:30-8pm RU Racing Late Model Simulator All proceeds to benefit the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association Gates open at 4:30pm ~ Hot Laps at 6pm ~ Racing to follow Grandstand Admission: Adults $10, Kids 6-12 $4 Opening bids for silent auction items now being accepted! For more information email Dan at DEngledow@aol.

Vinton-Shellsburg football coach Jim Womochil believes that a new era of success will begin in the weight room and on the practice field -- and on another field where he first learned the lessons of liberty and hard work. Womochil invited Viking football players to spend a night at his family farm northeast of Vinton, where they picked sweet corn and carrots for their meal and helped cook a supper that included fish, chicken and hot dogs.

Click to find out when and where!

  "We Build Champions" mini-camp was held this week with nearly 90 young men participating 9th-12th.   Day one of the football camp included a father-son opportunity  with 3rd-12th graders that ended with a watermelon feed.   Official practice for Union high school football starts on Monday, August 6.   The defending state champions open up at home versus Center Point-Urbana with the game honoring senior citizens from Union Community.