Thompson dominates Sprints at CGS

Cottage Grove Speedway had a packed pit area and a stuffed grandstand for Driver Appreciation Night on Saturday, June 1. The Karts kicked off the weekend before things heated up on the quarter-mile clay oval Saturday.
The Saturday divisions racing included the Todd’s Auto Body Sprints, Late Models, Mohawk Metal IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Street Stocks, and Hornets.
Despite several stoppages, Tyler Thompson dominated the Todd’s Auto Body Sprints. It marked the first time that the Harrisburg teenager has won at CGS this year. Creswell veteran Paul Culp obtained the lead late in traffic in the Late Model feature. Culp stayed out front to best the field for his first win as a driver in several seasons.
Curtis Towns of Cottage Grove had a good handle on the Mohawk Metal IMCA Modified ranks. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure with the left front crippled his efforts. Jasper’s Eric Ashley made it past Towns on the final restart to park his car in the winner’s circle for the first time in the current season. Also getting his first win in the IMCA Sport Mods was David Schmidt of Roseburg, who led from lap six. It is his second overall victory this year after winning a Street Stock main event a few weeks earlier.
In what seemed like a night of first wins, longtime Cottage Grove racer Kelly McDonald put the Joan and Tom Langan-owned entry in victory lane for the first time this season in the Street Stocks. McDonald paced the field in the final 25 laps. Finally, Graig Osborne took care of business in the Hornet division. It marks the second occasion that the Creswell native has won in 2019.
Cottage Grove Speedway returns with the Kage Karts on Friday, June 7. Saturday, June 8, is Kids Night where children (12 and under) get into the races for free. There will be a massive bike giveaway during intermission. Classes on the card include 360 Sprints, Mohawk Metal IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, and Dwarf Cars.
For more information and updates log on to cottagegrovespeedway.com.