Adams County Speedway
Simpson completes Clash for Cash sweep
Chad Simpson received checks from three tours. (stlracingphotos.com)
QUINCY, Ill. (April 21) — The Clash for Cash features dozens of drivers from several states and three tours — but one stood above the rest following the weekend finale at Quincy Raceway.
Three-time Corn Belt Clash champion Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa, completed a two-race sweep of the Clash for Cash weekend, which pitted his Iowa-based tour against drivers from the MARS DIRTcar Series and Sunoco American Late Model Series. Only a rainout Friday at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill., prevented the 34-year-old Simpson from a chance at three weekend victories. | Slideshow | Video
While Simpson’s victory Saturday at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, came after his younger brother Chris dropped out with a broken axle in the final laps, he thoroughly dominated in his first visit to Quincy, leading all 40 laps and keeping enough distance on runner-up Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill., to avoid any serious challenges.
“It really paid off starting toward the front tonight,” said Simpson, who set fast time, won his heat race and drew the pole for the main event. “I knew I just had to hold my line and as long I didn’t slip up off the bottom too far I’d be all right.”
Sheppard settled for second while Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., who battled with Sheppard much of the race, was third. Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., and reigning track champ Jason Perry of Payson, Ill. rounded out the top five. Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo., was sixth as the top MARS finisher.
Notes: Simpson’s Bud and Denise Brinkman-owned MasterSbilt by Huey is powered by a Jay Dickens Racing Engine and with sponsorship from Liebe Trucking, GATR Truck Center, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Graves Oil. ... Simpson has a personal three-race win streak and hasn’t finished worse than third in five 2013 outings. ... The Corn Belt Clash circuit is idle until a May 11 event at Elko (Minn.) Speedway. ... ALMS East competitors go back into action April 26-27 at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park and Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Mich. ... MARS competitors travel to Oklahoma on April 26-27 for events at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee and Tri-State Speedway in Pocola.
Clash for Cash: (1) Chad Simpson, (2) Brandon Sheppard, (3) Shannon Babb, (4) Brian Shirley, (5) Jason Perry, (6) Tony Jackson Jr., (7) Chris Simpson, (8) Tyler Reddick, (9) Terry Phillips, (10) Kevin Weaver, (11) Mark Burgtorf, (12) Scott Schmitt, (13) Ryan Unzicker, (14) Robby Warner, (15) Brandon Thirlby, (16) Dustin Walker, (17) Dave Eckrich, (18) Jake Meier, (19) Justin Reed, (20) Justin Asplin, (21) Justin Mitchell, (22) Doug Herrick, (23) Jesse Stovall, (24) Brunson Behning. Fast qualifier (among 32 cars): Chad Simpson, 14.637 seconds. Heat race winners: Chad Simpson, Sheppard, Babb, Reddick. Consolation winners: Phillips, Kirkham.
