MINNESOTA JONES FINDS LOST ARK AT IMCA FALL NATIONALS
Modified drivers descended upon the 1/3-mile clay oval like vultures dining on road kill. They came from places like Princeton, Salome, Green River, Sandy and Layton. Each newcomer entering the pit entrance brought a new rush of excitement over the onlookers.
There was certain electricity, a sense that this race “was the Big One.” It became evident; that this really was the “Big One,” when Princeton, MN’s Ron Jones pulled in with his $70,000 hauler. Inside the double-decker, was not just one IMCA Modified but two –take your pick.
Jones’ appearance was a grand one; indeed, more than one Modified driver was seen contemplating loading up and leaving after such a display of “here is mine, where’s yours.” Somehow those open trailers paled in comparison to what was unfolding in a pit just a few feet away.
The fully contained red diesel rig pulling the two Modifieds was more than some “locals” could handle. At first glance, everyone was impressed with the absolute cleanliness, and then there were the labeled drawers and shelves. If that wasn’t impressive enough, then when Jones called to life the immaculate Modified, one had the sense that this precision tuned monster was everything we had heard and read about.
This “Minnesota Jones,” in comparison to the movies “Indiana Jones,” utilizes a potent IMCA Modified instead of a bullwhip but the sting is just as painful. Instead of a fedora and a leather jacket, the Minnesota edition wears a full face helmet and a Nomex driving suit. And while it hasn’t been documented, the Minnesota model doesn’t seem to have a fear of anything especially snakes like the Indiana version.
Jones was in the process or working his way across the United States winning big purse after big purse. He had already claimed a $17,000 payday in Lubbock, TX and a $1,500 one at Manzinita in Phoenix, AZ. The paltry sum of $1,000 offered for the Mohave Nationals surely wasn’t what brought this “hired gun” out of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Jim Perkins invited Jones to the race, seems that these two Modified pilots grew up chasing each other through the pits of many a racetrack back in Minnesota.
Jones, often referred to as arrogant, wasn’t here to just say “Hi,” he was here to test the host of drivers that were just as eager to test him. After all, there was the newly crowned IMCA Modified Western Region Champion, IMCA Rookie of the Year and Rocky Hill IMCA Track Champion, Bakersfield, CA’s Scott Pounds.
It didn’t take long for Pounds to establish that to win the grand, one would have to go through him as he captured the first heat. The heat also prepared starter; Fred Jordan’s right arm, as well as, the yellow flag for a very busy evening. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, it took several restarts before Jordan was able to establish control of the action on the track. Pounds made quick work of the field as he toyed with runner-up Salome, AZ’s Thomas Wood. Wyatt Ehrp (originally from Minnesota, himself) made the locals happy with a third.
“Rapid Ronnie” Jones started at the rear of his heat but at the end of the first lap found himself in third. What allowed him the opportunity to get that spot was a “traffic jam” in turn one at the waving of the green.
Jones had committed to the low side and was able to avoid the gridlock. While pulling away, Jones accepted the checkered flag from Jordan. Jones made it clear that he and Pounds would have much to say about the outcome of the feature. Salt Lake City, UT’s Pratt Cole and Guy Robinson were a distant second and third, respectively.
Who would show up in heat three and make it a three-horse race? That question was answered when Scottsdale, AZ’s Lonnie Lawson raced to the victory. Porterville, CA’s Darren Smothermon, in only his sixth race of the season would finish second. David Laughlin of Green River, WY would round out the top three.
The ground beneath the aluminum bleachers literally vibrated as twenty-one fire belching, alcohol guzzling, mud throwing IMCA Modifieds monsters crawled out of their cold lairs much to the delight of the chilled spectators.
The South valley’s damp air was quickly saturated by the alcohol-laced fumes and the up until then, still air, became a turbulent dust devil as the cars sought out the green to start the first of two 25-lap segments.
Jones took the early lead, pulling steadily away, lapping slower traffic when a yellow would tighten up the field. Pounds would challenge early but a shredded loss of a motor belt would leave him many laps in arrears. Ehrp, after working his way into third, would also drop many laps off the pace after chewing up a water pump.
Harry Anderson, looking quite comfortable in his new Flexi-Flyer chassis, was up near the leaders when a radiator bracket snapped causing his fan to rub against his radiator. AZNEV series point Champion and Mohave Modified Track Champion, Donny Berger, blew his transmission trying to keep pace with the fleeting Jones.
Ehrp, Anderson and Berger would all return much later in the race. By now Jones had his Modified set on cruise control as the yellow was displayed signaling the end of the first 25-lap segment. Following Jones past the flagstand were Salt Lake City’s Sammy James, Santa Maria, CA’s Ryan Cole, Las Vegan Dave Berger, Laughlin and Pete Palaco from Phoenix.
Jones started the second segment as he had finished the first twenty-five…way out in front. A dominant ride dialed into the racing surface and his obvious advantage in driving skills left him untouchable. The only question left unanswered was his ability to avoid a breakdown and navigate around any on track incidents. Not only did he not have to face any of those hurdles; he swept away all challengers and any obstacles that stood in his way.
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