1985 - Van Deest Takes Boone 'Short Track' Title

Duane Van Deest won the IMCA modified feature during Boone Speedway’s Short Track Nationals. Judy DeFrance, who doubled as a driver and the trophy girl, joins Van Deest in victory lane. – Margaret Gardner Photo

Boone, Iowa (September 14, 1985) – It looked like Dennis Pittman was going to walk away with a wire-to-wire victory in the IMCA modified main event at the Boone Speedway Short Track Nationals on Saturday night.

However, Conrad’s Duane Van Deest was following close behind and passed Pittman on lap 20 of the 25-lapper, holding it the rest of the way to the checkers.

Dave Farren of Des Moines was third with Tony Askamit of Fremont, Neb., fourth and Randy Krampe of Baxter fifth.

Judy DeFrance of Marshalltown claimed the sportsman feature win over Denny Hegdahl, also of Marshalltown.

DeFrance took the early lead only to lose it to J.A. Skinner of Indianola. Hegdahl also got by DeFrance for second. Skinner led until lap 10 when he went to the pits with a flat tire on lap 10, giving Hegdahl the lead. DeFrance would regain the top spot on lap 16 and hold on for the win.

Skinner would charge back to finish third followed by Doug Smith of Albion and Chris Jensen of Des Moines.

Des Moines’ Larry Wieland took top honors in the thunder car feature. Wieland led all but the first two laps of the 15-lap event, when he slipped under Ankeny’s Kendall Sather. Sather challenged Wieland the entire way but settled for second place. Brian Efkamp of Perry was third.

Jeff Schroyer of Laurel walked away with the street stock feature. Shroyer’s car was claimed afterwards but when he refused to sell, Ron Ray of Boone was awarded the win.

A field of 108 cars – 35 modifieds, 28 sportsman, 19 thunder cars, and 26 street stocks – participated in the Saturday night program.


Results –


Modified –

1. Duane Van Deest, Conrad
2. Dennis Pittman, Jefferson
3. Dave Farren, Des Moines
4. Tony Askamit, Fremont, Neb.
5. Randy Krampe, Baxter
6. Carl Albee, Grand Junction
7. Danny Wallace, Des Moines
8. Kevin Larkins, Fifth, Neb.
9. Jack Miles, Des Moines
10.Jeff Ross, Nevada


Sportsman –

1. Judy DeFrance, Marshalltown
2. Denny Hegdahl, Marshalltown
3. J.A. Skinner, Indianola
4. Doug Smith, Albion
5. Chris Jensen, Des Moines
6. Curt Flack, Jefferson
7. Greg DeFrance, Marshalltown
8. Joe Bervid, Des Moines


Thunder Cars –

1. Larry Wieland, Des Moines
2. Kendall Sather, Ankeny
3. Brian Efkamp, Perry
4. Gary Busch, Jefferson
5. Ken Scott, Webster City


Street Stock –

1. Ron Ray, Boone

Judy DeFrance won the sportsman feature at the Short Track Nationals at Boone Speedway. Race sponsor Duane Davis (left) and Ivey DeFrance (right) join Judy in the winner’s circle. – Margaret Gardner Photo