Article By Rob Goodman. Photo By Johnny B.

Check out photos in the Lane Automotive Photo Gallery

Veteran racer Brian Ruhlman walked away with the lion's share of money at Modpalooza III Presented By Dart, Friday, May 14 at the Hartford (MI) Motor Speedway. The Clark Lake, MI resident bested a stellar field of 26 UMP Modifieds on the way to a $1800 pay day along with a $1000 product gift certificate from DART Engine Components. Brian slipped past former track champion Curt Spalding on lap 11 and never looked back. Spalding wheeled the Jeff Sayles owned #w1 to a runner up finish over second generation racer Jacob Poel from Spring Lake, MI. Valparaiso, IN driver Scott Martin, making his first visit to Hartford in 2010 season, came home in the fourth spot. Defending race champion Mark Anderson of Lowell, MI drove from a deep starting spot to round out the top five.

Hartford also presented Double Down night in their other divisions. The UMP Late Models saw JR Hotovy and five time Hartford track champion, Alan Vochaska, grab feature wins. The Stock Cars saw Kelli Jo Holfacker lead wire-to-wire in the first feature, with Jim Abbott scoring the night cap victory. Second year racer Steven Pena drove the black #6 to victory circle in the initial Pure Stock main and then came from the back in the second feature to score a thrilling last-lap win, doubling his winnings.

News and Notes:
UMP Modified drivers represented the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio in the starting line up for Modpalooza III. Winner Brian Ruhlman just finished the winning car as he arrived at the speedway at 7:30 PM on race night, concluding a week long build of his self-constructed entry. Former HMS Mod champs competing included Curt Spalding, Matt Corliss, Tony Roland, Bub Patrick and Bob Pohlman. Frank Marshall was the evening's hard charger, overcoming early night carb problems. The Buzzard built race car roared to 6th place finish after a 25th place staring spot. The inaugural Modpalooza winner Mike Spatola managed a 10th place finish after a late race pit stop. 17 cars stayed on the lead lap with 19 cars crossing the line at the end of the twelve and half mile grind.