CEDAR RAPIDS They have been competitors and friends for many years.
Now, they are teammates.
In an attempt to rediscover some success at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, veteran late model driver Brad Osborn enlisted the help of championship racer Johnny Spaw, who has assumed the role of Osborn s crew chief. Osborn entered last night s weekly races second in the points standings, but had to settle for a fourth-place finish.
Osborn has run among the leaders so far this season.
We ve known and raced with Johnny forever, Osborn said. It seemed like a nice fit. It s paying off.
Spaw stores and works on Osborn s car in his shop in Cedar Rapids. Osborn reached out to Spaw, who actually built the car more than a decade ago. Osborn had instant success then, winning 10 of 13 races, claiming a track title.
Brad came out that year and won a ton of races and a championship, Spaw said. We re trying to drum up some old magic.
Osborn has suffered through bad luck and a long dry spell. He said he can hardly remember that dominant season, but this season has a better feel, even though they are far from where they want to be. He has earned a top-four finish in each race, getting second in the season opener.
We re going in the right direction, Osborn said. We re getting back to competitive form.
Spaw served as a crew chief for teenage driver Jake Griffin in the past. He has won his own track championships, despite only running on dirt now. Spaw can use that experience to Osborn s benefit.
I can see things people are doing when they re driving, Spaw said. I can help them and talk to him on the radio.
He s gotten some confidence back that he hasn t had. Just having me on the radio as a driver, he knows if I m telling him something that it s not BS.
Both joked about keeping each other on their toes when racing side-by-side. They are getting acclimated to working toward the same goal. They are taking baby steps, according to Osborn. They are off to a good start.
We re learning what each other wants and needs, Osborn said. So far, I m happy with it.
Griffin McGrath controlled the pace in the feature, recording his first win of the season.
It was tough, McGrath said. The competition is getting better.
The INEX Legends competed in a 30-lap regional qualifier. Brady Fox-Rhode recorded his third straight feature win, conquering the 23-car field in a yellow-filled race with five cautions.He led throughout the race, drawing the pole. Fox-Rhode said cautions cause a driver to think of what could go wrong, but he kept his composure and held off second place Kevin Korsmo.
I happened to get some good restarts, Fox-Rhode said. I was able to run some good laps. It was a lot of fun.
Three was wild last night. Dave McCalla and Nathan Ballard also won their third straight feature. Dave McCalla continued his dominance in the sportsman class, darting from worst to first. McCalla said he was worried during a late restart with cold tires, but had little trouble, returning to victory lane.
Inside the car, I felt I worked really hard for it, McCalla said. It worked out well.
Ballard rolled to a win in the hobby stock division. Jason Sherman was second
Kurt Bohnsack extended his points lead in the Hornets division. He captured his second feature win of the season, holding off runner-up Dallas Chandler the final few laps.
RESULTS
Hornets
1. Kurt Bohnsack, Ely; 2. Dallas Chandler, Cedar Rapids; 3. Todd Ness, Cedar Rapids; 4. Brad Chandler, Cedar Rapids 5. Brad Schmidt; Cedar Rapids.
Sportsmen
1. Dave McCalla, Cedar Rapids; 2. Greg Hentrich, Hiawatha; 3. Bob Ahrendsen, Cedar Rapids; 4. Jim Hanson, Cedar Rapids; 5. CJ Van Horn, Marion.
Hobby Stocks
1. Nathan Ballard, Marengo; 2. Jason Sherman, Marengo; 3. Jayson Scott, Cedar Rapids; 4. Braxton Franks, Cedar Rapids; 5. Matt LaCoursiere.
Legends
1. Brady Fox-Rhode, Loretto, Min.; 2. Kevin Korsmo, Atkins; 3. Tim Goettsch, Bettendorf; 4. Brody Willett, Alburnett; 5. Robby Carter, Burnsville, Min.
Late Models
1. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids; 2. Caleb Adrian, Davenport; 3. Tim Plummer, Norway; 4. Brad Osborn, Janesville; 5. Brian Gibson, Walford.
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